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While Orchard and the town area typically get their share fair of F&B new openings, the further areas are the ones that we can look out for.

Tai Seng Street 18 has a new mall with Michelin-starred eateries Tsuta Ramen and Hawker Chan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle attracting some crowd (Note: It is their original branches that got the stars and not these, but still good for marketing.) I also spotted a NEW coffee place – Huggs Coffee.

Over at the west, Science Park is seeing a variety of NEW openings coming in March and April. So look out for them.

Here are 10 New Cafes In Singapore March 2017: (If there is a blue link behind the summary, click on it for a more detailed writeup.)

Also read:
14 New Cafes In Singapore February 2017
12 New Cafes In Singapore January 2017

House Of AnLi Bistro
Tanglin Mall #03-17, 163 Tanglin Road Singapore 247933
Tel: +65 6235 3851
Opening Hours: 9.00am – 9.00pm Daily

Probably The Most Gorgeous Undiscovered Bistro Café
House Of AnLi at Level 3 of Tanglin Mall is probably the most gorgeous bistro to open in Singapore of late.

This is an extension of the House of AnLi furniture store, and therefore the entire European design and homely setting carries on over.

Mains include Maria’s Moussaka ($28 – layered eggplant with minced beef and béchamel), Ghentse Waterzooi ($26 – chicken broth with chicken fillet), Beetroot Risotto ($24), Sole Meuniere ($38 – lemon sole with butter caper sauce) and Carbonnades De Chez Nous ($28 – beef cheek with fondant potato and baby carrots).

Price wise is on the steeper side, as it was obviously attracting the relatively higher-spending-power target audience. House Of AnLi (Tanglin Mall)

Kith – Winsland House
163 Penang Road, #01-01, Winsland House II Singapore 238463 (Somerset MRT)
Tel: +65 6235 0582
Opening Hours: 7.30am – 10:00pm Daily

Brunch Food & Coffee From 6:30am, New Branches Near Somerset Orchard
Kith has expanded to a few more branches, notably at Winsland House II and Ascott Orchard. Both are walking distance from Somerset MRT station at Orchard.

I needed breakfast and coffee near Orchard Road, and was pleasantly surprised to find that the outlet at Ascott operates from 6:30am, while Winsland House II opens from 7:30am onwards. Brunch is served till 5pm.

The brunch menu consists of Muesli ($8.00), Salmon & Eggs ($19.00), Better Than Benny ($18.00), Pulled Pork & Eggs ($24.00), Poached Eggs & Avocado ($16.00), Pancakes ($16.00) and Grilled Sandwiches ($10.00). Somewhat predictable items. Kith (Somserset)

WTF Coffee House & Bar
Innotel Hotel, 11 Penang Lane Singapore 238485
Tel: +65 6545 4818
Opening Hours: 7am – 12am Daily

Barachirashi Don Near Orchard, Till Midnight
Not sure if WTF is the best name for a coffee house. WTF in this case stands for “We Talk Food”, though there is another WTF We are The Furballs pets café in Singapore.

The Coffee House & Bar is located at the ground floor of Innotel Hotel.

Food offered was an unpredictable mix from Curry Chicken Baked Rice ($13.90), Gyu Don ($13.90), Carbonara Pasta ($13.90), Fish and Chips ($15.90), Smoked Duck Hoisin Sauce Tortilla Pizza ($12.90) to Pork Trotter’s Braised Vermicelli ($25.90).

Most come here for the Barachirashi Don ($18.90) served in an wooden bowl, considered value-of-money with the number of ingredients thrown in, including ikura, shrimps and baby scallops. WTF Coffee House & Bar

Tachihara Coffee
9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-96 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 9:30pm

Pullman Bakery Opens Japanese Café At Millenia Walk
Pullman Bakery, famous for their Hokkaido curry buns and other Danish pastries, is a name that Japanese bread lovers should recognise. The folks behind Pullman Bakery have decided to start a Tachihara Coffee right next door. If you are lost, it is just across Starbucks.

Tachihara Coffee’s menu focuses mainly on small bites such as Toast ($2 – $3.50), Toast Set (additional $6), Hot Dog/ Sandwich ($8), Coffee and Tea.

Cup desserts are priced at $3 each, offered in various flavours of Strawberry, Mango, and Tiramisu. Tachihara Coffee (Millenia Walk)

Crackerjack
43 Tanjong Pagar Road Singapore 088464 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Tel: +65 8121 1462
Opening Hours: 8am – 12am (Mon – Sat), 10am – 10pm (Sun)

Chillax At This All Day Dining & Drinking Venue At Tanjong Pagar
Crackerjack, by the people behind 28 HongKong Street and Proof & Company Spirits, is an all-day dining concept with a welcoming atmosphere.

You will notice many long-benches, communal tables and full-length windows, making it conducive for interactions. This can be the after-work OR in-between-work teabreak-time meet up place.

For the lunch trays menu, I was presented with Moroccan style Chermoula Chicken ($20), Mojo Brandt Bavette Steak Salad ($25), Lentil Mushroom Scotch Egg ($18), and Three Cheese Barley Risotto ($18).

A bold move, I liked that food was unpredictable, though some combinations might not have worked as well as what you would have imagined. Crackerjack (Tanjong Pagar)

Alakai
3 Everton Park #01-79 Singapore 080003 (Outram Park (Exit G, Police Cantonment from Purple Line)
Tel: +65 69044957
Opening Hours: 11am – 2pm, 6pm – 9pm (Mon – Fri)

Hawaiian Style Made-To-Order Poke Bowls
Alakai at Everton Park is somewhat different from the rest. It makes poke fresh to order, rather than have the fish out on a display set for selection.

As owner Lon had lived in Hawaii for a long period, and familiar with how Poke Bowls are done back there, he chooses to have the food served not in a bowl, but as a Hawaiian-style plate lunch.

Here’s how it works at Alakai: You can have a choice of fish (tuna, salmon, prawns) or tofu in 150g, 250g, 500g amounts combined with a sauce, and sides of rice or salad.

There are 5 sauces available, from Alakai Ho’ono – their house mix, to soy sauce blend, coconut and lime dressing, creamy spicy Korean, to a rotating seasonal. Alakai Poke (Everton Park)

Nesture
491 River Valley Road, Valley Point Shopping Centre #01-13, Singapore 248371
Tel: +65 6871 1771
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 10:00pm (Mon – Sun)

A Birds’ Nest Café In Singapore
Do not be surprised if you get Waffles with Bird’s Nest, Coffee with Bird’s Nest, and Macaron’s with Bird’s Nest. Yes, I am being serious. These are all available.

What are available include ready-to-enjoy bird’s nest and desserts for the busy working class.

As a point of reference, a Double Boiled Classic Bowl with Rock Sugar is priced at $16.90, while a premium bowl goes for $25.90.

I thought that the Asian desserts such as Double Boiled Asia Pear with Wolfberry ($12.90) and drinks such as the Honey Lemon or Ginseng with Rock Sugar ($6) worked better with the Bird’s Nest. Nesture (Valley Point)

Coffee Break
2 Science Park Drive, Ascent, Singapore Science Park 1 #01-28, Singapore 118222
Tel: +65 6264 5114
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat – Sun

Hawkerpreneurs Open Kopi Café At Science Park
Kopi “hawkerpreneurs” from Coffee Break at Amoy Street Food Centre have gone a step further. They have just opened a hipster café of sorts at Science Park.

The trio siblings, Faye, Anna and Jack Sai got into the radar by being young hawkers selling sock-brewed coffee in Singapore, with the kopi drinks added with a flavoured twist.

You will get Kopi with Black Sesame, Taro Milk, Mint, Melon Milk, Masala and Almond Ginger.

A cup of traditional kopi or teh cost $2.00 for hot, $2.50 for cold. I like their kopi enough – smooth, has enough of that coffee kick, and balanced in terms of the evaporated milk proportion.

Enaq
Blk 21 Ghim Moh Road Singapore 270021
Tel: +65 6899 0842
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm Daily (Closed every last Tuesday of the month)

Crispy Prata Goes To Ghim Moh
Enaq, with another outlet at Jurong East Street 32, has been popular with supper-goers for its crispy-style Roti Prata. It has taken over the outlet previously occupied by Flock Café at Ghim Moh.

The offerings include a variety of Prata, Murthabak, Thosai, Goreng, Roti John, Biryani and Rice Sets.

The star was the Plain Kosong Prata ($1.20). Eat the piece fresh and hot, before it gets soggy.

Somehow the exterior was just thinly crisp contrasted with fluffy interior. Tasty on its own, with faint sweetness. The sensation was almost like having puff pastry. Enaq Prata (Ghim Moh)

Huggs
18 Tai Seng Street, Singapore 539775

CBD Coffee Goes To Tai Seng
Huggs Coffee has ‘quietly’ expanded to many branches – McCallum Street (The Clift), Shenton Way (AXA Tower, MAS Building) Cecil Street (GB Building), Chervon House, Church Street (Capitol Square), Singapore Post Centre, Changi Business Park (UE BizHub East) and now 18 Tai Seng.

They present artisanal coffee from Medellin, the Huila region, Columbia, Brazil, Sumatran and Vietnamese origins.

Some of the special items they have include Latte Gula with Caramelised Sugar ($4.80) and Turmeric Coffee.

* Compiled by Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary and Nicholas Tan @stormscape. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise indicated.

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25 Degrees Burgers and Liquor Bar which originated from Los Angeles, has arrived in Singapore, situated at an interesting location of Hotel G.

Hotel G is branded as a chic lifestyle hotel located on Middle Road near Bugis, and boosts of two such food establishments – Ginett which serves European food, and 25 Degrees Burger.

Not wanting to sound like a wet blanket at the start, but realistically speaking, many burger joints in Singapore open with a bang, but slowly fizzle out. MEATLiquor and The Butchers Club Burger are two such examples. My sense is consistency issues, and that the local market is just not that into burgers.

25 Degrees is so named after the precise temperature difference between a raw and well-done hamburger.

Burgers ($14 each) are simply labelled as Number One, Number Two, Number Three, Number Four, and Veggie Burger.

One to Three contain beef patties with different fillings, Four is a burger of seared Yellowfin Tuna with lettuce, crispy fried onions and spicy aioli.

I ordered the Number One, their signature with 200g USA Angus beef, creamy crescenza, gorgonzola, strips of smoky bacon, topped with slowly caramelised onions and finished with… Thousand Island.

The most distinctive feature to me, was not the beef patty, but the Crescenza cheese.

The aroma hits you as you take the burger close enough to your face, and gives a beautiful soft, creamy texture surrounding the patty.

Did it overpower everything else, including the bacon? I actually thought so. But yet, that is what makes this very different from all other burgers out there.

To be fair, I liked the patty – moist, good doneness, possibly living up to its name of “25 degrees”.

Curly fries and onion rings (additional $5) were unfortunately to the oiler side, and got soggy fast.

There is a weekday lunch deal from 11am to 3pm, where guests can enjoy the lunch set at $18++ with their choice of signature burger (No. 1-4 on the menu), fries and a half pint of beer or soda.

However, take note that the burger given would be of a much smaller size than if you order ala carte.

Other American favourites like pancakes, waffles and French toast in a variety of flavours are also available.

25 Degrees
Hotel G, 200 Middle Road Singapore 188980
Tel: +65 6809 7990
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Thurs), 11am – 1am (Fri – Sat), Closed Sun

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

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Some one told me there are fewer NEW F&B openings in Singapore. I do not think there are very much less. There should be at least 30 the last month, which works out to be at least one per day.

My observation is, new restaurants and cafes in Singapore are less visible, have possibly cut back on their marketing dollars, and there are more repeated concepts.

Case in point, Poké Bowl shops. 5 new ones last month, few know the difference other than locations.

Some big names below have opened new outlets. Unlike the previous branches where they were introduced with HUGE media fanfare, some are waiting, some are holding back. Pros and cons.

Here are 12 New & Hot Restaurants Singapore March 2017 (If there is a blue link behind the summary, click on it for a more detailed writeup.)

For March’s Cafes Entry > 10 New Cafes In Singapore March 2017

Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill
Clarke Quay 01-18-B, 3 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179024
Tel: +65 9834 9935
Opening Hours: 6:00pm – 12:00am Daily

Peranakan Restaurant With Juicy Satay At Clarke Quay
After Violet Oon Restaurant Singapore at Bukit Timah, and National Kitchen by Violet Oon at National Gallery, Violet and her children Su-lyn and Yiming seemed to have put their experience and expertise well together, with this newest outlet appearing more polished in terms of décor and selection.

Satay options include Chicken ($14), Pork done Hainan style ($16), Angus Beef ($18), Prawn ($20), and Tripe ($15).

The grilled Angus Beef Satay is a must-order, surprisingly juicy and deliciously marinated in spices. Have a bite without additional sauce first, and savour that sweet spiced outer layer with smokiness. Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill (Clarke Quay)

Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei
72 Peck Seah Street Singapore 079329 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
(Opening soon)

Chef Keisuke Takeda of Ramen Keisuke fame will be launching his 12th dining concept. No, it is not ramen, but a hamburg eatery called Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei.

Japanese hamburger steaks take centrestage at this new restaurant.

Look forward to juicy beef patties sizzling on a hotplate, accompanied by sauces, eggs done just the way you like them, and a salad bar brimming with over 20 items.

Do not miss the special prime beef hamburg. When cut open, there will be a mix of 3 cheese oozed out. Should be an instagram video hit.

Mojo
204 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068640 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Tel: +65 6220 0723
Opening Hours: 11am – 12am (Mon – Fri), 5pm – 12am (Sat), Last orders 11:30pm, Closed Sun

Actor Shane Pow And Sin Lee Foods Open Rice Bowl & Yakitori Restaurant
MediaCorp actor Shane Pow has taken a plunge to set up Mojo at 204 Telok Ayer Street (short walk from Amoy Food Centre) which serves protein bowls and juices by day; yakitori, tapas and cocktails by night.

The Protein Bowls ($14, or $15 for Beef Protein Bowls) are catered to the CBD workers around the Tanjong Pagar area.

Mojo attempts to differentiate from its nearby competitors by providing quality food, reasonably substantial portions at affordable prices. Each protein bowl contains a protein, carb base, topping, sauce and three choices of vegetables. Mojo (Telok Ayer St)

Tengawa Hokkaido White Curry
Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard, #02-14, Singapore 039596
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

1st Hokkaido White Curry Japanese Restaurant In Singapore
The main difference between the usual Japanese curry, and white curry is that the latter is made using fresh Hokkaido milk without tumeric, the spice that contributes to the yellow colour.

Tengawa Hokkaido White Curry is the latest addition to the stretch of Japanese restaurants along the Nihon Food Street at Millenia Walk.

It is a 30-seater eatey, offering only 3 set meals on their menu at the moment.

The food items include Ebi (Prawn) Fry White Curry Set ($16.80), Japanese Style Hamburg White Curry Set ($15.80) and Chicken Katsu White Curry Set ($15.80). Thought that the base could have been smoother and more flavourful though. Tengawa Hokkaido White Curry (Millenia Walk)

Poke Doke
9 Raffles Boulevard #01-95, Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 9181 9140
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm Daily

Spicy And Wasabi Poké Bowls In Singapore
Hopping on the Poké Bowl wave, Poké Doke (pronounced as Po-kay Do-kay) which opened at Millenia Walk aims to serve fresh quality fish, seasoned with authentic flavors from the shores of Hawaii.

The standard range includes Poke Doke Signature ($14), Power Food Tuna Bowl ($14) and Umi Japanese Bowl ($15.50), or DIY your bowl.

There is also a vegetarian dressing option made for their Vegetarian Shitake Tofu Bowl ($12.50). Poke Doke (Millenia Walk)

K-Tower
74 Amoy Street, Singapore 069893 (10 mins walk from Tanjong Pagar and Telok Ayer MRT stations)
Tel: +65 62219928
Opening Hours: 11.30 am – 2.30pm, 5.30 pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Korean Layered Seafood Tower With Army Stew Steamboat
Another Korean “9 Layer Seafood Tower” restaurant opens in Singapore, this time at 74 Amoy Street.
K-Tower, not to be confused with Captain K Seafood Tower at Prinsep Street, is based on a similar layered seafood concept.

A 9-Tier Seafood Tower with lobster, crab, oyster, fish, prawn, scallop, sea cucumber, shellfish and soup base at $298

What is special about K-Tower is that there is quite a wide range of soup bases such as seafood soup (complimentary), kimchi soup (additional $10), army stew (additional $10) and ginseng soup (additional $20). K-Tower (Amoy Street)

25 Degrees
Hotel G, 200 Middle Road Singapore 188980
Tel: +65 6809 7990
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Thurs), 11am – 1am (Fri – Sat), Closed Sun

Funky Burgers From Los Angeles Arrive In Singapore
25 Degrees Burgers and Liquor Bar which originated from Los Angeles, has arrived in Singapore, situated at an interesting “arts district” location of Hotel G at Middle Road.

25 Degrees is so named after the precise temperature difference between a raw and well-done hamburger.

Burgers ($14 each) are simply labelled as Number One, Number Two, Number Three, Number Four, and Veggie Burger.

One to Three contain beef patties with different fillings, Four is a burger of seared Yellowfin Tuna with lettuce, crispy fried onions and spicy aioli. 25 Degrees Burger (Middle Road)

Kajiken 油そば専門店歌志軒 – Novena
10 Sinaran Drive #02-03 Square Two Singapore 307506 (Novena MRT)
Tel: +65 6904 4714
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:00pm Daily

Dry Japanese Ramen At Novena Square 2
Kajiken at Orchid Hotel is the first shop dedicated to selling just Mazesoba in Singapore, and has opened its 2nd outlet at Novena Square 2.

Mazesoba can be explained as dry Japanese ramen (or Japanese gan mian), in which “maze” means “to mix”, and “soba” means “noodles”.

Its signature dish is Mazesoba Nagoya Style ($12.80), in which dry ramen noodles is mixed with spicy minced pork, soft boiled egg, seafood and chopped vegetables. Kajiken (Square 2)

Mrs Pho House
221 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218459
Tel: +65 9173 1083
Opening Hours: 6:00pm – 10.30pm (Wed – Fri), 12:00pm – 10.30pm (Sat & Sun), Close Mon & Tue

Popular Pho Shop Opens Restaurant Serving Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
Fans of Vietnamese food would be thrilled to hear about the opening of Mrs Pho House along Rangoon Road, and you can look forward to dishes like Claypot La La and Gong Gong. Not just PHO.

They wanted to provide a comfortable dining environment which serves up various casual home-cook Vietnamese dishes.

Additions include ‘House’ Crab ($32), Saigon Chili Prawns ($12.90), Long live ‘Gong-Gong’ ($10.90) and Love You Long Time ‘Lala’ ($10.90).

For the not-so-adventurous, rest assured you are also able to satisfy your craving over a bowl of hearty Sliced Beef Pho ($8.90) or Beef Combo Pho ($9.90). Mr Pho House (Rangoon Road)

Sushiro Takumi
301 Upper Thomson Road, #01-113F Thomson Plaza, Singapore 574408 (Near Marymount MRT) Opening Hours: 11:45am – 2:15pm, 5:45pm – 9:15pm (Tue – Sun)>

Affordable Chirashi Don Shop At Thomson Plaza Opens Gyudon Concept
Sushiro has just expanded to Thomson Plaza #01-22/30, next to the main entrance and atrium. In place of the previous store space of #01-113F is another concept, Takumi by Sushiro which is more focused on Gyuniku Donburi.

The menu at Takumi is also streamlined and straightforward, with a meatier-take of beef and chicken rice bowls.

If you prefer curry, Takumi also serve Chicken Katsu Curry ($12) and Gyuniku Curry ($14) rice bowls. Both come with the option of udon as well.

Compared to the usual donburis which are typically drier, their version was more soupy.

The bowl was also overloaded with onions and rice, and I wished that they mixed in more beef instead. Takumi by Sushiro (Thomson Plaza)

Japanese Soba Noodles Tsuta – Tai Seng
18 Tai Seng Street #01-01 Singapore 539775
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm, Last Order 9:30pm

Michelin Ramen At Tai Seng, Offering Exclusive Miso Soba
Tsuta has its 2nd outlet in Singapore, and its choice of location is quite unexpected, at Tai Seng.

Two basic noodle choices are available – the Shoyu Soba ($15.00) and Miso Soba ($16.00), inclusive of GST with no additional service charge. Top ups of Ajitama egg and char siu are available.

The Miso is exclusive to this outlet. Between the two, I still preferred the noodle texture of the Shoyu bowl. Tsuta Ramen (Tai Seng)

Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle – Tai Seng
18 Tai Seng Street #01-02 Singapore 539775
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 9:00pm

Michelin HK Noodles, NEW Outlet At Tai Seng
“The cheapest Michelin meal in the world” Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle has gone on to open its 2nd restaurant.

Prices still remain very affordable, with most items $5.00 and below, making it a suitable place for the family for a casual meal out.

The signature Soya Sauce Chicken Rice is priced at $3.80. Other offerings include Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle ($4.50), Soya Sauce Chicken Hor Fun ($4.50), Roasted Pork Rice ($4.50), Char Siew Rice ($4.00) and Pork Ribs Rice ($4.00). Hawker Chan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle (Tai Seng)

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

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The Uji Maccha Tiramisu, a No.1 best selling dessert from Kyoto Maccha House flagship store, has landed in Singapore.

10,000 servings of Kyoto Maccha House’s Uji Maccha Tiramisu are known to be sold globally each day, with queues up to 4 hours in Kyoto.

Take note though, this Tiramisu is limited to the Maccha House outlet at basement 1 of Orchard Central, and only available in the month of March.

The Uji Matcha Tiramisu is priced at 594 Yen (equivalent to SGD$7.40 at current rates) In Japan, whereas the one in Singapore is priced at SGD$7.99 (before taxes).

Legit, considering that the ingredients are flew in from Kyoto to ensure quality.

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

As I dug further, the silky smooth mascarpone cream separated to reveal layers of alternating vanilla chiffon and matcha sponge below the mascarpone cream

Looked like a lot of effort was placed in assembling the dessert.

While the mascarpone cream was light and creamy without the richness (or some say jelakness), the matcha powder was overpowered by the sweetness from the mascarpone cream.

Perhaps some tweaking of the sweetness would have helped.

On the other hand, I appreciated the alternating moist layers of soft vanilla chiffon and matcha sponge which brings out more of the matcha flavours towards the end.

The ladies would appreciate the lightness (and the small portion) of the Maccha Tiramisu, whereas for the hardcore matcha lovers, looks like we will have to look elsewhere.

Maccha House Singapore
Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, #B1-40, Singapore 238896
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon-Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/macchahouse.sg/

* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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[Taipei] Addiction Aquatic Development (AAD) 上引水產 has become a must-visit for many travelers to Taipei, especially if they are craving for fresh and super affordable seafood, sashimi and sushi.

Some call ADD Taipei’s answer to Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market.

The capacity and area are not as huge though, but you get the drift. (After which, I realised where Singapore’s Emporium Shokuhin might have gotten their inspiration from.)

Located on Minzu East Road near Songshan Airport, this is a new base carved out from the Taipei Fish Market, with 10 different areas ranging from a wholesale market supermarket, a standing sushi bar to a florist.

Developed by Mitsui Food and Beverage Enterprise Group, I find the general vibes vibrant, energetic and somewhat exciting.

Like there are so many things to see and explore. The interior plays cool upbeat music, and you do not feel like you are in a traditional fish market or supermarket. If you need help, there are several staff walking around who can provide friendly assistance (unless it gets superbly crowded, which does).

However, ADD can get extremely crowded during peak hour weekends, which can be unpleasant if you just want to grab a seat for some food. My take is to visit during a quieter weekday, before or after meal hours.

Some gentle reminders:
– There are no credit card services, and only cash is accepted in the AAD, so remember to bring enough.
– All the areas, except The Hot Pot section, are on a first-come, first-served basis.
– You can reserve seats at The Hot Pot section by phone (886 2 2508 1268)
– Each of the 10 areas is independently operated, so you cannot bring food from other areas into another section.
– No pets are allowed, unfortunately. (I guess especially cats, LOL)

Here are the 10 areas within Addiction Aquatic Development 上引水產:

1. Live Aquamarine Products
A live aquamarine area, in which temperature controlled tanks contain live seafood from all over the world. Can watch how the people process live fish and seafood.

2. The Sushi Bar 9:30am – 12:00am
Probably the busiest section of all. Chef Tadashi Takeda oversees a 12 meter standing sushi counter.

Generally value-for-money. A Nigiri Sushi Set with salad, grilled items and soup is priced between NT$580 to NT$980. A 9 piece Nigiri Sushi Combo is also inexpensive at NT$460.

I think the most value-for-money is the Addiction Sashimi Set at quite an-unbelievable NT$210. (Sorry, I come from Singapore, so that is SUPER CHEAP.)

However, some items took a while to come. About 40 minutes? Considering that I was standing all this while waiting for food to arrive, I guess the wait is the ‘price’ to pay.

3. The Seafood Bar 10:00am – 12:00am

Reasonably priced fresh raw oysters, shrimps, and crabs. This is located just behind the sushi bar with limited seats. Slightly confusing for first timers.

4. Hot Pot 11:00am – 12:00am
Located upstairs. Seafood and vegetables cooked in a seaweed soup base hot pot.

Varieties range from Hotpot with Sliced Pork (NT$480), Sliced Beef Short Ribs (NT$880), Mud Crab (NTS980) to a deluxe pot with seasonal seafood and sliced beef sirloin (NT$1680).

5. The Charcoal Grill 10:30am – 12:00am
Located outside. Experience fresh seafood, meat and vegetables barbecued over charcoal. In addition, drinks such as draft beer, tea, and coffee are also available.

6. Fresh Food Supermarket 6:00am – 12:00am
Other than the aquamarine products, you can find imported and local fruits, vegetables, and quality meat cuts.

7. Cooked Food
Grab-and-go bento sets. For lunch boxes with seafood, vegetables, and meat.

The king crab and hairy crab purchased in the live aquamarine area can be cooked or fried for a service charge here.

8. Merchandise
For dining ware, kitchen utensils, flower decorations, professional cooking reference publications, and holiday party selections.

9. Fruits
Local and imported fruits.

10. Flowers
Colourful flowers and plants for decoration.

Addiction Aquatic Development 上引水產 is quite a place to look see, shop and eat. Along with Taipei 101, some of the night markets, I would consider this one of the Top 10 Must Visit Places in Taipei for foodies.

Addiction Aquatic Development 上引水產
No. 18, Alley 2, Lane 410, Minzu E Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104
台北市民族東路410巷2弄18號
Tel: 886 2 2508 1268
Opening Hours: 6:00am – 12:00am (Take note of different operating hours for various sections)

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

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Huggs Coffee which focuses more on the working crowd, has ‘quietly’ expanded to many branches – McCallum Street (The Clift), Shenton Way (AXA Tower, MAS Building) Cecil Street (GB Building), Chervon House, Church Street (Capitol Square), Singapore Post Centre, Changi Business Park (UE BizHub East) and now 18 Tai Seng.

Its business model to some extent is unlike other cafes in Singapore – generally on a franchise concept, and has been a regular caterer to some banks in town.

Opening up another outlet at 18 Tai Seng Mall (which also houses Tsuta Ramen and Hawker Chan), the cafe is an open concept which can be noticed immediately once you walk into the mall.

Serving up pastries and wraps freshly made by the company’s central kitchen, you are able to pair them up with a selection of coffees from their menu.

The grab-and-go items include Mexican Beef Wrap ($4.70), Ham & Cheese Wrap ($4.70), Pesto Chicken Wrap ($4.70), Tandoori Chicken Wrap ($4.70), Muffins with flavours of blueberry, double chocolate and banana ($3.50), English Scone ($2.80), and variety of croissants. Well, pretty much the standard fare.

Huggs Coffee presents artisanal coffee from Medellin, the Huila region, Columbia, Brazil, Sumatran and Vietnamese origins.

What’s special about them is that they offer Turmeric Latte which is made up of 7 spices.

Turmeric supposedly helps in detoxifying your body, increases your metabolism rate, boost your immune as well as is also high in antioxidant.

Also, this Tumeric Latte is to be served hot only because they believe ice would spoil the taste of the coffee. Okay, cool.

The rest are the usual coffee range from latte, cappuccino, espresso, okay Thai iced tea… What caught my eye was Latte Gula with caramelised sugar ($4.80).

While the drink has Gula Melaka added, it surprisingly wasn’t very sweet, balanced with velvety body. Also not as acidic as I would have imagined.

Huggs Coffee has been targeting the working crowd with its choice of locations and offerings. On the flipside, it seems to lack some personality and branding – for a relatively big chain of cafes. Time to work on their social media accounts and keeping them updated?

This certainly looks like a café to chill after lunch, or meet clients. If I may suggest, what’s missing are free WIFI and power sockets for it to be a more work-friendly space.

Huggs Coffee
18 Tai Seng Street, Singapore 539775
https://www.facebook.com/huggs-coffee-128037637293313/

* Written by Kayla Chew @kaylacys who has a passion for food and travel. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Singaporeans know that being hawkers is no easy job – long hours, cramped spaces, laborious, may not fetch a stable income. Unless you make it big.

Yet, we also see more young ‘hawkerpreneurs’ leaving their comfortable day jobs to slog it out at hawker stalls, in the name of passion and preserving our local food culture (and hopefully make some money).

The benefits of more ‘hawkerpreneurs’ in Singapore, is that many of these young blood start injecting creativity and personality into familiar hawker food. Sumo Prawn Noodles, and Salted Egg with Chilli Crab sauced Fish and Chick are some positive examples.

Their effort paid off with long queues and support.

Here are some 10 Hipster Hawker Food By Hawkerpreneurs In Singapore/strong>. There are more, so feel free to share those worthy with me.

Fish Ball Story
Level 2 @ Foodclique, 2 College Avenue West #02-01, Stephen Riady Center, University Town @ NUS, Singapore 138607
Tel: +65 9800 5036
Opening Hours: 8.30am to 6pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun
Timbre+ 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent #01-32, JTC LaunchPad @ one-north Singapore 139957

Michelin Bib Gourmand Handmade Fishballs
Straight-talker Douglas Ng from The Fish Ball Story who originally had a stall at Golden Mile Food Centre, had gotten much media attention, from Makansutra to The New Paper, for being one who made fishballs by hand.

He now operates two stalls with his sister, who has a degree in hospitality.

The fishballs are made at wee hours in the morning by Douglas, using all pure fish meat and no flour, which he proudly said “Quan yong gong fu da chu lai de”, which means they were all produced by true skills.

What I really like about this humble bowl of meepok was the sauce and seasoning, the magic being the homemade sambal chilli paste fried with dried shrimps. Their original Golden Mile stall (which has moved) was listed in the the Singapore Michelin Bib Gourmand Guide.

A Noodle Story
Amoy Street Food Centre #01-39 7 Maxwell Road Singapore 069111 (Tanjong Pagar MRT Exit G)
Opening Hours: 11:15am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 7:30pm (Mon – Fri), 10:30am – 1:30pm (Sat) , Closed Sun, PH

Singapore Style Ramen
Opened by young hawkerpreneurs Gwern Khoo and Ben Tham who met at Shatec, A Noodle Story serves “Singapore-style ramen” ($7.00, $9.00) that was also listed in the Singapore Michelin Bib Gourmand Guide. Like a dream come true.

A bowl with Japanese style charshu, soy-flavoured braised egg, Hong Kong style wontons, potato wrapper prawn fritter for that crunch.

Aesthetically pleasing and well-arranged, for a hawker stall. I like it – you don’t get a bowl like this anywhere else.

You understand why there is always a long queue, every bowl was patiently cooked and arranged, and you could feel the pride in their work.

Wong Kee
Timbre+ 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent #01-06, JTC LaunchPad @ one-north Singapore 139957
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 6:00pm

Tomato Wanton Noodles
Wong Kee was previously from Maxwell Food Centre, and has moved to Timbre+.

Current owner Kelly Wong was working in the bank industry, and decided to help her father in the stall.

The 3 coloured noodles at Wong Kee are specially created, imported from a factory at JB, with flavours of Spinach and Tomato. The orange-red tomato noodles have a refreshing sweet aftertaste, somewhat like Italian pasta.

Its wanton mee seem to be a cross between the Cantonese and local Singapore style, served with plump dumplings and thick stalks of kailan.

Ah Bong Italian
103 Beach Rd, #01-02 (below Marrison hotel), Singapore 189704 (Tan Quee Lan Street area)
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Italian Pasta With Some Singapore Flavours
This Italian pasta café which is located on Tan Quee Lan Street started off as a food stall in a Tiong Bahru coffeeshop selling pastas and crème brulee at affordable prices. (The kopitiam stall has ceased operations.)

Owner Chris holds a degree from the London School of Economics, and also a Diploma in Culinary Arts from at-Sunrice. Additionally, he has trained under three Michelin star chef Bruno Menard at La Cantine.

Don’t call him Ah Bong though. That is actually the nickname of his 3 year old daughter.

The pasta variety changes daily, though some of the favourites include Crab Meat Aglio Olio ($14), Atas Duck Ragu ($16), Carbonara ($10), Barramundi Cream ($13) and Fresh Pesto ($12).

Coffee Break
2 Science Park Drive, Ascent, Singapore Science Park 1 #01-28, Singapore 118222
Tel: +65 6264 5114
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat – Sun

Amoy Food Centre #02-78
Tel: +65 8100 6218
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 2:30pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat – Sun

Flavoured Kopi
Siblings Faye, Anna and Jack Sai got into the radar by being young hawkers selling sock-brewed coffee in Singapore, with the kopi drinks added with a twist.

Expect kopi with varieties from Black Sesame, Taro Milk, Mint, Melon Milk, Masala and Almond Ginger.

Coffee Break was established by their father at Boon Tat Street, which was later re-located to Amoy Street Food Centre. Their grandfather also owned a coffee shop called San Hai Yuan more than 80 years ago.

The stall has expanded with an air-conditioned cafe at Science Park, and a vintage sign from the old shop hangs on the side wall of the cafe.

Two Wings
No. 1 Cantonment Road #01-01 The Pinnacle @ Duxton, Singapore 080001 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Tel: +65 9667 0368
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9pm Daily

Chilli Crab And Salted Egg Crispy Wings
Before he opened Two Wings which serves up crispy chicken wings, owner Jeremy Loh persuaded his granduncle for his well-kept secret recipe of 40 years, trained for six months under him, and gave it slight twists – such as using bigger wings and a spicier homemade chicken rice type chilli sauce.

Jeremy claims that every single wing is massaged early in the morning to “drain the blood off”, while “others simply soak them in water”. He uses larger wings from Brazil, a higher cost vegetable oil, and a particular brand of sesame oil.

Two Wings now offers new sauces of salted egg and chilli crab, though prices have gone up, and portion lesser that days of the beginnings.

Ah Hoe Mee Pok
243 Cantonment Road, Singapore 089770
Opening hours: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 9pm (Mon – Thurs, Sat), 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm (Fri), Closed Sun

Blk 710 Clementi West Street 2, Weng Kwang Coffeeshop, Singapore 120710
Opening Hours: 7am – 4pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Sun), Closed Wed

Japanese Style Mee Pok
Ah Hoe Mee Pok at Clementi West got into the foodie limelight, as it was highlighted that a Japanese man and his daughter, Mr Naoji Kuribara and Reina were behind the stall.

Certainly very unusual to have Japanese cook up a very local fare of Bak Chor Mee (BCM), especially in a hot and humble coffeeshop stall.

According to ieatishootipost, Mr Kuribara learned his BCM skills from owner (now co-partners) of Ah Hoe Mee Pok, and was even his apprentice for 6 months.

I ordered the Mee Pok with Miso, which is a steal at $6 with generous ingredients of pork balls, minced meat, canned abalone slices and a slice of char siew.

Truly Test Kitchen

Hainanese Pork Chop Curry Rice
Hawkerpreneurs Joel and Deniece who were ex-Forex traders, left their comfortable jobs to sell Hainanese Curry Rice at Telok Blangah Food Centre.

They subsequently set up a Truly Test Kitchen concept, which unfortunately has ceased serving walk-in customers, and is now offering delivery-only services via online platforms.

Look out for their Pork Chop Curry Rice Bowl, Crispy Pork Belly Curry Rice Bowl, Braised Pork Belly Curry Rice Bowl and Fried Chicken Chop Curry Rice Bowl when you order their food online.

The items are very affordable, mostly below $5.

While their Test Kitchen might not have worked as they wanted to (it is tough), we hope that the owners can keep their flames and passion alive.

Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck & Kway Chap
Blk 335, Smith Street #02-156 (Chinatown Complex ) Singapore 005335
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm (Mon – Thurs, Sat – Sun), Closed Fri

Braised Duck Rice Bento
While Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck was established in 1980 and has been in business for more than 30 years, 2nd generation owner Melvin Chew continues to give it a new spin.

The stall at Chinatown Complex at Smith Street specialises in Teochew braised duck rice and kway chap.

What has attracted some young customers and media coverage is the Duck Rice Bento ($8) – complete with their signature savoury braised duck, beancurd, yam rice balls, and lava eggs with runny yolk.

One Kueh At A Time
#02-61 Berseh Food Centre 166 Jalan Besar Singapore 208877
Opening Hours: 8am – 1pm (Wed – Sun), Closed Mon – Tues

Artisanal Soon Kueh
These are artisanal Soon Kuehs, Ku Chai Kuehs and Peng Kuehs, handmade one at the time, thus the name of the stall.

Owner Nick Soon was in the insurance business, but wanted to keep his mother’s recipe and legacy going on.

Their Kuehs are sold for $1.00 or $1.20. While smaller in size than usual, they are packed with ingredients and quality that you cannot find elsewhere. A gem really.

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

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Menya Sakura at 64 Boat Quay is the group’s first outlet in Singapore, and it specialises in Nagoya-style ramen. You can find a few branches over at Indonesia such as at the Lotte Shopping Avenue.

Ramen land there? This is another ramen eatery at Boat Quay, with competitors Ramen Matsuri, Ramen Bar Suzuki and Takumen at Circular Road just a few minutes walk away.

The Singapore shop is helmed by Chef Sho Naganuma, ex-Executive Chef of Hide Yamamoto at MBS.

Nagoya-style ramen is characterised by hearty soups, brewed from both selected meats and seafood to achieve the best combination of flavours from the land and sea.

The recommendation ramen at Menya Sakura include Chuka Soba ($10.90) – noodles in a broth of clear chicken soup and fish dashi, Tonkotsu Tsukemen ($14.90) – Sakura’s original thick noodles served with an intense dipping soup, a blend of rich pork bone stock and seafood broth, and Tonkotsu Ramen ($10.90) featuring pork bone soup simmered for 12 hours.

I had the Tonkotsu Gyokai Jukusei Ramen Special ($16.90), with a base of cloudy soup made with pork bone stock, dried seafood and aged soy sauce.

The general style here is thick and rich, the soup base cooked to a full-bodied brown, heavy every spoonful, with a layer of vivid ‘seafood-y aftertaste.

Yet, it is not overly salty, just gao-gao (rich).

Noodles are also of the thick, chewy style, of complete opposite styles of the Hakata straight type which what most Singaporeans like.

For the record, it is tough to find good Tsukemen in Singapore.

Menya Sakura’s Tonkotsu Tsukemen ($14.90) happens to be one of the better ones around in terms of a more balanced sauce of density and savouriness. Noodles were springy, almost like udon.

However, the dipping sauce was served only luke-warm, and turned to room temperature fast. Unfortunately.

There will be a group of ramen lovers who will like this style, yet some others who might feel the entire bowl would be too filling.

I liked it enough as there was a level of authenticity in its taste, as some ramen shops from Japan would adapt quite a bit to suit local palates.

Menya Sakura
69 Boat Quay, Singapore 049857
Tel: +65 9469 3366
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:30pm, Last Orders 10:00pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun, PH

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

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The Big Cheese, which specialises in Mac & Cheese has opened its door at Sunshine Plaza, made with “no pork, no lard” ingredients.

Cheese porn alert.

There is now another reason to visit the under-the-radar Sunshine Plaza, be it to satisfy the craving for custard buns at Victor’s Kitchen, or to takeaway some hearty chicken pies over at Oven Marvel.

While we usually come across mac & cheese in cafes with a hefty price tag, owner Hakim wants to make this comfort dish affordable to all.

This explains why items on his menu being competitively priced for the students in the vicinity.

For $5.90 nett, you get to build-your-own mac & cheese, from the choice of two cheese base mixed with two meat or vegetable options and a topping.

Additional toppings are available at a nominal top-up of $0.50.

I assembled mine with cheddar, mozzarella, chicken sausages and broccoli sprinkled with parmesan crumbs. I liked how the crumbs gave an additional savory perk to the cheesy base.

Specialty flavors such as The Big Cheese, All American and Mac & Grill are priced at $7.90 nett.

I opted for their signature, “The Big Cheese”. It is after all, the name of this shop.

Made up of truffled mac & cheese, pulled beef and topped with gruyere cheese, the top layer was flame-torched to give a slightly charred aroma.

Mmmmm… creamy rich with gooey cheese texture.

But as I dug deeper, I realized the truffle-flavor and pulled beef never came. It was probably overwhelmed?

After my second serving, it also felt like both flavors which I ordered did not had an obvious difference.

Perhaps a stronger dosage of herb and spices to differentiate between flavors could work.

Surprisingly, their light snacks Mac & Cheese Squares ($4.90) turned out to be more-than-expected.

Cubed mac & cheese coated with a layer of crumbs and air-fried till golden crisp, the additional crunch provided a different bite texture to the usual mac & cheese option.

While you are at it, don’t forget the Cheesy Potato Skins ($4.90) which were as sinfully addictive.
(#cheesepull unlocked.)

The Big Cheese
91 Bencoolen Street #01-59, Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652
Tel: +65 8147 0485
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm Daily
https://www.facebook.com/thebigcheesesg/

* Written by Lewis Tan @juicyfingers, a self-proclaimed coffee addict. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Singapore’s Best New Restaurant, an authentic Sichuan hotpot restaurant, Singapore’s 1st Philly Cheesesteak house… these are some of the NEW eats to expect at Clarke Quay.

VLV Singapore, Da Miao Hot Pot, Red House Seafood, Talay Thai, Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill, and Philly Shack are the latest additions to Clarke Quay’s food enclave.

The area is becoming an international food quarter of sorts, where you can experience some of the best restaurants in Singapore serving anything from Japanese, Chinese, Thai, European, Latin American, to Indian cuisine.

For those looking for affordable, wallet-friendly lunches in restaurants, there are lunch deals going on EVERY SINGLE DAY, when you can get 2, 3, 4 course meals at only 10++, $15++ and $25++. (Check out this link for more details.)

VLV Singapore
Clarke Quay Block A #01-02
Tel: +65 6661 0197
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 3:00pm, 6:00pm – 11:00pm (Mon – Fri)
11:30am – 3:00pm, 6:00pm – 11:00pm (Sat – Sun)

Stylish Chinese Dining and Glamorous Club Lounge
The Straits Times named VLV the “Best New Restaurant” last year, giving them a thumb’s up for being “authentically Chinese and very good”.

VLV is housed in a heritage building (where a wealthy family used to stay a century ago) which retained the exterior, whilst its interior is decorated in stylish modern Chinese restaurant grandeur.

You have to be here to see it with your own eyes.

Group Executive Chef Martin Foo and team promise a good spread of quality Chinese food matched with visually-appealing presentation, from Peking Duck, Beggar Chicken, to Lobster Broth Rice. Not to be missed is the Dim Sum Lunch Buffet every weekend ($68++) which also includes a selection of 4 Chef’s signature main dishes.

Clarke Quay Lunch Promo
A possible pick for your next Corporate Lunch. The Lunch Promo is priced at a value-for-money $98++ for 4 persons, with a spread of 7-courses including Prawn Dumpling ‘Ha Gao’, Pan-fried Carrot Cake, Sea Prawn with Nutritious Herbal Soup, Sweet & Sour Chillean Seabass, Crispy Roasted Chicken, Poached Hong Kong Choy Sum, Braised Noodles with Enoki Mushroom & Bean Sprout, and Roselle Flower Osmanthus Jelly.

Da Miao Hotpot 大妙火锅
Clarke Quay Block C #01-11
Tel: +65 6250 9969
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm Daily

Authentic Sichuan Hotpot Loaded With Entertainment
Good news for those craving for authentic Sichuan style Mala hotpot, the popular Da Miao Hotpot from Chengdu China has opened at Clarke Quay.

The highlight is its Mala soup base, said to contain more than twenty spices, added with special plant oil and herbs. Therefore, it is not that greasy, yet still quintessentially Sichuan.

If you fear for your tickling tongue, you can always opt for a “modified to local taste” option, or have it the “original Chinese way” if you are up for the challenge. You decide.

Of course, there are also choices of Pig Bones, Tomato and Mushroom soup bases.

Ingredients-wise, get the Beef or Fresh Shrimp Paste ($18) – a flat block of freshly-minced meat paste, made without additional starch so that you can still savour the original favours after being cooked in the soup bases.

Come at night, and you will be entertained by traditional Sichuan performances of “Bian Lian” (literally meaning mask changing), and Chinese long-sprout tea pouring ceremony by professional “Stage Artists”.

Red House Seafood
Clarke Quay Block C #01-02/03 & #02-07/08
Tel: +65 6442 3112
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:00pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Fri)
11:00am – 2.30pm , 5:00pm – 10.30pm (Sat – Sun)

Fresh Seafood With Strong Local Flavours
Red House Seafood, established since 1976, is one of the to-go places if you have cravings for Chilli Crabs and seafood. This is their 3rd outlet, and also the newest.

Their house-made Red House Chilli Stew sauce is one-of-a-kind, sweet and tangy with light touch of spiciness. You may find yourself in a finger-licking situation. The crab meat, especially the Sri Lankan ones, is typically thick, sweet and fleshy.

Other than the Red House Chilli Crab, I would recommend the “Kuei Fei” Crab In Claypot, featuring a not-so-common Scottish Brown Crab in a savoury, milky broth with sliced ginger, a hint of Chinese wine and thick white noodles.

If you are heading over for lunch, do not miss out the Takesumi Chilli Crab Buns ($10++ for 3), of beautiful contrast of crispy black bamboo charcoal exterior with red chilli crab fillings.

Talay Thai
Clarke Quay Block E #01-05
Tel: +65 6337 1838
Opening Hours: 12.00pm – 11.00pm, 10.30pm Last order (Sun – Thurs);
12.00pm – 2.00am, 12.30am last order (Fri and Sat)

Thai Tapas Concept With Urban Twist
You know this Thai Tapas Restaurant-Bar is not quite the ordinary when it offers Live RAW Prawn Ceviche ($16++) on its menu – caught on demand, fresh out from the tank. Think prawn sashimi (it’s grey, I know), close your eyes, pop it into your mouth, and let that original taste do its magic.

If you would like something ‘safer’, but still equally exciting, get the Aroy Mak Tasting Platter ($28++). The sharing platter has a mix of Sweet and Spicy Deep-fried Rice Noodle, tender Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers, succulent handmade Thai Fish Cakes, Golden Fried Prawn Toast, and Rice Crackers which you can dip in Thai-spiced Prawn Ragout.

Aroy! That means “tasty”.

Over here, you get Thai food prepared by Thai trained chefs, but with an unpredictable, updated twist. Think Tom Yum Lobster Bisque, White Bait with Tom Yum Powder, Chicken Skin Crackling, and Stingray Fish with Tamarind Glaze. Not forgetting a Lychee Rambutan Longan Mojito Duo to go with the savouries.

Clarke Quay Lunch Promo
A choice of one main course of Phad Thai, Pad See Ew, Basil Chicken with Rice, Green Curry Chicken with Rice for only $10++. For a more substantial meal, the main course with soup and dessert are still at a wallet-friendly price of $25++. (T&C applies)

Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill
Clarke Quay Block B #01-18
Tel: +65 9834 9935
Opening Hours: 6:00pm – 12:00am Daily

For Peranakan Cuisine and Juicy Satay
Remember the days when Singapore’ Satay Club used to be at Clarke Quay? So it seems apt that local Peranakan cuisine restaurateur Violet Oon opened a satay grill restaurant right at Clarke Quay.

No expenses are spared in doing up the décor, and I enjoyed sitting near the glassed-in open kitchen where you can see the meats in full grill, I mean view.

Satay options are include Chicken ($14++), Pork done Hainan style ($16++), Angus Beef ($18++), Prawn ($20++), and Tripe ($15++). The grilled angus beef is a must-order, surprisingly juicy and deliciously marinated in spices. The sticks are served in a sweet peanut sauce topped with grated pineapple – like how I remembered I had my satays.

Philly Shack
Clarke Quay Block A #01-01-B
Tel: +65 6837 0675
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 11:00pm (Sun – Tues), 12:00pm – 2:00am (Wed – Sat)

1st Philly Cheesesteak Store In Singapore
A Philadelphia Cheesesteak, or Philly cheesesteak, is a sandwich with fillings of sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese.

Philly Shack’s should be Singapore’s very first dedicated Philly Cheesesteak eatery, serving pillowy rolls ($17++) filled with thinly-sliced yet generous portions of ribeye, topped with grilled caramelised onions and your choice of melted cheese.

Pick from American cheese, an original house-made Cheese Whiz, or Provolene.

Also featured on its menu is a range of American comfort food such as Philly Shack Burger ($17.50++), Wings ($8.50++ for 6 pieces, $14.00++ for 12 pieces), Beer Batter Onion Rings ($5.00++), alongside a wide range of craft beers and milkshakes.

Tip: Get into the store and look at their hot sauces compartment. There are more than 80 to choose from, but avoid those superbly spicy ones on first try. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Good to know: You can pick from a selection of tabletop games, like Jenga, dice, cards and beer pong to keep everyone hopping.

Free Treat for Kids Every Sunday
More reasons to bring your children out to Clarke Quay during Sundays from 12-3pm. Kids under 12 can enjoy a FREE meal with every two paying adults at selected restaurants. For a limited period only.

Participating restaurants include Talay Thai, McGettigan’s, Fremantle Seafood Market, Hot Stones, Catch Beer & Batter, Paulaner Clarke Quay, and VLV Singapore (free weekend brunch). T&C apply.

CapitaStar Rewards
CapitaStar members can earn a whooping 3x STAR$® rewards when dining at Clarke Quay from 12pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday!

There is also FREE PARKING from 12:30pm – 1:30pm during weekday lunch ($2.14 for first two hours afterwards.) For more information, visit http://www.clarkequay.com.sg/lunch

Clarke Quay
3 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179024
By Bus – No. 54 from Scotts Road or 32 and 195 from City Hall MRT Station
By MRT- Clarke Quay MRT, (about 5 mins walk), City Hall MRT (about 10-15 mins walk), Raffles Place MRT (about 10-15 mins walk)
http://www.clarkequay.com.sg
https://www.facebook.com/ClarkeQuay

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Clarke Quay.

The post 6 Exciting NEW Eats At Clarke Quay, Including Singapore’s 1st Philly Shack And A Satay Bar appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

A non-conspicuous Korean family restaurant. No obvious signage but a wooden door. A restaurant that you might have just walked past, dismissed and not venture in. Especially true if you could not view what the interior looked like.

Then you might have missed this hidden gem.

Ho Rang I at Goldhill Centre Novena is ‘hidden’ along the shophouses where Udders Ice Cream is located. The entrance is facing the multi-storey carpark, with no big and clear signage.

I say, make your way in.

Ho Rang I eluded a nostalgic traditional Korean touch, served by an ajumma. Chit-chat with her, and she might whip out a home-brewed drink for you.

Inside, the interior was dimly lit, each table partitioned by a paper blind that was commonly seen in traditional Korean palace drama.

The 30-seater restaurant was different from other Korean restaurants visited in Singapore, with a cosy and homely feel.

6 or 8 different Banchan (appeitizers) were complimentary and served prior to the meal. Unfortunately, only with one refill.

I wished that there was more, as many of the home-made items from kimchi to spicy beancurd were appetizing and comforting.

Unlike the usual Korean BBQ and Bingsu restaurants we commonly see in Singapore, Ho Rang I offers a wide variety of home-style Korean dishes.

Think Jap Chae ($18), Seafood/ Kimchi Pancakes ($22/$20), Korean Fried Chicken ($29-52), Noodles ($13-16), Bibimbap ($15-22), Stews ($42-62) to Grills ($25 – $38).

My favourite was the vegetarian-friendly Jap Chae ($18), made using sweet potato glass noodles with various vegetables.

The glass noodles were springy and lightly tossed in sesame oil with a peppery punch, tasted much like our local “tang hoon”.

Their Haemul Pancake aka Seafood Pancake ($20) was worth a mention.

Fried to a golden-brown crisp with seafood aroma in each bite, the texture of the pancake was firm and not starchy.

Each slice was generously filled with spring onion and sotong, went well with spicy dip.

Their Korean Fried Chicken was freshly sourced locally and came in 3 different flavours – Original, Spicy and Soy.

Available in 2 sizes, Half ($29-30) or Whole ($50-52), the price was steeper than other Korean Fried Chicken restaurants out there.

While I appreciated the crispy and crunchy chicken skin, tossed with spicy Gochujang sauce and crushed peanuts for additional crunch, there was little differentiating factor with the average Korean Fried Chicken restaurant out there.

I was excited to see Jja Jang Myeon ($15) here after getting our craving satisfied at O.BBa Jjajang.

Sadly, the taste of the black bean paste was overwhelming, and wasn’t as satisfying.

I have been asked quite frequently where to find good Budaejjigae. The Korean Army Stew ($42) at Ho Rang I, though priced at Captain’s rather than Corporal pricing, was worth the order.

Somehow there wasn’t the usual ‘manufactured’ commercial taste, and the base soup had a fine balance between thick and thin, sumptuously cooked till you would have no problems wanting more bowls.

My carb-loving always-hungry friend liked the Ramyeon and ordered more. ”Huh? Instant noodles for $5” Complained but still said it was nice lah.

Ho Rang I
165 Thomson Road, Goldhill Centre, Singapore 307618
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 10.30pm (Mon-Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/165horangi/
Reserve Online Now – Ho Rang I

* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. Further input from Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Chef Keisuke Takeda is no stranger to Singapore’s F&B scene. After opening Keisuke Kani King at Orchard Cineleisure exactly a year ago, the 12th dining concept – Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei is something more than just Ramen!

There is no stopping of this “Keisuke” fire.

We remember one of Singapore’s first Tendon specialty Restaurant – Tendon Ginza Itsuki at Tanjong Pagar, along with his ramen concept stores including Keisuke Tontotsu King at Orchid Hotel, Tori King at 100AM, Four Seasons at Bugis Village, Ramen Dining Keisuke Tokyo at Suntec City, Matsuri at Parkway Parade and Ramen Keisuke Lobster King at Clarke Quay.

One thing to note about the Keisuke brand – it does not repeat concepts.

Tanjong Pagar seems to be Chef’s lucky turf, and this new Japanese hamburg restaurant is located at Peck Seah Street, a few minutes walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station.

Here, the focus is on the Hamburg (pronounced hahn-bah-gu in Japanese), made using prime US beef patties, seared on a teppanyaki grill and served on sizzling hotplates.

Only 2 main dishes are available on the menu, namely Triple Cheese Prime Beef Hamburg Set ($20.80) and Keisuke Prime Beef Hamburg Set ($18.80).

Each Hamburg set comes with free-flow rice, miso soup, eggs from the Live Egg station, 20 different rotating Japanese side dishes (aka osozai) and 1 of the 4 different sauces – Keisuke original sweet and spicy sauce, demi- glace, oroshi ponzu (radish with vinegar) and teriyaki.

Just in case you missed out. FREE FLOW EGGS.

Freshly prepared according to preference at the live Egg Station, you can get to choose different styles of egg: fried, deep fried, boiled, scrambled, half boiled, omelette and tamagoyaki. (Er no, not Eggs Ben yah?)

My favourite was the Triple Cheese Prime Beef Hamburg Set ($20.80), with an addition of 180g of Triple Cheese Prime Beef patty at $12.80.

Stuffed with a mixture of three cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan), I (and everybody else with handphones) got my cameras ready as I sliced through to release the oozing cheese to capture the “Insta-moment”.

Do not bother searching for a knife to cut the patty (it was not available and never will) as the patties were minced in such a way that it would be so tender to break apart using a pair of chopsticks.

I thought Keisuke hits it right again this time. With a combination of sweetness from the onion minced patty, and savoriness from the cheese, this felt almost like the perfect Japanese hamburg.

Add some cheese pull to attract diners to post on their instagram, and salad for the supposedly (and trying to be) health conscious, Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei should appeal to the local diners.

Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei
72 Peck Seah Street Singapore 079329 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
(Opening soon on 13th March 2017)

* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. This is a hosted meal. Writeup will be further updated when the restaurant officially opens.

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The word “hipster” means “a person who follows the latest trends and fashions, especially those regarded as being outside the cultural mainstream.”

The irony happens when more hipsters visit a place, such as a “hipster cafe”, it becomes mainstream.

These cafes listed below, are slightly off the radar. Perhaps you have heard about this cafes, or have come across them. Some are located at unexpected places, some near town, but with their thunder taken from other neighbours.

Just thought of giving them some prominence. Who knows, it may be right near your doorstep.

10 Hipster Cafes In Singapore That Even Hipsters May Not Know About

Foxhole Cafe
1189 Upper Serangoon Road, The Midtown at Hougang #01-18, Singapore 534785
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Wed-Mon), Closed Tue
https://www.facebook.com/foxholecafe

Hideout By The Pourover Bar At Hougang Midtown
Locating the Foxhole Cafe requires some navigation skills as it is located at The Midtown, previously known as Hougang Plaza, which will only be fully occupied in mid 2017.

Foxhole Café is an extension of The Pourover Bar, which shared the same space with Ollella at Petain Road Farrer Park.

Almost like a fantasy (in Singapore’s context) – double storeys high, natural sunlight pouring in through the glass window, bar table for people watching, and a huge Unicorn wall mural overlooking the grass field outside.

The Pourover Bar will continue to serve their pour over coffees using specialty beans from Melbourne, Australia, whereas the Foxhole Cafe offers main dishes, light bites, desserts and bakes. Foxhole Café (Hougang)

The Pound
100 Jalan Sultan, #01-17B Sultan Plaza Singapore 199001
Opening Hours: 9am – 6:30pm (Mon – Sat)

Understated Korean Owned Cafe Which Serves Blissful Roll Cakes
Hipster café The Pound is Korean-owned, and you may see many Koreans around. One was painting, another was reading the bible (Korean), some others were chit-chatting quietly. It was actually peaceful and tranquil.

Got the FEEL.

It is unexpected to find a café like this within Sultan Plaza, which had a lingering smell of a mixture of hair salons and incense paper.

The Pound as its name implies, focuses on pound cakes, rolls and cake slices, such as Earl Grey Roll Cake ($4.50), Strawberry Roll Cake ($4.50), Fig Pound ($4.50), Red Velvet Cake ($5.50), and Rainbow Cake ($5.50).

Can I also add, finally a legit Korean cafe that is not just about bingsu and toast. The Pound (Sultan Plaza)

Crown Coffee
114 Lavender Street, CT Hub2, Singapore 338729
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm (Mon – Fri), 10:00 – 4:00pm (Sat), Closed Sun

Sandwich Bar And Coffee Place At Lavender
Another café that few on social media are talking about, but we shouldn’t let this go.

Not to be confused with Crown Bakery & Cafe at Bt Timah, Crown Coffee is a sandwich meets salad coffee place at CT Hub (next to a CrossFit studio). I know right? Some of you may be even asking where CT Hub is – it is near Lavender and Kallang MRT stations.

Owner Keith Tan told me VERY enthusiastically that his sandwiches were the best, and the place would be packed lunchtime. I listened half-skeptically because almost every café owners would tell me similar things. Keith did it with much more conviction though.

Yes, his sandwich – I had a chicken pesto, was fab. I would actually return again.

Teepee Bar & Restaurant
31 Hong Kong Street #01-02 Singapore 059670
Tel: +65 6225 0025
Opening Hours: 8am – very, very late (Mon – Sat)

Hidden Burgers and Rice Bowl Place At Hong Kong Street
”How did you manage to find us?” I find this question slightly peculiar, as if this restaurant does not want to be found.

I have my ways, of course. Teepee Bar & Restaurant is located along 31 Hong Kong Street (near The Kitchen at Bacchanalia and Long Qing, a short walk from Clarke Quay MRT). To be fair, nobody would have really spotted it, as there was no (clear) signage.

After walking in, you would spot this totally indie-hipster place complete with that industrial flooring look, painted in my favourite shades of navy blue and greyish-white.

On its menu includes small plates of Croquette ($8), Pork Buns ($9), Parma Ham Crostini ($12), Freshly Shucked Oysters ($24 for 6 pieces), Burgers which included Umami Swiss, Buttermilk Spicy Chicken, Bacon & 3 Cheeses, Spiced Beef with Kimchi ($16 – $19), and Rice Bowls ($16 – $24). Teepee Restaurant & Bar (Hong Kong Street)

Kosnica SG
61 Duxton Road Singapore 089525
Tel: +65 6904 4086
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Mon – Thurs), 12pm – 11pm (Fri – Sat), Closed Sun

Waffles and Gelato Café At Duxton
Kosnica SG, specializing in waffles and gelato, has opened quietly at 61 Duxton Road.

When I say “quietly”, I mean that even the usual serial café hopping food instagrammers didn’t even cover it, except one or two.

Kosnica SG serves a variety of “Premium Gelato” with flavours of Golden Vanilla, Cookies & Cream, Mao Shan Wang, Blueberry Yogurt, Strawberry Cheesecake, Earl Grey and Figs, Matcha Green Tea with Azuki Beans, Sea Salt Caramel with Almonds, and Hazelnut Chocolate Rocher. Kosnica SG (Duxton)

Pulse Patisserie
The interlace, 180 Depot Road #01-06 Singapore
Tel: +65 8339 4648
Opening Hours: 11am – 7pm (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri), 9am – 7pm (Sat), 9am – 5pm (Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/pg/pulsepatisserie

Café Within Futuristic Looking Condo
Pulse Patisserie, located within The Interlace, is one of the few shops that has been incorporated into the futuristic condo’s design.

If you are intending to drive, be prepared to be questioned by the security guard about your purpose and duration of your visit.

To be fair, the security guards were probably just doing their job. Perhaps some residents did complain about the heavy influx of visitors, and could not find their favourite parking lots in the evening.

The reward for clearing customs would be the simple yet elegantly decorated cafe with a mix of plants and display shelves filled with their generous offerings.

Pulse Patisserie is famous for their 6 different dessert capsules ($8.50 each, $16 for two, $37.5 for five), which was created with the intention to “let people have their cake and eat it anywhere, anytime”. Pulse Patisserie (The Interlace)

Café NIDO
No 162 Tyrwhitt Road Singapore 207581 (Within Hotel YAN)
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 4:30pm (Mon, Wed, Thurs), 7:30am – 9:30pm (Fri, Sat, Sun), Closed Tues

Contemporary Chic In Boutique Hotel
Café NIDO which is located within the boutique Hotel YAN at Jalan Besar, had a welcoming industrial chic décor of high ceilings and subtle aroma. It almost reminded us of Bangkok, and looked extremely promising. ”So chio!!”

“Nido” refers to nest in Italian, a name to go complementary with Hotel “Yan” which meant “swallow” in Mandarin. The café was also designed in hope that it would be a comforting nesting place.

That included Roasted Charcoal Brioche with Kaya & Sous Vide Egg ($16.90), Raspberry Pancake with Honey Pistachio ($9.90), Homemade Laksa with Charred Crayfish ($12.90), Salted Egg King Prawn Aglio Olio ($16.90), and Tom Yum Wings ($10.90).

To be really honest, the safest bet was the Tom Yum Wings ($10.90) – evenly marinated, had good spicy-lime flavours and were tender. Café NIDO (Tyrwhitt Road)

Shamrock Café
5 Clover Way, Clover Park Singapore 579079
Tel: +65 6352 5515
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 9:30pm (Mon – Fri), 9:30am – 6:30pm (Sat), 10:30am – 7:30pm (Sun)

Under The Radar Cafe At Clover Way, Near Bishan
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 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.

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). Shamrock Cafe (Clover Way)

Art OVAS (within OVAS Home Gallery)
1 Kaki Bukit Road 1 #01-11, Enterprise One, Singapore 415934
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 7:30pm (Mon – Sat), 10:30am – 7:00pm (Sun)

An Art Café Well Hidden At Kaki Bukit
Sharing the same compound with OVAS Home Gallery at Kaki Bukit, one may simply walk pass without noticing the presence of a café located within this furniture showroom.

Art OVAS, the café arm of OVAS Home Gallery serves only light bites such as Wraps ($7), Pies (6) Salad ($7 – $9), Coffee and Desserts such as Cakes ($7), Muffins ($5) and Brownies ($5).

For art lovers, do make sure you get up to the second level which is an art gallery which houses various works of promising artists around Asia. This is in collaboration with Art WeMe which specialises in Asian contemporary art. Art Ovas (Kaki Bukit)

The Ding Ding Man
1G Yio Chu Kang Road, Singapore 545513 (Near Serangoon MRT, Buses: 80, 81, 81, 101, 107, 107M, 136, 153)
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Wed – Mon), Closed Tue
https://www.facebook.com/TheDingDingMan/

Industrial Chic Hipster Cafe At Yio Chu Kang
Cemented walls with exposed bricks does the trick to create an alluring rustic charm that attract the ‘hipster’ cafe-goers or serial café hoppers.

With prior expertise in events industry, the team at Ding Ding Man does not want to open just any café, but one which can provide that ‘café experience’.

Therefore, while there are space constraints with the café and bar occupying level one, works are under way for level two to transform into a barber shop and retail space for street apparels. The Ding Ding Man (Yio Chu Kang Road)

* Compiled by Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary, Nicholas Tan @stormscape and Lewis Tan @juicyfingers. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Correct me if I am wrong, but people do not go to Hong Kong style Char Chan Teng expecting gourmet delicacies and super-great tasting food. These fuss-free cafes typically offer many-items in various combinations under the sky, for a quick and affordable meal.

I ventured to Havelock2 Mall, right next to Clarke Quay Central, which is still very empty in terms of tenancy occupancy.

During the weekend dinner, Wong Kok Char Chan Teng was two tables full. I reckon that weekday lunches would be their peak hour due to the many offices around.

The good thing about Char Chan Teng is that it boasts a huge variety of food items (say more than a hundred) for breakfast, lunch, tea time, dinner as well as supper.

So if you are bored with eating the same dishes, you will be still inclined to give them another chance, and another.

One thing to note is that Wong Kok Char Chan Teng originated from Malaysia, rather than ‘home city’ Hong Kong itself.

The typical Hong Kong style dishes served include Rice, Spaghetti, Fried/Dried Noodles, Noodle Soups, Western Delights, Snacks, Desserts, Toast, Sandwiches, Burgers and various chilled and hot drinks.

I ordered a Cheese Baked Rice in Hong Kong style ($11.90) with sliced beef fillings. The choice of beef rather than pork chop, chicken chop or fish fillet, was because it seemed more uncommon.

In typical Char Chan Teng fashion, the food arrived within 5 minutes of ordering. Fast.

However, served in a dim sum basket, I thought that the portion was small relative to its price. While the beef slices were somewhat tender and had some taste, the mix of sauce was not even, and rice between lukewarm and cold at parts.

Enticed by the photo of Cheese Baked Spaghetti on Hot Plate ($9.20), with the option of Angel Hair pasta replacement, I quickly made my choice.

Let’s just say that it was half a plate of pasta, half a portion for everything else, and food saved by the black pepper sauce on a sizzling plate.

The highlight of the meal was the Hong Kong Iced Milk Tea ($4.70) served in a bowl of ice – so that the drink won’t be diluted by ice, yet still stayed cold. Not too bitter, not overly sweet, smooth… but note the price.

There are few hundred items on the menu. Maybe I just didn’t order the right ones. Then again.

Wong Kok Char Chan Teng
#01-02 Havelock2, 2 Havelock Singapore 059763
+65 6532 2173
Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm Daily

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

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[Seoul] At the basement of Lotte Department Store Myeong-Dong is a Le Castella shop, where queues can go to as long as an hour.

All for a huge piece of soft, fluffy sponge cake.

A Castella is a popular Japanese sponge cake made of sugar, flour, eggs, and starch syrup. Le Castella 樂古早味蛋糕 originated from Taiwan though, and has created its version of jiggly blocks of cake with cheese added in between.

The Castella Cake comes in three flavours – original, cheese and chocolate.

A Cheese Castella cost 7,000 Won (SGD$8.60) which is considered reasonable in price for the size given. (In Taiwan, the price is 110TWD, SGD$6.40.)

Here’s the ‘fun’ part: While standing in line, you can watch the entire process where the cake is baked freshly in-house. Every batch is prepared, baked and sliced in front of your eyes. With precision, done with a long ruler.

The thing is, if the person in front of you got the last piece, you have to wait for a new batch to be baked all over again. That takes time, and is not so fun anymore.

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting so big a piece. At 23cm x 13cm, this can be cut into 8 – 10 pieces, possibly to be shared by the entire family or department in office. I took a slice, and was about done.

As no preservatives were used, customers were recommended to consume this within the day.

What I liked best was the hot steam that was released as you take that first cut.

The texture was indeed pillow-soft, fluffy yet moist at the same time; taste delicate and eggy. But of course, apparently, 58 eggs (according to the Insider Video) are added into a single batch.

I would recommend the cheese option that added a layer of savouriness. Wished there was more cheese though.

So good news for Singapore.

Le Castella will be arriving to Singapore. Anticipated opening time is end April and the location will be at Tampines 1.

Pricing is to be confirmed, but is likely to be about $10.80 for the original, $11.80 for the cheese, $14 for the chocolate.

The Singapore shop at Tampines 1 will likely attract a queue, but to keep this sustainable may recommend consistent marketing efforts and possibly seasonal flavours.

Le Castella
Lotte Department Store Basement, 30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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

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Another ramen shop with a Michelin-star relation opens in Singapore. Jimoto Ya’s signature ramen is created by Chef Nobumasa Mieda of Michelin-Starred Kaiseki Restaurant MIEDA from Sapporo Hokkaido.

Jimoto Ya Singapore is located at the Nanking Row of China Square Central, right opposite popular Korean BBQ restaurant Wong Dae Bak.

This should make it a popular lunch spot with office workers nearby.

What makes their ramen different from the others is, the broth is made from a special blend of amaebi (sweet shrimp) and tonkotsu.

This explains the distinctive aroma reminiscent of hae mee (prawn noodle soup) upon walking into the eatery.

There are 5 basic types of ramen currently available – Ebi Shio ($16.50), Ebi Miso ($16.50), Ebi Shoyu ($16.50), Ebi Curry ($16.50) and a cold Hiyashi Cyuka ($18.50).

I ordered the Ebi Shoyu ($16.50) upon recommendation of a ramen-loving friend.

True enough, this bowl hits the right notes on almost every level.

I am habitually most particular about the temperature of the broth, because somehow in Singapore many ramen shops serve soups that turn cold too soon, too fast. (And I typically take 3 quick shots, and will go on drinking the first spoonful.)

Jimoto Ya’s sweet prawn and pork bone combination broth remained hot from start to the end, staying flavourful, robust and satisfying. The lightness of the shoyu complemented the sweetness of the prawns well.

In contrast, a rather heavy and partly salty Ebi Miso ($16.50) didn’t seem all that compatible. As though there were occasional clashes from two strong characters.

If I were to nit-pick, it felt that the bowl lacked of a melt-in-your-mouth char siu to feel more complete. It was served with minced meat and cabbage instead.

The richness of the broth somehow reminded me of Keisuke’s first shop in Singapore, which also specialised in ebi ramen. That didn’t last long. I think it just wasn’t the right timing then for local customers to accept something more fanciful.

Jimoto Ya is one of the more promising ramen shops that opened in Singapore of late, and I hope they can keep the standard there.

Jimoto Ya 海老麺総本家地元家
3 Pickering Street, Nanking Row, 01-44/01-45 (opp Hong Lim Complex) Singapore 048660
Tel: +65 6223 3397
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:00pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary visited the shop unknowingly during their private tasting, and was given a treat. It sounds weird, but it’s true.

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Loloku is Poke Bowl shop Number XX in Singapore, joining the influx of other similar shops in the CBD area.

Too many, or not enough? You just wonder what will happen one day if there are just too many shops like this, or if there is another raw fish scare. Anyway…

The fun looking Loloku took over Lollapalooza at The Working Capitol, sharing space with Don Ho Social Kitchen and Bar.

Unlike other Poke Bowl shops which are typically a grab-and-go concept, there are seating spaces next door.

The interior was part-Hawaiian tropical, part decorated with pinky flamingos – at least it has some personality. Coffee is from Sarnies.

Dining here could make use feel more relaxed, as you are surrounded by greens with chill-chill vibes.

5 basic bowls are offered, along with a DIY “Build you own bowl” option. They are:

– The Nani Tofu ($14, $16)
Brown rice, tofu, seaweed salad, mixed vegetables, edamame, almonds, miso dressing

– The Wikiwiki Salmon ($14, $16)
Kombu rice & quinoa, salmon, jalapeno, kimchi, almonds, avocado, chipotle mayo

– The Pupule Tuna ($14, $16)
Mixed vegetables, tuna, tobiko, jalapeno, walnuts, fried shallots, house spicy sweet sauce

– The Ono Hamachi ($16, $18)
Kumbu rice, hamachi, edamame, seaweed salad, pickled ginger, tobiko, ponzu & wasabi

– The Koa Wagyu ($16, $18)
Braised Wagyu beef, kumbu rice, mixed vegetables, fried shallots, slow cooked egg, almonds

Prices seem a notch higher than the regular Poke Bowl shop, but customers may be prepared to pay more due to the available seating area, and variety of ingredients.

I ordered the Wikiwiki Salmon, and some might like that there were a lot going on in a single bowl, as if it was more value-for-money. A bit of kimchi here, some avocado there.

The pickled jalapeno added some kick, though the many pieces could be distracting if you want the fresh taste of fish to be the focus.

In terms of taste and freshness (I probably have tried 90% of the Poke Bowl shops in Singapore), this bowl would rank somewhere in the middle. Perhaps heartier portions would have helped.

An area Loloku would look into would be organisation and processes, somehow lacking the clockwork preciseness to deliver the food fast and efficiently. I observed that the servers weren’t sure what exactly to include into each bowl, there were some putting in and taking out… but perhaps it was also still in its opening weeks.

Loloku
1 Keong Saik Road, The Working Capitol Building #01-05 Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 6223 5001
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.00pm – 9.00pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat – Sun

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

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Wok Hey, which is usually spelt as “Wok Hei”, literally translates to “breathe of the wok”.

It is what we as diners usually pursue in zi char dishes, and can be used to distinguish between outstanding stalls, and the not-so-impressive.

Not all chefs are able to achieve fullness of that, and can be a test to their skills especially in the field of Cantonese wok cooking.

Located at the basement of Bugis Junction Food Street, it is not difficult to miss the stall from its huge yellow signboard which screams “WOK HEY”.

Wok Hey is a takeaway kiosk, and its menu showcases zi char staples in cylindrical shapes, which I initially thought was a ‘cousin’ of Food Anatomy.

Until I noticed the text in italic fine print, “Pictures are for illustration purposes only”.

Here’s what I am skeptical about: Wok hei is usually achieved in restaurants and zi char eateries under conditions of intense heat. Can they do this within a kiosk of space constraints?

There are four items to choose from, and available in basic form:
– Egg Fried Rice ($5)
– Shanghai Fried Rice ($5.50)
– Fresh Ramen ($6)
– Fresh Udon ($6)

For meat lovers, simply add $0.80 for Grilled Chicken and $1.80 for Braised Beef or Seasoned Prawns option. Additional toppings are also available at $1 top-up.

Interesting to note, the range of toppings ingredients spans from Sous Vide Egg, Thai Asparagus, Brussel Sprouts, Tobiko to “Lap Cheong” (Chinese sausage). This could add a notch of premium-ness to ordinary egg fried rice.

While waiting for your order, you can also find entertainment in observing the wok masters doing their stir-fry tricks. Like imparting “qigong” which embed the smoky wok fragrance into every order.

So, WOK HEY got WOK HEI or not?

It was evident that all four items had an alluring wok hei aroma. I also liked how the usage of Japanese rice gave an additional bite texture to the fried rice.

However, taste turned out to be bland, and lacked the robustness expected from fried rice. Perhaps it was also because the combination toppings didn’t work out well.

The fried ramen and udon had a stronger savory note, though could be on the sweet side. Also not too sure about the texture this time.

While waiting for my orders, I overheard a couple who went:
“Looks interestingly leh, want to try?”
“Don’t want lah, so expensive for fried rice and looks so little.”

True that, you can easily get wok hei fried rice from zi char stall at half the price and twice the portion.

Good to announce Wok Hey has ’Wok Hei’.

It is still enjoyable to customize your own zi char staples with varied ingredients, which should gather some love from the nearby office crowd which would like easy take-away convenience.

Without the heat.

Wok Hey
200 Victoria Street #B1-K3, Bugis Junction, Singapore 188021
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Daily
https://www.facebook.com/wokheysg/

* Written by Lewis Tan @juicyfingers, a self-proclaimed coffee addict. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Canton Paradise has opened a new outlet at Marina Bay Sands, complete with a swanky interior, lots of natural light (when you dine during the day-time), and lively atmosphere.

Now you know where to go when you are looking for ALL-DAY dim sum, roast specialties, Hong Kong style congee and noodles, and Cantonese wok-fried dishes at MBS. I reckon that many are still unaware of this new branch.

This 6th outlet of Canton Paradise is located at The Shoppes L1-02 Bay Level (closer to the theatre side), directly above the skating rink.

[If you have an OCBC Card, do check out the promotions that you can enjoy at Paradise Group of Restaurants. For the current promotion till 28 April 2017, you get to enjoy a dish of Superior Soy Seasoned Chicken at Canton Paradise for only S$1 with a minimum spend of S$30.]

With quality dim sum and Cantonese cuisine all day, here are 10 highlight dishes you can find at Canton Paradise’s new outlet at Marina Bay Sands:

Handmade Meatball Congee (S$9.80)
The consistency of this Cantonese style congee should stand out. As I scooped up a spoonful, I could tell by appearance that it had a velvety smooth and silky texture.

Using a combination of Japanese pearl and Thailand fragrant jasmine rice, this is a result of dedicated effort by the chefs who constantly stir the pot to ensure its uniformity.

It reminded me of a good old Hong Kong style congee, looking pearly-white and plain, but tasty enough. I also liked the pork meatballs which were freshly prepared by hand, and had a firm elastic bite.

Dried Shrimps Noodle (S$11.80)
I seldom find Dried Shrimp Noodles (also known as ‘ha zi meen’) in Singapore, at least good ones, so I knew I needed to order this.

The dish was frankly not bad, using springy noodles imported weekly from Hong Kong, tossed in dried shrimp roe powder that wasn’t too salty. I liked that the noodles weren’t clumped together as well.

Its accompanying bowl of soup prepared using dried ocean-dwelling flatfish, fresh chicken and pork ribs made a worthy appetising ‘side-kick’.

Roast Specialities – Superior Soy Seasoned Chicken (U.P. S$13.80, S$1 for OCBC Credit/Debit Cardmembers. T&Cs apply)
Canton Paradise is popular for its array of roast specialities such as the Crispy Roast Duck (S$17.80), Crackling Pork Belly (S$18.80) and melt-in-the-mouth BBQ Pork Belly with Honey Sauce (S$22.80).

Do not miss the Superior Soy Seasoned Chicken, where you can savour the succulence and flavours for ONLY S$1 with your OCBC Card (with a minimum spend of S$30, U.P. S$13.80).

Double-boiled Superior Chicken Soup (S$12.80, with Penny Bun S$14.80)
Mums should like this. A nourishing bowl of clear chicken soup cooked for 7-8 hours, containing tender fall-off-the-bone kampong chicken thigh within. Comforting.

Dried Sakura Shrimps with Scallion Oil Tofu (S$13.80)
Possibly one of my favourite dishes at Canton Paradise – just simple, unassuming tofu.

The tofu was ultra-smooth, turned out that it was prepared using mineral water and premium soy beans which would lead to a silkier texture. The slab was topped with Japanese Sakura shrimps which added some crisp and saltiness. I found that this dish paired well with congee.

Steamed Molten Salted Egg Yolk Custard Piggy Bun (S$6.80/3 pieces)
Too CUTE to eat, and you just couldn’t resist taking a few more photos to cute-tify your Instagram gallery.

Sometimes I would discount the taste of ‘instagrammable’ food, because somethings gotta give. Yah?

These adorable pinky piggy buns actually turned out to be quite tasty – lightly savoury and sweet at the same time. All three flowed molten salted egg yolk lava, added with a touch of vanilla essence to enhance the taste of the filling.

Steamed White Chocolate with Walnut Charcoal Bun (S$2.90/piece)
A bamboo charcoal powder bun with white chocolate and walnut fillings. This was one dim sum dish that didn’t quite work for me – wished that there were more ingredients on the inside. Perhaps having it as a lava version could have worked better?

Chinese-style Sweet Red Bean Pastry in a Bag (S$6.80/3 pieces)
For something sweet after the meal, have these crumbly, delicate pastries filled with soft, sweet red bean.

Durian Pudding (S$5.60)
I have a love-hate relationship with durian, so am not the best person to critique this dessert. But would intrigue enough people to order.

The aroma was strong, and durian flavour was definitely game-on. Try it and let me know. (Tip of the day: have a mint after.)

Hong Kong Milk Tea (S$3.20 for hot, S$4.00 for cold)
Quite authentic Hong Kong Milk Tea – was smooth with slightly bitterness, and a literally cool touch by the placement of the bottle in a container of crushed ice.

Canton Paradise Marina Bay Sands
2 Bayfront Avenue #01-02 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Singapore 018972 
Tel: +65 6688 7052
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 10:30pm, Last Order 10:00pm (Mon – Thu)
10:30am – 11:00pm, Last Order 10:30pm (Fri – Sun, Eve of PH, PH)

Unbelievable S$1 Deals with OCBC Cards
Other than the S$1 Superior Soy Seasoned Chicken at Canton Paradise, look out for other irresistible S$1 deals across all 10 Paradise Group concepts.

S$1 Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Chinese Herbs at Paradise Classic
Indulge in your favourite soup at any Paradise Classic outlets for a health boost! At just S$1 (U.P. S$24.80) with a minimum spend of S$30.

S$1 Tom Yum Soup with Sea Prawns at ParaThai
Enjoy this firepot at just S$1 (U.P. S$19.90) with a minimum spend of S$30, and complete your Thai experience.

S$1 Drink at LeNu
With every order of noodles, you can now order a drink of your choice at just S$1 (U.P. S$2).

S$1 Per 100g Sri Lankan Crab at Seafood Paradise
Indulge in your favourite Sri Lankan Crab with sweet succulent meat and tasty roe at just S$1 per 100g for one crab, with every S$80 spent at Seafood Paradise, limited to 2 redemptions per bill per table.

S$1 Braised Sliced Duck at Paradise Teochew Restaurant
Authentic taste of this classic dish at just S$1 (U.P. S$18) with a minimum spend of S$50 at Paradise Teochew Restaurant.

S$1 Poached Rice with Assorted Seafood in Lobster Broth at Taste Paradise
At just $1 (U.P. S$32) with a minimum spend of S$60 at Taste Paradise.

S$1 Assorted Balls Platter at Paradise Hotpot
Assorted Balls Platter consists of four different types of handmade balls. Available at just S$1 (U.P. S$11) with a minimum spend of S$30.

S$1 Otak-otak Fish Paste at Beauty in The Pot
Inspired by the Asian delight otak-otak, savour the creation of spicy and savour Otak-otak Fish Paste at just S$1 (U.P. S$10) with a minimum spend of S$50.

S$1 Specialty Xiao Long Bao at Paradise Dynasty
Savour the unique eight flavours of this traditional delicacy at just S$1 (U.P. S$14.80) with a minimum spend of S$30.

Promotional offers are valid till 28 April 2017, except on eve of and public holidays. Other terms and conditions apply. For more information, head over to www.ocbc.com/diningdeals.

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

The post Canton Paradise – NEW Outlet At Marina Bay Sands + Unbelievable S$1 Deals At Paradise Group of Restaurants appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Looks like Kaisendon 海鮮丼 where you can freshly cubed sashimi cubes on rice, is getting even more popular in Singapore.

This is probably fueled by Japanese food-loving diners who crave for a filling yet healthy meal.

Kaisen Tei 海鮮亭 by Ministry Of Food (MOF) has opened at Level 3 of 313@somerset serving Kaisendon and Curry Rice bowls.

(Click PLAY for video of Kaisen Tei at 313@somerset.)

It also looks set to expand with outlets at Raffles Place (GSH Plaza) and Novena (United Square) in the coming months.

What is Kaisendon?

Essentially cut sashimi pieces such as salmon, maguro and hamachi on rice, in which ‘don’ is the abbreviation of ‘donburi’ – which means rich bowl dish. In Singapore, the fishes used are typically cubed, and tossed with sauces before serving.

Over at Kaisen Tei, you can choose from the signature donburi options, or DIY for a personalized bowl.

I went straight for the Signature Kaisendon ($16), considered value-for-its-money with 3 types of fishes – salmon, maguro (tuna), mekajiki (swordfish), mini hotate (scallop), and ikura (salmon roe) in a single bowl.

A KaisenSalad ($16) option is also available.

You may realise that the rice is stickier than the regular Japanese rice. That is because Akitakomachi Rice is used, a premium short-grain rice from the Akita prefecture known for its mildly sweet taste and sticky texture. Because the water content is high, the grain stays plump.

Accordingly, filtered water is used in the food preparation as this will result in more appetising food (no chlorinated water taste), and cleaner fruits and vegatables.

Other than the freshness of the ingredients, I find that the seasoning plays an essential part in Kaisendon.

The house-made Kaisen sauce is created by Japanese Head Chef Sonoda Kazunori, and the sashimi are seasoned only upon ordering. Only the fish is mixed with this sauce, not the rice, so that you won’t find the entire bowl overly flavoured.

That touch of sweet-soy and vinegary dressing felt balanced overall, without being too light, or heavy such that you don’t get appreciate the raw fish to its fullness.

When you order a DIY bowl ($11 for two choice, $16 for 4 choice of fish), you get the option of a preferred sauce of the four available – Kaisen, Wasabi Wafu, Yuzu and Sanzoku.

My personal recommendation is to go for the Kaisen for rice bowls, and Wafu or Yuzu for a salad base as the tanginess compliments well with greens.

Other varieties on the menu include Aburi Salmon Don, Ikura Don, Hotate Don, Negitoro Don, and a selection of Japanese curry rice such as Chicken Katsu Curry, Ebi Curry and Korokke Curry.

I say go straight for the Pork Katsu Curry ($16.80) because KUROBUTA pork is used for the cutlet, and the pork chops are known to be exceptionally juicy and packed with flavour.

A distinctive difference I noted was that the pork was tender yet still had a firm bite, and relatively crisp even though it was taken straight off from the display counter. I would have wished the meats were freshly fried, but there were some space constraints.

Kasien Tei’s edge is in its seasoning, fluffy rice, and the flexibility in allowing diners to personalise their donburi. Great for a healthy takeaway meal.

As there are many similar shops out there, perhaps it can continue to innovate for more interesting varieties and seasonings, to stand out from its competition.

Kaisen Tei
313@somerset, 313 Orchard Road, #03-41, Singapore 238895 (Somerset MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:00pm (Mon – Thurs, Sun, PH),
11:30am – 10:30pm (Eve of PH, Fri, Sat)
https://www.facebook.com/Kaisen-Tei-1938802393007850

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Ministry of Food.

The post Kaisen Tei – Signature Kaisendon, KaisenSalad And Curry Rice Shop Opens At 313@somerset appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.