Tag: rice bowl

‘Don’ You Love A Good Rice Bowl? Get Them Delivered, Or Self-Collect Them From NTU, NUS and CBD

Singapore’s Japanese food scene has evolved a lot ever since we were introduced to the cuisine. From sushi to Ramen, Udon, Don, Teppanyaki, and Shabu Shabu steamboats, there are plenty of restaurants offering Japanese food all over Singapore.

However, not many have the option of delivery because the cuisine places emphasis on the freshness of the food as it is prepared and presented – and delivery directly contradicts this aspect of Japanese cuisine.

Enter Don Play Play.

As their name suggests, they don’t mess around when it comes to their dons.

Don’t Play With Don Play Play

Don Play Play is a new food delivery service that provides and delivers Japanese rice bowls (dons) at wallet-friendly prices to students and faculty of NUH and NTU, as well as workers in the CBD.

They have 6 items on their complete menu. While the menu seems limited, the demand is quite overwhelming.

You can choose from the Truffle Beef Yakiniku Don, Salmon Chirashi Don, Chicken Grain Bowl, Salmon Sashimi Salad, Unagi Don, and Salmon Mentaiko Don. Everything on the menu is $12.80.

Their bestsellers are the Salmon Chirashi Don that comes with fresh salmon sashimi, tamago cubes, ikura, vinegared sushi rice, wasabi and pink ginger, and the Unagi Don which comes with Teriyaki-glazed grilled unagi, 63-degree onsen egg, and Japanese garlic fried rice.

Look at the gorgeous glaze on that unagi. Mmmm…

The Salmon Mentaiko Don uses fresh Norwegian salmon and their own homemade spicy mentaiko sauce, and comes topped with a 63-degree onsen egg.

To be honest, everything on their menu sounds delicious.

Delivery And Pickup

So currently, you can choose to have your food delivered to you, or pickup your food from a fixed location.

For delivery, there is a $64 minimum order (5 rice bowls) and a $10 delivery fee on top of that. However, delivery is free for orders above $128.

Orders for NTU, NUS and the CBD can have their orders delivered at no minimum order amount and no delivery fee, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays respectively.

Now, if you choose to pick up your food, there are fixed pickup points in NUS, NTU, and the CBD.

Check out their pickup locations and timeslots here.

If you’re ordering from NUS, NTU or the CBD, better do so earlier because the rice bowls sell out FAST.

Don Play Play have also mentioned that they will be further expanding their menu in future, so keep a look out!

If you’re thinking of ordering from Don Play Play, it’s best to do so in a group so delivery is free. Now, who’s up for don?

Don Play Play
Website

Also read Hokkien 101 – Words And Phrases You Can Use Everyday Without Getting Slapped

(Header Image Source: Don Play Play)

This Poke Stop Serves Aburi-Style Poke, And That’s Not Their Only Twist On The Trend

It’s been a good couple of months, and still, the poke bowl trend doesn’t seem to be losing steam here in Singapore.

A healthy, Hawaiian-inspired version of our favourite chirashi don, that’s filled with raw fish and healthy to boot, it’s no wonder there seems to be a new poke place springing up every other week!

Yet another poke stop has surfaced, specifically in the Bugis area of Singapore. This one is a little different from the rest, and we think those of you who love aburi-ed sashimi will especially like this.

Have Your Poke Torched

Located just a stone’s throw away from LASELLE College of the Arts, Torched shares a counter and dining space with specialty coffee concept One Man Coffee.

The brainchild of 2 siblings – a brother-sister duo – the concept of torched poke bowls was a product of experimentation and spontaneity. After fooling around with a blowtorch in the kitchen, the pair stumbled upon a way to separate their poke bowls from the rest – serving up bowls with their ingredients torched!

The result is a poke bowl that has all the usual suspects – raw fish, rice, seaweed – but with their flavours fired up.

Like most poke places, you get to take your pick of either a signature bowl – where all the big decisions are made for you – or a customised bowl, where you can put all your favourite ingredients into one bowl!

Torched offers 3 signature bowls: the Signature Torched Poke Bowl ($15), the Torched Tofu Bowl ($9), and the Roast Pork & Kimchi Bowl ($10).

The Signature Torched Poke Bowl is a colourful mixture of torched salmon, tuna and tamago mentaiko on a bed of sushi rice and salad. The fish is fresh and lightly seasoned, so you won’t feel jelat halfway through your bowl. A fuss-free, flavourful bowl, this is an easy pick if you have trouble deciding what to put into your poke.

Vegetarians, Torched hasn’t forgotten you.

Their Torched Tofu Bowl is a vegetarian option that comprises torched sesame tofu and avocado on a bed of rice and salad. Cherry tomatoes, edamame, pomelo and seaweed are also added into the mix to give your poke bowl a tantalising variety of textures and flavours.

Torched Snacks

Poke bowls aside, their torched ingredients also come served in tacos and kueh pie tee “shots”.

Fill your tacos and “shots” with tamago mentaiko ($6), spicy poke ($7), or roast pork & kimchi ($8). We recommend the spicy poke, which is spicier than we expected – not that we mind.

If you’re considering pairing these snacks with your poke, we suggest going for the kueh pie tee shots. Perfect for popping into your mouth, the kueh pie tee cups work interestingly with the fillings. That, and we love the crunch when you bite into these little cups.

While we enjoyed the poke shots, we didn’t fancy the tacos nearly as much because the filling, rice, and taco made for a strange combo. With nothing tying the different elements together, the three tasted like completely separate entities that were just thrown together.

While poke bowl spots are becoming more common in our local food scene, Torched has taken a unique approach with its poke, and we think it’s pretty clever. After all, who doesn’t love the smokey-raw combo of aburi-style fish?

The next time you’re in the Bugis area and are craving a hearty bowl of poke, drop by Torched! Simple, delicious and oh-so-photogenic, these rice bowls are a straightforward choice for a lunch break or a quick friend-date with the girls.

Torched 
Address: 128 Prinsep St, Singapore 188655
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 5.30pm; Closed on Sat & Sun
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Also read Singaporeans, Here’s What Your Go-To Hawker Food Says About You

[NEW] A Poke Theory Serves Up Poke Bowls That Do Not Disappoint!

New kids on the block, A Poke Theory, strongly believes that healthy food does not equate to tasteless food. Sibling duo, Joey and Vannessa, have always dreamt of starting a business together. Therefore, as foodies themselves, opening a fast food-first concept was undoubtedly the perfect plan.

A Poke Theory

Situated right in the heart of the CBD, A Poke Theory was born out of Joey’s love for roasts, and Vannessa’s passion for wholesome grub. Take a peek into their personal Instagram accounts. You’ll notice the stark difference in food preferences. Joey (@buttergoggles) lives for meat. While Vannessa (@feedvannessa) swears by fruits, vegetables, and smoothie bowls.

However, everything converges nicely to create food that is healthy without compromising on taste or ingredients.

What are poke bowls?

Poke bowls originated in Hawaii. They were once served as snacks for the fishermen who seasoned and ate the cut-offs from their catch while out at sea. Poke bowls can be closely compared to the Japanese chirashi don, where fresh sashimi is served on top of a bed of sushi rice.

The concept

At A Poke Theory, the choice is yours.

1. Start by picking a base that best suits your dietary requirements – signature sushi rice, jasmine brown rice, lemon herb quinoa, or romaine lettuce.
2. Then, choose your star of the show – salmon or tuna, with either spicy or non-spicy options.
3. Complimentary toppings include Japanese cucumber, cherry tomato, pineapple, shredded carrot, edamame, tobiko, furikake and nori flakes.
4. It’s the premium toppings that shake things up in your poke bowl. Premium toppings include Barbequed corn, lime avocado, kale chips, crispy salmon skin and roasted honey and spice cashews. If you’re lucky, you might even catch Joey’s signature roasts before they sell out. These seasonal meats are roasted on the spot in limited quantities. Be sure to snag some before everyone else does. At $1 to $2 a pop for premium toppings, you can go crazy! A tiny splurge goes a long way for a party in your mouth.

My customised poke bowl

For the love of avocado, I very predictably picked the avocado miso salmon. My additional toppings? You guessed it – more avocado and cashews!

Two words describe my poke bowl: absolutely divine. Credits don’t go to my impeccable choice in toppings. Rather, it’s the thoughtful concoction of flavours that were infused into each ingredient. Of course, the freshness of the seafood made a big difference too!

The buttery salmon blended perfectly with the creaminess of the avocado dressing. The accompanying fruits and vegetables were refreshing, and cleansed the palette well. Even though my poke bowl was on the house (Joey is an old friend from Ngee Ann Poly!), it’s safe to say that the premium ingredients are well-worth every penny.

The premium ingredients all had a little twist to their flavours – a dash of spice or a zest of tang. For someone whose record is six bowls of rice in one sitting, I have to add that I really enjoyed A Poke Theory’s signature sushi rice. Infused with garlic, chillis and seasoned with sushi vinegar, the rice is sticky. The taste of vinegar, though not as strong as your typical sushi rice – which was exactly to my liking, but otherwise highly subjective.

Sweet endings

Remember to leave room for dessert – guilt-free superfood smoothie bowls. I was spoilt for choice. Part of me wanted a refreshing smoothie bowl as I was stuffed from my poke bowl. The other part knew that I had to get either the Cacaoholic or the Maca Nutter. That’s because I usually only eat dairy-based flavours for dessert

Cacaoholic did not disappoint. The texture was akin to ice cream without the bite, or a popsicle without the structure. I especially enjoyed the raw cacao nibs that added a nice crunch to the smoothie bowl. Just had to buy a bag of roasted honey and spice cashews for the road because they were way too addictive!

All in all, A Poke Theory is a great concept. It’ll suit anyone, from the busy professionals who are looking for a delicious, easy-to-eat meal to health-conscious individuals in search of tasty alternatives, and picky eaters like myself who love a highly customisable meal.

https://www.facebook.com/apoketheory/videos/1727934657461047/

A Poke Theory
Location: 27 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069623
Website What Do You Get When You Put Burger And Japan Together? Burger King’s New Japanese Burger!

Rise Of The Rice Bowls – 9 Bowls That Taste As Good As They Look

They say that a square meal is a nourishing and balanced one that contains enough ingredients and nutrients to satisfy the body. But with the rise of restaurants serving a comprehensive rice bowl fit for a king, you’ll soon be agreeing that circular meals are exactly what you need right now.

From the delightfully delicious ingredients to the delicate crockery that house them, rice bowls makes for an easy and wholesome meal that’s easy on the eyes and stomachs. Here’s our list of some of the prettiest rice bowls we could find.

1. MAY MAY

I run the risk of sounding lame but the first thought that came to my mind is ‘this place very chio’. And you’ll see where I’m coming from once you’ve had a meal there. Natural lighting and living wall facade adorns the minimalistic space, and everywhere you turn is an Instagram spot. But the real star is their lunchtime rice bowls. Opt for the Butter Poached Cod ($18), where tender smooth pieces of cod lie in the midst of wakame, oven roasted tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, pickled lotus root, wasabi sprouts, soft centred egg – the result is a kaleidoscope of colours that’s almost too pretty to eat.

MAY MAY
Address: 65 Tras Street
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 11:30am – 3pm, 6:30pm – 11pm

2. Ninja Bowl

Perhaps the reason why the restaurant is named ‘Ninja’, other than its obvious Japanese influence, is the speed at which you’ll find yourself swiftly clearing the contents of your rice bowl. These hearty and affordable rice bowls come loaded with various protein and a slew of healthy greens, making them a great meal option. The Kabuki bowl ($14) is a safe option with seared honey chicken leg, baby corn, pickled beets, an onsen egg and bean sprouts that come together harmoniously in your mouth.

Ninja Bowl
Address: 15 Duxton Road
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 9:30am – 7:30pm; Sat – Sun: 9am – 6pm

3. Aloha Poké

The funky name reflects the brand’s ethos – bringing fun and fresh Hawaiian flavours into Singapore. They specialise in poké, which for the uninitiated, is a traditional Hawaiian dish where raw seasoned tuna is tossed with sesame seeds, sweet onion and scallions. Served with fresh salad greens, squeeze the wedge of lime provided to awaken the fresh tropical flavours of this dish. This light meal (from $11.90) makes for a great healthy lunch option for all sashimi lovers out there.

Aloha Poké
Address: 92 Amoy Street
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 11pm

4. Tendon Ginza Itsuki

The snaking queue outside this eatery in Tanjong Pagar is testament to the popularity of its tendon – a one-bowl soul food filled with various ingredients deep fried to a delectable golden brown. Step inside and you’ll see most people indulging in their Special Tendon Set ($13.90), where prawns, chicken and vegetables are prepared tempura style. Don’t forget the oozing tempura half-boiled egg that’ll make for a great sauce coating. This might sound like an indulgent bowl of fried food, but you’ll have little regrets once you start eating.

Tendon Ginza Itsuki
Address: 101 Tanjong Pagar Road
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10pm

5. Grain Traders

The open interior and open-spaced kitchen makes Grain Traders a welcoming place for a healthy and hearty meal option. Personalise your very own nutritious lunch with their Build-You-Own-Bowl ($16) and choose from the various protein and vegetables that’s freshly prepared in batches. Expect charred furikake corn, seared marinated tuna, apple kimchi and other mouth-watering selections. The only thing you’ll need to worry about is holding up the queue when attempting to choose from their extensive variety.

Grain Traders
Address: 138 Market Street, #01-01/02/03
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 8am – 8pm

6. Nosh

I’m thinking that the restaurant aims to provide nourishing food in a posh setting judging from the earthy wooden furnishing and wholesome menu. Don’t be too quick to dismiss the Yakitori Salmon ($24) as yet another Japanese fare. Nosh brings the usual Japanese flavour up a notch with their thick chunk of salmon resting on a bed of sweet coconut rice and topped with vietnamese caramel, creating a salty-sweet dish that’s unlike any brunch item you’ve had before.

Nosh
Address: 9 Rochester Park
Opening hours: Tue – Fri: 11:30m – 10:30pm; Sat – Sun: 10:am – 10:30pm

7. Superbowl

Inspired by donburis, Superbowl is a concept eatery specialising in rice bowls that are outstandingly fresh and delicious. Their Super Fish Bowl ($20) is the ultimate dish for sashimi lovers, where a selection of salmon, tuna, swordfish and scallop sashimi sits comfortably above a bed of short-grain rice and crowned with a spoonful of fish roe.

Superbowl
Address: 8 Circular Road
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 11:30am – 3pm

8. The Refinery

The minimalist industrial interior of The Refinery plays host to a restaurant/ bar and a co-working space upstairs. I don’t know about you but if I have a restaurant that serves this Gyuniku Donburi ($15) right below my workspace, I’ll have to resist having it for lunch every other day. With fragrant truffled shimeiji mushrooms, shredded tare marinated beef and a runny onsen egg, this rice bowl that’s punctuated with scallions is a well thought-out dish that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

The Refinery
Address: 115 King George’s Ave
Opening hours: Tue – Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am; Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 1am; Sat: 11am – 4pm, 6pm – 1am; Sun: 11am – 4pm

9. Tanuki Raw

Our last restaurant is a heavyweight when it comes to the rice bowl scene in Singapore. Touted as one of Singapore’s best lunch bowls, Tanuki Raw dishes out affordable meals as well as alcoholic drinks. Order the crowd favourite – Truffle Yakiniku ($18) – which features slices of US angus beef short ribs pan seared to perfection and drizzled with truffle soy sauce that’ll make a great accompaniment to the mixed rice.  

Tanuki Raw
Address: 181 Orchard Road
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 11am – 10:30pm

With these photogenic rice bowl options, you’ll have to remember to put down your phone and actually get to eating the meal before it turns cold. Boasting the complete package of both looks and taste, you’ll soon find yourself falling head-over-heels for these rice bowls. 

(Header image: Also read: Food Trend Alert! Are Over The Top Fries The Next Food Craze?