Tag: cafe

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

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

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

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

Only The Freshest Flowers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Header Image Source: Wild Blooms Facebook)

‘Costa’ La Vista – Costa Coffee Is Closing Its Last 2 Outlets In S’pore By 16 Sep

If you haven’t already noticed, British coffee chain Costa Coffee has closed six outlets in Singapore over the last three and half months, with their two remaining branches at Holland Village and VivoCity Mall bowing out in the next two weeks.

Costa Coffee entered Singapore in 2012, riding on the wave of generic coffee brands that offered a quick cuppa to the masses who are looking for convenience.

The Final Pour

Hit by hefty rents and labour costs, Costa Coffee’s failure to survive in Singapore is also partly due to the growing popularity of indie cafes and their focus on solid brews.

Over the past 6 years, we’ve seen a rise in popular indie cafes such as Dutch Colony Coffee Co. and Common Man Coffee Roasters who are known for serving up java that are roasted in-house or sourced from roasters around the world. This gives them a slight edge in serving quality coffee at the same prices or even cheaper than the offerings from bigger chains.

Indie coffee shops continue to spring up in Singapore while big-name coffee shop chains are opening up more and more stores to mark their turf.

They’ve done a great job by starting to educate the market on how to appreciate better quality coffee.  But whether coffee shops can survive will depend on rental rates.

Or perhaps Costa Coffee was good yet not good enough to make up for their lack of character. They weren’t distinctive enough to beat fellow big brands like Starbucks or The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. I mean, honestly, when have we ever craved a drink from Costa?

Fret not, if you love Costa Coffee, no other stores in Southeast Asia are affected by the move, though the company did not say why the chain was puling out of Singapore. This also means, the next nearest Costa Coffee outlet for you would be JB.

Whatever the case, if you love Costa Coffee, you might want to head down to their two remaining outlets at Holland Village and VivoCity Mall soon for your coffee fix.

Costa Coffee Holland Village 
Address: 269 Holland Ave, Singapore 278990
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 7am – 9pm, Fri – Sat: 7am – 10pm

Costa Coffee VivoCity Mall
Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-100 VivoCity, 098585
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm, Daily

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

(Header Image Source: The Chosen Glutton)

This Aussie Dude Sells Makcik-Approved Nasi Lemak At Aliwal Street

Fighting over which country makes the best Nasi Lemak has been a constant debate that never seems to get resolved.

Nasi Lemak has been a long perennial favourite among Singaporeans regardless of race. So I understand why we’re so territorial over our Nasi Lemak.

Question is, do we really know our nasi lemak? Are we truly the best?

Most of us have had Nasi Lemak from both Singapore and Malaysia, but have you guys tried Nasi Lemak cooked by an Australian guy?

We have.

And he’s definitely our new competitor.

Nasi Lemak For The Soul

SoulFood Catering has been around for the last 8 months but no one ever really paid attention to this humble shop located at Aliwal Street.

Meet Brett and his wife, Yani. They’ve been married for the last 5 years and they both run SoulFood Catering.

Now, my expectations for their Nasi Lemak was low because I’m a Malay girl and I KNOW my Nasi Lemak. An Ang Moh cooking Nasi Lemak completely threw me off because I was expecting a 50 year old makcik or auntie to serve me instead.

As I walked to the entrance, Brett flashed me a smile and warmly welcomed me with a question: “You ready to makan?”

Brett first discovered Nasi Lemak while on holiday in Malaysia. After multiple tries of recreating Nasi Lemak in his kitchen back in Australia, he was never satisfied with the outcome.

That’s where his wife and mother in law came into the picture.

“My wife and mak (mother in malay), are both great cooks. They’re amazing. One thing led to another, now we have this little shop in Aliwal.

“Everybody knows Nasi Lemak, it’s cultural. You just can’t go wrong with it.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Sugar, Spice, And Everything Nice

Unlike the typical nasi lemak stalls, SoulFood Catering offers a variety of Nasi Lemak. From your standard fried chicken wing to Barbecued Salmon, you name it, they have it all.

But what makes their Nasi Lemak special would definitely be the different ingredients that comes with it.

“Back in Australia, I used to enjoy a good barbecue. We’d grill meats and enjoy food with our friends.”

From chicken and prawns to salmon and scallops, they’re all barbecued fresh upon order.

The sambal however, is the star of this simple dish. We all know a good sambal makes or breaks a good plate of Nasi Lemak.

“Mak, makes the best sambal. Oh you have to try it to believe it!”, he exclaimed.

Yani laughed and added, “I haven’t learn how to make the sambal yet, but I know she’ll make me learn it soon!”

Singapore’s Next Top Nasi Lemak 

The basic Nasi Lemak with Chicken Wing ($4) was definitely a game-changer.

As I took my first bite, I was left completely speechless. That sambal, was honestly love at first bite.

I haven’t met this famous Mak they fondly spoke of but I knew I have to meet her some day.

They gave me a generous portion of sambal which I was happy about as most sellers are quite stingy with theirs. The sambal was definitely spicy but it had a hint of sweetness which made it enjoyable and not jelak at all.

The chicken wing was coated in their own special batter as well. It was fragrant and incredibly crispy – just the way any good fried chicken wing should be. The recipe for their chicken wings took multiple tries before they finally settled on the perfect combination. I also liked that the outer coating was not too thick to the extent that it became overwhelming.

If you know your rice, a lot of stalls swap jasmine rice for basmati rice instead. Which just doesn’t give you the same satisfaction.

The rice is prepared in the shop and is the perfect balance of lemak and not being overly “mushy”. From the moment the rice is scooped from the massive rice cooker, your senses will be awoken. Mix the rice together with the sweet and spicy sambal and that itself can be a meal on its own.

Next up, I got the BBQ Prawns Nasi Lemak ($8.90) which comprises of the standard coconut rice, fried ikan bilis, a fried egg, a generous dollop of sambal and of course, 4 juicy prawns that are barbecued to perfection.

This one took about 5-10 minutes of waiting time. Smoke started to fill the shop as Brett was manning the barbecue station in the kitchen. He placed the prawns on the grill and covered it with a lid to ensure that the prawns are evenly cooked and contain all that smokey flavour.

Once that was done, he glazes them with his special sambal oil which gives it that fiery red colour.

I know we’re all lazy to peel our prawns but this is one dish that is worth getting your fingers dirty for.

Saving the best for last, the BBQ Salmon Steak Nasi Lemak ($9.90) was the one I was most excited for.

You’ll have to wait at least 20 minutes for the salmon but rest assured, it’s definitely worth the wait.

He first seasons the salmon with salt, pepper and mixed herbs before throwing it on the grill. Just like the prawns, he covers them with the lid so you’ll get that extra smokey flavour.

He then glazes the salmon with the sambal oil for the extra kick.

Despite being on the grill for about 20 minutes, the salmon was perfectly cooked throughout and best part, the skin was crispy as well. Safe to say, I had a real good food coma afterwards.

Atmosphere at SoulFood Catering

To sum up their entire menu, it would definitely be “Australian Meets Singapore Nasi Lemak” – and I’m all up for it.

It’s not your traditional everyday nasi lemak but this is perfect if you want an upgrade from your usual Changi Village Nasi Lemak.

The space may not be ideal for big groups but it’s definitely a great option if you prefer to dabao your lunch instead. It gets a bit hot and stuffy when they start grilling as the space is not big but there are a couple of seats outside for you to enjoy your meal.

The shop may often be overlooked as they’re located on the quieter part of Aliwal street but this shop definitely does not lack in character and flavours.

The next time you’re in the area, drop by SoulFood Catering for your Nasi Lemak fix.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think the Australians won this time round.

SoulFood Catering
Address: 77 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199948
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 8.30am – 8.30pm, Sat: 10.30am – 10.00pm, Sun: 10.30am – 8.30pm, Closed on Tuesdays.
Contact No.: 8767 8299
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Also Read 6 Dishes Crazy Rich Asians Should Have Tried At Newton Food Centre Instead Of Satay

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

From Fusion Dishes To Tea Tastings, Grids & Circles Has Everything For The Perfect Date

Cafes have become increasingly popular across the island in the recent years, favoured by millennials due to their Pinterest-worthy aesthetics and brunch menus.

However, the truth is, most cafes have a pretty basic food menu. Call me cynical but pretty latte art and a good brew can only go so far.

But there’s a newcomer in town and they’re gearing up to spoil market.

A Cafe And More

As I stepped out of my Grab, I saw the place – an entirely white shophouse save for their pastel-coloured logo and address.

Stepping in, I feel like I just walked into a Scanteak x MUJI showroom.

Of the 3 levels in the shophouse, level one houses the coffee bar, cashier, kitchen, and some seating space.

Level 2 is where you’ll find the Flex Space, which is a larger area that can accommodate up to 32 people comfortably, and can be booked for corporate or private events.

The Flex Space is divided into 2 sections.

Flex Space 1 is the larger of the 2 and provides additional seating for customers who are simply there to dine.

Flex Space 2 is primarily allocated as a work space. It can also double as a space for conducting workshops.

East Meets West

Now, for the part you’re all waiting for, THE FOOD.

The menu at Grids & Circles doesn’t really centre around a specific cuisine. Though the easiest way to describe it would be “East meets West”.

I managed to try a few dishes specially curated by the Head Chef and Co-Founder, Daryl Lim.

To start things off, I was served a Watercress Potage with Bacon.

I’m a big fan of vegetables and chunky soups and this reminded me of a chunkier cream of broccoli. All I can say is, it didn’t stand a chance against my spoon – gone in 60 seconds.

The next dish was a Tamago Sando ($12).

A fat slab of Japanese tamagoyaki sits between 2 slices of white bread, one slathered in house made konbu mayo, and the other with a thin but useful layer of pear compote.

I’m not going to lie. This sandwich comprises everything I love, so I was a little disappointed with the flavour of the tamagoyaki because it tasted a bit bland.

The konbu mayo was generous but did little to elevate the sandwich and it was quickly becoming jelak, 3 bites in. That was until the pear compote came into play.

The sweet pear compote helped to balance the flavours of the sandwich so maybe a little more pear compote and less konbu mayo would be great.

The next dishes were mains in the form of their Summer Pasta ($16) and Almond Bacon Carbonara ($16).

The Summer Pasta has tagliatelle tossed in a bacon cream sauce with fennel, watercress, Japanese cherry tomatoes, and garnished with shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.

The Almond Bacon Carbonara also uses tagliatelle tossed in bacon cream sauce, toasted almonds, an onsen egg, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

If I had to choose one, I’d go for the Summer Pasta. The textures and subtle flavours from every ingredient made it a very enjoyable dish to eat. 10/10 will order again.

For the vegetarians, vegetarian options are available for all pastas.

The next to arrive was an interesting Modanyaki Slider.

Modanyaki is a type of okonomiyaki which also contains yakisoba for a double whammy of carbs. What Head Chef Daryl Lim has done, is that he took the key ingredients of a modanyaki and turned it into a slider.

There’s the beef patty, lettuce, katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), okonomiyaki sauce, konbu mayo, spring onions, and a unique “noodle crisp”.

The noodle crisp is made by blending cooked instant ramen into a paste, smearing it on a baking sheet and toasting. What you get is a thin, pale crisp that looks like uncooked tau kee (beancurd skin). While it’s tasteless, it does add an interesting texture to the slider.

Next, the Salmon Ochazuke ($16).

Now, I’m a huge fan of Ochazuke and it’s really hard to find good ones in Singapore.

The version here comes with seared sous vide salmon, shredded shiso leaf, nori strips, umeboshi (salted plum), brown rice, and bacon dashi green tea.

If you’re looking for something comforting for lunch, this is it. There’s no other way to describe this. You have to try it for yourself.

Ending off the meal were 2 desserts – the Matcha Affogato ($11) and the Strawberry Wonderland ($16).

The Strawberry Wonderland comes with 2 pancakes, strawberry compote, basil and mint sauce, and fresh strawberries sitting on a cloud of chantilly cream.

It’s simple, straightforward and so darn good.

You can also choose from their seasonal homemade cakes and pastries in the display at level 1.

Now, for the drinks, Grids & Circles has a rather extensive drinks menu. Choose from coffees, teas, cold brews, coffee and tea-based lattes, and even craft beers!

I got myself an Iced Hibiscus Tea with Honey and Mandarin Oranges ($7.50) because I’m boujee and I like sweet drinks. Bite me.

It was great for a while, before the ice melted and the drink started tasting a little like Ribena. But I liked it nonetheless. It’s refreshing for sure.

Finally, what makes Grids & Circles so unique, is that they hold tea degustations for the public, conducted by Clement Lim, a coffee and tea connoisseur and certified sommelier. He’s also the younger brother of Head Chef Daryl Lim.

The Fine Teas menu is separated into Classic Teas, Artisanal Teas, and Pinnacle Teas, in ascending order of quality.

Tea degustation ranges from $18 to $58, depending on the set of teas you choose for the session.

I highly recommend the tea degustation if you love your tea.

Despite their rather bustling location, Grids & Circles provides a respite from the hustle of the city. With good food, great coffee and tea, a cosy ambience, and even greater service.

I’m definitely returning for more, and if you haven’t been yet, what are you waiting for?

Grids & Circles
Address: 200 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058749
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 9am – 9pm, Fri – Sat: 9am – 11pm, Sun: Closed
Contact no.: 6935 3546
Website

Also read This New Cafe Serves The Dopa-st Gelato In S’pore, And You Can Choose To Have It With Croissant!

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

This Japanese-Inspired French Patisserie Serves Cakes That Are Too Pretty To Eat

If there’s one thing that I can eat for the rest of my life, it would be a good slice of cake.

Now I love cakes as much as, if not more than, the next person. I look forward to my birthday every year because I know I’ll get to indulge in a rich Belgium dark chocolate cake, finished with a silky chocolate glaze.

I thought no other cakes could ever win my heart. Until, I came across a beautiful, magnificent piece of cake.

After a bit more research, it led me to this really quaint and simple patisserie. Flor Patisserie, you’ve won my heart this time round.

Fantastic Cakes And Where To Eat Them

Flor Patisserie is a Japanese-styled patisserie that serves authentic Japanese inspired French pastry.

They pride in using the freshest and best quality ingredients that have been sourced from overseas (Japan, Belgium, and France), and locally.

The chef at Flor Patisserie, Heidi, aims to create pastries based on the principle of honest baking with the finest ingredients.

Needless to say, their creations are truly a work of art.

Now that Cherry Blossom season is in full swing, Flor Patisserie is serving up sakura themed pastries and you for sure don’t want to miss any of it.

First up, we have the Sakura Tofu Chiffon which is made with salt-pickled Sakura blossoms.

The Sakura Pie is a puff pastry filled with almond cream, and topped with Sakura chantilly and strawberries. This pie is only available at their Takashimaya outlet.

They also sell mini versions of the Sakura Pie which will be available in all outlets. This pie is made out of Sakura cream, pickled Sakura flower, and a creme d’amandes pie base.

You can also gift your friends these cute Sakura Honey Cakes which is part of their Sakura Gift Range. These cakes are available in a box of 10.

Honestly, I’ll just buy an entire box and gift it to myself instead.

This final pastry definitely wins my heart.

The White Strawberry Tart is made with Awayuki strawberry of the Sage prefecture in Japan. The Awayuki strawberries were hand carried back from Tsukiji Market in Japan so you know you’re getting the best stuff.

The sweet strawberry is paired with a fragrant creme d’amandes tart, filled with custard and topped with chantilly.

As this is a seasonal item on the menu, Flor Patisserie only makes a limited amount of these pretty tarts! It’s best to call the outlet and reserve the tarts in advance.

You can order whole cakes via their website and enjoy a 5% discount. Best part, there’s a delivery option so you can order their cakes for any special occasion.

So if you’re wondering where to bring your family or friends to this weekend, this patisserie will definitely satisfy all your sweet tooth cravings.

If you need a little bit more convincing, head on over to their Instagram and marvel at all of their beautiful creations.

Flor Patisserie (Siglap)
Address: 42 Siglap Drive
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10.00am – 7.30pm
Contact No.: 6243 0813
Website

Flor Patisserie (Duxton Hill)
Address: 2 Duxton Hill #01-01
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 11.00am – 9.00pm
Contact No.: 6223 8628
Website

Flor Patisserie (Takashimaya)
Address: Takashimaya B2
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10.00am – 9.30pm
Contact No.: 6737 1789
Website

Also Read 8 Steakhouse In Singapore That Will ‘Meat’ Your Expectations For Under $50

(Header Image Source: @flor_patisserie)

Leave Your Dignity At The Door For A Unique Dining Experience At This Tsundere Cafe

Ah Japan, you never fail to impress us with your weird themed cafes. This one is no exception. For most eateries, you’d expect to be treated with exceptional service.

Not this one.

Pay a fee to be hurled with insults and rudely attended to by Japanese maids and butlers at Tsundere Cafe.

A Dish Best Served Cold

After a successful first run back in February, Tsundere Cafe will be back on June 9 at Luminos in Woodlands.

While it’s rather bizarre and uncommon in Singapore, customers have commented that they previously enjoyed the first pop-up.

The word ‘Tsundere’ is a Japanese term for a character development process that describes a person who is initially hostile before gradually showing a warmer side over time.

Customers can expect to be ignored and disrespectfully treated by the staff. They may look kawaii and demure but don’t be surprised if they slam trays on your table and throw menus at you.

If you need the staff to sayang you, pay an additional $2 for a “gacha” or special service such as feeding, massage, dekopin (forehead flick), games and polaroid photos.

Request for a particular service will cost you $5. Upon reaching your 10 gacha roll, expect a “deredere” treatment. Whatever that means.

Anyway, if you can’t deal with slow service and rudeness, don’t attempt to rebuke or scold the staff members. I mean, you literally pay to get abused, what are you expecting?

So if you really need someone to feed your masochistic side or you just want to check out what this whole cafe is about, then go ahead. Reserve a table before they run out of seats.

Tsundere Cafe
Address: 71 Woodlands Industrial Park E9, Wave 9, #09-04, Luminos, Singapore 757048
When: 9 June 2018
Website

Also Read Think Out Of The Toastbox – Must-Try Kaya Toasts In Singapore You Will Love Regardless Of SES

(Header Image Source: SubaToki Cafe Facebook)

Because Flat Whites Are Boring, This Cafe Serves Up Latte In A Gorgeous Lavender Hue

If a pastel purple sweet potato latte is not something you find beautiful, we don’t know what is. This gorgeous concoction can be found on the menu at Abbie’s Coffeehouse at Havelock II.

Slaying The Coffee Game

Abbie’s Coffeehouse, previously known as Slayer Coffee, is a local mobile coffee catering service opened by Abbie Tok.

They offer specialty coffee catering for events, barista and latte-art courses, and coffee appreciation events. The cafe space at Havelock II can also be booked for events. Generally, a great one-stop space for all things coffee.

The cafe offers 10 different types of coffees priced from $3.50 to $5.50, 5 different types of teas at $4.50 each, 2 unique latte flavours and also hot chocolate for those seeking a caffeine-free option.

Unique latte flavours and Chocolate go for $5 and iced versions of all drinks are an additional $1.

For those looking for a bite, they have a Matcha Infusion Cheesecake ($7), Espresso & Matcha Jinglepuffs (Jigglypuff?) and a 70% Dark Cacao Brownie.

We are obsessed with the stunning Roasted Sweet Potato Latte ($5), which easily stands out in a sea of brown and flat whites.

The unique colour is really pleasing to the eyes. The drink may sound carb-loaded and heavy, but it’s surprisingly creamy and light, with bits of sweet potato for a subtle texture contrast.

However, if the taste doesn’t appeal to you, at least your Instagram will enjoy this cup of pastel brilliance!

Havelock II is a relatively quiet mall as it is more of a commercial space than a shopping mall but if you’re in the Clarke Quay area, do drop by for a coffee!

Abbie’s Coffeehouse
Address: Havelock II, 2 Havelock Road #02-14, Singapore 059763 (Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay MRT Exit A/B)
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11am – 6pm; Sun: Closed
Contact no.: 8688 4256
This Juicery Is An Explosion Of Millennial Pink And We Want To Take Photos Against Every Wall

(Header Image Source: Abbie’s Coffeehouse)

Placing Your Order In Sign Language Will Get You A 10% Discount At This Cafe

You can order in English – or sign language if you prefer – at Puzzles.

If you order in sign language, you’ll get an additional 10% discount.

Don’t know how to speak sign? Don’t worry, as there is an instruction board at the counter to guide you. The servers will be super appreciative that you tried to converse in their language, so take your time.

A Cafe With A Cause

Puzzles, a cafe that serves up pizza bombs and other snacks, was started by two Ngee Ann Polytechnic graduates, Suzana Slemat and Shazlina Sulaiman, who wanted to shed some light on the struggles that deaf people face when interacting with service staff.

Pizza bomb toppings (or fillings in this case) are constantly on rotation, which means you’ll never get bored by the selection. You can expect flavors like salted egg, Hawaiian, chilli crab, beef satay, black pepper chicken, and cheesy spinach.

Other than pizza bombs, there are all sorts of snacks and desserts to sate your appetite in a long lecture. Think glazed chicken bites, brownies, meatball puffs, and mac and cheese.

Sometimes, they will have an all-day breakfast menu going on, with offerings like breakfast buns, roti johns and the super popular hashbrowns.

For now, Puzzles only operates in Ngee Ann Polytechnic during term time as that’s when they get most business. Puzzles takes a break during school holidays, but is still open for catering orders.

Suzana and Shazlina has plans to continue operating Puzzles for two more years, and hopefully expand to other tertiary institutions. Soon, you might even be able to see Puzzles at other universities and polytechnics!

Till then, you’ll have to make do going to Ngee Ann Poly for your pizza bomb fix while learning some sign language on the side!  

Puzzles
Address: [email protected] Ann Poly, 535 Clementi Rd, Singapore 599489
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 10am – 6pm (during school terms)
Website

Also read 10 Quirky Mooncakes That Break Tradition With Flavours Like Bubble Tea, Chilli And Salted Egg Yolk

(Header Image Source: Images from Puzzles Instagram)

These 6 Vegetarian Restaurants Make It Easy Pea-sy To Go On A Meatless Diet

Gone are the days when you would be served an uninspiring salad or a sad plate of mushrooms when you requested “something vegetarian”.

Whether your reasons for seeking out something vegetarian have to do with health, your religion, or are in the interest of animal welfare, there is no lack of options here in Singapore!

1. Original Sin

The first vegetarian Mediterranean restaurant in Singapore, Original Sin has been around since 1997.

An interesting dish they serve here is the Absolut Pasta ($29), which comes with Australian asparagus and other ingredients flamed with Absolut vodka. Yep, there is alcohol content in this pasta, which is exquisitely executed.

2. Real Food

Real Food has a few outlets that are situated mainly around the central area of Singapore.

They have an extensive menu that caters to different palates and preferences. Even if you’re a die-hard meat-lover, you’ll find a dish here that will leave you craving for more.

[caption id="attachment_28969" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Vegetable Dumplings in Soup (Image Credit:

Try their Vegetable Dumplings in Soup ($9.80/6pcs), a luxurious mixture of mushrooms, beancurd, carrots and beans which are handchopped and wrapped in a dumpling skin. Real Food has got the perfect dumpling filling to skin ratio, and their soup will have you slurping up every last drop!

Mushrooms, celery and cheery tomatoes are hidden gems within the gooey goodness that is the Mushroom and Celery Tomato Penne ($11.80). Their homemade tomato base is fresh, which makes this warm and toasty dish ideal for a rainy day.

Real Food
Address: 3. Sunny Choice Cafe

Located within a grocery store, Sunny Choice Cafe is small but brimming with appetizing food options.

[caption id="attachment_28976" align="aligncenter" width="632"] Image Credit:

Another traditional Hakka dish from this cafe is the Abacus ($7). Each abacus seed is firm and chewy, with a lovely yam flavour. The dish also contains mushrooms, beancurd, carrots, which give it added texture and fragrance.

Sunny Choice Cafe
Address: 630 Bukit Batok Central, #01-154, Singapore 650630
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun: 10am – 9pm; Closed on Mon
Image Credit: Burpple User Rachel[/caption]

A popular option among diners is the Hotplate Brinjal ($12). The eggplant is cooked to the perfect point of textural resistance. They swim in a tasty sauce, and go well with a hearty bowl of rice.

The Old-Fashioned Vinegar Stew ($10) is another winner here, packed to the brim with ingredients, and served with a sweet and mild sauce.

D’life
Address: Blk 428 Jurong West Ave 1 #01-256, Singapore
Opening Hours: Daily, 10.30am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6425 0128
Website

5. Afterglow

The Raw Masala Pizza ($22) at Afterglow is an absolute must-try!

It consists of assorted vegetables on a nut-based pizza crust, spicing up the otherwise green pizza. An added perk is that the layer of vegetables is topped with Macadamia Nut Cheese, which gives the pizza that added oomph of flavour!

Acai is all the rage right now, especially with the increased interest in superfoods here in Singapore.

Afterglow is no exception. They create flavoursome acai bowls with bananas, salted tahini (sesame seed paste) and raw walnut brownies. Their acai bowl “Bananas-over-Brownie” ($15) injects some sinful goodness into your regular acai bowl, proving the versatility of the almighty acai!

Afterglow
Address: 24 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089131
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Website

6. Elemen

Brown rice and quinoa in a stone pot?

Elemen has added some interesting elements to the traditional claypot rice. The Sizzling Quinoa Brown Rice ($15.80) is fragrant with coloured bell peppers. It is a wholesome, healthy dish with good portions of all the macro-nutrients you need.

Another unique rice dish here is the Braised Golden-Brown Pumpkin With Glutinous Rice In Hot Stone ($15.80), which arrives at your table with a satisfying sizzle.

The red wine and teriyaki sauce is drizzled over chewy glutinous rice, soft pumpkin chunks, crunchy green apple chunks and king oyster mushrooms – oriental style, but with a modern touch.

Elemen
Address: 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-75A/76 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.30am – 4pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
KFC Just Released A Double Steamed Chicken Burger And We Hope To God They’re Trolling Us

(Header Image Source: Burpple User Hengpei Ang, @jesslyn0206)

Get Your Brewtiful Selfie Printed On Coffee, Only To End Up Drinking Your Own Face

Do you love your face so much you want your coffee to come complete with a picture of yourself on it?

Note: not your picture on the cup, but a picture printed directly into the whipped cream foam. And it’s 100% edible!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCQ3OIwzBjc

Selfie coffees have taken coffee drinking to another level – way above 3D foam lattes.

One-of-a-kind drink

Tucked away in an obscure corner on Haji Lane, The Selfie Coffee lets you customize your coffee for a unique drink. Originally from Malaysia, the Singapore branch also lets you print your photo onto the foam that your coffee comes with.

You can print selfies, commemorative photos, your beloved pet – anything goes! You can also take a picture on the spot, and the cafe has even provided props like huge sunglasses for goofy photos. We heard that some people even printed their idol’s faces onto the coffee! Talk about dedication.

After you’ve ordered, you will send your selfie or photo to a printing machine, which will ‘print’ your photo onto the whipped cream layer to create an exact color coffee.

If you intend to take 10,000 shots of your selfie coffee, go for an iced latte or frappe, as the picture can last up to an hour on cold drinks. Your face will dissolve in a hot drink in about 5 minutes – which is simply not long enough to admire your selfie!

Go for the novelty, stay for the coffee

Their coffee and frappes also come in a variety of flavors, like Salted Caramel, Matcha, Butterscotch, Caramel Macchiato, and White Chocolate just to name a few. The best yet: Horlicks fans will be thrilled to know that the selfie frappe also comes in Horlicks flavor.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BW2yuqvAGpV/

Even though having a selfie coffee on a drink is a novelty, the cafe strives to provide delicious coffee that has people returning. The owner said that he didn’t want the selfie coffee to be one-time thing.

Besides coffee, there is also a selection of teas, non-caffeineated ice blended drinks, pies and cakes. Complete your insta-worthy flat lay with a slice of rainbow cake!

Selfie Coffee
Address: 11 Haji Lane, Singapore 189204
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 12pm – 8pm; Fri – Sun: 11am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6341 7213
Website

Also read Pablo Cheese Tart Is FINALLY Coming To Singapore!

(Header Image Source: @ninahong0128)