5 LAN Shops In S’pore That Are Dirt Cheap – Starting From $1/Hr

LAN gaming in Singapore is an unofficial rite of passage that most teens go through.

With games such as CounterStrike and Dota offering multiplayer options, LAN gaming shops were prevalent in the mid 2000s.

Even though LAN gaming is very popular, more people are getting their own gaming desktops set up at home which allows them to play in the comfort of their own homes.

However, there are still LAN gaming shops that have stood the test of time.

We found the best and cheapest ones for those of you who are looking to get your PUBG game faces on.

Gaming For The Masses

1. Khakabo

[caption id="attachment_32095" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image Credit: GoWhere Club[/caption]

Khakabo is one of the local gaming community’s favourite spots. When you ask gamers where they’d go for LAN gaming, Khakabo always comes up.

With individual sofa seats and a clean, cosy environment and a low rate of $2 per hour, it is no wonder gamers love to come to Khakabo.

What’s more, this place never closes. That’s right, it’s open 24 hours! Khakabo is the closest thing we have to a perfect LAN shop.

Khakabo
Address: 175 Bencoolen Street, #01-58, Burlington Square, Singapore, 189649
Opening Hours: Daily: 24 Hours
Contact No.: 8128 0922
Price: $2 per hour
Website

2. GG Cybercafe

Image Credit: GoWhere Club 

[caption id="attachment_32096" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: GG Entertainment[/caption]

GG Cybercafe is a cosy LAN shop that offers individual sofa seats, latest equipments and hardware, food and drinks, and even printing services!

They also regularly host tournaments for games such as AuditionSEA and PUBG. Visiting gamers can expect to find a wide variety of games available, such as League Of Legends, DOTA 2, World Of Warcraft, Diablo 3, and MapleStory.

Their hourly rate is low, at $2 per hour, and they have packages for those who are planning to game for up to 12 hours.

$5 for 3 hours, $9 for 6 hours, and $12 for 12 hours. Can you game for 12 hours?

They do have festive promotions as well so do follow them on social media for updates on new game additions or promotional packages!

GG Entertainment
Address: 
Golden Wall Centre, 89 Short Street, #B1-14, Singapore, 188216
Opening Hours: 10am – 2am daily
Contact no.: 6254 5004
Price: $2 per hour
Website

3. Clique Gaming

[caption id="attachment_32098" align="aligncenter" width="1169"] Image Credit: Clique Gaming PL[/caption] [caption id="attachment_32099" align="aligncenter" width="826"] Image Credit: Clique Gaming PL[/caption]

Clique Gaming is the swankiest LAN shop we’ve seen.

That’s not all. This LAN shop is really a level up from the other LAN shops around.

They have HoN Legacy on all computers, which grants access to every hero in the game, in any account you play.

They also have premium Garena accounts that allows players to access gold member rooms for DOTA, double IP boost for League Of Legends players, and 5% experience boost for Blackshot players.

Besides the usual computer gaming, they also offer console gaming at $4 per hour.

Open for 24 hours, sofa seats, PC and Console gaming options and premium gaming accounts, Clique Gaming is one of the best in the business currently.

Clique Gaming
Address: 35 Selegie Road Parklane Shopping Mall #B1-17, Singapore 188307
Opening Hours: 24 Hours daily
Contact no.: 9009 3707
Price: $2 per hour
Website

4. Big-O Gaming

[caption id="attachment_32100" align="aligncenter" width="5472"] Image Credit: Website

5. Colosseum

[caption id="attachment_32102" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image Credit: Colosseum[/caption] [caption id="attachment_32103" align="aligncenter" width="796"] Image Credit: Colosseum[/caption]

Colosseum began in 2008 and has been a household name in the LAN gaming community.

They may have just closed their flagship store at Bugis+, but there are still 3 other outlets available in the North, East and West.

Their hourly rate is $3 for non-members, and $2 for members. Visitors only need to pay $8 for membership, which comes with 4 hours of free gaming, and discounted hourly rates for a year.

Membership renewal is not automatic so you will have to go to any outlet to renew your membership. It’s a little troublesome, but thankfully they have outlets in the different areas of Singapore.

Low hourly rates, clean and spacious interiors, and multiple outlets, Colosseum is a LAN shop that really caters to their customers.

Colosseum
Address: E!Avenue 1 Pasir Ris Cl, #02-341/342, Singapore 519599
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 11am – 11pm, Fri – Sat: 11am – 1pm
Contact no.: 6581 0126
Price: $3 per hour (non-members), $2 per hour (members)
Website

Address: Blk 120, #01-02 Woodlands Avenue 1, Singapore, 739069
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 11am – 11pm, Fri – Sat: 11am – 1pm
Contact no.: 6219 5954

Address: Blk 399 #01-44, Yung Sheng Road, Singapore, 610399
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 11am – 11pm, Fri – Sat: 11am – 1pm
Contact no.: 6264 2668

LAN gaming may be dwindling in popularity but these LAN shops are still standing strong because of their low prices, wide variety of games, and comfortable environments.

Have you been to any of these LAN shops? Which is your favourite?

Also read 10 Dope Events And Foods This December That Will Get You In The Mood For X’mas

(Header Image Source: Khakabo)

7 Halal Steamboat Places To Hit Up With Your Muslim Makan Kakis

Many of us Singaporeans love going for steamboats.

A fun dining experience that offers loads more interaction than if you each ordered a main for yourselves, it’s no wonder restaurants like Hai Di Lao are so popular among families and groups of friends. Unfortunately, halal hot pots are hard to come by in Singapore.

We sussed out all the best Halal certified hot pot places in Singapore. Chinese, Thai, Korean-style – we have them all.

Whether you’re someone who has Muslim friends to take into consideration, or are Muslim yourself, here are 7 Halal certified places where you can get your hot pot fix!

1. Farah Diana Restaurant (Closed)

Located at Changi, Farah Diana Restaurant is a short 5 minute walk from Eunos MRT station.

[caption id="attachment_32019" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image Credit:
Farah Diana Restaurant By Farah Diana Catering – FDCS Facebook[/caption]

One thing we love about this place is the price you pay for an all-you-can-eat. Adults pay just $22, while children aged 5 – 12 pay $15.

The steamboat features all the usual suspects: vegetables, seafood (crab, scallops, mussel, squid) and marinated meats (beef, chicken). You can choose from chicken or tom yum soup for your soup base. There’s also cooked food including fried rice, noodles, and traditional malay kuih.

The sambal and chilli here are top notch, so you’ll want to bring plenty of that to your table!

Take note that Farah Diana Restaurant only accepts cash, so you’ll want to make sure you draw money before you head here to eat!

Price: $22 for adults, $15 for children (5 – 12 years old)

Farah Diana Restaurant
Address: 285 Changi Road Singapore 419764 
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 4pm – 11pm; Fri: : 4pm – 12am; Sat – Sun: 2pm – 12am 
Contact no.: 9107 9792

2. Marina Bay Steamboat @ Satay By the Bay

If you’re ever in the Marina Bay Sands area, you need to try out Marina Bay BBQ Steamboat (MBBS), an alfresco concept buffet at Satay By The Bay.

[caption id="attachment_31947" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Burpple User Kevin Marling[/caption]

Within walking distance of Gardens By The Bay and Marina Barrage, Marina Bay Steamboat offers up a wide spread of fresh seafood including crayfish, crab, scallops, prawns, and bamboo clams. You can also expect a free flow of meats, vegetables, desserts and soft drinks, so you can stuff yourself silly after a whole day of activity!

All ingredients are prepared fresh daily, so you can be sure you’re eating only the good stuff.

Price: Children 5 – 11 years old: $15 nett | Adults, Mon – Thu: $27 nett | Adults, Fri/Sat: $29 nett | Adults, Eve of PH/PH: $30 nett

Marina Bay Steamboat @ Satay By the Bay
Address: 
18 Marina Gardens Drive, Satay By The Bay, #12/13/14 Marina Bay, Singapore
Opening Hours: Daily, 5pm – 11.45pm
Contact no.: 8180 8112
Facebook

3. Flame Cafe

Flame Cafe is a hot pot place you’ve probably heard of – but did you know it’s Halal certified?

Located at Tai Seng, a stone’s throw from Tai Seng MRT station, this hot pot spot made waves because of its FOUR tier Pagoda steamboat set up.

[caption id="attachment_31956" align="aligncenter" width="1440"] Image Credit: Flame Cafe[/caption]

The top layer of the 4-Tier Cheesy Hotpot & BBQ Pagoda Steamboat is a steamer.

The second tier is a dipping tier (choose from Cheese, Salted Egg or Mongolian dip), and the next is a BBQ hot plate for grilling. Finally, right at the bottom is a hot pot tier that is divided down the middle so you can enjoy two different soup bases (choose from Chicken, Tom Yum, Mala, Herbal Tonic, Tomato). Talk about having options!

Choose from the Supreme ($38.90/pax), Premium ($29.90/pax) and Deluxe ($19.90/pax) Buffet, which entitles you to different kinds of ingredients to cook with your Pagoda steamboat.

Take note that the Pagoda steamboat set is only available after 3pm.

Flame Cafe
Address: Level 1 Centro Bianco Building, 73 Upper Paya Lebar Road, Singapore 534818
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 10am – 1am; Fri – Sat: 10am – 3am; Sun: 10am – 1am
Contact no.: 6288 6346
Image Credit: Burpple User Alex Chua[/caption]

Lukhon Thai prides itself in its selection of authentic Northern Thai meat marinates and delicious chilli dip. Seriously, the chilli dip is the perfect mix of sweet, spicy and salty, and is super shiok when paired with the food you’re cooking.

For the soup, you get to choose between Chicken and Tom Yum soup (we recommend the latter). Like most Mookata places, you can choose from the pre-set platters, or you can order your favourites individually. They have beef, chicken, seafood, mushrooms – everything you need for a delicious, soul-warming Mookata.

Lukhon Thai
Address:
110 Pasir Ris Central, #02-05 Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre, Singapore 519641
Contact no.: 9675 5849
Facebook

5. Makan Makan (Closed)

Located at the quaint, secluded Punggol Ranch is Makan-Makan.

Decorated with equestrian elements, Makan-Makan lets you cook your food hot pot (choose between a tom yum or chicken soup base) and grill style.

[caption id="attachment_32023" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Burpple User Raine Liu[/caption]

The buffet line here includes a host of greens, marinated meats like beef, chicken, mutton, and duck, and has an entire section dedicated to seafood! You can expect everything from flower crabs to crayfish, mussels and scallops.

There is also a section of cooked food that includes simple fare like chicken wings, nuggets, and spring rolls! Pair your food with carbs like mee goreng and carbonara, and you’re in for a delicious meal.

Price: $26 on weekdays, $29 on weekends

Makan-Makan
Address: 900 Punggol Road End, Singapore 829168
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 3pm – 11pm; Sat & Sun: 12pm – 12am; Closed on Mon
Contact no.: 8571 0203

6. Yummy Veggie

Another buffet concept, Yummy Veggie International Buffet & Steamboat Restaurant is a vegetarian restaurant that plates up a delicious array of international vegetarian cuisine and steamboat, in a buffet concept.

[caption id="attachment_31957" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image Credit: 7. Mukshidonna

Muslim folks who love Korean Army Stew, Mukshidonna will be your saving grace!

[caption id="attachment_32022" align="aligncenter" width="960"]
Image Credit: Burpple User Jia Yi Ho[/caption]

Located at Downtown East, Pasir Ris, Mukshidonna is a popular chain restaurant from Seoul that is known for two things: budae jjigae (Korean army stew) with tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes).

Each serving of Army Stew costs $13.90, and comes with tteokbokki, odaeng (Korean fishcakes), vegetables, and gochujang (red chilli paste) stew. You can add all your favourite ingredients into your Army Stew at an additional cost of $3 per serving. Think: dumplings, mussels, sausages, and our favourite – cheese!

Mukshidonna
Address: 1 Pasir Ris Close, #02-324, E!Avenue, Singapore 519599
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.30am – 10pm 
Facebook

The next time you’re in the mood for steamboat, be sure to hit up these restaurants! Many of these are buffet-style, so hang back and don’t leave until you’re sure you’ve had your fill!

Also read When Pasar Malam Meets USS – Singapore’s Biggest Carnival Will Make You Feel Like A Kid Again

(Header Image Source: Burpple User Kevin Marling)

Have A Furry Merry X’mas At Changi This Year As Hello Kitty And Friends Take Over Our Airport

From Disney to Pokemon, Changi Airport has always been outdoing their own Christmas themes every year. And this year is no different.

Following the opening of the Hello Kitty cafe in May 2016, the Changi Airport group has decided to go with Sanrio characters for this year’s Christmas theme!

[caption id="attachment_31355" align="aligncenter" width="602"] Characters such as Gudetama, Little Twin Stars and Hello Kitty will be part of the Sanrio lineup.[/caption]

Hello Kitty will be bringing her other famous friends to Changi Airport Terminal 3 this Christmas!

Say Hello To Hello Kitty And Friends

Starting from 17 November, be enchanted by Changi’s first ever indoor drone show which will feature up to 40 drones working in formation to produce a spectacular light show!

That’s not all, Hello Kitty and her friends will also be performing enchanting songs and dances for everyone!

[caption id="attachment_31358" align="aligncenter" width="533"] Image Credit: Facebook User Alice King[/caption]

If you’re looking for photo opportunities, look no further. Changi’s Mystical Garden will be lined with life-sized Sanrio characters, a gazebo, as well as a treehouse that’s topped with Hello Kitty’s signature ribbon!

[caption id="attachment_31356" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Image Credit: @changiairport[/caption] [caption id="attachment_31359" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image Credit: Changi Airport[/caption]

But wait, there’s more! Sanrio fans and visitors can also purchase the plushies of the characters and participate in fun activities at the event area located opposite the Terminal 3 Check In Row 11!

So gather your friends and families this festive season, and head down to Changi Airport Terminal 3 for a very merry Sanrio Christmas!

Hello Kitty & Friends At Changi Airport
Venue: Changi Airport Terminal 3
Date: 17 Nov
Website

Also read It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like X’mas At Gardens By The Bay, With Its Pretty Lights And Outdoor Rink

(Header Image Source: Changi Airport)

Forget Truffle Fries, These 7 Luncheon Meat Dishes Will Make You SPAM All Your Money

One of the most versatile yet underrated ingredients today, is the humble luncheon meat. Americans might be more familiar with the name “SPAM“. No, not the junk mail. As in the canned meat.

You can choose to eat the meat as it is, though we wouldn’t recommend it as it’s REALLY salty.

[caption id="attachment_31344" align="aligncenter" width="564"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Burpple User Nobelle Liew[/caption]

Thick cut strips of fried SPAM served with a side of mayonnaise. It’s a simple dish but so so good.

The mayonnaise helps to cut through the oiliness of the SPAM fries. But let’s be honest, the fries disappear before you even touch the mayonnaise.

It’s a little pricey at $11.90, but it’s so worth it.

Curious Palette
Address: 64 Prinsep Street, Singapore, 188667
Opening Hours: Sun – Mon: 9AM – 10PM; Wed – Thu: 9AM – 10PM; Fri – Sat: 9AM – 12AM; Tue: Closed
Contact no.: 6238 1068
Website

2. Free Flow SPAM Fries @ TAP Craft Beer Bar

[caption id="attachment_31336" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Image Credit: @tapsingapore[/caption]

This is the greatest piece of news ever. Every Thursday at TAP Craft Beer Bar, you are entitled to their free flow SPAM fries with any drink purchase.

You can also order the SPAM fries ($8) off the menu, if you’re not going on a Thursday.

These greasy strips of decadence come with a sweet chilli aioli that just elevates the dish to another level. If this doesn’t ignite a fire in your soul, we don’t know what will.

TAP Craft Beer Bar
Address: Capitol Piazza, #01-K1, 15 Stamford Road, Singapore, 179906
Opening Hours: Daily: 12PM – 12AM
Contact no.: 6384 7188
Image Credit: Sinpopo Brand[/caption]

Are you getting sick of fries yet? Don’t worry. This one’s different. It’s still luncheon meat, but it’s deep fried mashed luncheon meat. Same but different.

True to their name, these are so delightfully crispy and savoury, it’s just happiness with every bite. The best part? It’s only $6. Now both our stomachs and wallets are happy.

Sinpopo Brand
Address: 458 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore, 427671
Opening Hours: Tue – Thu: 12PM – 10PM; Fri – Sat: 12PM – 12AM; Sun: 12PM – 10PM; Mon: Closed
Contact no.: 6345 5034
Website

4. SPAM Chips @ PARK at Holland Village

[caption id="attachment_31339" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Burpple User Yeung Kai Ho[/caption]

Think Doritos, but made of SPAM. A SPAM Dorito. A SPAM Chip.

These SPAM Chips ($8.50) served at PARK cafe at Holland Village are so good and easy to eat.

They’ll disappear faster than you can say “PARK Cafe”.

PARK at Holland Village
Address: 281 Holland Avenue, #01-01, Singapore, 278996
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun: 10AM – 12AM; Mon – Closed
Contact no.: 9721 3815
Image Credit: Burpple User The Hungry Geek[/caption]

For those of you who don’t know, Musubi is essentially SPAM sushi. Because sashimi is expensive.

Aloha Poké has managed to create these addictive little musubis, where each slab of SPAM is coated with a caramelised secret sauce and rests upon a bed of sushi rice.

For $11, you get a serving of 6 musubis. Our only gripe? 6 musubis is not enough.

Aloha Poké
Address: 92 Amoy Street, Singapore, 069911
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11.30AM – 2.30PM, 5.30PM – Late; Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
Contact no.: 6221 6165
Image Credit: 7. SPAM WHAM! @ Tanuki Raw

[caption id="attachment_31343" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Image Credit: @tanukiraw[/caption]

This. This is the ultimate SPAM dish.

Thick cut SPAM fries piled with cheese, black garlic brown butter gravy (we know, right?), sour cream, guacamole, and onions. Honestly, is there anything better?

For just $13.90, you get to relish in this sinful bowl of SPAM. Just looking at this gives us life.

However, do note that SPAM WHAM! is only available at the Orchard Central outlet.

Tanuki Raw
Address: Orchard Central, #04-01, 181 Orchard Road, Singapore, 238896
Opening Hours: Daily: 11.30AM – 10PM
Contact no.: 6636 5949
Website

Fries have never looked more outdated and our stomachs have never growled any louder. We’re going to get all of these for a SPAM buffet.

Which SPAM dish are you going to try first?

Also read It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like X’mas At Gardens By The Bay, With Its Pretty Lights And Outdoor Rink

(Header Image Source: Burpple Users Nobelle Liew, Yeung Kai Ho)

Michelin-Starred Tsuta Adds Two Duck Ramen Dishes To Their Menu And It’s Ducking Good

Ramen fans, there’s a new ramen coming to you, and this one comes courtesy of none other than Michelin-starred ramen restaurant Tsuta.

If you’ve been to Tsuta, you’ll know that the limited seating restaurant sees queues daily at both its Orchard and Tai Seng branches. You’ll also know that they serve up sumptuous bowls of their signature fragrant truffle oil blended Shoyu Soba.

[caption id="attachment_31206" align="aligncenter" width="860"] Image Credit: lancescape[/caption]

If you’re a fan of Chef Yuki Onishi’s truffle-y take on Japanese ramen, or just love trying different, novel ramen dishes in general, you’ll love what Chef Yuki Onishi has cooked up just for his Singaporean customers. 

An Ode To Duck

For their first year anniversary in Singapore, Tsuta has come up with not one but two ramen dishes, and the star ingredient is a meat we Singaporeans eat plenty of: duck.

Noticing the popularity of the ingredient during his visit to Singapore in 2016, Chef Yuki Onishi decided to create a ramen dish inspired by it. After experimenting with different recipes and cooking methods for a year, he created 2 ramen dishes: the dry Kamo Abura Soba, and Kamo Paitan Soba which is served in soup

[caption id="attachment_31202" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Kamo Abura Soba[/caption]

The Kamo Abura Soba ($10) features noodles that have been marinated with premium shoyu and duck oil. Creamy, with an umami flavour, the ramen noodle comes topped with poached duck breast, baby leaves, crushed roasted cashew nuts and yellow onions. The ramen is served with a separate bowl of clear chicken stock soup.

What we love about this dry ramen is that you can really taste each individual component of the dish. The poached duck breast is slow cooked in shoyu sauce for an extended period of time, and is juicy with a tender bite. The cashew nuts and onions provide a nice contrast, bringing some nuttiness and sharpness to the flavours in the bowl.

The clear soup is also light and refreshing – a nice contrast from the stronger flavours in the ramen.

If you prefer your ramen in soup, you will probably prefer the Kamo Paitan Soba ($11).

[caption id="attachment_31222" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Kamo Paitan Soba[/caption]

This ramen dish features a creamy broth where the flavour of the duck really comes through. A broth that’s not too heavy, it is slow cooked for 5 hours with duck bones and even duck feet, giving it its rich flavour and creamy consistency.

Just like the Kamo Abura Soba, this ramen comes topped with slices of duck breast, baby leaves, cashew nuts, and yellow onions.

While Tsuta is not the only ramen restaurant in Singapore to come up with a duck ramen, we think they’ve nailed it with these delectable new ramen dishes. A dish that celebrates the flavours of duck, this is sure to be a hit with those who love the gamey meat.

These ramen dishes will only be available from 4 November onwards and are exclusively available in Singapore. The next time you’re craving a hearty bowl of ramen, be sure to head down to your nearest Tsuta to eat it!

Tsuta
Address: Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road, #01-01, Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6734 4886
This Sandwich Shack Makes Grilled Cheese Sandwiches That Will Put Your Homemade Ones To Shame

This Hawker Stall May Be Low-Key, But Its Soy Sauce Chicken Rice Is Hai Kee Amazing

Chicken rice is a dish that’s close to many Singaporeans’ hearts.

A dish that inspires fierce, unwavering loyalty among Singaporeans, many of us chicken rice fans have a favourite stall we rarely stray from.

[caption id="attachment_31026" align="alignnone" width="2936"] Image Credit: Chee Kuen[/caption]

If you love chicken rice, here’s a contender you should definitely check out – Hai Kee.

With two locations – one at Changi and one at Bedok – ‘Hai Kee’, which roughly translates to ‘remember the sea’, is a chicken rice stall that has been around since 1959.

[caption id="attachment_31020" align="alignnone" width="1280"] L-R: Joseph Wang, James Wang (Image Credit: Chee Kuen)[/caption]

Originally located at Upper Cross Street, this hawker stall is easy to spot with its bright red signboard. Specialising in soy sauce chicken rice, Hai Kee is run by a pair of young hawkers – Joseph Wang and his younger brother, James Wang.

Chicken That’s Soy Delicious

It probably goes without saying that the best-seller at Hai Kee is its signature soy sauce chicken.

A Cantonese style of cooking chicken that involves braising the chicken in soy sauce, Hai Kee’s version is tender and packed with delicious savoury flavour.

The chicken is poached to perfection and is left to rest for a few minutes before serving, which is what gives the meat its tender quality.

[caption id="attachment_31023" align="alignnone" width="3024"] Image Credit: Chee Kuen[/caption]

Choose to have your meat with either rice — cooked in a garlic- and ginger-infused broth and chicken fat — or egg noodles.

As with many other hawker stalls, you can order ‘xiao de‘ (small), ‘zhong de‘ (medium) or ‘da de‘ (large).

The Superior Soy Sauce Chicken Rice is $3.50 for a small serving, $4.50 for a medium serving, and $5.50 for a large serving, while the Superior Soy Sauce Noodle is $3.80, $4.80, and $5.80 for a small, medium, and large serving respectively.

[caption id="attachment_31033" align="alignnone" width="3024"] Image Credit: Chee Kuen[/caption]

Even though the soy sauce chicken is the crowd favourite, Hai Kee’s char siew is an absolute must try.

Roasted in-house, Hai Kee uses pork belly meat to make its char siew. The meat is marinated overnight and is freshly roasted daily with Hai Kee’s secret caramelised sauce. Succulent and bursting with flavour, the meat is the perfect mix of sweet and savoury, and will leave you hankering for more.

The Char Siew Rice is $3.50, $4.50, and $5.50 for a small, medium, and large serving respectively, while the Char Siew Noodle is $3.80, $4.80, and $5.80 for a small, medium, and large serving respectively.

[caption id="attachment_31025" align="alignnone" width="3018"] Image Credit: Chee Kuen[/caption]

Any chicken rice lover worth his salt will know that the sauces are just as important as the flavours on the plate – and Hai Kee’s definitely pack a punch.

If you can’t live without your chilli, dip your meats into Hai Kee’s chilli sauce! Prepared with two varieties of chilli – bird eyed chilli and big red chilli – the sauce is finished off with a dash of lime juice, giving it a bright, zingy twist.

Hai Kee has also created two ginger dipping sauces for its customers. Its ‘sha jiang’ ginger is a chunkier dip that is more reminiscent of the ginger sauce we’re familiar with. Aside from that, Hai Kee has also created a sweet-sour version that goes superbly with its chilli sauce.

Hai Kee also serves roasted pork and vegetables such as Oyster Sauce Vegetables ($3/small, $5/large) and Beansprouts with Cuttlefish ($3/small, $5/large) if you want more variety on your plate.

A New School Brand With Old School Flavour

While Hai Kee has undergone a huge rebranding, ditching its original, more traditional signboard for a modern aesthetic, the food and flavours have not changed; the chicken and roast here taste every bit like the Hai Kee Singaporeans have come to know and love, but with an updated presentation.

[caption id="attachment_31024" align="alignnone" width="2881"] Image Credit: Chee Kuen[/caption]

One thing you’ll notice when you eat at Hai Kee is that, unlike many chicken rice stalls these days, it serves its rice in a bowl. The old way of eating rice, the duo wanted to do this because they felt that the rice is more fragrant when eaten like this, instead of on a plate.

At Hai Kee, the food is served in traditional-style crockery, making you feel as if you’re having a comforting home-cooked meal, while also evoking a sense of nostalgia.

If you’re keen to have a taste of Hai Kee’s chicken rice, be warned — both its Changi and Bedok branches see long queues on weekends, so be prepared to wait! Otherwise, your best bet is to drop in on a weekday.

While Hai Kee may be a little out of the way for some of us, you can rest assured that the trip will be well worth your while. And if you can’t travel out for a taste, hey, they’re on all the food delivery apps – Deliveroo, FoodPanda, honestbee, and UberEATS.

With mouth-watering soy sauce chicken and tasty roasts, you’ll be wanting seconds while you’re at Hai Kee!

[caption id="attachment_31214" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image Credit: Hai Kee[/caption]

Hai Kee
Address: Kim San Leng Coffeeshop, 324T Changi Road S419799
Opening Hours: 9am – 6.30pm, while stock lasts; Kitchen is closed every Friday
Contact no.: 9459 2494

Address: Food Loft Coffeeshop, Blk 217 Bedok North St 01 S460217
Opening Hours: 9am – 8pm, while stock lasts; Kitchen is closed on alternate Tuesdays
Contact no.: 9835 0099

Also read If You Like Blackball, This Dessert Shop Will Have You Questioning Your Loyalties

11 Electrifying Events And Delectable Foods To Turn Your November Into Yes-vember

October has come to a close and we have an ENTIRE month, or two if you count most of December, before Christmas hits our shores in full force.

November is a relatively lull month, so we’ve compiled a list of events and food for you to eat and party your way through to make it to December.

Time to power through to Christmas! Ready, set, party!

Play & Discover

1. Escape 56 Feat. Roman Flugel (Dial/DE) + Colossal Exhibition

[caption id="attachment_31143" align="aligncenter" width="1050"] Image Credit: Escape 56 Facebook[/caption]Escape 56 returns for its 4th edition and proudly presents one of the biggest name in the German electronic music scene, Roman Flügel!

Roman Flügel has been active since the 1990s and has visited many styles of music, from ambient/idm to house, techno, electro and leftfield.

Escape 56 is also featuring the Colossal Photos exhibition in the second room of the warehouse.

Colossal Photos is a big name in the dance music scene in Singapore, having covered events from club nights to large scale events such as Ultra Singapore, ZoukOut, and Laneway Festival Singapore.

Tickets are almost sold out but you can still grab the last release tickets here at $55!

Escape 56 Feat. Roman Flugel (Dial/DE) + Colossal Exhibition
Venue: The Henderson Project, Blk 203 Henderson Road, #02-01, Lift Lobby A
Date: 3 Nov – 4 Nov 2017
Price: $55
Website

2. Singapore River Festival

[caption id="attachment_31146" align="aligncenter" width="828"] Image Credit: Singapore River Festival Facebook[/caption]

The Singapore River Festival 2017 is back on 3 and 4 November!

Spread out across the 3 different quays: Boat, Clarke and Robertson Quay, each quay hosts different activities and exudes a different vibe so guests can pick what they like.

The Boat Quay waterfront will be the battleground for the first dragon boat night race at the Singapore River. Spectators can also catch a dazzling light show during intermissions!

The Clarke Quay Fountain Square will host the LIT UP Party, a rave where YOU are the spectacle. Early bird tickets go for $8 while ticket sales at the door will be $10. Preorder your tickets here!

The Clarke Quay Waterfront will see Singapore’s biggest LED kite display by GoFlyKite, filling the skyline with wondrous and enthralling light effects as the LED kites dip and dive.

These are just a few of the activities that will be at the Singapore River Festival. We also heard that there will be a Quayside Cinema!

Singapore River Festival
Venue: Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay
Date: 3 Nov – 4 Nov 2017
Image Credit: Dia De Muertos Singapore 2017 Facebook[/caption]

What do Frida Kahlo, Mariachi bands, Tacos, and Tequila have in common? Mexico!

Experience one of Mexico’s cultural festivals, Dia De Muertos (Day Of The Dead) in Singapore this November!

Held at the Beach Road Police Station, musicians and artists from Mexico and Singapore will come together to honour the lives of the dead, and celebrating with traditional music, food and art.

In conjunction with Frida Kahlo’s 110th birthday, the event’s installation will be a homage to the Mexican painter. All pieces are inspired by Frida Kahlo and exclusive to Dia De Muertos Singapore 2017.

The event will have fun-filled activities for the whole family. From the augmented reality installation of Disney’s Pixar’s upcoming movie, Coco, to the Mexican craft-making workshops, there’s something for everyone!

For the foodies, Señor Taco will be serving their signature tacos, quesadillas, Margaritas’ tamales, elotes and more!

Dia De Muertos Singapore 2017
Venue: Beach Road Police Station, 99 Beach Road, Singapore 189701
Date: 4 Nov 2017
Website

4. Ed Sheeran Live In Singapore 2017

[caption id="attachment_31165" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image Credit: popsugar.com[/caption]

Pretty much the most anticipated concert in 2017, Ed Sheeran gave us all a scare after his cycling accident which fractured his right wrist and elbow.

However, he has confirmed that he will be performing in Singapore as scheduled on 11 and 12 November!

He will be performing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 11 and 12 November and fans can expect hits such as “Shape Of You”, “Castle On The Hill” and “Galway Girl” off of his chart-topping third album, ÷ (Divide).

Ed Sheeran Live In Singapore 2017
Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium
Date: 11 & 12 Nov 2017
Image Credit: 6. Big Bad Wolf Halloween Music Festival

[caption id="attachment_31179" align="aligncenter" width="1919"] Image Credit: Big Bad Wolf Music Festival Facebook[/caption]

If you like EDM and Halloween, you’re in for a treat because this music festival combines both.

Big Bad Wolf, the biggest Halloween Music Festival, features some of the biggest regional and international DJ acts in a medieval setting that has never been done before.

Held at Siloso Beach, attendees can expect EDM, Trap, House, Techno, D&B, and Hip Hop music played by international and regional DJs.

There’s even a Halloween Best Dressed Competition and Halloween activities such as Wolf’s Dare, Dagger’s Wheel and more!

Check their website for the release of the next tier of tickets!

Big Bad Wolf Music Festival
Venue: Siloso Beach, 51 Imbiah Walk, Sentosa, 099538
Date: 11 – 12 Nov 2017
Website

7. Block Party: The Freedom Way

[caption id="attachment_31187" align="aligncenter" width="1773"] Image Credit: Block Party: The Freedom Way Facebook[/caption]

Looking for something fun to do without breaking the bank?

Come to Holland Village on 11 November for the Block Party hosted by Freedom Yoga for a great yoga session. Held at the open area outside Freedom Yoga, the yoga class is free for all though spots are limited.

Do email [email protected] to book your mats!

Block Party: The Freedom Way
Venue: Holland Village, 25E Lorong Liput, Singapore 277736
Date: 11 Nov 2017
Website

Eat

8. Beriwell

[caption id="attachment_31190" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Beriwell’s Acai Soft Serve[/caption]

Acai bowls are a dime a dozen in Singapore, but an Acai soft serve is the newest creation on the block.

Beriwell has 2 soft serve flavours, Acai (‘Acai‘) and Coconut (‘Coco Majik‘) and there’s even an option to mix the 2 flavours into 1!

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. A large serving at $9.90 allows you to choose 4 toppings.

If you’re not feeling up for a soft serve, you can give their smoothies a try. From the tropical fruits-based Vitamin Sea ($5.90/small, $7.90/large) to the PB&J made with organic peanut butter, the smoothie options are fun and delightfully satisfying.

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

9. Ramen Nagi Singapore

[caption id="attachment_31191" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Ramen Nagi Singapore Facebook[/caption]

Tokyo’s three-time Ramen Of The Year Champion, Ramen Nagi, has finally opened its doors here in Singapore.

There are 4 ramen dishes you can choose from the menu and each can be customised. Choose from the Original Butao King ($13.90), Black King ($15.90), Green King ($15.90), or the Red King ($15.90).

You get to select the richness of the broth and special sauce, level of spiciness, type of meat and vegetable, amount of garlic, and even the firmness of the ramen noodles.

Expect queues to be long though the quality of the food more than makes up for it.

Definitely a meal to ramen-ber.

Ramen Nagi Singapore
Address: Suntec City Tower II, #01-512/513, Singapore 038989
Opening hours: Daily: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Contact no.: 6821 1601
Website

10. Cafe De Paris

[caption id="attachment_31196" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Image Credit: @cafedeparis_singapore[/caption]

If you’re a fan of sweets, specifically Korean desserts, then you’ll want to try Cafe De Paris.

With a few franchises in Canada, Hong Kong and China, the cafe is finally opening its doors in Singapore on 5 November.

They will be serving up photogenic selections of elegant cakes, fresh fruit bonbons (pictured above), cold brew coffee, healthy pressed juices, and premium teas.

The fresh fruit bonbons are only available for certain periods in a year as the cafe uses seasonal fruits specially imported from Korea.

You get to choose from the chocolate brownie, mango, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and grape bonbons. Each one is hand-crafted and loaded with your selected fruit, non-dairy whipped cream, and slushie.

It takes a while to create each bonbon so expect to wait for a bit.

The cafe officially opens on 5 November so bring a friend and a camera!

Cafe De Paris Singapore
Address: 313 Orchard Road, #B1-37, Singapore 238895
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 10am – 10pm, Fri – Sun: 10am – 11pm

11. B Burger

[caption id="attachment_31197" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Image Credit: @bburger.sg[/caption]

Newly opened, B Burger has already been compared to the likes of In-N-Out burger in USA.

B Burger combines the traditional American burger with Japanese flavours. Expect stuff like the Karate Burger ($7.90) which uses karaage chicken and daikon pickles, and the Osaka Corn Dog ($6.90) which comes with tobiko, nori, teriyaki sauce and mayo.

Their ice cream creations are pretty interesting as well, with flavours such as Mount Fuji ($6/$8) which features a nata de coco and coconut flakes atop matcha ice cream.

Located at Orchard Cathay Cineleisure, this burger joint is going to be the next big thing. Eat your heart out, Shakeshack.

B Burger
Address: Orchard Cathay Cineleisure, 8 Grange Road, #01-01/01A, Singapore 239695
Opening Hours: Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Website

Sounds like a pretty packed November to us! Time to eat your way through November while partying your hearts out.

Now, which will you start with?

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(Header Image Source: @w_singapore)

This Insta-Worthy Acai Joint Will Bowl You Over With Their Berry Good Acai Soft Serves

Many of you have probably tried acai bowls, but have you tried an acai soft serve?

The first of its kind in Singapore, this refreshing treat comes courtesy of the guys (and girl) behind Beriwell.

[caption id="attachment_31052" align="alignnone" width="2944"] Image Credit: Chee Kuen[/caption]

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

[caption id="attachment_31050" align="alignnone" width="2679"] Image Credit: Chee Kuen[/caption]

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.

For The Love Of Acai 

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

Galissa, one of the founders, shares that the first time she tried acai in Hawaii, it was love at first taste.

A healthy dessert that doesn’t leave you feeling bloated or heavy, one gripe she had about these guilt-free treats was that it tends to melt and become watery quite quickly – not so fun when you’re busy catching up with your friends, only to find that half your acai has become a watery mess.

Because of this, 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‘)!

[caption id="attachment_31053" align="alignnone" width="2543"] L-R: The Twist Superswirl, Acai Superswirl (Image Credit: Chee Kuen)[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_31054" align="alignnone" width="3719"] Acai Superswirl (Image Credit: Chee Kuen)[/caption]

The coconut soft serve too is refreshing, but with a more subdued coconut flavour. A blend of Thai coconut, the superfood spirulina, and an iron-rich algae, this soft serve is packed with amazing stuff for your body.

While the swirl probably makes for better Insta-pics, we think you can taste and appreciate each flavour much better when you have them on their own!

A Smoothie Criminal

Aside from their Superswirls, Beriwell also does smoothies that are not just healthy, but taste delicious too. At Beriwell, they believe being healthy doesn’t have to mean eating (or drinking) food you don’t enjoy.

[caption id="attachment_31051" align="alignnone" width="2529"] Vitamin Sea (Image Credit: Chee Kuen)[/caption]

Galissa recommends Vitamin Sea ($5.90/small, $7.90/large), a thick yet refreshing smoothie containing mango, passionfruit, pineapple, orange and tumeric. Finished off with a freshly squeezed lime, you can really taste the passionfruit and pineapple in this sweet-sour smoothie.

If you love your peanut butter, give the PB&J – that’s J for ‘joy’ – a try. Made of organic peanut butter, almond milk & maca, a chunky blend of mixed berries, medjool dates and banana, this heavier concoction is perfect for peanut butter fans.

There is also LycoPink, a smoothie centred around (and a wordplay) on the antioxidant Lycopene. A small cup is priced at $6.90 and a large cup costs $8.90.

Need a protein boost? Ask them to add some pea protein (+$2.50) or whey protein isolate (+$2) into your drink!

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

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If you’ve been to Taiwan, you’ll know that one of the snacks the country is well-known for is its Jiu Fen Taro Balls.

Sold along the streets of bustling Jiu Fen, these coloured balls are chewy and are served alongside other ingredients such as sweet potato and green tea balls, in red bean, green bean or sweet potato soup.

A party of flavours and textures, if you’re a fan of these dessert bowls and are a strong believer that ‘the more the toppings, the better‘, you’ll love Nine Fresh‘s local spin on the Taiwanese classic.

[caption id="attachment_30985" align="alignnone" width="3975"] Image Credit: Chee Kuen[/caption]

Nine Fresh

If this is the first time you’re hearing of Nine Fresh, you’re missing out!

Nine Fresh is a dessert stop that has been serving up quality cups of the delicious dessert for almost 5 years now.

That is, cups of grass jelly, beancurd, or ai-yu jelly (or a mixture of the three) heaped with beans (red bean, green bean, pinto bean, eight treasure bean), balls (mini taro ball, taro ball, durian ball), flavoured pearl jelly (aloe vera, mango, lychee, passionfruit), black pearls, and many more toppings.

At Nine Fresh, they’re all about keeping traditions fresh, and recently, they’ve done exactly that by rolling out 2 new series of desserts.

Nine Fresh Goes Local

The first is its Local Flavours series, which consist of dessert creations inspired by some of our favourite local desserts, including Chendol and Cheng Teng.

[caption id="attachment_30980" align="alignnone" width="2787"] L-R: The Cheng Teng Cup, Durian Yin-Yang, The Chendol Cup (Image Credit: Chee Kuen)[/caption]

The Chendol Cup ($3.80) has a grass jelly base and is topped with green chendol jelly, attap seeds, red bean, and taro balls.

With (almost) all the ingredients you’d typically find in a chendol dessert, this is a far less sweet variant of the coconut milk-heavy dessert.

The Cheng Teng Cup ($3.80) also has all the good stuff you’d find in the traditional dessert: pong tai hai, lotus nut, barley, and sago. These are served over a wobbly ai-yu jelly base. And of course, you can’t forget the taro balls!

[caption id="attachment_30984" align="alignnone" width="3024"] Image Credit: Chee Kuen[/caption]

As durian lovers, our favourite is the Durian Yin-Yang, a half beancurd, half grass jelly base that’s topped with black sugar jelly dice, taro balls, and a generous scoop of rich durian puree – yes, actual durian flesh. The flavourful and creamy durian, combined with the array of chewy and QQ ingredients in the cup make it a winner – and all for just $3.90.

Singapore’s Favourites, According To Data

Another exciting addition to Nine Fresh’s offerings is the Fanspiration Series, a bunch of cups and flavours that are essentially customer-generated.

The best-selling flavour and ingredient combinations based on Nine Fresh’s data, gathered from its create-your-own-cup promo this year, you can’t go wrong with these flavours that are beloved by many, many Singaporeans.

[caption id="attachment_30981" align="alignnone" width="3024"] The Yin-Yang Cup (Image Credit: Chee Kuen)[/caption]

Some of these items in this series include the all-black The Black Cup ($2.90), the all-white The White Cup ($2.60), and The Yin-Yang Cup ($2.90), which is half black and half white – at least when it comes to the base.

[caption id="attachment_30982" align="alignnone" width="4032"] Aww In One Cup (Image Credit: Chee Kuen)[/caption]

If you simply can’t decide between the bases (or love them all equally), the Aww In One Cup cup contains all three of them.

This cup comes piled with black pearls, taro balls, and mini taro balls on top. If you’re a first timer to Nine Fresh, we suggest you go for this so you can sample a little bit of everything and figure out which you prefer!

From there on, you can customise your own cup and create your own perfect combination of ingredients.

With so many decadent desserts out there, from rich chocolate treats to lava toasts, Nine Fresh is – literally – a refreshing change from the lot.

Priced very affordable from $2 to $3.90 for one of their pre-set cups, Nine Fresh’s desserts are a lighter option with so much to offer in the way of taste and flavour!

The next time you’re craving a refreshing dessert, make sure to pop by one of Nine Fresh’s 16 outlets – you won’t be disappointed!

Nine Fresh
Address: Find your nearest Nine Fresh Also read This Thai Bakery Is Baking Up A Storm Of Fluffy Loaves – And You Knead To Try It