Location: North

Too Long Till Your Next Korea Trip? Savour The Flavours At This Korea Fair In S’pore

Korea is a place of enchantment, and many Singaporeans could easily write a love letter to the beautiful country once they’ve seen it in person.

Between steeping in its rich culture visiting centuries-old palaces, catching up with K-pop and K-fashion at the trendy districts, and being awed by divine coastal landscapes at Jeju Island—there’s definitely something to draw you back again.

And to save the best for last, Korean cuisine alone is a good enough reason to book that 7-hour flight.

Army stew, topokki, bulgogi beef, and Korean fried chicken with beer are some of the best creations in the world. We bet that unmistakable spicy, tangy taste of kimchi has already seeped into your mind.

If you’re saving up for your next trip, or you’ve already planned it but just can’t wait, here’s how you can get your cravings fixed real quick while you’re still in Singapore.

Let The Korean Feast Come To You

Cold Storage is bringing the flavours of Korea to us in a two-week Korea Fair from now till 10 October 2019.

When you’re craving Korean food daily but don’t feel like eating out, the best solution will be to whip up some dishes in the comfort of your home.

Don’t worry if you have limited skills in the kitchen, because many of the items available at Cold Storage Korea Fair can stack up to make a grocery list of easy-to-cook (or even ready-to-eat) dishes. Thank the heavens.

They also have a selection of snacks, drinks and even fresh fruits from Korea to top it off, so you’re well covered!

Kimchi ramen noodles

Classic staples never go wrong, and kimchi ramen is a testament to that. You don’t need anything too fancy when you have a comforting bowl of noodles, swimming in sour and spicy kimchi soup. 

For Korean food lovers, this is like the ‘starter pack’ you keep returning to. Time after time, its warmth and satisfaction reaches right to your fingertips again.

Grab yourself a few packs of Jongga Kimchi Ramen Hot & Spicy, since we know you won’t just be eating this once!

On days when you need something heartier, you could give your ramen that extra touch by adding some Chung Jung OneDumplings with Kimchi & Vegetable or Hot Pepper Japchae fillings.

Topokki – spicy rice cakes

Koreans deeply treasure their topokki, a stir-fried dish of rice cakes and vegetables topped with spicy sauce. Their delightful chewiness can kind of get addictive.

While topokki is popular in Korea to add some heat to their cold winters, we on the other hand, just salivate for anything spicy, no matter how hot it is in Singapore.

You can pick up an instant cup that takes just minutes to cook, with flavours like Dongwon Spicy & Sweet Topokki and Cheese Topokki. 

A hard-boiled egg and some garnish will complete your topokki perfectly!

Rice porridge

When you want to ease into a great morning, a tasty bowl of porridge soothes all troubles away. If anyone says it’s an ‘old lady food’, tell them to call us up.

Dongwon Yangban Rice Porridge has really hit it up as a popular breakfast food in Korea, especially when they have Red Velvet’s Wendy and Irene endorsing it! Preparing a bowl is as easy as a quick pop into the microwave.

Unlike the typically salty (but equally heavenly) Cantonese congee we usually eat, Korean porridge can be either savoury or sweet, like the glutinous rice option with red bean and chestnut.

Sweet potato

Sweet potatoes may come humbly from the earth, but they should really be celebrated for satisfying stomachs for centuries.

Did you know they actually come in various flavours too? We didn’t, till now. 

Korean Sweet Potato comes in chestnut and pumpkin ‘flavours’, which give you different appearances, taste and character.

The chestnut variant packs vitamins and fibres in its rich purple skin, while pumpkin sweet potatoes are smaller with yellow flesh and taste delicious even eaten raw.

That gives you two ways to whip up a serving of goguma mattang (candied sweet potatoes)!

Kimchi fried rice

Fried rice takes us to paradise—it’s simple to prepare and frankly just irresistible to wolf down.

It could also well be a universal language across many Eastern cultures, just cooked a little differently from one place to another.

With kimchi as the starring flavour, it’s both the familiar comfort of fried rice we always love, and a taste to make you feel closer to the second home in your heart.

To make things better, you won’t even have to whip out a wok and get to work in the kitchen. You can just pick up Jongga Kimchi Fried Rice which comes deliciously ready-to-eat!

Snacks, fruits and drinks

The happiest five minutes you’ll spend in a supermarket—okay make it 30, no judgement here—is when you walk down the snack aisle. You’ll light up at your old favourites, yet still always get to chance upon new discoveries to try.

Snacks are highly up to individual preference, but Cold Storage Korea Fair has quite a selection.

For those who love it savoury, Paldo Crab Chips and The Kims Crispy Laver Chip (laver is a type of seaweed) are some great options to have when it comes down to ‘crunch’ time.

If you’re a sweet creature, you’ll enjoy sinking your teeth into a soft fluffy bite of Haitai Oh Yes! Chocolate Coated Cake, or get addicted to Cosmos Honey Twist.

Of course, there’s an in-between too where sweet and savoury collide, and Lotte Popping Corn Chips in Original, Grilled Corn and Sweet & Spicy flavours can fill that gap.

Besides snacks, people love to eat lots of fruits in Korea since the country’s climate makes it perfect for harvesting top quality seasonal produce.

When you need to sweeten up your day, juicy yellow peaches, musk melon and shine muscat grapes from Korea are both refreshing and healthy.

Plus, don’t forget the drinks to accompany your heavenly Korean spread! Morning meals will be complete with a cup of Barista Rules coffee—try the Mocha Presso or Caramel Deep Presso if you feel like making a fun choice to start your day.

At the day’s end, it’s time to wind down, pop a can of Ark Pale Ale, and start counting down till you make your next visit to the land of the morning calm.

Earn A Holiday Through Your Shopping Spree

Cold Storage Korea Fair launched on 28 September with an exciting opening ceremony at Great World City, graced by the Republic of Korea Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Ahn Young-jip.

Attendees got to see the unveiling of a Giant Bibimbap (it left us drooling with envy!), and were treated to a live cook-off between two esteemed chefs: Park Joon Woo, 1st runner up of MasterChef Korea 2012, and Gen Lee, 1st runner up of MasterChef Singapore 2018. 

To top it all off, we got into the groove with a sleek K-pop dance performance to some of our favourite songs.

Don’t miss the fair while it runs at all Cold Storage, Market Place and Jasons stores from now till 10 October!

As you make your shopping rounds, you can also hit up the sampling booths to experience as many different flavours as possible. In-store sampling will be popping up in the Takashimaya, Bugis, Plaza Singapura, Compass One and Causeway Point Cold Storage stores from 4 to 6 October, 11am – 7pm daily.

You’ll also stand a chance to enter a lucky draw and win prizes when you spend a minimum of $25 in a single receipt, including at least two participating Korean products.

One lucky winner will score the grand prize of 100,000 KrisFlyer Miles, which is worth two economy class redemption tickets to Korea! Ten other lucky winners will also each get 10,000 KrisFlyer miles in the bag.

And as a PSA for the huge K-pop lovers, you may be in for a great surprise if you stick around on 5 October and get to catch one of the K-pop flash mobs that will appear in selected stores!

Click through here to learn more about the ‘Seoul’ delicious deals you can get at Cold Storage Korea Fair.

Annyeong!

This article was written in collaboration with Cold Storage.

Header Image Credit: Pickled Plum, Instazu, My Korean Kitchen

Also Read: Feast On Food From All Around The World Without Leaving The West – Here’s How

OCBC Is Offering 100 1-For-1 Dining Deals – Take A Pal To Feast On These 10 We Picked

When we’re out for a day with friends, family or a significant other, the question we always ask is not “what to do?”, but “where should we eat today?”.

Because having good food
is undoubtedly the favourite Singaporean activity that anchors everything else
we do.

Some may even say the
mission is to hunt down and try as many great food places as possible each time
we make a trip out. 

Hitting one
gastronomical delight after the next is a sure way to satisfy our souls and
make it all seem right in the world, but the only problem will be the hole that
burns in our wallets.

If you’re often bursting
your budget on food, split the cost with a pal next time, because anytime is a
good time for a hearty meal when you can tap on more than 100 1-for-1 dining
deals in Singapore! Only with OCBC Cards.

Ready to feast? We’ve compiled 10 deals for you to start with.

1. Limoncello

From idyllic Amalfi, to
the bustling Singapore River, the owners of Limoncello have brought
their team over from the famous Italian coastal town itself.

Bringing the flavour
right from its origins, they promise an authentic spread of traditional Italian
fare. Needless to say, you can expect they check all the boxes like homemade
pastas, wood fired pizzas and charcoal-grilled meats.

Limoncello may not give
you a view of green hills and crystal blue waters, but they offer plenty of
alfresco seats, and even private dining rooms where you can raise your glass to
the fancy life.

Dishes like linguine
aragosta (lobster linguine) and costolette di agnello alla griglia
(grilled lamb chop) can be a mouthful, but you won’t be fretting over the
pronunciation once you actually dig into them.

If you think dining by
the riverside along Robertson Quay is certain to rack up a big bill, you’ll be
surprised that you can indulge in a 3-course set lunch for just $35++ per pax.

Limoncello
Address: 95 Robertson Quay, #01-19/20, River Gate Condominium, Singapore 238256
Opening hours: Mon – Tue: 5:30pm – 10:30pm, Wed – Sun: 12pm – 2:30pm; 5:30pm – 10:30pm

Get A 1-for-1 Set Lunch Here.

2. Kyoaji Dining

It’s all in the name: Kyoaji
means “tastes from Kyoto”.

Among the endless
plethora of restaurants around Orchard, this hidden gem is tucked away inside
TripleOne Somerset where you can take a breather from the busy shopping crowd.

It’s helmed by Executive
Chef John Phua who has almost 30 years of experience in authentic Japanese
cuisine. Previously, he served at Fukuichi Japanese Dining, and he’s keeping
some of his old fan favourites alive after its closure.

Decked out in modern
furnishings, Kyoaji features a live sushi bar so you can watch Chef John and
his team cook up a storm before your eyes.

While they’re known for
their decadent assortment of sashimi and sushi, Kyoaji also dishes out a
refreshing experience with less common items like gyuniki fagura sauce
(grilled beef with goose liver sauce) and hiyashi gyomen (fish meat
noodles).

Kyoaji Dining
Address: 111 Somerset Road, #02-05/06, TripleOne, Singapore 238164
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 11:30pm – 3pm; 5:30pm – 10:30pm, Sat – Sun & PH: 11:30am – 10:30pm

Get 1-for-1 Grilled Lobster With Garlic Sauce Here.

3. The Chop House

Meat lovers come to The
Chop House to get their mouths watering over a great selection from steaks
and burgers, to baby back ribs and pork knuckles.

With their creators
hailing from the highly praised Wooloomooloo Steakhouse, The Chop House is a
more laidback rendition, bringing a range of mains and sharing dishes perfect
for hanging out with a group of pals.

Just like the first
outlet at VivoCity, its second branch at I12 Katong is decorated with an
industrial woody interior that eases you into a cosy mood. 

Its hidden secret? This
location houses the legendary Southbend broiler from the US; the same one used
by the chefs at Wooloomooloo to make magic with their famous steaks.

When you’ve cleaned off
your plateful of chunky chops, hit up the bar to wash it all down with ice cold
beers, wine, or cocktails.

The Chop House
Address: 112 East Coast Road, #01-13, I12 Katong, Singapore 428802
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 12pm – 12am, Sun: 10am – 12am

Get 1-For-1 Baby Back Ribs With 2 Pints Of Beer Here.

4. Commons

Nestled in the expansive
‘integrated community’ of Our Tampines Hub, Commons (previously
Commonground) prides itself for creating memories with its customers in the
neighbourhood.

Its warm lights and
leafy fronds give the eatery a welcoming vibe for casual get-togethers at any
time of day. Fancy a nice breakfast with your tribe of early-risers? No
problem, they’re open from 8am on weekends.

Truly a place to eat in
good company, their signature is the Commons meat platter hero loaded
with a medley of roast chicken, beef tenderloin, lamb chop, Italian sausages,
mashed potatoes, beetroot coleslaw and grilled tomatoes.

Commons
Address: 51 Tampines Ave 4, #01-103 Our Tampines Hub, Singapore 529684
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 11am – 10pm, Fri: 11am – 11pm, Sat: 8am – 11pm, Sun: 8am – 10pm

Get 1-for-1 Pizza And Pasta On Weekdays Here.

5. Pietro Ristorante Italiano

Pietro
Ristorante Italiano takes
residence along a row of old shophouses in the peaceful Seletar area.

Settle yourself in among
the traditional decor, and you’ll soon be greeted with warm hospitality and a
complimentary plate of herb-baked bread with garlic dip.

Aside from the familiar
thin crust wood fired pizzas (try the bismark: honey baked ham, feta,
mozzarella and rockets topped with a sunny side up) and pastas cooked in
parchment paper, Pietro also boasts a melt-in-your-mouth pork belly with
porcini kidney beans as its must-try item.

Pietro Ristorante Italiano
Address: 12 Jalan Kelulut, Singapore 809030
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 11am – 2:30pm; 6pm – 10:30pm

Get 1-for-1 Pasta, Pizza Or Mains Here.

6. Chicken Up

The comforts of Korean
fried chicken never fail, and if you’re already a fan of the cuisine, then Chicken
Up is likely to evoke involuntary ‘mmm’s.

Since they opened in
2010, their fried chicken wings in ganjang (soy) and yangnyum (spicy)
flavours have been considered a reliable favourite among many Korean food
lovers in Singapore.

When it comes to the
temptation of sides like bulgolgi and kimchi fries, yangpa bomb
(fried blooming onion), and toppoki (spicy rice cakes), we’re sorry to
say there’s no way you can win this battle—so go on and indulge in your sins.

And if you and your
friends come with a big appetite, there’s nothing more quintessentially Korean
than sharing a UFO stew along with Chicken Up’s watermelon soju,
served right in the watermelon husk!

Chicken Up
Address: 277C Compassvale Link, #01-13 (Unit No.2A), Singapore 543277
Opening hours: Sun – Thurs: 11am – 11pm, Fri – Sat: 11am – 2am

Get 1-for-1 Chicken Wings Here.

7. Masons @ Gillman Barracks

Tucked away in the artsy
locale of Gillman Barracks, the extra walk in (or drive) to get to Masons is
totally worth it.

Housed in a fully
restored black and white 1935 colonial bungalow and shrouded in lush greenery,
the restaurant gives you an uncommon chance to picture yourself in a time of
classic European luxury.

Between their main
dining hall and the serene alfresco verandah, visitors love coming to the
exclusive location to sneak away for a romantic date, or to celebrate an
occasion. It’s no surprise that many choose this venue to tie the knot too.

Mason’s kitchen is
headed by Executive Chef Jack Woolner, who has gone through training under Michelin-star
chefs and served at acclaimed restaurants in the UK.

Among a grand spread of
European cuisine peppered with local Singaporean influences, Masons highly
recommends their house special pizza and duck pasta.

Masons @ Gillman Barracks
Address: 8 Lock Rd, #01-17, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108936
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30am – 11pm

Get 1-For-1 Handmade Fresh Italian Pizza Here.

8. MeatSmith Telok Ayer

With glass windows
embellished like a gentleman’s barber, a ‘rustic garage’ interior, and the
tunes of classic rock and blues, MeatSmith Telok Ayer is the ultimate
smokehouse diner in the CBD.

It’s the brainchild of
Chef Andrew Baldus and General Manager Emmanuel Bernados, who are here to prove
that a real-deal American barbecue can exist in our part of the globe too.

Chef Andrew spent most
of his life working in Southern style restaurants in Nashville and Memphis, and
he’s now brought over two Southern Pride smokers from the States to Meat
Smith’s kitchen.

Meat is taken super
seriously here, with mouth-watering homemade sausages, stuffed
suckling pig, and pork ribs slowly smoked over hickory wood for up
to 14 hours.

Beef lovers shouldn’t
miss out on their beef brisket, perfectly charred on the outside, fatty
and tender on the inside, and of course packed full of smoky flavour.

Meat Smith
Address: 167-169 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068620
Opening hours: Mon – Thurs: 11:30am – 3pm; 5:30pm – 10:30pm, Fri – Sun: 11:30am – 10:30pm

Get 1-For-1 Beef Brisket Here.

9. The Fine Line

The
Fine Line is comfortably nestled
in Holland Village, a popular chill-out spot that draws young Singaporeans and
expatriates to its dining and bar scene.

Head over to unwind
after a long day of work, or ring in the weekend with some well-deserved toasts
to the backdrop of rustic red brick walls and live music performances.

While some bars are
thought to offer food just to be paired alongside their main attraction of
drinks, The Fine Line doesn’t cut the slack in the kitchen, serving a
delectable spread from brunch to dinner and late night snacks.

The gastro bar’s
signature dishes include their Fine Line burger, angus steak, and
a perfectly balanced plate of salt and pepper squid.

The Fine Line
Address: 23 Lor Mambong, Singapore 277682
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 3pm – 1am, Fri: 1pm – 1am, Sat: 11am – 2am, Sun: 11am – 1am

Get 1-for-1 Steak Here.

10. Kanpai Izakaya 

Kanpai!
Also at Holland Village,
this casual establishment is another laidback joint to raise your glass, and a
great fit for those who have a taste for Japanese cuisine and drinks.

Lifting spirits with
their all-day happy hour till 10pm (except on Fridays and public holiday eves),
Kanpai Izakaya offers a range of Japanese sake, whisky and beer.

As the food here is
served izakaya style, you’ll want to sample a variety of different bites. 

Make your meal an entire
journey, starting with classics like their recommended bara chirashi or tuna
crown don. 

Then dive into more
adventurous terrain to try the also popular chicken heart skewers and blowfish
seasoned with sweet sake!

Kanpai Izakaya
Address: 40 Lor Mambong, Singapore 277695
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 12pm – 2pm; 5pm – 1am

Get 1-for-1 Mains Here.

—

All OCBC Credit/Debit
Cardmembers can enjoy the full selection of over 100 1-for-1 dining deals.

Click here to see the full list.

If you’re not an OCBC Cardmember, but don’t want to get FOMO (fear of missing out) over these 1-for-1 deals, it’s easy to sign up for their OCBC 365 Credit Card, which also gives you 6% cashback on all your dining spend (capped at S$80, and subject to a minimum total monthly spend of S$800 per calendar month).

On top of that, the fastest fingers get the most spoils, as new OCBC Credit Card applicants who sign up by 30 September 2019 and get their card approved by 31 October 2019 will also receive a S$50 cashback!

Get instant approval right away when you sign up here.

This article was written in collaboration with OCBC Bank.

Header Image Credit: Pietro, Kanpai Izakaya, Chicken Up

Also Read: Feast On Food From All Around The World Without Leaving The House – Heres How

From BBT To Stinky Tofu, Get A Taste Of Taiwan At S’pore’s Very Own Shilin Night Market This April

No visit to Taiwan is complete without visiting the one of the largest and iconic night markets in town. Located in Taipei’s Shilin District, Shilin Night Market is a maze of alleyways filled with a variety of local and traditional Taiwanese fare and international merchandise that attract local and foreigners alike.

Many of Taiwan’s traditional food can be found and bought for reasonable prices from the friendly locals such as Giant Fried Chicken Steak, Tempura, Bubble Tea, Oyster Vermicelli, Oyster Omelet, Fried Buns and of course, the most notorious Taiwanese goodie, Stinky Tofu.

Now here’s the good news. You can save on that flight ticket to Taiwan as Shilin Night Market is coming to Singapore for the very first time this April!

Most Popular Night Market In Taiwan

Taking place over two weekends in April (19-21 April and 26-28 April) at TheGrounds @ Kranji, Invade is introducing Shilin Night Market for the very first time in Singapore. Invade also previously hosted Artbox Singapore and Artbox Malaysia which brought the best of markets to the region with each city’s installation infused with the local flavour.

Get a taste of Taiwan as they will be bringing in a wide variety of Taiwanese and Singaporean street delicacies, creative eats, pop up artisan stores, arcade games and even movie screenings.

Not much information has been released regarding the stalls that will be there but we’re pretty sure this will be the most anticipated pop-up market of the year. If you’re interested in opening a stall at the upcoming Shilin Night Market, more information on stall rental can be found here.

For updates on the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2281067658779536/ or check out their Instagram page here.

Till then, we’ll be dreaming of bubble tea and stinky tofu!

Shilin Night Market 
Address: The Grounds @ Kranji (Singapore Turf Club Carpark B)
Dates: 19 – 21 April and 26 – 28 April
Opening Hours: 3pm – 11pm
Instagram | Event Page

Also Read Save More, Huat More – 10 Wholesale Stores In S’pore To Stock Up On CNY Goodies And Groceries

(Header Image Source: Taiwan Tourism Bureau, migrationology.com)

PSA: $100,000 Has Been Hidden Somewhere In Singapore And It’s Up For Grabs

With Christmas just around the corner, having some extra cash to fund your shopping trips is more important than ever (well, having extra cash is always important, but you get the point).

Now, there are several ways to obtain said cash — you could take the traditional route and get a job, or change your spending habits to save more of what you already have.

…or, you could embark on a treasure hunt to find a stack of money just lying somewhere.

Wait, How Much…?

Yup, you heard us right — in the second instalment of their HuntTheMouse campaign, promotions aggregator Sqkii (pronounced “squeaky”) have hidden $100,000 somewhere in Singapore.

Of course, it won’t be easy to find the money — the first clue posted on their Facebook page yesterday states that the “Mouse” — taking the form of a shiny gold coin — is hidden under “something”. Reaalll helpful, guys.

Thankfully, Sqkii have revealed several more hints since then, and will continue to post three a day until someone eventually finds the cash. Among other clues, we currently know that the Mouse is:

1) Afraid of heights,

2) not in a UNESCO site, and

3) is within 45 steps of a man-made structure.

On top of that, additional clues will also be posted on the WINK+ app, and physical hints can be found in MRT stations and trains on the Circle and North South lines as well.

If you aren’t keen on fighting with what is probably a good chunk of the population, Sqkii have teamed up with venues such as Sentosa and the Singapore Sports Hub to hide silver coins worth $1,000 as well.

To put things in perspective, it took 23 days to find last year’s Mouse, so it’s probably still anyone’s game right now. If you happen to have some free time this end of year period, this sure beats aimlessly walking around Orchard road for the 15th time.

Website I Facebook

Also Read Relieve Stress Like A Barbarian – Hurl Axes At S’pore’s First Indoor Axe Throwing Range From $28 An Hour

Header Image: Sqkii

This Famous Chicken Wing Stall Closed Down After 40 Years At St. Nicks – Now They’re Back In RP

Former ex-students of St Nicholas Girl’s School will fondly remember the crispy and juicy chicken wings that was sold by Madam Lim Meow Lang – or more fondly known as Auntie Meow Lang.

Generations of St Nicks girls have grown up eating the chicken wings fried by Auntie Meow Lang, who started the stall in 1972 when the school was still located at Victoria Street.

Sadly, Auntie Meow passed on in 2014 at the age of 82, closing the shutters shortly after the implementation of Healthy Meals in School Programme as selling chicken wings without the crispy skin was just not the same.

But Auntie Meow Lang’s 31-year-old grandson, Mr James Ngiam, is now keen to revive his family recipe and put their delicious chicken wings back on the menu.

40 Year Old History

Running his own Western food stall ‘Coal 3606‘ at The Lawn Food Court in Republic Polytechnic, James has been helping his family run the stall and learning the recipe of the chicken wings.

Armed with a background in Culinary Skills from Shatec and working as a chef in various restaurants, James grew up with a passion for cooking and it was only natural for him to continue the family’s business.

Now, we’ve all had our fair share of fried chicken wings. From undercooked chicken wings at BBQ gatherings to beautiful golden chicken wings from Old Chang Kee, they’re a snack that can never go wrong.

It’s a snack that’s loved by many. So if you’re wondering what’s so good about these supposedly mind-blowing fried chicken wings, let us tell you why.

“Last time, when my grandma fry the chicken, the whole canteen could smell it,” he laughed as he shared with us his fond memories of growing up in the canteen of St Nicks.

And we couldn’t deny it either. When James started frying a fresh batch of chicken wings for us, we couldn’t help but to stand near the stall just to catch a whiff of the fried chicken goodness.

Each piece of chicken wing is priced from $1.30 – $1.50 – depending on the weight of the wings. He has kept the prices of the chicken wings the same as those sold at his grandmother’s stall, just before it closed.

The chicken wings are only sold in one flavour to honour the original marinade passed down by Auntie Meow Lang. Although the recipe has tweaked slightly over the years as our elders only knew how to “agak-agak” the recipe then, it was never the same as the one made by his grandmother.

James shared how the chicken wings made by his grandmother were sweeter whereas his mother’s chicken wings were crispier. James eventually found the perfect balance to ensure that the current generation would love and appreciate the chicken wings without straying too far from the original recipe.

We were impressed by how fat and juicy the chicken wings were. Each wing was lightly battered and was of course, fried to a nice golden brown.

We also loved how the chicken wings easily tore apart and crackled at first bite. The wings were crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside – just like how we all like our wings.

But what truly shook us the most, was how well-balanced the flavours of the wings were. We love that the chicken wings had a hint of sweetness to it which made it completely addictive!

However, you can’t find these amazing chicken wings on the menu displayed at the stall. Now that you know this special item, grab your friends and order their wings if you’re ever looking for a quick snack.

They sell several other items on the menu such as Au Sirlion Steak which is cooked over a special griller that uses coal for just $5.80 and Grilled Chicken for only $3.80!

As part of the RP stall’s official opening on September 22, James hosted a special event for former and current St Nicks girls, as well as their friends and family. He was happy to learn that many former students were able to relive their childhood days through their favourite school snack.

After trying these wings for ourselves, we finally understood why our friends from St Nicks raved so much about them. If you’re a chicken wing junkie or simply want a taste of nostalgia for old times’ sake, check out the fried chicken wings from Coal 3606 to truly believe it!

Coal 3606
Address: Woodlands Avenue 9, Block W4/W6 Level 3, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore 738984
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Contact No.: 9858 9792
Website

Also Read 6 Affordable Korean BBQ Spots To Fullfill Those K-Drama Induced Cravings For Under $25

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

This Floral Cafe In Hougang Serves Equally Pretty Food: Charcoal Wings, Beef Ochazuke For Under $15

Cafes in Singapore are always coming and going. And honestly, they’re all starting to look the same especially in recent years.

However, one particular cafe in Hougang caught our attention and we’re pretty sure it’s nothing like you’ve ever seen before.

Wild Blooms is a two-storey, floral-themed cafe nestled in Hougang – a refreshing change from the usual cookie-cutter cafes we have seen in Singapore.

Only The Freshest Flowers

Located at The MidTown in Hougang, this cafe is completely decked out with rustic dried blooms, blue and red tinted windows and a bright turquoise interior. There’s even a giant 4m-tall floral feature wall that is extremely intricate – perfect for your ootd backdrop.

Wild Blooms offers desserts and mains that are unlike your typical Eggs Benedict and Rainbow Cakes. Instead, they’re known for their Flower Tea Jelly Cakes ($9.90) which comes in flavours including lavender, rose, osmanthus, jasmine and more.

Each jelly takes a whopping 1 – 3 hours to make. If you’re wondering, each flower is carefully handcrafted and entirely edible!

Just like it’s decor, all their desserts are floral-themed as well. From Rose Apple Pies ($5.90) to Muesli Tarts ($5.90), Wild Blooms boasts a wide array of IG-worthy desserts that you would not want to miss out on.

Wild Blooms’ menu is filled with dishes that are a little unusual from your typical cafe grubs. For sides, diners can look forward to Matcha Seaweed Fries ($8.90) and Charcoal Wings ($10.90/half dozen).

For those looking for a heavier meal, they serve up mains such as Sambal Pulled Pork Burger ($13.90) and Beef Ochazuke ($14.90) which is definitely a rare find in most cafes.

If the last time you visited a cafe was ages ago, give Wild Blooms a try! It’s the perfect place to go to for your next dinner date or weekend brunch!

Wild Blooms
Address: The Midtown, 1187 Upper Serangoon Road #01-01, Singapore 533971
Opening Hours: Tues – Thurs: 11am to 11pm, Fri – Sat: 11am to 12am, Sun – Mon: 11am to 9pm
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Also Read Popular South Korean Fried Chicken Chain ‘Mom’s Touch’ Is Coming To Singapore

(Header Image Source: Wild Blooms Facebook)

Jalan Jalan Down Memory Lane: This Nostalgic Festival Has Retro Game Booths And Over 130 Food Stalls

We’ve grown Smarter, our food (and palate) has grown fancier, and we’ve had international acts grace our shores and give us some amazing performances. But every now and then, it’s good to take a moment to remember the past, to reminisce simpler times, and to delight in the simple things that make us who we are.

“Let’s Go Jalan Jalan!” is a food and music festival that brings all the most iconic things about Singapore – both new and old – to one place.

Best part? Entry to this festival is free!

Made In Singapore

Be prepared for 3 days of good food, good music and extra good vibes at “Let’s Go Jalan Jalan”.

Happening from 16 – 18 Nov, this three-day event will take place at Singapore Turf Club @ Kranji and will feature over 130 food & merchandise stalls with an array of entertainment brought to you by our local musicians & talents!

If it’s anything like previous year’s event, there’ll be plenty of games and activities for the entire family. You can hang out at their retro games booths, come up close to interact with horses, a variety of kid-friendly activities and even have a go at the go-kart race track!

Expect popular local cuisines such as grilled Otah, Satay and even durian pancakes. You can also look forward to sweet treats such as churros and rolled ice cream. More booths will be revealed soon!

The soundtrack to this festival will be provided by buskers and up-and-coming singers. Last year’s event featured the talented and unique voice behind Falling Feathers, JJ, who performed quite a few his original songs.

Getting to this event is incredibly convenient. The Singapore Turf Club is a walkable distance away from Kranji MRT. If you’re driving, there’s a parking space right next to the event space as well.

Let’s Go Jalan Jalan! operates on a cashless payment system, whereby the public could purchase festival coupons at $20/booklet. Coupons are available for purchase at Apactix.com.

The event is family-friendly, so bring your ah ma and ah gong to this festival come November! You’re sure to have a good ol’ time at this chill, hyper-local extravaganza!

Let’s Go Jalan Jalan! 2018
Address: Singapore Turf Club, Carpark B, 1 Turf Club Ave, S738078
Date: 16 – 18 November 2018
Time: 16 Nov: 5pm – 11pm, 17-18 Nov: 11am – 11pm
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Also Read Build An Arcade Cabinet Or Race In A Gaming Chair – Here Are 5 Ways To Have The Most Fun At GameStart 2018

(Header Image Source: @anderspluscindy

Long-Lost Malay Dish ‘Nasi Beringin’ Revived At Yishun: It Was Once Served To Royalty In The 1890s

One would typically associate Malay food with Nasi Lemak, Mee Rebus, Nasi Padang etc.

However growing up as a Malay in Singapore, most of us would probably have never heard of this Malay dish called Nasi Beringin.

This Malay dish was once sold in Singapore for a short period of time in the 1950s but gradually disappeared from the local Malay food scene.

Chef Fahmi Rahaman decided to revive this long lost Malay dish that was once served to the Johor Royalties in the late 1890s.

Reviving A Long Lost Dish

Introduced in the late 1890s, Nasi Beringin was first popularised within the compounds of the Johor Royalties. Sultan Sir Ibrahim, then the 2nd Sultan of Johor in the modern era, regularly had this dish in his feasts especially when guests were invited to dine in the palace.

Nasi Beringin, was also called the “Nasi Bering Harum” (Fragrant Beringin Rice), as the scent from the dish never fails to invigorate one’s palate.

Owner of Fifty50 Empire, Fahmi Rahaman who was an ex Assistant Head Chef with Timbre Group recently set up stall at Yishun Park Hawker Centre together with his partner, Khairul Afnan selling Nasi Beringin.

Nasi Beringin is served with traditional favourites such as the Ayam Kurma, Rendang, and Achar which combines all the sweet, sour, spicy and savoury elements into a harmonious unity within a plate.

At Fifty50 Empire, you are given a wide range of meat to choose from – Fried Chicken Wing (Signature), Fried Fish, Beef Rendang, Tiger Prawn, Fried Squid which comes in various portion size (lite, double, triple).

They also provide three different sauces – rendang, kurma and masak merah. The sauces are really unique as they were taught to him by his mother.

If you’re wondering how Nasi Beringin tastes like, its basically a cross between Nasi Lemak and Nasi Briyani. Fahmi uses short grain basmati rice that is cooked with a variety of spices and oil resulting in rice that’s temptingly fragrant. Delicate hints of cardamom, cloves, star anise and fenugreek can be discerned in the rice.

The prawns were definitely the star of the entIre dish. The prawns were fresh and battered to give it a slight crunch. We recommend pairing the Prawns with Masak Merah Sauce.

The chicken wing was as impressive as the prawns. Instead of coating the chicken in a thick batter, the wings are lightly coated with flour and his blend of spices before frying. This makes a lot of difference to the chicken as the batter won’t soak up the oil and this also keeps it crispy.

If you’re looking for a traditional way of eating Nasi Beringin, we highly recommend pairing the Chicken with Kurma Sauce which is made from coriander, cumin, coconut, curry and chili.

The Beef Rendang is another favourite of Fahmi’s. The beef was tender and tore apart easily. I also liked the fact that the rendang was the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

Each plate of Nasi Beringin comes with sambal belacan for the extra kick, achar to cut the acidity of the dish as well as a crispy piece of papadum.

As compared to Malay dishes such as Nasi Lemak and Nasi Padang which can be pretty heavy as a lunch option, the Nasi Beringin did not leave me with a food coma.

If you’re ever in Yishun, and looking for a change from your typical Malay fare, you know where to go for a good meal.

Fifty50 Empire Nasi Beringin
Address: 51 Yishun Avenue 11, Singapore, 768867
Opening Hours: 11am to 9pm daily. Closed for Friday Prayers from 1pm- 2pm
Website

Also Read [REVIEW] We Spent $5.90 On LiHo’s New Salted Egg Bubble Tea So You Don’t Have To

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Sephora Opens At Causeway Point On 21 Sep – First 100 In Line To Get $100 Gift Vouchers

Time and time again, Woodlands has always been the butt of all jokes.

All through life, they’ve battled jokes about “being in Malaysia” and lived day to day standing in the train until it reaches their stop (because weirdly, everyone gets off at Woodlands). Yet, you never hear them complaining about their daily struggles.

Well, their resilience is about to pay off. In an unprecedented move, Sephora Singapore has announced the opening of a new outlet at Causeway Point on 21 September 2018.

Now all you Woodlanders got something to be proud of again.

It’s about time we make Woodlands cool again.

Beauty Junkies Rejoice

The outlet marks the first Sephora in the North. Which means north siders no longer have to travel all the way to ION Orchard to restock their beauty supplies.

This outlet will stock the beauty retailer’s full selection of of beauty brands: Too Faced, Fenty Beauty, the newly released Huda Beauty and more!

And on the day of their opening from 12pm, Sephora will be giving away $100 Gift Vouchers to the first 100 in line, as will the first 50 Gold Card Members in the VIP Priority queue.

Here’s how you can get the vouchers:

1. Make sure you are the first 100 people queuing at the launch of Sephora Causeway Point on 21 September 2018
2. At 11am, Sephora promotional team members will be giving out a Sephora branded wrist brand, numbered 1 to 100
3. Each person is strictly entitled to one gift voucher and one transaction with aforementioned voucher

We do recommend heading down way before 11am, because let’s be real. People will start queuing once Causeway Point opens.

If you don’t fancy the idea of waiting in line, the next 100 in queue (No. 101 – 200) will receive a $30 Gift Voucher, whereas the remaining 250 in-line (No. 201 to 450) will receive a Goodie Bag.

All Sephora Gold Card Members will also enjoy an exclusive priority queue from 12pm to 2pm on the day itself.

Beauty junkies can also look forward to a street party weekend. From 21 – 23 September 2018, the atrium of Causeway Point will be turned into a beauty haven of makeup and skincare booths, beauty workshops, and an all-you-can-grab beauty ball pit.

Come prepared as it’s bound to be madness.

Sephora Opening (Causeway Point)
Address: 1 Woodlands Square, #01-26/27
Date: 21 September 2018
Time: 12pm
Website

Also Read #LoveWins This October With 6 LGBT-Centric Films At Golden Village’s Love & Pride Film Festival

(Header Image Source: Sephora)

When You’re Broke But Still Want To Shop – Here Are 6 Of Our Favourite Thrift Shops In S’pore

Thanks to Macklemore, thrift shops got a boost in publicity and popularity.

I used to avoid thrift shop because I never understood why anyone would want to buy pre-owned items. After all, the thrill of shopping comes from obtaining new stuff.

But after I went to my first thrift store, my eyes are now open to the wonders of thrift shopping. It’s the same feeling as opening a blind packaged item. You never know what you’re going to find and it’s thrilling.

So here’re some of my favourite thrift shops around Singapore so you can have your very own thrift shop moment.

One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure

1. Shop@REDCROSS

The Red Cross Foundation has their very own thrift shops that you can visit at the Red Cross House or at the Red Cross Campsite.

With a wide range of pre-loved items, you can even find collectibles and electronic devices such as e-scooters, Samsung phones, and iPad Pro amongst other things!

If both of the outlets are out of the way or if your schedule doesn’t coincide with their opening hours, you can also find them on Carousell.

Red Cross Training Campsite
Address: 62 Jalan Khairuddin (Opera Estate), Singapore 457524
Opening Hours: Fri: 10.30am – 3.30pm

Red Cross House
Address: 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486
Opening Hours: Wed: 11am – 4pm
Website

2. Song & Song

Song & Song doesn’t exist. On the Internet, that is. They’re completely offline and the truth is, they don’t really need to be on social media.

Song & Song sells clothing for as low as $5.

Most of the clothes here are brandless, though if you spend enough time searching, you might find some gems from certain brands. These are usually rejected pieces due to slight defects that are usually negligible.

They even have baby clothes!

From coats and vests to tops and workout clothing, Song & Song is a fun place to trawl if you’re on a budget.

Song & Song
Address: Find your nearest outlet here

3. MINDS Shop

The Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) organisation runs 4 thrift shops across the island.

Each thrift shop carries a range of carefully-selected apparel, furniture, house wares, and other collectibles.

The items are affordable and value-for-money. And don’t worry, the inventory is constantly updated.

With a bit of time, who knows what you’ll find?

MINDS Shop
Address: Find your nearest store 4. Praisehaven Mega Family Store

From books and electronics to art pieces, antiques and even wedding dresses, the Praisehaven Mega Family Store is basically a department store for pre-loved items.

Anyone down for some thrift shopping?

Praisehaven Mega Family Store
Address: 500 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 678106
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 10am – 6pm, Fri – Sat: 10am – 9pm, Sun: Closed
Contact no.: 6349 5312
Website

5. New2U Thrift Shop

New2U Thrift Shop opened during the millennium selling pre-loved clothing, accessories, household goods, decorative ornaments, books and more.

You might even find branded goods at New2U! The best part? The prices start from as low as a dollar.

And they even have promotions! Every Tuesday is Student Half Price day and all items (except books, toys and jewellery) will go for half price on the last 2 working days of every month.

Do check their Instagram page for regular updates on upcoming promotions!

New2U Thrift Shop
Address: 96 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187967
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 10.30am – 2.30pm, Sat – Sun: Closed
Contact no.: 6837 0611
Website

6. Something Old, Something New

Something Old, Something New thrift shop started back in 1997, founded by 2 volunteers at the Singapore Anglican Community Services, Ms Anna Tsang and Ms Felicia Teo.

You can find a ton of apparel, from clothes, shoes and bags and many more.

If you’re lucky, you might even find some items from brands like adidas.

They also hold flea markets every now and then so keep checking their Facebook page to stay up-to-date!

Something Old, Something New
Address: Find your nearest outlet Also read Carouselland Is Back With Over 400 Popular Sellers, Entrepreneurship Talks, And An IG Photography Trail

(Header Image Source: Something Old, Something New and Red Shield Industries)