Come to think of it… It can sound ridiculous that we queued for vending machine food, fish and chips, egg tarts and salted egg croissants in 2016. Add raclette cheese burgers, and *secret recipe* chicken rice (I don’t mind waiting for this.)

This is 1 to 2 hours we are talking about.

Every now and then, some food review, blog article, or food video go viral, and suddenly people start turning up at these restaurants and stalls. Some for the novelty factor, or to include in the instagram gallery.

So many people don’t have to work ah? No need to zo-gang? But I do know of friends who TAKE LEAVE to queue. #NotJudging #NoCondemnation

10 Food Places In Singapore With LONG QUEUES In 2016. Worth The Queue Or Not?

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

Hello Kitty Cafe
Singaporeans LOVE Hello Kitty. We USED TO fight over and break fastfood restaurant doors over these plush dolls.

When Singapore’s 1st Hello Kitty Orchid Garden Cafe officially arrived at Changi Airport Terminal 3, this became a must-visit destination for Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel fans.

The queue on Day 1… was estimated to be as long as 4 hours! Will you queue that long for a cat? Judging from Singaporeans’ previous love for queues and kitties, the answer is obvious.

Hello Kitty foodie fans can open their mouths for a range of Kitty-fied food such as all-day breakfast, mains and desserts. Some of the recommended include a Big Breakfast Surprise ($18.50), Kitty Meets Benedict ($17.50 with Hollandaise sauce done two ways in yuzu and dill, Enchanted Forest quesadillas ($17.90), Cowabunga Wagyu ($24).

But people said food so-so.

I went during daytime before flying. No more queue. Hello Kitty Orchid Garden (Changi Airport T3)

Bake Cheese Tart Singapore
ION Orchard #B4-33, 2 Orchard Turn Singapore 238801 (Orchard MRT)
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (or till sold out)

Cheese Tarts
So many shops in Singapore are selling Cheese Tarts – Prima Deli, The Icing Room, Antoinette. But the real McCoy is Bake Cheese Tart from Hokkaido, which opened at ION Orchard to 3-hour long queues.

3 different types of cream cheese are used to create the cheese mousse – Hakodate cheese for mild flavour, Betsukai cheese for full-bodied taste, and French cheese for a saltier balance.

The funny thing was, people walked past the stall thinking there was not a line, UNTIL they went to the other side of the mall to see a queue extended all the way to the back.

Some refused to queue. Or paid for people to queue. Or just fly to Hong Kong or Bangkok where Bake Cheese Tarts are readily available. BAKE Cheese Tart (ION Orchard)

Tai Cheong Bakery Singapore
Takashimaya Shopping Centre #B208-5 (Food Hall), 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 8223 1954
Opening Hours: 10am – 9:30pm

Tai Cheong Egg Tarts
Tai Cheong Bakery Singapore had 2 pop-ups before a permanent stall-space at Basement 2 food hall.

The signature Egg Tarts 皇牌蛋撻 are sold $1.90 for one, or $7.60 for four.

Other traditional bakes will be available soon: Chicken Pie 皇牌雞批 ($2.80 each); golden-brown shortcrust pastry packed with creamy diced chicken and mushroom, Cocktail Bun 港式雞尾包 ($1.80 each); shredded coconut and butter snuggled in a pillowy bread roll, Char Siew Bolo Bun 叉烧菠萝包($2.20 each), Sponge Cup Cake 紙包蛋糕 ($1.50 each) and Butter Egg Rolls 港式牛油峰巢蛋卷 ($15 per box).

Don’t be deceived. The queue goes all the way outside of the food hall. Tai Cheong Bakery

Honolulu Café Singapore
#01-33F/G The Centrepoint 176 Orchard Road, Singapore 238843 (Somerset MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm

Honolulu Egg Tarts
The signature Honolulu Egg Tart ($1.70) is known for its 192 layers of flaky pastry, crumbly, with wobbly eggy fillings.

Frankly, the Egg Tart was not too bad – we liked the crumbly crust which reminded us of cereal.

During a period of time, there was a No Takeaways rule for the egg tarts allowed, only for dine-in customers. Each customer can request to takeaway the remaining egg-tarts after dine-in. Each takeaway box is priced at 50 cents. IKR.

After a period, didn’t work, popularity dropped. Takeaways are back. Honolulu Café Singapore (Centrepoint)

Ramen Keisuke Lobster King
Clarke Quay – 3C River Valley Road #01-07 The Cannery, Singapore 179022 (Clarke Quay MRT)
Tel: +65 6255 2928
Opening Hours: 6pm – 5am (Last order 4:30am)

Lobster Ramen
Ramen Keisuke Lobster King at Clarke Quay is his 10th set up locally, and the Keisuke brand is created to be unique where concepts are seldom repeated.

Four different styles are available at Ramen Keisuke Lobster King – Lobster Broth Ramen with Clear Soup ($13.90), Lobster Broth Ramen with Rich Creamy Soup ($14.90), Miso Lobster Broth Ramen ($14.90) and Spicy Miso Lobster Broth Ramen ($15.90).

The broth reminded me of a combination of both French style lobster bisque and Japanese ramen soup base, which can be both brimming with flavours and heavily rich.

Clarke Quay party goers are known to queue up to an hour or two for the comforting bowl. Ramen Keisuke Lobster King (Clarke Quay)

Note: Long queue too during peak hours for Keisuke’s Crab concept at Orchard Cineleisure.

Kohaku Tempura
Eat At 7, 3 Temasek Boulevard #03-311 Suntec City Mall Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6333 4386
Opening hours : 11am – 10.30pm (Last Order 10pm)

Tendon
Kohaku specialises in Edomae Tendon, where bowls of Hokkaido rice piled with tempura drizzled in a specially made sauce are served. So, so good.

The options are straight forward – the signature Kohaku Tendon ($15), Vegetable Tendon ($14), Spicy Flavour ($15) and Vegetable Spicy Flavour ($14).

Apparently, people quarreled at the queue before? Don’t lah. It is just for food, gentlemen. Sooner or later will get. Peace. Peace.

Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle 香港油雞飯麵
Blk 335, Smith Street #02-126, Chinatown Food Complex, Singapore 050335
Opening Hours: 10:30am to 7:00pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Fri), 8:30am to 7:00pm (Sat – Sun), Closed Wed

Michelin Chicken
At SGD$2 (USD$1.47!) for a plate of Soya Sauce Chicken Rice, this is THE CHEAPEST Michelin Star Meal you can get in the world. (‘Beating’ Hong Kong’s famed Tim Ho Wan)

Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle sells Soya Sauce Chicken Rice, Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle, Roasted Pork Rice, Char Siew Rice, and Char Siew Noodles are unbelievable prices of $2 – $3.

Even before winning the award, a queue of between 30 to 45 minutes is not uncommon for this corner stall at Level 2 Chinatown Food Complex.

Now the wait can be anticipated up to 2 hours at least, judging from the long line in the heat, waiting for a star to enter the belly.

And you cannot really stop the person in front of you from ordering a FEW chickens. Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle (Chinatown Food Complex)

(The other Michelin hawker stall Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles at Crawford Lane also LONG queue.)

Fish & Chicks
Blk 531, Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, Happy Hawkers 喜多福, Singapore 560531
Tel: +65 9828 3490
Opening Hours: 11am – 2pm, 5pm -10pm

Cathay Cineleisure Orchard 8 Grange Road Basement 1 (Koufu), Singapore 239693
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm

Because Salted Egg
Fish & Chicks is the humble Western food stall at Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 which propelled into instant social media fame for its Salted Egg Yolk and Chilli Crab Sauce Fish & Chips.

It has opened another outlet at the basement of Orchard Cineleisure.

The owners probably didn’t expect their stall to be such a hit. A 2 hour wait? Frankly, I didn’t too.

Food bloggers from RubbishEatRubbishGrow, SethLui, and recently TheSmartLocal gave the thumbs up, and parts of their posts can be seen quoted on the walls, including… “the crunch (of the fish) could be heard from the other side of the kopitiam”, “great fish and chips foundation plus a killer fusion combination…”.

Articles went super viral. Tah-dah.

Flavour Flings
121 Hougang Avenue 1, #01-1348, Singapore 530121(Kovan MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am – 4pm, 5.30pm – 9pm (Mon, Wed-Fri), 9am – 4pm, 5.30pm – 9pm (Sat-Sun), Closed Tue
https://www.facebook.com/flavourflings

Also Because Salted Egg
Once upon a time, not too long ago, Singaporeans went crazy over salted egg croissant, and salted egg anything.

Flavour Flings can be said to be the first shop to release Salted Egg Croissants in Singapore. Demand was so huge that the croissants were sold out in half an hour.

When such things happen, businesses will go with the flow (pun intended). Both the good and the copycats.

There are so many Salted Egg Croissant places in Singapore it is not even funny anymore. Read: Unique Salted Egg Yolk Food In Singapore)

[Pop-Up] Pokémon Café Singapore
200 Victoria Street, #04-05, Bugis Junction Singapore 188021 (Bugis MRT)

Pokemon Food
Pika Pika… Gotta Catch ‘Em All! EwF at Bugis Junction was changed to a Pokémon Café for a limited period. (It is now back to selling burgers and fries)

Despite less than favourable reviews on the FOOD, people still went to queue and take plenty of photos, and some went on to complain after that. Oh well.

Other Related Entries
Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle (Chinatown Food Complex)
Ramen Keisuke Lobster King (Clarke Quay)
Tai Cheong Bakery
Honolulu Café Singapore (Centrepoint)
Hello Kitty Orchid Garden (Changi Airport T3)

The post 10 Food Places In Singapore With LONG QUEUES In 2016. Worth The Queue Or Not? appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

BLUE is my favourite colour. Open my wardrode and you see almost Blue-everything. (I happen to enjoy emm… Smurf too.) BUT BLUE food and drinks?

Cue in the artificial colours and flavourings. BUT some food places, especially Thai restaurants and some Nonya Kueh shops use butterfly pea herb (Clitoria ternatea) which can give a mid-night cobalt blue colour.

11 Very BLUE Food & Drinks In Singapore. And Not Just Unicorn Tears

The Workbench Bistro
Blk 332 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 #01-1881 Singapore 560332
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 10:00pm (Mon – Thurs), 12:00pm – 11:00pm (Fri), 10:00am – 11:00pm (Sat), 10:00am – 10:00pm (Sun)

Blue Velvet Waffles
Ang Mo Kio is quite hipster, yah? Who would have thought that a café at AMK Ave 1 Blk 332 would sell such instagrammable BLUE Velvet Waffles.

The price is surprisingly affordable too at $5.50, or $8.80 with a big scoop of ice cream and sauce.

Or you can get the Chocolate S’moreffles ($7.50, $10.80 with ice cream) which offers a combination of both blue and red velvet waffles.

There is some chocolately taste in the red velvet, while the blue had marshmallows sandwiched in between which could provide a stretchy, sticky pull in the middle.

Nara Thai Cuisine
Westgate Mall #03-07 3 Gateway Drive Singapore 608532 (next to Jurong East MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 9:30pm, Last Orders 9:15pm Daily

Blue Fried Rice
Nara Thai Cuisine is famous for dishes such as its Kuay Tiew Rua (Boat Noodles) and Phunim Phad Pong Karee (Stir-fried Softshell Crab with Yellow Curry). Having been to the Bangkok’s outlets for quite a few times, I asked Nara Thai for dishes exclusive to Nara Thai Singapore.

Pair the rice with the Kao Phad Samunprai (Thai Herbs Fried Rice $6.90), coloured purplish-blue due to the usage of butterfly pea herb.

Or get a version of Kao Kra Pao Nua ($13.90) with stir fried minced pork and hot basil. Quite fragrant. Nara Thai Cuisine (Ion Orchard)

Bonheur Patisserie
200 Turf Club Road #02-06/#02-K63 PasarBella @ The Grandstand Bukit Timah
Tel: +65 6466 1498
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 7pm (Sun – Thurs), 10:30am – 9pm (Fri –Sat)

Branch: Raffles City Shopping Centre B1-72 252 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179103

Blue Cookie Monster Macaron
Totally cute! This is Bonheur Patissserie’s best-selling Cookie Monster macaron with an Oreo cookie in the middle.

They emphasize on using natural ingredients for both the Macaron shells as well as fillings.

Buck Tile St. Café
104 Faber Drive Singapore 129412
Tel: +65 65667058
Opening Hours: 12pm – 11pm (Mon-Tues, Thurs-Sun), Closed Wed

Blue Velvet Cake
We describe a remote place as “where bird do not lay eggs” and (sorry) Bucktile St. Café may fit that bill, but I made it there anyway. Primary for its blue velvet cake.

Their Blue Velvet Cake ($6.90 per slice) while full of colourings, did not disappoint – soft, fluffy, not too dry, not too sweet, rather delightful. Bucktile Street Cafe (Faber Drive)

Blue Velvet Waffles
Also at Buck Tile, the Blue Velvet Waffles is also a show-stopper. Yes, Blue. The colour and dessert that “Sadness” from Inside Out will find some joy in.

Meet & Melt (Orchard)
2 Orchard Link #02-33/34 Scape Singapore 237978
Opening Hours: 2pm – 10pm Daily

Meet & Melt (Tampines)
Blk 915 Tampines Street 91 #01-49, Singapore 520915
Opening Hours: 3pm – 11pm (Tue-Fri), 2pm – 11pm (Sat-Sun), Closed Mon

Bubble Gum Ice Cream
Ice cream flavours at Meet and Melt can be wacky, anything from Salted Egg (not kidding), White Truffle, Chilli Crab to Curry Masala… and Bubble Gum.

Top it up with Charcoal Lava Toasts ($14.90) with flowing sauces of Thai Milk Tea, Thai Green Milk Tea and CURRY lava.

Who dares try Blue Ice Cream with CURRY toast? (Hashtag #DanielFoodDiary on Instagram if you do.)

(Photo credit: Lim Le-Anne @boshemian)

Sinseh: The Grocer
9 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199076
Tel: 6291 5743
Opening Hours: 12pm – 8:30pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Galaxy Donuts
Galaxy donuts. They look out of this world, but they taste like… DONUTs. No special taste lah.

Galaxy donuts ($4) and mini donuts ($3) are available at The Lab SG at Jalan Pisang or via pre-order (+65 98757232) at Sinseh:The Grocer next door.

(Photo credit: Nicholas Tan @stormscape)

Dapper Coffee
73A Amoy Street Level 2, Singapore 069892
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat – Sun

Unicorn Tears
Dapper Coffee describes their Unicorn Tears as “Pure tears of joy from Sparkles, our pure bred Mongolian Unicorn. These tears contain NO ALCOHOL, and NO CAFFEINE.”

We say this is $10 worth of lemonade with sparkles.

TAC Coffee
(Within Tiong Hoe) Blk 170 Stirling Road #01- Singapore 140170
Tel: +65 9856 6579
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm (Only Sun)

Blue Cold Brew
The sun is shining hot, and you may wish to have a tan by the pool with an iced COLD BLUEE coffee.

Available in light blue and baby pink, the cold brew is a blend of 3 beans – Indian Monsoon, Sumatra Mandheling and Columbia Supremo. Great if you like your coffee strong, not so good if you mind blue stains on your tongue.

Limited quantities available. Maybe better call to reserve.

Coffee can be so cool and blue.

Cheng’s Gourmet Food Bar & Bistro BBQ
28 Clementi Road Singapore 129758
Tel: +65 6464 0617
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 5pm, 5:30pm – 11:45pm Daily

Ultraviolet Floral Cooler
Have seen a similar drink served at Bangkok’s café, the Ultraviolet Floral Cooler ($6.20) at Cheng’s Gourmet Food Bar (near NUS) is made using butterfly pea flower.

Squeezing lemon over would change the acidity level of the drink, from blue to purple. Refreshing, somewhat like a milder form of lemonade. Cheng’s Gourmet Food Bar (Clementi Road)

(Photo credit: Kenny Soon @soonnverysoon)

Chock Full Of Beans
Blk 4 Changi Village Road #01-2090 Singapore 050004
Tel: +65 6214 8839
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:15pm (Tues – Fri), 9:30am – 10:15pm (Sat – Sun)

3D Blue Lemonade
Chock Full Of Beans is already known for their 2D and 3D Latte Art which frequently appears on local Instagram accounts.

The next instagrammable drink they came up with is a Specialty Sparkling Lemonade with adorable (or sad) looking teddy jelly.

Available in both blue and pink lagoon versions, but limited to only 20 glasses a day.

Other Related Entries
20 Sexy Black Food In Singapore
12 Best Sushi Rolls In Singapore
10 Food In Singapore Pattern More Than Badminton
15 Must Try Truffle Dishes In Singapore
16 Unique Salted Egg Yolk Food In Singapore

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Marks & Spencer, I love your cookies and stuff. Okay. So… Marks & Spencer has unveiled its world’s first table service M&S Café at Wheelock Place.

The 60-seater café is located near the Food Hall of the store, with a menu which includes a selection of hot meals such as British classics of Fish & Chips, afternoon tea, snacks and drinks.

You could tell that the service staff was really trying to best, to handle orders, to pacify customers for longer than usual waiting times, commit to an act balancing as they brought food down a possibly slippery flight of steps.

There were occasional sounds of broken utensils and fallen glasses. The cashier cum service counter cum clearing station was a narrow space of mess. Hopefully they could get that settled out soon.

But that wasn’t the largest problem.

The food.

Coffee wise, do not come expecting coffee art. And this reminded us of…

Anyway, the offerings include a selection of Breakfast items such as Cereal & Porridge ($4.90), Cheese & Tomato Croissant ($7.90), Soups ($5.90), Salads ($10.90 – $16.90), Sandwiches ($11.90 – $14.90), Pasta ($10.90 – $15.90), Pizza ($17.90 – $19.90), Desserts and Cakes ($6.90 – $8.90).

The recommended dish was of course the signature Fish & Chips ($14.90), of battered fish, served with chips and petit pois (small green peas).

Its plain presentation reminded us of food from that Scandinavian furnishing shop. The fries turned soggy, and peas plain as though they were merely boiled in water. Fried fish was averagely acceptable… though saved by ketchup.

It is their star dish. This is a British company. They ought to get it right.”

The Eggs Royale ($15.90) looked like it was cooked in a rush, and as if the poached eggs were doing a Joseph Schooling in a pool of hollandaise sauce.

I do think the food could be saved, perhaps in time to come.

The base taste of the supposedly freshly baked scone ($5.90) was actually okay, but was somehow dry, though fortunately not tough. And oh, what’s with the black specks all around?

A slice of Walnut Chocolate Cake a friend ordered, was described as, ”Bleh, so dry. The frosting so sugary sweet.”

I ordered a salad which went MIA. Was only told it was sold out after we finished everything.

Come to think of it. The Fish & Chips was probably the best thing we had. And I was glad in the end my salad didn’t come.

M&S Café
501 Orchard Road #01-01 Wheelock Place Singapore 238880 (Orchard MRT)
Tel: +65 6733 8122
Opening hours: 8:30 am – 10:00 pm (Sun – Thu), 8:30 am – 10:30 pm (Fri – Sat)

The post M&S Café – Marks & Spencer Café At Wheelock Place. But The Food… appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Is this Ang Mo Kio’s most hipster café? Possibly so.

The Workbench Bistro has just gone through a menu revamp, serving some interesting (and unique) dishes from Egg Lava Beef Burger, Crab Cake Burger, Salted Egg Chicken Pasta, S’moreffles (S’more + Waffles) and… Japanese Purple Sweet Potato Waffles!

(Video: The making of Japanese Purple Sweet Potato Waffles)

Who would have expected to find a café like this at Blk 332 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1?

A workbench is defined as a bench at which practical work is done. Therefore, the owners of Workbench Bistro want to treat the space as a place to create practical, honest to goodness food and hence the tagline “practical food creation”.

Here are some interesting food you can expect to find at The Workbebch Bistro:

Purple Japanese Sweet Potato Waffles
I am introducing this TWB Purple Sweet Potato Waffle first, because I have a hand in this… HAHAHA.

The owner was possibly inspired by this post > (Where To Find Purple Sweet Potato Food & Desserts in Singapore), and I encouraged him to ”DO IT!”

So he did.

This waffle was freshly made using purple sweet potato with no additional colourings.

While the outer appearance looked slightly light brownish-purple, the inside revealed an appetising and Instagram-worthy royal purple colour.

Further drizzled in homemade Gula Malaka sauce, paired with a big scoop of creamy ice cream, you could savour the sweet potato bits within.

I would encourage you to share with a friend, because it could get quite heavy…. because carb alert.

Egg Lava Beef Burger
An uncle saw me having THIS burger and quickly ordered one too. This was quite THE looker.

Just check out what goes inside – juicy beef patty, grilled bacon and cheese. But the highlight is the lava egg in the middle of the patty.

I actually didn’t notice the runny yolk until I removed the coverings of generous portion of bacon.

So as you cut through the burger, the oozing yolk could be mixed with the rest, providing a possibly-messy but sumptuous treat.

Just imagine that mouth-feel of tender beef, crispy bacon, gooey yolk and melty cheese coming ALL together.

Crab Cake Burger
Other than the above, other burgers available include Crab Cake Burger ($16.90), Pulled Pork Burger ($16.90) and Salted Egg Chicken Burger ($16.90) – all sandwiched with freshly made brioche buns.

Surprisingly, the Crab Cake was a thick, sizable patty, made with sweetly fresh crab meat. Not the starchy, floury kind.

I do think that the burger needed some kind of a sauce or something, say Japanese mayonnaise or a chilli crab sauce to enhance the overall texture.

Have I mentioned that all the signature burgers are served with a complimentary side of Paprika Fries?

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

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

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

Salted Egg Chicken Pasta ($15.90)
If you are into all-things salted egg, good news for you.

The Workbench Bistro offers MANY items which includes salted egg – Salted Egg Chicken Pasta ($15.90), Salted Egg Chicken Burger ($16.90), Salted Egg Wings and newly introduced Salted Egg Potato Wedges.

I had the Ver 2.0 of the The Salted Egg Chicken Pasta ($15.90), now with crispy Chicken Chop over linguine tossed in raw salted egg, curry leaves and chilli padi.

The cutlet complemented the pasta much better than the Ver 1.0 (where grilled chicken was used), and the pieces were crisp and juicy.

(I wished that the pasta was slightly creamy, and I think the kitchen would be tweaking for a more perfect Ver 3.0.)

Salted Egg Wings
The Workbench Bistro emphasized that the salted egg sauce used was not from some bottle or can, and all made from scratch in the kitchen. So you could feel those grainy bits in the sauce.

So have your wings while they are HOT!

Blue or Red Velvet Waffles
Instagrammable BLUE (something greenish) Velvet Waffles. The price is surprisingly affordable too at $5.50, or $8.80 with a big scoop of ice cream and sauce.

Chocolate S’moreffles ($7.50)
Or you can get the Chocolate S’moreffles ($7.50, $10.80 with ice cream) which offers a combination of both blue and red velvet waffles.

There is some chocolately taste in the red velvet, while the blue had marshmallows sandwiched in between which could provide a stretchy, sticky pull in the middle.

A S’moreffles Supreme ($29.90) version is available where three waffles are stacked together, with marshmallows, strawberry jam, oreo sandwiched in the middle, topped with whipped cream and FOUR scoops of ice cream.

Plus, the cafe would constantly introduce NEW dishes for their regulars.

When I asked the owner what his source of inspiration was, he said as a matter-of-factly … ”Tasty videos”. WOW. He constantly watches these cooking videos in this free time to continue to innovate and excite customers.

The Workbench Bistro
Blk 332 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 #01-1881 Singapore 560332
From AMK bus interchange: Take bus 22, 24, 135 or 262 and alight at the 3rd bus stop.
From BISHAN bus interchange: Take bus 50 and alight at the 5th bus stop.
Tel: +65 6452 0810
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Mon – Thurs), 12pm – 11pm (Fri), 10am – 11pm (Sat), 10am – 10pm (Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/theworkbenchbistro

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with The Workbench Bistro.

The post The Workbench Bistro – Hi AMK Folks, You Have Purple Sweet Potato Waffles, Lava Burger, Salted Egg Pasta Near You! appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

You would be forgiven if you have thought Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique is at Jurong Bird Park. No.

The gelato shop is located at 63 East Coast Road, right next to the iconic Katong “Red House Bakery”.

Birds of Paradise is so named because the shop creates gelato inspired by the botanical flavours of nature.
That means fruits, flowers, pods, herbs, and spices.

Flavours include Basil, Lychee Raspberry, Spiced Pear, Mint Cacao, Strawberry Basil, Pandan and White Chrysanthemum. Prices go at $4.70 for a single, $7.70 for double, and $16.00 for pint.

Unlike some gelato shops where colours of ice cream are almost-too-artificially vibrant, you would be greeted by pastel-coloured spectrum of flavours (with the exception of Mango Sorbet),

(Photo credit: Nicholas Tan @stormscape))

The owner was inspired to make ice cream since more than a decade ago, experimenting with all types of flavours, till he wanted to settle for something more natural, unique and healthy at the same time.

The group of us became fans of varied flavours, from the creamy tarty-sweet Mango, floral flavoured White Chrysanthemum with bits of cacao nibs, and delicate Lychee Raspberry.

The Strawberry Basil was my favourite, one of those flavours that came across as understated sweetly mellow. The accompanying Thyme Cone (additional $1) was made fresh on-the-spot, which was absolutely the best thing.

Being less tolerant to overly-sweet desserts of late, I liked that the gelato here leaned to the less-sweet, didn’t have that artificial twang.

The only flipside was, you wished some of the flavours were more pronounced, for example the Pandan. (But technically much harder to achieve without adding essence.)

I wished the opening hours could have been extended though, as weekday operating hours from only from 4:30pm onwards. I had friends going there in the noon, only to be faced with a closed shop. A note to all to check Facebook more regularly.

Oh, and an avocado gelato someday, please.

Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique
63 East Coast Road #01-05 (Opposite Katong I12 and Roxy Square) Singapore 428776
Tel: +65 9678 6092
Opening Hours: 4:30pm – 10pm (Tues – Fri), 12pm – 10pm (Sat- Sun)

Other Related Entries
AmaSoy (Jurong Point)
Sweet Monster (Bugis Junction)
Two Plus One (Woodlands)
Geometry (Jalan Bukit Merah)
Small Potatoes Ice Creamery (Novena Square 2)

The post Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique – Gelato Of Natural, Delicate Flavours appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Do not confuse Japan Foods Garden (note the extra ‘s’ behind food) at Shaw Centre Basement 1, with Japan Food Town at Wisma Atria. Even though they are a short walk away from each other.

They are both Japanese food clusters, which is becoming quite a commonplace in Singapore.

Other than these two, there are Emporium Shokuhin at Marina Square, Eat at Seven at Suntec City Mall, Kuriya Japanese Market Yokocho at Tampines 1 and Japanese Food Street at Jurong Point.

Okay, is the next place going to be called Japan Food Hall / Avenue / Boulevard / Centre ? You get my point.

The difference is that Japan Foods Garden terms itself as the FIRST fully Japanese cuisine “food court” concept in Singapore. (But wasn’t there Ishi Mura Japanese Food Street some time back?)

This Japanese Food Court with 5 different stalls is located at the back of Food Republic at Shaw Centre. It is of no coincidence that it is a BreadTalk Group concept.

The 5 stalls are:
Genki Japan Soba and Donburi
Akasaka Yukun Steamed Unagi
Bear’s Curry Café & Bar
Banzaiya Obanzai Sushi
Gyu Tetsu Tokyo Teppanyaki

Two of the concepts – Asakasa Yukun and Genki are brands that are brought in from Japan, while the other three are original brands created for Japan Foods Garden.

Akasaka Yukun Steamed Unagi
Unagi specialist Akasaka Yukun was first founded in Kurume city in Kyushu in 1952, and currently has 8 branches in Japan. Japan Foods Garden is its first outpost outside Japan.

The signature item is the “Unagi Seiro Mushi” whereby the eel is steamed instead of grilled the conventional way.

The Unagi Chazuke ($9.80) is a reasonably priced, comforting bowl of stock over rice with pieces of unagi.

Its signature Unagi Serio Mushi 1 Layer ($28.80) was comparatively steeper. Fortunately there was a 50% opening promotion, otherwise the taste might not warrant this price.

While I liked the smoky rice at the base, there were parts of the unagi that were surprisingly mushy-textured. Asked my friends to take a bite, and they all agreed there was something not-quite-right about the consistency.

Gyu Tetsu Tokyo Teppanyaki
The recommended dish is the Gyu Tetsu US Angus Beef Lemon Steak ($18.80).

Beef slices were tender enough, while the added lemon gave the pieces a refreshing, not overly tangy aftertaste.

However, the dish was not impressive enough for a repeat order.

Banzaiya Obanzai
Obanzai refers to a variety of small, traditional homecooked dishes that Japanese families typically serve to relatives and friends during special occasions.

Banzaiya Obanzai is a self-serve kiosk where items are placed in plates or bowls for selection, such as Tobiko Gunkan, Potato Salad, Mentaiko, Chawanmushi, Salmon Shioyaki and Sabar fish. Food didn’t look inspiring enough.

Take, pay, go.

Genki Japan Soba and Donburi
The one item that is probably worth coming back for is the Tendon ($11.80), considered value for its money for the amount of ingredients.

The tempura was crisp, drizzled over with a sweetish-savoury sauce.

Here, the soba was made on the spot using a specially-imported machine, which compressed the soba dough and passed it out as strands of noodles into a pot of boiling water.

On the other hand, for a Soba-specialist stall, I found the texture of the noodles clumpy, and would personally prefer strands with chewier texture.

Bear’s Curry Café & Bar
A concept restaurant that Japan Foods Garden had worked with Suntory & Jim Bean.

Bear’s Curry serves Japanese curry 2 different levels of spiciness – normal curry ($10.80, $13.80 with Katsu) and black squid ink Devil Curry ($11.80, $14.80 with katsu).

Unfortunately, the dish was marred by less than lukewarm, shrivelled, dry-textured tonkatsu, as though the meat was fried hours ago and topped up on rice just before serving.

If that is the concept and operational process, a suggestion would be to serve the dish with piping hot curry gravy so that at least something in that dish would be warm.

A good thing is, service was rather enthusiastic, and people at the counters were sincere and friendly.

If you are familiar with Food Republic’s general standard, you can make a gauge as Japan Foods Garden does not depart too far from there.

Japan Foods Garden
1 Scotts Road, Shaw Centre, #B1-01 (Within Food Republic), Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 6493 7300
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Other Related Entries
Japan Food Town Singapore (Wisma Atria)
Emporium Shokuhin (Marina Square)
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Kohaku Tendon (Suntec City)
Hokkaido Izakaya (Tanjong Pagar)

* Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Jar’d by Sarnies is probably the first mason jar salad bar concept, located at the basement of One Raffles Place.

I call this basement the “’Salad Land’ as you can find plenty of salad shops from Daily Cut, WHEAT, Kraftwich, Munch Saladsmith, Salads & Wraps. Just to name A FEW.

Mason jar salads?

You would probably see this on some online recipe websites (or buzzfeed) or cooking videos – and they make instagrammable pieces, but to set up a physical shop selling it is another thing.

The salads are available in 750ml or 1 litre jars, with choices of Tuna Tataki ($12.5/$16), Roast Chicken & Pesto ($12.5/$16), Vegan Zoodle Pad Thai ($12/$15), and Quinoa & Feta ($12.5/$16).

For this takeaway, a recyclable bag will be given at an additional 20 cents. If you purchase 2 jars, the bag would come free.

Layers separate the ingredients of each jar – dressing and protein first, everything else layered in the middle, and greens on top. The certified safe Mason jars are tightly sealed,

Sounds good on paper. But I wonder about the real feasibility.

The mason jars are not exactly light. When you want to carry them around with a document bag or laptop, it makes for good bicep training.

NEXT, the actual eating.

I wanted to do the ‘cool’ thing – bring the jar to the bench outside Raffles Place MRT station, start eating my greens and watch the world go by. Hmmmm…

As the contents within was packed to the top, despite vigorous shaking, the ingredients did not manage to mix well together.

As I opened the rather packed jar, the Japanese seaweed already started ‘flying’ off. Some landed on my cheeks. Okay, bad plan. Bring it to the office then.

A plastic fork was given for consumption, and it was shorter than the height of the jar.

In the end, I had to transfer contents to a separate bowl. And of course you have to wash both in the pantry after.

Thus, this whole ‘convenient-salad’ process ironically became a bit lay-chey (troublesome) for me.

You could keep the jar, or bring it back for a dollar off your next salad. (Use it to store my granola now.)
I had the Tuna Tataki and liked the freshness of the ingredients, with the mix of soy and mirin dressing.

However, as contrasted to a fuss-free grab-and-go concept, especially important in a busy CBD, salads in mason jars didn’t seem as straight forward. I would reckon Jar’d would need to refine its finer details.

Jar’d by Sarnies
B1-38 Tower 1 One Raffles Place, Singapore 048616
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 3:30pm

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Bavarian food? Brez’n at Valley Point serves up Bavarian classics, which is considered uncommon in Singapore’s context.

Are Pork Knuckles, jumbo Sausages and Schnitzel calling your name?

The restaurant’s name “Brez’n” is inspired by the Bavarian word for Pretzel – the sourdough bread.

Taking over Erwin’s Gastrobar, the concept initially reminded me of Kaiserhaus at Capitol Piazza.

Niche, unfamiliar, but interesting enough to warrant a visit.

It is operated by the same team behind ERWIN’S Gastrobar, LeVeL33, Kaiserhaus and Paulaner Brauhaus Guangzhou, and from the original founding team of Brotzeit. Chef Dominik Österreicher helming Brez’n’s kitchen, is former Executive Chef of Brotzeit.

I would recommend the sandwiches.

Instead of the typical sliced bread, the sandwiches are made with pretzels. Filling options include meat loaf slices, vegetarian, smoked salmon or honey-glazed leg ham ($12 – $15).

I picked the Brez’n Sandwich Lerberkase ($14) because meat loaf slices were the most atypical-sounding.

The oven-baked buns were warm, soft with a light touch of that unique pretzel flavour, and filled with sauerkraut, pickles, honey mustard sauce, and a side of thick cut fries. Hearty.

Sausages served are hand-made by a German Master Butcher, all without added MSG. The recommendations are Weisswurt, the Bavarian classic veal and pork sausage.

Set lunches at $18 are considered affordable. Every set lunch comes with soup and a bite-sized dessert of the day (REALLY bite-sized).

Diners can opt for mains such as the Fleischpflanzerl, the grilled Bavarian beef and pork patties served with mashed potatoes, beer-infused brown sauce and crispy onion rings or the Chicken Schnitzel with potato salad and cranberry sauce.

However, the set lunch might not provide an accurate representation of what Brez’n potentially can do.

Take for example the miserable-looking Chicken Schnitzel… well, I shall just let the photo do the talking.

During the weekends, breakfasts are served from 8am. Quite a promising restaurant that lightens up this part of River Valley, which can be quite quiet at times.

Brez’n
Valley Point #01-21/22/23, 491 River Valley Road Singapore 248371
Tel: +65 6235 1613
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 11:00pm (Mon – Thurs, PH), 11:30am – 12am (Fri), 8:00am – 11:00pm (Sat – Sun)

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The post Brez’n – Bavarian Restaurant In Singapore? Bring Out The Pork Knuckle, Sausages and Pretzel Sandwiches appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Being a good sister of Lola’s (at Kovan), Suzette specialises in bakes and pastries instead of her sister’s focus on brunch food.

Her location is right in front of the Esplanade Amphitheatre along the Singapore River, where you can experience the breeze and occasional music there.

(Note: We visited Suzette before its renovations, and the cafe has further expanded the area recently.)

By the way, Pokemon Masters will be thrilled at the idea of having PokeStops nearby when they are cafehopping.

Not just 1 or 2 PokeStops, but a total of 4 overlapping PokeStops with good GPS detection (very important for Pokemon hunting) and a favourite spot for Dratini lovers. #DontSayBoJio

Suzette is a creative pastry chef and she offers Cakes ($8), Tarts ($6-12), Ice Cream ($4) and Waffles.

While the selection sounds pretty usual, there are some interesting and varied flavours available.

Think dual flavoured bakes such as Lychee Rosewater cake ($8), Mango Matcha Cake ($8), White Chocolate Durian Tart ($12) and Poached Pear Cheese Tart ($8).

If you are a durian lover (like me), you won’t want to miss out on the White Chocolate Durian Tart ($12) shaped like a durian or the Esplanade (due to their location). Seriously?

The tart shell was slightly “nua” (soft), whereas the fragrant aroma of the durian with a slight tinge of sweetness from the white chocolate blended well together.

Matcha lovers would not give this Mango Matcha Cake ($8) a miss, with a layer of thick butter butter cream frosting.

The layer of mango sandwiched in between the matcha layers added a refreshing touch to the subtle matcha bitterness.

While dual flavoured cakes might sound awesome on paper, the Earl Grey Banana Cake ($8) didn’t really stand out.

Cake texture was firmer (and drier) and the chocolate cream overwhelmed that of the earl grey.

Looking for something refreshing while Pokemon hunting?

Try the Suzette Iced Tea ($8), with strawberries and jelly in it.

Suzette is pretty creative with her creations and we are pretty sure it will be a hot spot to hang out in the future, I mean it is already a hot spot for Pokemon lovers, isn’t it?

Suzette
Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue #01-13, Singapore 039802
Opening Hours: 3pm – 10:30pm (Tues – Thurs, Sun), 3pm – 11:30pm (Fri – Sat), Closed Mon
https://www.facebook.com/suzettesg/

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* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape. Visit his instagram for all things [NEW].

The post Suzette – Lola’s Café Opens A Dessert Café At Esplanade. 4 PokeStops There Btw appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Not exploding Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy Cakes is the latest dessert trend sweeping across Instagram.

As Rainbow Foods are becoming so ‘last year’, patisseries and cafés are introducing bluish-purplish glittery “Galaxy Cakes” inspired by night skies and the milky way.

Some say the trend is due to the resurgence of Star Wars, and this is perhaps only the start in Singapore.

Where To Find Galaxy Cakes & Desserts In Singapore. Any Out Of This World?

Cream & Custard
46 Jalan Bukit Ho Swee #01-894, Singapore 160046
Tel: +65 9111 8696
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 7:00pm

Galaxy Cake
Cream & Custard, known for their Strawberry Watermelon Cake, has stepped up their game with the Galaxy cake.

This “Galaxy” is a chocolate base cake, made with 72% Valrhona dark chocolate blackcurrant jelly. For those who like your cakes alcoholic, you would be glad to know the centre contains rum-soaked cherry.

Slightly sour in the middle, very rich overall. I think if C&C can manage their proportions well, the Galaxy would be another best-seller.

Shiberty Bakes
46 Owen Road, #01-277, Singapore 210046 (Farrer Park MRT)
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9.30pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Galaxy Macarons
Lifestyle blogger-baker Shiberty has been making interesting flavours for macarons for a number of years. She certainly knows what “instagrammable” means.

This concept is “a taste of the stars with every bite”, with a blueberry-flavoured taste.

The macaron shells are chewy yet not too soft, with fillings less significantly sweet than other brands outside.

(Shhhhhhh….. Shiberty will be creating one more galaxy product which will be launched in 2 weeks.)

One Third Pastries
1 Irving Place #02-27, The Commerze@Irving, Singapore 369546
Tel: +65 9127 2158

Galaxy Cupcakes
The Galaxy Cupcakes ($16.80 for a box of 6 mini cupcakes) are prepared using 3 to 4 colours of cream representing milky way into the piping bag, finished off with shimmer dust to enhance the galaxy look.

The key difference from the usual cream cupcakes is that the colours are placed in controlled irregularity such that the right hues blend together in a beautiful gradient.

For the base cupcake flavour, chocolate is used so that the darker hues will bring out the galaxy colours.

(Photo credit: Hannah Chia @mshannahchia)

D’Good Café
391 Orchard Road #B1-56, Takashimaya S.C., Ngee Ann City Singapore 238872

The 65-seater café at Takashimaya S.C., Ngee Ann City houses two concepts – a London Tube and an English Garden. Apart from coffee, it is dedicated to specialty tea.

This is a $15 Spiral Galaxy drink. Maybe it will take you to space.

The gimmicky mocktail is a concoction of green tea and grape juice with glitters.

(Photo credit: Lim Le-Anne @boshemian)

Sinseh: The Grocer
9 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199076
Tel: 6291 5743
Opening Hours: 12pm – 8:30pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Galaxy Donuts
Galaxy donuts. They look out of this world, but they taste like… DONUTs. No special taste lah.

Galaxy donuts ($4) and mini donuts ($3) are available at The Lab SG at Jalan Pisang or via pre-order (+65 98757232) at Sinseh:The Grocer next door.

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Not just Japanese restaurants, Japanese clusters seem to be all in the rage now, with Japan Food Town at Wisma Atria, Japan Foods Garden at Shaw Centre, Emporium Shokuhin at Marina Square and Eat at Seven at Suntec City leading the way.

Malls such as Millenia Walk and Jurong Point have also carved out Japanese restaurant ‘streets’

One more – Itadakimasu by Parco will on level three of shopping mall 100AM in Tanjong Pagar soon.

6 Best Japanese Restaurant Clusters In Singapore – All The Japanese Food Under One Roof

Japan Food Town
435 Orchard Rd, #04-39/54 Wisma Atria Shopping Centre, Singapore 238877
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Daily

This is a 20,075 square feet food hall on the 4th level of Isetan Singapore (next to Food Republic), which offers authentic Japanese cuisine at affordable prices.

Having 16 dining restaurants in one place, instead of the typical food court style, can mean that each outlet will have certain level of quality and consistency, and diners will likely make return visits. (Even if you decide to ‘restaurant hop’, the max any group could handle is probably 2-3.)

You can expect Dassai Bar (sake), Hokkaido Izakaya (Hokkaido produce), Inaniwa Yosuke (udon), Bonta Bonta (onigiri), Yomoda Soba (soba), Nabe Seizen (the original being a 2 Michelin stared Kaiseki restaurant), Sabar (mackerel), Osaka Kitchen (Teppanyaki), Sushi Takewaka, Machida Shoten (ramen), Temura Tsukiji Tenka (tempura and donburi), Yakiniku Heijyoen, Shabu Shabu Tajimaya, Rang Mang Shokudo (fried chicken), Anzu (farm to table concept).

The food outlets appear to be well-curated, with a level of variety and affordability. Hokkaido Izakaya, Machida Shoten and Yomoda Soba are some of the restaurants which have more brisk business. Japan Food Town Singapore (Wisma Atria)

Eat At Seven
3 Temasek Boulevard #03-310 Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6238 1630

ANA, yes the airline, is behind this initiative where seven Japanese restaurants are gathered under one roof at Suntec City. Partner Komars Group is also experienced in similar concepts with Ramen Champion under its belt.

Eat At Seven houses seven “recession-proof” places, including warayaki and charcoal grill Izakaya ENBU, MAGURO-DONYA MIURA-MISAKI-KOU SUSHI & DINING (that’s quite a mouthful to read), grill beef restaurant NikuNoHi, Japanese-Italian Nigiro Café, tendon eatery Kohaku, Chicken Ramen shop Menya Takeichi, and Tokyo Sundubu.

Wait, isn’t there the 8th? Tonkatsu Agedoki.

While Eat At Seven had a slow start, the space gained momentum when all the concepts were fully opened, with some – such as Kohaku Tendon and Menya Takeichi being popular with diners.

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

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.

The other section which will attract families – the Gourmet Grocer (opens 11:30am – 9pm) offering Japanese-imported products, sauces, vegetables and fruits. There is also and ice cream and juice bar.

Some restaurants perform visibly better than the rest. Due to competition and lack of foot traffic, the concept may need to boost their social media presence with promotions and new items. Emporium Shokuhin (Marina Square)

Nihon Food Street
Millenia Walk 9 Raffles Boulevard, 039596

Some may not know that there is a relatively NEW Nihon Food Street on Level 2 of Millenia Walk.

The Nihon Food Street boost of a range of Japanese dining options, which includes Ramen shops Chabuton and Uma Uma, Tonkatsu specialist Saboten, Sushi restaurants Sushi Murasaki and Tomi Sushi, and newly opened Kurama Robatayaki which offers Japanese grills and sake.

Not forgetting other familiar favourites such as Teppei Syokudo, Miharu Sapporo Ramen, Rakuzen, Sandaime Bunji and YAYOI on Level 1. Nihon Food Street (Millenia Walk)

Japan Foods Garden
1 Scotts Road, Shaw Centre, #B1-01 (Within Food Republic), Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 6493 7300
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Do not confuse Japan Foods Garden (note the extra ‘s’ behind food) at Shaw Centre Basement 1, with Japan Food Town at Wisma Atria. Even though they are a short walk away from each other.

This Japanese Food Court with 5 different stalls is located at the back of Food Republic at Shaw Centre.

The 5 stalls are: Genki Japan Soba and Donburi, Akasaka Yukun Steamed Unagi, Bear’s Curry Café & Bar, Banzaiya Obanzai Sushi, Gyu Tetsu Tokyo Teppanyaki

Two of the concepts – Asakasa Yukun and Genki are brands that are brought in from Japan, while the other three are original brands created for Japan Foods Garden. Japan Foods Garden (Shaw Centre)

Shokutsu Ten
Jurong Pointment Shopping Mall, Basement of Jurong Point 1 and 2, 1 Jurong West Central 2 Singapore 648886

The bustling 17,000 square feet space is modeled to look like Edo-era Tokyo at one end and modern Osaka, with a Kabuki-inspired entrance façade.

Shokutsu Teu Ten showcases restaurants and kiosks such as Ichiban Boshi, Kabe No Ana Japanese Pasta, Kuriya Japanese Market, Men-ichi Japanese Ramen, Shabu Tontei and Wadori.

Kuishin Bo Authentic Japanese Buffet needs little introduction (remember that “Dong Dong Kushin Bo ad song?) and is popular for its Zuwaikani (snow crabs) and wide array of sushi (including nigiri sushi, handrolls and maki), sashimi, fresh seafood (mussels, prawns, shellfish, baby octopus), Japanese deserts (mochi, Japanese cheesecake, konnyaku jelly, giant chocolate fondue) and hot dishes.

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Sugar Lips sounds like a dessert heaven, which aims to leave traces of sugar on the lips of their customers.

While cakes, waffles and molten lava cakes may sound pretty boring, Sugar Lips took a step further with their loud, colourful and exaggerated OTT toppings on their dessert platter.

So BOOMZ… Think colourful sauces drizzled across the entire plate (which may look like a pre-schooler’s drawing at first glance) and random scattering of the dessert toppings all on one plate (could be a little messy at times).

While the desserts looked particularly colourful and vibrant, the interior of the café was a stark contrast.

Seats were partitioned by old and creepy “fortress-walls” lookalike, with paints dribbling down the walls to mimic one’s dripping saliva. Ewww?

Just like any fairytale fantasy, the beautifully decorated dessert platters came (and we lived happily ever after) before we could dwell further into the creepy-looking interior.

3 sizes of Dessert Platters (with a choice of cake, waffle or lava cake) were available: Standard with 1 topping ($12.90), Medium with 2 toppings ($14.90) and Large with 3 toppings ($16.90).

Their bakes are prepared in house, with flavours such as Chocolate Truffle, Matcha Azuki, Blueberry Cheesecake, Rainbow Cake and Ondeh Ondeh Cake.

Apart from their cakes selection, Waffles (Chocolate, Red Velvet, Charcoal) and Lava Cakes (Thai Tea, Chocolate, Matcha) were available.

Appearance-wise, the Rainbow Cake looked predictably gimmicky but it turned out soft and fluffy.

On the downside, we didn’t get to choose our toppings (such a pity!) and we ended up with a brownie that was unfortunately dry and dense. #SuayMax

The waffle was averagely decent, with a good balance of crispiness and fluffiness.

The scoop of matcha ice cream on the side had distinct tea bitterness. We loved that it wasn’t overly sweet too.

The Gelato Special ($9.90) came with 2 scoops of gelato in a bowl with lots of toppings (as usual).

Our favourite was the Creamy Thai Milk Tea with a rich and distinct taste and the Refreshing Coconut, made using 100% coconut water. Other flavours, on the other hand, were not as memorable.

Thinking of where to satisfy your sweet cravings in town? The pretty, bombastic-looking dessert platter may just satisfy your eyes and lips.

Sugar Lips
Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Road, #02-01, Singapore 238852
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon-Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/eatsugarlips/

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* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape. Visit his instagram for all things [NEW].

The post Sugar Lips – OTT Sugar Fantasy At Orchard Gateway appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Looking for the right caterer can be as fun OR stressful as organising the event itself, depending on your perspective.

People do remember the FOOD served as much as the birthday / wedding / corporate function itself.

Rather than say “the Best Caterer”, I generally think “the Right Caterer” is more appropriate as the company must be able to (pun not intended) cater to your needs.

10 Tips In Finding The Right Caterer
1. Food Quality
If I am personally unfamiliar with the catering company, word-of-mouth (especially), reviews and social media mentions are my most likely guides.

2. Venue
The personnel in charge of the venue would most likely have a list of recommended caterers, and could advice if there are any location/venue/facilities restrictions (eg tables have to be set up a particular way).

Shiok Kitchen Catering is an approved caterer at CHIJMES.

3. Specialty
There are caterers which specialise in big scale events or weddings, while some others are well-equipped in small parties and able to provide more personalised service.

Not all caterers can ‘bao ka liao’ (do everything), and it would be best to find one that best meets your targeted needs.

4. Costing
Most caterers in Singapore should be able to provide a package that matches your budget requirements, provided it is reasonable of course.

Other than the quoted cost, do check the total cost after all the delivery charges, miscellaneous items (eg tablewave), included options and taxes are added.

5. Inclusions / Exclusions
On the same note, check for inclusions and exclusions (security deposits, setting up charges, delivery fee) which will vary from one caterer to another.

6. Food options
For bento sets, does the company provide options? For example, does EVERYONE need to order the SAME box?

7. Variety
Is there enough diversity? Diners do get bored with the typical bee hoon + curry chicken combo, and it would be good to have interesting items that stand out. (We typically recall a buffet with some unique, distinctive food items, say Thai Green Curry Chicken.)

8. Dietary preferences and restrictions
Know your guests first. Check if any requires say halal, vegetarian food, or have food allergies to be taken into consideration.

9. Presentation
Presentation is so so so important to strike an impression with guests. Check photos from their websites, blogs or Instagram to see how food is set-up.

10 Availability
This may surprise you, but some caterers can be over-booked, or won’t be able to provide the services at scheduled timings. Check, check, check.

If you are looking for a caterer which is experienced, Halal certified, reasonably priced and specialise in Thai food (they also provide Western gourmet dishes, Chinese cuisine to local delights), you can consider Shiok! Kitchen Catering.

A SK Thai Buffet Menu of 11-courses which includes salad, appetiser, 4 mains, 2 staples, 2 desserts and beverage is affordably priced at $20+ per pax ($21.40 with GST).

For reference, a 12-courses SK Western Buffet Menu is priced at $20+ per pax, and 13-courses SK International Buffet Menu at $25.00 per pax.

There are also options of Value Buffet Menus for receptions, starting from an affordable $8.00+ per pax for 7-courses.

Here is what I had for SK Thai Buffet Menu , 11 Courses ($20.00+/Pax, Min 30 Pax) .

Salad & Appetiser
You can choose two items, from a range of Signature SK Green Mango or Papaya Salad, Thai Chicken Satay With Peanut Sauce, Thai Glass Noodles & Seafood Salad, Crispy Spring Rolls, Thai Style Prawn Cake, Golden Fried Thai Fish Cake, Spicy Grilled Beef or Pomelo Salad, Thai Style Sugarcane Prawn Cake Skewer and Pandan Leaves Wrapped Chicken.

The Golden Fried Thai Fish Cakes with sweet chilli sauce should be a crowd-favourite, while the Green Mango Salad would bring in some Thai flavours to whet your appetite at the start of the meal.

The salad would not be as sour or spicy as you would have imagined it to be, say compared to a restaurant setting, suitable for a more ‘mass’ diner.

Mains
I like the variety that there is one meat, fish, prawn and vegetable dish provided.

Of all, do pick the Chef’s Signature which is the Thai Green Curry Chicken. The gravy was more to the sweet, coconuty side that would go suitable well with rice (say Black Olive Rice or Pineapple Fried Rice).

Also, the chicken chunks were generous in portion and reasonably tender. Generally not too spicy.

The Prawn and Seafood selection is also their strength. For the Thai menu, you get options such as Thai Green Curry with Prawns, Prawns in Sweet & Sour Sauce, and Stir Fried Prawn in Thai Red Chilli Oil.

Incidentally, if you are selecting from the International Menu, you can considered the Sautéed Seafood With Marinara Sauce, Baked Mussels in Bechamel Sauce, or Baked Au Gratin – not the typical buffet items.

Staples
Not just ordinary fried rice anymore, but with a selection of Authentic Black Olive Rice With Cashew Nuts, Green Curry Paste Fried Rice, Pineapple Fried Rice With Seafood, Salted Fish Fried Rice OR Stir-Fried Spicy Spaghetti With Thai Basil-Veg, and Stir Fried Spicy Spaghetti Basil Noodle With Seafood.

Dessert
Not many buffet companies provide this dessert, which is one of my favourites – Thai Red Ruby with Coconut Milk.

The red ruby is handmade in-house by Thai chefs. Always pleasant to bite into chunks of water chestnuts in the pieces.

After this cooling dessert, how best to quench the thirst with a refreshing Iced Lemongrass Tea.

Some of the other services Shiok! Kitchen Catering provides include buffet catering, high tea catering, corporate catering, bento catering, Chinese New Year mini buffet catering, cocktail receptions, and wedding services.

Shiok! Kitchen Catering
For more information, call 6411 4994 or log on to www.skcatering.com

Citi Dining Treats
From now to 31st October 2016, Citi Card members get an exclusive free menu upgrade on any value buffet menu and super tea value reception! Terms and conditions apply.

Terms and conditions:
– Catering promotion valid from till 31st October 2016 I.e. Order must be confirmed with deposit before stipulated date.
– Catering service must take place before 20th December 2016.
– Free menu upgrade valid on Value Buffet Menu and Super Value Tea Reception only.
– Valid with minimum spend of $500 on food and beverage.
– Minimum spend is before GST, service charge, menu upgrade and miscellaneous cost.
– Deposit of 50% must be made with Citibank credit card before 31st October 2016.
– Full payment must be completed with Citibank credit card three days prior to event.
– Not valid on Public Holiday/Eve of Public Holiday and special occasions.
– Not valid with other promotions and credit card discounts.
– Management reserves the rights to amend menu, prices, discounts and/or terms and conditions without prior notice.
– Quote “CITIUPGRADE” in (1) special request for online enquire (2) email subject for email enquiry or (3) Call in and quote to enjoy free menu upgrade.

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Shiok! Kitchen Catering.

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”Don’t publicise for my stall ANYMORE. Look at the queue!” This is what Soon Li auntie specifically told me.

I am writing this mainly for my own food diary, and to include some tips JUST in case you want to pay a visit.

Contrary to its name “Soon Li” 顺利, which in Chinese means “smooth flowing”, there is nothing “Soon Li” about the whole buying process.

Warning: this can be one of the most stressful hawker food experiences you ever come across. It felt like The Hunger Games.

Firsts thing first, this Yong Tau Foo supposedly opens at midnight, and closes about 3am. HOWEVER, it can change its operating hours as and when.

When I was at Bukit Merah View Hawker Centre about 11:30pm, there was already a clutter of people waiting around, but not in line yet.

Nearing midnight, a line automatically formed.

What to do – don’t know. Just wait.

”Please go and sit down… The stall won’t open yet” Auntie repeatedly told the customers in line to take a seat around.

I was the ONLY one who did so, then thought something was amiss when nobody followed me, and so went back to queue.

The signal to look out for is when the stall’s light come on, and everybody will CHIONG (rush) forward.

I was perplexed then. That initial queue didn’t even matter anymore.

Some went to form another line on the left hand side. That is the “pay money queue” – which to me was redundant. Who came up with all these ‘rules’ in the first place?

I am sure if EVERYONE goes in an orderly fashion, first come first served, there wouldn’t be a need for this rush and ordeal.

Points to note for the first timers
– Stall opens around midnight or later (Was about 12:40am for me).

– Best to go with at least one other person to command and conquer (Overheard: one to kiap, one to pay, one to elbow people, one to chope table.)

– There are supposedly 2 queues – one to pick items on the right, one to pay on the left.

– When the stall’s light turn on, customers would surge forward to pick ingredients.

– Just take whatever fancies you. You are not choosing a husband/wife.

– Put the orange bowl on the top the rack. That is the REAL ‘queue’. The bowls would be cooked in that order.

– Under no circumstances should you block the passageway, because auntie will SCOLD you. Somehow people keep blocking her and of course got reprimanded (but she had her reasons for doing so.)

– Uncle would ask if you want a) vegetables b) ikans billis c) noodles or bee hoon d) soup or dry e) Sauce or not. Just say “Add everything. Noodles or bee hoon. Soup or dry.” DO NOT be wishy-washy. Give clear instructions.

– Auntie would bring the metal container out to the table. But some customers kan cheong wanted to take the bowls from her. Of course kenna scolded again.

– An indicative pricing could be anything from $8 to $20 plus. My pot you see in the photo was $14.

–
The star of the Yong Tau Foo to me was the soup base, cooked with deep fried ikan billis and pork belly. Tasty, full of flavours, surprisingly not overly salty or oily.

As for the items themselves, I say… go for the Pork Belly.

Some of the deep fried items would sound good on paper, but became soggy after a while. The good thing is, they are all fried rather fresh (at 11pm plus.)

Worth a visit? For the experience, yet. Food, certainly better than the average YTF anytime, but not life-changing. (The queue was the life-changing experience.)

I read many reviews which wrote about the fierce and grumpy auntie. Actually, I would like to think about this from other perspective.

Whenever she ‘scolded’, she didn’t use a harsh tone. In fact she said “Please”, “Can you” (in Mandarin). It was only after customers pissed her off – I saw one entering her stall to get a bowl out, then she would get more aggressive.

The weird thing is, despite repeated times of her telling people NOT to block her way, people still do so.
Overheard: Look at this, if there is a war in Singapore, we probably won’t survive.

Soon Li Yong Tau Foo
115 Bukit Merah View, #01-78 Bukit Merah View Market & Hawker Centre, Singapore 151115
Opening Hours: 12am – 3am (Note: Hours vary and stall may open later than midnight, and close earlier than indicated.)

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Taking over 20F Specialty Coffeehouse at Foch Road, coffee bar VXX Cooperative has this sense of mystery and you cannot quite pin-point what its charm is.

VXX sounds like a peculiar name for an indie cafe, and is actually the Roman numerals for 5-20, the area code of this space.

Unlike many other local cafes, VXX Cooperative uses a mix of curated list of roasted coffees offered at the same time.

The list of roasted coffees includes Nylon Coffee Roasters (Singapore), Cloud Catcher Roastery (Malaysia), Koppi (Sweden) and Tim Wendelboe (Norway).

The latter two offer a different perspective to green coffee sourcing and roasting, which results in brews that are atypical of the local demographic.

The café has also introduced both Signature Beverage and Competition Set. The Competition Set, which comprises of a double espresso, a milk-based beverage and a signature beverage, served in courses with a palate cleanser in between.

The menu is labelled “Everyday Food”, and contains a small list of healthy-sounding breakfast-brunch items such as Avocado on Sourdough ($10), French Omelette ($11), Gazpacho ($10) – a cold soup made of raw vegetables, Heirloom Tomatoes Carpaccio ($13), Charred Seasonal Asparagus ($15) and Chia Seed Pudding ($8).

I had the French Omelette ($11) which contained with haddock, mushrooms, capsicums, onions, chives and parmesan, served with warm sourdough and olive oil.

The taste was ‘clean’ and uncomplicated, with a fluffy texture. Looked deceptively simple, but I saw how long it took to cook this pillow-like omelette.

(Photo credit: Nicholas Tan @stormscape))

Dessert was a Sweet Potato Stack ($13) with fresh yoghurt, berry compote, fresh figs and toasted nuts. While looking ‘sexy’, @stormscape thought that the savoury items fared better.

If you are up to it, order the Daily Staff Meal which would provide you a surprise. The menu is changed every 3-4 months to keep things fresh and seasonal (to a local context).

VXX Cooperative
20 Foch Road, Singapore 209261
Tel: +65 8720 0093
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm, Food Last Order 6pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 6pm, Food Last Order 4:30pm

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The post VXX Cooperative – This Cafe At Foch Road Is Serious About Coffee appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

If you have yet to visit Katong and East Coast in a while, you should. Not just for Peranakan food and laksa, but NEW Cafes alert. Quietly and certainly, indie cafes have sprouted along the stretch of shophouses within this year.

8! So many. Didn’t know, till I really counted. The NEW but off the radar Katong Square is also set to house many food establishments.

8 NEW Cafes At Katong & East Coast – – Time To Head To The East (ALso Read: 5 Cafes Along Tanjong Katong Road)

(Video & photo credit: Nicholas Tan @stormscape)

Scoop Therapy
11 East Coast Road, The Odeon Katong, Singapore 428722
Opening Hours: 2pm – 10pm (Tue-Thu), 12pm – 12am (Fri-Sat), 12pm – 10pm (Sun), Closed Mon

The café is separated into 2 sections, with an Ice Cream Bar serving 16 flavours each time and a Dessert Station. Interesting flavours include the Salted Egg Yolk (again), Apple Pie, Butter Beer and Lychee Rose.

It was déjà vu when we saw the pyrotechnique display with the frozen marshmallow torched right in front of our eyes. Looks similar to the famed Frozen S’more from Dominique Ansel Bakery though.

The S’mores ($6.50) had an interesting contrast in temperature, but could be a tad expensive for its small portion.

Cold on the inside with a dark chocolate ice cream and cracker crumb core, and hot on the outside with the torched marshmallow. Anything for Instagram man, anything. Scoop Therapy (East Coast Road)

Tok Panjang Peranakan Cafe
392 East Coast Road Singapore 428992
Tel: +65 9663 3392
Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Tok Panjang Peranakan Café has just opened at 392 East Coast Road, though the family behind it is not unfamiliar to Peranakan food.

This is opened by the House Of Peranakan Group of restaurants, with this fourth branch taking a more casual, café approach.

What you get are dishes such as Assam Laksa ($8.90), Nonya Mee Siam ($7.90), Nonya Mee ($8), Bibik’s Fried Bee Hoon ($7.90), Nasi Lemak ($10.90), light bites such as Satay ($8 for 10), Kueh Pie Tee ($6.50 for 4), Ngoh Hiang ($5.50) desserts and coffee. Tok Panjang (East Coast Road)

Stamping Ground Coffee
87 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455223
Tel: +65 9070 7610
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Mon, Wed – Sun), Closed Tues

Stamping Ground Coffee previously located on Club Street has moved to 87 Upper East Coast Road. The café shares the space with Dawn Q (florist) and East Mezzanine (venue space).

The revamped café also has an expanded food menu, with offerings such as Bacon Jam Brioche ($13.50), Tuna Croissant ($13.50), Beef Pastrami Sandwich ($15) and Mushroom Toast ($14.00). Stamping Ground Coffee (East Coast Road)

Birds Of Paradise
63 East Coast Road #01-05 (Opposite Katong I12 and Roxy Square) Singapore 428776
Tel: +65 9678 6092
Opening Hours: 4:30pm – 10pm (Tues – Fri), 12pm – 10pm (Sat- Sun)

You would be forgiven if you have thought this café is at Jurong Bird Park. No.

Birds of Paradise is so named because the shop creates gelato inspired by the botanical flavours of nature. That means fruits, flowers, pods, herbs, and spices.

Flavours include Basil, Lychee Raspberry, Spiced Pear, Mint Cacao, Strawberry Basil, Pandan and White Chrysanthemum. Do have your gelato on their freshly made thyme cone (additional $1). Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique (East Coast Road)

Gastrosmith
i12 Katong, 112 East Coast Road #03-06, Singapore 428802
Opening Hours: 10am – 9:30pm (Tues – Sun)

Welcome back Gastrosmith. They moved away from their previous Beach Road location to the current space within HomesToLife at i12 Katong (the mall looks emmm… empty though).

The menu retains some of the previous favourites. Small Plates recommendations include Mushroom “Escargots” ($6.50), Not-So-Humble Eggs ($7), Gastrosmith Tori Kaarage ($8); and Big Plates include Gastrosmith Chicken Roast ($18), Pork Chops ($18) and Roasted Alaskan Black Cod ($24). Gastrosmiths (East Coast Road)

Baba Chews
86 East Coast Road #01-01 Katong Square Singapore 428788
Opening Hours: All Day Dining 11:00am – 10:30pm, Dinner 6:30pm – 10:30pm, Bar Bites 11am – 11:30pm, Weekend Brunch 10:30am – 3:00pm (Sat = Sun)
Reserve Online Now – Baba Chews

Katong is already known for its heritage shophouses, many with Peranakan influence. Housed within the former Joo Chiat Police Station, Baba Chews looks set to attract hipsters with its modern meets Straits Chinese cuisine.

Other than the recommended Chilli Crab Cake with Mantou Chips ($15) and Foie Gras Tau Kwa Pau ($20), the Ayam Buah Keluak Burger ($18) looks intriguing enough.

For more Asian and local favourites, there is a variety from Penang Char Kway Teow ($15), Nonya Fried Rice, Hokkien Mee ($16), Nonya Laksa ($18) and Hainanese Chicken Rice ($17). Portions surprisingly quite satisfying. Baba Chews (East Coast Road)

2 Six Café
88 East Coast Road #01-10 Katong Square Singapore 423371
Tel: +65 6247 7548
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 10:00pm

2Six Café is so named, as it is a café where two to six persons can get together.

The signature here is the Mille Crepe Dessert ($7.90) with flavours of French Vanilla, Belgian Chocolate, Blueberry, Cappuccino, Matcha, Oreo and Strawberry. Though they look suspiciously like from other patisserie.

Light bites such as pies, pizzas, wraps, sandwiches and soups are also available ($3.90 – $6.80).

LAAF
37 East Coast Road Singapore 428755
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Fri), 10am – 10pm (Sat – Sun)

LAAF used to be from Lucky Heights, and moved to 37 East Coast Road.

The menu at LAAF is said to be Australian-inspired cooking, with Asian touches in some dishes, offering all-day breakfast and a selection of appetizers, pasta, sandwiches, burgers and mains including vegetarian options.

For mains, you can expect Oxtail Stew ($21.90), Fish and Chips ($14.90), Roast Chicken ($13.90), Pork Chop ($12.90) and Hainanese Chicken Chop ($12.90).

Stocks, stews, sauces, batters and desserts are done from scratch and in small batches to ensure freshness and wholesome flavours.

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[Bangkok] Many years back, before all the other fashionable cafes at Bangkok started getting popular with Singaporeans, the very first café that stole my heart was Greyhound Café. (That was before Singaporeans started going to Roast, Vanilla, Audrey Café, Rocket and the likes.)

The wings. The vibes. The aesthetics.

To summarise in a line, Greyhound is about fashion, about people-watching, about art, and about sitting at a corner of the café watching the world go by.

Despite short trips in Bangkok, I can just have a Thai Iced Tea Granita and Coconut Crepe Cake at Greyhound for hours and wonder about life moments or frivolous thoughts like, ”Why are the Thais so good looking?”

Greyhound is a Fashion-meets-Food café.

First established in Thailand in the 80s as a casual men’s wear outlet, they have expanded to food business in 1997.

Quoted by the Fortune Magazine as “the Hottest Seats in Bangkok”, Greyhound Café is the first fashion café in Bangkok offering the food concept with creative twists in a casual dining experience.

Many say Singapore’s very own PS Cafe is inspired by Greyhound.

Greyhound first opened its door in Bangkok, launching its fashion line ‘Basic with a Twist’ style and attitude.
I think that they managed to present a wide menu which executes the blend of Thai and Western comfort dishes very well, elevated with design elements.

The outlet at Groove @ Central World opens slightly later during the weekends at 11pm (I wished it was till midnight). This is where I get a quick bite if I take a Friday evening flight out of Singapore.

Some of the Greyhound signatures include Complicated Noodle (180 baht) – a self-assembling noodle dish which include fresh lettuce leaves and minced pork sauce, Fried Rice Noodle with Chicken and Dried Squid (150 baht), Spaghetti with Crab Meat with Prawn Cream Sauce (270 Baht), and of course the Greyhound Famous Fried Chicken Wings (140 baht).

The Chicken Wings (140 baht) – crispy addictive noms are cut to half the size of the usual wings, evenly marinated with fish sauce and still retains its moisture.

I recently had the Spaghetti with Crab Meat in Prawn Cream Sauce (270 baht) which was as tasty was it sounded – creamy but not over-powering, generous in sweet-fresh crab meat chunks, and the cooked rightly al-dente. Aroy!

Prices would be considered higher than the average Bangkok café, and therefore Greyhound Café attracts a certain type of clientele.

And so… Greyhound Café is said to be opening at Paragon Orchard Singapore this coming November.

A suitable location considering its branding and positioning. While I reckon that that chill-out mood and service would be hard to be replicated, I hope food and attention to details in terms of design can stay consistent.

Welcome Greyhound, looking forward.

Greyhound Café
First Floor, Groove at Central World. Rama 1 Road, Bangkok 10330
Tel: +66 02 613126
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm, Last Order 9:30pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 11pm (Fri – Sat) Last Order 10:30pm

EmQuartier 02-0036660
Central Chidlom 02-2556964
J-Avenue 02-7126547
Siam Center 02-6581129
La Villa Ari 02-6130547
Ratchayothin 02-9303684
The Crystal 02-5150937
The Circle 02-8638520

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Though New Ubin Seafood has its beginnings from a restaurant Pulau Ubin’s north shore, they really made its name when it moved to the rustic Sin Ming area, where the décor is still maintained kampong-style.

It is one of my Top 10 Must Try Zi Char Places In Singapore.

New Ubin Seafood has also been recently included into the Singapore Michelin Bib Gourmand Guide 2016.

Not the typical zi char dishes, you would find US Ribeye, Chocolate Alexander, Fish Roe Masala, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Satay Foie Gras, and BBQ Pork Collar among the top selling dishes.

How I look out for dishes to order is the floor-to-ceiling chalkboard where they would indicate their most popular dishes – Heart Attack Fried Rice, Chilli Crab, Crispy Pork Knuckles, Boss Style Bee Hoon, Great Shovel Nose Ray, and Hei Chor.

Some customers call this the ‘ang moh’ zi char restaurant, and order the US Black Angus Ribeye Steak ($12 for 100 grams), served together with caramelised onions, Idaho potato wedges, sea salt flakes, and my favourite… fried rice cooked with beef drippings.

Super flavoursome.

Part of my personal must-order is their version of Hokkien Mee, cooked in rich prawn stock so that the entire plate would become wet and gooey, almost sticky, also full-on in wok-hei.

And so the announcement…

New Ubin Seafood will MOVE OUT of its current venue at Sing Ming Road.

It’s last day of operation is confirmed to be 30th October (Sunday).

The NEW New Ubin Seafood venue will be at Lam Soon Industrial Building No. 63 Hillview Avenue, which is anticipated to start operations on 1st November.

While I cannot comment on the new location yet, I will kind of miss the old-school kampong feeling, which you really do not get any more in Singapore.

Oh well.

New Ubin Seafood
Block 27 Sin Ming Road (behind Block 26), #01-174 Sin Ming Industrial Estate Sector A, Singapore 575680
Opening Hours: 11am – 2pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm (Tue-Fri), 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm (Sat, Sun), 5:30pm – 10:30pm, Closed for lunch on Mon.

Moving To Lam Soon Industrial Building No. 63 Hillview Ave from 1st November 2016

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Of late, there are a few local design or architectural firms that diversify to set up F&B businesses. Redpan at Marina Square is one, DW Workshop at Rochester Drive is the other.

Shamrock at Clover Way is newly set up by interior design firm Jetic Design.

Representatives from these companies spend time consulting clients over coffee, so how convenient it could become if the meeting venue is your own café.

Right.

The name “Shamrock” is perhaps inspired by the road the café is on, as “shamrock” is a young sprig of clover.

Clover Way? It is a secondary road at Bishan, somewhat near Marymount MRT.

Their “Eat and Treats” menu features a small selection of bakes such as Black Pepper Chicken Pie ($3.60), Curry Chicken Pie ($3.60), Cakes ($5.80 – $6.80), Gelato ($3.80 for a scoop), Cold Pressed Juice ($ 5.80 – $6.50) and Waffles ($5.50, $9.00 with gelato).

They have recently included other mains such as Cold Tom Yam Pasta ($8.90 a la carte, set meal with $12.50).

I tried the Peanut Butter Jelly Cake ($6.80) – not bad. Soft, moderately moist, with the jelly providing a delightful textured taste and twang.

The Black Pepper Chicken Pie ($3.60 was passable, and you might have wished for more fillings.

There could be a wider range of savouries, for the café to gain more traction, and to appeal to café hoppers to make their way to this part of the island.

The usual ‘serial’ ones will come, but I suspect that’s about it for the moment.

Overall, it needs more character.

As Shamrock Café is operated by a design firm, you can tell that both ideas and materials are cleverly incorporated into this lifestyle café (cue that expensive market tables). For example, the clover leaf design can be used on their tea-cup covering.

If you stay in the vicinity, you can consider chilling-out at this still rather-unknown, under-publicised space.

Shamrock Café
5 Clover Way, Clover Park Singapore 579079
Tel: +65 6352 5515
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 9:00pm (Mon – Fri), 10:00am – 6:00pm (Sat)
Will be open on Sunday in near future

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Plentyfull is a promising space. A dual-concept restaurant at Millenia Walk – grain bowls and salads during lunch, Western-Asian dishes during dinner.

It also incorporates a patisserie, and retail gourmet section managed by Little Farms – from which the restaurant obtains some of its ingredients.

A key point to highlight is that all the food at Plentyfull is made from scratch, preservative-free and sourced from farmers and artisans locally and internationally.

During lunch time (weekdays 11:30am – 2:30pm), you can select a base, one protein and two sides for $17+, or three sides for $19+ from the food displayed at the counter.

The proteins available were not the typical selection. That included Turkish Baked Chicken, Beef Meatballs in Tomato Fondue, Gratinated Miso Cauiflower, Sesame Pulled Pork, and Spicy Otah Fish Cake made of Salmon.

When it comes to grain bowls, I am usually a fish person (say grilled salmon), so the Otah became my automatic choice.

I liked it – thick, fresh, suitably spicy, and almost felt like what a modern Peranakan mother would have cooked back home for her children. The Roasted Kin Yan Farm Mushrooms made a great complementary side dish too.

The main drawback was the mixed grains were too dry for my liking. In addition, there was a lack of sauce overall.

Western-Asian dishes during dinner such as Char Grilled Farmed Barramundi ($26++), Glazed Mangalica Pork Jowl ($26++), Thai Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Cilantro ($26++), Pure Black Natural Angus Strip Steak ($36++), House-Smoked Mussel on Toast ($24++), and Smoked Lamb Merguez Sausage.

The Thai Roasted Chicken with Garlic & Cilantro ($24++) I had was roasted half spring chicken with charred cabbage salad and sweet chilli jam.

While the chicken meat was all-in-all tender, it lacked of some kind of succulence and oomph for the dish to be a satisfying treat.

Generally, the helpings of all the dishes ordered were small comparatively to the price paid.

For what diners pay, the portion, em, could be more plentyfull.

Plentyfull’s online description says “Plentyfull is your definitive place of restoration, tucked away in the thick of city jungle bustle. Run on love, laughter, and an ever-changing food menu steered by the freshest seasonal ingredients sourced straight from the farmers and spearheaded by creative culinaires.”

They aim to be “…a place of restoration…a collaborative community on a journey to restore spirit, soul & body.”

With no offence intended to the copy-writer or owners, I thought that the concept could have been presented in a much simpler, stripped-down, easy-to-understand way.

You do not feel the buzz, yet – both the marketplace buzz of the space or the social media buzz.

Or could they have waited too long before launching their publicity?

It has winning elements here and there. Grain bowls, delicious looking cakes, modern brasserie concept at night, a retail grocer on the side… now it is about putting them all together and presenting them all together cohesively.

Plentyfull
9 Raffles Boulevard #02-08, Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 6493 2997
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)

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