Tag: cbd

Need A Quick Workout? This Bouldering Gym In The CBD Lets You Sweat It Out From $30/Entry

My arms are sore and my ankle is about to give way. Yet I can’t let go. Not unless I want to free fall three metres or so on to the, admittedly, cushy crash pad below – but I’m too much of a wimp to do that.

I’m halfway through a bouldering problem in Boulder Movement and despite the aches, I can already see the appeal of this sport. Bouldering is very much like rock climbing, except the former is stripped down to its bare essentials –  no ropes and no harness to break your fall. All you need is a good pair of climbing shoes, a bag of chalk and a whole lot of guts to take on the bouldering problem.

For someone who is deathly afraid of heights, I thought, “this is not going to end well.”

Climb To A Better You

Climbing has hit new heights in Singapore as more people are getting into the physically challenging sport, thanks to a growing number of commercial climbing facilities sprouting up across the island.

Initially thought of as ‘dangerous’ and only for the adrenaline junkies, it’s quickly catching on as the activity of choice for the regular folk looking for an exciting alternative to getting that much sought after full body workout.

Conveniently located 5 minutes from Tanjong Pagar MRT, Boulder Movement is the one and only climbing gym that is located in the CBD. Founded by a group of friends who are climbing enthusiasts, the gym positions itself as a beginner-friendly (we tested it!) bouldering facility with over 30 metres of wall lengthwise with 100 square metres of climbing surface.

The walls are no higher than 4 metres which sounds short, but trust us, it’s certainly high enough to experience the thrill of climbing without any safety gears.

The bouldering problems are categorised by different climbing abilities: White tags 1-6 are for beginners, Blue tags 7-15 for intermediates and Pink tags 16-27+ are for the advanced. They refresh the climbs every week (at least 14 new problems) so you’ll always find new challenges waiting for you!

For first timers, you can sign up for the Basics of Bouldering class which is a 60 minute crash course to get you acquainted with the sport. There are also foundational classes for those with prior climbing experience looking to refine their upper and lower body techniques before moving on to the intermediate classes.

As the name suggests, Boulder Movement is about more than just bouldering; it’s about the lifestyle and the ‘movement’ that comes with it. The vibe and overall atmosphere of the gym embodies their spirit of being a fun and inclusive space. Not to mention, they have excellent shower facilities and changing rooms so you can wash up comfortably before heading back out in the CBD area.

Entry to the Boulder Movement starts from $30 and $250 for 10 entry passes. However if you’re new to the bouldering scene, sign up for the Class passes as the Boulder Movement instructors will guide you through the basics and fundamentals of bouldering. You can also check out their rates here.

For someone who has never done bouldering before due to preconceptions that it was too tough and scary, I was proven completely wrong. After guidance from the instructors, I was able to progress a few levels over the course of the evening. If you’re looking for a quick workout after work, Boulder Movement is a great place to start your bouldering journey and get your sweat on!

Boulder Movement
Address: 6A Shenton Way #B1-03, OUE Downtown Gallery, Singapore 068815
Opening Hours: Mon: 5pm – 10pm | Tues – Fri: 11am – 10pm | Sat & Public Hols: 9am – 9pm | Sun: 9am – 5pm
Contact No.: 6817 8341
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(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Renowned Japanese Chef Teppei Opens First Halal Eatery Serving Fukuoka’s Famous Udon

Chef Teppei Yamashita is on a roll.

From Man Man in Ubi to Men-Men Tei Ramen at Marina One, Chef Teppei’s latest joint, Fu-Men, is a carby love letter to his hometown of Fukuoka.

Best part, this is Chef Teppei’s first halal Japanese eatery so everyone can enjoy a taste of this authentic Japanese udon.

The Teppei Empire

Considered a form of fast food in Japan, udon can be enjoyed in many ways: warm or cold, in a broth or dry. Every province also has its own take on how to prepare the noodle dish.

Reigning from Hakata, a district in Fukuoka, this newly halal-certified eatery is a rare gem. Hakata udon is mostly only found within the Fukuoka district which means it’s rare that you can find it in other parts of Japan, much less in Singapore.  While most halal Japanese eatery compromises on flavour to cater to the locals, Fu Men Japanese Udon ensures that they maintain the original Japanese flavours.

Hakata-style udon, which is what is served here, is characterised by slimmer noodles as compared to the Sanuki style, and a clear broth made with light soy sauce, dried anchovy, flying fish, dried bonito and kelp.

The broth takes over 45 minutes to prepare as it requires rigorous temperature control and several steps. Plus, the stock is preservative-free and filled with Japanese anchovies, saba, tuna and sardine.

We went for the signature Gobo ($12 for regular, $7 half) which came topped with Burdock Tempura. Not many Singaporean diners may be familiar with burdock as they are typically used in soups and can have an overly-earthy taste.

The burdock is coated in a light tempura batter, shaped in a circular disc and deep fried. Surprisingly, the tempura burdock still had a soft crunch and retained its unique woodiness despite being soaked in the broth.

While the tempura was impressive on its own, what truly sealed the deal for us was the udon noodles that were imported from Fukuoka. The udon noodles were silky smooth and satisfyingly chewy at every bite. It’s the perfect option if you’re looking for a light lunch-time meal.

If you’re looking for something that combines both Singaporean and Japanese flavours, their White Laksa Udon pretty much takes the cake. Using the same udon, the light broth is replaced with a rich laksa gravy and topped with fresh prawns.

For those who prefer the typical Japanese dishes such as Prawn Tempura Udon or Beef Udon, you’ll be pleased to know that they are available at Fu-Men as well!

So to all our Muslim friends who lament about the lack of good halal Japanese options in Singapore, you can finally get your Japanese cravings fixed at Fu-Men.

Fu-Men Japanese Udon & Donburi Restaurant
Address: 16 Raffles Quay, Hong Leong Building #B1-17/18, Singapore 048581
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 10am – 8pm, Sat: 10am – 2.30pm, Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Contact No.: 6224 1134

Also Read This Hawker Turned His Family Recipe Into Japanese-Inspired Dishes – Sells Duck Ramen For Just $5

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Live It Up Like You’re In Hao Lai Wu – Enjoy Steamboat And BBQ In Lit Crystal Pots Till 3AM

There’s something to be said about Singaporeans’ devotion to a good, hearty steamboat or BBQ.

Clearly, this is something Hao Lai Wu recognises because they offer both steamboat and BBQ simultaneously, along with one of the widest arrays of ingredients we’ve seen in a single space.

Located at 8 Sago St, this shopfront is conveniently located next to the famous landmark, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. A spot that’s hard to miss, you and your friends won’t have any trouble finding each other at this place.

To cater to all of us Singaporeans whenever hunger strikes, the owners of Hao Lai Wu insist on keeping their store open from 11am – 3am daily! Up and hungry at ungodly hours? Hao Lai Wu’s got you covered!

We loved the charming, lived-in atmosphere permeating the entire shop.

From the moment the DiscoverSG team stepped in, we were taken with the lively, boisterous crowd, the communal cooking over steamboat bowls and BBQ grills, and the cheerful eating of family and friends.

Here, you can choose from 6 different soup bases: Mala, Tom Yum, Tomato, Chicken, Salted Veggie and Pork Bone.

We went with the house special, Mala soup, as well as Chicken soup. The main reason why we ordered the chicken soup was so we had a simple soup base that would allow us to properly appreciate the freshness of the ingredients served here.

Hao Lai Wu provides its customers with a wide range of fresh ingredients, sides, and sauces. It prides itself in its authentic Chinese cuisine, from the spices they put into their Mala soups to the drinks they import directly from China.

We settled down on the re-purposed oil drums and found that they came with detachable seat covers you could lift, to reveal a storage space for your bags or any knick-knacks you were carrying! With your belongings safely stowed away, the only thing you need to focus on is the mouthwatering food before you!

We were given an incredibly warm welcome with a crazy influx of dishes.

We had cute fishcakes…

marinated meats…

an understated but heavenly dish of fried mantous…

and a TON of seafood.

And I mean a TON, because when all the food was brought out, this was what our table looked like:

Someone even cooked an omelette for us on the spot as the food was on its way out! Filled with delicious, juicy sprigs of green onion, red chillis, and tiny morsels of mock crab meat, we loved every last bite of it.

Being able to eat with a whole group of people, cooking and serving one another for 2-3 hours straight, and being given 3 different ways to cook your food (Mala steamboat, Chicken steamboat and BBQ), this is definitely a great place to gather with family, loved ones and friends.

As we said our goodbyes with expanded tummies and hearts, we left with 3 takeaways:

1. Come to Hao Lai Wu HUNGRY. You won’t survive if you’re simply peckish.

2. The Mala is truly delicious, and will leave you sweating as you reach for more.

3. The Mala soup should only be attempted by spicy food lovers. If you’re afraid of McDonald’s chilli sauce, you may want to pass on the Mala.

If you’re looking for a new supper, dinner or lunch spot to have your next family or friend gathering, why not try Hao Lai Wu? We guarantee it’ll be worth your while, leaving you happy and satisfied both in the tummy and the heart.

Hao Lai Wu
Address: 8 Sago St, Singapore 059012
Operating Hours: 11am – 3am daily
Contact no.: 6221 0065
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Popular Omotesando Koffee Is Coming To S’pore So We Can Get Caffeinated In Style

Yes, you heard us right!

The famous Omotesando Koffee which draws crowds in Hong Kong and Tokyo is finally coming to our sunny little island.

Come June, the cafe will be at level 4 of new mall, Downtown Gallery, in Shenton Way. The cafe is located within The Work Project, a large co-working space located within the mall.

Decor-wise, Omotesando Koffee is known for its minimalist design. Both the Tokyo and Hong Kong outposts have similar decor, so we can probably expect something similar in Singapore.

If you are wondering if the quality of the coffee is going to be as good as its other branches, fret not! The baristas here will be trained by the baristas from Omotesando Japan and Hong Kong for three to six months.

Also, the coffee beans used here in Singapore will be roasted in Kyoto by Ogawa Coffee Roasters, just like the outlet in Japan. Coffee afficionados will also be able to sip the signature Omotesando Koffee blend by Eiichi Kunitomo.

The owners have promised that the Singapore outlet will have similar menu items to its Hong Kong and Tokyo branches. On top of that, there will also be items exclusive to the Singapore outlet. The menu is still a work-in-progress, so stay tuned for more updates!

(Top Image Credit: eatandtreats)

Also read 5 Harsh Realities Of Working In S’pore You Won’t Want To Hear But Should

Lunch Is The Only Reason For Work: 7 Cheap & Good Meals In CBD Below $5

Eating out in our bustling Central Business District (CBD) is undeniably an expensive affair.

Most of the working population is aware that meal prices in the CBD are exorbitantly high. Many lament that finding cheap yet wholesome and delectable meals are almost impossible.

Or at least that is what you may think!

We have scouted every nook and cranny in the CBD district to bring you this list of cheap and good meals for $5 or less in the CBD!

1. Good Day @ Amoy Street Food Centre

Good Day is the perfect hawker stall to satisfy your persistant lunch cravings that might have started at 11am. Their signature Beef Hor Fun is literally unbeatable, in terms of both taste and price!

Topped with braised pork, fish, beansprouts and fried ngoh hiang, this bowl of goodness is priced at just $3!

If you decide to opt for additional toppings, the price goes up to either $4 or $5 respectively. Either way, you can indulge in this delectable bowl of lor mee without going over budget!

Yuan Chun Famous Lor Mee
Address: Amoy Street Food Centre, #02-79/80, 7 Maxwell Rd, Singapore 069111
Operating hours: Wed – Sun, 8am – 3.30pm

3. Aussie Roll @ Chevron House

Despite being located in a relatively obscure corner at the basement of Chevron House, you’ll be surprised to find snaking queues during lunchtime here at Aussie Roll!

Originating from Australia (hence the name), this particular food stall services up delicious handmade gigantic sushi-like hand rolls, all priced between $2.60 and $2.80!

4. Song Kee Fishball Noodles @ Lau Pa Sat

Song Kee Fishball Noodles prides itself on their handmade fishballs that are made from pure yellowtail fish meat. Priced at a mere $4, you get a sizeable portion of mouth-watering fishball noodles!

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5. Market Street Nasi Lemak @ Golden Shoe Hawker Centre 

For tasty bargain food, Market Street Nasi Lemak is the stall for you!

This Malay stall offers several nasi lemak sets, with none of them exceeding the price of $3.

[caption id="attachment_19095" align="aligncenter" width="1585"] Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: Facebook – The Salad Corner[/caption]

On top of their delectable and affordably-priced salads, The Salad Corner allows you to pre-order a salad bowl anytime between 8am and 10.30am!

All you need to do is to drop them an sms in the format specified on their website and wait for their “OK” reply. Thereafter, skip the long queues during lunch hour and collect your salad from the cashier directly! It is that simple.

The Salad Corner
Address: Amoy Street Food Centre, #01-41, 7 Maxwell Rd, Singapore 069111
Operating hours: Mon – Fri, 9am – 7pm
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Knickers+Bockers – Create Your Very Own Pizzas And Eat Them Too!

For regular visitors to the Central Business District (CBD), you will be excited to hear that Sure, it may not the only pizza joint in town, but it is one of the few in Singapore that allows you to construct your own 10” pizza ($12.90) with unlimited topping options. Yeap, you heard that right. Toppings are infinite, limited only by your imagination. This, guys, is every pizza lover’s dream.

Non-veggie lovers, rejoice! With the option to choose your own toppings, no longer will you be judged for not wanting pineapples, capsicum, or whatever veggie there is. However, you may not want to overload your pizza with deli meat, else you’ll be struggling to finish an overly salty pizza.

Toppings aside, you get to pick your desired pizza base (NY Style, NY Herb Crusted, Cali Style and Cali Herb Crusted) as well as sauces (5 to choose from) and cheese (8 kinds of cheese in total).

For the DiscoverSG Pizza (yes, you can name your pizza!), we chose the NY Herb Crusted base. It’s a New York-style pizza with a thin base, thicker crust, and sprinkled with herbs and spices.

With 44 greens, meat and seafood toppings to choose from, the selection is almost endless. We helped ourselves and ticked 16 boxes from the toppings list.

Credit: Knickers+Bockers

The pizza crust was perfect. It’s thin in the middle and tapers out to a slightly thicker crust. The crust could be folded, making it easy for any glutton (ahem, us) to enjoy a pizza slice whole. Despite it being herb-based, the pizza, much to our delight, is void of any unpleasant herby taste that may put some off.  It may, however, be the cheese and the white cream sauce that covered it all up. Well, for lovers of herbs and spices, you get the best of both worlds!

Despite the many toppings, we’re surprised to discover that the ingredients complemented each other. Ingredients were fresh whilst the veggies had retained their juiciness. We’d recommend getting the spicy Italian sausage as it goes well with most seasonings and sauces.

Credit: Knickers+Bockers

If you are not a fan of DIYs or simply can’t decide to save your life, worry not as Knickers + Bockers offers pre-customised pizzas you can choose from, such as the Curry Lovers (pictured above).

Credit: Knickers+Bockers

Aside from pizzas, they do offer breakfast buns ($3.50/bun or $4.50 with coffee, pictured above) and DIY pasta ($8.90).

The breakfast buns are made from the pizza dough but unlike the pizzas, are not customizable. There are four flavours to choose from – Original, Asian Fusion, Curry and Otak Otak. Unless you’re not a fan of local flavours, we’d recommend you to try anything but the Original, which features your classic American breakfast ingredients, like runny eggs and bacon, which is rather boring.

To be honest, we thought the pizzas are more worthy of a try but the buns are a great option for those looking for an on-the-go breakfast option.

Credit: Knickers+Bockers

Similar to the pizzas, the pasta shares the same build-it-yourself concept with 4 kinds of pasta , 3 sauces, 9 kinds of cheese and over 20 toppings to choose from. The pasta portions are relatively small and the two breadsticks that come with it were a little tough for our liking. So if you ask us, it’s definitely back to pizzas.

Overall, Knickers+Bockers is a great dining option for those working in the CBD, especially if you’re looking for something different. They do also offer a delivery service (minimum purchase of $25 with additional $2 delivery charge or free delivery with purchase for $40 and above) through Deliveroo or Foodpanda.

Have you created your own pizza at Knicker+Bockers yet? If so, let us know your favourite way to spice up your pizza or share your creations with us!

(Header image by Daniel Food Diary, words by editor)

Knicker+Bockers (Ocean Financial Centre)

Address: Ocean Financial Centre #B1-10, 10 Collyer Quay S049315 (Raffles Place MRT)
Contact: +65 6509 9247
Opening Hours: 8.30 am – 8pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 1pm (Sat)

Knickers+Bockers (Leisure Park Kallang)
Address: Leisure Park Kallang #02-04, 5 Stadium Walk S397693
Contact: +65 6241 4480
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9.30pm (Mon – Thurs), 11am – 10pm (Fri-Sat), 11am – 9.30pm (Sun)

This was an invited food tasting session.

Also, read 8 Cool Places For An Ultimate Chill Out Weekend At Kampong Glam

7 Best Non-Local Cuisines Under S$10 You Can Find In The CBD

If you’re working in Singapore’s CBD, you would have experienced the bittersweet feeling that floods you when lunch hour arrives. Your growling tummy has been waiting all morning for food, but you secretly crave something other than typical local dishes like hokkien mee or chicken rice – you want something different. 

Fear not, for we have collated 6 different types of cuisines in various CBD hawker centres (and a bonus Italian store at the end!) that you can try during your next lunch break. And don’t worry, they won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

1. Mamacitas @ Lau Pa Sat or Amoy Street Food Centre (Costa Rican food)

If you’re working in the Tanjong Pagar or Raffles Place area, chances are you already know about or have tried Mamacitas. But their store is definitely unique enough to deserve another mention!

Since 2012, Costa Rican owner Ms Cindy Castro Vega has been serving up traditional Costa Rican cuisine such as beef burritos ($6.90), crispy taco bowls ($7.90, pictured), chicken fajitas ($6.80) and their signature dish, arroz con mariscos (seafood fried rice, $6.80).

And remember, all these prices include a side of rice and stewed potatoes! So trust us when we say a meal at Mamacitas is value for money.

And where else in Singapore can you get a generous topping of avocado for just $1? 😉

2. A Noodle Story @ Amoy Street Food Centre (Japanese/Hong Kong noodles)

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https://www.instagram.com/p/-uu93qg3Bq/?taken-at=68974909

Run by 2 Shatec-trained chefs who have worked for top restaurants like Iggy’s, A Noodle Story is dedicated to serving gourmet noodles at affordable prices.

Coming in 3 different sizes ($5.50, $6.50 and $7.50), their Singapore Style Ramen is an ingenious fusion of HK style wonton noodles and Japanese ramen.

Dig into a delectable bowl of chinese egg noodles, pork cha-su, hot spring egg, HK style wontons and potato prawn fritters. And don’t slurp up the accompanying bowl of pork broth too quickly!

Whilst waiting for your order, take a peek into the kitchen: A Noodle Story uses unique cooking techniques such as an immersion circulator for precision cooking of the eggs and cha-su.

ADDRESS

Amoy Street Food Centre
7 Maxwell Road
#01-39
Singapore 069111

OPENING HOURS

11.15am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 7.30pm (Mon-Fri)
10.30am – 2.00pm (Sat)
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays

3. Soi 55 @ Golden Shoe Food Centre (Thai drinks)

https://www.instagram.com/p/8uyH5VsYDb/?taken-at=328387006

We really have to hand it to this young couple for bringing another treasured piece of Thailand’s food/drink scene to Singapore.

Soi 55 serves famous Thai drinks such as Thai Milk Tea, Thai Milk Coffee, Thai Rose Milk Tea and Thai Green Milk Tea at very affordable prices (Hot for $2.30, Cold for $2.50). They are also well-praised for taking it easy on the milk, sugar and ice, thus creating the perfect balance.

Top ups of sago, red ruby and pearls are available (50c each) to add some texture and childhood nostalgia.

ADDRESS

50 Market Street
Golden Shoe Food Centre#02-19,, Singapore 048940

OPENING HOURS

8:30am – 5:00pm (Mon-Fri)
Closed on Sat and Sun

4. Taqueria @ Golden Shoe Food Centre (Mexican tacos)

Cheap. Halal. Mexican. Tacos.

Need we say more? 😉

If you’re feeling peckish, opt for an individual taco – you can choose from chicken ($2.50), breaded fish ($3), prawns ($3.50) and grilled steak ($4).

Each taco come with a generous serving of pico de gallo (a Mexican topping of diced tomatoes, onions and cilantro) and are wrapped in soft tortillas that are handmade every morning with love. The considerate owners even provide plastic gloves for a hygienic eating experience.

a $12 set of all four variations is available for those looking for a complete meal. What’s more, you get free mild or hot salsa AND guacamole!

ADDRESS

50 Market Street
Golden Shoe Food Centre #03-29,
Singapore 048940

OPENING HOURS

11.30am – 2pm (Mon-Fri)
Closed on Sat and Sun

5. Fork N’ Fingers @ Chinatown Complex (Japanese Izakaya-style bites)

Located in one of Chinatown’s most famous eating hubs, Fork N’ Fingers is a  Japanese store selling izakaya-style food (that goes perfectly with #6 on this list!)

If you’re looking for something heartier, dig into a bowl of Oden – a mild japanese stew of shitake mushrooms, hard boiled egg, daikon and carrots in a dashi broth ($3). Pair this with a plate of Hae Bee Hiam Rice ($3) to meet your daily carb requirements.

Don’t forget to try the Spicy Sesame Tofu with Spinach ($2)- served cold. You’ll love this refreshing side dish that is great for Singapore’s sweltering heat.

6. The Good Beer Company @ Chinatown Complex (Craft beers)

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Yes, beers count as a cuisine. Especially when it comes to the huge variety of craft beers, which The Good Beer Company serves up at its humble hawker stall. With over 50 different types of beers and ciders from all over the word, you will definitely be spoilt for choice!

Unfortunately, it’s not open for lunch. But why not swing by after a hard day’s work to chill out with your colleagues?

ADDRESS

335 Smith Street
Chinatown Complex Food Centre #02-58
Singapore 050335

OPENING HOURS

6pm – 10pm (Mon-Sat)
Closed on Sun

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[BONUS]  7. Ah Bong’s Italian @ Tiong Bahru

For those who don’t mind travelling a teensy bit  further or who work in the Tiong Bahru area, you’ve surely heard of Ah Bong’s Italian. This non-pretentious and simple eatery serves up super affordable Italian fare – where else can you get Basil Pesto Pasta or Squid Ink Pasta for just $7-$10?

We can’t give you the exact items/prices because their menu changes every single day. Guess you’ll just have to head down there to check it out yourself 😉 Trust us, it is definitely worth the extra distance.

ADDRESS

56 Eng Hoon St
#01-46
Singapore 169793

OPENING HOURS

10am – 2pm (Daily)