Muslim owned Lina’s Café calls itself a “Friends of Autism” Café with the hope to create a safe haven for families with ASD kids to dine in a judgement free zone.

The café provides free 1st drinks for every family of 4 that dines in with their ASD or spectrum kid – all year round. It also sells books about Autism to promote its awareness.

“It’s actually hard for families with ASA kids to dine outside without judgement. People judge them, and scold them…”, as owner Lina shared.

The humble place is located at Jalan Pisang, diagonally across Sultan Mosque and a few steps away from the popular Hjh Maimunah Restaurant.

In the kitchen are Lina who prepares breakfast items and traditional Malay dishes, and while her BFF Zima makes cakes, pies and pasta dishes.

Zima is behind LapisZima which creates soft and moist lapis cakes, using family recipes handed down since the 1960s.

They have been friends for more than 20 years, and decided to do this together.

Food offered include Mee Rebus ($4), Avocado Chicken & Egg Pasta Salad ($8.80), Mee Siam ($4, only available on Thursday), Nasi Lemak Chicken Set ($3.60, only on Fridays), various Lapis Cakes ($4.20 – $4.80), Shephard’s Pie ($3.40) and Bubble Tea drinks ($2.50).

I would say both the Mee Rebus ($4) and Mee Siam ($4) are must-tries, cooked using the “Special Fatimah Ahmah original recipe since the 1970s” (which is from Lina’s mother), priced very affordably for a café setting.

Though it seemed like a simple fare, the Mee Rebus was hearty and tasty, with a mildly sweet and thick potato-based gravy, garnished with a hard-boiled egg, spring onions, bean sprouts, and fried shallots.

Not too spicy at all.

The Mee Siam reminded me of what my grandmother used to cook, more to the sweet and less on the Assam-sour side. Though I wished the gravy to be overall hotter.

Their Ondeh Ondeh Cake with a chiffon-like texture sprinkled with Gula Melaka bits, and Pandan Mille Crepe are worthy desserts to try as well.

They look like they sell out easily, as I got the last pieces both times I visited.

Lina shared that since the café has opened, she has met with many special kids and families, and have become friends with some as they share stories and challenges together.

Meeting amazing parents and individuals who are walking proof that there is so much life beyond ASD, continues to keep her inspired.

Lina’s Cafe
7 Jalan Pisang Singapore 199074 (Bugis MRT station)
Tel: +65 9456 0992
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm (Mon), 11:00am – 8:00pm (Tue – Sat). Close Sun, PH and 1st Mon of every month

Other Related Entries
Traditional Haig Road Putu Piring (Geylang Road)
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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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[Ho Chi Minh] Due to the strong influence from French Colonial times, Banh Mi which is also known as Vietnamese Baguette has then been passed down and evolved.

It is now the iconic identity of Vietnam’s local food which can be found on almost every street in Saigon.

While I would usually think twice when it comes to street food, Banh Mi Hoa Ma was highly recommended by a friend who loves to travel to Vietnam.

It also received many positive reviews online.

Many also claimed that this is one of the best Banh Mi in Ho Chi Minh.

A humble shop which lacks in its own space, many of the locals would usually just come here for takeaways.

Due to its blooming business, the owner has then expanded (illegally?) their seating space along the roadside.

People would then sit on stools and dine on low tables, while breathing in exhaust fumes from motorcycles zoomed by. *cough cough*

For first-hand experience dining like a Vietnamese local, this would be the place to visit.

Ordering was easy as there were only two items on the menu; Banh Mi Kep Thit & Banh Mi Op La.

Banh Mi Kep Thit (VND 30k, SGD$1.80) is the usual kind of Banh Mi which we would find in Singapore.

Baguette with Pâté (pork liver) and butter spread, stuffed with pork and chicken ham as well as pickled vegetables, spring onions and chilli.

While they are just simple ingredients, the combination of thick cuts of meaty ham and refreshing pickled vegetables turned out to be quite a heartening meal for breakfast.

Interesting to note, I found Vietnamese baguette lighter and airier with crispy exterior. So much so I could finish the whole Banh Mi on my own without feeling too full.

Another dish served here is the Banh Mi Op La (VND 50k, SGD$3), which the nearest translation would probably be “Bread with Sunny-Side Up Eggs”

Served on a hot plate, the main dish comes with two sunny-side up, slices of ham, fish cake and caramelized onions.

Eaten together with plain baguette, you can then dip the bread into the runny yolk or choose to eat with mix everything together.

You can also get your Vietnamese coffee fix here, which I found it slightly too sweet for my liking.

As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm, you would have to find your way here early as they are only opened for breakfast which is available daily till 10am.

Banh Mi Hoa Ma
53 Cao Thang, District 3, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Opening Hours: 5:00am – 10:0am Daily
Goggle Maps – Banh Mi Hoa Ma

Click HERE for more HO CHI MINH Food Entries

* Written by Lewis Tan @juicyfingers, a self-proclaimed coffee addict. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Bello, Bello. Just in time for the school holidays, a Minions Café will be opening up in Singapore at Orchard Central Level 3.

Similar to its Japanese counterparts, this is a pop-up concept under “THE GUEST cafe&diner” that will operate from 23 November 2017 (Thurs) to 31st January 2018 (Wed).

For those of you living in another part of the world, the Minions are small, yellow fictional creatures which gained much fame after their appearance in the movie Despicable Me.

Fun fact: They serve the most terrible of villains, and enjoy eating bananas.

“THE GUEST cafe&diner” is a concept cafe managed by PARCO Co., Ltd, and its first outlet was opened in March 2014 at Shibuya PARCO.

The cafe routinely changes its concepts every two to three months through a pop-up model, and the theme is based on popular characters, artistes, movies and culture.

For the Singapore pop-up, the 14 food and beverage items are inspired by characters from the hit animation movie Despicable Me 3.

The popular Minion themed food and drinks when launched in Japan a few months back included Minion’s Great Escape Cream Stew ($20.90), Minions Vacation Plate ($23.90), S’more & Minion’s Ice Cream ($16.90), Minion Riceball Party ($21.90), and Pizza Box ($13.90).

Drinks wise, other than the Be Bad Cafe Latte ($8.90, $9.50 for iced version), there are colourful choices of Upside-down Minion Jelly Soda Drink ($12.90), Gru&Lucy Soda ($8.90), and a weird looking Balthazar’s Bubble Gum?! Milk Tea ($10.90) – which looks like Thai red ruby on top.

Slightly on the expensive side.

Local café hoppers should remember the previous runs of Pokemon Café at Bugis Junction, which attracted long queues.

However, there were much criticisms of long waiting times and cold food as well. Will Minions Café face the same fate?

Anyway, get ready for the queue, with screaming kids (and adults)!

Minion Café – THE GUEST cafe&diner
181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central #03-23/24/25, Singapore 238896 (Somerset MRT)
(Opening 23 November)

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Photo credits: Nicholas Tan @stormscape

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Does The Bettership reminds you of The Betterfield at The Treasury?

While they might be owned by the same parent company with the same objective to provide “better” food (and hence its name), The Bettership offers an entirely different menu, focusing on Japanese don instead.

Will their next shop be called BetterGround, BetterFront, BetterWagon?

I liked the interior with a total of 20 seating capacity, a bar table designed in the shape of a ship.

Diners can actually sit at the circumference and witness the chefs in action as they prepare the food “on board”.

3 main categories are available on the menu, namely Sashimi ($8 – $21), Sashimi Don (top up $3.90 for the Sashimi to get a Basic Don/ $5.90 for a Premium Don) or Special Don ($17.90 – $40).

The Basic Don (additional $3.90) comes with rice, cucumber, furikake (dry Japanese seasoning), seaweed, ginger and wasabi.

On the other hand, the Premium Don (additional $5.90) comes with Ebiko (shrimp roe), Inari (beancurd), Tamago (egg) and Jelly Fish, an option to torch it on top of the ingredients present in the Basic Don.

Not all the rice bowls comes with the ‘ship’, with exception such as the Truffle Beef Don ($21), Aburi Wagyu Don ($40) and the Executive Set Lunch ($9.90 – $19.90) available on weekdays, 12pm to 6pm.

For the Executive Set Lunch, it comes with complimentary miso soup and a choice of hot/cold green tea. Choices include Bara Chirashi Don ($15.90), Truffle Beef Bowl ($19.90) Flamed Terriyaki Chicken ($9.90) and Burnt Mentaiko Salmon Don ($13.90).

Don’t Say Bojio, students get to enjoy $1 off when they flash their student card upon making payment.

SMU, SOTA, Kaplan, Lasalle, and NAFA students, are you reading this?

I ordered the Bara Chirashi Don ($15.90), exclusive to the Executive Set Lunch.

The bowl came with diced Salmon, Yellowfin Tuna, Swordfish, Yellowtail, Tamago, Nori (seaweed) on top of Akita Japanese rice.

Each diced sashimi was marinated with shoyu, with slices that was a tad too thin. I preferred my diced sashimi to be thicker with more texture to it.

Not too shabby or tasted too fishy, it could do with a lighter marination to bring out the natural freshness of the sashimi.

I preferred the Kaisen Don ($17.90) from the Special Don menu, which was similarly priced as the Chirashi Don ($17.90) but with a thicker slices.

More worth it right?

Coming with thicker slices of Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail, Swordfish, Scallop and accompanied by jellyfish, inari (beancurd) skin, tamago, radish, and ginger slices, this Kaisen Don ($17.90) was presented in the “ship”.

The scallops were my personal favourite – soft and sweet in each bite.

I only wished that the rice was less clumpy and each grain was firmer, eliminating the weakest link in the entire combination.

The Bettership will probably face stiff competition from its competitors in the vicinity.

These includeTeppei Syokudo at Plaza Singapura and Barashi Tei next to Rochor Original Beancurd, whereby the latter provides cheaper, affordable and tastier options.

The BetterShip
The Cathay, 2 Handy Road, #01-03, Singapore 229233
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 10:00pm (Mon-Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/thebettershipsg/

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* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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[Seoul] Korean drama “My Love From Another Star” which sparked off a Chimaek craze a few years ago might have ended, but that is not stopping BHC Chicken from continuing to use Jun Ji Hyun as celebrity endorser.

The chicken franchise has engaged Jun Ji Hyun who played a Korean Chicken Lovin’ actress in the hit series, as exclusive model due to her huge influence.

Even Chinese tourists will take commemorative ‘selfies’ in front of the BHC stores where her photos are plastered.

BHC Chicken or “Better & Happier Choice” is one of most popular Korean Fried Chicken chains, having opened over 1,000 stores since 2004.

The BHC Chicken outlet in Myeongdong is a perfect spot for a late bite, as it opens up to 12 midnight.

If you are looking for a place with lots of flavours to choose from and chicken that is not extremely spicy, the BHC Chicken may be just what you are looking for.

There is nothing special about the interior of this place, a fuss-free eatery with dozens of wooden table and large crowds of visitors who are drinking their beers and eating chicken.

I noticed that many Korean eateries are not heavily staffed, but they can somehow manage to deliver food and service efficiently and fast.

Despite having only one bored-looking girl serve two floors, she was quick in getting orders and food.

The popular BHC flavours include Sweet Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken (19,000 Won), and Boneless Sprinkle Chicken (19,000 Won) sprinkled with flavour seasoning, cheese, onion, and garlic.

Other choices include Crispy Chicken (17,000 Won), Soy Sauce Chicken Leg (19,000 Won), Sauce Chicken (18,000 Won), and Spicy Sauce Chicken (18,000 Won).

Prices are between SGD$21.10 to SGD$23.60 for the chicken dishes. As they are typically served as whole chicken rather a fast-food style 2 piece meal, it is better to dine as a group.

I had the Curry Queen (19,000 Won, $23.60), which also came in a boneless version at the same price.

Sometimes, I get sceptical when a food brand is too heavily endorsed.

Surprisingly, the chicken pieces were considered above average. They came piping hot, expected with crunchy exterior and juicy meat.

Even while it was heavily seasoned outside, the flavour of the meat didn’t get lost in all of that.

I wasn’t sure about the sweet curry powder sprinkled all over. The first two pieces were enjoyable, like having a tidbit snack, then it got salty and boring after the 4th piece.

The easiest way to get to BHC Chicken outlet in Myeongdong is from Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2 Exit 5). It is situated just a short walk from the CU convenience shop.

BHC Chicken Myeongdong
21 Myeongdong 7-gil, Euljiro 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu (Euljiro 1-ga Station, Line 2 Exit 5)
Tel: +82 2 319 7033
Opening Hours: 2:00pm – 12:00mn
http://https://www.bhc.co.kr/
Google Maps – BHC Chicken Myeongdong

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Oppadak (Myeongdong, Seoul)

Click HERE for other SEOUL Food Entries

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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If you remember the Orchard Emerald Beef Noodles, you must be of a certain age. My era one – when going to Orchard Road was considered HIP.

The beef noodles stall was founded in 1997 by Mr George Cheok, located in the basement food court of Orchard Emerald Building. The building is like many old Singapore buildings, gone (Orchard Gateway now sits on this location.)

The stalls I remembered back then included this, Hock Lam, and from Scott Picnic Food Court.

The stall has moved to many places, from Margaret Drive Food Centre, then Holland Village, and now a full-fledged eatery at The Venue Residences and Shoppes at Tai Thong (near MacPherson).

Sometimes called the “Uncle George’s Beef Noodles”, the humble eatery sells up Beef Noodles in Dry or Soup versions ($7.00), Mixed Beef Dry/ Soup ($8.00), Beef Brisket Hor Fun ($8.50), and Oxtail with Rice or Garlic Bread ($12.50).

I had the Beef Noodles Dry ($8.00), with choice of Kway Teow or Chor Bee Hoon (thick vermicelli) to go along with freshly sliced meat covered in a thick gravy.

Oh… I can safely say this is one of the most LEGIT Hainanese Beef Noodles I had in a while.

The dark brown gravy was thick and flavourful and didn’t dilute easily. The beef cooked just right in texture – tender and soft.

Well, this bowl stands up because many Hainanese Beef Noodle stalls have become more commercialised and generic, all tasting more or less the same.

This was a few notches better.

I also had the Beef Balls Soup ($6) in which the balls were soft and bouncy, and didn’t taste like the typical factory-made ones which could have a slightly harder surface.

In an era where many of the old school favourites have been replaced or just disappeared, I think having a bowl of this Beef Noodles would bring back many fond memories of the good old days of Singapore.

Uncle George still cooks at this eatery, though he would be handing the ranks over to his son Gabriel.

Interesting fact: His other son Jonathan is the Youtuber behind cheokboardstudios. He should just do a video on the Beef Kway Teow. Challenge accepted?

Original Orchard Emerald Beef Noodles
2 Tai Thong Crescent #01-05 The Venue Residences and Shoppes, Singapore 347836
Tel: +65 6384 9149
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 9:00pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Tiong Bahru continues to evolve with the addition of Merci Marcel, a French café-restaurant located right beside Tiong Bahru Bakery. (It took over The Orange Thimble.)

There are different faces to it – a French breakfast and brunch café spot in the day, chic restaurant and wine bar at night.

In terms of decor, the 1,450 square feet restaurant has 3 spaces of the Lounge, Café Chic, and the Garden Patio. A fairly photogenic place.

I miss the good-old Tiong Bahru, but with the changing demographics, it is expected that we see more lifestyle concepts like this appearing in the neighbourhood.

During the evening, Merci Marcel introduces a French social dining concept with a dinner ‘tapas’ menu, created for sharing in good company.

It was recommended that diners start with 2 to 3 plates, then continue “depending on desire”.

Some of its starters included Cheese Croquette ($14), Chickpea Crème ($10), Duck Rillettes ($18), Good Cheese Tartar ($12), and aged cured 18th Bayonne Ham ($16).

For something more filling, the mains offered were Tarte Flambee ($24), Grilled Chicken with crispy Bayonne Ham ($22), Australian Angus Beef 400g ($39), Black Pepper Tuna ($25), and Ceviche of Red Snapper ($22).

Slightly on the expensive side for a rather casual bistro-like setting, but this is the price point many new restaurants in Singapore are moving towards. Sigh.

The Duck Rillettes ($18) is recommended, where the silky paste is served up with delicate melted camembert cheese and marinated pear.

I had the Crab Rillettes ($18) mixed with avocados, and enjoyed the delightful sweetness of the pale pink flesh, best spread on the sourdough bread.

The Pork Tenderloin ($24) with caramelised onions and ginger turned out to be a great choice as well, grilled till tender and moist, and was full of flavour.

I paired this up with a side of creamy Seasonal Mushrooms ($10), which was equally tasty.

Merci Marcel is slightly off the radar for now, but with its lovely ambience and promising food, it should get some attention fairly soon.

Merci Marcel
56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-68 Singapore 160056 (Tiong Bahru MRT)
Tel: +65 6224 0113
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 11.30pm (Tues – Fri), 8:00am – 11:30pm (Sat), 8:00am – 10:00pm (Sun)

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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The Best Of The Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Singapore 2017 is Japanese sushi restaurant Ki-sho, in the Epicurean Awards given out by Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS).

Ki-sho was also awarded the Best Japanese Fine Dining Restaurant.

For the Epicurean Awards, a total of 21 awards were presented to winners, including new categories Best Mediterranean Restaurant, and Best Seafood Restaurant as well as stalwarts like Best New F&B Establishment (Casual /Casual Fine) and Best Buffet.

Winners were judged based on the following criteria: restaurant concept, menu and service quality; with categories such as quality and taste, presentation, staff product knowledge, cleanliness and service attitude taken into account.

Judging is done via a month long mystery dining process that began in October 2017 by a panel of 20 culinary personalities.

Being a judge myself (I won’t say which categories), it has been an enlightening and enriching experience.

Interestingly, I wasn’t even recognised once – you could tell from service. I can share that restaurants which fare well, are those which are consistent in all segments, from taste, service, and presentation.

There was this particular restaurant in which the service staff, though junior, was able to answer questions adequately and provided good recommendations based on my preference. The level of training reflects in the other aspects as well.

WINNERS LIST FOR RAS EPICUREAN STAR AWARD 2017

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT (Fine Dining)
Crystal Jade Golden Palace

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT (Casual Dining)
Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant
TungLok Seafood

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT (Chain)
TungLok Signatures

BEST WESTERN RESTAURANT (Fine Dining)
Curate

BEST WESTERN RESTAURANT (Casual Dining)
Chef’s Table by Chef Stephan

BEST GASTRO-PUB
Equilibrium

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT (Fine Dining)
Labyrinth
Candlenut

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT (Casual Dining)
Zaffron Kitchen
Elemen 元素

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT (Chain)
Chicken Up

BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT (Fine Dining)
Ki-Sho

BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT (Casual Dining)
The Flying Squirrel

BEST CAFÉ
Mon Bijou

BEST NEW F&B ESTABLISHMENT (Casual Dining)
O-KU Japanese Tapas Bar

BEST NEW F&B ESTABLISHMENT (Casual Fine Dining)
Po

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
NUDE Seafood

BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
Kazbar

BEST BUFFET
Lime Restaurant

BEST BUFFET CATERER
Kampong Cafe

BEST OF THE BEST (Fine Dining)
Ki-Sho

BEST OF THE BEST (Casual Dining)
Chef’s Table by Chef Stephan

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees!

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights.

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il Cielo may be that hidden dining gem that you are looking for, perched on Level 24 of Hilton Singapore, complete with a semi-alfresco dining experience with a panoramic view of Orchard Road.

So, what have you been missing?

The restaurant has recently appointed Chef Yohhei Sasaki as Chef de Cuisine, who has introduced a NEW menu featuring Italian flavours with unique Japanese flair.

I have a thing about Italian cuisine cooked by Japanese chefs (oh, Uni Pasta!), which is either full of pleasant surprises or elegantly intricate.

This happens to be both.

The dishes here are created with three key elements – using locally sourced natural ingredients, seasonal Italian and Japanese gourmet produce, and handcrafted with Chef Sasaki’s refined techniques.

Chef Sasaki took a bold step by travelling to Italy to be trained in top Michelin-starred Italian restaurants in Tuscany and Lombardia, and came to Singapore a few years back.

When I had the Amuse Bouche which was part of the Degustation Menu, I was already impressed especially with the Foie Gras Macaron – an indication the menu is on another level all together.

Diners can order the il Cielo signature dishes (some featured below) available in the ala carte menu, or degustation menus – available as set lunches or 5-course dinner menu.

The Degustation Tasting Menu is offered in 2 themes – Italian at $88 per person ($118 with wine pairing), and Japanese at $118 per person ($148 with wine pairing). (Quote ‘DFDilCielo’ to enjoy a complimentary wine flight, including 3 glasses of wines worth $30++.)

Here are some of the signature dishes in il Cielo’s revamped menu by Chef Sasaki:

Carpaccio di Kinmedai
Kinmedai Carpaccio, Seaweed Tuile, Madeira Wine Dressing, Pink Grapefruit Snow

A starter that provides that expectation of what is to come, and you realise you cannot quite pigeon-hole the food here.

The Kinmedai “Golden Eye Fish” Carpaccio resembles a sashimi dish, except that this has a lot more going on.

With the theatrical presentation, it was sprinkled with pink grapefruit snow, created by nitro-freezing the fruit mix into powder. The tuile wafer made with seaweed and rice was a well-intentioned addition, providing both crisp texture and savoury umami taste. Loved it.

Calamaro Ripieno alla Viareggina
Stuffed Squid, Squid ink Bagna Cauda Sauce, Italian Parsley Puree, Squid ink Powder, Sea Water Foam

Stuffed squids are common in the Mediterranean which inspired this dish. The sea water foam resembled the bubbles in the ocean.

I enjoyed the beautiful texture and flavours. The squid was tender and didn’t have that rubbery texture. The portion was great too.

Cappellini Burro e Timo
Homemade Capellini Maine Lobster, Thyme Butter Sauce, Porcini Crumble, Black Truffle

While there were pricier ingredients of black truffle and Maine lobster, the homemade pasta was clearly the star of this dish.

That soft yellow hue, rich eggy flavour, cooked al dente with a good bite.

Spaghetti ai Ricci di Mare
Homemade Spaghetti, Hokkaido Sea Urchin, Sardinia Bottarga, Yuzu

Rich, moderately creamy, and elegantly delicious Uni Pasta.

I generally liked the lightness of the dish. You could taste the delicate blend of flavours from the saltiness of the fish roe, acquired ocean briny taste of the sea urchin, with hints of tangy yuzu for that brought that subtle zest at the end.

Costina di Manzo ‘Toriyama Wagyu A4’
Caramelized Toriyama Wagyu A4 Short Ribs, Sautéed Saffron Risotto, Lemon Gel, Italian Parsley Sauce

The Toriyama Wagyu came expectedly with great marbling for that melt-in-mouth sensation. I only wondered about the risotto which came creatively like a piece of patty beneath, if it could work better with more creaminess within.

Duo di Maiale
Herb Roasted Pork Collar and Slow Braised Belly of Mangalica Pork

Between the two pieces, I enjoyed the braised mangalica pork a lot better. Known for its stronger taste and fuller fat content, the meat was ideal for slow cooking to savour that juiciness after.

Il Nostro Tiramisu
Mascarpone Cream, Coffee ladyfingers, Espresso Espuma, Crushed Chocolate

My dining partner called this the “tamed down Tiramisu”. I guess she was right.

Without the intense alcoholic flavour, this dessert came across as a lighter, fluffier version of the traditional tiramisu. Makes a suitable end to a satisfying meal.

La Sfera
Yuzu Sphere, Ricotta Cheese Espuma, Lemon Sorbet, Acacia Honey Gel

Looking like a yellow balloon on a plate, you cannot imagine the amount of work that goes into making one of these. But it was worth the effort.

Beneath the yuzu sphere was a ‘treasure’ of lemon sorbet (not easy to keep it not melting), with its tanginess balanced with the addition of mildly sweet ricotta cheese and acacia honey gel – known to be one of the best types of honey in the world.

Literally a refreshing ball of pleasure.

I certainly think that the creativity and the quality of ingredients used make this restaurant Michelin-star worthy.

With its intimate setting with 48-seater capacity, the name “il Cielo” which translates to “the sky” can be that dining place for corporate lunches, to romantic dinners and celebrations.

Pricing for Degustation Menu
Lunch: 2-course ($25++), 3-course ($35++)

The set lunches come at a great price, with 3-course at $35++, and 2-course at $25++. They are also weekly rotational depending on the freshest ingredients available. Enquire with the restaurant on the menu for the week.

Dinner: 5-course ($88++ for Italy menu, $118++ for Japanese menu)

Exclusive DFD Promotion
Quote ‘DFDilCielo’ to enjoy a complimentary wine flight (including 3 glasses of wines worth $30++) when you order the 5-course degustation menu during dinner. First 50 reservations / limited offer allocations daily.

*Only valid during dinner and 5-course Italian/Japanese degustation menus.

il Cielo Restaurant
Level 24, Hilton Singapore 581 Orchard Road Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 6730 3395
Email: ilcielo@hilton.com
Website: https://singapore.hilton.com/ilCielo
Opening Hours: Lunch 12:30pm – 2.30pm (Mon – Fri)
Dinner 7:00pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Sat)

il Cielo Festive Specials, December 1 to 31 2017
You can look forward to exquisite dishes including roasted Maine Lobster and Agnolotti with Lobster Bisque Sauce, Béchamel Espuma and Saffron Potatoes; homemade Cold Pesto Capellini with Shogoin Kabura (turnip), Smoked Salmon and Ikura; and Herb-Roasted Premium Hokkaido Snow Beef Chuck Short Ribs with Black Garlic Cream, Celeriac Purée and Seasonal Japanese Radish.

Pricing
• 6-course Festive Menu, December 1 to 30 | $138 per person*. (Not valid from December 23 to 25.)
• 5-course Christmas Menu, December 23 to 25 | $138 per person**
• 6-course New Year’s Eve Menu, December 31 | $138 per person**

Exclusive DFD Festive Promotion
*Limited to first 50 reservations, quote ‘DFDilCieloXmas’ to enjoy a complimentary wine flight (including 3 glasses of wines worth $30++) when you order the 6-course Festive Menu from 1 to 30 December.
** On top of Citibank 20% off early-bird promo, quote ‘DFDilCieloXmas’ to get additional 5% off (must have Citibank card) for bookings made before 10 Dec. Subject to availability.

*This entry is brought to you in partnership with Hilton Singapore.

The post il Cielo – Hidden Gem Of Italian Cuisine with Japanese Flair, Poolside Restaurant With Scenic View Of Orchard Road appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

[Jakarta] Situated at the back corner of PIK Avenue mall at North Jakarta, lies Holy Smokes. It is worth the find.

The restaurant specialises in serving Texas slow-smoked BBQ. It is considered by many (including myself) the place to get your BBQ cravings fixed.

Holy Smokes has an industrial theme concept for the interior, with wood and iron elements placed throughout the outlet. It might look a little dull due to lack of windows.

However, good that there is an open kitchen where you can observe the cooking process, to see your meats get from the grills to the table.

The 4 recommended dishes are Texas Short Ribs, Southern Style Beef Ribs, Smoky Beef Brisket, and Onion Straws.

The Onion Straws(Rp 45k, SGD$4.50) are always my favourite! Lightly battered then deep fried to crispy golden brown, best dipped good to the cocktail sauce or BBQ sauce.

Recommended to share between two to three people.

For the Smoky Wagyu Brisket (180g) Rp 130k-185k, SGD$13-19), customers may choose from the Fatty or Lean cut options.

There is an option of “Plate” (no side dish) or “Dinner” (2 side dishes included).

Using their special recipes and spices, this wagyu brisket was marinated few days before being slowly smoked for over 14 hours.

This was to ensure that the slices would have that signature charred flavor.

The result?

Super smoky, juicy and tender. Once served, you simply cannot resist that appetising aroma.

The Texas Short Ribs (Rp 350k, SGD 35) were well marinated, slowly smoked for 6 hours, with meat that fell off the bones easily.

I thought that it needed no additional condiments, as it was packed with flavours.

Customers are able to choose between Australia or US beef.

Exclusively only available in PIK branch, this St Louis Ribs Quarter Back (Rp 150k, SGD$15) would go through the same cooking and smoking process as the Texas short ribs.

I ordered mine with a side of salad, which was fresh and refreshing, and brought about some balance to the ‘heaty’ ribs.

Known for good quality, fast service, and reasonably priced meats, Holy Smokes has been winning over customers since their first outlet.

I have been patronizing them for over 2 years and safely say that their consistency is on point.

Did I mention free flow BBQ sauces? HOLY SMOKES!

Holy Smokes
PIK Avenue Mall, 1st Floor, Jl. Pantai Indah Kapuk, Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta Utara, Indonesia
Tel: +62 212 257 0861
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm (Mon-Sun)
Google Maps – Holy Smokes

Other Related Entries
Fillmore Coffee (Jakarta)
Maple And Oak (Menteng, Jakarta)

* Written by DFD͛s Jakarta Food Correspondent Wilson Wangsawinata @iknowhowtoeat who loves exploring NEW food places in both Indonesia and Singapore. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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[Bangkok] Where the world’s smelliest fruit gets its own dessert café.

Insanely popular shibuya toast shop After You has opened an all-things-durian concept store.

Situated on the ground floor of Siam Paragon, After You Durian Room is adjacent to the popular After You Café.

One of the reasons why this dessert café special, is the fact that there are not that many places in the area serving durian-inspired dishes.

The interior is considered basic in Bangkok’s standard, consisting of wooden tables and chairs.

You will also notice their motto” There’s always room for dessert” and dozens of lamps hanging from the wooden boards. The crowd here, is not as brisk as next door’s store though.

Some of their signature treats include Durian Shibuya Toast (285 baht), Durian Sticky Rice Honey Toast (325 baht), Nutella Durian Toast (305 baht), Durian Sticky Rice Kakigori (345 baht), Chocolate Mud Brownie with Durian Ice Cream (215 baht), Durian Crumbstick (95 baht) and even a Durian Frappe (165 baht).

Durian Frappe? Yikes!

Even though I am NOT totally a durian fan, I thoroughly enjoyed the Durian Sticky Rice Honey Toast. The toast itself was crispy with a fluffy texture.

There were many interesting elements that combined well together. You can pour durian pulp all over the three fat scoops of ice cream first.

After you cut the toast open, you would find ‘treasures’ of sweet sticky rice, along with chunks of fresh durian fruit. All in perfect harmony.

Warning though, this could be very filling, and they did not provide mints.

The best time to visit After You Durian Room is probably around noon before large crowds of visitors start to swell up.

In order to reach After You Durian Room, just take the BTS Skytrain to Siam Station. Siam Paragon is located right next to it.

After You Durian
G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Road. 991 อาคารสยามพารากอน Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand (BTS Siam Station)
Tel: +66 2 610 7659
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm Daily
http://afteryoudessertcafe.com
Google Maps – After You Durian

Other Related Entries
After You (Central World, Bangkok)
PABLO (Siam Paragon, Bangkok)
Peace Oriental Teahouse (Ekkamai, Bangkok)
Blue Whale Maharaj (Wat Pho, Bangkok)
Maygori (Siam Square, Bangkok)

Click HERE for other BANGKOK Food Entries

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Carrotsticks and Cravings is a café that some people I know are looking exactly for – serving healthy AND tasty food, full for greens and superfoods, and decorated in pretty pink and white.

With several GF, NF, DF, V options – gluten free, nut free, dairy free, vegetarian.

A healthy food haven. It is located at the further end of Dempsey on 75E Loewen Road, run by Terri-Anne who is an expat mum from Melbourne living in Singapore.

The jovial looking Terri-Anne also runs a food blog posting recipes, and a cooking studio right next to the café.

The space itself was open and bright, carefully decked with pink accents of utensils, ornaments and placemats.

Customers were mainly expats when I visited, and vibes cheery and positive.

Terri Anne’s food philosophy is all about keeping things in moderation – 80% good, 20% indulgence.

Breakfast offerings included Acai Berry Bowl ($14), Breakfast Berry Parfait ($14), Smashed Avocados ($18), and Meredith Goats Cheese with Thyme Roasted Mushrooms on Sourdough ($18).

If you come during lunch, there are Quinoa and Pomegranate Superfood Salad ($18), Green Falafel Bowl ($20), Dukkah Roasted Pumpkin and Lentil Salad ($18), with rotational salad and sourdough specials.

Coffee is from a Brother Basil & Co. blend from Melbourne.

I had the Acai Berry Bowl ($14) which was spot on, one of the best Acai Bowls I had in Singapore.

Included with homemade peanut butter granola (with option of berry coconut granola), the acai berry smoothie was of a good consistency and remained relatively thick.
It was topped with coconut flakes, chia seeds, blueberries and raspberries for added colours and freshness.

I also enjoyed the Breakfast Berry Parfait ($14), and suddenly thought that having all these healthy foods might not be that bad or boring after all.

The fresh granola made a whole lot of difference.

I only thought that that Kale, Avocado and Orange Salad ($24, added with Dukkah Roasted Chicken) was on the plain side – but this is coming from someone who regularly eats a lot of rich food.

A little more dressing (or juice), and added juiciness of the chicken pieces (as it was quite dry) would have helped.

Such a lovely place really, nutritious food made with love, with positive vibes and happy people.

Will make my way back again. #needtoloseweighttoo

Carrotsticks & Cravings
75E Loewen Road Singapore 248845
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm

Other Related Entries
10 Best Acai Bowls In Singapore
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Loloku (Keong Siak)
Poke Doke (Millenia Walk)
Alakai Poke (Everton Park)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Character cafes come and go in Singapore.

They get an initial hype as fans are curious when their favourite characters turn to food, along with several photo opportunities.

However, a couple did not meet expectations in the taste or presentation factors, and had to bite the dust.

With the increasingly short attention span of diners, it seems that pop-up concepts work best to keep them interested.

People are also not going to these places to EAT-eat per se, but for photo opportunities. Therefore, presentation plays a crucial part for such cafés to sustain their appeal.

8 Character Themed Cafes In Singapore – Super Heroes and Cuteness Overload

Minion Café – THE GUEST cafe&diner
181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central #03-23/24/25, Singapore 238896 (Somerset MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 9:00pm Daily

A Minions Café has opened in Singapore at Orchard Central Level 3.

Similar to its Japanese counterparts, this is a pop-up concept under “THE GUEST cafe&diner” that will operate from 23 November 2017 (Thurs) to 31st January 2018 (Wed).

The popular Minion themed food and drinks includes Minion’s Great Escape Cream Stew ($20.90), Minions Vacation Plate ($23.90), S’more & Minion’s Ice Cream ($16.90), Minion Riceball Party ($21.90), and Pizza Box ($13.90).

Do expect long queues (partly due to the school holidays), and feedback has been more positive for its dessert items rather than mains. Minions Café (Orchard Central)

Cartoon Network Cafe By The Soup Spoon Union
83 Punggol Central, #B1-12, Waterway Point Mall, Singapore 828761
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon-Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/CNCafeByTSS/

As a collaboration with Cartoon Network for a year, the 93-seaters Soup Spoon Union at Punggol Waterway Point has undergone a revamp with Cartoon Network wallpaper, toys, plushies and a dedicated corner for cartoon sketching.

Each of the cartoon characters will be available in the Appetisers ($8.90 – $10.90), Mains ($14.90 – $23.80), Desserts ($12.90 – $16.80) and Drinks ($4.50 – $10.90) section of the menu.

Appetisers include Adventure Time BBQ Drumlets (6pcs for $8.90), Powerpuff Potpie ($10.90), Ben 10 Baked Fries & Meatballs (6pcs for $8.90), Pan-pan Carlzone ($10.90).

My favourite was the Powerpuff Potpie ($10.90) that came with a choice of Velvety Mushroom or Clam Chowder.

However, presentation and creativity of dishes didn’t seem to be as strong over here, with some characters reflected by a token graphics print-out. Cartoon Network Café (Waterway Point)

Miffy Café
Kumoya @ 8 Jalan Klapa Singapore 199320
Opening Hours: 12.00pm – 9.30pm (Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun), 12.00pm – 10.30pm (Fri, Sat), Last Order 30 minutes before closing, Closed Mon
Duration: 5 October 2017 (Thursday) to 31 December 2017 (Sunday)

This is a pop-up concept that takes place till 31st December 2017 (Sunday). All the way till Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

The limited-time menu has been curated and styled by well known food stylist Shirley Wong (Little Miss Bento) and the Kumoya team. Shirley is also consultant of the menu at Gudetama Café Singapore.

Popular dishes include the Splashing Good Fun Japanese Seafood Curry Rice ($24.90) of fluffy Miffy Japanese rice served with fish kamaboko, cheese stars, steamed broccoli, breaded calamari, breaded ebi, breaded scallop and fresh tempura salmon on Japanese curry; and Magnificent Matcha Azuki Lava cake ($16.90) – warm matcha lava cake served with fresh churned creamy Hokkaido soft serve. Paired with cute buttery Miffy cookie, fluffy cotton candy, dango and Hokkaido azuki.

The interior was on-point. Miffy Café (Jalan Klapa)

Hello Kitty Orchid Garden
Arrival Hall Central #01-22, Terminal 3, Singapore Changi Airport
Opening Hours: 24 Hours Daily

Singapore’s 1st Hello Kitty Café. Named as “Hello Kitty Orchid Garden”, the interior and menu is inspired by Singapore’s national flower.

Some local influence has been woven into the menu, which comprises of all-day breakfast fare and an array of Kitty-fied desserts, including gelato sundaes, waffles, pastries and tea cakes.

Its recommended item include a Big Breakfast Surprise ($18.50), Kitty Meets Benedict ($17.50 with Hollandaise sauce done two ways in yuzu and dill, Enchanted Forest quesadillas ($17.90), Cowabunga Wagyu ($24), Kitty Goes Fishing salmon ($23.90), and The Cat in Paradise dessert ($18.50).

Located at Terminal 3’s Arrival Hall Central, the cafe is opened 24/7. Food-wise, so-so lah. Hello Kitty Orchid Garden (Changi Airport T3)

Gudetama Cafe Singapore
Suntec City Mall #01-361/362/363/364 (West Wing), 3 Temasek Boulevard Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun) Last Order 9:30pm

Created after popular Sanrio Character Gudetama, the Gudetama Café is started by homegrown brands Joe & Dough and The Soup Spoon.

The menu consists of 10 main courses, 4 side dishes, 5 desserts, 2 kids’ meals and a range of specialty drinks. Prices for main courses range from $18.00 to $38.00 and prices for side dishes start from $12.50.

Signature items include “I’m Cold” Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict ($26.90) – poached eggs with smoked salmon over mashed avocado on brioche toast drizzled with Yuzu hollandaise sauce, served with seasonal greens; Gudetama Lobster Onsen ($16.00) – lobster bisque with poached egg in bread bowl served with seasonal greens; and “Shoyu Ramen” Set ($21.50)
“Ramen” dessert made with chocolate and feuilletine cake topped with layers of chestnut Mont Blanc and earl grey jelly, served with a side of panna cotta and sweetened rose tea.

Of all the character cafes in Singapore, the dining crowd here seems to be the most consistent. Gudetama Café (Suntec City)

DC Comics Super Heroes Café
2 Bayfront Avenue, L1-03/04/05 Bay Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018972
Tel: +65 6688 7610
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 11pm (Sun-Thurs), 10:30am – 11:30pm

It may be your dream come true to have some Superman’s Soup, Green Lantern Salad, Catwoman’s Caramel Latte, The Flash’s Espresso and Batman Burger. Or maybe not. (Anyway, please do not ask for Spiderman cakes yah?)

The menu consists of starters, quesadilla, sandwiches, pasta dishes, desserts and drinks. Food is not halal, though no pork or lard is served.

Let us just say that the children are likely to enjoy the toys and cakes, and the adults have to get ready to spend some money. The price of the Flash Cupcake at $8.90 may already give you a shock (pun unintended).

The DC Comics Super Heroes Café is a great place for photo opportunities, but the food may not be able to save the day. They will be opening a new outlet at downtown Orchard. DC Comics Super Heroes Café (MBS)

Hungry Heroes
33 Tessensohn Road Singapore 217656
Opening Hours: 4 – 11pm (Mon – Fri), 12 – 11pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

Hungry Heroes is not only for the kids, but adults as well, serving big-sized hearty portioned foods and platters such as gigantic burgers, twice-cooked Pork Ribs, specialty meats like the Bacon Karate Chop and the Nuclear Fission Angus Beef Cheeks.

There are many original and licensed superhero memorabilia from Marvel & other comics on display, including life-sized statues, head busts, figurines and movie posters.

Charlie Brown Café
Cathay Cineleisure 8 Grange Road, #04-01, Singapore 239695 (Somerset MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 2am (Fri – Sat)

The first Peanuts Comic Strip themed café in South East Asia, decorated with favourite Peanuts character sculptures (I like Linus, you?)

Their menu is quite expensive, includes All-Day Breakfast (prices between $6.80 – $12.80), Mains such as Charlie Brown Chicken Rice ($13.80, nothing Charlie Brown on it though), Pastas ($12.80 – $16.80), Pizzas and Desserts. T

The popular items include the Snoppy’s Lava Cake ($8.80) and American Cheese Cake ($7.80)

Good to know: The Charlie Brown Café is Halal-certified, and there is no service charge.

Other Related Entries
10 Most Instagrammable Cafes In Singapore 2017
Miffy Café (Jalan Klapa)
Gudetama Café Singapore (Suntec City)
Hello Kitty Orchid Garden (Changi Airport T3)
Cartoon Network Café (Waterway Point)
Minions Café (Orchard Central)

* Compiled by Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary and Nicholas Tan @stormscape.

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[Bangkok] The New Talad Rod Fai Night Market at the Ratchada area is my new-found favourite night market at Bangkok, Thailand.

I have to admit that New Talad Rod Fai Night Market is slightly smaller than the original branch – located close to the train tracks on the outskirts of the city.

However, this market has a rather central location, conveniently located just a short walk from the National Cultural Center MRT Station, just behind the Esplanade Mall.

The night bazaar feel was ‘on-point’, with dozens of long avenues that feature many street food snacks, fashion and accessories, pubs and bars, and hipster shops such as barbers.

While it is a popular destination for both tourists and locals and can get quite crowded, the way the night is organised makes it easy for walking and browsing – food on one side, all the rest on the other.

At the back end of the market, visitors will find a row of bars and a couple Of VW vans that play Thai and international music.

The market works from 6pm (many stalls were opened about 5pm) in the evening until midnight from Thursday to Sunday.

The food section at the New Talad Rod Fai Night Market was plentiful, and the mouth-watering array of street food was very enticing.

There would some common ‘hipster food’ that you could find repeated at several stalls – Salt Crusted Grilled Fish (the NEW IN food at night markets), slushies in fruits, boneless flavoured fried chicken and Korean Fried Chicken.

I liked the market because it does not just sell instagrammable food with all the colours and gimmicks, but savoury items that were both tasty and satisfying.

If you are having dinner with a group of friends, you can consider having the Thai style Crab In The Bag which 389 baht (SGD$16.00) for 1-2 pax – considered inexpensive for the amount of fresh seafood items you get.

The mixed seafood bucket contained prawns, squid, clam, and mussel tossed in a sweet mildly spicy sauce. You can choose the level of spiciness.

The XL set for 3-4 is priced at 689 baht (SGD$28.40) with free blue crabs.

The other highlight is BBQ Pork Ribs affordably priced at 199 baht (SGD8), I was surprised at how smoky and fork-tender the meat was.

The only thing I didn’t like that much was that seats were very cramped, that you might just keep getting knocked by the next table.

Here are some 20 food items you can find at the New Talad Rod Fai Market:

Thai Style Crab In The Bag

BBQ Pork Ribs

Salt Crusted Grilled Fish

Boneless Deep Fried Flavoured Chicken

Korean Sauced Chicken

Cheese Nachos and Cheese Fries

Grilled Skewers

Thai Style Fish Balls

Spinal Boiled Spicy Soup

Korean Sausage Mozzarella Cheese Roll

Japanese Sashimi

Sushi

Deep Fried Shishamo

Fried Octopus

Grilled Mackerel or Crab Otah Otah

Takoyaki

Dorayaki (Red Bean Pancakes)

Japanese Crepes

Watermelon Slushie

And get ready for this…

INSECTS and WORMS!

It is quite easy to find New Talad Rod Fai Night Market, as it is located behind the Cultural Centre MRT Underground Station and close to the Esplanade Mall.

The overall impression of the New Talad Rod Fai Night Market is that it is very local and boasts a friendly vibe.

I liked the abundant and colourful food selection, along with live music entertainment and reasonably priced drinks from the bars. There seems to be something for everyone here.

New Talad Rod Fai Night Market
Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khwaeng Din Daeng, Khet Din Daeng, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand (Near the Esplanade Mall and Thailand Cultural Centre MRT)
Opening Hours: 6:00pm – 12:00am (Thurs – Sun)
Google Maps – New Talad Rod Fai Night Market

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Talad Neon (Petchaburi, Bangkok)
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Click HERE for other BANGKOK Food Entries

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Those who frequent Tokyo should be familiar with LUMINE, the leading developer of full service shopping centers in Tokyo with 16 centers around.

LUMINE has opened its first retail space in Singapore on the 2nd level of Clarke Quay Central, which you can access both via within the mall or outside from the escalator.

The 10,000 square feet space is a women-focused lifestyle store, offering clothes and accessories from Tomorrowland, Iéna, Fray ID, Lily Brown, Mila Owen, Moussy, roomsSHOP and eyewear brand Zoff.

So, guys have nothing really nothing to buy there except visit the café.

Anyway, this is the first time the retailer is launching a LUMINE Café. The café is operated under Create Restaurants Asia, which runs Japanese restaurants and cafes such as Pompompurin (now closed), Hifumi, Shabu Sai and Maccha House in Singapore.

If you like any of the food outlets above, there is a higher chance of you liking LUMINE Café. The reverse applies.

I happened to find the café very photogenic, stylish in a feminine way, pretty in pink.

The café is supposed to resemble a beauty salon” for chic women who want to fully enjoy every day”.

The seats were comfortable, and some by the window could have a view of outside Eu Tong Sen Street.

Offerings appear limited for now, with 4 different types of Fruit Parfaits – Melon Medley ($18.90), Berry Blush ($12.90), Tropical Blast ($12.90), Mango Crazy ($12.90); along with Fruit Punch ($7.90) and selection of drinks such as Honey Latte ($6.90), Matcha Latte ($4.90), and Blood Orange Juice ($4.90).

I had the Mango Crazy ($12.90), a simple though refreshing smoothie parfait of alternating fresh honey mango cubes and yogurt cream, with mango jelly at the bottom.

So it was mango fruits with yoghurt in a cup lah. A healthier form of dessert (I suppose) for chillax-ing during the noon.

The Matcha Latte ($4.90) was smooth with that subtle bitterness; while the Latte ($6.40) arrived super hot and tasted ‘burnt’.

LUMINE took over the space previously occupied by Hong Kong lifestyle store Goods Of Desire, and subsequently Naiise.

I won’t comment on the fashion part, but the café probably could do with slightly more diverse offerings, say Matcha Croissant, Tonkatsu Sandwiches or something.

LUMINE Café
Clarke Quay Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street 02-20, Singapore 059817 (Clarke Quay MRT)

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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A Mango King Thai Dessert kiosk has opened at basement 4 of ION Orchard, taking over First Love Patisserie.

I had to do a double-take, because the stall looked excessively similar to the trending mango dessert brand in Indonesia.

Ask a foodie in Indonesia what was the most instagrammable and fashionable dessert a few months back, and the answer should be “King Mango Thai”.

King Mango Thai serves up dessert cups made from sweet Thai mangoes, recognised with its bright coloured bendy straw and spoon, dark green coloured branding tag shaped like a mango poked in like a stick, and a cardboard base-holder.

It is priced from 50,000IDR (SGD$5) per cup.

The stall at ION is called “Mango King”.

It serves up a layered mango dessert cup, priced at $8.90 for a regular, and $11.90 for a large version. The large is humongous – get it only if you are sharing.

The cup was filled with layers of mango juice, fresh cream, mango sorbet and cubes of fresh mangoes from Thailand.

In terms of packaging, it was alike King Mango Thai, except that this had a red coloured base and luminous green ‘llao llao’ spoon.

I was hit by slight sourness from the first bite of the mangoes, but this was understandable – a heng sway thing.

However, if you mix the fruits in with the other sweet components, it should balance out.

I enjoyed the freshness of the ingredients used, but found the entire cup too rich and filling – even though I didn’t have lunch.

Mango King should get some attention for a while, but I suspect it may not reach Indonesia’s level of popularity due to a combination of factors, part branding and market, part taste profile. (In the meantime, Lumine Café and Café de Paris have also introduced their versions of mango cups.)

Mango King Thai Dessert
2 Orchard Turn #B4-63 ION Orchard Singapore 238801 (Orchard MRT)
Tel: +65 6238 8006
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm

Other Related Entries
Smoothie House (Westgate)
Lumine Café (Clarke Quay Central)
Café de Paris (313@somerset)
KOI Thé Singapor (Toa Payoh)
LiHo (Tanjong Pagar Centre)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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The viral videos of Kyoto’s Kichi Kichi instilled a new-found interest in Japanese Omu Rice, so much so that the dish has become instagrammable. Or boomerang-able. (You can also try Taimeiken if you are in Tokyo.)

OMU which specialises in Japanese Omurice has opened at the West Wing of Suntec City, near the H&M side, a short walk from Esplanade MRT exit.

I believe this restaurant would get Singaporeans slightly excited during the opening days.

Slice, flip apart, flow.

Interesting, OMU the restaurant did not originate from Japan, but Thailand instead. It was established in 2010, with 6 branches across Bangkok (Parklane Mall Ekkamai, Central World, Silom Complex).

“Omu” refers to “omuretsu” which is omelette in Japanese.

Each Omurice comes with with tomato fried rice with sautéed chicken and mushroom or butter fried rice (depending on what sauce you order) wrapped within.

There are 5 different sauces to choose from – Tomato, Demiglace, Curry, Cream or Japanese, with choice of accompanying ingredients such as chicken cutlet, cream croquette, sausages and seafood.

First things first, the wait can be very long. It took me 35 – 40 minutes to get a table even though I was 3rd in line, and the restaurant wasn’t THAT crowded.

Food took long to come as well, with some online reviews stating the wait was about an hour.

When my friend asked the service staff, he shared that there was only one chef who could cook the lava omelette as it required a level of skills Sodesu-ne. (Does not mean this chef cannot take MC, or even go for too long a toilet break?)

The same friend quipped, “How to turn around fast enough to earn money?”

The price point of the Omelette items was quite comfortable, from about $9.80 for a basic Tomato Sauce Omelette to $14.80 for a Demiglace Sauce Omurice with Pork Cutlet.

However, you have to add $2 for a “Lava Style Omelette”. In Bangkok, it was 20 baht.

When the plates of Omurice arrived, the manager came with a knife and sliced all of them quite beautiful.

One stroke down, and half of the egg flipped opened to reveal the creamy inside, the other half stuck as it was blocked by the meat pieces.

The egg part was like what I imagined – creamy, almost scrambled like, runny and fluffy.

However, the other parts were more lacklustre. The pork cutlet pieces were dry and tough, and the rice wasn’t exactly hot or fragrant considered it was tomato fried.

Without the gimmicky lava part, some of the omu curry rice elsewhere would have fared better in the taste factor.

OMU is likely to attract much social media attention as it is the first in Singapore to offer such lava Omurice.

However, do be prepared to bear with the wait and hopefully they will get the kitchen operations all settled out soon.

OMU Singapore
3 Temasek Boulevard #01-301A/301B West Wing, Suntec City Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 98340079
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm

Other Related Entries
Tamaya Dining (Cuppage Terrace)
Fujiyama Dragon Curry (Tanjong Pagar)
Sama Curry & Café (Downtown Gallery)
Fujiyama Dragon Curry (Tanjong Pagar)
Yuba Hut (Heartland Mall)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post OMU Singapore – Lava Omurice With Creamy Centre Comes To Singapore, At Suntec City appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

For fans who missed Gong Cha in Singapore, the bubble tea shop will be returning 1st December 12:00pm (this Friday) at Paya Lebar SingPost Centre.

Yeah! Or Yeah…?

Due to franchise issues, Gong Cha exited Singapore in May this year and all stores were converted to LiHo, leading to disappointed fans and so many media reports. There was no way to avoid scrolling my FB without seeing “LiHo” somehow in that entire week.

Actually, I am still not too sure what the whole fuss was about.

(Photo credit: Gong Cha Malaysia)

Gong Cha Singapore will return with its evergreen best-sellers, such as their Royal Milk Tea with Pearl and Cheese Foam Tea beverages.

I will be just going straight to Alishan.

It will also offer a range of brand new flavours, some of which are developed exclusively for Singapore consumers. These include Sweet Potato Milk Tea, Matcha with Red Bead and Brown Sugar Oolong.

Interesting to note that between May and now, in just a couple of months, many other similar shops such as Teafolia, ParTea, PlayMade, R&B Tea, HeeTea, Mr Tan and Hi Tea have all opened in Singapore serving fruit teas and cheese foam teas.

I guess one of the greatest beneficiary during Gong Cha’s absence is KOI, which queues only seemed to have got longer. Which brings me to the next question…

What is going to happen to LiHo?

Gong Cha
SingPost Centre 10 Eunos Road #01-141A/141B Singapore 408600 (Paya Lebar MRT)

Other Related Entries
LiHo (Tanjong Pagar Centre)
KOI Thé Singapor (Toa Payoh)
Teafolia (Tampines)
PlayMade (Tampines)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights.

The post Gong Cha Singapore – Reopening At SingPost Centre With NEW Drinks, 1st Dec (Fri) 12PM appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Christmas festive goodies with local flavours?

This is something different. The Roasted Turkeys, NEW log cake flavours and Christmas bundles from Pacific Marketplace can be the next talking point for your celebration meals.

Pacific Marketplace at Pan Pacific Singapore has introduced 3 NEW Log Cake flavours – Chendol Log Cake, Chocolate Matcha Cherry Morello Log Cake and Araguani Frambosie Crunchy Log Cake.

There are also other cakes and pastries handcrafted by Pastry Chef Eddy Yau and team, who have introduced an East-meets-West collection the last quarter of this year.

Among the new collection, look out for the fragrant Pandan Gula Melaka Chiffon Cake.

I love my Nyonya food, but still didn’t quite expect this. Also making a debut is the NEW Peranakan Roasted Turkey. And can I add it is at a mega 4-5 kg, that will be THE centerpiece for the dining table.

That is not all, the roasted turkey will be served with Nasi Kunyit (turmeric rice) and pickled vegetables.

These are some of the highlights of the Festive Goodies and Cakes Galore at Pacific Marketplace:

Chendol Log Cake ($68, 1 kg)
If you are looking at a log cake that is unconventional, yet pleases the crowd – look no further.

This newly introduced Chendol Log Cake when cut through, will reveal beautiful layers of gula melaka mousse, red beans, coconut panna cotta and pandan sponge.

After trying, I thought that it reminded me of a cross between my favourite nyonya kueh-kueh and the actual chendol dessert with the addition of ample red beans.

Chocolate Matcha Morello Cherry Log Cake ($68, 1kg)
This is the log cake to bring to your office or family meals because it is both attractive and tasty.

All right, because there is MATCHA too.

The cake is not too sweet, has a firm yet smooth mousse texture, with a good balance between the chocolate and matcha. I shared this and everyone liked it.

Araguani Framboise Crunchy Log Cake ($68, 1kg)
Pastry Chef Eddy has a keen interest in chocolate, and has designed this Araguani Framboise Crunchy Log Cake, with a strikingly bittersweet essence of 72% dark chocolate.

Additionally, it has a delightful crunchy base.

Peranakan Roasted Turkey, served with Nasi Kunyit and vegetable pickles ($168 for 4 – 5 kg turkey)
The Peranakan food items are created by the in-house Peranakan Chef (who also whips up amazing dishes and home-made sauces at the Nyonya counter at Edge).

The NEW Peranakan Roasted Turkey is served with Nasi Kunyit (turmeric rice) and Achar (pickled vegetables), great for those who enjoy Asian spices.

Heritage Christmas Bundle ($268)
If you are thinking of getting all the food as a bundle, you can order the fuss-free Heritage Bundle Set which includes Peranakan Roasted Turkey with Nasi Kunyit (turmeric rice) and vegetable pickles, Nyonya Popiah of fresh spring rolls with braised turnips and minced turkey, complete with the sweet treat of Chendol Log Cake.

Traditional Christmas Bundle ($168 for 4-5kg turkey, $298 for bundle)
For a juicy and flavourful turkey treat, also available is the Traditional Roasted Turkey with chorizo-cornbread stuffing (contains pork) (4-5kg), winter vegetables, giblet gravy, and cranberry sauce.

The convenient Traditional Christmas Bundle also includes a Honey Glazed Ham with spiced pineapple marmalade (2kg), and Araguani Framboise Crunchy Log Cake.

Good to know: All the Christmas hams are handmade by the Master Butcher and team, and all hams, sausages and cold cuts sold contain no preservatives or fillers.

Pandan Gula Melaka Chiffon Cake ($15)
Other than the Christmas log cakes, there is a NEW selection of cakes, tarts and other pastries handcrafted by the pastry team.

What I will recommend is the fragrant and so-fluffy Pandan Gula Melaka Chiffon Cake. If you are a tourist, or intend to get a representative cake from Singapore to friends overseas, this Pandan Cake will make a great choice.

The chiffon cake is made by using fresh juice extracted from pandan leaves, added with authentic Gula Melaka (palm sugar) from Malacca.

What I also liked were the additional mini gula melaka droppers, which you could drip for added caramel-like sweetness.

Matcha Yuzu Lychee Entremet ($58 per cake of 1kg, $7 per slice)
Apart from the Pandan Gula Melaka Chiffon Cake, the 3 NEW whole cake flavours are the Matcha Yuzu Lychee Entremet, Strawberry Pistachio Shortcake and Araguani Hazelnut Royaltine Entremet, alongside the signature Blueberry Cheesecake.

The Matcha Yuzu Lychee Entremet has a light Japanese slant, incorporating quality matcha powder in the mousse, balanced with tangy and fruity flavours of the yuzu crème and lychee curd.

Strawberry Pistachio Shortcake ($58, 1kg)
The classic strawberry shortcake is given a spin with fluffy pistachio sponge, complemented by smooth whipped cream and a ring of fresh strawberries.

A lower sugar option is also available upon special request.

Black Forest Gâteau ($8 per slice), Lime Tart ($7 per slice)
Sliced cakes are available for dining in or takeaways. Highlights include the gorgeously glazed Black Forest Gâteau, a dome-shaped cake with dark chocolate mousse, kirsch panna cotta and Morello cherry compote.

Other favourites include the Lime Tart of zesty lime cream in a buttery shortcrust pastry, Gula Melaka Caramel Banana Gâteau, and the Banana Cheesecake.

Pacific Marketplace
Level 1, Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard Marina Square Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 6826 8240
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 10:00pm (Mon – Sun)
Email: celebrate.sin@panpacific.com
Website: http://pacificmarketplace.sg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pacific.Marketplace.Singapore/

Exclusively for DFD readers (For Festive Goodies)
Don’t forget about this special festive deal. DFD readers stand a chance to win one lucky draw prize of a “One-night stay in Deluxe room with breakfast for two at Edge” when they purchase festive goodies or hampers via DFD’s promo codes on pacificmarketplace.sg.

One winner would be selected randomly after 26 December.

– 15% OFF festive goodies and hampers from now till 30 November 2017 with promo code “DFD15”
– 10% OFF festive goodies and hampers from 1 to 26 December 2017 with promo code “DFD10”

Please place orders at least 3 working days in advance for gourmet roasts and Special Christmas Bundles and 24 hours in advance for all other festive goodies.

Last day for orders of traditional roasts and bundles are on 23 December 2017 and for all other festive goodies on 26 December 2017.

Festive items can be collected until 26 December 2017, 11:30am to 9:00pm daily at Pacific Marketplace.

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Pan Pacific Singapore.

The post Pacific Marketplace – Festive Goodies & Log Cakes With Local Flavours At Pan Pacific Singapore. 15% OFF, Plus Stand A Chance To Win A Staycation appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Fifty50 is a new café at Tanjong Pagar Kee Seng Street serving healthy café meals catered to “meat lover, vegetarian or flexitarian”. (A flexitarian diet is one which is normally meatless but occasionally includes meat or fish.)

Located at the ground floor of Onze – a mixed development building, I found it by going behind Tanjong Pagar Plaza.

While the seating area is limited, it still provides some space for quick chats and takeaway options for office worker who come to this part of TP.

Offerings include pasta items of Truffle Chicken Lasagne, Linguine Chilli Crab ($13.50), and Curry Chicken Wrap ($11.50), Beef Meatball Ciabatta ($12.50) and Steak Panini ($13.50).

For vegetarians, you get choices of Spaghetti Prima Vera ($10.50), Penne Pumpkin Pasta ($11.50), Zucchini Hummus Wrap ($10.50), Buffalo Mozzarella & Pesto Panini ($11.50) and affordably priced salads such as Mango Avocado Mesclun ($6.50) and Quinoa Spinach and Rocket ($6.50).

I had the Curry Chicken Wrap ($11.50) which was surprisingly quite tasty, since I expected it to taste ‘healthier’.

Added with Japanese cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes and raisins… (wait raisins? Could be British or Indian influenced), the wrap was prepared fresh so the fillings were warm and moist.

Fifty50 also serves up crafted herbal teas alongside a selection of espresso based beverage.

Fifty50
11 Kee Seng Street #01-04, Onze@Tanjong Pagar Singapore 089218
Tel: +65 81265271
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 5.30pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat – Sun

Other Related Entries
Grounded By CMCR (Martin Road)
The Local Box (Tanjong Pagar)
Upside Down Coffee (Amoy Street)
A Juicery (Lor Telok)
Common Man Stan (Stanley Street)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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