Welcome To The Dark Side – These 13 Black Foods Will Surely Soot Your Tastebuds
Black – we love to wear it, we love it on makeup, we love to… eat it?
Black coloured foods seem to be the next big food trend and we think you’ll be seeing more of these dark, moody foods all over your Insta-feeds. From sinful desserts to devilish mains, with foods as black as our hearts, we’re not going to say no.
We’ve rounded up some of the blackest foods in Singapore, so let your inner goth come alive with these cold, black treats.
1. 黑 “Hei” Rice ($22) – Paddy Hills
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Image Credit: Burpple User Seth Lui[/caption]
This signature dish consists of the OG black food, squid ink pasta, tossed with a generous amount of crayfish, scallops, prawns, clams, and squid. The pasta is infused with the natural taste of the sea from the squid ink, and the sauce is briny and flavourful. While squid ink pasta is not hard to find across our little island, this is one of the better squid ink pastas you can get in Singapore.
Pasta Brava
Address: 11 Craig Road, Singapore
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11.45am – 2.15 pm (lunch), 6.15pm – 10.15pm (dinner); Closed on Sun & PH
4. Squid Ink Panini with King Crab and Prawns ($14) – Dolcetto by Basilico
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Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Black Magic[/caption]
You may have chanced upon this all-black dessert before. Now, it’s back again in all its glory. The magic unfolds in an intricately designed medley of black sesame panna cotta, squid ink profiterole, crispy charcoal biscuit, lace tulle, black berries, with a chocolate wand. A tasty and quirky combination that works wonders!
Platform 1094
Address: 1094 Serangoon Road, Singapore 328192
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 11am – 10pm; Sat & Sun: 10am to 10pm; Closed on Mon
10. Foie Gras Macaron ($12) – Hashida Garo
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Image Credit: 
Image Credit: Burpple User V T[/caption]
To beat the heat, come to the dark side with KokoPanda’s black frozen yoghurt, made with charcoal and roasted coconut husk.
It’s a tangy, refreshing and absolutely yummy alternative to ice cream. What’s more, it’s also a much healthier choice as it comes topped with superfoods. These include dried strawberry, apple, pear, persimmon and Jeju tangerine, as well as caviar bubbles made with real fruit juice.
A single topping with the base froyo will cost $4.90, while a froyo with 3 toppings will cost $5.90, with additional toppings priced at $0.80 each.
KokoPanda
Address: 68 Orchard Road, #B2-60, Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10am – 10pm
12. Homemade Black Soy Ice Cream ($4.90 for Regular, with 2 toppings) – Dofu
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Image Credit: 
Image Credit: Burpple User Zhi Hui Lim[/caption]
This grand tower consists of fine milk shavings topped with a generous layer of black sesame and kinako powder, a heap of red beans, and a scoop of ice cream. Feast your eyes on the Black Sesame Bingsu, a slayer at Nunsongyee Korean Dessert Café that for good reason, has garnered its own fan club.
Nunsongyee Korean Dessert Café
Address: 534 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188749 | #02-25 Century Square, 2 Tampines Central 5, Singapore 529509 | 227 Upper Thompson Road Singapore 574359 | The Midtown Singapore, 1187 Upper Serangoon Road #01-14, Singapore 534785
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily (North Bridge Road branch) | Mon – Sun: 12pm – 10pm (Century Square branch)
It seems when it comes to food, black is now the new black. With all the multi-coloured and ombre foods and drinks we’ve been seeing lately, this is definitely a refreshing and much welcomed change.
If you’re in the mood to try something new, check out these deliciously dark eats. And of course, make sure to bring a mirror with you–you don’t want to be out in public with black stuff all over your teeth!
Also read 8 Instagram-Worthy Drinks That Will Have Your Followers Spamming The Like Button
These 5 Indie Bookstores Are A Bibliophile’s Dream And Will Make You Want To Never Leave
“A town isn’t a town without a bookstore” — so writes Neil Gaiman in American Gods, and we agree.
For all you bookworms, we’ve rounded up 5 best independent bookstores around the island where you can get your lit geek on and #SupportLocal while you’re at it.
1. Booktique
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Image Credit: BooksActually[/caption]
BooksActually is the place to be if you’re looking for local literature, with its good selection of works by Singapore poets. Here, you’ll also find the trademark minimalist SingLit book covers printed by BooksActually’s publishing arm, Math Paper Press.
Venture into the back room and you’ll find several knick-knacks and accessories with local flavour. And if you’re lucky, you’ll get a chance to say hi to the bookstore’s resident feline friends.
BooksActually
Address: 9 Yong Siak St, Singapore 168645
Opening Hours: Tues – Sat: 10am – 8pm; Sun – Mon: 10am – 6pm
Website
3. Woods in the Books
A few doors down from BooksActually is Woods in the Books, an independent bookshop that specialises in picture books for the little ones.
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Image Credit: Kaimen Asia[/caption]
With its adorable outdoor mural and charming decor, Woods in the Books is nothing short of enchanting.
The young at heart can also indulge in a little childhood nostalgia here, as the bookstore carries plenty of classic titles such as The Giving Tree and The Hungry Caterpillar.
Woods in the Books Wandering through the bookshelves here will take you from fantasy novels to science fiction, to cookbooks and travel guides, with helpful post-it recommendations along the way on the staff’s favourite picks. DiscoverSG Pro Tip: Look out for the discount pile under their staircase, where you can get some great steals. Littered With Books Hankering for a dose of design inspo? Head to Basheer Graphic Books. Offering shelves upon shelves of books and magazines on architecture, graphic design, fashion, photography, typography and more, the store is a mecca for lovers of design and collectors of magazines. The store’s no-frills, old-school vibe is also a big part of its charm. Basheer Graphic Books (Header Image Source:
Waffles are such a versatile food. You can have them sweet or savoury, and you can have them any time of the day. Although they can be found everywhere, not all waffles are created equal. The perfect waffle is fragrant, light, with just the right amount of crunch. From taro waffles to Korean fried chicken waffles, here is a list of the best waffles in Singapore. Try not to salivate while reading. Hatter Street Bakehouse & Cafe is probably one of the more underrated cafes selling waffles in Singapore. Their waffles are baked to the perfect level of crispiness, while remaining moist within, and the texture of the waffle is consistent throughout. The Pandan Ice Cream with Gula Melaka Sauce Whoa’ffles ($9.50) was rich with local flavours. Instead of honey or chocolate sauce, Hatter Street drizzles Gula Melaka over the waffles. The Pandan Ice Cream was a nice accompaniment, with its light pandan fragrance. The waffle was perfect for soaking up the mixture of Gula Melaka and the melted scoop of creamy ice cream. Hatter Street Bakehouse & Cafe The Chocolate Root Beer Float Waffle ($12) is an aesthetically pleasing dessert creation. The rectangular waffle comes with a chocolate chip cookie, and an ash grey charcoal vanilla soft serve to top it all off. The charcoal soft serve had a hint of root beer in every mouthful, which did not overwhelm the original vanilla taste. Because Red Velvet is so 2015, The Cold Pantry has taken their waffles to the next level by introducing Pink Velvet Waffles with Baileys Coffee Ice Cream and Sea Salt Caramel drizzle ($13.50). The rose-infused waffle and slightly bitter Baileys Coffee Ice Cream combo is a sure-win on two fronts: your stomach and your Instagram feed. The Cold Pantry Served with one scoop of gourmet ice cream, the Taro Waffles ($15.90) has a rich taro taste, with beautiful purple hues. The waffle screams “Taro Heaven” as there was taro infused within the batter, and a generous spread of yam paste all over the buttery waffles. While the ice cream is nothing too special, the waffles more than made up for it. Froth Cafe PrimaDeli serves some of the best affordable waffles in Singapore. Done in a traditional Singaporean style, the waffles are dense and soft on the inside. They’re made fresh and right before your eyes when you order, so you can munch on them while they’re nice and warm.
Address: 3 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 16864
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 10am – 7pm; Sat: 10am – 8pm; Sun: 10am – 6pm; Closed on Mon
Image Credit: Littered with Books[/caption]
Address: 20 Duxton Road, Singapore 089486
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 12pm – 8pm; Fri 12pm – 9pm; Sat 11am – 9pm; Sun 11am – 8pm
Website5. Basheer Graphic Books
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Image Credit: Basheer Graphic Books[/caption]
Address: Bras Basah Complex #04-19, 231 Bain St, Singapore 180231
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 10am – 8pm; Sun: 11am – 6.30pm
Visit Mini World Heritage Sites For Only $17 – We Promise ‘Everything Is Awesome’These 10 Places Serve Waffles That Are Sweet, Savoury, And Batter Than The Rest
For those with a sweet tooth,
1. Hatter Street Bakehouse & Cafe
Pandan Ice Cream with Gula Melaka Sauce Whoa’ffles (Image Credit: Burpple User Doreen Tan)[/caption]
Address: 212 Hougang Street 21,#01-333, Singapore 530212
Opening Hours: Daily, 1pm – 10pm
Chocolate Root Beer Float Waffle (Image Credit: Burpple User Cafehoppingkids .)[/caption]
Image Credit: Burpple User Jayson Yeoh [/caption]
Address: 88 Rangoon Road, #01-01, Singapore 218374
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 4pm – 10pm; Sat – Sun: 12pm – 1opm
Website3. Froth
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Image Credit: Burpple User Thechoyalicious 🙂[/caption]
Address: Ascott Raffles Place Singapore, 2 Finlayson Green, Level 2, Singapore 049247
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11.30am – 10pm; PH: 11.30am – 5pm; Closed on Sun
Image Credit: Facebook5. PrimaDeli
Image Credit: Some recommended flavours are the old school Kaya Waffle ($1.70) and the cannot-go-wrong Peanut Butter Waffle ($1.80). Classic, tasty, and oh-so-nostalgic, these waffles are the perfect comfort food to take with you on the go.
PrimaDeli [caption id="attachment_27457" align="aligncenter" width="960"] For those of you who prefer your waffles savoury instead of sweet, Revelry is the place for you. They serve ‘Burffles’, a cross between burgers and waffles. The Revelry Signature Burffle ($18) comes with juicy beef patties, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese sandwiched between crispy waffles. The waffle quarters are crisp and light, making the dish less heavy on the stomach.
Address: City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road #B1-K09, Singapore 208539
Opening Hours: Daily, 9am – 10pm
For adventurous tastebuds,
6. Revelry
The Revelry Signature Burffle (Image Credit: theurbanwire)[/caption]
Waffles Royale (Image Credit: Revelry Facebook)[/caption]
The Waffles Royale ($17.50) is a spin on the classic all-day breakfast favourite, Eggs Royale, but with a waffle in place of the usual English muffin. The waffle has a light, fluffy texture and with its subtle flavour, pairs nicely with the runny poached eggs and creamy Hollandaise.
Revelry
Address: 21 Lorong Kilat, #01-02, Singapore 598123
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed – Friday: 11am – 10pm; Sat – Sun: 10am – 10pm; Closed on Tue
Facebook
7. Griddy
Imagine old school waffles but with chunks of succulent meat piled into it. That’s what Griddy specialises in – savory waffles for adventurous foodies.
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Griddy Burger (Image Credit: Griddy Facebook)[/caption]
The Griddy Burger ($9.90) is generously stuffed with a juicy beef patty and black pepper mushrooms. With a relatively thin and buttery waffle, this waffle burger hybrid is a real crowd-pleaser.
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Ocean Catch (Image Credit: Griddy Facebook)[/caption]
Alternatively, try the Ocean Catch ($7.90). The golden brown fish fillet is tender, with bonito flakes and mayonnaise scattered and splattered over it. Fish and Chips lovers should definitely give this a try as the Ocean Catch is a unique twist on savoury waffles.
Griddy Am I the only one who eats pizza without the crust? For those of you who shun the pizza crusts like I do, why not try the waffle ‘pizza’ at 23 Jumpin? [caption id="attachment_27193" align="aligncenter" width="2448"] And if you want the best of both worlds? Simply opt for the half-half option of Mushroom and Hawaiian! 23 Jumpin Many of you may know Stateland Asian-Fusion Cafe for their Red Velvet or S’mores Waffles, but how many of you have tried their newest creation–the Korean Fried Chicken Waffle?
Address: Westgate, 3 Gateway Drive, #B2-K12, Singapore 608532
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu, Sun: 11am – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
8. The Beast
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Chicken & Waffles (Image Credit: 9. 23 Jumpin
Image Credit: Image Credit: Burpple User Alexander Chiew[/caption]
Address: The Commerze Building, 1 Irving Place, 01-25, Singapore 369546
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun: 11am – 9pm; Mon: 11am – 2pm
Website10. Stateland Asian-Fusion Cafe
Korean Fried Chicken Waffle (Image Credit: Burpple User Phoebe Ting)[/caption]
The chicken was nicely fried, with a crispy outer layer and tender meat on the inside. Paired with a waffle that was tossed in cinnamon, this is a dish that we daresay even the Koreans can’t re-create.
Also, the kimchi slaw that is served on the side is so rich with flavour, you’ll be wishing there was more of it!
Stateland Asian-Fusion Cafe
Address: 32 Bali Lane, Singapore 189866
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed – Sun: 12pm – 10pm; Tue: 6pm – 10pm
Website
No matter your personal preference when it comes to waffles, I’m sure we can all agree that waffles can bring a smile to your face any day. So, text your friends and jio them out for a waffle date if your stomachs are up for it!
Also read 9 New Desserts So Wacky, You Need To Try Them At Least Once!
Soup Curry Is A Thing, And You Can Now Get A Taste Of This Hokkaido Specialty In S’pore
What comes to mind when you think of curry? Spicy, thick gravy with either turmeric or coconut milk?
Be prepared to have your expectations thrown out the window at Sama Curry & Café. Originating from Sapporo, Hokkaido, they are the first Japanese soup curry restaurant here in Singapore.
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A simple, yet flavourfully complex menu[/caption]
I have to admit, while the cafe was adorable with its grumpy bear silhouette on the walls and on the menu, I was initially a little underwhelmed by the selection on the menu. With only 8 menu items, 2 of which were simply variations of the other items, it felt strange being so quickly certain of what I wanted to eat.
I ordered the Oink2 Hamburg ($16.90), Japanese Base, at spiciness level 10. I expected a simple thick curry gravy poured over a bed of warm rice and steamed veggies–after all, that’s what Japanese curries typically look like right?
Our 2 DiscoverSG ambassadors, Nicholas and Vanessa, ordered the Hungry Bear ($18.90) with Pork Belly, with a Shrimp Base, spiciness level 10, and a Cheesy Bear ($16.90) with a Coconut Base, spiciness level 13 respectively. We also decided to get the Hokkaido Imomochi Cheese ($6.50/2 pieces) and Hokkaido Crab Cream Croquette ($6.50/2 pieces) as sides.
Our food in all their glory
To say we were surprised was an understatement. Receiving our curries in a bowl of what seemed like soup left us speechless for a couple of seconds. Couple that with the amazing smells wafting up in roiling steam, we couldn’t wait to dig into the unusual dish.
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The Oink2 Hamburg in a Japanese Base curry[/caption]
My dish came with a thick hamburg patty, surrounded by a bed of vibrant, assorted vegetables and half an Ajitsuke Tamago (Japanese marinated soft boiled egg).
At level 10 (out of 30) of spiciness, I was greeted with a gentle, warming heat from the light curry. While I thoroughly enjoyed the juicy beef patty, what intrigued me most were the vegetables. After a quick chat with the chef, we found out that the vegetables (potatoes, green peppers, baby corn, carrot and broccoli) were first pre-fried for around 10 seconds, before being assembled in the dish.
The pre-frying was clear from the crispy potatoes which only required the slightest pressure to achieve a satisfying popping of its crunchy skin, revealing a melt-in-your-mouth tender potato.
As for the curry broth… I still can’t figure out the components of its complex herb and spice mix. It was a special, secret recipe, which was probably why the chef wasn’t too keen to share what the particular herb dancing on my palate was. My guess is basil, but I could be wrong.
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Hungry Bear with Pork Belly in a Shrimp Base[/caption]
Flavours of shellfish burst forth from this curry, making one suspect that tons of shellfish, ranging from shrimp to clams, have been boiling for hours in this shrimp base to infuse it with such intense seafood flavours. You may think pork belly is a weird topping for a shrimp base curry, but the two actually paired nicely. Definitely a dish you’ll have to try for yourself to understand.
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Cheesy Bear in a Coconut Base[/caption]
We also got to try the coconut base curry, which was both unique and familiar in flavour at the same time. The milky coconut essence floods your mouth without overwhelming the flavours of sweet cabbage, carrots and fragrant, crispy chicken katsu. The cheese was a nice touch, accenting the dish without distracting from the other components of the dish.
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Hokkaido Crab Cream Croquette (centre), Hokkaido Imomochi Cheese (lower right)[/caption]
Our attentive waiter recommended the house’s special side: the Hokkaido Crab Cream Croquette.
Covered in the classic Japanese tempura breading, the croquette was stuffed with the creamiest crab mash ever. When topped with the savoury, slightly acidic dipping sauce (my guess is it’s Yakitori): Heaven.
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Hokkaido Imomochi Cheese[/caption]
I saved the best appetiser for the last: the Hokkaido Imomochi Cheese.
A thin, crispy breading reminiscent of fried ice cream, your teeth will sink into a layer of chewy mochi before hitting the jackpot of melted, oozing cheese. Coupled with a sweet teriyaki dipping sauce that enhances the delicate, dripping cheese, it’s safe to say that Sama Curry & Café has perfected their dishes.
With every dish packing a punch of flavour, scoring 10/10 on presentation, and breaking our expectations by surprising our palates, Sama Curry & Café is THE place to go to for a comforting and delicious workday lunch.
Sama Curry & Café
Address: OUE Downtown 2 Gallery Level 2, 6a Shenton Way Singapore 068809
Operating Hours: Mon – Sat: 11am – 9pm
Contact no.: 6224 0590
Also read Visit Mini World Heritage Sites For Only $17 – We Promise ‘Everything Is Awesome’
We Are Days Away From Ultra Singapore – These Are The Acts S’poreans Are Hyped To See
The DBS Marina Regatta has come and gone. We drank, lazed around, soaked up the sun, and also managed to hit up the Pre-Ultra Party!
A two-day teaser of what’s to come at the upcoming Ultra Singapore, the party was nothing short of heart-pumping action with the crowd raising their hands, dancing the night away to the sounds of emerging DJs Dubvision, Crossnaders, Raiden, Jade Rasif, Moe, and Myrne.
An Ultra Good Time
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DBS Marina Regatta 2017 Pre-Ultra Party[/caption]
Despite a slow start, the party really got started on the second night, with DJ Dubvision helming the decks, hyping the crowd and blasting some familiar tunes, turning the party up to eleven.
Drinks were on hand, the lights in the Play Dome added to the electric atmosphere, and everyone had a blast! Even the DJs joined the crowd, dancing with us once they were finished with their sets. Some very lucky folks got to rub shoulders (literally) with some of these rising names in EDM.
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DBS Marina Regatta 2017 Pre-Ultra Party[/caption]
Limited edition merchandise, including wristbands and caps were also given out, so party-goers could take home a piece of the event as a souvenir!
The Acts Singaporeans Are Most Excited To See
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Image Credit: 
Steve Aoki (Image Credit: DJMag)[/caption]
2. “The music at last year’s Ultra was SO good, especially Kygo! I love it when a song comes on that everyone knows and EVERYONE sings along, completely in sync. It’s an indescribable feeling and I’m looking forward to feeling that again at this year’s festival. In terms of DJs, I’m super hyped for Tiësto.” – Jerome
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Tiësto (Image Credit: 
Showtek (Image Credit: 
Rich Chigga (Image Credit: 
Pendulum (Image Credit: Edmsauce)[/caption]
If you’ve been sitting on the fence, unsure of whether you should head out for Ultra Singapore this year, these are some more reasons to go.
Touted the EDM party of the year, it’ll be awhile before we see another star-studded line up like this!
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Ultra Line-Up[/caption]
Happening very soon on 10 and 11 June, Ultra Singapore tickets are still on sale, with General Admission tickets for both 1 Day and 2 Day entry still available for purchase. 1 Day tickets are tagged at USD$115 and 2 Day tickets are going at USD$178.
Purchase your tickets here before they all run out!
(Header Image Source: YouTube)
Japan’s Largest Fugu Restaurant Chain Is Here In Singapore, And It Will ‘Blow’ Your Mind
Be prepared to be blown away by this ultimate fugu experience.
Guenpin Fugu, Japan’s largest fugu restaurant chain, has set up shop in Singapore! It boasts a whopping 96 outlets in Japan, and has just settled here in a cozy 32-seater establishment.
The secret to its success? The most exciting dish on the menu–its signature Tiger Puffer Fish.
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Image Credit: Guenpin Fugu[/caption]
Tempting Torafugu
Not all fugu are created equal.
“Torafugu”, or Tiger Puffer Fish, is recognized as the most premium grade of puffer fish available on the market.
Rich in collagen and protein, torafugu has less calories and fat than normal puffers, making it the luxury go-to fish for health and beauty.
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Image Credit: Alainlicious[/caption]
You can choose to have this rare fish in all its delicious forms.
There’s the thin sliced puffer fish sashimi “Tessa” ($28), puffer fish hot pot “Tecchiri” ($55), BBQ puffer fish meat ($48), puffer fish sushi ($18/3 pc, $28/5 pc), and deep fried puffer fish meat ($35).
Each dish is prepared by hand, and with the 30 years of skill and expertise of Genpin Fugu’s licensed artisan cooks.
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Image Credit: Guenpin Fugu[/caption]
Guenpin’s torafugu is flown in from Shimonoseki, Japan’s puffer fish capital for safe and quality fugu.
If you’ve never tried torafugu before, expect a clear, translucent meat with a crisp, firm texture, and subtle flavour.
Snow Crab & Sake
For the less courageous, Guenpin’s snow crab is a great alternative.
Just like the fugu, it’s prepared in a variety of ways like sliced sashimi, sushi, grilled, hotpot or cooked with porridge.
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Image Credit: Guenpin Fugu[/caption]
No Japanese meal is complete without sake!
While classic picks are always on the menu, the more adventurous can go for the more obscure ones. Think fin sake ($25), or tsugi sake ($15)–a cup of heated sake with grilled fish fins.
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Image Credit: Guenpin Fugu[/caption]
If you’re looking to have a taste of pufferfish, this is the fugu specialist you need to visit.
Guenpin Fugu & Snow Crab Japanese Restaurant
Address: Guenpin Fugu, #01-06 Maxwell Chambers, 32 Maxwell Rd., Singapore, Singapore 069115
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am; Sat – Sun: 5pm – 12am
Contact no.: 6634 2916
Website
Goodbye Gong Cha, LiHo Is Taking Over – We Tried Their New Cheese Bubble Tea To See If They’re Worth It
Bubble tea lovers, and specifically Gong Cha lovers, we’ve got some very bad news for you.
Gong Cha will be shuttering all its stores, and in its place will be a new home-grown bubble tea brand–LiHo.
Change is already underway, with 30 Gong Cha outlets already converted into LiHo shops. By 5 June 2017, all 80 Gong Cha outlets island-wide will be replaced. #RIPGongCha
Long story short, this drastic change comes because of a change in ownership of Gong Cha’s parent company, leading to new franchising terms that are no longer favourable to its Singapore franchisee, RTG Holdings.
LiHo – Singapore’s Newest Bubble Tea Spot
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Image Credit: Yeo Khee[/caption]
Brought to you by the same RTG Holdings, LiHo is Singapore’s answer to Gong Cha with a very cheesy twist!
For those of you who don’t speak Hokkien, LiHo translates into ‘How are you?’.
Not only is the phrase quintessentially Singaporean, it distances the brand from its predecessor. Aside from the name change, here are some things we’ll be saying goodbye to and some new things we can get excited about.
New Flavours
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Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
The biggest pull at LiHo is their new line of Cheese flavoured drinks. Yes, CHEESE flavoured.
While some of you might recoil in disgust at the mere thought of having cheese added to your bubble tea, the cheese flavour will only be in the froth of the tea! From Cheese Black Tea to Cheese ‘n’ Choc Smoothie, you won’t find these unique flavours at any other bubble tea shop.
We managed to try a few of their cheese bubble teas and were honestly quite underwhelmed by the experience.
There was no discernible cheese flavour, and even when we tasted the foam directly, the cheese flavour was very, very subtle. Some of our colleagues did note that the cheese froth tastes similar to the salty froth you find in some of Gong Cha’s teas, so that’s good news!
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Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
While there are novel additions to LiHo’s menu, Gong Cha lovers will be pleased to know that there are old favourites that taste exactly the same!
Keen to try something different? The Cheese Guan Yin Ji is a good bet. Traditional Chinese tea with milk, this tea is a refreshing addition to the menu.
Looking for something that’s both sweet and refreshing? LiHo has a range of Lemon & Vitagen beverages. The crowd-pleaser, Fresh Lemon Juice Honey, is tagged at $2.90 for a medium-sized cup and the array of Vitagen beverages go for $3.60 – $4.50.
New Packaging
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Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
Another change we were pretty psyched about was their new packaging. LiHo has given the old bubble tea cup–complete with its plastic sheet cover–an upgrade. Firm, reusable plastic containers with plastic lids are what your LiHo bubble teas will come in. Not only is it a sleeker option, the lid lets you choose between sipping from the cup or drinking from a straw!
LiHo’s plastic cups are re-usable so we foresee our kitchens filling up with empty LiHo cups!
Price Points
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Image Credit: Yeo Khee[/caption]
The classic milk teas at LiHo will set you back between $2.80 – $3.50 for a medium sized cup and $3.80 – $4.50 for a large cup. Cheese smoothie drinks come in a standard large and will set you back a jaw-dropping $6.90!
While the serving is generous, the price tag is pretty steep for bubble tea. That said, most of the large-sized drinks will cost you under $5. (Phew!)
Price-wise, add-ons like custard pudding and Nata de Coco are comparable to other bubble tea spots, with only the cheese froth setting you back $2.
Out With Old And In With The New
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Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
In all, the new LiHo has a more ‘atas’ vibe, with its sleeker, higher quality cups and lids. They definitely have the novelty factor with their cheese flavoured drinks. Their drink selection is also significantly smaller, at 2/3 the size of Gong Cha’s. The price point is also higher, which is a big deterrent for us long-time lovers of Gong Cha.
With Gong Cha stores still open from now till 5 June, you’ll want to make sure you get as much Gong Cha in before they disappear across the country!
Want to try LiHo for yourself? Head to their outlets at Bedok Mall, Bugis+, Bukit Merah Central and Tiong Bahru. While we were lucky enough to avoid long queues when we headed down, we can’t guarantee the wait time will stay short once word gets out!
Also read, 8 Instagram-Worthy Drinks That Will Have Your Followers Spamming The Like Button
Downtown Gallery Is Giving Other Malls A Run For Their Money With Fresh Store Concepts
One thing Singaporeans never get sick of is shopping, and I attest to this 100%.
Singapore is a shopaholics dream destination, with over 200 shopping malls spread over our tiny island. Downtown Gallery is the latest addition to the list. Located in the heart of the Cental Business District, walking distance away from Tanjong Pagar MRT, Downtown Gallery is no ordinary shopping mall.
A Tech Geek’s Dream
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Image Credit: Picturesify[/caption]
The jewel of Downtown Gallery has to be the Wayfinder. Consisting of 12 55-inch monitors, it is Singapore’s largest interactive mall directory. Wayfinder even has a weather feature that accurately depicts lightning and storms on the screen in real time!
Socialise While Cooking Up A Storm
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Image Credit: House Inspire[/caption]
One feature that hopes to bring Singaporeans together is the “social kitchen”. Fitted with 10 cooking stations, complete with kitchen equipment, crockery and condiments, Singaporeans can book a station online or via an app. You can then bring your own raw ingredients and cook up a storm with friends and family.
Measuring 4,000sq ft, this “social kitchen” includes a dining space so you can set up an intimate birthday celebration or family get-together with your loved ones!
Food, Glorious Food!
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Image Credit: VENUE by Sebastian[/caption]
What’s a mall without food? Downtown Gallery offers up a wide array of eats for every occasion.
Looking for a spot to indulge? Head to Venue by Sebastian. Serving up contemporary European fare, with both communal tables and bar counter seats available, Venue by Sebastian is perfect for a lunch meeting.
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Image Credit: hungryhongkong.net[/caption]
Have a casual and filling lunch at Sama Curry & Cafe, a Hokkaido soup curry shop that offers a unique twist on the classic Asian dish, served with pork belly, hamburg patty, eggs, chicken or seafood. There’s nothing like tucking into a bowl of curry on a rainy afternoon.
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Image Credit: Omotesando Koffee is setting up shop at Downtown Gallery. With coffee beans roasted in Kyoto by Ogawa Coffee Roasters, just like the outlets in Japan, coffee aficionados will finally be able to indulge in some authentic Japanese coffee!
And Everything Else In Between!
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Image Credit: DBS Marina Regatta Is Bringing The Beach To The Bay, With lululemon Workouts, Potato Head’s Coconut Bar & More!
These Epic Concerts Are The Ultimate Gift For Your Gamer Boyfriend
Dating a gamer or are one yourself? If so, you’d know that the soundtrack of a game plays an important role in creating the atmosphere and building the world of the game. Think Super Mario Bros., Diablo and Final Fantasy. Play just snippets of their music and you are instantly transported to a time you played the game.
This year, 2 popular video games we played through our childhood–and even our youth–will see their musical scores being played live in concert!
1. The Legend of Zelda – Symphony of the Goddesses
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Image Credit: SISTIC.
The Legend of Zelda – Symphony of the Goddesses
Venue: Grand Theatre, Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
Date: 26 August 2017
Time: 7.30pm
Price: $65, $95, $115, $135, $155, $215
VIP Box (For 4 seats): S$860
A Reserve Box (For 4 seats): S$620
Box Seats (For 4 seats): S$460
3. Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy
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Image Credit: Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy
Venue: The Star Theatre
Date: 21 Oct
Time: 7.30pm
Price: $58, $68, $78, $98, $118, $138, $158, $238
Experience a whole new dimension of the video games that marked your childhood at these concerts. Not only are they an aweseme #throwback to simpler times, you’ll also be able to appreciate the music of the games like you’ve never before!
(Top Image Credit:
8 Instagram-Worthy Drinks That Will Have Your Followers Spamming The Like Button
Hands up if you can’t resist snapping a photo of your avocado toast or your latte during brunch.
Most of us are guilty of snapping a pic or two of our food, especially if they’re pretty because #foodgoals. And why shouldn’t you? After all, someone put hard work into plating up or creating these dishes–appreciating it is the least we can do.
If you’re a foodie who loves digging into nosh that not just tastes but looks amazing, we’ve shortlisted 10 beverages from all over Singapore that are not just a treat for the taste buds, but for the eyes as well.
1. Unicorn Tears @ Dapper Coffee
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Image Credit: Burpple User Jeslyn xxx[/caption]
While unicorns sadly do not exist, here’s something we’d happily make do with: Unicorn Tears. Created by the good people at Dapper Coffee, a small cafe along Amoy Street, Unicorn Tears is the cafe’s best known product.
A shimmery swirl of aqua blue with flecks of sparkle, this beverage is not just to be consumed–it’s to be admired as well. The one thing you MUST do when you get your hands on a bottle of Unicorn Tears is give it a good shake! This will bring out all the sparkle and the mesmerising shades of blue.
At $10 a bottle, Unicorn Tears does not come cheap, but it is free of alcohol, caffeine, nuts, soy, eggs and it’s gluten-free.
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Image Credit: Dapper Coffee[/caption]
So what is it made of? We can’t quite pinpoint the ingredients that go into this magical potion but according to the people at Dapper Coffee, Unicorn Tears “is some pure-ass stuff”.
For the animal lovers out there, don’t worry! No unicorns were harmed in the making of Unicorn Tears.
Dapper Coffee
Address: 73A Amoy Street, Second Floor, Singapore 069892.
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm; Weekends & PH: Closed
Website
2. Ombre Drinks @ The Juicy Way & The Talad Drink
If you were at Artbox this year, you would have noticed some epic-ly long queues at stalls serving up ombre drinks. The Juicy Way and The Talad Drink were two stalls that saw excited Singaporeans queueing up for hours to get their hands on these colourful bottles of fruit juices and smoothies.
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Image Credit: The Juicy Way Facebook[/caption]
Crafted from an assortment of fruits, The Juicy Way serves up bottles of juice that come in alluring ombre shades. The Big Bang, crafted from dragonfruit, guava, honeydew and blue pea flower is one of the more eye-catching ones with its galaxy-like hues of purple, grey and blue.
Unfortunately, The Juicy Way is primarily a pop up store, so you’ll have to follow them on Instagram and Facebook to get updates on where they’ll be popping up next!
The Juicy Way
Facebook
Instagram
Image credit: Burpple User My Food Story[/caption]
Serving up authentic Thai nosh, alongside an assortment of juices and traditional Thai drinks, the Talad Drink & Thai Kitchen was a crowd favourite at this year’s Artbox. If you missed the chance to try The Talad Drink at Artbox, fret not! They have a kiosk at Toa Payoh just a stone’s throw away from the Toa Payoh Bus Interchange.
While you can expect your favourite Thai drinks here like Thai Ice Milk Tea and Thai Iced Lemon Grass, don’t expect them to come in their usual dull colours–The Talad Drink serves up all their beverages in giant bottles of ombre tones.
Want a refreshing tea? Opt for the An Chan Orange or An Chan Kiwi. The colours are gorgeous and are bound to up your ‘Gram game!
Talad Drink & Thai Kitchen
Address: 190 Toa Payoh Lorong 6, #01-520, S10190
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm
Facebook
3. Rainbow Lattes @ I AM & Dazzling Cafe
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Image Credit: I AM[/caption]
At one point, edible rainbows were the only food trend worth chasing (get it?). Food items served in all the colours of the rainbow may seem ridiculous to some, but to Instagram foodies, they spell an Instagram moment.
There are not one but two well known joints in Singapore serving up the photogenic Rainbow Lattes: I AM cafe, a popular halal eatery that serves up Western fare, and Dazzling Cafe, a Taiwanese franchise known for its thick toasts.
For those unacquainted with the concept of Rainbow Lattes, it typically involves dripping food colouring into a pitcher of steamed milk. A skilled barista then pours the milk into the coffee, as with any other cup of latte.
Rainbow Lattes, like most rainbow-coloured food, do not taste any different from their less colourful counterparts, so they really are your average cup of coffee with a colourful twist!
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Image Credit: Burpple User Daniel Food Diary[/caption]
I AM
Address: 674 North Bridge Road, S199486
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 11am – 11pm; Fri & Sat: 11am – 1am; Sun: 11am – 10pm
Address: #03-04, Tampines Hub, 51 Tampines Ave 4, S520940
Opening Hours: Daily, 11 am – 11 pm
Website
Dazzling Cafe
Address: #01-85, Capitol Piazza, 15 Stamford Rd, S178906Website
4. OTT Milkshakes @ Cake Spade, Robert Timms, Patissez
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Image Credit: Cake Spade Facebook Page[/caption]
Known for their deliciously dense cakes and OTT milkshakes, Cake Spade is a cafe that’s truly knows its desserts. From the Matcha Adzuki Cakeshake to their Unicorn Cakeshake, Cake Spade doesn’t fool around when it comes to their monster desserts. The perfect spot to satisfy your sugar cravings, we highly recommend sharing the Freakshakes at Cake Spade.
Another place you can go for your Freakshake fix is Robert Timms. With flavours like Banana Popcorn and Rocky Timms, these OTT milkshakes will have you getting busy slurping everything up!
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Image Credit: Patissez Instagram [/caption]
The original creators of the Freakshake, Patissez is all about keeping it simple. Patissez has an array of more “traditional” tasting OTT Milkshakes, with flavours like mint chocolate and salted pretzel. Ironically, the creations at Patissez are quite tame compared those from other dessert spots, but we kind of like the fact that these look far less intimidating than the others.
Cake Spade
Address: 83 Tg Pagar Rd, S088504
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 12pm – 9.30pm; Fri & Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm; Sun: Closed
Patissez
Address: 118 Holland Avenue, #01-06, S278997
Opening Hours: Weekdays: 10am – 10pm; Weekends: 9am – 10pm
Image Credit: Burpple User Kris Lim[/caption]
If you’re all about the ‘gram, Enchanted Cafe is a quaint spot you need to check out. Far from the typical brunch fare we’ve become accustomed to, this cafe offers up food with an enchanting Singaporean twist!
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Image Credit: Burpple User Shali Selva[/caption]
The star of the show at this cafe is the Sorcerer’s Elixir.
Served atop a stone dish filled with dry ice, this enticing beverage starts off slightly purple with whispers of shimmer. The staff will come around and pour a slightly orange-y substance into your drink, turning it from a dark red to a deep purple. The whole spectacle of the Sorcerer’s Elixir is mesmerising, so we advise getting your phones ready to capture the magic!
Sip slowly though, because this particular drink will set you back almost $10!
Enchanted Cafe
Address: 88 Rangoon Road #01-04, S218374
Opening Hours: Wed & Thu: 12pm – 10pm; Fri: 11am – 11pm; Sat: 10am – 11pm; Sun: 10am – 8pm; Tue: 11am – 10pm; Mon: Closed
6. Heisenberg @ The Lab
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Image Credit: Burpple User Estée Celestine[/caption]
The Lab is one of those cafes that will keep you coming back for more. Located a stone’s throw away from Sultan Mosque, The Lab is known for serving up your usual Western fare, alongside a slew of desserts and drinks. If you’re the kind who can never decide what to eat, this place will make that decision even harder for you.
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Image Credit: The Lab Facebook Page[/caption]
Like any dining establishment worth its salt, The Lab serves a good range of coffees, juices and mocktails. However, what sets The Lab apart is the presentation of its drinks. The Heinsenberg, which is served with a syringe in it, is a particularly interesting one. Hot beverages also come with droppers filled with sugar syrup!
Not only are these drinks tasty, they’re a fun experience, and they’re 100% insta-worthy.
The Lab While some food fads are able to stand the test of time (hello salted egg-everything), some quickly fade into obscurity. One that will certainly be a cute addition to your Instagram feed is the Light Bulb Drink. Call it gimmicky if you want, but you can’t deny that these drinks make you want to whip out your phone and snap a picture of it. Bubbs serves your favourite Bubble Tea flavours in plastic light bulbs, from the classic Milk Tea to an assortment of Fruit Teas. But here’s the bad news–Bubbs only has one outlet and it certainly is out of the way for many Singaporeans. Located in Tai Seng, it’s great for those working in the area, and not so great for, well, the rest of us. What’s a light bulb that doesn’t light up, am I right? Oh My Cafe at Westgate takes the Light Bulb drink to the next level but serving it with a glowing straw. Serving drinks in all sorts of eye-catching colours, we have to say, the drinks here have won our hearts. Bubbs Oh My Cafe One caffeinated treat that will have your followers double tapping away is the Coffee In A Cone. No, it’s not as simple as pouring a cuppa into an ice cream cone. Instead, the process involves coating the ice cream cones with different chocolate compounds, giving them that hardened exterior and extra integrity. Warm, slightly sweet and with a crunch, this is a whole new way to enjoy your cuppa. Coffee Academics
Address: 1 Jalan Pisang, #01-01, S199069
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 12pm – 10pm; Sun: 1pm – 10pm
Image Credit: Bubbs Facebook Page[/caption]
Image Credit: Oh My Cafe Facebook Page[/caption]
Address: 1 Irving Place #01-06, S369546
Address: #B1-01, Westgate Mall, 3 Gateway Drive , S608532
8. Coffee In A Cone @ Coffee Academics
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Image Credit: Burpple User Dex Neo[/caption]
Address: Scotts Square, #02-01/02, 6 Scotts Road, S228209
Opening Hours: Daily: 9am – 9pm
Forget Sugar Glazed, This Cafe Serves Up Savoury Donuts Like ‘Cheeseburger’ And ‘Bacon’ At Only $2.90 A Pop
