Category: Singapore Food Haven

Pokémon Café – An Exclusive Sneak Pik(achu) At Its Menu!

The last time we talked about our childhood dream coming true, it was when we announced the launch of the first Pokémon café in Singapore. Since then, we’ve been curious about the café’s menu. Will there be a local twist to its dishes? How extensive is the menu? After travelling across the land and searching far and wide, we’re proud to say that we’ve found the ultimate prize – the menu of the Pokémon Café. We know, this is totally our destiny.

From 27^th May – 31^st July 2016, the Pokémon Café will be serving an array of Pikachu Pokémon themed mains, desserts and drinks that’ll satisfy the inner Pokémon master in you. Ready to find out what they are? Turn your cap backwards Ash Ketchum style and let’s go!

Mains

The menu may not be extensive, but rest assured that having your rice served in the shape of Pikachu’s face will have you forget that in no time. Amongst the list is the Pikachu Smiling Rice Omelettte with Magma Sauce $25. Pikachu’s face is shaped with saffron rice and is accompanied by omelette ears.

Another intriguing combination is Battle on Pikachu! Level-up with Rare Candy $20, a dish that consists of beef patty, mashed potatoes and vegetables in the shape of a Pokéball. We’re not too sure what the Rare Candy is, but we’re hoping that it’ll level-up the dish.

Equally intriguing is the Special Move “Fire Blast”! $20. A possible rice-in-a-pan dish, this dish is probably one that best fits its name.

Dessert

Talk about seriously adorable-looking desserts. Starting off with Pikachu’s “Thunder Shock” Parfait $15, this sponge cake looks too good to be eaten. Accompanied by a crackling cotton candy ball, this dessert will satisfy your sugar craving for sure.

A cream puff and cotton candy, the Pokéball Cream Puff! $20 even allows customers to decorate the dessert with a choco pen. Not much to do with the theme but this interactive dessert is pretty interesting.

The usual pancakes and maple syrup takes on an adorable twist with Pikachu’s Sweeeeet Pancake $20. On a serious note, we’re hoping that the number of ‘e’s is not representative of the dessert’s sugar level.

Finally something that’s not Pikachu related, the Special Move Hydro Pump $15 is made of jelly, candy, white chocolate, and custard cream in the shape of a Pokéball. We’d have liked it better if the jelly is in the shape of Squirtle but guess Pikachu remains the star of the show.

Drinks

A combination of passion fruit soda and mango sherbet, the “Volt Tackle” Soda promises to give customers a tingling sensation that hopefully is more pleasant than what its name suggests.

If you’re more of a coffee person, you’ll most likely appreciate the Pikachu Latte.

Do note that the Hot $8 and Iced $9 versions come in different forms so if you’re unsure about which to get, you can always make a decision based on the aesthetics.

Ready to eat them all? As aesthetically pleasing as the dishes may be, we have to admit that to pay for them is the real test. As a witty friend of ours so rightly asked, is this Poké-a-hole-in-your-wallet café worth its price tag? We’ll leave it to you to decide.

Pokemon Cafe
Address: #04-05 Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria St, S188021
Tel: 6338 0135
Date: 27 May to 31 July 2016
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 9:30pm

(Header Image by wallpapercave, words by writer)

Also read: This Candy Store Sells The Most Peculiar Sweets – Sushi, Mahjong Tiles, & More!

More Than Just Prata! 10 Good Eats At Jalan Kayu Under $15

Located at the far northeast of Singapore just off Yio Chu Kang Road, Jalan Kayu is a slim two-lane road, with eateries lining both sides. The once quiet estate is now bustling with hungry diners coming from all over the island.

Jalan Kayu is not only best known for its roti prata. From mouthwatering Ba Kut Teh to a cold bowl of Tauhuay, explore these 10 food places all below $15! Sit tight, looking at these food pictures will definitely leave you drooling!

1. Savoury

If you are looking for a place to chill and spend your evening reading some books or having a good cup of coffee with ice cream and waffles, look no further.

Savoury’s Signature Gelato Waffle will keep you wanting for more! Fresh fruits are cooked in cinnamon sauce drizzled with chocolate syrup. Add 1 scoop of gelato of your choice at $14.

Most importantly, no service charge is added and the cafe is halal-certified!

Savoury
Address: 246 Jalan Kayu, Singapore 799470
Tel: 65 6752 9288
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 5:30pm to 11pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am to 11pm

2. El Cubanos

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Over the past few years, Jalan Kayu is not only known for good prata but many yummy halal dining options has also sprouted in the area. One of the most recent additions is El Cubanos.

Opened in October last year, El Cubanos specialises in Cuban sandwiches. Take your pick from their extensive selection of cubanos. They’ve received rave reviews for their speciality Pulled Beef Brisket – tender strips of beef are braised and sandwiched in between panini-grilled bread ($7.50). If you are a meat lover, this is a must try!

El Cubanos
Address: 244 Jalan Kayu, Singapore 799468
Tel: 9162 5540
Opening Hours: Tue-Thu 4pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-1am, Sun 4pm-11pm
Halal dining

4. Selegie Soya Bean (Jalan Kayu)

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Promising to serve only the freshest desserts and food snacks, Selegie’s soya bean proves to be perfect cold dessert for the hot weather! For $1.20, you can enjoy soft and silky smooth beancurd that melts in your mouth and glides down your throat. Three glutinous balls (peanut) with beancurd cost $2.

Selegie Soya Bean
Address: 247 Jln Kayu, Singapore 799471
Tel: 65 6758 5658
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 7:30am-12am, Fri-Sat 7:30am-1am

5. Blanco Prawn Noodle House

For those looking for prawn mee soup in a less hectic environment, visit Blanco Prawn Noodle House at Jalan Kayu! With an aromatic bowl of prawn noodles with fresh sweet prawns and flavours all embodied in its thick and brown broth, this classic prawn mee soup is the place to go.

If you are looking for a quick and affordable breakfast or lunch, do drop by Blanco Prawn Noodle House for its prawn noodles at $4.50 or if you’re in for some jumbo prawns and ribs, get it at $8.

Blanco Prawn Noodle House
Address: 235 Jalan Kayu, Singapore 799459
Tel: 65 6853 4426, 9634 3456 (Susan)
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed-Sun 7am-4.30pm; Closed on Tue

6. Cafeela Seafood Restaurant

A popular spot for late night suppers or for cyclists en route to other destinations, Cafeela Seafood Restaurant is the ideal pit stop. If you are looking for a quick fix of Nasi Briyani, their Chicken Briyani ($7.50) is pretty decent with achar on the side. Their Roti John is also one of the better ones around.

This air-conditioned halal certified eatery also serves steamboat and Chinese dishes. Parking is relatively easy to find as there is a big open space car park just right beside!

Cafeela Seafood Restaurant 
Address: 254 Jln Kayu, Singapore 799481
Tel: 6483 5477
Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours
Halal dining

7. New Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh

New Soon Huat serves up Malaysian-style herbal Bak Kut Teh at affordable prices. Try their dry version of Bak Kut Teh for a new, unique taste, with a dark thick sauce that goes amazingly with rice!

With no additonal GST and taxes, New Soon Huat is the place to go for your evening hunger pangs. $6 for the herbal soup version and $7 for their dry version. Add some you tiao ($1) or a bowl of braised tau pok ($0.70) for a more complete meal.

New Soon Huat Ba Kut Teh
Address: 257 Jln Kayu, Singapore 799485
Tel: 65 6484 3224
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-10pm

8. Le Steak by Chef Amri

Hands up for affordable steak and western food! Opened by Chef Amri, a regular face on MediaCorp’s Suria channel, fans and viewers have been hopping by his new restaurant at Jalan Kayu. Le Steak by Chef Amri is a family-friendly halal steakhouse which serves quality western food at wallet-friendly prices.

With its Grill Chicken ($8.90), Grilled Fish ($9.90), and its specialty items such as Sirloin Steak ($14.90), and Beef Burger with Fries ($12.90), Le Steak is the perfect place for an affordable meal with your family and friends. If you’re up for some deserts, their Bread Pudding or Crème Brûlée are a hit at just under $10 each.

What we love about this place is that all prices are nett. What you see is what you get!

Le Steak by Chef Amri
Address: 248 Jalan Kayu Singapore 799472
Tel: 65 6556 3588
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 3pm-11pm, Sat, 12pm-12am, Sun 12pm-11pm
Halal dining

9. Thasevi Food

Last but not least, yes, the famous Jalan Kayu Prata! Prata and Teh Tarik for breakfast anyone? Though their Prata has shrunk over the years, reviews have headed south, and prices have gone up, it still remains as a popular hang out spot, especially at night and for supper.

Plain Prata ($1), Egg Prata ($1.80).

Thasevi Food
Address: 239 Jln Kayu, Singapore 799463
Tel: 6481 1537
Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours
Halal dining

10. Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafè

Alright, we admit, this place isn’t really at Jalan Kayu. It’s about a 5 minutes drive away, and totally worth checking out! Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafè opened its doors on 2nd November last year. If you prefer to dine far from the crowd and watch private planes take off and land, Soek Seng is the place to visit. Located at Seletar Aerospace, this hipster cafe has 20-odd bikes hanging around. Restored by the cafe owner, Mr Poon, these bicycles are still in perfect working condition.

Their menu includes local fare such as Mee Goreng ($5.50) and western food such as Sirloin Steak ($10.50), Chicken Chop ($8.50) and Beef Kebab ($13.80). If you are looking for a unique cafe experience, cycling here will work up a mighty appetite and is well worth the trip.

Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafè
Address: 80 Seletar Aerospace View #01-01
Tel: 65 6659 6124
Opening Hours: Tue-Wed 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-11pm; Sun 10am-10pm

With so many food eateries to visit at Jalan Kayu, you’ll never find yourself tiredly searching for a place to eat. If you are planning a cycling trip at the north eastern part of Singapore, or simply live in the area, Jalan Kayu is the stop to fill your hungry tummies!

(Header image: panoramio, words by writer)

Also read: 5 Best Places To Try Famous American-Chinese Dishes In SG

Kyushu Pancake – Japan’s Famous Guilt-Free Pancake Is Here In SG

Founded by Koji Muraoka, Kyushu Pancake Café has been Japan’s most famous pancake dessert store since its first opening in 2012. After the initial opening, Kyushu Pancake Café gained so much popularity that it proceeded to open another 8 outlets in Japan and 2 more in Taiwan.

Now, this popular pancake café is going to take Singapore by storm and has launched its first outlet here on 11 May 2016. The pancake fever hit our shores so hard, the store had to start taking reservations 3 months before its opening date!

What makes these mouth-watering pancakes so special? Well the pancakes are made out of the finest Kyushu wheat and grains, which are carefully examined and mixed.

The ingredients that make up the delicious pancakes are a mix of 7 different grains from all over Japan. These grains include fertilizer free wheat, brown rice, millet, pressed barley, non-glutinous rice, purple glutinous rice and red glutenous rice.  Other ingredients such as barley, raw sugar brown sugar are 100% organic and free of additives. This ensures that the pancakes are of premium quality.

The flour mix also brings out a special buttermilk taste that one cannot find at other pancake stores. This is because Kyushu Pancake uses quality buttermilk powder in their mix of ingredients. Mr Muraoka spent 18 months searching for the perfect mixture of grains to make his pancakes with, all of which, are free of artificial additives and processed starch.

This makes Kyushu Pancake fresher and healthier than other pancake brands. Most pancakes on the menu are served with delicious sweet treats such as ice-cream, or savoury sides such as bacon and eggs.

Another reason why the pancakes are so hard to resist is because these pancakes are made in-house. Yep, you heard that right, everything is made in-house. This ensures that the pancakes that you see on your plate are fresh and not pre-made frozen ones. Other toppings such as whipped cream and jams are also whipped up on the spot. Talk about dedication!

The outlet here in sunny Singapore is located along Thomson road, and is just a 3 minute walk away from Novena MRT station. The Japanese-like 42 seater café is filled with dainty decorations and cosy seats.

Order their Signature Buttermilk Classic and be greeted by the pretty pancakes served with homemade white wine honey and fruit syrup. For a sweeter treat, try the Berry-Licious pancake which is a plate-ful of pancakes served with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream, all kinds of berries on the side, and drizzled with delicious jam.

For something more savoury, try the American Big Breakfast, with bacon, hot dogs and eggs with your pancakes, your tummy is sure to be satisfied. Each meal costs about $20-$25 with drinks.

Their pancake mixes are also available for sale. Now you can enjoy freshly-made pancakes at home or in store without feeling guilty!

Kyushu Pancake Cafe
Address: 275 Thompson Road, #01-08 Novena Regency, Singapore 307645
Tel: +65 6352 6265
Opening Hours: 11am-9pm daily

Also read: 6 Oozing Lava Desserts You’ll Definitely Have A Soft Spot For!

5 Best Places To Try Famous American-Chinese Dishes In SG

When I first tried American Chinese food in New York last year, I remember standing in front of the ordering counter feeling a little indignant.

I’ve heard a lot about the cuisine, from TV, movies and popular culture, and as someone with more than two decades of experience eating Chinese food, albeit it being more Singaporean or Malaysian Chinese than anything, I thought that the takeout boxes weren’t going to be any good. “It’s fake Chinese food, isn’t it?” I thought to myself. You know, how authentic can it be when the recipes are edited to suit the American palette?

After my first bite, all my preconceived opinions of American-Chinese food were thrown out of the window. Never mind the authenticity. The food was delicious. Every bite left me wanting for more. I had no complaints, only compliments.

Months after returning to Asia, I still crave for American-Chinese food. If you’ve never tried American-Chinese food, here are 5 pretty authentic dishes and places to try them in Singapore.

General Tso’s Chicken

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Named after Zuo Zongtang, a general in the Qing Dynasty who fought many revolts and wars, General Tso’s Chicken is the poster child of all American-Chinese dishes. But don’t be fooled; the General himself, who came from the Hunan province in China, has never tasted this saucy, broccoli and cubed chicken recipe.

If you are interested, you could even watch The Search for General Tso, a documentary film detailing the origins of this tasty chicken dish, to find out more about how it came to be so popular.

Those who have tried this dish would probably liken it to the sweet and sour meat dishes one can find in most Singaporean eateries, even though General Tso’s Chicken is unique enough to get imported onto the menu in China.

Where to try: 

Seletar Hill Restaurant
Address: 16 Jln Selaseh, Singapore 808440
Tel: +65 6483 0348
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 11.30 AM – 2.30 PM, 5.30 PM – 10 PM

Chop Suey

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Literally meaning ‘a mix of broken pieces’, Chop Suey may not seem like the most appealing dish on the menu. Its origins, shrouded in fog, are not yet determined, but some say that it’s the result of a Chinese guest’s kitchen improvisation after an unsatisfying meal while others maintain that it came from Chinese miners putting together leftovers to make themselves a good meal. It is also rumoured to have originated from coastal city Taishan in China, although we can never be too sure.

But if you’re looking to hit that vegetable quota of yours, look to this colourful, diverse plate for some answers.

Where to try:

Chopsuey Cafe
Address: 10 Dempsey Road #01-23, Singapore 247700
Tel: +65 9224 6611
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 11.30 AM – 12 AM, Friday 11.30 AM – 2 AM, Saturday 10.30 AM – 2 AM, Sunday 10.30 AM – 12 AM

Mushu Pork

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Like Chop Suey, Mushu Pork may not look glamorous, but it is still a good mix of stir-fry pork, black fungus, mushrooms, bamboo shoots and zucchini. The Shandong dish has now become a star in America’s Chinese food industry, where it is eaten in the style of a taco or burrito where the pork and vegetables are placed in a pancake with some sauce. Think Peking Duck or Popiah but pork — wrapped and fragrant.

Where to try:

Lokkee
Address: #03-01 Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6884 4566
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM, 5.30 PM – 10 PM

Crab Rangoon

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It’s a little harder to find Crab Rangoons in Singapore – oh, so cripsy! – but you’re in luck. W Singapore at Sentosa Cove’s latest promotion will see to it that you eat all the crabs you want. The hotel’s restaurant, The Kitchen Table, will be serving all things crabby every Saturday from 2 April 2016 to 25 June 2016, so you better hurry. More information

6 Irresistible Molten Lava Desserts That Will Melt Your Heart

It seems like we have a penchant for food that flows. From eggs benedict to molten lava cake, and the latest salted egg croissant, we have been lusting over food that oozes with flavour and surprise. It might stem from an innate desire to play with our food, or the simple element of surprise when you cut into your food to reveal something more. 

Regardless the motivation, it’s worth noting that being soft-hearted isn’t exactly a bad thing anymore. Here’s a list of places you can pop by should you feel like indulging in this new trend of molten goodness!

1. Non Entrée Desserts

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Redefining how desserts are being served is Non Entrée Desserts, a cafe that brings you innovative treats. Perfect for when you’re craving something more than the usual ice cream. As testament to their popularity, there are countless Instagram videos of people digging into their dessert creations.

Video Credit: nonentreedesserts

The Matcha Avalanche is as dramatic and exciting as it sounds. A warm matcha lava cake is perched on top of a bowl, sitting vicariously on a brittle of almond nougatine. Slice into the cake and watch the azuki beans fall onto a scoop of roasted green tea gelato and chocolate soil. The result is a burst of complementary flavours and textures.

Non Entrée Desserts
Address: 204 Rangoon Road, #07-05
Opening hours: Tue – Thu: 2pm – 10pm; Fri: 2pm – 11pm; Sat: 12pm – 11pm; Sun: 12pm – 10pm

2. Fatcat Ice Cream Bar

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No stranger to innovation, Image Credit: @dianaaatan[/caption]

Another dessert that’s bursting with ooey gooey goodness is the Salted Egg Charcoal Choux. Peel back the warm crispy shell to reveal molten salted egg sauce that serves as a great counterpoint to all the sweet treats.

Fatcat Ice Cream Bar
Address: 416 Bedok North Avenue 2, #01-25
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu: 1pm – 9:30pm; Fri: 1pm – 10:30pm; Sat: 12pm – 10:30pm; Sun: 12pm – 9:30pm

3. Ollella

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Forget eclairs. These adorable cream puffs are almost too delicate and pretty to eat. At Another crowd favourite will have to be the striking Raspberry Choux that tastes as good as it looks. It comes in a gorgeous hue of red, filled with raspberry vanilla cremeux and topped with fresh raspberries.    

This place requires no further introduction. After being featured by Insider Food, the video of The Bakery Chef
Address: 161 Bukit Merah Central, #01-3711
Opening hours: Mon – Thu, Sun: 10pm – 7pm; Fri – Sat: 10pm – 9pm

5. Mr Baguette

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Bread bowls are usually filled with hearty stews or cheesy dips. But at Mr Baguette, they fill their mini bread bowls with a range of oozing sweet options like chocolate and egg custard. A humble stall at Golden Mile Food Center, these dessert bread bowls might just be the next big thing.

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One of their most popular options is the Red Velvet Lava; the baguette surrounds a pool of decadent red velvet mixture made of beetroot, chocolate, cheese, yogurt, and buttermilk. Who knew that baguettes could be made into such sinful creations.

Mr Baguette
Address: 505 Beach Road, #B1-51
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 12pm – 7:30pm; Sat: 12pm – 8pm

6. Neato

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They might be called cream puffs on Besides the usual milk custard and matcha, Neato also serves up a grey custard puff that’s literally bursting with bergamot fragrance.

(Header image: Read also: The Prettiest And Most Elaborate Customised Cakes We Have Ever Seen In Singapore!