If You Can’t Cook, These 7 Caterers Will Get Your Rendang Ready For Hari Raya
As most festive gatherings go, preparing a Hari Raya open house will often involve some shedding of blood, sweat and tears.
If you’re a millennial like me who can’t cook traditional dishes to save her life, catering is your best friend. So take some time off and let these guys do all the work—you deserve it.
Here’s a compilation of Hari Raya catering to impress your pakcik, makcik, nenek, atuk, mother in law and basically the entire kampung.
1. Nasi Ambeng Asli Jurong West
If you need to impress your Asian mom that you’re now independent and can cook on your own, Nasi Ambeng Asli Jurong West is right up your alley.
Serving up traditional Hari Raya dishes must-haves such as Lontong, rendang, sambal goreng and more. For just $12 per pax, you don’t have to break a sweat in the kitchen and deal with all the cleaning up afterwards.
They’ll also throw in a complementary dessert of your choice and beverages.
Their Nasi Ambeng set ($12/pax) is also highly raved about! If you prefer this style of eating as compared to buffet-style, then you can’t miss out on their Nasi Ambeng.
[caption id="attachment_35072" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Image Credit: Nasi Ambeng Asli Jurong West Facebook[/caption]
Pre-order for the Hari Raya buffet will only open 23 June, so fastest fingers first!
Nasi Ambeng Asli Jurong West
Contact No.: 8124 0031
Website
2. Deanna’s Kitchen
Let’s be real, we kinda get sick of lontong and rendang after a couple of days. So what better way to change things up a by serving your guests the famous prawn noodles from Deanna’s Kitchen.
The Deanna’s Prawns x Clams Mee ($8.50 per pax) comes with 3 different type of noodles, 3 big prawns per pax, 10 – 15 clams per pax, kang kong, bean sprouts and sliced fish cake.
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Image Credit: Deanna’s Kitchen Facebook[/caption]
They’ll also throw in complimentary homemade garnishes as well as a full set of disposable wares.
The prawn noodles will be served buffet style. All you need to do is prepare a pot for them to pour the soup into so you can reheat easily. Alternatively, they can lend you the soup warmer and they will return to collect it after your event. How convenient!
This is covered in the delivery charge of $45. However, if you do not need the warmer and then delivery is only one way, it will cost only $20.
Deanna’s Kitchen
Contact No.: 9424 5496
Website
3. Aroma Kampung
Aroma Kampung is known as the Mother of all Padang buffets. Using only authentic recipes, you know you’re in for a real treat this Hari Raya. If you love traditional home cooked food, you can get their Aidilfitri Package for $150 which covers for 10 pax.
The package includes our favourites such as Rendang, sambal goreng pengantin, kuah lodeh, sambal tumis and more!
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Image Credit: Aroma Kampung Facebook[/caption]
However, you will have to self collect at their restaurant in Joo Chiat Complex between 12am – 6pm.
Do take note that there are limited slots available. We highly advise you to book your slot as soon as possible!
Aroma Kampung
Contact No.: 9436 4767
Image Credit: Mamanda Facebook[/caption]
Free delivery is provided for orders $300 and above. If you don’t wish to pay for delivery, you can opt for self-collection instead.
Mamanda
Contact No.: 6396 6646
Website
5. Dapur Naes
Possibly the cheapest option in this list, Dapur Naes charges only $7 per pax (*min order is 30 pax) for their Hari Raya package.
For $7, you get Lontong, ayam masak merah, rendang, kuah lodeh, sambal tumis and serunding. Which is basically all you need for a simple Hari Raya gathering.
[caption id="attachment_35078" align="aligncenter" width="652"]
Image Credit: d’naes Facebook[/caption]
However if you feel like that won’t be enough, you can discuss with the Dapur Naes team to add more dishes to your package.
Delivery charge is an extra $30 for orders less than $300.
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative this Hari Raya, Dapur Naes is right up your alley.
Dapur Naes
Contact No.: 9771 4934
Website
6. Redz Kitchen
Not all of us have the luxury of time to cook a whole feast for our guests. Why don’t you sit back and let Redz Kitchen do all the work.
For just $14/pax, you can get a variety of Hari Raya dishes without having to lift a finger.
https://www.facebook.com/redzkitchen/posts/1373025166177499
Pay an additional $250 and they’ll provide you with buffet tables with skirting, beverages, desserts, disposable plates and cutleries as well as delivery and collection.
If you want a fuss free Hari Raya open house, Redz Kitchen can do everything for you!
Redz Kitchen
Contact No.: 8782 1974
Website
7. Cucina Restaurant & Catering
If you believe that variety is the spice of life, then you’ll love Cucina’s Hari Raya Package.
For $280nett, you get 9 different dishes that feeds up to 10 pax. Dishes includes Beef Rendang, Sambal Udang, Sambal Goreng Pengantin, Lodeh, Sambal Sotong, Ayam Masak Merah, Serunding, Acar Telur.
[caption id="attachment_35077" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Image Credit: Cucina Restaurant & Catering[/caption]
The Aidilfitri Raya Set will be available after 18 June as pre-order.
If you don’t plan on having a huge feast or you’d rather have a smaller portion of food, they also have a special Raya Open House Menu Mini Buffet with free delivery from 20 June.
Cucina Restaurant & Catering
Contact No.: 9380 4729
Website
Also Read Skip The Geylang Crowd And Visit These 6 Ramadan Bazaars In S’pore Instead
(Header Image Source: Nasi Ambeng Asli Jurong West Facebook )
10 Exhilarating Experiences And Eats To Spice Up The Second Half Of June [15-30 June]
We’re midway through June, but the holidays are far from over!
The fun this month isn’t stopping anytime soon either! As per usual, there’s a spread of thrilling events to head out to and fresh new dining spots to try out.
Think: a giant, hipster pasar malam, a magical DreamWorks carnival, and food exhibitions where you can stuff yourself silly. Whether you’re an artsy soul, die-hard foodie or music lover, we’ve got some ideas on how you can spend the remainder of June!
Here’s a calendar of 10 amazing activities and foods to delve into to wrap up the month!
Play & Discover
1. Geylang Serai Bazaar
Let the Hari Raya celebrations begin!
The annual Geylang Serai Bazaar is back–and it’s a not your usual pasar malam.
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Image Credit: Our Kampung Spirit[/caption]
Expect to see over 1000 stalls, and sample all sorts of traditional Hari Raya goodies as you go along.
We can already taste the Ramly burger, kuih tart, kuih bangkit, otah-otah and other delicious snacks.
Why it beats your neighbourhood pasar malam though, is its selection of super instagrammable foods. Think candyfloss burritos, poke bowls, fried durians, rainbow planet ice-cream buns, unicorn tears and more–not to mention the many, many Thai milk tea stalls.
If you’re wondering how these picture perfect foods fared taste-wise, check out our verdict.
Nosh aside, you’ll enjoy colourful installations, free movie screenings, gigs, a pop-up museum and a heritage race as well!
Geylang Serai Bazaar
Where: Spans Geylang Serai market, Joo Chiat Complex and along Haig Road
When: 25 May – 24 June, 11am
Facebook
2. 14th Singapore Open Gymnastic Championship
It’s spins, vaults, somersaults and tumbles galore!
That, and a whole lot more, is what you can expect at the riveting 14th Singapore Open Gymnastics Championships.
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Image Credit: Bishan Sports Hall, 5 Bishan Street 14 #02-0, Singapore 579783When: 3 – 25 June
Admission: FOC – $10
Whether you’re an artsy soul or someone just looking for a photo op, it’s hard not to get excited over this new exhibition.
Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow is the most unique setup at the National Gallery right now!
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Image Credit: National Gallery[/caption]
One of the world’s most influential artists, Yayoi Kusama plays a crucial role in key art movements of the 20th and 21st centuries.
This exhibition in particular focuses on the immersive and expansive nature of her practice.
Step into her infinity mirror rooms and explore her intricate nets, dots and pumpkin motifs.
What’s more, encounter new paintings that have never been shown before!
It’s the perfect chance to discover her creative vision through paintings, sculptures, videos, and installations from the 1950s to the present. That, and take some pictures for the ‘gram too, of course.
Yayoi Kusama Exhibition
Where: National Gallery, City Hall Wing, Level 3, Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery
When: 9 Jun – 3 Sep
Admission: $15 (Singaporeans/PRs) / $25 (Non-Singaporeans)
Website
4. UFC Fight Night
UFC fans rejoice!
Watch the fighters on your TV screen come to life at UFC Fight Night Singapore!
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Image Credit: The Playbook[/caption]
You’ll be catching the sport’s finest athletes from around the globe compete in the world’s most intimidating arena, the Octagon!
There’s even a UFC Fan Experience outside the arena for the more hard core fans.
Challenge yourself at the Striking Challenge, try out the interactive activities at the booths, and don’t miss out on the photo opportunities.
Can’t wait for Fight Night? You can visit a day early to catch the ceremonial weigh-ins and a guest fighter Q&A session on Friday!
UFC Fight Night Singapore
Where: The Octagon, Singapore Indoor Stadium
When: 17 Jun, 4.45pm – 10pm
The local music scene seems to really be flourishing.
This time, local acts are coming together for a good cause at the ADAC Music Concert!
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Image Credit: CNB[/caption]
That’s ADAC for Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign. Organised by The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and the National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA), this FREE music concert will bring together all your favourite local musicians.
There’s Inch Chua, Scarlet Avenue, The Sam Willows, THELIONCITYBOY and Taufik Batisah!
With tunes like “Help Me” (Scarlet Avenue) and “High On Love” (Taufik Batisah), we’ll be singing along, while bearing the all-important anti-drug message in mind.
ADAC Music Concert
Where: Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983
When: 16 Jun, 6pm – 10pm
This year, we will see Asia’s first ever DreamWorks Day right here in Singapore!
Image Credit: DreamWorks Day[/caption]
Take part in the 5km Fun Run, or the 800m Kids Dash and Carnival with your little ones!
You’ll be doing all that alongside your favourite DreamWorks characters from Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, Madagascar and How to Train Your Dragon.
Beneficiaries of this event include the Children’s Cancer Foundation, Wishing Well, and Club Rainbow!
This run is truly a great opportunity to spend some quality time with family and friends, while doing some good for those in need!
DreamWorks Day
Where: Gardens By The Bay, Bay East Garden
When: 24 Jun, 4pm – 8pm
Website
7. Gardens Turns 5
Let the birthday celebrations begin!
Our favourite futuristic garden, Gardens By The Bay, turns 5 this month, and it’s throwing a big birthday bash to mark the occasion.
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Image Credit: YouTube[/caption]
Expect nothing short of a myriad of festivities that all can enjoy!
There will be a display of blooms in the rarest colour–shades of blue–at the Blue Beauties floral display in the Flower Dome!
Also not to be missed is a special edition of the nightly Garden Rhapsody light and sound show. The experience will be further enhanced with stunning video mapping that tells the story of the Gardens’ journey through the years.
Another highlight is the ‘Wonder Through Your Eyes’ photo exhibition, where your own fondest memories at the Gardens will be featured alongside other unforgettable moments.
So come join in the fun at Gardens, where wonder truly blooms!
Gardens Turns 5
Where: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive Singapore 018953
When: Fri, 19 May 2017 – Fri, 30 Jun 2017
Contact no.: 6420 6848
Hit us baby one more time!
We can’t believe Pop Princess Britney Spears is coming to our shores this June!
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Image Credit: Asia Live 365[/caption]
The multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning pop icon will be making her 7th stop in Asia here.
With 150 million records sold worldwide, seven Billboard Music Awards and the Billboard’s Millennium Award to her name, you won’t find someone who hasn’t heard of her.
Her catchy songs “Baby One More Time” and “Piece of Me” get everyone singing along when they come on the radio and during Karaoke. Now, you get to catch Britney performing in the flesh!
If you want a piece of that, hurry and grab your tickets!
Britney Spears Concert
Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium
When: 30 June, 8pm
Contact no.: 3158 7888
Price: S$188 – S$568
The Yummy Food Expo 2017 provides the perfect opportunity to stuff your face with all the good food Singapore has to offer!
Image Credit: Singapore Expo Hall 5, Booth B27When: 22 Jun – 25 Jun
This one’s for you avid snackers and junk food lovers! (That’s all of us, to be honest.)
The World Snack Fair 2017 is sure to satisfy all your sweet and salty cravings!
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Image Credit: Emaze[/caption]
This yummy exhibition is set to feature hundreds of different snack brands from all around the world.
Popular brands you will be familiar with include Japanese brands Meiji and Calbee. We can hear the crunch of potato chips already!
There will also be Ichiban kuji for the Otakus to get anime merchandise, and international guest cosplayers.
A maid and butler cafe will also be set up on-site for those who enjoy themed cafes!
World Snack Fair
Where: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Level 3, Concourse 1-4, Singapore 039593
When: 30 Jun – 1 Jul, 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6560 5424
Well, what are you waiting for?
Don’t let the second half of your June holidays slip away!
We think now’s the best time to get busy, trying out as many fun activities as possible, to give us that boost we need for school/work the rest of the year!
Also, read Salmon Samurai Is Now O-Fish-Ally Open – Create Your Own Salmon Don For Just $9.90
Food At The Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar Isn’t Cheap — Here’s What’s Worth It And What’s Not
In the past couple of days, much has been said about this year’s Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar.
Some have pointed out that Artbox 2.0, and others have said the food there is not worth the price or the queue.
The DiscoverSG team headed down to taste-test the food ourselves, to distinguish those that are worth the money (and the queue) from those that are not. Full disclosure: we picked many of these items based on their insta-worthiness and novelty.
Our conclusion? Some of the most photogenic foods actually tasted the worst.
These are some of the things we liked.
Worth It
1. Katoshka (Muslim owned)
[caption id="attachment_26780" align="alignnone" width="1000"]
Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
One of our favourite stalls at the bazaar–by far– was Katoshka, which serves up russet fries drenched in sauce. Here, you don’t have to worry about running out of sauce for your fries. Not your average cup of cheese fries, this snack packed a punch without being too overwhelming.
We tried the Sambal Cheese ($5.90) and loved how the crispy fries mixed with the spicy cheese. While the serving size is quite small, we think it’s worth every dollar
We also tried the Asam Boi Special ($3.90), a sour plum drink. The drink was on the sweet side, with just the right amount of sourness from the Asam.
2. Banana Cheese Fritters
[caption id="attachment_26798" align="alignnone" width="750"]
Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
Another sweet treat we tried is the Banana Cheese Fritters ($6)–the humble pisang goreng with a twist. There was barely a queue or a wait when we were there. We went with a classic chocolate flavour from a list of options including chocolate rice and oreos. Served warm, these were the perfect balance of sweet and salty–great for those who want a sweet treat that isn’t too cloying.
The melted cheese brought a very subtle flavour to the fritters. If you’re looking for a stronger cheese flavour, we suggest asking for an extra helping of cheese.
And now, on to the stuff we didn’t like.
Not Worth It
1. Milk Bites (Non-halal)
[caption id="attachment_26781" align="alignnone" width="750"]
Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
The Singaporean wisdom of ‘if there’s a queue, join it‘ led us to Fried Milk. An interesting concept, these bite-sized squares of fried milk pudding come in 3 different flavours: Original, Pandan and Thai Milk Tea.
We tried the platter ($9), which came with 4 milk bites of each flavour. Freshly fried, these desserts were crunchy on the outside and oozy on the inside. The consistency of the cream was a bit chunky for our liking and the flavour was quite overwhelming. Suffice to say, we weren’t fans of these.
2. WORD (Muslim owned)
[caption id="attachment_26793" align="alignnone" width="750"]
Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
WORD is no stranger when it comes to cooking up a storm. Their outlet at Upper Thomson Road serves up delicious Western fare alongside crafted sodas and mocktails.
At their pop up stall, we tried the Minah ($8), a bucket of soda dressed to the nines. We were in for a bit of a wait despite the short queue due to a shortage of staff. When we did get our drink creation, we were pretty disappointed. Crafted from Fanta Orange, Ice Cream Soda and two scoops of ice cream, this tasted like diluted Fanta and felt like it could easily have been made at home.
While we appreciate the size of the drink, hauling it around was also a bit of a struggle, especially given the crowd.
3. Loco Loco
[caption id="attachment_26794" align="alignnone" width="1000"]
Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
Loco Loco made a splash at last year’s Geylang Bazaar for offering up flavoured churros. This year, they have 3 outlets spread out over the entirety of the bazaar. We picked up the Chilli Crab Churros ($6) and Beef Scotch Eggs ($6).
The Chilli Crab Churros were warm and the chilli sauce topping tasted like the real-deal, minus the spiciness. Sadly, these Churros were unexpectedly dense. Without the sauce, this snack would have ranked low on our score scale.
The Beef Scotch Eggs were served warm and with a serving of keropok. We waited about 10 – 15 minutes for the Scotch Eggs, so pick this up only if you’re willing to wait around for this dish. While the eggs were nicely done, the beef was pretty plain.
At least they’re photogenic?
SOFNADE is one spot you might want to check out for a sweet treat. Serving up Cendol Soft Serve, Galaxy Milkshakes and Donut Balls, it’s no wonder this dessert stall is a favourite among sweet tooths. We managed to grab a Galaxy Milkshake ($6.50) while the line was short and watched as the stall attendant poured the coloured liquids into the cup, layer by layer. A gorgeous work of food art topped with rainbow sprinkles, its flavour was unfortunately, a let down. The milkshake tastes like a vanilla milkshake, except a lot sweeter. We’re sweet tooths ourselves, but this was way too sweet for us. Unfortunately, many of the pretty and novel foods we tried at the Geylang Bazaar were sub-par in the taste department. That said, we also bought ourselves some more “traditional” pasar malam eats like Takoyaki Balls, Vadai and Dengdeng, and we must admit, at the end of the day, these were our top picks. While this year’s Geylang Bazaar may have more of an Artbox vibe compared to the past years, we were still glad we made the trip down. One piece of advice we do have though, is that if the food looks good, it probably won’t taste great. Also read, With Over 1,000 Stalls, This Year’s Geylang Bazaar Will Keep You Coming Back For More
Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
IKEA Extends Shopping And Dining Hours Till 12MN This Ramadhan – Adds Halal Buffets To Menu
IKEA is a name that needs no introduction.
Whether you pronounce it ‘ee-kia’, ‘ee-kay-a’ or ‘eye-kay-a’, we can all agree that it’s great for two things: good, affordable furniture and meatballs.
This month, the Swedish company will be celebrating Ramadhan and Hari Raya alongside its Muslim friends by giving everyone a special treat between 26 May – 22 June.
IKEA Tampines Buffet Istimewa
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Image Credit: IKEA[/caption]
For two weeks in June (12 – 16 June & 19 – 22 June), IKEA Tampines will be holding its very own buffet feast.
Limited to 200 seats, this Buffet Istimewa is priced at $19.90 for adults and $9.90 for kids. The buffet starts at 7pm and with limited seats available, we recommend grabbing a spot early!
IKEA Tampines Buffet Istimewa
Date: 12 – 16 June, 19 – 22 June
Time: 7pm – 10pm
Price: Adult: $19.90, Child: $9.90
IKEA Family Midsummer Buffet Dinner
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Image Credit: IKEA[/caption]
For one day only, IKEA is set to hold a buffet dinner for IKEA Family members to indulge in IKEA Favourites.
For $20 per pax, an IKEA Family member and 3 guests will be able to feast on a never ending supply of IKEA’s famed meatballs! Tickets are only available for purchase at the IKEA restaurant, so you’ll have to head down early to secure a spot!
IKEA Family Midsummer Buffet Dinner
Date: 23 June
Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm, 8pm – 10pm
Price: (Only applies to IKEA Family members & 3 guests) Early bird: $20/pax; Regular: $30/pax; Child: $10
Extended Hours & $2 Meal Deals
[caption id="attachment_26761" align="alignnone" width="860"]
Image Credit: IKEA[/caption]
For selected weekends in June, IKEA will be extending its shopping hours till midnight! That means you’ll be able to drop by IKEA to pick up that side table you’ve been eyeing, right after work.
IKEA knows that shopping can really work up an appetite, so they’re also offering an assortment of local eats at only $2 a bowl. From Curry Mee to Mee Rebus, dig into a comforting bowl of noodles after shopping the night away!
Extended Hours & $2 Meal Deals
Date: 26 May – 17 June
Time: 9pm – 11pm
Love yourself some IKEA food? Make sure you seize this opportunity to feast, and make sure to share the love with all your Muslim friends!
IKEA Alexandra
Address: 317 Alexander Road, S159965
IKEA Tampines
Address: 60 Tampines North Drive 2, S528764
Also read, Grab Your Foodie Friends And “Buka Puasa” At These 11 Halal Buffets
