Location: Central

These Oishii Green Tea Desserts Will Make You Feel Matcha-m You’re In Japan

Matcha is love. Matcha is life.

Anyone with an obsession with matcha as unhealthy as ours will probably attest to the truth of this statement.

In the past couple of years, we’ve seen more and more Japanese joints setting up shop in Singapore. What that also means is more matcha-centric creations available right here on our shores. From hot lattes to cold parfaits, there are so many different ways to satisfy your matcha craving these days.

We rounded up a list of 7 places to get your hit of matcha, and we think you’ll love what we have in store for you.

1. Sun with Moon

This popular spot in town is well-known for its exquisite bento sets and signature kamameshi dishes. But something not as many people know is it dishes up some mean matcha flavoured desserts!

2. Non Entrée Dessert Café

If you haven’t heard of Non Entrée Dessert Café, where you have you been?

This dessert joint along up-and-coming hipster area, Rangoon Road, serves gorgeous cakes, and desserts with a dramatic flair.

Known for their unique local ice cream flavours (think: kaya toast ice cream) and deceptive bak chor mee dessert, one of their other signature items is the Avalanche Dessert.

[caption id="attachment_27131" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Matcha Avalanche (Image Credit: Burpple)[/caption]

For matcha lovers, Non Entrée’s Matcha Avalanche ($13.90) does not disappoint!

Photogenic, tasty, and a joy to watch in action, you and your friends will be fighting over who gets to do the honours. The matcha lave cake sits atop an almond nougatine which covers the bowl. Slice into the cake, and watch the matcha lava flow into the bowl, onto the roasted green tea ice cream and chocolate soil mixture underneath.

With its explosion of flavours and textures, this unique dish is definitely a winner!

Non Entree Desserts
Address: 204 Rangoon Road
Opening Hours: Tue – Thu: 2pm – 10pm; Fri: 2pm – 11pm; Sat: 12pm – 11pm; Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Website

3. Dolce Tokyo

An Italian-Japanese fusion café, Dolce Tokyo serves up a smorgasbord of Japanese desserts, alongside other savoury dishes. The sweets served here have more of a Japanese influence, with the usual suspects like the Iced Matcha Latte ($7) present on the menu.

4. Kooks Creamery

At this humble café in Serangoon, they serve up the delicious combo of cookies and ice cream.

You’ve heard of lava cakes, lava cream puffs… but have you heard of the lava cookie? The lava cookie is Kooks Creamery’s spin on the fun lava trend. A Matcha Molten Cookie will set you back $5.50, and it comes in a chocolate flavour too.

[caption id="attachment_27132" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Lava Cookie Set (Image Credit: Burpple)[/caption]

We recommend the Lava Cookie Set ($8.50), which consists of a molten cookie topped with a scoop of ice cream. Not enough matcha? Double up on matcha by pairing your cookie with Matcha Ice Cream ($3.60 per scoop, + $0.50 for premium flavours). After all, is there such a thing as too much matcha?

Kooks Creamery
Address: Blk 211, Serangoon Avenue 4, #01-02, Singapore 550211
Opening Hours: Tue – Thu: 12pm – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 12pm – 11pm; Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Website

5. Hoshino Coffee

Japanese Hoshino Coffee is best known for their hand-dripped coffee and delectable desserts.

In the sweets department, some of the crowd-pleasers include the Iced Matcha Latte with Green Tea Flavoured Softee ($9.30), and the Matcha Pot-baked Soufflé ($10.80).

One of their specials is the Pancake Soufflé Style with Matcha and Ogura Bean Paste ($13.50). This fluffy soufflé pancake is served with matcha sauce, black beans, mochi skin and matcha ice cream. Because they’re freshly made on the spot, you’ll have to wait for about 20 minute for this. If you ask us, it’s completely worth the wait!

Hoshino Coffee
Outlets: Capitol Piazza, Plaza Singapura, Suntec City, Holland Village, Ion Orchard
Opening Hours: Daily, 10.30am – 10.30pm
Website

6. Maccha House

As its name suggests, Maccha House is a haven for all matcha connoisseurs–self-proclaimed or otherwise. Offering a wide array of matcha drinks and desserts, you’d be hard pressed to find a matcha menu as extensive as this!

From the simple Hot Matcha Latte ($3.80) to the multi-textured and multi-flavoured Matcha Chocolate Parfait ($10), you’ll have a hard time settling on just one item.

[caption id="attachment_27136" align="aligncenter" width="710"] Matcha Tiramisu (Image Credit: Website

7. Nana’s Green Tea Café

Hailed Japan’s Starbucks, Nana’s Green Tea Café carries signature drinks like the Matcha Latte ($7.00), Matcha Shiratama Float ($9.00), Hoji Chocolate Latte ($8.00) and Genmai Cha ($5.50). Unsurprisingly, this green tea specialist also serves up some amazing matcha desserts.

[caption id="attachment_27137" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Matcha Anmitsu (Image Credit: Website

Matcha is truly a gift to the world.

With so many different matcha-flavoured treats from so many different places, now you know where to go the next time a matcha craving comes over you!

Also read 7 Oozy Choux Pastries That Will Have You Scrambling To Lick Everything Up

(Header Image Source:

Ultra SG 2017 Was Lit – Offstage, We Got Up Close And Personal With Myrne, Rave Republic, And Sam Rui

For the party people, last weekend was THE long-awaited Ultra Music Festival Singapore 2017. Like last year, the 2-day electronic dance music festival in Singapore was ultra wet, ultra muddy, and ultra amazing!

EDM heavyweights Hardwell and Tiesto drew the largest crowd at the Main stage on Saturday, 10^th June. And while the drizzle that started off in the evening turned into a heavy downpour, it didn’t stop us from partying hard with Dash Berlin. It was a fantastic experience and a god-sent respite from the scorching heat.

At the Live stage, we caught Indonesian rapper Rich Chigga, and fellow home-grown talents DJ-producer Myrne, and singer-songwriter Sam Rui. Sitting between the two stages is the Resistance stage, which featured iconic UK duo Sasha & John Digweed and American house DJ-producer Jonny Vicious.

We had a serious dilemma on Day 2, because the line-ups were crazy – in a good way. From Nicky Romero, Steve Aoki, and Steve Angello headlining the Main stage, to Pendulum and KSHMR on Live stage at the other end, it’s hard to go for one set and not have #FOMO from passing up on the other big names.

Not forgetting local acts on the Live stage: home-boy ShiGGa Shay, DJ Duo Rave Republic, and singer-songwriter Jasmine Sokko.

While it didn’t rain on day 2, it was perfect weather for the party. Knife Party made a special appearance too – a big treat to the fans!

Of course there’s cake. #ultrasingapore #steveaoki #cakeme #umf #singapore #ultra

A post shared by • Sház♞샤즈니 • (@shazbyshaz) on Jun 11, 2017 at 6:37am PDT

Also, we finally got to witness Aoki’s famous cake-throwing ability.

Credit: Shazni

The lights and visuals were stunning. So were the sound and special effects. The free stuff like neon face and body paint, foil tattoos, photo print-outs, and goodie bags from several sponsor booths around the festival grounds added to the fun too (because we love free stuff).

As for food, drinks, and merchandise, payments had to be made via the RFID (radio frequency identification) tags on our wrist-tags. We had to top up our wrist tags via cash or credit card before buying anything – an upgrade from last year and it definitely made the ordering and collection process much easier and faster.

Another thing they ramped up this year was security. In wake of the rising terrorist-related attacks at major concerts and festivals, entrance bag checks were extremely thorough and we even got pat-downs. Kudos to the organisers and security for ensuring our safety!

We sent our DiscoverSG ambassadors down too, and this video wraps up the amazing time we had there.

We also scored the chance to chat with three home-grown artistes, Myrne, Rave Republic, and Sam Rui to get to know them a little better!

Myrne

Why “Myrne”?

Avicii was taken. I tried a few other names like Tiesto and Hardwell, but it didn’t really work out.

I was a big fan of Talking Heads. The front man David Byrne wrote a book “How Music Works”, and it was a very influential book. It really affected how I saw the music industry and my career. So I ‘stole’ his name and put in the ‘M’ from my name. It was Byrne, now it’s Myrne.

If you were not producing music, what would you be doing now?

I love writing and journalism reporting, and I wanted to be a war journalist. Then I realised the high-risk environments they work in, so I decided I’d do something a bit more stable.

But otherwise, if I wasn’t into music, I’d probably do something total opposite. Probably a professor at a school, or just surround myself with learning and writing opportunities.

If you could pick out just one track of yours that represents who you are as a DJ-Producer, what would it be?

It’ll be Tiger Blood. It really represents what I am interested in when making music – collaboration. I did the track with my friend Graves, who is based in Hawaii.

The elements in the track are very symbolic of how I approach music. It’s a bit more melodic, very high energy, and a lot of old school chords and influences from R&B and old hip hop. I think that’s the best interpretation of my kind of music.

What about now? Who are some of your favourite artistes?

I’m really inspired by everything local. By people who grew up the same way I did, under the same circumstances, and yet they’ve gone on to do really interesting things.

Local artistes like Jasmine Sokko, who’s a good friend of mine and came from the same JC as me. She’s been doing electronic music and from Singapore as well so it’s really inspiring.

Sam Rui – her voice is really great. Also, Gentle Bones.

Any tips for aspiring DJs?

Don’t drop out of school.

To get good at anything, you have to spend a lot of time on it. If you’re going to be out at a cybercafé or a club all night, you’re not going to get good at DJing or producing music. You have to make some very significant lifestyle changes to improve your craft.

Rave Republic

Credit: Rave Republic’s Facebook

How different is it to DJ together compared to doing it solo?

It’s completely different. We’re more reserved alone and we don’t go on the mic as much. We also have our own tracks, so we surprise each other quite a lot with tracks that we drop. Through that, we build up each other up. Whereas when we play alone, we tend to just play what we’re used to.

We complement each other and together, we have so much energy.

Working together, were there disagreements that both of you had to work out?

Surprisingly, we’ve never had an argument for the 3 years we’ve been working together. We usually see eye to eye and never really had big differences. We’re both really chill too, so we’re good.

Why “Rave Republic”?

We wanted to create a community. Like a republic, or nation kind of thing. And Rave Republic just came to us.

We asked a few people and we had a few names like Rave-olution and Rave Nation, but Rave Republic just stuck.

Any crazy fan girl stories?

A girl broke into our house once and played our PlayStation. It was very strange.

The girl walked into our Swedish house-mate’s room where he was sleeping with his girlfriend, and that girl just went: “Shhh, shhh, I’m gonna use your bathroom. Shhhh.”She was really drunk, and so was our house-mate. So the next morning, he was like: did I imagine all that?

Apparently she had broken in to use our bathroom, played our PlayStation, and left. It was very confusing and weird for all of us.

What are your future plans for Rave Republic?

We’ve only been playing in Asia this past 2 or 3 years. The next will definitely be global expansion. It is one of our biggest goals to put Asia in the global map.

If you think about Asia-based artistes, there’s pretty much no one who’s hit it big overseas. And I know we’re ang moh, but we’re proud to call ourselves Singaporeans. We’ve lived here for 7 and 9 years. We grew our act here and it is our home. We really want to take the sound and our inspiration that comes from living in Singapore and Asia, and export it world-wide. Hopefully, Rave Republic can be that act!

We’ve going to announce some big news that will help with our goal of global expansion soon!

Sam Rui

Credit: Sam Rui

Why “Sam Rui”?

My stage name kind of happened by accident.

When I was creating my Youtube channel back then, I typed my first name (Samantha) into the name box, and “Wong Sze Rui” into the surname box like an idiot. Youtube took the “Rui” as my last name, so “Samantha Rui” showed up. I liked the sound of it, and it wasn’t so far off from my actual name, so it just stuck. I cut it to Sam since everyone calls me Sam anyway.

If you were not producing music, what would you be doing now?

I don’t actually produce, I think there’s this common misconception that I produce my music since it’s electronic, but my producer is GROSSE. I write the music and lyrics, he does the actual production. I feel the need to clarify that because I’ve been asked this a couple times and I can’t take credit for something I didn’t do.

If I weren’t making or writing music, I’d be in university studying psychology. Before music, I really wanted to pursue clinical psychology and eventually take over my mom’s private practice – she’s a counsellour and linguistic therapist. I was straddling school and music but felt like I was doing both at a 50% capacity, so I decided to focus on music at this point. However, I still plan to finish my degree and pursue that.

How would you describe your music style? What would be the one track of yours that really represents who you are?

My sound changes between songs on the album, so I’d loosely say my music is alternative-electronic R&B. The one thing that ties the whole album together is what I like to think as “soul”. Again I say this loosely. I don’t mean “soul” as in a powerhouse vocal, or any sort of jazz influence.

It’s the honesty I put into my music – the way I write, the way I sing and even the way we craft the tone of the beat and lay down the vocal. For example in my album, the aim was to capture whatever I was feeling at the time – heartbreak, sadness, loneliness, clarity – and fit them into songs, like time capsules.

The one track I feel captures this best is the outro of the album – 20,000. It means a lot to me because I wrote this as sort of a summary, a letter to myself.

Outside of Ultra, where else can we catch you perform?

I’ve got a couple shows coming up later this year.

I also live stream on Instagram every once in a while, where I basically see how many songs I can play to the 1 jazz chord progression I know. If you request a song in the chat there that I know, I’ll probably sing it. Like a fun DIY acoustic show.

What are your future plans for Sam Rui?

For now it’s just putting this album out and seeing my baby finally come to life. I’ve been sitting on it so long and it’s my first big project. After it’s out I hope to do some local and regional shows.

I’d want to get back to writing and I really want to collaborate with other local and regional artists. Performing is one thing but creating the music is a whole other ball game and I haven’t done that in a while, so hopefully I get the chance to again in the tail end of this year.

We thank Myrne, Rave Republic, and Sam Rui for their time!

Also, read This Trippy Mirror Maze Will Have You Losing Yourself In Infinite Reflections And Endless Hallways.

(Header Image Source: Ultra Singapore)

Cat Lovers, Get Your Dose Of Kitty Therapy At This Place For Just $5

A little therapy’s good for everybody – especially when you’ve got a team of loving feline friends for therapists.

Not Just A Cat Café

While the trend of cat cafés is on the rise, Cats’ Safari is far from one.

The therapy centre was founded by Derrick Tan, one of the brains behind animal welfare group Voices For Animals (VFA). Nestled in the neighbourhood of Sunny Heights, Cats’ Safari is both a cat-lover’s paradise and a sanctuary for its team of felines. Their cause? To give loving cats a safe haven while providing cat therapy for members of the public, especially children with special needs.

Decked out in green decor, they take the safari theme seriously, with “trees” for the felines to climb on and an open floor where you can get comfortable with your new paw pals. No therapist’s couch necessary.

Meet The Felines

We know, cats don’t always have the best reputation when it comes to being the most affectionate of house pets. After all, there’s the well-known argument that cat owners are all masochists.

But rest assured that all the cat therapists you’ll meet will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. The cats are rescue pedigree cats, and the team at Cats’ Safari makes sure that all their cat therapists are good-natured, gentle, and play well with people and other felines.

A crowd-favourite feline is Merger, a sweet-faced Munchkin cat who was born with a hind-leg disability. Her disability hardly stops her from being her playful, active self though, making her a joy and inspiration for the people who come and go at Cats’ Safari.

Why Cat Therapy Is Good For You

Don’t underestimate the power of animal love—studies show that a pet can reduce stress and even lower your blood pressure. So just petting a cat or curling up for a catnap with your feline friend has positive calming effects.

Let’s face it, the hustle and bustle of city life has a lot of us stressed out. Rather than blowing all your cash on a weekend staycation or spa, indulge in some cat therapy that won’t break the bank—admission to Cats’ Safari goes at just $5 for adults and $3 for students.

Cats’ Safari opens to the public on the weekends, making it the perfect way to unwind at the end of a long, stressful work week. What better way to calm those frazzled nerves than with a warm cat purring in your lap?

If you’re a cat lover who can’t afford the time or money to own a cat of your own, Cats’ Safari is a great place to get your dose of feline TLC. A few snaps of these lovely-looking felines are also sure to up your ‘Gram game.

If you’re thinking of spending the weekend unwinding at Cats’ Safari, be sure to call ahead and book yourself a therapy slot. Members of the public can also write to Cats’ Safari to arrange private therapy sessions on weekdays.

Cats’ Safari
Address: 110 Turf Club Road (Sunny Heights), Bukit Timah, Singapore 288000
Opening Hours: Sat: 2pm – 6pm; Sun: 1pm – 6pm
Contact no.: 6314 9363
Website

Create Your Own Bespoke Ice Cream At These 5 Spots, Available From Monday To Sundae

We all love to eat ice cream, but every now and then, you get sick of eating the same old flavours. Ever been stuck in a predicament like this? We have, and we’ve got the perfect solution: make your own!

Make it extra nutty, extra fruity, extra chocolate-y, or cook up a crazy, wacky creation! Throw out the rule book and create whatever it is your heart so desires.

We’ve compiled a list of 5 places you can go to create your own ice cream, and from the start to the end, we’re sure you’ll enjoy every bit of the process.

1. Cold Rock Ice Creamery

Born out of the state of Queensland in the land down under, Cold Rock Ice Creamery has a catchy 4 step slogan: Choose it, Mix it, Smash it, Love it! That basically sums up what happens at this ice cream joint.

Cold Rock boasts an impressive range of ice cream, gelato and sorbet flavours.

2. Ice Cream Chefs

Opened over 10 years ago in 2007, Ice Cream Chefs is Singapore’s very own ice cream mixologist! They offer unique local ice cream flavours like kaya lotee, milo peng, and horlicks, alongside other cannot-go-wrong flavours like oreo cheesecake, peanut butter and jelly!

[caption id="attachment_25052" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image Credit: yimeimei56.blogspot.sg[/caption]

Armed with an array of mix-ins, watch as your creation takes shape on their frost-top, better known as the ‘chef’s rock’. For a taste of Singapore in ice cream-form, this is definitely an ice cream shop worth traveling for.

Ice Cream Chefs
Address: 12 Jalan Kuras, Singapore 577727; 520 East Coast Road #01-06,  Singapore 458965;  2 Telok Blangah Way, SAFRA Mount Faber, #02-08 Singapore 098803
Contact no.: 64584849
Website 

3. Marble Slab Creamery

Founded in 1983 by chefs in Houston, Marble Slab Creamery is the pioneer when it comes to mixing ice cream on a frozen stone. Their main draw? Having a seemingly endless array of mix-ins to choose from!

Boasting 30 mix-ins, from Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to Snickers Bars, to White Chocolate Chips, you’ll have a hard time deciding what should go into your ice cream. Have your ice cream in a cup or a freshly baked plain cone at no added charge!

A new addition to their selection of ice creams is ‘Coco Pure’,  a vegan, lactose free and gluten free coconut-based ice cream. If you’re lactose and gluten intolerant, you know what to do!

Marble Slab Creamery
Address: Causeway Point, Century Square, Changi City Point, Kallang Wave, The Star Vista
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: (Causeway Point) 6891 2346 | (Century Point) 6444 6477 | (Changi City Point) 6636 1841 | (Kallang Wave) 6702 3039 | (Star Vista) 6694 1927
Website

4. Little Ice Cream Kafe (LICK)

Hidden among some unassuming shophouses along Tanjong Katong Road is LICK, short-form for Little Ice Cream Kafe. Carrying a wide variety of flavours ranging from good old classics to zesty, fruity ones, to local favourites, there are always 25 flavours to choose from at any point in time.

Combine these yummy flavours with mix-ins such as nuts, cereals and chocolates, and watch the magic happen on a special granite slab. Keep a lookout for their daily promotions! Some days, you get to enjoy free mix-ins, while others, you get to enjoy half price on waffles!

Little Ice Cream Kafe (LICK)
Address: 258 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437046
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 1pm – 12am; Sat: 12pm – 12am; Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Contact no.: 6440 8526

5. Cold Stone Creamery

Originating in Arizona, Cold Stone Creamery now has a mind-boggling 1,400 stores worldwide! That all attests to the popularity of their ice cream. Every ice cream served here is proudly called a “Creation”, because the people at Cold Stone believe each one is a work of art.

[caption id="attachment_26589" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image Credit:
Address: Orchard Central (OC), Far East Square (FES), VivoCity (Vivo), HillV2 (HV2)
Opening hours: (OC) Daily, 11am – 11pm | (FES) Mon – Fri: 11am – 8pm | (Vivo and HV2) Daily, 11am – 10pm
Contact no.: (OC) 6634 1015 | (FES) 6536 2420 | (Vivo) 6376 9352 | (HV2) 6710 7262

If you’re looking to create your very own sweet treat, head to one of these ice creameries and whip up something amazing. With so many ways you can customise your treat, you won’t ever have to complain about eating the ‘same old flavours’ again!

Also read 9 New Desserts So Wacky, You Need To Try Them At Least Once!

(Header Image Source: Groupon)

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

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.

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

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

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!

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!

Also read Goodbye Gong Cha, LiHo Is Taking Over – We Tried Their New Cheese Bubble Tea To See If They’re Worth It

(Header Image Source: YouTube)

These 15 Hipster Cafes In Johor Bahru Are Worth Braving The Customs For

Love discovering new cafes?

So do we! Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a surge of new cafes popping up all over Singapore, and it seems the cafe scene has grown across the border too. With plenty of hipster cafes with cool, unique decor and delicious brunch-fare in JB, there’s one more reason to cross the border.

If you live for decadent brunches, chill vibes and lazy, care-free afternoons, you’ll fall in love with these hipster cafes. Not only do they have their own distinct aesthetic, they also have signature foods (and drinks!) you won’t find in Singapore.

Here are 15 hipster cafes in JB we think are worth crossing the border for.

1. Bev C (Halal)

Housed along the street, along with a string of other hipster cafes is this nook that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. With its entrance bedecked in rustic, earthy tones of wood and brick, it certainly has a homely quality to it.

With its in-house boutique merging seamlessly with its cafe, Bev C proves that one can master both the crafts of coffee and fashion with finesse. Check out its clothing label here.

Feast your eyes on their Chocolate Mint Pies that you’ve probably squealed over a thousand times on Instagram. For fans of Windowsill pies, you’ll love this one as well.

Yummy pies aside, this cafe offers the renowned Ice Cube Espresso with Milk and Caramel, which ensures diluted coffee will not be an issue as you sit and chat with your pals.

Must Try: Charcoal Croissant with Smoked Salmon, Chocolate Mint Pie, White Chocolate Truffle Pie, Ice Cube Espresso

Bev C
Address: 54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: Tue – Fri: 1 pm – 11 pm; Sat & Sun: 12 pm – 11pm, Closed on Mon

2. B.LO.C. (Halal)

B.LO.C, short for The Banana LOver Cafe, will take your goreng pisang love to new heights.

Situated opposite Taman Sentosa, at B.LO.C, you can drown your crispy goreng pisang in cheese or dark chocolate; you can even dunk it into creamy ice cream! Better yet, coat it with crunchy golden cereal, drizzled with hot caramel sauce. The flavour combinations are limited only by your imagination.

Handcrafted artisan teas with 5 bases, 15 flavours (e.g. saffron rose, pure yoghurt, winter melon) and a selection of 9 different toppings (e.g. coffee jelly, pearls, nata de coco), these customisable drinks are the perfect pick-me-up as you go on your cafe hunt.

Must Try: Thai Iced Milk Tea, Iced Chai Latte

Chaiwalla & Co. Honest Tea
Address: Lot 2810, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Bandar Johor Bahru
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 9.30am – 6.30pm; Fri – Sun: 9.30am – 6.30pm, 8pm – 1am

4. Coffee Signature

It’s raining, it’s pouring Sweet Little Rain. As its name would suggest, expect a large, poofy cloud to deliver melted droplets of cotton candy into your piping hot black coffee or tea.

Other beverages served here include Green Tea Latte served in a big light bulb, and their unique Huevos Rancheros egg dish that’s more than just a run-of-the-mill Eggs Benedict.

In Mini Sunshine Brilliant, you’ll find a crispy ham bowl bearing a yummy mixture of eggs, cream and cheese.

Must Try: Sweet Little Rain, Huevos Rancheros, Mini Sunshine Brilliant, Ice Blended Green Tea

Coffee Signature
Address: 53, Jalan Serampang, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 12pm – 10pm; Fri – Sat, 12pm – 11pm

5. Coffee Valley (Halal)

The feasting doesn’t end there; their waffles are pretty sensational too.

Must Try: Egg Slut, Four Seasons Waffle, Mixed Berries Waffles

Coffee Valley
Address: 12A Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru 80000 | L2-550A, Sutera
Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu – Sun: 11.30am – 8pm; Closed on Wed

6. EH HE Art Cafe

Stepping through the doors of this cafe is almost like entering the home of a quirky collector who’s obsessed with art in all its forms. Everywhere you turn, you’ll be greeted with one-of-a-kind sculptures and paintings.

If you’re craving something a little different, give the coffee here a shot. You’ll notice their coffee has a distinct aroma, for they use traditional beans that are homegrown in Johor, unlike the trendy Arabica beans brewed in countless other cafes.

Besides their old-timey drinks, EH HE serves up wonderfully old school nosh too. Red Bean Soup, Chendol, Nasi Lemak and Curry Chicken are some of the items that make an appearance on their menu.

Must Try: Chendol, Kopi-O, Fried Mee Siam, Red Bean Soup

EH HE Art Cafe
Address: No. 1, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru 80000, Johor Bahru (Around the corner of Hiap Joo Bakery)
Opening hours: 12pm – 11pm daily

7. Faculty of Caffeine (Halal)

Great interior decor aside, this cafe offers food and drinks that’ll exceed most expectations. Sink your teeth into Madam Lim’s chewy chocolatey brownie, and feast on their waffles for some great food therapy.

Must Try: Dark Churros with Salted Egg Yolk Dip, Curry Soft Crab Waffles, Friendly Eggs Benny

Faculty Of Caffeine
Address: 33, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily

8. Flowers in the Window  

Brought to us by the same team behind the famed Roost cafe, this two-storey cafe is lush with greenery and overflowing with flowers from every nook and cranny.

If you’ve ever fantasised about stumbling onto a Fairies’ Tea Party in the woods, this comes very close.

In keeping with its theme of flora and fauna, this cafe sells flowers and plants, and incorporates edible greenery and flowers in its food. That makes for some pretty whimsical food which will no doubt gain you several more Instagram followers.

Their cakes, freshly-baked daily, come in a bunch of unique and yummy flavours, such as their Rose Pistachio Cake, Pina Colada Cake and Pomegranate Brownie.

For a real surprise, try the Rosemary, Chilli and Lemon Drink. It’s unexpectedly tasty! Who knew these flavours would work so well together?

Must Try: Rose and Pistachio Cake, Lemon Meringue Tart, Pina Colada Cake, Rosemary, Lemon and Chilli Drink, Watermelon Strawberry Juice

Flowers in the Window
Address: 9, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: 10am – 9pm daily

9. The Ice Cream Project

It turns out that the secret to creamy, delicious ice cream is liquid nitrogen, as we learnt at this cosy, yet roomy cafe.

The Butterscotch Ice Cream is a silky dollop of milky cream and smooth butterscotch–an utterly tasty combo. While savouring the ice cream, sip on some of their many teas for an interesting flavour contrast.

Must Try: Butterscotch Ice Cream, Brownies & Cream Ice Cream

The Ice Cream Project
Address: 31 Jalan Dhoby, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: Sun – Thu: 1pm – 10pm; Fri & Sat: 1pm – 12am

10. Kafuka Cafe & Music Studio

At this quaint little space, you’ll be able to find refuge from the busy, modern cafes and their ubiquitous hipster decor.

Inspired by Japanese elements, the cafe space doubles as a music studio where instruments are displayed, complementing the serenity of the place. Here and there, mini potted plants add a touch of life to the otherwise zen space.

Not only do they offer plenty of matcha-flavoured foods for those who love their matcha, their menu features a wide variety of good ol’ cafe nosh too.

Must Try: Matcha Red Bean Pancake, Crushed Oreo Belgian waffle, Chocolate and Banana Pancake, Matcha Latte

Kafuka Cafe & Music Studio
Address: 16A, Jalan Bendahara 12, Tmn Ungku Tun Aminah, Skudai, Johor
Opening hours: Sun – Wed: 11am – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 11am – 11pm; Closed on Thursday

11. Maco Vintage

Started up by Singapore pastry chef, Maco, this cafe is famed for its mille crepe cakes.

As photogenic as they are tasty, the cakes come in flavours ranging from Trio Chocolate to Musang (mao shan wang 猫山王) durian flavour. You won’t have trouble finishing a slice all by yourself, as the cream is light and not overly gelat like some cakes can get. 

If you’re thinking of having it to go, their dry ice sachets will keep the cakes chilled for about an hour.

Besides the cakes, you’ll find a satisfying selection of appetizers, mains, desserts, and hot and cold beverages served here.

Must try: Matcha Azuki, Bailey’s, Rainbow, and Musang Mille Crepe Cakes

Maco Vintage
Address: Jalan Ibrahim, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 12.30pm – 11pm; Sat: 11am – 12.30am; Sun: 11am – 11pm

12. Miyakori Cafe (Halal)

Coffee with cute, stenciled animals and cakes with faces–these are some of the things you’ll find at this lovely cafe. It was an immense struggle deciding on the animals for our cakes and drinks. Not to mention, having to destroy these cute works of art killed us a little bit inside.

Sip on a cute kitty with this “Cat-puccino”, a brew with a nutty, chocolate-y aroma and a lingering sweetness. If you’re wondering, Miyakori’s coffee beans are imported from El Salvador, Sumatra, and Brazil.

Their cutesy image is backed up with substance, for the cafe serves pretty good cheesecake and brownies. The cheesecake is warm and light, while the brownie leaves no chocolate lover in want with its rich and dark aftertaste.

Must Try: Oreo Cheesecake, Brownie, Strawberry Shortcake, Matcha Latte, Cat-puccino

Miyakori Cafe
Address: 41, Jalan Indah 22/14, Bukit Indah 2, Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm daily

13. Monsta Cafe

Old school meets cute-slash-psychedelic at this cafe. Retro school lockers, carpet grass and cloud motifs on the walls… We love the eclectic vibe of this coffee spot. At the entrance, look out for a large pink behemoth, the guardian of this 2-storey cafe.

Try their much raved about Cold Brew coffee, and sip on one of their lattes, which come with customisable latte art. Pick your design, or let the barista surprise you!

Dig into their Monsta Espresso Chicken Chop that comes with a shot of Espresso, lending the sauce a unique kick of flavour. The Monsta Mamee Burger is also crunchy and addictive, but we advice eating it deconstructed, as it’ll fall apart after a bite.

Must try: Cotton Candy Affogato, Cold Brew Coffee, Monsta Mamee Burger, Monsta Espresso Chicken Chop

Monsta Cafe
Address: 157 Jalan Bestari ⅕ Taman Nusa Bestari Skudai. 81300 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 10am – 12mn; Fri – Sun: 11am – 1am

14. Roost Repurposed & Recycled

An old beer crate, a plastic container and empty glass bottles are given a new lease of life at this cafe that really knows how to turn waste into wonder.

Not only are they pros at recycling, they’re just as adept at serving tasty grub. Share a plate of chicken meatballs and mashed potatoes with your friends. After that, have a bowl of their signature frozen yogurt for dessert.

Must Try: Frozen Yogurt, Chicken Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes, Smoked Salmon Salad, Eggs Benedict

Roost Repurposed & Recycled
Address: 14 Jalan Trus, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 12am; Sun: 6pm – 12am

15. Victoria Rossa English Tea Room (F.K.A. The Teavana)

In this English princess-themed cafe, you’ll can’t help but lift your pinky while taking a sip of your latte.

With its porcelain tea sets, pastel colour scheme and floral printed furniture and crockery, dining here will awaken your inner princess.

Not only do they serve delicious mains, their deserts and pastries do not disappoint. Choose from cakes, scones or muffins, and a selection of coffees and teas.

Must Try: Pasta Sampler, Korean Beefy Cheesy Fries, Cloudy Toast, Lavender Latte

Victoria Rossa English Tea Room
Address: 128 Jalan Dato Sulaiman Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm daily

If looking at these pictures worked up an appetite, there’s only one thing left to do: cross the border for some delicious, wallet-friendly eats! Plus, there’s no better time than now, with the KTM shuttle charging ridiculously lows prices and taking you to JB in under 10 minutes.

Also read 8 Instagram-Worthy Drinks That Will Have Your Followers Spamming The Like Button

(Header Image Source: @bevccafe)

Salmon Samurai Is Now O-Fish-Ally Open – Create Your Own Salmon Don For Just $9.90

Salmon lovers, you’ll want to read this.

Newly opened Salmon Samurai is set to serve Singaporean’s favourite raw fish in all its delicious forms! There’s maki, sashimi, donburi, udon… the list goes on.

But let’s start from the beginning.

Matches Made In Salmon Heaven

On the menu are pre-determined salmon bowls, with salmon prepared in different ways paired with the base they go best with.

On the lighter side is the Salmon Poke with House Salad ($9.90), served with tart Wafu dressing that accents the umami flavour of the marinade perfectly.

You can swap out the salmon poke and get a Spicy Salmon with House Salad ($9.90), where the salmon is coated with a creamy and slightly spicy sauce for some added heat to the usual sesame salad dressing.

The Salmon Sashimi with Brown Rice ($9.90), blended with refreshing ume-yuzu Furikake, offers a surprising burst of savoury and sour flavours in each spoonful.

If you’re in the mood for something less raw, The Garlic Shoyu Salmon with Udon ($9.90) is perfect.

The braised salmon is tender, yet rich with flavour. Burst open the onsen tamago that comes with it; the yolk coats the dish for an extra boost of flavour.

Did we also mention the yummy add-ons as the cherry on top of your dish? Choose from half an avocado ($1.50), Onsen Egg ($1.50) and Ebiko ($1.00).

Build Your Own Salmon

Alternatively, don’t choose from any of the above options. At Salmon Samurai, you get to build your own salmon, i.e. customise your own bowl.

Just pick from its 5 not-so-basic Donburis–Salmon Sashimi, Salmon Mentaiko, Garlic Shoyu Salmon, Salmon Poke and Spicy Salmon–and pair it with a base of your choice, be it mixed grain rice, salad or udon.

And the best part of all of this? It only costs a very affordable $9.90 to put together the salmon don of your dreams.

Also, don’t miss their Warrior Maki ($9.90), the perfect side to your bowl.

All the salmon is delivered fresh daily and is only sliced upon ordering to guarantee freshness and quality. Sauces are made in-house, with the wasabi freshly grated for good measure.

If salmon dishes are your go-to at Japanese eateries, check out this salmon specialist for a tasty, affordable and completely fuss-free lunch!

Salmon Samurai
Address: Ocean Financial Centre, 10 Collyer Quay, B1-08, Ocean Financial Centre
Contact no.: 6634 8593
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 8pm

Address: Tanjong Pagar, 100 Tras Street, 03-22, 100AM
Contact no.: 65 6543 6823
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 8pm; Sat – Sun: 12pm – 6pm
Website

Also read Forget Sugar Glazed, This Cafe Serves Up Savoury Donuts Like ‘Cheeseburger’ And ‘Bacon’ At Only $2.90 A Pop

(Header Image Source: Salmon Samurai)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Also read Forget Sugar Glazed, This Cafe Serves Up Savoury Donuts Like ‘Cheeseburger’ And ‘Bacon’ At Only $2.90 A Pop