If You Can’t Cook, These 7 Caterers Will Get Your Rendang Ready For Hari Raya

Hari Raya 2018 Catering

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"]Hari Raya 2018 Catering 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.

[caption id="attachment_35073" align="aligncenter" width="720"]Hari Raya 2018 Catering 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!

[caption id="attachment_35075" align="aligncenter" width="720"]Hari Raya 2018 Catering 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
Hari Raya 2018 Catering 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"]Hari Raya 2018 Catering 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"]Hari Raya 2018 Catering 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 )

$30 VS Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2018 – Can You Get Decent Food?

In the past, there were plenty of stalls selling handmade songkok and traditional baju kurung. I’ll always remember the pakcik with his white towel draped over his shoulders as he grilled his satay and dendeng all night long. Not forgetting that really loud makcik who would shove her kuih in your face to sample.

But stalls selling traditional fare that once lined Geylang Serai in the lead-up to Hari Raya Puasa are dwindling or have vanished altogether.

The Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar used to be one of the most exciting “pasar malam” I’d look forward to every year when I was younger but I honestly don’t know what to feel of what it has become. The sanctity that is the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar has been threatened and it’s worrying.

From unicorn everything to edible flavoured balloons, these are the things that my 5 year old nephew would get excited over.

Is paying $8.90 for edible air really worth the hype?

So, instead of spending all of our money to find the latest hype this year, we challenged the team to spend only $30 at Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar to find food and drinks that are actually worth the money.

Make Geylang Serai Bazaar Great Again

Many of the stalls are run by young entrepreneurs who have given our traditional food a modern twist, or offer creations that I could only ever dream of.

Upon reaching the bazaar, we first decided that we needed a drink. A huge one. I was dying from the heat and a small canned drink was not going to suffice.

I came across Broti, a famous stall selling teas in their signature 1 litre cups for only $4. You know how most vendors would fill your cup halfway with ice and the remaining half with water? Well, Broti is truly a bro because they don’t play you dirty like that. Best part, their teas aren’t overly sweet at all.

[caption id="attachment_34552" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Thai Iced Tea ($4)[/caption]

We ordered their Thai Iced Tea ($4) and went on our merry way. Thank god for their 1 litre drinks because there is no way I could survive the crowd and heat without staying hydrated.

Balance Amount: $26

We moved on and decided that we needed something to munch on. There were plenty of fried snacks we could have ordered such as the keropok lekor and goreng pisang. I did my quick maths and realised that they weren’t cheap too. I could have easily splurged $5-6 on finger food as well.

That’s when we came across Katoshka. They go by a very simple concept: good ol’ fries served in cups laden in different sauces, from special cheese, sour ranch, chilli beef and sambal cheese.

This stall in particular stood out to me because it wasn’t trying too hard to please the crowd.

[caption id="attachment_34553" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Katoshka Fries with Special Cheese ($5.90)[/caption]

We got their Fries with Special Cheese ($5.90) which was honestly one of my favourite food of the night. It was classic and hearty and definitely worth the $5.90. Do note that Katoshka is a pretty popular stall so you might have to wait in a long queue before getting your hands on their fries.

But I must say, Katoshka’s fries are worth the hype.

Balance Amount: $20.10

Next up, mains! We realised that most of the hyped mains were crazy expensive for the portion given. We weren’t about the $12 hotdog bun life so we searched high and low for a main that won’t cost us more than $6 at the bazaar.
I was close to getting a ramly burger ($4) until I came across Dendeng Duo selling Burger Dendeng for $4 as well!
[caption id="attachment_34554" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
As much as I love my ramly burger, I knew I had to try something different. It was the same price anyway. They used the same usual ingredients but with a dendeng patty instead!
[caption id="attachment_34555" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Burger Dendeng ($4)[/caption]
It was simple, it filled me up, I was happy indeed.
Balance Amount: $16.10
We had quite a bit of cash to play around with so I knew we could afford one more main. I saw a long snaking line for the meatballs in a bucket for $9 but it did NOT look appetising at all. Can we please not make eating out of a bucket a thing?
That’s when I turned around and smelled something so hearty and satisfying. That’s when I knew, this is what I came for.
FRESHLY BAKED PITA BREAD!
You can’t miss out on the kebab stalls when you’re at the bazaar, especially if there’s a Turkish man preparing the bread right in front of you.
[caption id="attachment_34556" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
Since my friend has never tried the turkish version of a pizza or more commonly known as a pide, we got the Turkish Chicken Pide ($8) which was enough to feed 2 adults. They were extremely generous with their ingredients and even topped our pide off with all their sauces.
[caption id="attachment_34557" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Turkish Chicken Pide ($8)[/caption]
Safe to say, we wiped the entire box clean.
Balance Amount: $8.10
No trip to the bazaar is complete without dessert. My tip at the bazaar is, if it looks too pretty, it probably won’t taste as nice. So we avoided anything rainbow, unicorn, galaxy or anything that had smoke coming out of it.
We came across Markozar, a stall known for their martabak manis and banana fritters. We got a box of Ferrero Banana Cheese ($6). It is pretty pricey for what is essentially goreng pisang drenched in chocolate fondue and grated cheese, but then again, it’s THE Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar.
[caption id="attachment_34558" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Ferrero Banana Cheese ($6)[/caption]
The Ferrero Banana Cheese did taste good and the bananas were still crispy when we ate them. It is slightly “hipster” but I guess that’s what you have to do if you want to attract youngsters to buy goreng pisang.
Balance Amount: $2.10
Who said you couldn’t get anything with $2 at the bazaar. We saw a banner saying “Mini Vadai 10 for $2” and we knew that’s how we’re going to spend our last few dollars.
[caption id="attachment_34559" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
As much as I would’ve enjoyed their prawn vadai (3 for $2.50), it was not in our budget so mini vadai it is.
[caption id="attachment_34560" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] 10 Mini Vadai for $2[/caption]
It was simple, bite sized, fuss-free.
Balance Amount: $0.10
We spent a total of $29.90 on 1 drink, 1 appetiser, 2 mains and even managed to squeeze in a snack. Safe to say, we managed to stretch our $30 pretty well.
Although I had to miss out on the beautiful Instagram-worthy food, I did leave the bazaar with a full stomach. The food we picked out were still satisfying and worth the amount we paid for.

With the classic staples scattered sparsely around, lost among an explosion of rainbow coloured food and unicorn drinks, it’s safe to say that the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar has been properly gentrified. It’s truly unfortunate that the bazaar has come to this.

I think it’s about time we ban unicorn drinks and rainbow-coloured food already.
Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2018
When:  12 May 2018 to 14 June 2018
Nearest MRT Station: Paya Lebar Station

Also read You Can Now Find Free Books Around S’pore Thanks To This Emma Watson-Backed Movement

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

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.

[caption id="attachment_27242" align="aligncenter" width="960"] 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.

[caption id="attachment_27248" align="aligncenter" width="2500"] Image Credit: Bishan Sports Hall, 5 Bishan Street 14 #02-0, Singapore 579783
When: 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!

[caption id="attachment_27247" align="aligncenter" width="991"] 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!

[caption id="attachment_27240" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] 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!

[caption id="attachment_27246" align="aligncenter" width="744"] 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!

[caption id="attachment_27241" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] 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.

[caption id="attachment_27245" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] 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!

[caption id="attachment_27244" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] 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!

[caption id="attachment_27243" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Singapore Expo Hall 5, Booth B27
When: 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!

[caption id="attachment_24343" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] 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