Category: Just For You This Weekend

This Korean BBQ Joint Serves Up Premium Meats So You Can Treat Mum Right This Mother’s Day

While it’s no secret that Tanjong Pagar is a hot spot for Korean BBQs, we’ve discovered a new gem. You won’t have to travel into the CBD for this one.

Nestled in a corner of Plaza Singapura, this restaurant can be easy to miss. Seorae is known for its interesting mix of authentic Korean cuisine as well as creative twists on familiar favourites.

Unlike most other Korean BBQ spots where gas canisters are used, customers at Seorae get to enjoy premium meats grilled over flaming charcoal, which adds that extra oomph and fragrance to the dishes.

Aside from its unique charcoal grill, this Korean eatery has also made a name for itself in Korea as a leading barbecue chain selling the much-loved skirt meat, or galmaegisal.

Recently, Seorae has also revamped its menu to include sizzling new selections, sharing sets, soju cocktails and makkoli mixes.

Needless to say, we couldn’t resist a taste.

1. Galmaegisal – $21.90

The very first Korean BBQ joint in Singapore to serve galmaegisal, Seorae is pioneering this tasty trend by offering up 3 flavours of the much-loved cut-garlic soy sauce, spicy and original.

Once served exclusively to Korean royalty, now you too get to feast like a king with Seorae’s signature dish, premium pork skirt meat marinated with authentic Korean spices.

Grilled to perfection using a unique ‘circle grilling’ technique, the galmaegisal is reminiscent of wagyu beef–rich in flavour with a tender and juicy bite.

Meat lovers, chew on this: The precious galmaegisal meat, located between the rib and belly, amounts to only 250 grams of a full-grown pig. That’s how precious it is!

2. Mixed Kkochi Platter – $21.90 (a la carte)

Next up, we got a taste of this platter that caters to even the most fickle of eaters. It was a sensational experience, with charcoal-grilled skewers of melted cheese, kimchi and spicy enoki wrapped in samgyeobsal (premium pork belly) and woosamgyeob (US prime beef shortplate).

It even came with skewers of pyogo buseot (shiitake mushroom), which were tasty and juicy, serving as a much welcomed palate cleanser among the wide array of meat skewers.

Silky Egg and Gooey Melted Cheese

Surrounding the grill are silky grilled egg and melted cheese, which allow diners to add a delicious mix of texture and flavours to their meal.

Despite being left on the grill for quite some time, the egg remained extremely fluffy and moist, with a soft and smooth, pudding-like texture. The top layer of the egg, on the other hand, was crispy and aromatic. Diners get 4 free refills of egg, so don’t hold back!

The creamy, buttery flavour of the stretchy cheese added an explosive umami burst to the galmaegisal and samgyeobsal, a lethally tasty combination.

3. Woosamgyeob – $22.90

With a good ratio of lean meat to fat, woosamgyeob, otherwise known as US beef shortplate, is characterised by a rich flavour and pleasant bite.

Marinated with Seorae’s in-house sauce, the beef strips were nicely browned on the grill and dripping with flavour. We were pleasantly surprised as the beef remained juicy and tender instead of being tough and dry.

4. Spicy Samgyeobsal – $17.90

Crisp, sweet and perfectly browned, the slices of samgyeobsal kept our chopsticks busy.

If you’re not a fan of spicy food, this samgeyobsal will offer the flavours of chilli without the searing heat. The other options are regular and hangari samgyeopsal.

5. LA Galbi – $29.90

These succulent prime beef short-ribs called out to us to sink our teeth into them, and we gladly agreed.

The meat fell off the bone easily, and was sweeter and more flavourful than the other cuts of meat as the meat was cooked with the bone.

6. Sundubu Jjigae – $14.90

If there was a go-to dish for a cold, rainy day, this would be it. A rich soup that nourishes and revitalises, this is Seorae’s secret: their special spicy soft tofu stew has a broth full of minced pork, fresh vegetables, clams and eggs.

We were initially worried the clams would be fishy, but the broth captured the sweetness of the clams without any hint of fishiness. The egg was beautifully cooked, partially gooey and slightly runny. Mixed with the flavourful soup and tofu, it was comfort food at its best.

7. Budae Jjigae – $35.90 (a la carte)

Unlike most other army stews, this version tasted much more wholesome, with a cleaner flavour. Simmered in a specially prepared Gochujang spicy sauce, the stew contained all the essentials and more. There was sausage, spam, fish cake, tteokboki, beans, and even bacon! They also included fresh vegetables to balance out all the meat.

If you’re not a fan of soggy ramyeon, Seorae’s staff can cook your ramyeon just right, making sure the noodle stays springy and chewy.

8. Cheese Mandu Tteokbokki –  $35.90 (a la carte)

Guess what, more cheese! Not that we’re complaining.

Otherwise known as rambokki (ramyeon + tteokbokki), this Cheese Mandu Tteokbokki covers all the bases. It consists of Korean rice cake cooked in Seorae’s hot sauce, served on a hot pan with fried fish cake, egg, corn-cheese mandu (dumplings), ramyeon and pineapple. The ramyeon and tteokbokki is meant to be stirred into the hot sauce, where tasty, gooey cheese lies within.

Cheese lovers, you will not be disappointed by the corn-cheese mandu, a crispy golden packet that gives an audible crunch when you bite into it. It oozes stringy melted cheese, sprinkled with bits of sweet corn. We’re definitely ordering this again the next time we’re here!

9. Pineapple Soju Cocktail – $22.90++

A Korean BBQ feast is not complete without some soju. Accompanying our feast was this refreshingly fruity twist on the conventional Korean soju. This summery drink featured an entire pineapple spiked with soju, laden with fresh pineapple bits scooped straight from the husk. We downed one glass after another, keeping pace with our fervent feeding frenzy.

Enjoy Seorae’s Mother’s Day Promotion!

This Mother’s Day, grab the opportunity to treat your mum to some delicious, authentic Korean cuisine at Seorae! A Mother’s Day promotion will be going on from 12 – 14 May, and you’ll get a FREE Pineapple Soju (worth $22.90++) with every reservation made.

Seorae offers much more in terms of taste and variety than the typical Korean BBQ restaurant. What really awed us were their fruity sojus and their famed galmaegisal. We’ll definitely be back, and very soon too!

Seorae
Address: Plaza Singapura #02-01, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 11.30am – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 11.30am – 11pm; Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Contact no.: 9181 2709
Website

Also read This Korean Cafe Serves Pork Ribs Wrapped With Stringy Cheese – And It’s Grate

This Outdoor ‘Escape Room’ Sent Us All Over Chinatown – Here’s How To Ace The Game

Always wanted to go on a treasure hunt? Now you can at Whisper of the Guardians!

The 3rd event of its kind, brought to life by LockdownSG and Think Out Events, this year’s epic adventure will take place in and around Chinatown.

Previously, we wrote about the premise of this adventure. Essentially, a shop house owner found an old scroll containing information leading to a hidden treasure that’s been left behind since WWII. You have been hired to decipher the scroll and find the elusive treasure.

Our DiscoverSG ambassadors took up the challenge and had a blast journeying through Chinatown, trekking past famous (and some not so famous) paths on their quest to find the booty.

Having gone through the experience themselves, here are their golden tips to finding the treasure–and don’t worry, there are no spoilers ahead!

Cheryl: “It’s Very Challenging.”

“It was very challenging–perhaps a little too challenging because we had to get loads of hints from the gamemasters.

Get ready to crack your brains and burn some calories!”

Dawn: “Interact With Your Environment.”

“The game used real, physical things that are there in Chinatown to help you find clues for the next step. 

Be prepared to have your brains fried at the end of the day. I don’t think it’s easy, but it’s worth the try!”

Shivon: “Dress Comfortably And Prepare To WALK”

“The ‘touring’ of this game will actually be like a history excursion which makes studying our history damn fun!

Dress comfortably and prepare to stroll down the whole of Chinatown. You’ll be surprised to find a lot of places where you can take nice OOTDs.”

Jia Min: “Familiarize Yourself With Chinatown Beforehand”

“We basically learnt how to read maps for those of us who didn’t already know how, and practice our map skills for those who do.

Pro Tip: Read more about Chinatown! Maybe know the roads, dress comfortably, don’t bring a big bag, and most importantly, enjoy yourself!”

Vanessa: “Work As A Team”

“I liked how it required us to think thoroughly for each challenge and puzzle and the whole group contributed in one way or another.

Before starting, it would be good to mentally prepare yourself for a lot of time spent on this adventure! And be mentally prepared for very difficult challenges.”

Catered to groups of 6, Early Bird Tickets are still available from now to 8 May at only $228 per team! Tickets include a 1 time entry into the award winning Chinatown Heritage Centre (worth $15, valid for 3 months), which can be used at your own leisure!

There you have it! DiscoverSG’s take on this intriguing journey to find the hidden treasure. Are you up for the challenge?

Click LockdownSG and ThinkOut Events on Facebook!

Whisper of the Guardians
Where: Registration at Chinatown Heritage Centre, 48 Pagoda Street, Singapore 059207
When: 
Price: $228 per team of 6 (early bird)/ $258 (from 8th May onwards); $45 per pax

Also read This Unique Honey Cheesecake Is The Sweetest Way To Say ‘I Love You Mum’

10 Must-Try Events And Eats For An Out Of This World May [1-15 May]

It’s the start of a new month!

That means a whole new wave of fresh events, food havens and shopping spots to drop in on.

There are rad runs for the fitness junkies, movies by the beach for those who just want to chill, and affordable new restaurants that have sprung up to excite the foodie in all of us.

Here’s a checklist of 10 fun, exciting activities for a marvelous start to May!

Play & Discover

1. Star Wars Festival

Star Wars fans rejoice!

Come May the 4th, Gardens by the Bay will come alive with Star Wars themed highlights, transporting you to a galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars Festival
Where: Gardens By The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive Singapore 018953
When: 4 May – 6 May
Time: 3.00pm – 11.00pm
Contact no.: 6420 6848
“The Dark side, and the Light. Choose Your Side. Run. It is your Destiny.”

Another event happening in conjunction with Star Wars Day is the intense and epic Star Wars Run!

[caption id="attachment_25502" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Culture Trip[/caption]

The race pack itself is pretty sick, including a themed drawstring bag, t-shirt, towel, and Yoda or Darth Vader plush toy, depending on which side you’ve pledged your allegiance to.

Join the ever first Star Wars Run in Singapore with fellow fans and family, and look forward to a night dedicated to all things Star Wars.

Whichever side you’re on… May the Force be with you!

Star Wars Run
Where: Bayfront Event Space (Open tarmac space beside Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre), 12A Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018940
When: 6 May
Time: 10km Competitive Run at 7pm; 4.5km Non-Competitive Run at 8pm
Contact no.: 9773 7734
Sunset Cinema

Celebrate the best things about living in the tropics at Sunset Cinema, the newest open-air cinema event at Singapore’s beautiful Tanjong beach.

[caption id="attachment_24229" align="aligncenter" width="930"] Image Credit: Sunset Cinema[/caption]

Think award-winning new film releases, tropical beach sunsets, DJs, bars, food stalls, and deck chairs. Knockout film features include ‘Jackie’, starring Natalie Portman, and ‘Lion’, a movie starring Dev Patel that’s based on true events.

Head over for the perfect way to relax with friends, and experience the beautiful tropical evenings of Singapore like you’ve never done before.

Many of the tickets have already been snapped up, so gather your friends now and get your tickets ASAP!

Sunset Cinema by Peroni
Where: 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa Singapore 098942
When: 5 May – 14 May
Website

4. The Music Run

Come May, AIA will be bringing the beat to Singapore with The Music Run, the world’s loudest 5km running course.

[caption id="attachment_25508" align="aligncenter" width="5520"] Image Credit: Sentosa Island
When: 6 May
Time: 5.00pm
Singapore Heritage Festival

This is something a true, blue Singaporean won’t want to miss.

Explore the nooks and crannies of our island home at Singapore Heritage Festival 2017!

[caption id="attachment_25501" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image Credit: Highlights include ‘Video DJ: Pop Rules’, a dance party at the old Caldecott Broadcast Centre, proving history doesn’t have to be boring. 

You’ll also get the rare opportunity to check out normally inaccessible places, such as Bukit Pasoh.

So come on down and uncover the untold stories of Singapore’s shared spaces and way of life!

Singapore Heritage Festival
Where: All around Singapore
When: 28 April – 14 May
Contact no.: 6701 1232
Heads up, Mother’s Day is just around the corner.

And what better way to celebrate the most important woman in your life than by attending a lovely outdoor concert together?

[caption id="attachment_25500" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image Credit: ‘s Mother’s Day Concert will be held among the lush greenery of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

If you have fond memories of going on picnics with Mum as a child, this is the perfect way to relive those memories.

The delightful repertoire includes excerpts from Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, Tchaikovsky’s Fourth and Sixth Symphonies, and Massenet’s beautiful “Méditation” from Thaïs.

A limited number of Mother’s Day gifts will also be given out, so drop by the SSO booth with Mum to get your hands on it!

SSO Mother’s Day Concert
Where: Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road Singapore 259569
When: 14 May
Time: 6.00pm
Admission: Free
Website

Eat

7. Brine

If you’ve been to The Laneway Market, you’ll be excited to know that its sister restaurant has just opened!

Brine aims to deliver unique restaurant-level fare at down to earth prices.

[caption id="attachment_25509" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Brine[/caption]

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find different flavour pairings in all the dishes at this chill, casual eatery.

Quirky creations include The Crunch, a dish with soft-poached egg, puffed rice, marble potatoes, truffle mushroom pate, and ebiko, as well as the battered John Dory burger with homemade tartar and tomato basil concasse.

We know where we’ll be booking our next lunch appointment!

Brine
Where: 775 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198743
Opening Hours: Everyday except Monday. Lunch: 12.00pm – 3.00pm, Dinner: 6.00pm – 10.00pm
Contact no.: 8748 0788
Facebook

8. The Masses

“Contemporary, happy food” is what this resto serves.

The Masses stays true to its word by using fresh, seasonal produce and allowing recipes to be simple, yet dynamic.

[caption id="attachment_25648" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Burpple[/caption]

If you’re familiar with the affordable French food chain, Saveur, you’ll be delighted to know that The Masses is opened by the same owner!

You’ll find familiar dishes on the menu, such as the crab and caviar angel hair pasta. Must-tries are the deep fried camembert dessert, 12-hour braised short ribs, and The Egg–a silky egg custard served with spoonfuls of salmon roe and flying fish roe, alongside crispy house chips and hazelnut butter.

Most of the dishes are priced below $20, making it truly quality restaurant fare at affordable prices.

The Masses
Where: 85 Beach Rd, Singapore 189694
Opening  Hours: Mon, Tues & Thurs 12.00pm – 9.30pm; Wed, Fri & Sat 12.00pm – 12.00am; Sun 12.00pm – 9:00pm
Contact no.: 6266 0061
Facebook

9. Salmon Samurai

Salmon lovers rejoice!

Newly opened Salmon Samurai is set to serve salmon in all its delicious forms.

[caption id="attachment_25510" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit: Salmon Samurai[/caption]

Maki, sashimi, donburi… the list goes on.

If salmon dishes are your go-to, you must pay a visit to this salmon specialist.

The casual eatery offers a host of salmon-centric dishes, including the omega donburi, salmon mentaiko udon, and the hearty garlic shoyu salmon with runny onsen egg.

Salmon Samurai
Where: 100 Tras Street, Singapore 079027
Opening Hours: Weekdays: 11.00am – 8.00pm; Weekends: 12.00pm – 6.00pm
Contact no.: 6543 6823
Website

Shop

10. Makers Fashion Bazaar

Makers Singapore isn’t just any ordinary arts retail store.

What’s unique about it is it features handmade and designed goods that you can’t find anywhere else.

[caption id="attachment_25504" align="aligncenter" width="950"] Image Credit: Tech In Singapore[/caption]

With a focus on fashion entrepreneurship and arts & crafts, you’ll find products made through hours of love and effort.

Some of the unique wares you can expect at this bazaar include pet products, journals made from vintage children’s books, fudge, handmade baby quilts, cool garments, flavored handcrafted soap, all kinds of jewelry, and many many more.

Come on down to show your support for a generation of local creative talents!

Makers Fashion Bazaar
Where: 18 Tai Seng Shopping Mall
When: 1 May – 7 May
Time: 11.00am to 8.00pm
Contact no.: 8828 1989
Website

We can’t wait to drop in on these exciting events, and chow down at these delicious food spots!

With Mother’s Day falling on 14 May, why not take the chance to spend some quality time with Mother dearest at these events?

Also, read 2017 Is The Year Of Star Wars – Singapore Has Its First Star Wars Festival And Everyone Is Invited