It has less than 2 years since we first wrote about Nunsongyee at Burghley Drive (ikr, very far and ulu), one of the first Korean bingsu café in Singapore to serve shaved milk bingsu.

Friends commented that this first Nunsongyee outlet was considered inaccessible. But thereafter, more (I mean countless) Korean bingsu cafes opened everywhere.

Similar-sounding Nunsaram has opened a franchise outlet beside Oblong, opposite myVillage at Serangoon Gardens.

It seems like Nunsaram is going head-on with Nunsongyee (who started the Korean bingsu craze) by drawing the crowd in the vicinity.

Good news for the night owls. This Serangoon Gardens outlet opens till midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. (Or after Steam Box?)

So shiok to enjoy a bowl of cold desserts in an air-conditioned place after eating at the hot and stuffy Chomp Chomp Food Centre across the street.

Nunsaram has one of the most extensive menus for Korean bingsu cafes in Singapore. Think 15 flavours of Bingsu, Tteokkochi (Korean rice cakes skewers), Porridge ($6.90 – $7.90), Injeolmi Toast ($5.90), Thick Bread ($8.90), Smoothies and Latte.

Both the Chestnut Bingsu and Sweet Pumpkin Bingsu caught our attention, flavours that are considered uncommon elsewhere.

The Bingsu desserts are sold in 2 sizes: 645ml ($9.90 – $13.90) and 840ml at an additional $3.

Interestingly, the bingsu bowl are in metallic gold, different from the black ceramics bowls in their main outlet.

More classy, more ‘Korean’ perhaps?

The fine shavings of the Sweet Pumpkin Bingsu ($12.90/ $15.90) are made up of milk, soya milk and yogurt whereas the pumpkin paste is slightly sweetened and smooth.

Ooops, no pouring shot (of additional milk) needed.

Daebak! We enjoyed the combination which complemented well together, well balanced and not overpowering.

Well, we can’t say so for the Choco Bread ($8.90) topped with a scoop of chocolate ice cream, chocolate cream and chocolate sauce.

The toast was plain, dry and tough, which required much chewing. The ice cream also unfortunately tasted similar to other commercial brands out there.

“Tasted like my $1 ice cream kiap-ed with bread, except I could buy quite a few with that price tag”, my friend said.

Let’s just say we will stick to their bingsu selection in future.

Nunsaram
12 Maju Avenue, Singapore 556690
Opening Hours: 12pm – 12am (Sun-Thu), 12pm – 2am (Fri-Sat)

Other Related Entries
Nunsaram (Orchard Central)
Ice Lab (Somerset)
Caffebene Singapore (Vivocity)
Nunsongyee (Yuk Tong Ave)
Nunuiwangja (HillV2)

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

The post Nunsaram – Korean Bingsu Café At Serangoon Gardens, Opens Till Midnight & 2am appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Some of the best restaurants and cafes in Singapore are found at Chinatown? Take a walk around Tanjong Pagar, Ann Siang Hill, Telok Ayer, Kreta Ayer, Keong Siak, Everton, Kampong Bahru and Bukit Pasoh and you will find a number of head-lining characteristic eateries around.

One of Singapore’s best known hawker centre Maxwell Food Centre and top restaurant Restaurant Andre are found within the Chinatown district.

This cafe guide will include NEW promising names, and the familiar favourites Nylon and Strangers’ Reunion which have undergone a revamp.

Here’s a look at some of the 22 Best Cafes At Chinatown, found at South Bridge Road, Keong Siak, Bt Pasoh and Everton Park.
Also check out: 11 NEW Cafes At Tanjong Pagar and 23 Cafes At Orchard Road.

Epiphyte
47 Neil Road 088827 Singapore (Near to Outram Park MRT Station)
Tel: +65 9451 8873
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm (Mon – Thurs), 10am – 1am (Fri – Sat)

Epiphyte is conceptualised as an infusion of food, art and nature. The owners believe that dining becomes a personal affair here, and they try to appeal to the 5 senses. (It is true, there was a light fragrance of jasmine when I entered the shop.)

Their signature items and desserts include the Pink Risotto ($22), Chicken with Indonesian Spices ($21), Grilled Striploin ($27), Twilight which is a ‘galaxy’ style chocolate cointreau mousse cake ($10) and Terrarium ($8, +$3 for shot of rum).

The Twilight was like how its name implied. The cake brought us out of reality and back. Reservations encouraged.

Apiary
84 Neil Road, Singapore 088844
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Sun-Thu), 12pm – 1am (Fri-Sat)

Apiary, pronounced as “eh-pee-er-ee”, a place where beehives were kept, honey were contained and a place to satisfy your sweet cravings (literally) along Neil Road.

The cosy hideout would probably attract the hipsters. A Kinfolk interior with white walls, woody element and window ceilings with natural lighting for #OOTD shots.

While the menu is pretty simple at the moment, with Ice Cream ($3.80 for single/ $7.20 for double/ $10 for triple), Waffles ($4.50 for plain/ $5.50 for charcoal), Tarts ($6), Coffee and Tea.

BiBing 비빙
50, Smith Street, Singapore 058958 (5 min walk from Chinatown MRT)
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Tue-Thu), 12pm – 11pm (Fri), 10am – 11pm (Sat), 10am – 10pm (Sun), Closed Mon

BiBing = Bibimbap + Bingsu. 진짜? Jinjja The BiBim ($18) was remodelled like a real bibimbap (Korean mixed rice) using fruits of various colours as toppings instead. The egg yolk was created using a slice of mango whereas the egg white was made from yogurt.

Café Insadong
279 South Bridge Road Singapore 058828 (Chinatown MRT Exit A)
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9:30pm (Mon-Thurs), 12pm – 11:30pm (Fr-Sat), Closed Sun

A Korean café set up by a family in Singapore. The local service staff was trained by a Korean dessert chef.

The Patbingsu is as their signature, in flavours of Red Bean, Sweet Potato, Oreo, Mango, Green Tea ($8.50 – $9.00), and toasts of ice cream, red bean, kaya butter, peanut butter or Nutella. Look out for some of their monthly specials.

Wa Café
#B1-51, Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge Road Singapore 059413
Tel: +65 6444 7646
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm Daily

A Japanese style cafe, hidden at the basement of Chinatown Point, popular for pasta dishes and Shibuya Toasts.

Before all the other local cafes started selling Japanese style toasts, Wa Café at the basement of Chinatown Point has already been quietly selling their version.

The oven baked golden broad toast is LARGE, thick and chunky. 3 of us had some difficulty finishing it. The Vanilla Honey Toast ($15.80) is topped with ice cream, mochi balls and red bean from Hokkaido. Loved the creamy toppings, but wished this could be more buttery. Too much carb perhaps. Burp.

Kreta Ayer

Les Delices
333 Kreta Ayer Road, #01-14, Singapore 080333
Opening Hours: 1pm – 7pm (Mon), 1pm – 10pm (Tues-Thurs), 1pm – 10:45pm (Fri-Sat)

Cafe owner Georgina Sim, a graduate from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, hoped to bring smiles and enjoyment to people with her creations, thus naming the café, Les Délices, which means “The Delights” in French.

A total of 8 pastries were on display at any one time, including Choux of 3 different flavours, Earl Grey, Matcha and Valrhona Guanaja ($5.90 each). Instead of just limiting to coffee selection, there are Chinese tea offered such as Pu- Erh, Fenghuang Dancong, Tie Guan Yin, Shuixian ($4.20 each).

One type of Chinese tea will be served as the Cold Brew ($4.90). Truly an innovative East meets West fusion.

The Loft Café
268A South Bridge Road Singapore 058817 (Chinatown MRT)
Tel: +65 6221 2103
Opening Hours: 7.30am – 11pm (Tue – Sun)

Many might have missed this cafe, situated upstairs above Nanyang Coffee, serving freshly-made waffles, pancakes and all day breakfast in a quaint and cosy environment.

Good to know: They seek to bless the surrounding Chinatown community by channeling their service charge to the Loft Community Fund to help folk in need, especially seniors and ‘2nd-chancers’.

Keong Siak

Mr & Mrs Maxwell’s / The Disgruntled Brasserie
The Club, 28 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069708
Tel: +65 6808 2181
Opening Hours: 7am – 11pm (Sun – Thurs), 7am – 12am (Fri – Sat)

Mr & Mrs Maxwell’s has been rebranded as The Disgruntled Brasserie recently.

It is designed as the cosy ‘living room’ of The Club, where the menu is inspired by a couple’s travels and adventures around the world.

The all-day lounge café on the ground level has different faces to it. On one side, it is like a living room with a lounge ambience, decorated with framed art pieces and ornaments.

For those who fancy a dessert to make it to your ‘Instagram-worthy’ list, go for the ‘Baked Alaska’ ($16), not quite like anything you have ever seen.

The baked ice cream is topped with cotton candy other than just the typical meringue (yes, bright green and blue cotton candy), then flambéed when served. Pretty dramatic, I must say.

Bread & Hearth
18 Keong Saik Road Singapore 089125 (10-15 walk from Outram Park MRT)
Tel: +65 65347800
Opening Hours: 8am – 8.30pm Daily

Walking in, I couldn’t help comparing this artisan confectionery to Artisan Boulangerie Co, which signature feature is rows and rows of breads, tarts and pastries displayed under glass shelves.

“No, no, no… we are not like them,” the answer I got when I told them the ambience reminded me of ABC.

Their Le Croissant is evidently their signature, made with unbleached flour from France to produce the croissant dough (detrempe) used to laminate the fats (beurrage).

Emphasis was placed on the lamination and folding technique to achieve the best honeycomb pockets within the croissant, in order to be “as European as possible”.

Banana Tree
26 Keong Saik Road Singapore 089133
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Tues-Sat), 12pm – 7pm (Sun), Closed Mon

The South Korean café chain is popular for its banana theme decorations, yellow and white clean look, and pretty potted plant desserts.

The signature desserts available included the Flower Paap ($6.50) – pudding in a flower pot, Oreo Bomb ($12), Pot BingSu ($12.50) and Som Som latte with candy floss toppings ($6.50). For the Instagram.

Luxe Sydney
Keong Saik Road #01-04, Singapore 089109
Opening Hours: 12pm – 12am (Tues-Fri), 9am – 12am (Sat), 9am – 4pm (Sun)

Sydney’s Luxe Brand has opened a café at Keong Siak Street, and I fell in love with the interior immediately. So fond of it then I texted my Australian travel mates immediately, “Look at this. Don’t be envious.”

Contemporary, clean, woody, wide spaces, the space exhibited the ‘Aussie café’ vibes for a noon of laidback coffee-drinking.

This is THE PLACE for a lazy-day-out for brunch and lunch with BFFS, indulging in an Aussie Brekkie with scrambled eggs, cumin roast tomato, pork and fennel sausages, avocado, mushrooms; and Dessert of Pandan Madeleines with Coconut Jam. Slightly on the expensive side.

The Daily Roundup
1 Keong Saik Road #01-02 The Working Capitol Singapore 089109

Formerly tentatively known as The Working Capitol Café, this space has a fixed name and identity finally – a modern crêperie. The cafe with rather Aussie-vibes serve sweet crepes and savoury galettes (round flat crusty cakes). The Yuzu Butter Crepe ($10, $4 more for ice cream) was fab. Popular spot with office executives for meet-ups.

Bt Pasoh, Teo Hong

The Populus Coffee & Food Co.
146 Neil Road Singapore 088875
Opening Hours: 9am – 7pm (Mon, Wed), 9am – 10:30pm (Thurs – Fri), 9:30am – 1030pm (Sat), 9:30am – 7pm (Sun), Closed Tues

This new café run by the team behind Department of Caffeine catapulted into our favourite café list. The interior design, the expensive coffee equipment, the attention to details, the good looking serving staff all in neatly-ironed slightly tight white long sleeved shirts… “Even the napkins are the expensive kind.”

Its popular items include Populus Scramble ($17) of soft creamy scrambled eggs, fresh herb melange, streaked bacon (too dry though) on a toasted croissant; and Buckwheat Pancakes with berry fruit compote and thyme infused maple syrup. Not all the food tried was fantastic though. More for the vibes.

The Lokal
136 Neil Road Singapore 088865
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm (Mon), 8am – 10pm (Tues – Fri), 9am – 10pm (Sat), 9am – 4pm (Sun)

The Lokal (right next to Goethe-Institut Singapore) is about wholesome Western style comfort food made from scratch using fresh ingredients, served up in a friendly chilled out atmosphere.

The to-order dish is the signature Veal Schnitzel Burger, a whooping combination of red slaw, grilled pineapple, emmenthal cheese, lettuce, anchovy mayo on a sesame seed bun. Served with chunky chips.

Mad About Sucre
27 Teo Hong Road, Singapore 088334 (near Bt Pasoh, Outram MRT)
Tel: +65 62213969
Opening Hours: 12:30pm – 10:30pm (Tues-Thurs), 12:30pm – 11pm (Fri-Sat), 12:30pm – 5pm (Sun), Closed Mon (Note: May close earlier on some days)

Some of my friends describe this café as “madness” – a good way. The staff take time and effort to explain each and every one of their cake, knowledgeable about every ingredient that goes into it, and which tea pairs best.

All cakes are handcrafted on-site. One of my favourite is the Coco Citron ($9.80+) – a coconut sablée tart with light coconut mousse, lemon curd and crystal drops on top. Note: cakes are produced in limited quantities, do get sold out fast here.

8 Café & Bar
8 Bukit Pasoh Road Singapore 089822
Tel: +65 6220 4513
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:00pm, 6:30pm – 11:00pm (Mon – Thurs), 11:30am – 3:00pm, 6:30pm – 1:00am (Fri – Sat), Closed Sun

I digress a bit. I know there are customers who visit 8 Café & Bar because the “boss is very handsome”. *cough cough*

Let’s not discount his food, yah?

There are offerings of both Western and local dishes, say Crispy Boneless Chicken with Mushroom Sauce, Nasi Lemak with Crispy Lemon Grass Wing, Teppanyaki Beef Rice, and Premium Prawn Yong Tofu. I am usually there for the Laksa.

Roosevelt’s
331 New Bridge Road #01-02 Dorsett Residences Singapore 088764
Tel: +65 6538 3518
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Tues – Thurs), 11am – 12am (Fri), 8:30am – 11pm (Sat), 8:30am – 10:00pm (Sun)

Roosevelt’s Diner & Bar at Dorsett Residence s actually not too bad a place to hang out at.

The menu is largely American influenced, though they change their items quite frequently.

Comforting brunch items. Some of the previous standouts included Crab Cake Benedict ($23), Truffle Scrambled Eggs On Waffles ($18), Truffle Potato Foam with Croissant ($21) and Churros Waffle ($12).

Café 3
5 Teo Hong Road Singapore 088323 (Near Outram Park MRT)
Tel: +65 6224 9368
Opening Hours: 12:00pm to 9:30pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Remember the Sugar Granny Café known for its Asian and local style desserts?

It has converted to be called Café 3, which we all think is a nondescript, unmemorable name for a café. The signboard in a casual-looking font and yellow base didn’t help.

Café3 serves local delights such as Nasi Lemak, Laksa, Mee Rebus, Prawn Noodles and Curry Chicken.

Everton

Everton Creamery
Blk 7 Everton Park Singapore 080007
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9pm (Mon-Thurs, Sun), 12pm – 10pm (Fri-Sat)

Handcrafted gelato in the neighbourhood. No preservatives, no added colourings, no added chemicals. The creamery experiments with interesting flavours such as Avocado Gula Melaka, Cayenne Chocolate, Black Sesame with White Sesame seeds, Rockmelon with Vegetarian Bacon, and Whiskey Cream.

Sing HK Café
Blk 4 Everton Park #01-42, Singapore 080004
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 8.30pm (Mon-Fri), 9.30am – 8.30pm (Sat), Closed Sun
https://www.facebook.com/singhkcafe

Taking over defunct-Batterworks (if it doesn’t ring a bell) beside Nylon Coffee Roasters at Everton Park, Sing HK Café reminded us of a HK-styled Cha Chan Teng.

Menu recommendation includes Hong Kong style breakfast such as Classic French Toast ($5.80), Scrambled Egg ($3.80), Classic Beef Brisket Rice ($11.80) and Western dishes such as Sirloin Steak ($18.90) and Red Wine Ox Tail Stew ($18.90).

Nylon Coffee Roasters
4 Everton Park #01-40 Singapore 080004
Tel: +65 6220 2330
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri), 9:00am – 6:00pm (Sat – Sun)

Nylon Coffee Roasters has undergone a revamp, with 3 brand new countertop islands (no more coffee cart).

They also invested in the latest state of the art Mahlkonig Peak grinders as well as a customised La Marzocco Linea PB ABR. WOW. Time to make a return visit.

Strangers’ Reunion
33/35/37 Kampong Bahru Road Singapore 169354
Tel: +65 6222 4869
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sun), 9am – 12am (Fri, Sat), Closed Tues

After Strangers’ Reunion announced their “Come bid goodbye… We will be closed… till further notice,” some fans were obviously upset with their ‘closure’.

Emmmm, they are back in 3 weeks with a new look. O…kay. We thought that it looked similar to siste café Curious Palette at Prinsep Street.

There are a few new additions to their menu, such as Mentaiko Pasta, Pumpkin Risotto, and Pesto Chicken Pasta. We liked the pink-looking Mentaiko Pasta ($21.90) – creamy, al dente, generous servings.

Other Related Entries
100 NEW Cafes in Singapore 2016
23 Cafes At Orchard Road
8 NEW Cafes At Katong & East Coast
11 NEW Cafes At Tanjong Pagar
10 Instagrammable Food In Singapore 2016

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

The post 22 Best Cafes At Chinatown & Outram – Some Of The Best Patisseries, and Revamped Strangers’ Reunion & Nylon appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

The new cafes at Neil Road are having strange names. There is Apiary which serves ice cream, and Epiphyte.

An epiphyte is a plant that grows harmlessly upon another plant or tree, and this café is conceptualised as an infusion of food, art and nature.

The owners believe that dining becomes a personal affair here, and they try to appeal to the 5 senses. (It is true, there was a light fragrance of jasmine when I entered the shop.)

There is an indoor vertical garden (lovely orchids I must say) and art pieces from the co-owner’s personal collection.

Fitting to the theme. Swee.

Their signature items and desserts include the Pink Risotto ($22), Chicken with Indonesian Spices ($21), Grilled Striploin ($27), Crab Cakes ($13), Twilight which is a ‘galaxy’ style chocolate cointreau mousse cake ($10) and Terrarium ($8, +$3 for shot of rum).

The Terrarium, a floral-garden dessert which blends with the vibes and feel, is the most widely instagrammed dessert here so far.

It was served in a whisky glass with green sponge cake, dark chocolate soil, fresh mint custard and apple compote.

Though I am not a rum person, the dessert really only worked when the alcohol was added, giving that overall combination that extra flavour and depth.

I initially thought that the separate components didn’t gel together than well, both texturally (maybe too dry) and taste wise.

The Twilight was like how its name implied. The cake brought my friends and I out of reality and back.

Containing Cointreau orange curd, chocolate sponge, and marbling chocolate mousse, this was probably one of the best versions of “Galaxy Cake I had in Singapore.

During the second visit, I thought that the glaze wasn’t as stunning, and orange a tad off-balance.

With that said, the bakes are promising and can ‘fight’ with some of the bigger players in Singapore..

The Chicken with Indonesian Spices ($21) is the best-selling main so-far. Two cooking methods are involved, braising and then roasting, for a tender inside with crisped skin. The accompanying sambal verde is made from scratch.

This Pink Risotto ($22) would be a head-turner, though I recall nearby Initaly had a similar version, but in a brighter pink.

No added colourings. Just beetroot.

I liked the consistency and creaminess of the risotto, though the scallops could be to the saltier side.

Epiphyte is a promising bistro-café, both in terms of dessert and savoury offerings. I wished they could have worked that garden-theme further, to incorporate that element more into their mains.

Epiphyte
47 Neil Road 088827 Singapore (Near to Outram Park MRT Station)
Tel: +65 9451 8873
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm (Mon – Thurs), 10am – 1am (Fri – Sat)

Other Related Entries
Curious Palette (Prinsep Street)
Apiary (Neil Road)
Ninja Bowl (Duxton Road)
VXX Cooperative (Foch Road)
Birds Of Paradise (East Coast Road)

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

The post Epiphyte – Garden Themed Café with Gorgeous Galaxy Cake and Terrarium Dessert appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Isn’t this Karafuru Desserts? The one with colourful éclairs and chio (pretty-looking) yogurt parfaits?

After closing for half a year, the team is back with a new management and a new direction. (Remember one period of time when Éclairs were quite IN?)

The café is also in the process of applying for Halal certification, so that Muslim friends will be able to enjoy these desserts soon.

Kumoya is made up of two words: “Kumo” means fluffy, light clouds and “ya” mean house, a place where we can experience the lightness of their desserts.

It seems like yesterday when I first stepped into the space that was occupied by Karafuru Desserts, with an almost intact interior.

Clean, white, minimalist, sounds like an ‘Instagram heaven’.

I think they will get this question often: So what’s the difference between Karafuru Desserts and Kumoya?

While the former focused more on Japanese inspired eclairs and yogurt parfaits, Kumoya offered both Sweet & Savory Pancakes in addition to their previous offerings.

The éclairs are now bite-sized Petite Éclairs (7cm long) at $3 each, $8.50 for 3 pieces, $16.50 for 6 pieces, $31.50 for 12 pieces.

Additional $0.50 will be charged for a takeaway box.

There are no more alcoholic eclairs (due to the pending Halal certification), and smaller sized eclairs are available at a wallet-friendly price.

Good for café hoppers who want to try more flavours.

The table’s favourite flavours were Matcha and Café Au Lait (milk coffee) with that distinct touch and taste.

The Yuzu and Passionfruit combination, on the other hand, was more citrusy and refreshing.

While the Yogurt Parfaits: Matcha ($15.90), Yuzu ($15.90), Sakura ($14.90) and Hazelnut ($14.90) may seem all familiar with similar toppings, the sauce is stronger, more pronounced and a tad sweeter now.

I personally found the previous incarnation too light (since they are Japanese inspired) in taste and preferred this version more though.

We appreciate the idea of having savory items here, after all, sweet food can be somewhat jelat (Rich) after awhile.

Pancakes come in both savory and sweet options, which has a striking resemblance to those at Faculty of Caffeine in Johor Bahru.

For something more filling other than desserts, there are Savory Pancakes that come in the form of Tempura Soft Shell Crab ($17.90), Karaage Chicken ($16.90) and Breakfast ($18.90) with turkey bacon, sauteed mushrooms and baked beans.

Even though the pancakes were slightly on the bland side, the golden brown crispy soft shell crab dipped in the wasabi mayo sauce for an additional punch was enjoyable.

The Sweet Pancakes were as oishii! They come in 3 flavours: Matcha ($14.90), Chocolate Banana ($14.90) and Tiramisu ($15.90).

The Matcha Pancakes with gao gao (rich) matcha financiers, dango, mizu yokan (red bean paste jelly) was pretty intense, yet without feeling overwhelming.

A significant improvement compared to their previous version.

Will the desserts at Kumoya fly you to the Kumo (clouds)? Ikimashou~

Kumoya
8 Jalan Klapa Singapore 199320
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Tue-Fri,Sun), 12pm – 10.30pm (Sat), Closed Mon
https://www.facebook.com/kumoyasingapore/

Other Related Entries
5 Best Éclairs In Singapore
Ollella and The Pourover Bar (Petain Road)
Antoinette (Penhas Road)
Non Entrée Desserts (Rangoon Road)
Hyde & Co.(North Bridge Road)

* Written by Daniel’s Food Diary Cafe Correspondent Nicholas Tan @stormscape. Visit his instagram for all things [NEW].

The post Kumoya – Chio Eclairs And Savoury Pancakes From Karafuru Desserts (Pending Halal Certification) appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Known for its fantastic view of the CBD and quality contemporary Chinese cuisine Crystal Jade Prestige at Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) has been popular for its corporate lunches, dinner sets and weekend dim sum brunches.

The restaurant has recently refreshed their menu. Good excuse to make a return visit.

Some of the highlights: New specialty creations, recommended dishes from Michelin starred restaurant Crystal Jade Golden Palace, more dim sum items, and a Signature Weekend Brunch.

Here are some 10 things you can try from the NEW menu of Crystal Jade Prestige

Prestige Signature Dim Sum Platter ($10.80 for 4 items)
Let’s start with the dim sum.

Many Chinese restaurants are stepping up their game for more intricate and aesthetically attractive dim sum items, and I think Crystal Jade Prestige got that balance right.

These not only looked delightfully-good (ie instagrammable), taste was not compromised as well.

This basket of four contained Prawn & Carrot Dumpling with Black Truffle, Assorted Mushroom Dumpling, Osmanthus Dumpling with Prawn and Celery, and Water Chestnut Dumpling with Olive and Parsley.

The orange-coloured goldfish-shaped Mushroom Dumpling might remind many of Pokemon’s Magikarp (SO CUTE, I know), and my favourite of the four was the Truffle Dumpling.

Admittedly, it had a combination that I liked – bite of the prawns, crunch of the carrot and the unique savour of truffle. Almost felt as though I was having amuse-bouche from a European restaurant.

The ladies at the table enjoy the Osmanthus Dumpling for that light floral trace.

Steamed Pandan Bun with Green Tea Custard ($6.80 for 4)
My weakness and I will tell you why.

I have always been a fan of liu sha bao, even before its popularity spread in Singapore.

Now, this Crystal Jade Prestige fluffy steamed pandan buns contained MATCHA custard, which would ooze like molten lava. When I took a bite…

”Is there SALTED EGG Yolk?”

Yes, there were traces. Not too much, but enough to elevate the taste. Awesome.

Chilled Organic Tomatoes with Sesame Sauce ($10.80)
I didn’t pay much attention to this starter initially, ”Isn’t it just cherry tomatoes”

That was before I took a bite.

Then I realised that each sweet juicy cherry tomato would arrive with a pleasing burst of fragrant and savoury sesame within.

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity, as each tomato would be hollowed and injected with the special sauce.

Uncontrollably addictive. I finished half the plate alone.

Prestige Pipa Duck ($18 for reg, $24 for half, $48 for whole)
There are two new ducks to the menu – the Classic Pipa Duck and the Prestige Pipa Duck.

Preparation of these ducks were so laborious!

The chef explained that the ducks were first ‘butterflied’ ie wedged between bamboo to allow flavours of the 10-hour homemade spice blend marinate to better penetrate in.

That was not over.

The ducks would then be blanched, basted with golden maltose sugar and vinegar, air-dried for another 10 hours, before roasted to a crisp finish. WAH.

I got to think the effort was worth it. The glowing outer layer was paper-crisp, carrying with it flavours of sweet-saltiness that reminded me of the hoisin sauce used in Peking Ducks.

Between the two, I preferred the Prestige Pipa Duck which was tastier, brushed with additional coat of fermented beancurd sauce before roasting.

If you are torn with decision-making, get the best of both worlds Duo Platter ($48).

Signature Fried Rice ($20 for small, $30 for medium, $40 for large)
Pleasurable, comfort food. Fried rice.

While it seemed like this plate didn’t contain the typical meats or expensive ingredients, there were still ‘treasures’ to be found inside.

Spring onions, egg, finely-chopped salted fish… and chai po aka diced homemade pickled radish.

Stir-Fried Assorted Mushrooms with Basil In Claypot ($22 for small, $33 for medium, $44 for large)
A comforting dish, especially if you liked all sorts of mixed mushroom in a saucy combination.

Coconut Jelly with Fresh Milk in Coconut ($8.80)
A refreshing chilled dessert. After you are done with the sweet cooling fresh milk, you can further dig into the coconut flesh.

I almost thought this contained bird’s nest (but the price should have been a lot higher, LOL), till I realised that slippery ingredient was coconut jelly.

Chilled Yellow Cream Crab in Teochew Style ($11 for 100g)
The new menu has also included a couple of “Michelin Highlights” from its sister restaurant, Crystal Jade Golden Palace which has been awarded a Michelin star in the inaugural Singapore guide.

That is good news for Teochew cuisine lovers, because you will enjoy some of the signatures here.

Chilled Yellow Cream Crab is one of them, where the crustacean would be served the Teochew way – steamed, chilled, served cold, dipped in black vinegar.

Check out that decadent, rich roe. Slurp.

Sugar Coated Yam ($13)
A traditional Teochew dessert dish, where yam sticks are deep fried, coated with caramelised sugar.

Other ‘Michelin-dishes’ include Sautéed Fresh Crab Meat and Egg White ($38 for small, $57 for medium, $76 for large) and Baked Lamb Rack with Red Wine and Black Pepper ($19 per person).

Crystal Jade Prestige has also launched two 6-course Michelin Set Menus at $58 and $68 per person (min 2 persons).

The set menus include the highlights from Michelin-starred Crystal Jade Golden Palace, such as Crackling Suckling Pig Roll with Black Truffle Rice, Prestige Signature Dim Sum Platter and Pan-Fried Angus Beef Fillet.

The Crackling Suckling Pig Roll with Black Truffle Rice is a ‘rice roulade’ 饭卷 ($20/pc, $168/half or $328/whole) – a crunchy brown outer layer with plump grains of Japanese short-grain pearl rice densely packed inside.

After eating, you would realise the ‘skin’ is actually suckling pig crackling. The rice was flavourful, cooked with abalone sauce and infused with truffle for that aromatic whiff.

(Jadeite members, DBS/POSB cardmembers and Standard Chartered Bank cardholders enjoy $10 of the set menus. Till 31 Dec 2016. T&C applies.)

Crystal Jade Prestige
8A Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre (Ground Plaza, entrance via lift on ground floor to L2) #02-01, Singapore 018984 (Downtown MRT)
Tel: +65 6509 9493
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Fri), 11am – 3:30pm, 6pm – 10:30pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

Other Related Entries
Crystal Jade Prestige (MBFC)

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Crystal Jade.

The post Crystal Jade Prestige – Revamped Menu with ‘Magikarp’ Dim Sum, Matcha Liu Sha Bao and Michelin Highlights appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Popular Sanrio Character Gudetama will finally have its own café in Singapore. How egg-citing.

There are so many fans of this lazy, grumpy egg character, it is about time.

This is a good year for character cafes in Singapore, with Hello Kitty Cafe, Pompompurin Cafe to a pop-up Pokémon Cafe all opening within a few months from one another.

Gudetama had its round in Hong Kong, from Gudetama Dim Sum (seasonal, now over), Gudetama themed Japanese curry at Izumi Curry, to a themed Gudetama food special at McDonalds.

Here are 4 things we know about the 1st Gudetama Café in Singapore:
1. Gudetama Café Singapore will be located at Suntec City Mall #01-361

2. It is anticipated to open end November.

3. Items to be served include Breakfast In Pan with eggs (of course), toast, sausage and bacon; Waffles, Softserve and Coffee.

4. Local bento artist @LittleMissBento will be working on the food styling and co-creating the menu with the team. (WOW, congrats!)

Look out here for further updates!

Gudetama Café Singapore
Suntec City Mall #01-361, 3 Temasek Boulevard Singapore 038983

Other Related Entries
Hello Kitty Orchid Garden (Changi Airport T3)
Pompompurin Cafe (Orchard Central)
Character Café (Dhoby Xchange)
Teddy and Me (Marina Square)
DC Comics Super Heroes Café (MBS)

The post Gudetama Café Singapore – Finally Coming To Singapore At Suntec City appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh is going places, recently opened downtown at both Raffles City and Takashimaya Shopping Centre basements.

I am all for our hawker delicacies moving from humble stalls and shops into swanky commercial malls, provided if they can keep the taste more or less consistent.

Consider this one of the ways to preserve this Singapore food heritage, and for more international diners to know about the local food culture.

Bak Kut Teh is one of those foods which have found relative success, and it is not exaggerating to say there is one new BKT eatery opening up in Singapore every other week.

Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh has its humble beginnings in Outram Park estate, founded by Madam Gwee Peck Hua, with the recipe developed with sister Madam Gwee Guek Hwa.

I do go to both the Havelock Road flagship and Keppel Road branch when I need a Bak Kut Teh fix, when I have supper cravings for the pepper, clear Teochew style soup base matched with tender pork ribs.

The shiokness!

Incidentally, the children of the founders of Outram Park Ya Hua Rou Gu Cha has set up Tuan Yuan Pork Rib Soup at Tiong Bahru, which was actually not too bad an attempt.

Now, as for the restaurant at Raffles City…

The signatures are the Prime Cut Ribs ($10.50), Ribs ($7.70) with other combinations such as Kidney Soup ($7.70), Mee Sua with Minced Pork Ball ($8.80), Intestine Soup ($7.50) and Stomach Soup ($7.50).

As diners, I don’t think we would expect a 100% when it is more mass-produced. At least 70-80% close to the original?

I am not sure if it is an attempt to suit the broth to a larger, more mass audience.

Somehow, the soup base just lacked the ‘oomph’ – not as peppery, not as robust, not as flavourful, just a mild, rather forgettable attempt.

My friend commented that the ribs were not as tender or tender as Song Fa’s, which I unfortunately had to agree at that point of time.

It is inevitable that when a shop is set up in the city, the menu would be diversified to cater to families and larger groups.

Actually, I still found the Bak Kut Teh overall acceptable, though not as good as the original.

BUT the side dishes pulled the overall experience down.

The Fried Prawn Rolls ($7.80) were starchy in the fillings, deep fried till dry and shrivelled (you can tell from the pictures); and the Steamed Otah ($6.5) somewhat mushy and uninspiring.

So Ya Hua, I love your Bak Kut Teh, but really hope something is done to keep that taste consistent.

Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh
Raffles City #B1-44B, 252 North Bridge Road Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 6264 7066

391 Orchard Road, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, #B2-32 Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872

Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh Eating House
593, Havelock Road #01-01/02, Isetan Office Building, Singapore 169641
Tel: +65 6235 7716
Opening Hours: 11am – 2am (Tues, Thurs), 11am – 3am (Wed, Fri, Sat), 11am – 10pm (Sun), Closed Sun

Outram Ya Hua Rou Gu Cha Restaurant
No 7 Keppel Road #01-05/07, PSA Tanjong Pagar Complex, Singapore 089053
Tel: +65 6222 9610
Opening Hours: 7am – 3am (Tues – Sat), 7am – 1am (Sun), Closed Mon

Other Related Entries
Tuan Yuan Pork Rib Soup (Tiong Bahru)
A-One Bak Kut Teh (Star Vista)
Founder Bak Kut Teh (Rangoon Road)
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (Chinatown Point)

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

The post Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh – Goes Market At Raffles City and Takashimaya. Hope They Can Keep Standards Consistent appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Laksa must be one of Singapore’s most iconic hawker food, and “Katong Laksa” has become synonymous with this bowl of spicy rice noodle dish.

Who’s the most original, who’s the real “Katong Laksa”… debatable, but guess it doesn’t really matter that much now.

Laksa fans and foodies in the east would have been familiar with Roxy Laksa located at East Coast Lagoon Food Village.

This “Roxy Laska” is said to be started way back in 1952 as a cart stall outside Roxy Theatre by Mr Lim Bo Seng.

Current owner Mike Lim is a 3rd generation hawker who learnt the heavily-guarded recipe from his father.

There will be two major changes coming up for Roxy Laksa.

First, the stall will relocate from its present spot at East Coast Lagoon Food Village to Timbre+.

Secondly, Mike has officially passed the rope of cooking this iconic dish to local celebrity chef Willin Low of Wild Rocket fame.

Question: Why Willin? (And why not, say, Mr Lim’s children?)

As Mike was planning for succession, his children expressed hat they did not want to take over the stall. Willin who has been a regular at the stall for 2 decades, took up apprenticeship in order to “preserve our hawker heritage”.

Willin will not be the one cooking the laksa at the new stall though. It would still be Mike. They are however, looking at “bigger plans” for Roxy Laksa, while still keeping to the original taste as far as possible.

Roxy Laksa ($4, $5) is cooked with a home-made rempah, added using coconut milk which is squeezed freshly every day, added with fresh sea prawns and not cockles.

”It is so good that you can finish up to the last drop,” Willin quipped.

It is true. I slurped the entire bowl up, till there was almost no gravy left.

Compared to other familiar versions of laksa which could be too coconut-rich, or diluted (yikes), Roxy Laksa somehow managed to get the balance just right. I liked that mouthfeel of the fine ‘sediments’ (could those be pounded dried shrimps) towards the end.

For the modern diner, this does not feel jelak (cloying).

The rice noodles had a good bite and was not starchy.

I look forward to having Roxy Laksa again. Perhaps the next time at its new location at Timbre+.

Roxy Laksa
East Coast Lagoon Food Village, 1220 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 468960
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 9pm (Mon – Fri), 8:30am – 8:30pm (Sat – Sun)
(Operational till end October. After which, the stall will move to Timbre+ first week of November.)

Other Related Entries
Timbre+ (Ayer Rajah Crescent)
17 Michelin Bib Gourmand Hawker Stalls from Singapore
Claypot Laksa (Alexandra Village)
Famous Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa (Hong Lim)

* This bowl of Roxy Laksa was a treat from Willin Low.

The post Roxy Laksa – Relocating From East Coast Lagoon Food Village By End Of The Month appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Popular Korean dessert shop Kiss The Tiramisu has opened at Singapore in Orchard Gateaway.

The dessert which hails from Hong Dae is known to combine the classic Italian Tiramisu and softserve in a single cup.

Here is what the fascination is all about: The ‘tiramisu’ is served in a takeaway golden-rimmed wine glass (looks more class for Instagram), and filled with layers of ingredients.

Mascarpone cheese at the bottom, ice cream, crushed cookies, coffee liquor, cocoa powder, mascarpone, THEN soft serve, MORE cocoa powder and ended with chocolate shavings grated on the spot.

Here’s my take: Not ALL Korean franchisers which come to Singapore naturally do well. And I reckon there is a thing or two to learn from these experiences.

One in particular, had enormously long queues during the 1st two days, but the lines disappeared faster than the hype.

The other seemingly popular dessert kiosk, somewhat had a small initial build-up, but in F&B business… sustainability is more important.

I admittedly didn’t cheong (rushed) down to try the local Kiss The Tiramisu. My other friends did. So I ask, ”How ah?”

Friend 1 said his softserve was already melting even before the sauce was drizzled on. HE HAD TO BUY ANOTHER to photograph. (Things people do for Instagram.)

Friend 2 (a popular Indonesian blogger) mentioned the same, but he didn’t bother to buy the second.

Moral of the story: Not everyone gives the 2nd chance. (But some do lah. I will if I feel for the shop.) In the same way that people remember kisses. The first kiss is SO IMPORTANT.

The first time I had Kiss The Tiramisu was at 35 degree hot Siam Square Bangkok. Twirl was tall and beautiful, could last for 2 to 3 minutes under the hot sun.

The local franchisee explained that in Singapore, they use the same recipe in Korea, meaning to say a high milk content in proportion to the ice cream base powder volume. This would create a milkier texture, but the ice cream may not hold up so well in our weather.

Fast melting softserve aside…

The beauty of Kiss The Tiramisu is definitely not just about the product itself, but the process on how it is made. In Korea, you can kind of observe how it is assembled by energetic staff, which is an experience in itself.

Kiss The Tiramisu Singapore is located at a rather obscure corner, next to Dazzling Café, diagonally opposite Kanshoku Ramen.

If you had to pick a choice between the Original, Banana and Berries, go for the classic flavour. It would be a safe choice, and there would be more layers and intricacies to make you feel it is more worth it.

With no offence intended to either party, I thought the milky-smooth texture reminded me of Milk Cow.

Which reminded me, Honey Creme not too far away at 313 @ Somerset opened to much fan-fare. You must give credit to its PR company back then.

Opening a shop now is not just about getting a good brand. Customers have choices aplenty. Start it right, and start it tall.

Kiss The Tiramisu
277 Orchard Road #01-15 Orchard Gateway Singapore 238858 (Somerset MRT)
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 10:30pm

Other Related Entries
Sweet Monster (Bugis Junction)
Mr Churro (Ion Orchard)
AmaSoy (Jurong Point)
Milkcow (Novena Square)
Honey Creme (313 @ Somerset)

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

The post Kiss The Tiramisu Singapore – Love That Melts Away Too Fast appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

If last year was the year of Matcha, then 2016 is the year of Salted Egg Yolk. Simi also Salted Egg Yolk.

Some restaurants and cafes have gone a step further, by combining BOTH Green Tea and Salted Egg Yolk!

Emmmmmm…… Tasty? Or Gross? Let’s have a look.

Crystal Jade Prestige
8A Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre (Ground Plaza, entrance via lift on ground floor to L2) #02-01, Singapore 018984 (Downtown MRT)
Tel: +65 6509 9493
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Fri), 11am – 3:30pm, 6pm – 10:30pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

Steamed Pandan Bun with Green Tea Custard
I have always been a fan of Liu Sha Bao aka Golden Custard Buns, even before its popularity spread in Singapore.

Now, this Crystal Jade Prestige fluffy steamed pandan buns contained MATCHA custard, which would ooze like molten lava. When I took a bite…

”Is there SALTED EGG Yolk?”

Yes, there were traces. Not too much, but enough to elevate the taste. Awesome.

The Bakery Chef
Blk 161 Bukit Merah Central Singapore 150161
Tel: +65 6273 9211
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm (Mon-Thurs), 10am – 9pm (Fri-Sun)
Waffles are served from 4pm-6pm, Soft serve closes two hours before closing time, Toast from 12pm – 4pm or so.

Matcha Salted Egg Lava Toast
Ah-huh, you may have seen this video from Insider making their rounds on Insider, and this humble cake café at Jalan Bukit Merah from Singapore has propelled to instant fame.

For $14.80, you get a choice of toast (charcoal, brioche or matcha), fillings (salted egg, Nutella or matcha) and a non-optional topup of chocolate, vanilla or matcha ice cream.

A toast with crispy layer and oozing centre has driven some instagrammers on a frenzy.

To be honest, the bread’s texture wasn’t fantastic, kind of doughy and tough to cut across. But the winning element was the filling of matcha sauce with an additional layer of saltiness.

Asanoya Bakery Singapore
Wilby Central, 15 Queen Street, Singapore 188537 (250 Steps from Bras Basah MRT Station Exit
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm (Mon-Thurs), 10am – 10pm (Fri), 8am – 10pm (Sat), 8am – 8pm (Sun)

Yes, it sounds totally weird, but it makes them stand out from the rest.

The Matcha Salted Egg Croissant ($4.90) came petite-sized, and I would wish for the crust to be fluffier.

However, the combination actually worked.

While salted egg still took main priority and pretty much overpowered everything else in terms of taste, there was subtle notes of green tea which gave an added dimension.

Strangers’ Reunion
33/35/37 Kampong Bahru Road Singapore 169354
Tel: +65 6222 4869
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sun), 9am – 12am (Fri, Sat), Closed Tues

Couldn’t resist ordering this. Matcha Salted Egg Cake ($8.50).

This contains Kyoto Matcha infused cake sponge, layered with salted egg yolk custard, covered with Matcha frosting and topped with milk custard crumbs.

Cake might look dry, but was surprisingly moist yet dense enough. (I reckon this is from a supplier, and it looks like a Crème Maison.)

Other Related Entries
16 Unique Salted Egg Yolk Food In Singapore
Where To Find Purple Sweet Potato Food & Desserts in Singapore
11 Very BLUE Food & Drinks In Singapore
10 Instagrammable Food In Singapore 2016
40 Amazing Matcha Desserts In Singapore

The post Best Matcha + Salted Egg Food & Desserts In Singapore. Yes, Green Tea Together With Salted Egg appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Seriously, what’s with all these colour-changing “Galaxy Drinks”? (Read: Galaxy Cakes & Desserts In Singapore)

These midnight blue coloured beverages must have been sold in Thailand for the longest time, but local customers seem to be fascinated enough to get different cafés churning up these drinks.

Blue for the moment, purple the next.

Is that MAGIC?

Here’s the science of it all, even though it is more boring than what you would have expected.

The butterfly pea flower, frequently used for teas and colourings for cakes, changes colour when in contact with substances of higher acidity.

Add water and it turns into a mysterious cobalt blue. Squeeze in lemon juice, and it gets transformed into a royal purple colour.

I read somewhere that the butterfly pea tea is full of antioxidants. Woohoo. (When are our bubble tea shops starting to sell this at exorbitant prices?)

D’Good Café (Ngee Ann City)
There was this $15 ($15!) Spiral Galaxy drink. The mocktail is a concoction of green tea and grape juice with glitters. Maybe it will take you to space.

We all thought that the beverage tasted like… Pokka Green Tea! Em, in a good way, I suppose.

(Photo credit: Nicholas Tan @stormscape)

Hvala Waffle Bar (313@Somerset)
This is officially Hvala’s first drink. I must say that their Elderflower Lemonade is quite chio.

This beverage is created with their partners in Hvala Cambodia, made with elderflower, wild blossom honey, a dash of butterfly pea flower tea, and a squeeze of lemon.

(Video credit: Kenny Soon @soonnverysoon)

Joe and Dough (Various outlets)
Joe and Dough calls theirs the “Sapphire Elixir Cha Cooler”. Win already.

A supposed “mystical blend” of blue butterfly pea flower tea and passionfruit, that changes colour upon addition of the lime juice potion.

Drink up and you’ll possess ‘superhuman abilities’ beyond your wildest dreams. Like real.

Cheng’s Gourmet Food Bar (28 Clementi Road)
A refreshing Ultraviolet Floral Cooler ($6.20). Squeezing lemon over would change the acidity level of the drink, from blue to purple. Cheng’s Gourmet Food Bar (Clementi Road)

(Photo credit: Nicholas Tan @stormscape)

The Bakery Chef (161 Bukit Merah Central)
Their Galaxy drinks is available at $8.80 (actually, I like how they used the word “only $8.80)) which has two options of blue Chai or hibiscus.

Pair it up with a Chocolate Guanaja cake. The Bakery Chef (Bt Merah)

Cha Thai (Telok Ayer)
Something else other than their Thai Iced Milk.

An Iced Butterfly Pea Juice ($3.90) which is also a refreshing thirst quencher. Cha Thai (Telok Ayer)

Other Related Entries
Galaxy Cakes & Desserts In Singapore
40 Amazing Matcha Desserts In Singapore
10 Instagrammable Food In Singapore 2016
Where To Find Purple Sweet Potato Food & Desserts in Singapore
11 Very BLUE Food & Drinks In Singapore

The post 6 Best “Galaxy Drinks” In Singapore – Change From Beautiful Blue To Pretty Purple appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Strangers’ Reunion is probably one of ‘pioneer’ hipster cafes in Singapore.

After they announced their “Come bid goodbye… We will be closed… till further notice,” some fans were obviously upset with their ‘closure’.

Emmmm, they are back in 3 weeks with a new look. O…kay. Lesson learnt: Don’t play with our feelings lah.

Some background of Strangers’ Reunion: It is home of the current World Siphon Coffee Champion, 3-time Singapore Barista Champion, 3-time Singapore Latte Art Champion & ASEAN Barista Champion 2013 Ryan Tan.

Many other popular baristas who went on to open cafes (successful ones) actually had their beginnings at Strangers’.

I thought that this revamp was much needed, and on-point. Though it looked vaguely similar to I sister café Curious Palette at Prinsep Street.

And I will be honest to admit, I didn’t like Strangers’ Reunion that much in the past – possibly pretentious vibes and certain food offerings, but they have probably improved in those aspects.

They might have borrowed ideas here and there. I could see similarities in menu items, presentation and execution to cafes in Sydney and Melbourne, but at least there was attention to details.

How water bottles were labelled and packaged, ‘uniforms’ the staff were having, the choice of music… all these played a part in the entire café-immersion experience.

Taking about staff, some of the servers were attentive (good), one walked with swag in rhythm to the music, another had the ‘how’s-it-going’ expression.

(Photo credit: Nicholas Tan @stormcape)

There are a few new additions to their menu, such as Aburi Mentaiko Spghetti ($21.90), Pumpkin Saffron Risotto ($18.50), and Pesto Chicken Tagliatelle ($17.90). We liked the pink-looking Mentaiko Pasta ($21.90) – creamy, al dente, generous servings.

FYI, every other table seemed to be having (and photographing) the Crabcake Reunion ($18.90) but I was in the mood of Spicy Baked eggs ($15.50, $3 more for Italian Sausage topup). One of the more tasty and interesting versions I have eaten of late, with a twang of curry.

People go to Strangers’ Reunion to eat their buttermilk waffles.

I was kind of indifferent to their version. Had the Matcha and Azuki Beans ($12.90), and it was crispy with a crunch. If the inner portion could have been fluffier, this would be a winner.

To appeal to the health-conscious, there is also an introduction to ‘superfoods’ desserts – Coconut Chia Pudding ($11.90), Acai Smoothie Bowl ($11.90) and Avocado Smoothie Bowl ($11.90).

I liked the Acai Smoothie Bowl best, but it would have a thicker consistency (ie not so watery). The Coconut Chia Pudding on the reverse, was dense and clumpy, but I believe they are working towards a better version.

So Strangers’ Reunion. Welcome back (kind of). Glad to know you are better.

Strangers’ Reunion
33/35/37 Kampong Bahru Road Singapore 169354
Tel: +65 6222 4869
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sun), 9am – 12am (Fri, Sat), Closed Tues

Other Related Entries
Curious Palette (Prinsep Street).
Ninja Bowl (Duxton Road)
Alchemist (Tanjong Pagar)
Chong Wen Ge (Telok Ayer)
L’ÉCLAIR by Sarah Michelle (Clemenceau Avenue)

* Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated. Disclosure: The Acai Smoothie Bowl was on the house.

The post Strangers’ Reunion – Reopens, Back Better And More Hipster appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

[Sydney] Some people just have it all. Meet Reynold Poernomo, probably one of MasterChef Australia’s most noticeable alumnus, young, good looking (okay, VERY handsome), fit, talented, and successful.

A never-before perfect score of 30/30 for his dessert on MasterChef propelled him to further popularity, even though he didn’t win the season in the end.

He opened KOI Dessert Bar at Chippendale Sydney earlier this year, with savoury dishes and cocktails created by his brothers Arnold (MasterChef Indonesia’s judge) and Ronald.

When I asked on instagram for a must-visit café recommendation, the comments were almost unanimously “KOI Dessert Bar”!

Reynold serves up his signature desserts, cakes and coffee at the space, with an open air courtyard on the ground floor, and dining room on the upper.

Reservations are recommended for the set dinners and set dessert menus from evening onwards.

As described by an online review, “Reynold was on full display, working from his open kitchen.” Emm, yes.

There were giggling (perhaps blushing) girls waiting to take a shot with Reynold.

I asked for his 3 personal favourite desserts from KOI, and they were:

1. The Forbidden Fruit
The first chocolate challenge that I had done in Masterchef 2015, where the dish itself “The Forbidden Fruit” went wild on social media.

2. Nomtella
The cake’s name is a nickname I used for a special someone and all the little flavours they (They? I didn’t question further) liked into one cake. Flavours of Nutella, caramel, chocolate and coffee.

3. Baileys Cake
I just like baileys and chocolate.

When I visited KOI Dessert Bar at about noon-time, there was almost a queue/cluster/group of customers (seemed mainly females, some brought their guy friends) waiting around for cakes to be displayed out.

Us being Singaporeans, my friends zoomed in to the front of the line and went, ”One of every single cake.”

My treat then… I turned around, “ONE of EVERY cake?!” Yeah, we couldn’t let the opportunity go.

The popular (ie instagrammable) choice was the Coconut Kalamansi (AUD$9) of coconut mousse, white cheese, kalamansi curd and chocolate sable.

My female friends liked this the best – delicately soft, a light touch of coconut, and trace of tanginess in the middle. A fine balance.

I personally preferred the Nomtella (AUD$9). It kind of had everything I liked in a single cake – espresso mousse, salted caramel, hazelnut and chocolate brownie.

While you could imagine that the dessert could very-well be too rich, it wasn’t.

The presentation was on-point, glossy till you could almost see your own reflection, with a sprinkling of gold.

With each item costing between AUD$9 to AUD$15, this is pricey.

I will be honest to say not all cakes were to our satisfaction. A quarter of what we ordered tasted average, while some others could have been too sweet, or heavy.

When asked about his future plans for KOI Dessert Bar, Reynold revealed that he would be focused in working closely with the team to highlight more of their dining menu.

Even though they are a dessert bar, they are trying to work towards a menu that is exciting, creative and especially tasty.

Expanding is in the talks, but no confirmation just as of yet. He also hinted that KOI may expand overseas. Let’s hope that it will be Singapore.

KOI Dessert Bar
42–44 Kensington Street, Chippendale Sydney NSW 2008
Tel: +61 02 9212 1230
Opening hours: 10am – 11pm (Tue – Sun), Closed Mon
Google Maps – KOI Dessert Bar

A MasterChef Dining & Bar Experience will mark its first stop here in Asia, at InterContinental Singapore’s hotel restaurant, Ash & Elm on the 25 November till 9 December. World-renowned chef and restaurateur Marco Pierre White and four top MasterChef personalities from around the world will craft bespoke menus featuring some of the finest MasterChef creations.

Reynold Poernomo will be the first MasterChef finalist in the MasterChef talent line-up to participate in MasterChef Dining & Bar Singapore. Tickets will launch on 20 October at all Sistic outlets.

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

The post KOI Dessert Bar – MasterChef Australia’s Reynold Poernomo Creates Some Dessert Magic appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Spotting food trends has become a ‘hobby’ of mine. Strange, I know. But nothing stranger than drinks served in LIGHT BULBS?

Ah-huh. When cafes in countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Korea sell beverages in light-bulb shaped containers, it won’t be before long that F&Bs in Singapore follows suit.

Some called this Instagram-worthy, some regarded this as wa-yang aka “for show”, but nevertheless, these cute light bulb bottles caught our attention.

What would Thomas Edison say?!

Things to note if you have the intention of selling these:
1. If you are the first shop selling light bulb drinks in Singapore. Good for you. If you are Number 10, maybe you should reconsider. The trend may not last very long.

2. Don’t overly mark-up prices of drinks just because they come in fancy containers.

3. The packaging may matter, but what counts most is the content.

4. Not all drinks look good in bulbs. Colours play a part.

5 Places In Singapore To Get Light Bulb Drinks

Bubbs 1 Irving Place, #01-06
As their name implies, Bubbs sells a variety of bubble tea such as Black, Green, Oolong Tea ($2.20), Milk Tea ($3.20 – $3.50), Fruit Tea ($2.70 – $2.90), Yakult ($3.50) and Ice Blend ($4).

The cute little light bulb bottles ($3) are available for all drinks except Yakult and Ice Blend, and we believed that most people are there for the bottles.

Dazzling Café Orchard Gateaway
Dainty pretty café meets light bulb drinks. *ding ding* Get you fruit teas such as Fresh Tropical Fruit Tea contained in bulbs, and spend some time taking your selfies.

Oh My Café Westgate
This Korean café goes a step further. There is LIGHT in their straws (don’t worry about getting electrocuted while drink.)

Their drinks are brightly coloured (hmmmmm), think White Grape Lemonade, Blue Lemonade, Yuzu Nade, Grape Fruit Nade, and Omija Nade, priced at $5.40. They sell the containers in bulk too.

2Six Café (Katong Square)
2Six Café is so named, as it is a café where two to six persons can get together. Only their fruit juices ($4.50 – $7.50) are contained in these bulbs.

Guksu Korean Restaurant (Suntec City)
Guksu is going through a menu revamp, and one of their newest addition is this Jeon-Gu Watermelon Soju Cocktail.

(Korean restaurant Chicken Up may sell them too.)

Other Related Entries
6 Best “Galaxy Drinks” In Singapore
Galaxy Cakes & Desserts In Singapore
10 Instagrammable Food In Singapore 2016
40 Amazing Matcha Desserts In Singapore
10 Best Thai Iced Milk Tea In Singapore

The post 5 Places In Singapore To Get Light Bulb Drinks – Let There Be Light Bulbs appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

A Korean Cafe called Oh My (not to be confused with Oh My Tian opens at Westgate basement 1, and it doesn’t sell bingsu (finally).

Though I am not entirely sure what its main focus is, yet.

Oh My Café serves up a smattering of cakes, soda beverages called “Nade” (LemoNADE, get it?), light bulb drinks, yogurt in bottles and coffee.

There is a snack shop / minimart at the back of the café, though you may actually walk and miss it. If you are suddenly in need of Korean cup noodles and groceries at Westgate, you know where to go.

So the practical-Singaporean may just ask: What does this sell actually?

If you walk past the café, the general impression is that it is banking on the presentation of the containers, rather than the actual content.

The current IN-drink (or container) is this “light bulb drinks”.

This Korean café goes a step further. There is literally LIGHT in their straws (don’t worry about getting electrocuted while drinking.)

Their beverages are brightly coloured (hmmmmm), think White Grape Lemonade, Blue Lemonade, Yuzu Nade, Grape Fruit Nade, and Omija Nade, priced at $5.40. They sell the containers in bulk too.

I was initially hesitant in ordering the cakes, as they were haphazardly cut, and didn’t look appetizing on display.

To its credit, the Hummingbird Cake, a banana pineapple spiced cake, was surprisingly moderately moist, and actually quite tasty. From a supplier though.

My concern is, Instagram trends come and go.

Local diners would appreciate more substantial food. Faced with limitations of a lack of kitchen, a café with potential like Oh My Cafe, has to quickly look at having more signature food or an expanded menu.

Oh My Café
Westgate #B1-01 3 Gateway Drive Singapore 608532

Other Related Entries
10 Must-Try Restaurants and Cafes At Westgate
10 Best Korean Cafes In Singapore
Oh My Tian (Whampoa West)
Pits and Pans (Jurong West)
WooW (Plaza Singapura)

The post Oh My Café – Undiscovered Korean Café Selling Instagrammable Drinks At Westgate appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Some worthy restaurants go under the radar, which is kind of a waste. I have visited Saigon Alley occasionally, a Vietnamese casual concept located in Novena Gardens, and thought it was not too bad.

The menu is said to be inspired by the traditional recipes from Hanoi, featuring comforting home style Vietnamese delights inspired by the street food of Vietnam.

So you can expect familiar Viet street food of Pho ($14), Banh Mi ($7 – $9), Spring Rolls ($8 – $10), and other side dishes. But no, they have not achieved ”Nam Nam” popularity status yet.

The interior shouted of modern industrial, graffiti art on the wall, with lights throwing out hues of purple and red at night.

Songs played are a mixture of English Top 40s (from a few years ago), and Vietnamese tear-jerkers like Cô Bé Mùa Đông.

The servers hummed along, and by the way, they also did a competent job in introducing the dishes.

Food wise, the emphasis is on the modern usage of fresh ingredients, and strong flavours like mint, coriander, Thai chilli, fish sauce, and many secret herbs & spices to add depth to the dishes.

I suspect that most diners would find the Combination Beef Pho ($14) too light and understated in terms of the broth. But I thought that was refreshing in a different way, and allowed for other ingredients to shine through.

Well, there are always chilli and fish sauce to bring out the taste – in typical Singaporean dining fashion.

Both times, the server recommended the Spicy Australian Beef Noodles ($14), which would probably be a 2-3/10 in terms of spicy level.

This is said to have originated from the central city of Hue, cooked with a 8-hour beef broth, using a round type of rice noodles (similar to the laksa noodles, but harder).

Due to its strong flavours, this would appeal more to a larger audience.

Saigon Alley
273 Thomson Road, Novena Gardens, Singapore 307644 (Novena MRT)
Opening Hours 12pm to 3pm last order at 2pm, 6pm to 11pm (last order at 10pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Other Related Entries
Nam Nam Noodle Bar (Raffles City)
Comnam (Raffles City)
Moc Quan (UE Square)
Tonkin (Orchard Central)

The post Saigon Alley – Vietnamese Pho and Banh Mi Restaurant, Considered A Hidden Gem appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Neato received some buzz on Instagram for their ‘lava custard puff’, choux puffs with flavoured custard that would ooze out when cut apart.

Good video material for IG. Sales went well, though not to the extent of rocketed.

The café with its initial outlet at Burlington Square, has just opened another at 10 North Canal Road.

10 North Canal Road.

I have been taking note of this address, and probably seen it change hands 3 times, over a short period of a year.

While some may attribute this to the factor of ’feng shui’, I would prefer to think the publicity, publicity, publicity (or lack of) were some of the key contributing factors. (The landlord don’t come and find me hor.)

Good Food Heals, Ivory Coffee, then Neato.

With no offence to any of the 3 sets of owners… heard of them?

Gone are the days when you can open a shop (especially one which appeals to the younger crowd) and wait for things to miraculously happen.

(Photo credit: Nicholas Tan @stormscape)

Neato has expanded its menu in this outlet to include Sandwiches, Salads, and Pastas. That includes Kimchi Pasta, Spicy Buttermilk Pasta Salad, Beef Bolognese, and Truffle Pasta.

The Kimchi Pasta ($14.90) caught my attention first. While the idea seemed interesting on paper, the kimchi taste was muted, and not well infused with the pasta.

Portion was also considered small for the price tag (maybe they want to promote healthy living) and the saving grace was the grilled pork.

I also wondered about the consideration behind a Pasta Salad ($14.90).

Wanting to eat lighter that day, I ordered this dish which contained other healthier ingredients such as kalian, oven dried tomatoes, charred corn and carrot. But the spicy buttermilk sauce used made the entire combination heavy in the end.

The recommended dessert was the Neato’s “Legendary Custard Puffs” ($4.00), in flavours of Malted milk, Earl grey, Matcha, Chocolate malt and Cream cheese maple.

The first time I went, early in the morning, I was told, “We run out of puffs…” (WHAT?! Actually, it was the owner who told the server to tell us, which I thought could have been done directly, or at least with more tact, because the owner was only 2 metres away.)

Anyway… I advised the server to update their Facebook as customers could come disappointed… (of course, it wasn’t done in the end.)

If I see a shop with potential, I would return, and I did.

The Matcha Puff ordered didn’t flow. No big deal, but could suggest some consistency issues – in both sense of the word.

Neato
10 North Canal Road Singapore 048823
Opening Hours: 9am – 7pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

175 Bencoolen Street #01-55, Burlington Square, Singapore 189649
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm (Mon – Fri), 1pm – 6pm (Sat), Closed Sun

Other Related Entries
Clinton St Baking Company & Restaurant (Purvis St)
Non Entrée Desserts (Rangoon Road)
Wanna Cuppa (New Bridge Road)
Punch (North Canal Road)
Atlas Coffeehouse (Duke’s Road)

* Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated. Written by Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary, with input from Nicholas Tan @stormscape

The post Neato – Custard Lava Puffs At North Canal Road. Some Flow, Some Don’t appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

You can never quite imagine this right within CBD Singapore. A Muslim-owned hearty sandwich bar with the name of “Hungry Bazterdz” (NOT “Hungry Bastards”).

You have to walk all the way into The Arcade to find this dimly-lit shop, complete with underground, reggae vibes, a stark contrast to its surroundings.

Especially when office executives seems all for salad shops, poké bowls and other healthy food of late.

Hungry Bazterdz is set up by the people behind Nomad The Gallant Coffee Roasters, a local independent coffee roaster brand.

Here’s how to find it: Walk out of Raffles Place MRT to that iconic grass field, find The Arcade, and walk past money changers and random shops to almost the end inside.

The Hungry Bazterdz menu consist of #epicsandwiches such as Mighty Cheese Steak ($15) – grilled Beef in a secret 4 cheese sauce, on a buttery and toasty hoagie bun, Salmon Teriyaki ($15), and Grand Poobah ($14).

(Photo credit: Amanda Liu @hungryamanda)

A friend had the Falafel Marinara ($13), which happened to be a vegetarian sandwich consisting of home made falafel patties, a “HB original” marinara sauce, arugula, red onions, and roasted mushrooms within wholemeal bead slices.

She descried it as “ordinary ingredients put together, which came to life with that punchy robust housemade marinara sauce”.

And thought that even a meat lover may become a convert.

I had a Grand Poobah ($14), which had a family secret recipe of braised beef in jus with emmental Cheese, within a buttery and toasty Hoagie Bun.

The taste was almost grubby-tasty-crazy, unexpectedly bursting with flavours.

I grabbed one of those sauces (sorry, didn’t take a close look) and poured some over. Felt almost like eating a satisfying hotdog bun, with double the sensation.

On another occasion, I had an Avocado Toast with Honey, which was unfortunately quite blah and needed a larger portion to feel substantial.

Drinks offered include an inhouse Cold Brew Coffee, Sea Salt Caramel Latte and Thai Iced Tea.

So CBD folks who feel the need to grab some ‘epic’ sandwiches, go to The Arcade, and walk till the end. Find The Hungry Bazterdz. Ohh-laa-laa.

Hungry Bazterdz
11 Collyer Quay #01-06 The Arcade Singapore 049317
Tel: +65 6816 3213
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri : 7am – 6pm (Mon – Fri), 8am – 3pm (Sat), Closed Sun

Other Related Entries
12 Unique & Healthy Salads Places In Singapore’s CBD
10 Healthy Food Places & Cafes Found Within Singapore’s CBD
5 Best Poké Bowls In Singapore
Basement@RP (Republic Plaza)
Joe & The Juice (Raffles Place)

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

The post Hungry Bazterdz – This Tasty Sandwich Bar Is A Surprise Find Within Raffles Place appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

These are some of the Best Halal Buffet restaurants in Singapore, where you can get together with family, friends and colleagues for a jolly good time and feast.

Primary hotel buffet focused, with another located in a shopping mall.

Let me know if there are any other recommended Halal Buffet Restaurants to be featured. (I know there are many other choices, but would prefer to personally try them before featuring.)

6 Best Halal Buffet Restaurants In Singapore (Related: 60 Hotel Buffets & Sunday Brunches In Singapore)

StraitsKitchen
Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, Lobby Level, Singapore 228211
Opening Hours: 6:30am -10:30am, 12pm – 2:30pm, 6:30 – 10:30pm (Mon-Fri)
6:30am – 11am, 12pm – 3pm, 6:30pm – 10:30pm (Sat, Sun & PH)
Reserve Online Now – StraitsKitchen

StraitsKitchen is a familiar name to many Singaporean foodies, and is where we would bring foreign guests to have all the best of local delicacies in one place.

The Laksa, Tandoori and Butter Chicken, Satay, Beef Rendang, Carrot Cake, Hainanese Chicken and Pandan Kaya Cake (just naming some) continue to be my favourites.

The live theatre kitchen will also allow you to catch some of the action especially at the Satay and Naan sections.

Don’t miss the chicken satays, grilled right in front of you with charcoal, then served with slurp-worthy peanut sauce.

Buffet Lunch goes for $52++ (adult) and $28++ (children 7 – 12), and Buffet Dinners is at $62++ (adult) and $35++ (children 7 – 12).

Carousel Buffet Restaurant
Lobby Level, Royal Plaza on Scotts 25 Scotts Road Singapore 228220 (Orchard MRT)
Tel: +65 6589 7799
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 2:00pm (Lunch), 3:30pm – 5:30pm (High tea), 6:30pm – 10:30pm (Dinner)

Carousel at Royal Plaza on Scotts has always been the company function, bring foreign friends, corporate gathering, birthday kind of buffet restaurants.

Very popular amongst locals and foreigners, especially since the food is halal.

Sometimes it is too popular that the restaurant gets congested and food finished fast. And prices keep increasing (I know because I have to update every few months). Opps.

Special mention must be made of the personable service, as most of the staff always are friendly and personable. If you have a friend celebrating a birthday, alert the staff and be prepared to enjoy their birthday song and cheers (Did I give the surprise away?).

The buffet serves a huge variety of sweet treats with not one but three dessert counters. If you can have only one dessert, then the bread & butter pudding please. Carousel’s Japanese food items are quite popular, such as the Hot Pot section with Shabu Shabu, Kimchi Tofu hot pot, or Oden Hot pot and Teppanyaki where the chef will fry Tiger Prawns, Garlic Fried Rice, or Bean Sprout with Spring Onion personalised to your taste. (Read: Carousel Royal Plaza on Scotts)

Lunch: $56++ adult, $36++ child (Mon-Fri)
Lunch: $65++ adult, $43++ child (Sat-Sun)
High Tea: $42++ adult, $27++ child (Mon-Fri)
High Tea: $48++ adult, $32++ child (Sat-Sun)
Dinner: $76++ adult, $46++ child (Mon-Fri)
Dinner: $83++ adult, $49++ child (Sat-Sun)

21 on Rajah
1 Jalan Rajah Singapore 329133
Opening Hours: 6am – 10:30pm
Reserve Online Now – 21 on Rajah

Interesting. A Mediterr-Asian theme buffet with Mediterranean favourites such as Spiced Basmati, Sultana Saffron Rice, Fattoush Salad with Sumac and Olive Oil, Buffalo Mozzarella and Roma Tomatoes with Pesto Sauce.

After going through a recent update, there is a new station featuring items such as Seafood and Chicken Paella, Tortilla de Patatas Espanola (Spanish Omelette with Potatoes) and assorted pizzas (for the kids).

The buffet also caters to those craving for familiar street Asian food, with the likes of Barbecued Chicken with Sambal Squid Rings, tender Braised Lamb Shank, and savoury Clams in Assam Chilli.

Literally having the best of both worlds.

Breakfast (Mon – Sun, 6:00am – 10:30am)
Adult: $18++, Child: $9++

Lunch & PH Eve (Mon – Fri, 12pm – 2:30pm)
Adult: $30++, Child: $15++

Brunch (Sat, Sun & PH, 12pm – 3pm)
Adult: $40++, Child: $20++

Dinner (Mon – Thurs, 6 – 10pm)
Adult: $40++, Child: $20++

Dinner (Fri – Sun, PH Eve & PH, 6pm – 10pm)
Adult: $44++, Child: $22++

AquaMarine
Marina Mandarin Hotel, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Level 4, Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 68451111
Reserve Online Now – Aquamarine

Buffet spread of Asian and International cuisines, favourites include Singapore Chilli Crab, Lamb Rogan Josh, Seafood Au Gratin, an array of desserts.

The restaurant has received Halal certification for all its food stations.

One of my personal recommendations would be the Hainanese Chicken Rice, also known as the “Legendary Mandarin Chicken Rice”.

The Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of the best you can find at a buffet restaurant in Singapore – succulent, tasty, with fragrant rice.

Lunch:
Monday to Friday: 12.00pm – 2.30pm
$60++ per adult, $30++ per child (5-12 yrs)
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday: 12.00pm – 3.00pm
$60++ per adult, $30++ per child (5-12 yrs)

Dinner:
Sunday – Thursday: 6.30pm – 10.00pm
$70++ per adult, $35++ per child (5-12 yrs)
Friday, Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday: 6.30pm – 10.00pm
$80++ per adult, $40++ per child (5-12 yrs)

Asian Market Café
Fairmont Singapore 80 Bras Basah Road Singapore 189560
Tel: + 65 6339 7777
Reserve Online Now – Asian Market Café

Local favourites and contemporary regional delicacies, Halal-certified authentic pan-Asian cuisine.

Offerings you can expect include Chilled Seafood such as Chilled Black Mussels, Razor Clams and Half Shell Scallops with Condiments (Hand shucked Oysters and Snow Crab only for dinner); Salads with different dressings, Fruit Rojak, Braised Duck Rice, Japanese Sushi and Sashimi, Chilled Noodles, Indian Food, Hot Dishes and Desserts.

The highlights newly added is the Seafood Hot Station that serves Oyster Omelet, Steamed Hot Bean Crayfish, and Chilli Crab.

Buffet lunch: $58++ adult, $31++ child
Buffet dinner: $68++ adult, $37++ child

Penang St. Buffet
Causeway Point #05-12/13, 1 Woodlands Square Singapore 738099 (Woodlands MRT)
Tel: +65 6894 7872
reservations@gdgroup.com.sg
(Reservations via email is recommended as the restaurant may be experiencing high call volume during peak hours.)

Penang St has hit the right note by offering a ALL YOU CAN EAT CRAB Buffet, that is Halal, with variety, that offers not just crabs.

The kitchen team actually took the effort to churn out new flavours and items every round, so that regular diners do not get bored and always have something to look forward to.

For this “Crab Madness” theme, the buffet includes all the fans’ favourites and more.

That means Salted Egg Crab, Black Pepper Crab, Chilli Crab, Butter Crab, Golden Sand Crab, Kam Heong Crab, plus new dishes Typhoon Crab (HK Style), and Tom Yam Crab.

Even if you are lazy to pluck crab, there are offerings like Penang Fried Kway Teow with Crabmeat, Baked Seafood Rice, Kailan with Crabmeat, Seafood Roll, satay, pizzas, noodle from live noodle station, grilled items and desserts.

Mon to Thu: $59.90++ (Adult) / $19.90++ (Child)
Fri to Sun, PH & Eve of PH: $63.90++ (Adult) / $20.90++ (Child)
Note: Prices vary accordingly to theme of buffet which changes seasonally.

Other Related Entries
60 Hotel Buffets & Sunday Brunches In Singapore
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2016
10 Best Hotel Buffets & Sunday Brunches In Singapore
20 Group & Family Friendly Restaurants
10 Best Restaurants In Singapore 2016

The post 6 Best Halal Buffet Restaurants In Singapore – Feast To Your Heart’s Content appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

We have seen it coming. Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle, the “Cheapest Michelin Starred food in the world” will be partnering with Hersing Culinary for global expansion plans. (Read: 29 Singapore Michelin Starred Restaurants & Stalls)

It has been announced that a NEW 80-seater quick service restaurant will open at 78 Smith Street, which will serve the same soya sauce and noodle dishes.

Chef Chan Chan Hon Meng will oversee the operations of both his hawker stall and the new establishment.

The restaurant is scheduled to open mid Nov 2016.

It is learnt that Chef Chan has been training his wife and family members to take over the main running of the hawker stall.

He will continue do the pre-cooking and preparations, and will be running in between the two locations – conveniently located few minutes away.

4 signature dishes will be served, along with some new complementary items. Chef Chan cannot confirm what those dishes are yet, as he is still working on them.

Will prices remain at $2/$2.50? The new pricing has not been announced, but I doubt that it will stay even similar.

(Photo credit: Lim Le-Anne @boshemian)

For those unfamiliar with Hersing Culinary, it owns the franchising rights to popular Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant, Tim Ho Wan.

The “Liao Fan Hawker Chan Restaurant” is just the first of an initial regional, then global expansion, following Tim Ho Wan‘s footprint.

The ultimate aim is to promote Singapore’s hawker heritage globally.

The similarities behind the two are uncanny, both unexpectedly propelled to fame after clinching a Michelin star, selling street food – atypical from the usual Michelin ‘fine-dining’ restaurants.

Tim Ho Wan has established a global presence in countries from Australia, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and of course Hong Kong and Singapore in a short span of a few years.

Personally, I feel happy for Chef Chan (can I call him Uncle Chan?), a humble hawker who made it big.

We cannot expect him to chop 180 chickens every day, tirelessly for the rest of his life (He seems to have aged a bit when seen during the press conference.)

It is indeed good opportunity for one of our local delicacies (but I know it’s HONG KONG chicken) to take on an international platform.

On the flipside, I do feel that a major charm of the stall, is not just the food, but the man himself.

There are 28 other Michelin Starred Restaurants & Stalls in Singapore, but none had as much attention as Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle, also because the chef is really an affable person with no airs.

Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle 香港油雞飯麵
78 Smith Street Singapore 059872

Hawker Stall: 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

Other Related Entries
Singapore Michelin Guide 2016
Michelin Singapore – Restaurant Reviews
Singapore Michelin Bib Gourmand Guide 2016 – 34 Eateries That Make The Cut
17 Michelin Bib Gourmand Hawker Stalls from Singapore
Singapore Michelin Guide 2016

* Special thanks to @boshemian for covering the press conference.

The post Liao Fan – Michelin Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Stall Opening NEW Restaurant At Smith St This Nov appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.