Wait, is it already October?

Nothing to do with Earth, Wind & Fire’s iconic song, this new café called “September” has opened at the top floor of Beauty World Centre, one month later than expected.

I was pretty surprised that September has chosen to open in the quiet Beauty World Centre, instead of say the bustling Cheong Chin Nam Road opposite with a higher volume of foot traffic.

(Other cafes around the same area include Caffe Pastore and Shen & Co cafe, if you are keen to explore more.)

The 25 seaters space is beautifully decked in blue, white and gold, in resonance to the birthstone and colour of the month – Sapphire and blue respectively.

The menu ranges from traditional local dishes such as Nasi Lemak ($7.90), Mee Siam ($4), Mee Rebus ($4), Laksa ($4.50), Toast with Kaya/ Peanut Butter ($2) to hipster cafe food such as Puffy Omelette ($9.90), Yogurt Puffy Omelette ($10.90), Bo Bo Cup Cake ($4.90) and Mini Soufflé Cheesecake ($4.80).

I ordered the September Puffy Omelette ($9.90) which usually takes 20 minutes to prepare, though I ended up waiting for 45 minutes due to initial operation kinks.

好久 “Hao Jiu”….

With that said, the wait was quite worth it.

The Puffy Omelette was considerably soft, airy, bouncy and fluffy, with a golden-brown surface (like an omelette) that added a slight crisp to the overall texture.

I would say this is a cross between a Soufflé pancake and a Castella cake that is filled with egg fragrance.

Hold on, is Castella cake still in trend?

Served with whipping cream and strawberries and blueberries by the side and dusted with icing sugar, I finished the entire Puffy Omelette within minutes as it was light and tasty.

Apart from the items listed on the menu, September offers seasonal items on display such as the Bo Bo Cup Cake ($4.90, a shortcake in a bubble tea cup, with flavours such as Strawberry and Chocolate.

The Strawberry Bo Bo Cup Cake ($4.90) is essentially a strawberry shortcake in a cup.

In terms of toppings, there were diced dragonfruit, strawberries, chocolate balls, moist and buttery sponge cake and mainly, whipping cream.

I do not have anything against whipping cream, but having it for both the Puffy Omelette and the Bo Bo Cup Cake was probably too much to handle.

The drinks menu is also differentiated into traditional local drinks such as Kopi/ Teh ($1.50), Milo ($1.60), Yuan Yang ($1.70) and hipster Infused Tea ($5.90) – Earl Grey, Ginger Pear, Oriental Sencha, Chamomile, Lemongrass.

The Roselle ($2.50) similar to Hibiscus tea in terms of its tangy, berry-like taste and mixture of sweet and citrus notes was decent as a thirst quencher.

The most memorable dish at September would be the unique Puffy Omelette that is not common in cafes locally.

I am already looking forward to the Yogurt version that they will be launching in the future, hopefully not in September, next year.

September 玖月
Beauty World Centre #04-03, 144 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588177
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Kyushu Pancake (Holland Village)
Durian Lab Café (Bukit Merah Lane)
Two Men Bagel House (Holland Village)
The Kins’ Specialty Coffee (Pasir Panjang)
Micro Bakery & Kitchen (Bukit Timah)

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

The owners of 11 Hamilton Road have changed hands pretty often over the years, despite being in the cafes-populated Jalan Besar area.

This space has been occupied by Hustle Co., later rebranded as 11 Hamilton, and now For The People.

Competition is steep though, with popular cafes such as Chye Seng Huat Hardware, Lucid and Apartment Coffee in the vicinity.

With an intention to create a space for people to connect and recharge over food and drinks, the space at For The People is considerably spacious with a 60 seaters space.

The layout reminds of me of an IKEA showroom with a contemporary-style co-working space in terms of their furniture and finishing.

There is WiFi coverage and multiple powerpoints for diners to do internet-browsing and some email-clearing (but we probably won’t recommend long Zoom-meetings to keep the environment conducive for other patrons).

Stepping inside, the first area is the coffee bar with various pastries on display at the counter.

Booth seats and window seats are available for those who prefer their private space; while sofa seats are equipped with low tables for small gatherings over some drinks and light bites.

The second area is more open with tables and chairs to accommodate another 30 pax for dining in.

Note that their All-Day Dining menu is only available till 3pm – which in fact is nott really “all day”.

I made a second visit in order to get my hands on the the more interesting brunch food items such as Pesto Scramble ($18), Coconut Pancakes ($16), Fried Chicken & Waffles ($18), Crispy Churros Waffles ($12) and French Toast ($16).

Instead, bistro grub such as Gourmet Burgers ($17 – $22), Pasta ($15) and Mains ($14 – $28) are available throughout the day.
On the menu are the usual suspects such as Carbonara ($15), Garlic Aglio Olio ($15), Beer-battered Fish & Chips ($19) and Smoked Grass Fed Ribeye ($28).

For some light bites, Truffle Fries ($10), Sweet Potato Fries ($9), Chilli Cheese Beef Fries ($15), 5- Spice Popcorn Chicken ($10) and Chilli Beef Nachos ($12) are part of their Side dishes menu.

While there are many Korean-inspired dishes, the Gochujang Chicken Burger ($17) and Korean Gochujang Fried Chicken ($15) stood out to me, made using a fermented red chili paste with a savory, sweet, and spicy taste.

Initially, I expected it to be really spicy as Koreans generally have a high tolerance to spicy food.

It turned out that the spicy-ness was pretty manageable, with a more savoury slant in the initial bite and a lingering spiciness towards the end.

The Korean Gochujang Fried Chicken ($15) came with 4 wings and 4 drumsticks, generously coated with Gochujang marinate.

Fresh chickens are used, which explained the moist and tender meat.

I enjoyed the Gochujang marination which is suitable for a non-spicy eater like me but the batter was lacking some crisp and crunch and leaned towards a slightly saucy and soggy’ texture.

On their drinks menu, only espresso-based drinks such as Espresso ($4), Piccolo ($4.50), Long Black ($6), White ($6-6.50) and Mocha ($7) are available.

Coffee beans is supplied by Bettr Barista, a two-beans blend from Colombian and Brazilian for espresso-based drinks.

Serious coffee drinkers will probably be disappointed with the lack of options for pour over coffee but there are always other serious coffee places nearby.

Other interesting options include Vanilla Latte ($7), Chai Latte ($7), Carbon Black (Iced $8) which is a shot of espresso with tonic water and iced versions are available at an additional $1.

I enjoyed my cup of Flat White ($6.50) that came with double shots of espresso, medium bodied, smooth and robust with a nutty and chocolatey finish.

On a side note, each drink such as the Matcha Latte (Hot $7, Iced $8) is served with a piece of cookie by the side.

As a matchaholic, the unsweetened Matcha Latte fell short of expectation and turned out pretty bland and lacked the fragrance.

While Buttermilk Waffles are the most common waffles in cafes, the Crispy Churros Waffles ($12) here sounded interesting, baked and dusted with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with chocolate syrup, and complemented with dragonfruit and kiwi on its side.

Unlike buttermilk waffles, the churros waffles turned out softer and more doughy almost like a cake without the crisp of a churros as it’s baked instead of deep-fried.

Service is worth a mention as the staffs are very attentive to every details and would check in on each diner to receive their feedback.

In addition, they have a reward system with 5% cash back for diners to return son subsequent visits, as this space is created for the people and for everyone to visit.

For the People
11 Hamilton Road, Singapore 209182
Opening Hours: 9.30am – 9pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Other Related Entries
Lucid (Hamilton Road)
Apartment Coffee (Lavender Street)
Antea Social (Jalan Besar)
Gelato Labo (Cavan Road)
Black Fairy Coffee (Tyrwhitt Road)

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

Japanese cafes serving matcha desserts, matcha latte, Hojicha cakes and pancakes continue to be popular in Singapore.

Other than Gram Cafe & Pancakes Singapore, Belle-Ville, Flippers is the next to arrive, set to open at Takashimaya.

Let’s not forget about some of the home-grown brands we should be proud of, such as Hvala and Matchaya, both known for their matcha latte and desserts.

Those in this list are a combination of 35 cafes that originate from Japan, feature Japanese style food and desserts, or are helmed by Japanese chefs – an update from the previous compilation.

For your convenience, I have arranged them in alphabetical order. While the opening hours have been updated as of Oct 2020, do check with individual cafe’s as operational hours do change from time to time.

% Arabica – Jewel Changi Airport
Jewel Changi Airport, #01-K208 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore, 819666
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

% Arabica has 4 outlets in Singapore – at Arab Street, 313@somerset, Holland Village and Jewel Changi Airport.

The brand which technically started in Hong Kong moved to Higashiyama, Kyoto in February 2014 and became recognised as a coffee brand internationally. Therefore, it has always been thought as a Japanese brand.

While they have been quite popular in Singapore, the price of % Arabica’s drinks are generally to the higher side – Caffe Latte is priced at $7 for short, $8 for tall, while the iced version is priced at $8.

The outlet in Holland Village is the first to have a full food menu serving Beef Katsu Sando, Croque Madame, and Fedelini with Shiso Pasta.

108 Matcha Saro
Suntec City Mall #B1-K5, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Thurs, Sun), 11am – 9:30 (Fri, Sat)

This is its 108 Matcha Saro’s first outlet in South-East Asia, located at the revamped basement level of Suntec City. There are also branches at Changi Airport T3 and ION Orchard basement 4.

Even though the Singapore outlet is mainly a takeaway store, it is still designed with a traditional 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.

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

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. 108 Matcha Saro (Suntec City)

Asanoya Bakery Singapore
Wilby Central, 15 Queen Street, Singapore 188537
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 6pm (Mon – Sun)

The Asanoya brand is more than 80 years old, founded in 1933 in Karuizawa Japan.

The bakery is known for its rustic Japanese-style bread, with a European twist and baked in a traditional stone ovens (modern ones in Singapore).

The signature bread is the Karuizawa in green tea ($2 per slice) and blueberry ($2.60 per slice) version. The other top-selling includes the Fruits Rye, a mixture of fragrant orange peel, rum infused raisins, lightly crushed walnuts and almonds mixed into a delicate rye bread.

If you are going for cakes, there are the Blackforest Cake ($6), Lychee Rose Cheesecake ($6.80), Chocolate Ganache Cake ($6.80), Matcha Swiss Roll ($2.80) and Chocolate Swiss Roll ($2.80).

Other than the main outlet at Queen Street, there is a kiosk and Paragon B1-K27 and 913 Bukit Timah Road.

Baristart Coffee Singapore
65 Tras Street Singapore 079004 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Popular Hokkaido café Baristart Coffee has arrived in Singapore, and it is not difficult to understand why it would be a hit with both coffee and Japanese food lovers.

Other than using Hokkaido milk of exceptional quality for its coffee, matched with beautiful latte art; its food and desserts – such as the Shiro Kuma Hokkaido shaved ice is worthy venturing to Tanjong Pagar for.

It is the first café here to offer coffee using the popular Brown Jersey Milk from Biei, a small town in Hokkaido, Japan.

Biei Jersey Milk is an ultra-premium milk prized for being rare, as there are only about 800 Brown Jersey cows left making up 1% of the total cow population in Japan.

For a savoury treat, get the Tonkatsu Sando ($16.80). Baristart takes a Western diner classic and gives it a Japanese spin, using the popular Japanese breaded pork cutlet (tonkatsu) as a sandwich filling.

The centimetre-thick meat coated in panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs) is well seasoned, deep fried to a crisp yet juicy inside. Baristart Coffee (Tras Street)

Cafe Ma Maison
333A Orchard Road #02-33/34 Mandarin Gallery Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6235 6411

For those of you who remember, Café Ma Maison used to exist at Liang Court’s basement. The new space at Orchard Road replaces where gorgeous pastry shop Antoinette used to be.

In terms of “Special Cakes”, there is an attractive display of Classic Strawberry Shortcake ($7.80), Chocolate Walnut ($7.80), Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake ($7.80), Earl Grey Tea ($7.80), Fresh Fruit Shortcake ($8.80), and Japanese Matcha Mousse & Red Bean ($8.80).

While my heart told me to go for a Strawberry Shortcake, I thought it has become quite a regular offering in Singapore’s cafes and so opted for a more uncommon and colourful Fresh Fruit Shortcake.

I loved the array of fruits of grapes, blueberries, kiwi, strawberries and oranges, in between moist yet flurry sponge. But my favourite part was still the light, airy cream.

Also included is a small savoury items menu, with Omu-Katsu ($20.80) of Omu-Rice with Pork Cutlet, Truffle-Flavoured Katsu Sandwich ($14.80), and Mentaiko Spaghetti ($18.30). Café Ma Maison (Mandarin Gallery)

Café & Meal MUJI
68 Orchard Road #01-10 to 17, Plaza Singapura, MUJI Plaza, Singapore 238839
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

After shopping for those ‘no-brand’ home accessories, you can rest your legs at the café for some Caramel Pudding and Roasted Tea Pudding.

For a filling meal, Japanese style ‘cai peng’ is available. A selection of 1 hot and 2 cold deli with choice of white rice or bread is at $14.80, while the 2 hot and 2 cold combination is at $18.90.

So you can pick dishes such as Inari Pock with Black Bean Sauce, Soy Meatball, Sakura Chicken with Curry Miso and Dried Chillies, Hokkaido Potato Croquette, and Healthy Tofu Patty with Shiitake Mushroom Sauce. The dishes taste, em, healthy.

If not, opt for favourites such as MUJI Butter Chicken Curry with Rice cooked with added Sakura chicken and vegetables; or Crispy Pork Katsu drizzled with a combination of Japanese mayonnaise and Tonkatsu Sauce. (Read: Café & Meal MUJI Paragon Orchard)

Châteraisé Café Singapore
Blk 490, Toa Payoh Lorong 6, #01-15, Singapore 310490
Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Japanese confectionary Châteraisé has been opening EVERYWHERE in Singapore, but this outlet at Toa Payoh incorporates a sit-down café concept.

Their best seller is the “Legendary Strawberry Cream Cake” which boasts of light fresh cream and sweet strawberries.

Other popular favourites include White Zebra Caramel (that’s like a Mille Crepe Cake), Green Zebra, Crispy Chocolate Cake, Fluffy Cream Rolls and animal-shaped ones.

Daizu Cafe
129 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218407
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon with coffee and cakes only), 10am – 10pm (Tue – Thu), 9am – 10pm (Fri – Sun)

Daizu Cafe is the newest addition to the cafe scene along Rangoon Road.

Their brunch menu featuring Daizu Brunch ($22) and Lemon Miso Egg Benedict ($24) is available daily from 11am to 3pm; whereas Rice Bowls ($14 – $17) and Udon ($16) are available from 11am till 3pm and 5pm onwards.

I loved that there is a Petit Breakfast ($10) meant for smaller eaters, with chicken sausage and ultra-creamy scrambled eggs with brioche toast.

Soybean powder is used to make the batter in some of their Japanese dishes such as the Kitsune Udon with Tempura Prawn ($16) and Chilli Soft Shell Crab Rice Bowl ($17). Daizu Café (Rangoon Road)

Emma – 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

Seen those gravity-defying Japanese soft serve on social media?

Popular Japanese brand Emma Soft Serve has opened its 2nd outlet in Singapore, sharing space with Menya Kokoro.

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.

They have also introduced new Japanese-style bubble tea range with a difference. The drinks are also included with “Kuromitsu” which literally translates to “black honey” – a thin and dark syrup made from Japanese unrefined kurozato (“black sugar”) often used in the making of Japanese sweets.

You would also find that the chewiness and sweetness of the boba pearls are unlike the usual. That is because “Okinawa brown sugar pearls” are used, cooked with a combination of Okinawan brown sugar and kuromitsu which gives it a distinctive caramelised-sweetness. Emma (Plaza Singapura)

Fine Dining Bakery
207 River Valley Road, 01-59 UE Square, Singapore 238275
Opening Hours: 9am – 3pm (Mon, Thurs – Sun), Closed Tues, Wed

You would find many Japanese expats and ladies hanging around the café, and find that some of the recommended breads are quickly snapped up.

The head baker Chef Maekochi’s or “Akira” used to work at La Boutique de Joël Robuchon in Roppongi, Joël Robuchon at Resorts World Sentosa, and béni Singapore. That’s why the name of “fine dining bakery” due to his experience.

The bakery café specialises in handcrafted breads using Hokkaido flours, and baked throughout the day in small quantities so that the goods stay fresh.

Its signature is the Shokupan White Bread – deliciously soft and fluffy that may just transport you to Japan. You would also find the bread used for sandwiches such as the Fluffy Egg Salad Sandwich ($8.50).

FLOR Capitol
13 Stamford Road, #01-11, Capitol Singapore, Singapore 178905 (City Hall MRT Station)
Tel: +65 6977 7202
Opening Hours: 11am – 7pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Fans of Japanese-style cakes and pastries should be familiar with FLOR Patisserie Café which has two branches at Duxton Hill and Siglap Drive.

It has recently opened its 3rd outlet with a slightly different concept, FLOR Capitol at Capitol Singapore (formally known as “Capitol Piazza”).

Something to note: This is the first FLOR Patisserie Café to feature freshly made desserts, and some of the recommended include the Signature Roll ($6 for slice, $22.45 for whole), Tiramisu in a Glass ($12), Warm Blueberry Pie with ice cream ($12), and Gula Melaka Crème Caramel ($10).

The one thing to get is the Gula Melaka Brown Sugar Roll Cake ($6) in which you can enjoy the interplay of play of two complex sugars in a single cake. And thankfully light and not too sweet as well.

In terms of texture, the sponge layer was fluffy and soft, while the cream inside was smooth and not too heavy. All in all, a delicious soft roll cake. FLOR Capitol (Capitol Piazza)

Gram Café & Pancakes Singapore
VivoCity #02-110/111, 1 Harbourfront Walk, Singapore 098585
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

You may have seen videos of Gram’s Pancakes which made their way around social media, of stacks of 3 pancakes being ‘shaken’ on plates.

Gram is famous for its 3-stacked “Premium Pancakes”, each 4 cm thick, served with syrup, butter and whipped cream.

In Singapore’s outlet, they are sold at $17.90 for the stack of three.

You can also look out for other offerings such as Rich Tiramisu Pancakes ($15.90), French Toast of Chocolate Banana ($18.90), and savoury Chilli Bean Pancakes ($18.90) with chilli beans sauce, cheddar cheese and sausage served with pancakes.

Henri Charpentier Singapore
181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central 01-18, Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6634 4608
Opening Hours: 11am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sat), 11am – 10pm (Sun)

Henri Charpentier’s Strawberry Short Cake was actually crowned “Best Short Cake” in Japan on a well-known Japanese television programme.

This is also its Number 1 best seller in Singapore.

Compared to other cakes, the whipped fresh cream filling has a richer milk taste, but is still melt in your mouth. The sponge was just slightly on the dry side for me, but overall a delightful version.

Other popular cakes include Mille Crepe ($9.60), Double Cheesecake ($8.50), Tiramisu ($9.60), Lemon Tart ($7.50), Chocolatine ($10.20), and Classic Souffle Cheesecake.

Hoshino Coffee
Chinatown Point #02-47/48 Singapore 059413
Tel: +65 6244 2028
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Hoshino Coffee takes pride in its hand-drip coffees, made with roasted 100% premium Arabica coffee beans. These beans are carefully selected by Hoshino Coffee’s very own coffee blend specialist Master Kanno.

To pair with your coffees, you may order any of their popular soufflé-style pancakes – baked fresh upon order (allot 20 minutes waiting time) and served with whipped butter and your choice of syrup (maple or honey).

Their signature Pancakes Souffle Style is priced $9.80 for single and $12.00 and double. The special matcha variant is at $13.50 for single and $16.80 for double.

Aside the hand-drip coffee and pancakes, Hoshino offers spaghetti with various toppings (its signature is Hoshino Spaghetti with Eggplant, Bacon, Shimeji & Sausage, $14.00), rice dishes (the Fuwa-Fuwa Hoshino Souffle on Porcini Cream Rice with Bacon is a must-try), meat plates (go for the Hoshino Angus Beef Steak Plate, $21.80), and side dishes (Hoshino French Fries with Wasabi Mayo, $6.00).

Hvala CHIJMES
CHIJMES, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

A Japanese teahouse located within the walls of the 19th-century built chapels at CHIJMES. (There are also outlets at
TripleOne Somerset and Keong Saik.)

The space has a minimalist touch with wooden elements incorporated into every single details, yet brought out the beauty and the simplicity in the design. (Reminds me of Peace Oriental Teahouse from Bangkok.)

The tea apparatus and tableware are all neatly displayed at the bar counter, from the mini stone mill grinder, pour over apparatus, tea scoop to the whisk.

This is probably the best spot to witness all the actions and effort in preparing every cup of tea, with an expanded space, and certainly feels more “zen” now. Hvala (CHIJMES)

Japan Rail Café
5 Wallich Street, #01-20/21 Tanjong Pagar Centre, Singapore 078883 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Thurs), 11am – 9:30pm (Fri, Sat), 11am – 8pm (Sun, PH)

Rail pass ticketing, retail and Japanese style cafe. This is the first overseas venture by East Japan Railway Company, located on Level 1 of Tanjong Pagar Centre.

Walking in, the first thing you may notice is a convenient rail ticket service for Japan rail passes.

Food wise, the menu did feel rather ‘Western-Japanese’, with a selection of burgers ($19 – $22), sandwiches ($15 – $18) and rice plates ($16 – $18). There is a selection of pastries from Asanoya Bakery.

JW360° (Japan Way Three Sixty)
78 Airport Boulevard, #01-223/224/225, Jewel Changi Airport (Nearest Terminal T1)
Tel: (Retail) +65 6242 8377 I (Restaurant) +65 6243 2466
Opening Hours: 12am – 9pm (Mon – Thurs), 11:30am – 10pm (Fri – Sun)

Legit Matcha Desserts At Jewel Changi Airport
If you are a sweet tooth or just needing a tea break while walking around Jewel Changi Airport, the JW360° café corner is for you.

They have a range of cakes and gelato, with matcha and sakura specials, using Japanese ingredients like matcha, adzuki bean, and wasanbon, an expensive fine-grained Japanese sugar made from Shikoku sugarcane.

The must-get is the Japanese Gelato ($7.50) with 2 flavours topped with sweet potato. Flavours include Japanese Whiskey, Caramel Walnut, Soba-Cha (interesting), Matcha Milk, Sweet Potato, Hoji-cha and Black Sesame.

The Goma I dare say with its rich and intense flavour, is possibly THE BEST black sesame gelato I had in Singapore.

The picturesque Matcha Mont Blanc ($9.00) with Japanese chestnut paste is my personal favourite; while Matcha Mille Feuille ($9.00) with matcha butter, custard and sweet chestnut are both art-on-a-plate. JW360° (JEWEL Changi Airport)

Kagurazaka Saryo 神楽坂茶寮
VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-59, Singapore 098585
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Known to have 9 outlets in Japan with 14 years of history, Kagurazaka Saryo has opened its very first flagship store right in Singapore at VivoCity.

Brought into Singapore by Japan Food Holdings who owns eateries such as Ajisen Ramen, they have replaced existing Fruit Paradise outlet (Oh bye bye, Fruit Paradise!) with Kagurazaka Saryo.

Fans of fruit tarts from Fruit Paradise need not worry as the tarts are still available for purchase in slices or in whole at Kagurazaka Saryo.

The menu offers a selection of signature matcha desserts such as their famed Matcha Fondue with Assorted Sides ($14.90) and Matcha Frozen Smores ($9.90).

However, the matcha ice cream was milky and sweet, and the taste of green tea was not as distinct as expected, especially when this brand is supposed to comes from the land of matcha. Kagurazaka Saryo 神楽坂茶寮 (Vivocity)

Kamome Bakery かもめベーカリー
Goldhill Shopping Centre, 169 Thomson Road Singapore 307621
Opening Hours: 8am – 7pm (Mon – Sun)

Japanese Bakery-Café At Novena
Kamome Bakery is a new Japanese bakery-café at Goldhill Shopping Centre, located near Novena MRT Station.

There are a couple of varied sandwich choices of Meat Loaf ($5.80), Croquette ($5.20), Tonkatsu ($5.60).

Breads are quite uniquely-Japanese, with the offering of Red Bean & Butter, Teriyaki Chicken Pizza, Yuzu Chestnut, Dark Cherry Tart, Cinnamon Roll, Banana Brown Sugar – all priced from $3 to $5 thereabout.

The Japanese Red Bean with salted butter bun was a moderate delight with its smooth paste and thick slab of butter. Kamome Bakery (Goldhill Shopping Centre)

Kurasu
261 Waterloo Street #01-24 Singapore, Singapore 180261
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Mon – Sun)

When you talk about one of the best coffee shops in Singapore, Kurasu should be a shoo-in with its stringent roasting practices, aromatic coffee, and minimalist lifestyle approach.

Kurasu, which means “to live” or “lifestyle” in Japanese, started off as a Japanese homeware store in Australia.

It eventually led to a retail space in owner Yozo Otsuki’s hometown, Kyoto in 2016. The brand focuses on both the Japanese coffee culture and being a one-stop provider for Japanese coffee equipment.

Upon walking into the new outlet at Waterloo Street (it moved from Odeon Towers), you get that simple-homely and Japanese-style minimalist (better if it is not so crowded and thus echoey), with a coffee table to witness the hand pour process, and several sofa seats for a cozy feel.

A popular drink is the Matcha Latte Espresso ($7.50, same price for hot and iced) otherwise known as “Dirty Matcha” is a combination of sweet matcha and latte – so there is a good balance of both. Kurasu (Waterloo)

Kyushu Pancake Singapore – Holland Village
25 Lor Liput, Singapore 277735
Tel: +65 6352 6265
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Japanese Pancake Cafe At Holland Village
Kyushu Pancake which used to be at Novena Regency, has reopened again at a different location – Holland Village.

Wondering what to get? Some of the top-sellers include Berry-licious Pancake ($16.90), Matcha Tiramisu ($16.00), and Matcha MontBlanc ($18.00), and Annou Imo Pancakes (16.00).

There are also savoury options of Eggs Benedict ($18.00), Croque Madame Pancake ($19.00), and American Big Breakfast ($22.00).

The Kyushu Pancake Mix is made from 7 different finely selected grains including wheat from Oita Prefecture and Pressed barley from Saga Prefecture, 100% homegrown in Kyushu Japan, free of emulsifier, artificial fragrance, additives or processed starch.

Therefore, the texture may not be the usual souffle and wobbly that many Singaporeans are more used to. Kyushu Pancake (Holland Village)

LUNA Patisserie
53 Amoy Street Singapore 069879
Opening Hours: 12pm – 6:30pm (Mon – Fri), 12pm – 4pm (Sat – Sun)

LUNA, the patisserie down Amoy Street spoiling customers with its mouth-watering cakes and pastries, has launched a number of new cakes in their menu.

My personal recommendations would be the 2 NEW Japanese inspired cakes of Houjicha Tiramisu (inspired by the trending waterfall cake), and Goma Kinako Mochi Roll.

For the Hojicha Tiramisu ($8), you get traditional Italian dessert tiramisu meeting hojicha, an aromatic Japanese roasted green tea, to fill in for this coffee-less treat.

What I need to mention though, is that the tiramisu comes wrapped with a plastic sheet. Once removed, be prepared for a ‘waterfall’ of the lava top later.

Also available on the menu are the Matcha White Chocolate ($8), Vanilla Cheddar Cheese ($7.50), Carrot Cream Cheese ($8) and assorted seasonal tarts and pastries such as the current-trending Korean-inspired Mentaiko Garlic Cream Cheese Bread ($6) and Truffle Garlic Cream Cheese Bread ($6). LUNA Patisserie (Amoy Street)

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

Matchaya is a Japanese tea shop serving authentic Japanese-inspired beverages and sweets. They started off at ICON Village, but moved to The Cathay with bigger seating area of 18 seats, and an impressive menu offering more than 80 items.

All premium ingredients, such as matcha and houjicha, are painstakingly sourced from different prefectures in Japan and blended exclusively.

Hand-brewed from their own sources of tea, the Matchaya Exclusive Blend which is a bottled Japanese Milk Tea is a crowd favourite.

Try the bestsellers Cold-Whisked Milk Tea which consists of 2 flavours of Extreme Uji Matcha; and

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).

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. Matchaya (The Cathay)

Menya Kanae
275 Thomson Rd, Novena Regency #01-08, Singapore 307645
Tel: +65 6261 6205
Operation Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Café by day, Izakaya by night, Menya Kanae offers you authentic Japanese comfort food and drinks whichever day part you need them.

A bright, cosy ambiance welcomes you to sit and slurp on its signature Hokkaido miso ramen, bite off a thick, crisp, crunchy Ebi Sando, or savour any of its classic comfort food offerings.

Go for the Signature Handmade Ebi Tartar Sando. This Japanese-inspired sandwich features a hearty ebi katsu, made from chunky pieces of lightly-breaded deep-fried prawns.

Two grilled slices Hokkaido milk bread keep the thick and juicy patty in place, accompanied with crunchy coleslaw to balance the textures. Enjoy this signature dish with a side of house greens and crisp shoestring potato fries.

They also serve up Matcha Milk Bubble Tea.

Nesuto
53 Tras Street, #01-01, Singapore 078992
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9:30pm (Fri – Sat), 12pm – 5:30pm (Sun)

“Nesuto” means “Nest” in Japanese. The interior is painted in pastel pink and white, giving a sense of comfort and minimalism which could be a pull-factor for the tai-tais and OLs for an afternoon respite.

Signaure cakes include the Yuzu Raspberry, Konichiawa Hojicha, Japanese Matcha Azuki, Japanese Goma, and C3 Cheesecake.

I couldn’t keep my eyes off the ‘attention-seeking’ Yuzu Raspberry Cake ($9), coated with a bright pink whipped ganache.

While the portion of the cake might seem bigger than the rest, the Japanese sponge was extremely light and fluffy, perhaps like biting through cotton.

Made with yuzu meringue mousse and chunks of fresh raspberries, the citrusy and tanginess of the fruits cut through entire combination, making the cake light and refreshing. Nesuto (Tras Street)

Pancake Cafe Belle-Ville
Bugis Junction #01-01B, Towers 230 Victoria Street Singapore 188024 (Bugis MRT Exit C, facing Victoria Street, under the giant TV screen)
Tel: +65 6255 5456
Opening Hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

Suddenly Japanese pancakes are getting back in trend in Singapore. Pancake Cafe Belle-Ville has three outlets, located at Bugis Junction, 100AM Mall, and Novena Square2.

Pancake Cafe Belle-Ville originated from Osaka Japan, with its popular flagship store located at Umeda Whity.

The pancake café is known for its meringue made-to-order millefeuille (French for “thousand layers”) pancakes, included with homemade whipped Hokkaido cream, stacked from 2 to 8 layers.

Priced from $11.90 to $16.20, varieties include Strawberry and Mixed Berry Pancake, Mango Pancake, Grilled Apple with Homemade Caramel Pancake, Matcha with Rice Ball and Red Bean Pancake, and Chocolate with Grilled Banana Pancake. Belle-Ville (Bugis Junction)

Pipes by Hattendo
331 New Bridge Road, #01-02 Dorsett Residences, Singapore 088764
Tel: +65 8113 6096
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

Perhaps you may remember “Hattendo”, the once-trending Japanese cream buns which had long queues outside its café at Tanjong Pagar Centre.

That café may have closed, but they have returned with a brand new “PIPES by Hattendo” concept at Dorsett Residences, very near Outram MRT Station.

During the day there is a Japanese-fusion menu along with the signature cream buns; while night time customers can expect chef’s speciality dishes.

The lunch time menu includes a variety of items such as Tamago Sand ($13) of egg mayo sandwich with sausage and green salad, Teriyaki Pork Chop Don ($14), Roast Bee Don ($18), Una Don ($25), Roast Beef Sourdough Toast ($14), to Spanish Pork Belly Burger ($8). PIPES by Hattendo (Dorsett Residences)

Maccha House Singapore
Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, #B1-40, Singapore 238896
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Maccha House specialises in traditional Maccha beverages and desserts created from this fine green tea powder, all sourced from Kyoto Japan.

While they also serve hot food items, most are really here for their desserts, such as the Maccha Soft Serve Anmitsu with Rice-flour Dumplings, and Maccha Parfaits which come with rice flour, chocolate or soy milk pudding.

While the palm-sized Maccha Tiramisu ($7.99) seems ordinary, it contained a layer of premium Kyoto’s “Morihan” matcha powder with more than 170 years of history, carefully dusted on top.

They serve the Hot Maccha drink the traditional way – whisked with a bamboo chasen out of a bowl. Their Maccha Latte is considerately not as bitter, so some may like this version? Maccha House (Orchard Central)

Nana’s Green Tea Café
The Atrium @ Orchard, Plaza Singapura 68 Orchard Road #03-80/82 Singapore 238839 (Dhoby Ghaut MRT) Tel: +65 6684 4312
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

With more than 30 branches in Japan, Nana Green Tea is sometimes termed as the “Japanese Starbucks”.

Although Nana’s Green Tea is known to be a café, it also sells several main courses such as dons, udons and sushi rolls, with a more localised menu quite unlike the ones in Japan.

Desserts such as its Matcha Anmitsu ($8.80), are definitely its strength. It may not blow you away but makes a decent afternoon tea-time treat, with its azuki red bean paste smooth and satisfying.

Omotesando Koffee
6A Shenton Way #04-01, The Work Project, Downtown Gallery, Singapore 068815
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat, Sun

This a take away store tucked away in a corner of Level 4 of Downtown Gallery as part of office space “The Work Project”, but that did not hider coffee fans from finding their way to this secluded part of building.

Over here, the menu is kept simple with Hot or Iced selections.

Hot coffee include espresso based Omotesando Koffee Hot (Regular $4, Large $5), Hand Drip Koffee ($6) Latte and Cappuccino (Regular $4.80, Large $6).

The popular choice is the signature Iced Cappuccino (Single $7.50, Double $8.50) capped with layer of bubble foam and topped with cocoa powder. Omotesando Koffee (Downtown Gallery)

Pronto Singapore
Capital Square #01-02/08, 23 Church Street Singapore S049481
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 3pm – 10pm (Sat), Closed Sun

You may have walked past one of these Caffe Pronto in Japan, but may not have paid special attention.

Pronto has opened in Singapore, within Capital Square along Church Street.

It is located within a Japanese-themed gourmet space called GOCHI – which houses six different Japanese food concepts. These include Chojiro (sushi), Unaemon (unagi), Suage Express (soup curry), Morozoff (cheesecakes and chocolates), and Paletas (popsicle).

It changes its menu and service style according to the time of the day. This is where you can enjoy Italian-style coffee and bread in the morning, then a plate of pasta for lunch and dinner.

Pasta choices include the classic Bolognese ($11), Porcini Cream Sauce with Truffle Oil ($15), Scallop & Bottarga Aglio Olio ($13), Crab & Broccoli Arrabiata ($18), and Mozzarella Tomato Sauce ($15). Pronto (Capital Square)

Rilakkuma – The Relax Café
Kumoya @ Orchard Central #04-08, 181 Orchard Road, Singapore 238896
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm, Last Order 30 minutes before closing (Mon – Sun)

Rilakkuma Pop-Up Café In Singapore At Orchard Central
While many character cafes in Singapore have short life spans, Kumoya known for its numerous pop-up cafes has opened a new outlet at Orchard Central #04-08.

This Kumoya @ Orchard Central is bigger at 2000 sq ft (more space for social distancing), brighter, overlooking Singapore’s Orchard Road.

This pop-up “Rilakkuma -The Relax Café” will be the first semi-permanent San-X characters pop-up café in South East Asia, as it will be a year-long collaboration with various San-X characters making their appearance.

Items available include Relaxy Rilakkuma Chicken Cordon Bleu ($29.90), Rest & Relax Rilakkuma Chicken Stew Rice ($25.90), Chill-out Rilakkuma Yuzu Carbonara Pasta ($23.90) and Rilakkuma Chill-out Tendon Rice Set ($27.90). Rilakkuma Café (Orchard Central)

St. Marc Bakery & Bar
Parkland Green @ ECP 920, East Coast Parkway #01-09/10, Singapore 449875
Tel: +65 6342 1786
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Mon – Thurs), 12pm – 11pm (Fri), 9am – 11pm (Sat), 9am – 10pm (Sun)

Japanese dessert Café Saint Marc has a few star items – Choro Cro pastry, Little Fuji and Geisha Waffle Cone. No doubt, I am a fan.

Few would know they opened a restaurant concept with much larger space at Parkland Green, East Coast Parkway.

Dining at a Japanese café by the beach sounds like a great weekend activity. However, while The East Coast St. Marc may provide a fuller menu, the experience at other branches felt better. (Read: St Marc Bakery & Bar Parkland Green)

Tachihara Coffee
9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-96 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
Opening Hours: 7am – 8:30pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 7:30pm (Sat – Sun)

Pullman Bakery, famous for their Hokkaido curry buns and other Danish pastries, is a name that Japanese bread lovers should recognise.

Do you know that it first started off as “Tachihara Bakery” way back in 1978 in Hokkaido Japan?

I noticed that there is matcha in EVERY section of the menu, and ordered the Matcha Cream Toast ($3), Ice Matcha Latte ($4.50), and Matcha Cup Dessert ($3).

The Ice Matcha Latte ($4.50) was relatively sweet, overpowering everything else. As a matcha lover, I would have preferred more distinct notes of green tea. Tachihara Coffee (Millenia Walk

Tsujiri
6 Eu Tong Sen St, Clarke Quay Central #01-74, Singapore 059817
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

Probably one of the most known Japanese green tea café in Singapore. Tsujiri is said to be a 155-year-old traditional Japanese tea brand serving the highest quality Matcha with a contemporary twist.

However, do not confuse them with Japan’s Gion or Saryo Tsujri – which the Japanese are more familiar with.

The O-Matcha Latte ($5.60, $6.20) is a customer favourite, made using matcha harvested from Tsujiri’s own plantation in Uji, Kyoto.

I found the latte slightly sweeter than the usual Japanese style, but was still a smooth, refreshing drink.

They used to have more outlets in Singapore, but the one left now is at Clarke Quay Central.

Other Related Entries
12 Refreshing MATCHA Latte & Drinks In Singapore
10 Hojicha Cakes & Desserts In Singapore
10 Best Strawberry Shortcakes In Singapore
10 Best Japanese Omakase Restaurants In Singapore

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

Coffee lovers would remember Maxi Coffee Bar, that hole-in-the-wall hidden within Emerald Garden at Club Street.

This was like your friendly neighbourhood joint, with people greeting you with a “Hi”, attracting many regulars working around the CBD and Maxwell areas.

While the previous location was a small space, they have moved to a bigger outlet a short walk away at 6 Ann Siang Hill (where The Coconut Club used to be at) opposite The Corner Grill.

Walking in, you would notice the calming medium-blue coffee counter, with baristas decked in coordinated denim wear.

On that note of BLUE, I cannot help but notice that several new cafes in Singapore opted for various shades of blue for their interior, from The Wonderment Collective, September, GLASS Roasters, Narrative Coffee Stand, to Grace Espresso.

Most of the patrons I noted would choose to sit outside to enjoy some of the cool breeze, and perhaps do some people-watching.

While I visited during the early days of re-opening, it was considered quite packed and I needed to wait a while for seats despite being there early morning.

In terms of food, there is an expanded menu such as Granola ($6); Kinda Plougman’s ($7, $13) with onion chutney, mature cheddar and soft egg; and Not-an-egg Sandwich ($8) which includes egg, preserved egg, chicharron on thick white toast.

Recommended is the Field Trip ($7.50, $14) which is mushroom, marmite butter, dill and parsley salad on sourdough for those who would prefer something not so heavy-going with a cleaner taste.

I had a Meat Me ($12) which was like a ham and cheese sandwich, but with mortadella which had a silky, thicker mouthfeel with a stronger taste of pork.

The bread was beautifully toasted with layer of crisp, and overall rich and satisfying despite looking ‘simple’.

Coffee offerings include a “Comforting” or “Adventurous” Espresso ($3.50, $4), White ($5.50), with the more special drinks being the Iced Cereal Milk Latte ($7.50), E&T or Espresso Tonic ($7.50), and the “Dirty” ($7.50).

The Iced Cereal Milk Latte is their version of breakfast-in-a-cup, with blended cereal at the bottom soaked for that taste of breakfast, added with shots of expresso within.

I would have imagined there would be some crunchiness within, but there wasn’t. Can therefore be a rather filling cup.

Maxi Coffee Bar still continues to be that lovely neighbourhood place, where good coffee and friendly people gather.

Maxi Coffee Bar
6 Ann Siang Hill Singapore 069787
Tel: +65 9776 7400
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm (Tues – Fri), 9pm – 5pm (Sat – Sun), Closed Mon

Other Related Entries
Cupping Room Coffee Roasters Singapore (Takashimaya)
Kream & Kensho (Kampung Bahru Road)
GLASS Roasters (Faber Drive)
Parallel Coffee Roasters (Duxton Hill)
LUNA Patisserie (Amoy Street)

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

Another Korean lifestyle café opens in Singapore, except that this time it is not located at the usual Tanjong Pagar.

Oh, Ang Mo Kio Jubilee Square.

If you do not have kids to send to the various enrichment, Taekwondo, drums, music classes, then perhaps there are few reasons to visit the building. Oh yes, Collin’s.

82Bunsik is a new Korean café located at the ground floor, with a full ceiling to floor glass panel attracting curious onlookers peeping in.

It is an off-shoot of +82 PlusEightTwo at Rendezvous Gallery.

+82 PlusEightTwo represents the country code for South Korea; while “Bunsik” (분식; 粉食) literally means “food made from flour” – a term used to refer to reasonably-priced Korean food.

The décor can be considered “minimalist” (horribly overused word – I am guility) or “simple IKEA” depending on how you look at it.

(I know it’s IKEA because reading the catalogue is my only source of entertainment now, and the stickers have not been peeled off from many of the furniture pieces.)

”Sell what? Corndog and Croffles?” It took a while because some customers who walked in realised that “Croffles” is a combination of Croissant and Waffles.

Before people start thinking Croffles is a “new” thing to Singapore, it was actually introduced about 2016 (the now-defunct Costa 269 sold it) when Cronut, Cruffin, Crodo and what-have-nots sounded “cool”. Actually, they never really took off in a big way in Singapore.

The Croffles cost $5 for a single (technically, this is half), $9 for a full double, while options of cheese, injeolmi and ice cream top-ups.

Other items on the menu are Corndog ($4.50, $5), Ddeokbokki ($9.90) and Korean Chicken ($9.90).

A Corndog is a sausage on a stick, coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter and deep fried. 82Bunsik’s version comes with options of Mozza, Cheddar or Cereal, then coated with sugar, drizzled with ketchup and mustard.

Complete with #cheesepull, the stick brought me back to Myeongdong momentarily, till I realised there was only half a sausage in the stick.

Despite a rather small kitchen space, I thought that the Korean Chicken ($9.90) in sweet and sour sauce was decent.

The pieces came with thin layer of crisp, tender and was piping hot.

Except that the tossed sauce didn’t have character – it would be good stickier, sweeter, or spicier, or all of the above.

If you come here during the off-peak hours, I would imagine it can be a quiet and cosy place to just chill and have some Iced Green Tea ($6), while people-watching the rest buying Western food at the S11 opposite.

82Bunsik
61 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, Jubilee Square, #01-13, Singapore 569814
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Gerill Bab (Ang Mo Kio)
Kreams (Maxwell Chambers)
Hongdae Oppa (Plaza Singapura)
Burger+ (Clarke Quay Central)
Chir Chir (Bugis Junction)

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

You may have seen these large cookies on your Instagram gallery. Nasty Cookie is a local dessert bakery which first opened at Funan offering sinful yet delicious cookie treats, along with milkshakes and soft serves.

They are known for their striking Tiffany Blue store concept, bold packaging and filled cookies.

The jumbo gourmet cookies are NYC inspired, that feature crunchy, chunky and chewy textures all together.

The signature flavours include OH! Smores ($5.50), PB Lovers ($5.50), White Chunky ($5.50), Biscoff Cookie ($4.90), and Cookies n Creme ($4.90).

Using only premium dark couverture chocolate, the handcrafted delights are indeed rich and luxurious upon every bite.

Not your average cookies, you can also choose to top up with soft serve now. Its flavours vary seasonably.

To be really honest, Nasty Cookie attracts people of a different generation (lol) but Uncle Daniel is always game enough to try trendy things that young people like.

I found it slightly pricey, moderately rich, too much on the sweet side, but can understand its appeal. (Now, let me do my HIIT to burn it off.)

Nasty Cookie will be also be opening their second outlet at Kaki Bukit. Official opening date is 15th of October (Thurs).

The 4,000 sq ft flagship store comprises not only the retail cafe space, but also the central kitchen and office.

Other than being a totally-instagrammable space (XMM and XDD gather!), more cookies, there will be Latte ($5.50) in flavours of Nutella and Bischof, as well as Cappuccino and Mocha ($5).

50% OFF all Cookies on 17th Oct 2020 (Sat) for their opening special. Why only one day?

Nasty Cookie Factory
1 Kaki Bukit Avenue #01-02 Singapore 41594 (Kaki Bukit MRT Exit A)
Opening Hours 8:30am – 8:30pm (Mon – Fri), 1pm – 8:30pm (Sat – Sun)
Opening Date: 15th Oct 2020 (Thurs)

Nasty Cookie – Funan
107 North Bridge Road, Funan Mall, #02-35, Singapore 179105
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm (Mon – Thurs), 11:30am – 10pm (Fri – Sun, Eve of PH, PH)

Other Related Entries
LUNA Patisserie (Amoy Street)
The Wonderment Collective (Geylang)
Kream & Kensho (Kampung Bahru Road)
Dolc Patisserie (Kampong Bahru)
Leckerbaer Singapore (Orchard Road)

* Written by Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary and Nicholas Tan @stormscape, after a combination of self-paid products and media tasting.

There are a fair number of new ramen restaurants in Singapore, but this opening should stand out a little more, especially for prawn ramen lovers.

Make your oishii food wishes come true at Menya Kanae, as this is a café-by-day, Izakaya-by-night dual concept eatery. And it specialises in rich prawn broth ramen, which is not that commonly found in Singapore.

Plus, look out for the 1-For-1 Ramen Grand Opening Promotion from 16 Oct – 18 Oct 2020 (Fri – Sun)

With a Japanese-style café and ramen bar in a one place, you can have your Karaage Waffles and Ebi Sando (prawn sandwich) or even classic Hokkaido Miso Ramen, depending on what you are feeling that day.

If you need help with directions, Menya Kanae (“Kanae” means “make your wishes come true”) is located at Novena Regency, a short walk from Novena MRT station and right opposite Novena Church.

Here’s what you can expect from this Hokkaido-style specialty ramen bar, izakaya and café dining concept:

Tokusei Sapporo Ebi Tonkotsu Ramen ($19.80)
Satisfy your noodle cravings with Menya Kanae’s specialty prawn broth ramen, featuring a rich and creamy tonkotsu base infused with a blend of seafood flavours.

Prawn heads combined with lobster bisque intensifies the bold taste of this thick pork bone broth which is cooked for more than four hours.

This bowl is loaded with bean sprouts, bamboo shoot, black fungus; then topped with a couple each of tender chashu, flame-seared Tiger prawns, and half an ajitama egg.

Then finished off with a sprinkle of spring onions, crunchy Sakura ebi tempura flakes, and crispy shallots.

If you prefer the thin Hakata-style noodles, then you are in luck. The ones here are QQ springy, though I would personally wish for a slightly-harder bite and less noodles – can be pretty filling.

The star of the bowl is the prawn + pork broth with umami oomph.

Does it remind me of the Singapore Hae Mee? It does to an extent, except that this has a milkier mouthfeel due to the pork bones. The tempura flakes add a delightful crunch as well – don’t soak them too much in the soup.

Also available are the classic Sapporo Ebi Chashu Ramen ($14.80) or Sapporo Ebi Chashu Ajitama Ramen ($16.80).

If you are wondering what “Tokusei” means, it can imply “specially made” or “with everything” – what you would describe a deluxe bowl. The “Tokusei” comes with more ingredients such as chashu and Tiger prawns, which makes it more value-for-its-money.

Spicy Sapporo Ebi Chashu Ramen ($14.80)
Add life to a humdrum day and choose the spicy version for a fiery flavoured ramen.

Behind the intense heat is Menya Kanae’s Original Red Spicy Paste, a spice totally made from scratch. It takes more than 3 (laborious but worth it) hours to prepare this special paste and achieve the right consistency and flavour profile.

The extra slivers of red chili garnish pump up the spice level even more.

There is also a “Tokusei” version ($19.80) with the added ingredients.

So, the question is: Classic or Spicy?

My friends and I differed in views half-half – I preferred the Original. The Spicy tasted more bold, intense and flavourful; but if you would like a cleaner taste with more nuances of the seafood, then go for the non-spicy version.

Birikara The Spiciest Miso Ramen ($16.80)
Talking about spicy, this is another bowl even more fiery than the last.

Specially made with two special blends of miso imported from Hokkaido, Japan, this tongue numbing ramen can be worth trying.

Dubbed as the spiciest miso ramen, expect to break a sweat as your taste buds savour the rich, deep taste of Hokkaido miso broth.

Menya Kanae’s Original Red Spicy Paste with its 8 spices make this ramen numbly yummy. Also topped with juicy chunks of thick cut chashu and aromatic black garlic oil.

Tokusei Hokkaido Tonkotsu Miso Ramen ($17.80)
If you are for the classic Hokkaido style ramen with corn and butter, then this is for you.

This curly noodle ramen is included with four pieces of tender chashu, minced pork, sweet corn, bamboo shoots, black fungus, pickled vegetables, beansprouts, and an ajitama egg.

Complementing the rich pork bone broth is Menya Kanae’s Hokkaido-sourced miso, delightfully savoury, salty and slightly sweet.

Together with corn kernels and a slab of butter, the broth comes together to deliver satisfaction.

Signature Handmade Ebi Tartar Sando ($14.80)
This Japanese-inspired sandwich features a hearty ebi katsu, made from chunky pieces of lightly-breaded deep-fried prawn cutlet handmade from 100% Black Tiger prawns.

Two grilled slices of Hokkaido milk bread keep the thick and juicy patty in place, accompanied with crunchy coleslaw to balance the textures.

Enjoy this signature dish with a side of house greens and crisp shoestring potato fries.

Also available are Mentai Tamago Sando ($10.80) and Yawaraka Katsu Sando ($14.80) but I would say give the more uncommon (at least in Singapore’s context) prawn cutlet sandwich a try.

Zangi Karaage Waffles ($15.80)
While chicken + waffles are one of typical and popular brunch items, Menya Kanae’s version comes with four chunky pieces of Tori Karaage.

Marinated in Menya Kanae’s original sauce, these chicken pieces are packed with appetising umami flavours.

Enjoy four large pieces of deep-fried chicken, its tender and juicy meat covered with a crispy exterior for that crunchy bite. Warning: can be very filling, so get a friend(s) to share this.

Tori Zangi Karaage ($6.20)
Moving on to the side dishes… Actually, I would describe these as “large chicken balls”. These are not the typical frozen then deep-fried type, but made from fresh chicken chunks marinated and rolled to a ball, then deep-fried.

Therefore, they are larger than usual and sufficiently moist.

Homemade Gyoza ($6.20)
This best-selling side dish is made fresh every day. Get 5 pieces per order of this homemade Japanese dumplings that go well with either Mazesoba or Ramen.

Takoyaki Balls ($6.20)
The popular Osaka style street food comes with delicately thin crisp exterior, and soft creamy batter within those little round balls, drizzled with Japanese mayo and topped with bonito flakes.

Tobiko Mayo Tamagoyaki ($6.20)
Snack away with this Japanese omelette, made by carefully rolling several thin layers of fried egg.

This soft and delicate textured egg roll tempura is served with mentaiko mayo.

Matcha or Houjicha Kuromitsu Bubble Milk Tea ($6.00 each)
No cafe concept is complete without some drinks. Other than Iced Latte ($6), Iced Houjicha ($4.50), Iced Sencha ($4.50) and Iced Mixed Fruit Tea ($6), the beverage to have is the Kuromitsu Bubble Milk Tea available in Original, Matcha or Houjicha flavours.

They are included with “Kuromitsu” which literally translates to “black honey” – a thin and dark syrup made from Japanese unrefined kurozato (“black sugar”) often used in the making of Japanese sweets.

“Okinawa brown sugar pearls” are also used, cooked with a combination of Okinawan brown sugar and kuromitsu which gives it a distinctive caramelised-sweetness.

Menya Kanae 1-For-1 Ramen Grand Opening Promotion (16 – 18 Oct 2020)
Grab a friend or family member to snag this 1-for-1 deal on Menya Kanae’s signature Hokkaido style ramen, from ebi specials of Tokusei Sapporo Ebi Tonkotsu Ramen ($19.80), Sapporo Ebi Chashu Ajitama Ramen ($16.80) and Sapporo Ebi Chashu Ramen ($14.80), to Birikara The Spiciest Miso Ramen ($16.80) and Tokusei Karauma Red Tonkotsu Ramen ($16.80).

Promotion available for dine-in only. The free ramen will be of equal or lower value.

$5 Sapporo Beer Promotion (340ml, U.P.$10.00) (19 Oct – 30 Nov 2020)
Available from 5pm until closing.

Menya Kanae
275 Thomson Rd, Novena Regency #01-08, Singapore 307645
Tel: +65 6261 6205
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/MenyaKanae

* This post is brought to you in partnership with Menya Kanae.

Missing Hong Kong?

While traveling to Hong Kong is still not possible for now (but I am hope the day will come very soon), you can still satisfy those food cravings with famous Hong Kong food brands in Singapore.

These include Hang Heung, Jenny’s Bakery, Joy Luck Teahouse (which houses Hoover Cake Shop, Kam Kee Café & Tak Hing Fishball Company) Kam’s Roast, Mui Kee, and Social Place.

The good news now is, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has partnered with these brands to provide customers exclusive promotions.

All you need to do is to flash the logo above at the participating stores, so bookmark or screenshot it somewhere.

25% OFF Jenny’s Bakery cookies? Bring it on.

This food promotion campaign is an extension of HKTB’s “100 Reason to Miss Hong Kong” campaign. Here’s more:

Perfected over three generations, Mui Kee’s founder Mak Mai started the first stall in Hong Kong during 1979. This is the stall at Fa Yuen Street, Mong Kok.

Mui Kee
Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road, #01-12. Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 67372422
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Fri), 8am – 9:30pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

I have previously tried Mui Kee’s Congee 妹記生滾粥品 in Hong Kong, located at Level 3 of Fa Yuen Street Market Mong Kok, and was impressed with the bowl’s heartiness and incredibly smooth texture.

The founder Mak Mai started the first stall in 1979; and the business is now taken over by third generation owner Choi Kok Tung or “Ah Tung”.

While the Singapore store is at the glitzy Orchard Road at Shaw Centre with a 50-seater restaurant, the Hong Kong Mui Kee is located at the 3rd floor of a less-than-glamorous food centre – but that is part of the charm as well as you can watch the cooks in action working with big fires.

What makes each bowl of congee special is that it is prepared from scratch.

Regular favourites include Parrot Fish Belly Congee ($11.80), Sliced Beef Congee ($9.80), Homemade Pork Meatballs Congee ($9.80), while premium options include a decadent Alaskan Crab Leg Congee ($22).

The signature fish belly congee in particular is well-loved for a delicious smokiness with wok-hei; best paired with dishes such as Drunken Chicken in Shaoxing Wine ($10) and Poached Kai Lan ($8).

“100 Reasons to Miss Hong Kong” Promotion:
Enjoy “Miss You Hong Kong” Special Bundle for $51.36 by flashing the “100 Reasons to Miss Hong Kong” campaign logo. For dine-in & takeaway customers, enjoy an additional 10% OFF this special bundle.

The Special Bundle comes with 2 Parrot Fish Belly Congee, 1 Drunken Chicken in Shaoxing Wine, 1 Poached Kai Lan, 1 Crispy Dough Fritters, and 2 Grass Jelly with Logan Dessert.

T&C:
– Promo Period from 12 Oct 2020 to 15 Nov 2020.
– Promotion is available for dine-in, takeaway and delivery (i.e. Oddle, Deliveroo and GrabFood).
– For dine-in and takeaways, customers to flash “100 Reasons to Miss Hong Kong” campaign logo prior to ordering.
– Not applicable with other promotions, vouchers or privileges.
– The Management reserves the rights to change, amend and modify the above Terms and Conditions without any prior notice.

Hong Kong’s Social Place outlet is famed for its signature Roast Pigeon.

Social Place
583 Orchard Road, Forum the Shopping Mall #01-22, Singapore 238884
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6pm – 9pm (Sun – Thurs), 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6pm – 9:30pm (Fri – Sat)

Seen those cutesy and wobbly Small Pig Puddings on Instagram?

This is from Social Place唐宫小聚 was first established in Hong Kong at Queen’s Road Central during 2014, and has four outlets there now.

Over in Hong Kong, you can find them at Central (The L. Place 2/F), Tsim Sha Tsui (Silvercord Shop 3030), Tsuen Wan (Citywalk Shop UG43 & 81), and Sha Tin (New Town Plaza III Shop A333).

Social Place is known for its contemporary Chinese cuisine and modern dim sum items that pushed the envelope.

Many of their Chinese dishes do bring in some surprises (do get your cameras ready) such as the Flamin-ple’ ($28) in which a whole pineapple is set aflame at the table before you dig into the beef brisket with curry gravy within; Sweet & Sour Pork on Ice ($24.80) served with crushed and cubed ice that keep the battered pork crisp.

Newer items to look forward in Singapore’s menu include the Shanghai Steamed Buns ($6.80), and the Chilli Crab Xiao Long Bao ($7.80) filled with sweet-spicy crab fillings and topped with tobiko.

For fans of “Liu Sha Bao”, do not miss out the Charcoal Custard Bun ($8.80) with ebony-black exterior and gold brush strokes. Break it apart to reveal velvety custard fillings within.

“100 Reasons to Miss Hong Kong” Promotion:
Receive a FREE Custard Charcoal Bun Set with $50 spend, and by flashing the “100 Reasons to Miss Hong Kong” campaign logo.

T&C:
– Promo Period from 12 Oct 2020 to 15 Nov 2020.
– Promotion is available on weekdays (Monday to Friday) only, with minimum spend of $50 (before tax).
– Customers to flash “100 Reasons to Miss Hong Kong” campaign logo prior to ordering.
– Complimentary item is limited to ONE per bill and per table.
– Splitting of bills are not allowed. Valid for dine-in customers only, while stocks last.
– Not applicable with other promotions, vouchers or privileges.
– The Management reserves the rights to change, amend and modify the above Terms and Conditions without any prior notice.

Kam’s Roast culinary tradition began in 1942 when Yung Kee Restaurant operated on Wellington Street in Hong Kong. This eatery at Wan Chai is helmed by the 3rd generation of the family.

Kam’s Roast
9 Scotts Road, #01-04/05/06/07, Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

78 Airport Blvd, #02 – 210 Jewel Changi Airport Mall, Singapore 819666
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Kam’s Roast Goose is founded by Mr Hardy Kam, the 3rd generation of the founder of the famed Yung Kee Goose in Hong Kong, who wanted to continue with his family legacy.

Within four months of opening, the 36-seater restaurant at Wan Chai earned a Michelin star, and continued to receive the honours in subsequent years.

When I visited the Hong Kong outlet, Hardy mentioned he chose to keep his 36-seater stall small as a tribute to his grandfather and father, whose business began as a humble entity. It is his hope to offer families and friends the chance to bond over good food.

The Roast Goose at Hong Kong outlet packed with succulence and meaty tenderness, is indeed one of the best I ever had. (Roast Goose is not available in Singapore’s outlet.)

The Singapore branch is its first outside of Hong Kong; there are now outlets at both Pacific Plaza and Jewel Changi Airport.

If this is your first time trying out Kam’s Roast, there are the “4 treasures” which includes the Signature Roast Duck, Soya Chicken, BBQ Pork (Char Siu), and Crispy Pork.

Kam’s Roast uses top quality, free-range ducks for their signature dish. Roasted Cantonese style, the meat is marinated with time-honoured secret recipe from Yung Kee.

Meaty yet tender, with thin and golden-brown skin.

As for the Soya Chicken, the marinate which the chicken is immersed in is prepared with a blend of herbs which lends depth of flavour. The succulent chicken is then brushed with maltose for added flavour and a beautiful sheen.

“100 Reasons to Miss Hong Kong” Promotion:
Enjoy 15% OFF total dine-in bill by flashing the ‘100 Reason to Miss Hong Kong’ campaign logo.

T&C:
– Promo Period from 12 Oct 2020 to 15 Nov 2020.
– Promotion is available on Monday to Thursday across all outlets, for dine-in customers only.
– Customers to flash “100 Reasons to Miss Hong Kong” campaign logo prior to ordering.
– Not applicable with other promotions, vouchers or privileges.
– The Management reserves the rights to change, amend and modify the above Terms and Conditions without any prior notice.

Egg Tarts, Pineapple Buns and Milk Tea are recognised on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong list.

Joy Luck Teahouse
2 Orchard Turn, Ion Orchard, #B4-61, Singapore 238801
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

200 Victoria Street, Bugis Junction, #B1-K25, Singapore 188021
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Joy Luck Teahouse 歡樂冰室 serves up food from 3 iconic F&B brands from Hong Kong, including Hoover Cake Shop, Kam Kee Café and Tak Hing Fishball Company.

The Egg Tarts from Hoover Cake Shop has been listed by The Guardian as the “Top 10 dishes to try in Hong Kong”. The bakery shop is also famed for being Chow Yun-Fat’s and Liza Wang Ming-Chuen’s favourite.

Founded in 1975 by Chow Ping-kuan, you could always spot a line around the block with its unmissable buttery aroma at Nga Tsin Wai Road, Kowloon City.

The person behind the Joy Luck Teahouse concept is none other than veteran Singapore-born TV producer Robert Chua, who has persuaded over a year for the long-standing brands of to bring their signature items overseas.

There are two styles of Egg Tarts ($2.30 each) offered here, one with a puff pastry shell and the other with sweet shortbread crust almost like butter cookie.

Both are filled with rich custard made with high-quality eggs and butter, resulting in a rich yellow hue, and creamy-smooth texture.

Pair the Egg Tarts with Kam Kee HK Milk Tea ($3.80 for hot, $3.50 for cold) which follows Kam Kee Café’s secret recipe that calls for a blend of many types of superior-quality tea leaves imported from Sri Lanka.

“100 Reasons to Miss Hong Kong” Promotion:
Enjoy 10% OFF total bill by flashing the ‘100 Reason to Miss Hong Kong’ campaign logo.

T&C:
– Promo Period from 12 Oct 2020 to 15 Nov 2020.
– Customers to flash “100 Reasons to Miss Hong Kong” campaign logo prior to ordering.
– Not applicable with other promotions, vouchers or privileges.
– The Management reserves the rights to change, amend and modify the above Terms and Conditions without any prior notice.

Hang Heung Cake Shop in Hong Kong was awarded with the prestigious title of a Centurion brand by The Hong Kong Food Council in recognition of its pursuit to preserve the heritage and craft of traditional Chinese age-old delights and bakes.

Hang Heung
2 Orchard Turn, Ion Orchard, #B4-33 Singapore 238801
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Question: Have you ever packed some of Hang Heung恒香’s Wife Cakes from Hong Kong back home? It is possibly one of the most iconic food souvenirs you can get from there.

Hang Heung was actually first established in 1920 as a Chinese-style restaurant in Yuen Long.

Widely known as a household name in Hong Kong, the Wife Cakes were featured across various local and international media, especially those Hong Kong’s TVB dramas.

The iconic Hang Heung Wife Cake needs little introduction, freshly baked in-store, and has that fluffy thin crust and handmade winter melon paste filling which is slightly gooey.

The puff pastry is said to be made with two different doughs, which takes years of diligent practice to master the technique.

Other than the signature Hang Heung Wife Cake ($2.80 for one, $15 for six pcs), other items offered in Singapore’s outlet Mini Pineapple Wife Cake ($2.50 for one, $15 for six pcs), Mung Bean Cake ($2.50 for one, $15 for six pcs), Mini Egg Yolk Cake ($2.50 for one, $15 for six pcs), and Red Bean Paste Cake ($2.50 for one, $15 for six pcs).

Get the Country Egg Rolls ($8 for box of six pcs, $22.80 for 21 pcs tin) made with premium flour, butter and eggs for the flaky, soft and eggy texture.

“100 Reasons to Miss Hong Kong” Promotion:
Receive a FREE box of 6pc Country Egg Rolls with $88 spend and flashing the ‘100 Reasons to Miss Hong Kong’ campaign logo.

T&C:
– Promo Period from 20 Oct 2020 to 15 Nov 2020.
– Offer is applicable for the first 1000 redemptions, limited to one redemption per customer while stocks last.
– Offer is available for in-store purchase only, from Hang Heung’s flagship store at ION Orchard #B4-33.
– Not applicable with other promotions, vouchers or privileges.
– The Management reserves the rights to change, amend and modify the above Terms and Conditions without any prior notice.

Jenny Bakery
https://www.jennybakery.sg (FREE Delivery for above $60 Purchase for 1 single location)

Fun-fact: Jenny Bakery is started by a real Auntie Jenny since 2005, and she is in her early 60s this year. Her first shop is at the famous “Stanley Market” as she stays near there.

The current 2 permanent shops in Hong Kong are located at Tsim Sha Tsui (Shop 24 Ground Floor, Mirador Mansion, 54-64B Nathan Road) and Sheung Wan (15 Wing Wo Street); while Singapore’s outlet operates more from an online delivery platform.

All the cookies are 100% handmade since the beginning, and that includes the mixing, forming, baking and packing process (no automation).

I do know of people who buy for the cans as well, and the teddy bear centric designs are changed every month – mostly to prevent counterfeits as well.

To maintain extreme freshness, Singapore import the butter cookies frequently direct from their factory.

The best-selling tin is the 4 Mix Butter Cookies ($40 for large, $23 for small, price differs slightly depending on promo) which includes flavours of Butter Flower, Coffee Flower, Shortbread & Raisin Oats.

My favourite is the Coffee Flower for that distinct coffee-fragrance with melt-in-your-mouth buttery rich texture.

Also look out for the current seasonal special of Chocolate Flower ($18 for small) which was just launched in Hong Kong during September, with limited tins in Singapore. These cookies boost of the same wonderful buttery-ness and airy texture, but has that intensely-rich chocolate flavour.

“100 Reasons to Miss Hong Kong” Promotion:
Enjoy up to 25% OFF with the promo code “MissyouHK” on https://www.jennybakery.sg

T&C:
– Promo Period from 12 Oct 2020 to 15 Nov 2020.
– Promotion is available for orders via https://www.jennybakery.sg only.
– Customers to key in the promotional code “MissyouHK”, while stocks last.
– Not applicable with other promotions, vouchers or privileges.
– The Management reserves the rights to change, amend and modify the above Terms and Conditions without any prior notice.

“100 Reasons to Miss Hong Kong” Food Promotion
12 Oct – 15 Nov 2020
For more info, visit Discover Hong Kong

If you miss Hong Kong, do Click HERE for other DFD HONG KONG Food reviews and bookmark our favourite food places.

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).

Serangoon is awesome. Here’s another hipster eatery which has sprouted near to NEX Shopping Mall, next door neighbours with Cottontail Creamery and a few mins’ walk from Pints & Cones.

I have a soft spot for eateries using Chinese characters, just like how some indie Taiwanese cafes do it, which evoke certain unique charm of the store’s concept and personality.

Some similar examples are like September 玖月 (Beauty World) and Katasumi Koohii 一隅珈琲 (Bukit Pasoh).

Moments’ 木萌, while not Taiwanese-related, has its fair share of story to tell.

The interior was charmingly done up with life-sized faux plants intertwined with hanging fairy lights, coupled with its uniformly patterned blue wall and turquoise exterior.

Plot twist – they serve Nanyang Coffee & Toast, Zi Char staples and an assortment of Western Food.

In fact, they have such an extensive menu offering that we were lost for moments.

Their toast selection offers comfort local favourites like Kaya Butter, Butter Sugar, Kaya Peanut and French Toast from $2.20 onwards.

They also have Toast Set from $4.20 onwards which comes with a choice of toast, half-boiled eggs and kopi/teh.

I took a liking to their Steamed Bread which came soft and fluffy, with a thick layer of Kaya Peanut fillings sandwiched in between.

Their grilled toast was also on point, thin and crusty, sandwiched with kaya fillings and a slab of butter.

This is what some a Taiwanese variety show host would say, “CP值很高.” (Price–performance ratio)

From their Asian Zi Char menu, you can probably find most of the usual staples like Yang Zhou Fried Rice ($5.50), Sin Chew Bee Hoon ($6.50) and Seafood Wat Tan Hor Fun ($6.90).

What caught my attention was the Tom Yam Volcano Fried Rice ($10.50), which you essentially get a Tom Yum Fried Rice served on hot plate, surrounded by a layer of grilled egg.

I thought the fried rice itself was pretty decent, lightly infused with wok-hei flavour.

But to coin as a Tom Yam Fried Rice, I thought it could probably use more tom yam paste or Thai herbs and ingredients to better distinguish the taste from zi char fried rice.

Their western offerings range from grilled steak, seafood, poultry & ribs, burgers, pasta to baked rice, reasonably priced around $8.50 onwards.

I had the Moments’ Spicy Cheesy Beef Burger ($11.50) which came with loads of melted cheese and thick beef patty. Very much the calorie bomb.

My only qualm is that the accompanying fries were a little pale and not deep-fried enough. I would also prefer my cheese to be more charred till golden brown.

But for this price point, I am quite cool with it.

Other than traditional drinks, there are also milk tea options, milk shake, fruit tea, soda passions and the list goes on and on…

The shop was rather packed on a weekday lunch. I guess comfort food at affordable pricing with curated dining ambience still very much appeal to the masses.

Moments’木萌
Blk 326 Serangoon Ave 3, #01-380, Singapore 550326
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Pints & Cones (Serangoon)
Katasumi Koohii 一隅珈琲 (Bukit Pasoh)
Dim Sum House (Yio Chu Kang Road)
Urban Table (Yio Chu Kang)
Two Bakers (Serangoon)

* Written by Lewis Tan @juicyfingers, a self-proclaimed coffee addict. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Tanamera Coffee, and not Tanah Merah (well, there is also a condo in Singapore called The Tanamera).

This new café which originated from Indonesia is not located in the East though, but at the ground floor of the revamped Change Alley Mall (Remember Chervon House?)

How many coffee shops do the Raffles Place workers need? Many, many apparently.

Within a few steps from one another, there are already 6oz Expresso Bar, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Starbucks (opposite), with Kopi Ong, Local Coffee People, Alchemist Coffee, the Morning Grind, and MORE all opening soon.

A caffeinated mall, not counting the bubble tea shops.

Tanamera Singapore is the chain’s 20th outlet and 1st international outpost.

In the Bahasa Indonesian language, “tanah merah” means “red earth” or “red land”, and this represents the rich soil of the Indonesian mountainsides which is the source of coffee beans.

However, in terms of third wave coffee, we are generally exposed with coffee beans from other countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Guatemala. With that said, Indonesia IS considered one of the top coffee producers such as Robusta beans.

The décor, coffee packs, to the packaging are all designed with bold black and red (not black pink), different from the usual white minimalist, woody or industrial look. (At another part of the CBD is a flashy yellow and bold pink Flash Coffee at Oxley Tower which also originated from Indonesia.)

On the menu are Espresso ($4), Americano ($4, $5 for iced), Flat White ($5), Café Latte ($5, $5.50 for iced), Cappuccino ($5, $5.50 for iced), and Mocha ($6.50 for both hot and iced). So the price increment of the cold drinks varies across the board depending on the drinks.

I had the Cold Brew White ($6.50) which had mild acidity and a pleasant finish, though the one thing that stood out was that it wasn’t as intense, rich, or full-bodied as some of the other coffees in the CBD. (@stormscape remarked his was “very acidic” though.)

My general impression is that the Raffles Place coffee drinkers generally prefer a stronger brews with richer flavour.

It is a cup of coffee I won’t mind having, but I am curious how it will stay ahead of the competition with many other familiar brands in the vicinity.

In time to come, there will be a specialty menu of Indonesian food such as Tahu Telur, Bakwan Jagung, Nasi Goreng, Bubur Ayam Jakarta, and Rendang.

I had a Lemon Drizzle Pound Cake, highly recommended by the barista for its sourness. While I found it generally an agreeable and moist cake, the tanginess and zesty-flavours did not surface as much as what I would have expected.

(There is 1-for-1 coffee though the staff wasn’t sure when it would last till. I have written to them, and shall wait for their reply to update.)

Tanamera Coffee & Roastery Singapore
30 Raffles Place, Change Alley #01-12/13, Singapore 048622
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 3pm (Sat), Closed Sun

Other Related Entries
Flash Coffee (Oxley Tower)
LUNA Patisserie (Amoy Street)
Kurasu (Waterloo)
Parallel Coffee Roasters (Duxton Hill)
Cupping Room Coffee Roasters Singapore (Takashimaya)

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

[Hong Kong] As Hong Kong and Singapore are planning to open an “air travel bubble” (if COVID-19 numbers remain low on both sides), Singaporeans who feel trapped can hold their hopes high for travelling really soon.

That means residents are likely to be able travel between Singapore and Hong Kong WITHOUT requiring quarantine or restrictive control measures.

Also, there won’t be restrictions on travel purpose, as previously visitors could only travel for business to specific countries.

However, travellers have to fly on designated flights that only serve these “travel-bubble” passengers.

A COVID-19 test will be carried out for travellers, but it hasn’t been decided what form it would take yet. (Meanwhile, you can also check out this post: 100 Reasons To Miss Hong Kong – Exclusive Promotions With Hong Kong Food Brands In Singapore)

So you can start doing your Hong Kong food plans, starting with Central 中環 which is the central business district of Hong Kong (across Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui_.

It is crammed with skyscrapers and swanky malls such as the IFC, known for its nightlife at Lan Kwai Fong, trendy restaurants at SoHo, and old-school eateries near the Mid-Levels.

There is certainly no lack of food choices here. You get an Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants on one side, and a Da Pai Dong (street side stall) a short walk away.

However, note that popular places such as the large Tsui Wah has ceased operations of its Central Wellington Street location, and Little Bao has also closed its Central outlet.

Here are some possible considerations:
– Man Wah – Michelin Dim Sum at Mandarin Oriental
– Luk Yu – Traditional dim sum and teahouse
– Breadstreet Kitchen and Bar – Famous Gordon Ramsay bistro
– Yu Ye Desserts – Da Pai Dong serving noodles and old-school desserts
– Mak’s Noodle Restaurant (Chung Kee) – The other Mak’s Noodle (by another relative)
– Emack & Bolio’s – Instagrammable Ice Cream Cones
– Butao Ramen – Michelin Recommended Ramen, one of Hong Kong’s best
– Zagin Soba – Highly raved Ramen shop
– Ho Lee Fook – Hipster, modern Hong Kong restaurant-bar
– Cupping Room – Third Wave Coffee popular with CBD crowd
– %Arabica – Well-known Japanese coffee chain
– Tim Ho Wan at IFC – Inexpensive Dim Sum
– Ronin – Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant
– Amber at The Landmark Mandarin – Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant
– 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana – Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant, 3 Michelin Stars

The following 12 places are more suited for first or second time travellers to Hong Kong, as it includes more of the “must-visit” food places which can be slightly ‘touristy’.

Kau Kee 九記牛腩
21 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong (15-20 min walk from Central or Sheung Wan MTR)
中環歌賦街21號地舖
Tel +852 2850 5967
Opening Hours 12:30pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun, PH and Lunar New Year period for 10 days
Google Maps -Kau Kee 九記牛腩

Popular Beef Brisket Noodles Institution
The 90 plus year old Kau Kee at Gough Street has become the ‘must-visit’ restaurant for beef brisket noodles, included into many foodies’ bucket list.

Despite looking kind of run-down, the noodle shop is on the Michelin recommended “Bib Gourmand” list for several years, with celebrity patrons from Chief Executive of Hong Kong Donald Tsang to award-winning actor Tony Leung.

On its menu: Beef Brisket, Slices or Tendon in Broth, Curry, and Oyster Sauce, with choices of Rice Noodle, E-Fu, Flat Noodle or Vermicelli, ranging generally from HK$35 to HK$76.

Most customers would go for the Beef Brisket With E-Fu Noodle In Broth (HK$55) or Beef Tendon Noodles In Curry (HK$55) – which can be described as rich and oily, but full on in flavours and spiciness. Kau Kee 九記牛腩 (Central, Hong Kong)

Mak’s Noodle 麥奀雲吞麵世家
G/F, 77 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong (Central MRT, exit at D2 exit, walk along Wellington St)
Tel: +852 2854 3810
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Mak’s Noodle

Hong Kong’s Most Famous Wanton Noodles
There are many Maks found in Hong Kong – Mak Chung Kee, Mak An Kee, Mak Siu Kee, and Mak Man Kee, all opened by descendants and disciples by the elder Mak.

Mak’s Noodle at Central is the only branch where Mak An, Mak Woon-chi’s son worked in.

You may need to note that the serving bowls are very small, tinier than a rice bowl.

The small bowls are said to keep the noodles from going soggy, costing a pricey HKD36 (SGD6.30).

The noodles were springy thin, as though they could go through needles. The soup base made of powdered dried shrimp, flounder and pork bones made a punch.

However, regulars have feedback that it used to be much better. Mak’s Noodles 麥奀雲吞麵世家 (Central, Hong Kong)

Tsim Chai Kee 沾仔记
98, Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong (near Central Mid-Levels escalators)
Tel: +852 2850 6471
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Mon – Sun, closed 4 days during Lunar New Year)

Michelin Bib Gourmand Ping Pong Wonton
Tsim Chai Kee 沾仔记 has earned its due by being categorised as “Bib Gourmand”, which translates in Michelin language as “inspector’s favourite for good value”.

Tsim Chai Kee served just noodles with three different toppings – shrimp wonton, beef slices, or/and fish ball. Opt for the all-in-one Three Toppings Noodle. All in for HKDD34 (SGD5.80).

The shrimp wontons at Tsim were a class of its own – fresh chunky prawns (two per dumpling) and minced pork packed into a big ping pong sized dumpling that gave a tasty crunch on every bite. Tsim Chai Kee 沾仔记

Yat Lok 一樂燒鵝
G/F, 34-38 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2524 3882
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs Sat), 10am – 5:30pm (Sun). Closed Wed
Google Maps – Yat Lok

Michelin Starred Roast Goose Restaurant
One swift look at “Hongkong Top Roast Goose”, and you will have Yat Lok 一樂燒鵝appearing in almost every publication.

The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star consecutively for a number of years, also featured in Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations” Hongkong episode.

One can choose their choice of meat and their choice of carb, for instant BBQ Pork & Goose with rice comes at HKD58 (SGD10.04), with noodles will be HK$56 (SGD9.69).

A plate of two of the following: Roast Goose, Roast Pork, BBQ Pork or Soya Sauce Chicken will cost you HKD165 (SGD28.56). You can order a whole Roast Goose, half or a quarter.

Half a roast goose will be HKD290 (SGD50.20) while the lower quarter – the quarter containing drumstick comes at HKD175 (SGD30.29).

The star of the show here was in the paper-thin crisp skin, underneath which you would find a layer of fat and the tender goose meat.

A plate of plum sauce was served to accompany the roast goose; the slight sweetness and acidity of the sauce balanced out nicely against the richness of the meat. Yat Lok 一樂燒鵝 (Central, Hong Kong)

Yung Kee Restaurant
32-40 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong 中環威靈頓街32-40號
Tel: +852 2522 1624
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Sun, except 1st 3 days of CNY)

Famed Roast Goose Restaurant
The Chinese restaurant which had humble beginnings as a dai pai dong on Kwong Yuen West, rose to fame for its roast goose and could sell as many as 300 whole birds per day.

Yung Kee was once named the Top 15 Restaurants in the World by Fortune Magazine, Asia’s Top 20 Restaurants by Miele Guide, and held one Michelin Star in 2009. But that didn’t last long.

Like a TVB Hong Kong family drama, a family dispute over money and relationships caused much conflicts and eventual lowering standards of the restaurant.

I remember the good old days where some would actually bother to ta-bao back the roast all the way from Hong Kong, and there were long queues and waiting times for the succulent ducks with crispy glossy skin.

And I was a huge fan of their preserved eggs, which creamy and tasty, were like none other ever tried. Yung Kee still receives many diners, though not as many as during its heydays.

The Chairman 大班樓
18 Kau U Fong, Central, Hong Kong (Central MTR Exit E2, 15 min walk, Find Lan Kwai Fong Hotel, Walk straight down and you will find the restaurant on your right)
Tel: +852 2555 2202
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

One Of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
The Chairman Restaurant 大班樓 has gained a reputation of presenting quality Cantonese food, light and delicately, with some modern interpretation.

The kitchen takes pride in their food: Looking at small local suppliers for produce, using organic vegetables as far as possible, no MSG (kudos for a Cantonese restaurant), using homemade sauces. They own a small farm at Sheung Shui.

A tasting menu for two is HKD598 per person. If ala carte is your way, their signatures are Steamed Fresh Flowery Crab with Aged ShaoXing Wine (seasonal price), Braised Spare Ribs with Preserved Plums in Caramelized Black Vinegar (HKD198), and The Chairman’s Soy Sauce Chicken (HKD178). The Chairman Restaurant 大班樓

Lan Fong Yuen 蘭芳園
2 Gage Street Central, Hong Kong (MTR Sheung Wan Exit E2 or Central)
中環結志街2號
Tel: +852 2544 3895
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 6pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Traditional Hong Kong Cha Chaan Teng
Lan Fong Yuen is most famous for two items: Pork Chop Burger (HKD44 with a drink, HKD2 extra for iced drinks) and ‘Silk Stockings’ Milk Tea (HKD16).

They are said to be the creator of the pantyhose milk tea (wonder how they even got it started) so it is the must-have here, even if it may not be the best.

They have been established for more than 50 years, started as a ‘Dai Pai Dong’, thus the inconspicuous shop entrance.

Tip: You are likely to walk past and miss it. Look for the shop sign ‘Lan Fong Yuen’ and walk all the way inside. Don’t assume it is closed even though it looks like it. Lan Fong Yuen 蘭芳園 (Central, Hong Kong)

Sing Heung Yuen 勝香園
2 Mee Lun Street, Central, Hong Kong (Sheung Wan MTR)
Tel: +852 2544 8368
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Famous Tomato Noodle Soup From One Of Hong Kong’s Most Iconic “Dai Pai Dong”
Here’s what so special about Sing Heung Yuen 勝香園: It is a “Dai pai dong”, an open-air venue stall which dates back to 1957, specialising in (Nissin) instant noodles in tomato broth.

Irene Li Oi-lin, who is the second-generation owner of this place, has started working here when she was just 15 years old.

Sing Heung Yuen’s signature tomato noodle soup is a simple dish, basically a mixture of instant noodles, canned tomatoes, freshly cooked tomatoes, topped with various ingredients.

The noodles are cooked in broths with different flavours, and tomato puree and soup is added in the end.

You can choose the type of noodles such as instant noodles, rice noodles or macaroni, added with sides of ham, luncheon meat, sausage, bacon, eggs, pork chop, chicken wings or sliced beef.

Each bowl ranges from HKD27 (SGD4.75, USD3.45) to HKD36 (SGD6.30, USD4.60), making it an inexpensive meal in the heart of the city. Sing Heung Yuen 勝香園 (Central, Hong Kong)

Tai Cheong Bakery Hong Kong
35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong (10 min walk from Exit C, Hong Kong MTR Station)
中環擺花街35號地下
Tel: +852 8300 8301
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 7:30pm (Mon – Sun))

Famous Hong Kong Egg Tarts Shop
The popular Tai Cheong Bakery 泰昌餅家 at Lyndhurst Terrace, Central Hong Kong started way back in 1954, and is famed for its one-of-a-kind egg tarts.

The Dessert Chef Mr Au Yeung created this unique cookie-based tarts, filled the shells with thick egg liquid, and kept them baked for 13 minutes. Fresh.

Their egg tarts came with smooth bright yellow egg custard, seated inside crumbly fragrant buttery crust.

I recommend getting them freshly baked, and eat them warm right outside the store! (super shiok especially when the weather is cold.) Tai Cheong Bakery (Central, Hong Kong

Lin Heung Tea Room 蓮香樓
162 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong (Sheung Wan MTR Exit E2)
Tel: +852 2544 4556
Opening Hours: 6am – 5pm (Mon – Sun)

Dim Sum War-zone
No matter how much I tell my friends to get mentally ready for the Lin Heung ‘warzone’ experience, they never really are. If you do not speak Cantonese (or at least pu tong hua), and have no understanding of the dim sum trolley culture – good luck.

First things first, grab your seats or wait around like a vulture till you get some empty ones. You definitely have to share the table with complete strangers.

Dim sum ladies would come out pushing trolleys of food. For popular items like the cheong fun, this is a competition of fastest runner and fastest hands first.

The price is cheap, though quality nothing to shock about. It is probably one of the 10 things you must experience in Hong Kong if you are a foodie.

Note: Lin Heung Tea Room was supposed to close in 2019, but didn’t in the end. However, they do not offer dinner services any more.

Ming Bistro, Central
1/F, Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong
中環擺花街一號廣場一樓
Tel: +852 2180 0768
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Cute, Animal Dim Sum And Edible Mahjong Tiles
Ming Bistro attempts to stand out by giving the classic dim sum items a contemporary twist, focusing on attracting a more youthful customer base.

Therefore, expect the unexpected.

Think cute animal dumplings, chess piece cookies served on a chessboard, and edible mahjong tiles.

Abandoning the traditional Chinese restaurant look, even right down to the round table seating, the 80-seater restaurant has opted for a more modern and intimate seating arrangement – which is perfect if you do not enjoy being seated with strangers at “yum cha”.

I ordered the more photogenic-looking dim sum items, and the first dish that was served was the Deep Fried Milk Rolls (HKD48, SGD8.40).

They were really crunchy and the sweet milk custard filling tasted quite strong. Probably not for those who don’t enjoy strong milk-tasting dishes. Ming Bistro 名館 (Central, Hong Kong)

Chua Lam’s Pho 蔡瀾越南粉
G-1/F, 15-25 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2325 9117
Opening Hours: 10am – 12am (Mon – Sun)

Celebrity Food Critic Opens Vietnamese Pho Shop
The brainchild of Chua Lam 蔡瀾, renowned TV host, food critic and writer; it comes as no surprise that he decides to open a Vietnamese-themed restaurant as his first foray into the F&B business.

Word has it that the celebrity food critic has been a big fan of Melbourne’s Vietnamese eatery, Pho Dzung, and inherited the recipes from its owner who is also a friend.

I tried their Beef Pho with Raw Beef and Shank (HKD68, SGD11.90).

The broth leaned towards the sweeter side, and the noodles were a little thicker unlike the usual store-bought rice noodles due to the fact that the noodles are made fresh.

I appreciate establishments that make their ingredients from scratch rather than using commercialized ingredients and it is rare to find many places like that these days. Chua Lam’s Pho 蔡瀾越南粉 (Central, Hong Kong)

Other Related Entries
10 Must Eat Food In Hong Kong
10 Must Go Places In Hong Kong For Sweet Treats
10 Best Dim Sum Restaurants In Hong Kong
Tsim Chai Kee 沾仔记 (Hong Kong)
Mak’s Noodles 麥奀雲吞麵世家

Click HERE for other HONG KONG Food Entries

* Compiled by href=”https://www.instagram.com/DanielFoodDiary”>@DanielFoodDiary and DFD’s Hong Kong Correspondent @kara_the_explorer. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Shortly after the Dalgona Coffee craze, Garlic Bun the soft and fluffy bun filled with oozy cheese and bits of garlic toppings, has become the next trending item on Korean SNS.

Korean noodle restaurant Huluruk Myeon House has jumped on the bandwagon and opened a takeaway kiosk right at the exit of their restaurant, facing in the direction of the MRT station.

Smart move.

(Yup, there’s no need to scan the Safe Entry QR code to enter Junction 8 for takeaways from Korfe as the takeaway booth is not within the shopping mall itself.)

With just a small display shelf filled with 6 items from their menu, they are usually sold out pretty quickly as all pastries are made in small batches at different timings of the day.

Think Korean Garlic Bun, Injeolmi Redbean Bun, Matcha Cookie Bun, Nutella Cookie Bun, Almond Croissant and Butter Croissant.

And all priced at an opening promotional price of $2.

I actually made 3 separate trips down in order to get all 6 items as they do not have a fixed timing for each flavour, which can be pretty confusing for first timers trying to get their hands on their preferred breads.

Perhaps they can come out with a pastry box containing all 6 flavours for those who are interested.

I was told that “Garlic Bun will be ready in 15 minutes, the rest will be ready in half an hour’s time!”

So, do I have to start queueing now? The answer is “YES”.

If there is any particular bread that you are interested in, do join the queue even though the item are not on the shelves yet, because high chance it will be sold out by your turn as it happened to me twice.

As there was no limit on the number of purchases, my heart sank seeing people sweep quarter or half the tray at one go (yes, they only made one tray per batch), AND the person right in front of me took the last piece of everything.

Leaving me with nothing…

The service staff was nice and friendly, sounding apologetic and helpless when people waiting in the queue ended up empty-handed and had to wait even longer.

It is not difficult to understand why the Korean Garlic Bun ($2) would become popular of late – it had that sense of familiarity, also rather comforting with its pillowy-texture.

The buttery and fragrant buns were filled with smooth and velvety cream cheese and bits of savory onions for extra crunch and sweetness.

The outer crust was more chewy that resembled the garlic bread that we are familiar with with, sprinkled with bits of garlic crisps for the additional textures.

The Injeolmi Redbean Bun ($2) was my favourite among all, flavourful yet light on the palate. (I last had those at Our Bakery at Sinsa-dong and Café Onion Anguk at Jongno-gu, Seoul.)

Packed with 3 different types of textures, from the soft buns to the smooth and silky soybean cream and finally to the chewy mochi of the right balance.

There was slight sweetness that came from the sweetened soybean powder dusted on, as well as the layer of red bean at the bottom of the bun. Jinjja mashisoyo!

Both Matcha Cookie Bun ($2) and Nutella Cookie Bun ($2) come with two different textures – a soft bun with a layer of cookie crumble on top, mixed with chocolate chips.

Each bun is piped with generous amount of cream that can be really messy when you take a big bite, especially when the cookie crumble breaks apart easily.

I enjoyed the Matcha Cookie Bun ($2) more with a distinctive bitterness in the matcha which balanced well with the sweetness from the buns and cream.

Apart from buns, Korfe also offers Almond Croissant ($2), Butter Croissant ($2) and Dalgona (Hot $4.20, Cold $4.80) on their menu.

Both croissants are decent, flaky and buttery and probably keep you full while waiting for the buns.

Korfe
Bishan Junction 8, 9 Bishan Pl, #01-40, Singapore 579837
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

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Kreams (Maxwell Chambers)
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Chir Chir (Bugis Junction)
Gerill Bab (Ang Mo Kio)

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

The newest addition to NEWest (pun unintended) is the 15 seater-space, Simple Cafe 簡單 with Taiwanese cafe vibes.

If you are there, other food places in the same NEWest building at West Coast Drive include Pizza Arc, Hakata Japanese Restaurant, Bird Folks, Igokochi Dining Bar, Lazy Lizard, Lotus Garden Restaurant, Kim Eng Chicken Rice, Los Jefes Tacqueria, and Springleaf Prata Place.

With a few years of experience as home bakers after graduating from the now defunct-Le Cordon Bleu, Tokyo, co-owners Sheryl and Maisie have decided to open a brick-and-mortar shop.

Another friend of theirs will be the in-house barista.

The trio wanted to provide a straightforward and fuss-free space where people can enjoy a sweet treat in their homely and cosy space.

There is a certain charm to their simple interior, decked in wooden furniture pieces (zen mode on) in a compound with tall ceilings and hanging bespoke lights.

Can I say that I love their Chinese songs playlist which reminds me of Taiwan?

Now, I really do miss the time when we get to sing KTV.

(On that note of Taiwanese-sounding names, you can also check out Moments’ 木萌, September 玖月, Teabrary 小茶識, Katasumi Koohii 一隅珈琲, and well… R&B Tea 巡茶.)

With a specially curated menu completely different from the ones available previously for home bakes, their pastries are simple (like their name) and not complex such as Berry ($8.50), Bassion ($8) – this is not a spelling error, Mocha ($8), Mont Blanc ($9), Creme Caramel ($6), Pear ($6), Bagel (Original $3.50/ Blueberry Cream Cheese $4) and Vanilla/ Pandan Donut ($4.50).

I will say that the pastries are on the smaller and dainty side, mainly to target the Japanese crowd staying in the area.

The Berry ($8.50) is my favourite, a strawberry shortcake with alternating layers of fresh cream, strawberry bits and sponge cake.

Do not judge a book by its cover as I was initially skeptical about its look, totally covered with cream (scream calories).

And it turned out that the fresh cream was the highlight, light and fluffy without feeling jelak (rich), similar to the ones I had in Japan.

Even the design of the pastries are simple, and I had trouble choosing one that is the most IG-worthy – Bassion ($8), a combined name for Banana and Passionfruit.

The Passion is a tart made of a layer of fresh whipping cream on top of the passionfruit curd, banana compote, banana sponge in a tart crust.

Perhaps there are just too many good tart shops around, this tart base turned out not as refined, slightly dry and brittle and lacks the buttery fragrance.

The citrus punch from the passionfruit and subtle banana did complement well with one another though.

The Mocha ($8) is worth a mention, a strong and intense chocolate cake with a cookie crumble base and a Dollop of espresso cream sprinkled with cocoa powder.

The chocolate infused with espresso is strong and intense, with texture almost like a brownie and not cloyingly sweet.

Their drinks menu is extensive, ranging from Espresso-based drinks in both Black ($5, Iced $5.50) and White ($5.50, Iced $6), Mocha/ Chocolate/ Uji Matcha ($6, Iced $6.50) to Tea ($5, Iced $6) such as Roasted Oolong, Osmanthus Oolong, Peach Sencha, Earl Grey and Japanese Sencha.

Using PPP Coffee’s Throwback 2-beans-blend from Brazil and Guatemala, the espresso based drinks have a chocolatey and nutty taste.

I enjoyed my glass of Iced Uji Matcha ($6.50), smooth and fragrant, with umami-ness from the distinctive vegetal notes.

Simple Cafe does have its charm for providing a space and treat that is not too complex or sophisticated that is perfect for a short respite.

Simple Cafe 簡單 。
NeWest, 1 West Coast Drive, #01-87, Singapore 128020
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 8.30pm (Tue – Sun), Closed Mon

Other Related Entries
Moments’ 木萌 (Serangoon)
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Teabrary 小茶識 (Esplanade Xchange)
Katasumi Koohii 一隅珈琲 (Bukit Pasoh)
R&B Tea 巡茶 (SMU)

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

A new contemporary Japanese omakase restaurant, Ginza Shinto, hits the Mohamed Sultan area.

You may not find the words “contemporary” and “omakase” in the same line often in Singapore, so come expecting some twists and creative streaks in many of the items.

Truffle oil here, roasted crisp rice puffs there, a touch of edible flowers, and many secret ingredients.

This upscale minimalist space is housed in a conserved heritage shophouse near Robertson Quay, making it ideal for a relaxing Japanese meal.

Walking in, I found the restaurant very elegantly done up, looking sleek yet with serene vibes at the same time.

I think the décor delivers the name really well, as the concept combines “Ginza”, the vibrant and bustling modern city life; and “Shinto”, the entrance to sacred shrines in Japanese culture.

Helmed by Chef Ron Newton Leo (with experiences from Pine Tree Club, Nogawa Restaurant, Tatsuya, Ginza Yoshihiro), Ginza Shinto offers sushi and omakase menus that changes on a bi-weekly basis.

Freshly imported produce is sourced across Japan, while seafood comes mainly from Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo.

Depending on the season, some items are also sourced from the markets in Hokkaido and Osaka.

Diners can choose from three omakase menu selections for dinner: 5-Course ‘Gin’ Menu ($150), 8-Course ‘Ginza’ Menu ($220), and 9-Course ‘Shinto’ Menu ($300).

Each course begins with appetiser-style dishes and builds up with a series of sashimi, sushi, and cooked food items, and dessert.

Do reserve early to take one of the spots in the highly sought-after bar counter seats, where you can watch the chefs live in action.

Here are some of the dishes I have tried from the 8-course Ginza Omakase Menu: (Note: items change depending on the season.)

Zensai – Appetiser
The omakase meal started off with an appetizing mix of shiro ebi (baby white shrimps), sujiko (salmon roe), caviar, and Bafun uni.

Similar to ikura, sujiko is also salmon roe but sweeter in taste, darker in colour.

When I asked Chef Ron why he used sujiko instead of the ikura, he mentioned that sujiko comes in the egg sac rather than individual eggs. He would wash and marinate the sujiko with a house-made sauce, so diners would not get the usual fishy or salty taste which distracts from the other ingredients.

Uni lovers will adore this topped with bright orange Hokkaido-sourced Bafun uni, a richer and creamier version of the sea urchin.

Sashimi – Assorted Raw Fish
I had two courses of sashimi, starting with a Botai Ebi (prawn) and Hotate (scallop) item.

The delectable texture and sweet flavour of Botan Ebi complemented with the firm-textured, rich and sweet in flavour Hokkaido giant scallop wrapped in seaweed.

Chef added a little truffle salt and lime for a pop to their simple, delicate flavours.

I was also presented a dual raw fish dish, with the Kanpachi aka Japanese amberjack – a yellowtail fish known for its light golden-coloured and succulent flesh.

Buttery and smooth with a smoky flavour like the Toro/m> that accompanied it.

It takes a great level of skill to serve the Toro (underbelly of tuna) as sashimi. While there is accompanying soy sauce, you can always eat the Toro on its own to appreciate its delicate flavours.

Yakimono – Grilled Dish
Seasonal fishes served here can include the Mackeral, Ayu or Ibodai – Japanese Butterfish aka Pacific rudderfish is a marine fish with some smokiness and tasty meat perfect for a yakimono.

The butterfish is known for its pure white, rich, buttery meat that could just remind you of codfish.

Agemono – Fried Dish
This agemono or deep-fried dish features the Anago, a type of Japanese seawater eel.

Stronger in fishy taste and less fatty than the Unagi, it is suitable tempura-ed in a light and savoury batter and fried ‘til crisp.

Interestingly, there was no tempura sauce provided, but minimally accompanied with truffle salt and edible flowers.

Nimono – Braised Dish
Prepared using nimono (“ni” = simmered; “mono” = things) a popular Japanese home cooking technique, this handmade ebi-shinjo (shrimp ball) is simmered slowly in a shiru or light dashi broth.

Made from fresh prawns, the chunky shrimp ball is served topped with tender, flaked Alaskan crab, leek (for the crunch), caviar and tiny specks of gold foil.

Sushi
For the 8-Course ‘Ginza’ Menu there would be three sushi pieces; while the 9-Course ‘Shinto’ Menu offers five.

Compared with Edomae-style sushi which is more commonly found here, do expect some creative touches in the Ginza Shinto’s sushi.

I started with Engawa Sushi (collagen-rich part of the flounder located near the fin) with chewy texture along with an oil-rich flavour; the other special part being the shio kombu which added that touch of umami-ness.

This was followed by a lightly-seared Scallop Sushi topped with foie gras which gave that buttery-ness.

Moving on to a crescendo, was a hand nigiri sushi aptly named “Forget Me Not”.

This incorporates mini roasted, crisp rice puffs (again, not commonly seen in Singapore) with negitoro (minced fatty tuna) uni and a thick slab of rice.

So, why “Forget Me Not”?

You are supposed to take the sushi off the Chef’s hand right after making, and this mix of ingredients would give it wonderful flavour and textural contrast to makes this sushi truly unforgettable.

Soup
Soothe yourself with the comforting warmth of this double-boiled seafood soup.

Served with chunks of tuna belly, this fish soup is enriched with umami flavours from the added maitake aka “dancing mushroom” or “hen of the woods”

Fun-fact: a perennial fungus native to North-eastern Japan, maitake is one of the major culinary and medicinal mushrooms in Japan.

If you are looking at a quick lunch meal instead, Executive lunch sets such as Sashimi Sushi ($48), Unagi Tempura ($40), Gindara Tempura ($38) and more are available.

All are served with chawanmushi, rice, soup and dessert.

Otherwise, go for the Ginza Shinto’s specially created Donburi rice bowls with an option of 10 assorted variants that are also served with chawanmushi and miso soup.

These include Kaisen Don ($45), Negitoro Don ($40), Bara Chirashi Don ($40), Unagi Don ($35), Gyu Don ($35), and Ten Don ($30).

If you intend to splurge a little, then go straight for the Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Donburi ($85) with melt-in-the-mouth beef slices, combined with the creaminess of cooked egg and fragrance of truffle oil.

Negitoro Ikura Uni Don ($55)
Savour a mix of premium treasures of the sea in this elegant rice bowl.

Made with Japanese short grained rice, this don is spruced up with a layer of reddish-orange ikura (fresh salmon roe), followed by fatty negitoro (minced tuna belly) and laden with a dollop of ikura (sea urchin) and caviar.

You would still find little surprises within, such as the crunch of chopped leeks within the soft and silky textured negitoro.

Each don order comes with hot miso soup and a silky custard side dish of chawanmushi.

Enjoy the Negitoro Ikura Uni Don with a Grand Opening Special price of $35. Only available for weekdays lunch dine-in, while stocks last.

Ginza Shinto
No. 5 Mohamed Sultan #01-01 Singapore 239014
Tel: +65 8938 8355, +65 6970 8355
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 11pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun
https://www.facebook.com/ginzashintosg
https://www.instagram.com/ginzashintosg

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Ginza Shinto.

Mee Rebus is one of the iconic hawker noodles dishes in Singapore, of yellow noodles served with thick and spicy potato-based gravy.

“Rebus” means “to blanch” in Malay, and therefore “Mee Rebus refers to “blanched noodles”.

The ingredients of Mee Rebus are typically included with hard-boiled egg, bean sprouts, fried shallots, tau kwa (fried beancurd) and spring onions.

This listicle was slightly harder to write than the usual hawker guides due to the similarity in ingredients and preparation method of varied stalls; and many stalls sold a fair number of items other than just Mee Rebus – making it harder to ascertain if Mee Rebus is indeed their ‘best’ product.

Due to the richness and starchiness of the dish, I also needed to space apart having them, sometimes returning to have a second taste.

Other than the usual famous Mee Rebus stalls, I have also included a couple of under-the-radar ones, and they were surprisingly noteworthy. Enjoy!

Yunos N Family (Ang Mo Kio)
724 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, Singapore 560724
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

It took me a while to decide which Mee Rebus I should put at the top of this list (since there are all very close), but Yunos N Family is that one plate I would most like to have again.

With a history of over 39 years of scrumptious goodness, this stall had a humble start at Hashtings Road before moving to Ang Mo Kio during 1979. The recipe and taste of their dishes are said to have remained unchanged since the good old days.

The Mee Rebus can be added with several options of meats such as chicken, wing, drumstick, ekor (oxtail) and babat (tripe). The stall also serves well-grilled satay, and this is another item you should include for a heartier meal.

On the note of satay, do order the Mee Rebus Tarik ($4.80) which includes satay sauce and meat. “Tarik” means “pull” in Malay, and so three sticks of satay would be ‘pulled’ into the sumptuous bowl.

When you get that bowl of Mee Rebus with indulgent thick and nutty gravy with a touch of sweetness, you know you are in for a good treat. I found the gravy smooth yet multi-layered, departing from just an ordinary bowl.

Inspirasi
208B New Upper Changi Road, #01-11. Singapore
Tel: +65 6589 8494
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Inspirasi at Bedok Interchange Food Centre has running successfully since the 1970s. The stall is famous for its delicious Malay fare and a long line of devoted customers that you just cannot avoid, but hungry fans should just stick through.

The stall is known for its Mee Rebus, Soto Ayam, Mee Soto and Chicken Porridge, all super affordably priced at $2.50. These are hard to find prices. Add bergedil (fried potato) for extra 50 cents.

While the queue may be long, the stall clears the line quite fast.

Okay, I LOVE the Mee Rebus here for that consistency in the gravy. Top-notch with lots of flavours going on from savoury, sweet to spicy, added with fresh cut chopped green chillies for that refreshing kick.

Some customers may feel it may not be that worth the hype, but must also remember you are getting this for only $2.50.

Queenstown Lontong
1A Commonwealth Drive, #01-21 Tanglin Halt Food Centre Singapore 141001
Tel: +65 9182 2189
Opening Hours: 7am – 2pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat, Sun

Of all the popular Malay food stalls listed here, perhaps Queenstown Lontong is the least talked about on social media.

One of the reasons is because it is located at the quieter side of Tanglin Halt Food Centre, but its line early mornings don’t lie as well.

Boasting a business since the 1960s, Queenstown Lontong won’t disappoint with its delicious recipe passed down through 3 generations.

While the stall says “Lontong”, they also serve up Nasi Lemak ($3), Mee Rebus ($3), Mee Siam ($3), Laksa ($3), Mee Soto ($3), and Soto Ayam ($3).

The presentation was not quite like the others, and the gravy was rich, robust, and came piping hot. Another plus point was their home-made sambal with ikan billis that added a beautiful touch of sweetness.

I also need to talk about its Bergedil. Instead of the typical flat round shape, you get two deep-fried potato balls with fluffy fillings. How lovely.

Rahim Muslim Food
#01-01, 453A, Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, Chong Boon Market, Singapore 560453
Tel: +65 9786 7362
Opening Hours: 12:30pm – 7pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

The stall is currently operated by the third generation of hawkers, and has been around for over 60 years.

Call it the social media snow-ball effect, but it has been frequently featured of late, recommended on Makan Kakis on Gold 905 and Night Owl Cinematics rating this 3 Stars “Food King Good”.

So little note: you will be welcomed by long queues and perhaps tedious wait here.

There are three types of Mee Rebus served: the “Normal” ($3.50), “Power” with egg and cut chicken ($4.50), or “Extra Special” with chicken drumstick ($6).

All come with special satay sauce added.

I loved the huge portion (very filling) topped with succulent chicken and egg drenched in lip-smacking thick potato gravy with that element of roasted nuttiness.

Not so sure about the chicken which had some turmeric flavour, but overall could be on the blander side.

(My Ang Mo Kio friend and I who tried both famous Mee Rebus stalls in AMK concurred that while both added satay sauce, the mixture of flavours seem to work better at Yunos.)

Afandi Hawa & Family Mee Rebus
14 Haig Rd, #01-21, Singapore 430014
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 8pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Sun), Closed Wed

Be prepared for a delightful serving of Mee Rebus with crab, mutton and shrimps.

While you may not find these ingredients within your plate, they impart those complex flavours and umami-ness to the gravy. Well, you may find some mutton strips.

This rather-famous hawker stall is located at Haig Road Market & Food Centre, and is known for Malay dishes.

The signature Mee Rebus ($3) I had was inexpensive yet scrumptious, with the standout element for me even before diving in for a spoonful was the thickness of its gravy.

The potato starch gravy added an appetizing richness to the dish, without being overly heavy. Possibly the best plate you can find at this part of Singapore.

P&Z Eating House
1 Changi Village Road, Singapore 500001
Opening Hours: 7:30pm – 4pm (For Mee Rebus), – 9pm (For Other Food)

How many places in Singapore dare to claim they sell the “Best Mee Rebus In Singapore”?

P&Z refers to Pat and Zara, the two women who are the pillar of support to this shop.

The shop used to be located at Geylang, but have moved to opposite Changi Village Food Centre. (Take note that while Google states the shop closes at 9pm, the Mee Rebus is sold out by 3 to 4pm. I found it out the hard way after travelling across half the island for this.)

The Mee Rebus ($3.50) had rather thick and earthy tasting gravy, with a spice kick that would hit you towards the end.

There was no fanciful ingredients added, but the magic is in that old-school familiar taste of the sauce. The other thing was that the noodles didn’t have the strong alkaline taste, and was well-cooked with softness.

Selamat Datang Warong Pak Spari
Adam Road Food Centre #01-09, 2 Adam Road, Singapore 289876
Opening Hours: 7:45am – 9pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

It is not often you find a stall specializing in just Mee Soto and Mee Rebus, and Selamat Datang Warong Pak Spari is probably where you need to head down if you love Mee Soto.

Items served included Mee Soto ($3.50), Bee Hoon Soto ($3.50), Mee Rebus ($3.50), Sup Ayam or Chicken Soup ($5.50), Sup Babat or Beef Tribe Soup ($6.50), and Bubur Ayam Chicke Porridge ($3.50). Top up with a Bergedil (deep-fried potato cake) at a dollar.

The recommended is the hearty bowl of Mee Rebus ($3.50) which comes with cut green chillies, coriander, fried shallots and a whole egg.

The thick gravy is also on the spicier side, and a dash of sambal kicap (spicy sweet soy sauce dip) gave the flavours a whole new dimension.

Siti Nur Liyana
Adam Road Food Centre #01-14, 2 Adam Road, Singapore 289876
Opening Hours: 6:30am – 10pm (Mon – Wed, Fri – Sun), Closed Thurs

A competitor of the above-mentioned stall at the Adam Road Food Centre offers you a trip down memory lane with traditional and comforting flavors.

There are those who head down here for the Nasi Lemak instead of the other two famous stalls.

Also available are Mee Siam, Lontong (both only for breakfast), Mee Soto Ayam, Tahu Goreng, Mee Bandung, and Mee Rebus. (I saw a lot of people ordering the Mee Rebus and therefore I was curious.)

The Mee Rebus ($3) had a scrumptiously thick gravy with a pleasant sweet-nutty taste. Plus, it was served hot such that you could see steam coming out as you lift the noodles up.

With just the right balance of spices, the heavenly sweet potato cake aka Bergedil ties the flavours nicely with garnishing of fried shallots, tofu, green chili and celery.

I found that the noodles were also cooked to the softer side, which gels in better with the sweet gravy.

Suhaime’s
Geylang Bahru Market and Food Centre, #01-2879, Blk 69 Geylang Bahru, Singapore 330069
Opening Hours: 6am – 3:30pm (Mon, Wed – Sun), Closed Tues

You may have noticed the words “Trade Mark” and “inheritors of Geylang Lorong 1 Mee Rebus” on the signboard at this stall.

The recipe is said to be from a previously-famous street stall at Geylang Lorong 1, and the current owners chose not to take short cuts in the cooking.

The Mee Rebus ($3) came with the usual ingredients of yellow noodles accompanied with boiled egg, tau pok, bean sprouts, fried shallots, and spring onions.

Of all the plates I ordered for this listicle (more than 15 of them), this came the most piping hot, though I was looking for some accompanying chilli as I couldn’t find any.

The consistency was neither too thick nor watery – comforting plate, but I felt it could do with more robust flavours or a spicier take to make it more memorable.

Delicious 美味 Mee Rebus, Mee Siam, Lontong
7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #02-02 Tanjong Pagar Food Centre, Singapore 081006
Opening Hours: 7am – 3pm (Fri – Tues)

This stall at Tanjong Pagar Food Centre is known serve only three items, and you find fans for all these dishes of Mee Siam, Lontong and yes, Mee Rebus.

I found their wholesome bowl of Mee Rebus having homely childhood flavours, like the good-old one I had in my primary school.

Their Mee Rebus ($3) has a simple presentation with familiar flavours that could make you feel nostalgic again.

The dish contains generous amounts of bean curd, shallots, bean sprouts, green chilies and an egg.

I loved the consistency of the gravy that coated the yellow noodles nicely and made every spoonful truly slurp-worthy. Auntie also helped squeeze some lime over the noodles, which added that light touch of tangy flavour.

Note: they often sell out early.

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

A Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef Toastie for $7.70, Hamburg Steak from $9.50. Just so you know, “A5” is the highest grade given only to the finest Japanese beef.

Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg prides itself in specialising in premium quality Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef Hamburgs at inexpensive prices.

Newly opened at One Raffles Place at the ground level, the fast-casual restaurant is a sister-concept of Syohachi Yakiniku which originated from Hong Kong. (For Japanese beef lovers, the yakiniku specialty joint will open soon at Guoco Tower as well.)

So, why so affordable?

A reason why the brand can keep the wagyu prices low is because the brand holds an exclusive partnership with Japan’s award-winning Hidakami Ranch – located in Miyagi Ken, Sendai City in Japan.

This allows them access to exquisite cuts of Japanese A5 Wagyu beef at more competitive rates.

What exactly does “A5” mean for wagyu?

In short, “A” is superior, “B” is average, and “C” is inferior in the Japanese beef grading system.

The system looks at beef with 5 categories: marbling, meat colour and brightness, firmness and texture of meat, colour and lustre, and quality of fat.

For the numbers, “5” means “superior”, while a “3” would mean “conforming to standards”.

A maximum grade of 5 in each category is necessary to achieve the A5 ranking; even if 1 category falls short of that, the cut is deemed grade 4 or below. So it is very difficult to get a 5.

Diners can expect rich meaty flavour and mesh-like marbling from the beef at Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg which is imported directly from Miyagi Prefecture.

The menu is mainly divided into Hamburgs and Japanese Thick Toasts, but note that different items and combinations are served at the three time slots of the day – which can be slightly confusing for first timers. Here’s more:

Syohachi Japanese A5 Wagyu Hamburg Steak ($16.50 for set; no ala carte option, available from 11:30am onward)
Each Japanese A5 Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set comes with Japanese steamed rice with topped with Syohachi’s signature beef gravy, fresh mixed green salad, and seasonal Japanese pickles.

The star here are the Hamburg, freshly grinded in-house, hand-whacked to achieve that bouncy texture which also adhere to a “golden ratio” of fat to meat.

Diners may need to note that the Hamburg are only prepared à la minute, so do expect some waiting time. In the meantime, you can also get to observe the beef being grilled live over the glass panels.

While diners also cannot choose the level of doneness here, the pieces are charbroiled with a good level of smokiness, beautifully charred and almost-pink on the inside.

The taste was not as ‘beefy’ (you can see this in a good way) as what I would have expected, though the texture was juicy and described as “cuts through like butter”.

Some may find the Hamburg on the saltier side, so good to pair with the rice and salad.

All-in-all smooth and velvety, with rich taste that would linger on the palate.

Syohachi Japanese A5 Wagyu Petite Hamburg Steak ($9.50 for ala carte; $12.50 for set, set available from 8:30am onwards)
This is the petite version of the set, that comes with two smaller-sized patties. The set comes served with a fresh salad, seasonal Japanese pickles and crispy tater tots.

Would be suitable for those who prefer something lighter, and this doesn’t feel as meaty overall.

Syohachi Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef Toastie ($7.70 for ala carte, $10.70 for set)
So I will be honest here: I would come back for more for the Toasties, especially the Wagyu Beef Toastie.

Instead of a hamburg, you get grilled A5 wagyu beef patty sandwiched between two thick fluffy slices of white bread which is generously buttered.

You can choose to enhance their meals with add-ons such as honey baked ham, cheddar cheese, and an egg omelette, so I would recommend adding the omelette and cheese.

Every single slice of bread used are also freshly grilled with generous helpings of butter on the iron pan – on both sides, the style of preparation reminding me of the Korean-style sandwiches.

These are also prepared live on the spot upon order, which eat toastie taking about 7 to 8 minutes from start to finish. The effort.

For those who love conspicuous butter on your breads, this is for you. On the flipside, some may find this a tad ‘oily’.

I loved the feeling of hand holding that soft bread and biting through to the juicy beef.

Remember what I said about the beef being slightly on the saltier side? The bread (do add an egg) helps balance this out, making it a comforting, satisfying snack or meal to have.

The Toasties are available for ala carte and set during Breakfast (8:30am – 11:30am); Afternoon Tea & Dinner (2:30pm – 8:30pm)

Japanese Egg Omelette and Cheddar Cheese Toastie ($6.50 for ala carte; $9.50 for set)
No beef, but this is for those who won’t mind more oozy molten cheese. Therefore, I would say have this for dine-in rather than takeaway to experience that melty feeling.

This comes complete with fluffy omelette and sandwiched between the fluffy and buttery white bread. Not just your usual egg and cheese sandwich.

Chunky Peanut Butter with Condensed Milk Toastie ($5 for ala carte; $8 for set)
This Toastie combines crunchy peanut butter with creamy condensed milk, like what you would experience in a Hong Kong cha chaan teng style.

Good for a tea-time snack, though for first-timers just go for the beef.

Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg Opening Promotion – 23 – 25 Oct (Fri to Sun)
Enjoy 50% OFF with Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef promotion for both dine-in and takeaway.

Selected sets featuring their premium Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef will be on offer at different time periods:
– Breakfast (8:30am – 11:30am): 50% OFF Wagyu Beef Toastie Set
– Lunch (11:30am – 2:30pm): 50% OFF Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set
– Afternoon Tea & Dinner (2:30pm – 8:30pm): 50% OFF Wagyu Beef Toastie Set or Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set

T&C:
– Follow @syohachi_wagyu_hamburg on Instagram or Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg SG on Facebook for redemptions.
– Limited to one redemption per person.
– While stocks last.

Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg
Raffles Place, #01-01, One Raffles Place Shopping Mall, Singapore 048616 (next to Raffles Place MRT)
Tel: +65 6223 0755
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 8:30pm (Mon – Sun)
www.facebook.com/SyohachiWagyuHamburgSG

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg.

Walk pass this restaurant at Funan’s basement and you would often find a long line waiting to get in.

If you are craving for comfort, Ajumma’s is the place to go to for casual Korean dining in Singapore.

I think they got the correct name as it feels rather amiable (亲切) especially those who keep watching Korean drams. “Ajumma” in Korean means a married, or middle-aged woman, and sometimes can be translated as “aunt” or “grandmother”.

Offering casual Korean fare at wallet-friendly price points, Ajumma’s has something to warm your heart and your tummy, like a hot bowl of kimchi broth.

Alternatively, you can always pre-order takeaways for that added convenience.

They have got the staples like classic Korean street food, different cuts of meats, rice and noodle dishes, stews, and meal bundles that won’t hurt your wallet.

Signature items include Beef Kalbi ($14.90), Beef Bulgogi ($10.50), Crispy Samgyeopsal with creamy scrambled eggs and soy-yuja sauce ($13.90), Army Base Stew ($14.90), Kimchi Pork Belly Stew ($14.90), Ginseng Chicken Stew ($19.90), Bibimbap ($11.90), and Fried Chicken & Crispy Toppoki with Sweet-Spicy Sauce ($9.90).

If I were to recommend that one dish, it would be Ajumma’s Jjamppong ($17.90) which has a smoky aroma because the vegetables, seafood and aromatics are tossed into a hot wok before being simmered in a thick broth.

Even though I did a takeaway, I could feel that wok-hei within.

In addition to squid and mussels, they use flower crabs and prawn which contribute to a toasty seafood aroma to the broth.

This is accompanied with fresh hand-made noodles and finished with roasted sesame oil. Note: huge portion too.

Ajumma’s Jjajangmyeon ($11.90) contains a bowl of springy noodles accompanied with special Jjajang sauce, a combination of tender pork collar, black bean paste, vegetables, all fried into an aromatic paste.

For their signature Prime Beef Kalbi ($14.90), only USDA Prime Beef is used, marinated in an in-house secret sauce and grilled till smoky. Expect quality tender and succulent bone-less rib meat on your plate. Served with a stir-fried Kimchi Fried Rice fried with prawns and topped with roasted perilla seaweed.

The Kimchi Fried Rice ($12.90) is prepared with kimchi (the main star), shrimps, assorted herbs, and roasted Korean seaweed.

Served with a topping of fried egg with runny yolk, best to break and mix into your rice for an added silkiness.

Ajumma’s Best Seller Bundle ($35, available exclusive via via Capita3Eats) is highly recommended. Good for 2 persons, this set features their signature Prime Beef Kalbi, Kimchi Fried Rice with Prawns, and Fluffy Steamed Egg.

A bowl of fluffy steamed egg completes the set. This side dish is simple yet feels luscious with its creamy texture and a light clean broth flavour, punctuated with a whiff of sesame oil.

Ajumma’s
Funan B1-31, 107 North Bridge Rd, #B1-31 Funan Mall, Singapore 179105
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Order from: https://order.capita3eats.com/ajummas (FREE delivery with a min. spend of $30)

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I start this off by saying that I quite like D’Good Café and has probably recommended a couple of friends to the cafe.

D’Good Cafe has outlets in Holland Village and Jewel Changi Airport, while its other branch at Takashimaya Shopping Centre has closed after the lease ended.

The only thing is, in terms of branding and placement, D’Good Café may lack of that strong ‘personality’ that would give café-goers a strong recall value despite being around for a number of years.

Some diners may be curious about their new sister-brand called “Strait Place 1819 石叻坡” at VivoCity.

A friend asked me what “石叻坡” (shi le po) meant, which I replied, ”Didn’t you catch old local dramas such as 豆腐街?”, then I quickly realised our age gap.

Singapore was known as “石叻坡” by the Chinese, which is a direct translation from the Malay word “Selat” (Sit-lat) meaning “Strait”. The word “坡” means “place” while 1819 marks the birth of modern Singapore.

Ah, my Secondary 1 history lesson is all coming back to me now.

The 88-seat (how auspicious) Strait Place 1819 offers a fusion menu with a spin on local favourites. This concept may remind some of the likes of the Colonial Club Signatures at Paragon, and the defunct 1933 at Capitol Piazza.

Walking in, I saw traces of D’Good Café – the booth seats, garden-looking exterior and swings chairs. Which is probably quite disjointed with another part of the café which has more nostalgic Singapore elements.

If you are not familiar with D’Good Café at all, then a first-timer could be quite perplexed with Strait Place 1819.

The menu with a design of an exercise book also features both, and I took some time reading through as I was constantly surprised at its offerings.

Let’s not focus on the prices for now… there were Lobster & Crab Hokkien Mee ($21), Hainanese Chicken Roulade with Foie Gras ($17.50), Ribeye & Fish Hor Fun ($21), Black Garlic Bak Kut Teh on rice ($19), Unagi & Salmon Fried Kway Teow, and BCM (which stands for Bak Chor Mee) Capellini ($16).

One of those situations, in which I didn’t know what to order.

Remember “Mod-Sin”? Funny how that phrase is seldom used now.

I wanted to be safe and so got a Laksa Seafood with Pasta ($16).

Typically, laksa pasta out there are either creamier or dry with coconuty fragrance, but this was in between soupy and dry with a spicy gravy which needed some getting used to.

Unfortunately, the dish didn’t warm the cockles of my heart, as it was lined with sea hum which had a weird aftertaste. I do not mind my cockles in piping hot gravy, but not placed on top of luke-warm pasta.

The Strait Place Carrot Cake ($10) contained black fried radish cake, sandwiched between two crispy white radish cake. Let that sink in for the moment.

I think the dish was intriguing, and they must have put in a lot of effort in R&Ding all the other dishes.

The best item I had the meal was a Singapore Cendol Deutsch Skillet Pancakes, incorporated with Alchemy Fibre – high fibre, zero cholesterol and transfats.

This worked better as the pancakes tasted plainer and so balanced with the sweeter ingredients of ice cream, red bean and green pandan jelly.

With such an expansive menu, there is bound to be some café favourites, but there could be a couple of ‘risky’ items there that customers would inevitably compare with their favourite local versions.

Strait Place 1819
1 HarbourFront Walk, #02-111 VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

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

If you’ve been yearning to eat out for Singaporean delights, get ready – Ginger is back.

It has got a fresh botanical look and a new menu for its much-awaited reopening.

Inspired by the hues of ginger plant, Ginger’s redesigned 535-metre space dons a dainty colour scheme of pinks and greens.

Possibly the next most instagrammable dining destination in Singapore.

Natural elements like marbled table tops, rattan ceiling fans, handmade stone tiles, and timber flooring add textural contrasts to the floor-to-ceiling glass panels and specially commissioned floral wallpapers.

No less than award-winning Singapore-based Australian designer Emma Maxwell planned Ginger’s new contemporary look.

Fabric designer Kerrie Brown made sure all furniture textiles blend in with the elegant tropical-themed space, which may make you feel like you are out for a holiday in Bali.

Featuring an updated a la carte buffet, Ginger’s menu is developed by PARKROYAL on Beach Road’s resident award-winning culinary master Executive Chef Vincent Aw, who has more than 10 years of extensive culinary experience in the hospitality industry and is familiar face on cooking shows, magazines and newspapers.

A selection of over 53 dishes curates the best of Singaporean flavours, a mix of traditional South East Asian cuisines, and modern cooking techniques.

Dishes like the Slow-braised Beef Rendang, Signature Kueh Pie Tee, Singapore Laksa with River Prawns, Crispy Lamb Ribs with Thai Green Sauce, and Durian Pengat – and more await you at the all-day dining resto.

Oh, and crab lovers? Ginger’s popular Signature Crabs – Chilli, Pepper, Kam Heong, Salted Egg, will be there waiting for you.

Simply scan the QR code to view their digital menu, then select the dishes and number of servings you want.

Your orders (yes, all buffet items are free-flow) will arrive individually plated and served to your table. This is part of the new hygiene protocol by the hotel, so you can dine at ease.

For your business or social gatherings, safely book their private dining area and dine overlooking the scenic Kampong Glam neighbourhood.

Here’s a sneak peek on what you’ll be savouring at the brand-new Ginger Restaurant:

Signature Crabs
The much-loved Singapore Chili Crab is one of the favourites, known for its aromatic wok-hei and rich, spicy sauce.

What I loved about this dish was the sauce – thick and almost gooey, rather eggy with tinge of sweetness coming from the tomato ketchup. Some diners may feel this is on the sweeter side, and I agree that it can be slightly spicier.

Other than savouring the chunk-sweet crab flesh, do not forget about the deep-fried mantou to dip into the sauce.

Singapore Salted Egg Crab
Apart from the naturally sweet taste of crabs, this dish racks up points for its creamy, butter and aromatic salted egg yolk sauce. It can be hard to ignore that lip-smacking goodness.

The salted egg sauce is slightly grainy, enhanced with aromatic curry leaves.

Other than the above two, there are also Kam Heong Crab with Spring Onions (literally ‘dry fragrant’) stir-fried with curry leaves, curry powder, dried shrimp, shallots, garlic and chillies; and Black Pepper Crab with richly-flavoured sauce.

Starters – Dried Shrimp and Garlic Cheese Bun
The two starters available are Crisps and Crackers with Sambal, and Dried Shrimp and Garlic Cheese Bun.

The popular cheesy Korean bread takes a new spin as dried shrimp and garlic are added in as key flavouring ingredient. Together they impart a savoury-meets-spicy flavour and an enticing aroma to your soft baked bun.

Cold Appetisers – Sashimi Platter
Whet your appetite with fresh, chilled slices of Chilean Salmon, Tuna, or Octopus.

Prized for its mild, creamy taste, the salmon is sustainably sourced from Chile – known for producing consistently high-quality salmon perfect for the freshest sashimi.

Local Delights – Slow-braised Beef Rendang
Moving on to the “Local Kitchen” section, expect Hainanese Chicken Rice, Soy Poached Chicken Noodles, Roasted Duck, Assorted Roast Platter, Black Pepper Lobster, and Steamed River Prawns and with Garlic and Ginger Sauce.

Try the Slow-braised Beef Rendang – for its mildly-spicy yet rich and savoury taste.

Cooked for 24 hours to reach that melt-in-your-mouth softness, the meat used is Australian beef cheek.

This low-and-slow meat cut is ideal for braising in the flavourful aromatic rendang curry paste to keep it moist and tender.

The other recommended choice is the Crispy Lamb Ribs with Thai Green Sauce. What makes the meat tasty is the local spice blend (a secret recipe) used in marinating the ribs. The deep-frying process in hot oil makes it deliciously crispy outside yet tender and succulent inside.

Enjoy these finger-licking ribs dipped in a homemade Thai mint sauce, for a touch of sweet, spicy and minty fragrance.

BBQ – Sate Lilit
Fans of Ginger’s Singapore-style Satay will be please to know that they are still available with a choice of chicken or lamb.

Other barbecued delights include Classic Chicken Wings, BBQ Chicken Taliwang, Catch of the Day with Sambal, Squid with XO Sauce, and Thai River Prawn with Spicy Green Dip.

Sate Lilit, an Indonesian satay variant with Balinese roots, is a must-try new Ginger dish.

Instead of skewered meats, this is made from minced seafood wrapped around (“lilit” is Indonesian for “to wrap around”) a reed of lemongrass, then grilled over charcoal. The minced seafood is mixed with grated coconut, coconut cream, lemon juice, shallots and pepper.

Dab with the accompanying sweet black kecap manis sauce before taking a bite.

BBQ – Homemade Otah
Order this Southeast Asian delight made from spiced fish and shrimp paste wrapped and grilled in fragrant banana leaves.

This seafood is combined with a spicy curry mix, coconut milk, and more, then grilled to be transformed into a fragrant ‘cake’. One may not be enough.

Singapore Laksa with River Prawns
Don’t miss this Ginger signature, a staple local dish made more exciting by adding fresh river prawns.

This traditional Singaporean dish has bite sized rice noodles in a creamy curry and coconut milk-based broth, chockful with spices and seasonings.

To add heft to your bowl, they add fish cakes, bean curd, quail eggs and bean sprouts – and of course, the fresh river prawns which is the highlight.

Other comforting noodle dishes are the Homemade Penang Laksa, Rock Lobster Noodles Soup, or Curry Yong Tau Fu with Yellow Noodles.

Assorted Nyonya Kueh and Cakes
Get these bite-size treats such as Kueh Dadar, Kueh Kosui, Ondeh Ondeh Cake, Lemper Udang, Ginger Financier topped with Mandarin Orange, and Mini Pineapple Tarts served to your table.

End your feast with a signature dessert, Durian Pengat.

Savour a blend of luscious durian purée and gula melaka. The desiccated coconut and toasted crushed hazelnut toppings add crunch to your palate.

Chendol Ice Cream
Not over yet. Finish with a helping of Chendol Soft Serve Ice Cream, or Ginger and Honey Soft Serve (seasonal) in which fresh ginger gives this frosty treat a ‘warming’ touch.

Leaving you with sweet memories and a full tummy.

Ginger á la carte Lunch Buffet
Available: 12pm – 2:30pm (Sat, Sun, PH)
Adult: $48++ per person l Child (6 – 12 years) $24++

Ginger á la carte Dinner Buffet
Available: 6pm – 10pm (Wed – Sun, Eve of PH, PH)
Adult: $58++ per person l Child (6 – 12 years) $29++

Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road X DanielFoodDiary Buffet Promotion
– Get 25% OFF Ginger á la carte Lunch Buffet or Dinner Buffet. Quote “DFDGinger” upon reservations to enjoy discounts. Promo till 30th of November 2020.

Terms and conditions:
– Valid for dine-in only.
– Child prices apply to children 6 to 12 years old.
– Prior reservation is recommended. Quote “DFDGinger” during reservations to enjoy discount. Please call +65 6505 5710 or email dining.prsin@parkroyalhotels.com to make a dining reservation.
– Buffet menu items are on rotation basis and are subject to change.
– Prices are subject to service charge and Goods and Services Tax (GST).
– The hotel reserves the right to amend the menu or promotional details without prior notice.

Ginger
PARKROYAL on Beach Road, 7500 Beach Road, Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 6505 5710
Email: dining.prsin@parkroyalhotels.com
Opening Hours: Lunch 12pm – 2:30pm, Dinner 6pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Website: https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pr-beach-road/dining/ginger.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PARKROYAL.BeachRoad
Instagram: @parkroyalbeachroad

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with PARKROYAL on Beach Road.

Tittle Tattle is the newest cafe opened twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week; all the time at Selegie Road.

Yes, you read it right, it is opened for 24/7 daily.

WiFi checked, power sockets checked, opened all-day-all-night checked.

Hello students, you heard it right, Tittle Tattle welcomes you to dine and study there, with addition of 15% off all items on their menu (except alcohol) on weekdays 12 midnight till 4pm.

But remember to wear your masks when not consuming food.

Stepping inside, the 50-seater space is decked in a retro-themed layout with vintage leather furniture, red-bricked wallpaper, neon lights and a real Jukebox that plays vinyl record.

Wait, a Jukebox and vinyl record? Who else recognise one here?

I was intrigued because as a Millennial (*cough cough*), that was the first time I was seeing a functional Jukebox that played both classic Mandopop and English Pop songs in real life.

Tittle Tattle’s menu is pretty extensive with most items available all day except for alcohol that is prohibited after 10.30pm due to the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020.

Cafe-style brunch options such as Mr Avocado ($18), Smoked Salmon Egg Affair ($22), Beer Battered Fish & Chips ($19) and Australian Angus Grass-fed Striploin Steak ($26) are available.

The selection of Waffles caught my attention, with a total of 9 different options on their menu.

This ranges from the usual Waffle ($7), Single Scoop Ice cream $10.50, Double Scoops Ice Cream $13.50), Milo Dinosaur ($12), Mango Tango ($14), Salmon Mentaiko ($20), Cheddar Ham ($15) to Over-The-Top Tittle Tattle Disasters ($22).

Drinks menu include the Coffee ($4 – $7), Smoothie ($7.90 – $8.90), Tea ($5.90 – $7.90) and Coco Cola Mixers ($9.90).

I decided to order one savoury waffle which is the Salmon Mentaiko ($20), and one sweet version of Tittle Tattle Disasters ($22), which (unfortunately) took about 50 minutes to arrive.

In the meantime, do immerse in the classic songs playing from the Jukebox and explore the different #OOTD corners in the cafe to kill time.

My favourite of the two waffles is the Salmon Mentaiko Waffle ($20) with Japanese elements such as slices of Smoked Salmon drizzled with generous amount of Mentaiko Sauce, topped with a single sous vide egg.

The waffles were thick with a slight crispy on the edges, a chewy texture akin to a cake filled with eggy fragrance.

The savory and slightly spicy kick from the mentaiko sauce complemented the sweet, eggy waffles base, except that the smoked salmon slices seemed to be on the saltier side.

Just when I thought the the trend for Over-The-Top Milkshakes is over, Tittle Tattle offers their own version of Over-The-Top Waffles ($22) that comes with Macarons, Ice Cream Cone, Marshmallows, Kinder Bueno, Gem Biscuits, Rainbow Biscuit Wafers, Strawberries and a scoop of either Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream.

Strongly advise to share with your friends because the Tittle Tattle Disasters ($22) is no joke with the number of toppings on it.

There was a good mix of nostalgic old-school treats (Gem Biscuits, Rainbow biscuit wafers, Marshmallow) with trendy desserts (Macarons, waffles) that resonate with their retro-theme.

Tittle Tattle may be the next hotspot as they are opened 24 hours and a form of late night ‘entertainment’ for students and the young in Singapore. But listen… “Ah boy, ah girl, don’t stay out TOO LATE!”

Tittle Tattle
183 Selegie Road, #01-03, Singapore 188329
Opening Hours: 24 hours Daily

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