We All Love Laksa, Curry And NESTUM, So Starbucks Turned Them Into Pies And Cakes

Starbucks

Starbucks has always been known as the boujee cousin of our local kopitiams.

However, people still flock to them for their beautiful, whipped cream-topped drinks, or a cold brew. Either way, Starbucks is no stranger to Singaporeans.

This National Day period, Starbucks pays tribute to the Lion City with a range of desserts with local flavours.

5 Stars For Starbucks

From savoury to sweets, Starbucks has got you covered with their local delights.

For something with a spicy kick, go for the “Mai Hum” Chicken Laksa Pie and the “Hiam Ah” Devil’s Curry Pie.

As its name suggests, the “Mai Hum” Chicken Laksa Pie does NOT come with clams. The “Hiam Ah” Devil’s Curry Pie consists of egg, chicken sausage, and potato cooked in curry.

[caption id="attachment_36190" align="aligncenter" width="1751"]Starbucks Image Credit: Starbucks Singapore[/caption] [caption id="attachment_36191" align="aligncenter" width="1568"]Starbucks Image Credit: Starbucks Singapore[/caption]

For the chocolate lovers, the “Orh Orh” KIT KAT® Chocolate Cake actually comes with a stick of KIT KAT® buried on top of each slice of cake.

[caption id="attachment_36192" align="aligncenter" width="1875"]Starbucks Image Credit: Starbucks Singapore[/caption]

Of course, KIT KAT® isn’t exactly a Singaporean flavour. But this next one definitely is.

This is the “Sedap Lah” Pandan Gula Melaka Cake. Gula melaka cream sandwiched between layers of pandan-infused sponge cake, and topped with coconut flakes.

[caption id="attachment_36193" align="aligncenter" width="1850"]Starbucks Image Credit: Starbucks Singapore[/caption]

The last one is my favourite – the “Tok Kong” NESTUM® Cake.

NESTUM® is such a nostalgic flavour. My mother used to make it for me for breakfast when I was younger. I loved it then, and I still love it now.

[caption id="attachment_36194" align="aligncenter" width="1870"]Starbucks Image Credit: Starbucks Singapore[/caption]

This “Tok Kong” NESTUM® Cake comes with creamy NESTUM® sandwiched between layers of almond sponge cake, and garnished generously with a speculoos crumble. Mmm…..

Seen anything that you’d like to try? You better hurry down to your nearest Starbucks to get it before it runs out!

Also read We Can’t Believe It’s Not Prata – Jay Chou’s Favourite Scallion Pancake Sandwiches Are Now In S’pore

(Header Image Source: Starbucks Singapore)

Singaporeans, Here’s What Your Go-To Hawker Food Says About You

It’s no secret that we Singaporeans love our food. We will queue for them, travel for them, pay for them; we will go to any lengths to get ahold of the foods we love.

While we’re always on the lookout for the next big food craze, we’ll admit, there’s a special place in our hearts for our very own local delicacies – our messy, greasy plates of char kway teow, our savoury, vinegary bowls of bak chor mee, our deliciously sinful, spicy bowls of laksa…

Most of us have a go-to local dish – the dish we head straight for when we’re in a food court; the one we miss when we’re out of the country; the dish we absolutely cannot imagine our lives without.

Whatever your go-to may be, it reveals plenty about you. Here’s what your go-to Singaporean food says about you:

1. Yong Tau Fu

[caption id="attachment_29446" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Yong Tau Fu from Ding Hao Yong Tau Fu (Image Credit: Deliveroo)[/caption]

You’re either someone who is very health conscious, or someone who likes to feel like you’re making at least some healthy choices in your life. You can be a picky eater, and when ordering food online, you will browse through the entire Deliveroo catalogue until you find something that perfectly suits your mood.

You like feeling like you’re in control at work, at home, and in life in general. You’re careful, meticulous, and reliable. You prefer to err on the side of caution and more often than not, you stick with the safer option.

2. Chicken Rice

[caption id="attachment_29447" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Chicken Rice from Buffet Town (Image Credit: Deliveroo)[/caption]

You like your food like you like your days – good, but in a safe, predictable kind of way. You are a creature of habit and you truly believe you can eat chicken rice every single day.

You take great comfort in routine and familiarity, and you are faithful and loyal to the people and the things you love. You are simple, easy-going, and you don’t sweat the small things.

3. Laksa

[caption id="attachment_29448" align="aligncenter" width="1431"] Image Credit: AspirantSG[/caption]

You live for a bit of risk. You’re adventurous, fiery and passionate. You say go big when others say play it safe. You’re always jio-ing your friends to try cool new eateries with you and you’re often drawn to the most unusual items on the menu.

The Deliveroo catalogue is like a playground to you, and you often have a hard time nailing down what to eat, and where you should even order from. Novelty and things that are outrageous excite you, and you constantly seek out these experiences in your life.

4. Bak Chor Mee

[caption id="attachment_29449" align="aligncenter" width="1192"] Bak Chor Mee from Yammee Teochew Fishball Noodles (Image Credit: Deliveroo)[/caption]

You’re someone with very particular tastes. With food and with every other aspect of your life, you know exactly what you want, and you will go out of your way to get it. You have your go-to pick for everything from the supermarket, to the place you do your hair, to the app you use to order your food. If Deliveroo is your go-to, there’s a good chance you’re sticking with it till the end of time.

While you do get distracted once in a while, you always remember to get back on track – that’s just the laser-focused kind of person that you are.

5. Char Kway Teow

[caption id="attachment_29450" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Burpple[/caption]

Your favoute phrase is ‘treat yo’self’ and you whip it out as often as you can. You love indulging in the things that make you happy and you couldn’t care less what others have to say about it. You’re independent, smart, sassy, and have a mind of your own. Whether it’s bubble tea, pasta, or Chinese food, your Deliveroo order is always at least a little bit different from the rest – and you take pride in that individuality.

Aside from the ones closest to you, what others say or think about you and your decisions don’t faze you. When your mind is made up, there’s no stopping you.

6. Cai Fan/Nasi Padang

[caption id="attachment_29451" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image Credit: Malay Mail Online[/caption]

You’re an impatient character and you want your food, chop chop, right now. You don’t ask for your food to be amazing – decent is good enough. While you’re normally quite sui bian when it comes to food, you like to spoil yourself once in a blue moon. That’s when you go all out, ordering all the delicious grub you’ve heard and read about.

That said, food is not where your passion lies. You prefer to spend your time, effort, and energy improving yourself, nurturing your interests, or on your work; these are the things that give your life meaning, and you pour yourself wholeheartedly into them.

7. Roti Prata

[caption id="attachment_29452" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Roti Prata from Casuarina Curry (Image Credit: Burpple)[/caption]

You’re the life of the party. You have plenty of close friends, and you’re the person everyone calls (or texts) to talk to in the middle of the night. You’re outgoing, extroverted, a little bit cray, and you believe in making good memories over food.

To you, both with food and with people, the more, the merrier. You’re always that person who orders extra sides to share – and you’re happy to pay for it too. You’re all about having a good time, and your infectious energy never fails to light up the whole room.

Were your food “readings” accurate?

We Singaporeans are spoiled for choice when it comes to good food. Now, we’re even more spoiled by Deliveroo, who will bring all these tasty hawker staples right to our door step! (Well, all except for cai fan, but you can always order tze char and make your own cai fan.)

Whether you’re up to your neck in work at the office or decide to spend a lazy day at home, Deliveroo is just a couple of clicks away, and they’ll have all your dining needs covered!

This article is written in collaboration with Deliveroo.  

Also read Lady M Created A Light-Up Lantern For Its Mooncakes, Because Boxes Are So Mainstream

Queenstown Is More Than Just IKEA – Here Are 10 Other Eating Spots You Should Not Miss

Most people know Queenstown for two things: IKEA and Queensway Shopping Centre. What many people may not know is Queenstown is also Singapore’s first satellite town.

An area rich with history, those who live in Queenstown know it is more than just a place to get cheap furniture and cheap sport shoes. In fact, Queenstown is home to many underrated food gems that residents have been keeping to themselves!

Offering tasty local grub, trendy desserts, and everything in between, even the pickiest eater will be able to find something here!

For those with a taste for local delights,

1. Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Claypot Laksa

[caption id="attachment_26540" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Image Credit: AspirantSG[/caption]

Believe it or not, this Michelin-starred laska only costs $3/$4/$5, depending on the portion you order.

Here, they are generous with their prawns, tau pok (fried beancurd), cockles and fish cakes, which are all soaked in their deliciously thick, savory broth. Serving the laksa in a claypot is a stroke of genius, as it keeps the broth nice and warm up till the very last mouthful.

Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Claypot Laksa
Address: Blk 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1 #01-75, Alexandra Village, Singapore 150120
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat, 9am – 3.30pm; Closed Sun

2. Master Prata

Hidden between a row of shops at Alexandra Central Mall, you might miss this prata shop if you’re not looking out for it. Master Prata has an extensive menu, featuring a whopping 108 flavors of prata, alongside items like mee goreng and roti john.

[caption id="attachment_26525" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Image Credit: Master Prata Facebook[/caption]

The plain prata ($1.20), or kosong prata, as we Singaporeans affectionately know it, is crispy without being excessively oily. You can choose from 3 different curries: chicken, fish and mutton.

[caption id="attachment_26526" align="aligncenter" width="636"] Image Credit: Master Prata Facebook[/caption]

Another popular choice is the tissue prata with chocolate sauce ($3). It is crispy on the outside, and light and fluffy on the inside. The dark chocolate sauce plays the role of the supporting character well, and doesn’t overpower the prata.

Be prepared to be spoiled for choice when you pay this eatery a visit. Go for a safe option with the egg prata or opt for a more daring alternative, such as the milo prata and egg floss prata! You can even order one of each–who says you have to stop at one?

Master Prata
Address: 321 Alexandra Road, Alexandra Central Mall, #01-02, Singapore
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 12am
Website

3. Wow Wow West

Wow Wow West whips up value for money food that warms the heart. As supporters of the Yellow Ribbon Project, they hire ex-offenders and ex-drug addicts to help in the kitchen.

[caption id="attachment_26533" align="aligncenter" width="612"] Image Credit: Burpple User Daniel Food Diary[/caption]

Try their Dory Fish & Chips ($6). With its outside cooked to a perfect golden brown, it reveals tender fish meat when you cut into it.

[caption id="attachment_26534" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: thebondingtool.com[/caption]

Alternatively, try the chicken chop, which is priced at a super affordable $5. The huge portion of meat is juicy and well-seasoned with basil and tarragon. Paired with coleslaw, this dish beats KFC’s fried chicken hands-down.

Wow Wow West
Address: 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-133 ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, Singapore 150006
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed – Sat: 10.30am – 7.30pm; Closed Tue and Sun
Website

For the hipsters,

4. The Bakehouse (Permanently Closed)

The Bakehouse is a quaint joint opened by artisan café Carpenter and Cook–and you can tell the instant you walk in.

Both cafes boast a rustic aesthetic, with vintage furniture strategically placed in every nook and cranny of the area. Pleasing on the eyes, it’s also very Insta-worthy.

One thing that sets this café apart from its sister counterpart is their focus on main courses such as pizza, pasta and sandwiches.

[caption id="attachment_26529" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image Credit: Burpple User Celest Lim[/caption]

The chili crab linguine ($22) has finely shredded crab meat tossed into the springy pasta noodle. Its fusion chili sauce is reminiscent of the sauce in chili crab–spicy, with the tang and sweetness of tomato sauce. It’ll take you more than a little effort to keep yourself from licking the whole plate clean!

[caption id="attachment_26530" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image Credit: yennymakanmulu.com[/caption]

Another fantastic dish worth a taste is the Parma Ham Pizza ($18), which is good for sharing between 4 people. Topped with tomato, parma ham, mozzarella and shaved parmesan cheese, with truffle oil drizzled over it, every bite of this pizza delivers a kick of flavour.

If you like your pizza crust thin and crispy, you’ll love this pizza. Baked to perfection, it won’t leave you feeling bloated from all that extra pizza dough.

The Bakehouse
Address: Alexandra Central, 321 Alexandra Road, #01-14, Singapore 159971
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 8am – 10pm; Fri, Sat, eve of PH: 8am – 11pm
Image Credit: Boufe Boutique Café Facebook[/caption]

Just take a look at the Milky Way cake, a masterpiece in terms of both looks and taste. Beneath the star spangled layer lies an Italian sponge cake with white chocolate and yogurt mousse. There is also calamansi jelly interspersed through the cake, keeping the cake from being overly sweet.

One of those foods that look too good to eat, you’ll be torn on whether to eat it or to keep admiring it.

[caption id="attachment_26522" align="aligncenter" width="649"] Image Credit: Boufe Boutique Café Facebook[/caption]

If you swing more savoury than sweet, try the smoked salmon croissant ($19). The buttery croissant is served in bite-size portions, accompanied by smoked salmon and fluffy scrambled eggs. A brunch classic that never gets old!

Boufe Boutique Café
Address: 308 Tanglin Road, Phoenix Park #01-01, Singapore 247974
Opening Hours: Tues – Sun: 10am – 10pm; Closed Mon
old-school bakery located just opposite Alexandra Food Village will have you reliving your childhood with their wide array of pastries.

[caption id="attachment_26523" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Burpple User Rachel Xie[/caption]

Another must try at this confectionery would be their pandan chiffon cake ($0.80). Fragrant, with its subtle flavour lingering on your palate even after you’ve finished eating it, it’ll have you craving for a second slice. If you want to give this a try, make sure to do it early in the day! We hear these cakes run out fast!

Love Confectionery
Address: Blk 122 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Singapore 150122
Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm – 9pm

7. King Avocado

It is a well-known fact that Alexandra Food Village is the home of avocado juice. Of the 5 stalls selling avocado juice there, King Avocado, the pioneer of avocado juices, emerges victorious.

[caption id="attachment_26552" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Burpple User Dixon Chan[/caption]

The top-grade avocadoes used here blends well with the infusion of gula melaka, giving the avocado juice served at this particular store a smoothness and creaminess that’s hard to beat. At $3.50 for a regular-sized cup and $5 for the large cup, it may not be the cheapest, but it’s definitely worth every dollar.

King Avocado
Address: Blk 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Alexandra Village Hawker Centre, Stall 01-19, Singapore
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, Sun: 9.30am – 9.30pm; Closed Sat

8. The Milky Way

Opened by Campus Superstar alumni Renfred Ng and managed by his brother Alfred Ng, The Milky Way serves a host of delectable, unique ice-cream flavours. Priced at $3.80 for a regular scoop and $4.50 for a premium scoop, this is the perfect pick-me-up for a hot summer day typical day in Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_26531" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Image Credit: mshannahchia.com[/caption]

One interesting flavour the Ng brothers have created is the ‘Smurf’. Coloured blue like a Smurf, no artificial colouring was used to give the ice-cream this blue hue. Instead, the colour comes from blue butterfly pea flowers. Flavour-wise, it tastes like a cross between bubblegum and a paddlepop ice-cream.

Another must-try flavour would be the Strawberry Cheesecake. Expect chunks of biscuits and strawberry hidden within the velvety texture of this ice-cream.

[caption id="attachment_26532" align="aligncenter" width="584"] Image Credit: The Milk Way Facebook[/caption]

You can also pair your ice-cream with waffles here! The waffle batter is home-made daily by Renfred and Alfred’s mum. With a crispy exterior that doesn’t turn soggy from the ice-cream, a whole waffle will set you back $8.80, while a half waffle will only set you back $5.

The Milky Way
Address: Blk 48, Tanglin Halt Road, Singapore 142048
Opening Hours: Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu: 1pm – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 1pm – 1am; Closed Tue (except PH)
Website

9. All The Batter

Some of you have tried banoffee pies (a dessert pie made from bananas, cream and toffee) before, but how many of you have tried a banoffee pie drink?

[caption id="attachment_26519" align="aligncenter" width="825"] Image Credit: Burpple User ZC Ong[/caption]

All The Batter has taken a creative approach to making the English classic by using fresh bananas, chocolate chips, caramel, honey and milk to make a liquid version of the pie. Priced at $4.90, wholesome ingredients are used to create this drink, such as their hand-made honey cream.

[caption id="attachment_26520" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Image Credit: Trip Advisor[/caption]

One of their latest creations is the Fruit Bran ($4.90), a hand-roasted rolled oats drink blended with fruits and honey. It is a refreshing mid-day perk for those working in the area.

All The Batter also sells a range of superfoods such as granola and flax seeds, so to all the health nuts out there, don’t say bojio!

All The Batter
Address: 370 Alexandra Road, #B1-46 Anchorpoint, Singapore 189953
Opening Hours: Mon – Wed, Fri – Sun: 11.30am – 9.30pm; Closed Thurs
Image Credit: Nine Fresh Facebook[/caption]

Beat the sweltering Singapore heat with Nine Fresh Signature, a mixture of bean curd and grass jelly, generously topped with red beans, green beans, pinto beans, peanuts and taro balls. A perfect harmony of tastes and textures, this is a real treat for the taste buds.

[caption id="attachment_26528" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: Burpple User Julius Lim[/caption]

The customers’ favourite here is the Grass Jelly Special. This $2 bowl of goodness has aloe vera, pearl jelly, taro balls, black sugar jelly dice and milk balls. You won’t be able to get a scoop of grass jelly without all the other ingredients getting into your spoon!

Don’t be deceived by the size of their portions–these desserts are so filling, they could pass as a full meal.

Nine Fresh
Address:
Blk 169 Stirling Road, #01-1149, Singapore 140169
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 9.30pm; Sat – Sun, PH: 10am – 9.30pm
Lok² And Load – Prepare Yourselves For This All-You-Can-Eat Buffet For Only $24.60 Per Pax

Yun Xiang Kolo Mee – For Your Authentic M’sian Noodle Craving!

Singapore is a food heaven for noodles lovers. There’s Wanton Mee, Prawn Noodles, Fried Noodles, Curry Noodles, Pan Mee, Cantonese Yi Mee, Bak Chor Mee, and there’s also the Kolo Mee.

[caption id="attachment_6475" align="alignnone" width="615"]Image source: Public Domain Pictures Image source: Sarawak Kolomee Yun Xiang’s Sarawak Kolomee[/caption]

Priced at $3.50 per bowl, customers have the option to pick between the ‘white’ and ‘red’ sauce (the red is from the charsiew) Kolo noodles. The noodles are well cooked, bouncy and you can feel the ‘Q-ness’ as you take a bite. And the charsiew? It sure is moist and juicier than its look!

[caption id="attachment_6478" align="alignnone" width="960"]Yun Xiang's Sarawak Laksa Yun Xiang’s Sarawak Laksa[/caption]

If you’re craving for something a little more spicy and tangy, Yun Xiang’s Sarawak Laksa (priced at $4.50 per bowl) will keep your tongue and tummy satisfied.

[caption id="attachment_6479" align="alignnone" width="960"]Small bites Small bites to complete your meal[/caption]

Besides the two signature dishes, Yun Xiang offers other dishes such as Wanton Mee (Soup) ($3.50), Rojak ($3-$5), Popiah ($1.40), and light snacks such as Bean Curd, Fritters, Cuttle Fish and Century Eggs ($1-$2 each).

Their operating hours are 8:30am – 8:00pm. Tip: they usually sell out before 8:00pm! Be there early if you want to avoid disappointment!

Yun Xiang Sarawak Kolo Mee
Address: Blk 19 Toa Payoh Lorong 7 #01-264
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:30am – 8:00pm
Tel: 9420 5987
Getting there:
From Toa Payoh interchange, take bus 238 and stop at Blk 23 (52311) – 4 stops in total
From Bishan interchange, take bus 57 and stop at Pei Chun Public School (523241) – 7 stops in total

(Header image and food images: Yun Xiang Sarawak Kolo Mee)

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