Opened within the new Fairprice Xtra at VivoCity, Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee offers more than just a cup of takeaway coffee.

Here, you can choose your preferred green coffee beans, roasting degree (Filter, Omni, Espresso) and collect the roasted coffee beans within 20 minutes on the spot.

This is Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee’s second outlet in Singapore, the first at Queenstown which started off as a coffee beans wholesaler and later transformed into a cafe in 2014.

With more than 20 different origins of specialty coffee from Africa, Asia and America, our homegrown local coffee roastery supplies their beans to various F&B brands in Singapore.

At Fairprice Xtra in VivoCity, Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee can be found at the cafe section in the premise.

The espresso-based drinks include Long Black ($4.90), Piccolo Latte ($4.90), Cappuccino ($5.40), Latte ($5.40), Flat White ($5.40) and Mocha Latte ($5.90).

Add-ons are available: Espresso shot ($1.25), ice ($0.55) and oat milk ($1.10).

Using a 2 beans-blend of 50% Columbia and 50% Guatemala roasted in house, the 6oz drink is prepared in a 8oz takeaway cup, unless you are one of the four lucky diners who will get the ceramics cup at the counter seats.

Smooth, full-bodied with a chocolate finish, my cup of Flat White ($5.40) has a dark roast which gives me all the caffeine I need.

I spoke to Juliana, co-founder of Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee and also one of the three Q-graders (coffee industry’s most recognised and coveted certification system). She explained (with lots of technical jargons) that there are 1.5 times more coffee beans than a usual cup.

So basically, the coffee they served is stronger than usual.

Cold brew is also available in 3 different flavours: Black ($7.50), Pollen White ($7.50) and Mocha ($8).

Served in 330ml glass bottles, the technique they used for the cold brew here only requires 1 hour of steeping instead of the usual 12 hours or more.

Using the same 2 beans- blend of 50% Columbia and 50% Guatemala but with a darker roasting technique, honey is added to the milk in the Pollen White ($7.50) for the sweetness.

Filter coffee ($7.50) is also available using the V60 pourover technique.

Using single origin coffee beans, the selection is will change from time to time based on their supply.

The highlight of this outlet is the option to roast your own beans and collect it on the spot.

Choose from a selection of green coffee beans (India, Myanmar, Brazil, Ethiopia, Guatemala) from the shelf and send it to the Stronghold S7 Pro Roaster to get the beans roasted immediately.

Everything is computerised with controlled temperature with minimal emission unlike traditional gas roasters.

Moving forward from a traditional coffee roaster concept to a coffee specialty bar with a roaster that uses technology, Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee took a step forward and continue to educate consumers on artisanal coffee.

I heard that they will be serving Kombucha in the future and looked forward to this new addition on their menu.

Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee
VivoCity 1 Harbourfront Walk, #B2-23, Singapore 098585 (within Fairprice Xtra)
Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/tionghoesc/

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* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

[Tokyo] If you need Tempura in Tokyo, heading to Ginza can be a good bet with many known restaurants, including Tempura Kondo (2 Michelin-starred), Ginza Ten’ichi, Tentoshi, Tempura Ippo, and Kuzushi Kappo Tempura.

Because I walked past Ginza Tenkuni 銀座 天ぷらの天國 too many times as it is located next to a prominent junction, I decided to finally put it into my itinerary.

A popular tempura joint, Ginza Tenkuni offers a variety of traditional and elegant Edo-style tempura dishes, and you can choose how they are prepared.

They have that distinctly Japanese flavour using the best ingredients, such as the finest sesame seed oil.

It began as a small street stall in 1885, and today it is housed in a 3-storey structure where each floor has a special function.

Start at the basement where they serve you a lunch course meal (¥‎3,780) or a Tempura Course (¥‎10,800) at a counter table setting.

They have a variety of seasonal Edo-style tempura and simply order what you fancy.

The 2nd and 3rd floors are both banquet floors. The 2nd floor offers a private tatami room, with Japanese style seated table for 2 to 36 guests, while the 3rd floor is best for large parties.

During lunch (11:30am – 3pm), enjoy their Keiseki Course” Aya” or Tempura Course “Katsura” (both at ¥‎5,940 each) where they deep-fry the tempura by your table. The Banquet Course is available for ¥‎7,560.

As I was there on a business trip, I could only afford time for quick tendon meal.

The 1st floor (seated table floor) is where you are served tendon (mixed tempura on a bowl of rice), tempura set meals, and other dishes in a casual setting.

If you head there during lunch time, the food is generally more affordable, with the Tendon Lunch Set (¥‎1,100) available 11:30am – 5pm on weekdays.

You can also order any of the various tendon (starts at ¥‎1,620) from the regular menu from 11:30am – 9pm.

Other than their classic “A-Don” (¥‎1,620) which includes shrimps, squid kakiage, mixed tempura and vegetable tempura, other choices include Anago-don (¥2,160) which is a congee eel don, Shrimp Tenju (¥2,052) and a Tenkuni’s Special Kakiage-don (¥3,240).

The basic bowl at ¥‎1,620 is about SGD20.50 or USD15, which is more expensive than the average tendon in Tokyo.

There was a certain fragrance as you open up the cover to the bowl, and the rice looked fluffy and appealing.

With the reputation, history and price, I was perhaps expecting more from the quality.

While the ingredients were generally fresh-tasting, the pieces were lacking in what the average diner would be looking out for their tempura – crisp and moderately hot.

Somehow the tempura prawns were slightly soggy and greasy. Hmmm…

Ginza Tenkuni is a place to try out due to its history and location, and it is great for a fast tendon meal, though I suspect there are crispier tempura out there, not too far away.

Ginza Tenkuni 銀座 天ぷらの天國
8 Chome-9-11 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
〒104-0061 東京都中央区銀座8-9-11
Tel: +81 3 3571 1092
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Click HERE for other Tokyo Food Entries

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The hot Singapore weather makes it shiok to have some soft serve ice cream, yet the ‘whammy’ is that it often melts too fast.

Soft serve is a type of ice cream that is softer and less dense than regular ones. This is due to air being introduced during freezing.

There used to be many more shops in Singapore though. Remember Honey Creme, Milkcow, Kokopanda, Kiss The Tiramisu, and Mr Churro? All opened to some fanfare, but departed rather quickly as well.

Let’s show some love to the following soft serve specialty shops:

Aqua S Singapore
#B1-01 Orchard Xchange (above Orchard MRT Station), 437 Orchard Road, Singapore 238878
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm (Mon – Sun)

Aqua S, that dreamy baby blue soft serve from Sydney Australia, has arrived in Singapore at Orchard Xchange basement, located at a level above the Orchard MRT station exit.

The Aqua S softserve is famed for its blue-hued twirls on a cone, surrounded by a cloud of fluffy cotton candy and caramel popcorn.

The dreamlike blue has started a wave of other soft serve brands going multi-coloured as well.

The one thing special about Aqua S is that while the blue-coloured signature sea salt flavour remains as the only constant, there will be two NEW flavours rotating every 2 weeks. And they seldom repeat. Aqua S (Orchard Xchange)

Emma
Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, #B2-45, Singapore 238839
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

You may have seen boomerang or videos of gravity-defying soft serves appearing on your Instagram feed.

These soft serves are from Emma, which has set up its first-ever overseas branch right in Singapore. The popular brand which specialises in soft serve and tea, has already 7 outlets in Japan despite being relatively new.

There has been a couple of Japanese soft serve shops opening in Singapore (typically offering matcha flavoured ones), but Emma should be the first that specialises in just milk and charcoal cheese flavours.

There is something about milk soft serve – that pure, smooth, unadulterated mouth-feel.

Emma’s Original Soft Serve uses premium Japanese milk which gives that an extra-rich and thick yet slide-down-your-throat texture. Would recommend the Charcoal flavour. Emma (Plaza Singapura)

Little Damage Singapore
Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road, #B1-05A, Singapore 233880

From Los Angeles, California to a small shopfront at the basement floor of Wheelock Place along tourist-centric Orchard Road, Little Damage has opened its first outpost in South-east Asia.

Previously seen on CNN, BuzzFeed, INSIDER and Time Out LA, I had high expectation for this Gothic-looking soft serve which was previously trending on Instagram.

Instead of the conventional flavours, Little Damage offers unique ones which rotate on a regular basis.

The soft serve is prepared daily in small batches using ingredients from local dairy farms without any preservatives.

At the time of visit, four flavours are available – Coffee Caramel ($7), White Chocolate ($7), Unicorn Tears ($7) and Vegan Cookie Butter ($7.50).

Activated charcoal would be added to one of the flavours to turn it black, and in this case, it was the Coffee Caramel.

Generally, the texture of the soft serve was smooth and velvety, but leaned towards the sweeter side. Little Damage (Wheelock Place)

Moosh
44 Haji Lane, Singapore 189237
Opening Hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon – Thurs), 11am – 9pm (Fri – Sun)

A hole-in-the-wall soft serve place along the hipster Haji Lane. Moosh is Muslim-owned and uses 100% Halal-certified ingredients in their soft serve and toppings.

The menu is short but yet concise at the moment, with Softserve that comes in 2 sizes: Regular ($4 – 4.50) and Large ($5.50 – 6), Cone and Kurtos (Kürtőskalács, a Hungarian chimney cone).

The Ondeh Ondeh SoftServe (Regular $4.50/ Large $6) comes with fixed toppings such as desiccated coconut and coconut flakes, with green pandan sauce drizzled on the walls of the cup and on the surface of the softserve.

Made with gula melaka (brown sugar) as the base of the Ondeh Ondeh soft serve, the sweetness level was just right and I could finish a large sized cup on my own without feeling too jelak (rich). Moosh (Haji Lane)

Naganuma Ice
Gopeng Street, 1 Gopeng Street, Carlton City Hotel Singapore 078862 (at the back of the hotel)
Tel: +65 6741 9108
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Naganuma Ice’s soft serve is raved for using 100% Hokkaido raw milk, and with queues in Japan and Taiwan that lasts for up to an hour.

It is also the only softserve company from Hokkaido known to use 100% Hokkaido raw milk and Hokkaido ingredients.

Compared to many soft serve shops that offer say maximum of 2 to 3 flavours, there are actually 9 that you can pick from. No twists though.

They include Rich Milk, Matcha, Corn, Yubari Melon, Ebisu Pumpkin, Red Wine, Strawberry, Chocolate, and Aomori Apple.

Priced at $5.00 per cup, $5.50 on a cone. There is also a Singapore-exclusive Crème Brûlée Soft Serve ($8) powdered with sugar at the top, then torched. Naganuma Ice (Gopeng Street)

Coney Donut
111 Somerset Road, TripleOne Somerset, #01-K1, Singapore 238164
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 9:00pm (Mon – Sun)

This Soft Serve Donut Cone features a choice of vanilla or salted caramel soft-serve ice cream that comes with a sauce and toppings. (Flavours are on a rotational basis and change every month.)

Pick from any of their classic sauces, such as chocolate, butterscotch, white chocolate, coffee, salted caramel and apple.

For the toppings (you can pick two), they offer nuts (hazelnuts, almonds), branded snacks (Pocky sticks, Lotus biscuits), cereals (honey stars, fruit loops), chocolates (Kit Kat), marshmallows, mocha bean, fudge cake, etc.

Experience the warm and cold sensation of the fried donut and cold softserve, and contrast in texture of fluffy-doughy with soft-airy ice cream.

Be quick as this home-made soft serve is made without stabilisers.

The other surprise comes in the form of the inside which is lined with chocolate sauce.

Small Potatoes Ice Creamery
313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Road, #B3-48, Singapore 238895
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Hong Kong franchise Small Potatoes Ice Creamery specialises in Japanese purple potatoes (yam) soft serve ice cream.

The soft serve come in two basic flavours – Japanese purple potatoes from Kumamoto, and Japanese sea salt.

Toppings include caramel popcorn, crispy rice (that was not too crispy), green tea or soy bean warabi mochi, shiramata, azuki beans, purple yam sticks, and Japanese red bean Dorayaki pancake.

With different textures of yam paste and the actual yam ‘colliding’ together with rich soft serve, the bite was rather enjoyable. However, that can be a small and pricey cup. Small Potatoes Ice Creamery (313@somerset)

Brother Bird
30 Bali lane, Singapore 189966 (Bugis MRT)
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9:30pm (Wed – Mon), 6pm – 9:30pm (Tues)

In case you are wondering why this shop is called “Brother Bird”, this is because one of the Stateland Café’s owners likes eating granola and is nicknamed “Bird”.

something different at Brother Bird would be the Mochi Donuts with Softserve ($9), came with dual swirl of cookie butter and coconut softserve with almond crunch, dehydrated raspberry and salted caramel sauce.

On a closer look, it is shaped like bird’s ahem (poop) and ahem… pretty apt for Brother Bird’s image.

The mochi donut used was fried to crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. Not too tough and good for shaping our jawlines.

The entire cross-sectional area was filled with glutinous rice and the mix of warm doughnuts with cold soft serve was comforting.

Sunday Folks
44 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-52, Chip Bee Gardens
Opening Hours: 1pm – 10pm (Tues – Thurs), 12pm – 11pm (Fri – Sat), 12pm – 10pm (Sun), Closed Mon)

From the originators of Creamier at Toa Payoh, Sunday Folk’s soft serve ice creams are freshly churned and served in a delicious handmade charcoal cone.

Their flavours are distinct, from the popular favourites of Earl Grey Lavender and Sea Salt Gula Melaka, to the tried-and-tested Roasted Pistachio and Summer Strawberries. Most hipster looking.

GODIVA
Suntec City West Wing (Near Convention Centre) #02-307, 3 Temasek Blvd, Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6341 9203
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm (Mon – Sun)

GODIVA Chocolatier is best known for its famous truffle, shell-molded chocolate pieces, and European-style biscuits.

Its Chocolate Soft Serve which is rich, smooth and indulgent, has been popular among ice cream lovers as well.

If you are a fan of matcha, then the Decadent Matcha Softserve or the Chocolate Twist will definitely satisfy your craving.

Sweet Monster
Our Tampines Hub #B1-K31, 1 Tampines Walk, Singapore 528523
Tel: +65 9841 3233
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

This is Korean soft serve ice cream brand Sweet Monster’s first outlet in the East, located in the basement of Our Tampines Hub (near iTea).

The Popcorn Monster Ice Cream ($4.80, $6.80) is available in a variety of flavors, from Caramel, Choco, Strawberry, Green Tea, to mix of Caramel & Cheese.

The Mix Flavor Monster Popcorn Ice Cream ($6.80) which comes with both caramel and cheese flavored popcorns is a crowd pleaser – rich, milky softserve surrounded with a mixture of sweet and savoury popcorns.

Spinelli Coffee
Our Tampines Hub #01-K8, 1 Tampines Walk, Singapore 528523
Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm (Mon – Thurs), 8am – 12am (Fri – Sun)

Probably the first (and only) in Singapore to introduce the Cold Brew Soft Serve, the treat is served in a cone or on freshly baked waffle, topped with mochi, marshmallows, biscotti or chocolate chips.

Have a bite at the smooth, velvety swirl, and get perked up with the aroma and lingering taste of cold brew coffee.

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* Compiled by Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary and Nicholas Tan.

Chilli Crab is one of our Singapore’s most iconic local National dishes. Favourite places to savour the dish include Jumbo Seafood, Mellben Seafood, No Signboard Seafood, Roland, and Tunglok Seafood (Orchard Central)

Other than the crab itself, the chilli crab sauce is also a star – all gooey with egg, spicy and sweet, loaded with chilli and ketchup.

You can now find the Chilli Crab sauce in or on all kinds of food from fries, burgers, tendon, pizza, prata, chicken wings, Xiao Long Bao, fish and chips. Even as chilli crab risotto and ice cream. (Note: most of these sauces don’t actually have crab inside.)

Here are 16 Unique Chilli Crab Food that can be found in Singapore:

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Holland Avenue 241 Singapore 278976 (Holland Village MRT)
Tel: +65 6463 0968
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Fri)
10:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10:30pm (Sat – Sun)

Chilli Crab Xiao Long Bao .
Crystal Jade’s red coloured Steamed Chilli Crab Xiao Long Bao 辣椒蟹小笼包 ($13.80 for 6 pieces, $22.80 for 10 pieces) have made a return.

You must eat these while they are hot – to savour the sweet, delicately spicy broth which did remind me of the chilli crab gravy (though in a much lighter way), matched with generous fillings of crab meat sitting within thin, skill-fully pleated skin.

Nipong Naepong – 313@somerset
313@somerset #B3-03, 313 Orchard Road Singapore 238895 (Somerset MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Last order 9.30pm (Mon – Fri); 11am – 11pm, Last order 10.30pm (Sat – Sun)

Singapore Chilli Crab She’s Risotto
What it is: Inspired by the Singapore chilli crab, the She’s Risotto ($14.80) features al dente rice in a sweet-and-spicy sauce, topped with slices of battered fried onion and a deep-fried soft-shell crab.

After tasting: My table of friends were quite divided on this. We all really enjoyed the crispy soft-shell crab and onions, like light tempura pieces not overly oily.

As we are all familiar with the Chilli Crab dish, we came with certain expectations on how it should taste like. It turned out to be more sweet than spicy, which some thought was rather refreshing and interesting – because it was something we never had before.

Menya Musashi
Chinatown Point #02-43/44 133 New Bridge Road
Tel: +65 6244 0081
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Menya Musashi is one of the most popular ramen shops credited as the pioneer of a new ramen culture in Japan. It is named after the legendary Edo-era samurai Miyamoto Musashi, who was famed for his distinctive “double sword style”.

What makes its ramen special is their broth that uniquely combines chicken, pork and bonito then slowly boiled and stirred intermittently for 9 hours.

They have launched a Singapore-exclusive Chilli Crab Ramen topped with soft-shell crab tempura poured over with sweet and slightly spicy sauce.

Arteastiq – Mandarin Gallery
Mandarin Gallery, #04-14/15 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238867 (Somerset MRT)
Tel: +65 6235 8370 (Teahouse)
+65 6235 8705 (Art Jam)
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 10pm (Sat – Sun)

Chilli Egg Prawn Fettuccine
From the Asian Delights section of Arteastiq, try the Chilli Egg Prawn Fettuccine ($20), a sweet-savoury pasta (the sauce is a blend of tomatoes, chili sauce, lemongrass, eggs, dried shrimp, garlic, onions and ginger) served with pan-seared Cajun prawns and mantou bun.

This is a take of the familiar local Chilli Crab with a twist, is not too spicy, and still retains the tangy-sweetness of the tomato base.

Don Meijin 丼名人
Ramen Champion Bugis+, 201 Victoria Street, #04-10, Bugis+, Singapore 188067
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:30pm Daily

Chilli Crab Tendon
I think some diners, especially those who like heavier and saucier things on the palate, could appreciate the Spicy Chilli Crab Tendon ($14.80). Especially those who cannot stop drizzling sauces over their rice.

The chilli crab sauce was moderately spicy with that heavy ketchup aftertaste. Personal preference, but I would prefer a sauce which would be more egg-y.

As the sauce is so intense-tasting, the flipside is that it can distract from the flavours of the tempura pieces, such as the sweetness of the prawns and vegetables. Don Mejin (Bugist+)

Pince & Pints
32-33 Duxton Road, Singapore 089497
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 12pm – 10pm (Sat), Closed Sun

Chilli Lobster with Mantou
My dining companions did not like this dish as much, only because sauce was too rich and tinted to the sweet side, which ‘covered’ the taste of the lobster.

Plus, if you are comparing this to your local zhi char stalls, this Western-maybe-local dish lacked ‘wok hei’.

Still, I was still happily sweeping the bowl clean with the fried mantou. They gave a lot a lot of sauce.

Wok In Burger
124 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-136 Singapore 150124 (within Keng Eng Kee Seafood)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:00pm – 10:00pm (Mon – Sun)

Chilli Soft Shell Crab Burger
Wok In Burger is introduced with the novel idea of incorporating local zhi char dishes into Western style burgers.

The Chilli Soft Shell Crab Burger ($15) which comes with fries and Water Chestnut drink, was the recommended item.

Am not sure if this is a good or bad thing, but it came exactly how one would expect it to be like – deep fried soft shell crab drizzled with sweet, slightly spicy chilli crab sauce and sandwiched between burger buns.

A tad predictable, less surprises, but at least almost all the components ticked all the right boxes.

The Workbench Bistro
Blk 332 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 #01-1881 Singapore 560332
Tel: +65 6452 0810
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Mon – Thurs), 12pm – 11pm (Fri), 10am – 11pm (Sat), 10am – 10pm (Sun)

Crab Meat Linguine
This is The Workbench Bistro’s best-selling main course ($15.90), and also tasted much better than the first time I tried it.

The sauce had a lighter creamy tomato base flavour, added with some white wine for a more layered taste. (Some may prefer a more robust feel of the tomatoes.)

The café was also not stingy with their addition of ingredients.

Arbora Hilltop Dining
Faber Peak Singapore, 109 Mount Faber Road, Singapore 099203 (Level 2)
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm, Last Order 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Chilli Crab Potato Skins
Singapore’s favourite chili crab comes in a different variant in this dish. If you have been a regular to Spuds & Aprons, you will definitely remember this starter of “Chilli Crab in a Tux” ($14++) which makes its return – due to popular demand.

These Chili Crab Potato Skins are deep fried to a crisp and served with the popular Singapore Chilli Crab gravy, adding texture and crunch to each bite.

Red House Seafood
3C, River Valley Road, #01-02/03, #02-07/08, The Cannery, Singapore 179022
Tel: +65 6442 3112
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Fri)
11am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 10:30pm (Sat, Sun & PH)

Takesumi Chilli Crab Bun
A beautiful contrast of black bamboo charcoal bun with red chilli crab fillings ($10 for 3 pieces).

I liked the exterior which was crispy and fluffy, almost like the texture of a Hong Kong style baked bun. Though I would have wished that the fillings were wetter with more sauce.

Bao Makers
4 Jiak Chuan Road Singapore 089261
Tel: +65 6291 2330
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm (Mon – Thurs), 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm (Fri – Sat), Closed Sun

Chilli Crab Bao
The best-seller here is the Chilli Crab Bao ($4.50 for one), with fleshy, succulent crab meat and generously splattered with chilli sauce, kiap-ed (sandwiched) in between the deep fried golden brown “bao”.

A alternative version to the usual practice of dipping the mantou into the chili crab gravy.

Old Hen Kitchen
127 Owen Road, Singapore 218931
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9pm (Mon, Wed – Fri), 10am – 6.30pm (Sat – Sun), Closed Tue

Chilli Crab Fries
Side dishes such as Truffle Fries ($9) and Chilli Crab Fries ($12) were available, and the latter stood out more.

Topped with distinct chunks of crab meat with tze-char style chilli crab zhup (sauce), I could feel the spicy kick in each mouthful. Shiok!

Orchid Live Seafood (Sembawang)
No.1 Bah Soon Pah Road Singapore 769959 (off Sembawang Road)
Tel: +65 6756 0311
Opening Hours: 11am – 2pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Chili Prawn Toufu
This Chili Prawn Toufu ($30) contains gooey eggy sauce enveloped the deep fried beancurd, and should please those who loved to drizzle abundant sauces over rice.

I thought that the sauce base was very similar to the chilli crab style, except that it had a spicier quality and less of the tomato-sweetness one would typically expect.

Two Wings
Timbre+ #01-30, 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, JTC LaunchPad @ One-North, Singapore 139952
Tel: +65 9667 0368
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Chilli Crab Wings
Wings and Drums ($12.90 for 6 pieces) topped with chilli crab sauce. After the heritage and salted egg sauce, local wings stall Two Wings has gone for a chilli crab sauce over their crispy fried wings.

Not too bad an attempt. A semi-spicy sauce which I thought could have been eggier which could provide a more layered texture. By the way, did Two Wings half their portions (from initial days)?

Fish & Chicks
Blk, 531 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, #01-2429 Happy Hawkers, 560531
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Chilli Crab Sauce Over Fish And Chips
I had the Best of Both Worlds ($13.90) which included Fish and Chips with Salted Egg and Chilli Crab Sauce and two sides including fries.

The chilli crab sauce, also little in proportion, was nondescript and quickly (and fatefully) turned the batter soggy. To lift up the taste, it really needed that ‘wok-fried’ character.

Restaurant Labyrinth
8 Raffles Avenue #02-23 Esplanade Mall Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 6223 4098
Opening Hours: 12.00pm – 2.30pm, 6:30pm – 11pm (Tues – Fri), 6pm – 11pm (Sat – Sun), Closed Mon

Chilli Crab Ice Cream
Having the local hot signature dish of Chilli Crab in the form of a cold Ice Cream presented an excitement to my palate.

This dish has undergone a few renditions, currently presented as a dish called “Local Wild Caught Crab” which includes flower crab accompanied with a dollop of chilli crab ice cream.

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Let’s talk about Chilli Crabs, since well, National Day is coming.

Favourite places to get Chilli Crabs in Singapore include Jumbo Seafood, Mellben Seafood, No Signboard Seafood, Tunglok Seafood, Red House Seafood Restaurant, and Seafood Paradise (Marina Bay Sands).

But you cannot talk about Chilli Crabs without a mention of Roland Restaurant, known to be the creator of the iconic Chilli Crabs and mecca for crab devotees.

Of course, some other restaurants also do lay claim on that honours, but probably none has “The Year 1956 – Founder Of Chilli Crab” printed on the menu.

The seafood restaurant was founded by a couple, Mr Lim Choon Ngee and Mdm Cher Yam Tian, and named after their son.

It began in 1956 as a small restaurant along the Kallang River, cooking seafood over an open charcoal fire, and had only a couple of few kerosene lamps, wooden tables, and stools. As business grew, they moved to Bedok Beach along Upper East Road (the restaurant then was named Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant.)

Today, Roland Lim, his wife and younger brother operate their latest restaurant at the Marine Parade Central.

This is massive 1100-capacity seafood restaurant offering three cuisine types: Seafood, Cantonese, and Dim Sum.

If you haven’t been there before and find yourself lost, either follow the crowd (usually families) or head over to the 6th level of a multi-storey carpark at Block 89 Marine Parade.

The interior is quite old-school (looked like the wedding dinner places I been to in the 90s), and I won’t be surprised that many of the younger Singaporeans are aware of this place.

Roland Restaurant is best known for its version of Chili Crab, which remains a bestseller up to this day.

The Michelin Guide Singapore has also listed it with a “Michelin Plate”. (On a side note, Olympic champion Joseph Schooling is also said to be a fan of their crabs).

The recipe was created by Mdm Cher herself, and the original version had neither no eggs nor sambal, and served accompanied by mantou for dipping into the sauce.

Compared to most Singaporean seafood restaurants, their chili sauce was more red than orange, and its savoury taste mildly spicy and slightly sweet.

I really enjoyed their sauce, which had a luscious almost gooey texture and mildly-spice kick.

To be honest, I thought some of the other versions I tried had too strong ketchup sweetness which I didn’t really fancy.

If I needed to nit-pick on something, I thought the crab meat could be juicier and chunkier.

Other must-try dishes include Classic Black Sauce Prawns ($24), Sambal Mussels ($12), Fried Baby Squids ($12), Teochew Style Steamed Fish, and Pomfret done in two ways (seasonal price).

The Fried Baby Squids ($12) which was coated with sweet sauce and addictively crispy, deserves a special mention.

Don’t forget their Cockles Dip with Home-made Mum’s Chili Sauce, with recipe by Mdm Cher.

For the other dishes ordered, there were a couple of hits and misses (but more hits), which overall could be better if they were hotter with more wok-hei.

Through the years, Roland’s reputation spread purely by word of mouth, and continue to earn praises for its quality dishes and generous servings. Their Chilli Crabs is worth coming for.

Roland
Blk 89 #06-750 Marine Parade Central, Singapore 440089
Tel: +65 6440 8205
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30am – 2:30pm (Mon – Sat), 11am – 2:30pm (Sun, PH)
Dinner 6pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Mellben Seafood (Ang Mo Kio)
Red House Seafood Restaurant (Prinsep Street)
Tunglok Seafood (Orchard Central)
Seafood Paradise (Marina Bay Sands)
New Ubin Seafood (Hillview Ave)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

I once joked to a friend that I will soon drink up to 50 different Brown Sugar Bubble Milk in Singapore. Looks like I am not too far from this ‘goal’ (especially when I didn’t include every cup I drank here).

There have been various reports of late stating how unhealthy Brown Sugar Milk with Pearls can be, containing high sugar content of up to 18.5 teaspoons of sugar. Gasp.

Still, it doesn’t seem to deter Singaporeans… just look at those queues outside the bubble tea shops.

Part of the appeal is the sensation of chewing on those boba pearls, the contrast of warm boba and cold milk, and that a cool drink like this in the hot Singapore weather is just quite shiok.

There is also the instagrammable and trend factor, in which friends and colleagues may say, “You mean you haven’t tried XXX brand?!” Well, don’t give in to peer pressure.

I generally find most of the drinks too sweet, so if the shops can reduce the sugar level, it will be great. For health reasons, I also try not to take more than a cup per week, or at least share the drink with a friend. (So don’t scream at me if I didn’t include your favourite brand here.)

Here are 30 Brown Sugar Milk / Milk Tea in Singapore, just for your reference. Remember, take in moderation.

Tiger Sugar
Capitol Singapore, 13 Stamford Road, Singapore 178905
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
(Also available at Chinatown Point, Orchard Paragon, Northpoint City)

Tiger Sugar has already garnered a large fanbase from Taiwan, Hong Kong, to Singapore.

This outlet at the basement of Capitol Singapore (previously known as Capitol Piazza) is Tiger Sugar first foray in South East Asia. It has opened other branches at Orchard Paragon, Chinatown Point and Northpoint City.

The Tiger Sugar name comes from the ‘tiger stripes’ formed when the dark brown sugar syrup interacts with the thick milk in the cup. However, the ‘tiger stripes’ will fully dissolve within a minute and consumers are urged to act fast if they want to take pictures.

Get the Brown Sugar Boba Milk ($5.30) or Brown Sugar Boba and Pearls with Cream Mousse ($5.30) which is a combination of bigger tapioca boba and smaller pearls.

I thought that the caramelised part, made up of 4 different types of Taiwanese brown sugar, was the most appealing with its distinct aroma. The boba pearls were slightly soft to the liking of some.

All-in-all, a tasty, refreshing cup. Plus, they use whiskey-grade ice. Tiger Sugar Singapore (Capitol Singapore)

HEYTEA Singapore
ION Orchard Mall, 2 Orchard Turn, #B4-29, Singapore 238801 (Orchard MRT)
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
(Also available at Clarke Quay)

HEYTEA Singapore 喜茶 at ION Orchard B4 – known for their cheese teas and fruit teas, has launched upgraded versions of Brown Sugar Bubble Milk Tea – Brûlée Bobo Tea & Oreo Bobo Tea.

The “brûlée” effect is achieved by first topping the cup with smooth cream foam, sprinkled over with brown sugar bits, then torched lightly for just a couple of seconds – all to get that thin crunch and sweet sugary fragrance.

For the base of the drink, you can choose between fresh milk or fresh milk tea. The level of sweetness of amount of pearls can also be adjusted to your liking.

Between the two, I personally preferred the Fresh Milk for the taste of pure creaminess and fuller mouth-feel. HEYTEA Bobo Milk Tea (ION Orchard)

The Alley Luxe
Orchard Cineleisure Level 2 Singapore 239695
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

The Alley Singapore – Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard Jewel Changi Airport #B2-273 Singapore 819666
Opening Hours: 24 hours

This Brown Sugar Deerioca Fresh Milk ($5.30) contains the signature Deerioca, delicate yet chewy tapioca meticulously brewed for more than 4 hours in The Alley’s all-natural brown sugar.

Made with Japanese grade fresh milk, this smooth and creamy beverage can be customised in terms of sweetness.

A visual stunner with its beautiful gradient effect, the draw to me are its pearls. Before stirring the portion up, you can actually take a quick suck to experience that warm sensation contrasted with the cold milk.

There was a certain caramelised sweetness, and each slightly sweet boba pearl is satisfying to the bite because of its QQ texture.

R&B 巡茶 Outlets
Marina Bay Sands, #B2-50 Canal Level (at Rasapura Masters) Singapore 018972
Marina Square @ Cookhouse, 6 Raffles Boulevard #04-101/102 Singapore 039594
Toa Payoh, 470 Toa Payoh Lorong 6 Singapore 310470
Singapore Polytechnic, Foodcourt 4 AeroHub (AE106) Singapore 139651
Oasis Terraces, 681 Punggol Drive #B1-03 Singapore 820681

R&B 巡茶, more commonly known as R&B Tea, serves up Brown Sugar Boba Milk with Cheese Brûlée (Marina Bay Sands pricing Regular $5.80, Large $6.50. Other outlets Regular $4.80).

A cup would include pearls cooked in brown sugar, poured in with chilled milk, topped with cream cheese then torched.

It is also coated with brown sugar glaze that looks like the stripes of a tiger. Thus, they gave this drink the name “老虎出巡” – which literally means “a tiger taking its journey”.

There is no ‘correct’ way to drink this, but a recommended method is to take a sip of the pearls first, to appreciate the softness and chewiness. Cooked for more than 3 hours with an in-house, recipe these are actually some of the best boba I had in recent times.

You would notice that the bottom of the cups is actually warm as you hold it, so there is some thrill in the contrast of hot and cold temperatures.

That is not all, there is a layer of smooth and savoury cheese cream on top, sprinkled with brown sugar bits then torched, for a layer of caramelized crust. Generally, I know quite a number of people who enjoys R&B Tea – a safe choice. R&B 巡茶 (Marina Bay Sands)

CHICHA San Chen 吃茶三千
313 Orchard Road, #03-41 313@Somerset, Singapore 238895
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Originating from Taichung, Taiwan, CHICHA San Chen 吃茶三千 was founded in 1998 with a mission to make quality freshly brewed teas accessible to discerning tea drinkers.

What is interesting is that they use a Teapresso machine that allows more than 1,000 custom settings and three-stage temperature control brewing technique to bring out the tea’s best flavour and natural scent. So do prepared to wait a little while for your drinks.

While their Fresh Milk with Brown Sugar Bubble ($5.00) is slightly on the sweet size, there was distinct caramelised taste, and bubbles were quite chewy and delicious too. A crowd favourite.

Milksha – Suntec City Mall
3 Temasek Boulevard #02-375/376 Suntec City Mall Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Milksha’s Brown Sugar Milk ($4.60, additional $1.00 for honey pearls) has a different take here.

Firstly, the brown sugar is prepared from scratch, ie the brown sugar imported from Taiwan is mixed, heated and stirred thoroughly till it becomes the molten liquid form. No pre-mixes or syrups are used.

The boba or bubbles used are honey pearls, freshly cooked, then frozen before being air-flown directly to Singapore.

Instead of using dried pearls, Milksha invests in quick freeze technology to maintain the texture and taste consistency of each pearl.

Thus, you would find that the pearls have this honeyed-sweetness and are more chewy than usual. Also the brown sugar taste doesn’t overwhelm the whole cup. Milksha (Suntec City)

Yifang Fruit Tea
Orchard Gateway #B1-01, 277 Orchard Road Singapore 238858
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

This popular Taiwanese brand serves up two types of Brown Sugar drinks – Brown Sugar Pearl Latte ($5.30, $6.30), and Brown Sugar Pearl Black Tea Latte ($5.30, $6.30). Note that the sweetness and ice levels are fixed.

For the cup, you can experience ’gao gao’ (rich) brown sugar that doesn’t overkill on the sweetness level.

The way to take the perfect Instagram shot, is also to invert the drink over, and for the brown sugar to form patterns as it ‘waterfalls’ down.

Nayuki – Vivocity
Vivocity, #01-207 1 Harbourfront Walk, Singapore 098585 (Harbourfront MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

With over 180 stores across China and well-loved by celebrities, this flagship at Vivocity is Nayuki’s 1st overseas outlet.

Nayuki’s version of Fresh Milk Black Pearl 鲜奶黑珍珠 ($4.50) comes in a sleek bottle.

What you get is fresh milk topped with chewy tapioca pearls steeped in rich brown sugar. It is recommended to first take sips of the pearls to experience the aromatic caramelised brown sugar first before shaking.

There are pros and cons of this being stored in a bottle. While it is convenient for storage, people may have the perception that it is not as “fresh” as those made on the spot.

MuYoo+
Bedok Mall, 311 New Upper Changi Road, #01-94 (Bedok MRT)
Opening Hours: 9am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
www.facebook.com/MuYooSG

Not every store serves the boba pearls warm, but MuYoo+ does.

There are three recommended ways to have this “Dirty Drink”. First, you suck up the brown sugar cooked pearls from the straw, and experience the warm, chewy sensation.

Then, you take a sip of the milk and enjoy the contrast of hot-boba and cold-milk.

After which, you mix it all up and relish the milk with the caramel-like sweetness.

The brown sugar drink here hits the right notes, but I personally wished that the cup was bigger so that there would be a higher drink to boba ratio. MuYoo+ (Bedok Mall)

TP-Tea
Suntec City #01-312, 3 Temasek Boulevard Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
(Also available at Changi Airport Terminal 2, Level 2)

TP-Tea is known to be the first Halal-certified bubble tea shop in Singapore.

Having the Halal-certification makes sure that the all ingredients are from Halal sources, from the tea, matcha, pearls to jellies; and that also includes the entire process of managing ingredients.

The Brown Sugar Milk Tea is available in Tie Guan Yin Latte and Pearl Milk Tea options, and you can also opt for soy milk for the latte.

The pearls are smaller than usual, making it quite fun to chew. While I thought it was slightly on the sweet side (cannot choose sugar level), there was an appealing smokiness in the brown sugar which made it different from the other usual brands.

Bober Tea
Bishan MRT, 200 Bishan Road #01-01 Singapore 579827
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

This bubble tea shop located just outside Bishan MRT station enjoys a steady crowd. Other than its best-selling Roasted Oolong Milk Tea ($3.50) and Black Sugar Konjac Milk Tea ($4.00), people also go for its Brown Sugar Boba Fresh Milk ($5.00).

The drink was quite tasty, using smooth Hokkaido Milk, Okinawa Black Sugar, complete with slightly warm pearls.

KOI Thé Singapore
48 Branches. Brown Sugar Series available at outlets such as Seletar Mall, Boon Lay MRT, Tampines MRT, Ang Mo Kio MRT, Takashimaya S.C

KOI’s Brown Sugar series, called “Okinawa-style” available only at limited outlets such as Ang Mo Kio MRT and Takashimaya basement.

Ordered via an electronic kiosk, you can choose your ice, sugar level, and bubble portion for the Brown Sugar Fresh Milk ($4.70).

KOI uses golden pearls instead of the usual tapioca pearls, which are translucent yellow, moderately smaller, soft yet with a bouncy bite.

Sugar levels are only available at 100% or 70%. Even though I chose the ‘lowest’ at 70%, I wished it was just a tad less sweet.

SuperTea
9 Raffles Boulevard, Millenia Walk #01-75, Singapore 039596
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

SuperTea is slightly off the radar, possibly because it has only one store at Millenia Walk. Few also know it is sister company with R&B 巡茶.

The Brown Sugar Boba Milk features caramelised pearls simmered in brown sugar imported from Taiwan, added to chilled fresh milk.

The brown sugar at the bottom would be what you would describe as ”gao gao” thick, which has that obvious rich flavour which would send thrills.

Eat 3 Bowls 呷三碗 福利社
Blk 462 Crawford Lane #01-161 Singapore 190462
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

The only non-bubble tea shop in this list.

While Eat 3 Bowls 呷三碗 is famed for its Lu Rou Fan and Taiwanese Mee Sua, another new find was the Brown Sugar Pearls with Fresh Milk ($3.80). A plus point is that the café has a Taiwanese classroom setting, so got-the-feels.

Enjoyed the chewy sweet pearls, and the cup was overall not too sweet. The drink was actually not bad, and not just there to accompany the food. Eat 3 Bowls (Crawford Lane)

Kurotaki Chabann 黑泷太郎
180 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218442
Opening Hours: 10am – 2:30pm, 3:30pm – 7:30pm, 8:30pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
(Another branch at Citylink Mall)

Founded in the south of China in 2014, the Kurotaki Chabann chain has several hundred branches in China itself, and offers a wide range of beverages. However, it is not as “hot” in Singapore, possibly due to its location (I had it after Bak Kut Teh) and lack of marketing and awareness.

It is famed for tea infused with Taiwanese brown sugar, made using “ancient sugar-making technology”.

The two signature drinks are the Brown Sugar Milk with Pearl ($3.90) and Brown Sugar Jelly Milk Tea ($3.50).

The brown sugar here did feel ‘legit’ – possibly the most fragrant and gao-gao of the lot, with a pleasant, caramelised lingering taste.

Xing Fu Tang Singapore
Century Square #01-22, 2 Tampines Central 5, Singapore 529509
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Xing Fu Tang’s first Singapore permanent outlet has opened at Tampines Century Square.

They are best known for its “stir-fried” Brown Sugar Boba Milk ($5.30) with the pearls done the “traditional way”.

What is special is that the boba pearls are steeped in brown sugar, “stir-fried” in front of you, and scooped quickly into the cup.

Xing Fu Tang’s Brown Sugar Boba Milk tasted creamier and richer than usual, even though it uses the same brand of milk as many other bubble tea shops in Singapore.

I reckon it is due to the proportion of whipped cream.

However, I could imagine some people finding this too heavy, ‘jelak’ and milky, especially if you finish a cup of your own after lunch. Xing Fu Tang Singapore 幸福堂 (Century Square)

Jenjudan Singapore 珍煮丹
1 CityLink Mall #B1-13 Singapore 039393
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

The menu’s signature is the include Brown Sugar Boba Milk ($5.20, $6.50), which features warm, soft brown sugar, and boba served with chilled fresh milk.

It was fun watching how a big scoop of the pearls were scooped up right before your eyes, stick and gooey and placed into the cup.

Compared to some other prominent brands I tried in Taipei, the “brown-sugarness” was considered more mellow, not as strong and full-flavoured. The boba though, had an agreeable, chewy bite.

Somehow, I remembered it tasted much better in Taiwan. Jenjudan Singapore 珍煮丹 (CityLink Mall)

True Boss 醋頭家 Singapore
Northpoint City B2-134, 1 Northpoint Drive, Singapore 768019 (Yishun MRT)
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm

True Boss 醋頭家 is the first fruit vinegar specialty tea shop in Singapore, a brand which hails from Taiwan.

The popular chain store which originated from Tainan specialises in fruit vinegar, bubble tea, fruit smoothies and vinegar yogurt.

So for something non-vinegary, GET the Brown Sugar Bubble Milk ($4.40, $5.40) in which the brown sugar used is specially imported from Taiwan.

For that lovely deep caramelized flavour and smooth milk.

Hey Long Cha 黑龍茶
Changi City Point #01-K11, 5 Changi Business Park Central 1, Singapore 486038
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm
(Also available at Century Square)

Taiwan Oolong Tea franchise chain Hey Long Cha 黑龍茶has arrived in Singapore, said to offer tea that is “natural, pure, and healthy”.

Their Signature Bubble Milk Tea ($3.50, $4.80) contains boba pearls cooked in brown sugar, which will impart that distinct sweetness.

Compared to other tea brands I am more familiar with, I would rank this somewhere in the middle. It is actually not bad and under-rated, though I wished there was more “oomph” in the drink.

LiHo
Various branches in Singapore

LiHo continues to introduce weird flavours to stay ahead of the game.

Their two earlier creations include Brown Sugar Pearl Fresh Milk which combines warm brown sugar Pearls with cold fresh milk; while the Brown Sugar Pearls Fresh Milk Party features peanuts, Oreo cookies and cream cheese. CREAM CHEESE.

There was also the Salted Egg Lava Brown Sugar Pearl Fresh Milk, which I didn’t touch. (Calorie-watch, so was it worth it?)

The LiHo team also recommended stirring the drink a total of 8 times to enjoy the lightly flavoured brown sugar fresh milk by shaking it up 8 times. The marketing team deserves a big clap.

Little Po 小坡
67 Haji Lane, Singapore 189260
Opening Hours: 10am – 5.30pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 6.30pm (Sat – Sun)

Little Po 小坡 is located in Haji Lane, right next to North Bridge Road. I decided to give their signature Lapsang Souchong Milk Tea ($4.90) with Brown Sugar Bubble ($0.60) a try.

Other toppings available include Crystal Jelly ($1.10), Brown Sugar Jelly ($1.20), Egg Pudding ($1.40) and Mashed Yam ($1.60).

The brown sugar bubbles were decent with a chewy texture and slight fragrance. Interesting but expensive.

Sweet Potato Factory by Don Don Donki
Changi Airport Terminal 3 #02-97
Tel: +65 6281 1711
Opening Hours: 24 hours

Sweet Potato Factory at Changi Airport Terminal 3 is a spin off concept store of Don Don Donki, the popular discount store that many Singaporeans love which specialising in Japan-made products and everything else Japanese.

It is also Don Don Donki’s first ever location in an international airport operating 24 hours.

Maybe you do not know that this Don Don Donki also serves up trending Brown Sugar Milk with Pearls ($3.90) or the Sweet Potato Milk ($4.90) using Hokkaido milk.

While the milk was indeed rich and smooth, the pearls were slightly on the hard side and could do with more of that brown sugar caramelised sweetness. Changi Airport Terminal 3 Food Guide

Bobii Frutii Singapore
Clementi Mall 3155 Commonwealth Ave W, Singapore 129588
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:45pm (Mon – Sun)

Bobii Frutti (with Nat Ho as one of the local co-owners), has a Brown Sugar specialty drink called “Childhood Memory” ($4.80). (I don’t recall having that much brown sugar as a child though).

While they are proud of their muah-chee like texture for their bobii, I found them way too soft without that pleasurable chew or bite.

The brown sugar here was more subdued, not as rich and strong as one would expect. Good for those who prefer a more mellow take. Bobii Frutii (The Clementi Mall)

Brown Sugar
218 Balestier Road #01-01, Value Hotel Balestier, Singapore 329684
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 9:00pm (Mon – Fri), 8:00am – 9:00pm (Sat – Sun)

The café is opened by the team behind Living Botanica – a fruit tea shop at Marina Bay Link Mall, but seems to have gone almost completely unnoticed.

As for the “star” of the place, the Brown Sugar Milk Tea ($3.50) was unfortunately way too sweet for me, and bubbles could have been softer.

It is tough striking a balance with all the caramelised sweetness and yet you still want to savour the delicate flavours of the milk and tea.

BCC Tea Studio
Fengshan Market, Blk 84, Bedok North Street 4, #01-29, Singapore 460048
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Sun – Thu), 10am – 11pm (Fri – Sat)

The best-selling Brown Sugar Boba with Fresh Milk ($3.50) available in one size, has a sense of familiarity in the first sip.

Unlike the usual brown sugar milk drinks trending in the market, this tasted so sweet, so familiar, so old-school… just like Sweet Talk?

The brown sugar syrup lacked a certain caramelised fragrance, whereas the chewiness of pearls evoked a sense of ‘old-school’ nostalgia. BCC Tea Studio (Bedok)

HeeTea Singapore
133 New Bridge Road #B1-46 Chinatown Point Singapore 059413
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

HeeTea is located at an inconspicuous corner at the basement of Chinatown, so people may just missed it.

The shop has also got on the bandwagon, and is currently offering Brown Sugar Bobo Milk Tea, Zang Zang Bobo Milk Tea, and Brown Sugar Bobo Fresh Milk Drink (Each $3.50 medium or $5.00 for large).

While the bobo pearls are considered chewy, it was also unfortunately too sweet without a distinct caramel flavour. The milk (not sure what’s the brand) tasted ‘thin’ and could have been fuller and creamier.

TaiGai @ NEX
NEX Serangoon, #B2-34, Singapore 556083 (Opposite BreadTalk)
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Instead of the usual black boba pearls, TaiGai offers translucent golden-yellow tapioca pearls with their milk tea. These pearls are somewhat smaller with a springier bite.

A special feature of the drink is the “Beary Cute” cup with the bear-ear lid. TaiGai 台盖 (NEX)

Tea Tree Café
Several branches including: Kovan Heartland Mall, ITE College Central @ Ang Mo Kio, Kallang Wave Mall, Suntec City Mall, Great World City, Singapore Technology of Institute Temasek Polytechnic, Fusionopolis Connexis 1

Tea Tree Café with 7 branches in Singapore, calls their drink Tiger Macchiato ($4.50). Interestingly, they used to serve up “Kokuto Fresh Milk” which is made with a type of Okinawan brown sugar.

However, I thought that this Tiger drink was way too sweet, and lacked in that aromatic brown sugar fragrance.

Tai Croissant
The Centrepoint #B1-K3
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

Tai Croissant which offers Taiyaki with croissant-like crispy texture, has also served up Brown Sugar Milk drinks ($3.50).

Let’s just say that bubble drinks are not exactly their forte, and so the pearls turned out being rather hard (in contrast) without that obvious sweetness.

Their other drinks such as Iced Green Tea ($1.50), Iced Black Tea ($1.50), and Iced Green Tea Latte ($2.00) are considered quite inexpensive for a kiosk in town area.

The Alley SG (not to be confused with other bubble tea brand The Alley) is frequently found at pasar malam and street food festivals, serving up drinks from Brown Sugar Fresh Milk ($3.90, $4.90), Brown Sugar Coca Latte ($4.50, $5.50), Brown Sugar Crème Brûlée ($5.30, $6.30), to Brown Sugar Milk Tea ($3.90, $4.90).

The Brown Sugar Crème Brûlée is the most popular choice, in which you can enjoy bits of the sugar within the drink. Wished the pearls were softer.

Other Related Entries
10 Best Fruit Tea In Singapore
10 Must-Try Bubble Teas In Taipei
12 Refreshing Cold Brews In Singapore
10 Foamy Milk Tea & Macchiato Drinks In Singapore
10 Best Matcha Latte In Singapore

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There are quite a number of hawker stalls in Singapore recommended under the Michelin Guide with a “Michelin Plate”, though this comes as a bit of a surprise.

The 1950s Coffee aka 五十年代咖啡 Wu Shi Nian Dai is a Michelin-listed kopi stall located at Chinatown Complex Food Centre that serves traditional Nanyang kopi-O or black coffee.

So did the Michelin inspectors enjoy it for the coffee or the toast? (I don’t think it is for the eggs.) Still rather perplexing, but anyway…

The stall serves up Traditional Toast ($1.20), Peanut Thick Toast ($1.20), Kaya Thick Toast ($1.20), Black Coffee ($1.00), Half-Boiled Egg ($1.20), Iced Lemon Tea ($1.10), and Milo Ice ($1.80).

There is always a moderately long queue in line.

There is a reason why. Compared to some other coffee stalls, their kopi ($1.10) is full bodied, velvety smooth, and not over diluted.

It has a fragrant aroma, and not too bitter for a black local coffee.

May be worth to break your routine as their kopi tarik (pulled coffee) is the star here. Locals do line up for a dose of caffeine from this famous brew.

If you are more of a tea drinker, they have a standard milk tea.

Complete your experience by ordering a Traditional Toast ($1.20) or the Peanut Thick Toast ($1.20) on the side.

Come early to make sure to get those lightly toasted thick-sliced bread. With the queue, the bread tends to run out by noon time.

While they were better than the average – fluffy and not overly dry, I didn’t find the toast particularly outstanding.

If you’re a fan of kaya (green pandan-infused coconut jam), better pair your kopi with their Kaya Thick Toast ($1.20).

You can also get the usual soft-boiled eggs. They will serve it as whole eggs, then you crack them into your bowl. Sprinkle with white pepper, pour some soy sauce, then dip the kaya toast as you eat.

Interesting to know: for those in Hong Kong, The 1950s Coffee is also available under the Tian Tian Plus concept at Causeway Bay.

The 1950s Coffee 五十年代咖啡
Block 335, Smith Street, Stall #02-048, Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre, Singapore 050335
Tel: +65 8439 0434
Opening Hours: 7am – 8:30pm (Mon – Sun)

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Singapore’s love for matcha and Japanese cafes is still going on strong.

The opening of 108 Matcha Saro would likely attract some attention.

This is its first outlet in South-East Asia, located at the revamped basement level of Suntec City (the escalator leading to the money changer).

108 Matcha Saro first started in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan in 2014.

Today, they have 4 outlets dispersed across Japan, namely in Hokkaido, Tokyo and Yokohama and another 4 outlets in Taipei, Taiwan.

Even though the Singapore outlet is mainly a takeaway store, it is still designed like a traditional ancient Japanese teahouse concept.

The local 108 Matcha Saro consists of 4 different live stations whereby passer-by can witness the live making of Warabi-mochi, Obanyaki, whisking of Matcha and assembling of Parfaits and Soft Serves.

My first experience with 108 Matcha Saro was in Taipei, where the staff was preparing their best-seller obanyaki on the spot similar to the outlet in Singapore.

Obanyaki is a Japanese snack traditionally filled with Azuki bean paste and made using a special pan.

This may remind you of our local pancakes (like those you find at Mr Bean’s) – much different pricing of course. Local = cheaper; Japanese = expensive.

Available in 6 different flavours at the Singapore’s outlet, my favourites are the Matcha Custard with Original Dough ($2.90) and Red Bean Paste with Warabi Mochi & Matcha Dough ($3.50).

The matcha from Uji, Kyoto is most distinctive in the Matcha Custard with Original Dough ($2.90) with oozing matcha in the centre and a distinctive slight bitterness aftertaste.

The Red Bean Paste which is sourced from Taiwan’s Pingtung, includes Warabi Mochi & Matcha Dough ($3.50).

It came as a surprise with a layer of soft, sticky and gooey warabi mochi that added chewiness to the combination.

Other flavours include Red Bean Paste with Matcha/ Original Dough ($2.90), custard with Original Dough ($2.90) and a limited edition Singapore-exclusive Double-Choc with Matcha dough Obanyaki ($3.50) made with 66% Valrhona chocolate and chocolate custard.

Personally, I felt that the matcha dough in the Obanyaki tends to be denser and drier when left to cool down after a while, so it is best to eat them when they are freshly out.

Another bestseller is their Warabi Mochi freshly handmade daily and are available in 3 different combination: Matcha, Soybean and mix of matcha and soybean and 2 different sizes: Box (24 pieces for $12.90) and Cup (8 pieces for $4.90).

Probably one of the best warabi mochi available in Singapore, with a light, soft and slightly chewy texture, lightly flavoured with generous amount of matcha or soybean powder.

Instead of glutinous rice used in mochi, warabi starch is used in warabi mochi to yield a jelly-like and melt-in-the-mouth sensation.

(Note: The Warabi Mochi on display are not for sampling as I saw a passer-by reaching out using bare hands for a piece of Warabi Mochi in the cup and simply walked off after ‘sampling’.)

The majority of their menu (24 items to be exact) consisted of Soft Serve (Cone $4.90), Parfait ($6.90 – $8.50) and Drinks ($6.90).

The Parfait Deluxe ($8.50) comes in either Matcha or Hojicha Soft Serve and 5 different toppings: white mochi, red beans, matcha jelly, brown sugar jelly and soybean warabi mochi.

My favourite items in the parfait are the toppings, freshly made with a soft and chewiness texture.

As for the soft serve in the parfait, even though the texture is smooth, the sweetness can be a little overwhelming.

Other parfaits include the Matcha/ Hojicha Mini Parfait ($6.90), Matcha Jelly Parfait ($7.90) and Matcha/ Soybean Warabi Mochi Parfait (7.90)

The Iced Matcha Green Tea ($4.90) suffered from the same fate with sweetness, and sadly, there are no options to reduce the sugar level.

The matcha is hand-whisked using a bamboo whisk upon order for Iced and Hot Matcha Latte ($4.90) with an option of either milk or soy milk for the lactose-intolerant.

Other options include Jelly Matcha/ Hojicha Latte ($5.90), Matcha Almond Milk Tofu ($5.90/ Float $6.90) and Matcha Smoothie ($5.90/ Float $6.90).

The Warabi mochi and Obanyaki are definitely the highlights at 108 Matcha Saro which differentiate themselves from other matcha places in Singapore.

108 Matcha Saro
Suntec City Mall #B1-K5, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
20 Japanese Cafes In Singapore
JW360° (Jewel Changi Airport)
Gram Cafe & Pancakes Singapore (Vivocity)
Asian Rad Afters (Bali Lane)
Emma (Plaza Singapura)

* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. This is based on a media tasting, DFD will return to try after the shop opens to public.

This is where Singapore’s most popular Tendon and Unagi restaurants meet.

Tendon Kohaku which is considered as one of Singaporean’s top Tempura Donburi restaurants, has expanded with its fifth local outlet at Clarke Quay Central basement.

However, this outlet is quite unlike the other branches at Suntec City, Chinatown Point, Boat Quay and SORA Japan Gourmet Hall, presenting a brand-new collaboration with Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee Man Man Unagi.

What you get is 1 collaborative dining concept, 2 restaurants with 40 seaters each.

While diners are not able to cross-order between the 2 restaurants, both restaurants are each offering an exclusive collaboration dish which incorporate the Kaisendon recipe from Teppei Japanese restaurants – also helmed by Chef Teppei Yamashita of Man Man Unagi.

Hungry to know more? Here are 5 NEW, exclusive and oishii dishes not to be missed at Tendon Kohaku:

Kaisen Tendon by Kohaku and Teppei ($26.50) Available at Tendon Kohaku Clarke Quay Central
The collaborative dish between Tendon Kohaku and Teppei Japanese restaurant is a one-of-a-kind Kaisen Tendon. Those who enjoy the best of both worlds – crispy fried tempura and chewy fresh sashimi in a single bowl will certainly crave for this combination.

The bowl comes with generous servings, almost over-flowing with tempura prawn, long beans, Unagi and crab stick deep fried in a blend of high-grade sesame oil and cooking oil.

What makes people keep going back to Tendon Kohaku are those golden-brown tempura pieces with light-crispy texture.

This happens due to a combination of the in-house batter, and special cooking technology which helps keep the oil clean and fresh-tasting even after frying.

The other half of the bowl comes in the form of cubed sashimi toppings such as salmon, tuna, ikura, scallop, whelk and swordfish.

These ingredients are mixed in a special Kaisen don recipe by Chef Teppei Yamashita before being placed on top of the bowl of white, fluffy and fragrant Nanatsuboshi white rice imported from Hokkaido.

Diners can also choose to opt for the 16 multi-grain rice instead, specially sourced from different prefectures in Japan to create a different and unique taste.

Jumbo Unagi Tendon ($29) Available at Tendon Kohaku Clarke Quay Central
The idea of deep-fried Unagi tempura already makes me salivate.

Instead of grilled Japanese eel, Tendon Kohaku offers Unagi in deep-fried version, and the icing on the cake is its size – coming in an XXL Jumbo version.

The huge eel is coated with the signature in-house batter, deep-fried for a couple of minutes till golden brown and crispy, then drizzled with the appetizing tendon sauce.

Diners can choose between the non-spicy or spicy sauces.

Even though the original sauce has a sweeter taste profile, I still prefer the spicy version for an extra kick which will set just a slight tingling of the tongue.

This jumbo Unagi was thick, fleshy with a chewier bite, which complimented well with the contrasting soft and fluffy texture of the Hokkaido white rice.

Crispy Unagi Dragon Roll ($9) Available at Tendon Kohaku Clarke Quay Central
Other than just donburi, you can expect sushi rolls here which are great for sharing.

Wrapped in Nanatsuboshi Hokkaido White Japanese rice and seaweed, the Unagi Dragon Roll contained tempura prawn, tempura crab stick and avocado, deep-fried before slicing into 6 pieces.

The surprising element were the bits of crispy tempura batter sprinkled over the dragon roll for the extra crunch, complemented with toppings of tobiko (flying fish roe).

The flavour is further enhanced by a light drizzle of the sweet and savoury Kohaku Tendon sauce and mayonnaise over the roll.

The textural contrast between the chewy rice within the sushi roll and crunchy tempura batter was interesting, though I wished for more dipping sauce on the side for extra flavour.

Premium Chawanmushi with Unagi and Ikura ($6.50) Available at Tendon Kohaku Clarke Quay Central
Priced at $6.50, the Premium Chawanmushi sounds like a good deal.

This came with pieces of steamed Unagi topped with glistening blobs of ikura on top of the chawanmushi made with egg, chicken broth, shiitake mushroom and spring onion.

The combination was well-balanced, with smooth and wobbly custard-like texture encasing several ingredients.

Kaisen X Hitsumabushi by Teppei and Man Man ($32.50) Available at Man Man Unagi Clarke Quay Central
The Kaisen X Hitsumabushi is a collaborative dish between Teppei Japanese restaurant and Man Man Unagi.

What you get is a sizable bowl topped with half a Japanese eel freshly grilled on charcoal and dipped in a thick and rich in-house special sauce for the extra oomph.

The other part comes with cubed salmon, tuna, ikura, scallop, whelk and swordfish mixed in the same special Kaisen don sauce, along with Nanatsuboshi white rice and freshly-grated wasabi on the side.

If this is the first time you are having Man Man’s Hitsumabushi, there are four ways you can enjoy the dish.

Firstly, savour the first portion of the eel on its own to appreciate the smoky aroma and the crispy texture; secondly add nori (seaweed), wasabi and green onion to the Hokkaido rice and eel; pour in the clear dashi to the abovementioned mix to create soupy rice Ochazuke style.

The fourth way is to include age-dama which are the bits of deep fried flour-batter from Kohaku’s tempura, giving the rice more textural crunch.

Tip: Include some wasabi in a spoonful, and experience the ‘explosion’ of fresh-tasting sashimi, fleshy unagi pieces and crispy tempura bits.

Both Tendon Kohaku and Man Man Unagi is set to open on 31 July 2019 (Wed) at basement 1 of Clarke Quay Central.

With this collaboration between the 2 favourite Japanese brands in Singapore, this dining concept provides an alternative and convenience for diners who want to experience everything under the same roof.

Tendon Kohaku 天丼琥珀 X Man Man Unagi Opening Special
The first 50 diners on its opening date of 31st July 2019 are able to redeem a Kaisen X Hitsumabushi OR Kaisen X Tendon. Check out Tendon Kohaku’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TendonKohakuCQC for more redemption details.

Redemption time is from 11:30am to 3pm, while stocks last. This is applicable only for the outlet at Clarke Quay Central, T&C apply.

Tendon Kohaku 天丼琥珀 X Man Man Unagi
Clarke Quay Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #B1-52,53, Singapore 059817
Opening Hours: Lunch 11.30am – 4pm Last Order 3:30pm, Dinner 5pm – 10pm Last order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/TendonKohakuCQC

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Tendon Kohaku.

One of the most known Michelin-listed satays in Singapore is probably Chomp Chomp Satay at Chomp Chomp Food Centre, but there is also 168 CMY Satay at Chinatown Complex Food Centre.

(Just a note: both received the “Michelin Plate”, which is very much different from a “Michelin Star”, though many are unaware of the difference.)

If you are a satay lover, you may find “CMY” vaguely familiar. It is short for “Chun Man Yuan”, one of Singapore’s largest satay supplier.

Chun Man Yuan itself had humble beginnings as a hawker stall at Potong Pasir in 1985, and now has a central kitchen at Bedok North and is currently helmed by a second-generation business owner.

The manufacturer currently supplies satay to 168 CMY Satay – so named because it is located on the 168th stall at Level 2 of Chinatown Complex Food Centre.

The menu is pretty straightforward, offering Pork, Chicken, and Mutton Satays at 60 cents per stick. A minimum of 10 sticks is required for each order.

You can add some Ketupat rice (also for 60 cents) which is rice cakes wrapped and steamed in banana leaves.

The satays here are cooked-to-order, so they are still juicy upon serving. The skewered meats achieved the right amount of char from the grilling.

You can tell they have been seasoned and marinated well because they are tender and flavourful.

Compared to the average stall, these satay sticks have an appealing sweetness, though some may wish that they are meatier.

Part of a good satay equation is the sauce. Their sweet, chunky peanut sauce satay side-kick adds even more flavour and fruitiness because of the dollop of pineapple sauce in it.

The stall is co-shared, and so you would also find Satay Beehoon ($4, $5) operated by another lady at the other half of the stall. There is no relation between the two in terms of operations and recipe.

It was a decent plate of Satay Bee Hoon, fragrantly nutty and not that spicy at all. Could be better if the sauce had a thicker, luscious consistency.

Take the MRT and exit A of Chinatown Station. You’ll find 168 CMY Satay at the 2nd floor of the Chinatown Complex Food Centre.

168 CMY Satay
Block 335, Smith St, #02-168, Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre, Singapore 050335
Tel: +65 9475 2907
Opening Hours: 9am – 7pm (Tue – Sun), Closed Mon

Other Related Entries
10 Must-Try Chinatown Complex Food Centre Hawker Stalls
Chomp Chomp Satay (Chomp Chomp Food Centre)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Looking for a dining place with your family and friends at downtown Orchard?

Here are 9 restaurants in Singapore that you will only be able to find in Orchard Central, many of them are inexpensive and great for sharing (ie jio more people down).

These include Korean BBQ restaurant K.Cook which just introduced a ‘pocha’ concept; famed Chengdu hotpot restaurant Da Long Yi famous for its mala butter broth; highly instagrammable Korean brunch café Walking on Sunshine; and Tsukiji Japanese Restaurant which houses 6 Japanese dining concepts in one place.

Read on to find out what tantalising food Orchard Central has to offer:

K.Cook Korean BBQ Restaurant
Orchard Central #07-01
Tel: +65 6884 7282
Opening Hours: Buffet 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun), Ala Carte 9:30pm – 3am (Mon – Sat)

K.Cook is an inexpensive Korean BBQ joint located at the 7th level of Orchard Central.

Affordable pricing goes by the tune of $16.90++ and up for a weekday lunch for adults.

To achieve its Korean BBQ look, it is designed with both indoor and outdoor rooftop dining spaces. You can either settle comfortably in the air-conditioned section, or dine with the natural breeze kissing your face as you grill those samgyeopsal (pork belly) and chadolbagi (beef brisket) over a night view of Orchard Road.

To complete the ambiance, the outside seating area has a large screen playing K-pop music videos to entertain you.

Celebrating something? K.Cook has started a new ‘pocha’. Pocha is an abbreviation of Korean words which translates to “Korean Street Food Wagon”. From 9:30pm to the wee hours of the morning (3am!) you can enjoy a night of drinking with your friends. In case you get hungry, they have an ala carte menu for your bar chow.

Offerings include Korean Army Stew ($35), Korean Fried Chicken ($30), Smoked Duck and Chives Salad ($35), Spicy Stir-Fried Squid ($25) and Crispy Seafood Scallion Pancake ($25).

Try their Pork Back-Bone-Stew ($40) aka gamjatang, a traditional spicy and hearty Korean tang (stew) that combines pork bones, gamja (potatoes), and other veggies. The stock is made by boiling pork backbone for many hours to create a savoury base for the stew.

Slurp this soup with a bottle of soju on the side and dine like a true Korean.

Som Tam
Orchard Central #08-13
Tel: +65 6238 6872
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (Mon – Thurs), 11:30am – 10pm (Fri – Sun)

If you are suddenly craving for Thai food after shopping, head to Som Tam and treat yourself to a modern Thai Fusion dining. Its minimalist interior speaks modern, so you can dine in style.

The menu spreads across Street Delights, Salads in a Bottle, Rice, Noodles/Pasta, Soups/Curries, and Mains. Som Tam chefs combine different culinary types, traditions, and cooking methods to give you lots of food options.

The Tom Yum soup ($12.80 and up), available in black, prawn or chicken, will perk you up with its spicy-sourness.

Feeling too warm for a soup? Go for the Aglio Olio Style Tom Yum Pasta ($15.80) or nibble on some flame-grilled Thai Chicken Satay ($9.80 for 6 pcs).

Don’t miss the Pla Muek Yang ($17.80), a bestseller of the house featuring a grilled whole squid served with Som Tam’s signature Thai seafood sauce. Bite into the tender squid as you season it with Thai nahm jim (fish sauce), the perfect complement.

Still hungry? Order their classic Pineapple Fried Rice ($13.80) or the Olive and Chicken Fried Rice ($13.80) which uses Chinese olive leaves to create an aromatic flavour. Be ready to explore something different here.

Joie by Dozo
Orchard Central #12-01
Tel: +65 6838 6966
Opening Hours: 12pm – Last Order 2pm, 6pm – Last Order 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Located at the enchantingly beautiful Roof Garden of Orchard Central, Joie by DOZO is a remarkable place to celebrate special occasions with your loved ones.

Joie (pronounced ‘joy’) specialises in Modern Japanese-French gastronomical vegetable cuisine.

Yes, vegetable cuisine – a totally unique dining experience that focuses on vegetables, fruits and herbs to share that joy of dining.

You should be amazed by the different tastes, styles, and presentation they could have – all meatless.

Get your midday recharge with their 6-Course Set Lunch ($38.80++) with the family, or reserve a table to share with your beloved for a special 7-Course Set Dinner ($68.80++).

The Grill Summer Mushroom Steak is the highly recommended main. This succulent grilled monkey head mushroom is cooked to a sizzle over a “Pu-Ye” hot lava stone. Served on the side is truffle mashed potato and a tangy and smoky truffle mustard dip which complements the mushroom’s deep, earthy taste.

Another clever dish to watch out for is the Vegetable Sashimi on Ice with Oyster-Leaf Shooter Glass. This cold dish (available only for dinner) will challenge even the most discerning taste buds.

It is amazing to know the “salmon sashimi” is actually made of aloe vera, coconut, konjac, and huai san (Chinese yam). The briny and buttery texture is replicated so well, you won’t be able to tell the difference.

Walking On Sunshine Cafe
Orchard Central #03-07
Tel: +65 8877 0088
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Walking On Sunshine or WOS, the newest beauty and dining hub in the block, is located at the 3rd floor of Orchard Central. It is one of the biggest you can find in Singapore, juxtaposing a salon and a café in one location.

The beauty salon is powered by top-notch professional hairstylists, barbers, make-up artists, and nail artists from all around the world.

As for the garden-themed café, it offers lots of food choices for its diners. Even vegetarians will be delighted in the range of options, aside from its line-up of beverages.

If you could just pick one item from the food menu, make it the Instagram-popular Soufflé Pancake ($20.50).

Imagine a stack of three light and fluffy pancakes topped with a special cream, nuts, and fresh fruits like berries, grapes and strawberries. Good for sharing (or save all for yourself), this dish is loved by kids and adults alike.

Or have a savoury pancake for a change. The Crab and Kimchi Pancake ($20.50) is definitely on the other side of the flavour spectrum, but its spicy-sour taste is just as inviting.

More hunger pangs? Order the meat-loaded Beef Salami Pizza ($17.50), Strip Loin Steak ($21.50) or get the Spicy Pork Panini ($17.50) for takeaway.

Sip famous teas from Korea as you delight in the sight of beautiful flowers and plants around you, while enjoying time with your family and friends.

Hokkaido Marche
Orchard Central #B2-11/29
Tel: +65 6509 9383/
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm, Last order for food 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Some of Japan’s well-loved food stores from Sapporo, Hakodate, and Asahikawa have reached Orchard Central.

Welcome them in their home in Singapore at Hokkaido Marche, a marketplace-style gourmet food hall.

Located at Basement 2 of Orchard Central next to Don Don Donki, Hokkaido Marche combines 7 different Japanese F&B brands from Hokkaido.

First, they have Café & Bar Dot which introduces its Hokkaido Premium Soft Serve Ice Cream to Singaporean foodies. They also serve an ice-cold Sapporo Beer at just $6.50 alongside a wide variety of sake, whiskeys, wines and non-alcoholic beverages.

Next up, Natsume. It has a seasonal menu using Hokkaido-sourced fish and seafood. Order their Special Kaisen Don for only $17.50.

Maruya is a famous Donburi joint in Hokkaido, Sapporo operating for over 130 years. You have many choices here but the Pork Katsu Don/Curry ($13.50) is recommended.

If you like pork, you have to go for the Hokkaido Buta Don ($13.50) at Tsuyoshi. Its tender grilled pork coupled with its secret sauce makes for a delicious and wholesome meal.

If you’re hankering for noodles, head to Maruki for its soba made with all-natural ingredients, and no MSG! Try the Mori Soba ($8.50) which is available cold, and best paired with sake.

Ajisai, acclaimed for its shio (salt) ramen, is where you can savour the Hakodate Shio Ramen ($12.00). Enjoy its clear, flavourful broth made with pork, chicken, and natural rock salt on a base of kelp from southern Hokkaido.

Lastly, Shirakaba Sansou offers its signature clear miso soup with a thin layer of oil to keep the heat. Try their legendary Sapporo Miso Ramen ($13.00) and taste how well-balanced and rich its broth is.

Tsukiji Japanese Restaurant
Orchard Central #12-02
Tel: +65 6634 2803
Opening Hours: Lunch 12pm – 3pm, Dinner 6pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Tsukiji Japanese Restaurant is perfect for those who want the convenience of choice under one roof. This dining concept gathers 6 unique brands in one location giving you a wide selection of popular Japanese fare.

First, you get the freshest seasonal fish and sashimi air-flown from Japan’s famous Tsukiji Fish Market. Get the sampler Sashimi on a Boat ($67.80) with 7 kinds of sashimi good for sharing. Or 6 pieces of Fresh Oysters for only $26.80.

Feel like having some Japanese barbecue? Get your fix from Ikezaki Yakiniku, which specialises in Wagyu beef. You can’t go wrong with their Wagyu Roast Beef Don ($24.80).

For tempura, Ebi-Zo Tempura will dish out tempura using only fresh, not frozen, meats. Taste how fresh they are with the Signature Ebizo Tendon ($24.80).

Tori-Sho Chicken Cuisine will give you plenty of chicken options, like the Black Pepper Chicken Wings Karaage ($2.80/pc). UnaSho handles the unagi department. Try the Hitsumabushi ($32.80), grilled eel on rice 3-way.

Lastly, Hamakaze Ramen centralises the best Japanese ramen in one spot. The Spicy Tori-Kotsu Miso Butter Ramen ($16.80) is a must-try.

Prices are affordable, considering the portions are quite generous.

With all these dizzying choices, focus on THIS signature item: Tsukiji Special Foie Gras Bara Chirashi Don ($25.80). It consists of fresh sashimi cubes (salmon, tuna, swordfish), salmon roe, flying fish roe, foie gras, and tamago all atop sushi rice. What makes this extra special is the chef’s secret ingredient in the vinegar mix for the rice.
  

Da Long Yi Hotpot Singapore
Orchard Central #08-06/07/08
Tel: +65 6509 0002
Opening Hours: 11am – 6am (Mon – Sun)

Feast together with friends and family over a special steamboat meal at Da Long Yi, a prominent Chinese hotpot brand. Its first outlet opened in 2013 in Chengdu, China and swiftly grew to more than 200 restaurants in Mainland China.

Conveniently located on the 8th floor, Da Long Yi is on the left side as you step out of the elevator. Occupying 3 units, it is quite spacious with impressive interiors.

If you are after an authentic Szechuan experience, the quality of food here will not disappoint.

Pick the Butter Mala Soup Base as this is the signature of Da Long Yi. I thought this was more ‘la’ (spicy) than ‘ma’ (numbing), and may make some break out in sweat. Quite shiok.

The Shrimp Paste ($16), Mountain Marble Beef ($24), Kongfu Potato Chips ($7), Spicy Pork Ribs ($24), and Rose Beef Tongue ($20) are other recommended items.

You can find a variety of hotpot spices and sauces from the sauce station ($2.50 per person). Check out their own customised sesame oil, which is the hallmark of an authentic Chengdu hotpot restaurant.

Did I mention hotpot till 6am?

Kiseki Japanese Buffet Restaurant
Orchard Central #08-01/02/03
Tel: +65 6736 1216
Opening Hours: Lunch 11.30am – 3pm, Last Order 2.30pm
Dinner 6pm – 10pm, Last Order 9.30pm

For enormous appetites, Kiseki is a wonderful option. This Japanese buffet restaurant brings more than 200 buffet items over 29 item categories.

Plus, you get to enjoy the breath-taking sky view of Orchard landscape as you dine in their al fresco dining area. And when you get your bill, you can smile as the prices here won’t break your wallet – it is a MEGA Japanese buffet at MINI prices.

Give in to all your Japanese cravings from Sushi, Sashimi, Teppanyaki, Robatayaki (Japanese grill), Yakitori (skewers), Nabemono (hot pot), Agemono (deep-fried items), Mushimono (steamed items) to Japanised Western dishes like pasta and pizza.

Make sure you look for their signature items from sea of buffet items, like their fresh Salmon Sashimi, and Grilled Salmon Head. The Assorted Sushi is a must, with a dozen hand roll varieties, as well as the Assorted Agemono.

Love fresh seafood? Head to the Seafood on Ice and grab those premium Snow Crab Legs, which are available only during weekend dinners.

Then, cap off your meal with their extensive Japanese Desserts from Mochi to Tofu Cheesecake.

Buffet prices start at $22.80++ for a Weekday Lunch for Adults ($12.80++ Child). Menu items are on rotation basis so be ready to discover new dishes when you visit.

Nantsuttei
Orchard Central #07-12/13
Tel: +65 6337 7166
Opening Hours: 11am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Another dining spot worth exploring at Orchard Central is Nantsuttei, a Japanese restaurant famous for its ramen. Its main location is in Hadano, Kanagawa and has branches in Tokyo.

Their signature ramen is a simple combination of a rich and creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) soup, fresh ramen noodles from Hadano, aromatic ma-yu (black roasted garlic oil) floating on the surface, and a topping of homemade char siu.

The black ma-yu, an essential component, is made by frying garlic over seven phases and mixing it into a balanced blend. This combination of ingredients has created its trademark Nantsuttei flavour, which has not changed since it first opened.

You can find a wide array of toppings in their menu; this way you can refresh your orders every now and then.

Go for the Maru-toku Negi Chashu-men ($15.80 or $17) which features aromatic garlic oil on creamy pork soup.

The Kara-miso Ramen ($14.80 or $16) reminds me of a sumptuous bowl of tan tan noodles. Plus, you can pick your preferred spice level and texture of noodles.

F’east at Orchard Central
From now till 4 August, don’t miss the chance to redeem these perks and goodies when you drop by Orchard Central with your family for a meal!

Complimentary Weekday Parking
Spend $50 in a single receipt to redeem 3 hours complimentary parking. Valid from Monday to Friday.

A Foodie Affair
Spend $50 to enjoy an uplifting sorbet Popsicle (12 noon to 230pm) or a refreshing fruit juice (230pm to 9pm).

Goodies Served Up
Spend $150* to receive a $10 dining voucher
*Additional $80 with Don Don Donki receipts. Limited to maximum of 3 same-day receipts, while stocks last.

#LetsFeastTogether Social Media Contest
Wondering why there’s a ‘Feast’ flag in some of the dishes? Share your creative F’easting moments at any of the 13 Far East Malls on social media and stand a chance to win prizes such as a GoPro Hero 7, Nespresso machine or Far East Malls vouchers.

Simply:
– Have a meal at any participating restaurants within any of the 13 Far East Malls
Orchard Central, Clarke Quay Central, Square 2, West Coast Plaza, Pacific Plaza, Far East Square, Icon Village, Riverside Point, Hougang 1, Greenwich V, HIllV2, Junction 10 and Katong V
– Put a F’east food flag on your food (Get the flag from concierge counters or participating F&B outlets)
– Post the photo on social media and include #LetsFeastTogether in your caption to enter the contest.

Contest ends on 4 August, so get your appetite ready and your cameras out.

Download the ShopFarEast Mobile App
Accumulate points and redeem an array of rewards, ranging from shopping vouchers, retail merchandise as well as hotel staycation vouchers from with the ShopFarEast Mobile App.

Shoppers only need to spend a minimum of $20 nett at any Far East Mall in a single receipt, snap a photo of it and submit via the ShopFarEast Mobile App to redeem shopping vouchers, retailers’ products and services.

Be sure to drop by Orchard Central with your family real soon to enjoy great food, amazing deals and exciting prizes to be won.

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Orchard Central.

This coming Singapore National Day will be on a Friday, which means a long weekend to dine out with family and friends.

August may just be that month you get more cravings for local delights such as the sumptuous Chilli Crabs with mantou, hot piping bowl of Laksa, fragrant Chicken Rice, to freshly-grilled Satay.

Well, wish come true.

You can enjoy all these and much more at these 10 hotels, as all of them are offering awesome dining deals such as 54% OFF 2nd diner, 1-for-1 buffets, or $54 promotions. Check them out below:

(Click PLAY for buffet highlights of Beach Road Kitchen, JW Marriott Singapore South Beach)

Beach Road Kitchen, JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
30 Beach Road, Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 6818 1913
Buffet Hours: Lunch 12pm – 2.30pm (Mon – Sat)
Brunch 12pm – 3pm (Sunday)
Dinner 6pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Frequent buffet-goers know Beach Road Kitchen’s award-winning buffet is one that’s worth shelling out dollars for. A buffet meal here not only a feast for the tummy, but one that doubles as a cultural experience.

You may discover something new from their range of local and international cuisine. Go deep into your roots and re-discover your favourite comfort food given a twist in the hands of the chefs at Beach Road Kitchen.

Take time to bask in the sight and smell of each live station, including dedicated areas for Fresh Seafood and Grilled-to-order Meats. Then, explore the entire buffet spread which highlights the best of local cuisine with Chinese, Indian and Malay dishes on offer.

There are even sections just for the hawker favourites, where you can eat your heart out over Chilli Crab, Rojak, Laksa, Nasi Lemak and Chicken Rice.

Of course, dessert is a must. Their Dessert Showcase will feature live stations including freshly made Ice Kachang, Kueh Dadar and Apom Balik which will seal the deal for a truly satisfying National Day celebration.

Price of Buffet:
Lunch: $60++ Adults, $30++ Child
Brunch: $118++ Adults, $59++ Child
Dinner: $80++ Adults, $40++ Child (Mon – Thu); $90++ Adults / $45++ Child (Fri – Sun)

HSBC Credit Cards Promotion:
54% off Second Diner

T&C:
– Valid for up to 8 diners per card.
– Valid for buffet only, not applicable for beverage packages.
– Valid from 1 August – 31 August 2019, including National Day and Public Holidays.
– Not valid in conjunction with other promotions, discounts and privileges.
– Payment must be made using HSBC credit card.

Auntie’s Wok and Steam, Andaz Singapore
5 Fraser Street, Level 25 Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 6408 1288
Buffet Hours: 12pm – 3pm (Sat – Sun, PH)

Those who are into Singapore’s zi char food culture are a perfect fit for Auntie’s Wok and Steam.

There is something in home-cooked Chinese food that brings back good memories and warm fuzzy feelings.

Zi char, which translates to “cook and fry”, is represented very well in Auntie’s Wok and Steam signature item – Organic Wok-Fried Rice.

Made with a combination of organic brown and white rice grains, this rice creation blends together the benefit of brown with the softness of white. The wok-fried rice is tossed along with shredded crab meat (sustainably-sourced crabs at that), julienned French beans, and fresh green asparagus. Order this a la carte or find it as part of the buffet.

Buffet is a steal for only $39++ per person (now with 1 dine free with every 3 paying adults), which includes a selection of Cantonese dim sum, Singaporean stir-fry favourites and desserts.

HSBC Credit Cards Promotion:
1 free with 3 paying adults – U.P. $39++ per person, includes Cantonese dim sum, Singaporean favourites and desserts

T&C:
– Promotional Period: 1 August – 30 September 2019, including Public Holidays.
– Valid only on Saturday and Sundays, including Public Holidays, 12pm – 3pm.
– Advance reservation is required.
– Payment must be made using HSBC credit card.

D9 Saturday High Tea Buffet, Hilton Singapore
Lobby Level, 581 Orchard Road. Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 6730 3392 / Email: d9cakery@hilton.com
Buffet Hours: 12pm – 3pm, every Sat

D9 Cakery joins the birthday celebration with a locally-inspired Saturday High Tea Buffet.

You will have trouble choosing from among the over 40 local and international dishes spread out across seven live stations. Plus, a six-metre long showcase of artisanal desserts featuring an exclusive Singapore-inspired collection this August.

For savouries, look forward to live stations of chawker-style roasted meat station with Crispy Roasted Duck, five-spice Crispy Pork Belly and Roasted Chicken rice; cooked-to-order live stations of homemade ‘Nasi Lemak’ with ikan bilis and wok-fried Hokkien Mee.

High tea is incomplete without desserts. What is even better than a six-metre long showcase of unlimited handcrafted sweet treats? In addition, indulge in the exclusive Singapore-inspired collection highlighting the Singapore Sling cake, soya bean curd tart, salted egg yolk and red bean coconut macarons, and more! Cleanse the palate with over 10 selections of free flow TWG teas and coffee.

D9 Saturday High Tea Buffet starts at $48++ per person, with free flow of coffee and TWG teas.

HSBC Credit Cards Promotion:
54% off every 2nd diner

T&C:
– Valid for D9 Cakery Saturday High Tea Buffet (only non-alcoholic package).
– Discount is only applicable to maximum of 5 redemptions per table.
– One-day advance reservation is required.
– Payment must be made using HSBC credit card.

Crossroads Cafe, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road, Level 1, Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
Opening Hours: 7am – 12am (Sun – Thurs), 7am – 2am Last Order 1am (Fri – Sat)

Aptly called for its location, Crossroads Cafe is right smack at the busiest crossroad of Orchard Road. If you like being in the centre of action, here is a good place to wine and dine and celebrate National Day.

Talk about modern chic, with ambient lighting and daily blackboard specials. This is one popular venue where you can relax and unwind with family and friends.

The concept brings East and West together, offering local and international dishes that cater to your extensive globe-trotting palate. The all-time favourite Hainanese Chicken Rice is always a hit, so be sure to check out this well-loved dish.

Go Western and try their signature Wagyu Burger, which boasts of premium quality meat and the freshest vegetables.

Looking for non-meat alternatives?

Order Crossroad’s Cafe’s burger with a plant-based patty that looks and tastes like real meat. The “Impossible Burger” is just that – a juicy and flavourful non-meat patty with crisp tomato, refreshing cucumber salsa, creamy raita, red onion and arugula – all snuggled inside a soft sesame bun.

HSBC Credit Cards Promotion:
54% off second main course for dinner

T&C:
– Available from Monday to Sunday for dine-in only.
– At least 2 days of prior reservations required and subjected to availability.
– Payment must be made using HSBC credit card.
– Discount is not valid on eve of PH, PH and special festivities.
– Discount is not valid with other promotions, offers, vouchers, rebates and privileges.

Azur, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
75 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819664
Tel: +65 6823 5354
Buffet Hours: Lunch 12pm – 3pm (Mon – Fri), 12pm – 3.30 (Sat & Sun)
Dinner 6pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Doing some travel this season? Check out Azur at the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport and celebrate National Day with their specially priced buffets.

This all-day dining restaurant features an open-kitchen concept. Watch how Azur’s culinary team whips out dishes from their “cooking theatre” to the buffet station “stage”. The spread includes both classic Asian delicacies and popular Western fare.

Load up your plates with your favourites, then dine in comfort in the stylish interiors of Azur.

Don’t forget to include their rendition of Singapore-style Chilli Crab, best accompanied by deep-fried mantou (Chinese buns). These buns will best soak up and mop off the luscious sweet, savoury and spicy sauce basting those fresh crabs.

Enjoy a special buffet rate for August 2019, ie Lunch Buffet: $58++ per adult, $29++ per child
Dinner Buffet: $78++ per adult, $39++ per child.

National Day Weekend Special during August 9-12, 2019, Lunch / Dinner Buffet: $54 nett per adult, $27 nett per child.

HSBC Credit Cards Promotion:
$54 off with every $250 nett spend at Azur

T&C:
– Valid from 1 August – 31 August 2019.
– Not valid on National Day Weekend (9 – 12 August 2019).
– Reservation is recommended.
– Not valid on the eve of Public Holidays in Singapore, Public Holidays in Singapore, blackout dates and special occasions as determined by Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, unless otherwise stated.
– The offer is not valid in conjunction with other ongoing discounts, offers, promotions, privileges and vouchers.
– Payment to be made with HSBC credit cards.

Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
Level 4, 317 Outram Road Singapore 169075
Tel: +65 6731 7173
Operating Hours: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6:30pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Fri)
10:30am – 2:30pm (Sat, Sun, PH), 6:30pm – 10pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

Award-winning Chinese restaurant Xin Cuisine takes part in the National Day celebration by offering 25% off their a la carte menu.

Don’t forget to reserve in advance, and be ready to feast over an extensive menu of modern Cantonese dishes. Leave it to their team of master chefs to fill you up with hearty soups, savoury stir-fried dishes, and fresh seafood specialties.

They got a wide variety of must-try signature dishes, and if you love dim sum, you’re in for a treat. They have a variety of creative, hand-made dim sum dishes made with the finest ingredients.

What better way to celebrate National Day than with a whole Chinese roasted duck to share with family and friends. Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant’s signature Home-Style Roast Duck with Tea Leaves ($54++) is smoked with aromatic herbs like Pu-Er, Chrysanthemum and Jasmine Tea Leaves.

Once the duck is infused with that unique fragrance with woody notes, it is roasted to yield a blissful combination of golden, amber-coloured crispy duck skin and mouth-wateringly succulent meats.

HSBC Credit Cards Promotion:
25% off à la carte menu

T&C:
– Offer is valid until 31 August 2019, including National Day and Public Holidays.
– Advance reservation is required.
– Offer is not valid in conjunction with other discounts, offers, promotions, privileges and vouchers.
– Discount is not applicable on service charge and government taxes.
– Payment must be made using HSBC credit card.

Escape Restaurant & Lounge, One Farrer Hotel
1 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 6705 7828
Lunch Buffet Hours: 12pm – 2.30pm (Mon – Sun)

Go local and indulge in your favourite Peranakan dishes in one place at Escape Restaurant & Lounge. Reserve in advance and take advantage of their special buffet lunch rates for the entire August.

Escape’s buffet spread will feature a DIY Rojak Station, where you can exercise your salad creativity, and a grill that serves assorted fresh satay, and an eclectic array of Indian food.

Their Oyster Omelette, Sayur Lodeh, and Beef Rendang are highly recommended.

Of course, a Peranakan spread won’t be complete without the bite-sized appetizer of Kueh Pie Tee.

Desserts are likewise local as you’ll encounter the highly addictive Durian Pengat, served with browned butter croutons and coconut iced cream. Taste some Asian cakes like Red Velvet Gula Melaka and Chempedak Cake.

HSBC Credit Cards Promotion:
Price of Buffet: $54++ for 2 adults only for Mon – Fri lunch (UP at $50++/per adult)

T&C:
– Maximum 8 persons per table per bill.
– Advanced reservations are required.
– Valid for weekday lunch.
– Valid from 1 August – 30 August 2019.
– Not valid on Public Holidays in Singapore.
– Payment must be made using HSBC credit card.

The Salon, Hotel Fort Canning
11 Canning Walk Singapore 178881
Tel: +65 6799 8809
Opening Hours: 7am – 11pm Last order 10.30pm (Mon – Sun)

This National Day, celebrate with a dose of local love at The Salon in Hotel Fort Canning.

As a fitting tribute to this special occasion, The Salon features Chef’s reinterpretation of the beloved national dish – chicken rice.

Tuck into the spice-kissed Singapura Chick’n Rice Set highlighting a generously-sized rempah-seasoned chicken drumstick. It is richly flavoured with a heady mix of aromatics including turmeric, lemon grass, chilli and coriander seeds – a concoction inspired by the range of herbs and spices found in the Spice Garden of Fort Canning Park (U.P $18++).

Once infused with the spices, the chicken is slow-baked, then deep-fried until the skin turns golden crisp. Inside, the meat remains tender and juicy. Best to pair with some of their home-made chili dip before you bite.

Beat hunger pangs as this dish comes with sides of tofu with minced chicken, seasonal greens, chicken soup, and a pandan-infused jasmine rice cooked in chicken stock. The Salon also offers an array of Asian-inspired, western, and signature local favourites for a feast with the family.

HSBC Credit Cards Promotion:
54% savings on second order of Singapura Chick’n Rice Set

T&C:
– Valid from 1st to 31st August for lunch and dinner, including National Day and Public Holidays.
– Not applicable for corporate or group bookings.
– Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions, discounts, vouchers and privileges, unless otherwise stated.
– Reservation is required and subject to availability.
– For reservations and enquiries, please call +65 6799 8809 or email thesalon@hfcsingapore.com
– Hotel Fort Canning reserves the right to amend or terminate the offer without prior notice.
– Payment must be made using HSBC credit card.

Window on the Park, Holiday Inn® Singapore Orchard City Centre
11 Cavenagh Road, Singapore 229616
Tel: +65 6733 8333
Buffet Hours: Lunch 12:00pm – 2:30pm, Dinner 6.30pm – 10:00pm (Mon – Sun)

If you want dining variety, go to Window on the Park at the Holiday Inn® Singapore Orchard City Centre and indulge in their irresistible line-up of over 50 local, Asian and seafood delights.

With their 1-for-1 offer for their sought-after buffets, it would be hard to resist to book a table here.

Start daydreaming now about the Singapore Chili Crab you’ll lip-smacking savour on your visit.

Imagine slurping from your bowl that spiced Chef-signature Laksa or a rich fish head curry. Fill your plates with freshly-shucked oysters and seafood Otah, and load up with assorted satays as much as you want.

Price of Buffet:
Lunch: $65++ per person
Dinner: $78++ per person (Monday to Thursday), $96++ per person (Friday to Sunday)

HSBC Credit Cards Promotion:
54% off usual Lunch and Dinner Buffet Price

T&C:
– This offer is valid from 1 till 31 August 2019 (both dates inclusive), including National Day and Public Holidays.
– This offer is not valid in conjunction with other discounts, offers, promotions, privileges and vouchers.
– Payment must be made using HSBC credit card.

The Landing Point, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
80 Collyer Quay Singapore 049326
Tel: +65 6877 8911 / 8912
Opening Hours: 6:30pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Dining at The Landing Point is best described in two words: posh affair.

It is truly one of the top-class indoor venues for afternoon tea and artisanal cocktail in Singapore. The interior is as elegant as the meals it serves, with a promenade paved with bespoke marble mosaics and gold hues.

Chill the night away with your pals and get the Sundown Soiree Evening Tea, available daily from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. It includes a 3-tiered set of sweet and savoury house-made creations, and free-flow coffee, tea and hot/cold chocolate.

Break the norms and have these dainty afternoon tea treats in the evening. These light bites are perfect with a glass of artisanal cocktail made by the resident mixologist.

The Smoked Salmon Mille-feuille with Caviar is simply indulgent, while the Boston Lobster Cornet a L’Oriental tastes divine.

You may even catch the spectacular National Day Fireworks Preview on August 3, 2019 from 4pm to 8:30pm.

Price
$48++ per adult; $24++ per child inclusive of free flow coffee, tea, and hot or iced chocolate.
Additional $18* for a glass of Artisanal Cocktail

HSBC Credit Cards Promotion:
1 dines free with every 3 paying adults for Sundown Soiree

T&C:
– Offer is valid from 1 August to 31 August 2019.
– Offer is not valid on eve of and on public holidays, unless stated otherwise.
– Valid for dine-in only and limited to eight diners per bill.
– Prior reservations is recommended.
– Not valid in conjunction with other discounts, membership, privileges, promotion, set menus or vouchers.
– Payment must be made using HSBC credit card.

For more details on the latest #HSBCDining promotions, head on over to www.hsbc.com.sg/dining. Terms and conditions apply for all promotions herein.

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with HSBC Credit Cards.

[Jakarta, Indonesia] Nasi Goreng (fried rice) is undoubtedly one of Indonesia’s most famous dishes, crowned the world’s second best dish based on CNN’s World’s 50 Best Foods.

This simple dish was deemed fit to be served to former US President Barack Obama during his visit to Indonesia in 2010.

It can be easily found across the nation ranging from posh restaurant to street carts and warungs.

The variation to Nasi Goreng varies from one region to another, using various ingredients and toppings adjusting to the local palate but the essential ingredients remain the same: rice, frying oil and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce).

Located in an alley at central Jakarta, lies the legendary “Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih” which been serving Goat Fried Rice (some use the word “mutton”) since 1958, considered by many to be one of the best fried rice in town.

True enough, for over 60 years, this semi-permanent stall always filled with Nasi Goreng enthusiast every night without fail, becoming an icon itself.

What distinguishes them from other Nasi Goreng establishments, is their “open concept” kitchen where all the preparations and cooking happen.

The process involves cutting the goat meat, simmering and finally piling up the mountain of rice in giant wok before mixing.

It is estimated that one wok can serve about 100 portions.

Nasi Kambing Kebon Sirih is slightly influenced by Middle East culture as they use ghee, some curry powder and cumin oil spices to bring out the aroma and flavours.

As the stall is always packed with limited seats, be prepared to queue.

It is common to see customers “dine in” inside their cars where the server actually deliver the dish to your car, then collect the plates afterwards.

Although it is known for its inconsistency and higher-than-average price (IDR 41k, SGD4.00) I was considered lucky enough to try the newly cooked batch of Nasi Goreng.

The fried rice came with big, juicy chunks of goat meat, topped with fried eggs and emping crackers.

Though it looked deceptively simple, I could taste the richness of the herbs and the wok hei.

In case you are wondering, the goat meat did not taste gamey at all.

Personally, I would recommend to visit and experience a true food street sensation. Not an easy feat to cook all that plus distribute the ingredients evenly in that large wok.

Even if you are feeling full, just come by and watch the ‘live cooking show’.

Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih
Jalan Kebon Sirih No.09 3, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat 10340
Tel: +6281 186 4011
Opening Hours: 5pm – 2am (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih

Other Related Entries
Warmindo Abang Adek (Jakarta)
Sarang Oci (Jakarta)
Nasi Uduk Ibu Amah
Ropang Plus Plus (Jakarta)
Putu Made (Senayan City, Jakarta)

Click HERE for other JAKARTA Food Entries

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

Looks like the MALA fever in Singapore is not stopping yet, with Menya Kokoro the introduction of Singapore’s 1st Mala Mazesoba and Ramen.

In Singapore, the clamour for Mazesoba is so strong, that a second Menya Kokoro outlet has also opened at 100AM, Tanjong Pagar (mall next to Amara Hotel).

Literally translated as “mixed noodle”, Mazesoba is actually ramen minus the soup.

The “Kororo” brand is the brainchild of Japanese Chef Takuma Ishikawa, who learned the art of making Mazesoba so well he won the Best Mazesoba Award in Japan in 2014.

With the new 100AM outlet, make sure you witness the launch of (and taste!) their new dishes, which includes Furious Mala Mazesoba, Furious Mala Ramen Soup, Cold Yuzu Chashu Maze, Vegan Yuzu Maze, and Tokyo Mega Maze Soba:

Furious Mala Maze-Soba (Dry) ($14.80/regular, $16.80/large)
The first-of-its-kind in Singapore, the Furious Mala Mazesoba has three levels of spiciness to give justice to its name.

This fiery mala-esque flavour profile is the result of combining aromatic Szechuan peppers, dried chili strings, and chili oil. Together, they electrify the al dente buckwheat noodles making them tongue-tingly to the bite.

Adding texture and flavour to the dish are onions, chopped spring onions, nori strips, and a perfectly prepared onsen egg.

As a recommendation, I would say go for the Level 1 or 2 as start, so that you can savour more of the original taste of the grilled pork chashu and noodles; and then feel free to go for the Level 3 when you are ready and want to take on the ‘challenge’.

By the way, if MALA is really in your blood, Menya Kokoro is giving out for FREE a special spicy Ultimate Furious Mala Mazesoba (which is not even on the main menu) to the 4th diner in a group of 4. More details below.

Furious Mala Ramen Soup ($14.80)
If you cannot not have soup in your ramen AND crave for spice, the Furious Mala Ramen Soup is for you.

You will get the same 3 levels of tongue-numbing heat from the trio of heat blasters Szechuan peppers, dried chili strings, and chili oil.

Additional toppings include sliced pork chashu, minced onions, chopped green onions, an onsen egg, crunchy nori sheets.

But like a traditional ramen, this bowl is filled with rich and slightly creamy tonkotsu-based soup.

You can slurp its flavourful and spicy broth while biting into the springy noodles. Shiok and a Level 3 will cause you to break out in sweat.

Cold Yuzu Chashu Maze ($13.80)
This new cold noodle dish carries an invigorating citrusy taste, thanks to the yuzu sauce and shreds of yuzu zest incorporated to the maze.

The ramen noodles are topped with different veggies like julienned tomato, cucumber, and spring onions.

Joining the bunch are thin slices of tender chashu, thin strips of omelette, crunchy tempura crisps, and a well-executed onsen egg.

A great choice when the weather is just too warm for a piping hot ramen, complete with a tangy-mustardy touch.

Vegan Yuzu Maze ($13.80)
As an alternative maze for those who can’t or don’t feel like having meat for the day, Menya Kokoro has launched the Vegan Yuzu Maze.

Like the non-vegan version, this maze is also perked up with citrus notes from the yuzu sauce and shredded yuzu peel.

My favourite parts of the bowl are the sweet inari (seasoned deep-fried tofu pockets), crunchy grilled baby corn and tempura crisps which added some crunch.

The yellow sauce on top that replaces the onsen egg is a special tofu sauce.

Tokyo Mega Maze Soba ($12.80/regular, $14.80/large)
Though your attention will be on the 4 new dishes, something more ‘regular’ would be their signature dish Tokyo Mega Maze Soba.

This is an upgraded version of their signature dish – some Singaporean diners call this the Japanese Bak Chor Mee.

Made even heftier, it now comes with an additional grilled pork chashu which is both smoky-tasting and succulent, aside from the usual ground saba fish, nori, green onions, chives, minced garlic, and onsen egg.

The tender, melt-in-your mouth sliced pork combined with secret-recipe minced meat sauce makes this maze extra special.

Using Japanese techniques, the minced meat sauce is slow-cooked for 4 hours. This process adds a complex depth of flavour to the ramen.

Salted Konbu Cabbage ($3.80)
Order this side dish slash salad and get refreshingly crunchy cabbage tossed in Kokoro’s in-house dressing.

Adding a salty dimension to this salad are strips of sun-dried Japanese brown seaweed (konbu) sprinkled on top.

Much needed as an accompaniment to the fiery Mala noodles.

Nagoya Kakiage ($3.80)
A popular form of tempura, this kakiage is made with thin strips of onion, sweet potato, carrot, and green peppers.

Once battered, they are plunged in a hot oil for deep-frying. These crunchy strips are served with a drizzling of Menya Kokoro’s special Nagoya-style sauce.

Its savoury-spicy taste has hints of spice making this kakiage a delicious appetizer.

Emma Soft Serve and Floats
Seen those gravity-defying Japanese soft serve on social media?

Menya Kokoro is sharing space with popular Japanese brand Emma Soft Serve.

Other than Boba Taco Softie ($6.80) or Okinawa Brown Sugar Boba Japanese Soft Serve in Wafer Shell, I would recommend the Charcoal Cheese in Charcoal Cone ($5.50).

Think Japanese soft serve, topped with Okinawa brown sugar pearls and housed in crispy wafer taco shell.

Also available is a series of Soft Serve Floats exclusive to the 100AM outlet, which includes Sunny Soft Float ($6.50), Virgin Mojito Soft Float ($6.50), Pink Lady Soft Float ($6.50), Green Tapioca Soft Float ($6.30), and Black Tapioca Soft Float ($6.30).

The Black Tapioca Soft Float ($6.30) literally combines the trending bubble tea with soft serve, which includes Okinawa brown sugar pearls at the bottom, black tea, and Japanese soft serve to sweeten things up.

The non-alcoholic Virgin Mojito Soft Float ($6.50) with lime, mint leaves, and ginger ale also makes a refreshing drink for takeaways. I would say finish up the soft serve first, and bring the rest of the drink back to office to savour slowly.

Menya Kokoro 100AM Opening Promotion (Promotion only valid at 100AM outlet)
Get a special spicy Ultimate Furious Mala Mazesoba FREE – this is even spicier than all the 3 levels of Mala Mazesoba available and is not even found in the menu.

This bowl will come FREE with purchase of any 3 mains, from the selection of Mazesoba, Ramen or Maze Don.

So come in a group of four, and the 4th diner can have a complimentary bowl.

Menya Kokoro – 100AM
100 Tras Street #02-10 Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 6443 1727
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 10pm (Fri – Sat)
Last order half hour before closing
https://www.facebook.com/menyakokorosg

Menya Kokoro – Suntec City
Eat At Seven Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard #03-313 Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6235 3386
Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Thurs), 11am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (Fri), 11am – 10pm (Sat), 11am – 9:30pm (Sun)
Last order half hour before closing

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Menya Kokoro.

While many Japanese Cafes in Singapore are imports, Matchaya is a home-grown brand that has enjoyed quite a following.

Matchaya started off with pop-ups and a kiosk at Icon Village, which has just ended operations as they wanted to channel resources to a fuller-fledged café concept.

After 2 months of renovation at The Cathay, Matchaya has expanded to a bigger seating area with 18 seats, and an impressive menu offering more than 80 items.

The expanded menu includes Sandwiches ($6.90 – $8.90), Kiaseki- style Mains ($13.90 – $16.90), Drinks ($5 – $8), Ice Cream ($5.90 – $8), Parfaits ($8.50 – $14.90), Kakigori ($14.90) and Cakes ($6 – $9).

There is a new section where matcha and tea are freshly whisked and prepared on the spot, stimulating both our eyes and nose.

Interesting flavours include Burnt Shizuoka Oolong (Hot $5/ Cold $5.50), Matcha Chokoreto (Cold $6) with matcha, milk and chocolate, Caramel Popcorn aka Genmaicha (Hot $5.50/ Cold $6) and Pure Sweet Potato (Hot $6/ Cold $6.50).

What is special about their matcha is that it is specially sourced directly from tea farms in Japan (4nd generation tea farmers in Uji and 3rd generation grand tea-master in Shizuoka), and only the flush spring harvest shaded green tea is utilized.

The leaves are shaded for a minimum of 14 days, and matcha prepared using soft water and optimum temperature of 70-80 degrees celsius to extract the right proportion of caffeine, umami (amino acid) and catechin.

I had the Signature Koicha Milk (Hot $7/ Cold $7.50), made using Ceremonial grade Uji matcha powder imported from Kyoto, Japan.

The matcha was fragrant and distinctive with every sip, coupled with vegetal notes and umami-ness that is similar to seaweed.

On the other hand, the Caramel Popcorn aka Genmaicha (Hot $5.50/ Cold $6) was a tad diluted without the satisfaction I get from the Signature Koicha Milk.

Another of their highlight is definitely their pastries, placed in their glass chiller.

The crowd favourite is the Koicha Azuki Roll Cake ($6) made with generous amount of ceremonial matcha and Chantilly cream, Azuki red beans and 100% activated charcoal sponge cake.

Moist and fluffy on the outside, yet oozing with rich and distinctive matcha cream, I would say possibly worth the calories.

For the matcha-holics, more matcha powder is sprinkled on the plate to satisfy your craving.

I appreciate the sweetness from the Azuki red beans that cuts through the rich and bitter matcha cream, keeping the balance in this dessert.

The Matcha Yuzu Tart ($8.50) is shaped liked a lemon meringue tart, with matcha curd and dollops of yuzu within it, set on top of a chocolate tart base.

Light, citrusy and refreshing with a smooth matcha curd, this Matcha Yuzu tart is the middle ground for those who fancy matcha desserts but not to the extreme extent.

For non-matcha options, Mille Crepe Cakes come in 2 different flavours: Black Sesame ($8.50) or Lavender Earl Grey ($9).

I was quite skeptical about the latter flavour as it might turn out smelling like a perfume or the air-freshener in my toilet.

The Lavender Earl Grey ($9) turned out to be a surprise (and not in a shocking bad way), with very moist cream in between the soft, delicate layers of crepe.

The lavender smell was subtle and not overpowering, yet the earl grey taste is still detectable.

Matchaya has transformed over the years from a takeaway kiosk to a teahouse that encourages interaction the tea masters and the patrons, much like cafes these days with a pourover bar.

With their wide array of matcha and non-matcha desserts, this might be the next hangout place after meals.

Matchaya – The Cathay
The Cathay, #01-08/09, 2 Handy Road, Singapore 229233
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Sun – Thu), 11am – 10.30pm (Fri – Sat)

Other Related Entries
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JW360° (Jewel Changi Airport)
108 Matcha Saro (Suntec City)
Pronto (Capital Square)
Hvala (TripleOne Somerset)

* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Tucked away in The Working Capitol, people may assume that Bula Cafe may be an in-house café instead of one that is open to the public.

The café at this particular location has also changed hands / names quite a number of times in recent years, from The Daily Roundup, 1KS by Park Bench Deli, to Working Class Coffee.

The word “Bula” means “life” in Fiji, and is generally used as a greeting to one another, suggesting that the café is a place where you get to meet people and share life.

Upon entering, you should spot a striking Tiffany Blue coffee machine that’s in contrast with the entire café’s aesthetic.

It definitely feels homely and not like one of those cafes meant for Instagram purposes. It’s a good place to catch up with a friend, do some work (free wi-fi) and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Not only that, this homely café transforms into a bar at night, so if you need some after work booze, Bula is the place to be.

During day time, Bula Café mainly serves coffee, toasts and rice bowls.

Though I heard that they are going to go through a major revamp in August, and that the rice bowls may slowly be phased out.

The Flat White ($5.50) was made with beans from Allpress Espresso, New Zealand. (Quite a number of cafes such as Plain Vanilla and Baker & Cook uses the beans from Allpress as well.)

I have a thing for the kind of cups they use in a café. Seeing that the coffee was served in a millennial pink coloured cup, it felt like a breath of fresh air from the usual monochromatic ones.

It is details like this that differentiate cafés from one another.

Not forgetting quality as well, the coffee was good – smooth and fragrant, with lots of customers coming in opting for takeaways.

Now for the main attraction – the toasts. (These will still be on the menu after the revamp).

The toasts used here are freshly baked sourdoughs from the Michelin-starred Burnt Ends – also crowned of one of Singapore’s best restaurants in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.

For a $9 Avocado and Feta Toast, I must say that avocado lovers (and hipster millennials) would find the amount of avocado provided quite value-for-its-money. This is considering most Avocado Toasts around could cost anything from $12 to $18 around.

I really loved the ingredient to toast ratio – one bite and you get both the crunch from the toast, and the creaminess from the avocado as well.

The toast is topped with Feta cheese and a sprinkle of spices that elevated the entire dish, though I would have loved slightly more feta.

They have various top-up options for the toast, such as eggs ($1.50), sautéed mushroom ($3.50) and even smoked salmon ($6.00). Reminder to self: add a poached egg next time.

The Cheesy Scrambled Eggs Toast ($8.50) one the other hand was slightly more disappointing.

While the eggs were buttery and well-seasoned, the texture could have been runnier and fuller.

For those that want to experience Bula Café, they have a Saturday Brunch as well – with $10 cocktails, build your own breakfast as well as croissantwiches.

Bula Cafe
1 Keong Saik Road, #01-02, Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 8814 9358
Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 4pm (Sat), Closed Sun

Other Related Entries
Banchong Café (Kallang Junction)
PPP Coffee (Funan)
Pronto (Capital Square)
The Affogato Lounge (Keong Saik)
Hvala @ Onze (Tanjong Pagar)

* Written by DFD’s Café Correspondent @__sy_g. Songyu is a food and travel blogger whose hobby is uncovering hidden hipster cafes. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

[Bangkok, Thailand] Ask any millennial Singaporean who has been to Bangkok, and he/she would have visited Roast or put it in the itinerary somewhere.

Out of so many cafes in Bangkok, somehow Roast has become very popular among Singaporeans. (Walk into the space and the accents will give it away.)

Located at the 4th level of The Commons at Thong Lor, with another branch at EmQuartier, the American style restaurant café has the ticks in the boxes.

I thought it was only about the matter of time and opportunity that Roast would come to Singapore.

Therefore, it is not surprising that Roast will be heading to Singapore soon to take part in Cafe Culture. The event brings about some of the most well-known coffee and pastry names (including Lune Croissanterie from Melbourne and KOI Dessert Bar from Sydney) from around the world to Singapore for a four-day festival at Marina Bay Sands.

The brainchild of Varatt Vichit-Vadakan, this all-day casual eatery is known for its relaxing ambience, extensive brunch dishes, and in-house roasted coffee.

Get to The Commons (won’t regret it) and you would spot industrial brick-and-glass décor, spacious with tall ceilings like a large dining hall of a house, great vibes buzzing with lively people.

Except the queue, maybe too packed for very prompt service.

So come slightly earlier during the weekends, or you would have to wait in line for some time.

Roast’s coffee which is supplied by sister brand Roots is every part a winner, roasted in-house, using single origin for its Filter Coffee. Get the fresh brew coffee (120 baht) or French Press (140 baht).

After a sip, I found it balanced, aromatic and has that lingering light coffee-bitterness.

The popular item is the Iced Espresso Latte (120 baht) where espresso comes in forms of ice cubes, poured over with milk.

Its popular brunch dishes include the Eggs Benedict with ham or smoked salmon (280 baht), Crab Cake Benedict (360 baht), Roast Breakfast (400 baht), American Pancakes (220 baht) and Huevos Rancheros aka Baked Eggs with tortilla (350 baht).

Items were generally hearty, good for sharing, though Bangkok has other brunch places which are quite on par (especially when Roast’s prices are on the higher side).

I appreciated some twists that could be found in the dishes, such as the Crab Cake Benedict which came with a bed of potato rosti, grilled vegetables on side, and some onion jam for interesting sweet-savoury flavours.

The dish could do with a fuller and moister crab cake though.

If you would like a heavier meal, Roast also offers pasta dishes such as the Lamb Ragu Gnocchi (320 baht), Seafood Risotto (420 baht), and Vongole Squid Ink Pasta (480 baht).

Its Pulled Pork Burger (320 baht) and Slow-Roasted Fried Chicken (480 baht) with a house-made hot sauce are some of my favourites for sharing.

The desserts were to live for. Both the Strawberry Waffle (260 baht) and Cranberry Brioche French Toast (280 baht) hit the sweet spot with their house made vanilla ice cream, light fresh cream.

Why I would come to Roast: 1 for the coffee, 2 for the ambience, 3 for the desserts, and 4 maybe for the savouries.

Roast is announced as one of the participants at Cafe Culture Singapore.

Cafe Culture Singapore
From 29 Aug – 1 Sep 2019, 10:30am – 6pm at Level 1 Hall C, Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands.
One-day pass $45 – $65; four-day pass at $55 – $75.

Roast – The Commons
335 Thonglor Soi 17, Sukhumvit 55 Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Tel: +66(0)2 185 2865
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm (Mon – Thurs), 9am – 11pm (Fri – Sat), 9am – 10pm (Sun)
Google Maps – The Commons
https://www.facebook.com/roastbkk

1st Floor, The Helix Quartier, EmQuartier (BTS Phrom Phong Station)
Tel: +66 (0) 9 41763870
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Roast EmQuartier

Other Related Entries
Roots (Sathorn, Bangkok)
Hands and Heart (Thonglor, Bangkok)
BOYY & Son Cafe (Gaysorn, Bangkok)
Ceresia Coffee Roasters (Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok)
Ekkamai Macchiato Home Brewer (Ekkamai, Bangkok)

Click HERE for more BANGKOK Food Entries

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Suntec City welcomes an entirely new F&B section at the basement (find the famous money changer and head below).

New food entrants include a Hokkaido Matcha Specialty Shop 108 Matcha Saro, Taiwanese cuisine eatery The Salted Plum, Singapore’s first Halal-certified Taiwanese Bubble Tea – TP Tea and the newest kid on the block, Fluff Stack.

Yes, this is yet another pancake shop in Singapore.

The pretty and dainty 40 seaters space is decked in a pink and white furnishing with hanging bespoke lighting.

As their name implies, Fluff Stack specialises in fluffy stacks of soufflé pancakes, similar to the ones found at Gram Cafe & Pancakes and Riz Labo Kitchen.

Using a self-service system at Fluff Stack, diners will be given a receipt with a queue number stated on it upon making an order at the counter.

A basic double-stacked Souffle Pancakes start from $8.80 that comes with honey butter, maple syrup and Chantilly cream.

There is something different here that differentiates themselves from other soufflé pancake shop, with the option to add toppings such as Coconut Sago ($0.80), Hazelnut Chocolate ($1.50), Gula Melaka Boba ($1.50) and Fruits ($2 – $2.80).

Apart from the Classic Souffle Pancakes ($8.80), 4 other flavours are available, namely Oolong Souffle Pancakes ($9.80), Strawberry Cheese Souffle Pancakes ($12.80), Hazelnut Chocolate Souffle Pancakes ($13.80) and Mango Passionfruit Souffle Pancakes ($14.80).

Seems like the Oolong Souffle Pancakes ($9.80) with oolong cream and gula melaka boba was the best seller because it was sold out early during the weekends.

Photo credit: Lewis Tan @juicyfingers

Expect long waiting time during peak hours as each batch of soufflé pancakes requires about 15 minutes to prepare.

The end-product is a stack of wobbly stacked soufflé pancakes. (And you know many order pancakes for that Instagram / Boomerang video).

The texture of the soufflé pancakes was soft, fluffy and airy, similar to a cotton candy.

I found that the taste of the eggs was more prominent than the soufflé pancakes shops in Singapore, somewhat like a lighter and smaller version of a Castella Cake.

The addition of sliced strawberries, strawberries coulis and cream cheese in the case of the Strawberry Cheese Souffle Pancakes ($12.80) helped balance the taste with more tangy-fruitiness.

This combination reminded me of a Strawberry shortcake, if you eat with your eyes closed.

The price at Fluff Stack is on the higher side.

In contrast, the Strawberry Pancake at Riz Labo Kitchen had taller, bigger pancakes with more toppings and ice cream.

The most expensive item on the menu is the Mango Passionfruit Souffle Pancakes ($14.80) which comes with Coconut Sago, Passionfruit compote, Chantilly cream and half a slice of honey mango.

Resembled a Thai Mango Sticky Rice dessert.

I enjoyed the Coconut sago generously coated with the fragrant coconut milk, which added some creaminess and chewiness to the soufflé pancakes.

The texture is enhanced by the passionfruit seeds within the compote which added some crunchiness.

Ironically, the honey mango turned out to be more sour than sweet.

Fluff Stack is an ideal place (with all the pink and the bling) for a friend’s outing or date, especially with light and pretty desserts that may capture hearts.

Fluff Stack
Suntec City Mall #B1-K14, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Gram Cafe & Pancakes Singapore (Vivocity)
108 Matcha Saro (Suntec City)
Riz Labo Kitchen (Wisma Atria)

* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Ever thought of having all your favourite local dishes with a gastronomic UPGRADE all in one place, at one price.

From 5 August to 1 September 2019, PARKROYAL on Pickering’s signature open-kitchen buffet restaurant Lime will feature “Loco Local”, an exciting hawker-themed buffet extravaganza.

This 4-hour all-you-can-eat feast will parade your local culinary favourites, all decked in luxurious flair.

Leave it to Lime Restaurant’s acclaimed team of chefs to upgrade Singapore’s humble hawker fare to something more fitting for the occasion.

You’ll not only taste the familiar goodness of a home-cooked meal, but be pampered by an abundance of crabs, lobsters and oysters.

Expect more local signature dishes. It’s not called “Loco Local” for nothing.

Start off with a comforting bowl of Bak Kut Teh Soup with Pork Rib. Then whet your appetite further with their Fried Carrot Cake and Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce.

Leave some stomach space, as they will serve the much-anticipated Alaskan King Crab Meat Char Kway Teow, Lobster Roti Jala, Hokkien Noodles served with Baby Lobster, and Steamed Oysters paired with your choice of sauce.

Build up your gastro-meter as you climax to the main dishes, our national dishes – Hainanese Chicken Rice and Singapore Chili Crab.

Maximise your 4-hour buffet, know ahead of time what’s in store and start those mouth-watering day dreams here:

Lobster Roti Jala
Luxury means tradition when prime lobster finds its way into the complementary curry dish of the intricate roti jala.

Literally mean “net bread”, roti jala is a lace-like pancake made by swirling thin streams of batter over a crepe pan – all prepared fresh at the “live station”.

This popular Malay tea time snack served with curry dishes (usually beef or chicken) gets an upgrade this season with chunks of naturally-sweet lobsters in mildly-spiced curry.

Those who are missing Lime’s limited-run of “Lobsterfest” should return to savour some of those fleshy lobsters.

Alaskan King Crab Meat Char Kway Teow
This upscale interpretation of Char Kway Teow features the much-coveted crustacean Alaskan Crab.

Prized for its sexy delicious legs, the Alaskan King Crab, is caught in the cold waters of Alaska wild and flash frozen for maximum freshness. What you will get inside those giant legs is a delicate textured meat with a unique sweet taste.

A special complement to the savoury stir-fried rice cake noodles in your Char Kway Teow complete with wok-hei.

Baby Lobster Hokkien Noodles
Like the Roti Jala, the humble Hokkien Mee is redefined with the addition of baby lobsters.

These little ones are packed in sweetness, with tender, easy to chew flesh.

The medium-thick egg noodle dish is stir-fried with slices of pork belly, prawns, squid, simmered in rich, flavourful stock.

This time, baby lobsters mingle with the mee along with lard sambal sauce, and lime. Possibly my favourite dish in this spread.

Singapore Chilli Crab
As one of the nation’s monumental culinary inventions, the Singapore Chili Crab takes a special spotlight in the buffet line-up.

The thick sauce is towards the sweeter side, best dipped with some freshly deep-fried mantou.

Steam Oysters with selection of sauces
Even the Steamed Oysters are given extra frills this National Day, with your choice of sauces – Mala Sauce, Thai Chili Sauce, and Ginger & Sambal Belacan.

The sambal is piquant and umami with well-balanced spices, and makes everything so sedap (delicious). For an added kick, then the Mala is the obvious choice.

Bak Kut Teh Soup with Pork Rib
You may have tasted Bak Kut Teh for the n^th time, but it is quite an event to slurp up this soup on Singapore’s 54th birthday.

This Teochew version has a clear, light-coloured broth with strong flavours of pepper and garlic, with meaty fall-off-the-bone pork ribs.

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
These chunks of chicken thighs are steeped in an aromatic (think turmeric, galangal and lemongrass) and mildly sweet marinade before grilling.

Made with crushed roasted peanuts, the accompanying sauce is rich and aromatic.

Local Desserts
The celebration won’t stop even with the array of local sweets at the dessert station.

Choose from the featured desserts such as the traditional Teochew pastry Tau Sar Piah, filled with mung bean filling.

Or enjoy the Pong Pia – Hokkien special flaky puff pastry filled with a sticky malt, molasses or sesame filling.

The Orh Nee (Yam Paste with Gingko Nuts) and Mini Assorted Nonya Kuehs, especially the Ondeh Ondeh are highly recommended.

To end it off, ‘exercise’ your hands and creativity with some DIY Ice Cendol or Ice Kachang at the dessert station, complete with durian puree.

Loco Local Drinks
“Loco Local” at Lime includes free flow of Teh Tarik, chilled coconut water and a selection of local beverages.

Loco Local Pricing
$68++ per adult (Sun – Thurs), $78++ per adult (Fri, Sat)
$34++ per child (Sun – Thurs), $39++ per child (Fri, Sat) Price is applicable to children between the age of 4 and 12.

Enjoy 15% savings on the buffet bill with four or more paying adults.

Lime Restaurant
PARKROYAL on Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore 058289
Tel: +65 6809 8899
Email: dining.prsps@parkroyalhotels.com

“Loco Local” Hours
6:30pm – 10:30pm, 5 August (Mon) to 1 September 2019 (Sun)

For more information, head over to: panpacific.com/lime

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with PARKROYAL on Pickering.

The weather is getting hotter all around, and another trending soft serve shop has arrived in Singapore.

This time it is Maxi Mango, the hottest mango serve brand from the Philippines, with over 40 outlets set up within a year.

It was so ‘pops’ that Filipinos were queuing up for up to 4 hours just to get their hands on the mango soft serve. Masarap!

Maxi Mango’s first outlet in Singapore is found at the basement of Capitol Singapore (previously known as “Capitol Piazza”), a few shops away from where Tiger Sugar started their magic here.

So come out of City Hall MRT station, walk towards Capitol Singapore, and the shop is just a few minutes’ walk away with air-con shelter.

One of the soft serve dessert’s winning formula is the use of fresh mangoes shipped directly from the Philippines weekly.

The Cebu mangoes used are known to be large, brightly-yellow, robust with succulent flavours. (Fun fact: The Philippine mango known to be one of the best around, has even made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as “the sweetest of its kind in the world”.)

The brand was conceptualised by Miki and Ivan Velasquez who wanted to incorporate Philippines’ best produce in a dessert cup.

After pop-up concepts, experimentation with different ingredients until they achieved the perfect mix, it then became a massive success in the Philippines.

The menu in Singapore is straight-forward with five signature Maxi Mango Soft Serves in two sizes of 8oz and 12oz ($4.90, $6.90), and 2 Mango Shakes ($6.90 for 16oz). Here’s what you can expect to have:

Signature Maxi Mango ($4.90, $6.90)
This classic, most straight-forward cup comes with velvety soft serve, included those sweet cubed mangoes from the Philippines.

No doubt about it, those honey mangoes were sweet and juicy, aromatic and tasty. The flavours burst in your mouth, with very little tinge of sourness (at least what I had).

As for the soft serve, it was slightly firmer and less milky than the usual Japanese ones, possibly due to the addition of mango purée.

The level of sweetness was debatable, already reduced by half compared to the versions back in the Philippines.

When I asked those who tried, comments on the sweetness levels differed from “just nice” to “on the sweet side”.

Personally, I thought it could still be reduced 10-20% to better appreciate the fresh-sweetness of the mango fruits (but this is coming from someone who orders 5% sugar level for bubble tea.)

Mango Graham ($4.90, $6.90)
Inspired by the “Filipino refrigerator cake” aka Mango Royale Icebox Cake made with graham crackers, cream, and fresh mangoes, Maxi Mango’s comes with mango soft serve, in-house sweet cream, mangoes and graham crackers.

Think of this soft serve as though you are having a Mango Mousse cake.

The slightly sweet, grainy, cinnamon-flavoured graham crackers are crushed and added to both the top and bottom of the cup.

The pieces soften up a bit and add a bit of texture without being too crunchy.

Mango Keso ($4.90, $6.90)
The Filipino word for “cheese” is “keso”. In the Philippines, cheese-flavoured ice cream is very common, as normal as vanilla and chocolate.

Having cheese on soft serve (like on a pizza) may seem like a novelty thing to you, but when you think about cheesecakes, then it’s not too bad after all.

Strips of French cheddar cheese are topped on the soft serve, with a tinge of saltiness and mild flavour.

I thought it was fun to have with that sweet-savoury interplay, and wondered if it would have worked better with cheese sauce instead.

Mango Ube ($4.90, $6.90)
This is probably the most instagrammable of the lot, with ube (Philippine purple yam) puree sauce at the bottom and drizzled over.

The contrast of sunny-yellow and deep-purple makes this very attractive, though the flavours could have been more distinct and ’yammy’.

Mango Coconut – Singapore exclusive ($4.90, $6.90)
The Singapore exclusive flavour. When owners Miki and Ivan Velasquez did their R&D in Singapore, they were inspired by the many coconut desserts and drinks around.

Miki added that she noted coconuts are expensive here, and she still wanted to create a coconut soft serve that was affordable enough.

The flesh used are from fresh young coconuts imported from Davao in Philippines. For a stronger coconut flavour, house-made coconut syrup is drizzled over the soft serve.

Feuilletine (crispy confection made from thin, sweetened crêpes) is added for some crisp in the mix.

Mango Shake ($6.90)
A refreshing summer drink made with blended Philippine mangoes and ice cubes for a creamy finish.
The sweetness comes naturally from the mangoes, making this a great smoothie-like drink for takeaways.

Original Mango Graham Shake ($6.90)
The mango shake mixed with baked graham crackers for added crunch. I think this would be the more popular between the two.

Maxi Mango Singapore
Capitol Singapore #B2-29, 13 Stamford Road, Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 6385 6568
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 10.00pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/Maxi-Mango-Singapore-726647094434408

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Maxi Mango.