Cereals-ly? Get Your Cereal Fix At The New Kellogg’s Cafe For Just $2 A Bowl

If you’ve ever thought that taking a quick coffee break, powering through a work project, or just catching up with a friend would be better over a bowl of cereal, Kellogg’s Cereal Kafe at Ang Mo Kio Hub is the casual hangout spot of your breakfast-loving dreams.

Although it’s located in the not-so-exciting, auntie-paradise that is FairPrice Xtra, this new space sees cereal fans dropping by for a quick bowl. It may not be as cool and edgy as its overseas counterparts, but if you’re really craving for a bowl of Coco Pops or Froot Loops, it’ll do the trick.

[caption id="attachment_38515" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Kellogg’s Singapore[/caption]

Cereal For Days

Open daily from noon to 8pm – meaning you can’t have cereal for breakfast, oddly enough – Kellogg’s Cereal Kafe offers a variety of cereal, pastries and dessert.

Flavours in the selection includes Corn Flakes, Coco Pops, Frosties, Froot Loops, Rice Krispies, Mueslix and Special K. Each $2 serving comes with either full cream or low fat milk.

[caption id="attachment_38514" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Kellogg’s Singapore[/caption]

Before you start complaining that you can make a bowl of cereal yourself at home, the menu includes more than just a cereal bar with a wide array of toppings, including goji berries, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds ($0.50 each) which you can add to your bowl.

[caption id="attachment_38513" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Kellogg’s Singapore[/caption]

Not feeling up for cereal? They offer a variety of heavenly desserts served with yoghurt and delicious pastries such as cupcakes, muffins, cakes, cookies, and mini bread loaves as well.

[caption id="attachment_38516" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Kellogg’s Singapore[/caption]

With a variety of options and limitless customisations, Kellogg’s Cereal Kafe should elicit return visits from any cereal fan!

Kellogg’s Cereal Kafe
Address: FairPrice Xtra, #B2-40 Ang Mo Kio Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3
Opening Hours: 12pm – 8pm, daily
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Also Read Prepare For Truffle, Make It Double – Kanshoku’s Ramen Is A Truffle Lover’s Dream

(Header Image Source: Kellogg’s Singapore)

An Oldie But A Goodie: Canteen 398 At Seletar Is Possibly The Longest Surviving Canteen In S’pore

Canteen 398

Seletar has changed drastically over the years as the authorities cleared the old RAF airbase and colonial architecture and transformed the space into an aerospace hub.

Located along Piccadilly Road in Seletar, this kampong style canteen dates back to the 1960s and still feels like it.

The canteen served mainly British military personnel of RAF Seletar followed by local military personnel when the camp was handed over to SAF after the British withdrawal in 1971.

Yet at this intense transformation of Seletar, a couple of things still brings you back to what Seletar was. Canteen 398 has been sitting on the chopping board for development since 2012 as Seletar is being developed into an aerospace hub. 

[caption id="attachment_37223" align="aligncenter" width="4032"]canteen 398 Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

A Disappearing Piece Of History

This canteen is a piece of vanishing history of Singapore. Situated in the vicinity of an army camp, Seletar Camp, Canteen 398 is open to public and accessible by car and bus.

Time and time again, I kept reminding myself to visit Canteen 398 and boy I’m glad I finally did.

At a glance, you won’t be able to guess that it’s a functioning canteen. That was until, William, owner of Canteen 398 waved his arms and signalled to me that there were more seats inside.

[caption id="attachment_37219" align="aligncenter" width="4032"]canteen 398 Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

The canteen is a humble looking structure, serving the workers around the area as well as military personnel from Seletar Camp.

Stepping into Canteen 398 felt like I was being transported into another dimension. It was as though time stood still and I was back in the 1960s.

It was hot out so I quickly ordered my Milo Peng and made a beeline for the seats.

The interior was something straight out of the 1990s when solid wooden top table and red stackable chairs are still widely used in coffeeshops. The old school mosaic tiles flooring and chipped paint stands as a testament to its age.

[caption id="attachment_37220" align="aligncenter" width="4032"]canteen 398 Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

William shared with us that he took over his brother’s business and now runs Canteen 398 with his wife and sister in law.

“I’ve been working here even before I enter army. I’m 70 now. You count lah how many years I work here already,” William laughed.

He mentioned that he wakes up at 4am everyday and takes a bus from Yishun to get to Canteen 398 and you’ll see him mingling and laughing with his regulars.

[caption id="attachment_37225" align="aligncenter" width="500"]canteen 398 Image Credit: ChinChaiJiak[/caption]

This place ah, second home to me already. I know everyone that comes to my canteen,” William added.

Even at a warm afternoon at 12pm, I felt a sense of serenity while I was sipping on my Milo Peng as workers around the area streamed in and out to get their lunch fix.

Canteen 398 only has three stalls. A drink stall managed by William’s wife. A Malay stall selling Nasi Padang which has been around for 20 years and a Chinese stall selling Cai Fan which has been around for 10 years.

[caption id="attachment_37224" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]canteen 398 Image Credit: canteen 398 Makcik’s Asam Pedas and Bean Sprouts | Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Her food definitely did not disappoint as I wiped my plate clean in under 5 minutes.

Despite having gone through a major damage in 2015 caused by a fallen tree, Canteen 398 has recovered and it seems like nothing ever happened to this humble looking structure.

Canteen 398 is like another world on its own, going on with what they have been doing since the 1960s, while Singapore continued to change outside.

[caption id="attachment_37222" align="aligncenter" width="4032"]canteen 398 Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Coming to this canteen gave me a sense of closeness to this place although it was only my first visit. I was not born in the 1960s but this canteen offers a glimpse of Singapore’s humble past when things were not as perfect and comfortable as today.

The experience at Canteen 398 is truly one of a kind in Singapore.

“Come again this Saturday okay!” William smiled and waved as we parted ways.

Canteen 398
Directions: Jalan Kayu exit at Tampines Expressway and enter camp
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 6am – 4pm, Sat: 6am – 12pm, Closed on Sun

Also Read NP & NYP’s Iconic Sandwich Shop Is No Longer On Campus, But You Can Find It At ION Orchard Instead

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Popular China Tea Brand TaiGai Opens First Overseas Outlet At NEX – Prices Start From $3.30

TaiGai singapore

While food trends come and go, Fruit Teas look like they’re here to stay for a while.

From Partea to Teafolia, fruit tea fans can look forward to the opening of TaiGai at NEX Serangoon!

Established in Shenzhen, China, TaiGai is a popular tea brand in China with over 60 stores across the country. They’re also known for their signature offerings and healthier tea options using mainly fresh fruits and premium quality teas in their concoctions.

TaiGai’s NEX outlet is their first venture out of China.

[caption id="attachment_37138" align="aligncenter" width="4032"]taigai singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Love At First Sip

If you’re wondering, “What’s the difference between TaiGai and other fruit tea brands?

TaiGai is the pioneer behind “Fruity Milky Kiss” – fruit-blended milk cheese crowns. The drinks are topped with a milk cheese foam that has been blended with fruits, which gives you that natural sweetness and pulpy bits as you sip on your fruity tea.

[caption id="attachment_37137" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]TaiGai Singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

With fresh fruits used predominantly in the teas, TaiGai is careful to retain its natural fragrance and sweetness to complement the taste and aroma of these crafted teas.

Another highlight of their drinks would be their “Beary Cute Series” that comes with an adorable bear-ear lid.

If you’re wondering what drink you should get from TaiGai, here’s what we highly recommend:

Pulpy Strawberry Kiss ($6.80)

[caption id="attachment_37132" align="aligncenter" width="5076"]taigai singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

The most popular “Fruity Milky Kiss” drink would be the Pulpy Strawberry Kiss, which is perfect if you want something refreshing and sweet. About half a cup of strawberries are used for just one drink!

This drink is exceptionally popular as it has the perfect balance of fresh sweetness and a hint of sourness from the strawberries, along with the fragrance of the tea.

When you take the first sip from the opening, you can first taste the blended crown which has well-balanced milk-cheese to fruit ratio followed by the fruit-blended tea.

The milk cheese crown has a perfect velvety finishing when sipped together with the fruit blended tea. The generous pulp from the blended strawberries adds dimension to the entire experience.

Pulpy Pineapple Kiss ($6.20)

[caption id="attachment_37139" align="aligncenter" width="5076"]TaiGai singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Also a part of the “Fruity Milky Kiss” series, the Pulpy Pineapple Kiss is one of TaiGai’s signature drinks.

If you’re looking for something to quench your thirst, this drink is a juicy tropical blend that is both refreshing and zesty – reminiscent of sunny days lying on the beach in Thailand.

Milky Kiss Baby Cicada Oolong ($4.90)

[caption id="attachment_37133" align="aligncenter" width="5076"]taigai singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

For the tea lovers, you can choose from the “Pure Tea” or the “Pure Tea Milky Kiss” series that are topped with the milk cheese crowns.

The Milky Kiss Baby Cicada Oolong is one of the signature drinks on the menu. Similar to the civet cat coffee, when a cicada bites the baby tea leaves, it changes the chemistry resulting in an authentic taste profile of this oolong tea.

This golden-coloured tea is paired nicely with the milk cheese crown as it was smooth and has a slight hint of bitterness from the tea itself.

Perhaps it’s time to swap out your everyday tea for the Milky Kiss Baby Cicada Oolong.

Fresh Premium Orange Burst ($5.90)

[caption id="attachment_37136" align="aligncenter" width="5076"]TaiGai Singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Fruit Teas, also known as infusions, are gaining popularity because they come across as healthier versions as compared to their counterparts of Bubble Tea.

In their “Fresh Fruit Tea” series, you can choose from Fresh Golden Kumquat Burst ($4), Fresh Green Lemon Burst Green Tea ($4.50), Fresh Yellow Lemon Burst Black Tea ($4.50) and Fresh Premium Orange Burst ($5.90).

The recommended drink is the Fresh Premium Orange Burst. The drink consists of freshly sliced oranges and a slice of lime.

This calming and refreshing drink makes for the perfect afternoon thirst quencher.

Beary Creative Milk Tea ($4.50)

[caption id="attachment_37134" align="aligncenter" width="5076"]TaiGai singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

This is probably a favourite for most as the drinks comes with an adorable bear-shaped lid.

You can choose from the Beary Co Co which is a very chocolatey drink or the Beary Creative Milk Tea which is a milk tea drink with choice of pearls, nata de coco, or red bean.

The Beary Creative Milk Tea comes with one topping of your choice and an additional 80cents for extra topping.

Pro-tip: Shine a light from the top of the cup and see the magic happen!

[caption id="attachment_37142" align="aligncenter" width="6000"] Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Overall Store Atmosphere

The service at TaiGai is fast and simple. All you have to do is key in your orders on the iPad available at the counter and wait for your number to appear on the screen!

[caption id="attachment_37140" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]taigai singapore Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

There are seats available in the store as well for you to take IG-worthy pictures of your drinks. Do be prepared for the long queues!

If you’re looking to try out a new fruit tea place, then you might just like TaiGai’s fruity tea creations!

TaiGai
Address:
NEX Serangoon, #B2-34, Singapore 556083
Opening Hours:
Mon – Sun: 10am – 10pm
Facebook | Instagram

Also Read This 7-Eleven At Boat Quay Doubles Up As A Bar – Serves Beer On Tap For $4.70

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Missing Bangkok? Head To Soi 19 To Get Your Thai Wanton Mee Fix For Just $4 A Bowl

Soi19 Thai Wanton Mee

When it comes to Thai food, I order the same three things every time — green curry, basil chicken and an omelette.

Any self-respecting chef serving Thai grub will have no problem cooking these classic dishes, and they’re so tasty and reliable that i’ve never really seen the need to try anything else.

In a way, this “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset has stunted my knowledge of Thai cuisine, so when I was told that I’d be eating Thai Wanton Mee I honestly thought that it was some kind of Southeast Asian fusion dish.

[caption id="attachment_37098" align="aligncenter" width="4032"]Soi19 Thai Wanton Mee (Image Credit: Discover SG)[/caption]

Turns out Thai wanton mee is actually pretty similar to Singapore’s, but prepared in a different style. Same same but different, basically.

For the uninitiated (I can’t be the only one…right?), the main difference between “regular” wanton mee and the Thai version is the absence of any sauce, resulting in a drier dish that places a heavier reliance on the noodles for flavour. The ingredients remain mostly the same though, with the inclusion of char siew, vegetables, and of course, wantons.

Bang(kok) For Your Buck

When it comes to eating Thai wanton mee in Singapore, there’s only one name that you need to know: Soi 19.

[caption id="attachment_37096" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]Soi19 Thai Wanton Mee (Image Credit: Discover SG)[/caption]

Named after the street that houses the famous SabX2 Wanton Mee in Bangkok, founder Ng Sing Chow set up his first outlet in Ang Mo Kio back in 2012, and has since opened two more outlets in Jurong and Kovan that see long queues every day.

This isn’t a case of culinary appropriation either. Ng — who previously worked in the clothing industry and had zero f&b experience — actually learned his recipe from his god brother in Thailand, and painstakingly tried 20 noodle varieties before finding one with the right texture.

His efforts have certainly paid off, because the noodles are without a doubt the star of the show here. Despite having no sauce, they’re infused with a rich, eggy flavour, and have a bouncy, al dente texture that makes it effortless to chew on. I seriously think I could’ve eaten a bowl of them without the ingredients.

[caption id="attachment_37097" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]Soi19 Thai Wanton Mee (Image Credit: Discover SG)[/caption]

That’s not to say that the ingredients aren’t good, though. The char siew used here is less sweet than what you’d usually expect — a deliberate choice, according to Ng’s daughter Claire — and it balances out the noodles’ strong taste. The larger bowls also include a few slices of fish sausage, which strangely enough taste like bak kwa (I’m still trying to figure that one out myself).

And then there’s the crispy pork lard, which is made in-house on a daily basis. The Ang Mo Kio outlet is famous for offering a free flow of these crispy bites, but this unfortunately isn’t available at the other two stores in the interest of cost. It’s a shame, considering that a small amount already adds yet another dimension of savoury goodness to an already-varied taste.

[caption id="attachment_37099" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]Soi19 Thai Wanton Mee (Image Credit: Discover SG)[/caption]

And what would a wanton mee be without…well, good wantons? The dish includes both the crispy and soft variety, and they’re quite literally bursting with flavour thanks to a generous amount of minced meat within each of them. Throw in some juicy greens for good measure, and you have an extremely hearty and satisfying meal for as low as $4.

You’d think that a wanton mee with no sauce would be less flavourful than its gravy-laden counterpart, but Soi 19 has converted my wanton allegiance to team Thai.

Earlier in our interview, Claire tells me that the goal was not to produce an exact replica of Thai wanton mee, but instead use it as an inspiration to create a version that appealed to the local palate (“60% Thai, 40% Singaporean”, she says).

Having tried a bowl for myself, I can safely say that they’ve succeeded.

Soi 19 Kovan
Address: 9 Yio Chu Kang Road, #01-56, Singapore 545523
Opening Days: Tuesday to Sunday
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 10pm

Soi 19 Ang Mo Kio
Address: 151 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5, Singapore 560151
Opening Days: Wednesday to Sunday
Opening Hours: 7am – 3:30pm

Soi 19 Jurong
Address: 130 Jurong Gateway Road, #01-211, Singapore 600130
Opening Days: Tuesday to Sunday
Opening Hours: 7am – 4pm (7pm on Fridays)

Also Read 6 Dishes Crazy Rich Asians Should Have Tried At Newton Food Centre Instead Of Satay

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Last Chance To Catch The Food Trucks At Market On Wheels – Ends 9 Sept At AMK Hub

Remember when Market On Wheels took over Bugis Junction back in June?

If you missed the first edition of the container pop-up market, no worries, here’s your last chance to catch the food trucks at Market On Wheels.

From now till 9 September, head down to AMK Hub for IG-worthy food and shopping! Here’s what you can expect.

A Sugar Rush by Cereal Citizen

You might’ve seen them at previous events like Artbox. Cereal Citizen was founded by local blogger and influencer, Bong Qiu Qiu. They’re known for their signature Crododo, which is a quirky little creation of a cross between a croissant and a donut.

Basically, a donut with the texture of a croissant.

[caption id="attachment_37058" align="aligncenter" width="1680"]market on wheels Image Credit: @cerealcitizen[/caption]

If you love everything unicorn, then you’ll love their Unicorn Milkshake and Unicorn Crododo ($8) which is topped with an adorable unicorn meringue.

[caption id="attachment_37063" align="aligncenter" width="1004"]market on wheels Image Credit: @oyhz[/caption]

Grilled Meats From The Swag Social

Brought to you by the people from The Swag Social who were also at the previous Market On Wheels, they offer grilled Yakiniku Ribeye Beef Cubes ($10), Grilled Salmon Mentai ($9), Donburi, fries & refreshing mojitos!

[caption id="attachment_37061" align="aligncenter" width="1278"]market on wheels Image Credit: @oyhz[/caption]

Local Delights by Abracowdabra

Serving up a combination of Singapore and Thai flavours, you can expect unique dishes such as Crab Phad Thai ($10), Satay Beef Phad Thai ($9) and Satay Chicken Phad Thai ($7).

For the satay lovers, the fragrant nutty satay sauce along with the aromatic tinge of spice from the sambal chilli makes for a sweet & spicy combination that would suit those with a lower threshold for spice!

[caption id="attachment_37062" align="aligncenter" width="1216"]market on wheels Image Credit: @mysweetlittletooth[/caption]

Each bowl of phad thai comes with a runny egg yolk and a medley of spices such as spring onions, chilli flakes and fried shallots.

Deep Fried Treats by Ha-Mess

If you’ve never had fried oreos or fried toblerone, it’s about time that you do!

Each set goes for $4 each!

[caption id="attachment_37064" align="aligncenter" width="948"]market on wheels Image Credit: @oyhz[/caption]

Expect to find an aesthetically-pleasing range of food available from other vendors such as Hasan Istanbul for your kebab fix as well as Charms Cafe for their Over the Rainbow Gelato Ice Cream ($7) which comes with Mango, Yuzu, Raspberry topped with Green Apple Nata, Aloe Vera, Mango Jelly.

And if it’s anything like Bugis’ Market on Wheels, there’ll also be designated photo spots for you to snap pictures for the gram!

Market On Wheels (AMK Hub)
Address: AMK HUB, 53 Ang Mo Kio Av‍‍‍‍‍‍e 3, Singapore 569933
Date: 
August 3 – September 9
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am-9pm, Sat – Sun:11am-10pm

Also Read Let It Glow, Let It Glow – Tsum Tsum Takes Over Vivocity With 2000 Lanterns This Mid-Autumn Festival

(Header Image Source: @robinpok, @gnohznaij)

Get Your Marauder’s Map Ready – LEGO Launches A 6,000 Piece Hogwarts Castle Set That Costs $650

Do you like Harry Potter?

Do you like LEGO’s?

Do you happen to have $650 of expendable income lying around?

If you answered “yes” to all three questions, then brace your muggle heart, because everyone’s favourite toy brick company has come up with a stunning recreation of the one and only Hogwarts Castle.

You’re A Builder, Harry!

[caption id="attachment_36846" align="alignnone" width="1280"]LegoHogwartsSet (Image Credit: Lego)[/caption]

 

Okay, we’ll admit that this isn’t exactly *breaking* news — according to Brickipedia, LEGO have already released four versions of the iconic HP locale, but this one is so detailed that it’s probably the closest you’ll ever get to attending a Defence Against the Dark Arts class.

“How detailed can detailed be?”, you ask? Well, for starters, the set is comprised of a whopping 6,020 pieces, a significant upgrade over the previous iteration’s brick count of 1,290.

Everything from the Great Hall to the Chamber of Secrets is included, and you’ll have 27 microfigures of Harry and the gang to really make the place come alive.

[caption id="attachment_36843" align="alignnone" width="1893"]Lego Hogwarts Great Hall (Image Credit: LEGO)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_36849" align="alignnone" width="1700"]Lego Hogwarts Potions Class (Image Credit: LEGO)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_36841" align="aligncenter" width="1802"]Lego Hogwarts COS (Image Credit: LEGO)[/caption]

We could go on, but you should just watch this video to get a proper sense of how grand this thing is:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-SY7FdM908]

Avada Kedavra, Wallet

As previously mentioned, however, this collector’s item will set you back $650 ($649.90, to be exact), but if you’re undeterred by the price tag you’ll be glad to know that you won’t have to wait too long before you can get your hands on one.

The set will be released this Saturday, the 1st of September, and it’s such a big deal that LEGO is currently holding a launch event for it at Compass One mall (sorry, west siders).

[caption id="attachment_36842" align="alignnone" width="900"]Lego Hogwarts Event (Image Credit: The Brick Shop LEGO Certified Store)[/caption]

To sweeten the deal, early adopters will be treated to an exclusive “mosaic gift” that supposedly can’t be bought anywhere else.

For those who don’t have the cash but still want to join in the festivities, there’s still a host of Potter-themed activities to partake in, including the building of a 152cm x 152cm mosaic of the franchise’s titular character.

The event only ends on the 9th of September, so don’t feel too pressured to make an impulse buy — considering the price, we aren’t expecting these to fly off the shelves.

LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle Launch
Venue: Compass One
Date: 1 Sep 2018

Also Read Life’s A Beach: Sentosa Offers FREE Entry for S’poreans From 1 – 16 September

(Header Image Credit: Lego)

5 Must-Order Dishes At Hougang’s Hainanese Village For $4 And Under

Hainanese Village

Growing up, I’ve always envied the ones living outside of the West side of Singapore because the food was always guaranteed to be better, more varied, and even cheaper.

So after hearing my colleagues rave about food in Hougang for months, I decided to head to Hougang and try the food for myself.

The destination? Hougang Hainanese Village.

[caption id="attachment_36631" align="aligncenter" width="4032"]Hainanese Village Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

And here are the 5 dishes to go for when you’re there.

1. Qiu Yun – Tom Yum Ban Mian

[caption id="attachment_36618" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]Hainanese Village Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

Ban Mian is a standard coffeeshop and hawker centre staple. There’s always a stall that sells ban mian, sliced fish soup and the likes. But not all are good.

However, that’s not the case at Hainanese Village. Qiu Yun is a simple store selling ban mian, mee hoon kway, sliced fish soup, and some Pu Tien-style dishes.

They even have Garoupa Head Fish Soup for those with a more adventurous palate.

I got the Tom Yum Ban Mian ($4) and wasn’t really expecting much. I’ve never been a big fan of ban mian. I’m okay with it but it’s usually not a first choice.

[caption id="attachment_36619" align="aligncenter" width="4032"]Hainanese Village Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

So I was genuinely surprised when the noodles remained springy without becoming soggy, even though I left it for a good 10 to 15 minutes, just busy getting more dishes.

[caption id="attachment_36620" align="aligncenter" width="4032"]Hainanese Village Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

The Tom Yum soup isn’t too spicy or salty either, which is good because I know of stall owners who are heavy-handed with their Tom Yum paste.

That being said, $4 for a decent-sized bowl of Tom Yum Ban Mian is actually worth it, though they could be a BIT more generous with the minced meat.

Qiu Yun
Unit:
#02-17

2. Yi Liu Xiang – Nasi Lemak

[caption id="attachment_36621" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]Hainanese Village Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

Yi Liu Xiang serves up Chinese-style Nasi Lemak and you know it’s good because the queues are crazy long.

I managed to jump into the queue before 6 others hastily lined up behind me. Lord. I remember thinking to myself, “It’s JUST Nasi Lemak, why is it so hyped?”

First off, $2.50 for a simple plate of Nasi Lemak with a fried fish fillet, omelette and ikan bilis seemed a bit ridiculous to me. I can probably get the same at Ananas for $2.

[caption id="attachment_36622" align="aligncenter" width="4032"]Hainanese Village Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

Boy, was I wrong. The fried fish fillet was STILL crispy despite being left out for a while, and it wasn’t too oily. It also had a satisfying crunch that was lacking in most fish fillets.

Now, as with all Nasi Lemak dishes, the make-or-break ingredient is the chilli. Yi Liu Xiang’s chilli was a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and not too spicy that it’ll make you reach for your drink.

12/10 will return and queue for this. Do come early though (before 10am), some of the ingredients sell out VERY early.

Yi Liu Xiang
Unit: #02-30

3. Hup Huat White Carrot Cake

[caption id="attachment_36623" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]Hainanese Village Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

As its name suggests, this stall only sells white carrot cake.

[caption id="attachment_36628" align="aligncenter" width="4032"]Hainanese Village Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

For $2.50, you get a plate of White Carrot Cake that looks more like a fuyong omelette.

Each plate is cooked upon order and the smell is DIVINE. If you like your carrot cake crispy, this is it.

The chilli doesn’t overpower the taste of the carrot cake, and the omelette has a tinge of wok hei to it, making this extremely satisfying to eat.

Honestly, this is how carrot cake should be prepared islandwide. Make this a thing please.

Hup Huat White Carrot Cake
Unit: #02-35

4. Lai Xing Cooked Food – Duck Kway Chap

[caption id="attachment_36624" align="aligncenter" width="3605"]Hainanese Village Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

Kway Chap is traditionally served with pig offal and pork belly. But not here.

At Lai Xing Cooked Food, they serve up Duck Kway Chap. And for $2.50, it’s actually a very decent portion for one.

[caption id="attachment_36629" align="aligncenter" width="4032"]Hainanese Village Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

You get a small platter of fish cakes, tau pok, braised hardboiled eggs, and duck intestines. Since I shun offal like the plague, I decided to acquaint myself with the remaining ingredients.

[caption id="attachment_36630" align="aligncenter" width="4032"]Hainanese Village Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

The fish cake is fresh and springy with bits of vegetable in the fish paste.

Though the tau pok today seemed a little undercooked, I’m going to give them the benefit of doubt considering that it was early and the tau pok hasn’t been braised thoroughly enough to be sufficiently soft.

But all in all, Duck Kway Chap is an interesting dish and I highly recommend that you try it too.

Lai Xing Cooked Food
Unit:
 #02-09

5. Shun Quan – Soya Beancurd With Gingko Nut

[caption id="attachment_36625" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]Hainanese Village Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

As I was busy getting the other 4 dishes, I saw a few tables with soya beancurd.

And let me just clarify that I LOVE SOYA BEANCURD. So I tracked the source and found Shun Quan.

I was very surprised and had to double confirm the price when I ordered the Soya Beancurd with Gingko Nut. It’s only $0.80. WHAT.

[caption id="attachment_36636" align="aligncenter" width="4032"]Hainanese Village Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

Price aside, the beancurd was so soft, it’s barely solid. It just disintegrates as soon as it leaves the spoon.

The gingko nuts provide a nice contrast in texture from the (literally) silky smooth beancurd.

By far the best tau huay I’ve ever had. Rochor beancurd who?

Shun Quan
Unit: #02-38

So there, if you’re at Hainanese Village in Hougang, eat these. Legit no horse run. Also, all 5 dishes cost us a total of just $12.30.

The place is nestled deep within the Hougang neighbourhood so here’re some buses that you can take to the Hainanese Village.

[caption id="attachment_36632" align="aligncenter" width="3024"]Hainanese Village Image Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

Oh, and come with at least 1 other person because seats are hard to come by.

Happy eating!

Also read This Shop In Outram Sells Customised ‘Kim Zua’ Handmade By A 65-Year-Old Uncle

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

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

Thrift Shops Singapore

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.

[caption id="attachment_36371" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Thrift Shops Singapore Image Credit: Singapore Red Cross[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_36372" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]Thrift Shops Singapore Image Credit: Yelp[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_36373" align="aligncenter" width="960"]Thrift Shops Singapore Image Credit: MINDS Shop[/caption]

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

[caption id="attachment_36374" align="aligncenter" width="1296"]Thrift Shops Singapore Image Credit: MINDS Shop[/caption]

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

The Salvation Army runs a number of thrift shops in Singapore, with the largest being the Praisehaven Mega Family Store.

[caption id="attachment_36377" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]
Thrift Shops Singapore Image Credit: Red Shield Industries[/caption] [caption id="attachment_36378" align="aligncenter" width="960"]Thrift Shops Singapore Image Credit: Red Shield Industries[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_36379" align="aligncenter" width="960"]Thrift Shops Singapore Image Credit: New2U Thrift Shop[/caption] [caption id="attachment_36380" align="aligncenter" width="960"]Thrift Shops Singapore Image Credit: New2U Thrift Shop[/caption]

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

[caption id="attachment_36381" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]Thrift Shops Singapore Image Credit: New2U Thrift Shop[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_36382" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]Thrift Shops Singapore Image Credit: Something Old, Something New[/caption]

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

[caption id="attachment_36383" align="aligncenter" width="640"]Thrift Shops Singapore Image Credit: Something Old, Something New[/caption]

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)

Don’t Worry, ‘Beer’ Happy – 6 Cheapest Beer Towers In S’pore For $50 And Under

cheapest beer towers

Singapore has no shortage of pubs and bars, thanks to a nation of drinkers.

However, not all places have cheap beer and if you’re out drinking with your mates, it might be a bit of a shock when the bill arrives.

Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered with a short list of places with the cheapest beer towers in Singapore, because honestly, with beer towers this cheap, there’s no reason to get your own bottle.

Let’s go!

Inspirit House

Inspirit House kicks off the list, offering beer towers at $50 during their Happy Hours.

[caption id="attachment_36316" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]cheapest beer towers Image Credit: Inspirit House[/caption]

Now, before you get bummed, you should know that their Happy Hour lasts from the time they’re open till 8pm daily.

Yes, DAILY. What’s more, you get to choose from a Hoegaarden White tower or a Rosée tower.

[caption id="attachment_36317" align="aligncenter" width="960"]cheapest beer towers Image Credit: Inspirit House[/caption]

If you like any of those 2 beers, then you should hit up Inspirit House.

Inspirit House
Address: 3 Punggol Point Road, The Punggol Settlement #01-05, Singapore 828694
Opening Hours: Tue – Thu: 3pm – 12am, Fri: 3pm – 1am, Sat: 9am – 1am, Sun: 9am – 12am, Mon: Closed
Contact no.: 6920 6388
cheapest beer towers Image Credit: cheapest beer towers Image Credit: @deyeballz[/caption]

Happy Hour begins at 11.30am and ends at 9pm daily. What’s more, you can get finger food such as Crispy Chicken Skin ($6) and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks ($10) to go with your beer.

You can view their full menu Two Fat Men Food Bar

Two Fat Men Food Bar is a neighbourhood bar that offers Singha Draught Beer Towers at just $48 during their Happy Hour!

[caption id="attachment_36315" align="aligncenter" width="960"]cheapest beer towers Image Credit: two fat men[/caption]

Happy Hours are from 5 to 9pm on weekdays, and 2 to 9pm on weekends.

[caption id="attachment_36318" align="aligncenter" width="690"]cheapest beer towers Image Credit: two fat men[/caption]

What’s more, they’re also known for their fragrant Basil Chicken Fried Rice ($9), packed with wok hei.

[caption id="attachment_36314" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]cheapest beer towers Image Credit: @sir.fried.chicken[/caption]

If you love Thai food and Thai beers, then Two Fat Men Food Bar is THE place for you.

Two Fat Men Food Bar
Address: 376 East Coast Road, Singapore 428984
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 5pm – 12am, Sat – Sun: 2pm – 12am
Contact no.: 6348 0241
Website

Al Capone’s Kallang

You would think that a mall by the sports hub of Singapore would be filled with GNCs and other fitness or wellness shops, but NO.

[caption id="attachment_36322" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]cheapest beer towers Image Credit: Al Capone’s Kallang[/caption]

Here we have Al Capone’s at Kallang Wave Mall. They’re known for their all-day $39 Heineken Beer Towers.

[caption id="attachment_36319" align="aligncenter" width="960"]cheapest beer towers Image Credit: Al Capone’s Kallang[/caption]

Yes, ALL DAY. If that’s not good enough for you, check out their Mabuk Monday promotions on their Facebook page.

Anybody up to get mabuk?

Al Capone’s Kallang
Address: 1 Stadium Place Kallang Wave Mall #01-15, Singapore 397628
Opening Hours: Daily: 11am – 2am
Contact no.: 6282 5926
Website

Stickies Bar

Stickies Bar is a crowd favourite. If you ask any person who knows their beer, they’ll tell you that Stickies Bar is one of the best places to drink.

[caption id="attachment_36324" align="aligncenter" width="640"]cheapest beer towers Image Credit: Eatigo[/caption]

You can get a beer tower for just $35! That’s insanely cheap and one of the best prices you’re going to find in Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_36323" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]cheapest beer towers Image Credit: @garethnp[/caption]

Also, the service is great and the staff are friendly. If you’re not already drinking at Stickies Bar, then what are you doing?

Stickies Bar
Address: Riverside Piazza #01-10, 11 Keng Cheow Street, Singapore 059608
Opening Hours: Daily: 12pm – 12am
Contact no.: 6443 7564
Website

Sleeping Giants Bar

We thought Stickies Bar had the cheapest beer tower in Singapore. We were so wrong.

Enter Sleeping Giants Bar. They have the cheapest beer towers in Singapore, at just $29.90 for their Housepour Tower! And the 2nd tower onwards goes for just $19.90!

[caption id="attachment_36325" align="aligncenter" width="476"]cheapest beer towers Image Credit: Sleeping Giants[/caption]

You can choose from Asahi, Heineken, Cresten and more for your Beer Tower.

[caption id="attachment_36326" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]cheapest beer towers Image Credit: Sleeping Giants[/caption]

So what’re you waiting for?

Sleeping Giants Bar
Address: 217 East Coast Road, #01-01, Singapore 428915
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 4pm – 1am, Fri – Sun: 3pm – 1am
Contact no.: 8383 5602
Website

Also read 8 Hawker Food Haunts That Are Tried, Tasted, And Recommended By True Blue S’poreans

(Header Image Source: Sleeping Giants)

8 Hawker Food Haunts That Are Tried, Tasted, And Recommended By True Blue S’poreans

Sometimes, with so many food options available in Singapore, I tend to forget what my favourite food is. It’s Mee Hoon Kueh.

Everyone has like, 3 favourites so it’s really hard to choose one. But here are some favourites that I’ve managed to source from my friends, with their favourite place to go for that particular dish.

Here we go.

Bak Chor Mee

1. Meng Kitchen

Meng Kitchen has been around since 1946, serving up bowls of fishball noodles and mushroom minced pork noodle (bak chor mee).

[caption id="attachment_36231" align="aligncenter" width="3968"]singapore food Image Credit: yumyumformytumtum[/caption]

They’re better known for their Bak Chor Mee. For just $4, you get a bowl of minced pork, meatball, springy mee pok coated with chilli, vinegar, and garnished with crispy pork lard.

[caption id="attachment_36230" align="aligncenter" width="645"]singapore food Image Credit: Burppler Casey Tan[/caption]

Meng Kitchen used to be 24 hours though now they close from 5am. It still remains a popular supper spot for many.

Meng Kitchen
Address: 246B Upper Thomson Road, Thomson Garden Estate, Singapore 574370
Opening Hours: Daily: 9am – 5am
Contact no.: 6455 4890

Fish Soup

2. Blanco Court Fish Soup

Blanco Court Fried Fish Soup is one of the old greats that used to reside in the now-demolished Blanco Court Food Centre.

The broth here is flavourful though some find the soup too salty.

The fried fish is crispy and chunky and the broth is served with plenty of deep fried egg batter.

[caption id="attachment_32157" align="aligncenter" width="640"]singapore food Image Credit: Burpple User Justin Teo[/caption]

They also use spinach in their soup (we LOVE spinach), which imparts a different texture and taste to the dish compared to the more bitter chye sim variants.

They’ve moved to a new standalone shophouse at Beach Road and they added other dishes such as Black Bean Fish Head with BittergourdPrawn Rolls and Chicken Wings besides their signature Fried Fish Soup.

Blanco Court Fried Fish Soup
Address: 325 Beach Road, Singapore, 199559
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 10am – 7.30pm
Contact no.: 9151 2401

3. Yong Lai Fa Ji Shu Shi

Yong Lai Fa Ji Shu Shi looks like a run-of-the-mill fish soup stall, but the queues are always long – a clear indicator of good food.

[caption id="attachment_36238" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]singapore food Image Credit: Philip Lim[/caption]

The fish is always freshly picked every morning by the stall owner, and each bowl of fish soup is cooked only upon order.

For $4, you get a no-frills bowl of fresh sliced fish soup with lettuce, seaweed and white tofu. Add on 50 cents for a bowl of rice to go with your soup for a more substantial meal.

[caption id="attachment_36240" align="aligncenter" width="720"]singapore food Image Credit: Philip Lim[/caption] [caption id="attachment_36241" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]singapore food Image Credit: Philip Lim[/caption]

Do expect a bit of a wait though.

Yong Lai Fa Ji Shu Shi
Address:
 Circuit Road Food Centre #01-66, 79A Circuit Road, Singapore 370079
Opening Hours: Fri – Wed: 12pm – 8pm, Thu: Closed

Ban Mian

4. Qiu Lian Ban Mee

Qiu Lian Ban Mian first started in Bishan and has since expanded, with multiple outlets all over the island.

They’re known for their Ban Mian ($4.50), I mean it’s in the name after all.

If you love your Ban Mian, this is one that you need try. There’s really nothing much to say about this except that it’s really good Ban Mian.

The ingredients are pretty standard – egg, minced pork, vegetables, and their handmade ban mian in the signature broth.

[caption id="attachment_36246" align="aligncenter" width="645"]singapore food Image Credit: Burppler Siming T[/caption]

You can find the full list of Qiu Lian Ban Mian below.

[caption id="attachment_36244" align="aligncenter" width="768"]singapore food Image Credit: Qiu Lian Ban Mee[/caption]

Qiu Lian Ban Mee
Website

5. Yumen Hut

Yumen Hut is the only place I know of that sells halal Ban Mian and Mee Hoon Kueh.

[caption id="attachment_36247" align="aligncenter" width="960"]singapore food Image Credit: Susan Wong[/caption]

Instead of pork, they use chicken. Which seems odd, but it works, surprisingly.

[caption id="attachment_36248" align="aligncenter" width="720"]singapore food Image Credit: Yumen Hut[/caption]

Apart from their Ban Mian and Mee Hoon Kueh, other bestsellers include their unique noodles made with different vegetables – pumpkin noodles, spinach noodles, and carrot noodles.

Yumen Hut
Address: 1 Pasir Ris Close, #02-113 Downtown East E!Hub, Singapore 519599
Opening Hours: Daily: 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6581 5191
singapore food Image Credit: iristansl[/caption]

And Mee Hoon Kueh should ALWAYS be hand-pulled. There’s just something about the texture that makes it that much better than the flat, uniform slices favoured by generic Mee Hoon Kueh stalls these days.

If you’re not a fan of Mee Hoon Kueh, the stall also has Pork Porridge and Koka Noodles available.

Ci Yuan Community Club Hawker Centre Mee Hoon Kueh
Address: 51 Hougang Avenue 9, Ci Yuan Community Club Hawker Centre #01-08, Singapore 530917
Opening Hours: Daily: 7am – 11pm

Chicken Rice

7. Katong Shopping Centre 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.

[caption id="attachment_34511" align="aligncenter" width="645"]singapore food Image Credit: Burppler Nobelle Liew[/caption]

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.

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

8. Tong Fong Fatt Boneless Chicken Rice

Tong Fong Fatt Boneless Chicken Rice is probably the ONLY chicken rice brand that’s primarily non-halal, but has a halal outlet at Bedok.

Good guy Tong Fong Fatt.

For $4.50, you get a plate of traditional Hainanese boneless chicken rice. The chicken is generously doused in their soya sauce, so you can be guaranteed that it’s not bland.

[caption id="attachment_36258" align="aligncenter" width="645"]singapore food Image Credit: Burppler M[/caption]

The chilli sauce still has a spicy kick without being too overpowering. If you’re looking for another chicken rice spot to try, go for this.

Tong Fong Fatt Boneless Chicken Rice
Address: 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-32 ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, Singapore 150006
Opening Hours: Thu – Tue: 10am – 9pm, Wed: Closed

Oyster Omelette

9. Hougang Fried Oyster

Oyster Omelette, or Orh Luah, is a dish that I usually avoid because I don’t understand what compels people to eat something as slimy as oysters.

Hougang Fried Oyster has been around for over 25 years, serving plate after plate of fried oyster omelette.

[caption id="attachment_36259" align="aligncenter" width="645"]singapore food Image Credit: Burppler Bryan Lee[/caption]

For $4, you get a crispy yet fluffy omelette cooked in lard with 4 oysters, fish sauce and sambal chilli.

There’s also a $5 option which gives you 6 oysters. The chilli here is homemade using fresh chilli, pork lard, and dried shrimp. Don’t underestimate this potent concoction because it packs a really strong punch.

Hougang Fried Oyster
Address: Blk 435 Hougang Ave 8, Singapore 530435
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun: 12pm – 9.30pm, Mon: Closed

Masala Thosai

10. Ananda Bhavan

Ananda Bhavan has the BEST Masala Thosai in Singapore”, said my overenthusiastic friend.

And for good reason too. It’s the most popular South Indian recipe and Ananda Bhavan does it well.

[caption id="attachment_36260" align="aligncenter" width="550"]singapore food Image Credit: TripAdvisor[/caption]

Simple plain thosai is served with a side of mashed potatoes. No frills and extremely comforting.

If you’re craving for a prata, I suggest you give Masala Thosai a try instead. It might (will) become your new favourite.

Ananda Bhavan
Address: Find your nearest outlet here
Website

So there you have it. The food that Singaporeans cannot live without, and the best places for each dish.

We’ll keep expanding this list as we go on.

Do you have any you’d like to recommend? Let us know in the comments!

Also read I Paid $400 To Make My Own Watch From Scratch – And It Was Totally Worth The Price Tag

(Header Image Source: Burppler M and Burppler Casey Tan)