Tag: singapore food

10 Electrifying Experiences To Enjoy To Close Off April [16-30 April]

We’ve been having a rad April so far, and we hope you have too!

If you haven’t, don’t fret! The second half of the month has even more to offer. There are parties, runs, run parties, and so much more! Not forgetting the many new food spots that have sprung up, to satisfy cravings we didn’t even know we had.

Here’s a calendar of fun and exciting activities to fill up your 15-30 April! We wouldn’t miss them if we were you. 

Play & Discover

1. Amoy St. Bloc Party

This month, Amoy St. Bloc Party returns for its second edition!

If you were there for last year’s affair, you’ll remember a rowdy celebration of food, drinks, play and music, with more than 3,000 party-goers.

Expect nothing less at this year’s street festival! Soak up the bustling atmosphere of the area, which houses a bunch of cool, edgy restaurants and bars in a row of colorful shop houses.

Participating chow joints include French-Japanese Izakaya Le Binchotan, Mediterranean Maggie Joan’s, New York cocktail bar Employees Only, Burger Joint, Birds of a Feather, boCHINche, and many more!

Groove the evening away with yummy food and boozy drinks, to live performances, featuring local music acts and an exciting headliner.

The party doesn’t stop there–come night, Ding Dong’s playful restaurant space will be reworked into a retro dancefloor for the after-party.

Amoy St Bloc Party
Where: Amoy Street
When: 23 April, 3pm-10pm (Afterparty at Ding Dong until 12am)

2. Singapore Ink Show

Maybe you’ve been thinking about getting your first tattoo. Maybe you’re already a tattoo veteran on the hunt for your next masterpiece.

Regardless, come celebrate body art at the Singapore Ink Show!

3. City 65 Music Festival

Because Singapore can’t get enough of its music festivals, here’s the latest one to join the list!

The first CITY65 Music Festival will be taking place this Saturday, within the chill, urban forest vibes of Tin Hill Social Kitchen & Bar.

Local bands and singer-songwriters are set to steal the spotlight at this music event that aims to bring together and support local musicians.

It’s about time we got in on the local indie music scene! Expect to see a total of 13 acts including Jack & Rai, Dru Chen, Falling Feathers, Stopgap and Kings.

Admission is free for children under 12, so feel free to bring your little ones to this family-friendly event!

Did we mention all tickets come with a free drink? Consider your Saturday night plans made.

City 65 Music Festival
Where: Tin Hill Social Kitchen & Bar, 100 Turf Club Road, Horse City, Singapore 287992
When: April 15 – April 16 (Apr 15 at 1pm to Apr 16 at 2am)
The only thing that can get you more pumped than a good run or a dance party is a smashing combination of them both. 

That’s exactly what you can expect at this year’s Electric Run Recharged!

[caption id="attachment_24948" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] Image Credit: 22 April, 6pm – 9pm
Price: $95/pax
Maybe you want to do something a little more relaxing.

Whether you appreciate art, love flowers, or anything in between, Gardens By The Bay has the perfect exhibition for you.

[caption id="attachment_24945" align="aligncenter" width="1100"] Image Credit: See art blossom before your eyes as you take a leisurely stroll with your loved ones through this year’s Tulipmania.

Be enthralled as Vincent Van Gogh’s famous self-portrait and art piece “The Starry Night” come to life with the vivid hues of tulips.

More than 100 varieties of tulips and hyacinths will be on display in this striking palette of colours.

Tulipmania at Gardens By The Bay
Where: Flower Dome
When: 1 Apr – 7 May, 9am – 9pm

6. Nat Geo Earth Day Run

Runs seem to be a recurring theme this month. Here, we have one you can participate in for a good cause!

National Geographic is holding Singapore’s first and only run, powered solely with renewable energy!

[caption id="attachment_24949" align="aligncenter" width="1058"] Image Credit: 23 April, 2.30pm – 8.30pm
Never fret again if you’ve been looking for all-day dim sum eatery!

Canton Paradise’s newest outlet at Marina Bay Sands serves up dim sum, roast specialties, Hong Kong style congee and noodles, and Cantonese wok-fried dishes.

[caption id="attachment_25072" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Burpple[/caption]

Feel right at home in its swanky interior, and bask in its naturally lit, lively atmosphere.

Must tries include the Handmade Meatball Congee ($9.80) that have a velvety smooth and silky texture. Mmm.

The tasty Steamed Molten Salted Egg Yolk Custard Piggy Bun ($6.80/3 pieces) is also sure to make it to your Instagram!

Canton Paradise Marina Bay Sands
Where: 2 Bayfront Avenue #01-02 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
 Singapore 018972
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 10.30am – 10.30pm; Fri – Sun, Eve of PH, PH: 10.30am – 11.00pm
Contact no.: 6688 7052
Always wanted to try Ebi Ramen by a Japanese Michelin starred chef?

Jimoto Ya’s signature ramen was created by Chef Nobumasa Mieda of Michelin-Starred Kaiseki Restaurant Mieda from Sapporo Hokkaido.

[caption id="attachment_24946" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Jimoto Ya[/caption]

A distinctive aroma that’s similar to prawn noodle soup will hit you the moment you enter this eatery.

You’ll taste the difference in their ramen immediately. The broth is made from a special blend of amaebi (sweet shrimp) and tonkotsu.

Take your pick from the 5 types of ramen available: Ebi Shio ($16.50), Ebi Miso ($16.50), Ebi Shoyu ($16.50), Ebi Curry ($16.50) and a cold Hiyashi Cyuka ($18.50).

Jimoto Ya
Where: 3 Pickering Street, Nanking Row, 01-44/01-45 (opp Hong Lim Complex) Singapore 048660
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11.30am – 10.00pm, Closed Sun
Contact no.: 6223 3397

9. Garang Grill

This is one grill that lives up to its name.

With cuts infused with bold charcoal flavours that are truly Singaporean, this pop-up restaurant by New Ubin Seafood has our mouths watering.

[caption id="attachment_24939" align="aligncenter" width="1366"] Image Credit: Garang Grill[/caption]

Garang Grill is perfect for those with a garang appetite, with their Western spread mixed with a touch of local flavour.

Charred to perfection, their signature USDA Prime Rib-Eye Steak ($90 for 500g) is complemented with Garang Fried Rice, where the rice is infused with beef fat and chilli padi.

End your sumptuous meal with a sweet bang, with the Mao Shan Wang Creme Brulee ($9) or the Gula Melaka Banana with coconut ice-cream ($8).

We must press that this restaurant is open for a limited time only. So do head down before it disappears forever–don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Garang Grill
Where: 5 Swan Lake Ave, Singapore 455711
When: Till 25 June, daily except Mon, 11.30am – 2.30pm AND 6.30pm – 10.00pm

Shop

10. The Local People X Singapore Changi Airport Art Market

The Local People are travelling to the east this month!

The organizers of the coolest art markets have set their next meeting ground for artisans and craft-hunting hipsters: Singapore’s Changi airport.

[caption id="attachment_24944" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Terminal 3 Basement 3, Changi Airport
When: Art Market 29, 30 April 2017, 12pm – 9pm
Concept Store 29, 30 April and 1 May 2017, 12pm – 9pm
Website

What are you waiting for?

With Labour Day weekend just round the corner (yay to short work weeks!), there’s more than enough time to check out these exciting activities, and round up your April with a bang!

Also read, Discover SG Ambassador Highlights #8 – Sarawak Noodles, Toys, Virtual Reality & More!

Hai Di Lao Tips: Essential Hacks That Will Save You Time, Money, And More!

Hai Di Lao? Yes, you heard it. When it comes to this legendary hotpot establishment, tales abound. By now, you must have amassed your own encyclopaedia of “black market” Hai Di Lao tips to take your Hai Di Lao experience to greater heights.

To add to your plethora of knowledge, we have gone undercover and infiltrated the depths of the Hai Di Lao world, right down to unearthing their new outlet in VivoCity!

Today, we are proud to present our findings – Hai Di Lao tips that are 100% legit and guaranteed to work.

Queue-killing hack

To beat the queue, arrive very early… anytime before 5pm is fine. Preferably, call before you head down. Otherwise, you’ll be faced with a horrendous queue that’ll shock the living daylights out of you.

Anytime from 10 pm is good, as the dinner crowd would be gone by then and Hai Di Lao is open till 6 am.

To ensure that your table is ready by 10pm, call in early to take a queue number and let them know that you’ll arrive at 9pm.

[caption id="attachment_16494" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Credits: Hai Di Lao[/caption]

Each time you dine there, you will chalk up points, which can be used to redeem gifts at no extra charge.

Every $1 you spend entitles you to 1 point. The gifts change every 6 months, so snap up that Philips steam iron before it disappears!

#1 Soup hack – thick (浓) soup base

To get the most bang for your buck, be sure to request for thick (浓) soup base during refills. Otherwise, what you get will be a more diluted version of the original soup base.

They’ll hand you a bowl of thick (浓) soup, but don’t pour it all in at once! Instead, you can adjust how thick and savoury you want your soup to be.

#2 Soup hack – 4 soup bases

If you believe that variety is the spice of life, Hai Di Lao offers 4 soup bases at virtually the same price, or even cheaper, as compared to that of 1 or 2 soup bases.

The price of 4 soup bases also depends on your ultimate choice and combination of soup. Based on our experience, it was always cheaper or the same price as choosing 2 soup bases.

[caption id="attachment_16493" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Credit: youngberghill

If you come with wine or alcohol, Hai Di Lao will even open your bottle and serve it to you and your companions, free of charge!

Now, who’s up for a glass of spirits?

Mini pot hack

If you think germs and bacteria are creepy… or if your idea of fashion is a Hazmat suit, Hai Di Lao’s individual hot pots are perfect for you.

Credits: Credit: be the next Freddy Krueger try Hai Di Lao’s paper crane challenge.

[caption id="attachment_15563" align="aligncenter" width="1532"] Credits: wfenzz[/caption]

For every 30 paper cranes you fold, Hai Di Lao will reward you with a free $6 dish of your choice.

Fret not if you do not know how to fold these cranes, the staff will teach you how!

Health hack

Fats? *shudders* Coagulated fats? *fear intensifies* 

Congratulations, you have just discovered the hidden horror… and we’ll let you know how to overcome it. Not with a crucifix, but with your trusty ol’ ladle!

The longer you boil your soup, the more concentrated it becomes. This causes the soup to become loaded with nitrates, fats and excess protein.

[caption id="attachment_16186" align="aligncenter" width="1824"] Credit: butter believer[/caption]

That white film floating on the surface of your soup isn’t the trail left by the Loch Ness monster.

It’s actually coagulated fats, nitrates and protein, which is no good for you. So, ladles up, and scoop away the white stuff!

Redeemable manicure hack

Who would pass up the opportunity of a free manicure? Not me!

The good news is, Hai Di Lao’s renowned manicure services are redeemable. Should the long queue prevent you from getting your manicure before dining, all is not lost.

[caption id="attachment_16496" align="alignnone" width="640"] credit: cdn-geo dayre[/caption]

Should you wish to celebrate your grandma’s birthday there, the restaurant also offers a free platter of longevity buns to senior citizens on their special day.

This is in addition to the small gift that Hai Di Lao will present to the birthday guest, and the birthday songs that they will croon in 3 different languages.

[caption id="attachment_16185" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] credit: c3.staticflickr[/caption]

Protect-your-phone hack

A cracked phone screen is the ultimate nightmare for every phone user. This is why Hai Di Lao offers free phone screen protectors to keep your phone screens shiny and spanking new.

[caption id="attachment_16198" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #03-09, VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Telephone numbers: +65 6250 7557 (for reservations) +65 6250 7667 (for enquiries)
Opening hours: 10.30am – 6am

Price: varies depending on the dishes ordered
Official website:

Header image credit: where to get Hai Di Lao soup base!

We Hopped On The Makan Bus And Didn’t Wanna Get Off – Here’s Why!

Yup. Finally the first one-of-its-kind hop-on-hop-off Makan Bus tour has arrived in Singapore. Don’t dismiss this food tour as a tourist thingy yet. Otherwise, you are missing out on fun even locals can enjoy!

We all know Singapore is a food paradise, but the best local food are usually not near MRTs or in town.

Makan Bus

It can be pretty hard to enjoy good food if you don’t have a car. With the launch of the Makan Bus on 26 August 2016, reaching out to these great local food is now so much more convenient for everyone.

Recently, I was fortunate to be invited for a free MakanBus tour. Getting on the tour meant I had the opportunity to taste some of the highly acclaimed local food along the 10 specially-curated stops.

What I did not know was it is more than a mere foodie bus bringing us from the central to northern heartlands in Singapore.

Our Makan Bus Journey

We received a warm welcome from the guide upon boarding the cheery yellow bus at Orchard Gateway. After an introduction, we set off!

Besides recommending good eats near each stop, he would share insights of noteworthy buildings throughout the journey too.

Interesting history that we never knew about our sunny island

We thought we knew Singapore so well since we grew up here.

But we did not know that the Burma Chinese settled in Singapore as early as the 19th century!

In fact, I highly recommend you to alight at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial stop, where the Sun Yat Sen Memorial and Burmese Buddhist Temple are.

In the main worship hall of the Maha Sasana Ramsi (Burmese Buddhist Temple) sits the majestic 11-foot marble Buddha statue. This religious landmark is the only Burmese Buddhist temple of its kind in Singapore.

The statue was carved from a 10-tonne slab of marble found in Burma’s Saygin Hill and transported here in 1925.

Bond with your family over nostalgic hawker food settings

The 10 stops on the tour will bring you through buzzing town areas to the old shophouses in Balestier and Thomson, and finally into the HDB heartlands.

This is a specially curated route to showcase the evolution and development of Singapore over the past 51 years.

Bring your whole family, including your parents onboard, so they can reminisce about the good old days.

They will certainly be able to resonate with traditional eateries such as Boon Tong Kee and Original Herbal Shop at Balestier, and Hua Nam Restaurant at Thomson.

Image Credit: Makan Bus

It’s easier to strike conversations as you enjoy the food and nostalgic ambience with your family.

Who knows if these used to be their favourite haunts during their “paktor” days!

Discover yummy novel hawker food delights

While it’s obvious Makan Bus will bring you to yummy food places, you may be surprised at hidden gems within the heartlands.

Ang Mo Kio was the place I grew up in, and I thought I knew everything there. But I did not even know that there is a hawker stall selling sedap Mee Rebus Tarik for over 2 decades!

In case you are wondering, Mee Rebus Tarik is not prepared by simply “pulling” the noodles as the Malay word “tarik” implies.

Instead, the mee rebus is laden with satay gravy and served together with either chicken or mutton satay. Such an innovative twist to the signature mee rebus!

I have tasted different versions of our favourite Indian roti prata, with egg, cheese etc for enhanced flavour.

However, it was my first time trying out some Roti Tissue along Upper Thomson Road. The prata looked like an interesting thin piece of tissue (hence its name) as seen in the image above. This is a sweet crispy prata seasoned with sugar.

Hop on and off the bus whenever you wish, wherever you fancy

There is no limit to the number of times you can hop on and off the Makan Bus.

Your $28 ticket is valid throughout the day when the bus runs from 11am to 7.30pm.

Indeed, there were times when we were engaged in such interesting conversations with the guide that we missed alighting at the designated stop.

Just continue on the looped journey and alight where you wish to tuck into the good food in the desired area.

Furthermore, you do not need to alight if you don’t find anything you fancy. Unlike other expensive food tours where you don’t get to choose the food, this is a truly flexible tour!

Makan Bus definitely changes the way we can explore the hidden food joints and other untold stories of Singapore.

Bring your foreign friends on the Makan Bus tour and introduce them to life in the heartlands.

After all, this is a uniquely Singapore experience that they will not find at the usual tourist attractions. Besides, it is definitely more economical if you are travelling together in a group of 5 or more. Check out more details of this one-of-a-kind experience at Makan Bus!

(Featured image: Makan Bus)

Also, read 9 New Desserts So Wacky, You Need To Try Them At Least Once!

Food For Thought – A Day In The Life Of A Singaporean Hawker

A Tale of Two Hawkers

Mdm Wang Li Er and Ms Deniece Tan are amongst two of our country’s hawkers. While most of us still lie in bed sleeping, these two individuals are up to prepare for the bustling day ahead even before the sun rises!

Let’s go behind-the-scenes and uncover the various tasks, joys, and tales that pepper the days of a Singaporean Hawker.

Mdm Wang from Cambridge Rd Hong Kong Roast Pork

Think of Mdm Wang as Chef Gustav from Ratatoullie – she’s a seasoned hawker and a veteran in the Hawker scene. Having run her stall, Cambridge Rd Hong Kong Roast Pork, for years, Mdm Wang is certainly familiar with the tough labour associated with the Hawker trade.

Tolerating the unbearable heat from standing next to the fire all day. Replenishing dishes as they run out. Washing the plates and bowls at the end of the day. Can you imagine doing this everyday

These are tasks that have become part and parcel of Mdm Wang’s life, yet she enduringly carries them out!

Going The Extra Mile

Mdm Wang doesn’t stop at her hawker duties. She also goes the extra mile to give back to the community.

She takes a little bit of time each day to print and distribute food coupons to the elderly, as some of them simply cannot afford meals. These coupons can then be exchanged for a free meal at her stall.

Talk about an unsung hero- Mdm Wang’s story certainly tugs at our heartstrings.

Preparing and distributing these coupons on top of her regular job may be tough physically and financially, but Mdm Wang finds it very fulfilling. In her eyes, helping others brings her more happiness than money can buy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOHG5ryrYOU&feature=youtu.be

Deniece Tan From Truly Test Kitchen

Deniece didn’t start off as an aspiring hawker. In fact, this 27-year-old was a regular working adult. Having graduated with a degree in business, Deniece landed a prestigious job in foreign exchanging banking. Ultimately, she knew her heart belonged somewhere else.

Deniece’s father, Mr Tan, had owned a hawker stall selling curry rice since she was little. Indeed, Deniece was brought up with good local home-cooked food. In a bold (and shocking!) move, she left a job with enviable career prospects and started Truly Test Kitchen to continue her father’s legacy.

It was a 360-degree change for her. However, Deniece has never regretted her decision. To her, the early mornings and hard work are but small sacrifices as she chases her dream!

“There’s just so much joy and satisfaction when you see that you have made so many people happy”, said the inspiring 27-year-old with a smile.

Show Your Love to Local Hawkers With a Message 

Being a hawker is often a thankless job. Think about it: when was the last time you showed appreciation to them for all their hard work? Tiger Beer makes it easy for us to show our gratitude to hawkers like Mdm Wang and Deniece Tan.

A little thanks goes a long way for our hawkers who toil day and night to deliver our favourite local dishes to us! All we have to do is take a photo of our favourite hawker fare, share it on social media with a thank you message, and include #uncagestreetfood.

Tiger Street Food Support Fund

In a bid to keep this proud and roaring flame for local food alive, Tiger Singapore has set up a fund to encourage aspiring hawkers like Deniece to enter the trade. It can be hard to grapple with costs for an inexperienced hawker, so that’s where Tiger’s Street Food Support Fund comes in!

20 cents from each 6-can pack of beer purchased will be channelled to the Tiger Street Food Support Fund. Budding hawkers can apply for this fund from now till 15^th November. Successful applicants will receive up to SGD $10,000 funding from Tiger Beer!

Go Nuts for Local Businesses!

Hawkers aren’t the only local businesses that propel our nation’s food culture: Local food brands do too!

Tiger has partnered with local nut brand, Camel, to launch the limited edition Nasi Lemak Sambal Flavoured Nuts! You know, the salty, crunchy and spicy ikan billis and peanuts that we know and love? It can be purchased at convenience stores with a purchase of two 500ml cans of Tiger Beer. It’s available from now to 30th September 2016!

You can also indulge in this exclusive packet of nuts with a purchase of draught beer or a bucket of Tiger Beer from 1st September to 31st October 2016 at select bars and pubs.

Food For Thought

Being a hawker is no easy life. That is why our Hawker heritage needs preserving. A small gesture of appreciation from you and me, like thanking them and flashing a smile, could just be the encouragement they need to make their hard work and sacrifices worthwhile.

The next time you receive your plate of hawker food, don’t forget to thank your hawker!

From now to 8 September, also take a picture of your hawker food before you dig in! Join in the fun and upload the picture to social media. Include #uncagestreetfood, and your picture may be included in a Tiger Beer video! It’ll be a collective thank you to those who keep our great food and unique hawker culture alive.

Deniece and Mdm Wang represent the present and future when it comes to upholding Singapore’s food culture. Do your part to ensure an enduring hawker tradition today!

16 Insanely Awesome Eats In Yishun That You’ll Brave The MRT Red Line For

Yishun is probably not one of the first few places we’ll think of when we wanna look for great yummy food in Singapore. But don’t dismiss this new town up north quickly as a pathetic and boring place for foodies yet.

Let the hidden yummy food in Yishun make you relook at this suburban neighbourhood. Read on to discover the top 16 yummylicious all time best eats and new eats so good, you wish you could have them now!

All Time Best Eats

1. Hojiak Black & White Rojak

As the name of this stall implies, they sell real “ho-jiak” (“delicious” in Hokkien) rojak, a popular local delight.

Hojiak Black & White Rojak has been faithfully serving the palatable delight to residents around Khatib MRT for a long time. While it has moved from one coffee shop to another within the same neighbourhood, it is always strategically located next to the drinks stall.

Rojak served with the black shrimp paste (“hae ko”) is considered a sinfully unhealthy food. But who can resist the plate of crisp tofu and dough fritters, with crunchy cucumber and turnip slices drizzled with lots of diced peanuts? I can’t!

If you prefer a healthier version, try the white rojak which is served with sour plum sauce, a refreshing tangy taste that is equally yummy too!

Hojiak Black & White Rojak
Address: Blk 846 Yishun Ring Road
Open: 1.30 pm till sold out
Price: From $3

2. Yishun 925 Hainanese Chicken Rice

Shami Banana Leaf Delights is a popular Indian food stall that started operations at Northpoint Shopping Centre food court since 1993. There were crazy queues in front of the stall during meal times back in the good old days.

Their signature dish has to be the nasi briyani set that comes with flavourful meat served on fluffy briyani rice. With the expansion of 2 outlets at Food Republic Causeway Point and Sembawang Road, it’s now more convenient to get your briyani fix!

Shami Banana Leaf Delights
Address:
Northpoint Shopping Centre, 930 Yishun Ave 2 #B2-10;
349 Sembawang Road;
Causeway Point, 1 Woodlands Square #04-01
Open: 10 am to 10 pm (Northpoint & Causeway Point); 7 am to 10 pm (Sembawang Road)
Price: $7 for the chicken briyani set

4. Chuan Kee Braised Duck Rice

Enough of chicken, folks in Yishun love duck meat too! And so, we love Chuan Kee Braised Duck Rice in Chong Pang Food Centre. The boneless braised duck meat here comes in a generous serving doused with thick dark gravy, accompanied by slices of soft braised tofu and flavourful peanuts.

No wonder there is always a queue at the stall!

Chuan Kee Braised Duck Rice
Address: Chong Pang Food Centre, 105 Yishun Ring Road, #01-159
Open: Tue to Sun 10 am to 8 pm
Price: From $3

5. 928 Yishun Laksa

Yet another perennial favourite of the northlanders, Chong Pang Nasi Lemak started as a humble stall in the Chong Pang Village Hawker Centre in 1973. Over the years, it has gained such a huge following with its freshly cooked dishes that it has since relocated to a coffee shop along Sembawang Road to cater to a larger crowd.

The coconut rice is aromatic but not overpowering. Popular dishes include the specially marinated chicken wings fried to perfection, spicy long beans and sambal brinjal. For a really satisfying meal with a kick, don’t forget to add their signature chilli sauce!

Chong Pang Nasi Lemak
Address: 447 Sembawang Road
Open: 5 pm to 7 am the following day
Price: varies based on the dishes you order
Official website:  Image Credit: Johor Kaki[/caption]

Also found in Chong Pang Food Centre, Xiang Xiang Fishball Noodles is one of my favourite comfort food. This is a familiar name to many of those who grew up in the old kampung days in Nee Soon.

As one of the rare hawker stalls that still serves food to your table, Xiang Xiang’s fishballs are big and springy, made with fresh yellowtail fish or ikan parang. Try the dry spicy version for a savoury bowl of noodles tossed with a generous mix of lard, chilli paste and soy sauce. The accompanying soup is lightly flavoured with “chye poh” (preserved turnip) which adds to the fragrance!

Xiang Xiang Fishball Noodles
Address: Chong Pang Food Centre, 105 Yishun Ring Road, #01-177
Open: Tue to Sun 6 am to 4 pm
Price: $3 (small), $3.50 (big)

8. 618 Sim Carrot Cake

Nestled within the quiet Nee Soon South district at Fujo Eating House, 618 Sim Carrot Cake is the place to satisfy your cravings early in the morning! Located about 10 min away from Khatib MRT station, count your lucky stars if you manage to tuck into a yummy plate of fried radish cake mixed with a plentiful amount of “chye poh”.

On weekdays till 9.30 am, you can ask for either black (fried in dark sweet sauce) or white carrot cake. However, only the white carrot cake is available on weekends. Be prepared to wait around 10 minutes or so on weekdays, and up to 30 minutes on weekends!

618 Sim Carrot Cake
Address: Fujo Eating House, Blk 618 Yishun Ring Road #01-3230
Open: Wed to Sun 6.30 am to 3 pm. Closed on Tue
Price: From $2.80

9. Heng Hua Restaurant

Do you know that there is a Heng Hua Restaurant tucked in a quiet corner of Yishun, serving heartwarming Fujian Henghua cuisine? It is a homely zi-char style eating house serving a variety of authentic dishes at reasonable prices. Classic dishes include the Heng Hua Style Lor Mee and Fried Bee Hoon. Who needs Putien when we have such a nice cosy eatery in Yishun?

Heng Hua Restaurant
Address: Blk 748 Yishun Street 72 #01-212
Open: 11 am to 11 pm
Price: From $4.50

10. Bei Sheng Taste of Thailand Restaurant

For a taste of Thailand, Yishun residents can find comfort at Bei Sheng Taste of Thailand Restaurant in Chong Pang City. Tuck into your favourite zi-char dishes with Thai influence. A must-have at this restaurant is the Tom Yam Soup, with plenty of seafood cooked in the aromatic broth. As its name implies, enjoy a variety of fresh and yummy seafood here, such as the signature Thai Deep Fried Fish Delight.

There’s also another outlet, Taste of Thailand, run by the same family, at 1001 Yishun Industrial Park A.

Bei Sheng Taste of Thailand Restaurant
Address: Blk 701A Yishun Ave 5 #01-01, 1001 Yishun Industrial Park A, 18 Sin Ming Lane (new outlet)
Open: 11.30 am to 2 pm (lunch) and 5.30 pm to 10 pm (dinner)
Price: From $4

11. Zi Zai Vegetarian

Vegetarians in Yishun are not left out. Zi Zai Vegetarian is a popular vegetarian eatery in the community. With a myriad of vegetarian dishes available, you’ll never be done trying them all! Must-try dishes include the signature crispy yam ring filled with lots of yam, cereal vegetarian prawns and claypot tofu. If you think vegetarian food is boring, you haven’t been to Zi Zai Vegetarian!

Zi Zai Vegetarian
Address: 236 Yishun Ring Rd #01-1000
Open: 7.30 am to 9.30 pm
Price: From $3

12. Jing Ma Che (H.K) Roasted Porridge Noodle House

Jin Ma Che (H.K) Roasted Porridge Noodle House is another mean foodie place where you can satisfy your craving for roast meat delights. Strategically located opposite Chong Pang Camp, be prepared to fight with army personnel for your steaming plate of fragrant rice topped with thick cuts of roasted meat.

What sets this apart from other roast meat stalls in Yishun is its rich and flavourful sauce. Their porridge, only available on weekend mornings, is worth the wait too. Try some yourself and you will know what I mean!

Jin Ma Che (H.K) Roasted Porridge Noodle House
Address: 101 Yishun Ave 5
Open: 7.30 am to 8.00 pm
Price: From $4

New Eats

13. The French Table

Yishun not only has yummy hawker delights to boast of, we are also able to savour cool French cuisine at The French Table. Sink your teeth into traditional French dishes like their signature Duck Confit, and Roasted Chicken. The best part of the deal, this casual dining restaurant is wallet friendly!

The French Table
Address: Northpoint Shopping Centre, 930 Yishun Ave 2 #01-44
Open: 10.30 am to 10.30 pm
Official website:  Credit: Image Credit: The Moose[/caption]

Coba Coba is a retro-looking cafe tucked in a quiet corner of a HDB block that serves traditional Nasi Padang. Tuck into favourite dishes such as Terung and Sayur Lodeh that taste just like homecooked food. No worries about the meal burning a big hole in your pocket though. A great meal with drink costs less than $10 in such a cosy ambience!

We recommend choosing your own sides as compared to ordering the Nasi Ambeng.

Coba Coba
Address: 156 Yishun Street 11 #01-106
Open: 7.00 am to 9.00 pm
Official website: https://www.facebook.com/cobacobasg/

16. Nakhon Kitchen

Nakhon Kitchen is a popular casual Thai eatery that started in the Kovan neighbourhood. Since last year, Yishun residents need not travel all the way to northeast Singapore just for a taste of authentic Thai food at wallet-friendly prices. Hooray!

Satisfy your Thai cravings with Nakhon’s affordable and quality eats. Best part of the deal? No GST and service charge to be paid here!

Nakhon Kitchen
Address: 233 Yishun Street 21 #01-03
Open: 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm (Lunch); 5.30 pm to 10.00 pm (Dinner). Closed on Wednesdays.

Instead of drooling over mouth-watering images of these yummylicious Yishun eats, make a move up north! Don’t just envy us northlanders. Discover these best food yourself for a satisfying culinary experience. Enjoy 🙂

Also, read 7 Insanely Cool Places To Chill At In Yishun That You’ve Not Heard Of

Have You Thanked The Hawker Who Served You Food Today?

You probably just had your Wanton Mee, Mee Rebus, or Prata. The food hit all the right notes, and you couldn’t be happier. However, did you remember to thank the hawker who works tirelessly to serve you the same great food every day?

Fret not, most of us take our delectable Singapore local food for granted. In fact, we love our Singapore food, especially our local hawker food so much, that the saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach is the best description of us ever.

Our Love for Hawker Food

Without hesitation, we engage in discussions and debates over the best Bak Chor Mee, Indian Rojak, Nasi Lemak, and the list goes on. When the Michelin Guide came rolling around to Singapore, not only did we question their processes and decisions, we offered better suggestions, and even defended our own favourite hawkers.

It’s as if we were Smaug from The Hobbit that woke from a deep slumber. Singapore suddenly came abuzz with chatter and discussion about our pet topic – food.

Our Hawker Scene

However, what most of us Singaporeans fail to realise is that this beloved national hobby – eating good hawker food, may one day become a luxury. Just like the pasar malams that are far and few between, our dying local hawker scene is real. How many youths would willingly step up and pursue the career of a hawker?

A Little Thanks Goes a Long Way

Rather than talk pointlessly about this issue, we could instead, remind ourselves to thank our unsung hawker heroes! They are the ones whose cheeks are flushed from spending long hours next to the flame. Their rough but skillful hands have chopped many a dozen vegetables. Being a hawker is definitely no walk in the park. And it’s time we show our appreciation and thanks!

#uncagestreetfood by Tiger Beer

“Knowing that their efforts have not gone to waste and that their food is enjoyed and appreciated is what keeps our hawkers going,”

“And for all they do, it’s time to say thank you.”

Taking the lead to remind us of our hawkers’ hard work, Tiger Beer has provided Singaporeans the perfect opportunity and platform for us to express our gratitude. This film of Mdm Wong from Hong Kong Roast Pork at Pek Kio Hawker Centre flawlessly encapsulates the effort and dedication it takes to be a great hawker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOHG5ryrYOU&feature=youtu.be

Mdm Wong doesn’t just stop at dishing out warm plates of great hawker food; she goes the extra mile to provide food coupons to senior citizens. Fully aware that some elderly in the neighbourhood struggle to pay for their food at times, she allows them to exchange the coupon for a free meal at her stall.

Mdm Wong walks the talk by giving back to society. Surely, you can too, by just thanking a hawker and taking a photo!

Show Your Love to Our Unsung Heroes With a Message

Tiger Beer makes it easy for us to show our heartfelt appreciation to hawkers like Mdm Wong. All we have to do is take a photo of our favourite hawker fare, share it on social media with a thank you message, and include #uncagestreetfood.

Who are the hawkers who serve you daily? Could it be that friendly uncle at the Prata stall under your block who greets you with a smile every morning? Or the generous auntie at the nearby mixed vegetable rice store who gives you an extra portion of steamed egg because you’re a regular customer?

An Epic Food Trial Journey to Start You Off

Not sure how you should kick start this movement to show gratitude to our hawkers? How about exploring Pek Kio Hawker Centre, where Mdm Wong has her stall?This food centre is known for its wide variety of scrumptious local fare.

Cambridge Rd Hong Kong Roast Pork (#01-08)

Pop by Mdm Wong’s stall first to say hello! Her signature roast pork rice is succulent and crispy. We heard that there’s a lunch queue at times, so be prepared for some waiting.

 Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles (#01-15) 

This store is famous for their aromatic prawn noodle soup, served with their signature large and juicy prawns. The soup has a delicious depth of flavour that doesn’t overwhelm, even when you’re on your second bowl!

Operating hours: 7.30am to 2pm (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Prices start from $5

Hong Kong Style Chee Cheong Fun (#01-25) 

If you’re craving handmade, silky Chee Cheong Fun with just the right amount of bite, look no further. There’s a reason why this store only sells Chee Cheong Fun. It’s just that good! Take a leap of faith and order the creative renditions of this local dish: Chee Cheong Fun filled with char siew, prawns, scallops, and even Abalone.

Operating hours: 6.30am to 1.30pm (Closed on Alternate Wednesdays)
Prices range from $3-$16.80 per plate

Sheng Seng Hokkien Mee (#01-40)

Their springy noodles are slick with flavourful, viscous gravy. You’ll probably spot this store immediately thanks to its long queue, so be sure to get there early before this plate of steaming goodness sells out!

Operating hours: 11.30am to 5pm (Closed on Mondays)
Price: $2.50

Tong Siew Fried Rice (#01-23)

With three crowd-pleasing dishes: fried rice, hor fun and oyster omelette, you’re spoilt for choice! Famous for their quality and their quantity, Tong Siew Fried Rice stall offers very generous portions for all these dishes at an affordable price. The must-try of this stall is definitely their namesake – the Fried Rice. We heard that the crunchy texture of the ikan bilis perfectly complements the soft and fragrant rice!

Operating hours: 12.30pm to 12mn
Hor Fun ($2.50), Fried Rice ($4) and Oyster Omelette ($4)

Tiger Street Food Support Fund

The above are but a few picks from Singapore’s wide palette of hawker stalls. In a bid to keep this proud and roaring flame alive, Tiger Singapore has set up a fund to encourage aspiring hawkers to enter the trade.

20 cents from each 6-can pack of beer purchased will be channelled to the Tiger Street Food Support Fund. This fund helps hawkers to offset start up costs. Budding hawkers can apply for this fund from now till 15^th November. Successful applicants will receive up to SGD $10,000 funding from Tiger Beer!

Go Nuts for Local Businesses!

Mmm… That familiar crunchy, salty and spicy goodness of Nasi Lemak’s sambal peanut and ikan billis is no stranger to us! Tiger Beer has also collaborated with local nut brand, Camel, to bring a cool twist to this local creation.

This limited edition Nasi Lemak Sambal Flavoured Nuts can be purchased at convenience stores with a purchase of two 500ml cans of Tiger Beer. It’s available from now to 30th September 2016!

You can also indulge in this exclusive packet of nuts with a purchase of draught beer or a bucket of Tiger Beer from 1st September to 31st October 2016 at select bars and pubs.

Thank Your Hawker

Knowing the sweat and toil that each hawker goes through only makes them more admirable. The story of Mdm Wong certainly pulls at our heartstrings. However, her tale is but one in Singapore’s multitude of hawkers. Our everyday hawkers lead different lives, and face different challenges and difficulties. We’ll probably never have the privilege of being in their shoes.

The next time you receive your local street food, don’t forget to thank your hawker! For now to 8 September, also take a picture of your hawker food before you dig in! Join in the fun and upload the picture to social media. Include #uncagestreetfood, and your picture may be included in a Tiger Beer video! It’ll be a collective thank you to those who keep our great food and unique hawker culture alive.

After all, a little thanks goes a long way, and it just may be long enough to secure an enduring hawker heritage for our country.