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.
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Image Credit: Burpple User Cassie Ong[/caption]
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.
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Kaya Pandan Éclair (Image Credit: @leclairpatisserie)[/caption]
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.
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Ispahan Éclair (Image Credit: @leclairpatisserie)[/caption]
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.
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L-R: Salted egg yolk lotus, black sesame red bean, and taro macadamia (Image Credit: @leclairpatisserie)[/caption]
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.
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(Image Credit: @leclairpatisserie)[/caption]
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!
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Image Credit: L’éclair[/caption]
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)
Placing Your Order In Sign Language Will Get You A 10% Discount At This Cafe
You can order in English – or sign language if you prefer – at Puzzles.
If you order in sign language, you’ll get an additional 10% discount.
Don’t know how to speak sign? Don’t worry, as there is an instruction board at the counter to guide you. The servers will be super appreciative that you tried to converse in their language, so take your time.
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A beginner’s guide to sign language that you’ll find at the counter (Image Credit: Wikipedia)[/caption]
A Cafe With A Cause
Puzzles, a cafe that serves up pizza bombs and other snacks, was started by two Ngee Ann Polytechnic graduates, Suzana Slemat and Shazlina Sulaiman, who wanted to shed some light on the struggles that deaf people face when interacting with service staff.
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Founders Suzuna nad Shazlina (Image Credit: After coming in first runner up in a start-up competition, the two girls were offered a space in Ngee Ann Poly’s Ourspace and a $5,000 grant to help kickstart the initiative.
Puzzles mostly employs hearing impaired students, who are able to gain some working experience and earn some pocket money. The sign language guide and discount helps encourage interaction between the hearing impaired the regular customers.
While majority of customers are students and school staff, there are also regulars from the deaf community who enjoy visiting the cafe because of the servers who speak the same language. It seems like word has gotten out!
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Pizza bombs are served! (Image Credit: 
Grab a pizza bomb for an explosion of flavor in your mouth (Image Credit: Puzzles SG)[/caption]
Pizza bomb toppings (or fillings in this case) are constantly on rotation, which means you’ll never get bored by the selection. You can expect flavors like salted egg, Hawaiian, chilli crab, beef satay, black pepper chicken, and cheesy spinach.
Other than pizza bombs, there are all sorts of snacks and desserts to sate your appetite in a long lecture. Think glazed chicken bites, brownies, meatball puffs, and mac and cheese.
Sometimes, they will have an all-day breakfast menu going on, with offerings like breakfast buns, roti johns and the super popular hashbrowns.
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Sweet treats to brighten up your day (Image Credit: Puzzles SG)[/caption]
For now, Puzzles only operates in Ngee Ann Polytechnic during term time as that’s when they get most business. Puzzles takes a break during school holidays, but is still open for catering orders.
Suzana and Shazlina has plans to continue operating Puzzles for two more years, and hopefully expand to other tertiary institutions. Soon, you might even be able to see Puzzles at other universities and polytechnics!
Till then, you’ll have to make do going to Ngee Ann Poly for your pizza bomb fix while learning some sign language on the side!
Puzzles
Address: Ourspace@Ngee Ann Poly, 535 Clementi Rd, Singapore 599489
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 10am – 6pm (during school terms)
Website
Also read 10 Quirky Mooncakes That Break Tradition With Flavours Like Bubble Tea, Chilli And Salted Egg Yolk
(Header Image Source: Images from Puzzles Instagram)
Japan’s Famous Blinged Out Soft Serves Are Here, And They’re Sure To Give You A Gold Rush
If pretty food excites you, there’s a new Insta-worthy dessert in town you’ll want to hear all about – gold leaf ice cream cones.
While we’ve seen various coloured foods – from black foods to pink foods – go in and out of trend, gold never goes out of style.
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Image Credit: @gcdwilson[/caption]
Small Potatoes Ice Creamery has recently launched Japan’s famous Kinkaku Soft Serve Ice Cream in Singapore, and in two delectable flavours: Sea Salt Caramel With Gold Leaf ($12), and Purple Potato With Silver Leaf ($10).
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Image Credit: @smallpotatoessg[/caption]
Available at both Small Potatoes Ice Creamery branches at Somerset 313 and Novena Square 2, you’ll feel all kinds of fancy when you down these icy cold cones.
Go For Gold
Not only do these ice cream cones look luxurious; with a soft serve that’s made with Hokkaido Milk, they taste luxurious as well!
The soft serve is coated with gold or silver leaves that are imported from Japan, and that are made from edible 24k gold.
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Image Credit: @triciayap[/caption]
Shimmery and shiny in the light, be sure to capture these photogenic treats from every angle – you’ll be kicking yourself for it if you don’t!
A word of warning for those of you who are keen to try these metallic cones – these are available in limited supply and will only be available in stores until they sell out.
To avoid disappointment, we suggest you make your way down to either branch ASAP!
Small Potatoes Ice Creamery
Address: 313@Somerset, #B3-48, Singapore 238895
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6634 3168
Address: Novena Square 2, #B1-131 Square 2, 10 Sinaran Drive, Singapore 307506
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6352 2661
Also read 10 Quirky Mooncakes That Break Tradition With Flavours Like Bubble Tea, Chilli And Salted Egg Yolk
(Header Image Source: @gcdwilson,
10 Quirky Mooncakes That Break Tradition With Flavours Like Bubble Tea, Chilli And Salted Egg Yolk
As Mid-Autumn Festival rolls around, it’s once again time to binge on mooncakes!
While we love a good traditional lotus paste mooncake, we have to admit, it’s the novel, intriguingly flavoured mooncakes that tend to grab our attention – and this year, there are plenty of these out there.
Alcoholic mooncakes, ice cream mooncakes, ‘liu sha‘ mooncakes… The list goes on.
Here are some of the most outrageously untraditional mooncakes we could find, and we think you’ll be hard pressed to pick just one to try.
1. Mandarin Orchard – Red Wine Cranberry Paste With Japanese Yuzu and Lemongrass
Alcoholics, now you can even get your buzz from mooncakes!
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Mini snow skin mooncakes from Mandarin Orchard[/caption]
Mandarin Orchard‘s range of Mini Snow Skin Mooncakes includes two boozy flavours – Lychee Martini And Chocolate, and Red Wine Cranberry Paste With Japanese Yuzu and Lemongrass.
The Lychee Martini And Chocolate Mooncake releases a burst of crisp, citrusy chocolate into your mouth with every bite, while the Red Wine Cranberry Paste With Japanese Yuzu and Lemongrass Mooncake leaves a lasting impression as each mouthful reveals yet another layer of subtle flavour.
Mandarin Orchard Singapore Ain’t nobody got time for old school mooncakes when there are alcoholic snow skin mooncakes to be eaten. Grand Hyatt is adding a new creation to their growing list of alcohol infused mooncakes: Violette & Gin, which comes infused with Tanquert No. Ten Gin and a crème de violette liquor for a delicate, floral twist. Another must-try is the Strawberry-Lime-Tequila Truffle, a fruity yet intense mooncake with a kick. Their snow skin mooncakes are available at $69 for a box of eight. Grand Hyatt Singapore Can a person get drunk on mooncakes? Probably not. But that’s not going to stop us from trying all the alcoholic mooncakes out there. Bakerzin‘s Prestige Collection ($56) will make your inner alcoholic rejoice, with four different spirits to try. Each box comes with two pieces each of Apple Vodka Snow Skin, Butterscotch Baileys Snow Skin, Coconut Liqueur Snow Skin, and Latte Kahlua Snow Skin mooncakes. You won’t even know where to start! Bakerzin Old Seng Choong may be well-known for its old school bakes and cakes, but head pastry chef, Daniel Tay, definitely knows how to take things up a notch.
Address: 333 Orchard Road, 238867
Contact.: 6831 6320/6831 6262
2. Grand Hyatt – Violette & Gin
Pretty mooncakes in a pretty box (Image Credit: Grand Hyatt Singapore)[/caption]
Address: 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211
Contact.: 6738 1234
3. Bakerzin – Butterscotch Baileys Snow Skin
(Image Credit: Bakerzin)[/caption]
Contact.: 6455 8885
Website4. Old Seng Choong – Cranberries With Choya
Alcohol heaven with the Four Heavenly Beauties (Image Credit: Besides the usual mooncakes, Old Seng Choong wants you to meet the Four Heavenly Beauties ($60.80), a quartet of snow skin mooncakes that will stimulate your senses. The flavours are Cranberries with Choya, Passionfruit with Martini Mint, Coffee with Whisky, and Chocolate Rum, all of which are as aromatic as they are flavourful.
Old Seng Choong While it seems like everyone is trying to one up each other in terms of who can come up with the most outrageous, most unexpected mooncake filling, we think Shangri-La‘s ones take the cake.
Address:#05-04, 171 Kampong Ampat, KA Foodlink, Singapore 368330
Contact.: 6282 0220
5. Shangri-La – Yuzu Bird’s Nest
(Image Credit: Shangri-La’s latest Mini Snow Skin Eight Treasures ($88) features two new flavours.
The first is the more typical Chocolate Salted Toffee, which comes encased in a layer of crisp milk chocolate – perfect for sweet tooths. The other is a more luxurious and interesting blend of Yuzu Bird’s Nest that is both tangy and sweet. Who knew bird’s nest would go well with a mooncake?
Shangri-La Singapore If you love bubble tea and have $17.20 to spare, try The Pine Garden‘s Pearl Milk Tea Snow Skin, which is infused with tea, and comes with bits of chewy boba. Yum!
Address: Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
Contact.: 6737 3644
6. The Pine Garden – Pearl Milk Tea Snow Skin
(Image Credit: Pine Garden)[/caption]
The more health-conscious can opt for the Purple Sweet Potato With Ginger Mooncake, which you can choose to have either with a baked or snow skin. No more calorie counting this Mid-Autumn season!
The Pine Garden
Address: #01-2369/ #01-232, 529 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, S560529
Website
7. Thye Moh Chan – Chef’s Private XO Recipe
Go old school, but with a twist with Thye Moh Chan‘s traditional Teochew-style mooncakes.
Teochew mooncakes typically see a sweet filling encased in a flaky crust pastry, unlike the baked skin mooncakes we typically see during mooncake festival.
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Thye Moh Chan’s secret recipe with XO sauce[/caption]
They come with various fillings, including an all-new Chef’s Private XO Recipe ($40.80 for four pieces), a Salty Tau Sar With Egg Yolk ($29.80 for four pieces) and the Teochew Mooncake ($18.80 for one piece), which uses a traditional recipe of maltose, citrus strips and five-spice powder.
Although we were at first unsure about how XO sauce would fare in a mooncake, the Chef’s Private XO Recipe completely won our hearts and was a favourite in the office! Unlike most of the mooncakes listed here, these ones lean towards the savoury side, with delicate hints of har cheong (shrimp paste) that is simply addicting.
Thye Moh Chan also has a Mao Shan Wang Durian mooncake ($40.80 for four pieces), which infuses durian and mung bean paste.
Thye Moh Chan It only makes sense for a bakery famous for its cheesecakes to create cheesecake-filled snow skin mooncakes – and they’re actually quite legit.
Address: #01-45, Chinatown Point; #B1-12, Paragon
Contact.: 6604 8858/ 67328858
8. Cat & The Fiddle – Cream Cheese Mooncakes
Each mooncake comes with an adorable cat embossing (Image Credit: Cat & The Fiddle)[/caption]
The Cow Jumped Over The Moon-cake selection from Cat & The Fiddle features 4 different flavours filled with cream cheese and lotus paste.
The mooncakes come in a Blueberry Cream Cheese and Lotus Paste with White Chocolate and Dried Cranberry Truffle, an Oreo Cream Cheese and Lotus Paste with Dark Chocolate Truffle, a Strawberry Cream Cheese and Lotus Paste with Mint and White Chocolate Martini Truffle, and a Chocolate Cream Cheese and Lotus Paste with Orange Vodka and Dark Chocolate Truffle.
Each flavour has a personality of its own, with some of them even containing hints of alcohol! You can order the mooncakes online, or by phone at 6287 0077.
Cat & The Fiddle
Address:#05-04, 171 Kampong Ampat, KA Foodlink, Singapore 368330
Contact.: 6287 0077
Website
9. Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant – Mini Salted Egg Custard Mooncakes
Here’s one that you can Boomerang.
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Sweet and salty? (Image Credit: Sheraton Towers Singapore)[/caption]
Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant will bring your Instagram game up a notch with their Mini Salted Egg Custard Mooncakes.
As you break open your mooncake, watch the gooey molten lava center come flowing out. Each box contains eight pieces and goes for $72. You can order them Mini Snowskin Green Tea White Lotus Seed Paste with Passionfruit Truffle, and a Snowskin Mini White Lotus Seed Paste with Strawberry Sea Salt Truffle that is sure to intrigue your tastebuds with a mix of fruity and salty flavours.
Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant
Address: Sheraton Towers Singapore, 39 Scotts Road
Contact.: 6839 5636/ 6839 5623
Website
10. Summer Palace – Pineapple & Pink Peppercorn Chocolate Snow Skin
The people at Summer Palace are always shaking things up with their mooncake offerings year after year.
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Spicy mooncakes anyone? (Image Credit: Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715Contact.: 6725 3239
Also read This Poke Stop Serves Aburi-Style Poke, And That’s Not Their Only Twist On The Trend
(Header Image Source: Bakerzin)
This Bakery Makes Millennial Lao Po Bings With Flavors Like Tokyo Banana, Thai Milk Tea And More
If you frequently travel to Thailand, you’ll probably have heard of or seen April’s Bakery around.
With 60 outlets scattered across the country, their home-made pies are now available in Singapore not just in Tampines, but also in the CBD. Located at the bustling food hall at the basement of One Raffles Place, this branch is much more accessible to those of us who, well, don’t live in the extreme east of Singapore.
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April’s Bakery at One Raffles Place[/caption]
While April’s Bakery has its roots in Thailand, their pies are unmistakably Cantonese at heart. Bearing some similarity to the traditional Wife Cake, or lao po bing, April’s Bakery puts its own spin on the pie by switching up its flavours and fillings!
Think Thai Milk Tea, Matcha Latte, Tokyo Banana, Sweet Potato… The list goes on.
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Flavors from top to bottom: Thai Milk Tea, Taro, Matcha, Tokyo Banana, Purple Potato (Image Credit: @oo_foodielicious)[/caption]
Some of their pies come filled with a tasty paste and custard combo, while others have a purely paste filling.
Priced at at just $2, these affordable pies are perfect for breakfast or a midday snack when you get a case of the munchies.
The Story Of April’s Bakery
The original April’s Bakery in Thailand started out as a small, obscure bakery in Central Plaza Ratchada-Rama III shopping centre. Selling cakes, biscuits and pastries, its founder, Nathanaporn Euawanthanakhun, started baking pies after discovering a love for roast pork pies during a trip to Hong Kong.
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April’s Bakery Pies[/caption]
That inspired her to come up with her own signature pie recipe, which eventually led her to expand her range to include flavours like Taro, Custard and Matcha Latte. To date, the bakery has over 30 pie flavours in Thailand, including both sweet and savoury varieties!
Pies For Every Preference
Unfortunately for us, April’s Bakery’s Singapore outlets currently only sell their sweet pies.
The signature flavour at April’s Bakery is Thai Milk Tea. Filled with a mixture of custard and paste, fans of Thai milk tea will likely enjoy this pie that’s rich and creamy, without being overly sweet.
Other custard-paste pies include the Matcha Latte, Custard and the Singapore-exclusive Tokyo Banana. Not available even in Thailand, this is hands down one of our favourites of the lot.
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April’s Bakery pies all cut up![/caption]
Some favourites among the health-conscious (and apparently, the gym-going crowd at One Raffles Place) are the Pumpkin and Sweet Potato pies that come with no added sugar. While much more subdued in flavour, the natural sweetness of Pumpkin and Sweet Potato really come through in these pies.
Durian lovers, here’s another durian-flavoured pastry to add to your must-try list. The latest flavour to hit the shelves at April’s Bakery, these will surely not disappoint.
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durian season should be all year round (Image Credit: @aprilbakerysg)[/caption]
While most of these pies are best enjoyed warm, we were told that you can also enjoy the custard-paste pies cold – and even with a scoop of ice cream!
If you’re working in the CBD area and are ever feeling peckish, grab one of April’s Bakery’s delicious pies. With such a wide variety of flavours, it’ll take you a while to work your way through all the pies to figure out which ones are your favourites.
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, something healthy, or something to fill you up, April’s Bakery got just the thing!
April’s Bakery
Address: #B1-38 1 Raffles Place, One Raffles Place, Singapore 048616
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 7am – 7pm
Contact: 8122 7604
Website
Also read This Cafe Created A Diner-Themed Dessert Menu, And Our Eyes Are Confused
(Header Image Source: Burpple User Kat X, Burpple User Amanda Ang)
This Poke Stop Serves Aburi-Style Poke, And That’s Not Their Only Twist On The Trend
It’s been a good couple of months, and still, the poke bowl trend doesn’t seem to be losing steam here in Singapore.
A healthy, Hawaiian-inspired version of our favourite chirashi don, that’s filled with raw fish and healthy to boot, it’s no wonder there seems to be a new poke place springing up every other week!
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Look out for this sign to find Torched[/caption]
Yet another poke stop has surfaced, specifically in the Bugis area of Singapore. This one is a little different from the rest, and we think those of you who love aburi-ed sashimi will especially like this.
Have Your Poke Torched
Located just a stone’s throw away from LASELLE College of the Arts, Torched shares a counter and dining space with specialty coffee concept One Man Coffee.
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Torched was started by a brother-sister duo[/caption]
The brainchild of 2 siblings – a brother-sister duo – the concept of torched poke bowls was a product of experimentation and spontaneity. After fooling around with a blowtorch in the kitchen, the pair stumbled upon a way to separate their poke bowls from the rest – serving up bowls with their ingredients torched!
The result is a poke bowl that has all the usual suspects – raw fish, rice, seaweed – but with their flavours fired up.
[caption id="attachment_29461" align="alignnone" width="5184"]
Poke galore[/caption]
Like most poke places, you get to take your pick of either a signature bowl – where all the big decisions are made for you – or a customised bowl, where you can put all your favourite ingredients into one bowl!
Torched offers 3 signature bowls: the Signature Torched Poke Bowl ($15), the Torched Tofu Bowl ($9), and the Roast Pork & Kimchi Bowl ($10).
[caption id="attachment_29466" align="alignnone" width="5184"]
So many colours in one poke bowl![/caption]
The Signature Torched Poke Bowl is a colourful mixture of torched salmon, tuna and tamago mentaiko on a bed of sushi rice and salad. The fish is fresh and lightly seasoned, so you won’t feel jelat halfway through your bowl. A fuss-free, flavourful bowl, this is an easy pick if you have trouble deciding what to put into your poke.
Vegetarians, Torched hasn’t forgotten you.
Their Torched Tofu Bowl is a vegetarian option that comprises torched sesame tofu and avocado on a bed of rice and salad. Cherry tomatoes, edamame, pomelo and seaweed are also added into the mix to give your poke bowl a tantalising variety of textures and flavours.
Torched Snacks
Poke bowls aside, their torched ingredients also come served in tacos and kueh pie tee “shots”.
[caption id="attachment_29467" align="alignnone" width="5184"]
Taco with Tamago Mentaiko filling[/caption]
Fill your tacos and “shots” with tamago mentaiko ($6), spicy poke ($7), or roast pork & kimchi ($8). We recommend the spicy poke, which is spicier than we expected – not that we mind.
If you’re considering pairing these snacks with your poke, we suggest going for the kueh pie tee shots. Perfect for popping into your mouth, the kueh pie tee cups work interestingly with the fillings. That, and we love the crunch when you bite into these little cups.
While we enjoyed the poke shots, we didn’t fancy the tacos nearly as much because the filling, rice, and taco made for a strange combo. With nothing tying the different elements together, the three tasted like completely separate entities that were just thrown together.
[caption id="attachment_29471" align="alignnone" width="5184"]
Kueh Pie Tee “Shots” with Spicy Poke[/caption]
While poke bowl spots are becoming more common in our local food scene, Torched has taken a unique approach with its poke, and we think it’s pretty clever. After all, who doesn’t love the smokey-raw combo of aburi-style fish?
The next time you’re in the Bugis area and are craving a hearty bowl of poke, drop by Torched! Simple, delicious and oh-so-photogenic, these rice bowls are a straightforward choice for a lunch break or a quick friend-date with the girls.
Torched
Address: 128 Prinsep St, Singapore 188655
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 5.30pm; Closed on Sat & Sun
Facebook
Also read Singaporeans, Here’s What Your Go-To Hawker Food Says About You
10 High-Octane Events To Kick Off The First Half Of September [1-15 September]
It’s finally here – September!
September is always a busy month because of the Singapore F1 Grand Prix stop. As the drivers descend upon our shores, we are armed with loads of parties and festivities to welcome them to our sunny island.
If you aren’t into the racing and/or partying scene, here are some ideas on what else you can get up to the first half of this month.
Play & Discover
1. Star Wars: Experience The Force
On the stroke of midnight of 1 September, you’ll be able to get first dibs on exclusive merch from the upcoming movie, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, at Ion Orchard.
[caption id="attachment_29422" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
(Image Credit: Expat Living SG)[/caption]
The celebrations will continue with pop-ups and installations like the Millennium Falcon and a super adorable BB-8 virtual reality experience.
It’s never too early to start, so bring your young ones to their very first Padawan training class to kick start their journey to being a Jedi Master.
The festival will culminate in an entire zone dedicated to fans of the galaxy at the annual Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention (STGCC). Go crazy taking photos with replicas of Kylo Ren’s TIE Silencer, J.J. Abrams’ autographed Rey’s Speeder, and a film replica of the interior of the Millennium Falcon.
Star Wars: Experience The Force Festival
Address: Ion Orchard and Sands Expo & Convention Centre Hall D, E & F, Level B2, Marina Bay Sands
When: 1 – 10 Sep
The Imaginarium Of David
The greatest suspense is the feeling of mystery!
[caption id="attachment_28993" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Image Credit: Andsoforth[/caption]
Andsoforth, who is well known for bringing whimsical fantasies to life in a theatrical dinner setting, are back again with another hit production.
This time round, the tale of David and Goliath is re-imagined in a modern disco setting, with b-boys, swan ballerinas, Shaolin Ballerinas, and a cabaret that will ensure you won’t have a peaceful dinner.
Here’s what went down at their previous show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wam9Iq6eSvM
The food will also be extraordinary, with a four course meal to tease your tastebuds and a sneaky cocktail thrown in at the end to finish off the night.
The Imaginarium Of David
Address: Secret location – only revealed on the day of the event itself
When: Every Fri & Sat till 30 Sep
Website
3. Dashboard Confessional Live In Singapore
Relive your childhood with one of the icons of the 2000s emo era – Dashboard Confessional!
[caption id="attachment_29423" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Image Credit: LAMC Productions[/caption]
Even though they’ve been to Singapore twice previously, they were both stripped down, acoustic shows. This time round, they will come at us full force, with the entire band in attendance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j82FBbgpUy4
You can expect old favorites like ‘Belle Of The Boulevard’, ‘Stolen’, and also newer material off their latest album, such as ‘Hopes Up’. Their sound has changed slightly over the years, but still retains the same poignancy and rawness that we loved in our teen years.
Dashboard Confessional Live In Singapore
Address: D’Marquee@Downtown East
When: 9 Sep
Tickets
4. Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention 2017 (STGCC)
Our local version of Comic Con is celebrating its tenth year this year!
[caption id="attachment_29426" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Image Credit: STGCC[/caption]
Anything from manga, anime, comics to cosplay and collectibles goes at STGCC. Attendees can score limited edition drops, meet artists and famous cosplayers, and take part in the festivities by dressing up as their favorite characters.
C.B. Cebulksi, editor of Marvel Comics and talent scout, will be here doing his portfolio review rounds for aspiring cartoonists and illustrators. Also visiting are Japanese toy designers Hinatique and Yasu, who will be visiting Singapore for the first time.
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A replica of the Millenium Falcon (Image Credit: STGCC)[/caption]
This year, there will be a dedicated zone for Star Wars fans, with a live replica of the Millenium Falcon.
An entire hall dedicated to competitive and casual gamers will also see three gaming tournaments – ROG Masters 2017 – DOTA 2 – Singapore Qualifier and ROG Masters 2017 – CS:GO – Singapore Qualifier finals, and semi-final to finals Tickets
5. West Side Story
Pretty much the underworld version of the Shakespearean romance tragedy Romeo And Juliet.
One of Broadway’s biggest spectacles will be making its way to Singapore after selling out shows in Sydney, Tokyo and London.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evqC4HTIOjY
West Side Story is a tale of two star-crossed lovers from rival teenage gangs, set in the slums of 1950s New York. The musical will take to the stage in a flurry of explosive choreography and jazzy tunes.
We’re sure you won’t be able to resist singing along to this ill-fated violent romance that painfully reveals the injustice of the social system in America back in the 1950s.
West Side Story
Address: Grand Theatre, Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
When: 13 – 30 Sep
Tickets
6. Music Matters Live 2017
Held in conjunction with the All That Matters Live Conference and Apple Music, Music Matters Live is back again this year, happening from 9 – 13 Sep! Artists from all over the world will gather to showcase the best of their country’s burgeoning music scene.
[caption id="attachment_29427" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Image Credit: DANakaDAN[/caption]
This event will see rapper DANakaDAN from USA, indie outfit Fairchild from Australia and Taiwanese rock heavyweights Elephant Gym 大象體操 making up some of the international acts.
Repping Singapore, we have Falling Feathers, M1ldl1fe and Tabitha Nauser.
[caption id="attachment_29429" align="aligncenter" width="240"]
Image Credit: Falling Feathers[/caption]
Head over to the Various locations, including CHIJMES and Timbre outlets The highlight of the racing world is finally here!
When: 9 – 13 Sep
Singapore Grand Prix: Singapore F1 2017
Image Credit: 
Image Credit: Singapore Grand Prix: Singapore F1 2017
When: 15 – 17 Sep
CHIKIN
Spice up your yakitori with CHIKIN’s Szechuan-style yakitori.
[caption id="attachment_29347" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Chikin skewers[/caption]
Instead of using the usual tare sauce, CHIKIN uses mala to season their yakitori. Expect to find over 11 parts of the chicken available on the menu, as well as various other kushiyaki like veggies and other meats.
[caption id="attachment_29349" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Cocktail[/caption]
The pop-art inspired bar also has an extensive range of Japanese whiskies and sakes to choose from, as well as an entire menu of cocktails that reinterpret old favorites with a twist.
CHIKIN
Address: 6 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089820
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 5pm – 12am; Sat: 6pm – 12am
Contact no.: 6634 2916
Website
9. Ben and Jerry’s new flavors: Frozen Flakes and Cocoa Loco
We just cannot get enough of Ben & Jerry’s new ice cream flavors!
This time, their two new flavors remind us of breakfast. Cocoa Loco is a chocolate cereal milk ice cream with crisp chocolate cereal swirls. Frozen Flakes is the normal milk ice cream version of Cocoa Loco, just without chocolate.
[caption id="attachment_29430" align="aligncenter" width="240"]
Image Credit: @nylonsg[/caption]
Who says we can’t have ice cream for breakfast?
Ben & Jerry’s
Address: Various outlets
Website
Shop
10. Superga X Disney collection
No matter how old we are, Disney characters will always have a place in our hearts.
[caption id="attachment_29431" align="alignnone" width="300"]
Image Credit: Superga[/caption]
The classic 2750 cut gets an adorable update with a baby pink Minnie mouse print and a fire-truck red shade covered in Mickey’s handprints.
These shoes also comes in kid sizes, so that you can be all matchy-matchy with your younger siblings.
These shoes can be found in-store at Wheelock and Vivocity, and you can also purchase them online.
Superga
Address: 501 Orchard Road, Wheelock Place #B2-04, Singapore 238880
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6634 2916
Website
With such an exciting and star-studded month ahead, we can’t wait for it to come! You definitely won’t want to stay in and miss out on all the fun.
Also read Make Your Heart Go “Dookki Dookki” At Singapore’s First Ever Tteokbokki Buffet
(Header Image Source: Expat Living)
Marina Bay Sands Is Throwing A Festival That Lets You Have Fun And Do Good At The Same Time
Breathtaking views, exciting entertainment options, delicious food – these are some of the things many of us have come to associate with the iconic Marina Bay Sands.
A destination that draws visitors of all sorts, from lovers to families, to foreigners, the integrated resort makes it a point to create a positive impact on the local community using its unique resources and position.
Through Sands for Singapore, its corporate social responsibility programme, Marina Bay Sands has raised over S$16 million for the underprivileged in our community.
An annual event which raises funds and awareness for local charities, Sands For Singapore Charity Festival 2017 will be back again this year, taking place from 8 – 10 September.
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Marina Bay Sands ArtScience Museum[/caption]
The Sands For Singapore Charity Festival will include a line-up of fun and meaningful charity events that will take place across all facets of the integrated resort, including the theatres, retail mall, restaurants, convention centre, and museum.
All you have to do is turn up, have fun, and you too can do good for those in need!
1. Enjoy a picnic at sundown
[caption id="attachment_29374" align="aligncenter" width="1429"]
Sundown Picnic[/caption]
Got a thing for picnics?
Marina Bay Sands will be hosting a picnic at sundown. Happening at Marina Bay Sands’ Event Plaza, you’re in for an evening of food, drink and music in the plaza, which will be transformed into a cosy picnic space.
Feast on food and drinks from Marina Bay Sands’ dining establishments and award-winning celebrity chef restaurants including db Bistro & Oyster Bar, Osteria and Pizzeria Mozza, and Adrift.
On 8 and 9 September, wine and dine to tunes performed by home-grown talents Too Much Drama and The Summer State; and on the final day of the picnic, be treated to sweet melodies during a musical fiesta led by Grammy-nominated Singaporean conductor Darrell Ang.
Venue: Event Plaza
Date: 8 – 10 Sep
Time:
Friday, 8 September
7.15pm–8pm | Too Much Drama
8.15pm–9pm | The Summer State
Saturday, 9 September
7.15pm–8pm | The Summer State
8.15pm–9pm | Too Much Drama
Sunday, 10 September
7:15pm – 8:00pm | Fiesta! – Music at Marina Bay Sands with Darrell Ang and Friends
8:15pm – 9:00pm | Fiesta! – Music at Marina Bay Sands with Darrell Ang and Friends
Admission: Free
2. Catch A Spectacle Called Spectra
[caption id="attachment_29375" align="aligncenter" width="1430"]
Spectra[/caption]
Done with dinner? Stick around for a stunning final act, Spectra, Marina Bay Sands’ brand new light and water show which combines state-of-the-art lasers, lighting, water effects and projections. A kaleidoscopic explosion of colour, this spectacular display will excite both young and young-at-heart.
Venue: Event Plaza
Date: 8 – 10 Sep
Time: 8pm, 9pm (Sunday to Thursday) and 10pm (Friday & Saturday)
3. Play It Forward
[caption id="attachment_29376" align="aligncenter" width="1299"]
Play It Forward[/caption]
On 10 September, come join the action and show your support for the participants of Play It Forward, a property-wide charity challenge organised as part of the Sands for Singapore Charity Festival. In teams of six, participants will represent a local charity and compete to win up to $120,000 worth of cash prizes for their chosen charity.
This year, kids too can participate in a Junior version of Play It Forward adapted for children aged 7 – 12.
Come down to the Event Plaza to catch the live broadcast of the teams as they play fun and creative games across various locations within Marina Bay Sands.
Venue: Event Plaza
Date: 10 Sep
Time: 9am – 12pm
Admission: FREE
4. Do Good Just By Experiencing Marina Bay Sands
[caption id="attachment_29377" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Human + The Future Of Our Species (Image Credit: 
Community Chest Heartstrings Walk[/caption]
Join this year’s Community Chest Heartstrings Walk, a 4km fun walk that will take you on a scenic tour around the Marina Bay waterfront circuit. The walk will involve thousands of fun walkers, competitive vertical marathoners, volunteers and beneficiaries – all in support of an inclusive nation
Venue: Marina Bay Sands, Event Plaza
Date: 9 Sep
Time: Flag-off at 8.15am
Admission: $10 (Registration fee includes a sponsored goodie bag)
Register to participate in Community Chest Heartstrings Walk here.
6. Race To The Sky
Want something more your speed – and by that, you mean faster?
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Infinity Pool (Image Credit: here.
This September, let’s do some good for those in need!
Eat, play, and experience Marina Bay Sands while keeping the less privileged in our community in mind. While there, find out more about the charities and their causes; if their message speaks to you, find your own ways to help these people in your own time!
As cliched as it is, every little bit counts. So, do and give of what you can and it will be a huge blessing to those who truly need it.
Also read This Bar Is Serving Yakitori With A Mala Twist That’s Sure To Make You Chikin Out
This Cafe Created A Diner-Themed Dessert Menu, And Our Eyes Are Confused
If you’ve ever wished you could switch out all the food on your dinner plate for something sweeter (basically, dessert for dinner), there’s a cafe in Singapore where you can do just that; that is, seem like you’re having a sensible meal, but in fact be enjoying dessert.
Nestled in Lorong Kilat, this place serves up typical diner-style food – except, the foods here aren’t what they seem.
[caption id="attachment_29341" align="aligncenter" width="890"]
Image Credit: Cake Avenue[/caption]
A spot called “Cake Avenue“, its name should be the first clue that you’re not in for a regular meal of burger and fries.
Look closer and you’ll find burger buns that are actually made of cake, soup that’s made of jelly, salsa that’s made of strawberry compote… You have to see it to believe it.
A Diner-themed Dessert Menu
Cake Avenue has released a new diner-themed dessert menu, and if you’re a sweet tooth, you’ll love all 6 new menu offerings they’re plating up.
First up is the classic burger and fries combo – or rather, its dessert twin.
[caption id="attachment_29331" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Image Credit: Cake Avenue[/caption]
Instead of burger buns sandwiching a beef patty, what you’re seeing here is a dark chocolate ice cream “patty” sandwiched by vanilla butter cake “burger buns”. The vibrantly coloured “mustard” is passionfruit purée, and raspberry purée serves as the “ketchup”.
For sides, you get “fries”, which comprise more vanilla cake.
[caption id="attachment_29332" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Image Credit: Cake Avenue[/caption]
Dessert nachos – bad idea or totally genius? Decide for yourself!
This dish of nachos contains flatbread nachos topped with strawberry compote “salsa”, chocolate mousse “refried beans”, julienned peach “cheese” and pistachio ice cream “guacamole”.
[caption id="attachment_29333" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Image Credit: Cake Avenue[/caption]
Now, this is a dish we find quite intriguing.
A simple bowl of Alphabet Soup, scoop into it and you’ll find that beneath the rose jelly “tomato broth” is a lychee mousse with lychee and raspberry. If you’re wondering if the “alphabets” are actually alphabet pasta, think again – the people at Cake Avenue went all out, crafting the alphabets out of sweet milk agar.
More Unicorn Food
If there’s one foodie trend that seems to be powering on, it has to be unicorn food.
[caption id="attachment_29336" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Image Credit: Cake Avenue[/caption]
Pretty to look at and super Instagrammable, Cake Avenue has created a range of unicorn-themed shakes that come complete with ears and a horn!
In pastel hues of yellow, pink, and green, take your pick from mango, strawberry and matcha flavours respectively!
Raring to try these inventive creations? So are we! Unfortunately, these new desserts will only be available from 1 September onwards, so we’ll all have to wait for just a bit before we can get our hands on these adorable treats.
Cake Avenue
Address: 33 Lorong Kilat, #01-01/02 Kilat Centre, 598132
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 8.30pm; Closed on Mon
Contact no.: 6877 9008
Website
Also read 8 Corny Pick Up Lines To Use On That Cutie You Spot On Your Next Fun Run
This Bar Is Serving Yakitori With A Mala Twist That’s Sure To Make You Chikin Out
Have you ever tried mala yakitori? Probably not. Because CHIKIN is the first place in Singapore to serve up Szechuan-style yakitori!
[caption id="attachment_29338" align="alignnone" width="300"]
Step into mala and pop art heaven[/caption]
Besides bar bites, CHIKIN has also curated an extensive selection of sake and created an exciting cocktail menu that will make you want to keep coming back until you’ve tried everything.
[caption id="attachment_29337" align="alignnone" width="300"]
Neon lights[/caption]
Pop art vibes
When you first step into CHIKIN, you’ll be greeted by neon signs and walls covered in pop icons, especially everyone’s favourite mouthless kitty. There’s even a wall covered with tuna cans.
[caption id="attachment_29346" align="alignnone" width="300"]
Tuna cans featuring the Boba Kori[/caption]
Sit at the bar to soak in the bustling atmosphere of the open bar and kitchen, or head to the second floor for a more relaxed and quieter lounge area.
The third floor, vibing hard with the same pop art furnishings, opens up to a cosy attic that also comes with karaoke machine, so you can sing a few tunes with your friends. The room is open from 8pm onwards, although you need to make a reservation for it. The space can also be rented out for an intimate event.
[caption id="attachment_29350" align="alignnone" width="300"]
Pop art fills the walls[/caption]
Sticks and chikin parts
CHIKIN is not your typical yakitori joint. Instead of using the typical tare sauce to season their meats, they use a mala – a Szechuan peppercorn – sauce for a spicier kick.
[caption id="attachment_29347" align="alignnone" width="300"]
It’s chikiiiiiiiiiiiin time![/caption]
Other kushiyaki like vegetables and other meats are also available. Must-tries include their Quail Egg, Iberico Pork Collar With Leek and Shiitake Mushrooms.
If you like various body parts, you can try the Beef Tongue or Foie Gras skewers.
The yakitori and kushiyaki sticks are all grilled over Binchotan flames to order, before being transferred onto a super cute plate designed to look like a square in a Japanese action comic.
Skewers are priced individually, starting from $3 a stick. Alternatively, grab a tasting platter at $30 for 10 sticks or 15 sticks for $40.
[caption id="attachment_29352" align="alignnone" width="300"]
Unagi Garlic Fried Rice With Fish Roe[/caption]
If you need your carbs, load up on their rice. Chikin makes a delicious Plentiful Ikura Garlic Rice and Unagi Garlic Fried Rice With Fish Roe to pair with your yakitori. The rice is seasoned with their homemade garlic and tare sauce, which means you cannot get the same taste anywhere else!
Other popular bar bites like Umami Fries, Chikin Karaage and even a Chikin Collagen Onsen Soup are also available.
Tip: Add some homemade miso into your food, which is mixed with their Szechuan peppercorns if you just cannot get enough of mala.
Cocktails for everyone
No matter how diverse your tastes are, we’re sure there is something for everyone on the cocktail menu.
[caption id="attachment_29351" align="alignnone" width="300"]
Sake sangria for a fruity finish[/caption]
The cocktails are created by Sam Wong, who has won various bartending awards in and around Singapore, and is quite well known in the bartending scene for his creative cocktails.
You might even have tasted his creations at Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall and Nutmeg and Clove. For CHIKIN, Wong recreated a range of classic cocktails with a twist, inspired by Japanese flavors.
A large part of the cocktail menu is made up of whisky and sake infusions, although there are also gin and cognac infusions. The cocktails are usually left aside for a few days to infuse with the alcohol, before they are served. The result is a more blended, smooth concoction.
[caption id="attachment_29349" align="alignnone" width="300"] Smoky nights ahead with the Sumoki Raisin[/caption]
Sweet-tooths will love the Sake Sangria, a fruity infusion of sake and gin. Those who do not like the taste of alcohol can give the Boba Kori a go, as it is similar to a bubble-tea-slash-slushie drink which masks the taste of gin (unfortunately, there isn’t actually boba inside).
Whisky fans are in for a treat, with an Oolong-inspired Oold Fashioned on the menu. The Sumoki Raisin is a smoky whisky and sherry infusion that leaves behind a strong aftertaste, and comes topped with raisins that were left to soak in the whisky infusion for three days – they are sure to pack a punch!
If the Sumoki Raisin doesn’t give you enough of a kick, then CHIKIN challenges you to the ultimate cocktail spice challenge – the Szechuan Bloody Mary.
The vodka cocktail is mixed with Szechuan peppercorn, tomato, chilli oil, and comes in 5 different spicy levels: Novice, Hungover, Expert, Hao Lian, and WTF.
How daredevil are you?
CHIKIN
Address: 6 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089820
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 5pm – 12am; Sat: 6pm – 12am
Contact no.: 6634 2916
Website
Also read No Holds Bar-ed – 5 Bars That Let You Take On Karaoke, Arcade Games And More
