“Nesuto” which means “Nest” in Japanese is the latest concept by the folks behind SHUU by KOKI Tamagoyaki – a food kiosk located at the basement of at Raffles City Shopping Centre. I think SHUU has one of the BEST choux puffs in Singapore.

They have expanded with Nesuto with a full dine-in patisserie.

When asked about the meaning behind “Nesuto”, their inspiration was drawn from their sister outlet – Tamagoyaki which has Tamago (aka “eggs”) in the name, which can be inferred to a Nest (”Nesuto”).

The menu offers a selection of Japanese-French inspired desserts.

However, I couldn’t help but recall that Chef Yamashita, Flor Patisserie, and to some extent Henri Charpentier, all similar concepts which are located in the vicinity.

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

The desserts were so dainty and delicate, that some customers couldn’t help but to take multiples photos of them, and with them.

Signature items include Suzette ($9.80), Blush Berry ($9) and Yuzu Raspberry Cake ($9).

The Suzette ($9.80) was named after the Crepe Suzette (and not the Suzette at the Esplanade) due to the similarity in the components.

Breaking through the thin Santiago tart, revealed the cross-sectional area with 3 distinct layers of 35% Grand Marnier crémeux, vanilla cream and orange caramel respectively.

The entire combination was soft and light, with a moist, citrusy layer of orange caramel that blended well with the distinctive vanilla cream, best paired with Hojicha or Dong Ding Tea.

Oishii desu!

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

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

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

Perhaps the first 2 desserts were slightly above expectations, the Matcha Azuki Tart ($8.80) was unfortunately the weakest link.

Made using 35% chantilly cream, matcha nama ganache and Azuki beans, the tart was somewhat dry and without a buttery fragrant.

The saving grace was the matcha nama ganache, made using the same “Gyomuyo Maccha” powder as the choux puffs at KOKI Tamagoyaki with a distinct tinge of bitterness that matcha lovers should adore.

Hidden under the layer of matcha nama ganache was a thin layer Azuki beans to complement with the bitterness from the matcha, well, the classic combination.

Nesuto may not be fully equipped with the display chiller and furniture, but they are off to a promising start in terms of their offerings.

Nesuto
53 Tras Street, #01-01, Singapore 078992 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 8.30pm (Mon-Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/dear.nesuto/

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

The post Nesuto – Japanese Style Cake Café With Yuzu Raspberry Cake And Matcha Azuki Tart, At Tanjong Pagar appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

[Tokyo] I must admit there was something about the slicing of the wobbly Japanese Omurice at Taimeiken that was oddly satisfying.

Taimeikan is established in 1931, known to be a pioneering Western style Japanese restaurant that specialises in Yoshoku cuisine.

Yoshuku cuisine gained popularity in Japan after 1868 when a ban was lifted by the Meiji emperor.

Western influenced food in the likes of tonkatsu (pork cutlet), spaghetti, cream stews, gratin and hamburg steak became accepted widely by the Japanese.

This restaurant at Nihonbashi, about a 15 minute walk from Tokyo Station, is famous for its Omurice – omelette plus rice.

There are also other items on its menu such as Spaghetti, Deep Fried Pork Loin, Beef Steak, Ramen and Rice dishes, but most tables I observed had that longish omurice somewhere there. (There have been mixed reviews about this restaurant, so am not too sure of its other food.)

Another reason why Taimeiken is so well known. Japanese film “Tampopo” was filmed in its premises, and one of the signature dishes – the Omurice was part of an important scene.

It is no wonder that their version is also called the “Tampopo Omurice”.

The key difference between the “Tampopo Omurice” is that the omelette rests on a bed of fried rice, rather than having the rice being stuffed inside.

They serve both varieties, with the wrapped omurice coming in choices of the basic (¥1700), Beef (¥1950), and Prawn (¥1950).

Add the Taimeiken specialty sides of Borsch soup and Coleslaw, both sold at ¥50 – a price they kept since the beginning days of the restaurant.

After coming all the way here, and waiting in line for about half hour (considered short as I came during the tail-end of lunch), I just had to order both the Tampopo Omurice (¥1950) and Tampopo Beef Omurice (¥2650). It was considered relatively expensive for a SGD$33 rice.

The excitement came when the bright yellow egg was served on your table, hands holding a fork and knife wondering which direction you should go.

Then, it just happened.

SLICE, OPEN, FLOW.

The hidden surprise. It was like the omelette was pregnant with wet and fluffy scrambled egg. I am a sucker for such things.

The fried rice at the bottom was delightful as well, and there was something about their sweetish ketchup that made the overall combination delightful.

I preferred this to the beef version, only because the amount of heavy demi-glace sauce distracted me from the goodness and softness of the egg.

Just so you know, “Tampopo” means dandelion, and therefore the action of cutting it open is like a flower blooming.

Taimeiken たいめいけん
1-12-10 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Nihonbashi Station – Asakusa, Tozai, Hibiya lines, Exit C5)
Opening hours: 11:00am – 9:00pm Last Order 8:30pm (Mon-Sat),
11:00am – 8.30pm, Last Order 8:00pm (Sun & PH)
Google Maps – Taimeiken

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Click HERE for other Tokyo Food Entries

* 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.

The post Taimeiken Tokyo – Soft, Fluffy Omurice. Oddly Satisfying When You Cut Through The Egg appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Do you know that Suntec City is home to more than 100 F&B outlets? You are literally spoilt for choices with the wide range of restaurants, cafes and kiosks within the mall.

We love Japanese food, and Suntec City boasts quite a number of Japanese F&B outlets with Eat At Seven (that’s 7 restaurants), Gudetama Café, Ginza Lion, Hoshino Coffee, Ramen Dining Keisuke Tokyo, Kuishin Bo, KURO Izakaya, Monster Curry Café & Bar (coming soon), Shabu Sai, Sumiya, Sushi Goshin by Akashi, and umisushi.

They are available in all four zones from North, East, West Towers and Fountain Court.

(Click PLAY for the Japanese food highlights of Suntec City.)

To help you navigate though the food options if you have cravings for Japanese cuisine, here are 12 HOTTEST Japanese Restaurants & Cafes You Can Find At Suntec City:

Gudetama Café Singapore
Suntec City, West Wing, #01-361/362/363/364
Tel: +65 6677 6195
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon-Sun)

Popular Theme Café Of Famous Sanrio Character Gudetama
“Gude-tamatama… Gude-tamatama” Fans of the popular Sanrio character Gudetama – the lazy, grumpy egg character that sleeps all day long, will be EGG-cited to see their favourite character right here at Suntec City.

This is a garden-themed 112 seater café, comprising of a main dining area and an indoor garden with a green wall and a Gudetama water fountain, with entire food menu revolving Gudetama.

We Recommend: Gudetama Lobster Onsen
There are too many instagrammable, cute dishes to choose from, such as “I’m Cold” Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict ($26.90), “Are You Busy” Burger ($27.50), TA-MA-GO sushi cakes ($17.90) and “Shoyu Ramen” Set ($21.50) which is actually a dessert. 

The Gudetama Lobster Onsen ($16.00) is worth a try, with velvety lobster bisque with a poached egg in bread bowl served with seasonal greens.

KURO Izakaya
Suntec City, East Wing, #01-604/605
Tel: +65 6235 1066
Opening hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon-Thu), 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11pm (Fri), 12pm – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10pm (Sat & Sun)

Japanese Gastrobar Firing Up Robatayaki, Kushiyaki and Small Plates
KURO Izakaya is ramen and donburi shop by day, and a Japanese gastrobar at night – catering to the nearby office crowd who needs to unwind and let their hair down.

Their name is inspired by “Kurobuta” with references in their dishes, that feature the sought-after porcine, wagyu and other charcoal grilled seafood.

Be it Hump Day, Happy Hours, or TGIF, there is a variety of more than 70 dishes available from the Robatayaki, Kushiyaki and small plates menu. Pair your food together with a wide selection of Sake and Whisky.

We Recommend: Kushiyaki Platter
Other than signature dishes of Onsen Tamago ($8), Wagyu Beef with Momotaro ($38) and Kurobuta Pork Jowl ($16), the Kushiyaki Platter ($18 for 6 sticks / $34 for 12 sticks) makes a great dish for sharing.

What you get include thin crispy chicken skin (our favourite), chicken, mushroom, pork, juicy scallop wrapped with bacon. All these with choice of 2 dips – Yuzu Pepper and Wasabi Roots. Certainly value for money.

Ginza Lion
Suntec City, East Wing, #01-650
Tel: +65 6836 6053
Opening hours: 11.30am – 10pm (Mon-Thu), 11.30am – 11pm (Fri), 12pm – 10pm (Sat-Sun)

Famous Beef Hall Established In Tokyo Since 1899
If you have walked past the glitzy streets of Ginza, you would have noticed Ginza Lion, which was started in Tokyo way back in 1899.

This is the first Japanese Beer Hall owned by the Sapporo Lion Group, specialising in quality draft beer.

It has expanded beyond Japan and into Singapore, offering Western-Japanese fusion dishes of Ginza Lion Platter ($75), Fried Chicken ($12 for 4pcs, $20 for 8pcs), Seafood Tomato Soup Style ($18 half / $26 Regular) and more.

We Recommend: Roast Black Angus Beef
Ginza Lion’s Roast Black Angus Beef ($18 for 150g / $26 for 250g) is a signature that was ‘inherited’ from the old beer hall in Japan.

From the photo alone, you can even tell that the roast beef resembles a steak, specially presented in a different way.

The slab was specially grilled using a far-infrared grill, giving the US Angus beef a tender and juicy quality. The slices were also interestingly pleasant when paired with wasabi and Japanese soy sauce. 

Kuishin Bo
Suntec City, Sky Garden, #03-333-337
Tel: +65 6341 9200
Opening hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm (Mon-Sun)

Japanese Buffet Featuring Over 100 Varieties Of Food Items
Kuishin Bo at Suntec City offers 100 over variety of buffet items ranging from all-time favourites like Zuwaigani, (snow crab legs), tempura prawns, eel, kaminabe (paper steamboat), oden, cha soba, udon, ginseng porridge as well as fluffy mochi.

For families, this Suntec outlet also has a “Kids Haven” section dedicated specially for children. Other than a kids-friendly spread, look out for the popcorn machine, candy floss machine and mini chocolate fountain.

We Recommend: Zuwaigani
Indulge in the fresh, juicy and succulent Zuwaigani (snow crab legs) which are available FREE FLOW, one of the highlights in Kuishin Bo available during dinner time.
 

Sumiya
Suntec City, Sky Garden, #03-332
Tel: +65 6235 1816
Opening hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm (Mon-Sun)

1st In Singapore Genshiyaki With Unique Sake Connoisseur Experience
Sumiya which means “Charcoal House” in Japanese, specialises in charcoal grilled items (as what their name implies) and fresh seafood air-flown into Singapore 2-3 times a week.

The menu is specially curated by Master Chef Naoki Tsuzuki, with a focus on Irori Genshiyaki, a traditional method of grilling over charcoal fire. During lunch time, get the Kaisen Bara Don Set ($25.80) which is popular among officer workers.

For sake lovers, look out for the digital sake dispensing machine that houses more than 20 different kinds of sake available in sampling portions, including one made by Master Chef Naoki Tsuzuki. This is possibly the first-in-Singapore circular Sake dispenser.

We Recommend: Mixed Seafood Can Can Mushi
This is something we couldn’t stop slurping. The Mixed Seafood Can Can Mushi ($68.80) arrived with a square-shaped hotpot. One of Sumiya’s signature items, this was inspired by the traditional method of Japanese hotpot in which fishermen would cook their freshly caught seafood in a metal tin can.

You will be given a choice of clear, tom yum, soy sauce, miso-based broth with garlic and dried chilli, each mouthful brimming with freshness from the seafood. 

We liked how the soup was rich with a tinge of spiciness, making this one of our favourite Japanese hotpots in Singapore.

Ichiban Boshi
Suntec City, Fountain of Wealth, #B1-111/163
Tel: +65 6238 7088
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon-Sun)

For Wide Selection Of Soba, Sushi, Sashimi And Set Meals
Singaporeans would be familiar with the Ichiban Boshi brand, known for its contemporary Japanese cuisine priced affordably.

No two Ichiban Boshi restaurants are the same. Exclusive to the Suntec City outlet is a Soba specialty menu, with 26 different soba dishes to choose from.

Freshly made daily and cooked upon ordering, the soba (buckwheat noodles) at this branch is popular with office workers and gym junkies for being high-protein, low-calorie.

We Recommend: Nishiki Shokado
The signature item is the Nishiki Shokado ($24.90) that is a complete set with a variety of food items from soba, BBQ unagi, salmon sashimi, assorted tempura, appetizer, chawanmushi and fruits.
 

Maguro-Donya Miura-Misaki-Kou Sushi and Dining (Eat At Seven)
Suntec City, Sky Garden, #03-314
Tel: +65 6684 5054
Opening hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm (Mon-Sat), 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm (Sun)

The Maguro (Tuna) and Sashimi Specialist
Home to 7 of Japan’s top food specialist concepts and restaurants within Eat At Seven, Maguro-Donya Miura-Misaki-Kou Sushi and Dining is one of the most renowned maguro (tuna) and sashimi wholesalers in Japan.

Diners at Suntec City can taste similar quality of maguro and sashimi that can rival those served in the best restaurants in Japan.

Tuna lovers can go for the Hon Maguro Megumi Trio Lunch Set ($49), Five Cuts Hon Maguro Sashimi ($49) and Megumi Hon Maguro Gunkan ($18).

We Recommend: Megumi Hon Maguro Gunkan
A Gunkan is a seaweed wrapped rice sushi, and this Megumi Hon Maguro Gunkan ($18) wins the battle with indulgence ingredients of with fatty otoro (tuna belly) on two rice balls, further topped with generous portion of ikura (salmon roe) and uni (sea urchin).

Tendon Kohaku 天丼琥珀 (Eat At Seven)
Suntec City, Sky Garden, #03-311
Tel: +65 6333 4386
Opening hours: 11.30am – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon-Sun)

Edomae Tendon That Captured The Heart Of Singaporeans
Specialising in Edomae Tendon, where bowls of Hokkaido rice are piled with tempura drizzled in a specially made sauce, Tendon Kohaku had been one of the top dining options at Suntec City.

We admit that we do brave the hour-long wait on weekends just to satisfy our tendon cravings.

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

But the bowl that stole our hearts was the Spicy Flavour Kotaku Tendon ($15) piled up with ingredients of long beans, mushroom, chicken breast, squid, crab stick, baby corn, and shrimp. VERY filling, very fulfilling.

Ramen Dining Keisuke Tokyo
Suntec City, West Wing, #02-391/392
Tel: +65 6337 7919
Opening hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon-Fri), 11.30am – 10pm (Sat-Sun)

Ramen King With Special Crab Stock Ramen and Niboshi Ramen
Chef Keisuke Takeda is no stranger to Singapore’s F&B scene with a total of 12 dining concepts in Singapore.

He is known for Japanese culinary dishes with a different touch inspired by his French cuisine background, and his ramen shops have constantly attracted long, long queues.

We Recommend: Niboshi Ramen
You get a variety of ramen from Crab Stock Ramen ($13.90), Miso Tonkotsu Ramen ($12.90), and Spicy Miso Tonkotsu Ramen ($13.90) here.

Exclusively at Ramen Dining Keisuke Tokyo is the Niboshi Ramen (dried fish stock ramen) made from a tailored combination of pork, chicken and fish stock and simmered over long hours for a flavourful and aromatic broth.

The Niboshi ramen (13.90, $18.90 for all toppings special) may look like a heavy portion, but in fact, the clear soup was light and refreshing on its own, distinctively different from the common Tonkotsu (pork-based) ramen. 

Sushi Goshin by Akashi
Suntec City, West Wing, #02-389/390
Tel: +65 6338 5760
Opening hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm (Mon-Sun)

Epicurean Concept With Over 100 Dishes
With over 100 dishes on the menu, Sushi Goshin uses the finest ingredients imported from Japan which are personally bought from Tsukiji market and air-flown to Singapore daily to maintain the freshness.

We Recommend: Botan Uni Chirashi Don
The hearty bowl of Botan Uni Chirashi Don ($28) was full of sashimi toppings, from salmon, tuna, salmon roe, uni to prawn.

Also look out for the $0.80 per piece sushi promotion, with a choice of up to 20 types of sushi. So worth it!
 

Hoshino Coffee
Suntec City, East Wing, #01-651/652
Tel: +65 6836 9881
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon-Fri), 10am – 10pm (Sat-Sun)

Hand-Dripped Coffee, and Soufflé Pancakes
Specialising in hand-dripped coffee and fluffy soufflé pancakes, Hoshino Coffee has launched new dishes to celebrate their 4th anniversary.

These include Hamburg Steak Plate served with rice or toast ($17.80), Angus Beef Steak Plate ($21.80), Beef Stew Plate ($18.80), “Omu Rice” & Angus Beef Steak Plate with salad ($18.80), Beef Stew “Omu” Rice ($16.80) and Fuwa Fuwa Hoshino Soufflé with Beef Stew Doria ($17.00).

We Recommend: Pancake Soufflé Style
Known for their soufflé pancakes, we had their seasonal spring menu – Pancake Soufflé Style with Strawberry ($14.50 for single/ $17.80 for double).

The soufflé was known to be soft and fluffy, freshly baked upon order, and therefore required a minimum of 20 minutes waiting time. 

Rive Gauche
Suntec City, East Wing, #B1-K2
Tel: +65 6238 0882
Opening hours: 10am – 9.30pm (Mon-Sun)

Cakes That Marry Passion And Artistry
When you walk past Rive Gauche at the basement of Suntec City, you may find their cakes hard to hard to resist;especially their signature Guanaja bitter sweet chocolate cake with a crispy bottom layer.

The name of the cake shop actually refers to the left bank of Seine River in France, and has been a hit with customers since 1992.

We Recommend: The Strawberry Shortcake
With a selection of French and Japanese pastries, one of the best sellers is the Strawberry shortcake, in signature Japanese light and fluffy style.

What you get is a sweet delight of sliced strawberries and freshly whipped cream sandwiched by two layers of sponge, complete with fresh strawberries on top.

A Chance To Dine For Free (till 21 May 2017)
With a minimum F&B spend of $30 in a single same-day receipt, receive 3,000 Suntec Rewards points, a ‘Match & Win’ card and a complimentary parking coupon. Collect 2 matching cards to win a $50 e-voucher. There are a total of $150,000 worth of rewards up for grabs.

On top of that, American Express® Card members will receive a complimentary $5 Suntec City voucher when they charge to their card.

Not to be missed are a plethora of 1-for-1 dining deals from participating tenants! For full deals listing, more information and other exciting events, click here.

Also, do not miss out on the 1855 Wine & Whisky Week and Urban Farmer’s Market happening till 30th April!

1855 Wine & Whisky Week
19 Apr to 30 Apr, Suntec City East Atrium
11am – 10pm

Urban Farmer’s Market
20 Apr to 30 Apr, Suntec City North Atrium
11am – 9pm

Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm
http://sunteccity.com.sg

* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape and Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary. This entry is brought to you in partnership with Suntec City.

The post 12 Japanese Restaurants & Cafes At Suntec City, To Dine Like You Are In Nippon appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

SSÄM, which offers a fusion of Korean and Mexican cuisine, has opened a pop-up shop at Golden Shoe Market Street serving rice and salad bowls. The pop-up should last till July.

The “SSÄMsational” concept is inspired by popular food trucks in the USA, where Korean Galbi can be mixed with Mexican salsa and spices.

Their original outlet is at Marina Bay Link Mall.

They took over the space left vacant by Mercado Spanish Food Market, which unfortunately lasted only for 3 to 4 months or so.

It was a pity really.

So what went wrong? It could have been a combination of a lack of awareness, not overly intuitive design, and general vibes of the place.

Over at SSÄM, Rice and Salad Bowls are priced from $8.00 to $9.50, considered reasonable when compared to competitors nearby.

The serving would come with a choice of kimchi rice or cilantro lime rice, paired with a protein such as pork belly and shoulder, topped with other ingredients such as fresh basil, tomato salsa and kimchi.

I had a Beef Short Rib Kimchi Rice Bowl ($9.50) in which the short ribs was marinated for 40 hours with a special Korean BBQ sauce, which gave the otherwise plainer rice slight burst of flavours.

Taste wise, if you are looking for Korean-Korean, then maybe you would be disappointed as the food was possibly made to taste healthier (you know what that means) to cater to the working crowd.

Therefore, they won’t be the strong bursts of spice or savouriness one may expect. But I did like the assortment of tangy-sweet flavours coming from the various toppings such as kimchi (which also somehow tasted more muted) and fruits.

Like its predecessor, SSÄM Korean Mexican Kitchen possibly lacked of the vibes and mood – there was no music played at all when I was dining (perhaps player was down).

This would be an opportunity to do some brand building for its other shop at Marina Bay Link Mall and other delivery concepts. It could do a lot, a lot better with some publicity. Because, food was not too bad.

SSÄM Korean Mexican Kitchen
Golden Shoe Centre, 50 Market Street #01-23, Singapore 048940 (Raffles Place MRT)
Tel: +65 6532 2155
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 3:00pm (Mon – Fri)

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* 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.

The post SSÄM Korean Mexican Kitchen – Korean Inspired Rice & Salad Bowls At Raffles Place appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Lava Toasts, Shibuya toasts and Over The Top Milkshakes were once trending food posts on multiple social media platforms.

The hype didn’t last THAT long though. As expected.

Meet & Melt did get into the some limelight due to selling all these instagrammable food.

They started off in the heartlands of Tampines, subsequently opened their second outlet at Scape, and has further expanded to the west(gate) as Bojio Cafe. Kind of a cheesy name, you think? At least, people can likely recall.

“Bojio” is a casual Hokkien term which means “never invite someone along”, commonly used among Singaporeans.

Bojio Cafe may not be the trendsetter for the Lava Toasts, which started from The Bakery Chef, or the Shibuya Toast from Dazzling Café, or even the OTT Milkshakes from Benjamin Browns, but they have incorporated every single one of these “Instagram-worthy” desserts on their menu.

Hmm… I wonder if this is a good sign?

Oh well, I guess it can be convenient to have a taste of everything at one single place.

While the name of this cafe may be different from Meet & Melt, the menu is somewhat, or should I say exactly, the same.

There is an extensive selection of Ice Cream ($3.20/ $5.80), Sundae ($9.90/ $12.90), Waffle ($11.90/ $14.90), Over-The-Top Milkshakes ($14.90), Monster Milkshakes ($19.90), Melt Toast ($12.90-$18.90) and Lava Toast ($15.90-$16.90).

My favourite was the Raclette Cheese Toast ($18.90) that came with a single scoop of ice cream.

Imagine that ‘therapeutic’ feeling when hot melting, stretching raclette cheese flowed down onto the warm toast.

Even though the Raclette Cheese Toast did not look as colourful (and appetizing) as the other items on the menu, the balance between the savoury cheese and sweet, buttery toast felt just right.

The Lava Toast was offered in 2 versions: Original ($15.90) and Charcoal ($16.90), and another signature item on the menu.

Plus, this is one of the most extensive number of flavours for the lava fillings to choose from, 12 in fact, from Mentaiko, Thai Milk Tea, Green Milk Tea, Salted Egg, Earl Grey to Peanut Butter.

Worth mentioning is the one and only savoury Lava Toast with Mentaiko fillings on the menu at an additional $2, sufficient to be a meal on its own.

Torched mentaiko on the surface of the toast with a smoky touch, coupled with mentaiko mayonnaise in the lava fillings, sounds like something I can easily hit the maximum calorie intake for an entire day.

I would suggest getting the Original Toast instead of the Charcoal Toast as the latter was denser and drier, without the buttery fragrance.

If you ever see your friends uploading their pretty desserts onto social media without you, don’t say “bojio” because it’s legibly a “Bojio Cafe”.

Bojio Cafe
Westgate Mall, 3 Gateway Dr, #02-28, Singapore 608532
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm (Mon-Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/CafeBoJio/

Other Related Entries
Meet & Melt (Scape)
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Apiary (Neil Road)
Birds Of Paradise (East Coast Road)

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

The post Bojio Café – Don’t Say Bojio. Raclette Cheese Lava Toasts and OTT Milkshakes At Westgate appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

There are more modern Peranakan style restaurants opening in Singapore. Perhaps many are attempting to bridge the gap between the heritage cuisisne with younger diners which may not be that familiar with Nyonya food.

Tingkat PeraMakan has just opened at 119 Owen Road, which is a more casual outlet compared to its main restaurant at Keppel Club.

PeraMakan is a play of words “Peranakan” meaning “local-born” and “Makan”, a Malay word for “to eat”.

While there is ‘tingkat’ in its name, the food is not served in the layered containers. It is to represent the image of bringing tasty home cooked meals to the family.

I liked that there is a ‘no-frills’ menu which allows you to order sets for the individual. Therefore, you can have an entire rice meal with main, two side dishes, a drink and dessert for a price of $10 to $15.

This is considered very affordable, as Peranakan dishes are typically priced higher up due to intensive labour and time needed to cook.

There were choices of Ayam Kleo, Ayam Sio, Babi Pongtay, Nyonya Pork Ribs, Sambal Sotong, Sambal Ikan, Ikan Garam Assam and of course the quintessential Ayam Buak Keluak for the sets.

I went for the Beef Rendang set ($14), of shin beef braised in spicy coconut sauce, served with Serondeng. Serondeng is a type of spicy fried grated coconut flakes.

The beef was delightfully fork-tender, and the gravy thick without being overly spicy.

The other side dishes were adequately decent. If I needed to nit-pick, I thought that the Nyonya Chap Chye could have been cooked softer, and Omelette needed more chinachalok for more kick.

The Nyonya Mah Mee ($7.80) was something I seldom see in other restaurants. It is a type of
Peranakan-style wheat & rice noodles fried with seafood in a rich prawn stock, further garnisheed with egg omelette and cucumber.

This reminded me of the local Hokkien mee, except that it had more varied ingredients which added some crunch. Appetising, though could work with slightly more wok-hei.

There are other specialty dishes such as Otak Otak Makanan Laut, Sambal Sotong, Babi Pongtay, Ikan Garam Assam, Nyonya Assam Laksa, Beef Rendang, Ayam Buah Keluak, Durian Chendol, and Nyonya Ngoh Hiang to order, along with a selection of home-made kueh kueh sold at the counter. (FYI, they also have a kiosk at Orchard Tangs basement.)

In terms of taste, Peranakan food ‘purists’ could be looking at more robustness in the food.

At that price point, I think Tingkat PeraMakan is positioned where it could appeal to younger families, yet satisfy their cravings for Nyonya food.

Tingkat PeraMakan
119 Owen Road Singapore 218924 (Farrer Park MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 3:00pm, 6:00pm – 10:00pm (Tues – Sun, Closed Mon

Other Related Entries
Candlenut (Dempsey)
Baba Chews (East Coast Road)
House Of Peranakan Petit (Tiong Bahru)
The Peranakan (Orchard)
Tok Panjang (East Coast Road)

* 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.

The post Tingkat PeraMakan – Affordable Peranakan Food With Full Sets From $10, At Owen Road appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Hot on the heels after BAKE Cheese Tart, LeTao and Hattendo have opened in Singapore, the famous PABLO Cheese Tart from Osaka looks set to be the next.

The location will be at down-town Orchard. They will be taking over the space left vacant by Omakase Burger at Wisma Atria, which has moved to Picnic Food Park upstairs.

Pablo is branded as “The most famous cheese tarts from Japan”, and are also available in Kuala Lumpur at 1 Utama Shopping Centre Old Wing Level 2; Jakarta at Gandaria City Mall UG floor; and Bangkok at Siam Paragon.

The popular tart, like a piece of art, derived its name from artist Pablo Picasso.

In Japan, the modern-day desserts emphasize more on odorokashi, a play on words that means “desserts with an element of surprise”.

Pablo reflects that notion, and just like choosing the doneness of a steak, there is an option of “Medium or Rare” for the filling.

The latter is more molten and flowy, but is unavailable in outlets outside Japan. Sad!

Singaporeans should like the Matcha Cheese Tart – encased within the golden, flaky crust and filled to the brim is the matcha filling that eluded a fragrant tea aroma.

Look out here for updates!

PABLO Cheese Tart Singapore
Wisma Atria Shopping Centre, 435 Orchard Road #01-02/38, Singapore 238877 (Orchard MRT)
(Opening Soon)

Other Related Entries
PABLO (Bangkok)
BAKE Cheese Tart (ION Orchard)
LeTao (ION Orchard)
Châteraisé Café (Toa Payoh)
Hattendo (Tanjong Pagar)

* 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.

The post PABLO Cheese Tart Singapore – Coming To Singapore At Orchard Wisma Atria appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Hello May! Food news that should get foodies excited – famous Japanese café and cake brands Omotesando Koffee and PABLO Cheese Tart will be opening up in Singapore.

Not forgetting Bangkok’s April’s Bakery popular for Thai milk tea pies, and Taiwan’s Le Castella known for its instagrammable jiggly sponge cakes, have both set foot at Tampines itself.

Here are 10 NEW Cafes In Singapore May 2017, including 3 cake and ice cream shops worthy of mention:

Also read:
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore April 2017
10 New Cafes In Singapore March 2017
14 New Cafes In Singapore February 2017

Châteraisé Café Singapore
Blk 490, Toa Payoh Lorong 6, #01-15, Singapore 310490
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 9:30pm Daily

Café Concept With Hokkaido Milk Latte and Cheese Tarts At Toa Payoh
Châteraisé’s outlet at Toa Payoh is different. It incorporates a sit-down café, though the sitting space indoors could be limited.

This café concept serves up Hokkaido Milk Latte, Caramel Latte, Vanilla Latte and Coffee with Hokkaido Fresh cream ($5.00 for hot, $5.80 for iced).

Cakes wise, popular favourites include White Zebra Caramel (that’s like a Mille Crepe Cake), Green Zebra, Crispy Chocolate Cake, Fluffy Cream Rolls and animal-shaped ones. Look out for the Hokkaido style cheese tarts, looking suspiciously like BAKE Cheese Tart, right down to the packaging. Châteraisé Singapore (Toa Payoh)

Rive Gauche Patisserie
CityLink Mall, #B1-16, Singapore 039393
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 9.30pm (Mon-Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/rive.patisserie

Cafe Concept With Guanaja And Strawberry Softserve At Citylink Mall
Being one of the longest standing Japanese-French inspired patisserie around in Singapore since 1992, Rive Gauche has recently opened their flagship store in Citylink Mall (opposite Starbucks).

While all of the cakes, choux puffs and macarons are similar in all their takeaway outlets, drip coffee and softserve are exclusive items here at this dine-in outlet.

Available in 2 flavours – the classic Guanaja ($7.80) and Strawberry ($6.80). By the way, this reminds me of the flavour selection for McDonald’s Sundaes. Chocolate lovers should enjoy the Guanaja Softserve ($7), which came with chunks of chocolate sponge hidden beneath all the toppings. Rive Gauche Patisserie (CityLink Mall)

Nesuto
53 Tras Street, #01-01, Singapore 078992 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 8.30pm (Mon-Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/dear.nesuto/

Japanese Style Cake Café With Yuzu Raspberry Cake And Matcha Azuki Tart
“Nesuto” which means “Nest” in Japanese is the latest concept by the folks behind SHUU by KOKI Tamagoyaki.

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

The menu offers a selection of Japanese-French inspired desserts. Signature items include Suzette ($9.80), Blush Berry ($9) and Yuzu Raspberry Cake ($9).

The Yuzu Raspberry Cake ($9) is made with yuzu meringue mousse and chunks of fresh raspberries, the citrusy and tanginess of the fruits cut through entire combination, making the cake light and refreshing. Nesuto (Tras Street)

V Cafe 브이카페
26 Keong Saik Road Singapore 089133 (Outram Park MRT)
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 9:15pm (Mon – Fri), 12:00pm – 9:15pm (Sat – Sun)

Off Goes Banana Tree, In Comes A Korean Bingsu Café
So, Banana Tree has said its goodbye, and reopened as “V Cafe 브이카페”.

Although the signboard of V Cafe looks similar, products are comparable, interior alike, and staff is retained, the café is under a different management team.

The other food items include a variety of Thick Toast such as Classic Honey ($8) and Nutella Banana ($14), Sandwiches ($6 – $8), Soda and Latte ($6 – $6.50).

Most people come for the Bingsu, with offerings such as Patbingsu ($12.50), Black Sesame ($14.50), Choco-holic ($14.50), Choco Banana ($13.50), Oreo Crush ($13.50, and Matcha ($12.50). V Café (Keong Saik)

Enchanted
88 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218374
Tel: +65 8813 1086
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Tue – Fri), 10am – 11pm (Sat), 10am – 9pm (Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/EnchantedCafeSg

Fantasy Themed Café With Elixir Drinks. Charming Interior For #OOTDs
Enchanted is a charming café beautifully done up with a fantasy theme, found at 88 Rangoon Road. #OOTD alert.

It serves a range of hearty brunch menu such as Big Breakkie ($17.90), Croque Madame ($14.90), Pesto Linguine ($15.90) and Shakshuka ($16.90).

Hmmm… sounds a little average, lacking of more fairy-tale themed food which one would expect.

For drinks, the Sorcerer’s Elixir ($9.90) would probably garner some Instagram worthiness with its presentation, as well as changing colours upon mixing two potions together. Enchanted (Rangoon Road)

Six By Sera
89 Rangoon Road, #01-03 Urban Lofts Singapore 218375 (Farrer Park MRT Exit B)
Tel: +65 9652 8141
Opening hours: 12:00pm – 9:00pm (Tues – Fri), 10:00am – 10:00pm (Sat), 10:00am – 9:00pm (Sun). Closed Mon

Freshly Bakes Pastries, And Coffee
Everything is freshly baked at Six By Sera and most of the fillings are also homemade.

The signatures include Smoky Pork Croissant ($12.90, weekends only), Scrambled eggs & Bacon Croissant ($10.90), Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake ($5.90) and interesting sounding Cheesecake Croissant ($6.60).

Also look out for the savoury donuts which come in 3 flavours of Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese and Truffle Oil, Cheeseburger (Minced beef & Cheddar topped with Jalapeño) and Bacon and Mozzarella.

Bojio Café
Westgate Mall, 3 Gateway Dr, #02-28, Singapore 608532
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm (Mon-Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/CafeBoJio/

Raclette Cheese Lava Toasts and OTT Milkshakes At Westgate
Meet & Melt has further expanded to the west(gate) as Bojio Cafe. Kind of a cheesy name, you think? At least, people can likely recall.

There is an extensive selection of Ice Cream ($3.20/ $5.80), Sundae ($9.90/ $12.90), Waffle ($11.90/ $14.90), Over-The-Top Milkshakes ($14.90), Monster Milkshakes ($19.90), Melt Toast ($12.90-$18.90) and Lava Toast ($15.90-$16.90).

The Lava Toast has one of the most extensive number of flavours of fillings to choose from, 12 in fact, from Mentaiko, Thai Milk Tea, Green Milk Tea, Salted Egg, Earl Grey to Peanut Butter.

My favourite was the Raclette Cheese Toast ($18.90) that came with a single scoop of ice cream. Bojio Café (Westgate)

Hokkaido Ice Cream Puff
35 Haji Lane Singapore 189224
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 8:00pm (Mon – Fri), 11:00am – 8:30pm (Sat – Sun)

Freshly Baked Puff With Fat Scoop Of Ice Cream At Haji Lane
Hokkaido Ice Cream Puff has opened at 35 Haji Lane, offering crispy-type puffs with a fat scoop of ice cream sandwiched in between.

First things first, Hokkaido Ice Cream Puff is not exactly from Japan, but a franchise chain that originated from Malaysia. It also has stores in Brunei.

A puff priced at SGD$3.90 in Singapore, and RM3.80 if you buy it up north in Malaysia, FYI.

The freshly baked puff was the highlight, with a fragrant crisp on the outer layer. Unfortunately, it was marred by the generic-tasting ice cream – not quite ‘Hokkaido’ in texture or taste. Hokkaido Ice Cream Puff (Haji Lane)

Le Castella
10 Tampines Central 1, #B1 -32 Singapore 529536

Popular Fluffy Castella Cake With Cheese
Le Castella 樂古早味蛋糕 originated from Taiwan, has created its version of jiggly blocks of cake with cheese added in between, and will be arriving to Singapore.

Anticipated opening time is early May 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.

April’s Bakery Singapore
Tampines MRT Station, #01-31, Singapore 529538
Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm (Mon-Sun)
Tel: +65 8122 7604
https://www.facebook.com/aprilsbakerysg/

Bangkok’s Famous Pie Bakery At Tampines
April’s Bakery which has a total of 60 outlets in Bangkok, has opened its 1st international outpost in Singapore, at Tampines.

Despite selling various pastries such as cakes and biscuits at the first April’s Bakery in 2011, April choses to focus on one signature item since then – The Hong Kong-styled Pies.

These pies resembled to Hong Kong Lao Po Bing (Wife Cake) with a thin, flaky crust encasing generous amount of filling of different flavours within it.

From savoury options such as Pork with Gravy and Pork with Honey (which will be available in Singapore soon) to sweet options such as Thai Milk Tea, Green Tea, Taro and Pumpkin all reasonably priced at $2 each.

Other Related Entries
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore April 2017
10 New Cafes In Singapore March 2017
14 New Cafes In Singapore February 2017
12 New Cafes In Singapore January 2017

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

The post 10 NEW Cafes In Singapore May 2017 – Famous Thai Milk Tea Pies, Castella Cakes And Hokkaido Ice Cream Puffs In Singapore appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Sawadee krub. If you have walked past Tampines MRT Station, you may have noticed that the popular April’s Bakery from Bangkok has (quietly) opened in Singapore.

April’s Bakery specialises in home-made pies, and there are more than 60 outlets of in Bangkok itself. Have you seen the shops at Siam Paragon and Terminal 21?

Singapore’s outlet, which not-very-coincidentally opened in April, is its 1st international outpost. The bakery is named after the owner April (Ms Nathanaporn Euawanthanakhun) who was born in April, and a former air-stewardess.

(Click PLAY to see how soft these pies are.)

Despite selling various pastries such as cakes and biscuits at the first April’s Bakery in 2011, April chooses to focus on one signature item since then – Cantonese-styled Pies, which are also instagrammable hits.

These pies resembled Hong Kong style Lao Po Bing (Wife Cake) with a thin, flaky crust encasing generous amount of filling with different colourful flavours.

What you get at April’s Bakery include savoury options such as Pork with Gravy and Pork with Honey (which will be available in Singapore soon), to sweet options of Thai Milk Tea, Green Tea, Taro and Pumpkin.

They are all reasonably priced at $2 each.

In addition, the shop is conveniently located right outside Tampines MRT, great for takeaways home or office.

Know not what pies to get? Here are 10 of our recommendations from April’s Bakery Singapore:

1. Taro Pie ($2)
Being one of the top sellers, the orh-nee also known as yam or taro has a smooth texture with a gingko embedded in it.

Both yammy, and yummy. Pardon the pun.

These Taro Pies are shipped directly from Thailand every fortnightly, then freshly baked daily in batches.

2. Red Bean Pie ($2)
The red bean pie reminded me of a dau-sa bao, with a comforting, nostalgic feel when I took bites.

Good to know: The pies are hand-made daily by about 100 workers in the central kitchen at the Sathu Pradit Road area in Bangkok, to ensure the quality and consistency of each pie.

Currently, a total of 40,000 pies can be produced each day at the central kitchen to supple all 60 outlets and Singapore.

3. Thai Tea Pie ($2)
This is one of my favourite and most recommended flavour. Since go Thailand must drink Thai Milk Tea, go Thai bakery must try their Thai Tea pastries.

I was actually anticipating this to be very sweet, but thankfully it wasn’t. The sweetness was just right, with distinct tea notes, just like “eating” Thai tea in the solid form.

4. Green Tea Pie ($2)
One of the few that stood out the most apart from the orange Thai Tea Pie and yellow Custard Pie on display.

As a green tea lover myself, it was quite an obvious choice to get this, though I wished the green tea notes were less subtle.

5. Sweet Egg Floss Pie ($2)
A Thai dessert made using egg yolk, sugar and syrup to produce the golden, thin sweet egg floss.

It was quite an interesting flavour that resembled our local kueh tu-tu, great for those with sweet tooth.

6. Sesame Pie ($2)
With a fragrant aroma, the black sesame filled pie was the favourite among my folks, which kind of reminded them of the traditional Chinese pastry desserts they enjoy with tea.

7. Purple Sweet Potato Pie ($2)
Easily confused between the purple sweet potato and taro on the first look (but not after the first bite) since they are purple of different shades, the former is of a distinct bright purple shade whereas the latter is more of a pastel purple.

Probably the one with the highest amount of carbohydrates in it, enough to make one feel full quickly.

8. Custard Pie ($2)
“Is this a Liu Sha (salted egg lava) pie?”, my friends asked when they saw the yellow surface of the Custard Pie.

Similar to the Cantonese steam custard bun（奶黄包), the custard filling came with moderately rich milky taste, which children should like.

9. Pumpkin Pie ($2)
The sweetness came mainly from the pumpkins themselves (more natural), with that creamy smooth texture. Even if you eat these with your hands, you would find that the fingers thankfully won’t be too oily.

10. Coconut Pie ($2)
The coconut pie was another one of the best-sellers with conspicuous slices of baby coconut flesh that was moist and slightly sweet.

The slices of coconut flesh gave it more varied and ‘bitable’ texture, different from most of the pies here.

A plus point is that these pies come in lovely baby blue or apple green coloured packaging (original from Thailand) which can make suitable gifts.

Some tips after you get the pies from April’s Bakery: You can keep them refrigerated and consume them cold within 2 days of purchase; or choose to reheat them for 15 to 20 seconds in a microwave at medium power. Best paired with some non-sweetened tea.

A total of 160 pies can be baked in one batch, and requires a total of 60 minutes from preparation, baking, to cooling down before they are ready for sale.

Get them early, or sometimes you got to wait for the more popular flavours.

April’s Bakery Singapore
Tampines MRT Station, #01-31, Singapore 529538
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 10:00pm, or till sold out (Mon-Sun)
Tel: +65 8122 7604
https://www.facebook.com/aprilsbakerysg/

* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape. This post is brought to you in partnership with April’s Bakery.

The post April’s Bakery Singapore – Bangkok’s Famous Pie Bakery Opens At Tampines. Thai Milk Tea, Green Tea, Taro, Custard Pies appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

From a humble pop-up stall to takeaway kiosk in Johor Bahru KSL City, D’Laksa has come a long way since 2012.

It finally found a home in our Singapore heartlands at Hougang Mall.

I remembered that it was the aromatic (some will say “pungent”) smell of the unique Assam broth which filled the whole KSL basement that led me to discover this gem.

Since then I will usually “dabao” (takeaway) this back to Singapore to share with others.

Priced at RM5 (SGD 1.60) over at JB, each bowl was filled with generous portion of Lai Fun (an even thicker version of thick bee hoon noodles) coupled with thick luscious Assam broth containing chunky sardine meat and toppings like chopped mint leaves, cucumber, onions and pineapples.

Plus a dash of prawn paste for that extra flavor. So much bliss.

Similarly to the Malaysia counterparts, the branch in Singapore at the basement of Hougang Mall operates as a takeaway kiosk.

Each bowl of the Assam Laksa competitively priced at SGD$3.50.

While the combination of sweet-savory-sourish-spicy flavored broth may not appeal to some, their rendition of Assam Laksa is definitely one of the authentic flavors around.

When I compared this to what I had from Malaysia, the taste of the broth was thankfully more or less similar. Still as “gao” (rich), I like.

The toppings did look less generous though, and you would probably be lucky to find the occasional sardine pieces in the soup.

However this price, considering the possible rental here, I am not complaining that much.

Something new on the menu would be the Assam Laksa fish balls ($2.50 for 5 pcs). Constantly cooked in a bubbling pot of Assam Broth, it reminded me of the Hong Kong street food style curry fish balls.

While I was expecting the Assam flavor to penetrate deeper into the fish balls, the flavor was kept only at the outer layer.

Maybe next time I should buy these nearer the end of the day instead?

I like how D’Laksa Singapore is considerate when it comes to takeaway, by prepacking all ingredients neatly and encourage to pack soup and noodles separately so that they won’t turn soggy.

Now I can easily satisfy my Assam Laksa craving, without the Causeway jam.

D’Laksa Singapore
90 Hougang Ave 10 #B1-K7, Hougang Mall, Singapore 538766
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm Daily
https://www.facebook.com/dlaksasg/

Other Related Entries
Wah Kee Prawn Noodles (The Esplanade)
NOW+ Noodles (Novena Square 2)
Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle (Smith Street)
KL Traditional Chilli Ban Mee (MacPherson)
Village Nasi Lemak (Circular Road)

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

The post D’Laksa – Famous Penang Assam Laksa from JB Opens In Singapore. At Hougang Mall appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

The NEW restaurants that opened in Singapore include 63Paragon (Orchard Pagaron), Steamroom with The Pillar and Stone (Orchard Central), Taki Kyoto Grill & Sake (Japan Food Town at Wisma Atria), Guenpin (Fugu restaurant at 32 Maxwell Road), The Palmary (Owen Road), Spark (Centro Bianco Building), Brine (North Bridge Road), SENS (Japanese Izakaya at Raffles Holland V), Bistro November (Keong Saik Road), O MammaMia (Pizza shop at Causeway Point), Flying Monkey (Bussorah Street), and Song Garden Chinese Restaurant (Mecure Singapore Middle Road).

SO MANY. I will try my best to visit all (but obviously I can’t, plus I am going on diet. LOL) so I may prioritize those with interesting menu or selling points.

Here are 10 NEW & Hot Restaurants Singapore May 2017:

Also read: Other Related Entries
10 NEW Cafes In Singapore May 2017
10 NEW & Hot Restaurants Singapore April 2017

Niku Kappo
ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, #B3-23, Singapore 238801
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 10:00pm (Mon-Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/NikuKappo.sg/

Japanese Kappo Restaurant From Tsukiji Opens In Singapore At ION Orchard
Niku Kappo which originated from Tsukiji and offers Japanese Kappo cuisine has opened at B3 of ION Orchard (directly above Jasons, a floor above MUJI).

A Kappo restaurant is one where the chef will cook right in front of the guests, for an overall enriching ambience and experience.

At Niku Kappo, the focus is on the Niku, 肉, which is the selection of meat.

The food selection is different from other Japanese restaurants, and you get food items such as Meat Sushi, Meat Hot Pot (shaped like Mt Fuji), and an Iron Pot dish of Yaki Tetsu freshly prepared by the table side. Niku Kappo (ION Orchard)

Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant
181 Orchard Road #12-02 Orchard Central Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6634 2803
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 2:30pm, 6:00pm – 10:00pm Daily

Sashimi, Ramen, Tempura All Under One Roof At Orchard Central
Calling a restaurant “Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant” after THE famous Tsukiji wholesale market at Tokyo can be an uncertain move. People would come expecting SOMETHING.

There are 6 different concepts under one roof, which includes: Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant for seasonal fresh fish and seafood; Takumen Ramen Galley offering 3 different types of ramen; Ebi Zo Ebi Tempura Restaurant; Ikezaki Japanese BBQ; Tori-Sho Chicken and Ueki Omakase Restaurant.

Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant is located on the rooftop garden of Orchard Central. Fantastic view by the way. Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant (Orchard Central)

Birders
55 Tras Street Singapore 078994 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Tel: +65 8748 4585
Opening Hours: 6:00pm – 12:00am (Mon -Thurs), 6:00pm – 1:00am (Fri – Sat) Last Order 11:00pm

Modern Yakitori Bar At Tras Street
I had a good laughter when I saw the kanji of “Birders”, which was 鳥人 (a word we use to scold in Mandarin).

Opened by actor Adam Chen, Birders is a modern style yakitori bar with curated sake imported directly from Japan.
The menu is conceptualized by Chef Makoto Deguchi, an alumni of the one Michelin starred Sola in Paris.

While traditional yakitori focuses on either shio or tare for seasoning the skewers, Chef Makoto prefers the use of different toppings for each cut of chicken meat such as including Negi puree and black sesame on chicken thigh skewer, or nori vegemite on a chicken breast stick.

Atmastel
South Beach Avenue #B1-22, 26 Beach Road Singapore 189768
Tel: +65 6581 0085
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:00pm

Italian restaurant At South Beach Avenue
Lead by Italian Head Chef Andrea Tarini with a 3-Michelin-star background, the menu is crafted using the freshest ingredients flown in from Italy twice a week.

From San Marzano tomatoes, fresh burrata, San Daniele ham to mozzarella, the freshest ingredients are prepared right in front of our eyes in their open-concept kitchen.

For those thinking of recreating the memories at home, there is also a retail section within the restaurant with more than 70 varieties of artisanal cold cuts, cheeses, wines and condiments.

If you come in a pair or group, get the Zuppa di Pesce ($68 for two) – a tomato based seafood stew with generous serving of fresh red snapper, molluscs and shellfish which spells “umami-ness”.

The Masses
85 Beach Road #01-02 Singapore 189694
Tel: +65 6266 0061
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 9:30pm (Mon, Tues, Fri), 12:00pm – 12:00am (Wed, Fri, Sat), 12:00pm – 9:00pm (Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/themassessg

Serving “Happy Food” Mostly Below $20, Opened By Saveur’s Co-Founder
The Masses has the intention of serving quality-restaurant food at prices that won’t break the bank.

A glance at the menu would reveal that most of the starters and mains, are comfortable priced below $20. Hard to find this in most expensive city in the world.

They intend to serve “Happy Food”, and to provide fresh, seasonal produce, and allowing recipes to be simple yet dynamic.

The friendly service staff recommended the Chicken Collagen Veloute ($8.00), The Egg ($9.00), Aus Frementle Octopus Tentacle ($14.90), C&C Pasta ($12.90), Honey Garlic Miso Chicken Breast ($13.90), US Black Angus Striploin ($22.90) and 12 Hours Braised US Short Ribs ($18.00). The Masses (Beach Road)

Dookki Singapore
Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard, #B1-107 (East Wing), Singapore 038984
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon-Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/dookkisg/

1st Korean Tteokbokki Buffet At Suntec City, Only $18.80
”Dookki”, which means ‘Two meals’ in Korean, originated from Korea in 2014, and has over 100 outlets worldwide.

Two meals literally means to start the first meal with a Korean hotpot style, and end off with kimchi fried rice.

It was a steal for the price tag of $18.80 for adults, and $10.80 for children (of height between 110 – 130cm) with its wide variety of Korean food offered.

You get 8 different kinds of tteokbokki (rice cakes) with varying shapes and texture such as Round, Flat, Slim, Square, Hollow, Special, Square Wheat, Potato Sujebi to meat and vegetables such as beansprout, cabbage, fish cake, cuttlefish ball, sausage, boiled egg and mussel for the hot pot. Dookki Singapore (Suntec City)

Penang Place
3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City West Wing, #02-314/315/316, Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6467 7003
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:00pm Last Order at 2:30pm, 6:00pm – 10:00pm Last Order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Penang Food Buffet From $24.90++
Penang Place which has moved to Suntec City is offering Penang food buffet from $24.90++ for Monday to Thursday lunches. Weekday (also Mon – Thurs) dinners are priced at $27.90++, while weekend lunches and dinners are priced at $30.90++.

If buffet is not your thing, the dishes are available as ala carte order as well.

What you can expect include some of their specialities of Penang Char Kway Teow, Penang Laksa, Hokkien Char, Lobak, Choon Piah, and Steamed Otak Otak.

Good to know that they cook their food without using lard, using substitutes such as chicken and yam.

However as the restaurant is new and occupies a large space, do be very patient with service (or lack of).

Tingkat PeraMakan
119 Owen Road Singapore 218924 (Farrer Park MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 3:00pm, 6:00pm – 10:00pm (Tues – Sun, Closed Mon

Affordable Peranakan Food With Full Sets From $10, At Owen Road
PeraMakan is a play of words “Peranakan” meaning “local-born” and “Makan”, a Malay word for “to eat”. Tingkat PeraMakan has just opened at 119 Owen Road, which is a more casual outlet compared to its main restaurant at Keppel Club.

I liked that there is a ‘no-frills’ menu which allows you to order sets for the individual. Therefore, you can have an entire rice meal with main, two side dishes, a drink and dessert for a price of $10 to $15.

There were choices of Ayam Kleo, Ayam Sio, Babi Pongtay, Nyonya Pork Ribs, Sambal Sotong, Sambal Ikan, Ikan Garam Assam and of course the quintessential Ayam Buak Keluak for the sets. Tingkat PeraMakan (Owen Road)

Stärker Bistro
Katong Square, 88 East Coast Road #01-15/16, Singapore 423371
Tel: +65 6344 0025
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 12:00am Daily, Last Order Mains 10:00pm, Snacks 11:30pm
www.starkerfreshbeer.com

Seafood Galore In A European Country Side Setting At Katong Square
Stärker Bistro is an extension of Stärker Fresh Beer, offering German roasts and signatures, and is a space not quite any other in Singapore. It has officially opened at Katong Square.

The interior is designed to associate with its European roots, of provincial rustic décor with wooden tables, real stone walls, trees, hanging flowers over the balcony, and a wooden door in the middle.

Food wise, you can expect an extensive menu of German favourites such as Traditional Pork Knuckle marinated with a Stärker secret recipe for 24 hours, Roasted Pork Belly with sauerkraut and French mustard; Main Courses; Pastas such as King Prawn Pasta, Seafood Aglio Olio, Seafood Marinara, Vongole; Hand-crafted Pizzas, Appetizers of Fiery Wings; as well as sweet Desserts.

They have also launched a dedicated Seafood Menu, and you can look forward to the Seafood Platter ($56.80, serves 2-3 pax), Seafood Stew ($36.80) and Lobster Roll ($36.80). Stärker Bistro (Katong Square)

Song Kee Fishball Noodles
128 Tembeling Rd, Singapore 423638
Tel: +65 9336 2745
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 9.30pm (Mon-Sun)

Famous Fishball Noodles Shop Reopens At Joo Chiat. BEST Herh Keow
Song Kee Fishball Noodles, managed by 3 siblings, has relocated to 128 Tembeling Road, in Joo Chiat, right outside the main gate of Haig Girl’s School.

For first-timers, just follow the person in front of you in the queue. Head towards the back of the shop (in front of the kitchen) to make your order, payment, grab a table number, find a table, sit down and wait. I waited for one hour at the table before food came.

Fishball Noodles are available in Small ($4), Medium ($6) and Large ($8) where you get to choose from 6 different types of noodles: Mee Pok, Mee Kia, Yellow Noodles, Mee Tai Mak, Kuay Teow and Bee Hoon in either Dry or Soup version.

Opt for the Fishball Dumpling Soup if you crave for additional fishballs, HERH KEOW and tau pok are available at $6/$10. Song Kee (Tembeling Road)

Other Related Entries
10 NEW & Hot Restaurants Singapore April 2017
12 New & Hot Restaurants Singapore March 2017
20 New & Hot Restaurants Singapore Feb 2017
10 New & Hot Restaurants Singapore January 2017
10 New & Hot Restaurants Singapore December 2016

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

The post 10 NEW & Hot Restaurants Singapore May 2017 – Korean Tteokbokki Buffet, Penang Food Buffet And Many Japanese Restaurants appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

I had a good laugh when I saw the kanji of “Birders”, which was 鳥人. This is a word we use to scold others in Mandarin.

It is an easy-to-recall name of this modern style yakitori bar on 55 Tras Street, ironically right next to another ‘birdy’ sounding Nesuto.

Owner Adam Chen (yes the actor) is not unfamiliar with Japanese style drinking places, having opened bar chain FIVE.

My dining companion thought ”The server looked familiar”… can’t blame her, she hasn’t watched local drama in years.

The menu is conceptualized by Chef Makoto Deguchi, an alumni of the one Michelin starred Sola in Paris.

While traditional yakitori shops focuses on either shio or tare for seasoning the skewers, Chef Makoto prefers the use of different toppings for each cut of chicken meat such as including Negi puree and black sesame on chicken thigh skewer, or nori vegemite on a chicken breast stick.

Some of the recommended items to order include Bonjiri Chicken Tail ($4.00), Tsukune Chicken Meatball ($4.50), Curry Crouqetas ($10.00), and Liver Mousse ($16).

My friends were initially wondering about the Bonjiri ($4.00), which was a piece of meat taken from around the tailbone – not the anus (never imagined myself using this one in a food blog) actually.

That turned out to be one of the best sticks we had that night – hot, soft and tender, drizzled with garlic shoyu sauce. Gone in two bites but slow chewing.

The Chicken Meatball ($4.50) came with served with onsen tamgo and sweet tare which acted as an interesting, tasty dip, which you could use to pour over rice subsequently.

I wished the meatballs were more packed with a better bite though.

The Curry Crouqetas ($10.00) were described by the waiter as similar to lava balls, so we had some expecting of oozing fillings.

There wasn’t, but were still decent deep fried items with a mild touch of spice.

Our best item were fried mantou slices ($16), which you could spread bourbon and yuzu marmalade, and chicken liver mousse over like jam. The spread was somewhat like foie gras, though less fatty.

The combination of part tangy, part alcoholic, part savoury worked. We wished we had more bread.

I thought that the sharing plates overall fared better than the sticks, mainly because many of the yakitori pieces lacked that distinct smokiness and high flame heat.

Birders often little 180 ml cup sake, with the sake list curated in house and flown directly from Tokyo to Singapore. While sake is commonly shared on a table, the cup sake offering allows customers to try out different types instead of having to wait to finish a bottle.

Birders
55 Tras Street Singapore 078994 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Tel: +65 8748 4585
Opening Hours: 6:00pm – 12:00am (Mon -Thurs), 6:00pm – 1:00am (Fri – Sat) Last Order 11:00pm

Other Related Entries
JINzakaya (Owen Link)
Omotenashi Dining Gosso (Boat Quay)
Izakaya 95 (Punggol Settlement)
Hokkaido Izakaya (Tanjong Pagar)
Man Man (Keong Saik Road)

* 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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“Why slog for others when you can have your own?”

Six By Sera at 89 Rangoon Road was started by Seraphina Poh, who graduated from At-Sunrice Global Academy armed with a Diploma in Pastry and Bakery. After working for a few production kitchens and cafes, she decided to start out her own.

Everything is freshly baked at Six By Sera, and most of the fillings are also homemade.

The signatures include Smoky Pork Croissant ($12.90, weekends only), Scrambled Eggs & Bacon Croissant ($10.90), Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake ($5.90) and interesting sounding Cheesecake Croissant ($6.60).

I do not write a lot of emails to café owners, but Sera was one of those whom I did. I thought that her bakes were actually tasty, but could work on the presentation to appeal to her target customers.

The Scrambled Eggs & Bacon Croissant ($10.90) had fragrant buttery house-made croissant that was quite flaky and airy – tough to achieve in perpetually humid Singapore.

However, it was marred by a relatively long preparation time – about 15 minutes considering I was the only customer. The scrambled eggs were also needed to be creamier with fuller mouth-feel.

I wondered more about the Mini Choux Pastries, coming in flavours of yuzu, raspberry and chocolate.

Well, I know they were called “mini” for a reason, but it still needed to be of a certain size to fully experience the interesting flavours. Plus they were served in a relatively large plate. So…

To me, the highlight was the savoury donuts ($2.90) which come in 3 flavours of Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese and Truffle Oil, Cheeseburger (Minced beef & Cheddar topped with Jalapeño) and Bacon and Mozzarella.

The texture of the Cheeseburger Donut itself was fluffy, and the savouriness somehow worked. However, more work has to be done about the details, for example how they were displayed and presented.

This was one of the unusual cases for cafes, where food tasted better than how it looked.

Six By Sera
89 Rangoon Road, #01-03 Urban Lofts Singapore 218375 (Farrer Park MRT Exit B)
Tel: +65 9652 8141
Opening hours: 12:00pm – 9:00pm (Tues – Fri), 10:00am – 10:00pm (Sat), 10:00am – 9:00pm (Sun). Closed Mon

Other Related Entries
Enchanted (Rangoon Road)
Old Hen Kitchen (Owen Road)
Bao Makers (Horne Road)
Non Entrée Desserts (Rangoon Road)
VXX Cooperative (Foch Road)

* 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.

The post Six By Sera – Cheeseburger Donuts, Cheesecake Croissants And Other Bakes At Rangoon Road appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Owen Road has become more ‘happening’, with the opening up of a few interesting food establishments – from Old Hen Kitchen, Tingkat PeraMakan, The Palmary to Wo Peng Cantonese Cuisine (I shall reserve my comments on the last one).

The Palmary which means “praiseworthy, victory and success” is a “fusion dining concept”, located in a 3-storey pre-war transitional shop house at 142 Owen Road.

It is owned by the Food & Friendship Group, a bespoke canapés catering company, and helmed by (a good looking) Head Chef Timothy Ong (not to be confused with another Chef Tim Ong).

The first floor houses the restaurant, while the upper level is a lounge for bar snacks, drinks and desserts.

You would notice a bicycle hanging on the wall. It was not trying to be hipster, but to pay tribute to the vintage bicycle shop which used to occupy this space.

The menu offered a range of items of signature soups ($8.90), light starters of Peas In A Pod – chilled poached edamame ($4.90), Squid & Salad ($10.90), Keen On Quinoa ($12.90), Foie Gras with Citrus Jelly (15.90) to mains selections like The Butcher’s Cut ($24.90), Soba So Good ($16.90) and Aglio Olio ($18.90).

My friends and I took a while with the menu as we were not quite sure what to order, as the menu’s direction was not entirely clear at first glance.

We were initially sceptical about the Just Wing It ($9.90). With no pun intended, whether they could really wing out a dish that is synonymous with a neighbourhood zhi char restaurant.

To our surprise, the house deep fried prawn paste chicken wings were crisp, juicy with slight aroma of the prawn paste. In local foodie terms, they were “on point” and “legit”.

On the other hand, the Quack ($18.90), a duck confit dish with sautéed spinach with berry compote, fell short in expectations, especially if we were to compare with some of the mid-priced French restaurants out there.

Skin wasn’t crisp enough, meat tasted gamy on parts.
 

The Soba So Good ($17.90) which came highly recommended, sounded good on paper – a refreshing bowl of organic cha soba, braised cod fish and leeks with in house kirimochi crackers.

I thought overall the bowl was too cold, as the noodles rested on pieces of ice, and some bites could send you on a brain freeze.

The temperature affected the texture of the cod as well, which my friend who took the biggest piece commented was ”Too hard”. The crackers which were supposed to add some crunch, ended up sticking to the teeth instead. Perhaps losing the ice could help.

To be fair, the Cake Of The Day ($6.90) – an Earl Grey cake looking like it has merged with Tiramisu, was fluffy, not too sweet, with that faint tea allure. Good stuff.

There were some items on the menu which stood out, such as The Palmary’s Spiked Ondeh Shot. Yet, there were other ‘boring’ thing like Aglio Olio and Ben’s Egg Ben.

Personally, I think they were trying to be adventurous in some dishes, while overly safe in the others. The Palmary should be able to afford to push some boundaries.

The Palmary
142 Owen Road, Singapore 218941 (Farrer Park Mrt, Exit D)
Tel: +65 6909 1431
Opening Hours: 5:00pm – 12:00am (Tues – Thurs), 11:00am – 12:00am (Fri – Sat), 11:00am – 10:00pm (Sun)
Last Order Time: Food 11:00pm, Drinks 11:30pm (Tues – Sat), Food 9:00pm Drinks 9:30pm (Sun)

Other Related Entries
Old Hen Kitchen (Owen Road)
Tingkat PeraMakan (Owen Road)
Otto Deli Fresh (Holland Village)
Coo Bistro (Outram Road)
Fat Lulu’s (River Valley)

* 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.

The post The Palmary – Fusion Dining Concept At Owen Road appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Slowly but surely, we are seeing more authentic Greek food available in Singapore, with the front-runners being Blu Kouzina at Dempsey, Alati at Amoy Street, Mykonos on the Bay at Quayside Isle and Place to R.E.A.D at Prinsep Street.

ERGON Greek Deli and Café has recently opened at Suntec City, housing a modern café and retail space offering quite a selection of Greek products including coffee and wine.

The name “ERGON” is derived from a Greek word that means work and vocation. The brand offers Greek and Mediterranean products, available at more than 300 outlets in Greece and some parts of Europe.

This is their first outpost out of Europe.

To be honest, this wasn’t my first choice for a dinner venue, partially due to unfamiliarity with Greek cuisine. However, it turned out to be a respectable meal.

Food wise, they specialise in “meze” – using Greek recipes to create bite-sized servings of food meant to be shared by everyone around the table.

You can expect a selection of Toasts ($14 – $24), Cheese or Charcuterie Boards ($16, $31), Salads ($17 – $20), Brunch Items ($20 – $22), Pancakes ($16) and Homemade Pies ($9).

I had an “Apaki” smoked pork with feta cheese cream and caramelised onions on sourdough toast ($15). Found out Apaki is a type of smoked lean pork marinated with spices, herbs and olive oil.

Having the combination brought me momentary to the Mediterranean. It was a plate of hearty flavours and varied textures – refreshing greens, tangy soft cheese, and salty pieces of pork tasting like firmer blocks of bacon.

Organic eggs, organic milk and artisanal cheese are used for the cooking, with sourdough bread baked freshly daily by Nick Vina Bakers.

Their Scrambled Eggs ($21 with bacon, $23 with salmon) won’t taste like the conventional ones you have at the cafes here.

These were not as creamy, but enhanced with sparks of zest and fragrant olive oil.

It is not often you can find Katalfi ($8), Baklava ($8), Saragli ($5) and Revani ($8) in Singapore, though expectedly you would find them on the sweeter side.

Coffee is roasted in Athens Roastery and delivered fresh over to Singapore. I shall provide ample warning that is can be strong, full-bodied.

I wished there was a wider selection of hot food though. Otherwise, lovely, chill-out vibes.

ERGON Singapore
Suntec City Mall (Convention Center Entrance), 3 Temasek Boulevard #01-365
Tel: +65 8657 7814
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 10:00pm (Mon – Fri), 10:00am – 10:00pm (Sat – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Mykonos on the Bay (Quayside Isle)
Blu Kouzina (Dempsey)
House Of AnLi (Tanglin Mall)

* 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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Wimbly Lu Chocolates can be considered a familiar name, an “early day” cafes which started back in 2013.

Known for its chocolate desserts, ice cream and waffles, Wimbly Lu Chocolates first started off in a quaint little neighborhood of Jalan Riang (off Serangoon).

It then established Little Wimbly Lu, a small store at Serangoon Gardens which carries their dessert items, and has now expanded with another full-fledged café at Tyrwhitt Road.

Their formula to success? Probably would be sticking to what they do best.

While recent café trends have been rather gimmicky with vibrant colored food products, Wimbly Lu has chosen to stay true to their roots.

One cannot help but to view the store at Tyrwhitt as banking on the same formula as Jalan Riang.

For instance, both has cozy interior seating space, as well as air-conditioned courtyard seats where the see-through glass ceiling would let in ample natural light.

Photo spot alert.

Food offerings are more or less identical, with All-Day Dining options such as Carbonara ($10), Chicken Baked Rice ($11) and Beef Lasagna ($15).

On weekends, there are comfort breakfast choices such as Eggs Benedict ($13), Crepes ($10 – $12) and Grand Slam ($17) – their rendition of big breakfast.

Not forgetting their extensive selections of desserts ranging from cakes, ice creams and waffles.

Wimbly Lu’s Waffles are probably one of the highly rated around years ago, known for their light and crispy texture.

This is best accompanied with a scoop of recommended ice cream flavors like Rum & Raisin, Honey Cinnamon or Salted Caramel ($8.50 with single scoop)

If you are a first timer, go for the rich and moist Root Beer Float Cake ($6) served in a cocktail “glass” for the novelty factor.

Despite Wimbly Lu being a chocolate café, my personal favorite would be the Lemon Meringue Pie ($7).

I liked how its blend of tangy lemon curd was overlaid with glazed meringue for a mild sweet touch.

Not sure if the choice of location is ideal as they face fierce competition from neighbors in the vicinity like Chye Seng Huat Hardware, Tiramisu Hero and VXX Cooperative (Foch Road)

However, café hoppers who have always wanted to try Wimbly Lu but previously deterred by its geographical location, would be glad hear about this more accessible and centralised location.

Wimbly Lu @ Tyrwhitt Road
166 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207570
Tel: +65 6291 8138
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10.30pm (Mon, Wed & Thu), 12pm – 11pm (Fri), 9am – 11pm (Sat), 9am – 10.30pm (Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/Wimbly-Lu-1870634229826219/

Other Related Entries
VXX Cooperative (Foch Road)
Café NIDO (Tyrwhitt Road)
Antoinette (Penhas Road)
Old Hen Kitchen (Owen Road)
Shiberty Bakes (Owen Road)

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

The post Wimbly Lu – Chocolate Desserts, Crispy Waffles And Ice Cream. NEW Outlet At Tyrwhitt Road appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

This is a dream come true for those who love BOTH Karaoke and café hopping.

7th Heaven KTV and Café located at Tampines SAFRA level 3, may take you on cloud 9 as it combines karaoke-singing with hipster café food.

With the exception of a few places, most KTV places in Singapore do not emphasize on food, typically serving the standard crackers and snacks.

The offering at 7th Heaven is extensive, which includes café favourites of Truffle Fries ($10.90), Spam Fries ($11.90), Salted Egg Wings ($13.90), Crab Meat Linguine ($17.90), BBQ Chicken Mushroom Pizza ($19.90), to the more unfamiliar and inventive Egg Lava Beef Burger ($17.90), Salted Egg Chicken Pasta ($17.90) and Lychee Smoked Duck Pizza ($21.90).

Since when KTV-food has become instagrammable? So even if you come not intending to sing, your belly would at least be satisfied.

Here are some of the signature food you can expect at 7th Heaven KTV and Café:

Shared Dishes – Truffle Fries, Spam Fries, Salted Egg Wings, Mac & Cheese
The snack menu include nibbles such as Signature Truffle Fries ($10.90) deep fried till golden brown, drizzled with truffle oil & topped with parmesan cheese; Spam Fries ($11.90) which are deep fried luncheon meat topped with parmesan cheese & garlic mayo dip; Nacho Cheese or Salted Egg Potato Wedges ($12.90) and Mac & Cheese ($15.90).

I would recommend the double fried crispy Salted Egg Wings ($13.90), stir-fried with salted egg, chilli padi and curry leaves. I liked that the juicy wings came with grainy salted eggs bits on the outer layer, and the kitchen did not use pre-mixes from a can, but made the sauce from scratch.

Pizzas – Lychee Smoked Duck Pizza, Salted Egg Prawn Pizza
For novelty sake, I had both the Lychee Smoked Duck Pizza and Salted Egg Prawn Pizza ($21.90), and preferred the former.

It was appealing to have some fruity-sweet notes of lychee on a thin-crusted savoury pizza, providing a contrasting touch.

The salted egg in the later did not surface as obviously, possibly over-powered by the 3 types of cheese (mozzarella, parmesan and cheddar).

If you are the sort who cannot decide If you want your Hawaiian, Seafood or Meat Lovers Pizza, the good news is 7th Heaven can prefer them ‘yuan yang’ style where you can have the best of both worlds.

Pastas – Crab Meat Linguine, Salted Egg Chicken Pasta and Laksa Pasta
Perhaps because I was in a pasta mood, I happened to like all 3 signatures, with varying degrees of course.

Top on my list would be the Laksa Pasta ($17.90) where linguine was cooked with mussels, prawn and squid in a homemade laksa sauce. The portion was hearty, best eaten hot (because noodles may clump up if you take too many photos, or decide to eat it after 2 songs).

The Crab Meat Linguine ($17.90) with lumpy jumbo crab meat in white wine & light tomato cream sauce should appeal to those who liked your pasta part-tangy, part-creamy.

There are also ‘safe’, family favourite choices of Carbonara ($16.90), Garlic Pasta ($12.90), Aglio Olio ($15.90), Mushroom Pasta ($14.90) and Seafood Pasta ($17.90).

Burgers – Pulled Pork Burger, Egg Lava Beef Burger, Salted Egg Chicken Burger
Other than the Pulled Pork Burger ($17.90) and Salted Egg Chicken Burger ($17.90) with buttermilk fried chicken topped with salted egg sauce, the best seller is the Egg Lava Beef Burger ($17.90).

This contains a donut beef patty with lava egg in the middle (watch out when you cut it apart) topped with grilled bacon and cheese.

To complete the café experience, get an Iced Cold Latte ($7.50) for heavy bodied coffee with chocolate flavours with beans from Common Man Coffee Roasters.

What I liked too was the décor, tastefully done up with a modern and earthy feel, and also spacious enough – especially the main dining and singing hall.

Rooms are appropriately named after popular singers from Jacky, Jay, JJ, Jolin to Faye, Gem, and Jolin. What, no A-mei? (Maybe I missed it.)

Okay. I know many of you will ask about cost.

If you are a crooner / always ready to join The Voice type of competitions / can serenade everyone who is eating, the mall hall which uses a shared mic system is where you can go.

This comes with minimum spending of $15 per pax, which should be easy to hit, and also best if there is nobody around during off-peak hours.

For rooms, prices go at $15, $20 or $30 per pax (depending on the time) for 3 hours of KTV, titbits and a drink each. SAFRA members are entitled to 15% discount at selected hours, which is not bad a deal.

7th Heaven KTV & Cafe
SAFRA Tampines Level 3, 1/A Tampines Street 92 Singapore 528882
Tel: +65 6458 5026
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 1:00am (Mon – Thurs), 12:00pm – 2:00am (Fri), 10:00am – 2:00am (Sat – Sun)

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with 7th Heaven KTV & Café.

The post 7th Heaven KTV and Café – Karaoke Combined With Hipster Café At Tampines. Must ‘Jio’ Your Friends appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Cook Mee is WHEAT’s latest venture in the CBD at Raffles Exchange.

It offers a different variety from their current line-up of Japanese-inspired and low calorie soba noodle, brown rice and salad sets.

Most of WHEAT’s outlets are conveniently located within the CBD to cater to the working crowd.

Not to be confused with Love Mee at Suntec City, or the recipe book from The Sunday Times, Cook Mee specialises in Dry Tossed Ramen and Rice bowls, all priced at $9.90 nett.

I appreciated the simplicity and fuss-free payment process using a single $10 note, relatively short preparation time, and self-service using a buzzer system during the kanchiong CBD lunch hours.

Even though both the MuscleMen (Dry Tossed Ramen) and Soupermen (Dry Tossed Ramen with Specialty Soup) both come with shredded cucumber, bean sprout and a sous vide egg, the latter allows more flexibility in choice of toppings.

For the MuscleMen (Dry Tossed Ramen), there are 2 different options for spiciness level: Non-spicy or Hebi-Hiam (Spicy dried shrimp sambal) Chilli.

For the protein, choose between Roast Beef, Char Siew Pork, Salmon Sashimi and Sated Egg Fried Chicken. Protein lovers will rejoice at the option to upsize their Roast Beef and Char Siew Pork at an additional $4.

I enjoyed the Hebi-Hiam Chili, which gave the otherwise bland ramen a little spicy kick, but not too much on the aroma and fragrance.

Not quite sure about the texture of the noodles, which reminded me of the yellow noodles typically found in hawker centres.

Likewise for the thinly- sliced roast beef which was slightly dry and tough, the saving grace was ultimately the chili.

The Soupermen (Dry Tossed Ramen with Specialty Soup) comes with a separate bowl of double-boiled Chicken or Pork-based soup with a choice or spicy or non- spicy.

Choice of 2 proteins is available from a selection of Prawn, White clams, Mussels, Salmon or Shredded chicken breast and 3 vegetables from options such as tofu, broccoli, mushroom, cabbage, damage, bean sprout, kimchi or seaweed.

According to the owner, the soups are doubled boiled with chicken and pork, and not much other sauce are added to appeal to health-conscious diners.

My friend commented that the bowl of Spicy Chicken-based soup tasted too “healthy”, and the process of choosing his ingredients for the ramen bowl reminded him of Yong Tau Foo.

That being said, each ingredient in the bowl existed individually instead of combining synergistically together to bring out the flavours.

While the location, speed of food preparation and food offerings are ideal, slight improvement can be made to bring out more flavours instead of being just “healthy”.

Cook Mee by WHEAT
B1-32/33, 5 Raffles Exchange, Raffles Place
Opening Hours: 8am – 9.30pm (Mon-Fri), 9am – 4pm (Sat), Closed Sun
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cook-Mee/131465443196038

Other Related Entries
12 Special Noodle Places In Singapore
WHEAT (Raffles City)
Tuk Tuk Cha & Love Mee (Suntec City)
Face To Face Noodle House (City Square Mall)
NOW+ Noodles (Novena Square 2)

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

The post Cook Mee by WHEAT – Dry Tossed Ramen At Raffles Exchange. Can Be A Little Too “Healthy” appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Popular UK Sandwich Cafe Chain Pret A Manger will be coming to Singapore, and its 1st Singapore outlet (in 2017) is at Changi Airport Terminal 3.

Pret A Manger which first opened in London in 1986, is famous for their sandwiches which do not use obscure chemicals, additives and preservatives.

The menu at Singapore’s Pret a Manger will include the very best of Pret, with customer-favourites from the brand’s 30-year history.

These include the iconic Chicken Caesar & Bacon Baguette – Pret’s top-selling baguette in the UK, the Wild Crayfish & Rocket Sandwich, SuperClub Sandwich, and Swedish Meatball Hot Wrap.

It will be bringing its classic British Posh Cheddar & Pickle Baguette to the Singapore shop, as well as its French Butter Croissant which is the most popular product worldwide.

For friends who are vegetarian, there will be a number of popular veggie and vegan options, including its hot Veggie Breakfast Brioche, and vegan SuperFood Mezze Salad.

Those who are, well ‘old’ enough, would know that Pret A Manger used to have an outlet at Robinson Road about a decade ago.

While the branch at Changi Airport will facilitate travelers who need a quick bite, it should be do well in the CBD area, since the ‘trend’ now is towards healthy, convenient food.

(All photo credit: Pret A Manger)

Other Related Entries
14 Poké Bowls In Singapore
10 Hidden Gems At Tanjong Pagar Centre
The Daily Cut (Tanjong Pagar)
Plentyfull (Millenia Walk)
Jar’d (One Raffles Places)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights.

The post Pret A Manger Singapore – Popular UK Sandwich Cafe Chain Opening At Changi Airport T3 appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Haráru Izakaya has indicated that it is the 1st Muslim Owned Izakaya in Singapore, boosting of a modern ‘bar’ with tatami dining experience.

Even though the Japanese word “izakaya” 居酒屋 technically represents a casual gastropub, there is NO ALCOHOL sold at Haráru Izakaya.

Only mocktails, flavoured sodas, dealcoholized wines, fruit juices and Japanese style milkshakes.

Located at 16 Bussorah Street, Haráru Izakaya is in the heart of Kampong Glam, of walking distance from the iconic Sultan Mosque, about 10 minutes away from Bugis MRT.

The counter seating is on the ground floor, while the tatami area is on the 2nd. Reservations are highly encouraged. My friend and I were the 3rd pair in the queue, but waited more than half an hour before we could get in.

During lunch time, you get four donburi sets in the likes of Salmon Teriyaki Don, Unagi Don, Gyuniku Don and Tori Karaage Don, priced at $12 or $13.

The dinner ala-carte menu has a wider variety, serving a spread of starters such as Deep Fried Chicken Skin, Gyoza, Fresh Octopus marinated with wasabi sauce, Salads, Charcoal Grill items, Kushiyaki, Deep Fried Food, Donburi, Noodles and Desserts.

The focus here is on the Charcoal Grill and Kushiyaki sticks, with variety including Mushroom & Leek, Quail Eggs, Diced Wagyu Beef with Capsicum and Shitake Mushroom, Chicken Wings, Chicken Thigh to the less commonly seen Chicken Butt.

The price for 2 sticks is from $3.50 to $14.00.

I had the Momo Chicken Thigh ($5.00) in teriyaki sauce, and Hotate wrapped with Sliced Turkey ($6.00), accompanied by shio seasoning.

The challenge with Kushiyaki is about getting that juiciness with slight smoky taste. I thought that the Turkey sticks were slightly on the dry side, such that you would not fully savour the plumpness of the scallop.

I liked the other dishes of Gyuniku Nira Itame ($14.00) – Teppanyaki style stir fried beef & beansprout, and Gyuniku Soba ($10.00) with simmered beef much better.

The hot and steamy bowl of buckwheat soup was comforting, with the clear broth still flavourful, yet not overly rich.

I would imagine that the Tori Katsu ($14), a piece of deep fried breaded chicken with 3 different sauces could have been a crowd-favourite.

Except that I wondered why such a thick slab wasn’t cut up to make consumption a much easier process, especially if you feel like sharing that piece.

Harāru Izakaya is already off to a promising start. The food and vibes were better than expected.

Perhaps they could next work on the music choice – it was rotating around Japanese pop of the 90s, and instrumental; and waiting times – possibly due to teething issues.

Harāru Izakaya
16 Bussorah Street Singapore 199437 (Bugis MRT)
Tel: +65 62915373
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 2:30pm, 5:00pm – 10:00pm, Last Order 9pm (Tues – Thurs, Sun)
12:00pm – 2:30pm, 5:00pm – 11:00pm, Last Order 10:00pm (Fri, Sat, Eve of PH)

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