Tag: food series

Wisma Atria Brings Japan To S’pore – Tsukiji Sushi To Wagyu Beef!

It’s not cheap to fly all the way to Japan for a food adventure. Don’t even get us started on the language barrier! But guess what? Japan Food Town will officially open its doors at Wisma Atria, Orchard on the 16th of July 2016! It’s about curating and bringing the best of Japanese food to our sunny shores!

We Singaporeans loveeeeee Japanese food. From takeaway sushi rolls, cook-it-yourself curry rice or the ‘I saved for moths for this piece of Kobe beef’, there’s always an occasion for Japanese food.

Image source: Japan Food Town

But how about authentic Japanese food? How many of us actually had proper artisanal sushi (not machine pressed rice with corn and mayonnaise)?

What is Japan Food Town?

Known for their deep fried pork cutlet (specifically Japanese black-haired pork, also known as kurobuta) served with homemade sauce, you sure can count on Anzu for your Katsu cravings. Everything is prepared from fresh Kyushu produce. They even grow the vegetables themselves!

2. Onigiri @ Bonta Bonta

Do not underestimate the Rice Balls (onigiri) at Bonta Bonta. Every grain of rice is carefully selected by a ‘Rice Sommelier’ and processed to the highest standards to qualify as Kinmemai – low-calorie brown rice with high nutritional value. Certainly a humble dish prepared with lots of effort and love.

3. Sake @ Dassai Bar

Hokkaido’s unique geographical location means access to the best flavours of both worlds – the sea and the land. You’ve heard people rave about their seafood (Hokkaido crab!!) and soba from the Tanjong Pagar branch. How about trying it for yourself at Japan Food Town?

5. Handmade Udon @ Inaniwa Yosuke

Ramen Ramen Ramen! Need we say more?? We’d love to let the broth do the talking but what makes Machida Shoten really special is their “Iekei” concept, which translates to noodles that are cooked to the diner’s specified softness or hardness. Personalised Ramen, bring it on!

7. 2 Michelin Star Hotpot @ Nabe Seizan

Feeling under the weather? Maybe a 2 Michelin Star hotpot (nabe) will pick you up. Helmed by Tokyo-born chef, Haruhiko Yamamoto, Seizan strives to bring out the true flavours of each ingredient rather than rely on sauces. Be blown away by this nabe.

8. Premium Teppanyaki & Wagyu @ Osaka Kitchen

Ever wonder what a ‘premium Teppanyaki’ experience is like? Just head to Osaka Kitchen for the finest wagyu on hot stove. While you’re at it, order Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) and Yakisoba (fried noodle) for a true blue Kansai dining experience.

9. Fried Chicken @ Rang Mang Shokudo

This isn’t just ANY fried chicken. Tokyo’s Rang Mang Shokudo’s fried chicken is marinated in buttermilk for 6 hours. It is then double fried in low heat to bring out the umami, that desirable Japanese flavour. Pair it with their signature frozen lemon cocktail…that’s definitely finger licking good!

10. Mackerel @ Sabar

Started in 1997, this eatery operated on a simple motto – “good quality food with reasonable price”. Try their beef and vegetable buffet Shabu Shabu or Sukiyaki and you’ll understand the true definition of amazing quality food and reasonable price.

12. Sushi Takewaka from Tsukiji Market

At Yakiniku Heijyoen, their beef is treated like fine wine – only top quality black haired wagyu beef from Japan is used. Before the beef even sees the kitchen, it is first aged for tenderness to bring out a deeper concentration of beef taste. Beef lovers, this is a treat you don’t wanna miss.

15. Yomoda Soba

“Yomoda” means many things – carefree, fun, easy going, but most of all, it’s a word used for friends to see things on the lighter side of life. Boasting freshly made soba served with “Yomoda” hospitality at a surprisingly affordable price, this is the kind of place you’d want to visit with your family and friends.

With such a wide range of authentic Japanese food to choose from, which eatery would you like to try out first? You can bet that we’ll be heading down with friends & family. Let’s pen this new food town in our food bucket list!

Japan Food Town
Official opening date: 16 July 2016
Location: 4th Floor, Wisma Atria Shopping Centre, 435 Orchard Rd, 238877
Operating Hours: 11am-11pm daily
Website: Japan Food Town

Header image source: Pexels

For more Japanese food in Singapore, click here.
Also, read A Rundown Of What’s Cooking At Food Opera – 8 Stalls You Must Check Out!

A Rundown Of What’s Cooking At Food Opera – 8 Stalls You Must Check Out!

Orchard Road has always been a convening point for us Singaporeans. It is a glitzy, world-famous shopping stretch that is adorned with restaurants dishing out fine dining selections. However, when it comes to eating at Orchard, we know how you feel; hunting down affordable (apart from fast food) comfort food can be tougher than scouting out the best bargains during GSS.

If you’ve got your head in your hands about what to eat at Orchard, fret not! We’ve discovered this hidden food gem of a place, and we’re letting the cat out of the bag. The reopening of Food Opera at Set C ($25)[/caption]

The white bee hoon at this new stall differs slightly from the Singaporean version we’re familiar with – Xing Lou’s unique rendition has wok-fried vermicelli simmered in shellfish gravy. The gravy is not as viscous as our local version but has a complex depth of flavour and a sweet aftertaste. The bee hoon has an ultra-soft, springy bite that breaks easily with each mouthful.

We all know how grimy stale seafood tastes like, and Xing Lou goes the extra mile to ensure this never happens. Expect only the freshest of crustaceans as seafood is imported from Endau, one of Malaysia‘s largest fishing ports, almost every other day.

Set C is perfect for sharing as it comes with a generous serving of bee hoon and an impressive seafood medley of prawns, crayfish, scallops and clams. If you’re not into sharing (we totally understand), you can opt to have your own bee hoon with any crustacean of your choice from just $6.90.

2. Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh

[caption id="attachment_10887" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Signature Prime Ribs ($10.50)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_10888" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Claypot Tofu ($8.70)[/caption]

Bak kut teh (pork bone soup) has always been a familiar favourite; a warm and comforting broth that fills both your heart and stomach with joy on a cold day. Ya Hua, a long-time contender in the bak kut teh scene, is helmed by founder Madam Gwee Peck Hua who believes in cooking healthy, unpretentious food that is humble yet comforting at best.

This bak kut teh recipe of hers underwent countless revisions after years of trial and error before the broth was finally perfected. Boiled for hours, the soup is flavourful with just the right hint of pepper – it won’t leave that burning sensation down your throat, yet will warm the cockles of your heart. The meat is well-cooked and tender and glides off the bone effortlessly. If you find chewing off the pork bone a hassle, Ya Hua also has a boneless sliced pork soup option ($7.50) – now you’ve got no excuses.

Apart from her iconic bak kut teh, Madam Gwee has also introduced new, homely dishes into her menu at her new stall. The Claypot Tofu – silken tofu simmered with steamed egg and pork balls – is laced with a nostalgic taste of home. Every mouthful of this humble dish will remind you of grandma’s cooking.

3. Ah Yat Kitchen

[caption id="attachment_10890" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ah Yat Shredded Roasted Chicken with Fries ($6.50)[/caption]

Ah Yat may be a new tenant at Food Opera, but it has been a household name since the 1970s. While they’re undeniably known for their abalone, do give their Roasted Chicken a try! With meticulous care, the chicken is marinated and roasted to coax out flavours that will delight your taste buds. After the chicken is roasted to perfection, it is seasoned with sesame oil and sesame seeds to further enhance the flavour of this traditional Chinese dish.

The texture of the shredded chicken is impeccable – you won’t have to worry about it being too dry! All these tedious preparations contribute to fragrant, hand-pulled chicken so tender you have to try it to believe it – it might possibly give your favourite Hainanese chicken rice stall a run for its money. For $6.50, you get a quarter-chicken serving of meat and a choice of crispy fries or a bowl of rice on the side.

Another gem to try Ah Yat would be their Abalone Baked Rice ($8.80); a fragrant and delectable mix of egg fried rice with baby abalone.

4. Scotts Hwa Heng Beef Noodle

[caption id="attachment_10891" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Beef Noodle Combo Set Meal ($7.50). Credit:

Fishball Noodle ($5.50)[/caption]

Fishball noodle – a satisfying, fuss-free Singaporean dish that needs no further introduction. Forget about all day breakfast! Fishball noodle has been a go-to for breakfast, lunch and even supper for as long as we can remember.

Here at Li Xin, they take great pride in serving quality, handmade fishballs. Their fresh fishballs are made of top-grade yellowtail fish meat and chilled in cold water (no freezing!) to ensure freshness. According to second-generation owner Mr. Eddie Lim, this is an age-old method used to keep the fishballs bouncy and succulent. These rustic balls have a unique, ‘meaty’ texture to them – a world apart from the processed ones you find in supermarkets, in a good way of course.

The dry version of their mee pok noodles is tossed in an otherworldly concoction of chilli and ketchup, striking a perfect balance between sweet and savoury. It does not have that strong vinegar sourness but rather a mild, tangy aftertaste, much like good sourdough bread. As for its soup counterpart, the broth is refreshingly addictive – you will be down to your last slurp before you know it. Fans of pork lard, you’re in luck. Li Xin is extremely generous with their self-prepared, fried pork lard – sinful at best but irresistibly good.

6. Riverside Indonesian BBQ

[caption id="attachment_10894" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ayam Panggang Set ($6.50)[/caption]

You can’t call yourself a true blue Singaporean if you haven’t heard of Riverside. We’re kidding, it’s never too late to introduce this hearty dish into your world. Their bestseller, the Ayam Panggang (Indonesian grilled chicken) set, heralds snaking queues at Food Opera daily.

Riverside goes to great lengths to serve this scrumptious dish. The chicken thigh is first dipped in a secret sauce – a combination of Indonesia spices. After being set to rest, the thigh is barbequed till it exudes a smoky aroma. That’s not all! Before being served, the thigh is dipped in a homemade special black sauce. This is THE sauce that defines their legendary ayam panggang.

The dish is served with a slab of omelette, homemade sambal chilli and rice slathered with curry gravy. The coconut-heavy curry is slightly on the sweeter end and is not too spicy, so go ahead and raise the spice level with their killer sambal chilli. All in all, this divine combination of grilled chicken in black sweet sauce, rice smothered with curry and sambal chilli gets a resounding nod of approval from us – and probably half the population in Singapore already.

Seafood lovers, you can also rejoice! Riverside serves up equally delish BBQ squid and fish too.

7.  Padang Padang

[caption id="attachment_10897" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ikan Assam Pedas ($3.50),
Ayam Kari ($3.50/drumstick or $5.50/quarter chicken)[/caption]

If you, like every other Singaporean, live for cai png (economical rice), then this Indonesian version of our everyday staple provides a refreshing twist. You are more than free to mix and match a variety of meats and vegetables that are prepared daily, but we’d say go straight for the Ayam Kari and Ikan Assam Pedas.

The Padangnese-style ayam kari is essentially chicken simmered in a rich, coconut curry gravy that boasts a blend of at least seven spices. The chicken has a firm, silky texture and slides off the bone with a simple tug.

The ikan assam pedas, on the other hand, is a sour-spicy stingray dish prepared with a medley of fresh laksa leaves, tamarind and lemongrass – so rejuvenating, it’s almost like a wake-up call for your taste buds. The stingray is fresh with a nice succulent texture. We absolutely love the spot-on tanginess of the gravy – it is not too sour and has an addictive aftertaste that leaves you salivating for more.

The folks behind Padang Padang only cook with raw spices specially imported from Indonesia. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised to know that Padang Padang uses no preservatives or MSG in any of their dishes. Kudos to them! We now have the liberty to order anything here without setting the MSG alarms off.

8. Ice Shop

[caption id="attachment_10899" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Bobo Chacha with Taro Balls ($3.20)[/caption]

You know what they say, there is always a dessert stomach – the happy ending to any meal. We love our rainbow cakes and churros, but traditional desserts will always hold an uncontested place in our hearts. This stall has a lengthy menu of over 35 hot and cold selections to satisfy your sweet cravings. The portions are not monstrous, so you won’t get jelat of the milk-based treats.

The Chendol here is remarkably different from the ones served elsewhere. Topped with jackfruit, it is a rich and flavourful thirst-quencher in a bowl. The red bean and sago jelly balances out the sweet and salty coconut milk nicely, and the shaved ice is doused in the ever familiar Gula Melaka. No doubt an ideal finish to a satisfying meal, or a midday indulgence.

If your palate gravitates more towards the warm desserts, the Bobo ChaCha with Taro Balls is a traditional option with a twist. The usual, transparent tapioca pearls you would expect to find in this coconut milk-based broth are replaced with taro balls instead. These purple, jelly-like balls have a strong, natural taro taste to them. No bobo chacha is complete without sweet potato and yam chunks, and the ones at Ice Shop are delightfully soft, but not to the point of mushy.

The next time you’re in town (we’re guessing soon), do drop by Food Opera for your local hawker and street food fix. Apart from old favourites, the new tenants are also part of a carefully curated bunch with authentic and quality food to offer – all in the comfort of air-conditioning. Now you’ll know where to get the best eats at Orchard.

Food Opera @ ION Orchard
Address:
#B4-03/04 Ion Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel:
+65 6509 9198

Operating Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, and Public Holiday 10am – 10pm
Eve of Public Holiday, Friday to Saturday 10am – 11pm

Brought to you by Discover SG x

A Party In Our Mouths – Watermelon Fried Rice Is Just Amazeballs!

Nestled among an array of other gastronomic selections and retail shops in Sentosa, Gin Khao Bistro stands out with its red in black facade, catching many a passers-by’s eyes. It was quiet as we were early for dinner, allowing us a moment to enjoy the evening breeze and yacht marina view.

Thai Iced Rose Milk Tea

We start off the meal with a classic Thai Iced Milk Tea, a staple drink to have at every Thai eatery. Gin Khao Bistro ups its Thai Iced Milk Tea game by adding a special ingredient to it.

Their version is a Thai Iced Rose Milk Tea ($5.80), a shot of rose syrup is added to the iced tea. Rose syrup can be a tad sweet and cloying, but what is special about this blend is that the rose adds a layer of flavour to the milk tea, giving it an overall pleasant yet refreshing aftertaste.

Som Tam

Our next dish was a perfect contrast to the sweet Thai Iced Milk Tea. Som Tam ($8.80), also known as Papaya salad, is possibly an all-time favourite appetiser for Thais. The first few bites can be slightly acidic, but is expected. The papaya they use here is fresh and crunchy. Gin Khao’s Som Tam is indeed tantalising, a great choice to whet the appetite of diners early on in the meal.

 Tom Yam Tulay

Our next dish was the Tom Yam Tulay ($13.80), a soup base accompanied by a generous amount of seafood such as mussels, squid, and shrimp. The seafood contributed a rich flavour in the broth, but its addictive nature is in the aftertaste.

 Phat Neua

After the appetiser and the soup, we were ready for more. The next dish that came piping hot was Phat Neua ($14.80). This generous serving of stir fried spicy beef got our appetites raring to go. We sank our teeth into the tender well-seasoned beef and were hooked after the first bite. It is best enjoyed with steamed rice.

Watermelon Fried Rice

As always, we save the best for last. Recommended by the restaurant manager, Kevin, we tried the Watermelon Fried Rice ($25.80). The dish is a new creation by Gin Khao, an unexpected twist to the traditional pineapple fried rice. The Instagram-worthy dish is a sculpted watermelon bowl containing fried rice, mussels, sliced squids, shrimps, beancurd skin, cashew nuts, chicken floss, and of course, watermelon balls.

We were rather sceptical of how this would taste. It sounded a little absurd to eat watermelon balls with rice but if we could eat pineapple and mango with rice, why not watermelon!

We were right to trust Gin Khao’s creation. It felt like a party in my mouth with the sweetness of the watermelon contrasting the saltiness of the fried rice. The ingredients were seasoned and cooked to perfection. The fluffiness and chewiness of the fried rice complemented the juiciness of the watermelon balls, and it had us drooling for more. We relished the entire dish to the very last mouthful.

I must say, we had a scrumptious Thai dining experience with Gin Khao Bistro and would come back anytime. Visit Gin Khao Bistro for delectable Thai food with a special twist!

Gin Khao Bistro @ Sentosa Cove
Address: 31 Ocean Way #01-12 Quayside Isle
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs: 12pm to 3pm, 530pm to 10pm
Fri: 12pm to 12am
Sat/Eve: 11am to 12am
Sun/PH: 11am to 10pm

Brought to you by Discover SG x Foodie Vs The World

This was an invited food tasting session.

Also, read A Teppanyaki Dinner That Hits All The Right Spots – Teppan Bar Q

8 Incredible Eats In Tampines So Good & Cheap, They’re Made Specially For True Foodies!

Arguably the best spot for foodies, the East definitely harbours some good eats. Whether you are looking for good Bak Chor Mee or mouthwatering Indian Rojak, the neighbourhood of Tampines has it all!

Be spoilt for choice as you attempt to choose from simple dining options to luxurious dinners. To save you some trouble, here’s our list of recommended awesome affordable eats below $10!

1. Xing Yun Kway Chap

Open only during the weekends (Fri-Sun), a bowl of Kway Chap makes the perfect brunch. The pig’s intestines offered at Xing Yun are braised to perfection where they are tender and flavourful. The kway pairs just as well with other ingredients such as pork belly tau pok and more. For under $10, get ready to enjoy a hearty bowl of kway and all the above-mentioned ingredients!

Do however note that queuing can sometimes take as long as 45 mins and remember to arrive as everything is usually sold before 1pm!

Xing Yun Kway Chap
Address: #01-14 Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, Blk 137 Tampines Street 11, Singapore 521137
Opening Hours: Fri-Sun 8am-1pm

2. 137 Lor Mee Prawn Noodles

If you’re looking for a less dense version of Lor Mee, 137 Lor Mee Prawn Noodles is just the thing. Its stall owners are generous with ingredients which include eggs, a slice of pork belly, wu xiang and fish cake. The best part has to be its fried fish, a side dish that spots a beautiful crispy golden brown. The fish comes in generous portions and remains its crispiness despite being soaked in gravy.

With just $3, you are able to get a bowl of decent Lor Mee. If that’s too small a portion, simply pay a dollar more to fully satisfy your tummy!

137 Lor Mee Prawn Noodles
Address:#01-09 Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, Blk 137 Tampines Street 11, Singapore 521137
Contact: 9365 2219
Opening Hours: Daily 6.30am-3.00pm

3. Teo Kee Mushroom Minced Pork Noodle

How can one resist this mouthwatering bones? At Teo Kee, its pork ribs are braised to perfection – tender, bursting with flavour and melts in your mouth. The stall also uses special egg noodles that are surprisingly chewy. Pair the noodles with some green chilli for that tinge of sourness that blends perfectly with the savoury dish for just $4! So if you’re looking for some tasty pork rib noodles at bargain prices, Teo Kee is the stall to visit.

Teo Kee Mushroom Minced Pork Noodle
Address:#01-09 Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, Blk 137 Tampines Street 11, Singapore 521137
Contact: 9365 2219
Opening Hours: Daily 6.30am-3pm

4. Yummy Sarawak Kolo Mee   

Fancy some Kolo Mee? With Yummy Sarawak Kolo Mee, you no longer have to travel across the causeway for this dish. Here at Tampines Round Market, you can find an equally satisfying rendition of this dish. This dish is dry-tossed with different sauces and must-have ingredients such as minced pork, char siew, vegetables and wontons or sui gao, Kolo Mee is sort of like a luxurious version of Wanton Mee. The difference is that the noodles used for Kolo Mee are made with only egg whites, making them a shade lighter and a tad healthier.

A plate of Kolo Mee costs $3 to $5 whilst a set with additional pork ribs will set you back at $3.50. If you’re in the mood for something different, feel free to try the Chicken Feet Spare Ribs Noodles ($4). The spare ribs are well braised and flavourful!

Yummy Sarawak Kolo Mee
Address:#01-45 Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, Blk 137 Tampines Street 11, S521137
Contact: 9885 5513
Opening Hours: Daily 5am-3pm

5. Chai Chee Pork Porridge

[caption id="attachment_9768" align="alignnone" width="657"] Image credit: Instagram User @tame_bunny[/caption]

The go-to food for any rainy day, Chai Chee Pork Porridge, similar to the above-mentioned Kolo Mee, is also located at Tampines Round Market. With chicken, fish, pork and century egg to choose from, order your favourite porridge at just $3 per bowl! Our favourite combination will have to be the minced pork porridge with century eggs topped with you tiao. Chai Chee Pork Porridge is rumoured to serve the best Cantonese congee in Eastern Singapore where their thick congee is packed full of ingredients.

However, we are unsure of this stall’s opening hours, so do arrive early to avoid disappointment!

Chai Chee Pork Porridge
Address:#01-45 Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, Blk 137 Tampines Street 11, S521137

6. Fu Yuan Minced Pork Noodle

[caption id="attachment_9759" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image credit: misstamchiak[/caption]

Similar to Tai Hwa Minced Pork Noodle, this stall serves good Bak Chor Mee at just half the price. Located at Tampines Street 21, the owner of Fu Yuan Minced Pork Noodle formerly had, as a young boy, worked as an assistant at Tai Hwa. Now you know why there’s a familiar taste to Fu Yuan’s Bak Chor Mee.

At just $3 per bowl, you get a good mixture of minced pork, liver, pork balls and springy noodles, all tossed in Fu Yuan’s special vinegar-based sauce. If you’re coming for lunch, do note that the stall’s closing time is at 2.30pm and will only reopen for dinner at 5pm.

Fu Yuan Minced Pork Noodle
Address:Blk 201C Tampines Street 21
Contact: 65 6337 2201 (from 5pm)
Opening Hours: 6am-2.30pm; 5pm -8pm, closed every 2 weeks on Wed

7. L32 Handmade Noodles

[caption id="attachment_9765" align="alignnone" width="500"] Image credit: ieatandeat[/caption]

With L32 Handmade Noodles located at the food court of Tampines 1, you no longer have to travel to Geylang Lor 32 to get your Ban Mian fix.

For its soupy version, an egg is cracked into its flavourful soup for a sweet aftertaste. The noodles are thin and chewy whilst the minced pork/chicken is seasoned nicely with the aroma of sesame oil. The dry version is similar to the soup version, but it is slightly tastier due to an additional secret sauce (we have no idea what it is).

Do note that the queue during lunch time is pretty long. For $4.20 per bowl, we’ll say the dish is worth queueing for.

L32 Handmade Noodles
Address: Tampines 1 shopping mall, 10 Tampines Central 1,  #05-05 Kapitans Food court
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-9.30pm

8. Al Mahboob Indian Rojak

[caption id="attachment_9769" align="alignnone" width="750"] Image credit: Yelp[/caption]

With good Indian Rojak getting difficult to find, this stall at Tampines is a blessing to all.

One of the best Indian Rojak stalls in Singapore, Al Mahboob‘s fiery red gravy is made from mashed sweet potatoes and spiked with chilli powder. Select from its wide array of ingredients before dipping them into its lip-smacking gravy! Prices depend on how many items you pick but the cost will definitely be below $10 (unless you pick fifty pieces or something). Besides the Indian Rojak, the other signature dish of this stall has to be its Sup Tulang ($6 for 4 pieces).

Al Mahboob Indian Rojak
Address:Blk 506, Tampines Ave 4, #01-361, S520506 
Opening Hours: 12.30pm-8pm (Closed every alt Wed)

With a great variety of cheap eats at Tampines, remember to bring along an empty stomach when exploring this neighbourhood! Let us know in the comments below if there are more worthy cheap eats in Tampines!

(Header image by Miss Tam Chiak)

Also read: The Ultimate Guide For Supper At Siglap – 6 Places You Can’t Miss

Decadent Yet Light Cakes You’ll Love – Waku Ghin @ Marina Bay Sands

In September last year, renowned chef, Tetsuya Wakuda, launched Waku Ghin Patisserie Platine at RISE Lounge, offering 18 types of intricate pastries and petit cakes from the award-winning restaurant Waku Ghin.

The exclusive selection, which changes seasonally, is beautifully handcrafted and lovingly created by Waku Ghin’s pastry team. The cakes are available for takeaway or dine in at RISE lounge, located in the lobby of Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Tower 1.

Each cake is made in-house, using premium ingredients and fresh seasonal fruits from Japan and Europe. The picture-perfect creations are not only easy on the eyes but also on the palate, hitting the right notes for texture and flavour.

Dining at Waku Ghin’s Patisserie Platine is, of course, an experience by itself. Enjoy the stream of natural light from all directions while you sip tea at the lounge – a place where businessmen and tourists frequent any time of the day – and feel like a total tai tai.

Chocolate mousse with raspberry and pistachio

The chocolate mousse with raspberry and pistachio ($12) is a decadent dessert – though there’s a rich cocoa taste, the texture remains light. The cakes here are not at all dense, in fact, it is so light, that it is dangerously easy to polish off an entire cake by yourself without realising it. The ingredients are fresh, as promised, and this rings true in every bite.

Ghin’s cheesecake

Ghin’s cheesecake ($12), a house speciality, is feathery light and it is almost like eating a cloud. For a cheesecake, it goes against the grain of what a typical cheesecake would be like. Waku Ghin’s team pushes boundaries with the cake, making it refreshing and almost airy. It is the type of cake you would eat for a good pick-me-up after a long work day.

Matcha Opera cake

The matcha opera cake ($10) also offers the same fluffy texture as the cheesecake and is very reminiscent of a tiramisu cake. We noted a hint of alcohol in this cake and for each bite, the tastes hit the taste buds quite strongly, but there are so many layers to the taste that the alcoholic tinge is soon forgotten.

Coconut mousse with passionfruit and mango

This bright coconut mousse with passionfruit and mango ($10) also carries the same lightness in texture as the other cakes despite being so dense in the fruit department. The coconut is so subtle in the mousse that it is almost undetectable. This was one of my favourites out of the lot we tried. All the desserts were surprisingly not too sweet either.

Waku Ghin has certainly pushed boundaries to create decadent, yet light desserts. You’ll never feel jelak polishing off an entire cake yourself! Every bite and calorie is worth it, satisfaction guaranteed.

Waku Ghin Patisserie Platine
Address: Rise Lounge, first floor, Marina Bay Sands Tower 1
Opening hours: From 11am daily
Tel: 6688 5568

Brought to you by Discover SG x Foodie Vs The World

This was an invited food tasting session.

Also, read Popular Nightspots – Unwind To Recommended Izakayas in Singapore

Red House Seafood – Comfort Food That Will Chase Away The Blues

Just a stone’s throw away from buzzing Orchard Road sits Red House Seafood along Prinsep Street. Designed to look like a classic old school restaurant for both the interior and facade, Red House has a certain vintage charm to it.

Its fare is far from vintage, very modern local cuisine is offered to its patrons. When we paid a visit to Red House, we sampled their signature dishes such as the charcoal buns with chilli crab fillings ($10 for 3, 40% during lunch from now till December in conjunction with their 40th anniversary). I have always loved how charcoal powder makes the bun so soft. The bright orange filling also pops from the dark grey exterior of the bun, giving it a nice contrast.

We also tried the trio of squid ($32 for S, $64 for L) which was recommended by the manager of the restaurant. When I saw salted egg squid, I was sold, of course. Anything with salty, savoury coating makes me go nuts (I didn’t like the salted egg croissant, just on a side note). The salted egg squid retained its crispiness despite the thick coating of soft salted egg, which gave it a nice contrasting texture. There was also barbequed squid and crispy baby squid.

The barbequed squid was cooked perfectly. Squid, if overdone, gets too chewy and hard, but this was done to perfection and cooked through. The crispy baby squid was crispy as promised and had a pleasant sweetness to it, almost like caramelised Ikan Bilis.

Of course, the chilli crab is a favourite for foreigners to try when they’re in Singapore for the first time. I do believe this is one of the only dishes Malaysians don’t argue with Singaporeans over when it comes to its taste and origins. The thick, gooey gravy complements the crab meat well. I go on a little rant in my other post about how huge Singapore crabs are compared to Malaysian crabs (take a look here).

I love the mantous that come with the chilli crab. In fact, as a kid, I had always hoped my parents would let me take more than one. As an adult, little has changed. Heh.

The last dish we tried that evening at Red House was a nice soupy, crab bee hoon. The broth was thick with crab taste and it was very aromatic. My dining companions were commenting about how the soup here is better than Mellben Seafood’s. That isn’t for me to judge as I haven’t tried the latter. But I was incredibly impressed by the quality of the food here at Red House.

Needless to say, if you’re craving for quality seafood that will never disappoint, head to Red House Seafood @ Prinsep Street. This is the kind of comfort food that will chase away all blues and warm the cockles of your heart.

Red House Seafood @ Prinsep Street
Address: 68 Prinsep St
Opening hours:
Weekdays: 3PM – 10:30PM
Weekends: 11Am – 10:30PM

Brought to you by Discover SG x Foodie Vs The World

This was an invited food tasting session.

Also, read Old Is Gold – 12 Best Food Finds In Mature Estate Toa Payoh!

10 Food In Bukit Merah So Good That They’ll Make You Weep Tears Of Joy

We’ve always harbored the assumption that Bukit Merah was a ghost town with little or nothing to offer. We had no idea what started it but my oh my, how foolish we were. Turns out, Bukit Merah is home to so many great places that offer quality food.

With this, Discover SG has completed yet another food listicle that takes you on a foodgasmic tour of the best spots to grab an affordable meal (under $15) at Bukit Merah.

1. Tian Tian Curry Rice

It’s hard to walk by Tian Tian without passing a look at all its endorsements displayed at the stall front. Boasting at least 6 different types of curries to suit your palate, enjoy a collision of sweet and savoury gravies together with your standard cai fan fare.

Tian Tian Chicken Rice
Address: #01-253, Blk 116, Bukit Merah View, S 151116
Opening Hours: Daily: 10am – 10pm
Tel: 9109 6732

2. Wow Wow West

Aside from generous portions at bargain prices, this Western food stall has a unique story. Ex-owner Eric is part of the Yellow Ribbon Project and he hires ex-convicts to run his stall. So yea, the food here is prepared by people with criminal records. But as the saying goes: don’t judge by a book by its cover, because the food here is fantastic.

Wow Wow West
Address: #01-133, ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, 6 Jalan Bukit Merah Lane 1, S 150006
Opening Hours: Tues – Sat: 10.30am – 7.30pm
Tel: 9380 8571

3. Bukit Merah View Carrot Cake

Meh, what’s so special about carrot cake? Don’t they all taste the same? Well, this 60+ year old stall nestled in the heart of Bukit Merah is probably the last of its kind in Singapore that serves true blue carrot cake. What we mean is, they actually mill their own rice to make the fried radish cake we all so fondly love. That’s maybe why they taste so much better.

Bukit Merah View Carrot Cake
Address: #01-279, Bukit Merah View Market and Food Centre, 115 Bukit Merah View, S 151115
Opening Hours: Daily: 7am – 2pm; 6pm – 1am
Tel: –

4. Yan Fried Bee Hoon

Remember when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was photographed queuing for chicken wings? Yup, this is the one! Don’t be deceived by the stall’s ordinary exterior. It may seem like any other typical Nasi Lemak stall, but beneath the façade is one of the juiciest, crispiest, and finger-licking chicken wings you can find at a hawker centre. PM Lee approves!

Yan Fried Bee Hoon
Address: #01-09, Redhill Food Centre, 85 Redhill Lane, S 150085
Opening Hours: Tues – Sun: 3pm – 10pm
Tel: –

5. Stew Küche

Pronounced Ku-Shay, not Ku-chi, this German (yes, German!!!) food joint is a Bukit Merah gem at the very hip and atas coffee-shop Salut. Served with authentic German flair, some dishes are approaching the expensive threshold. But still, it is really affordable compared to other German food joints like Brotzeit.

Stew Küche
Address: #01-40, Salut Coffeeshop, 119 Bukit Merah Lane 1, S 151119
Opening Hours: Tues – Sun: 11.30am – 3pm; 5.30pm – 10pm
Tel: 6276 6445

6. Keng Eng Kee Seafood

Award-winning Keng Eng Kee is a specialist seafood eatery serving local zi char dishes. Most patrons go in groups to bask in the joys of eating a cooked crustacean together. Not to worry though, they also serve meal-sized dishes such as the fan-favourite Moonlight Hor Fun (why moonlight? Check out the picture, no explanation needed!)

Keng Eng Kee Seafood
Address: #01-136, 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1, S 150124
Opening Hours: Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm; 5pm – 10pm
Tel: 6272 1038

7. Joe’s Kitchen

With a name like Joe, you’d probably expect the owner to be a Singaporean. But nope, Thai blood runs in his veins. So don’t worry that the food about the food being unauthentic. Here you’ll find the mandatory dishes like Green Curry, Phad Thai, Basil Leaf Pork, Tom Yum… we could go on, but we won’t because our tummies are already starting to growl.

Joe’s Kitchen
Address: #01-182, 125 Bukit Merah Lane 1, S 150125
Opening Hours: Daily: 11am -3pm; 5pm – 10pm
Tel: 6270 8484

8. Butterscotch

Heading into café territory now, let’s begin with this Muslim-owned café. As its name suggests, the menu consists of quite a number of butterscotch-infused dishes. Together with aesthetically appealing desserts, they also serve some of the most creative halal mains you can find at the heartlands.

Butterscotch
Address: #01-3625, 164 Bukit Merah Central, S 150164
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun: 10am – 10pm
Tel: 6271 1164

9. The Bakery Chef

The Bakery Chef is one of the best cafes in Singapore specialising in your favorite baked goods drizzled with your favourite sauces. Making the rounds on Instagram are their picture-perfect desserts that will make you wish you could grab food out of the screen.

The Bakery Chef
Address: #01-3711, 161 Bukit Merah Central, S 150161
Opening Hours:
Tues – Thurs: 10am – 7pm
Fri – Mon: 10am – 9pm
Tel: 6273 9211

10. Pan Delights

The décor is clean, simple, and white. There are beautifully drawn pictures on the wall. That’s Pan Delights for you, a café that serves quality food at reasonably wallet-friendly prices. On weekdays, you can indulge in the pleasure of pasta sets at $12. For food that yummy, it’s daylight robbery!

Pan Delights
Address: #01-3725, 161 Bukit Merah Central, Bukit Merah Estate, S 150161
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11.30am – 3.30pm; 5.30pm – 9pm
Tel: 6377 4009

Bukit Merah is the undervalued neighbourhood with food so good, even PM Lee approves. Teeming with delicious hawker and cafe favourites, you’ll certainly regret not visiting and trying the food here. If this is already your go-to place for good food, did we miss out anything? Let us know!

Also read: Beerfest Asia 2016 – Bottoms Up To Your Favourite Beers & More!

6 Kick-ass Oyster Omelette Fried To Perfection With Best Chilli

Named as one of the top 10 Restaurant Dishes of 2015 on the New York Times, the legendary oyster omelette, or orh-luak as locally known, is one of the most loved hawker dishes in Singapore. The chewy texture of oysters mixed with crisp flour mixture and delicious eggs, is a real treat for the taste buds.

For those who are hunting for the best oyster omelette or have yet to give this dish a try, here are 6 of the best oyster omelette stalls in Singapore that serve kick-ass oyster omelette fried to perfection, that will leave you on your knees and begging for more.

1. Ah Hock Fried Oyster

You can’t find a stall more dedicated to oyster omelette than Ah Hock Fried Oyster. The ingredients used are top notch and are self sourced by the owner himself.

Using fresh oysters from Korea, fresh eggs from Swee Choon Egg Farm and fresh flour from China, their oyster omelette is definitely one of the best in Singapore. Besides the oyster omelette itself, the chilli that comes with it is also to die for. A great mix of sour and spicy, it complements the main dish perfectly. Ah Hock Fried Oyster also has different styles and types of oyster omelettes, all of them oozing with oyster-licious goodness.

Ah Hock Fried Oyster
Address: Whampoa Drive Makan Place, #01-40 Whampoa Drive Blk 90 Singapore 320090
Opening Hours: Daily 12pm-11pm, closed on alternate Wednesdays
Price: $4-$6

2. 85 Bedok North Fried Oyster

Visit the Feng Shan Food Market and you’ll most likely recognise this popular fried oyster stall in an instant. 85 Bedok North Fried Oyster is one of the busiest and most well-known oyster omelette stalls in Bedok. Previously featured in many local newspapers, 85 Bedok North Fried Oyster is so popular, it occupies two stalls in Feng Shan Food Market.

Besides oyster omelette, 85 Bedok North Fried Oyster also offers a variety of local dishes such as fried carrot cake. Be warned though, the queue or wait can get pretty long. But remember, good things come to those who wait!

85 Bedok North Fried Oyster
Address: Blk 85 Bedok North Street 4 #01-09/10 Singapore 460085
Opening Hours: daily 11am-11pm
Price: $4

3. Katong Keah Kee Fried Oysters

(image credit: Image Credits: makansutra.com[/caption]

Search for best places to eat in Serangoon and you’d definitely come across this one! Simon Road Oyster Omelette first opened at Simon Road coffee shop and has been around for more than 20 years!

What makes this stall stand out from the rest? If you’re an oyster omelette lover, you’d know that the oyster omelette here is fried to the perfect level of crispiness. Each bite of the omelette brings out different flavours that are so delicious, you’ll want to have this oyster omelette for every meal!

Simon Road Oyster Omelette
Address: 965 Upper Serangoon Road Sinapore 534721
Opening Hours: Daily 4pm-2am, Closed on Tuesdays
Price: $5

5. Lim’s Fried Oyster

(image credit: Image Credits: thesilverchef.blogspot.com[/caption]

Any oyster omelette lover who lives near Toa Payoh will know this stall. Located in Toa Payoh Lorong 7, Ah Chuan Fried Oyster Omelette is a stall not to be missed. The crispy omelette together with fish sauce and chilli is to die for.

Many frequent patrons state that the texture and taste of the omelette are consistent and good at every visit. At only $4 a plate, this oyster omelette is definitely one of the tastiest and most affordable ones.

Ah Chuan Fried Oyster Omelette
Address: Blk 22, Toa Payoh Lorong 7 #01-25, Singapore 310022
Opening Hours: Daily 3-9pm, Closed on Tuesdays
Price: $4

Now that you know where to find the best oyster omelette, you can have this goodness every other day! Know of another great oyster omelette place? Let us know in the comments below!

(Header Image Credits: 7 Best Eats You Must Try Along Tanjong Katong For That Great Meal

6 Affordable Japanese Buffets So You Can Gorge On Fresh Sashimi!

With free flow of fresh sashimi and more, who can resist Japanese buffets? Though some restaurants at hotels charge exorbitant prices for a buffet, we’ve found 6 places where you don’t need to spend a bomb.

Here’s our list of affordable and good Japanese buffets to indulge in. At the same time, you don’t have to burn a hole in your pockets!

1. Shin Minori Japanese Restaurant

Tucked away at a corner of UE Square’s Level 3, Shin Minori offers high quality Japanese buffet at an affordable price. Diners can enjoy their meal watching sushi chefs prepare sashimi and sushi while sitting at an open sushi bar. Alternatively, opt for a window seat with views to Robertson Quay area.

There’s a wide range of fresh sashimi, sushi, maki, yakitori, teppanyaki and many more. If you are looking for a private gathering with some privacy, call them to book their private rooms. They have 2 adjourning table sitting rooms which can accomodate 12 pax in each room and also a tatami room that can sit a total of 12 pax for a cosy setting.

Image credit: burpple[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9094" align="alignnone" width="695"] Image credit: Irodori[/caption]

With many positive reviews from customers, Irodori Japanese Restaurant in Riverview Hotel consistently draws crowd for their fresh seafood and selection of over 100 dishes. Prepared by skilful chefs, the restaurant only uses fresh seafood from Australia, New Zealand, Norway and Europe.  They serve appetisers, sashimi, sushi, teppanyaki, tempura and many more.

Three private rooms that sit 8, 10 and 12 are available for your business meetings or for some private family time. Be sure to make reservations as this restaurant may be packed even on a weekday!

(Selegie Road)
Price: $36.80++ (Adult); $23++ (children under 10 years old)
Address: 1 Selegie Road, #01-14/15 POMO, Singapore 188306
Contact: 65 6337 7230 
Opening Hours: Daily 1130am-2.30pm; 6.00pm-10.30pm

Located just opposite Riverview Hotel lies another affordable yet delightful Japanese buffet. Ikoi Japanese Restaurant is located in the lobby of Hotel Miramar. This small and cosy restaurant keeps diners happy with an extensive selection of fresh Japanese cuisine.

Simple, no-frills and usually full house, this restaurant is highly popular and recommended for its buffet. To keep customers happy while they wait for their food to be served, Ikoi serves complimentary side dishes from salmon sashimi to Japanese teapot soup. On their menu, the fresh cuts of sashimi and wide selection of tempura dishes are the most popular.

It’s best to make reservations at least 1 week in advance.

Image credit: sethlui[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9106" align="alignnone" width="682"] Image credit: sethlui[/caption]

Be spoilt with endless servings of snowcrabs, oysters, Häagen-Daz ice cream and free-flow Sapporo Beer at Momiji! With a wide range of quality Japanese cuisine, you probably won’t be able to try every item in a single visit. You can even make your own waffles at their DIY waffle stations!

The servers at Momiji are quick and attentive. Plates are cleared quickly to make room for more food. If you are looking for an intimate dining space, do book their private rooms available at their Revenue House outlet. Be sure to arrive at 6.30pm for their free-flow beer which lasts till 7.30pm!

6509 1193
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm (Lunch); Mon-Thu 6pm-10pm (Dinner); Sat, Sun, Eve of PH, PH 11.30am-3.30pm (Brunch); Fri-Sun, Eve of PH, PH 5.30pm-10pm (Dinner)

6253 2469
Opening Hours: Daily 5.30pm-10pm (Dinner); Sat, Sun, Eve of PH, PH 11.30am-3.30pm (Brunch)

5. Senki Japanese Restaurant

[caption id="attachment_9109" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image credit: burpple[/caption]

Located right in the heart of the city, yet away from the hustle and bustle, Senki serves up a wide range of dishes for its buffet menu. With many items available on their menu (138 items to be exact), it would be best to skip lunch if you are coming for dinner.

Priced reasonably, the service at Senki is efficent. This is the place to go if you are looking to unwind and have an unhurried meal in the city.

Image credit: burpple[/caption]

Hidden in a low-rise office complex in Alexandra, the restaurant is surprisingly crowded at 8pm on a weekday. Premium sashimi cuts including swordfish, yellowtail and tuna are fresh and melt in your mouth! Not only do they serve the usual sushi, maki and tempura, but diners are also able to have a shabu shabu or sukiyaki hotpot. There is also teppanyaki at their Alexandra outlet too! With such a wide variety of over 150 items, including appetizers to desserts, this is definitely a spot worth returning for more! Check out their menu  (Alexandra)
Price: Lunch $41.80++; Dinner $45.80 (Mon to Thu), Lunch $44.80++; Dinner $48.80 (Fri-Sun, Eve of PH & PH), Lunch/Dinner $30.80 (Child), Lunch/Dinner $33.80 (Adult above 65 yrs old)
Address: 991B Alexandra Rd, #01-08/09, Singapore 119970
Contact: 65 6272 1110
Opening Hours:  11.30am-2.30pm; 6pm-10pm

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