While understated and off-the-radar, Ryu’s Japanese Restaurant 柳 at Capitol Piazza has become one of my favourite new Japanese restaurants. So much so that I quickly texted my Japanese cuisine loving friend, “THIS!” and is already making plans to return.

Ryu has a small but strong team, led by Head Chef Yasuo Niizuma, and ‘Kantsukeshi’ (sake master) Hiroyasu Sakurma.

The tempura chef used to work at Tokyo’s famed Edo style tempura restaurant Tempura Yamanoue Roppongi, whose culinary skill is shown in a deceptively simple bowl of Tendon ($25).

The bowl is filed with 2 prawns and fresh-tasting vegetables, matched with crisp light and airy batter. It has been a long time since I last tasted tempura vegetables this crisp and almost ‘garden-fresh’.

I found the oil a wee bit too much, as every bite would leave that gleam on the lips.

Ryu’s Bara Chirashi Sushi Set ($45) is served in a traditional 3-drawer wooden ‘Okamochi’ box, which is hardly seen around here.

The sashimi slices of tuna, scallop, greater amberjack and shrimp were fresh-tasting, imported from Tsukiji Market, matched with sweet sticky sushi rice lined with roe, egg and marinated mushrooms.

Some of the rice can also be wrapped with seaweed provided into hand-rolls, and Chef (while looking stern like a typical Japanese master) was proactive enough to help us roll in up and offered tips on how it can be best eaten. (His English is not bad, having worked in New York for a period of time.)

The other two drawers contain grilled chicken with salad, and appetizers. So while the set seems slightly expensive, the number of items they offer makes it value for its money.

Omakase dinner set which includes appetizer, 3 types of sashimi, grilled fish, agemono deep fried dish, syokuji meal, cheese soufflé and dessert of the day is priced at $120 onwards. Additional 7 glasses of sake at $100.

Ryu’s Japanese Restaurant 柳
Capitol Piazza #01-87, 15 Stamford Road Singapore 178906 (City Hall MRT)
Tel: +65 6384 9087
Opening Hours: 12pm – 12am

Other Related Entries
6 Tasty Bowls Of Tendon In Singapore
Wagokoro Hide Yamamoto (Robertson Quay)
Hashida Garo (Mandarin Gallery)
Ginza Kuroson (Ngee Ann City)
ZAKU (Capitol Piazza)

The post Ryu’s Japanese Restaurant 柳 – Chirashi Set In An Okamochi Box With Drawers appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Yes, a subterranean mall with more than 40 choices of mouth-watering food.

Marina Bay Link Mall (MBLM) located beneath Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) has been a favourite among the office crowd around the CBD, with a variety of F&B shops located at Basement 2 as well as the Ground Plaza and MBFC Tower 1 and 3. Think Din Tai Fung, Absolute Thai, Standing Sushi Bar, PAUL, plus a number of F&B unique to them such as Level 33, Misaki, NUDE Seafood, Ola-Cocina Del Mar and Doutor Coffee.

If you make a trip down, you would know what I mean.Do you now MBLM is opened from 10 to 10 DAILY?

Friends working nearby also like to takeaway light bites such as salads, sandwiches and pastries back to office for a healthier lunch or treat for tea break.

Here are 5 places at Marina Bay Link Mall where you can enjoy such light bites.

Eighty Days #B2-67
Tel: +65 6634 2962
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon-Fri)
https://www.facebook.com/eightydayspizza

“Why are the pizzas so small?” That was my first reaction when I saw rows and rows of 3-4 inch wide pizzas on display. Initially, I wondered if it would be filling, but reversed that thought after my 3rd piece.

Inspired by the classic novel “Around the World in Eighty Days”, Eighty Days features unique bite-sized pizzas with flavours inspired from travels around the world.

My favourite was the Peking Duck Pizza ($3.90) with smoked duck and avocado on a light and crispy base, with its taste lifted by sweet Hoisin Sauce.

Other popular varieties include Oslo Salmon (smoked salmon with cheddar), Bangkok Rush (prawn, pork floss, pineapple), and our local representative Punggol Crab (crab, mozzarella, chilli crab sauce). Experience around-the-world tastes in delectable pieces.

For a healthy and filling meal, you can take away a Lunch Box ($6.90, $9.90, $12.90) which includes mixed salad, one carb and proteins such as salmon and teriyaki chicken.

Lamb Cupcakery #B2-61
Tel: +65 6509 8782
Opening Hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon-Sat), Closed Sun
https://www.facebook.com/lambcupcakery

Handcrafted in batches, made from scratch using quality ingredients such as pure Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, bittersweet Belgian chocolate, and sweet cream butter, Lamb Cupcakery offers some of the best cupcakes around in Singapore.

A few other reasons why I like Lamb Cupcakery – different special flavours available daily (for those who love variety), and there is a surprise element inside some of the cupcakes.

Take for example, the Coconut Mango ($4.30 each) with buttercream covered in shredded coconut, which has a fresh mango curd core within. The texture was moist, and the taste not overly sweet.

Handcrafted in small batches, some popular flavours such as Vanilla Hazelnut Chocolate gets sold out too fast, too early. Check out their daily specials here (http://lambcupcakery.com) if you do not want to be disappointed.

SSÄM #B2-45
Tel: +65 8571 0447 (For dinner and catering details)
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm (Mon-Fri)
https://www.facebook.com/ssam.est2014

Having just returned from New York, I was quite blown away by the food truck culture, especially those offering Korean-meets-Mexican tacos, burritos and kimchi rice bowls. Grubby and hearty.

Imagine my delight when I saw SSÄM, which offers this fusion of Korean and Mexican cuisine inspired by popular food trucks in the USA.

The Rice Bowl, with options of burritos and salads, is priced afford-ably from $7.50 to $9.00.

The serving comes with a choice of kimchi rice or cilantro lime rice, paired with a protein such as pork belly and shoulder, topped with other ingredients such as fresh basil, tomato salsa and kimchi. An exciting assortment of flavours!

Good news if you are working at the MBFC area. Pre-orders are available, and delivery service can be done within the building for orders before 11am. Yeah!

Joe & Dough #B2-68
Tel: +65 6636 9698
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm (Mon-Fri)
http://joeanddough.com

Joe & Dough has been known for their sandwiches made with artisanal breads, served with gourmet coffee brewed with their four-bean house blend, Joe 1914.

I am usually partial to unique flavours, and so I picked the Chicken Tikka Gourmet Sandwich ($8.50), which included Indian-inspired smoky chicken tikka that is cooked in a traditional tandoor oven (not too spicy, don’t worry). What sealed the deal for me was the refreshing mint and coriander mayonnaise which added a contrasting flavour.

While you are there, do try the signature Gula Melaka Pandan Cake ($5.50 per slice) – somewhat like a moist, different version from a usual chiffon.

Deliveries available with a minimum order of $30. No delivery between 11.30am – 2pm.

Mex Out – MBFC Tower 3 #02-05
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 10.00pm (Mon-Fri)
http://www.mexout.com

The latest addition to MBFC Tower 3, Mex Out offers fresh and healthy Mexican food such as Burritos, Buritto Bowls, Tacos, Nachos and Salad.

Get the “street style” Tacos ($8.90 for 2 or $11.90 for 3) – soft corn tortilla with your choice of fillings such as char-grilled chicken, pulled pork, or vegetarian with guacamole topped with home-made salsa sauce.

While many would assume the CBD is a ‘quiet town’ during the weekends, Marina Bay Link Mall attracts unique diners – families who wish to have a place to dine away from the crowded main shopping districts, and the café goers who enjoy an unobtrusive place for their cuppa.

I usually travel there via Raffles Place MRT, which is a 10 minute walk connected all the way via underground access. Marina Bay Link Mall is also accessible from Downtown and Marina Bay MRT stations.

Marina Bay Link Mall
8A Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018984
Downtown MRT, Marina Bay MRT (Exit B), Raffles Place MRT (Exit J)
Opens daily from 10 am – 10 pm
http://www.marinabaylink.com.sg

Marina Bay Link Mall Giveaway
All set to win $20 Marina Bay Link Mall vouchers?
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* This post is brought to you in partnership with Marina Bay Link Mall.

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This is a post to celebrate International Coffee Day, and to provide a special mention to the female baristas in Singapore.

It started from friends’ request to feature some good-looking baristas in Singapore. I started to ask for nominees on instagram, and recommendations and mails came flying in. (We had quite many, sorry if we have left anybody out! And the male version will be out next week.)

With a booming cafe-culture in Singapore, part of the purpose of this post is to understand a little more behind these faces, their experiences and goals.

While there is focus on looks initially, I do hope that this post will give acknowledgement of the hard work, skills and talents of these baristas.

And do remember, while we are having our cuppa, it will be great to say a big THANK YOU to the people who made you that cup. Happy International Coffee Day!

10 Good Looking Female Baristas In Singapore – Hey Gorgeous!

Daphne, Assembly Coffee
When I asked around for nominees for this “good-looking barista” entry, her name was recommended the most often.

Indeed, when I was at Assembly Coffee for the first time, those eyes of focus and precise skills in making the coffee was to me, magnetic. Sharp, precise, with elegance.

Daphne mentioned that her passion for coffee was inspired by two men – Ryan Tan from Strangers’ Reunion and Andrew Lek from Department of Caffeine.

Being the co-owner of Assembly Coffee, she takes on a very hands-on approach, and her cup of cuppa has received many compliments from customers.

Moyoung Molly, Banana Tree (Keong Siak)

Korean Moyoung Molly is the sweet face behind Banana Tree at Keong Siak, also the person who persuaded the original Korean owner to bring the brand over to Singapore.

Prior to starting her own business, she was working for Apple. But she gave that up to achieve her dream to “wow” customers and make them happy with the coffee and drinks she serves.

Molly added that nothing would beat watching customers smile with pleasure.

She is happily married and settling well in Singapore.

Sarah, FIX Café (Balestier)
After an overseas English teaching stint, Sarah was so inspired by the cafe and coffee culture, that she went on to pursue skills as a barista.

She is thankful for her company (FIX Café) who sent her for SCAE (Specialty Coffee Association of Europe) Barista Foundation Course which further equipped her with the theories, and also deepened her appreciation and passion for coffee.

With an almond-shaped face and sharp chin, she commented that she did get praises from random customers.

But the highest praise came from her boss Amanda who told me over text, “Sarah is beautiful inside and out. She is our youth counsellor who takes care of the youth at risk we hire.”

Mandy, Artisan C. Specialty Coffee (Suntec City)
After getting inspired in Melbourne, Mandy took a risk to chase her dream. She quit all her jobs, become a full time barista, and is working towards making a good cup of Joe.

“Because I know this is what I really want to do in life, it is a decision that I will not regret.”

To her, a good cup of coffee is more than just a cup of drink, but the result and hard work from farmers to baristas. It is what the speciality coffee industry promises to deliver, from them to customers.

Peggy, Montana Brew Bar (POMO)
While Taiwanese Peggy is in Singapore to study English, she got to learn more about coffee making and latte art by chance. Despite being relatively new to the craft, she makes a mean beautiful cup according to her colleagues.

She is described to be “a very simple girl” – no Facebook, no Instagram, no Weibo, no WeChat, spending her time between studying and working at Montana.

A good cup of coffee in her opinion is one which can provide her with positive emotions and thoughts. (Sounds like a Taiwanese movie I watched featuring Vivian Chow.)

Regina, Strangers’ Reunion (Kampong Bahru)
Regina was intrigued by how coffees of various origins tasted distinctly different; and wanted to learn more about coffee.

That desire and passion to learn never stopped, and brought her to being as a barista in speciality coffee for more than 5 years.

“Customers told me I look good when I am concentrating on making coffee…”

She added, “A good cup of coffee is one that is properly extracted, balanced and able to showcase the best characteristics from its origin and processing.”

Venetia, Curious Palette (Prinsep Street)
Venetia was pretty much fascinated by the fundamental process of making coffee, which triggered her interest to learn more about coffee in a practical way other than from books.

When asked if customers have ever commented about her look, “Not really but many were envious of my height which they claim to be attractive.” I stood beside her, and she is the same height as me at 1.75m tall.

To her, a good cup of coffee is like a warm blanket to the soul.

Abbie, Slayer Coffee
Formerly from the banking industry, Abbie decided to pursue her passion for coffee and started Slayer Coffee, a mobile specialty coffee cart to bring their house blend to anyone at their own convenience.

Customers have told her she is pretty in the middle of her coffee-making, but she said she didn’t really know how to react back, and would just laugh and continue with her work. (Just for you to know, she is attached, and her boyfriend is her partner at Slayer Coffee.)

“A good cup of coffee is not just a flavourful and balanced one. It has to be crafted with great passion and love from the barista, completing it with a latte art.”

Andrea, A.R.C Coffee
The young Andrea admitted she actually didn’t plan to be a barista and instead “stumbled into the coffee industry”.

As the marketing executive for a café, she was given an opportunity by her boss, prepared for the Singapore National Brewers Cup, competed and ended up winning it. Sounds like a script from the television drama.

She considers herself new to the industry, and is loving the process of learning and improving every single day. (She is nominated by her ex-teacher.)

Yan Jing, Curious Palette (Prinsep Street)
With a dimpled face and broad smile, Yan Jing has a sunshine personality. She was very much influenced by the coffee culture in Melbourne, and became very interested in the process of coffee-making.

“Seeing my colleagues make each cup of coffee with so much care and passion continues to inspire me. Like them, I want to be able to serve customers coffee of high quality and to share with them what goes behind every cuppa.”

She claimed that one male customer ever approached her, and told her she looked like a piece of cloud. (Not the best description to pick females up, I think.)

Thank you to the cafe owners and their friends who helped coordinate the interviews. If you are wondering about the male baristas, do not worry, the listing is coming out really soon. We still welcome recommendations, and feel free to nominate by commenting below.

Other Related Entries
200 New Cafes In Singapore 2015
10 New Cafes At Orchard Road
10 Japanese Cafes In Singapore
10 New Cafes At Chinatown
10 Reasons I Like Snapchat

The post 10 Good Looking Female Baristas In Singapore – Hey Gorgeous! appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Time to wake up when September ends. The year is flying past, with more than 200 new cafes that has opened up in Singapore. Still a shocker.

The more exciting openings include Clinton St Baking Company & Restaurant Purvis St where some of my friends say the taste is very similar to NYC’s, and MOS Cafe which is Singapore’s very first.

With the end of the year approaching, there is usually a mad rush to open food businesses to capture the Christmas crowd. We shall see if we will hit 250.

16 New Cafes In Singapore Oct 2015

Clinton St Bakery Company & Restaurant
31 Purvis Street Singapore 188608 (8-10 min walk from Bugis MRT)
Tel: +65 6684 4845 (no reservations, parties above 6 may be split up)
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm

From NYC’s Lower East Side to Singapore, the iconic Clinton St Baking Company & Restaurant has arrived at Purvis Street. Recommended items include the Eggs Benedict served over toasted buttermilk biscuit ($20), Southern Breakfast comprised of two eggs any style ($18), Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich ($13.50) Brioche French Toast ($18), Seafood Po’ Boy ($21) and Salmon Burger.

Our favourite item was the Clinton St’s famed fluffy Pancakes with warm maple butter ($18), being voted ‘Best In the City’ twice by New York Magazine. (Read: Clinton St Baking Company & Restaurant Purvis St)

MOS Café Singapore
Raffles City Shopping Centre B1-38 Singapore 179103 (City Hall MRT)
Opening Hours: 10am – 10:30pm

Singapore’s very first MOS Café has opened up at Raffles City basement. The lifestyle café will cater to health-conscious diners, offering items unique to the local market such as Wagyu Tower Burger, Chicken and Avocado Rice Bowl, Tortilla Salad, Special Fruit Tea and Vegetable Smoothie.

Bonheur Patisserie
Raffles City, 252 North Bridge Road, #B1-72, Singapore 179103 (City Hall MRT)
Tel: +65 63363104
Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 9:30 pm (Mon-Sun)

Helmed by home-grown Pastry Chef Lin Weixian, Bonheur Patisserie at Raffles City showcase his forte pastry item; French Macaron.

The kiosk offers up to 25 flavours of handmade macarons ranging from Classical flavours like Dark Chocolate, Salted Caramel and Pistachio to Asian flavours such as Sea Salt Gula Melaka, Thai Iced Tea and Yuzu. (Take note: This is a kiosk, not a sit-down place.)

W.E. Café
3 Temasek Boulevard Suntec City #02-441/442 Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6837 0287
Opening Hours: 9am – 8pm

This café is a branch off from retail shop Workshop Element just steps away. After shopping, you can indulge in brunch items such as Eggs Benedict Norwegian ($19.90), Eggs Benedict with Crab ($19.90), Omelette ($17.60), and Scrambled Eggs ($17.60) – which was surprisingly good with creamy scrambled eggs and crisp waffles.

Artisan C. Specialty Coffee
Suntec City Tower 1, 3 Temasek Boulevad #01-444/445, Singapore 038983 (City Hall, Promenade, Esplanade MRT)
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm (Mon-Fri), 11am – 8pm (Sat-Sun)

A café found within an Art Space adds a touch of serenity and peacefulness. Set up by the owner behind Kimchi, young baristas Mandy and Issac can serve out some of their ‘Artisan Special’ which includes Dirty (Espresso + Ice Cold Milk), Affogato (Espresso + Vanilla Bean Ice Cream) and Barista Platter (Espresso + Cappuccino).

Grain Traders
138 Market Street, #01-01/02/03, Singapore 048946 (Raffles Place, Telok Ayer MRT)
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm (Mon-Fri), Closed Sat, Sun

Grain Traders understands what its target diners, the CBD crowd wants – healthy breakfast, build your own bowls, bagels, cakes, coffee all in a single place. For those looking for takeaway coffee, the usual suspects are available: Black ($4), White ($5), Small White ($4) and additional $1 for iced, soy, mocha, decaf are available. (Read: Grain Traders Market Street)

Antoinette Sofitel So Singapore
Lobby Level, 35 Robinson Road Singapore 068876
Tel: +65 6701 6868
Opening hours: 8am – 10pm

Antoinette makes an entrance into the Central Business District. Its newest outlet, ‘La Pâtisserie au Sofitel’ is located at Hotel Sofitel So Singapore near Raffles Place, featuring more than 20 pastries including pure butter croissants, Antoinette’s kouglof, a variety of brioche, and pain au chocolat.

Laurent Bernard Café
260 Orchard Road #B1-02C The Heeren Singapore 238855 (Somerset MRT)
Tel: +65 6235 2340
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm Daily

Finally, a Laurent Bernard Café at Orchard. This café at the basement of Heeren serves French food and brunch. Expect some Farmers Breakfast ($23), Crispy Duck Leg confit ($26), Cod fish “Brandade” ($22), Chocolate Tart, ($9.40) & Ruby cake ($10.35) which contains strawberry, champagne and mint.

Soi 55
The Cathay Level 5, 2 Handy Road Singapore 229233 (Dhoby Ghaut MRT)
Opening Hours: 2pm – 10pm (Sun – Thurs), 2pm – 11:30pm (Fri), 11am – 11:30pm (Sat)

(Not a café, but we thought we should include this kiosk.) Soi 55 opens its second outlet on the 5th level of The Cathay. The benefit: You can bring Thai Milk Tea into the cinema.

Other than their original four – The Thai Milk Tea, Thai Rose Milk Tea, Thai Green Milk Tea and Thai Milk Coffee (all $3.90) , there are some new offerings of Thai Honey Green Tea ($3.60), Milk Tea Slushie ($4.90) and Kho Kho Nut Milk Slushie ($5.90).

The Hang Out Cafe
80 Bencoolen Street NAFA Campus 1 Wing A #01-15, Singapore 189655
Tel: +65 64563376
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm pm (Tues – Fri), 10am – 10pm (Sat-Sun) (Check with café for updated opening hours

The Hang Out Cafe (formerly known as Burpz Café & Bakery) is a cosy, affordable and unpretentious eatery which moved from Ang Mo Kio to NAFA Campus.

Their signature dishes include the Hang Out Big Breakfast ($16.90), Egg Royale ($15.90) poached egg topped with ebiko, Seafood Aglio Olio ($12.90) and a range of pizzas.

No GST, no service charge. More affordable student meals available during weekdays.

Candy Crepery
1A Short Street #01-06 Singapore 188210
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm

This waffles and crepe café requires some finding, hidden within the old NAFA campus building (look out for this grey building with cool white wordings, and walk to the back). Owner Candi serves up a variety of sweet and savoury crepes such as Banana and Nutella ($5.90), Egg & Cheese ($5.90) and Cheese & Banana ($5.90).

JQ Chef Cafe
Block 186 Toa Payoh Central #01-428, Singapore 310186 (Toa Payoh MRT)
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon-Fri), 11.30am – 10pm (Sat-Sun)

JQ is the initial for Chef Johnny Quek, ex-chef at the World’s First Full Butler Sky Dining at Singapore Flyer, who has opened a cafe at Toa Payoh Central (where Les Patisseries was). A recommendation is the Waffalo ($9.90) a combination of waffle with marshmallows. Waffle was crispy and airy and came with 2 scoops of chocolate and vanilla bean ice cream, 2 Pepero sticks and torched marshmallow before serving. (Read: JQ Chef Café Toa Payoh Central)

Atmosphere Café & Bistro
Alexandra Central Mall #02-01, 321 Alexandra Road Singapore 159972
Tel: +65 6250 4863
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm

For their second outlet of Atmosphere, the café-bistro has gone for a lush interior, with pseudo-European curtain drapes, maroon-red seats, and chandeliers.

Some of the items available – Seafood Aglio Olio ($16.80), Chilli Pasta ($19.80), Carbonara ($15.80), Chicken Meatballs Bolognese ($16.80), Baby Bay Ribs ($21.80), Pan-seared Salmon ($20.80), Cajun Chicken ($17.80), Wagyu Burger ($19.80) and a selection of pizzas ($12.80 – $14.80) – including a flambé pizza. (Read: Atmosphere Café & Bistro Alexandra Central)

Five By Five
9 Sin Min Road, #01-03, Thomson V One, Singapore 575630 (10 min walk from Marymount MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am – 12mn (Mon,Wed-Fri), 10am – 12mn (Sat-Sun), Closed Tue

November 8 Café which closed at Thomson V Two to the dismay of fans, has reopened as Five by Five at Thomson V One on the other side of the building.

Currently in their soft launch phase, only coffee, beer, cakes, waffles and ice cream are available. A total of 12 flavours were available for the ice cream with unique ones such as Coconut Taro, Bubblegum and Thai Iced Tea. (Read: Five By Five Thomson V One)

Sparks Cafe & Bistro
9 Sin Ming Road, #01-04 Thomson V One
Tel: +65 6635 3539 Singapore 575630
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon), 10am – 10pm (Tues-Sun)

Sparks Cafe & Bistro at Thomson V One offers a series of home-style bakes such as Pandan Sugee Cake ($2.90 per slice), Classic Butter Cake ($2.40), Classic Butter Cake ($2.40), Sparks Chocolate Madness ($4.80) and cookies.

Archipelago Creamery
NanYang Community Centre, 60 Jurong West St 91 #01-09, Singapore 649040
Tel: +65 9772 3077
Opening Hours: 12pm – 12am

Archipelago Creamery is formed by a team of ice cream and pastry chefs, who make their ice cream, waffle paste and pastries from scratch in their open kitchen on an elevated platform. The whole cafe is painted in white and tiffany blue to give a nautical feel to customers.

Available items include the signature Shibuya Toast ($14.80), Butterscotch waffle ($4.50), Charcoal Waffle ($5) and ice creams. Some items subjected to availability.

Quick tip for new cafe owners: Do include some basic information such as description of cafe, updated opening hours, menu, telephone number, an email and some photos. We have gotten used to standing outside closed shops while scrolling on Facebook, “It says open leh.”

For readers, especially if you read this sometime later, do check with the cafes for opening hours as newer outfits are susceptible to changing operating times. Enjoy your coffee!

Other Related Entries
25 New Cafes In Singapore September 2015
10 New Cafes In Singapore August 2015
10 New Cafes In Singapore July 2015
10 New Cafes In Singapore June 2015
10 New Cafes In Singapore May 2015

The post 16 New Cafes In Singapore Oct 2015 – More Pancakes, Waffles and Burgers appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

October 2015 looks like a popular month for more new restaurant openings, with the number easily hitting over 30 – that averages out to be one a day.

Some of the prominent places to look out for include the new National Gallery Singapore which will house Aura Restaurant and Sky Lounge by ilLido Group, National Kitchen by Violet Oon, Odette by The Lo & Behold Group, SAHA and The Altimate by The Padang FNB, and Yàn and Smoke & Mirrors by Park Hotel Group.

The revamp of Marina Square will include more F&B choices, and we have seen Japanese concepts Emporium Shokuhin and Tenkaichi setting foot there.

Prominent brands from Hong Kong The Butchers Club Burger will open at Clarke Quay; and Mak’s Noodle its second outlet at Westgate.

So. Many. Food. Choices.

10 New & Hot Restaurants Singapore October 2015

Colony
Level 3, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
7 Raffles Avenue Singapore 039799
Tel: +65 6434 5288

Colony at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore where Greenhouse was, has opened with gorgeous British-colonial setting, eight different conservatory kitchens incorporating live cooking, offering Singapore heritage cuisine and more. If you are a fan of those ‘live cooking stations’ where food is prepared on the spot and diners can customise according to what they like, this is FOR YOU.

Lunch 12pm – 2:30pm Mon-Sat, $58 per adult, $29 per child
Dinner 6.30pm – 10.30pm Daily, $78 per adult, $39 per child (Sun-Thurs), $88 per adult, $44 per child (Fri-Sat)
(Read: Colony Ritz-Carlton, Millenia)

Emporium Shokuhin
6 Raffles Boulevard #01-18 Marina Square, Singapore 039594 (City Hall, Esplanade and Promenade MRT)
Opening Hours:
Live Seafood Market 8:30am – 9pm, Gourmet Grocer 11:30am – 9pm

Emporium Shokuhin located within the new wing of Marina Square has got many Singaporeans quite excited because this concept is first of its kind over here. The Japanese-based food space includes a live seafood market, a Japanese Gourmet Grocer, a beef dry-aging facility, and 8 new-to-market Japanese dining concepts such as Senmi Sushi Bar and Burosu Honten ramen shop. Exciting (Read: Emporium Shokuhin Marina Square)

Tenkaichi
Marina Square #03-129
6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594
BBQ Buffet Timings:
Daily: 6.00pm – 10.00pm (last order 9.30pm)
Sat, Sun, PH: 11.30am – 2.30pm (last order 2.00pm)

Also at Marina Square, Tenkaichi specialises in Japanese Wagyu Beef Yakiniku. Known for Wagyu BBQ Buffet, their buffet includes wagyu cuts, sashimi, seafood and other Japanese delicacies. Prices for Premium Wagyu BBQ Buffet are at $69.80 (Mon-Fri) and $74.80 (Sat, Sun, PH).

Ryu’s Japanese Restaurant 柳
Capitol Piazza #01-87, 15 Stamford Road Singapore 178906 (City Hall MRT)
Tel: +65 6384 9087
Opening Hours: 12pm – 12am

Ryu’s Japanese Restaurant is rather off-the-radar, located at the corner unit of Capitol Piazza. It has a small but strong team, led by Head Chef Yasuo Niizuma, and ‘Kantsukeshi’ (sake master) Hiroyasu Sakurma. The tempura chef used to work at Tokyo’s famed Edo style tempura restaurant Tempura Yamanoue Roppongi, whose culinary skill is shown in a deceptively simple but tasty bowl of Tendon ($25). Look out for Ryu’s Bara Chirashi Sushi Set ($45) is served in a traditional 3-drawer wooden ‘Okamochi’ box, which is hardly seen around here. (Read: Ryu’s Japanese Restaurant Capitol Piazza)

Wagokoro Hide Yamamoto
The Quayside #01-04, 60 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238252
Tel: +65 6733 6315
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2pm, 6 – 11pm (Mon – Sat). Last order for dinner 10.30pm. Closed Sun

Chef Hide Yamamoto opens his second Japanese restaurant in Singapore at The Quayside Robertson Quay, specialising in traditional Kappo cuisine. ‘Kappo’ would mean an intimate over-the-counter experience, where the chef would prepare dishes in front of the customers, served directly across the counter to the diner. The menu at Wagokoro is served in 8- or 9-course sets. Omakase lunch is at $80++, while Dinner is priced at $158++ and $238++. (Read: Wagokoro Hide Yamamoto Robertson Quay)

Fu Lin Bar
127 Telok Ayer Street Singapore 068596 (Tanjong Pagar, Telok Ayer MRT)
Opening Hours: 10am to 3pm (Mon – Sat), Tapas Bar Opens After 3pm

Fu Lin Yong Tofu gets a revamp and goes ‘hipster’, selling Asian Fusion Tapas after 3pm along with house wines, sake and beer. Located at Telok Ayer Street near Amoy Food Centre, Fu Lin appears like any other generic bar with an industrial concrete look matched with high tables and seats. Their Yong Tau Foo style is a class of their own – a dry version where the items are covered in gooey brown minced chicken gravy made from a secret recipe. The ‘signature noodles’ turned out to be thick bee hoon in a starchy sauce similar to beef noodles. (Read: Fu Lin Bar Telok Ayer)

Putien Ion Orchard
2 Orchard Turn, #04-12, ION Orchard, Singapore 238801 (Orchard MRT)
Tel: +65 6509 4296
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri Lunch: 11:30am – 3pm (Last Order: 2:30pm), Dinner: 5:30pm – 10pm (Last Order: 9:30pm)
Sat, Sun & PH Lunch: 11:30am – 4:30pm (Last Order: 4pm), Dinner: 5:30pm – 10pm (Last Order: 9:30pm)

The Putien Group has opened this swanking modern Chinese restaurant located at Level 4 of Ion Orchard. Other than the usual Heng Hwa favourites, look out for the dish unique to Ion’s Putien – Fried Heng Hwa Bee Hoon with Soy Milk 豆浆米粉, where the sun-dried beehoon is simmered together with eggs and fresh grinded soy milk.
What you get is a wetter-than-usual style, the taste of the soy milk being very subtle and lingering towards the end of every bite. (Read: Putien Ion Orchard)

Loylum
45 Sam Leong Road Singapore 207935 (near Kitchener Road, 5-10 min walk from Farrer Park MRT, City Square Mall, Mustafa Centre)
Tel +65 6291 3001
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm Daily

Loylum which means “”floating”, hails from Thailand itself and is founded since 1952. Small and standard sized bowls are available, priced at $2 and $5. There are four different soup bases of beef, chicken pork and vegetarian mushroom, matched with your choice of bee hoon, egg noodle, thick or thin kway teow. I liked the pork soup base, follow by the beef best. Both were robust, packed with flavours, oily (yes) with a trace of herbal nuance. (Read: Loylum Sam Leong Road)

(Photo credit: Nicholas Tan @stormscape)

Oppa Chicken Singapore
274 South Bridge Road (5 min walk from Chinatown MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon-Sat), Closed Sun

Another Korean fried chicken shop. The chicken comes in 3 sizing portions: Small (3 pieces, $12,90), Medium (5 pieces, $20.90), Large (9 pieces, $36.90). Cost reflects the original chicken flavour, and flavoured ones are $1-$2 more. Our favourite was the Honey Garlic Flavoured Chicken with finely chopped garlic drizzled with honey sauce over the fried chicken. Sweet, intense, flavourful and not over garlicky. (Read: Oppa Chicken South Bridge Road)

Alt Pizza
117 East Coast Road (across from I12 Katong). Singapore 428805
Tel: +65 6247 7360
Opening Hours: 5pm – 11pm

Alt. which has a branch at Suntec City, has opened its second at East Coast. This is a contemporary pizza bar with fun signature pizza flavours and Design-It-Yourself option. Try the ‘Hangover’ ($17), made with organic tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, fennel sausage, roasted onions and parmesan, or Truffle Shuffle ($17), topped with white sauce, parmesan, mozzarella, white truffle oil, roasted mushrooms and onions.

This list will be updated again next week with 10 more new openings. Look out for it!

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10 New & Hot Restaurants Singapore May 2015

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Food has brought me to a student hostel at Short Street. If the name sounds unfamiliar, the building painted in grey with big white fonts is near Selegie, diagonally across the famous Rochor Beancurd. Ample carparking space is available.

Sixty6 is the first F&B outlet opened there, an under-the-radar Thai restaurant. Its location is strategic though – close proximity to schools such as Singapore Management University, LaSalle College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, School of the Arts Singapore, as well as Kaplan.

“Our chef is having some personal issues.”

The response I gotten when I paid my first visit, which somehow didn’t strike an overly positive first impression. (The Facebook page wasn’t updated on the closure until much later at night.)

My next visit, friends didn’t appear confident of the shop. The entire restaurant was empty during a weekend lunch and staff appeared bored and sleepy when we took a peek inside, some obviously just waking up from a nap on the table. We ended up walking somewhere else (which happened to be a bad choice.)

I went back on my own again, sometimes having a penchant for new outlets with no business. It’s an I-should-help-them feel. The food turned out to be better than expected.

The recommended dishes were Thai Fish Cakes ($10 for 5 pieces), Som Tam ($8), Yam Woon Sen ($10), Tom Yam Seafood Soup ($15), Green Curry ($14), Panang Curry ($14), Tom Yam Fried Rice ($6), Green Curry Fried Rice ($6), Pad Krapow Special ($16) and Tom Yam Noodle Soup ($6).

Prices are friendly, like a Pad Thai cost only $6. No GST and service charge.

This is a small outfit – 2 Singaporean owners, a Thai wife, and a Thai chef. Dishes were pleasantly authentic-tasting. (I came to realise many Thai restaurants in Singapore would gradually mute the spiciness and intensity levels, and dishes turned out neither-here-nor-there. And so…)

When owner Guangxi brought out a metal scoop (reminiscent to those I use to get water for bathing LOL), I was slightly caught unaware and laughed. It turned out to be the container for the Tom Yum Soup and Green Curry, indicative of generous portions.

The Tom Yum was the type I liked – red, spicy, sour, flavoured with much Thai herbs, filled with ingredients from prawns to mussels. Great for sharing. While the Green Curry was slightly to the sweet side, the coconuty-thickness and robustness kept us scooping for more.

Special mention of the Deep Fried Chicken Wings ($10 for 4), well marinated and juicy, covered with a hint of black pepper for a faint kick on every bite.

Sixty6 seems to deliver some affordable and humble Thai dishes at a convenient location. Though as a new outfit, it really needs to get its name out there. I gave them some tips before I left – update Facebook, include a telephone number and email for contact, some basics which would help customers reach out to them.

Sixty6
1A Short Street, #01-03, Singapore 188210
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon-Sun)

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The truth is, I haven’t been to Ang Mo Kio’s Jubilee Square for a while and ventured there to try out Haru Haru, a new Japanese family restaurant on the 2nd level.

Who would have thought? This humble eatery actually serves up quite decent fare at prices that won’t break the bank, especially its satisfying bowl of Tendon that could give bigger players a run for its money.

Check out that spread!

Not to be confused with Big Bang’s hit song of the same name, Haru Haru represents ‘spring time’ in Japanese and is perhaps a wish of the owners to bring new beginnings and life to the area.

You can choose to sit at the counter where you can observe the sushi chef at work directory, at the main restaurant area (glad that there was some partition so that it is not so cramped) or the private rooms.

Haru Haru’s menu is extensive (the big book kind where you have to keep flipping), featuring a wide range of otsumami (appetizers), sashimi, sushi, sushi rolls, salad, agemono, yakimono, donburi, noodles, desserts and sake. The type of restaurant that would have something to appeal to each person in the family.

Some of the best items I tried were not in obvious sight in the menu, and only found out after I have asked.

Haru Haru Premium Tendon
While the menu has another (cheaper) version of the Tendon, order the Haru Haru Premium Tendon ($21.90, not found in the menu yet) which is value for its buck.

Oh, look at that prawn. So gorgeous that we couldn’t wait to sink our teeth in.

The bowl arranged with a deep fried large sea prawn lying across with vegetables below, won us over with its tasty sweet-savoury tendon sauce served separately. This would have been a perfect 10 if the rice was fluffier with that glossy sheen to match it overall.

Premium Chirashi Don
The Chirashi Don ($31.80) is hidden on one corner of the menu, sans the typical big picture.
The bowl came neat-fully arranged with slices of fresh sashimi, from Sake, Otoro, Chutoro, Hotate to creamy Uni right smack in the centre.

I initially wondered about the price point, especially in a neighbourhood mall, but ingredients were generous, slices thick enough, some melt-in-the mouth to warrant a return visit for this.

Kagoshima Wagyu Don
Hara Haru’s signature dish that the servers were eager to recommend, was the Wagyu Don ($24.80) – because it is not all the time you can get Kagoshima A4 grade wagyu beef over rice at such a price.

The beef slices were well-seared, tender in the middle with a smoky flavour. A comforting bowl to have. You can choose to mix in the onsen egg, or eat it as a dip for the beef slices. I noticed the liberal use of fried garlic, so you may like to inform the kitchen prior if you are not too big a fan.

The Wagyu is also available in grilled tataki form ($26.80). Though comparing the two, we preferred the pieces in the don because they seem better marinated and executed in achieving that balance in tenderness.

Aburi Sushi
If you are the type who likes to try a bit of everything, the Aburi Sushi ($23.80) could be a suitable choice, consisting of Salmon with Mentai (my favourite of the lot), Salmon with Ponzu, Hotate with Mentai, Ootoro Ponzu and Wagyu Ponzu (their recommended).

Sashimi
Other than the usual sashimi plates and moriawase mixed style, Haru Haru offers fresh fishes such as the Akou (red spotted garoupa) that can be cooked two (or more) ways.

Request to have the fish in sashimi or grilled version first, while the rest of the fish (with the other parts of the flesh and bones) can be used to make into soup. Prices depend on the type of fish, but is generally affordably priced at about $30-$40.

If you go down to Haru Haru during lunch (weekend inclusive), bring at least two more other people. There is a daily lunch special where you can buy 2 sets and get 1 free!

Haru Haru
61 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 #02-03 Jubilee Square Singapore 569814 (Ang Mo Kio MRT)
Tel: +65 6451 3201
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:00pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (Mon-Thurs), 11:30am – 10pm (Fri-Sun)

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Haru Haru Japanese Restaurant.

The post Haru Haru – Tendon and Chirashi Don So Satisfying, Found At AMK Jubilee Square! appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

One of those things that I do, going all the way to Sentosa iFly for fried chicken. Marrybrown that is.Yes, that popular Halal fastfood chain that originated from Malaysia.

Fried chicken fastfood shops being set up in Singapore have a penchant for coming, leaving and coming back again (Popeyes? Texas? ChicKing – this one gone.)

Marrybrown which was once found at Geylang and Tampines many years ago, is making a comeback. Though Sentosa is a peculiar choice of location for its return.

The menu features a variety of treats including Crispy Chicken, Burgers, Nasi Marrybrown, Mi Kari, Fish N Chips, and Chicken Porridge.

I dug out both the Malaysia and Singapore menus for a comparison – just to fulfil some curiously. Well, looks like the restaurant saved quite a bit on hiring a new designer, but the prices are very disparate.

For example, a 2-chicken set of Lucky Plate is at RM$11.90 (SGD$4), while Singapore’s price is more than double at $8.90. Okay lah, shouldn’t complain.

The Chick-A-Licious ($7.50, $9.90 for set with drink) contained 2 pieces of original recipe chicken, drenched in black pepper sauce which might set some tongues on fire.

My friend had to go get a drink halfway through the meal, “The sauce is just covering the taste of everything.”

Barring the fact that the spices was overpowering, the chicken was indeed crisp-crunchy and juicy.

The Nasi Marrybrown ($6.90, $8.50 for set) served with rice cooked in coconut milk, crunchy peanuts, anchovies and fried chicken, provides the restaurant some local flavours.

Its rice was lightly tasty, and we were surprised to find pandan leaves within. However, the peanuts was ‘lao hong’ (stale, not crunchy) and didn’t taste overly fresh. The sweet-spicy sambal chilli was the saver.

The recommended Tower Burger ($6.50, $8.50) was a let-down – overall cold. You can tell with the supposed “melted cheese” staying in place, and the chicken patty generically flat-tasting.

Marrybrown’s fried chicken is better than the average, though I feel there are some other chain stalls that I would have preferred. If I am around in the vicinity, why not, but doesn’t warrant a trip there just for the chicken.

Marrybrown Singapore
iFly Singapore, 43, Siloso Beach Walk 01-03, Singapore 099010

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In an examination-obsessed country like Singapore, the very sound of “A-One” can trigger off sensations of achievement and pride.

A-One Claypot has the right name then. Famous for their dried scallop porridge, the local restaurant chain has further diversified into Bak Kut Teh business, offering Singapore’s 1st Claypot Bak Kut Teh Porridge.

A-One’s porridge and hot-plate dishes at some outlets have been comforting on occasions, and we were curious to try its take on this famous local delicacy.

Our first verdict, they may need to re-sit for this test. (Sorry A-One!)

The Pork Ribs soup ($10.90) didn’t come in those traditional claypot as we would have expected, and we wondered about the container’s actual effectiveness. (Foods cooked in proper claypot are generally more flavourful with tastes sealed in, and retain heat better.)

The Bak Kut Teh ($10.90) and Pig’s Organ Soup ($9.90) were just one-dimensional peppery, and somewhat salty. The entire clear stock was overwhelmed by pepper, and it is a pity diners cannot really savour the natural goodness from the pork bones.

The pork ribs wasn’t as tender as we would have imagined as well.

Our neighbouring table noticing our mildly-pained faces, gave us a thumbs-down hand signal and resigning smile. Food does bond people together.

She walked over and said, “Try the Ampang Yong Tau Foo next time. At least it is good.” Noted.

A-One Bak Kut Teh
The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green #01-46, Singapore 138617 (Buona Vista MRT)
Tel: +65 6734 6567
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 9:30am (last order)

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The post A-One Bak Kut Teh – BKT At The Star Vista, Passable appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

The last time I went to La Nonna at Holland Village, I remembered the restaurant for its hearty classic Italian dishes, especially its traditional Venetian-style tiramisu.

The name ‘La Nonna’ means ‘grandmother’ in Italian, with an implication that food served would be homely and unpretentious.

My return was for the “Family Brunch at La Nonna”, where groups can feast on FREE-FLOW All-you-can-eat Italian dishes from antipasti, pasta, pizza, mains and desserts. Serious.

All at a price for $39++ per adult, and $19++ for children (between 6-12 years old). That also includes free-flow soft drinks, fruit juices and coffee or tea.

This is indeed value-for-money, and getting quality dishes for your money’s worth. I did some comparison, and a pasta dish ordered separately would have cost about $25.

To address some possible concerns, La Nonna is serving these dishes in the same proportion and quality as what you would have ordered ala-carte.

On the Sunday I visited, there were choices of 4 starters, 5 main courses and 2 desserts. Diners can order multiple times, and vegetarian options are available upon request. The items on the menus rotate every 2 weeks.

Here are some stand-out dishes:

Linguine Pasta with Crab Meat ($25 for ala carte)
Easily my favourite. A satisfying plate of home-made pasta with zesty and creamy tomato sauce, added with a touch of basil. The crabmeat was generous in portions, and fresh-sweet tasting.

Fettuccine ($32)
Black is in. The squid ink fettuccine pasta had a good chewy bite, and was interestingly cooked in a bright-tasting Pomodoro sauce with puréed texture (Not as common, I think?). Pleasantly not too heavy.

Did I mention about the two ‘butterfly’ grilled king tiger prawns?

La Nonna Bruschetta ($17 for ala carte)
We had differing views about the bruschetta. One preferred toppings of tomatoes which was simple and refreshing; another liked the porcini mushroom, while I enjoyed the goat cheese with truffle paste which created a persistency in the mouth.

Mozzarella Parma ($22 for ala carte)
A delicious and ingenious combination of salty 18-month aged parma ham, with milky pan-fried buffalo mozzarella wrapped within.

The mozzarella originates from ‘Agro Pontino’, an area located in Lazio which is considered one of the best region producers of mozzarella cheese in Italy.

La Nonna Pizza ($23 for ala carte)
This is their signature pizza, topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, parmesan, asparagus, black truffle, complete with a runny egg in the middle.

The crust is the thin and crispy kind, smoky at the edges after baked in a wood-fired oven. Have to eat this fast as the base became chewy and soft after moments.

Desserts – Tiramisu ($12 ala carte), Panna Cotta ($12) and Lemon Tart ($13)
This is tough to decide, but I liked the Panna Cotta best – an egg-less vanilla custard cream served with fresh berry coulis.

The sensation when you take a spoon of the chilled Italian dessert; that moment of happiness when that soft, silky smooth cream melts-in-your-mouth.

Family Brunch @ La Nonna
La Nonna’s Family Brunch is available every Sunday (only at Holland Village outlet). Featuring free-flow hearty Grandma’s dishes, served with free-flow soft drinks, fruit juices and coffee & tea. Add on for free-flow of Prosecco, Italian Wines & Premium Beers.
Price $39++ per adult $19++ for kids between 6-12 years old
Hours: 12-2.30pm
Minimum 2 pax. Available for the whole table only. Not valid with other discounts/promotions.

All I want to say now is, quickly make your reservations online now (Or call +65 6468 1982)

Other than the Sunday Family Brunch, check out the other La Nonna promotions:

Weekday Set Lunch @$26++ per pax
3-course menu served with gourmet coffee or tea. Menu changes every 2 weeks, with inclusion of seasonal items not included in the usual menu.
Hours: 12pm – 2:30pm (Mon – Fri, except eve PH, PH)

1-for-1 Pizza or Pasta
Diners can choose any pizza or pasta from the ala carte menu.
Hours: 12pm – 2.30pm (Mon – Fri, except eve PH, PH)

Happy Hour
Happy Hour Special of $6++ per bottle for Moretti Italian Beer (U.P $10++) or $8++ for a glass of Wine (U.P $14++) with friends. Only at Holland Village outlet.
Hours: 6pm – 8pm (Sun – Thurs, except eve PH, PH)

La Nonna at Holland Village
26/26B Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277685 (Holland Village MRT)
Tel: +65 6468 1982
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Fri); 12pm – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm (Sat – Sun)
Reservations Online for La Nonna Holland Village

La Nonna at Namly Place
76 Namly Place Singapore 267226
Tel: +65 6762 1587
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Reservations Online for La Nonna Namly Place

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with La Nonna.

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It all started with a small café in Canberra Australia, where the then newly-opened Pâtissez decided to do some shakes “so ridiculous and over the top that people just had to take a photo of it before they ate it.”

They got what they wanted. And these dessert drinks spread across social media like wild-fire, spawning off copycat versions.

Then some Singapore cafes also jumped onto the bandwagon very quickly.

Here are 4 places where you can get these Over The Top Milkshakes.

Benjamin Browns Bistro & Bakery
Forum Galleria, #01-20/21, 583 Orchard Road, Singapore 238884 (10 min walk on Orchard MRT)
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Mon – Thurs), 10am – 10pm (Fri), 9am – 10pm (Sat), 9am – 9pm (Sun)

Benjamin Browns Bistro & Bakery which had been quiet for a year or two sprung back into life with its introduction of Over The Top milkshakes the third quarter of this year. The shakes come in flavours of Coffee Avocado, Nutella Banana, Old School Vanilla and Caramel Crunch.

Price: $16 (without taxes)

Yes: The ‘pioneers’ and probably the first café to introduce these epic milkshakes to Singapore. They continue to re-invent themselves by having new creations that get more exciting. The Thai Milk Tea, Peanut Butter & Jelly and Tim Tams are some of the latest creations, certainly more epic than the original few to attract people to keep coming back.

No: Some of the ingredients used taste cheap (for its price). The Strawberry Cheesecake flavour contained a strawberry, quarter of a cheesecake, and two pieces of digestive biscuits. That was it for 16 bucks – some may feel ‘cheated’. (Read: Benjamin Browns Forum Galleria)

Cake Spade
1 Tras Link, #01-06 Orchid Hotel Singapore 078867 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
+65 64443868
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9pm (Mon-Thurs), 12pm – 10:30pm (Fri-Sat), Closed Sun, PH
(Cake Shakes only available on Mondays to Fridays from 5pm & Saturdays from 1:30pm)

Bakery café Cake Spade calls its over the top milk shakes ‘Cakeshakes™’, complete with the trademark. Offerings include Matcha Azuki, Mudslide and Vanilla shakes

Price: $16.90 (faints)

Yes: The prettiest and chio-est of the lot, most able to get attention on Instagram with tall candy flosses and rainbow-coloured sprinkles. Some of the components is good-tasting, such as the cake. Theirs also looks trickiest to assemble, and need some kind of skilled OTT-milk-shaker expert to put them all together. (Read: Cake Spade Tanjong Pagar)

No: The shake itself was thin, while the rest of the components might not have gelled together well.

The House Of Robert Timms
Orchard Shopping Centre, 321 Orchard Road, #01-01/02, Singapore 238866
Tel: +65 6733 0609
Opening Hours: 11am – 1am

One of Australia’s oldest and most established gourmet coffee brand, and has introduced 5 flavours – Rocky Timm’s, Strawberry Whoopee, Vanilla Bonbon, Banana Popcorn, Cocoa Carousel

Yes: The thickest, richest and milkiest of them all. If you discount all the other ingredients, their milkshake (alone) taste the most decent. And if you need milkshakes late at night…

No: Loses out on the Instagram factor as the ingredients do not build up to be as tall. If you need something photogenic, go for the Vanilla Bonbon which has a glazed donut sitting on the opening.

The Lab SG
1 Jalan Pisang #01-01, Singapore 199069
Opening Hours: 12:30pm – 10pm (Mon-Sat), 1pm – 9:30pm (Sun)

The Halal café is known for its concept and décor, like walking into an underground lab, with multiple metallic sewage pipes sprawling across the walls and huge jars of chemicals.

Price: $12

Yes: The most affordable of them all.

No: Limited flavours available – Nutella Brownie and Strawberry cheese milkshake. We wished they had got more experimental and stuck one of their signature syringes into the shakes.

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The Lab SG (Jalan Pisang)

The post Where To Get Over The Top Milkshakes In Singapore appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

French artisan chocolatier Laurent Bernard founded his first café right in Singapore during 2006, and his food business known for chocolate soufflé and hot chocolate continued to flourish

After restaurants and chocolate boutiques at Robertson Quay, Portsdown, Takashimaya and Hitachi Tower, the latest is a casual dining café at the basement of Heeren Orchard (next to Gyoza-ya).

The café has fast become one of my favourite ‘secret’ spots, because it is a quiet and hidden enough for a peaceful afternoon of reading and cakes; or meeting up with clients or friends at a convenient coffee-spot.

I have come here with both friends and business associates, and they liked its unobtrusive vibes.

This basement cafes serves French food and brunch, including Farmers Breakfast ($23), Crispy Duck Leg confit ($26), Cod fish “Brandade” ($22), Chocolate Tart, ($9.40) & Ruby cake ($10.35).

Prices are considered moderately higher than the average coffee place.

The dainty looking Ruby ($10.35) contained light strawberry mousse, with faint explosion of champagne and mint that could send minute surprises on a few mouthfuls.

While priced higher than usual, the Farmers Breakfast ($23) was a substantial and pleasant treat of organic scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, juicy sausages, baked bacon, sautéed mushroom and toasted bread.

Other than the slightly over-toasted and thus deeply-brown-on-the-edges bread, the other components on the plate were well-executed, especially the creamy eggs.

On another note, I asked for some ketchup and was given a small jam jar of quality tomato sauce, not some generic ones.

It is in their company policy to support small producers and artisans, and they choose natural product such as organic egg, traditional “cold smoked” Norwegian salmon or even marinated olives and anchovies typical from Provence.

Laurent Café makes a relaxing option for a chill-out brunch, as well as a shopping pit stop in town. C’est la vie.

Laurent Café
260 Orchard Road #B1-02C The Heeren Singapore 238855 (Somerset MRT)
Tel: +65 6235 2340
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm Daily

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The post Laurent Café – Relaxing Brunch & Cakes At Orchard’s ‘Secret’ Spot appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Another Korean Fried Chicken restaurant in Singapore, this time at Bukit Timah Chun Tin Road.

My foodie friend told me that his Korean colleagues swore by Oven & Fried Chicken at Telok Ayer, declaring that it was the closest to what they get back home. Well, OFC has opened its second outlet, with another Korean family restaurant Three Meals A Day as direct neighbours.

Some introduction of the concept to let you have a clearer understanding of its menu: The Korean chicken bistro is made up of two separate brands: Okkudak and Ssal Dak.

Okkudak serves roasted chicken ($17 for half, $32 for half) which is first marinated then oven baked to retain its natural flavours; and sauced versions where the chicken is further stir-fried with spicy or Jambalaya sauces.

On the Ssal Dak side (which items we are more familiar with), the chicken is fried with 100% rice flour instead of wheat for a crispier texture. Thus, you will see ‘Fried Rice Chicken’ ($18 for half, $33 for whole) on the menu.

With rice flour used to coat the chicken before frying, there seems to be a thicker and dry-crispy outer layer. Even when I used hands to eat it (no gloves given), the fingers and lips didn’t’ feel greasy at all.

On the flip side, I found myself getting thirsty easily, throat feeling parched.

Check out the absorbent paper at the end of the meal.

The meat was moist, though I found it moderately lacking in flavours, and often needed to dip parts into the sauce (mild sauce and honey mustard were recommended) for some taste.

Is there something called ‘over-sauced’?

OFC’s popular option is to have the ‘Fried Rice Chicken’ seasoned with various sauces such as Spicy, Jambalaya, Soy Sauce and Padi Garlic ($20 for half, $35 for whole).

The sauce was appetizing and greasy. But perhaps there was just too much of the coating, it masked the taste of the chicken and made eating rather ‘jelak’ (too rich) after just two pieces. Maybe this would please those who loved licking sauces off fingers. Slurp.

Stormscape went on another visit and found it “OMG SPICY” (the spiciest he had in Singapore) and had to stop halfway.

Comparing to other “Best Korean Fried Chicken In Singapore”, I would rank Oven & Fried Chicken somewhere above the middle.

Oven & Fried Chicken Bukit Timah
16 Chun Tin Road Singapore 599603 (opposite Beauty World)
Tel: +65 6463 3505
Opening Hours: Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 12:00am (Mon-Fri), 5:30pm – 1:00am (Sat-Sun)

Oven & Fried Chicken Telok Ayer
182 Telok Ayer Street Singapore 068630
Tel: +65 6222 5959
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 12:00am (Mon-Fri), 4:00pm – 12:00am (Sat-Sun)

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10 Best Korean Fried Chicken In Singapore
Three Meals A Day (Chun Tin Road)
Choo Choo Chicken (Orchard Cineleisure)
Twins Korean Chicken (Tanjong Pagar)
Bing Go Jung (Bt Timah Plaza)

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Oriole Coffee + Bar was one of the pioneers of the third wave coffee movement in Singapore, considered one of the earlier ‘hipster cafes’.

They were also known for their roasting facilities and thus you would be able find their coffee blends (Yellowbird and Raven) at some other cafes as well.

Oriole Coffee has obviously been through quite drastic changes over the years. After being bought over by the Kitchen Language (owned by Far East Organisation), the cafes have a swankier interior and expanded menu.

Some would reminisce its older indie days; some would like a more comfortable setting. For the better or worse, you decide.

The Oriole Coffee + Bar at Capitol Piazza would require some finding, at the furthest corner of the Neue side on the second level.

Most would choose to sit at outside the café, where you can look out for murals on bronzy-golden pillars done by local artist Tan Zi Xi.

We were there for the 1-for-1 Lunch (sorry, can’t miss a good deal) on the Oriole Classics – which includes Fish & Chips ($20), Beef Cheek Tagliatelle ($22) and Capellini Crabmeat ($26).

I actually remember having these same dishes at Somerset Pan Pacific Serviced Suites years ago.

The aglio olio capellini kept its standard – cooked al dente enough, generous option of crabmeat, added with some piquillo peppers for extra flavours.

Its Fish & Chip, which I recall was a must-have for Oriole, was a let-down with snapper fillets deep fried dry and shriveled.

Still, I must applaud its front line and kitchen staff. The customer in front of me ordered like for a village (just exaggerating, it was for 12 pax, but I heard “6 fish and chips, don’t want this, add that, blah blah…”) and they still got our orders churned out in about 20 minutes.

Special mention of its Taishio M.A.D Milk ($8) cold-brew coffee. The M.A.D refers to macadamias, almonds and dates, and thus the milk is created with a non-diary nut concoction, suitable for coffee-drinkers who are lactose intolerant. Medium-strong and milky – I liked this version of coffee.

Oriole Coffee
13 Stamford Road #02-20/21, Capitol Piazza Neue, Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 6384 6495
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 10.30pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/OrioleCoffee

Other Related Entries
Angelina Singapore (Capitol Piazza)
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The Chinese has different variations of ‘bao’ such as charsiew bao and xiao long bao found in dimsum, whereas the Westerners have Han bao bao （汉堡包) known as burgers.

Bao Makers is a bakery cafe specializing in another type of ‘bao’ 包, the Chinese style steamed buns American-Chinese restaurants are known to serve, similar to the famed Momofuku Pork Buns and Lokkee’s Spicy Chicken Buns.

Hot from the oven (literally) are the Bao Makers, which took over Windowsill Pies at Horne Road.

It may be difficult to miss the entrance, because of its white-washed walls (that reminded us of a Big White Bao).

The interior has an industrial look with 3 colour tones used: white, grey, brown. The bao shop now comes with a hipster look.

The baos were served in pairs, and recommended ones include the Salted Egg Shrimp ($15) and Chilli Crab ($16).

For those interested to try a variety of different flavours, the Bao Platter ($28) came with 4 baos: Classic, Bulgogi, Chilli Crab and Teriyaki Chicken.

Our favourite was the Chilli Crab ($16), with fleshy, succulent crab meat and generously splattered with chilli sauce, kiap-ed (sandwiched) in between the deep fried golden brown “bao”. A version to our usual practice of dipping the mantou into the chili crab gravy.

The extra chilli sauce provided reminded us of those used in Hainanese Chicken Rice. Perhaps we would see a Chicken Rice Bao in future?

The Classic ($12) with 4 thinly sliced, slow braised pork belly (Kong Bak) sandwiched within the traditional white fluffy buns was a safe option.

Soft, fatty, with a melt-in-the-mouth sensation but our neighbouring table quickly rejected the idea of paying $6 for a kong bak bao.

The pan-fried Teriyaki Chicken ($14), on the other hand, was a tad too dry.

Apart from their Signature Baos, the menu had a selection of the usual sides such as salad ($8 – $10) and truffle fries ($8), mains such as Seafood Platter ($18.90) and Seafood Pasta ($16.90) and Ice Cream Bao ($5) for dessert.

The Fish & Chips ($16.90) were thin battered, crispy with tender meat, and served with homemade aioli. Pretty decent, yet nothing out of the world.

The Rustic Beef Bolognese ($12.90) were cooked to al dente with tomato sauce. Even though it’s not a bao, the portion didn’t make us feel “bao” (full).

The Flat White ($5.50) was prepared using coffee beans supplied by Common Man Coffee Roasters, with a medium body.

“Not bao”, my friends said. Not full.

Bao Makers
78 Horne Road, Singapore 209078 (Lavender MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon-Fri), 10am – 10pm (Sat), 10am – 6pm (Sat)
https://www.facebook.com/baomakers/

Other Related Entries
Lokkee (Plaza Singapura)
Two Bakers (Horne Road)
Hyde & Co. (North Bridge Road)
Kokomama Marketplace (SOTA)
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* Written by Daniel’s Food Diary Cafe Correspondent Nicholas Tan. Find him @stormscape on instagram and snapchat.

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If Waku Ghin’s $400++ price tag is too much to take for a regular affair, you can have a $12 ‘Waku Ghin’ cake at celebrity Chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s brand-new Patisserie Platine.

The selection of 18 types of petit cakes and pastries (priced between $10-$12++) are not available at Waku Ghin itself, but instead at RISE Lounge at the MBS Hotel side.

According to Chef Tetsuya Wakuda, this new concept came about after he saw how their cakes were received positively at the Epicurean Market.

Helming the team is Waku Ghin’s Executive Pastry Chef Yasushi Ishino.

My favourite is the Ghin Cheese Cake ($12) which incidentally is the restaurant’s most popular dessert. The word ‘ghin’ means silver which happens to be Chef’s favourite colour.

I always liked how unassuming Japanese pastries can be. Beneath the silverfish-white petite dome with a white chocolate feature is a lemon curd centre, which doesn’t steal the thunder from the overall taste.

There are light notes of cheese, and comes together rather harmoniously balanced. If I were to return to choose one cake, this will be it.

On the other hand, the Matcha Opera ($10) felt off-balanced, with the espresso and coffee butter cream suppressing its overall taste. Unfortunately, the matcha components turned out to take a weak secondary role.

If I may add, I wished the patisserie was in another location rather than within the hotel’s lounge. The entire set-up was like a testing-ground, left unattended and staff was occupied with serving other items.

Getting notice wasn’t the easiest thing, and there was nobody at the pastry counter doing some basic introduction.

The cakes deserve more.

Patisserie Platine by Waku Ghin
Marina Bay Sands Tower 1 Hotel Lobby RISE, 10 Bayfront Ave Singapore 018956
Tel: +65 6688 5568
Opening Hours: 11am – sold out Daily

Other Related Entries
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Henri Charpentier (Dempsey Hill)
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Frequent diners at Marina Bay Sands should be familiar with celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck, whose steakhouse CUT enjoyed much positive reviews (which I do think serves some of the best steaks in Singapore).

The next talk of the town should be Spago, opened on Level 57 of MBS SkyPark featuring two concepts – a fine dining restaurant on one side; and a terrace lounge with al fresco bar.

The original Spago can be said to be Chef Wolfgang Puck’s most important restaurant. His first restaurant venture located at Beverly Hills, was once awarded two Michelin stars, and named the most iconic restaurant in LA.

Its menu in Singapore is said to be “imaginative”, offering seasonal dishes of “Californian cuisine with global accents, in a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere”.

(Disclaimer: We haven’t eaten many of the dishes, and will return for a more proper food review, perhaps after it is officially opened for lunch.)

The fine dining menu is divided into a few main sections – Green Market, Marine, Pasture, Flour Water Rice, Sea, Land and Desserts.

There appears to be strong Asian influences in the creation, such as Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut Laksa ($42), “Kaya Toast” with seared foie gras, pandan-coconut jam, slowed cooked egg yolk on toasted brioche ($33), Hokkaido Scallop Sashimi ($34), and Honey Miso Broiled Japanese Black Cod ($49).

Dessert-wise, the Mille-Feuille ($36 for two) complete with lightly crisp puff pastry, tangy mango sorbet and delicate Tahitian Vanilla Cream Legere is a must-order.

The dessert was presented with table-side service, adding an element of interaction. (Kudos to Teck Hwa for being professional with a touch of humour.)

Contrastingly, the Salted Caramel Souffle with Fuji Apple Sorbet ($24) was too sweet on both components, though I liked its soft, creamy texture.

While Spago Singapore is branded as a fine dining restaurant, I found the choice of music to be atypical, ranging from Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody to Hot Chocolate’s “I believe in miracales” You Sexy Thing, at considerably loud volumes. My guess is they still wanted to convey that Californian mood?

If you failed to snub a reservation at the restaurant, you can move to the terrace lounge side offering bites of sushi rolls ($25 – $29) and more Asian stuff such as Grilled Korean Pork Belly ($19) and Chinese Bao & Glazed Short Ribs ($16).

The lounge overlooks MBS’ famous infinity pool with a spectacular view of the city skyline, on non-hazy days that is.

Spago By Wolfgang Puck
Sands SkyPark, Tower 2 Level 57 (Access from Hotel Lobby Tower 2)
Tel: +65 6688 9955
Opening Hours: 6pm – 10pm (until 11pm on Weekends)
5pm – 12am (cocktails and small plates at Terrace)

Other Related Entries
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L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (Resorts World Sentosa)

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Support the cause of fighting hunger with just a few clicks. Yes, it is that simple.

For World Food Day 2015, foodpanda has launched a 7-day social media campaign “You Say. We Give”.

Precious food such as rice and potatoes will be donated to “Food From The Heart Singapore” in your name. All these proceeds will go to needy families and the elderly.

I learnt that for last year’s World Food Day, foodpanda donated 130 kg of nutritious food to children in need through the Food Bank Singapore.

Here’s how it works
Step 1: Go to this interactive app https://www.foodpanda.sg/contents/worldfoodday

Step 2: Choose 1 of the 5 stock food items (of rice, pasta, potatoes, pulses or flour) and foodpanda will donate 1kg on your behalf to a local food bank which is “Food from the Heart”

Step 3: Share the post on your Facebook (remember to keep it to public setting) and foodpanda will double the donation to 2kg.

Some questions you may have:

What is Food From The Heart and who are they helping?
Food from the Heart is a non-profit voluntary food distribution programme, which helps channel surplus unsold food such as bread and other non-perishable food items from bakeries and hotels to those in need.

Their beneficiaries include low-income individuals and families who are residents of welfare homes, as well as those staying in the housing estates. The per capita income for these needy families typically falls below S$450.

What you may also wish to know is Food From The Heart does not receive any government funding, and is also not affiliated with any religious or political organizations.

I have actually volunteered with them before, delivering breads and sandwiches to a few homes in Singapore, and personally seen how people have in reality benefitted from their work.

What is World Food Day?
World Food Day is the annual day of action against hunger taking place on the 16th of October.

Through the last 15 years, 40 countries have halved the proportion of people who suffer from hunger; the likelihood of a child dying before age five has also been cut in half, which means about 17,000 children are saved every day; and extreme poverty rates have also been cut in half.

What is foodpanda? https://foodpanda.sg
The foodpanda group is the leading global online food delivery marketplace, active in 40 countries on five continents. Customers can order their favorite meal on the web or via the app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.global.foodpanda.android), and foodpanda offers the convenience by delivering food to them.

About the 5 types of food

Pasta
The carbohydrates in pasta increase the body’s production of serotonin, the neurotransmitter that triggers feelings of happiness and well-being. Pasta also contains other minerals and vitamins either directly from wheat or from other enrichments.

Pulses
Pulses are part of the legume family, and dried peas, edible beans, lentils and chickpeas are the most common varieties of pulses. They are considered very high in protein and fibre, and are low in fat.

Flour
Flour supplies a large portion of the nutrients required by our bodies to ensure growth and health, and is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, fibre and complex carbohydrates.

Potato
Potatoes are stuffed with photonutrients and their vitamic C acts as an antioxidant and helps prevent everything from scurvy to the common cold.

Rice
Rice is the most widely consumed staple food for a large part of the world’s human population, especially in Asia. Rice is considered the most important grain with regard to human nutrition. 1 kg of rice can feed about 12 people.

With a few clicks, you can choose which food item food panda will donate to Food From The Heart.

Personally, I find this an extremely meaningful project and hope that this year, we will be able to donate a substantial amount to the needy.

My next step is to rally Facebook friends to click and share. Hopefully you can do the same too!

You can now make a difference to someone’s life, in this very simple way. Head on to https://www.foodpanda.sg/contents/worldfoodday now!

* Daniel’s Food Diary is honoured to be Ambassador of foodpanda World Food Week 2015.

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The Mille Crêpe Cake has slowly found its way to popularity in Singapore. The word mille means “a thousand”, implying many layers of crêpe (like very thin pancake) stacked up together.

Most of the crepe cakes in Singapore contain between 10 to 20 layers. Although the components seem straight-forward with layered crepes and pastry cream, the construction is about skills and the perfect recipe.

Every slice has to stay firm and neat after cutting, and still taste light and moist.

You can choose either to peel layer by layer, or take a bite of its entirety. My method is the former.

Here are 10 Mille Crêpe Cakes In Singapore.

Koskos
16 Raffles Quay, Hong Leong Building, B1-34, Singapore 048581 (Raffles Place MRT)
Tel: +65 6221 6151
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm (Mon to Fri)

Koskos is a hidden find at the basement of Hong Leong Building, founded by the same team behind SPRMRKT.

The Rum & Raisin Mille Feuille ($8.50 for 1 slice, $59.50 for whole) has velvety Crème Chantilly layers with rather intense taste of rum. If you wonder why the cake taste so ‘alcholic’, the raisins use are soaked in Jamaican dark rum for weeks to infuse the full flavour, then blended so that you can get a mouthful out of every bite.

Alcoholic and creamy – I like. The main challenge though is that the cake overall is rather soft, and may present difficulty if you intend to eat it some time after takeaway.

Lady M
181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central #01-27 & #02-07 Singapore 238896)
Tel: +65 6509 3673
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm, Last order 9:30pm

One Fullerton #01-10, Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 6820 0830
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Sun – Thurs & PH), 11am – 12am (Fri, Sat, Eve PH), Last orders 10:30pm and 11:30pm respectively

3 Gateway Drive Westgate #02-25/26 Singapore 608532 (Jurong East MRT)
Telephone +65 6250 8993
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm Daily (Last order 9:30pm)

The success of the entire Lady M chain from New Year Upper East Side to Singapore can be attributed to its winning Mille Crepe cake.

The Chocolate Mille Crepe (available only at Orchard Central) while costing more than a red-coloured note, with its twenty paper-thin handmade chocolate crêpes alternated with chocolate pastry cream and a caramelized surface, redefined smoothness and elegance for contemporary cakes available in Singapore’s cafe. Rich yet not indulgent.

By a small margin, I still prefer the Green Tea Mille Crepe ($9/slice) where the sweetness of the pastry cream weds the subtlety of the fine green tea powder.

First Love Patisserie
Ion Orchard B4-63 and Raffles City B1-67
Tel: +65 2388006 (Ion Orchard), +65 6337 2007 (Raffles City)
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm

I didn’t know First Love Patisserie was from Indonesia. The Mille Crepe Cakes can be found in two kiosks in Singapore, with flavours of French Vanilla, Mango, Cappuccino and Tiramisu available only for takeaways at $6.50 per slice.

The cakes based on an old Japanese Hokkaido recipe using natural vanilla beans, doesn’t taste too sweet. I liked its OREO flavour – surprisingly light and creamy.

Udders Pancake
17 Lorong Kilat #01-09 Kilat Court Singapore 598139
Tel: +65 64661055
Opening Hours: 12pm – 11pm (Sun – Thurs), 12pm – 12am (Fri, Sat, eve PH)

Many know about Udders ice cream, but fewer realise there is an Udders Pancake selling Mille Crepe Cakes at Lorong Kilat.

Their Mille Crepe cakes are made fresh daily using eggs, flour, milk, brown sugar, and molasses. Each crepe cake has around 20 layers of crepe, laid on layer-by-layer with whipping cream and mascarpone cheese.

The Baileys Tiramisu ($11.90) liqueur crepe cake is the eye-catcher, topped with a syringe filled with 100% Baileys Irish Cream (we call that ‘chut pattern’ food). So we squirt the Baileys over the cake before eating it. Emm, fun.

Henri Charpentier – Dempsey Hill Shop
9A Dempsey Road. Singapore 247698 (next to House)
Tel : +65 6479 5518
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm

The Mille Crepe ($9, also one of the cakes there at the cheaper range) has alternating ten soft flaccid crepes with sweet custard cream.
 
One of the must-try cakes if you are on a ‘tai-tai’ tea-time outing at Henri Charpentier Dempsey, where booth seats are spacious with silky draping, all looking rather French and romantic.

Doutor Coffee 株式会社ドトールコーヒー
Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, #01-05, 12 Marina Boulevard Singapore 018982
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 9:30am (Mon-Fri), 8:30am – 4:30pm (Sat-Sun)

Matcha please. For those craving for a taste of Japan, Doutor Coffee’s Mille Crepe cakes are flown in from Japan in limited quantities. One of the few cakes around where there is the more distinct taste of the green tea, matched with smooth and light cream.

Doi Chaang Coffee
321 Clementi Ave 3 #01-02 Singapore 129905
Tel: +65 8161 8621
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm

35 Rochester Drive #01-08 Singapore 138639
Tel: +65 8161 8621
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm

Doi Chaang Coffee offers some of the hugest variety and interesting Mille Crepe flavours in Singapore. 10 in total, priced at $6.90 per slice, $60 for the whole cakes. The most popular ones being Matcha & Azuki and Earl Grey. Other top flavours include Hokkaido Chocolate Milk, Chocofee Praline (chocolate + coffee), Tiramisu and French Vanilla.

I AM
674 North Bridge Rd #01-01 (off Haji Lane) Singapore 188804
Tel: +65 6295 5509
Opening Hours: 11.30am-11pm (Mon-Thurs), 11.30am-1am (Fri/Sat), 11.30am – 10pm (Sun)

Halal Café I AM has expanded quickly in a short period of time, and a factor for its popularity can be attributed to its colourful Instagram-worthy bakes.

Their photographic Rainbow Mille Crepe Cake ($8.90 per slice, $80 for whole) made by the owner’s mother has vanilla cream in between layers of crepes, served with chocolate syrup drizzle for a contrasting sweet treat.

(Photo credit: @PinkyPiggu)

Classic Cakes
41 Sunset Way, Clementi Arcade #01-06 Singapore 597071
Tel: +65 6762 8019
Opening Hours: 2pm – 9pm (Tues and Sun), 11am – 9pm (Wed – Sat)

Classic Cakes at Sunset Way is considered one of the first shops to introduce the Mille Crepe Cake to Singapore. Other than the Original, Chocolate and Coffee flavours, the Apple, Matcha and especially …. Durian Mille Crepes have earned fans with creamy D24 durian fillings.

Its freshly-made vanilla pastry cream, thin eggy crepe layers plus caramelised sugar topping make a wonderful combination.

Teddy & Me
6 Raffles Boulevard Marina Square #02-207A Singapore 039594 (City Hall MRT)
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

Hmmm…. The Beantastic Rainbow ($8.80) and Strawberry Mille Crepe ($8.00) are worth many Instagram likes – but they can be too sweet, conquered by saturated colourings, and lined with cheap-tasting cream.

So what we will recommend if you happen to be there, go for the Yam & Red Bean Mille Crepe ($8.00) which is somewhat different from the other flavours out there.

Other Related Entries
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YOLO. You only live once. This is also the name of the salad shop at Icon Village Tanjong Pagar where you can #eatyourgoals.

Whether you are a gym junkie, office worker looking to lose some weight, or a closet carnivore who is attempting to have your greens, there seems to be something for everyone at YOLO.

I liked its informative and colourfully-designed menu, filled with buzz words from “gluten free”, “low-GI”, “xx gram protein”, “healthy fats”, “high fibre”, “dairy free”, “balanced” and calorie count … you kind of know what you are in for.

Items are clearly divided into Build (for salads with high protein content), Glow (helping skin look younger – serious?), Perform, Shape Up (to try to get that beach bod) and Sooth (for gluten, diary, wheat intolerant).

I had the Thai Fish Cake with Green Salad ($10.90), supposedly below 500 calories as I am watching my weight (haha).

Actually, I wasn’t expecting much because I cannot imagine an ‘ang-moh’ salad place doing Thai fish cakes well, but I was quite wrong and pleasantly surprised. This is one of the versions where the cakes are plump-juicy, appetizing, yet tasting healthy (not so much salt).

As a feedback, I would wish for a larger proportion of greens for a more filling meal. Other comments I hear were salads were too dry.

What you may like to know: The owner of YOLO is Frenchman Alexis Lothar Bauduin, who was last seen in Apprentice Asia.

He found himself to be a “victim of processed and artificial produce” – falling ill while living in China years back, and decided to change his diet and lifestyle habits. Coming back to Singapore, he wanted to create that healthy yet fun eatery, thus the birth of YOLO.

I got him to say a few words (in those smothering eyes), which I suspect some may find quite delicious. #justsaying

YOLO
Icon Village 12 Gopeng Street Singapore 078877 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening Hours: 8am – 9:30pm (Mon-Sat), 11am – 3pm (Sun)

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Grain Traders (Market Street)
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