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Picking Things Up At Army Market? Here Are 5 Underrated Food You Need To Try At Golden Mile Food Centre

When you think of what to eat in the Beach Road area, the Thai food haven that is Golden Mile Complex is usually the first place that comes to people’s minds.

The similarly-named Golden Mile Food Centre across the road, however, is a lesser-known-but-equally-satisfying hawker centre that has its fair share of good food as well.

So if you’re in the area but aren’t in the mood for Pad Thai, here are five dishes at Golden Mile Food Centre that are definitely worth your consideration.

Chung Cheng Chilli Mee

We’ll say it right now: Chung Cheng Chilli Mee is unlike anything you’ve ever tried before.

You’d think that covering a bowl of noodles in what seems like a comical amount of chilli would result in an overwhelmingly spicy dish, but it actually has a surprisingly amount of flavour to it.

This is actually thanks to the titular chilli itself — it somehow manages to provide a strong, sambal-esque taste without being overly spicy, and adds an extra kick of savoury goodness to its ingredients (fish cake, egg and tau pok, to name a few) to create a truly unique dish.

$3 will get you a decent serving with prawns, and if you’re feeling hungry you can add another dollar for pork ribs (add $2 for additional servings of both). With a seemingly endless queue at any given time of day, however, be prepared to wait for this one.

Chung Cheng Chilli Mee
Unit: #01-59
Opening Hours: 9:30am to 6:30pm (Closed On Tuesdays)

Kheng Fatt Hainanese Beef Noodles

With the fragrant smell of beef filling the air, chances are that you’ll smell Kheng Fatt Hainanese Beef Noodles before finding the stall itself.

And while it might look like any other bowl of beef noodles, the taste of these is anything but — the sauce isn’t as heavy but still retains its savoury goodness, and the noodles have a slightly milky taste that adds another dimension to the flavour as well.

Of course, you’re probably eating beef noodles for…well, the beef, and fortunately that’s the best part of this dish. The meat slices are extremely tender, and the meat balls were bursting with so much flavour that we wish there was a buffet for them.

Kheng Fatt Hainanese Beef Noodles
Unit: #01-89
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 7:30pm (Closed on Wednesdays)

Burgs By Project Warung

Burgers found in hawker centres are more often that not a little…meh (we’re looking at you, generic western food stalls), but the ones served at Burgs By Project Warung are an exception to that rule.

Even though it was left out in the open for awhile (these photos don’t take themselves, y’know), the Burgs’ Bacon & Cheese Burger ($7) that we got was still incredibly juicy, and had that distinctive beef taste that you’d expect from a pricier restaurant or cafe.

Throw a slice of smoked turkey bacon and American cheese on top of that, and you have yourself an extremely flavourful burger that punches way above its weight.

Other burger options include Truffle Mushroom ($8) and Nacho Fish & Chips ($5.90), but don’t sleep on their wide selection of fries either — ranging from the standard Truffle ($4.50) to the more experimental Okonomi (Okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise and Bonito flakes, $4), you’re bound to find something to like here.

Burgs By Project Warung
Unit: #B1-24
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 8:30pm

Nasi Lemak And Chicken Rice Hipster by Adimann

Nasi lemak is such a ubiquitous dish that you really have to switch things up to get noticed, and that’s exactly what the folks at Adimann have done.

For starters, the key ingredients of rice and chilli have a rather different flavour, giving off a slightly sweet taste instead of the savoury that we’ve come to expect from nasi lemak. The use of hard-boiled quail eggs instead of fried ones — topped in thousand island dressing, no less — further sets it apart from the rest.

And then there’s the chicken — using cutlets instead of wings and draping them in a generous amount of salted egg sauce, the dish starts to feel more western than Malay, which might be a good or bad thing depending on your tastes.

One thing to take note of, however, is the price — $8.50 is admittedly a little steep for hawker centre food, but in its defence the serving is big enough that you can consider sharing it with a friend.

Nasi Lemak And Chicken Rice Hipster by Adimann
Unit: #B1-12
Opening Hours: 10am – 9:30pm

Zhao An Granny Grass Jelly

As its name might suggest, Zhao An Granny Grass Jelly has only one thing on their menu (no prizes for guessing what that is).

The good news, however, is that they do that one thing really, really well — available in both drink and desert versions, their grass jelly has an almost tau huay-like consistency to it, and might be the smoothest we’ve ever had.

Unlike the ones that you’d find in a food court, the jelly is light with the slightest hint of bitterness, which is probably how the desert should taste like to begin with. Sugar syrup, however, is still available for those looking for a more “mainstream” taste.

And as if that wasn’t enough to convince you, it’s extremely affordable as well — a standard bowl goes for a mere $1.50 (slightly more if you want to add extras like Longan or Nata De Coco), and is the perfect way to cleanse your palate after a heavy meal.

Zhao An Granny Grass Jelly
Unit: #01-58
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 7:30pm

Also Read This Stall In The CBD Serves ‘Thai Cai Png’ – Mix & Match Basil Pork, Green Curry For $5

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Hello Penda – These Flowers Are In Full Bloom And Painting S’pore Bright Yellow

Just 3 weeks ago, Trumpet Tree flowers decked our pavements and road dividers turning our island into a sea of pink.

As we approach a new month, Singapore is now taking on a bright shade of yellow as Golden Penda Trees have been spotted flowering around various parts of Singapore.

Bright Yellow Blooms

Also known by their scientific name, Xanthostemon chrysanthus, the bright yellow Golden Penda flowers frequently attract nectar-feeding birds and butterflies.

Great news for West siders as photos uploaded by NParks showed the flowers in full bloom mostly in areas such as Choa Chu Kang, Bukit Batok West and Jurong Lake Gardens.

https://www.facebook.com/nparksbuzz/posts/2009761209063345?__xts__[0]=68.ARDGANIcO43Vg8grzvIsKIrqkkBvm15Xo8avlP1Jn3TO-1cssFWWEBo2Duee8FFfsAuEzuMu94FjQtOEapUmuSW1yse-2JEbEpmbFX8VxXrZxifzqVnbgML-ZweCcmBJLH_I2tk8U2i9vj2joWDfE_76ouPb5aVokxHDYrBS00wgg6LvoD_D-Q&__tn__=-R

The trees are native to Australia and introduced to Singapore in 1982.

The Golden Penda flowers can be identified by their distinctive colours as they are bright yellow with five petals attached to the rim of a calyx.

[caption id="attachment_37578" align="aligncenter" width="1757"] Image Credit: NParks/ Tee Swee Ping[/caption]According to the NParks website, the flowering of these trees are believed to be induced by a sudden drop in temperature and can begin 2 – 3 years after they have been grown from seeds.

The next time you’re walking home, look out for these bright yellow flowers!

[caption id="attachment_37579" align="aligncenter" width="1064"] Image Credit: NParks/ Bryan Yeo[/caption]Also, if you didn’t already know, our trees in Singapore have their very own map! If you’re looking for a specific Golden Penda tree, you can find it here at www.trees.sg where you can learn more about Singapore’s trees!

Where have you seen the Golden Penda flowers? Share your pictures with us!

Also Read It’s ‘Sakura Season’ In Singapore – Pink Trumpet Trees Are In Full Bloom Now

(Header Image Source: NParks / Wai Jie Bin)

This Stall In The CBD Serves ‘Thai Cai Png’ – Mix And Match Basil Pork, Green Curry For $5

Apart from a few exceptions, Thai food is something that you pretty much have to eat in a group — with most eateries serving dishes à la carte, it’s not possible for one person to get everything they’d want without overordering and burning a hole in their wallet.

Order the green curry, for example, and you’ll wish you had some basil chicken to go with it. Order both, and you’ll soon realise that even the smallest portions weren’t meant for a party of one.

Basil & Mint, however, changes all that.

Thai Food Meets Cai Fan

Located conveniently at the first level of Amoy Street Food Centre (a mere three minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT), Basil & Mint is a small, unassuming stall that makes full use of its limited space — the storefront is lined from end to end with cooking pots, filled with an assortment of Thai-inspired meat and vegetables.

This isn’t the result of poor space management, though — unlike most eateries that make you commit to a single dish, Basil & Mint operates on a cai fan-esque system instead, where you can mix and match different dishes to create the perfect plate of Thai food.

And in true cai fan fashion, it’s incredibly affordable too, with prices starting from $5 for the classic order of one meat and two vegetables. If that isn’t enough, additional meat and vegetables go for a reasonable $2 and $1 respectively as well.

The mind (and hands, considering that she cooks and serves the food as well) behind Basil & Mint is a woman who goes by the name of “Vee”. She’s not Thai, but her previous job in the airline industry did allow her to make many Thai friends, who then taught her how to cook their native dishes in an authentic way.

Made With Love

Having ordered two plates, my team and I were able to sample pretty much everything that was available (considering that it’s a one-woman operation, it’s understandable that the selection isn’t as extensive as an actual cai fan stall).

While I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it’s better than the food I’ve had in Bangkok, there is a distinct, home-cooked feel to everything — the general taste is something I can best describe as “hearty”, and you can really tell that Vee makes every single dish with love.

While select dishes like the moo palo (AKA Five-Spice Pork) are packed with flavour, others like the basil chicken and bean sprouts are a little too light for my tastes.

That’s where the green curry comes in, though — providing a savoury kick without going overboard, the curry helps to unlock the flavour of other dishes, and everything comes together for an extremely satisfying bite. If there’s one thing that you have to order here, this is it.

Special mention also needs to be said about the portions — Vee is extremely generous when scooping from those cooking pots, and the standard $5 order is more than enough to get you into a food coma (whether that’s a good thing is a whole other thing altogether).

With a unique concept, wide selection and cheap prices, Thai food lovers owe it to themselves to give Basil & Mint a try. It takes all the hassle of choosing what to eat out of the equation, and provides a uniquely homely flavour that you won’t find in your average Thai eatery.

Basil & Mint — Thai Street Eats
Address: Amoy Street Food Centre – 7 Maxwell Road, #01-47
Opening Hours: 11:30AM – 2PM (Monday to Friday), 5PM – 8PM (Monday to Thursday)

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Also Read From Korean Sandwiches To Steaks, Here Are 10 New Eateries In Century Square Worth Checking Out

(Header Image Credit: Discover SG)

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)

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

Will the salted egg yolk trend ever die out?

The short answer is: No, it won’t.

Just when we thought we’ve had enough of the Salted Egg trend, LiHo decided to surprise us with their latest creation during the CMYK Flea Market.

Introducing their latest bubble tea – Salted Egg Lava Brown Sugar Pearl Fresh Milk ($4.90/$5.90)

https://www.facebook.com/lihosg/photos/a.141429665902858/1913082468737560/?type=3&theater

We have salted egg crab, salted egg potato chips and heck even salted egg lava cake. Do we REALLY need salted egg in our bubble tea as well?

So the team headed out on this fine sunny afternoon to see if this drink was worth a try.

Let It Flow, Let It Flow

If you were there at the CMYK Flea Market over the past weekend, you might’ve seen long snaking queues in front of LiHo for their latest Salted Egg Bubble Tea.

It was initially advertised as a one-time thing at the CMYK Flea Market. However, we’re guessing the response on the day changed their mind as the drink is now available in three of their outlets: Bugis+, Vivo City and Suntec City.

First Thoughts

Upon reaching their outlet at Bugis+, I noticed that there was a queue forming at LiHo at 3pm on a Thursday.

As I watched them prepare my drink, I was impressed by the generous amount of salted egg that they poured into the drink. And in that moment, I knew this drink was going to be a complete sugar overload.

When the lady behind the counter handed over my drink, I couldn’t help but notice the slight judgement in her face as though she was secretly telling me, “You’re going to regret this.”

Of course, she smiled at me wearily and told me to “Enjoy!” – whatever that means.

First Sip

Now I was expecting a velvety, smooth drink but I was wrong.

Oh boy, I was so wrong.

Firstly, it was completely tough to drink it because the salted egg was thick, the pearls were clumped together and I could barely taste the milk. Instead of it all mixing together nicely, I was tasting three different elements instead.

Now, don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t terrible. The taste of the salted egg was great – reminds me of a freshly steamed liu sha bao. However the texture of the drink threw me off.

After getting the entire office to try this drink, no one liked it.

In fact, everyone was completely confused by the taste and texture. Some preferred if the drink was thicker and creamier whereas some just felt that Salted Egg and Bubble Tea should never be combined.

The drink was pretty jelak for us after 3 sips because it was just too sweet for our liking.

Honestly, if this drink came in a dessert form, we would’ve been all for it. Pour the salted egg sauce all over a pudding and we’ll gladly eat it.

If you were to ask us if we’d ever buy it again, sadly, it’s a no from us.

We love you salted egg, but perhaps you should just stay out of our bubble teas from now onwards.

If you do love salted egg, try it out and let us know what you think!

LiHo Bugis+
Address: 201 Victoria St, #03-29/30 Singapore 188067
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm daily

LiHo Suntec City
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-379 Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm daily

LiHo Vivo City
Address: #01-111, Vivo City, 1 Harbourfront Walk, 098585
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 10.30pm daily

Also Read From Korean Sandwiches To Steaks, Here Are 10 New Eateries In Century Square Worth Checking Out

(Header Image Source: LiHo Singapore Facebook, Discover SG)

From Korean Sandwiches To Steaks, Here Are 10 New Eateries In Century Square Worth Checking Out

Century Square at Tampines reopened its doors after a nine-month long facelift. What most people don’t know is that the newly revamped mall has plenty of new food spots that East Siders can claim “East Side, Best Side”.

Other than the regular favourites such as Ayam Penyet President, Maki San, FatPapas Burgers & Shakes, Men Men Don Don, there’s plenty of new eateries you can look forward to at Century Square.

Here are some of our favourites:

1. Two Hana

Two Hana is a Korean-fusion cafe that stands out from the rest by taking western dishes and giving them a Korean twist.

They serve everything from rice bowls to pastas and small bites for a quick and fuss-free meal.

Some of the highlights include Kimchi Mac and Cheese ($9) which is a fried cube of kimchi-flavoured mac and cheese. If you’re looking for something heartier, we recommend getting the Striploin Bap ($15) or Korean Seafood Cioppino With Tofu ($12).

Two Hana
Unit number: #01-21
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Contant No.: 6260 4321
Website

2. Seoul In A Sandwich

Korean food is one of the more popular cuisines among Singaporeans, with the food portions being easily shareable and comforting.

The Seoul Garden Group has come up with a new concept in the form of Seoul In A Sandwich. As its name suggests, it serves up sandwiches with a Korean twist. Expect western sandwiches with Korean flavours.

The Bulgogi Cheesesteak ($8.50) is basically a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, but it uses grilled Bulgogi beef instead. But the most ambitious crossover sandwich has got to be the Army Stew-ich ($8.50) which has stewed chicken hotdogs, chicken luncheon meat, tteokbokki, and daikon slaw slapped between ciabatta toasts.

Seoul In A Sandwich
Unit number: #B1-23
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Contact No.: 6260 4339
Website

3. The Meathouse

Steak lovers, here’s a halal steakhouse set up by chef Benny Se Teo, the man behind Eighteen Chefs.

Just like his previous venture, you’ll find a decently-priced selection of soups, salads, sides, and proteins on the menu, which is actually quite extensive.

You can order a whole Black Angus 250g Striploin Steak for just $22.50 or the Australian Tajima 200g Wagyu Striploin Steak for $45. If you’re looking for decent cut of steak for under $50, The Meathouse should be your next go-to.

All steaks are served with a side of hot bun, greens and café de Paris butter with a choice of mushroom, black pepper or garlic sauce.

The Meathouse
Unit number: #05-04
Opening hours: Sun – Thur: 11am – 10:30pm, Fri – Sat: 11am to 11pm
Contact No.: 6260 1752
Website

4. Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh

There’re countless of Chwee Kueh’s stall in Singapore but Tiong Bahru Market’s Jian Bo Shui Kueh is always on everyone’s lips when asked where the best is.

Now east siders no longer have to travel all the way to Tiong Bahru for their Chwee Kueh fix. The chwee kuehs have the right amount of bounce, and the preserved radish topping features a wonderfully savoury and spicy combination of flavours.

This certainly justifies the perpetual queues snaking in front of Jian Bo!

Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh
Unit Number: #B1-28
Opening Hours: 6am – 10pm daily
Contact No.: 6260 2551
Image Credit: Mahota Singapore Facebook[/caption]

If you’re new to Mahota and not sure what to pick from their menu try out the Signature Mahota 9 Element Box (S$20) which is basically an omakase in a bento box. The nine “elements” in the box is a mixture of items from their Signature Plates (S$12 – S$19) and Small Plates (S$5 – S$9), which are also available on the menu.

Mahota Kitchen
Unit Number: #01-11
Opening Hours: 11am to 10pm daily
Contact No.: 6260 8018
Image Credit: Souperstar Facebook[/caption]

They’re known for serving hearty soups paired with zhnged-up popiah. Some favourites include Souper Shroomy ($3.90/$5.20/$6.80) and the Boston Clam Chowder ($4.40/$5.70/$7.30).

As for the popiahs, they’re rolled with 100% handmade popiah skin. Get either The Traditional ($2.90) or The Seafood Wasabi Mayo ($5.30) which comes with fresh shrimp, seasoned tune & crabsticks, wakame seaweed and light wasabi mayonnaise.

Souperstar
Unit Number: #01-34
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 9am-9:30pm, Sat & Sun: 9:30am-9:30pm
Contact No.: 6781 1031
Website

7. Beef Bro

If you were at the Geylang Serai Bazaar this year, you’ll probably recognise Beef Br.

Opened by Mediacorp actor Danial Ashriq, Beef Bro made their debut at the Geylang Serai Bazaar this year and drew crowds with up to an hour and a half of waiting time.

What they’re known for is, of course, beef. Specifically, flame-grilled beef cubes, like the ones you find in Taiwan.

Each order of beef cubes is seared and cooked with a blow torch upon order and comes with a selection of toppings such as Mentaiko, Cheese, Garlic Chilli, Barbecue Sauce, and even their signature Sambal Belacan!

Beef Bro’s signature Beef Cubes are available in 130g ($7.90)and 200g ($12.90). 

Beef Bro
Unit No: #B1-38
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11am to 9pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 9:30pm
Contact No.: 8484 4359
Website

8. Nakhon Kitchen

This Thai eatery needs little introduction, especially since all their branches enjoy long queues.

If you’re a huge fan of Thai food, you might want to consider adding Nakhon to your list. Be prepared to queue during peak hours though, this place is well known for their affordable yet quality food.

Some of the must-try dishes at Nakhon include Phad Thai, Pandan Chicken and of course the Tom Yam Soup.

Nakhon Kitchen
Unit No: #01-42
Opening Hours: 11am – 9.30pm, daily
Contact No.: 6260 1632

9. Pizza Express

Pizza Express is a restaurant that will impress you with their take on both classic and unconventional pizzas.

One of their more unique creations would be the Laksa Pizza ($28) which comes with prawns, mussels, squid clams, quail eggs, fried beancurd (tau pok) and homemade laksa sauce.

They also serve handmade pastas. The Lobster and Crabmeat Ravioli comes with a velvety mushroom and pomodoro sauce.

Pizza Express
Unit Number: #02-20/27
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm, daily
Contact No.: 6260 6383
Website

10. Cheese Addiction

The cheese raclette trend may be a fad but cheese will always be a favourite for Singaporeans. Cheese Addiction is another kiosk in the basement that sells a variety of baked cheese bites.

Some favourites include Raclette Tori Karage ($6.50), Mac and Cheese ($5.90) and Kimchi Cheese Tteokbokki ($5.90).

Cheese Addiction
Unit Number: #B1-39
Opening Hours: 10am – 9.30pm, daily
Contact No.: 9029 5838
Website

Also Read Fine Dining On A Budget: S’pore Steakhouse ‘Fat Belly’ Serves 6-Course Meal With Wagyu Steak For Just $78

(Header Image Source: Beef Bro, Seoul In A Sandwich, The Meathouse, Two Hana)

Take A Walk In The Visually Impaired’s Shoes At Dialogue In The Dark – Free Admission On Oct 6

There’s a lot of things that we take for granted in life, and our eyesight might be the biggest offender in that respect.

Think about it — we stare at a computer the entire day at school/work, squint at the tiny text on our phones on the commute back home, and then kick back by watching YouTube on yet another screen with little regard to what it’s doing to our eyes in the long run.

What we don’t realise (or try not to think about, at least) is that some people don’t have access to this seemingly basic privilege, and Dialogue In The Dark is giving you the chance to take a literal walk in their shoes.

See Less, Learn More

For the uninitiated, Dialogue In The Dark is a social initiative that allows you to experience the life of a visually impaired person.

Led by guides who are visually impaired themselves, you’ll be taken through specially designed rooms that are shrouded in darkness, and learn how they perform everyday tasks walking in the park and visiting a cafe.

It’s a sobering experience, to say the least, and one that is sure to make you appreciate life a little more.

Now, we’re fully aware that Dialogue In The Dark isn’t exactly a new concept (the Singapore branch has been opened since 2009), but we’re writing this because now could the best time to try it.

Tickets for this experience usually cost $15 and $25 for students and adults respectively, but as part of the Tedx Pickering Street Adventures series of events, you can attend a session on the 6th of October completely free (you’ll need to pay $2 deposit, but it’ll be refunded at the door).

We’re pretty sure that there’s limited slots and they’ll be snatched up quick on account of being…y’know, free, so head over to Peatix now to secure a place.

TedxPickering Street Adventures: Dialogue In The Dark
Venue: Ngee Ann Polytechnic — 535 Clementi Road, Block 5, #01-03
Date: 6 Oct 2018
Time: 1:30pm – 4pm
Price: Free ($2 Deposit)

Tickets I Website I Facebook 

Also Read I Attended A Self Defence Class – Now I Can Take Down Someone Twice My Size

(Header Image Source: Dialogue In The Dark — Singapore)

Catch A Movie For Just $1 At Cathay Cineplex Parkway Parade From Sep 24 – 30

To celebrate Cathay Cineplex Parkway Parade‘s first birthday, they’ll be selling $1 movie tickets to a movie of your choice from 24th (Monday) – 30th September (Sunday).

Crazy Cheap Tickets

Looking for an excuse to catch a movie this week? Well, we’ve got great news for you.

Your movie ticket will only cost you $1 – that’s cheaper than a McFlurry!

What’s the catch? Not much really.

For starters, this promotion is only valid at Cathay Cineplex Parkway Parade Box Office which means you’ll have to endure the long commute to Parkway Parade if you really want those tickets.

As tickets are limited to the first 1,000 movie-goers daily, head down early and collect your queue number from Level 4 of the theatre’s complex. Staff will be stationed next to the escalator, near the medical centre to dispense a queue number for you. Queues will start at 11am each day.

If you’re planning on catching a movie as a group, take note that you can only redeem a maximum of 2 tickets. The movie ticket has to be used on the day of redemption as well.

Do take note that 3D movies, film festivals, movie marathon tickets or special priced tickets are not subject to this promotion.

Now Showing

Here’s a list of movies they’re showing on Wednesday (26 September):

While everyone rushed to catch Crazy Rich Asians during the premiere week, you can catch it for just $1. You can also look forward to watching  comedy Johnny English Strikes Again and thriller The Predator to name a few.

Check out the full schedule for the rest of the week here.

Time to sprint to the cinema. Despite the long commute to this ulu location for most Singaporeans, your bank account will thank you for the amount of money you’ll be saving.

The queues will be insanely long, so head down early if you want to grab those tickets!

Cathay Cineplex Parkway Parade
Address: 80 Marine Parade Road Parkway Parade Level 7, 449269
Award-Winning Musical ‘Phantom Of The Opera’ Returns To S’pore In Apr 2019 – Tickets Start At $75

(Header Image Source: Cathay Cineplexes)

Award-Winning Musical ‘Phantom Of The Opera’ Returns To S’pore In Apr 2019 – Tickets Start At $75

2019 is shaping up to be a good year for theatre lovers in Singapore.

Not only will Matilda the Musical make its Asian debut in Singapore next February, but it’s recently been announced that The Phantom Of The Opera will be making a return to our shores next year as well.

Broadway’s longest running show was last staged in Singapore five years ago in 2013, and is now set to play at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands from the 24th of April to the 12th of May.

If you aren’t familiar with what The Phantom Of The Opera is all about, here’s what wikipedia has to say:

“…its central plot revolves around a beautiful soprano, Christine Daaé, who becomes the obsession of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius living in the subterranean labyrinth beneath the Paris Opera House.”

Eh, words don’t really do justice to this epic tale of love and tragedy, so here’s a video of how the production looked like when it last came to Singapore:

Ah, better.

Tickets are available for pre-sale right now at sistic.com, with prices ranging from $75 to $780 for a VIP box for four (for that price, the phantom better fall in love with us).

There’s also a 15% discount going on today, so it’s probably a good idea to get them sooner than later.

The Phantom Of The Opera
Venue: Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands
Dates: 24 April 2019 – 12 May 2019
Showtimes: Tue – Fri: 8pm I Sat: 2pm & 8pm I Sun: 1pm & 6pm
Prices: Tue – Thurs: $75 – $700 I Fri – Sun: $75 – $780

Also Read Calling all Roald Dahl Fans: Matilda The Musical Is Coming To Singapore In Feb 2019

(Video Credit: SuperAdrianMe TV Youtube
Header Image Source: Phantom Of The Opera)

Fine Dining On A Budget: S’pore Steakhouse ‘Fat Belly’ Serves 6-Course Meal With Wagyu Steak For Just $78

Despite the fact that my job pretty much revolves around food, I’ve never been one for fine dining — I’ve never been able to justify the price-to-portion ratio in my head (“$100 for a single scallop!?”), and the closest I’ve gotten to it is watching Gordon Ramsay cooking on YouTube.

It would seem then, that Fat Belly’s Alternative Steak Experience is the perfect middle ground for someone like me — for $78, this “speakeasy steakhouse” in the Botanic Gardens area is offering a six-course meal centered around their alternative wagyu steak cuts.

With an open mind and open-er stomach, I headed down to try it out.

Raising The Steaks

Before we get into the food, something needs to be said about the ambience.

The entirety of Fat Belly is comprised of a cozy bar counter that sits 10 (it shares a space with its sister restaurant, Sugarhaus), and an open kitchen concept allows you to watch the chef prepare your meal as the fragrant smells act as a mouth-watering precursor for what’s to come.

The close proximity of everything makes for an rather intimate experience, making it a great place if you’re running out of date night ideas.

You know you’re in for a good time when your appetisers have appetisers, or a “pre-dinner snack”, as the chef called it. This part of the meal varies from day to day, and I was served Homemade Rice Crackers — sprinkled with beef salt and furikake, this light starter definitely got me in the mood for food.

The meal then began in earnest with the Foi Gras Creme brûlée. The ignorant foodie in me expected the dish to be sweet, but it gave off a truffle-like taste instead (alternative experience, indeed). Fans of savoury food will enjoy this, but it does lean on the stronger side and might be a little too overwhelming for some.

The saltiness of the previous two dishes had me craving for meat, and it just so happened that the next appetiser consisted of a Skewered Wagyu Beef Intercostal (that’s the space between the ribs, for those of you who didn’t know). Cooking the meat in red wine gave it an alcoholic aftertaste, and the addition of chimichurri sauce added another fresh dimension to the already-flavourful dish.

Next up was the Tajima Beef Char Siew, which I can only describe as “char siew on steroids”. Draped in a house sauce consisting of honey and fermented red beancurd, the distinct char siew taste was especially strong, and when paired with the accompanying kale made for a balanced and satisfying bite.

You’d think that three appetisers would be enough, but the chef had one more up trick up his sleeve in the form of a Wagyu Slider (not that I was complaining). Sandwiched between homemade potato buns and melted Gouda cheese, the mini burger gave off a buttery umami flavour, and was the perfect end to the string of appetisers.

Finally, it was time for the main event — the Marble Score 8 Grilled Tajima Tri-Tip, and a USDA 150 day Grain Fed Angus Flat Iron Steak from the a la carte menu as well. Eating the two side by side really exemplified how different cuts can provide wildly different experiences — the flat iron was so tender that it pretty much melted in my mouth, while the Tajima tri-tip was probably the most flavourful steak I had ever eaten in my life. There’s no wrong choice here.

And what better way to end a meal than with some dessert? The Molten Lava Chocolate Cake was extremely rich, and the addition of raspberry helped to mix things up as well. The cinnamon gelato from Sugarhaus that’s served alongside it warrants a writeup of its own, but that’s an article for another day.

I was always under the impression that fine dining wouldn’t fill my stomach, but I was surprisingly full at the end of the meal (I suppose six courses will do that to you). From sweet to savoury to every thing else in between, pretty much every taste receptor had been satisfied.

And even if you aren’t up for such an extravagant meal, their surprisingly affordable a la carte menu is worth checking out as well — the aforementioned Flat Iron Steak goes for a very reasonable $22, and sides like Truffle Fries and Sauteed Thyme Mushroom cost a mere $5.

Fat Belly’s Alternative Steak Experience strikes the perfect balance between fine dining and…well, normal dining, and proves that you don’t have to break the bank for a premium culinary experience (relatively speaking, at least).

If you’re ever in the mood to treat yo self, Fat Belly is definitely one place to consider.

Fat Belly
Address: Serene Centre, 10 Jalan Serene #01-04, Singapore 258748
Opening Hours: 6pm-10pm (Monday – Thursday, Sunday), 6pm-11pm (Friday, Saturday)

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Also Read Meatballs, Wine and Comfort Food – This Restaurant At Telok Ayer Will Put You In A Mellow Mood

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)