Tag: punggol

Forget Geylang – This Durian Stall In Punggol Is A Hidden Gem, Serves Everything From D24 To MSW

The thing about us durian lovers is that we’re all slightly crazy.

There’s just something about this thorny, creamy, pungent fruit that sparks a certain obsession in us.

Durian season is back in full swing and we definitely can’t wait to stuff our faces with durians. We recently came across a Durian spot that was set up “For Punggolians, By Punggolians”. Of course we had to check this place out.

Know Your Liu Lian

When we hear Punggol, we only think of BTOs and….Waterway Point? If you’re a hardcore durian fan then you know the best places with old school durian sellers would be in Geylang.

Nonetheless, we headed down to Durian Empire at Punggol Plaza to check what the hype is all about.

We arrived at 7pm but there was already a long queue of Singaporeans waiting for their durians. And just like any typical Singaporean, we joined in the fun because our mothers always say, “Long queue means must be good”.

The queue may seem intimidating but it was constantly moving so you don’t have to worry about waiting in line for too long. They even gave out complimentary bottled water for their customers – 10/10 service.

We met with Martin, one of the founders of Durian Empire to ask him every question we ever wanted to ask a Durian Seller.

1. How do I know if the durian I picked is fresh?

A lot of people assume that watery durians are not good quality durians, but some people prefer this over the more creamier durians. So “freshness” is subjective in a sense.

Sometimes some durians may look good on the outside but the inside may still be underripe. You can also hit the durian to hear if it makes a “hollow” sound.

2. Are the durians that are pre-packed in plastic/styrofoam sold in supermarkets fresh?

I think most Singaporeans don’t really like the packaged ones because of their perception that they’re “low-quality durians”. A lot of my friends have feed-backed that a lot of durian sellers pack the nice looking durians on the first row and the bad ones on the second row.

We want to be honest and have a long term relationship with our customers instead.

3. Do names (D24, Mao Shan Wang, Jin Feng) really matter?

The taste is really different. Taste is really subjective.

Not everyone loves Mao Shan Wang, some prefer XO because of the texture. Last time, I don’t think they got all these different types of durians. Only now, because of the cross-breeds, there’s all these different durians like Black Thorn etc.

4. Is there a sequence to eating durians?

Yes there is. Because of the overwhelming taste, if you taste something too strong and then go for the lighter one afterwards, it will just cover all the flavours and you won’t taste anything at all.

You should eat the lighter ones first and save the stronger ones for last. For example, go for the D13, XO and save the Mao Shan Wang for last.

5. What durian would you recommend for first timers who are intimidated by the taste and smell of this fruit?

D13. This durian is not so overwhelming.

I would compare the D13 durian to cheddar because the taste is milder. The Musang King is like Blue Cheese because it is more flavourful. The Musang King is an acquired taste because not everyone would like the overwhelming flavour.

6. Are you sick of durian yet?

I still enjoy durian a lot. I’m not here every day so I don’t face durians as often as they (his colleagues) do.

I’m still okay, I still enjoy my durian.

The durians sold at Durian Empire are extremely cheap now. Their Mao Shan Wang durians are going for as low as $13/kg and their D13 for $8/kg. If you’re looking for a durian feast with your makan kaki, then this is the perfect place for you.

https://www.facebook.com/durianempiresg/photos/a.680391182164265.1073741828.675783929291657/783596661843716/?type=3&theater

We tried two different MSW, one from JB and the other from Pahang. Both had intense flavours but I prefer the one from Pahang. It had a slight nutty taste to it making it not as jelak as the one from JB.

The Pahang MSW’s flesh was thicker and had a heavier bitterness as compared to the JB MSW which was more watery and had a sharper sweetness to it. We tried their D13 and XO durians as well. Although not as intense as the MSW, they definitely did not lack in flavour.

Their selection of durians are definitely some of the best I’ve had in Singapore. They were smooth, creamy and almost buttery even. The durian instantly melts in your mouth once you eat it.

In other words, you know its a good durian when you go “OOOOOHHH” or “AAAHHH” on your first bite. It was shiok lah.

The durians here are so good that they have customers from Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang coming all the way to Punggol for their durians. Now that’s what you call dedication.

Unfortunately they don’t do delivery but if you’re lucky, you might just be able to reserve some durians for yourself if there’s enough for the walk-in customers as well.

If you’re a durian connoisseur, then you can’t miss out on the best and freshest durians from Durian Empire.

Durian Empire
Address: 168 Punggol Field, Punggol Plaza B1 Atrium, Singapore 820168
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 4:30pm – 11pm, Fri – Sat: 4:30pm – 12:00 am
Website

Also Read Stuff Your Face With Cake At This Bake Sale Pop-Up – Happens Every Weekend Till August

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

Seletar Aerospace Is Where The Hipsters Are Now Hanging Out At

North-east residents rejoice! The new kid on the block – Seletar Aerospace – is currently where all the hipsters are now hanging out at!

The recently redeveloped area at Seletar Aerospace Park is also known as The Oval. This sprawling plot of land boasts a cluster of 32 black and white colonial bungalows. Gazetted for conservation, these stunning bungalows now house various restaurants for that ultimate dining experience.

We’d say, forget Tiong Bahru and Holland Village. Seletar Aerospace is the next foodie enclave that you should be heading to!

1. Youngs Bar & Restaurant

Housed in one of the numerous colonial bungalows at Seletar Aerospace Park is Youngs Bar & Restaurant.

If you happen to be here at night, you will certainly be spoilt for choice with their extensive selection of drinks. Choose from draft and bottled beers, single malt whiskies, cocktails to red and white wine!

Youngs Bar & Restaurant
Address: 3 Hyde Park Gate, The Oval @ SAP, Singapore 799531
Opening hours: Mon to Thu 11am – 1am, Fri & Eve of PH 11am – 2am, Sat 8am – 2am, Sun and PH 8am – 1am
Credit: Credit: Credit: Website

3. Wildseed

Similar to most of the restaurants here at Seletar Aerospace Park, Wildseed is a cafe by day and transforms into a bar at night.

[caption id="attachment_21809" align="aligncenter" width="901"] Credit: Credit: Credit: 4. The Summerhouse Dining Room

Sharing the same bungalow space as Wildseed, The Summerhouse Dining Room is located at the upper floor of the colonial bungalow.

[caption id="attachment_21813" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Credit: Facebook, The Summerhouse Dining Room[/caption]

The restaurant overlooks its in-house garden and farming collective. Expect a plethora of nature-inspired cuisines using their very own fresh seasonal produce!

Here at The Summerhouse Dining Room, you can expect nothing short of inventive flavours. They have a unique collective farming set menu as well as a la carte dishes available. Some of their highlights include Iberico Pork, Beetroot as well as Uni Pasta.

[caption id="attachment_21812" align="aligncenter" width="329"] Credit: 5. Di Wei Teo Chew Restaurant

If modern Western cuisines do not suit your palate for the day, fret not! There is still the reliable Chinese restaurant to fall back on at Di Wei Teo Chew Restaurant.

[caption id="attachment_21816" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Credit: Credit: Website

The once-secluded area of Seletar just got more hip. All because of the onslaught of chichi restaurants and cafes that serve up fancy food, fancy cocktails and fancy coffee. Away from the bustling city roads, this place provides a serene and almost country-like atmosphere rarely found in our cosmopolitan Singapore.

While Seletar Aerospace might be slightly inaccessible (though Punggol and Yishun residents might beg to differ), it is no doubt a trip worth making. So head down to this new foodie enclave and savour some delectable food fare while enjoying the quiet setting. At the rate of its increasing popularity, this place might start getting more crowded in time to come!

(Header image credit: www.silverkris.com)

Also, read 6 Best Places For A Customised Burger So You Can Really Have It Your Way

Hi-tech Bowling Alley Strikes Punggol: Put Them Bowling Shoes On!

Calling all bowlers! Whether you’re a sure-strike pro at bowling or a gutter feeder newbie, you’ll definitely have a strikin’ good time at this newly opened hi-tech bowling alley.

Remember how bowling used to be for teenagers and kids? Well, the new alley lanes provided by Punggol SAFRA now makes bowling a more family friendly affair. With more 5-pound bowling balls and automatic lane bumpers, kids will be sure to enjoy the game too!

Orchid Bowl @ Punggol SAFRA

Orchid Bowl has recently launched a new bowling alley in SAFRA Punggol. It has since attracted large crowds but

What makes this bowling alley stand out from the rest?

For starters, all 24 lanes are equipped with highly interactive smart screens. These provide bowlers with new bowling fun. The screens contain more than 1000 different types of animations and themes for players to choose from.

Some features, such as MadGames, allow bowlers to compete against their teammates in different skill-based challenges. These games are the first of its kind in Singapore and are only available at this alley. The games also contain the Score Assist feature, which gives beginner bowlers an advantage over seasoned players. With slight advantage given to beginners, complacency is something experienced bowlers will no longer risk being.

Other cool features such as YouToons allows bowlers to snap pictures and create avatars of themselves. Fans of Mario Kart will find this feature slightly familiar.

If you haven’t tried cosmic bowling (aka bowling with glow-in-the-dark pins and balls) you can now do so at this bowling alley. Orchid Bowl @ Punggol SAFRA is set to operate its Cosmic Bowling nights every Friday and Saturday, starting from 1st July.

Price

The rates at this new bowling alley are charged per hour. Experienced bowlers can now play to their hearts content as there’re no restrictions on the number of games played within the hour. How awesome is that?

With so many cool and family friendly features, you won’t have to worry about the little ones getting bored or that they’ll get upset when they lose because with the new features and added support, who knows if your kids may even beat you at your own game!

Orchid Bowl @ SAFRA Punggol
Address: 9 Sentul Crescent #05-03, S828654
Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs 10am-1am, Fri & Sat 10am-3am

(Header Image Credits: twincityfamilyfuncenter.com, words by editor)

Also, read 13 Best Things To Do In Punggol That Show Punggol Is Not Boring At All!

13 Best Things To Do In Punggol That Show Punggol Is Not Boring At All!

If you’ve exhausted your list of places to go, worry no more – this comprehensive guide to Punggol means you’ll be able to stuff yourself silly and explore what was once considered one of the most ulu parts of Singapore.

1. Explore the former landfill that is Lorong Halus Wetlands

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBCqvjak3kK/?taken-at=1547318

Spanning over 18 acres is Lorong Halus Wetlands, a former landfill that extends along the eastern bank of Serangoon Resevoir. Enter from Punggol Promenade and make your way across the snaking Lorong Hulas Bridge, which was fashioned to resemble a railway bridge.

2. Have a futsal tournament with your friends

Source: 6 Tebing Lane #01-05

Opening Hours:
Off-Peak
Mon – Fri: 9am – 6pm, $50/court/hour

Peak
Mon – Fri: 6pm – 2am
Weekends and Public Holidays: 9am – 2am, $95/court/hour