Location: East

llaollao FINALLY Makes A Comeback In S’pore – Reopens First Outlet At Changi Airport

Remember when a frozen yogurt war broke out in Singapore in December last year?

https://www.facebook.com/llaollaoSingapore/photos/a.668588463157992.1073741824.518168531533320/2030168586999966/?type=3&theater

Ah, don’t you just love it when frozen yogurt chains throw shade at each other.

Fans of llaollao mourned its departure when they suddenly announced a sudden closure of all its 29 outlets across Singapore and was replaced by another frozen yogurt brand, Yolé.

Great news for fans of llaollao, your favourite frozen yoghurt brand that you know and love is finally back in Singapore with a new store at Changi Airport!

Make Frozen Yogurt Great Again

Llaollao had said in a statement on Facebook then that it was “far from finished in Singapore” and was working to keep the brand in the country.

True to their words, llaollao returned to Singapore on 16 June at Changi Airport Terminal 2 next to American doughnut chain Krispy Kreme and Taiwan’s TP Tea.

https://www.facebook.com/llaollaoSingapore/photos/a.668588463157992.1073741824.518168531533320/2262493870434102/?type=3&theater

If you are one of those people who still believe that if something tastes good it can’t be healthy, then you haven’t tried Sanum. Made from skimmed milk, its Sanum which is a yogurt parfait topped with three layers of fresh, seasonal fruit, muesli, honey and drizzled with sauces!

Totally guilt-free and perfect on a hot day.

To mark their return, llaollao has planned a series of promotions, including the chance for the first five customers to win six months’ supply of its popular Sanum (one redemption per week for six months).

The rest of the first 100 customers will also get to win other prizes in a lucky dip.

It will also be introducing a loyalty card, which customers can use to collect stamps and redeem a small tub of frozen yoghurt.

Best part, they’ll be opening a second store in Tampines 1 mall at the end of June, with more outlets in the pipeline after that.

Step aside Yolé, llaollao is FINALLY back in town and here to stay!

Froyo anyone?

Llaollao (Changi Airport)
Address: 60 Airport Boulevard, Level 2 (Departure Hall), Changi Airport Terminal 2, Singapore 819643
Website

Also Read Try 26 Hawker Dishes For $1 Each At This Carnival In Yishun Park Hawker Centre

(Header Image Source: llaollao Singapore Facebook and @noamisohungry)

This New Arcade Is Supposedly The Biggest In The East Side – Tokens Go For As Low As 16 Cents

5 months ago, VivoCity saw the opening of the Timezone flagship store and it was YUUUGE. You can see it for yourself in our video.

https://www.facebook.com/discover.sg.official/videos/2427312264161128/

Now, there’s a new arcade claiming that they’re the biggest arcade in the East side of Singapore.

Introducing Fat Cat Arcade. They recently opened in Bedok’s Djitsun Mall and they’re proudly owning the title of being the “Biggest Arcade In The East”, or as I would like to call it, B.A.I.T.E (The ‘e’ is silent.)

So Far, So Fat

Fat Cat Arcade claims that they have over 100 machines on the arcade floor and their tokens go for as low as $0.16 each!

Here’s a video tour of Fat Cat Arcade.

https://www.facebook.com/fatcatarcade/videos/194170894563006/

While I’m not a regular patron at arcades, the games I do go for are the shooters such as Time Crisis, The Walking Dead, and the Nascar racing games. Fat Cat Arcade seems to have more skill-based games than shooters.

Here are some photos of the arcade. Can you spot any games you’re familiar with?

To be fair, the arcade floor is quite expansive, though it’s not as big as Timezone. BUT, they have carpeted floors. So the point goes to them.

Of course, every decent arcade in Singapore has these cursed loose-clawed, money-sucking, token-eating machines and Fat Cat Arcade definitely didn’t forget theirs.

Oh, not forgetting these coin-drop arcade machines too.

Now, after you’ve spent hours upon hours farming and stocking up on your tickets, it’s time to redeem them for some prizes. And Fat Cat Arcade has a pretty decent “redemption shop”.

Actually we’re understating because you can choose from more than 500 items to redeem with your tickets. Also, the place reminds me of Mini-So.

Honestly speaking, Timezone is still bigger with more traditional digital arcade games and they have a bowling alley, bumper cars, an air hockey table.

But if you’re in the East and you’re trying to avoid the ‘Special Event Area’ near Sentosa at the moment, then Fat Cat Arcade is a good alternative.

Also, arcades are a better addiction than casinos. Just saying.

Fat Cat Arcade
Address: 445 Bedok North Street 1 Level 2, Djitsun Mall, Singapore 469661
Opening Hours: Daily: 11am – 1am
Contact no.: 6242 0221
Website

Also read There’s A New Sushi Joint At Northpoint City With Prices From $1/Plate

(Header Image Source: Fat Cat Arcade)

Instead Of The Zoo, Here Are 8 Wholesome Activities For Your Kids This June Holiday

One thing I miss the most about being a kid, is the school holidays.

They’ve at least 3 months of just, NOTHING. 3 months in a year of waking up late, and watching cartoons and playing. Why did I ever want to grow up?

That aside, it’s the June holidays now, which means kids events are out in full force.

Here’s a list of events this June holiday where your child, niece or nephew can learn and play!

June Holiday Fiesta

1. Cartoon Network Animate Your Life

Cartoon Network is bringing “Animate Your Life” to Singapore, featuring characters from hit shows –The Powerpuff Girls, We Bare Bears, Adventure Time and Ben 10!

From Saturday 26 May to Sunday 10 June, Cartoon Network Animate Your Life will transform Gardens by the Bay’s Bayfront Plaza into a thriving world of cartoons.

Venue: Gardens By The Bay, Bayfront Plaza
Date: 26 May 2018 – 10 June 2018
Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs: 3pm – 9pm, Fri – Sun: 3pm – 11pm
Price: From $12.50
Image Credit: Happy Rainbow[/caption]

It features an interactive bounce house and oversized plush sculptures that come together to create a multi-sensory experience, transporting participants to a world filled with colour, magic and happy characters.

From 30 May to 19 June, the installation will move across 3 different malls in the East.

Happy Rainbow starts at Tampines Mall from 30 May to 5 June, before moving to SingPost Centre from 6 to 12 June, and finally Bedok Mall, from 13 to 19 June.

To redeem an entry to the Happy Rainbow installation, simply spend a minimum of $30 in a single receipt at the particular mall. The installation is open daily from 11am to 9pm daily.

Happy Rainbow
Venue: Tampines Mall, SingPost Centre, Bedok Mall
Date: 30 May – 19 Jun 2018
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm
Price: Free entry with minimum spending of $30 in a single receipt

3. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Adventure

Fans of Jurassic Park can officially freak out because Plaza Singapura’s main atrium has been converted into a section of Isla Nubla, the fictional island that’s also home to Jurassic World.

Whether you’re a fan of the Jurassic Park franchise or just a fan of dinosaurs in general, you can immerse yourself in the wonder and thrills of the JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM Adventure.

From 25 May to 17 June, enter the Gaming Zone and try your hands on the Jurassic World™ Pinball game, inspired by classic Jurassic movie moments.

[caption id="attachment_34851" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

That’s not all, relive moments from the first Jurassic World movie in a full VR experience.

[caption id="attachment_34852" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

Children can have fun digging in the Sandpit Excavation Site, uncovering plastic dinosaur fossils and eggs. Stand a chance to win exclusive collectible dinosaur trading cards from the JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM movie with 5 different cards to be collected each week!

[caption id="attachment_34853" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

There is also a small exhibition of fossils by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum.

[caption id="attachment_34855" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption] [caption id="attachment_34856" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

Round off the Jurassic experience by taking a photo with a life-size sculpture of the star of the Jurassic World movie, Blue the Velociraptor!

[caption id="attachment_34857" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

Welcome to Jurassic World.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Adventure
Venue: Plaza Singapura Main Atrium
Date: 25 May – 17 Jun 2018

4. Tinkercademy’s June Holiday Classes

If your kids love robotics and coding and all things tech, then it’s time to take him or her to Tinkercademy.

They conduct classes in coding and digital making in a wide variety of fields such as micro:bit, iOS, Python, Arduino, Node, cyber-security, Unity, and more.

They’re opening holiday classes this June, where beginners can learn the basics of coding and digital making using Bloxels and LittleBits.

There are also robotics classes where you will learn mechanical construction and programming. You can even learn to build your own Minecraft World with Python!

You can find a list of their June holiday classes here.

Parents, coding is going to be a VITAL skill. Just FYI.

Tinkercademy
Contact no.: 3125 6257
Website

5. Garfield Carnival And Run

The irony of having a Garfield-themed carnival and run. Gosh.

I fell in love with Garfield, reading comics about the life of the fat tabby cat while growing up. For a while the popularity of Garfield died down, but guess not!

[caption id="attachment_34843" align="aligncenter" width="636"] Image Credit: Sentosa[/caption]

The first ever Garfield Carnival Singapore is happening from 8 to 10 June 2018 at Sentosa to celebrate Garfield’s 40th Birthday Bash!

Happening at Palawan Green, Sentosa, everyone is welcome to join Garfield for a weekend of awesome birthday celebrations and a line-up of entertainment, attractions and carnival game kiosks!

Stand to win exclusive Garfield 40th Birthday Bash prizes and take photos in life-size Garfield photo booths!

Garfield Carnival And Run
Venue: Palawan Green, Sentosa
Date: 8 – 10 Jun 2018

6. Children’s Season At National Museum Of Singapore

It’s Children Season at the National Museum of Singapore!

Presented in conjunction with The More We Get Together: Singapore’s Playgrounds 1930 – 2030, Children’s Season will be happening from 26 May to 24 June 2018.

[caption id="attachment_34861" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Children’s Season 2018
Venue: National Museum of Singapore
Date: 26 May – 24 Jun 2018
Image Credit: City Square Mall[/caption]

The Power-Packed Carnival will feature various games and activities such as the Unicorn Hop, Princess Bouncer, Blaze Inflatable Slide and Ball Pit, Dora Light Trail and the Hide-n-Seek.

To redeem your Carnival Pass, spend a minimum of $60 to play in the carnival and stand to win a fun-filled Power Squad Activity Booklet!

Power-Packed Carnival
Venue: City Square Mall Level 1, City Green
Date: 25 May – 24 Jun 2018
Opening Hours: Daily: 1pm – 10pm
Website

8. Discover Europe At Changi

Happening from 25 May to 24 June 2018, follow your favourite Sesame Street characters as they take you on a tour through Central and Eastern Europe.

[caption id="attachment_34858" align="aligncenter" width="1136"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Also read McGriddles FINALLY Makes A Comeback In S’pore After 2 Years

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

Skip The Geylang Crowd And Visit These 6 Ramadan Bazaars In S’pore Instead

If you’re tired of the overhyped and overpriced food at Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar, we get you.

Here’s a list of alternative bazaars that you should go to do all your last minute Hari Raya shopping. From kuih and dendeng to capal and baju kurung, these bazaars got you covered.

1. Jalan Jalan Makan Makan Raya Edition 2018 (Marina Bay Sands)

The Jalan-Jalan Makan-Makan Raya Edition 2018 is coming to Marina Bay Sands from 1 – 3 June. It is the first MEGA halal food and shopping bazaar at MBS that you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

You’ll get to meet your favourite celebrities, shop for your Hari Raya outfits and break your fast, all in one place!

If you’re looking for the perfect baju kurung, homegrown Muslimah fashion designer Adlina Anis, will have a pop-up booth at the bazaar. Get your wallets ready, because her Hari Raya collection is to die for.

If you’re planning on breaking fast at the bazaar, head on to Farah Diana Catering’s booth for their famous Nasi Ambeng ($7). This meal is packed with sides such as beef rendang and sambal goreng – you’re definitely going to need a power nap after eating this.

Their booth will be located right next to the stage so you definitely won’t miss it! Best part, there’s plenty of seating space as well so you can break fast at the bazaar itself.

With over 200 stalls at the Jalan-Jalan Makan-Makan bazaar, you won’t need to look elsewhere for all your Hari Raya needs.

Jalan-Jalan Makan-Makan Raya Edition 2018
Address: Marina Bay Sands Expo Hall E
Date: 1 – 3 June 2018
Time: 10am – 10pm

2. Bazaar Raya One World (Our Tampines Hub)

The Bazaar Raya One World at Our Tampines Hub has plenty of traditional bazaar staples including putu bambu, ayam perchik, and satay burger. So if you’re looking for real food, then this is the place to indulge.

Keep cool with a cup of original Butter Booeh from BOO:EH and bask in the atmosphere of festivities at the bazaar! Their slushie is a new crowd’s favourite as well.

Out of the 150 stalls available at Bazaar Raya One World, we highly recommend getting the Satay Burger from Famous Satay Burger. If you need an upgrade from your usual ramly burgers, this is the perfect choice for you.

If you’re looking for real good food for the soul, then this bazaar won’t disappoint. No rainbow coloured food or edible balloons at this bazaar here!

Bazaar Raya One World
Address: Our Tampines Hub, 1 Tampines Walk, Singapore 528523
Date: 12 May – 13 June

3. KB Raya Fest (D’Marquee, Downtown East)

D’Marquee is the perfect location for a bazaar if you can’t stand the heat.

Get your wallets ready because you’re in for a real treat. KB Raya Fest is a one stop destination for all your Hari Raya needs. Not to mention, some of the food vendors sounds pretty damn good too!

Burgs by Project Warung will be selling their famous burgers at KB Raya Fest 2018. Unless you live under a rock, Burgs is known for selling gourmet burgers at an affordable price.

Trust me, you can’t miss out on this one.

KB Raya Fest
Address: D’Marquee @ Downtown East
Date: 25th – 27th May 2018
Time: 12pm to 11pm

4. LalooLalang Bazaar (Malay Heritage Centre)

Bring all your kakis for 3 days of food, fun and entertainment. For our non-Muslim geng, in the morning you go breakfast then in the evening you join for break fast ok!

This highly anticipated bazaar has been hugely successful since its debut in 2015.

Fashion, lifestyle, food and fun awaits you down at LalooLalang Bazaar. Be entertained by local acts and learn a thing or two about the Malay culture down at the Malay Heritage Centre galleries!

LalooLalang Bazaar
Address: Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
Date: 1 – 3 June
Time: 3pm to Midnight

5. Bazaar Raya Utara (Woodlands Regional Centre)

The Bazaar Raya Utara is now in its 16th year, featuring a record of 80 stalls, selling everything from street food to homemade Hari Raya goodies.

A new air-conditioned section also houses apparel and fashion stalls, such as Muslimah fashion brand Ayu Apparels and online store Vintagewknd.

Thankfully, traditional food stalls still comprise the bulk of the bazaar’s offerings, with the longest lines dedicated to crowd favourites such as nasi Padang and Ramly Burgers!

Bazaar Raya Utara
Address: Woodlands Regional Centre, Next to Causeway Point
Date: 14 May – 12 June
Time: 10am – 11pm

6. The Grand Bazaar (Singapore Expo)

Inspired by the famed spice bazaars in Istanbul, The Grand Bazaar will take you through the sights and sounds of Turkey.

Taking place on the final weekend of Ramadan, visitors can expect a myriad of food, fashion and furniture shopping, plus cultural performances to enjoy.

A colourful experience awaits you at the Grand Bazaar. With a wide spectrum of vendors participating, you are sure to find something unique in this gathering.

The Grand Bazaar
Address: Singapore Expo Hall 6B
Date: 8 – 10 June 2018
Time: 10am – 10pm

So grab your friends, family and most importantly, your wallet, and head down to these bazaars before the month of Ramadan ends!

Also Read $30 VS Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2018 – Can You Get Decent Food?

(Header Image Source: @projectwarung, @boo.eh, @nataliayusoff)

Krispy Kreme’s Nutella Donuts Are Back – But For A Limited Time Only

Remember when Krispy Kreme released their Hazelnut OG donuts and then took it away from us. Remember all the sadness and pain we felt when they took it away from us on April 1st and we all thought it was some sick April Fools Joke.

Since then, I’ve been refreshing Krispy Kreme’s Facebook page every day in hopes of a notification telling me that their donuts are finally back.

Then this happened today,

https://www.facebook.com/SingaporeKrispyKreme/photos/a.1652839674937017.1073741847.1387206084833712/2212531335634512/?type=3&theater

She’s Finally Back

I rarely get upset over food trends dying but oh wow, I never knew I could miss a particular donut this much.

Krispy Kreme just announced on their Facebook page today that the Hazelnut OG donut will be available at all outlets islandwide, whilst stocks last of course.

As usual, these donuts won’t be on the shelves forever. Back by popular demand, the Hazelnut OG donut will only be available starting from tomorrow, 19th May to 31st May.

Expect long queues at all Krispy Kreme outlets because I’m pretty sure everyone WILL be queueing for these donuts.

These limited edition donuts are $3.30 per piece and sold on a first come, first serve basis. So if you want it, you have to head down early!

Krispy Kreme, if you’re reading this, we love you and we support you. But please, can we make the Hazelnut OG donuts permanent already?

Krispy Kreme 
Address: Find your nearest location Also Read Old Chang Kee Returns To Rex With A Flagship Coffee House And A Bigger Menu

(Header Image Source: Singapore Krispy Kreme Facebook)

$30 VS Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2018 – Can You Get Decent Food?

In the past, there were plenty of stalls selling handmade songkok and traditional baju kurung. I’ll always remember the pakcik with his white towel draped over his shoulders as he grilled his satay and dendeng all night long. Not forgetting that really loud makcik who would shove her kuih in your face to sample.

But stalls selling traditional fare that once lined Geylang Serai in the lead-up to Hari Raya Puasa are dwindling or have vanished altogether.

The Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar used to be one of the most exciting “pasar malam” I’d look forward to every year when I was younger but I honestly don’t know what to feel of what it has become. The sanctity that is the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar has been threatened and it’s worrying.

From unicorn everything to edible flavoured balloons, these are the things that my 5 year old nephew would get excited over.

Is paying $8.90 for edible air really worth the hype?

So, instead of spending all of our money to find the latest hype this year, we challenged the team to spend only $30 at Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar to find food and drinks that are actually worth the money.

Make Geylang Serai Bazaar Great Again

Many of the stalls are run by young entrepreneurs who have given our traditional food a modern twist, or offer creations that I could only ever dream of.

Upon reaching the bazaar, we first decided that we needed a drink. A huge one. I was dying from the heat and a small canned drink was not going to suffice.

I came across Broti, a famous stall selling teas in their signature 1 litre cups for only $4. You know how most vendors would fill your cup halfway with ice and the remaining half with water? Well, Broti is truly a bro because they don’t play you dirty like that. Best part, their teas aren’t overly sweet at all.

We ordered their Thai Iced Tea ($4) and went on our merry way. Thank god for their 1 litre drinks because there is no way I could survive the crowd and heat without staying hydrated.

Balance Amount: $26

We moved on and decided that we needed something to munch on. There were plenty of fried snacks we could have ordered such as the keropok lekor and goreng pisang. I did my quick maths and realised that they weren’t cheap too. I could have easily splurged $5-6 on finger food as well.

That’s when we came across Katoshka. They go by a very simple concept: good ol’ fries served in cups laden in different sauces, from special cheese, sour ranch, chilli beef and sambal cheese.

This stall in particular stood out to me because it wasn’t trying too hard to please the crowd.

We got their Fries with Special Cheese ($5.90) which was honestly one of my favourite food of the night. It was classic and hearty and definitely worth the $5.90. Do note that Katoshka is a pretty popular stall so you might have to wait in a long queue before getting your hands on their fries.

But I must say, Katoshka’s fries are worth the hype.

Balance Amount: $20.10

Next up, mains! We realised that most of the hyped mains were crazy expensive for the portion given. We weren’t about the $12 hotdog bun life so we searched high and low for a main that won’t cost us more than $6 at the bazaar.

I was close to getting a ramly burger ($4) until I came across Dendeng Duo selling Burger Dendeng for $4 as well!

[caption id="attachment_34554" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_34555" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Burger Dendeng ($4)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_34556" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_34557" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Turkish Chicken Pide ($8)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_34558" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Ferrero Banana Cheese ($6)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_34559" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_34560" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] 10 Mini Vadai for $2[/caption]

If You’re Living On A Budget, Here’s A List Of Crazy Cheap Eats In S’pore For Under $2

Don’t you just miss the days when life was simple, cartoons were great and food was cheap?

Now that we’ve grown up, life isn’t simple and cartoons have gone to shit. But we can still hope for cheap food. And the good news is, while prices have gone up in the last decade or so, there are some places that are still selling food at prices of the past.

So here’s a list of places that are still offering food below $2.

1. Cendol (Makan Melaka)

Because Singapore’s been experiencing a heat wave recently, we’re all clambering for the nearest air-conditioned shelter. And if that’s not available, a cold drink or dessert will have to do.

At Makan Melaka, they’re serving up a classic Singaporean dessert for less than $2. Their Cendol Melaka ($1.50) is made fresh daily.

You can also get the Cendol Melaka with Glutinous Rice for just $1.80.

Though the original Cendol Melaka is good on its own, other toppings such as corn and red bean are also available.

Makan Melaka
Address: Blk 1 Changi Village, Singapore 455207
Opening Hours: Wed – Fri & Sun: 8.30am – 10pm, Mon: 9am – 10pm, Sat: 8.30am – 11.30pm, Tue: 8.30am – 10pm, 11pm – 12am

Address: 492 Jurong West Ave 1, #01-70 Singapore 640492
Opening Hours: Daily: 7am – 7pm
Website

2. Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow

One of Singapore’s (debatable) most iconic dishes is Char Kway Teow. Waxed sausage slices, clams, beansprouts, and fishcake slices are stir fried with flat rice noodles (kway teow), yellow egg noodles and dark soy sauce.

The result is a dark and sticky sweet plate of kway teow full of flavour and wok hei. And that’s exactly what you’ll get for $2, at Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow.

As with most Char Kway Teow stalls, there’s the option of not having clams in your order. Personally, I don’t like clams in my Char Kway Teow.

You can also choose to order your Char Kway Teow with just kway teow and not a mix with yellow egg noodles.

If you’re looking for a simple, cheap, decadent plate of Char Kway Teow, this is it.

Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow
Address: 30 Seng Poh Road, #02-11 Tiong Bahru Market, Singapore 168898
Opening Hours: Thu – Tue: 11am – 10.30pm, Wed: Closed

3. Hum Jin Pang

Located in Maxwell Food Centre is a peculiar Hum Chin Peng (deep fried dough fritters) stall.

Aptly named Hum Jin Pang (no confusion here), what’s unique about this stall is that customers get to fry their own hum chin peng, coat it with sugar and pack it.

Crisp on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside, these traditional snacks prove that old truly is gold.

While some may argue that this is beyond self-service, please calm yourselves.

This practice is almost 3 decades old and it was started because customers in the past saw how busy the then-owner Li Zao was, and would offer to help him by frying their own hum chin pengs.

Smaller in size than what you might find elsewhere, Hum Jin Pang’s dough fritters come in two varieties – Five Spice Salt and Sweet Red Bean.

At six pieces for $1, these fritters are ridiculously cheap.

Hum Jin Pang
Address: Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur St., Singapore 069184
Opening Hours: Daily, 2.30pm – 8pm

4. Naan With Curry (Pak Kashmiri Delights)

I know of friends who have intense cravings for naan. While I don’t understand it, they’ve mentioned a certain place in Tekka Market, serving up $1 naan.

Enter Pak Kashmiri Delights, this unassuming Indian stall sells a variety of naan and curries. That’s not all, they make all their naan from scratch in the traditional tandoor.

The Plain Naan will set you back $1. Yeap, $1. For a HUGE piece of fluffy naan. For $2, you can get both the Plain naan and the Garlic naan.

Because their naan is baked in the traditional tandoor, each piece is specked with charred bits giving the naan an additional flavour profile.

While the curries will cost more than $2, if you’re willing to burst your budget a little, it’s definitely worth it.

Pak Kashmiri Delights
Address: 665 Buffalo Road, #01-250 Tekka Market, Singapore 210665
Opening Hours: Daily: 7am – 11pm

5. Rickshaw Noodles

Back at Maxwell Food Centre once again, is another stall that’s keeping a traditional dish alive, Zhong Guo Re Shi (Rickshaw Noodles).

Rickshaw noodles date back to the early days of Singapore, when vendors would peddle the noodles on a rickshaw.

While rickshaw noodles aren’t specifically defined, the stall here sells simple comforting noodle soups which are perfect on a cold day (kinda like Chicken Noodle Soup).

If you’d like a soupy option, go for the Yellow Egg Noodle Soup ($1) which comes with chye sim, carrots, dried shrimp and garnished with shallots.

There’s also the Mee Sua ($1) which comes with shitake mushrooms, chicken and fried shallots.

You can also choose from an array of ngoh hiang and fried food available. Quite a throwback to simpler times with simple food and simpler budgets.

Zhong Guo Re Shi (Rickshaw Noodles)
Address: Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur Street, #01-87, Singapore 069184
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu & Sat – Sun: 6.30am – 1.30pm, Fri: Closed

6. Junshin Express

Hidden in the basement of Bedok Mall, is Junshin Express. This halal-certified sushi joint sells sushi for just 50 cents per piece.

Yeap. 50 cents per piece is quite a steal considering that sushi isn’t usually cheap and even if it is, the lowest we’ve seen (till now) is $1.20 per plate.

A budget of $2 will net you 4 pieces of sushi. While it might not be filling, it’s perfect for a snack or if you just feel like eating something to occupy your mouth.

Currently, their only outlet is in the East. Here’s hoping they’ll open an outlet in the West.

Junshin Express
Address: 311 New Upper Changi Road, #B2-20 Bedok Mall, Singapore 467360
Opening Hours: Daily: 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6440 2893
Website

7.  Chicken Rice (820 Hainanese Chicken Rice)

Chicken rice is also one of Singapore’s most iconic dishes. Probably the most iconic.

820 Hainanese Chicken Rice sells their standard chicken rice for just $2. They do have other add-ons such as the braised egg and gizzards.

Where else can you find $2 chicken rice? Do NOT say Ananas.

820 Hainan Chicken Rice
Address: 823A Tampines Street 81, Singapore 521823
Opening Hours: Daily: 9am – 9pm, Closed: Alternate Mondays

Also read The First-Timer’s Guide To Food In Katong That Isn’t Just Laksa

The First-Timer’s Guide To Food In Katong That Isn’t Just Laksa

Katong is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Singapore. It’s very high SES living.

My aunt used to live in the area and we’d go to I12 Katong often because that’s the closest thing that Katong has to an actual mall.

Don’t get me wrong, I love I12 Katong. But what I wish I knew earlier was that Katong is packed with interesting cafes and places to explore.

So now that I’m older and wiser (that’s debatable), here’s a guide to Katong that I wish I had known about when I was younger.

Katong For First-Timers

1. Dona Manis

My friends claimed that Dona Manis Cake Shop in Katong Shopping Centre, makes the best Banana Pie in Singapore. I knew I had to try this one for myself to believe it.

Upon reaching, I met the owners of Dona Manis, Mdm Soh Tho Lang and Mr Tan Keng Eng, who were busy prepping their bakes for sale.

Their bakes are made and sold in this one unit shop. Must-tries include their incredibly light Cream Puff ($3.50 for 5 pieces) and their famous Banana Pie ($2.50 per slice, $25 per pie).

Dona Manis is Singapore’s hidden gem and is truly worth a visit.. You won’t find bakery shops like Dona Manis in Singapore anymore.

Dona Manis Cake Shop
Address: 865 Mountbatten Road, #B1-93, Katong Shopping Centre, Singapore 437844
Opening Hours: Mon: 9am – 5pm, Tue – Sat: 9:30am – 6pm
Contact No.: 6440 7688
Website

2. Delicious Boneless Chicken Rice

Down the corridor from Dona Manis Cake Shop, is Delicious Boneless Chicken Rice.

Every time Katong Shopping Centre is mentioned, I hear about this chicken rice stall. And as someone who shuns chicken rice because bone-in chicken is too much of a hassle for my liking, boneless chicken rice is a God-send.

And that’s not all, their boneless chicken rice comes with complimentary soup and free-flow achar. One thing to note is that the soup they serve is not your generic MSG water – they actually cook proper soups to go with their chicken rice.

After all, good chicken rice should not overlook any aspect of the meal.

If you’re ready to take on long queues and begin the quest of finding a free table, then you’re ready for some Delicious Boneless Chicken Rice.

Delicious Boneless Chicken Rice
Address: 865 Mountbatten Road, #B1-85/87 Katong Shopping Centre, Singapore 437844
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun: 10.30am – 8pm, Mon: Closed
Contact no.: 9789 6073
Website

3. Birds Of Paradise

Located beside other popular eateries along East Coast Road, Birds of Paradise gelato boutique is completely different from any other local ice cream parlour – they offer up botanical inspired gelato flavours.

4. An Acai Affair

The latest kid on the block is none other than An Acai Affair!

Located in the east, An Acai Affair is set to revoluntionalise the #eatclean trend with their delectable acai bowls and fruit smoothies.

Their Signature Acai Bowl – Tropical Coconut Bowl no doubt stands out from the other specialty stores with the use of an actual coconut husk as a bowl. Despite the relatively small portion due to the coconut husk, expect generous toppings of fruits the likes of pineapple, kiwi, blueberry as well as granola and even wolfberries.

An Acai Affair
Address: 101 East Coast Road, Singapore 428796
Opening hours: Sun to Thu 12nn – 10pm; Fri to Sat 12nn – 11.30pm
Tel: 9792 0837
Website

5. Ampang Niang Tou Foo

Yong Tau Foo is one of my favourite comfort foods. It’s customisable because you get to choose the ingredients you want, which are then blanched in broth and served with rice or noodles.

At Ampang Niang Tou Foo, they serve Ampang-style Yong Tau Foo.

The difference is that they stuff their usual Yong Tau Foo ingredients such as chillis and fried beancurd with minced meat paste instead of fish paste. It gives the ingredients a lot more bite than fish paste does.

That’s not all, the Yong Tau Foo is served in a light broth with soya beans and dried anchovies.

Don’t forget their chilli sauce to add a little “oomph” to the Yong Tau Foo.

Ampang Niang Tou Foo
Address: 225A East Coast Road, Singapore 428922
Opening Hours: Sat – Tue & Thu: 11am – 8.30pm, Wed & Fri: Closed
Contact no.: 6345 3289
Website

6. Chin Mee Chin Confectionery 

This place has been a long-running favourite among the locals. Located along East Coast Road, this nostalgic coffee shop is a nice change to modern joints.

Known for it’s decor typical of 1950s Singapore, with retro marble top tables, floor tiles, and ceiling fans. It’s also known for their traditional kaya toasts.

Instead of the kaya toast bread you’d typically see, their Kaya Toast is served in a hamburger-type bun and slathered with their homemade kaya and a slice of butter.

These buns are made in house and toasted till they are slightly burnt for that nice “char” taste. This place can get pretty busy so try and avoid peak hours if you’re looking at dining in.

Chin Mee Chin Confectionary
Address: 204 East Coast Road, Singapore 428903
Opening Hours: Tues – Sun: 8.30 am – 4pm, Closed on Mondays
Contact No.: 6345 0419

7. Beriwell

A not-so-little space at Katong, along the dessert-filled East Coast Road that houses An Acai Affair and Birds Of Paradise, Beriwell makes you feel like you’re chilling at a shack on the beach.

Easy to spot with its beachy murals, tropical vibes, flamingo printed seats, and rattan chairs, this casual joint will give you plenty of fodder for the ‘gram.

The brainchild of friends Galissa, Dash, and Anand, this acai joint was born out of a love for healthy living and acai.

The trio created the Superswirl, a soft serve that comes in 2 flavours: acai (‘Acai‘) and coconut (‘Coco Majik‘). You can even have the two flavours swirled into one (‘The Twist‘)!

Dairy free, gluten free, and vegan-friendly, the Superswirl is tagged at $6.90 for a small cup, where you can pick 2 toppings out of the day’s selection of fruits and crunch, and $9.90 for a large serving, where you get to choose 4 toppings.

The acai soft serve is a creamier, smoother version of the refreshing acai bowls we all love – perfect for a warm day in the East.

While the menu is still pretty trim at the moment, the store has plenty more up it’s sleeve. We hear there will be more sauces, more toppings, and another smoothie being added to the mix!

This super cute hangout is Instagrammable, chill, and serves up some healthy AND delicious stuff. If you live in the East, make sure to pop by for a refreshing treat in this little tropical retreat.

Beriwell
Address: 19 East Coast Road #01-01, Singapore 428746
Opening Hours: Daily, 9am – 11pm
Website

8. Ponggol Nasi Lemak

Make no mistake, Ponggol Nasi Lemak is not in Punggol, nor is it halal. They serve up Chinese-style Nasi Lemak (Yes.)

Established in 1979, this household name is known for their lemak sambal chilli and crispy fried chicken wings and some say the “Best Nasi Lemak in Singapore”.

There are also plenty of dishes for you to choose from.

It’s been a supper spot for many Singaporeans so if you’re coming here for supper, be prepared to queue.

Ponggol Nasi Lemak
Address: 238 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437026
Opening Hours: Fri – Wed: 5.30pm – 2.30am, Thu: Closed
Contact no.: 6287 0020
Website

Also read This Unassuming Old School Bakery In Katong Is Home To S’pore’s Best Banana Pie

This Unassuming Old School Bakery In Katong Is Home To S’pore’s Best Banana Pie

There is a familiar nostalgic feeling when I first patronised this old school bakery located in a quite corner at the basement of Katong Shopping Centre.

It reminded me of those days my nenek would take me to my neighbourhood bakery and I’d beg her to get me my favourite rainbow-sprinkled donut.

My friends claimed that Dona Manis Cake Shop in Katong makes the best Banana Pie in Singapore. I knew I had to try this one for myself to believe it. 

Famous Old School Bakery In Katong

As I headed down to the basement level of Katong Shopping Centre, all I saw were rows of domestic helper and travel agencies.

I wondered, “Why in the world would Singapore’s famous old bakery be located here?”

After making a couple of turns, there she was, in all her glory. 

Upon reaching, I met the owner of Dona Manis, Mdm Soh Tho Lang and her husband, Mr Tan Keng Eng, who were busy prepping their bakes for sale. 

At first glance, anyone can tell that running this bakery involves a lot of labour. It was a lot of hard work for someone of their age.

Their bakes are made and sold in this one unit shop. Everything about this bakery was outdated but it definitely gave off safe and homely vibes. 

Nothing about this bakery screamed “OMG I NEED A PICTURE FOR THE GRAM” but I was so excited when I saw trays of freshly baked cream puffs. 

I was immediately sold when I took my first bite. It was like biting into a cloud. I don’t know what she puts in her cream puffs, but it was highly addictive. The cream was really light and not overly sweet.

It took me less than 5 minutes to devour everything – I have zero self-control when it comes to cream puff. Each box comes with 5 cream puffs for only $3.50!

You can’t leave Dona Manis without getting their famous Banana Pie as well. A slice will cost you $2.50 and $25 for a whole pie.

This Banana Pie is what I’d describe as the perfect cure to a broken heart. The pie that will comfort you and make you forget about all your problems. This pie that knows how to treat you right. Who needs Ben and Jerry’s ice cream when you have Dona Manis Banana Pie?

Its buttery base was the perfect complement to its sweet banana filling, while the bits of grated coconut and roasted almonds on top added a new dimension of texture to each bite.

This was the Banana Pie I’ve been searching for all my life.

This was the first pie I’ve had in a long time that is perfectly balanced and not jelak at all. It’s no wonder that Dona Manis’ Banana Pie is touted as the best in Singapore.

My trip to Dona Manis was a fruitful one. I left with a bag of goodies and a huge smile on my face. I bid goodbye to Mdm Soh and told her I’ll come back for another helping of Banana Pie and Cream Puffs.

Dona Manis is Singapore’s hidden gem. Heck it should even be considered as a Singapore National Monument. You won’t find bakery shops like Dona Manis in Singapore anymore. This humble bakery is truly worth a visit.

Dona Manis Cake Shop
Address: 865 Mountbatten Road, #B1-93, Katong Shopping Centre, Singapore 437844
Opening Hours: Mon: 9am – 5pm, Tue – Sat: 9:30am – 6pm
Contact No.: 6440 7688
Website

Also Read These 10 Bakeries In S’pore Serve The Best Bread – And They All Deserve A Toast

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

There’s Finally A Halal Boat Noodle Place In S’pore – And It’s Only $1.90 A Bowl

Upon hearing the news of this newly opened Thai boat noodles place in Singapore, I knew I had to go down to experience it for myself. My first thought was, “About god damn time we get halal boat noodles in Singapore.”

The boat noodles craze has sent plenty of Singaporeans including me going over the causeway JUST for Thai boat noodles, so imagine how excited I was when I found out there’s finally a halal boat noodle place in Singapore.

So I packed my bags, braved the weather and decided that today will be the day I finally get to indulge in this savoury delight right here in Singapore.

Cheap Cheap, Good Good

I drummed my fingers on the handrail of the escalator as it slowly descended into the basement of I12 Katong, perhaps one of my favourite malls in Singapore.

It was honestly a very small shop but I had real high expectations for the food served at Hat Yai Noodle Cafe.

Just like any other typical Thai boat noodles shop, the noodles are served in mini bowls ($1.90 each) that can be gobbled up in about 2 large mouthfuls. Each bowl comes with a slice of beef, meatball, leafy vegetables, beansprouts, spring onions and noodles of your choice (of course we got the traditional glass noodle).

I was not that blown away by their broth but honestly, for $1.90 per bowl, I’m not complaining. It’s definitely perfect if you’ve got a small appetite and looking for something light.

Ordering 3 bowls is definitely not a smart move if you’re hungry. If you’re looking for a proper heavy meal, they do have a bigger version which is the Braised Beef Tendon ($8.50). You can choose from 3 different proteins – beef, chicken, duck.

You can also choose to have it dry with soup on the side if that’s how you roll.

I was looking forward to trying out their side dishes like the Ping Gai which is basically Thai style BBQ chicken and beef sticks. Unfortunately, they weren’t selling any side dishes today.

So I settled for their Chicken/Beef Meatball Skewers ($1.90 per skewer) instead. Each stick comes with 4 beef/chicken balls. Was not too sure what they meant by “Thai Special Sauce” but ours came drenched in Thai Sweet Chilli sauce that my mom buys from Giant Supermarket.

I prayed real hard, “@ God, the least you can do is give me decent Thai Milk Tea. I headed all the way to Katong for Thai food. Please don’t disappoint.”

God heard my prayers and decided not to disappoint me any further. It tasted exactly like the famous Thai milk tea brand your friend would buy for you from Bangkok.

It helped wash all my sadness and problems away.

My total meal totalled up to $26, inclusive of a 10% service charge. I left Hat Yai Noodle Cafe feeling slightly disappointed but at least I’m pleased with the fact that there’s halal boat noodles in Singapore if I’m ever craving for it.

In the mean time, I’m gonna fix myself a cup of instant tom yum noodles and daydream of a getaway to Thailand.

Hat Yai Noodle Cafe
Address: 112 East Coast Rd, I12 Katong Mall, B1-18, Singapore 428802
Opening Hours: 11 am – 9.30 pm, daily
Website

Also Read These 10 Bakeries In S’pore Serve The Best Bread – And They All Deserve A Toast

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)