Make Your Heart Go “Dookki Dookki” At Singapore’s First Ever Tteokbokki Buffet

Omo-ya, it’s Singapore’s first ever tteokbokki buffet!

If you’ve ever watched a Korean drama, you would definitely have salivated watching your favorite actors feast on tteokbokki, a spicy stir fried rice cake dish that can be eaten as a snack or as a meal in itself.

via GIPHY

Dookki, one of Korea’s leading tteokbokki places, has set up shop at Suntec City. The best part about Dookki is that you can customize your own tteokbokki down to the sauce at their free flow bar stocked full of Korean dishes.

Dookki directly translates to ‘two meals’ in Korean, as Koreans like to start off their meal with a hotpot dish and finish off with a kimchi fried rice.

[caption id="attachment_29393" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Anything goes with tteokbokki – ramen, cheese, eomuk… (Image Credit: mandyzn_)[/caption]

Tteokbokki your way

Instead of providing a base sauce, Dookki lets you create your sauce from scratch. Go crazy on the spice – you can make it as spicy or as salty as you want!

[caption id="attachment_29390" align="aligncenter" width="300"] You can’t complain that the tteokbokki ain’t good cos you mixed it! (Image Credit: dookki_sg)[/caption]

 If you don’t know where to start, there is a DIY guide sheet at the sauce station which marks out the ratio of Dookki sauce, tteokbokki sauce, gungjung sauce and flame sauce for the various spiciness levels. 

Most people are accustomed to the red, spicy tteokbokki sauce, but the original tteokbokki was made stir-fried with soy sauce.

After mixing your sauce and leaving it to boil, move on to the tteokbokki station to pick out your rice cakes. Besides the typical cylinder-shaped rice cake that is commonly served by Korean eateries, the tteokbokki station also has options like Flat, Slim, Square, Hollow, Special, Square Wheat, Potato Sujebi.

The Potato Sujebi has a little surprise in the middle – each piece of tteok is stuffed with a creamy sweet potato filling. Bonus: see if you can find the heart-shaped tteok!

[caption id="attachment_29389" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The widest selection of tteokbokki under one roof! (Image Credit: dookki_sg)[/caption]

Load up on leeks and onions for an added layer of sweetness. There are also mushrooms and other veggies to jazz up your tteokbokki creation. Hardboiled eggs are also a huge hit with tteokbokki lovers.

Other than tteokbokki, Dookki also has counters overflowing with other popular Korean street foods like Kimmari (fried seaweed spring rolls) and eomuk (fish cake skewers). The fried chicken and mandu always runs out really quicky, so be sure to get them while they are hot!

[caption id="attachment_29394" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Fishcake on sticks! (Image Credit: dookki_sg)[/caption]

It’s like having a free flow buffet at a Korean street cart!

Say CHEESE

If you are addicted to cheese, add on a double cheese ring for just $9.80. The cheesy dip comes with corn in it for an extra crunch when you dip your tteok or sausages in it.

[caption id="attachment_29392" align="aligncenter" width="240"] SHIOKKKK (Image Credit: dookki_sg)[/caption]

The stretchy cheesy dip also makes for good photos – but make sure to stir your cheese from time to time so that it does not harden too quickly.

Round 2 anyone? 

Once you’re done stuffing your face with tteokbokki, clean up all the leftover sauce by adding some rice, kimchi, seaweed and corn and frying it all together. Drizzle some sesame oil for a nuttier finish.

[caption id="attachment_29395" align="aligncenter" width="297"] Trust me, it tastes better than it looks! (Image Credit: stalker_jiaan)[/caption]

If you prefer noodles, Dookki also has instant ramen that you can add into your tteokbokki broth as well. Just remember to leave out the flavor packet, as it might ruin the taste of your delicious tteokbokki soup!

With the buffet going at just $18.80 for adults and $10.80 for children, you can stuff your face with as much tteokbokki and eomuk as you want without emptying your wallet. The only catch is that you need to finish your entire meal in 90 minutes.

Dookki screams of comfort food, and is the perfect place to go to when its raining and you are just craving some warm, hearty soup. We hear that the lines can be rather long during peak hours, so go early!

Dookki Singapore
Address: Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard #B1-107 (East Wing), Singapore 038984
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun, 11.30am – 10.30pm
Contact: 6266 2425
Website

Also read This Bar Is Serving Yakitori With A Mala Twist That’s Sure To Make You Chikin Out

(Header Image Source: Dookki Singapore Facebook)

TaoKaeNoi’s First S’pore Outlet Lets Us Get Our Seaweed Fix Without Flying To Thailand!

Back in primary school, seaweed snacks were by far the most popular tidbits to munch on. Not only was it small and easy to snack on it was also the cheapest thing you could buy (it was 10 cents back then!). Fast forward more than a decade and seaweed still remains one of most popular snacks we Singaporeans love to binge on.

TaoKaeNoi is now reknown for its Crispy Seaweed snack. Found in most supermarkets, it’s pretty addictive and they come in several flavours like Hot & Spicy and my own personal favourite Tempura!

TaoKaeNoi is so popular here in Singapore, they’ve decided to open their very first international TaeKaeNoil Land in Suntec City.

[caption id="attachment_19790" align="alignnone" width="750"] TaoKaeNoi’s Crispy Seaweed[/caption]

Stepping into the store, we were pleasantly surprised to see a wide range of flavours of TaoKaeNoi’s Crispy Seaweed. From the Wasabi (which can be found at your local supermarkets) to the super unique Peking Duck, the store was filled of floor to ceiling shelving chock full of TaoKaeNoi’s Crispy Seaweed.

[caption id="attachment_19788" align="alignnone" width="750"] TaoKaeNoi’s Crispy Seaweed[/caption]

To celebrate the opening of its first outlet outside Thailand, TaeKaeNoi Land has an ongoing promotion. You can get your hands on any 4 of TaoKaeNoi’s Crispy Seaweed at only $10!

[caption id="attachment_19792" align="alignnone" width="750"] iPlus Seaweed[/caption]

If flavoured seaweed isn’t your cup of tea, TaoKaeNoi has brought their other products over to our shores. Look out for the iPlus seaweed, which consists of generous offerings of dried shrimp amongst thin strips of seaweed. Just slightly salty, the combination of the crunchy seaweed and dried shrimp actually brings out the salty-sea flavour of the seaweed.

[caption id="attachment_19796" align="alignnone" width="750"] Durian Flavoured Big Bang Grilled Seaweed[/caption]

While making our way round the outlet, we spotted Cheese flavoured Crispy Seaweed and even Durian! We had to try it out the Durian Big Bang Grilled Seaweed for ourselves, and we were surprised at the light taste. With just a hint of durian, it’s a ‘So Singaporean’ snack worth having a go!

[caption id="attachment_19803" align="alignnone" width="1000"] TaoKaeNoi Ramen[/caption]

Craving for something quick and filling? TaoKaeNoi is offering up their very own ramen, with flavours like Tom Yum, these ramen packs have TaoKaeNoi seaweed bits right in the broth!

Thai Treats 

[caption id="attachment_19795" align="alignnone" width="750"] Thai Biscuit Sticks[/caption]

While the majority of the products in the store are TaoKaeNoi’s, TaoKaeNoi Land also carries other Thai treats. Coconut and banana flavoured coated biscuits are the perfect treat if you’re craving something slightly sweeter.

[caption id="attachment_19799" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Wholesome Nut Bars[/caption]

Not much of a sweet tooth? TaoKaeNoi also carries a range of healthier products. Nut bars are up for grabs if you need a quick pick me up but want a healthier option!

[caption id="attachment_19800" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Flavoured Lemongrass Teas[/caption]

And to wash all these sweet Thai treats down? Get your hands on the range of lemongrass teas. Infused with Pandan or Ginger, your afternoons are now set with these flavoured cups of tea.

[caption id="attachment_19802" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Flavoured Toffees[/caption]

Decadence takes a new meaning with the flavoured toffees that TaoKaeNoi Land carries. A unique twist that brings East and West together, these flavoured toffees come in Durian and Mangosteen. Wrapped in individual packaging, you’ll never fear the toffee losing its authentic taste!

TaoKaeNoi’s Online Facebook Game

[caption id="attachment_19804" align="alignnone" width="1000"] TaoKaeNoi App[/caption]

TaoKaeNoi is celebrating this festive season by rolling out their very own app. Available on iOS and Android mobile platforms, TaoKaeNoi’s app can only be accessed if  you can get your hands on game cards. Each game card holds a unique password which entitles you to one turn at the game. And from 10 Dec to 28 Feb, the top scorer of each day will get their hands on $128!

DSG Tip: Purchase Big Bang Grilled Seaweed, Crispy Seaweed and Tempura Seaweed products to get those game cards!

[caption id="attachment_19787" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Flip The Cards And Stand A Chance To Win $128[/caption]

So if you’ve been craving for a snack on the go or if you happen to love TaoKaeNoi’s crispy seaweed snacks head on down to Suntec City and get your hands on some unique, local tasting snacks!

TaoKaeNoi Land Store
Suntec City Tower 3 #03-362 S038983
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm daily

Also Read: Old Is Gold: 5 Places To Buy Unforgettable Old School Singaporean Snacks

Food Japan 2016 is Bringing Everything You Love About Japanese Cuisine and Culture To Singapore

If you’re a huge fan of Japanese food and culture, good news for you Food Japan is back! Also known as Oishii Japan, Food Japan 2016 is ASEAN’s biggest Japanese showcase! This year they’ve really outdone themselves!

With over 300 exhibitors showcasing Japanese products, innovative technology and services you’re bound to find something that piques your interest!

Food Japan 2016

[caption id="attachment_17228" align="alignnone" width="1000"]meat Meat @ Food Japan 2016[/caption]

Food Japan 2016 Workshops

[caption id="attachment_17223" align="alignnone" width="768"]fj2016-sakai-city-knives Sakai City Knives[/caption]

There’s something for everyone at Food Japan 2016! If you have a sweet tooth head to All Japan Trade Association Of Confectionary Manufacturers booth who are offering up popular Japanese confectionary and snacks. Looking to invest in some high quality kitchenware?

Sakai City is selling Sakai knives, sharp carbon-steel blades these knives are highly valued among top chefs worldwide! Food Japan 2016 has everything you need!

[caption id="attachment_17237" align="alignnone" width="690"]tiramisu Matcha Tiramisu[/caption]

The best part? Food Japan 2016 is hosting some workshops! Look out for Temari Zushi & Matcha Tiramisu Workshop! At the helm is Angelia Lau part of ABC Cooking Studio Singapore, who will be dishing out tips & tricks to assembling a Matcha Tiramisu!

29 Oct (Sat)
11.30am – 12.30pm, 12.45pm – 1.45pm

[caption id="attachment_17239" align="alignnone" width="400"]bento Miniature Bento Boxes[/caption]

Looking for a creative outlet? Polkaros Cafe is holding a Mini Teishoku Workshop! Ros Lee a Singaporean artist – designer will be guiding you in creating your very own miniature Teishoku lunch set modelled out of Japanese stone clay!

29 Oct (Sat)
2pm – 4pm

[caption id="attachment_17230" align="alignnone" width="1000"]udon-soba Udon & Soba Booth[/caption]

Food Japan 2016
29 Oct (Sat)
11am – 4.30pm
Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Center
Hall 401 – 402, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Suntec City, S039593
Admission Fee: $4/pax, FREE entry for children under 12

For more information check out Orchard Central’s “All Things Japanese” Festival Is Bringing Japanese Food And Culture Under One Roof

Ramen Your Way To Gastronomic Heaven – Japan’s Best Ramen Store Opens In Singapore!

With 40 stores in Japan, Menya Takeichi is a proven ramen success. Ever since it was featured on Japanese food TV shows in 2012, the queues have not stopped.

Often lauded as Tokyo’s best ramen chain, Menya Takeichi has just opened its first outlet in Singapore at Suntec City’s Eat@7. This is the fifth offering at Suntec City’s Japanese concept dining enclave, Sky Garden. With the new outlet, you can now eat to your heart’s content and enjoy the views of the civic and cultural district, and Fountain of Wealth from the Sky Garden.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/5J-EeeQuAE/?taken-by=eatat7[/embed]

Menya Takeichi’s signature dish is the famous Chicken Paitan Broth Ramen, consisting of long chewy noodles and chicken meat topped with secret sauce under a wholesome pool of collagen-rich soup made by simmering fresh chicken. Here’s how the popular ramen looks like:

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BB7cnCJSfpa/?tagged=menyatakeichi[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BB1owcWoCtN/?tagged=menyatakeichi[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BB2RgLgpwtK/?tagged=menyatakeichi[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BB4l2kMBFmL/?tagged=menyatakeichi[/embed]

At S$15.50 for a generous bowl, customers can add a side dish at S$3.50 to complement their ramen.

To sweeten the deal, customers can also adjust the taste and thickness of their soup by adding complimentary clear soup made of bonito flakes. At prices like these for the proclaimed best ramen in Tokyo, Japan, it’s worth the visit.

As for us, we’ll definitely be heading down to grab bowls for ourselves, so hopefully you will catch us there!

Be prepared for a queue!

Golden Village Now Equipped With New 3D Sound Tech Which Makes Scary Movies Sound More Surreal!

Earlier last week, I had the chance to attend a media invite* from Golden Village Suntec City to mark the arrival of the revolutionary 3D immersive sound technology, Auro 11.1 by Barco on our shores.

[caption id="attachment_1684" align="aligncenter" width="701"] Credits: www.yourtechreport.com[/caption]

The Auro 11.1 is touted as the most realistic 3D sound experience currently available in the market, so I was pretty excited to have a first-hand experience with it.

The experience was delivered via a sneak preview of Jack Neo’s latest Chinese New Year film, “Long, Long Time Ago”, which was mixed in the new immersive technology at Galaxy Studios Belgium.

[caption id="attachment_1687" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Credits: J Team Productions Facebook Page[/caption]

So how did the sound system fare?

It was impeccable. It made me feel like I was brought back into 1960s Singapore, which was the time period that the film was set in. Now, you may be feeling skeptical about it but let me explain how it works.

So what’s the difference between Auro 11.1 and the usual 5.1 surround sound system?

Here’s a 6 minute trailer that’s similar to the one we watched on-site about how the sound system works. Of course you wouldn’t be able to get a true feel of it watching it off YouTube, but you’ll get a rough idea.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhzAk-XzmYQ[/embed]

Basically, the usual 5.1 surround sound makes use of the layout of a horizontal plane and provides sound coming from the front and the back. However, the design is still inadequate because it cannot replicate the depth of the sound accurately.  This makes it unable to fully provide an immersive experience.

On the other hand, the Auro 11.1 is designed to eliminate this flaw by employing a speaker layout that consists of three layers, which includes the coverage of the three axes, width, depth and height to create a 3-Dimensional feel. This creates a much more realistic experience for moviegoers as it mimics the real-life experience that we have while living within our 3-Dimensional world.

[caption id="attachment_1685" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Credits: www.harmonicjunction.com[/caption]

In layman’s terms, if you were to listen to a plane flying overhead on 5.1 surround sound (width+depth), you probably wouldn’t be able to make out how high the plane is flying. It wouldn’t even sound like it was flying overhead! But with Auro 11.1(width+depth+height), you can. That is the amazing part of this system.

[caption id="attachment_1683" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Credits: www.btlnews.com[/caption]

With the introduction of this system on our shores, you can finally fully immerse yourself in the world of your favourite movies, as if you were standing there right beside your favourite characters. So far over 125 films have made use of this new technology, and that includes mega blockbusters such as “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” as well as the upcoming “Kung Fu Panda 3” which will be coming very soon to our shores on the 10th of March!

Time to hit the theatres for scary movies, don’t you think? Save me a seat!

*Alex is a brand ambassador for Discover SG. Brand ambassadors get to attend media invites, food tasting sessions and hotel staycations on behalf of Discover SG. Be a brand ambassador like Alex – get in touch with us today at [email protected]