Archives

‘Udon’ Know Good Udon Until You’ve Tried Inaniwa Yosuke

I don’t think that there are official ‘sides’ to the Udon VS. Ramen argument. If it is even an argument in the first place. But if I had to pick sides, I’m a Ramen fan.

There’s just something about thin yellow noodles that seems so much more appealing than the thick strand of udon. Udon just seems so…much.

Looking at Udon makes me feel like it’s going to be jelak before I even order.

So this weekend, I did something (relatively) brave. My Udon-loving friend found a particular Udon restaurant in Wisma Atria and she wanted to try it.

So off we went on a lazy Sunday afternoon for Udon.

A Hidden Gem

Hidden in plain sight on Level 4 of Wisma Atria, next to FoodRepublic, is the Japan Food Town. If you think this is another “Shokutsu Ten” at Nex or Jurong Point, you’re wrong.

The restaurants here are next level. Deep within the Japan Food Town was our destination, Inaniwa Yosuke.

The restaurant looked unassuming. Like a run-of-the-mill Japanese restaurant with limited seating and fancy-ish decor.

I went in with a sense of trepidation because I’m a person of habit and tend to stick to what’s familiar and good. I’m really not an udon person.

I ordered the Beef Udon ($16.80) because that was the most familiar flavour besides the Carbonara Udon that was sadly, out of stock. My friend ordered the Wagyu Steak Don Set ($24.80) as well as the Agedashi Tofu ($6.80) and Salmon Sashimi ($10.80) to share.

The first dish to arrive was the Agedashi Tofu. Four large pieces of perfectly tempura fried tofu sitting in a light soy sauce.

This was a delight to eat. The biggest gripe I have with Agedashi Tofu is that their batter becomes soggy very quickly but this one was soft yet crispy with its delicate batter and the soy sauce was not too salty. Basically, AMAZING.

Next was the Salmon Sashimi and each piece was fresh and sliced thick.

Not that it’s a bad thing, but the broth was definitely better than I expected. Next, the udon noodles.

The udon noodles here are thinner than the usual thick variety that we’re all familiar with. The restaurant uses Inaniwa-style udon noodles which are thinner and smoother and is handmade every step of the way.

[caption id="attachment_34232" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image Credit: here.

I’m definitely going back for more and I recommend that you give it a shot.

Inaniwa Yosuke
Address: 435 Orchard Road, #04-45 Wisma Atria, Japan Food Town, Singapore 238877
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11.30am – 11pm, Sat – Sun: 11am – 11pm
Contact no.: 6262 3279
Website

Also read Sorry, No Bags Provided – First Zero Waste Grocery Store Wants You To BYOB

(Header Image Source: FourSquare User Janie Chua)

Sorry, No Bags Provided – First Zero Waste Grocery Store In Singapore Wants You To BYOB

Let’s admit, if we had to pay 5 cents for a plastic bag at the supermarket check-out counter, we would gladly pay it.

After all, what’s 5 cents if it brings a whole deal of convenience for you. For most mothers, a plastic bag is used for more than just carrying their groceries home, it’s used to dispose our trash as well.

In fact, Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Amy Khor mentioned on Tuesday (March 6), that “Imposing a charge or ban on disposable plastic bags and substituting them with other types of disposable bags is unlikely to improve environmental outcomes.”

[caption id="attachment_34221" align="aligncenter" width="1728"] Image Credit: Unpackt Facebook[/caption]

It’s a social enterprise that aims to spread the zero waste message and make packaging free shopping more accessible across Singapore.

Before going about your shopping, you will have to weigh your containers, jars or bottles on a weighing scale provided so that the weight can be noted down and excluded from your total bill.

After filling up your containers with food, you will have to weigh your containers again at the counter before making payment.

This encourages customers to head down with a “shopping list” in mind so as to curb impulse purchases and reduce waste.

As a start, the store will be selling healthier food options such as rice with lower glycemic index, organic pasta and superfood powders dispensed in large self-serve gravity bins to minimise individual packaging.

Goods will also be priced lower than regular high street items since they are packaging free after all.

They aim to expand the store offerings with consumer items such as body wash, shampoos and even stainless steel, making it the one-stop shop for green and sustainable living.

Once UnPackt is operationally stable, it aims to hire full time staff, with a preference for single mother and senior citizens.

The launch of UnPackt comes at a time when Singapore’s waste footprint has creeped into the mainstream consumer consciousness.

Just last year, it was reported that we produced more than 800 million kg worth of plastic waste – only 6% of which was recycled.

We can reduce plastic wastage if we all make the conscious effort to do so. Maybe hopping on to the zero waste camp is a brilliant decision at the end of the day.

Becoming eco conscious can start from simple daily things such as bringing your own takeaway containers and stainless steel straws. Tiny changes in our lifestyle can be cultivated into habits.

UnPackt is an amazing social enterprise that can hopefully move Singaporeans away from plastic wastage and being more eco-friendly.

Perhaps only then, will I believe that we’re truly a “Clean and Green City”.

UnPackt will open their doors Saturday, 5 May. Bring your own glass jars, containers and bottles and start on an eco-friendly, packaging free journey with them!

UnPackt
Address: 6 Jalan Kuras, Singapore 577724
Opening Hours: 9am – 8pm, daily
Website

Also Read Lift Your Spirits At The S’pore Cocktail Festival This May With Pop-Ups, Tastings, And Bar Battles

(Header Image Source: Unpackt Facebook)

Lift Your Spirits At The S’pore Cocktail Festival This May With Pop-Ups, Tastings, And Bar Battles

Cocktail lovers rejoice, for your time has come!

The Singapore Cocktail Festival is back for another edition this May!

From 4 to 13 May 2018, the 10-day festival will kick off at Empress Lawn, in front of Victoria Theatre Concert Hall, the new home for the Festival Village.

Festival Village

Open from 4 to 6 May 2018, the Festival Village at the Empress Lawn aims to bring together 30 of the best cocktail bars in Singapore and the region into one big party.

You will be able to sample creative cocktails by internationally-acclaimed bars, bartenders and partnering brands.

The Singapore bars line-up include Astor Bar, Bob’s Bar, Caffe Fernet, Cin Cin, Mitzo Restaurant & Bar, Nutmeg & Clove, Propeller Bar, Red Tail Bar, Smoke & Mirrors, Tess Bar & Kitchen, and The Wall.

The regional line-up will feature James Estes from Skullduggery, Bob Louison from Pussyfoot Salon and more!

That’s not all, the Festival Village will also be bringing back the Artisanal Spirits Tasting Room, featuring small batches of handcrafted spirits.

There will also be a Bar Battle which will pit country-led bartending teams against each other in flaring, speed and mystery ingredient challenges.

If you’re hungry, there will be a Food Street at the Festival Village and there will also be live DJ sets and mixes to keep festival-goers’ spirits (Hehe) up.

Tickets

Ticket prices go from $28 to $50, excluding booking fee.

There are 3 ticket prices available. The $28 ticket entitles you to a 1-day festival pass, a 3-piece SGCF Cocktail Set (worth $50), and a SG Cocktail Passport (worth $15).

The $35 ticket comes with an additional complimentary cocktail (worth $12) on top of the existing items in the $28 ticket.

The $50 ticket entitles you to a 3-day festival pass, a 3-piece SGCF Cocktail Set (worth $50), a complimentary cocktail (worth $12), an artisanal tasting card for four 15ml shots, and a SG Cocktail Passport (worth $15).

You may purchase your tickets here.

Festival Deals Around The City

From 4 to 13 May 2018, SG Cocktail Passport holders will be able to enjoy Festival deals in the best cocktail  bars and restaurants in Singapore.

Deals include discounted cocktail and special cocktail and food pairing menus.

Participating restaurants include Astor Bar, Bar Stories, Bob’s Bar, Caffe Fernet, Chihuly Bar, Cin Cin, Elixir Bar, Mitzo Restaurant & Bar, Nutmeg & Clove, Potato Head Folk, Propeller Bar, Red Tail Bar, Smoke & Mirrors, Tess Bar & Kitchen, and The Wall.

Attendees will be able to purchase the SG Cocktail Passport from the Festival Village for $15 nett.

Festival Village ticket holders get the SG Cocktail Passport for free.

It’s time to gather all your alcoholic mates for some fancy cocktail tasting!

Singapore Cocktail Festival 2018
Date: 4 – 13 May 2018

Festival Village
Venue: Empress Lawn, in front of Victoria Theatre Concert Hall
Date: 4 – 6 May 2018
Price: $28 – $50
Website

Also read 10 Best Places To Get Ice Cream And Waffles Because CRAVINGS

(Header Image Source: Singapore Cocktail Festival)

10 Best Places To Get Ice Cream And Waffles Because CRAVINGS

There’s always time and place for ice cream and waffles. Honestly, is there anything not to love about waffles?

Trust the perfect waffle and ice cream combination to perk up your dreary week. Here’s a list of the best waffles in Singapore.

1. Twenty Grammes

A sweet aroma of vanilla and milky goodness greets you as you step into Twenty Grammes, reminiscent of late Sunday mornings when a scrumptious brunch of homemade waffles was in order.

Enjoy your crisp waffles and sit back in a comfortable and relaxed environment.

Their S’mores Waffle ($15) has got to be one of their best creations yet. The waffles are infused with graham crackers to give it that crispy exterior. Chocolate hazelnut sauce is drizzled all over the waffle along with crushed graham crackers.

Pair it with a scoop of gelato of your choice. Top it off with torched marshmallows and whipped cream. This S’mores Waffle definitely hits the spot after a long week at work!

Twenty Grammes
Address: 753 North Bridge Road, #01-01, Singapore 198721
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 12pm – 10pm, Fri – Sat: 12pm – 1am
Contact No.: 67171733
Website

2. Creamier

This next place hardly needs an introduction. Creamier is everyone’s go-to for great and affordable ice cream and waffles.

Creamier definitely trumps in the number of ice cream flavours offered. Not forgetting their waffles that are well executed – crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. You’ll never get jelak of their waffles and ice cream!

Their freshly churned ice cream is consistently good, and they often introduce seasonal flavours to keep things fresh. We highly recommend their two best sellers – Earl Grey Lavender and Sea Salt Gula Melaka.

Ice cream here starts from $3.50 a scoop, with premium flavours going at $4.50 a scoop.

Creamier Toa Payoh
Address: Find your nearest location here
Website

3. Wimbly Lu

Wimbly Lu is practically synonymous with waffles as it was one of the pioneers behind the waffles craze in Singapore a few years ago.

There’s just something about the waffles here that feels so right. You feel instantly warm and comforted once you take a bite of their waffles.

While the waffles may look ordinary at first glance, you know what they say – do not judge a book by its cover. The waffles here are fluffy and light.

We do love their waffle paired with Salted Caramel and Honey Cinnamon Ice Cream – best for a treat yo’self day. You can choose either a single scoop ($8.50) or a double scoop ($11.50) of ice cream to go with the waffle.

Wimbly Lu
Address: Find your nearest location 4. Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday fully embodies its name with their extensive menu which you can’t help but devour.

One of the popular items on their menu would be the Nonya Chendol Waffle ($13.90), which consists of 2 scoops of chendol gelato and vanilla soft serve, topped with Azuki beans, chendol jelly, desiccated coconut flakes before drizzled with Gula Melaka.

If you love your chendol, then we highly recommend you trying it in waffle form from Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday
Address: Block 94 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, #01-32, Singapore 310094
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 10am – 10pm, Fri – Sat: 10am – 11pm
Contact No.: 62582254
Image Credit: Burpple User Ashley Sim[/caption]

The magical Unicorn Whoaffle ($14) comes with with a scoop of Lavender White Chocolate and Toasted Marshmallow ice cream atop their chewy Whoaffle.

The horns were all meringue and certainly added to the cute factor of this dish. Whip out your phones because this set is great for the gram’.

Hatter Street
Address: Block 212 Hougang Street 21 #01-333, Singapore 530212
Opening Hours: Tues – Sun: 1pm – 10pm
Image Credit: Strangers’ Reunion Facebook[/caption]

This amazing concoction comes with vanilla bean ice-cream, caramelised bananas, milo crumble and drizzled with a healthy amount of milo sauce – a recipe for happiness!

Strangers’ Reunion
Address: 33/35/37 Kampong Bahru Rd, Singapore 169355
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 9am – 10pm, Fri – Sat: 9am – 12am, Closed on Tuesdays
Contact No.: 6222 4869
Website

7. Lickety 

With its mint green storefront and matching pastel furnishing, it comes as no surprise that Lickety stands out from the row of souvenir shops and Middle Eastern restaurants.

[caption id="attachment_34190" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: Lickety SG Facebook[/caption]

The star of the show is definitely their Egglet Ice Cream Bouquet (from $8.90). The egglets comes in two flavours – buttermilk and red velvet. You can choose either of these flavours or go ‘half-and-half” if you want the best of both worlds.

[caption id="attachment_34191" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Image Credit: Lickety SG Facebook[/caption]

Lickety carries a wide assortment of flavours ranging from my personal favourite Honey Lavender and Earl Grey and Fig to more localised flavours such as Taro Yam.

This dessert is definitely best shared between two people!

Lickety
Address: 34 Bussorah St, Singapore 199452
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm, daily
Contact No.: 6291 7670
Website

8. Sunday Folks

If you’re in need of a laid back, messy hair, lazy kind of Sunday, then Sunday Folks is right up your alley.

The folks behind this cafe takes pride in concocting their own original recipes and paying homage to the freshness and tastefulness of their desserts.

Their desserts don’t just look good – they taste good too!

[caption id="attachment_34192" align="aligncenter" width="1290"] Image Credit: Burpple User Alan Tan[/caption]

I’ve always loved their Sea Salt Gula Melaka Ice Cream Waffles ($11.80) . You can expect a freshly baked Belgian waffle paired with strawberries and drizzled with maple syrup and chocolate hazelnut sauce.

Trust me, the amazing waffles at Sunday Folks won’t disappoint!

Sunday Folks
Address: 44 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-52 Chip Bee Gardens, Singapore 278116
Opening Hours: Tues – Thurs: 1pm – 10pm, Fri – Sat: 12pm – 11pm, Sun: 12pm – 10pm, Closed on Mondays
Contact No.: 64799166
Image Credit: Burpple User Cafehoppingkids[/caption]

Their Chocolate Rootbeer Waffle with Charcoal Vanilla Soft Serve ($12) is definitely a hit among customers.

The rectangular waffle comes with a chocolate chip cookie, and an ash grey charcoal vanilla soft serve to top it all off. The charcoal soft serve had a hint of root beer in every mouthful, which does not overwhelm the original vanilla taste.

The Cold Pantry
Address: 88 Rangoon Road #01-01, Singapore 218374
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 4pm – 10pm, Sat – Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Website

10. Holy Cow

Nestled amidst the quiet, laid-back charms of the old Yishun town, Holy Cow Creamery is a great chill-out spot.

Escape to Yishun (can’t believe we’re saying this) for your dose of Ice Cream & good times.

[caption id="attachment_34194" align="aligncenter" width="1290"] Image Credit: Burpple User Nursharina Roslan[/caption]

Enjoy their delicious ice cream concocted in their very own kitchen, paired with crisp waffles. We highly recommend their charcoal waffles if you’re looking for something different from the plain ol’ waffle.

Holy Cow
Address: 44 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-52 Chip Bee Gardens, Singapore 278116
Opening Hours: Tues – Thurs: 1pm – 10pm, Fri – Sat: 12pm – 11pm, Sun: 12pm – 10pm, Closed on Mondays
Contact No.: 64799166
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo With Chimichanga’s $8 Deals On Tacos And Beer

(Header Image Source: @twentygrammes)

Shakespeare In The Park Returns After A Year Of Absence With Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar, a tragedy play by Shakespeare about the assassination of a political leader, makes a comeback under Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) event – Shakespeare In The Park this May.

[caption id="attachment_34155" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Also Read Mariah Carey Is Coming To S’pore This Nov And It’s Got Us Feeling Emotions

(Header Image Source:

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo With Chimichanga’s $8 Deals On Tacos And Beer

Nestled within Little India is this quaint Mexican restaurant named after Deadpool’s favourite food, the Chimichanga.

Inspired by the Cantinas of Mexico, Chimichanga serves up affordable classic Mexican fare, complete with quirky and colourful tablecloths and classic enamel tableware.

What’s even better, this 1000 sq feet Mexican restaurant and bar does not charge GST and service charge!

Join Chimichanga as they celebrate Cinco De Mayo on 5 May 2018!

All Things Mexican

The party kicks off at 5pm with $8 specials!

They’re offering Twin Tacos for $8 NETT! There are 2 options for you to choose from. There’s the Salt Pork Tinga that’s made with slow roasted 5-hour pork and served with a guacamole spread.

If you’re craving for something spicier, there’s the Chipotle Chicken, served with fresh lettuce and crunchy red onions for that extra kick.

That’s not all.

They are also offering 2 Tequila Shots for $8 NETT.

But if you’re not in the mood for shots, go for their bottled beers at, you guessed it, $8 each.

Choose from Corona, Budweiser, San Miguel, Stella Artois, and Hoegaarden.

Be sure to bring a big group of friends because with every $30 spent, you will get a spin on the Loteria wheel and stand a chance to win complimentary dining and drink vouchers!

In the meantime, who’s up for Taco Tuesday?

Chimichanga
Address: 36 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209364
Opening Hours: Mon – Tue: 11am – 11pm, Wed – Sat: 11am – 12am, Sun: Closed
Contact no.: 6293 3314
Website

Also read Martin Zwerts Opens Its First Store In S’pore – Offers Classic Dutch Frites With 13 Different Sauces

(Header Image Source: Chimichanga)

Martin Zwerts Opens Its First Store In S’pore – Offers Classic Dutch Frites With 13 Different Sauces

Fries are one of the quintessential Western sides and we absolutely love them.

These strips of fried potato can be easily found everywhere, from fast food restaurants to the humble Western stalls in our coffeeshops.

Personally, I’m a potato wedges kinda guy but I never ever reject potatoes in any form. If you love fries, we’ve got news for you.

The renowned Dutch snack outlet known for their Frites (Fries), Martin Zwerts, will be opening their first stall outside of The Netherlands, in Singapore at Holland Village, Holland Piazza on 27 April 2018!

Fries For All

Established in 1948, Martin Zwerts Potato Daddy (Yes that’s the name of the brand. Grow up.) is famous for their Dutch Patat Frites.

Patat frites are usually thick cut and served in a cone with a sauce of your choice. Martin Zwerts’ Patat Frites are no different.

They will be offering a selection of 13 different sauces for you to choose from. Some of their unique sauces include their signature Frites Sauce, Kerrie Onion Sauce, and Satesaus.

To cater to our hyper-localised tastebuds, Martin Zwerts will be offering the new Golden Salted Egg Yolk Sauce, BBQ Sauce and Rendang Sauce.

Their frites come in 2 sizes. There’s the Small Frites which goes for $5.50 per cone, and the Large Frites which goes for $6.50 per cone.

While Frites are their signature item, that’s not all you’ll find on their menu.

They also serve up a variety of other snacks such as Meatballs, Chunky Fish Fingers, Onion Rings, Prawn Fritters, Bitterballen, Spring Rolls and Krokets!

Last but not least, there is a Martin Zwerts Frite Club Loyalty Program.

All you have to do is top up a minimum of $50 and you’ll get 20% more cash value into the account.

To sign up, just tell the cashier your mobile number and they’ll set it up for you.

Head down to Martin Zwerts for some awesome Dutch frites!

Martin Zwerts Singapore
Address: 3 Lorong Liput, #B1-07 Holland Piazza, Singapore 277725
Opening Hours: Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
With These Dining Deals, You Don’t Need A Special Occasion To Treat Your Fam To A Feast

(Header Image Source: Martin Zwerts)

Dear S’poreans, Let’s Be Considerate Neighbours And Not Visit M’sia On 8 And 9 May

May is going to be an especially important month for our Malaysian friends.

The 14th Malaysian General Election is set to take place on 9 May 2018, where members of the 14th Parliament of Malaysia will be elected.

A Facebook post published yesterday (22 April 2018) by Singaporean user Zax Jabronee Lui has gone viral.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155151389746260&set=a.452772766259.245829.603016259&type=3

His day-old post has garnered 161 likes and has been shared 2,055 times by Singaporeans and Malaysians alike, at the time of writing.

The post is an earnest plea for Singaporeans to refrain from going to Johor Bahru unless absolutely necessary.

The aim is to free up immigration and customs and ensure a smooth entry for Malaysians returning to vote, as well as encourage Malaysians working in Singapore to return to vote.

Let us do our friends a favour and spread the word.

Also read Here Are 5 Travel Options For M’sians Working In S’pore To #PulangMengundi

(Header Image Source: Malay Mail Online)