Category: Interesting Products

This Singaporean’s LEGO Replicas Of Local Icons Will Give You A Serious Case Of Nostalgia

We’ve all played with LEGOs at some point in our lives. However, for this man, LEGO is a career and a way of life.

Meet Jeffrey Kong, a Singaporean brick artist and founder of Artisan Bricks. He makes replicas of local landmarks, food and items out of LEGO bricks and parts.

Each piece he makes catches every detail of the original.

With multiple awards under his belt, Jeffrey has been creating with LEGOs for almost half a decade now and his works look so much like the original, you have to do a double take just to be sure.

Building Classics Brick By Brick

Jeffrey’s creations are small yet complex and most of them evoke a sense of nostalgia in most Singaporeans.

Here are some of our favourites.

How many of these things can you identify? We love the replicas of the Toa Payoh Dragon Playground and the floppy disk.

For those of you who are confused as to what this is, it’s a replica of the classic Overhead Projector (OHP). This was before overhead projectors were really overhead and hung from classroom ceilings.

Most Singaporeans who were in school before the millennium would know that this was a staple in every classroom.

Machines and pencils made out bricks, we get it. But how he made a mooncake out of LEGO bricks is simply mind-blowing. The craftsmanship is so detailed and accurate. We are in awe.

This is the most adorable replica of a neighbourhood we’ve ever seen. It’s honestly quite difficult to not gush about these creations.

Now, isn’t this a familiar sight? The little pieces of “laundry” is what really completes this replica.

Does this look familiar to you? Yes, it’s the red mailbox found in old homes in Katong!

This is, without a doubt, our favourite. The ability to capture the essence and details of The Fullerton Hotel, one of the most iconic buildings in Singapore’s cityscape, is truly a commendable feat. Mr Kong, you’re the real MVP.

Jeffrey does commissions as well; so if you’re looking to have something made out of LEGO bricks, he’s the perfect man for the job.

You can contact Jeffrey here and find more of his creations on Instagram, Facebook and on his website.

Also read Oktoberfest Asia Is Back And Our Livers Are Ready For Free Flow German Beers

(Header Image Source: Artisan Bricks Facebook)

Someone Finally Opened A Durian Specialty Cafe, And It Serves More Than The Typical Puffs And Cakes

Love them or hate them, durians are Singapore’s national fruit; unofficially, at least.

A fruit that is beloved for its sweet, creamy flesh that melts in your mouth, few varieties can match the almighty Mao Shan Wang variety when it comes to flavour.

A nice mix of sweet and bitter – and sometimes, both – it’s no wonder Mao Shan Wang durians are the most popular among Singaporeans.

Simply called Mao Shan Wang Cafe, this durian specialty cafe is opened by Four Seasons Durian.

Situated in Chinatown, it serves fresh durian in a tantalising array of desserts including mochi, strudel, ice cream and coffee (yes, coffee) made using the king of fruit.

The First And Only Durian Specialty Cafe in Singapore

Considering the fanaticism this fruit inspires, it’s a wonder it’s taken this long for someone to open a durian specialty cafe.

Step into the cafe and you’ll be welcomed by the strong, unmistakable smell of durian – a heavenly scent for hardcore durian fans.

With a simple, industrial aesthetic featuring brick walls and exposed beam ceilings, this cafe is the perfect place for an mid-day tea durian break.

The King And Its Subjects

If you think there are only so many things you can do with durian, think again – this cafe takes the fruit in both sweet and savoury directions.

On the sweet – and more familiar – side of things, there are durian puffs, ice cream, pancakes and mochi.

On a sweltering hot day, order the Mao Shan Wang Delight ($15.80).

Consisting of a mountain of Mao Shan Wang durian soft serve ice cream, this dessert comes on a bed of brownies, with mini marshmallows and almond flakes scattered all over it.

If you’re looking for a light bite, opt for either the D24 Durian Mochi ($5 for four) or the richer Mao Shang Wang Durian Mochi ($8.80 for four). Encased in a chewy mochi skin, the D24 mochi has a milder flavour while the Mao Shan Wang Mochi packs more of a punch with each mouthful.

On the savoury side of things, there is the Black Charcoal Mao Shan Wang Durian Pizza ($18.80), which consists of a charcoal pizza base topped with a mixture of Mao Shan Wang puree and cheese.

If you’re feeling even more adventurous, try their Durian French Fries ($3.80) and Durian Nuggets ($6).

With fries and nuggets served with a dipping sauce made of D24 puree, your tastebuds are in for an unusual experience when you order yourself a serving of either of these.

Craving some durian? Whatever you’re in the mood for, your needs will be well taken care of at Mao Shan Wang Cafe!

Mao Shan Wang Cafe
Address: 49 Temple Street Singapore
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 1.30pm – 10pm; Sat: 11am – 10pm; Closed on Sun
Contact no.: 6221 2338 
Website

Also read Teppei Syokudo Is Releasing Self-Heating Bento Boxes And It’s Like We’re Living in The Future

(Header Image Source: Burpple User Dex Neo, 

Teppei Syokudo Is Releasing Self-Heating Bento Boxes And It’s Like We’re Living in The Future

In July this year, there was a Chinese brand, Ba Shu Lan Ren, which was selling self-heating “Lazy” Ma La Hotpot.

This innovative meal comes with its own heating pack which reacts with water to generate enough heat to cook a small container of food.

Teppei Syokudo’s Hot New Creation

Teppei Syokudo is a casual dining concept brought to you by the same people who founded Teppei Restaurant. They are popular for their fuss-free, customisable Kaisen Dons which are a hit with Chirashi Don and Sashimi lovers.

Fast forward to 27 September, Teppei Syokudo is releasing their own series of self-heating bentos which utilise the same heating pack concept.

Out Of The Kitchen And Into Your Belly

There are 4 types of bentos: the Gyu Don ($15.80), Oyako Don ($12.80), Minced Meat Mapo Tofu Don ($12.80) and the Napolitan Pasta With Hamburg ($15.80).

Instead of the usual vacuum-packed ingredients, these bentos come ready to eat. All you have to do is prepare the heating pack and water.

The heating pack will take only 5 minutes to heat up the bento, so you don’t have to wait long to dig in!

For those of you who are fans of their Kaisen Don, do give these self-heating bentos a try. They can be ordered at any Teppei Syokudo outlet in Singapore. They definitely look more appetising than a microwaveable meal from a convenience store.

Also read Because Teh Is Better Than Kopi, Here Are All The Ways To Show Your Loyal-teh

(Header Image Source: Burpple User Joe Yang)

Because Teh Is Better Than Kopi, Here Are All The Ways To Show Your Loyal-teh

You don’t have to be a connoisseur to appreciate the wonder that is Teh. Or tea, as regular (read: non-Singaporean) people call it.

Teh is a lifeblood of Singapore, alongside it’s more caffeinated counterpart, Kopi (Coffee).

A local classic, Teh has many variations. Teh Tarik, Teh Halia, Teh Ais, Teh C, Teh O, the list goes on. But the frothy goodness of Teh Tarik trumps all. This “pulled” concoction of milk and tea is always a welcome beverage in every Singaporean meal.

Since Kopi already has its own life-sized bag, we refuse to let Teh lose out to this hype.

So, to demonstrate our love for this magical drink, we have compiled a list of Teh-related thingamabobs so you too can show your love for Teh!

Teh Cream Of Teh Crop

1. This Teh Tarik Graphic T-Shirt

Words cannot describe how badly I want this shirt. I am torn between framing this shirt up and wearing it 24/7. A genuine Teh Tarik-themed shirt is everything I never knew I needed.

2. Teh Best Postcard and Greeting Card

These are the only acceptable greeting cards/postcards to send to anyone. Hallmark, stand aside. Teh is the way to go.

3. Teh Tarik Iron On Patch and Sticker Patch

I am probably going to iron this on every shirt, shorts, pants, bag, fabric, curtain, towel and tablecloth that I own. I will build this Teh shrine. Watch me (Don’t quote me on that).

4. The Teh Peng Pin

I am crying tears of joy. This pin is beautiful. A Teh Peng pin? It’ll sit perfectly on my backpack. Or any tote, case, or makeup pouch. Check out the detail on the ice cubes.

5. Kopitiam Brooch (Teh and Teh Bao)

If you think that this brooch does not go with any formal attire, you are entitled to your wrong opinion. Because Kopitiam culture is the best culture.

6. Kopitiam Keychain (Teh Peng)

These quirky little trinkets come in the form of various food options from Teh, Kopi, Bandung, Milkmaid condensed milk to Laksa, Mee Pok Dry and Chicken Rice. Do you know which one I want? Guess.

7. Kopitiam Magnet (Teh Bao)

(Header Image Source: Carnival Munchies)

Ramen Keisuke May Be Lobster and Tonkotsu King, Bak Kut They Bring Ramen To Another Level?

Any Singaporean who claims to love his ramen will surely be no stranger to Ramen Keisuke.

The biggest ramen chain in Singapore, Ramen Keisuke is known for its creative approach towards ramen, and for creating ramen recipes that stray from the typical.

With several ramen concept outlets under its belt, including Lobster King, Tonkotsu King and Kani King, each boasting its own unique ramen flavours, customers can always look forward to a tasty, flavourful bowl of ramen whenever they walk into a Ramen Keisuke outlet.

A Local Spin On Ramen

The beloved ramen chain has recently launched a new ramen flavour, and this time, it’s delightfully local.

We’ll give you a hint: it’s herbal and some like it with loads of white pepper.

Yes, Ramen Keisuke’s new ramen flavour is Bak Kut Teh.

From the looks of the image they posted to their Facebook page, the ramen comes complete with a bunch of pork ribs. After all, can you call it Bak Kut Teh Ramen without some bak kut?

The brand new flavour was born out of a collaboration between Singapore Tourism Board and Japan, and only 15 bowls of this ramen are made and sold everyday.

And there’s more bad news to follow – unfortunately, this ramen is currently only available in Japan and until 30 September.

Hope Is Not Lost

Already, Singaporeans are asking Ramen Keisuke to bring the flavour onto our shores. After all, who better than us to appreciate the unique Bak Kut Teh flavour?

In response, Ramen Keisuke has teased that it may be bringing the local-inspired ramen to its Singapore outlets.

We don’t know about you but we are definitely keeping our fingers crossed for the Bak Kut Teh Ramen to make its appearance here in Singapore. And hopefully, they will be serving a lot more than just 15 bowls a day.

Also read 10 Exciting Events And Eats That Will Wake You Up Before September Ends [16-30 Sep] 

A New Character Cafe Is Popping Up In Singapore – And This Time, The Spotlight Is On Miffy

Singapore has seen a spate of character-themed cafes, from Hello Kitty to Gudetama, and my personal favourite, the Pokemon Café. Now, get ready for Miffy the Dutch bunny.

From 5 October to 31 December, the Miffy cafe x Kumoya will be here in Singapore to bring you meticulously-prepared Japanese dishes featuring the adorable bunny.

The Miffy Menu

Conceptualised by Shirley Wong from Little Miss Bento, who also worked on the Cinnamoroll and Gudetama cafes, the food will not disappoint. Ready your cameras and stomachs because these dishes look super cute.

If you’re as Asian as I am and rice is a must in your meal, then the Splashing Good Fun Japanese Seafood Curry Rice ($24.90) is great for you. Hainanese Chicken Riceball step aside, the bunny riceball is here.

The Miffy burger bun of the You, Me & Miffy makes 3 Chicken Katsu Burger ($18.90) looks absolutely adorable. Potato wedges, a mesclun salad along with the Chicken Katsu burger, and a side of ketchup makes this a rather substantial meal. So if you’re there to eat, this is a good choice.

Wonderfully Waffles With Karaage Chicken ($21.90) is a cute take on the traditional Chicken & Waffles, complete with maple syrup on the side. Served with bunny-shaped croutons and carrot slices, the dish is beyond cute.

Desserts are always a crowd favourite.

The café has a Shibuya Toast variant and a sponge cake which looks a lot like a Panna Cotta. And every dish comes with a Miffy face that stares into your soul.

Last but definitely not least, is this cotton-candy topped air balloon-esque Miffy Original Orange Soda ($14.90) which looks like it might be blown away with the wind.

The café will also be selling Shirley Wong’s Miffy-themed cookbook, so pick up a copy if you feel like getting down in the kitchen to replicate these Miffy dishes for your own little Insta-session at home.

Prices are upwards of $15 so prepare your wallets. Don’t miss this pop-up cafe as Miffy will only be here for a limited time!

Miffy Café x Kumoya
Address: 8 Jalan Klapa, Singapore 199320
Opening Hours: Sun – Fri: 12pm – 9.30pm; Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm; Closed on Mon
Contact No.: 6297 3727
Facebook

Also read Because Cards Are So Passé, This Site Lets You Send A Message On An Eggplant

Because Cards Are So Passé, This Site Lets You Send A Message On An Eggplant

Fans of the eggplant emoji, now you can start sending real eggplants to your friends – and you won’t even have to set foot in a grocery store.

A fruit that has gained a whole new level of popularity since the advent of emojis, it has become the universal symbol of the male appendage.

Now, there’s a website called Eggplant Parcel that lets you send a cheeky eggplant to anyone – your partner, your friend, even your family members – with any message you’d like.

Message On An Eggplant

The most basic Eggplant Parcel, Eggplant Message, will set you back $9.90*.

Create a custom message of up to 50 characters and Eggplant Parcel will have it written on your eggplant in gold paint. If you want your friends (or enemies) to know it was you who sent it, sign off with your name. And if you don’t, send it completely anonymously!

While you will not be able to choose the size of the eggplant, the longer your message, the more likely it is that you will wind up with a larger fruit.

That aside, Eggplant Parcel tries to pick an eggplant that’s fitting for the message. For example, a small, round eggplant, if it’s sent to congratulate someone on the birth of their baby.

For an added $2, your custom eggplant will come with protection. And by that, we mean condoms. Yes, seriously.

While it may seem like just an extension of the gag, the latex protection actually ensures the message is kept untampered – it serves as “an added layer of insurance”, according to the people at Eggplant Parcel.

If you’d like to go further in making your point, opt for the Eggplant Head.

At $17.90*, send someone an eggplant with not just text on it, but also an image. All you have to do is upload a picture and Eggplant Parcel will paste the printed image on the phallic fruit.

Each eggplant comes packed in a Ziploc bag. Eggplants are a tough fruit, so don’t worry about it getting bruised while being processed in the mail!

A Personal Touch

If you’d like to add even more of a personal touch to your eggplant (e.g write on it with your own handwriting, bedazzle it, etc.), opt for the Eggplant Parcel Starter Pack ($19.90*).

The starter pack comes with everything you’ll need to send a message to whoever you may have in mind – 3 eggplants, 1 gold coloured Pentel Paint Marker, and 3 eggplant explanation cards which explain to the recipient why they’ve received a random eggplant.

Send A Message, Save An Eggplant

So… Why eggplants?

Cheeky as the whole idea of sending eggplant parcels may be, the idea actually came from seeing food go to waste.

The founder of the business explains, “I read an article about how eggplants go to waste everyday, and I thought before it does, why not use it to put a smile on someone’s face?”

And from there, this cheeky personalised gift service was born.

The team is already considering expanding its product line. What this means is sometime down the road, you may get to pick from not just your typical purple eggplant, but eggplants of other shapes and colours!

Got a friend who’s thirsty AF? Want to send a passive aggressive message but haven’t yet found the right medium to send it across? Send them an eggplant!

Make sure you come up with a good, cheeky message – that’ll make your gift all the more interesting!

*Prices stated are prices at the time of writing.

Also read 10 Exciting Events And Eats That Will Wake You Up Before September Ends [16-30 Sep]

Your Room Will Smell Absolutely Scent-sational Once You Light Up These Candles

Candles come in so many shapes, sizes and smells, you can never have one too many!

Let’s face it, candles are pretty versatile and should become a necessity in every house.Not only to they do beautify your room, the scents they give off when lit will soothe your frazzled nerves and can freshen up any room almost immediately.

Plus, candles come in super handy if you are planning a romantic night in (if you know what I mean).

We waded through the tons of options out there and chose some of the more interesting scents that will make your house smell absolutely scent-sational.

1. Bath & Body Works – But First, Coffee! 

Revel in the smells of thatched bungalows and the salty sea breeze with Glasshouse‘s tropical scent.

The flowery yet tangy smells courtesy of cilantro, tangerine and orange blossoms will leave you with the thoughts of clear sandy beaches when you are actually in a hot and stuffy HDB flat.

Where to get it: Naiise outlets or online
Website

3. fresh – Sake

[caption id="attachment_30048" align="alignnone" width="720"] De-stress and de-mozzie (Image Credit: Artisan’s Garden)[/caption]

The Citronella Candle caught my nose with its grassy, floral smell that reminds me of the clean smell of wet grass.

Not only is citronella said to help reduce stress when used in aromatherapy, it also works as a mosquito repellent! Perfect for our tropical weather.

Artisan’s Garden sells the this candle in a small travel tin so that you can easily carry it around if you are thinking of going camping or traveling to tropical countries.

Where to get it: online
Use the holder to store trinkets once it’s finished (Image Credit: 6. NARS – Acapulco

[caption id="attachment_30051" align="alignnone" width="1196"] All candles come with the logo on it! (Image Credit: Beautyfreshfave)[/caption]

Yes, this is the same beauty brand that you find in Sephora. Not many people are aware that NARS carry candles (mainly because they don’t bring it to Singapore), which you have to buy through the NARS US website or Amazon.

And yes, the shipping fee is definitely worth it, because the candles can seriously compete with their make up range. My pick would be Acapulco, a chocolate-based candle that comes layered with traces of whipped cream and coffee beans. It’s delicious, but not overly sweet – kind of like dark chocolate.

Where to get it: NARS US website or Amazon
Such brew-tiful smells (Image Credit: TWG Tea)[/caption]

Another underrated candle from a brand that specialises in selling something else!

If you love the smell of your TWG tea, you can now get their candle version so that you can enjoy the delicious smells without having to brew a pot.

Their White Earl Grey Tea Scented Candle is a fresh, raw fragrance of bergamot and imperial silver needles that smells as good as it tastes.

Where to get it: online
Choose your poison of choice! (Image Credit: Spicy Orange And Hot Peppers Scent and Marijuanna-Weed Scent that you will be hard pressed to find anywhere else.

Where to get it: online or through Etsy
Also read Gifs Are A Legit Art Form, And This Festival Dedicated To Them Proves It

(Header Image Source: Pinterest)

Yeah, You Better Flip – This Prata Comes In Rainbow Colours And Is Served With Pork Curry

The humble roti prata has come a long way since its beginnings as a simple flatbread we ate either with curry or sugar.

These days, you can find all kinds of prata – salted egg prata, eggs benedict prata, chicken floss prata, maggi mee prata, etc. While there have been hits and misses, that’s not stopping eateries across the country from creating new prata flavours for the adventurous Singapore foodie.

The latest “hipster” prata, however, isn’t a new prata flavour – instead, it’s a prata that looks different altogether.

Introducing “Rainbow Prata”, colourful pratas that come in hues you don’t typically see on prata.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

The Rainbow Pratas are sold at Banana Leaf Pork Briyani, a newly opened food stall at Wave 9 in Woodlands. Unlike many Indian food stalls which are halal, this stall is not halal as the stall owner is a non-Muslim.

The pratas here are made from their own unique recipe, and currently come in green, blue and pink. Dyed using food colouring, keep a look out for new shades as Banana Leaf Pork Briyani is exploring expanding the colour range of its pratas.

Currently, only the prata kosong and egg prata come in these bright rainbow hues. That said, they may sell coloured versions of other prata flavours soon, so keep your eye out for them!

The rainbow plain pratas are priced at $1.50 each, and the rainbow egg pratas are going at $2 each, and they come served with your choice of chicken or pork curry.

So far, customers are already asking for new colours and flavours, so hopefully, it’ll be a ‘ask and you shall receive’ type of situation. If there’s something you have in mind, put in a request and who knows? You may see it on the menu in the near future!

Not In The Mood For Prata?

If you’re not in the mood for prata, opt for their Pork Briyani ($8) or Black Chicken Briyani ($8), the signature dishes at this stall.

Alternatively, you can’t go wrong with the usual Chicken Briyani ($7) and Fried Chicken Briyani ($7).

Unfortunately for many of us, this hawker stall is located all the way at Woodlands. If you’re living in the North of Singapore and are ever craving some prata, hit up Banana Leaf Pork Briyani! And for best effect, make sure you get a couple of these pratas at a go – the more the colours, the merrier!

Banana Leaf Pork Briyani
Address: 71 Woodlands Industrial Estate Park E9 Wave 9 #01-04, Singapore 757881
Opening Hours: Daily, 7am – 10.30pm
Contact no.: 9321 8081
Facebook

(Header Image Source: Banana Leaf Pork Briyani Facebook)

Also read The Incredible Spread At This Seafood Buffet Will Make You Say “Shell We?”

This Cafe’s Unique Éclairs Will Have You Choux-ing Them Over And Over Again

When you think of éclairs, a cream-filled pastry with chocolate icing probably comes to mind.

Made the same way in pretty much every bakery that sells its, there’s a cafe in Singapore that’s re-energising the pastry, one unexpected flavour at a time.

L’éclair is Singapore’s first éclair specialty store and cafe. Set up by a duo that was trained at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, the two are all about discovering and expanding the possibilities of the éclair.

Their inventive handcrafted éclairs are not only an exquisite treat for the tastebuds, they’re also extremely easy on the eyes and look great on the ‘gram.

Located at Dhoby Gaut, this cafe is a short 5 minute walk from Dhoby Gaut MRT Station.

A Taste Of Paris

While L’éclair has created quite a variety of éclairs to date, you’ll find that they only serve 10 flavours each day – a blessing, considering that you’ll have enough trouble picking just one to eat.

One day, you’ll find a Kaya Pandan Éclair, a fancy twist on Singaporeans’ favourite breakfast toast; and another, you’ll find a Baileys Cheesecake Éclair that’s filled with baileys pastry cream, topped with baileys cheesecake cream, and drizzled with baileys ganache for good measure – a triple hit of the delicious Irish cream liqueur.

Some of the customers’ favourites here include the Ispahan, a pretty pink éclair filled with a light rose cream, cut lychees and fresh raspberries. Another beaut is the Matcha flavour, which comprises a smooth, premium matcha cream and white chocolate – a match made in dessert heaven.

Made using only the finest and freshest ingredients, you get all your money’s worth off these éclairs that are priced between $8 – $9 each.

A Mid-Autumn Special

Limited edition flavours are not unusual for the creative team at L’éclair.

To celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival, they’ve created 3 brand new flavours: Salted egg yolk lotus, black sesame red bean, and taro macadamia.

Available from 9 September onwards, you can pre-order these éclairs for first dibs on these mooncake-inspired éclairs!

In the past, they’ve also created a bunch of Chinese New Year-themed mooncakes, with CNY staples like pineapple tart, bak kwa, and pork floss making an appearance in these typically sweet pastries.

High Tea Degustation

Can’t quite decide on just one? Treat yourself to a whole meal of éclairs with L’éclair’s High Tea Degustation!

Savour an assortment of 5 assorted mini éclairs, alongside savoury bites including a Truffle Egg Mayo Choux Puff, Foie Gras Pate & Tomato Relish Crostini, Roasted Mushrooms Vol au Vent, Tomato & Basil Bruschetta, Signature Chicken & Bacon Pie, and Smoked Salmon & Dill Mousse Tartlet. You’ll also get one beverage per person to go with your elegant bites.

Super Insta-worthy individually and as a whole set, you’ll want to keep your phones on standby because you won’t be able to get through this tea without snapping at least a couple of pics.

The degustation will set you back $50 on weekdays (Tue – Fri) and $60 on weekends and public holidays, and are 9101 1971

Also read Lady M Created A Light-Up Lantern For Its Mooncakes, Because Boxes Are So Mainstream

(Header Image Source: @leclairpatisserie)