Truffle Ramen at $6.90+ only? Fill your day with more luck when you visit Suparakki Ramen.

That is because “Superakki” means “super lucky” in Japanese, and the popular home-grown ramen eatery is introducing its guests with two new, exciting Wagyu dons.

This promo is exclusive to the CityLink Mall outlet, available for dine-in, takeaway and island-wide delivery. More on that later.

Known for its authentic Hakata-style ramen, Suparakki Ramen offers quality food using premium ingredients, yet at inexpensive prices.

We are talking about Truffle Ramen at $6.90+ and Original Tonkotsu Ramen at $7.90+. No service charge.

One of the reasons why they are able to keep prices low is that they make those al dente noodles entirely in their own factory; and even the soup bases is produced right in their kitchens.

The cost savings is thereby ‘transferred’ to customers, so that they can have it on a more regular basis.

Hakata-style ramen is characterised by extra-thin noodles, silky-smooth pork bone broth, and cha siu toppings.

All the ramen dishes here are made with all-natural ingredients. Here are recommended Suparakki Ramen dishes to try during your visit:

Original Tonkotsu Ramen ($7.90+)
Adults and kids alike love the Original Tonkotsu Ramen, making it Suparakki’s bestseller.

Available in spicy and non-spicy versions, this ramen has a bold flavour that comes from its velvety, collagen-rich tonkotsu made from pork bone stock.

For 6 hours, pork bones (hocks and trotter) are boiled with various herbs and spices. No milk is added, yet the broth is naturally opaque white and creamy.

You get two slices of chashu, made from locally-sourced pork belly. Then meat is cooked sous vide for 24 hours at 68 degrees Celsius, resulting in tender pieces that’s cooked in a special homemade sauce. Served topped with nori, black mushrooms, chopped spring onions, and ajitama egg.

You may be wondering if something so affordable would have its quality compromised. Actually it was really not bad.

The noodles produced using high-grade Japanese flour manufactured in Suparakki’s own factory, had a pretty QQ and semi-firm bite, swimming in delectable broth.

For those who are afraid of soup bases which tend to be on the saltier end, this was slurp-worthy and not too rich (that you could even finish the entire bowl). You are also assured no MSG is added.

Dry Truffle Ramen ($6.90+)
Not in the mood to slurp hot soup? Go for the Dry Truffle Ramen packed with savoury umami flavours.

The secret of this dry-type ramen lies in its potent sauce, a mixture of aromatic Italian truffle oil, chashu sauce, and Suparakki’s homemade base sauce.

You still get the same al dente extra-thin ramen noodles, ready for tossing in the sauce, minus the broth. Be ready for the truffle oil aroma to fill the air.

Other ramen choices here include Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen ($7.90), Tonkotu Gyokai Ramen ($8.80) – mixture of fish and pork broth, and Tonkotsu Black Garlic Ramen ($9.90).

SUPA Wagyu Don ($14.80+)
Suparakki has introduced the SUPA Wagyu Don which features an A4 grade Wagyu beef.

A beautiful marbling and three-step cooking process make this meat so tender to the bite.

After the beef is cooked sous vide-style, it is pan-seared to lock in its juices. Finally, it is glazed with a homemade marinade for more than 6 hours for maximum flavour.

Served with a sous vide egg, and do give it a good mix.

SUPA Wagyu with Foie Gras Don ($19.80+)
An upgrade of the first don is the SUPA Wagyu with Foie Gras Don.

Go beyond the premium Wagyu beef and raise the luxe bar higher with the addition of foie gras, to indulge in this rice bowl with super-sized flavours and textures.

Each order not only comes with a tender, fatty, umami-rich steak but also 50g of this rich and buttery goose liver delicacy.

Side Dishes of Karaage, Gyoza, or Ebi Fry ($4.50+ each)
Complement your choice of ramen or don with a side order of Karaage. For the price of $4.50+, you get five pieces of lightly-coated, marinated, and deep-fried chicken chunks. Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside.

Another popular side dish that goes well with a ramen or a done is Gyoza. Bite into this thin-dough Japanese dumpling and taste the flavourful filling of ground meat and veggies.

Get five pieces for an order of these crispy gyozas with juicy interior to contrast its texture.

SUPASIZE Family Combo ($40+, U.P $50.50)
Suparakki Ramen has launched the Supasize Family Combo (which comprises upsized meat portion, Hakata-style ramen, famous Japanese appetisers as well as bubble milk.

The set meal is available for islandwide delivery at https://suparakki.oddle.me. A delivery fee of $5 applies.

SUPASIZE Family Combo includes:
– Original Tonkotsu Ramen (Upsize: 3 extra pcs of Cha Shu)
– Dry Truffle Ramen (Upsize: extra portion of pulled pork)
– Dry Truffle Ramen (Kid Size)
– Any 2 Sides (Choose from Karaage, Takoyaki or Gyoza)
– 2 Supa Boba Milk

Suparakki Boba Milk with Pearls
After slurping down your hot bowl of soup, refresh and cool down with a glass of Boba Milk with Pearls. Both an accompanying beverage and a sweet meal-ender, this has creamy milk and chewy tapioca balls seeped in brown sugar. Quite legit.

Here’s the catch: The Suparakki Boba Milk is only available for delivery or takeaways only with:
– Suparakki’s Supa Boba Milk Single Combo – Original Tonkotsu Ramen with Boba Milk ($13.90 for delivery pre-order, U.P $16.30)
– Suparakki’s Supa Boba Milk Couple Combo – 2X Original Tonkotsu Ramen with Boba Milk ($27.80 for delivery pre-order, U.P $32.80)
– Supasize Family Combo ($40+, U.P $50.50)

Suparakki Ramen
Citylink Mall #B1-65 Singapore 039393 (City Hall MRT)
North Point City (South Wing) #B2-154, Singapore 769098 (Yishun MRT)
Westgate #B2-03 Singapore 608532 (Jurong East MRT)
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suparakkiramen
Delivery Website: https://suparakki.oddle.me

* This post is brought to you in partnership with Suparakki Ramen.

Tanjong Pagar is home to many Korean restaurants, ranging from Korean BBQ to Korean Fried Chicken.

As one of the pioneers in the Korean food scene in Singapore, Super Star K started out in a foodcourt in 2004 and eventually opened more Korean BBQ outlets along Tanjong Pagar Road.

Super Star K has opened their first Korean noodle-specialty restaurant called Noodle Star K (We could have guessed. Chicken Star K, next?) at 58 Tanjong Pagar Road.

Tanjong Pagar can very well be Singapore’s “JjaJangMyeon Zone” with many restaurants offering the Korean black bean paste noodles here.

Some examples are O.BBa Jjajang, Hong Jjajang 홍짜장, Twins Restaurant, Hwang Sil Jjajang Jjampong specialty restaurant and Red Holic (in the form of Jjajang Tteokbokki).

I am sure there are more.

Noodle Star K does remind me of Guksu Restaurant at Suntec City and Huluruk Myeon House at Novena Square, both specialising in Korean noodles.

Butthere are clear differences in terms of their take on noodles.

Using 100% handmade noodles, Noodle Star K’s menu comprised of Naengmyeon – Cold noodles ($13.80-$14.80), Jjajangmyeon – Black bean paste noodles ($10.80), Jjampong – Spicy seafood soup noodles ($13), Kalguksu – Knife cut noodles ($12.80-$14.80), Guksu – Noodles ($12.80), Japchae – Korean glass noodles ($15.80) and Jjolmyeon – Korean chewy noodles ($13.80).

Their signature dish is their Naengmyeon with a total of 5 different variations on their menu: Mul (using potato starch), Bibim (using potato starch in spicy sauce), Sashimi (using potato starch with sashimi slices), Pyeongyang (using 70% buckwheat, 30% starch), Chik (using arrowroot).

Originated from northern Korea, the two main varieties of Naengmyeon are Mul Naengmyeon served as a cold soup with the noodles contained in broth made from beef, chicken or radish water kimchi and Bibim Naengmyeon in a spicy dressing made from gochujang (red chili paste).

I personally liked the Bibim Naengmyeon ($13.80) the most, served chilled with thin potato starch noodles that is perfect for Singapore’s hot weather.

Mix the spicy sauce with the white radish kimchi, sesame oil, sesame seeds, vinegar dressing and sugar well just like a Bibimbap before eating. Mashisoyo!

Instead of using buckwheat noodles, the potato starch noodles were more chewy in their texture.

The fragrance and aroma was distinctively pleasant and the taste of the Bibim Naengmyeon was so refreshing with a spicy kick. Daebak!

No joke, Koreans do take their spicy food seriously.

I was keen to try out their version of Jjajangmyeon ($10.80), which is a Korean-styled Chinese dish.

Served in a huge, matte, stainless-steel golden bowl which are really gorgeous, their noodles look different from the ones I usually had.

Instead of being thick and round, the noodles used in the Jjajjngmyeon here were flat like mee-pok.

The taste was balanced with savouriness from the black bean paste and slight sweet notes from the sliced onions.

Unlike most Jjajangmyeon, no shallots were used which also explained the lack of fragrance but I was pleasantly surprised to see potatoes cubes in it for the extra textures.

There is also option for free upsize and fried eggs for the Jjajangmyeon, the latter is unfortunately not available on the day of visit.

The Jjampong ($13) is another common dish found in Korean-Chinese restaurants, made from the same flat “mee pok” noodles used in the Jjajangmyeon.

Topped with prawns and cuttlefish in spicy soup with chili powder, it was indeed quite spicy,

Perhaps the lack of mussels and octopus resulted in a relatively flat taste, and also lacked in terms of freshness and sweetness from other seafood.

Small bites such as dumplings ($6.80) are available in three flavours: Gogi (pork meat), Kimchi and Mul (boiled pork meat).

Thinking that they will be as good as the ones I had at Red Holic down the same road, the dumplings turned out to be Chinese-style dumplings without the iconic glass noodles in Korean dumplings.

The Gogi dumplings (5 pieces for $6.80) has a distinctive soy and garlic taste in it, filled with minced pok and spring onions.

Noodles fanatics will love the idea of having different types of noodles in one place, especially with the wide selection of Korean-style noodles here.

Their Bibim Naengmyeon hits all the right notes and turned out to be the most memorable dish there.

Noodle Star K
58 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088479
https://www.facebook.com/Noodle-Star-K-108710004100084

Other Related Entries
O.BBa Jjajang (Tanjong Pagar Road)
Hong Jjajang 홍짜장 (Tanjong Pagar)
Twins Restaurant (Craig Road)
Hello Korean BBQ (Circular Road)
Hongdae Oppa (Plaza Singapura)

* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Do you know that Strawberry Shortcakes are sold as “Christmas Cakes” in Japan?

Additional fun-fact: June 14 is “Strawberry Shortcake Day”.

The Strawberry Shortcake is one of the most popular cakes in Japan, and what we have here in Singapore is generally adapted from the Japanese style.

Tnstead of sweet business, a Strawberry Shortcake would generally include layers of sponge cake, soft cream fillings, fresh strawberry slices, and frosted with whipped cream.

Seems rather simple but it is all about the freshness. This is also one of those light cakes to have when you want a sweet dessert, but yet guilty about the richness.

Here are 10 cafes and bakeries in Singapore where you can get delicate Strawberry Shortcakes:

Chef Yamashita
Blk 1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza #02-44, Singapore 082001
Opening Hours: 11am – 5pm (Tues – Sat), 11am – 4pm (Sun), Closed Mon

Chef Yamashita Masataka trained in Tsuji Culinary Institute in Osaka Japan, was previously taking charge of the kitchen at Glace and Flor Patisserie (2 other fantastic places to get cakes).

The patisserie may be at a slightly obscure shop on the 2nd level of Tanjong Pagar Plaza, but fans of Japanese cakes know where to head to.

There are limited seats, so most customers come for takeaways.

Have a go at the soft and fluffy Ichigo ($6.50) a Japanese-style light sponge cake with sweet strawberries and fresh soft cream.

Sponge soft and fluffy like a cloud, and the winning part was the cream that had just the right delicate sweetness.

Chateraise Singapore
Various outlets around Singapore

Châteraisé is the well-known patisserie chain from the Yamanashi Prefecture Japan (a land rich in nature), which collaborates with Japanese farmers to use high quality ingredients for their cakes and desserts.

The number one best-selling Fresh Cream Cake ($5.10 per slice, $40 for 18cm, $45 for 21cm) is made with Japanese strawberries picked at the height of their freshness.

Topped with Hokkaido fresh cream, the airy and fluffy sponge cake is layered with a luscious strawberry confiture for sheer indulgence.

My OLs friends love the variety and aesthetics of the cakes, and somehow always get their Strawberry Shortcake as a choice of birthday cake.

Henri Charpentier Singapore
181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central 01-18, Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6634 4608
Opening Hours: 11am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sat), 11am – 10pm (Sun)

Henri Charpentier’s Strawberry Short Cake was actually crowned “Best Short Cake” in Japan on a well-known Japanese television programme.

This is also its Number 1 best seller in Singapore.

Compared to other cakes, the whipped fresh cream filling has a richer milk taste, but is still melt in your mouth.

Ciel Patisserie
124 Hougang Ave 1, #01-1444, Singapore 530124
Tel: +65 6383 0803
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Ciel Patisserie is quite a hidden find, inconspicuously located at Hougang Ave 1. But it is quite popular among residents around for their cakes, bakes and tarts.

The Strawberry Shortcake ($5.80 for slice, $34 for 6” square, $45 for 8” square) is one of their top sellers, and is sold out quite early in the day.

What you get is a square cake with two layers of fluffy and soft sponge, sandwiching fresh seasonal juicy strawberries and signature lightly-sweetened vanilla Chantilly cream.

Rosettes of Chantilly cream are piped over the top to finish it off, giving it a great balance of flavour and sweetness.

This is soft and light, and shows that good desserts can also be found in our neighbourhoods.

Patisserie Glace
9 Raffles Place, #B1-09 Republic Plaza Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6536 0169
Opening Hours: 11am – 7pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat, Sun, PH

Japanese cake lovers should be familiar with this shop, helmed by Chef Tomoko who makes gorgeous-looking and moderately priced Japanese pastries.

It is hard to walk past without being drawn to beautiful temptations.

Also look out for the popular Strawberry Shortcake, Rare Cheese Mango, Mont-Blanc, Fruit Crepe, Hazel Dazzle, Choco Renga, Banana Hill and Green Tea Tiramisu.

Their signature cake is the Strawberry Shortcake layered with light cheese, soft sponge and sweet strawberries in fresh cream. Rich and refreshing.

They said this would bring back fond memories of your travels in Japan.

The Providore
7 Raffles Place, Singapore 048625
Tel: +65 6533 1352
Opening Hours: 8am – 10:30pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 6pm (Sat – Sun)

The Providore’s Strawberry Shortcake ($8.50 per slice, $48 for 14cm whole cake, $58 for 16cm whole cake) is produced fresh daily at their central pastry kitchen.

Worthy to mention is that the cream is made from Lescure whipping cream from France, which has a milky-creamy taste which complements the thin strawberry slices.

The shortcake sponge is made from Japanese flour for a fluffier texture, and I enjoyed that there was a certain pillow-like lightness to the overall texture.

Flor Patisserie
Capitol Singapore, 13 Stamford Rd, #01-11, Singapore 178905
Opening Hours: 11am – 7pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

You may not know but Flor Patisserie is a locally-grown brand, and cakes are made without artificial colourings or chemical agents.

Their confections feature largely fresh fruits, and are lighter in flavour than conventional French pastries.

Flor’s signature Strawberry Shortcake ($8.60 per slice, $56.71 for 15 cm whole cake) uses Japanese Chitose strawberries.

They make the genoise sponge by hand, using local eggs and Japanese flour without any chemical raising agent or additives.

After which, they would carefully balance out the softness of the sponge and sweetness of the strawberries with Candia 35% fat fresh cream.

Also available is the Strawberry Souffle Cake (pictured above), and I enjoyed the cream that was smooth and not too heavy.

Rive Gauche Patisserie
3 Temasek Boulevard #B1-K2 Suntec City Mall Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6238 0882
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

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.

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.

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

While New York based Lady M is better known for its Mille Crepe cake, you can also have a go at their classic Strawberry Shortcake ($10 per slice, 9” cake $104 online / $117.70 in boutique).

Lady M’s version is created with superfine flour imported from Japan, which produces a vanilla sponge cake that gives it a fluffier texture and purer taste.

Coupled with sweet strawberries (from Australia and Korea) precisely studded among clouds of whipped cream, this is a great-to-have afternoon tea dessert.

Pacific Marketplace
Level 1, Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard Marina Square Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 6826 8240
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
(No dining in yet for “Phase 2”)

If you are looking at whole cakes, Pacific Marketplace at Pan Pacific Singapore offers quite an indulgent and gorgeous looking Strawberry Pistachio Shortcake ($62, 1kg).

The classic strawberry shortcake is given a spin with fluffy pistachio sponge, complemented by smooth whipped mascarpone cream and a ring of fresh strawberries.

For the health-conscious people, a lower sugar option is also available upon special request.

Note: 1 day advance notice is required for order of this item, kindly place order before 4pm.

Other Related Entries
10 Mouth-Watering MATCHA Cakes In Singapore
10 Buttery Croissants In Singapore
8 Local Dessert Cafes In Singapore
10 Tasty TART Shops In Singapore
10 Basque Burnt Cheesecake In Singapore

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

People do not head over to Indus Road for food on an ordinary day, though it is of walking distance to Valley Point and Beo Crescent Food Centre.

Let alone for authentic Thai food. So, Thong Aik Coffee is considered a well-hidden find within this older estate near Bukit Ho Swee.

Even though I was more or less familiar with the River Valley area, it took me a while to find the place (It’s kind of nearer Lower Delta.)

As to why it is called “Thong Aik”, the family used to own a petrol kiosk in Thomson Road called “Thong Aik BP Service Station”.

While the business was eventually taken over by the corporation, they wanted to bring a piece of family history into their new business venture.

Thong Aik serves up Nanyang coffee in the morning, and Thai food from lunch (11am) to dinner as it is a collaboration with Ying Thai (not to be confused with Yhingthai Palace Restaurant).

Starting with the morning offering from 8am to 11am, there are items of Lu Rou Fan aka Braised Pork Rice Bowl ($3.90), Century Egg Porridge ($2.90), and Green Bean Soup with Gula Melaka ($2).

The hearty Lu Rou Fan cooked with a family recipe, contained generous portion of well-braised savoury pork belly slices, though I wished shorter-grain fluffier rice could have been use for better blend with the dark sauce.

The Green Bean Soup with Gula Melaka ($2) also had a good consistency and not too sweet, though at the end of the day you wonder if there could be more distinct breakfast offerings for repeat customers.

The Nanyang Coffee ($1 – $1.60) is brewed using a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, and the roast is freshly-grounded just before brewing to bring out the fragrance with a chocolatey twist.

Moving ahead to Lunch (yes, I had to come here a few times haha), you can expect something totally different with Basil Minced Pork Rice ($6), Thai Fried Rice ($5.50), Tang Hoon with Pork or Chicken ($5.50), Green Curry Chicken with Rice ($6), Pineapple Fried Rice Chicken ($5.50), Phad Thai ($7) and Tom Yum Fried Rice ($5.50).

I was initially quite surprised at the quality of the Green Curry when I first tried – rich and deliciously creamy, not losing out on the heat factor.

The chef specialises in authentic home cooked Changi Mai cuisine, so you would find their dishes fragrant and flavourful.

Both the Thai-styled Pork Basil Rice and Phad Thai used Thai herbs and spices, and I reckon the standard is actually better than some of the established Golden Mile type restaurants.

If you are near this area, you know where to head for inexpensive Thai food.

Thong Aik Coffee
78 Indus Road #01-495 Singapore 161078 (15 min walk from Tiong Bahru MRT Station)
Tel: +65 8901 7155
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm (Mon – Sat, Closed PH)

Other Related Entries
10 Best Inexpensive Thai Restaurants In Singapore
Soi 47 Thai Food (King George’s Avenue)
KinMoo (Tan Quee Lan)
Yaowarat Thai Kway Chap (Holland Village)
Kra Pow (Chinatown Point)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The idea of writing this Fish and Chips guide came about during the “Circuit Breaker” period, as I had mad cravings for deep-fried food, and surprisingly some of those takeaways stayed crisp and tasty.

The Fish and Chips dish originated in England itself, and two of its main ingredients were introduced by immigrants – an example of culinary fusion.

For this listicle, I wanted to include a range from hawker stalls, cafés, seafood restaurants (of course), to Fish & Chips speciality stores. Sorry if your favourites are not in.

There were a few more I would have wanted to include, such as Captain Snapper at habitat by honestbee and Fisherios at Takashimaya, but they have unfortunately closed.

The English House by Marco Pierre White
28 Mohamed Sultan Rd, Singapore 238972
Tel: 65 6545 4055
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Fri), 8:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm (Sat), 8:30am – 8pm (Sun)

Inspired by colonial Singaporean heritage, The English House is an elegant house and restaurant with private dining rooms helmed by renowned Celebrity Chef, Marco Pierre White.

The place is dramatic, accentuated with glimmering candles and black and white photographs by Terry O’Neill, a British photographer renowned for documenting the style and fashion of the 1960s.

This is quite the place for a date night.

Somehow, I had the impression that their Fish & Chips was very expensive, but was pleasantly surprised that they switched the type of fish and price has become more ‘friendly’ (Previously, the Fried Fillet of English Turbot was $98 which could have made many diners hesitate to depart with that kind of money.)

The Beer Battered Haddock Fillet ($38) is served with triple cooked chips, butter mushy peas and tartare sauce.

Worthy of mention is that the haddock is flown in from Europe fresh every week, while the chips are made from British potatoes sourced from Yorkshire.

I found this plate quite a complete and all-rounded one – crispy batter, fresh tasting fish, and those flavourful mushy peas were also a highlight.

Oh yes, limited quantities, so pre-order is recommended.

Lad & Dad
7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza #01-108 Singapore 081007 (Tanjong Pagar Station)
Tel: +65 92477385
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Tues – Sat), Closed Sun, Mon

From Maxwell Food Centre to a stand-alone shop at Tanjong Pagar, Lad & Dad has come a long way.

Their best-selling Fish & Chips ($16) is included with beer-battered Atlantic haddock, mushy peas, straight cut chips and accompanied with tartar sauce.

The batter was the winning component for me, coming in that delectable golden-brown shade. When you cut across with the knife, there would be that light sound of tantalising crunch.

Fish was fresh and flaky, and almost all the components from the peas to tartar sauce worked well together.

The fries could be the weaker link – not that it was bad or anything, it was probably just above the average.

Smiths Authentic British Fish and Chips
271 Bukit Timah Road, #01-02 Balmoral Plaza, Singapore 259708
Tel: +65 6737 9313
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:30pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 10:30pm (Sat), 12pm – 8pm (Sun)

This is one of the few British-style Fish & Chips shops in Singapore that has been around since 2010.

However, do note that this is a self-serve joint (order via counter and collect after buzzer sounds), so don’t expect restaurant-type service here, even though prices are slightly on the high side.

Their extensive menu offers the usual the famous British signatures, such as North Sea cod, haddock, plaice, halibut, battered sausages, mushy peas, curry sauce, pickled eggs, and chips.

Items such as fish, fishcakes, sausages and scallops are all cooked in their home-made batter which is made fresh every day with a secret recipe.

The Cod or Haddock Chips ($22 for small, $25 for large) comes with chips or salad, fried in quality refined palm oil, to give a more authentic British taste accordingly.

I personally thought that the fish could do with slightly more seasoning, but there was vinegar and salt on the side which you could add a little of.

What I liked with their thick-cut chips, made fresh in-house and not too greasy.

Molly Malone’s Irish Pub
56 Circular Rd, Singapore 049411
Tel: +65 6536 2029
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 12pm – 10pm (Sat), Closed Sun

Not quite right if I don’t include an Irish pub in this list. Molly Malones is a popular Irish restaurant and bar near Boat Quay, known for its Dublin Bay Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash, Bavette Steak, Guinness Pie and light bites.

The Molly’s Famous Fish & Chips ($20) has white fish fillet coated with Mammy Molly’s batter and deep-fried until golden brown.

While slightly oily, the batter had a delightful golden-yellow crunch which I loved. Fish was also tender and juicy – one of the more memorable one I had.

This is served with chips, fresh lemon and tartare sauce.

Tip: Come during weekday lunch or Tuesday, pay just $14++ for the Fish and Chips, and this also includes bottomless soda.

The Market Grill
208 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068642
Tel: +65 6221 3323
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

While The Market Grill is inspired by traditional old-style butcheries and diners and is best known for its burgers and steak.

Celebrated dishes include its signature flown-in live Boston Lobsters and other fresh seafood offerings such as the Fish & Chips ($28).

This dish uses a locally-sourced grouper (generous 200 to 220 gm of fillet) while the batter is made with craft tap beer.

The fish is best paired with house-made tartare sauce – which they pickle with their own onions and ginger to give it a slightly different dimension, pickles, and raisin caper pesto sauce for those with a sweet tooth.

Greenwood Fish Market
34 & 38 Greenwood Ave, Singapore 289236
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Established in 2003, Greenwood Fish Market has become the go-to neighbourhood destination for a seafood fix.

Expect a wide selection of the freshest catch of the day – up to 30 varieties to choose from.

Both a retailer and family-run restaurant, it also serves Western-style seafood-based starters, pastas & risotto, soups & salads, burger & rolls, pizzas, and mains.

Their House Fish & Chips served with calamansi vinaigrette salad ($19.95) uses a custom blend of three flours developed by their founder, using a top grade catfish (there are also choices of other fish fillets).

The House Fish & Chips are only $11.50++ for takeaways, while Barramundi and Snapper options are at $16.50++ each.

Fish & Chicks
Blk 531 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, #01-2429 Happy Hawkers, Singapore 560531
Tel: +65 9828 3490
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Fish & Chicks made some waves on social media a few years ago with their Salted Egg Yolk and Chilli Crab Sauce Fish and Chips.

Their all-time favourite is the Best Of Both Worlds ($14.80) with both Salted Egg and Chilli Crab Sauce paired with Fish & Chips.

Some may think it is pricy for a coffeeshop stall.

All their special Fish & Chips sets come with fries and a choice of sides such as Onion Rings, Coleslaw, Mashed Potato, Cheese Pasta and BBQ Baked Beans.

All in all, I liked that the fish and chicken came in reasonably big portions, and interesting sauces made from scratch.

Perhaps with a number of branches, consistency can be a challenge which the team would need to work on.

Big Fish Small Fish
200 Victoria Street, Bugis Junction 04-05, Singapore 188021
Tel: +65 9438 7623
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Despite being a relatively new brand just 3 years in the market, Big Fish Small Fish expanded a far bit from being small shop at Punggol Container Park.

It currently has outlets at Northpoint City (South Wing), Bugis Junction (#04-05), Tampines Mall (#B1-K3), Tampines Mall (#B1-K3) and JCube (#03-07/08).

People come here for its variety and friendly vibes.

For their Fish & Chips, choose a main such as Dory ($10.80), Haddock ($18.80), Salmon ($17.70), Halibut ($15.60), Sea Bass ($14.40), Hoki ($13.20), included with skin-on fries or sliced potato crisps.

There are also two add-ons such as mint mushy peas, coleslaw, mashed potatoes and garlic toast.

The other highlight is also free flow sauces and dips available, though I thought that the salted egg sauce was slightly ‘faint’.

Fresh fish (I had the sea bass) had not too oily batter, though only some of the chips in the same bag were crisp.

Oriole Coffee + Bar
96, #01-01 Somerset Road, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 8348
Opening Hours: 10am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)

The Oriole experience is about serving specialty coffee along with global fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner, making it an all-day, every day café destination at Orchard Road.

The Ginger Ale Fish & Chips ($22++) is one of its signatures, of battered snapper fish with tartare sauce, lemon and chips.

There was a good crisp on the batter, while the fish was firm and tender. However, there was once I had rather dry ones, so perhaps better consistency would have been ideal.

Rejoicings
Blk 11 Telok Blangah Crescent Food Centre #01-122, Singapore 090011
Tel: +65 9198 7477
Opening Hours: 3pm – 1am (Mon, Tues, Thurs), 3pm – 2am (Fri, Sat), 3pm – 12am (Sun), Closed Wed

There are many Western food hawker stalls in Singapore serving not-bad versions of Fish & Chips, but I thought of giving some highlight to Rejoicings – which is not all that well-known, hidden at Telok Blangah Crescent Food Centre.

There are a couple of fish dishes on its menu such as Fish & Chips ($6), Grilled Fish & Chips ($6) but what you should order should be the Crispy Battered Fish and Chips ($8).

Yes, at $8, this seems to be higher priced than the average stall.

There was something crunchy, light and airy about the batter with buttery fragrance, that made the piece crisp even after dabao.

This is quite a good find, plus the stall opens till 2am on certain nights.

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Lor mee 卤面 is a popular Singapore hawker noodle dish with Hokkien origins.

It is categorised by thick gravy cooked with corn starch, five-spice powder and eggs, added with ingredients such as hard-boiled eggs, fish flakes, fish cake, ngor hiang (meat rolls) or fried fish – depending on the stall.

To complement the savoury flavours, customers add a drizzle of the rice-based black vinegar (usually the Chinkiang), some minced garlic, and for spice lovers, a dollop or two of sambal chili.

For this Lor Mee listicle, I tried more than 20 famous stalls, and I personally found this hawker listicle harder to compile than the usual – because the famous stalls are located at far ends of the island, with very long queues, and operate for short hours.

And it is starchy and filling, so I cannot cover more than a stall a day. (For food centres with 2-3 famous Lor Mee stalls, I go back on separate trips to try all of them.)

To me (while some may not agree with), the most important component of Lor Mee is the ’lor’ (gravy) itself. I am always looking out for that ‘magic’. It should be flavourful, and can hold on its own even without including additional vinegar, chilli or garlic.

Popular Lor Mee stalls in Singapore include Tiong Bahru Lor Mee (Old Airport Road Food Centre), Xiang Ji Lor Mee (Old Airport Road Food Centre), Yuan Zhi Wei (Whampoa Food Centre) Hoe Heng Lor Mee (Toa Payoh Lor 8), Jue Dai Lor Mee (Ci Yuan Food Centre), Zhi Xiang Lor Mee (Toa Payoh Lor 4), Ang Mo Kio Lor Mee (Chong Boon Market), Ah Mah Lor Mee (328 Clementi Ave 2), Heng Kee Lor Mee (Bendemeer Food Centre), Yuan Chun Famous Lor Mee (Amoy Street Food Centre), Soon Heng (Beo Crescent), Soon Heng Food Delights (Tanjong Pagar) and Ma Bao Lor Mee (216 Bedok Food Centre).

Just to name a couple. Here are 10 more luscious Lor Mee you can find in Singapore:

Xin Mei Xiang Zheng Zong Lor Mee 新美香卤面
51 Old Airport Road, #01-116 Old Airport Road Food Centre, Singapore 390051
Opening Hours: 6am – 2pm (Fri – Wed), Closed Thurs

I remember Xin Mei Xiang Zheng Zong Lor Mee at Old Airport Road Food Centre winning (back in those days) the “Best Lor Mee” in “Just Noodles 面对面” on television hosted by Kym Ng.

The line does get very long during peak hours, with estimated wait of at least 20 to 30 minutes, and bowls can be sold out before closing hour.

Some customers may not find this worth the very long wait in the heat though.

What’s noteworthy in their Xin Mei Xiang’s Lor Mee ($4, $5, $6) is its generous serving of ingredients – you get your money’s worth.

The sauce, a key element in a good Lor Mee, was quite unlike any others I had before – thick and flavourful as it was prepared with five-spice and other seasonings.

The balance of being vinegary and spicy was done just right. Quite a complete bowl in terms of getting the different elements right from ingredients to the lor.

I never intended to finish that sauce but I did anyway. While some customers may feel it is on the plain side, it was not as starchy and didn’t give me that uncomfortable-filling feeling.

Ah yes, there is another similar-sounding Xiang Ji Lor Mee (#01-81) and Tiong Bahru Lor Mee (#01-124) in the same food centre, if you happen to crave for Lor Mee and Xin Mei Xiang is closed. Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee (Old Airport Road Food Centre)

Feng Zhen Lor Mee 鳳珍鹵麵
Taman Jurong Food Centre, #03-146, 3 Yung Seng Road, S 618499, Singapore
Opening Hours: 5am – 3pm (Tues – Sat), Closed Sun, Mon

People do travel all the way far-west to Taman Jurong Food Centre for this one stall – Feng Zhen Lor Mee.

With amazing flavours hitting all the right notes, it is no wonder this stall has all the great elements to attract Lor Mee fans to the stall.

Long queues are a common sight, but the efficient service is commendable. Try to avoid peak lunch time though.

There is both the basic Lor Mee ($3) and Fish Lor Mee ($4, $5) included with fish flakes. There were so many toppings such as scrumptious deep-fried meatballs that the noodles weren’t even visible.

Here’s what I like about the Lor Mee: the gravy had good consistency, moreish with well-balanced flavours that went amazingly well with the tender meatballs.

If there was one thing I needed to nit-pick, some parts of the ’lor’ was not well stirred, so could be clumpy at parts.

Besides Lor Mee, they also serve fried prawn rolls which make for tasty appetizers to go with your meal.

Feng Zhen has another outlet at 787B Choa Chu Kang Dr; while they have relatives sell Ah Ma Lor Mee at 328 Clementi Ave 2.

Keng Heng Whampoa Teo Chew Lor Mee 慶興黃埔潮州鹵麵
#01-63 Golden Mile Food Centre, 505 Beach Road Singapore 199583
Tel: +65 9844 4853
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 2pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

It is hard to miss with the large flashy signboard compelling you to get a steamy bowl of Lor Mee, and no matter what time of the day you visit the stall, you will always be met with snaking long queues.

You may have to wait a good half an hour for your order even on weekdays.

The classic Teochew style Lor Mee is priced at $3 – $5 which I found reasonable. The large portion size was quite huge and shareable if you are not too hungry.

The bowl was loaded with tender pork belly balanced with the crisp and crunch of the fish skin (which is not commonly found in other Lor Mee stalls), fishcakes, fried wantons and chunks of crispy fish.

The gravy had a distinct sweetish taste of its own with the same starchy thickness its loyal fans all know and love. But not everyone would enjoy the gooeyness.

Oh yah, may want to go easy on the chilli as it can get overwhelmingly spicy.

Lorong Ah Soo Lor Mee 羅弄阿蘇卤面
105 Hougang Ave 1, Hainanese Village #02-51, Singapore 530105
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3:30pm (Tues – Sun), Closd Mon

This Lor Mee hawker stall is said to be in the business for more than 50 years, with old-school flavours that are a favourite with Hougang residents.

Make sure that you get to the stall during the early opening hours at noon, or prepare to wait at least 30 – 45 minutes for your order. They may also sell out earlier.

A bowl is reasonably priced at $3.50 or $4, and includes ngor hiang, fish cake, and braised duck meat.

This stall does not include fish flakes as it is labour intensives and the owner is worried there may be bones which affect many of their regulars who are more elderly.

As it is difficult to prepare the gravy (can get burnt or too watery if left there for long), the hawkers make just two big pots, cooked and seasoned till it is well-balanced with the right consistency.

The gravy may come across not as rich or robust as the usually stalls, but there was something delightful in terms of its lightness – you don’t feel so jelak. A nostalgic taste which is harder to find nowadays.

Soon Lee Lor Mee 顺利滷麵攡
Circuit Road Food Centre, Blk 79 Circuit Road, #01-07, Singapore 370079
Tel: +65 9298 0115
Opening Hours: 12pm – 8pm (Wed – Sun), Closed Mon, Tues

While Lor Mee is typically a morning breakfast affair, Soon Lee starts operating from noon onwards till early dinner time. (They used to serve from dinner till 2-3am but changed their operational hours.)

Soon Lee Lor Mee Stall has been around for more than 40 years.

Their ingredients comprise of their specialty fried fritters, fried fish, braised pork belly and hard-boiled egg (instead of braised).

All these ingredients are prepared fresh daily before business, and even the eggs are freshly cooked.

A bowl is sold at $3, $4, $5, though I would recommend getting the bigger bowls as the small may be too little in portion for the hungry customer.

I think why people like this stall is due to its old-school tasting gravy, which has a sweetish aftertaste. The crispy fried fritters also help to add crunch and textural contrast.

Zhi Xiang Special Lor Mee 智翔特制滷麵
93 Lor 4 Toa Payoh #01-49, Singapore 310093
Tel: +65 8233 0721
Opening Hours: 5am – 2pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

This stall is called “special” for a reason. The one thing that differentiates this from the other places it the addition of fried yam fritters.

Only the $4 version comes with the yam.

It is served in a separate bowl, with some bite-size pieces that you can dip into the dark gravy. It is more towards the crunchy size, somewhat like Mamee noodles.

While it added more textural layer, this is carb in carb on carb, and so can be rather filling.

The other components were more or less standard fare, though ngor hiang given also came in the entire long piece, and not cut into smaller slices. A not bad bowl.

Lor Mee 178 鹵麵178
30 Seng Poh Road, Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre #02-23, Singapore 168898
Opening Hours: 7am – 2:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Lor Mee 178 has been listed in the Singapore’s Michelin Guide with a “Michelin Plate” (not “star”) for quite a number of years, previously also frequently featured in local television food programmes.

On a side note, there are two famous Lor Mee stalls at Tiong Bahru Food Centre, the other being Tiong Bahru Lor Mee (#02-80). Both have equally long queues.

Lor Mee 178’s signature Lor Mee ($3.00) is a bowl of thick, flat yellow noodles in viscous gravy (the lor).

Unlike the ones in other Lor Mees, its flavourful gravy is not too starchy and has a good consistency to it. You could finish slurping a bowl without feeling too full.

I personally think that the lor was slightly on the ‘safe’ side, and may be seen by some as bland or not-soimpressionable.

Would suggest going for the upgraded version with additional topping of crispy fried shark fritter ($4.00), evidently the winning element in this dish.

71 Lor Mee
115 Bukit Merah View, #01-71 Bukit Merah View Food Centre, Singapore 151115
Opening Hours: 6am – 1pm (Wed – Sun), Closed Mon, Tues

Slightly long queue here, though people not staying around Bukit Merah won’t have heard of this Lor Mee.

To me, there are two things that are appealing – the crispy bits and the consistency of the gravy.

At $3, the Lor Mee is very reasonably priced, as the portion size is quite filling, with crunchy pork bits, fish cake and ngor hiang.

The lor was not too starchy, and had a semi-sticky gooey consistency that was neither thick nor watery. Comforting for the tummy. Lor Mee 178 (Tiong Bahru Food Centre)

Best Lu Mian In Town
91 Whampoa Drive, Whampoa Food Centre #01-19, Singapore 320091
Opening Hours: 8am – 2pm (Sat – Thurs), 8am – 3pm (Fri)

This is testament that a good stall name can keep people curious and customers coming.

So, is this REALLY the “BEST Lu Mian In Town”?

While I don’t really think so (opps) – perhaps the gravy could be less thick-starchy and more flavourful, this is indeed a way that definitely catches every passerby’s attention. The other thing to beware of at this stall is the snaking long queues.

The stall only serves Lu Mian in $3 and $4 serving bowls. You will find the serving size quite generous with ample amounts of pork, fried fish, and even some crisp chicken pieces.

The braised pork slices were quite tender and delicious.

You can customize your bowl with the noodles of your choice, and addition of garlic, chili and vinegar to your taste.

With that said, there is another popular Lu Mian stall in the same food centre, called “Yuan Zi Wei”.

Hui Wei Lor Mee
159 Mei Chin Road, #02-14, Mei Ling Market & Food Centre, Singapore 140159
Opening Hours: 8am – 2pm (Wed – Mon)

Okay, the famous Hai Tang Lor Mee may not be around anymore at Mei Ling Food Centre, the newer Hui Wei Lor Mee though an unknown name (for now) serves up quite a noteworthy version.

Starting at only $3 (or $4), the Lor Mee is affordable and plentiful.

Plenty of ingredients were buried under a dark looking and thick gravy which may not look quite appetizing, but is a treat once you dig into it.

While the gooey gravy could do with more robust flavours, the other components such as the pork slices lor bak, half a braised egg, and those large pieces of deep-fried battered fish made this a very decent bowl to have.

The fish when soaked in the gravy, retained that slight crispiness and was quite a thick fleshy piece.

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Named after English architect Hugh Holland, Holland Village is known for its restaurants, pubs, and charming cafes with a laid-back feel.

Take a train to Holland Village MRT and you can start with the Lorong Liput area for Kota Zheng Zong Bak Kut Teh Singapore, Yaowarat Thai Kway Chap, and the hip places such as Two Men Bagel House, Project Acai and 2am:dessertbar by Janice Wong.

Right in the middle is Holland Village Market and Food Centre, which leads on to a stretch of watering holes.

Take a short stroll to Chip Bee Garden, which is lined with fancy restaurants, dessert houses and specialty coffee cafes. (Note: Our Second Home which is well-loved is undergoing renovations, which is why it is not included here.)

Here are 10 Holland Village cafes you can explore:

Two Men Bagel House
17D Lorong Liput Singapore 277731
Tel: +65 6235 5159
Opening Hours: 8am – 4pm or sold out (Mon – Fri), 9am – 4pm (Sat – Sun)

Popular Bagel Cafe At Lor Liput With Hearty Bites
After outlets at Icon Village and Novena, Two Men Bagel House has opened its 3rd outlet at Holland Village at Lor Liput.

For early risers (it opens at 8am during weekdays), there is a “Morning Gems” menu including delicious-sounding Lean Jean ($12) included with scrambled egg whites, smashed avo, turkey sausage and more; and Mademoiselle Chantal ($14) with corned beef, honey baked ham, swiss bechamel and Carolina mustard sauce ($14).

The K-Town Gim ($15) from the “Trail Blazers” menu caught my attention, filled with braised short ribs, Asian pickles, Swiss gochugara (Korean hot peppers) sauerkraut, and mojo sauce. Two Men Bagel House (Holland Village)

For bagels, you can choose from their plain, or more fanciful ones from seeded, cheddar, olive, garlic, choco chip and gluten free.

Even if some are feeling that price can be on the higher side, the portion that came along was substantial.

Tai Cheong Bakery Café
31 Lorong Liput Singapore 277742
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 10pm (Sat – Sun)

Famed HK Egg Tart Shop With Cha Chaan Teng Concept
The outlet at Holland Village a 60-seater sit-down eatery, also the brand’s FIRST dine-in concept ever.

To me, the special must-get is the Singapore-exclusive flavour of Pandan Egg Tarts ($2)

The creation features aromatic pandan-infused egg custard in the buttery pastry shell. The fillings reminded me of the Nonya Kueh Kueh with its kaya-ish fillings.

There are other typical Hong Kong cha chaan teng dishes such as Scrambled Egg Toast Stack with Chicken Chop ($9.50), French Toast ($6.50) and Macaroni Soup ($8.50) available too.

One of the eatery’s signature dine-in items is the Three-Egg Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat ($8.50), a bowl of elbow macaroni in a rich tomato and chicken broth topped with a three sunny-side up eggs and strips of crispy fried luncheon meat, and six-hour braised Beef Brisket Curry Rice ($10.90).

Craftsmen Specialty Coffee
275 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278993
Tel: +65 6463 1715
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Mon – Thurs), 8:30am – 10:30pm (Fri – Sat), 8:30am – 9pm (Sun)

For Specialty Coffee And Brunch
Craftsmen Specialty Coffee is local-brand of 3rd wave coffee shop serving brunch items, specialty coffee and cakes.

If you are thinking of having brunch items, then go for the Craftsmen’s Savoury Waffles with scrambled egg and salsa; or the Fried Chicken Waffles of cornfed chicken thigh, sriracha maple dressing on buttermilk waffles.

Also recommended are their “Craftmen Specials” pasta, such as Tom Yum Seafood Cremoso, White Wine Prawn, and Seafood Laksa Cremoso.

d’Good Cafe
273 Holland Avenue, #02-01/02, Singapore 278992
Tel: +65 6219 9807
Opening Hours: 10am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Double Storey Whimsical Café
Founded by Mike Chin and established in 2012, d’Good Café takes on a whimsical and cosy feel.

There are also three different settings within, which they term the Lawn, Attic and Balcony.

Food wise, you can expect Seafood Risotto, Croque Madame, Bacon Carbonara, Portobello Eggs Benedict, Forest Mushroom & Ribeye, Truffle Woodland Mushroom Pasta, and Little Nyonya Cake.

I liked the Poached Fresh Lobster Pasta, cooked al dente with chunky lobster meat, except a tad oily. The Cod Fish and Chips were lightly battered, moist on the inside, best paired with some of those malt vinegar on the side.

If you love Cold Brews, you can possibly get the D’Unknown ($7.50) where you get dutch ice drip with coffee, Hokkaido milk with a SECRET flavour. Seasonally changed, and you can put the taste buds to the test.

Haakon Superfoods and Juice
118 Holland Ave, #01-03, Raffles @Holland Village, Singapore 278997
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

For Superfoods, Acai Bowls and Juices
Haakon is for the health conscious looking for some nourishing food with a fusion of Scandinavian and tropical flavours.

The Haakon Classic Acai Bowl ($7.90, $12.90) contains an organic acai blend, topped with granola, coconut flakes, chia seed parfait, blueberries, banana and seasonal fruits.

Other varieties include Pink Pitaya and Chia Bowl, Lean & Green Bowl, Coco Loco Acai Bowl, and Acai Chocolate Therapy.

Other than the these Acai Bowls, you can look forward to salads and all-day breakfast.

Specialty Bowls for those who intend to pile up on healthy proteins are Ginger Ponzu Steak & Soba ($14.90), Asian Spice Soba ($12.90), and Salmon Mentaiko & Soba ($14.90).

The Daily Scoop – Chip Bee Garden
44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-78, Singapore 278116
Tel: +65 6475 3128
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Thurs), 11am – 10:30pm (Fri, Sat), 2pm – 10pm (Sun)

Ice Cream Café That Has Been Around For More Than A Decade
The Daily Scoop has come a long way. It first started at Sunset Way, and its 2nd outlet at Holland Village has been around since 2009. More than 10 years!

They are known for ice cream with varied flavours (including local ones) made in-store daily, using quality natural ingredients and local produce.

Cha Earl Grey, Kookie Monster, Nutty Macadamia, Simply Chocolate, Lychee Martini, Maple Crisp, Salted Mr Brown, Surprising Coconut, Strawberry Shortcake and Mao Shan Wang are some of their top flavours.

Tiong Bahru Bakery – Chip Bee Gardens
43 Jalan Merah Saga #01-74, Singapore 278115
Tel: +65 6877 4868
Opening Hours: 8am – 7pm (Mon – Sun)

Known For Croissants and Kouign Amann
This is Tiong Bahru Bakery’s 4th outlet. Other than their Kouign Amann, their Croissant is generally well loved, with choices of classic Croissant, Almond Chocolate, Almond, Green Tea Almond, and Pain Au Chocolat (my personal favourite is the Green Tea Almond.)

The Croissants are handmade, never frozen, and baked fresh every two hours with French flour and French butter – the butter itself is made from Normandy cow milk which gives the pastry more layered richness.

The new place has a 1930s local sweet shop-inspired décor, a grab-and-go takeaway express lane, with a striking Three Wise Monkeys Mural by local artist/X.

I thought it was quite appropriate… especially ”speak no evil”. Just enjoy the coffee, Kougin Amann and leave the gossips at the door.

Baker & Cook – Chip Bee Gardens
44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-56, Singapore 278116
Tel: +65 6472 0998
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

Hearty Brunch, Croissants and Carrot Cake
Delve into hearty European breakfast and colourful pastries at Baker & Cook.

The best-selling pastry is the Butter Croissant, and founder Dean Brettschneider insists on using Anchor butter from New Zealand.

The butter is said to be made from cows that are raised on lush green pastures and left to wander free-range, which gives the golden churn a richer taste.

Therefore, the Croissants feature delicate layers, and is typically crisp and flaky with light and soft centre.

%Arabica Singapore – Chip Bee Gardens
44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-58, Singapore 278116
Opening hours: 8am – 6pm (Mon – Fri), 8am – 8pm (Sat – Sun)

Famous Cafe Chain Opens At Chip Bee Gardens
%Arabica is known to be originally from Kyoto Japan, currently expanding globally under the coffee leadership of Global Head Baristas Junichi Yamaguchi and Shu Konishi.

Caffe Latte is priced at $7 for short, $8 for tall, while the iced version is priced at $8.

If you like a little sweetness to your coffee, you can try the Spanish Latte ($9 for iced) which was first created by % Arabica Kuwait, and includes sweetened condensed milk.

There are nuances that reminded me of the local kopi peng, so for a more unadulterated taste, go for the Caffe Latte or Americano.

Sunday Folks – Chip Bee Gardens
44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-52, Singapore 278116
Opening Hours: 1pm – 10pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Soft Serve Specialty Café With Desserts And Cakes
From the originators of Creamier at Toa Payoh, Sunday Folk’s soft serve ice creams are freshly churned and served in a delicious handmade charcoal cone.

Their flavours are distinct, from the popular favourites of Earl Grey Lavender and Sea Salt Gula Melaka, to the tried-and-tested Roasted Pistachio and Summer Strawberries.

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Bad Badtz-Maru is like one of my favourite childhood toy (am I revealing my age?) due to his weird facial expressions. Before the term “RBF” became famous, there was already Bad Badtz-Maru.

Singapore will be having its first Gudetama X Bad Badz Maru pop-up café, at where else, Kumoya Café from 30 July 2020 (Thurs).

For those who are of a different generation, Bad Badtz-Maru (バッドばつ丸) is a male penguin with spiky hair.

In Japanese, “badtz” (batsu) is a term for “X”, the cross signifying a wrong answer. “Maru” means circle or “O”, and signifies a correct answer. Thus, his name figuratively means “wrong-correct”.

This is the first-ever cross-over pop-up café between 2 beloved Sanrio characters in Singapore and South East Asia.

This new double-team pop-up cafe will showcase new kawaii graphics never seen before for the pop-up café.

Since National Day is coming, the theme of “SingapoLAH!” is quite apt, in which dishes feature Gudetama and Bad Badtz-Maru will spout our very own brand of Singlish phrases.

Kumoya is a Japanese-French café which offers food with no pork and lard, and no alcohol. It is no stranger to character cafes, also behind Miffy Café, Cinnamoroll Café, Tokidoki, to Pusheen Cafe pop-up concepts.

The menu will features themed 5 mains, 4 desserts and 6 beverages, specially designed by @LittleMissBento (Shirley Wong) together with the Kumoya kitchen team.

Shirley is also behind the menu design of several character cafes in Singapore, including the Gudetama Café and My Melody Café Singapore at Suntec City – both closed last year. So this is a revival of sorts.

Take note that the café is not Halal-certified, though it has no pork, no lard and no alcohol served.

Bad Badtz-Maru and Gudetama Pop-Up Café
Kumoya @ 8 Jalan Klapa Singapore 199320
Opening Hours: 12.00pm – 9.30pm, Last Order 30 minutes before closing (Tues – Sun) Closed Mon
Duration: 30 July 2020 (Thurs) to 1 Nov 2020 (Sun)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Photos provided by Kumoya Cafe.

Being honest here, perhaps many of us have never heard of Vision Exchange.

This commercial building near Jurong East actually contains a number of eateries such as Spaceout 闊 , Shi Ding Xuan Hotpot, A Kitchen, Oh My, AHTII Korean Restaurant, 川小喵, and Anjana Kitchen.

Just 5 minutes’ walk from Jurong East MRT station, Venture Drive Coffee is located on the 2nd floor of Vision Exchange along Venture Drive (and thus its name).

Even though this building is quite “ulu” (off the beaten track), there is a certain charm to this place that draws me and reminds me of %Arabica, Glyph Supply Co. and Alchemist in terms of its colour scheme.

The spanking white cafe is spacious (good for social distancing), with minimalist white approach from the walls, bar top, long communal table, stools to the chairs.

Focusing on single origin coffee beans that are roasted in-house, their menu offers only beverages such as Black ($4.50- $10), White ($5- $6.50), Mocha ($6- $7), Chocolate ($6- $7) and Tea ($6).

Extra espresso shot and Vegan Milk (I guessed they are referring to oat milk and almond milk) are available at an additional $1.

Serving single origin Brazil coffee beans with a natural process for their espresso-based drinks, it has a nutty and chocolatey taste.

I decided to go with their single origin Ethiopia coffee beans at an additional $0.50 for my cup of Iced White ($6.50) that comes with 2 espresso shots.

The cup of Flat White has a medium body packed with floral, citrusy with berries notes, refreshing for the hot weather these days.

I was told that they will be introducing Black and White Cold Brews in 480ml bottles in the near future, so it’s a sign to venture there again when I’m in the West part of Singapore.

Venture Drive Coffee
2 Venture Drive, Vision Exchange, #02-41, Singapore 608526
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun
https://www.facebook.com/venturedrivecoffee

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

This is actually my 3rd edition of “Korean Cafes in Singapore” café guide.

A big reason why is that many of the cafes previously listed, has unfortunately closed. Remember days when bingsu and churros were in trend?

If you have this question, “What makes a Korean cafe?” Those indicated here are a mixture of made-in-Korea brands, owned by Koreans in Singapore, or sell Korean food items such as bingsu.

Here’s a list of 12 Korean cafes in Singapore. The listicle is non-exhaustive, as there are other players such Paris Baguette, Han Bing Café, One Thing Coffee and Tom N Toms Coffee. (For websites who intend to do some copying, go do some actual trying and take your own photos lah. Have some pride in your work.)

Walking On Sunshine Cafe
181 Orchard Rd, #03-07 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896 Tel: +65 8877 0088
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

Korean Dining and Beauty Hub At Orchard Central
Walking On Sunshine or WOS is located at the 3rd floor of Orchard Central. It is one of the biggest Korean café you can find in Singapore, juxtaposing a salon and a café in one location.

The beauty salon is powered by top-notch professional hairstylists, barbers, make-up artists, and nail artists from all around the world.

As for the garden-themed café, it offers lots of food choices for its diners.

If you could just pick one item from the food menu, make it the Instagram-popular Soufflé Pancake ($20.50).

Imagine a stack of three light and fluffy pancakes topped with a special cream, nuts, and fresh fruits like berries, grapes and strawberries. Good for sharing (or save all for yourself), this dish is loved by kids and adults alike.

Or have a savoury pancake for a change. The Crab and Kimchi Pancake ($20.50) is definitely on the other side of the flavour spectrum, but its spicy-sour taste is just as inviting.

Kreams Krafthouse
32 Maxwell Road, #01-07 Maxwell Chambers, Singapore 069115
Tel: +65 9620 7739
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sat), 10am – 5pm (Sun)

Autumn-Themed Korean Café At Maxwell Chambers
When I visited this undiscovered café called Kreams Krafthouse at Maxwell Chambers (near Tanjong Pagar MRT station), I couldn’t help feeling how spacious, how well-decorated this space was. And the attention to details.

Beautiful space. The cafe just focuses on two items for now – coffee and scones.

Other than the usual Latte and Long Black, there are more Korean-café oriented drinks such as Dalgona Coffee (don’t have to whip yourself), Creamy Choco, Sweet Potato Latte, Vanilla Latte, and Cloud Latte.

The Dalgona Coffee was not quite like the typical ones circulating on the net or made at home, and was included with house-made toffee crisps. Because this is how “dalgona” is supposed to be.

Give it 5 minutes to melt before enjoying the sweet Korean candy taste and mild bitter finish. Kreams (Maxwell Chambers)

MAISON de PB by Paris Baguette
#02-200 Jewel Changi Airport, 80 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819642
Tel: +65 6743 7900
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Brunch And Pretty Desserts At JEWEL Changi Airport
This “House of PB” is an enhanced and more upscale version of the Paris Baguette people know and love.

The Seoul-based SPC Group designs it as a jewelled version of Paris Baguette, something more unique and far less of them.

This is a double-storey space at Jewel Changi Airport.

On the lower level is a more casual bakery-café concept, where you can get your selection of salads, soups, savoury, and mains, pasta, and European-style breads and pastries.

Get the Pain Coeur ($5.50). It is a heart-shaped bread added ingredients like lemon peel, white chocolate chips and diced strawberry to add nuances in flavours.

Or you can try the Les Cinq Diamants literally, “the five diamonds” ($4.50 for half, $9.00 for full), a crusty type of bread baked with bits of orange peel, figs, raisin, currant and walnut.

Another iconic French pastry is the Kouign Amann ($4.50), which originated from the Brittany region of France. It is a laminated type pastry, similar to what’s used in croissants and other viennoiseries.

Kong Cafe
896 Dunearn Road, Sime Darby Centre #01-11 Singapore 589742 (King Albert Park MRT Exit B)
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Mon), 9am – 8:45pm (Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun), 9am – 8pm (Wed)

Korean Lifestyle Cafe With Honey Butter Waffles & Wing
There is a minimalist style Korean lifestyle café at Bukit Timah. The café is owned partially by a Korean artist and avid yogini, who felt that the Bukit Timah area needed a quiet and chill place where people could relax and enjoy themselves.

Due to her background, there are a number of Korean-infusions and treats for the health-conscious.

Some eye-catching items on the menu include the Honey Butter Waffles ($18), Bulgogi Sandwich ($17), Ban Ban Wings ($20 for 10), Korean Chicken Rice ($16), Bulgogi Pesto Pizza ($18), Ramyun ($14), and Tteokbokki ($14).

The Ban Ban Wings ($10 for 4) in choice of spicy & sticky or honey butter sauce, tasted quite authentically Korean.

It vaguely reminded me of Kyochon’s with its sticky-honeyed-sweetness, and the meat was deliciously moist.

+82 PlusEightTwo
9 Bras Basah Road, Rendezvous Gallery #01-02, Singapore 189559
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/Pluseighttwosg-361342644328262/

Korean Bingsu Cafe In Singapore By BTOB’s EunKwang
Fans of BTOB has rejoiced as their idol EunKwang, who is the leader of the popular K-pop boyband, has opened his first Korean Dessert Cafe in Singapore.

Omo! Jinjja? Daebak!

+82 PlusEightTwo which represents the country code for South Korea, is located at Level 1 of Rendezvous Hotel at Bras Basah.

I was intrigued when some of the girls can be seen taking wefie with the male Korean service staff members even when their Oppa was not around.

The menu offers a selection of Siltarae Bingsu ($17.90) in 3 flavours: Matcha, Choco, Banana; Oreo/ Injeolmi/ Berry/ Mango/ Melon Snow Flake Bingsu in 2 sizes: Cup ($6.80-7.80) and Regular ($15.90 – 18.90); Grapefruit, Green Grape, Peach Ice Cube Soda ($7.50) and Sunrise/ Palette/ Injeolmi Toast ($8.50). +82 PlusEightTwo (Rendezvous Gallery)

Paik’s Bibim and Paik’s Coffee
Tiong Bahru Plaza #02-111, 302 Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 168732
Tel: +65 6255 0870
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Combination Of Both Paik’s Bibim and Paik’s Coffee
The brainchild of Korea’s celebrity chef Paik Jong Won, Paik’s Bibim has modernized the way traditional bibimbap is presented – all at wallet-friendly prices.

The mixed rice bowls are all below $10, and you can have your fill from the Spicy Pork Bibimbap ($9.00), Beef Bulgogi Bibimbap ($9.00) or Teriyaki Chicken Bibimbap ($9.00). Best to go with a side of Fried Chicken in Sweet & Spicy Sauce ($6.00).

The Spicy Pork Bibimbap is the latest addition to Paik’s Bibim menu, consisting of stir-fried pork slices seasoned in a special spicy marinate and served with a variety of fresh vegetables.

Before mixing all up, drizzle some of Chef Paik’s specially formulated gochujang sauce for that extra kick.

Can I also recommend the Iced Paik’s Original Coffee? This comes at a very reasonable price of $3.50 for a large cup, great for you to dabao back to office.

Dal.komm COFFEE
6 Raffles Blvd, Marina Square, #02-272/273 & 278, Singapore 039594
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Coffee Chain Featured In Goblin
The café chain which originated from Korea is known to be featured in a number of memorable scenes in hit Korean TV dramas Descendants of the Sun and Goblin: The Lonely and Great God.

It specialises in quality Arabica bean brews made with a proprietary selection of three blends K1 to K3; each with its own characteristic aroma and flavour.

One of the most popular drinks is the Espresso Cube with Milk ($8.50), in which milk is poured into a cup of iced espresso cube which provides varying range of flavours the cubes melt.

Pair your coffee with Croque Monsieur ($9), a Turkey ham and cheesy sandwich further topped with melted mozzarella. For the cheese lovers.

Two Cranes
Blk 211 Hougang Street 21 #01-291, Singapore 530211
Tel: +65 8166 0140
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Korean Inspired Café With Bibimbap, Naengmyeon And Pulut Hitam Bingsu
Inspired by Korean Café Scene, Two Cranes is a neighbourhood café found in Kovan which serves a focused selection of Korean-themed food, bingsu dessert and hand-crafted beverages.

Their signature coffee mocktail, Wonda-fu Drink ($6) was a potent mix concocted from espresso shot, coffee jelly and mint leaves served in a cocktail glass.

It was rather sweet with coffee aroma and had a lingering scent of mint. I liked this drink, but my dining companions had mixed opinions about it.

There were also some Korean-inspired brunch dishes such as Spicy Dakgalbi with Scrambled Eggs ($13.50), Poached Eggs with Flambé Champignons ($13.50) and Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings ($12).

While Korean bingsu may be considered passé (to some), their flavours such as Tea Bingsu ($12) and Caramel Macchiato Bingsu ($13.50) are made using tea and coffee syrup concocted using their in-house blend.

What caught my attention was the locally inspired Pulut Hitam Bingsu ($12) which came with snow-like ice shavings topped with black glutinous rice, condensed milk, oreo and crushed almond bits.Two Cranes (Hougang)

coffeesmith Singapore
277, Orchard Road #01-09A, Orchard Gateway, Singapore 238858
Tel: +65 8399 7900
Opening Hours: 24/7

Korean coffee chain Coffeesmith has followed the same formula of advertising aggressively in Korean dramas, from “It’s OK. That’s Love”, “Punch”, “Sweet Stranger and Me”, “Mrs Cop” and “Ruby Ring”, and has gained some popularity.

Its flagship outlet Gangnam-gu, Seoul has a beautiful, comforting setting and interior with natural lighting.

Other than the flagship at Orchard Gateway, it has other outlets at Suntec City (Tower 5 #02-413), Northpoint City (South Wing #01-112) and Westgate (#02-24).

The name coffeesmith is derived from the English suffix “-smith”, and their drinks are “crafted” carefully by blending 5 kinds of quality Arabica coffeebean.

On its menu include Café Americano, Latte, Cappuccino, Caramel Macchiato, Vienna, Mocha, Vanilla Latte, priced from $5.00 to $7.00 for a regular cup, $5.50 to $7.50 for a large. On the slightly expensive side.

Cafe de Muse
350 Orchard Road Isetan Scotts, Shaw House, #01-00 & #02-00 Singapore 228208
Opening Hours: 24/7

Korean Coffee and Dessert Place at Shaw House
It seems like Cafe de Muse is a “Korean” cafe, looking at the servers, customers (who are primary Koreans) and they serve up Bingsu as well.

The cafe serves up the typical brunch items such as Avocado on Toast ($22), Egg Benedict ($26), a couple of sandwiches such as Beef & Chimichurri ($20), and Pasta dishes ($20 – $24).

The seats by the window make it a place to people-watch, and a friend quipped there is a “hunky cute Korean server with a soft voice”. Otherwise, I thought that the menu could have more differentiating factor to match its higher than average price point.

Well, the good thing is, it is opened for 24/7 and has two stories (enough space for social distancing). For those who crave for bingsu.

Café de Paris
313 Orchard Road #B1-37 313@Somerset, Singapore 238895
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 11pm (Fri – Sat)

Korean Cafe With Fruits BonBon At 313@Somerset
Café de Paris is best known for its Instagram-worthy Sweet BonBon, a dessert drink combination in a large cup, piled with fruit fruits, cream and slushie.

However, the price screamed at me. $17.80 to $19.80 for a cup. WAH.

To be fair, the Mango and Strawberry cups are priced at 16,000 Korean Won over in Seoul, equivalent to SGD19.40. But still.

The Sweet BonBon comes in flavours of Mango, Grape, Blueberry, Strawberry, Cherry, and Raspberry.

Loved the fruits, didn’t like the cream. Café de Paris (313@somerset)

O’ma Spoon Korean Dessert Café
313 @ Somerset, 313 Orchard Road #04-20/32 Singapore 238895 (Somerset MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 11pm (Mon – Thurs, Sun), 11:30am – 11:30pm (Fri – Sat)

Bingsu & Honey Toast at 313@Somerset
O’ma Spoon Korean Dessert Café is one of the first Korean bingsu shops in Singapore. And while many has unfortunately closed as the trend came down, this is still standing strong.

Its signature Mango Berry Cheesecake Bingsu was pretty spot-on. Loved that there were both light cheese cake and ice cream (oh, the calories), with scattering of cranberries for that touch of sourness.

Plus the ice is quite smooth compared to the generic brands.

Other Related Entries
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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Other than the well-known Westgate, JEM and JCube, you may not know of this 25-storey office tower at Jurong Gateway called Vision Exchange.

It houses up to 40 F&B such as Spaceout 闊 and Venture Drive Coffee, and is a short 5 minutes’ walk from Jurong East MRT staion.

And there is also Ahtti 아띠식당, a 60-seater Korean casual restaurant specialising in Korean Fried Chicken.

The KFC come available in 2 sizes: Half ($18 – $20) or Full ($33 – $35).

There are 5 different flavours to choose from, namely Original ($18/ $33), Yangnyeom – sweet and spicy ($19/ $34), Ganjang – soy ($19/ $34), Chilli Padi ($19/ $34) and Honey Butter ($20/ $35).

Any fans of boneless chicken here?

With options such as wings, drumlets and boneless chicken, you can enjoy eating your favourite parts of the chicken and not compete with your friends over the parts.

And wait, Chilli Padi Fried Chicken?!

This is probably the first time I had come across such a flavour as chilli padi – more commonly found in South East Asian cuisine instead of Korean food.

The (Half portion $19/ Full portion $34) came in a crispy, golden-brown batter, that retained its crisp (even after some time of photo-taking).

To be honest, this is the crispiest Korean Fried Chickens I had in Singapore for a long time.The pieces came wrapped with a light and crunchy batter, yet not as oily as it seemed.

Take a big bite into the tender yet juicy chicken meat, and you may produce ASMR-worthy crunching sound that is addictive and therapeutic to the ears.

Surprisingly, the batter managed to retain the moisture and tenderness of the meat even after deep frying, giving the piece a nice contrast to the crispy batter on the outside.

I enjoyed the level of spiciness of the Chilli Padi Fried Chicken though it was as heart-pounding spicy as I imagined.

The sauce was akin to Thai Sweet Chilli sauce with bits of chopped chilli and seeds that retained a lingering spiciness.

Pretty manageable in terms of spiciness, at least for me.

Speaking about Honey Butter (which became viral due to the various chips such as Calbee Chips), this flavour is now commonly seen in various Korean deep-fried dishes.

The Honey Butter Boneless Fried Chicken ($20/ $35) came with so much seasoning powder, that the fried chicken appeared to be too fair.

No doubt the crispy and crunchy batter is worth a mention, my dining partner commented that the seasoning tasted similar to the Butter Pork Ribs at Two Chefs Eating Place.

Taste-wise, it was similar to milk powder in terms of its mild sweetness and powdery texture. You may taste the resemblance.

Unlike most Korean restaurants that usually serve big portions for sharing purposes, solo diners are welcome here as they do offer meals for a single pax.

Apart from Korean fried chicken, soups such as Kimchi Soup ($11), Soybean Paste Soup ($10), Seafood Tofu Soup ($12), Bibimbap ($12), Spicy Stir-Fry Chicken ($11) and Beef Bulgogi ($12) are available.

While it is not possible to fly to Korea at the moment, Ahtti does provide some comfort in terms of their food offerings.

I appreciate the fact that they provide banchan (Korean side dishes) such as kimchi, seaweed, pickled white radish and Korean fish cake before the meal, as what all restaurants do in Korea to make their guests feel comfortable while waiting for the dishes.

Ahtti 아띠식당
2 Venture Drive, Vision Exchange, #02-43, Singapore 608526
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10.30pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

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* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

If Shrimp Broth Hotpot, Mala Zha Jiang Noodles with Wagyu Beef, Black Truffle Char Siew Bun, and Crispy Original Xiao Long Bao already sound enticing to you, the better news is you can now get 20% OFF these tantalising dishes.

With the “Phase 2” reopening and safe-distancing measures in place, Paradise Group has introduced seasonal dishes available till the end of August to welcome back diners with 20% OFF their bills.

If you prefer to enjoy the food right at home, takeaway orders get 30% OFF (Valid till 31 Aug 2020 for Citibank and Maybank Credit or Debit Cardmembers and PGR members.)

The promotions are available at the following restaurants:
• Paradise Teochew
• Beauty in The Pot
• Canton Paradise
• Paradise Dynasty
• Paradise Classic
• Paradise Hotpot
• Le Shrimp Ramen
• LeNu
• Canton Paradise Noodle & Congee House

Each participating restaurant will be holding a special theme for its line-up of seasonal items. Here’s what you can expect:

Beauty in The Pot
JEWEL Changi Airport #B2-224, KINEX #03-38, Serangoon NEX #02-01 (Coming Soon), The Centrepoint #05-16, The Star Vista #02-24, VivoCity #03-08A, Westgate #03-10

If you are thinking how great it would be to have robust Shrimp Broth in hotpot, then your wish has come true.

Beauty in The Pot’s seasonal Shrimp Broth has made its return, with pricing as follows – $28.80 for single pot, $15.80 for twin pot, $9.50 for quad pot.

The broth is the key, created by a long process of first baking fresh big prawns at 180°C for 45 minutes, hand-grinded to a fine texture, added with premium conpoy to be simmered for more than eight hours.

Also added to the stock are fresh clams which gives a natural sweetness, and a blend of spices such as star anise, cinnamon, clove and white peppercorn.

I think they managed to strike a good balance with this one – you get the seafood umami flavours, but it doesn’t go overly rich so that you can still savour the natural taste of the ingredients.

If you are thinking what to add to your Shrimp Broth hotpot, recommended items include the Homemade Fish Tofu – made with yellowtail fish, soya bean and egg white, Fried Beancurd Skin, Soft Bone Pork Meatballs, and Assorted Dumpling Platter with Pork Roll, Pork and Chives, Prawn Roll and Prawn Dumpling.

I found that the Ebiko Prawn Paste shaped out of 100% prawn meat went very well with the Shrimp Broth, to savour the bouncy prawny crunch in luscious shrimp stock.

LeNu
Bedok Mall #B2-10, Bugis Junction #B1-22, CompassOne Mall #03-05, Funan #B1-22, JEM #B1-11, JEWEL Changi Airport #B4-244, VivoCity #02-91, Northpoint #B1-101, Resorts World Sentosa #B1-201

LeNu serves up Lamian noodles in secret recipes broth that involves many hours of preparation from boiling to being served on the table, all at affordable pricing.

There are two seasonal items under LeNu’s “Mala Overload” offerings.

The first is called the “Parasite” Wagyu Beef with Soy Bean Paste Dry Noodle in Korean Style ($14.90), inspired by last year’s Oscar’s Best Picture “Parasite”.

In the award-winning Korean movie, featured is Ram-Don (aka Jjapaguri) – a combination of two noodles added with cubes of beef.

LeNu’s take is a combination of Mala and Zha Jiang minced meat noodles, then enhanced with wagyu beef cubes that are braised for several hours.

The other noodles that I personally enjoy because it reminds me of Hong Kong (in a way), is the Nagano Pork Belly with Mala Tomato Broth Noodle ($13.80).

What you get is a soupy bowl of refreshing tangy tomato soup base with the tingling mala kick, with slices of tender pork belly.

There was also a spoonful of tomato puree included, which enhanced the thickness and sweetness as you mix it in.

Paradise Teochew
VivoCity #01-53, Scotts Square #03-04

Satisfy your dim sum cravings with Paradise Teochew’s “Innovative Dim Sum” (dim sum is only available during lunch time).

These include Steamed Black Truffle Char Siew Bun ($6.80), Steamed Cheong-fun with Sesame Sauce ($4.80), Deep-fried Prawn with Toast ($7.50), Pan-fried “Siew Mai” with Foie Gras Sauce ($6.80), and Steamed “Siew Mai” with Braised Quail’s Egg ($6.80).

The highlight would be the Truffle Bun. As you tear the soft and fluffy skin apart, you would get the delicate truffle aroma, embedded with the moist char siew fillings.

While the foie-gras-ness was not that obvious in the Siew Mai, the method of preparation lent a nice contrast of slight crisp of the skin wrapping around meaty fillings.

Paradise Dynasty
Changi Airport Terminal 3 #03-32, Funan #B1-01, Wisma #01-18, Paya Lebar Quarter #03-08, Suntec City Mall, #B1-110, Westgate #02-13

Paradise Dynasty’s “Shanghai Night” line-up pays tribute to the best dishes of the city.

The highlight is the the Crispy Original Xiao Long Bao, a unique take on the classic soup dumplings with a pan-fried base and soupy fillings.

Other seasonal dishes to expect are Deep-fried and Braised Yellow Croaker with Preserved Vegetable in Brown Sauce ($29.80), Pork Ribs in Sweet Plum Sauce ($16.80), and Sweet and Sour Crispy Fish in Shanghai Style ($11.80).

Le Shrimp Ramen
Changi Airport Terminal 3 #B2-49, Paragon #B1-42, VivoCity #B2-25, The Star Vista #02-024

Le Shrimp’s Trio Tossed Ramen ($19.90) is back by popular demand.

The al dente la mian is tossed with specially concocted sauce with a mildly spicy kick, then topped with peeled fresh prawns, ebiko prawn paste, prawn dumplings, cucumber strips and cabbage with wok hei.

There is this light tinge of mala, and the slight numbing spiciness makes these noodles rather addictive.

On another note, the prawn dumplings are freshly handmade by the chefs daily, with a huge prawn wrapped in soft pastry skin.

Canton Paradise
Alexander Retail Centre #02-30, Bedok Mall #B2-10, CompassOne Mall #03-14, JEM #B1-11, Marina Bay Sands L1-02 Bay Level, Junction 8 #1-51, The Star Vista Mall #B1-45, Serangoon NEX #02-04 (Opening Soon)

Canton Paradise’s A medley of Hong Kong Classics includes dishes such as Stir-fried La-la with Ginger and Scallion in Claypot ($15.80), Stewed Vermicelli with Prawn in Black Pepper Sauce ($18.80), Braised Pork Rib Mala Noodle ($11.50), Sliced Fish with Dried Oyster and Salted Egg Congee ($11.50), and Crispy Traditional Dumpling ($4.80 for 3 pieces).

Paradise Classic
Resorts World Sentosa #B1-201, JEWEL Changi Airport #04-244, Marina Bay Link Mall #B2-20

Paradise Classic is offering the best of Singapore and Malaysian zi char mainstays, including Seafood Paradise Signature Creamy Butter Crab ($88), Stewed Roasted Pork with Diced Chilli in Claypot ($16.80), Pan-fried Vermicelli with Assorted Seafood ($16.80), and Stir-fried La-la in Curry Sauce ($16.80).

Canton Paradise Noodle & Congee House
Changi Airport Terminal 3 #B2-49, The Seletar Mall #03-10, Westgate #02-13

Canton Paradise Noodle & Congee House has introduced “Be Enchanted by the Magic of Char Siew” offerings, with the key ingredient in their Magical Char Siew Rice ($10.90) and Magical Char Siew and Jumbo Prawn Wanton Noodle ($12.90).

Paradise Hotpot
CompassOne Mall #03-05

Paradise Hotpot offer Le Shrimp Ramen’s Hearty Shrimp Broth ($13.80), which pairs impeccably with the restaurant’s array of homemade paste and premium meats.

The broth is rich, flavourful and characterised with a distinctive smoky aroma.

Terms and Conditions:
• Valid daily from 6 July till 31 Aug 2020 for Citibank and Maybank Credit or Debit Cardmembers and PGR members.
• Takeaway bills enjoy 30% discount; dine-in bills enjoy 20% discount.
• Discount is given on à la carte food bill before service charge (dine-in only) and 7% GST, excluding beverage, appetiser, soup base and condiments charge.
• Not valid in conjunction with other discounts, promotions, vouchers or membership privileges.
• Management reserves the right to amend terms and conditions of the promotion without prior notice.

* This post is brought to you in partnership with Paradise Group.

Bara Chirashi ばらちらし means “scattered seafood, vegetables and ingredients on top of a bowl of rice”.

The sashimi is usually diced and marinated with soy sauce and mirin, compared to the Chirashi Don which has sashimi in the more unadulterated, sliced form. (Note: some eateries in Singapore may call their “Bara Chirashi” bowls “Chirashi”.)

Its price is generally a lot more affordable than the usual Chirashi, making it a favourite among Singaporeans looking for a quick, oishii and filling one-bowl Japanese meal.

For the purpose of this guide, I tried to find those that fall below $20. Here are 10 places in Singapore to get your inexpensive Bara Chirashi and Kaisendon fix:

Kuro Maguro
Guoco Tower, 7 Wallich Street #01-04 Singapore 078884 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Tel: +65 6386 8561
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2:00pm, 5.30pm – 10:00pm (Mon – Sun)
Last Order 10:00pm (Mon – Sat) Last order 9:00pm (Sun)

Kuro Maguro is able to ship the freshest maguro from the trawler directly, and can keep its prices competitive and affordable.

The restaurant imports the fish directly from Misaki Port to Singapore via ANA air freight. It uses meat culled from blue fins that weigh a minimum of 280kg, as these fishes have a good amount of fat as well as lean meat.

The brand uses the technique called ‘super frozen’ to freeze its maguro at minus 60 degrees Celsius, so as to achieve absolute freshness.

The classic Barachirashi ($18.80 for lunch, $19.80 for dinner) came with an assortment of cubed sashimi.

Compared to the other brands in Singapore, I find that this bowl had a cleaner, somewhat more delicate taste without going too heavy on the marinate.

Ingredients wise, the bowl had proportionally more maguro pieces, complemented with fluffy Japanese rice which was tasty on its own.

Omote
301 Upper Thomson Road, Thomson Plaza #03-24A, Singapore 574408
Tel: +65 9450 1020
Opening Hours: 11:45am – 2pm, 5:45pm – 9pm (Mon, Wed – Sun), Closed Tues

$12.80 for a bowl of Bara Chirashi don in a restaurant is a steal, especially when it comes with so much “liao” (sashimi toppings) that the rice almost takes on a lesser proportion.

Omote which was previously known as Sushiro, has become quite popular for its inexpensive donburi.

There are choices like Umami Soy Chirashi ($17.80), Truffle Roasted Garlic Chirashi ($21.80), Tamago-Menti Chirashi ($19.80), Ikura Chirashi ($28.80), to Spicy Dashi Chirashi ($17.80).

The Bara-Chirashi Don ($12.80) is definitely the highlight with salmon, tuna, octopus, prawn and salmon roe in a palm-sized sushi rice bowl.

Fresh sashimi cut into small bite- sized cubes for easy consumption, while fragrant sesame oil, umami-ness, and tinge of sweetness, made this a comforting bowl.

If you are up to it, go for the “Second-Gen” Mount Chirashi ($38.80) which comes with a mini hill of assorted marinated diced seafood on sushi rice.

The Sushi Bar (Ngee Ann City)
391B Orchard Rd, #05-34/35 Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238874
Tel: +65 8818 3535
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:45pm (Mon – Sun)

The Sushi Bar calls itself the “best affordable sushi place in Singapore”. While “best” is always debatable, it is no doubt very popular among office workers and youths.

Its Bara Chirashi Don ($19.90) of assorted cube sized sashimi over sushi rice includes salmon, tune, yellowtail, swordfish, ikura, and tamago.

It was a colourful variety of fresh cuts in a single bowl, good for those who likes a bit of everything.

All in all, I liked this bowl – thick cubes pieces, some melted in the mouth, matched with tasty and fluffy sushi rice. There is a particular freshness about the sashimi here.

Teppei Syukudo
2 Orchard Turn, #B4 -57, Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 9882
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Teppei Syokudo needs little introduction, created by Chef Teppei Yamashita, known for its signature Kaisendon.

Their Kaisendon is a hit among office workers, for sashimi rice bowls included with colourful cubes of fleshy raw seafood mixed with a secret-recipe sauce, fresh vegetables, on a bed of fragrant sushi rice.

Do you know: Teppei’s Kaisendon was originally meant to be a meal for his employees. Cutting up fish into cubes from fish that was not used up during dinner, Chef Teppei would serve it with a home-made sauce at the side.

The off-the-menu special item became popular among regular diners, and has now even found fame beyond our shores with a store in Hong Kong.

Teppei Syokudo’s Kaisendon ($16 Nett) includes 6 different types of raw seafood (Salmon, Tuna, Swordfish, Whelk, Scallop and Ikura), Teppei’s special secret sauce, on top of a bowl of fluffy Japanese rice complemented with freshly grated wasabi.

Kogane Yama
Bugis Junction #02-50, 200 Victoria Street, Singapore 188021
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Last Order 9pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 11pm Last Order 10pm (Fri, Sat)
Another outlet at JEM #01-15

The Kogane Yama Bara Chirashi don ($16.90) comes with diced raw salmon, tuna, swordfish, surf clam, steamed prawn, ikura (salmon roe), tobiko (flying fish roe), cucumber and tamago (Japanese omelette) on a bed of sushi rice.

The base used is of premium Koshihikari short-grain rice, fluffy and has a natural sweet taste.

Compared to some of the other brands which are more heavily seasoned, Kogane Yama’s version allows the natural-taste of the sashimi and other ingredients to come through. Depends on what you prefer.

If you like all things truffle, choose to add on truffle oil (+$2) for that added aroma as you mix the cubed fish throughout. Kogane Yama (Bugis Junction)

Sora Boru
313@somerset #B3-19/20, 313 Orchard Road, Singapore 238895
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 11am – 11pm (Sat – Sun)

Sora Boru is a casual Japanese dining concept serving a variety of wholesome one-bowl meals to hungry diners at 313@somerset.

It is also Halal-certified.

Operating as a quick-service restaurant, it allows you to order and quick pay for your meal over the counter fast-food style, or via its self-service ordering kiosk.

The Bara Chirashi Ebimayo Aburi Don ($9.50 for mini, $13.50 for regular, $16.50 for large) is a rice bowl topped with assorted fish and seafood cubes of salmon, tuna and baby scallops; tamagoyaki and cucumber blanketed in blow-torched shrimp roe mayonnaise.

And it comes in 3 sizes, good for those who just want a light meal in between shopping. Sora Boru (313@somerset)

Kei Kaisendon
Paya Lebar Square #01-84, Paya Lebar Road, Singapore 409051
Tel: +65 68449915
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Kei Kaisendon is a Kaisendon specialty restaurant serving rice bowls topped with fresh sashimi imported straight from the seas of Japan. You may see more outlets peppered across the island, so quality may not be that consistent from outlet to outlet.

Each bowl of Japanese white rice is brimming with a wide variety of sashimi, and a mixture of toppings and seasonings.

Recommended is the Kei Signature Kaisendon ($12.90, $16.90, $19.90) which comes with salad or rice or a mixture of both.

Maximise your Kei Kaisendon dining experience by exploring the 4 different ways of eating the Kei Kaisendon Signature Bowl.

First, savour the taste of signature Kaisendon with fresh sashimi and a little bit of shoyu and wasabi. Next, you can combine a dollop of mayonnaise and chili powder on a sauce and blend the mixture into the rice bowl. Enjoy the spicy creamy rice.

Once you finish your Kaisendon halfway, pour the special Sakura chicken soup into the remaining ingredients and enjoy the mixture as a porridge – this is the 3rd way.

Finally, the fourth way is to take some nori seaweed to wrap a spoonful of rice and sashimi into hand rolls. Four ways to Kaisendon bliss.

Yuzutei
100G Pasir Panjang Road #01-01, Singapore 118523
Tel: +65 9689 4092
Opening Hours: Opening hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 4pm – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 12.30pm – 10pm (Sat), Closed Sun

Yuzutei, 柚子亭 which means Yuzu Pavilion in Japanese, offers a yuzu-centric menu which would attract yuzu fans.

It is located at level 1 of the Interlocal Centre – a development in the heart of the rejuvenated Alexandra Pasir Panjang region, and of approximately 8 minutes’ walk from the nearest Pasir Panjang MRT station.

If you are thinking of head during lunch, more casual Japanese food items of Classic Donburi such as Salmon Mentai Don ($14), Chirashi Kaisen Don ($14.90), Unagi Don ($16), Teriyaki Chicken Don ($10); and Yuzu & Mentai Pasta are available.

The Chirashi Kaisen Don ($14.90) comes with an assortment of diced sashimi such as salmon, tuna and swordfish belly marinated with homemade vinaigrette dressing.

Something unique is the addition of tomatoes, corns, edamame, pumpkin slices, spring onions on top of fluffy, white Japanese rice with a light, citrusy and refreshing dressing, adding texture and flavours as a whole. Yuzutei (Pasir Panjang)

Niigata Bento
Our Tampines Hub #01-86, 1 Tampines Walk, #01-86, Singapore 528523
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm, last order 9.30pm (Mon – Sun)

Niigata Bento derives its name from Niigata Prefecture which is considered the rice capital of Japan. It also marks the origin of Koshihikari, which is the world famous Japanese short grain rice with a rich sweet and nutty taste and a firm bite.

Featuring a wide-ranging variety of bento, donburi, chirashi and udon, this is where you can find Japanese meals at affordable pricing.

All of their Bento Boxes served with 2 sides are priced below $10 nett, with offerings of Teriyaki Chicken ($7.50), Tempura ($8.00), Tonkatsu ($8.00), Gyu ($8.50), Salmon Katsu ($7.00), and Chicken Katsu ($7.50) boxes.

The Bara Chirashi ($15.50) is an enjoyable concoction of assorted salmon and tuna sashimi along flavourful Japanese sweet egg roll cubes served atop the soft and fluffy Koshihikari Rice.

Umi Nami
8 Lorong Mambong, Holland Village, Singapore 277674
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am (Mon – Sun)

What foodies are loving at Umi Nami is its affordability. This no-frills Jap place is located at the Holland Village area, a place convenient for after-work dinners.

If you want affordable donburis that doesn’t hurt the wallet priced between $10 – $25.

First up, it offers the popular Bara Chirashi Don ($10) with fresh chunks of tuna, salmon, tamago and squid atop traditional sushi rice.

Those who prefer their sashimi torched should get the Aburi Salmon Don, offering the same Japanese rice laden with chunks of aburi salmon.

Other Related Entries
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10 Best Japanese Omakase Restaurants In Singapore
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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights.

Award-winning brand Hang Heung Cake Shop 恒香老饼家 from Hong Kong known for its “Old Wife Cakes” aka lo pou beng will be opening up in Singapore at ION Orchard (B4-33).

It will be taking over the store previously occupied by Croquant Chou ZakuZaku – which last just a couple of months here.

The anticipated opening period is end August or September, delayed due to the COVID-19 situation.

The opening at ION Orchard should bring some friendly competition to Hong Kong based Joy Luck Teahouse which will be operating right across, specialising in egg tarts, pineapple ‘bolo’ buns and milk tea.

Talk about the best traditional pastries from Hong Kong, and Hang Heung will certainly come to mind.

For decades, the brand basked in the limelight for its Old Wife Cakes (老婆饼), regarded as Hong Kong’s most popular traditional specialty.

Have you ever carried boxes of their cakes on board back home?

Founded in the 1920s, Hang Heung Cake Shop began as a humble bakery in Yuen Long serving up freshly baked, handcrafted Chinese pastries.

This 100-year old heritage brand has stood the test of time.

In June 2019, Hang Heung Cake Shop was awarded with the prestigious title of a Centurion brand by The Hong Kong Food Council in recognition of its pursuit to preserve the heritage and craft of traditional Chinese age-old delights and bakes.

Widely known as a household name in Hong Kong, Hang Heung was featured across various local and international media, especially those Hong Kong’s TVB dramas.

It is possibly coming right in time for the mid autumn festival, in which its White Lotus Seed Mooncake with Double Yolk has typically been a best-seller.

Laboriously prepared, this superior mooncake skipped the machines and is individually handcrafted with ingredients from Hunan, Xianglian.

It is filled with a signature White Lotus Seed paste that encapsulates double fine-grade salted egg yolks for double the pleasure.

Using a century-old technique, the lotus root and skin is delicately removed to ensure the finest quality is achieved. It is cooked for 3-4 hours, then pureed to a smooth, consistent paste.

That silky paste is quite a trendsetter as Hang Heung was the first to create such recipe.

Other than this flagship store in Singapore, Hang Heung’s mooncakes and pastries will also be offered via various mid-autumn pop-up events.

Last year, their Old Wife Cake went for $2.70 per piece, $15 for 6 pieces at the Takashimaya fair (I remember it was usually about HKD48 thereabout = SGD8.50 for a box of 6 over at Causeway Bay SOGO).

Hang Heung Singapore
ION Orchard #B4-33, 2 Orchard Turn Singapore 238801
(Opening end Aug / September 2020)

Other Related Entries
10 Hong Kong Cafes In Singapore
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Mui Kee (Shaw Centre)
Hui Lau Shan (Chinatown Point)
Kam’s Roast (Orchard)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Fans of good-old Bak Chor Mee must have been missing Macpherson Minced Meat Noodles 麦波申肉脞面, which had been attracting long queues at Opal Crescent.

After its closure due to rental issues (plus Uncle Yap has been talking about retirement), they were wondering if it would be back.

Surprise, surprise.

Macpherson Minced Meat Noodles 麦波申肉脞面 will be reopening in Woodlands, at Marsiling Mall Hawker Centre on the 31st of July (Fri).

For those staying around Tai Thong, worry not as there will be another outlet coming soon (September/October), and its location will be within 1.5km from the old location at Upper Serangoon Coffeeshop.

The stall is known for serving up Minced Meat Noodles aka Bak Chor Mee, Fish Ball Noodles, Chicken Feet Noodles, Pig’s Trotter Noodles and Xiao Wan Mian.

Their dry Bak Chor Mee may just be a shoo-in for one of my personal Top 3 favourites in Singapore.

Watch owner Uncle Yap cook up his noodles, and you know that your bowl is in good hands.

The only thing is the line can be rather long during lunch hours, and the operating hours were considerably short.

What works for its Bak Chor Mee is its balance of sauces, just the right proportion of vinegary goodness and spiciness from the chilli.

And it always come piping hot with the steam almost reaching your face as you toss the noodles around. That is also why I would say just have the noodles there and then, and not dabao.

The pork slices were tender, and the savoury braised mushrooms would add that final magic.

I am quite fond of the Soup version as well.

The soup came very hot and ‘floating’ with many ingredients from minced pork to sliced braised mushrooms, flavourful with slight sweetness as it is cooked with soybeans and ikan billis.

Ah, the taste of umami.

There is that bit of old-school flavour as well, matched with al dente mee kia.

Get the fishcake if you still have stomach space.

Macpherson Minced Meat Noodles
Marsiling Mall Hawker Centre, 4 Woodlands Street 12 #01-18 Singapore 738623
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 7:30pm (Mon – Sun)
(Anticipated reopening day 31 July 2020)

Other Related Entries
10 Best Bak Chor Mee In Singapore
Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles (Crawford Lane)
High Street Tai Wah Pork Noodle (Hong Lim Food Centre)
Seng Kee Bak Chor Mee (Serangoon Garden Food Centre)
Ah Seng Bak Chor Mee (Albert Food Centre)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Japanese food is undoubtedly one of the most well-loved cuisines in Singapore.

Besides ramen, sashimi and sushi, there are also other styles such as hot-off-the-grill yakitori, teppanyaki, yakiniku and modern Japanese restaurants worthy to explore.

Plus, these Japanese restaurants now come with up to 45% OFF with ChopeDeals, for you to feast more while saving up.

If Ebi Almond Tempura, Yakiniku on crystal plate, Hotate Mentaiyaki and Gyu Katsu already sound enticing, read on to find out where to find these Japanese cuisines with unbeatable promo:

Bao Makers – Jiak Chuan
4 Jiak Chuan Road Singapore 089261
Opening Hours: 6pm – 9pm (Mon – Thurs), 6pm – 10pm (Fri – Sat), Closed Sun

Bao Makers – Westgate
3 Gateway Drive, Westgate #02-49, Singapore 608532
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 8:30pm (Mon – Thurs, Sun), 11:30am – 9:30pm (Fri – Sat)

Gourmet Baos In Flavours Of Chilli Crab, Blackened Chicken and Mala Beef
While Bao Makers is Singapore’s pioneer Bao (open-faced buns) concept restaurant, it actually serves more than just buns, and includes Japanese rice bowls and sushi rolls.

For lunch-goers craving for some Japanese rice bowls, expect a twist to the usual donburi with offerings of Ketchup Manis Chicken ($13.80), Teriyaki Beef Steak ($17.80).

The best-seller is the Salmon Mentaiko Rice Bowl ($14.80) served with house-made mentaiko sauce made of torched cod roe and onsen egg.

To end the meal on a sweet note, the perennial favourite dessert is the Cookie Bomb ($7.50), which offers an amalgamation between the hot and the cold, as well as different textures and flavours.

Get The Signature Baos
I guess you cannot come to Bao Makers without getting their iconic dish.

These are not just ordinary “Baos”, as they come in fillings such as the ever-popular Chilli Crab Bao ($4.50) – great for National Day celebrations, Salted Egg Chicken Bao ($4.30), Mala Beef Bao ($4.50), Salmon Mentaiko Bao ($4.30), and the Blackened Chicken Bao ($4.30).

Get the Crab Bao filled with generous portions of fresh crab meat drenched in Singapore-style chilli sauce.

This comes complete with crisp deep-fried bao with soft, fluffy texture, which may just remind you of chilli crab mantou. Instead of one, get the Bao Set ($13.80) complete with choice of any 3 Baos, Edamame, and Salad.

ChopeDeals: Save with 10% off $50 or $100 Cash Voucher or Up to 36% off Set Meals
Book a seat here: Bao Makers @ Jiak Chuan Road

Shima Restaurant
22 Scotts Road, Level 1 Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore 228221
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)

First Teppanyaki Restaurant in Singapore
Shima Restaurant at Goodwood Park Hotel has been around since 1980, serving up teppanyaki meals, alongside sashimi, shabu shabu and sukiyaki using premium ingredients flown straight from Japan.

This is where you can get transported to Japan, as experience Japan-trained chefs fire up food in front of your eyes along with tableside acrobatics.

Truly an experience as you hear the sizzling meats, and smell the buttery aromas.

Get The Teppanyaki Omakase
The omakase sets come in three pricings: $99++, $150++ and $250++ per diner.

The basic omakase comes with a Sesame Tofu and Uni Appetiser, Sashimi, Dobinmushi Soup, Minced Prawns with Vegetable Balls Agemono, Garlic Rice, Miso Soup and Fruit Desserts.

The $150++ Omakase Set comes with Hiroshima Oysters known for their succulence, King Prawns, Sashimi and Prawn & Vegetable Tempura, which makes it value-for-its-money.

Of course, the highlight would be the Prime Beef Tenderloin and Assorted Vegetables Teppanyaki main in which the meats are cooked à la minute before your eyes.

Another would be the Garlic Rice with Anakake Sauce for you to mop up the juices from the meats.

ChopeDeals: Save with 10% off $100 or $200 Cash Voucher
Book a seat here: Shima Restaurant

Bincho @ Hua Bee
78 Moh Guan Terrace #01-19, Singapore 162078
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am (Tue – Sun), Closed Mon

Bincho @ Min Jiang
7A/B Dempsey Road, Singapore 249684
Opening Hours: 6pm – 12am (Tues – Fri), 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am (Sat – Sun), Closed Mon

Inspired By Yakitori-ya (Traditional Small Grilling Stalls) In Osaka
If you have difficulty finding this place, the hole-in-the-wall Bincho is found at Hua Bee located at the charming Tiong Bahru.

Here’s the thing: diners have to enter via the ‘secret’ backdoor near the car park. There is another outlet at Min Jiang Dempsey.

Helmed by Chef Asai, the menu boasts fresh produce flown directly from Japan cooked over binchō-tan charcoal, all for a more authentic Japanese yakitori experience.

Keeping true to the original yakitori-ya inspired concept, tori (chicken) is extensively featured on the signature dishes list, though you can also find beef, pork, lamb and seafood items.

The Tsukune with Egg Yolk ($18) is my to-go-for dish; while there are other recommended items of Mentai Wings ($15), Bincho Style Grilled Octopus ($55), Deep Fried Chicken Breast with Japanese Crackers Topped with Uni ($45), Deep Fried Rockfish with Summer Vegetable Ankake Sauce ($52), and Grilled Miso Lamb ($40).

Get The Bincho Set
If you want to indulge, bring a partner for the Bincho Set for 2 ($240++) for a fuller yakitori experience.

The set includes a spread of Appetiser, Assorted Sashimi Platter, Yakitori Platter, Bincho-style Grilled Beef Tongue with Vegetables, Mentai Wings, Grilled Octopus & Hokkaido Pork Belly, Grilled Wagyu Beef with Vegetables, Tsukune Don, and Dessert.

Who says you cannot get full on yakitori?

ChopeDeals: Save with 10% off $100 or $200 Cash Voucher
Book a seat here: Bincho @ Hua Bee
Book a seat here: Bincho @ Min Jiang

Kyoaji Dining
111 Somerset Road #02-05/06, Singapore 238164
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Fri), 11:30am – 10:30pm (Sat – Sun)

Hidden Japanese Find In The Heart Of Town
Located on the 2nd level of TripleOne Somerset, this is considered a hidden find if you are on the lookout for casual Japanese dining at Orchard Road.

“Kyoaji” represents “taste from Kyoto”, and its Executive Chef John Phua used to be from Fukuichi Japanese Dining – known for family-style dining at mid-range prices.

If you are in town during noon time, Kyoaji Dining’s lunch sets come priced at $18 – $35, and some of the more popular offerings include Bara Chirashi Don, Gyuniku Don, Sashimi Sushi Gozen, Tori Sashimi Gozen and Shake Tempura Gozen.

Get The Ebi Almond Tempura
There are some creative items on the menu which may tantalise your tastebuds, such as Crab Meat Bean Curd ($6.00), Flounder Fish with Truffle Oil ($48.00), Caterpillar Maki ($23.00), Toumorokoshi Kakiage ($15.00) of deep-fried corn tempura.

The one dish that I enjoyed since Fukuichi days is the Ebi Almond Tempura ($15.00). This is a plate of sweet fresh prawn covered with batter and almond, then deep-fried till crisp. Enjoy that added crunch from the sliced nuts.

ChopeDeals: Save with 10% off $50 Cash Voucher
Book a seat here: Kyoaji Dining

Mitsu Sushi Bar
21 Duxton Road, Singapore 089487
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

“One Fish, Three Ways” Omakase Meal
Situated along the hip Duxton Road, Mitsu Sushi Bar specialises in a variety of premium Japanese cuisines and beverages.

The restaurant features a 12-seater counter on Level 1 where diners can enjoy direct interaction with the chefs; while Level 2 consists of table seating and Japanese-style private rooms with tatami.

Passionate in delivering high quality Japanese cuisine, Mitsu Sushi Bar ships in fresh seafood and produce in small batches five times a week from three of Japan’s most well-known markets, Tsukiji, Kyushu and Hokkaido.

This is to ensure optimum freshness and the best selection of fish.

Specializing in a “one fish, three ways” Omakase meal, diners can choose a whole fish from the daily menu, in which the Chef will prepare it in three ways served throughout the Omakase course.

Get The Mitsu Course
This Mitsu Course is available during dinner time ($68++, min order of 2 pax) in which you can experience a 7-course meal.

Start with the appetiser and 5 pieces of sashimi, then move on to Grilled Scallop with Crab Miso and Deep-fried Flat Fish.

The main course would be the highlight of assorted Fresh Sushi, along with King Crab with Vegetables Paper Pot Soup. End with a sweet treat of Warabi Mochi.

For sake, shochu and highball lovers, here’s a piece of good news: top-up $39++ for 2 hours of free flow drinks.

ChopeDeals: Save with up to 45% off $50 or $100 Cash Voucher
Book a seat here: Mitsu Sushi Bar

Niku Katsumata 肉勝又
47 Duxton Road, Singapore 089511
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2pm, 5:30pm – 11pm (Mon – Fri), 5:30pm – 11pm (Sat – Sun)

Japanese Yakiniku Specialty Restaurant
Niku Katsumata is the go-to Japanese restaurant for Japanese yakiniku – experience grilled quality beef that is both juicy and tender.

As the beef used is premium, minimal garnishing or seasoning is required so that diners can savour the original flavours and juices of the meat.

Do you know that the beef is also grilled on a crystal plate?

By using the crystal plate, heat is kept low and evenly spread out. This retains the natural flavours of the meats and keeps them tender at the same time

Get The Katsumata Course
This is a satisfying 7-dishes course ($98) starting with Simmered Wagyu Beef Tendon and Assorted Homemade Kimchi and Marinated Vegetables.

After the sashimi and salad courses, the stars of the meal are the three types of premium meat – Assorted A4 Wagyu Beef, Kurobuta Pork Loin, and A4 Wagyu Beef Fillet.

End the course with an A4 Wagyu Beef Curry or Chicken Noodle “Torisoba” and dessert of the day.

ChopeDeals: Save with up to 30% off $50 or $100 Cash Voucher
Book a seat here: Niku Katsumata 肉勝又

Shukuu Izakaya
8 Stanley Street, Singapore 068727
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2pm, 5:30pm – 11:30pm (Mon – Fri), 6pm – 11:30pm (Sat), Closed Sun

Japanese Bites and Creative Plates at Stanley Street
Shukuu Izakaya is an open-secret among CBD workers, known for its chic vibes, reasonably-priced sake, and Japanese fare especially its seafood dishes.

The place to let your hair down after work.

The popular seafood dishes include the Kani Gratin ($8) made of crab gratin with mentaiko; Aburi Shimesba ($14) – torched vinegared mackerel; and Maguro Yukke ($13) which is bluefin tuna sashimi tossed in sesame oil served with a quail egg.

For something more substantial, go for their Mini Donburi ($10 – $12), which consists of sushi rice topped with sliced beef, spicy salmon cubs, whitebait and raw quail egg, minced tuna belly, or premium salmon roe.

Get The Hotate Mentaiyaki
The highlight is the Hokkaido Scallops with Mentaiko and Cheese ($18) – seared juicy Hokkaido scallops at the bottom, contrasted with creamy mix of mentaiko and cheese topped with ikura.

Ingredients are sourced from leading Japanese suppliers and air-flown in fresh from Japan.

ChopeDeals: Save with 10% off $50 or $100 Cash Voucher
Book a seat here: Shukuu Izakaya

Teppan Kappou Kenji
99 Tanjong Pagar Road #01-01, Singapore 088520
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm Last Order 2pm, 6pm – 10:30pm Last Order 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Kappo-Style Dining and Sizzling Teppanyaki
Chef Kenji Okumura hails from Ichinomiya, and has honed his skills in Kaiseki dining at the well-known Nadaman Japanese Restaurant in Nagoya Tokyu Hotel.

This is where you can experience an intimate dining experience, with the chefs working behind the bar.

While “teppan” is in its name, the restaurant serves more than just teppanyaki, offering a complete Japanese dining experience with fresh sashimi, sushi, sukiyaki and hotpot.

Ingredients are carefully sourced from different parts of Japan, such as Unagi from Shimanto and plump Oysters from Iseshima.

Get The Gyu Katsu
As part of their Agemono menu, the Gyu Katsu ($22) features panko-breaded beef cutlets deep-fried till golden.

The result are pieces which are crispy on the outside, while remaining pinkish and juicy on the inside.

ChopeDeals: Save with up to 35% off $30 Cash Voucher
Book a seat here: Teppan Kappou Kenji

Unagiya Ichinoji (Robertson Quay)
30 Robertson Quay #01-05 Riverside Village Residences, Singapore 238251
Opening Hours 11:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Unagi Speciality Dishes at Robertson Quay
Unagiya Ichinoji is a concept by Miyagawa Honten – one of Tokyo’s most well-known unagi restaurants awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, with more than 125 years of history.

Its ‘formula’ is said to be attributed to the chefs’ grilling techniques, temperature control of the charcoal grill and special inhouse tare (sweet basting sauce) whose recipe has been passed down for four generations.

The menu is beyond just unagi, and offers sashimi (salmon, tuna, yellow tail), salads, sashimi donburi (such as Kaisen Bara Chirashi Don, Salmon & Ikura Don), sushi, and hot plate food (Grilled Wagyu Beef, Grilled Salmon Teriyaki, Teppan Fried Noodles).

Get The Hitsumabushi
The Hitsumabushi ($32.80) is the signature grill unagi dish from Miyagawa Honten. There is also an XL version, suitable for 3 diners, priced at $84.80.

Instead of just one, there are now two special homemade unagi sauces. The Japanese unagi sauce is made with a higher shoyu content, and hence has a saltier and more robust note.

There is another unagi sauce which is specially tailored for locals, and has a sweeter note.

ChopeDeals: Save with 10% off $50 or $100 Cash Voucher
Book a seat here: Unagiya Ichinoji (Robertson Quay)

CHICHI
92 Amoy Street #01-01, Singapore 069911
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10pm (Tues – Thurs)
11:30am – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10:30pm (Fri – Sat), 5:30pm – 10pm (Sun)

Modern Asian-Japanese Cuisine with Ang Kar Prawns and Truffle Gyoza
CHICHI Dining is a modern Asian fusion cuisine restaurant in a minimalist setting, recently established along Amoy Street where you can never get enough of food choices.

Explore their re-orchestrated Japanese-inspired dishes, delivered with tweaks and unexpected ingredients.

Their menu spans across a la carte small bites, rice and noodles, meats, seafood, veggies, desserts and set meals.

Expect Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Karaage ($14), Smoked Chestnut & Truffle Gyoza ($13), Fried Brown Rice ($16), Iberico Pork Collar ($18), Braised Beef Short Ribs ($25), Ang Kar Prawns ($23) and Spring Chicken ($18).

Get The Crab XO Fried Rice
The top chef-recommended item is this wok-fried dish of Crab XO Fried Rice ($20), cooked with Japanese pearl rice tossed in egg, sugar peas, nori (seaweed), and a special XO sauce made in-house.

The highlight of this dish is the soft and delicate topping of sweet lump crab meat, contrasted and complemented with smoky salty tobiko.

Here’s what I like about this dish: the chunks of sweet fresh crabmeat and the ‘wok-hei’.

ChopeDeals: Save with 10% off $50 Cash Voucher or $100 Cash Voucher
Book a seat here: CHICHI

Here’s how you can enjoy massive savings with ChopeDeals in 4 simple steps:
Step 1 – Choose: Choose an offer from a list of curated restaurants available on the Chope app or ChopeDeals website
Step 2 – Get Deal: Purchase the discounted voucher and receive it via the Chope app (‘My Vouchers’) or your email.
Step 3 – Dine: Inform the staff that you will be using your voucher prior to ordering.
Step 4 – Redeem: Present your voucher during payment to offset the bill and enjoy your savings.

Save up to 45% OFF all Japanese deals here.

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with ChopeDeals.

LeNu serves up Lamian noodles in secret recipes broth that involves many hours of preparation from boiling to being served on the table, all at affordable pricing.

The Premium Braised Beef Noodles was a warm and hearty bowl, made with rich beef stock that took 18 hours of preparation, added with blend of Chinese spices and beef slices, shank and tendon that were meltingly-tender.

Another popular choice is the Spicy Japanese Scallop Dry Noodle, tossed in a specially created sauce. I would recommend topping up for a bowl of pork bone soup rich in collagen.

There are two seasonal items under LeNu’s “Mala Overload” offerings.

The first is called the “Parasite” Wagyu Beef with Soy Bean Paste Dry Noodle in Korean Style ($14.90), inspired by last year’s Oscar’s Best Picture “Parasite”.

In the award-winning Korean movie, featured is Ram-Don (aka Jjapaguri) – a combination of two noodles added with cubes of beef.

LeNu’s take is a combination of Mala and Zha Jiang minced meat noodles, then enhanced with wagyu beef cubes that are braised for several hours.

The other noodles that I personally enjoy because it reminds me of Hong Kong (in a way), is the Nagano Pork Belly with Mala Tomato Broth Noodle ($13.80).

What you get is a soupy bowl of refreshing tangy tomato soup base with the tingling mala kick, with slices of tender pork belly.

There was also a spoonful of tomato puree included, which enhanced the thickness and sweetness as you mix it in.

LeNu
Bedok Mall #B2-10, Bugis Junction #B1-22, CompassOne Mall #03-05, Funan #B1-22, JEM #B1-11, JEWEL Changi Airport #B4-244, VivoCity #02-91, Northpoint #B1-101, Resorts World Sentosa #B1-201

Considered one of Singapore’s oldest housing estates, Tiong Bahru has been transformed in the last decade where indie shops, small restaurants and hipster cafés have popped up.

The neighbourhood has found quite a number of cafes such as Chapter 55, Flock Cafe, PS.Cafe Petit at Tiong Bahru, and Caffe Pralet. Here are 10 more:

Forty Hands
78 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 163078
Tel: +65 6225 8545
Opening Hours: 7am – 5:30pm (Mon – Fri), 7:30am – 6:30pm (Sat – Sun)

Forty Hands needs little introduction, as it is possibly the first 3rd wave coffee shop at Tiong Bahru which turned this estate to a hipster café area. (Aussie founder Harry Grover opened Common Man Coffee Roasters after that.)

The name “40 hands” is because it requires forty hands to produce a coffee from bean to cup.

Opened in October 2010, it is known for its specialty coffee, Australian style brunch, and well, Tau Sar Bun.

All Day Breakfast items include House Granola ($16), Smashed Avo ($20), Croque Monsieur ($15), Eggs Benedict ($19), Banana Bacon French Toast ($18), Eggs Cocotte (18) and Big Boy Breakdast ($25).

The Tau Sar Pau ($2.50) while not cheap, is somehow extra fluffy, not too sweet, and goes well with a Cold Brew.

Plain Vanilla Bakery
1D Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168641
Tel: +65 8363 7614
Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

This flagship store of Plain Vanilla Bakery is where you can find their largest selection of bakes, a daily brunch menu, and full range of their grocer brand Plain Vanilla Foods.

The Plain Vanilla folks take pride in their products, using the best of ingredients: French butter, pure Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, bittersweet Belgian chocolate, perfectly ripe bananas, no artificial preservatives.

Their cupcakes are popular and pretty, with the mainstay offerings including Carrot, Cinnamon Brown Sugar, Cookies and Cream, Dark Chocolate Ganache, Milk Chocolate Chip, Red Velvet, Chocolate Hazelnut, Milk Chocolate Banana, Strawberry White Chocolate and Salted Caramel.

They do serve up weekday lunches as well from 11am to 4pm, offering Chicken Pesto Pasta ($22), Spicy Beef Ragu Pasta ($20), Truffle Aglio Olio ($20), Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($17), and Meatballs & Cheese Sandwich ($23).

Creamier Handcrafted Ice Cream and Coffee
78 Yong Siak Street, #01-18, Singapore 163078
Tel: +65 6221 1076
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Creamier Handcrafted Ice Cream and Coffee originated in Toa Payoh and has expanded with three ice cream cafés operating under the Creamier name—Creamier Toa Payoh, Creamier Gillman Barracks, and Creamier Tiong Bahru.

The Tiong Bahru café is nestled in a pre-war horse-shoe housing block built in 1939 along Yong Siak Street.

One of their must-haves is the freshly baked Golden Waffles with Ice Cream ($9.30 onwards), and recommended flavours are Sea Salt Gula Melaka, Earl Grey Lavender and Roasted Pistachio.

To celebrate Singapore’s 55th birthday this year, Creamier Handcrafted Ice Cream & Coffee has joined hands with local beancurd stall Pure Soya Bean, located at the Toa Payoh West Market & Food Centre at Blk 127 Lor 1, to develop a seasonal “Tau Huay” (Beancurd) ice cream flavour.

Pure Soya Bean’s products are freshly-made using organic GMO-free soya beans.

This results to a smooth, lightly-textured, and flavourful ice cream, with a nostalgic soya milk flavour.

Tiong Bahru Bakery
56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-70, Singapore 160056
Tel: +65 6220 3430
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

Tiong Bahru Bakery offers a range of French pastries and artisanal breads made with 100% French flour and butter.

Other than their Kouign Amann, their Croissant is generally well loved, with choices of classic Croissant, Almond Chocolate, Almond, Green Tea Almond, and Pain Au Chocolat (my personal favourite is the Green Tea Almond.)

The Croissants are handmade, never frozen, and baked fresh every two hours with French flour and French butter – the butter itself is made from Normandy cow milk which gives the pastry more layered richness.

Coffee is brewed from Common Man Coffee Roasters beans.

Merci Marcel
56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-68, Singapore 160056
Opening Hours: 8am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)

There are different faces to the popular Merci Marcel – a French breakfast and brunch café spot in the day, chic restaurant and wine bar at night.

In terms of decor, the 1,450 square feet restaurant has 3 spaces of the Lounge, Café Chic, and the Garden Patio. A fairly photogenic place.

For something sweet for brunch, go for the French Toast Brioche ($17) with berries, honey, almonds, and homemade whipped cream.

During the evening, Merci Marcel introduces a French social dining concept with a dinner ‘tapas’ menu, created for sharing in good company.

It is recommended that diners start with 2 to 3 plates, then continue “depending on desire”.

The Duck Rillettes ($18) is their signature, where the silky paste is served up with delicate melted camembert cheese and marinated pear.

TIANN’S
71 Seng Poh Rpad, #01-35, Singapore 160071
Tel: +65 6222 1369
Opening Hours: 8am – 4pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

TIANN’s specialises in “real good food” that is all made in house.

Their creations are all made “sugar conscious” and gluten-free, so that they are both healthy and tasty. Good for those looking for a lower sugar or even keto meal.

The signature TIANN’s waffles ($19) offer choices from specialty scrambled eggs with sun-dried tomatoes; Italian fresh mozzarella with house-made pesto; or organic maple syrup with French butter.

Little House of Dreams
58 Seng Poh Road, #01-15, Singapore 160058
Tel: +65 9030 4959
Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (Sun – Thurs), 8am – 10pm (Fri – Sat)

Not many may know that Little House of Dreams moved from Dempsey to Tiong Bahru, right opposite the popular market.

If you love all-things pink, the café is hallmarked by a signature pink façade and floral doorway.

Menu wise, it offers a selection of favourite brunch and deli items such as Honey Soy Salmon and Soba ($21.90) marinated in their special homemade sauce; and Pulled Pork with mixed spice Brioche ($10.90).

For the sweet-tooth, go for their Everyday Chocolate Cake ($7.90) which is moist and decadent with chocolatey goodness, frosted with chocolate ganache for added smoothness.

Privé Tiong Bahru
57 Eng Hoon Street, #01-88, Singapore 160057
Tel: +65 6776 0777
Opening Hours: 8am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Also located right across Tiong Baur Market, Privé is a casual venue with both indoor and alfresco seating for all-day dining and drinks.

Their Ultimate Signature Breakfast ($21) is quite popular, for a plate of 2 eggs of any style, 6-inch pork Bratwurst (nitrite-free), maple-glazed housemade bacon, baked beans, roasted Roma tomato, sautéed button mushrooms, potato rosti, and housemade wholemeal toast.

One of their notable dishes is the award-winning Heura plant-based Hainanese Chicken Rice ($18) which has garnered a strong following from both vegans and carnivores for its striking similarities to regular chicken rice, but with a healthier skew.

Drips Bakery Café
82 Tiong Poh Road, #01-05, Singapore 160082
Tel: +65 6222 0400
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Sun – Fri), 10am – 12am (Sat)

Drips Baker Café has been in the Tiong Bahru estate since 2010.

The one item that has remained as a best seller over the decade is the Seasonal Fresh Fruit Tart ($11.90).

They use a secret recipe to create a French butter tart shell paired with freshly made in-house custard infused with Madagascar vanilla beans.

The tart is then topped with freshest seasonal fruits available.

During a recent visit, I found its Avocado Tart ($9) quite delicious, paired with Spanish avocados and French white chocolate curd, topped with served of meringue and dark cocoa power.

There is a surprise in the middle, which I would keep a secret. This Avocado Tart is only available during weekends and public holidays though.

Voyage Patisserie
249 Outram Road, Singapore 169048
Tel: +65 6223 2490
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Tues – Thurs, Sun), 11am – 12am (Fri, Sat), Closed Mon

With years of experience at several fine dining restaurants, Chef Jonathan hopes to present quality plated desserts and cakes to people without having them to worry about the cost.

The name “Voyage” represents both his passion for travelling, and for customers to “journey” through a delectable food experience with the team.

The signature cake is the Cynthia ($9), a petite gateau featuring rose chantilly cream, lychee bits, raspberry compote and genoise sponge shaped like a rose.

Interesting note: Chef created and named this cake after his girlfriend, as it is the first “rose” that he has given to her. So sweet…

The good-looker looks like a shoo-in to the best-seller of the café.

Other Related Entries
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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The “Circuit Breaker” period was a challenging period for many restaurants and cafes, and especially so for these NEW establishments which have just opened.

Other than the more established names, I felt that I needed to showcase some of the more hidden less-publicised spots, like a creative bubble tea shop at VivoCity called Beyond Coffee, inexpensive Thai & kopi food place near Bukit Ho Swee, and a cafe at Potong Pasir run by the 3rd gen of Shangri-La Confectionary and Delicatessen.

Enjoy!

Beyond Coffee
Vivocity 1 Harbourfront Walk #02-135/136 Singapore 098585
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Bubble Tea & Coffee Place With Creative Flavours
While new bubble tea places are dime-in-a-dozen, the menu of this new shop Beyond Coffee at Vivocity may make you stop in your tracks.

This offerings is quite unlike anything else you would find in Singapore, with categories of “Special”, “Addiction”, “Cool”, “Crafted”, “Coffee” and “Jelly”.

Its specialty beverages include Tomato Tango ($7.50) which is a combination of cherry tomato, seaweed and coffee; Go Bananas ($7.50) with banana cheese foam, banana and milk; Osmanthus Prime ($4.90) of Osmanthus with milk, coffee, cheese foam and gula melaka boba; and Crack Mee Up ($7.50) added with popping boba and salted egg yolk biscuit. Wah.

As they are still in the soft launch phase, I had the safer choice of a cooling Sabai Sabai ($6.50) of lemongrass, lemon and coffee. An interesting combination that made me feel like I was in a spa.

I shall get more adventurous the next time.

Kki Sweets
3 Seah Street, #01-01, Singapore 188379
Tel: +65 9799 2668
Opening Hours: 11am – 6pm (Wed – Sat), 11am – 4pm (Sun), Closed Mon, Tues

Well-Loved Dessert Bar Makes Its Return With Delicate Cakes & Plated Desserts
It has been a long wait, but Kki Sweets is FINALLY back again.

This time it takes on a different form and style, located at Seah Street, the ground level of Raffles Hotel. Reservations are highly recommended.

What’s available include delicate cakes and plated desserts.

The cakes have cute names, and you can make a guess of its components – Marronnier ($9.50), “J” ($13.50), Koide ($10.50), Arata ($10.50), Teh ($9.50), and Fromage ($13.50), all on a rotational basis.

The other cake I took pleasure in was the “Teh” ($9.50) coming with earl grey mousse with a core of pear, because there was a level of unexpectedness as well. Kki Sweets (Seah Street)

Kizuna
148 Potong Pasir Ave 1, #01-37, Singapore 350148
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Tue – Sun), Closed Mon

Run By 3rd Gen Of Shangri-La Confectionary and Delicatessen
The existing space was previously occupied by “Shangri-La Confectionary and Delicatessen”, which is no stranger to the residents in the area as it has been around for more than 30 years.

The current 3rd generation had decided to step up and continue the “family’s legacy” revamping the entire space from a bakery to a café.

Their menu is mainly focused on pastries and coffee, with a small selection of Lunch Bowls available on certain days of the week.

The Ceviche Lunch Bowl ($15.80) is served with tuna, swordfish, nori, shoyu, black sesame seeds, tobiko and a dollop of wasabi by the side.

Unlike their Peruvian counterpart with a distinctive citrus-ness in their marination which is known as Tiger’s Milk, the version at Kizuna was more Japanese Chirashi-like using a shoyu-base sauce. Kizuna (Potong Pasir)

Thong Aik Coffee
78 Indus Road #01-495 Singapore 161078 (15 min walk from Tiong Bahru MRT Station)
Tel: +65 8901 7155
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm (Mon – Sat), Closed PH

Nanyang Coffee & Authentic, Affordable Thai Cuisine
Thong Aik serves up Nanyang coffee in the morning, and Thai food from lunch (11am) to dinner as it is a collaboration with Ying Thai (not to be confused with Yhingthai Palace Restaurant).

Starting with the morning offering from 8am to 11am, there are items of Lu Rou Fan aka Braised Pork Rice Bowl ($3.90), Century Egg Porridge ($2.90), and Green Bean Soup with Gula Melaka ($2).

As for lunch, you can expect something totally different with Basil Minced Pork Rice ($6), Thai Fried Rice ($5.50), Tang Hoon with Pork or Chicken ($5.50), Green Curry Chicken with Rice ($6), Pineapple Fried Rice Chicken ($5.50), Phad Thai ($7) and Tom Yum Fried Rice ($5.50).

The chef specialises in authentic home-cooked Chiang Mai cuisine, so you would find their dishes fragrant and flavourful. Thong Aik Coffee (Indus Road)

Brew’ Kopibar
2 Havelock Road, Havelock II, #01-10 Singapore 059763 (Clarke Quay MRT station exit A)
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sat), 10:00 am – 10:30pm (Sun)

Undiscovered Spot With No GST At Havelock II Mall
Brew’ Kopibar is the newest kid in the Havelock II Mall, a venture of 3 buddies who used to work in the CBD area; and are kopi-lover by day and craft beer fanatic by night themselves.

They serve up traditional beverages in the morning such as Kopi, Teh, Milo, Yuan Yang, and even a Kopi Milo combination; complemented by a menu of familiar home favorites such as paus, kaya butter toasts and soft-boiled eggs.

On the other spectrum, they serve a range of international craft beers from local, and taps include 3 home-stays and 3 rotating ones to keep things more varied. Brew’ Kopibar (Havelock II Mall)

NOA
17 Stanley Street, Singapore 068736
Opening Hours: 8am – 4pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat, Sun

Specialty Coffee Place Focusing On South East Asian Sourced Beans
Cafe in the day by the name of “NOA”, bar at night called “Laut”, this is located along Stanley Street near Tanjong Pagar.

“NOA” means “water” in Lao language whereas “Laut” means “sea” in Malay.

Noa focuses on seafood such as Squid Adobo, Fish Rendang and Sambal Prawn served with Nasi Ulam rice ($15).

The seafood is sourced locally from Ah Hua Kelong, served alongside blue pea flower rice.

Using a single origin from Musfaha, Indonesia in their espresso-based drink, the triple-picked natural processed coffee from Sumatra Mandheling has a sweet milk chocolate and malty flavour. NOA Singapore (Stanley Street)

Venture Drive Coffee
2 Venture Drive, Vision Exchange, #02-41, Singapore 608526
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

White Minimalist Cafe Hidden At Jurong East Vision Exchange
The spanking white cafe is spacious (good for social distancing), with minimalist white approach from the walls, bar top, long communal table, stools to the chairs.

Focusing on single origin coffee beans that are roasted in-house, their menu offers only beverages such as Black ($4.50 – $10), White ($5 – $6.50), Mocha ($6 – $7), Chocolate ($6 – $7) and Tea ($6). Venture Drive Coffee (Jurong East)

The cup of Flat White has a medium body packed with floral, citrusy with berries notes, refreshing for the hot weather these days.

Little House of Dreams
58 Seng Poh Road, #01-15, Singapore 160058
Tel: +65 9030 4959
Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (Sun – Thurs), 8am – 10pm (Fri – Sat)

Pink Cafe At Tiong Bahru
Not exactly a “new” place, but not manu may know that Little House of Dreams moved from Dempsey to Tiong Bahru, right opposite the popular Tiong Bahru Food Centre.

If you love all-things pink, the café is hallmarked by a signature pink façade and floral doorway.

Menu wise, it offers a selection of favourite brunch and deli items such as Honey Soy Salmon and Soba ($21.90) marinated in their special homemade sauce; and Pulled Pork with mixed spice Brioche ($10.90).

For the sweet-tooth, go for their Everyday Chocolate Cake ($7.90) which is moist and decadent with chocolatey goodness, frosted with chocolate ganache for added smoothness.

Bad Badtz-Maru and Gudetama Pop-Up Café
Kumoya @ 8 Jalan Klapa Singapore 199320
Opening Hours: 12.00pm – 9.30pm, Last Order 30 minutes before closing (Tues – Sun) Closed Mon
Duration: 30 July 2020 (Thurs) to 1 Nov 2020 (Sun)

Bad Badtz-Maru and Gudetama Pop-Up Café Near Bugis
This is the first-ever cross-over pop-up café between 2 beloved Sanrio characters in Singapore and South East Asia.

Since National Day is coming, the theme of “SingapoLAH!” is quite apt, in which dishes feature Gudetama and Bad Badtz-Maru will spout our very own brand of Singlish phrases.

The menu will features themed 5 mains, 4 desserts and 6 beverages, specially designed by @LittleMissBento (Shirley Wong) together with the Kumoya kitchen team.

Recommended dishes include the Relax Lah! Japanese Curry Seafood Rice ($28.90), Don’t Play Play Double Burger (S$26.90), a dish that consists of two double petite teriyaki chicken cutlet burger, and the dessert of Lazy Chocolate Ball of Surprise ($24.90) which contains something cute after you knock it open. Bad Badtz-Maru and Gudetama Pop-Up Café (Jalan Klapa)

Leckerbaer Singapore
350 Orchard Road, Shaw House Isetan Scottss #01-K2 & #01-K3, Singapore 238868
Opening Hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

Danish Butter Cookies from Copenhagen
From Denmark to Singapore, Leckerbaer was founded by two pastry chefs, Gabi and Jakob Baer Mogensen, who have extensive experience in the Scandinavian Michelin-Star scene.

The pastry shop makes everything from scratch and there are 8 småkager in the counter to choose from. Flavours in Singapore include Banana, Milk, Chocolate, Vanilla, Passionfruit, Raspberry, Lemon, and Caramel.

A box of 8 pieces goes for $22 (that means $2.75 per piece of cookie), 12 at $32, and 16 at $40.

Other than cookies, also available are tarts, cakes, summer sundae, ice cream sandwich and breakfast sets.

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

Chilli Crab is one of the iconic “national dish” of Singapore, characterised by that sweet, spicy and savoury sauce.

You would find this chilli crab sauce component being added to pasta, buns to tendon, and “Chilli Crab Pasta” is becoming a popular localised dish you can find in many cafes around.

Something we can say is quite “uniquely Singapore”.

Here are 9 places you can find Chilli Crab Pasta in Singapore:

The Halia at Singapore Botanic Gardens
1 Cluny Road, Ginger Garden Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259569
Tel: +65 8444 1148
Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm (Mon – Thurs), 10am – 9pm (Fri – Sun)

Tucked within the lush foliage of the Ginger Garden, The Halia at the Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of the first restaurants in Singapore to showcase modern European cuisine with Asian influences.

The Halia at Singapore Botanic Gardens was one of the very first to pioneer the signature Chilli Crab Spaghettini ($26), all the way back in 2005.

Inspired by the famous Singaporean dish, the chefs found the right balance of keeping the spiciness level manageable for international guests, while not losing its flavours of sweet and tangy.

Le Fusion
The Pier at Robertson, 80 Mohamed Sultan Rd, #01-7 8/9, Singapore 239013
Tel: +65 6363 9966
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Lè Fusion is a modern Chinese cuisine restaurant and bar in the hip Mohamed Sultan area, located near the iconic Singapore River.

What I enjoyed about their Soft Shell Chilli Crab Pasta ($26) was that there were many pieces of crispy soft shell crabs (and not just one or two) and the pasta was al dente with a chewy bite.

Sauce was not too spicy at all, with the right amount of consistency after a good toss.

Note: They also serve up a Trio Pasta ($34), a 3-in-1 pasta dish crafted three ways which showcases green pesto, red chili crab, and black squid ink flavours. The chilli crab part is still my favourite.

Rayz Bistro
62 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199478
Tel: +65 6352 6651
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 11pm (Tues – Thurs, Sun), 11:30am – 12am (Fri – Sat), Closed Mon

The Halal dining place seems to be able to capture the sweet spot with the provision of Western favourites and Asian comfort food, in an almost-hipster environment.

The Chilli Crab Pasta ($15.90) with generous servings of jumbo crab meat and trout roe, complete with a flowy poached egg, was tastily spicy.

Nassim Hill Bakery & Bistro
56 Tanglin Rd, #01-03, Singapore 247964
Tel: +65 6835 1128
Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Nassim Hill Bakery’s Chilli Crab Pasta ($17, $25 for full size) is one for those who like spice, with spaghetti cooked in glorious, homemade chilli crab sauce.

The sauce is stir-fried with chilli padi, bringing out the spice and flavour, with a hint of sweetness.

The pasta dish is then topped with generous portion of jumbo lump crab meat.

Tip: Order some fries to mop up the remaining sauce.

Eatz19
Tampines Walk, Our Tampines Hub #01-84, Singapore 529684
Tel: +65 6222 2006
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Running successfully for more than 20 years, this Halal-certified restaurant serves up Western dishes such as pastas with Eastern flavours.

The pasta dishes are included with interesting flavours from teriyaki, tom yam, sambal, curry, Szechuan, to chilli crab.

Featured in “Our Makan Places: Lost and Found”, I can see why the Soft-Shell Chili Crab ($12.80) comes highly recommended.

It was a moderately fiery dish of pasta cooked with fresh chili padi and zesty tomato paste, included with crisp soft-shell crab. Just check out the size of that crab.

Good to know: This social enterprise restaurant is employing, supporting, and training women from all walks of life who face challenges at work and at home.

Carrara
2 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-5148, Singapore 150002
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm (Sun – Thurs), 11:30am – 10pm (Fri – Sat)

Carrara’s signature Chilli Crabs Pasta ($17.90) offers a variety of seafood such as prawns, white clams, squid and blue swimmer crab meat, instead of the usual deep-fried soft shell crab.

The crab meat is sautéed with butter to give it a buttery fragrance.

The pasta sauce contained generous amounts of silky egg beaten into the homemade chilli sauce to give it more texture.

I also noted that it didn’t have that much sauce as it was a drier version, but didn’t quite mind it as the pasta was still very flavourful.

Refuel II
28 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 152028
Tel: +65 6265 7368
Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Refuel Café can be found at 744 Bedok Reservoir Road and 28 Jalan Bukit Merah, but this dish is only available at the Bukit Merah branch.

The Double Chilli Crab Pasta ($14.90) is called “double” because there are both flaky crab meat and crispy soft shell crab, in a spicy, creamy and eggy tomato base sauce. Good to know that the soft shell crab is first fried with a special spice coating.

Noticed that they gave quite a lot of sauce, and it was strong in flavours, from the tomato-tanginess, sweetness, to the spicy kick.

Would have preferred chunkier crab meat for better bite and a lighter sauce, but it is a not-bad version for its price point.

Wheeler’s Yard
28 Lor Ampas, Singapore 328781
Tel: +65 6254 9128
Opening Hours: 10:30pm – 3pm, 5pm – 9pm (Tues – Fri), 10:30am – 9pm (Sat – Sun), Closed Mon

Wheeler’s Yard is the ‘world’ where bicycles, coffee, food and all things vintage meet.

Located right along the Whampoa park connector, this is the ‘hidden’ cafe cum bicycle workshop, known for the entrance where almost every visitor would take that token #OOTD shot.

The Chilli Crab Pasta ($18.90) which was introduced as a National Day special became a big hit with customers, and was subsequently added permanently into the menu.

Using real crab meat and egg, the sauce was cooked with the right amount of sweetness and spiciness, served with a whole softshell crab.

GRUB
510 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 569983 (Within Bishan – Ang Mo Kio Park)
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 10pm (Sat – Sun)

GRUB located in the scenic Bishan Park, is known for its Western style dishes with a local twist.

Its Chilli Crab Pasta ($19) contained linguine tossed in spicy chili crab sauce, topped with one whole crispy soft-shelled crab.

The sauce was towards the spicy side, with no tomato sauce added.

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.