Location: Orchard

Kyoaji Dining: Affordable & Exquisite Japanese Food With A Surprising Twist!

If any of you were disappointed by the closure of Fukuichi Dining at TripleOne Somserset, you’ll be relieved to know that Kyoaji Dining is helmed by the same team.

Executive Chef John Phua, with over 30 years of experience in Japanese cuisine, continues to wow our taste buds with a thoughtfully conceived menu featuring familiar and well-loved dishes!

The rebranded name “Kyoaji” literally translates to “A taste of Kyoto”. Situated on the 4^th level of the newly revamped wing of Centrepoint, Kyoaji Dining promises to serve authentic Japanese fare at reasonable prices. Read on for our experience!

1) Kani Tofu

A unique spin on the traditional chawanmushi, the Kani Tofu (tamago with tofu) is topped with a decadent layer of century egg puree with juicy crab meat!

The cold handmade tofu is incredibly silky while the liberally sprinkled Tobikko packs a subtle crunch with each bite.

Crab Meat Bean Curd ($6)

2) Shio Maguro Aburi Maki

Tired of the usual salmon aburi maki dominating the menu in almost every Japanese restaurant?

We have here a beautifully presented seared white tuna roll topped with Tobikko and green caviar.

We would aburi everything if we had it our way! Nice and smoky, each thick slice of tuna, wrapped around a california roll base, was fully savoured.

Seared White Tuna Roll ($22)

3) Caterpillar Maki

If you thought that Japanese food automatically translates into Insta-worthy captures, the Caterpillar Maki is a great example.

The avocado slices give the illusion of a caterpillar coming to life – it even has eyes (made of Tako) to boot!

On a low carb diet? This maki is made without rice.

Pop each little segment of the caterpillar body in your mouth and be overwhelmed from the freshness of each light bite.

Avocado roll ($20)

4) Ebi Almond Tempura 

If you’re a fan of almonds, this dish might just hit the spot! Here’s an ebi tempura with extra crunch and flavour.

Each tempura is generously coated with sliced almonds and deep-fried to perfection. We liked how the nutty profile complemented the sweeetness of the prawns. The batter coating was not too thick too!

Deep Fried Prawns with Almonds ($15)

5) Fukiyose Beinsu

This is one of Chef’s Phua’s signature creations.

A whole eggplant is sliced and stuffed to the brim with a seafood lover’s dream.

The fresh scallop and prawns are coated with a thick, savoury base braised with Japanese soya sauce, mirin and sake. Expect to pick up light notes of yuzu as well. This is one said to be one of their top signature dishes. A must-try!

Egg Plant with Seafood ($25)

6) Fagura Chawan Mushi

Kyoaji Dining sure knows how to get their chawanmushi right- They have an entire menu page dedicated to this particular dish.

This silky steamed egg custard is layered with foie gras liver sauce and cubes (an elevated version of the common chawanmushi) stole the show. The liver sauce tasted almost caramalized and gave the chawanmushi a lot more depth in flavour. The foie gras cubes were oh so sinful, but extremely satisfying.

Goose Liver Steamed Egg ($25)

If you were a fan of Fukuichi Dining, expect to find your favourite Japanese dishes resurrected at Kyoaji Dining. Have a look at their set lunches, they are affordably priced as well!

To celebrate the opening of their new restaurant, you can enjoy 15% of your total bill, valid till 30^th November so head on down soon! We know, good news and great food have to be shared.

This was an invited food tasting session.

Kyoaji Dining
Address: 176 Orchard Road #04-17/18 The Centrepoint
Opening hours:
For lunch, Monday – Friday: 11.30 am-3pm (last order at 2.30pm)
For dinner, 5.30pm – 10.30pm (last order at 10pm)
Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30am – 10.30pm (last order at 10pm)
Website: Facebook, Instagram

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5 Apartments In Singapore That Are Role Models ‘Cos They’re So Green

Today, there are more than 1 million public housing flats in 23 towns with over 80% living in HDB flats. With a focus on eco green living, other “vertical villages” like high-rise and high-density private condominiums and apartments are on the rise as well.

But, are these ‘green’ apartments merely just buildings with expensive solar panels and high technology mechanisms?

Well, we debunk this myth by introducing 5 high rise apartments that are role models because they’ve successfully incorporated eco green living in Singapore.

You’d totally want to live in a home like that.

1. The Topiary

Located at the west of Sengkang New Town along Fernvale Lane, The Topiary Fernvale EC is the first Executive Condominium launched in Sengkang.

It is equipped with full Condo facilities including aerobic/yoga rooms, hydrotherapy beds and even an onsen!

Designed by DP Architects, The Topiary was built with sustainable materials, and its building configuration and site orientation promotes natural ventilation and daylighting.

Not only can residents enjoy the common sky terraces outdoors, but they can also enjoy energy-efficient air-conditioners indoors that all units come with!

The Topiary
Address: 11 Fernvale Lane

2. Punggol Waterway Ridges

We all know Punggol is increasingly popular with many up and coming developments. But what we may not know is that many of these developments promote sustainable living.

One of these is Punggol Waterway Ridges, which was recently awarded the HDB Design Award in September and is due for completion this December.

Located along Edgefield Plains and on the northern bank of the Waterfront town, residents can enjoy waterfront living while conserving water!

Punggol Waterway Ridges
Address: 669 Edgefield Plains

3. SkyTerrace @ Dawson

Located in Dawson Estate in the Alexandra area, this project has ecologically conscious technologies like drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, bio-retention basins and solar energy systems.

[caption id="attachment_17260" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Image Credit: SCDA Architects[/caption]

At SkyTerrace @ Dawson, there are five towers ranging from 40 to 43 storeys and elevated gardens with lush greenery.

These link through bridges, allowing residents to enjoy the natural environment and enjoy interaction with fellow residents.

Sky Terrace @ Dawson
Address: 89 Dawson Road

4. Casa Clementi

Landscaping in public housing has definitely reached a whole new level.

Casa Clementi in Clementi Avenue 1 has an award-winning landscaped deck that links ten blocks in the estate.

Not only is the green roof multi-functional with paved open plazas, but there are also children’s play stations and perimeter pathways.

These pathways can double as a 660m jogging track. They serve many purposes – as a water irrigation system, and also to conceal the carpark.

Residents can unwind in this gardenscape after a long day and enjoy the feel of what may otherwise be mistaken as a private condominium!

Casa Clementi
Address: Clementi Ave 1

5. NTU North Hill Residential Hill

Who would have thought that a residential hall in a school could be so popular?

Not only are these NTU’s residential halls the first public high-rises in Singapore to use a “Lego-style” construction method, but they are also one of the newest eco-friendly high-rise buildings.

There are sustainable features such as energy-saving lighting and solar-powered systems. One of the green features is that all rooms in the residential halls have special “Low-E” glazed windows. These windows reflect heat using a special coating.

NTU North Hill Residential Hall
Address: 50 Nanyang Walk

Singapore has definitely upped its green game in the recent years.

The next time you’re looking for a new home, you may want to consider if it is eco-friendly!

Also, read The Only Guide You Need To Exploring Lavender: Food, Cafes, Fitness & More!

Shang Palace’s Hairy Crab Menu Is So Magical, It’ll Make You Feel Like Hairy Potter

Hairy Crab season dawns upon us and Shang Palace of Shangri-la Hotel is getting in on the action!

Master Chef, Steven Ng, created an extensive menu featuring these delightful delicacies for an exclusive period from 17 October to 30 November 2016.

Guest can choose from a six-course hairy crab menu or a choice of nine a la carte items. Don’t miss this opportunity to sink your teeth into these delicious hairy crabs!

What’s The Hairy Crab Menu All About?

Known for its rich and creamy golden roe, Chef Ng brings out the best flavours of Hairy Crabs through Jiang Su and Zhe Jiang style of cooking. Here, we present a sneak preview of what you can expect in the Hairy Crab menu at Shang Palace!

1) Braised Bird’s Nest, Hairy Crab Meat and Roe

Start your meal with a hearty bowl of delectable bird’s nest with generous toppings of crab meat and roe!

Chef Ng shreds the crab meat and mixes it with the roe, so you can enjoy crab meat without getting your hands dirty. We polished this off in no time!

2) Braised Tofu, Meatball, Hairy Crab Meat and Roe

This dish may not look the most appetising, but it tasted like heaven.

Tofu was cut into tiny cubes and mixed with minced meat. It was all drenched in crab meat and roe sauce. Scoop up that sauce and bite into the crispy tofu and meat at the same time, for a party in your mouth!

3) Pan-Fried Hairy Crab Meat Stuffed Shell with Shrimp Paste and Pork

Shreds of crab meat and minced pork were mixed with shrimp paste, and stuffed into a crab shell.

Oozing with flavours of seafood goodness, chewy, and juicy, this was no doubt, our favourite dish!

4) Crispy Noodles with Sea Caracol, Hairy Crab Meat and Roe

Crispy noodle is doused with crab meat and roe sauce for this dish.

Paired with Sea Caracol, this dish was the ultimate representation of the taste of the ocean.

Enjoy the crunch of the crispy noodles, the chewy sea caracol, and the savoury fragrance of crab meat and roe in this one sumptuous dish!

Take a bite now!

Chef Ng has shown that crab meat and roe just about goes with everything! These dishes are not all, specialties like Steamed Hairy Crab with Ginger Tea and Deep-fried Cod Fish with Yuzu Honey Glaze are also available.

If you’d like something more luxe, do also try the Claypot Braised Bird’s Nest Dumpling, and Barbecued Kurobuta Pork with Shredded Lobster Roll!

Head on down to Shang Palace before the Hairy Crab season is over. Don’t just go alone, bring your family and friends and surprise them with this decadent delicacy.

Shang Palace @ Shangri-La
Address: 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
Open:
For Lunch, Monday to Friday:  12noon – 2.30pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays : 10.30am – 3pm.
For Dinner, Monday to Sunday : 6pm – 10.30pm
Price:
Hairy Crab Six-Course Menu : $138 per person
A La Carte Menu: $24 – $92
Website: Want A Chance To Literally Eat Your Feelings? Shangri-La’s The Table Is Your Answer!

The Rice Table: Sedap Indonesian Food In The Heart Of Orchard Road!

Stashed away on the 2nd floor of International Building along Orchard Road, The Rice Table has been a welcomed mainstay in the area.

It serves up gastronomical dishes created from age-old recipes that evoke the warm taste of home-cooked food and Indonesian hospitality.

You will be instantly drawn in by The Rice Table’s earthly interior tones, wooden panels, tribal motifs, and woven lampshades when you walk into this cosy eatery. They emanate a rustic charm.

At the table, the first thing that draws your attention is the long plate warmer, which is an ingenious way of keeping your little dishes warm and enjoyable for a longer time.

The food

While there are quite a number of restaurants serving specialty Indonesian fare, The Rice Table claims to be the only authentic rijsttafel restaurant, where dishes are laid out in small, sampling portions in the form of a rice table for a feast of the senses.

Taste a plethora of classic Indonesian delicacies without breaking a sweat. And yes, The Rice Table is a Halal restaurant!

From the classic curry chicken to the surprisingly tasty fried sweet and sour fish, a variety of 20 delectable dishes are on offer at The Rice Table’s dinner all-you-can-eat buffet (15 items for lunch!).

Tahu Telor, the perfect match of fried tofu cubes and omelette, done to perfection. Soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, and topped with The Rice Table’s in-house signature sauce.

The Sate Ayam (grilled chicken satay) is marinated with a secret family recipe. The meat is juicy and oh-so-flavourful. A definite must-try.

Their umami Ayam Panggang (grilled chicken) is also robust in flavour and very tender. Make sure you savour every spoonful of the traditional Indonesian sweet soya sauce it comes with.

Details

Drinks and desserts are not included in The Rice Table’s menu. If you still have room for some sweet treats, you absolutely have to give their Durian Chendol a shot.

With generous toppings of red beans, pandan jelly and a thick coat of Gula Melaka goodness atop a finely-shaved bed of durian-pureed ice, there is no better way to conclude your satisfying Indonesian dining experience.

There has to be a reason why The Rice Table has rolled with the punches and survived the ever-changing landscape of Singapore’s restaurant scene. Time to make a reservation for the weekends, head down and find out for yourself!

The Rice Table
Address: 360 Orchard Road, #02-09/10 International Building, Singapore 238869
Contact: 6835 3782
Opening Hours: Daily: 12:00 – 15:00, 18:00 – 21:00
All-You-Can-Eat Set Lunch: $17.85
All-You-Can-Eat Set Dinner: $28.50
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