Hana Japanese Restaurant has been talk of the town lately as they made headlines for their “flying noodles”. Located at The Forum, slightly away from the busier streets of Orchard Road, we didn’t expect a huge crowd but we were completely astounded upon reaching the restaurant around 7pm on a Wednesday night. There were 20 plus people queuing in front of us and we were only seated around 8.45pm. Although the wait was long, we would like to compliment Hana Japanese Restaurant for giving out mini chocolate desserts to the customers waiting in line.

Our food arrived around 9pm and we were starving! The side dishes we shared were Grilled Pufferfish ($15) and Lobster Mayo Sushi Tacos ($15). The former was a tad disappointing as it tasted similar to cuttlefish where we can get almost everywhere. It had a chewy and slightly sticky texture which weren’t that enjoyable.

The latter, on the other hand is a recreation of lobster rolls. It contains lobster mayo sushi encased within a crispy taco exterior. We liked the bursts of juicy flavours from the roe, and enjoyed the mix of textural differences between the crunchy exterior and creamy filling. This is a great starter, so appetising it whets your appetite for more.

The two flavours of “flying noodles” we had were Flying Truffle Somen with Ikura and Sakura Ebi ($20) and Flying Salted Egg Yolk Udon ($18). The long waiting time in the queue made us a little angst hence thinking that “the food better be damn good!” Unfortunately, the truffle somen was not executed well. The somen itself has a light texture and light taste which we liked but the truffle sauce was too strong for our liking.

The Flying Salted Egg Yolk Udon fared much better. Giving Japanese dish a local twist and joining the current salted egg yolk craze, this dipping sauce was curated just right! It boasts a creamy and smooth texture, spiced up a little by curry leaves and chilli padi. This sauce leans towards a sweeter side and we think it’s better than some zi char stalls out there. However, pairing the udon with this sauce weren’t our cup of tea.

Due to Hana Japanese Restaurant’s extensive menu offerings, you might be spoilt for choice so we recommend their 4×3 grid box ($38). Basically, the chef would pick an assortment of 12 small bites of chawanmushi, tempura, sashimi and maki, just to name a few, to be served in each grid box to surprise you and these items change every time so you don’t always get the same food. Our favourite was the thick and fresh slices of salmon, octopus, scallop and tuna sashimi.

Matcha-misu ($15) was a saving grace which ended our night on a sweet note! It’s decorated like a terrarium and so pretty that we didn’t bear to eat it until many photos have been taken. The first bite was heavenly as it features a velvety, creamy texture with a subtle matcha flavour. It wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet, perfect for die-hard fans of matcha!

We’re pretty sure all restaurants have their fair share of hits and misses. As good as the “flying noodles” gimmick draws crowd to Hana Japanese Restaurant, they probably got to improve on the taste of these noodles. The restaurant also serve Chirashi, Omakase and a variety of rice dishes as well so it’s better to go in bigger groups so as to try more items!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

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Chapter 55 is a spacious café in Tiong Bahru, with a wide food offering and dessert choices. They have an ongoing 1-for-1 lunch promotion that is available on weekdays between 11.30am and 3pm which we felt was super value-for-money.

We had a total of 4 items during our lunch. The Buffalo Wings (Usual Price $16) are marinated with a tasty spicy herbs buffalo sauce and it was really fiery hot when devoured. You can already smell the spiciness when the aromatic wings arrive piping hot on your tables. The meat was cooked really well as it was tender and very satisfying. Although it was extremely spicy, the buffalo wings very addictive and couldn’t stop at one.

The buffalo wings appetizer was charged 1-for-1 with the Bonito Thin Crust Pizza (Usual Price $23) and we paid $23++ for these two items. The Bonito Thin Crust Pizza took us by surprise as it was superb and contains ham, button mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, tonkatsu sauce and generously topped with savoury bonito flakes and Japanese mayonnaise. This fusion of Western pizza with Japanese ingredients and toppings was very well executed.

We also had the Seafood Spaghetti (Usual Price $18) and Vongole Spaghetti (Usual Price $18). The former included prawns, clams, squid and garlic chilli cooked in a white wine sauce while the latter consisted of fresh clams, extra virgin olive oil, white wine, parsley and garlic chilli. The latter has a more flavoursome sauce as compared to the former which was a tad too dry for our liking.

There are too many items on the menu so we have made a date to return to Chapter 55 to try other dishes. If you’re working in the vicinity or have a lunch appointment but don’t know where to head to, Chapter 55 is a value-for-money café. There are indoor and outdoor seating but we’re pretty sure you wouldn’t want to melt in the scorching heat. Chapter 55 also has many desserts and gelato to offer, hence making this a really great place to feast. Do note that no reservations will be taken for 1-for-1 lunch promotion but take-away is allowed for 1-for-1 items.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visits and paid its own meals at the stall featured here.

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Entering this café is like stepping into a magical garden as the interior is surrounded by plants and terrariums on the walls and tables. This café occupies two levels, with the kitchen and a cake display counter on the first level. Cafés and restaurants have become so much more creative when curating their menu items. Nowadays, food has to be pleasant to the eyes besides tasting delicious. With such a gorgeously-designed interior, we had high hopes for their food.

The menu isn’t comprehensive but it’s good that Epiphyte Café prides itself in serving good quality food that is well-prepared. We started with Brie & Edamame Salad ($12), featuring mesclun, Asian pear, goma and crostini. This salad managed to balance sweet and savoury flavours very well and we liked the textural differences from the creamy brie cheese to the crunchy and juicy bits of Asian pear. It’s a great starter to our meal.

As we craved comfort food on that particular night, we had the Pasta Prawns ($22) and Pink Risotto ($22). The former consisted of spaghetti cooked al dente, topped with fresh Ebi Sakura, and tossed in chives, extra virgin olive oil and shallots to enhance the flavours. The prawns were well cooked and tasted of its natural sweetness.

As for the Pink Risotto, it was the highlight of our meal. No artificial food colouring has been added to give the risotto its pinkish colour. The chef only mixed roasted beetroot with the risotto to produce a natural pinkish colour. There was a good consistency and we enjoyed the creamy texture of the risotto, which had a slight smoky finish. The risotto was topped with plump, succulent scallops and parmigiana. This dish would’ve scored full marks if the scallops were a tad more savoury.

We ended our meal with eye-catching desserts such as the Terrarium ($15) and Twilight ($12). The Terrarium, containing green sponge cake, chocolate soil, fresh mint custard and apple compote, was too pretty to be devoured. It looked like a real plant. We added rum, and the entire experience was wonderful. Imagine indulging in a dessert with different textures and flavours bursting in your mouth.

The other show-stopping dessert was Twilight, which I preferred to Terrarium. This galaxy cake boasted chocolate sponge and marbling chocolate mousse, infused with Cointreau orange curd. Therefore, you get a surprising tangy twist mixed with the usual sweetness of chocolate cakes. The mousse was light and simply melts in your mouth. I’m never sharing this dessert with anyone else ever again! It’s so good I can devour one on my own!

We often find themed cafés nice to look at but not appealing to the tastebuds. However, Epiphyte Café has completely surprised us. We like that they try to align the methods of preparing food to their garden theme, like using beetroot plant to create natural colours for food. It’s a place where we can chill out after work while pampering ourselves with foods that are both visually pleasing and great tasting.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

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70-year-old Swiss-born chef Otto Wiebel has finally opened his first restaurant Otto’s Deli Fresh in Holland Village. Working in the F&B industry for more than 40 years, Chef Otto has been a veteran of top kitchens including that of Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore and Hong Kong. He co-founded F&B consultancy Ottscott with celebrity chef Scott Webster.

In his new restaurant, Chef Otto dishes up recipes that he himself loves, personally selects produce from suppliers that he knows and trusts, eschews middlemen so prices can be so accessible for the quality being offered, and offers a platform for young talents of the industry.

The deli section offers meats ranging from Japanese Kobe Beef to Dorper Kamb from Australia, New Zealand Kaipara oysters, Hokkaido scallops, French and Swiss chesses, olive oils from Greece and Portugal, some of the most exceptional seasonal truffles and many more. In time, he will introduce house-made charcuterie and sausages using his personal recipes.

For dine-in customers, you can begin your meal with a starter such as the Button Mushroom Soup ($8.50) and the Grilled Frementle Octopus Salad ($17). The former consists of button mushrooms, dried porchini, and caramelized onions, served with bread. Chef Otto made the mushroom soup from scratch. We found the creaminess of the soup just right, and the bread that’s fluffy on the inside with charred edges outside complements the soup very well. What you see is only two-thirds of the actual portion.

The latter, on the other hand, contains spinach, green apple and salad dressing. The octopus has been flown in from Fremantle and all of us know that Fremantle is famous for their fresh seafood. The octopus turned out tender, yet retaining its slightly chewy texture.

Dining here with a big group puts you at advantage as you’ll be able to try more varieties of items on the menu. Hand Cut Fries ($6) is accompanied by three sauces, namely barbeque sauce, Mentaiko mayonnaise and salted egg yolk cream. Each dip has its own uniqueness and the barbeque sauce gave a nice tangy finish, making it different from what we get elsewhere. The salted egg sauce has a stronger curry flavour while the light and creamy Mentaiko mayonnaise was our favourite. These fries are so addictive you’ll finish it without realizing.

Our mains came in the form of burgers, sandwiches and pastas. The burgers and sandwiches are usually served with salad and fries. We had the Pulled Pork Burger ($19), consisting of Citrus cabbage apple slaw, fries pickled cucumber and barbeque sauce. The pulled pork has been cooked using sous-vide method for 5 hours, hence its fork-tender texture. The cabbage that’s marinated with yuzu came a little too strong such that it over-powered the flavours of the pulled pork.

We had lots of beef at Otto’s Deli Fresh, beginning with The Pressed Beef Steak Ciabatta ($20) has air-dried beef, roquette, browned red onion, pickles and gruyere cheese smacked in between the ciabatta sandwich. The sandwich was a tad too hard for our liking but the cheese enhanced the flavours of this dish, making it very appealing to cheese lovers. Next up was the Beef Stroganoff Fettucine ($17) includes button mushrooms, sour cream, cornichon and parsley. The fettucine was cooked al dente and the beef was thinly sliced but still succulent and tender.

As Otto’s Deli Fresh offers all-day-dining, it’s an ideal place to unwind after work with grilled items such as the Southern Highland Grass Fed Beef Hanger Steak ($22) and the Heritage US Kurobuta Pork Rack ($39). We preferred the latter as it’s simply grilled with only salt and pepper. Its natural flavours were brought out perfectly with a nice smokey finish.

Finally, the stomach space that we’ve been saving for desserts was satisfied with the Burnt Banana Waffle ($11.50) and Crème Brulee ($8.50). The waffles boast a crisp exterior with a fluffy and light interior. It’s topped with two generous scoops of peanut butter gelato, served with a freeze-dried banana. As sinful as this dessert was, we decided not to think about diets. A mouthful of the soft, not mushy, charred banana with the peanut butter gelato and waffle gives a mixture of textures and flavours in your mouth. Such a sweet indulgence! However, the Crème Brulee, made of Madagascar vanilla and pineapple rum compote was a little too sourish for our liking.

It was a rainy Wednesday when we headed down for lunch, making it the perfect weather for a cup of Otto’s Favourite Hot Valrhona Chocolate ($9.50). It consists of sea salt, crunchy pearls, hazelnut cream and espuma. Each sip was full of richness and the chocolate was so thick that we couldn’t stop at one cup! We like that it isn’t too sweet and that its flavour reminded us of Ferrero Rocher chocolates.

There’s something for everyone at Otto’s Deli Fresh. Whether you want to begin your day with coffee and a hearty brunch or relax and recharge during dinner hours, this deli-restaurant is a place to go to. We also like that it’s conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from Holland Village station. Residents living around the neighbourhood, look forward as there’s now a new deli for you to purchase fresh produce and condiments.

Note: This is an invited tasting.

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With numerous outlets in Singapore, each with its own specialty dishes, it’s no wonder Ramen Keisuke became the biggest ramen chain here. To celebrate its 4th anniversary at Tori King, chef-owner Mr. Keisuke Takeda has curated a new menu. Chef Keisuke is known to be one of the early pioneers that reinvented and reintroduced ramen with chicken stock base. His new menu is crafted based on his insights of the local market and customized according to his customers’ tastes and preferences.

My favourite is Tori King Ramen Clear Soup (from $11), made with Japanese “Dashi” broth. It is a combination of edible kelp and shavings of preserved, fermented skipjack tuna. The broth harmonizes the flavour and creates the best Unami for a clear soup base. I usually have a heavy lunch followed by a light dinner so Tori King Ramen Clear Soup is perfect for me. The broth is light yet, still so tasty and we slurped everything down, till the last drop. I’m already planning to return for this dish as it’s the rainy season, making the cold weather perfect for ramen.

My dining partner, on the other hand, prefers a heartier meal and he likes a stronger and more flavoursome broth. Needless to say, his favourite is Tori King Tan Tan Mien Ultra Super Rich (from $14.90). Tan Tan Mien is a popular ramen in Japan that is heavily influenced by Chinese noodle. You can expect a rich creamy soup base with white sesame paste and Keisuke’s special chilli oil. Corianders are added as a finishing touch to give the dish an Asian flavour. I found this too rich and too creamy but my dining partner enjoyed each mouthful.

We also tried Tori King Dry Noodle Maze Soba (from $12.90), which is the first dry noodles by Ramen Keisuke. Mixing minced pork meat with different types of nuts gave this dish a different flavour and texture. Chef Keisuke also added a splash of his original spicy sauce and vinegar for a unique touch. If you love spicy food, this fiery bowl is bound to satisfy as it packs a really good punch!

There is also Tori King Dipping Noodle Tsuke Men (from $12.90). You get a bowl of dry noodles served with a small bowl of rich gravy on the side. Simply dip or soak the noodles in the gravy before adding chilli sauce for that perfect finish. You can taste the natural sweetness of the chicken meat and its tenderness from this dish and I really love the flavoured eggs. After trying quite a number of ramen restaurants in Singapore, I feel that Ramen Keisuke’s flavoured eggs are still the best done!

Besides noodles, Tori King has introduced the Roasted Chicken Meat Ball as a topping ($1). Two different types of minced chicken meat are blended with Yuzu skin and roasted at a high heat. Bite into the tender, juicy meat that finishes with a refreshing zing! Chef Keisuke is also passionate about helping the underprivileged, especially the youth. Therefore, he will donate a dollar for every sale of Green Tea Cola from 1 to 30 November 2016. Due to the rainy season, we’re pretty sure everyone craves a comforting, warm bowl of ramen so be there early to avoid a long waiting time.

Note: This is an invited tasting.

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As a kid, I’ve always loved Christmas! My family will assemble a mini Christmas tree at home and leave the gifts we’ve received from family and friends around the tree. On Christmas day, we will have a family lunch together before opening up our presents excitedly. This is also the part I anticipate the most every Christmas. Now that I’m all grown-up, it’s my turn to shower my parents and my little nephews and nieces with Christmas gifts and there’s no better way to get ready for Christmas than with HSBC credit cards.

1. Get Party-Ready – Start your beauty preparations with L’Occitane

Address: There are various outlets island-wide in Singapore so check http://sg.loccitane.com/our-boutiques,27,1,1941,567795.htm?Country=Singapore for more details on each outlet.
Website: http://sg.loccitane.com/

Christmas time is the perfect excuse to doll yourself up for a good time out with friends. There are so many beauty products around but I only trust products made using natural ingredients as my skin is quite sensitive. L’Occitane uses more than 300 ingredients of natural origin in its production process. The textures and fragrances are inspired by the land of Provence and follow a strict formulation charter to guarantee quality and efficiency, while respecting people and the environment. Personally, I like knowing what I’m using and is proud to support a company who keeps the values of respect and authenticity at heart.

This Christmas, L’Occitane offers sensorial gift sets for men and women to suit your Christmas shopping list – from festive Christmas baubles with 3 charming products inside priced at $20 to an Advent Calendar with 24 surprising delights inside at only $79. Besides pampering yourself, if you’re looking for a beauty product to impress your loved one this Christmas, why not surprise them with L’Occitane?

HSBC credit cardholders receive a complimentary shampoo and conditioner travel set with a minimum spend of $160. This limited offer is valid from 18 November to 31 December 2016 at all L’Occitane boutiques (except Takashimaya Department store) and while stock lasts.

2. Shop for Christmas Gifts and enjoy the festivities at Forum The Shopping Mall

There’s something for everyone this Christmas at Forum The Shopping Mall. Soak in the festivities along Orchard Road as the street lights up this Christmas while enjoying shopping privileges with your HSBC credit card at Forum.

Little ones can find excitement at The Secret Garden of Enchantment Interactive Experience between 1pm and 6pm from 9 to 20 December 2016 (except 12 December). While your kids enjoy a magical Christmas surrounded by imaginary fairies and garden nymphs, and overcoming obstacles to emerge victorious in the interactive experience, not only do you get to shop but also be rewarded with gifts ranging from Christmas ornaments to insulated bags and many more.

Ladies, for ultimate pampering, there is a 90-minutes OPI signature hot wax hand & feet spa treatment priced at $158 at the OPI Centre. This sounds very tempting and I’m looking forward to making a date with my girlfriends just to prep ourselves for Christmas parties! For the men who frequent the gym and for those who require supplements, you get 15% off regular-priced items at GNC (excluding food stuff and selected items). This is such a good deal and I’ve planned to drop by to get some health supplements for my elderly parents. For kids who may deserve yet another toy to their collection, HSBC credit cardholders get 15% off Kyosho regular-priced items at Toykar. I think this would be the perfect place to find a gift for my nephews and nieces. Besides these, there are many other shopping and also dining privileges at Forum for HSBC credit cardholders.

What’s more, charge a minimum of $500 to your HSBC credit card at Forum to redeem a $50 Forum voucher. Plus, redeem a Samsonite Hanging Toiletry Kit worth $65 when you charge an additional $800. You’ll enjoy complimentary parking on Saturdays and Sundays with a minimum charge of $50 in a single receipt. Gifts are limited so head over to Forum today!

3. Plan a Christmas Celebration with your loved ones at Manhattan Bar

Inspired by the Golden Age of cocktails and fine drinking, Manhattan Bar brings back in time to the glamorous, elegant and sophisticated moments of old New York. This majestic hotel bar serves artisanal spirits and classic cocktails, meticulously crafted from the world’s first in-hotel rickhouse. If you’re staying for the night and prefer “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” to “Moulin Rouge”, there’s also a Sunday cocktail brunch available.

Try your hand at mixology by building your own Bloody Mary cocktail in the Ingredients Room. Choose from fresh ingredients and herbs, as well as a selection of homemade spices that include a Bak Kwa-flavoured powder, for a truly unique experience with the classic cocktail. Wines and beer are also available so remember to enquire with the server for the day’s selection. And to go along with your handcrafted cocktail, slurp up the fine selection of succulent, freshly-shucked American bivalves at the Oyster Bar before moving on to the small plates of seafood delights such as lobster ceviche, Maine lobsters and shrimp cocktails.

Christmas is also about feasting so look forward to pairing the alcohol with a sweet surprise. A must when you visit the Rickhouse is Manhattan’s Baked Alaska – chocolate mousse filled with orange curd, feuilletine and meringue, drizzled with aged rum from the bar’s signature American oak barrels. The dessert counter offers a wider selection of sweets including the Classic Apple Pie, Black & White Cookies, Apple Cake Pops, Caramel Banana Cream Pie, an assortment of Cronuts and plenty more. This Christmas, it’ll be a unique experience to grab a bunch of friends or business associates and dress up in old Hollywood glamour for a brunch date or a night of drinks and bar bites at Manhattan.

HSBC credit cardholders enjoy complimentary free-flow champagne for Sunday Cocktail Brunch, valid every Sunday from now till 18 December 2016. Do note that prior reservations are required.

4. Cook Up a Christmas Feast with Fresh Groceries from Isetan

Address: There are various outlets island-wide in Singapore so check https://www.isetan.com.sg/about-isetan for more details on each outlet.
Website: https://www.isetan.com.sg/

Personally, I prefer spending quality time with my loved ones during Christmas and enjoy whipping up a good feast at home every year. Usually, I’ll just head to the nearest supermarket to grab some groceries after work but Christmas is the time to savour good food cooked with quality ingredients which makes Isetan Supermarket my number one choice for quality ingredients.

Looking through the wide window panels, you’ll notice the servers preparing the meat, seafood and even sushi so you can be assured of the products’ freshness. I’m a bread-lover so I can never resist stepping out of Johan Paris Bakery empty-handed. The tantalizing scent of freshly baked bread is simply irresistible. There are even products from Hokkaido, Kyushu and Okinawa during Isetan’s Japanese Fairs where you’ll be able to sample authentic Japanese cuisine that have never been seen in any other supermarket shelves in Singapore.

Besides purchasing groceries, you can also dine-in at Isetan Scotts Supermarket at their very own WA-Dining, Dashi Bar and Kaku-Uchi Sake Bar. WA-Dining offers a wide range of Bento sets prepared freshly in Isetan Scotts’ private kitchen. Dashi Bar serves delicious udon, soba and miso soup while Kaku-Uchi Sake Bar offers a premium sake range including Honjozo, Junmai Ginjo and Junmai Daiginjo. You can take a break at Yaoya Fruit Juice Bar if you’re feeling thirsty after grocery shopping or have a sweet treat from Châteraisé.

HSBC credit cardholders can redeem a complimentary golf umbrella with a minimum spend of $150. You can also redeem $5 rebate vouchers on selected weekends with every $100 charged to your HSBC credit card. This promotion lasts from 11 November to 31 December 2016 at all Isetan stores.

What’s more, with HSBC’s Christmas Festive Promotion, there are now more reasons to celebrate Christmas! Make this festive season even merrier with a sumptuous feast when you spend on your HSBC credit card, and share the joy this Christmas with a memorable get-together. Simply be the first 2,000 cardholders to charge a minimum of $3,000 from now till 30 November to redeem a Christmas Festive Hamper worth over $120. Plus, for every $500 charged to your HSBC credit card in December, redeem a $10 CapitaVoucher up to $50 worth per cardholder. Terms and conditions apply for all promotions herein. Visit www.hsbc.com.sg/promos for more details. HSBC would like to wish all a very Merry Christmas!

This post is brought to you in partnership with HSBC Credit Cards.

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Designed by renowned French designer, Philippe Starck, Beast and Butterflies bar and restaurant boasts a retro-mix-modern interior. The whimsical setting, with a little elegance, is themed around ‘Opposites Attract’. Well, so is their menu as you can expect modern fusion and surprising flavours. We enjoyed an evening catching up and relaxing on the colourful plush sofas, with lava lamps and warm lighting exuding a homely vibe. There’s even a pool table if you’re in need of some entertainment.

Chic Popcorn ($10) and Spam Fries ($10) will definitely top the list for your kids’ favourite snacks! The former features deep-fried chicken popcorns coated with salted egg yolk. While the taste of salted egg yolk was subtle, it was sufficient to give the chicken popcorns some savoury flavours. These little crispy bites were so addictive that we continued popping one after another into our mouths. Before we know it, the whole bowl of popcorn chicken has been devoured. The latter features luncheon meat fries served with home-made basil cheese dip. Nothing needs to be said as everything with luncheon meat is just perfect!

For our mains, we had the MTM Laksa ($16) and the Lobster Porridge ($28). “MTM” stands for “Mee Tai Mak”, which is my personal favourite choice of noodles. Silver needle noodles are accompanied by fresh cherry stone clams, prawns, fishcake and crispy tau pok, soaked in tasty Laksa gravy. The broth has a good balance of coconut milk, spices and herbs. It’s not too spicy or too rich. Although this Laksa doesn’t come with cockles, the plump and sweet cherry stone clams are a delicious alternative. The only setback is the price as you can get a few bowls of Laksa at hawker centers with this price.

The Lobster Porridge is prepared according to Teochew-style rice porridge. Jasmine long grain rice is soaked in a savoury crab broth, sweetened by the chunks of meaty abalone and dried scallops within. The large, half lobster captured everyone’s attention when this stone bowl arrived. We liked that the rice wasn’t too mushy. It has been cooked just right, with a slight bite in texture. The lobster boasts fork-tender meat, which are easily detached from its shell. This is the ultimate comfort food for us.

Yam Brulee ($10) is a must-try in my opinion! It was my first time trying a yam dessert that isn’t in the form of traditional “Orh-Nee”. Yam paste at Beast and Butterflies is served with a beautifully caramelized sugar crust and a scoop of coconut ice cream. We like the light yet creamy yam paste, which finishes with a sweet twist. This is such an interesting culinary creation, kudos to the chef!

We also had So Shiok ($18), consisting of thin, crisp waffles, dusted with salted egg yolk powder, accompanied by juicy strawberries and a creamy, thick durian pengat. We recommend you to try the waffles first, or else the rich durian pengat will overwhelm whatever flavours you savour after that.

Beast and Butterflies bar and restaurant is an ideal place to chill after work. If the weather’s good, you can also dine al fresco, with the view of our Singapore River. The interior is spacious, making it great to hold private conversations without worrying about someone eavesdropping nearby. There are many other items available on their menu but you should remember to save stomach space for desserts!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the restaurant featured here.

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Stepping into Sandaime Bunji makes you feel as though you’ve been transported to an authentic eatery in Japan. Boasting al fresco seats, counter seats, as well as, Zabuton seats (Japanese cushion for sitting on the ground), this Japanese eatery exudes a relaxing vibe. Furthermore, you wouldn’t feel suffocated and stuffy when dining inside as there is an open space by the “window” where you can chill while people watching.

The impressive item that brought us here was their Wagyu Round Roast Beef Set ($19.90), a towering bowl with 250grams of beef slices stacked on top of the rice. The beef was executed to perfection and my dining partner found it to be succulent, tender, yet a little chewy. However, we felt that the beef might be too raw for some people. Our set came with salad, tofu and Ox Tail soup, which was surprisingly very flavourful. The soup had a natural sweetness to it and we didn’t feel that MSG was added to enhance its taste. The tofu was very soft and smooth while the salad was a very crunchy appetizing starter that whetted our appetites.

As we’re beef-lovers, we also tried the Wagyu Sukiyaki ($15.90), which features items such as carrots, an assortment of mushrooms, cabbages and the main star of the dish – wagyu beef slices. The broth was too saltish if you slurp it on its own, but when eaten with steamed rice, the pairing is perfect. The wagyu beef slices were more cooked and sliced reasonably thin for easy consumption. It managed to soak up the savoury flavours of the broth, making each bite heavenly. Furthermore, this piping hot dish was perfect due to the rainy weather at that point of time.

Lucky us also stumbled on the Sashimi Promotion – Unkai (Sashimi 6 Kind with Ootoro) is going at $29.90 per bowl, instead of its usual $68.80 but do note that there are limited quantities each day to ensure freshness of the sashimi. “Ootoro” is a Japanese word, meaning “the fattiest part of the fish” so of course, our sashimi assortment included the most expensive cut of tuna, taken from the lowest part of the belly next to the head, which is very high in fat. There were also hotate sashimi, kanpachi (amberjack) sashimi, mackerel and our favourite, the salmon sashimi!

Sandaime Bunji is a place worth checking out due to its delicious food and great ambience. Furthermore, it’s affordably priced and their level of service is commendable. Towards the end of our meal, a Japanese couple arrived and took their seats beside our table. That’s when we found out that one of the waitresses, Madam Jenny Wong, speaks fluent Japanese. Later on, she shared with us that she used to study in Japan, hence picked up the local language. This is a restaurant that we would return to without doubt on days when we crave good Japanese food.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

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Kueh(s) can be sweet or savoury bite-sized snacks, with its roots traced back to Malay and Indonesian cuisines. The Peranakan Community who were early Chinese settlers in Malacca and later, Indonesia, adapted the original Malay and Indonesian kueh(s) as part of their cuisine. Eventually, it is the Peranakans who popularized the term, “Nonya Kueh” as part of their cuisine in Singapore. With modernization and more creative brains popping up in the culinary world, kueh(s) that are made with traditional techniques and authentic ingredients are hard to come by nowadays. Relish in 17 traditional Nonya Kueh that gives you a sense of nostalgia.

Ang Ku Kueh is a small round or oval shaped pastry with soft sticky glutinous rice flour skin wrapped around a sweet filling in the centre. It is moulded to resemble a tortoise shell and is presented resting on a square piece of banana leaf. It’s believed that Ang Ku Kueh brings prosperity. The common and original fillings are sweet bean paste and peanuts but you can find unique flavours nowadays such as durian, coconut and more.

Getuk Getuk originated from Java and is made from tapioca. The tapioca is first peeled, boiled, then mashed. This is followed by mixing the tapioca with grated coconut, a pinch of salt and palm sugar which gives the kueh a brownish colour and more distinctive taste. It is finally topped with more freshly-grated coconut.

Harum Manis, which literally means “fragrant” and “sweet”, is a steamed sponge cake that’s similar to apam but embellished with slices of bananas. The steamed cakes are enriched by the warm caramel-like sweetness from gula Melaka and wafts of aroma from the cooked bananas. If you’re up for a challenge in the kitchen, this is an excellent option to use up leftover bananas.

Kueh Bingka Ubi means baked tapioca cake. This traditional Nonya kueh is fragrant, semi-soft, slightly chewy and goes perfectly well when paired with a cup of tea. It has an inviting aroma from the pandan leaves, eggs and coconut milk hence its rich and flavourful taste. You’ll be glad to know that Kueh Bingka Ubi is relatively easy to make compared to other Nonya kueh(s) as you simply mix all the ingredients together before baking.

The authentic Kueh Bugis is served wrapped in pandan leaf to give a sweet scent, on top of the already fragrant, thick layer of coconut paste covering the green dough. It’s hard to find great tasting Kueh Bugis nowadays as Singapore becomes more modernized. Just the thought of sinking our teeth into the sticky and chewy steam glutinous rice flour with sweet coconut paste is enough to make us drool.

Kueh Dadar has juicy palm sugar flavoured grated coconut fillings enveloped within a piece of green crepe. Pandan leaf is the core ingredient of Kueh Dadar and the green exterior is made of a batter coloured with natural pandan juice extracted from pandan leaves, hence the tempting sweet fragrance. There’s a slight crunch when you bite into the soft exterior of Kueh Dadar due to the grated coconut fillings inside.

Kueh Kosui is made from tapioca starch and rice flour and sweetened with gula Melaka and sugar. Pandan leaves enhance the fragrance of this kueh and it is usually served with freshly grated coconuts for more texture and taste. The contrasting colours of the grated white coconut and the bouncy brown kueh also make this dish more pleasing to the eyes.

Kueh Lupis is one of our favourite kueh(s) due to its subtle sweetness, with a hint of savoury flavour and slight crunch from the coconut shavings. Glutinous rice is cooked in pandan juice before being wrapped into a triangular shape in banana leaves. It is further boiled in water for approximately 3 hours before the banana leaves are removed and the kueh is rolled in generous amounts of fresh, slightly salted coconut shavings. It is finally drizzled with thick gula Melaka syrup, sinful but so good!

Kueh Salat is a two-tiered Nonya dessert with a base of steamed glutinous rice weighted down by a thick layer of custard flavoured with freshly squeezed coconut milk and pandan juice. Coconut milk is the key ingredient in making this kueh as it imparts a creamy taste when cooking the glutinous rice and making the custard layer. In general, making kueh(s) is a very laborious job. You first need to soak the glutinous rice before steaming it then pound the pandan leaves, squeeze the juice, beat the egg, make the coconut custard and finally, steam it again. Kueh Salat takes hours to make but is devoured within minutes!

Don’t confuse Kueh Talam with Kueh Salat though their colours look almost similar. Kueh Talam also has two layers, a top white layer made from coconut milk and rice flour and a bottom green layer made from rice and mung bean flour with natural green colouring from pandan leaves. This kueh is also done by steaming. We find Kueh Talam not as chewy as Kueh Salat and it has a softer texture.

Kueh Lapis is the most common Nonya dessert you find in Singapore and the easiest to recognize and remember due to its colourful layers. Some people call this “thousand-layer cake” but it actually only has 9 layers. This was a snack we used to eat a lot during our childhood days! It is made with tapioca, rice flour and coconut milk before being steamed. Kids would enjoy peeling and eating this kueh layer by layer, and this eating style actually mirrors a saying – in life, you cannot take short-cuts and have to go through one obstacle after another so eating it layer by layer is somewhat similar.

Most Nonya kueh(s) are sweet but whenever we crave something savoury, Lemper Udang is the ultimate choice. It is made from glutinous rice, infused with coconut milk and flavour from pandan leaves. While the glutinous rice is steaming, grated coconut will be fried in a dry wok to bring out its fragrance before being added as a filling into the glutinous rice and lastly, wrapped in banana leaves. Sometimes, spicy shrimp paste is also included in the fillings to give that fiery kick.

Another favourite of ours is the Ondeh Ondeh which are made from either sweet potato or glutinous rice flour. These cute little balls are infused with pandan juice and filled with gula Melaka or palm sugar before being rolled in some freshly grated coconut. The palm sugar that’s in the middle literally bursts in your mouth when you take a bite! They are sweet and delicious and it’s impossible to stop at one!

Ongol Ubi is quite simple to make and it’s common for families to make this at home together. It is made from tapioca, infused with flavours from pandan leaves. It is steamed before being rolled in grated coconut. Different ingredients are used to create attractive colours for Ongol Ubi to ensure that this kueh is healthier due to the natural colouring.

Sagu Melaka, in Malysia, is called Kueh Bronok and made from sago balls and shredded coconut. Our version consists of three layers of distinctive colours. The white top is made from coconut milk while the middle is infused with gula Melaka to give its brownish colour and the base infused with rose syrup to create the pinkish colour.

Talam Ubi is literally translated to steamed tapioca cake and the main ingredient for the top white layer is coconut milk while the bottom layer consists of grated tapioca, grated coconut and palm sugar. This is a soft, chewy kueh which leans towards the sweeter scale for desserts. Simply delicious!

Yam Talam contains the similar ingredients as Talam Ubi, with the exception of yam! The top tier is similarly made from coconut milk but the bottom tier features yam as its main ingredient, hence giving this kueh a purplish finish. The texture is similar to Talam Ubi as well but it doesn’t taste as sweet as Talam Ubi.

There you have it – 17 traditional Nonya kueh(s) for you to pick and choose from, whenever your craving for Peranakan snacks kicks in! We can never stop popping balls of Ondeh Ondeh into our mouths and we also enjoy Kueh Lapis, Kueh Lupis and a couple of others as well. These Nonya kueh(s) make a good breakfast, as well as, afternoon snack! We hope you enjoy indulging in these Nonya kueh(s) as much as we do.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visits and paid for all the kuehs featured here.

The post 17 Traditional Nonya Kueh in Singapore that makes a Superb Snack appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

People often advice me to eat breakfast like a queen, lunch like a princess, and dinner like a pauper but when it comes to brunch, it’s the best excuse to feast to my heart’s content. Food is a strong motivational factor in snapping me out of sleep but I’m totally not a morning person. Therefore, I enjoy brunch dates as I don’t have to get up that early in the morning yet I’ll still able to enjoy pancakes drizzled with sweet maple syrup or savoury brunch items such as eggs benedict.

Quandoo is a restaurant reservation platform that has seated 2.7 million diners in Singapore. Every 1,000 loyalty points earned give you a $15 cash-back. There are many places that serve brunch menu in Singapore so we’ve rounded up 7 of our favourite spots. On weekends, seats are snatched up in the blink of an eye so be sure to book in advance with Quandoo.

Located conveniently in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, this 70-seater restaurant is an ideal spot for holding breakfast meetings. Begin the day with a healthy dose of nutrition from their Homemade Natural Muesli with green apple, blueberries and strawberries or their granola bowl, featuring Greek yogurt, berry compote, honey and fresh bananas.

On days when dieting isn’t of concern, I would immediately go for a hearty breakfast feast and I’m always tempted by the Club Signature Breakfast, which includes 2 eggs prepared according to your preference, pan-fried bacon, grilled chicken or pork sausage, sautéed button mushrooms, sautéed cherry tomatoes and your choice of wholemeal, sour dough, rye or Turkish pide toast. I’m one who prefers to begin the day with savoury items so I find Club Meatballs’ signature breakfast very satisfying and I love it when sweet juices from the cherry tomatoes burst in my mouth. It’s a refreshing twist to the other savoury items.

Club Meatballs also serves Freshly Baked Croissants with berry compote and butter or Kurobuta ham and cheese or smoked salmon and arugula with dill sauce. The fragrance of the baked croissants lingers in the air and whets your appetite for more. You can also DIY your own Club House breakfast or satisfy that inner sweet tooth with the pancakes. For most of us, breakfast or brunch would never be complete without injecting some caffeine into our system. It’s wonderful that coffee served at Club Meatballs is from Common Man.

Boasting a localized Asian-Western fusion concept, my tastebuds were in for a huge surprise at Froth. They have quite a comprehensive brunch menu available on weekends and public holidays. For starters, you can look forward to the Duck Kut Teh, a 12-hour superior duck broth with melons, radish and cresses. This is a creative twist on our local Bak Kut Teh and it’s a nourishing way to begin your day.

Brunch specials offer Char Siew Eggs Benedict, Lup Cheong Rosti and Chilli Crab Burger, just to name a few. Classic poached eggs and barbecued pulled pork are drizzled generously with dollops of Hoisin hollandaise and served with homemade puff pastry. I really love my eggs poached as I love the image of slicing the eggs in the middle, causing bright yellow yolk to ooze out so appetizingly. The lup cheong rosti is a local twist on classic Western rosti dishes. As a Singaporean, I’m a huge fan of chilli crabs so there was no doubt which brunch special appealed to me most. Despite getting my hands dirty, I’ll still bite huge chunks off the chilli crab burger, consisting of fried soft shell crab, homemade chilli crab sauce and arugula stacked in the middle of two soft brioche burger buns.

Big eaters can go for the Seafood Tom Yum Risotto which is a tomyum pumpkin risotto served with grilled tiger prawns, flower clams and squids. This is the ultimate brunch dish if you’re feeling extremely hungry! Froth also serves desserts, waffles and lava toasts for their weekend brunch.

You don’t have to go light on brunches as indulgence is good once in a while so we recommend the superb steaks served at Mad Cow. Whether you desire Aussie beef, Prime US Ribeye or Angus steaks, Mad Cow has it all. The bacon & egg salad is my usual comfort food and I love munching on the fresh greens while waiting for my steak to be prepared. If you’re heading here with a bunch of friends, you can order their light bites for sharing, from crispy chicken pops to Mad Cow’s kueh pie tee to their range of cheese available.

I always go for the US Ribeye as this part contains the most abundant fat marbling, hence being the juiciest and most flavoursome of all steaks. I love its robust flavours, tender texture, with fatty juices bursting in my mouth with every bite. However, I have girlfriends who watch their diets closely so they usually go for the US Tenderloin, the part with the least fats. It is lean and has the mildest flavour compared to other cuts. It’s also not as juicy as other steaks and sometimes, I find it too dry if cooked beyond medium.

If you’re not in the mood for steaks, Mad Cow also serves burgers, pastas, chicken cutlets, seafood dishes, fish and chips, and some other vegetarian options. It’s conveniently located near Orchard Road, making it an ideal brunch spot before your shopping spree.

Ninja Cut serves Japanese-inspired rice bowls and the good news is that their brunch items are available all day. I would have a serving of Yoghurt & Granola with a serving of Ninja’s Steak & Eggs for a fulfilling breakfast before the start of my hectic work day. A healthy and refreshing bowl of fresh fruits, granolas, honey, milk and yoghurt will keep me energized for a long period of time although it doesn’t fill my tummy. Hence, I paired this light dish with a heartier item – Ninja’s Steak & Eggs, slow-roasted ribeye, scambled eggs and toast. I really love the combinations of textures and flavours.

If you can consume rice bowls for brunch, we recommend Waikiki Surf and Tuna-Na-Na-Na. The former consists of yuzu-marinated salmon poke, aburi avocado, cherry tomatoes, onsen egg, garden greens and sakura ebi. The latter, on the other hand, contains tuna tataki, onsen egg, tomatoes, miso cucumbers, aburi avocado and furitake. Both of these items are so nutritious and a great start to the day!

You can end your brunch on a sweet note with the Marvellous Matcha Ricotta pancake. It’s like a huge Matcha lava cake, filled with green tea fondant made in-house from white chocolate and Matcha powder. We couldn’t resist taking a bite as soon as we noticed matcha flowing out upon splitting the pancake apart. It is topped with ricotta cheese to neutralize the sweetness and the yuzu peel gave this dessert a tangy twist. Homemade dango and azuki beans further enhanced the attractiveness and flavours of this dessert.

Weekend brunch at Platypus Kitchen is a relaxing gastronomical affair. It’s not just a feast for your eyes but the food tickles your tastebuds too. Those with a sweet tooth can go for the DIY Sea Salt Caramel French Toast that is perfectly executed, topped with the DIY vanilla crème and sweet sour cream and accompanied by salted caramel sauce and wild berry coulis. Its sweetness is neutralized by the slightly savoury salted caramel sauce and it finishes with a refreshing twist from the sour cream.

My favourite is the Sous-vide Eggs Shakshuka, made from cumin & chilli tomato chutney, 63 degrees Celsius eggs, sautéed mushrooms, paprika, cilantro and served with homemade rustic bread. Dipping the bread into this flavourful shakshuka is so heavenly! Like I said, I prefer savoury food to sweet items hence, I found this shakshuka hitting all the right spots.

You can also savour Platypus Brunch Bowls, which is similar to a salad, containing sliced ribeye, japonica rice, sharp cheddar, bacon bits, onsen egg, wasabi sprouts and cherry tomatoes. Besides these, brunch specials also include greek style salmon & feta bowl, double stacked philly cheese steak and lime, prawn & arugula linguine. The double stacked philly cheese steak is a wonderful comfort food though it’s terribly sinful.

Weekend Brunch is so exciting at The 1925 Microbrewery & Restaurant due to their dessert cocktails. The brunch menu is only available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm. You can start off with the mushroom soup infused with truffle oil to enhance its flavour. It is freshly prepared in-house and served with a side of grilled Portobello and toasted bread. Mushroom-lovers will simply fall in love with this dish.

We liked the Deep Fried Poached Egg on Portobello, with a side of grilled vegetables and toast with homemade herb butter and a jumbo cheese sausage. Waking up to a meal like this has never felt so good! Other savoury brunch items include The 1925 Breakfast, as well as, the Chargrilled Beef Burger. The former features poached eggs, sautéed mushrooms, sundried tomatoes on toast with a side of Portobello, grilled vegetables and sliced bacon while the latter boasts freshly grilled beef patty with sautéed mushrooms and topped with crispy bacon, served with a side of fries.

As for desserts, The 1925 Tiramisu sounds enticing but our attention is captured by the Dessert Cocktails, mainly Ziegfeld Follies and Gelico Flapper. Bigger groups can order a few appetizers for sharing, ranging from truffle fries to wasabi fries to chicken skins and Hawaiian pizza. There’s something for everyone at The 1925 Microbrewery & Restaurant.

Weekday brunch lasts from 8am till 3.30pm while weekend brunch is from 9am to 3.30pm. The brunch offering is almost similar, with their signature Toasted Banana Bread on both menus. You have a choice of choosing your toppings between homemade vanilla yogurt & toasted macadamia nuts and homemade ricotta, pumpkin seeds & honey. The toasted banana bread is soft and fluffy, with slightly charred corners. Personally, I prefer topping the toast with homemade vanilla yogust & toasted macadamia nuts, for a light yet tasty finish, with a good crunch.

There are other brunch items such as salads, roast chicken ciabatta, roast beef on wholemeal, the Lokal ricotta, the Lokal lobster roll and many more. You can even pimp your own breakfast with 25 items to choose from. It’s always nice to eat what you’ve chosen or created for yourself. Don’t forget to order a cup of coffee to kick-start your system!

Lastly, we recommend sharing a dessert to complete your meal. The sticky date pudding is a to-die-for dessert, with plentiful caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. Please share it as it’s too sweet for one person to devour.

BOOK YOUR TABLE AT QUANDOO

Wondering why you should use Quandoo? Well, firstly, if you’re clueless as to what to have for your meal, you’ll be able to find a variety of restaurants using Quandoo. Furthermore, you’ll be able to earn loyalty points while dining at many restaurants. The festive season also calls for many gatherings and catch-up sessions so make your reservations through Quandoo to save precious time so you can spend more quality time with your family and friends.

There you have it – 7 amazing brunch places worth traveling around Singapore for! Everything’s made easy with Quandoo. Now, we are even more motivated to get up early just for brunch dates. With the plethora of food offerings, brunch will never get boring. We hope this is a helpful brunch guide for all of you.

This article is powered by Quandoo.

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It’s less than a month till we celebrate Christmas, and New Year’s Eve countdown is just a few days away from Christmas. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering with your loved ones or hosting a get-together with friends or colleagues, Lime Restaurant at PARKROYAL on Pickering is the ideal destination to satisfy even the fussiest eater. With a myriad of delectable dining options available, there is something for everyone.

FESTIVE BUFFET

The Festive Buffet lasts from 2 December 2016 to 2 January 2017. Begin your festive feast with the refreshing Jiggly Lime beverage, a complimentary festive concoction of signature Limenade, Ginger Ale, Eggnog and Honeydew. You can look forward to indulging in succulent seafood on ice featuring Tiger Prawns, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Scallops, Mussels and Clams, or Yuletide classics such as Roasted Wagyu Beef with Red Wine Jus, Atlantic Salmon Fillet with Glazed Asparagus and Orange and Butter, and Roasted Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing served with Cranberry and Giblet Sauce, just to name a few. Cranberry and chestnut create that lovely aromatic flavours with the turkey.

Lunch is priced at $58++ per adult and $39++ per child while dinner is priced at $78++ per adult and $49++ per child. For something more indulgent, enjoy an extended feast from 12:30pm to 4:30pm during Super Lunch Sunday – the festive edition – priced at $78++ per adult and $49++ per child. Each adult gets a complimentary glass of Jiggly Lime and unlimited coffee and tea. If you love pairing your meal with champagne, you can choose to dine with a bottle of Mumm Cordon Rouge, available at $88.

CHRISTMAS EVE

On 24 and 25 December 2016, there will be more luxurious offerings. On Christmas Eve, cheese lovers can go for the Artisan Cheese, with a selection of 10 different cheeses from all over the world while fans of seafood will be able to savour Maine Lobster Nonya Laksa and Foie Gras Torchon flambéed with Cognac. Traditionalists will fully approve of the dedicated carving station and dessert station serving festive favourites like Roasted Turkey with Apple Stuffing, Pavlova and Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce. We are in love with their turkey, they retain the juiciness after roasting and the apple stuffing helps to cut the oiliness, if any.

Christmas Eve Lunch is priced at $68++ per adult and $44++ per child. Each adult gets a complimentary glass of Jiggly Lime and unlimited juice, soft drinks coffee and tea while each child gets a complimentary glass of Jiggly Lime and unlimited juice and soft drinks.

Christmas Eve Dinner is priced at $128++ per adult, with a complimentary glass of Jiggly Lime and unlimited juice, soft drinks coffee and tea or $158++ per adult, with a complimentary glass of Jiggly Lime, unlimited Champagne, house pour wine, house pour beer, juice, soft drinks coffee and tea.

CHRISTMAS DAY

On Christmas Day, there will be Lobster Bisque with Cognac Cream, Honey Glazed Gammon Ham, Apple and Clove Glazed Pork Loin and Wok-fried Kam Heong Swimmer Crab. Velvety smooth lobster bisque brings a good start to the meal as the soup is made with lobster head, hence bringing out the richness. End your meal on a sweet note with the Spiced Cheesecake, tasty, hand-made Salted Caramel Crepe and a variety of log cakes infused with local flavours, ranging from Bandung and White Chocolate Log Cake to Durian with Gula Melaka Log Cake to Pandan with Coconut Yule Log to Belgian Dark Chocolate with Yuzu Log Cake. Oh man, being a fan of local flavours, I am so in love with the pandan and coconut yule. The pandan mousse is so fragrant and it’s not too sweet. Durian with gula melaka is also a good option where you can taste the durian pulp in the log cake.

Christmas Day Brunch and Christmas Day Dinner is priced at $108++ per adult, with a complimentary glass of Jiggly Lime and unlimited juice, soft drinks coffee and tea or $158++ per adult, with a complimentary glass of Jiggly Lime, unlimited Champagne, house pour wine, house pour beer, juice, soft drinks coffee and tea.

FESTIVE GOODIES

If you prefer dining in the comfort of your own home, and organizing a cozy potluck party, you can take-away Lime Restaurant’s Celebration Set which includes 2kg of Turkey, 1.5kg of Honey Baked Ham and a Trio of Log Cakes. You will be able to choose your desired flavour for your whole roasted turkey or the turkey featured in the celebration set.

The four unique flavours are Apple & Cider, Onion & Sage, Kaffir Lime, Lemongrass & Galangal and Turkey Percik style. The festive roasts include roasted vegetables and their specialty sauces. Priced at $118, the celebration set is good for 4-5 pax. UOB card-members get to enjoy early bird savings of 15% for orders confirmed and pre-paid before 2 December 2016 and 10% for orders confirmed and pre-paid between 2 to 12 December 2016.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

This New Year, you can either choose to dine at Lime Restaurant with your loved one or party lavishly with your friends at PARKROYAL on Pickering’s rooftop Orchid Club Lounge. The latter will make your New Year’s Eve Countdown very memorable. Not only get to soak in the panoramic city views from the rooftop, you also get to devour luxurious canapés of Expression of Foie Gras, Kobe Beef with Black Truffle, Snow Crab with Apple Spoon, Flambéed Crepe Suzette, Sturia Cavia, Jumbo French Oysters with Champagne Jelly and many more. I am not kidding, it’s kobe beef with black truffle – a delicacy renowned for its flavour, tenderness, and fatty, well-marbled texture!

The party lasts from 9pm to 1am and you’ll be able to toast to a fabulous 2017 with unlimited servings of Mumm Champagne, house pour beer, red and white wine and selected cocktails and mocktails. Usually, the Orchid Club Lounge is only accessible for guests staying in the Orchid Club rooms but on New Year’s Eve, this party is open to the public at $178++ per adult and $99++ per child. Guests dining at Lime Restaurant on New Year’s Eve and in-house hotel guests can also purchase a privileged access pass to the countdown party at $88++ per adult and $54++ per child.

If you wish to treat yourself to the ultimate countdown experience, book the New Year’s Eve Countdown Stay at PARKROYAL on Pickering, which includes two invites to the New Year’s Eve Orchid Club Countdown Party and one night’s stay in an Orchid Club Room with full Orchid Club privileges such as Champagne breakfast, all-day refreshments and evening cocktails. You will also get to enjoy late check-out until 4pm on New Year’s Day. Each package costs $781++ and you can email reserve.prsps@parkroyalhotels.com for your booking.

The countdown to Christmas and New Year is on! If you haven’t made any festive plans, perhaps feasting at Lime Restaurant might be a good idea! Here’s wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

This post was brought to you by PARKROYAL on Pickering.

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Set 1,500 metres above sea level in a forested mountainscape, Cameron Highlands Resort is built as a long extension from an existing 1930s cottage with architecture dating from the 1070s. Stepping into this resort is like a time travel back to the days when Malaysia was still under the rulings of British colonial powers.

Endearingly known as the ‘little piece of England in Asia’, the cool climate on the picturesque plateau and its hilly greenery are tailor-made for rounds of golf, pink-cheeked rambles along jungle trails, tea plantations, farms or gardens, afternoon tea with scones and spa treatments that celebrate the restorative powers of tea.

We were treated to a wonderful highland getaway filled with trails, tales and traditions, with the highlight being a fanciful Christmas dinner followed by the beautiful Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and soaking in the festive atmosphere at the Christmas Market. With so many exciting activities, we show you the things you can eat and do at Cameron Highlands Resort.

Breakfast at the Dining Room

Walking into the dining room in the mornings perk me up immediately as the aroma of strong, black coffee filled the air, mixed with the fragrance of freshly baked bread. Dining here is the perfect start to the day as the sun-filled room overlooks the lush mountaintops and the golf course, giving me a tranquil and positive feeling.

You can look forward to savouring a plethora of breakfast items. Part of these items are displayed on the dining counter in the middle of the room while other items are prepared upon order so that they’ll arrive piping hot for your consumption. You can order items such as omelettes with parmesan, smoked salmon and scallions, waffles, buttermilk pancakes and noodles of the day, just to name a few. You can also go for the freshly baked pastries, fruits, yoghurt and cereals placed on the dining counter. My favourite dish was the waffles filled with warm banana butterscotch, topped with strawberry compote, king island cream and cinnamon-crusted mango tempura.

Explore the Jim Thompson Mystery Trail

Cameron Highlands Resort aligns their activities and offerings with the mysterious disappearance of Jim Thompson, an American businessman and architect. He is said to be a legend in Southeast Asia as he almost single-handedly revived interest in the Thai silk industry with the establishment of the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company which survives and thrives to this day. Besides being famed for his revival of the Thai silk industry, Jim Thompson had a love of nature and the countryside. On Easter Sunday, 26 March 1967, he set out from the Moonlight Cottage for a mid-afternoon stroll in the jungle and was never seen again.

Therefore, Cameron Highlands Resort offers guests a mystery trail where you can learn more about Jim Thompson’s strange disappearance. This relatively easy trail combines Jim Thompson’s passion for the surrounding hills with the mysterious circumstances of his disappearance. Well, I was very fascinated towards the end of the trail as there were many conspiracies about his disappearance. I shall not spoil you here so join the mystery trail if you’re interested to find out Jim Thompson’s real identity and what actually happened to him.

The guide was really informative and knowledgeable as he kept pointing out different plants and flowers while explaining interesting stories. We came across peacock fern, Chinese gooseberry, orchids and Scottish pine trees that are more than 100 years old. I didn’t know that you can find 635 species of orchids on Cameron Highlands before this trail. Moreover, I even found out that in the past around the 1950s, it was only 2 degrees Celsius in the foresty area of Cameron Highlands. And … We trekked along this almost-out-of-sight stream that was used by the Communists during the Japanese Occupation. This mystery trail is suitable for families as parents can learn new things alongside their kids. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and arm yourselves with insect repellent.

Lunch & Tea at Jim Thompson Tea Room

The elegant decoration embodies old-world charm and gentility of the colonial plantation lifestyle from a bygone era. We began our lunch with the best strawberry juice that I’ve ever tried. It was juicy, sweet and super addictive. Needless to say, I ended up having their strawberry juice for every single meal. Caesar Salad with traditional condiments, cherry tomatoes and bacon was served as starters. On other days, there is the Cameronian Tomato Soup. While the salad featured a distinctive textural crunch which I liked, the tomato soup was perfect for the chilly highland weather.

For the mains, you have a choice between the Farmhouse-style Chicken Pie served with mash, peas, Vichy-style carrot and mushroom cream sauce or Spaghetti Aglio Olio with crispy fish on some days while on other days, you get to choose either Spaghetti Bolognese or Sweet & Sour Crispy Fish Fillet served with highland vegetables and jasmine rice.

Remember to end off on a sweet note with desserts such as the Highland Strawberries served with chocolate soil, Chantilly cream and vanilla Anglaise or Sticky Toffee Pudding served with caramelised banana and ice cream. I preferred the latter as it wasn’t too sweet, yet perfectly executed. The combination of ingredients used complemented each other and contributed to an overall deliciousness.

Besides having lunch in the tea room, you can also indulge in the time-honoured ritual of English Afternoon Tea with oven-fresh pastries, delicate sandwiches, homemade scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam and plump strawberries. This is complemented by a selection of specialty teas from Cameron Highlands and my favourite was the Mango Tea.

Pamper yourself at Spa Village

Spa Village Cameron Highlands is a unique haven for relaxation and rejuvenation where tea is the foundation for the experience. The treatments at Spa Village feature healing therapies based on produce surrounding the jungles and ancient tea rituals. Since Cameron Highlands is famous for strawberry farms, I opted for 2 hours of Fresh Strawberry Escapade.

Strawberries are evocative of an English summer and have been a symbol of purity and passion. Romans cultivated them for their medicinal qualities, believing that strawberries bring relief from depression, infections and fevers, as well as ailments of the kidneys, liver and blood. Centuries later, Madame Tallien, a prominent figure at the court of Napoleon, was reputed to bathe in the juice of strawberries for its healing properties. Pureed fresh strawberries also soften the skin and cool inflammation.

There were three parts to my ultimate spa experience. My treatment started with a strawberry tea bath where nervous tensions and stress are eased, leaving the body rehydrated and mind feeling rejuvenated. This was followed by the strawberry body polish, a refreshing body buff made of fresh strawberries, yoghurt and crushed oatmeal. Strawberries and yoghurt contain natural alpha-hydroxy acids that help soften and refine skin texture. Finally, the treatment ends with a strawberry aroma massage. This is a luxuriously sublime treatment in which massage techniques blend touch and aroma to create sensations of pleasure and wellness to deeply heal your mind and body while soothing your soul.

I felt completely well-rested after the treatment and the masseur was really good. I would highly recommend everyone who stays at Cameron Highland Resorts to indulge in the spa village experience as it was really wonderful.

Dinner at Gonbei

The cool weather atop Cameron Highlands makes it ideal for steamboats and Gonbei restaurant allows you to cook around a heated hotpot. It’s kind of like a semi-alfresco restaurant hence, having steamboat gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling. We had the original soup base, as well as, the spicy soup base. There was a good variety of fresh local produce featuring farm vegetables, succulent seafood, prime meats and noodles for you to dip into the simmering fragrant broths. Leave some stomach space for desserts too!

Christmas Dinner at the Ballroom

Christmas Dinner was a grand and glamorous affair as everyone dressed up formally and was seated at beautifully decorated long tables. In the middle of the ballroom was where the chefs did their little performance of preparing the meat, slicing them up and serving the guests. We started with an assortment of quiche like mushroom, smoked salmon & spinach and turkey ham for the entrée.

The mains consisted of smoked turkey stuffed with onion, walnut & sage served with gravy, rosemary & mustard roasted leg of lamb served with balsamic sauce and salmon en croute served with dill cream sauce. My favourite was the smoked turkey but I felt that all the meats were very well prepared and full of flavours and tenderness. I dug into my plate heartily and had many servings of side dishes such as glazed carrot, baked potato with maple syrup, Brussels sprout, cauliflower & bacon gratin, herbs roasted vegetables and Christmas spiced red cabbage to accompany the meats.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

After a satisfying Christmas dinner, the moment that I anticipated most has finally arrived. It’s Cameron Highlands Resort’s 10th year organizing the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. It has become a signature event at the resort for guests to escape to the highlands to celebrate the festive season. The cooling climate atop the highlands enhanced the entire festive atmosphere. Although I was in Malaysia, I felt as though I was celebrating Christmas in a European country. I was really impressed with the lighting ceremony as the façade of the resort instantly started shimmering like a million little diamonds.

Christmas Market

After the lighting ceremony, there were Christmas Carols being sung while guests were invited to browse the Christmas Market. Grab a glass of mulled wine to keep you warm while browsing the stalls. You’ll find those with a sweet tooth gathered at the desserts stall for cakes and pastries. It’s a good idea to bring some souvenirs back and I recommend the homemade jams and fresh strawberries from the highlands farm. You can also get some customized Christmas cookies or snow globes as gifts for your loved ones.

The most convenient way of getting to Cameron Highlands Resort is to catch a flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Sultan Azlah Shah Airport in Ipoh before transferring to the resort by car. The time taken for the transfer depends on the peak hour jams and range between 2 to 3 hours. With a myriad of activities keeping me busy at Cameron Highlands Resort, I had such a memorable weekend there. I really like the intimate country-style living which was made even better with attentive yet unobtrusive service. I really had a wonderful Christmas weekend with Cameron Highlands Resort and I’m thinking of bringing my family back there.

Note: This is a sponsored trip.

The post Spectacular Christmas Weekend at Cameron Highlands Resort appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Old Airport Road has a huge food centre that even some tourists know about. It houses famous local stalls such as 新美香卤面 Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee, Dong Ji Fried Kway Teow, Hua Kee Hougang Famous Wanton Mee and many more. While having my usual breakfast date with friends there recently, we stumbled upon one stall that serves grilled hotate, fresh oysters, sashimi and crabs (cold/grilled). The menu offerings also include tempura, soba and udon dishes. The most enticing part – you get all these dishes at reasonable prices.

If you’re in a big group, you can start off your hawker feast with some fresh seafood selection such as the Hotate Tobiko Yaki ($15). Each order consists of five perfectly grilled scallops. These delightful bite-sized scallops are served with their shells. Topped with a layer of mayonnaise with flying fish roe, the scallops are flame-torched for a charred finish. Each bite was full of flavours and textures. While you can still taste the natural sweetness of the scallops, the creamy mayonnaise and slightly crunchy tobiko gave it a little more oomph. Expect to wait around 15-20 minutes as these scallops are freshly baked upon order.

The Premium Fresh Oysters ($18 for 1/2 dozen) looked so appetising and we knew we had to try them. They arrived freshly shucked and each mouthful bursts with juices. Just squeeze a few dollops of lemon juice with hot Tabasco sauce and you get to begin your meal on a satisfying note! Besides, where else can you get oysters at $3 per piece?

Being a hardcore fan of sashimi, I can never resist the urge to indulge whenever the opportunity arises. The Sake Sashimi ($6) which includes 5 slices of fresh salmon impressed me. Presented on a bed of ice and dressed with shredded daikon, each piece had a good cut. The thickness was just right and consistent with each slice.

If you prefer a heartier meal, you can go for the Ten Zaru Udon ($7.50), consisting of udon and a serving of an assortment of tempura. Unfortunately, this dish  did not shine as much as the seafood. The udon was slightly chewy and you have to dip it in the accompanying Tsuyu sauce, made with bonito, kelp and soya sauce. The shrimp and vegetables tempura were quite well prepared, boasting crisp exteriors with savoury interiors. If you just want to snack, you can get the Ebi Tempura ($7) dish that doesn’t come with any noodles. 

Although Old Airport Road Food Centre already has many local hawker favourites to offer, the next time you visit, you should give Unkai Japanese Cuisine a try if you want to have a variety of food. With seafood choices that are fresh and reasonably priced, we now have a new hidden gem to return to, especially on days when the Japanese cravings kicks in.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to Unkai Japanese Cuisine. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Unkai Japanese Cuisine – Affordable Seafood & Sashimi at Hawker Centre appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Initially, we planned to do a Punggol hawker guide but there isn’t any huge hawker centres in the area to explore and coffee shops were quite limited. So, we decided to explore the cafés in Punggol. To be honest, Punggol Settlement and Punggol Promenade are quite inaccessible unless you have a car. The upside was that these food establishments are not crazily packed with crowds. You can really unwind and enjoy your meal in a relaxing and laid-back ambience. We bring you 7 cafés in Punggol to ‘lepak’ your weekend away.

Ah Dong Teh House

Ah Dong Teh House is a good place for people who prefer kopi and teh to flat whites and cappuccinos. This eatery is the only one that opens at 11am on weekdays. Lunch specials are available on weekdays from 11am to 5pm and all main courses come with a free soup and a free drink. We had Ah Dong Curry Chicken ($9.90) where you can choose to pair it with rice or bread. The curry wasn’t too spicy. It’s on a milkier side and boasts a strong coconut flavour. The chicken was well-cooked, it was one of the more generous portions of curry we had at such a good price.

Besides local favourites, Ah Dong Teh House serves Western food as well. We shared Garlic Butter Mussels ($9.50) as an appetizer but found the plump mussels braised in garlic butter cream sauce a little too salty and “gelat”. The Blue Curacao ($6.50) with hints of mango flavour was too sweet for us but kids will love this.

Cravings

I’ve to say that this café’s website looks way more impressive that the physical café. Catering to the youngsters who are looking for a short break from prawning, fishing or playing pool, the cafe serve waffles, ice cream and other desserts. We picked the savoury waffle ($8.90) with choice of Ham & Cheese, Chicken & Cheese and Crispy Chicken Fingers. Unfortunately, the Chicken & Cheese savoury waffle didn’t impress, perhaps we should have ordered the sweet waffles instead.

Fur Kicks

Fur Kicks’s Pork Ribs ($28) appealed to us most. Each piece contains fork-tender, succulent meat that was well marinated and very tasty. The BBQ sauce was a little sweet in the beginning but finishes with a spicy, peppery twist. This portion is ideal for sharing among two persons. If you’re there to grab a drink, you can also order their tapas which range from truffle fries to nacho chips & baked cheese to topshell, just to name a few. Besides the pork ribs, hearty diners can also go for beef burger, fish & chips and pasta options. Fur Kicks serve sweet desserts as well if you’re looking for a sinful indulgence.

Just The Place

Just The Place’s menu is quite extensive and we tried their Seafood Marinara ($22.90), as well as, their French Toast ($8.90). The former had spaghetti cooked til al dente, with fried fish fillets, squids and prawns, tossed in their spicy Marinara sauce. The seafood was fresh and tasty but the fried fish fillets was too salty on our day of visit.

On the other hand, the French Toast featured pan-fried eggy Brioche drizzled with maple syrup, berry compote and was served with vanilla ice cream. This was really good as the sweetness was neutralized by the refreshing berry compote. We wouldn’t mind waking up to this for breakfast or ending our meal on a satisfying note with this French toast. Just The Place also serves meat platters and pizzas and we might just head back to try these since we had a pleasant experience dining there for the first time.

Trunk at Bay

This eatery serves classic Thai food, from appetizers like Pandan Chicken and Thai Otah to mains such as Phad Thai, Hot Basil Pork or Chicken rice, Tomyum soup and Green Curry to desserts like Mango Sticky Rice. It was a rainy night when we patronized so we had to sit indoors but if you go on a clear night, it’s actually quite breezy to sit outside while listening to the soothing sounds of waves crashing against the shore.

The Green Curry Chicken ($12.90) was disappointing as the chicken was too tough and the curry was too bland. Perhaps, we should’ve tried their Tomyum soup or Phad Thai … We ended the night with Mango Sticky Rice ($7.90) which was the saving grace.

Wayne’s Chill Out

Now that Coney Island is accessible to cyclists and joggers, why not drop by this café to reward yourselves after staying out too long under the scorching sun? The menu features freshly made ice cream, pizzas, desserts and drinks such as ice cream floats, milkshakes and freshly brewed coffee. We had a classic waffle with single scoop ice cream ($10.50) where we chose kaya butter toast flavour, it did cool us down on a hot day so we have no complaints.

Whisk and Paddle

Located beside the “river”, this café boasts a tranquil atmosphere and you can choose to dine alfresco or enjoy the air-conditioning indoors when the heat is too hot to bear. This café is very family-friendly as there’s a small playground where your kids will be able to enjoy themselves. All-day breakfast is available here and there’s even a kid’s menu. Western food is the focus here and we decided to go for the unique Duck & Lychee Thin Crust Pizza ($17.80). The crispy crust is topped with succulent smoked duck breast. Each bite gives a burst of flavours which ends with a refreshing twist due to the lychee and mango salsa. We also had Churros ($5) for dessert and we opted for the Gula Melaka dip. Unfortunately, the churros were not as fluffy as we expected them to be and the Gula Melaka dip was too sweet.

Punggol may be an “ulu” place for most of us but it’s not a bad idea to check the area out over the weekend after exploring Coney Island on a bike. The area is almost like a dead town on weekdays but don’t be surprised to see a crowd during weekends, especially at Punggol Promenade, as many families and friends love gathering there just to catch prawns and fishes. Hope this guide is useful for those of you who are new to the estate!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visits and paid its own meals at the stalls featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to the cafes listed above. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post 7 Relaxing Cafés in Punggol for an Enjoyable Weekend appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

As 2016 comes to a close, it’s time to take it slow and easy at work and indulge in relaxing activities. The festive season is a perfect excuse to gather with friends and family and catch up on each other’s lives. We are usually so caught up with our career, relationships and family that we tend to neglect our dear friends. So this Christmas, why not ask them out for a buffet? On one hand, you get to eat as much as you can while on the other hand, you get to spend as much quality time as you want with your friends. With your HSBC credit cards, you’ll be able to enjoy attractive festive dine-in deals at the following hotels.

Amara Singapore

Look forward to feasting at Element, with its holiday buffet and a festive spread specially lined up for Christmas and New Year’s, featuring festive delicacies alongside local and international favourites. Festive buffet highlights include Duck Rillettes Marinated with Red Wine, Duo of Liver Pate with Foie Gras, as well as, fresh marine catches on ice and a live carving station featuring Teriyaki Glazed Turkey Roulade and other roasted, grilled and barbecued delights.

* HSBC DEAL * HSBC credit cardholders enjoy early-bird specials at 15% off Festive buffets from 1 to 14 December and 10% off Festive buffets from 15 December 2016 to 2 January 2017.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore

Be enchanted by an assortment of dainty pastries, freshly-prepared English scones, savory finger sandwiches and sweet treats, accompanied with a selection of fine teas and coffees at The Landing Point. Boasting full-length glass windows that oversee the Singapore River and Marina Bay, high-tea sessions with the girlfriends will never be a bore here. Besides exchanging gossips and having heart-to-heart-talks, you’ll get many photo opportunities with a picturesque back drop. Take the festive season as an opportunity to welcome new beginnings while sipping tea and enjoying the pleasant light bites.

Our favourite savory items are the Boston Lobster Cornet, Smoked Salmon Mille Feuille with Caviar and White Truffle Egg Mayo on Baguette. For those with a sweet tooth, we like the Salted Chocolate Caramel Tart, Chocolate Éclair and hot scones with clotted cream and berry jam. All items are refillable so be sure to request for the ones you like!

* HSBC DEAL * For HSBC credit cardholders, one dines free with every three paying adult diners for Afternoon Tea from Mondays to Fridays.

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

Town Restaurant is an all-day dining restaurant that is ideal for a power breakfast, a business lunch or for dining in style whilst enjoying the view of the Singapore River. This vibrant restaurant will take you on a global gastronomic journey, with its focus on local and international flavours from East to West. You can start off with local delights at the live stations, serving up chicken rice, roasted meats and Laksa. Apparently, Town Restaurant takes pride in serving up one of the better chicken rice in Singapore. So much so that the working crowd from nearby offices in the Central Business District will drop by during lunch hour just for their chicken rice fix.

Pasta lovers will fall in love with the pasta section as you get to customize your own pasta, from the type of pasta, to your preferred sauce, toppings, spiciness and ingredients. There is also the seafood section, ranging from clams, mussels, oysters, prawns to other fresh catches from the ocean, and the Japanese section where you can request for your desired sashimi to be made into rice bowls or simply savour a selection of nigiri and maki. You can even balance your meal at the “Healthy Choices” section where you get to DIY your own salad so you won’t feel that guilty for pigging out this festive season! Don’t forget to leave stomach space for the array of desserts, with a good mix of Western cakes and Peranakan Kueh(s). There’s also a chocolate fountain to dip fruits and marshmallows skewers.

* HSBC DEAL * For HSBC credit cardholders, one dines free with every three paying adult diners for Buffet Lunch on weekdays, Singapore High Tea Buffet on Saturdays and Buffet Dinner daily.

Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium

Pamper yourselves this festive season with an ensemble of culinary creations at Atrium Restaurant. Make a beeline for fresh seafood on ice such as the snow crab legs and oysters before savouring pan-seared Hokkaido scallops, green pea mousse and lobster nage made à la minute at the live cooking station. The seafood section has always been our favourite and well, the more you eat, the more you get your money’s worth, don’t you agree?

Besides the usual buffet offerings, Atrium Restaurant has spiced up their festive line-up to include exclusive Christmas items such as the hearty Roast Aromatic Spices Tom Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing, served with Lemongrass Chilli and Coconut Sauce, Baked Gammon Ham with Sarawak Honey Pineapple Glaze and a delectable Oven-baked Australian Ribeye with Nutty Crust and Yorkshire Pudding. We found it amazing that the team of chefs had infused local flavours and created fusion dishes for this festive season. You can end your meal on a sweet note with their new William Pear Log Cake, alongside sweet treats such as macarons, stolen, and a chocolate fountain.

* HSBC DEAL * HSBC credit cardholders get to enjoy a 1-for-1 offer on all festive buffets. Festive Buffet Lunch costs $$88++ for two adults on Christmas Eve and $140++ for two adults on Christmas Day. Festive Buffet Dinner costs $140++ for two adults on Christmas Eve, as well as, on Christmas Day.

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel

A chic, alfresco restaurant located by the swimming pool, Pool Grill is a hidden gastronomic gem where contemporary poolside luxury meets resort style living. Winning the hearts of many, the award-winning Pool Grill serves premium steaks and contemporary Western cuisine made with the freshest produce. This festive season, if you’re looking to impress your loved ones with delectable treats amidst a romantic, resort-like oasis, right in the heart of town, Pool Grill is the place for you. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner with your loved one, a business luncheon or a casual catch-up session with your friends, Pool Grill’s extensive food and beverage menu has something for everyone.

There’s a new selection of tasty Western treats, perfectly grilled meats and their signature table-side Caesar salad. You can also tuck into a la carte highlights such as the Seared Lamb Loin, inspired by a traditional Wellington; Asparagus and Langoustine Risotto; Kurobuta Pork Chop with Pancetta Mustard, Apple Sauce; Seafood Platter of Oysters, Crab Legs, Live Prawns and Lobster; Bombe Alaska, and many more.

* HSBC DEAL * With your HSBC credit card, you get 20% off the Pool Grill’s à la carte menu, so grab the chance and enjoy the festive season now!

PARKROYAL on Beach Road Singapore

Ignite your senses with a delectable local twist to Christmas classics at Plaza Brasserie. The Seafood Paella infused with Saffron features a stunning presentation of crustaceans offering a flavoursome melody of seafood treasures. We can’t wait to dig into their traditional Christmas turkey feast as the culinary team presents Kampong Glam Rendang Turkey with Organic Brown Rice Stuffing, Christmas Curry Turkey and Traditional Roast Turkey with Triple Mushroom Stuffing.

Plaza Brasserie’s buffet spread also highlights Christmas specials such as the sautéed clams in white wine, rosemary marble potatoes, Brussels sprouts with bacon, honey baked ham and wok-fried tiger prawns with nonya chilli, just to name a few. Crabs are not to be missed with favourites like white pepper crab, salted egg yolk crab and chilli crab with mantou available. If you’re a huge fan of seafood, this is the place for the ultimate seafood indulgence to celebrate the festive season!

* HSBC DEAL * HSBC credit cardholders enjoy 15% savings on Plaza Brasserie’s Christmas Buffet spread from Mondays to Fridays.

For more details on the latest HSBC Christmas and dining promotions, visit www.hsbc.com.sg/dining. Terms and conditions apply for all promotions herein.

This post is brought to you in partnership with HSBC Credit Cards.

The post The Ultimate Festive Hotel Buffet Indulgence appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Even before receiving the acclaimed Michelin star, Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Chicken Rice & Noodles was already a well-known stall at Chinatown Food Complex. Helming the kitchen is owner/chef Chan Hon Meng, who has a strong passion in culinary since young. He often helped out in his family kitchen at an early age, and this sparked his keen interest in cooking.

In October 2016, after the stall got awarded a Michelin star, Chef Chan entered into a partnership with Hersing Culinary, which started a 80-seater flagship restaurant named “Liao Fan Hawker Chan” in Smith Street. As these two establishments are just across the street from each other, Chef Chan will continue to do the pre-cooking and preparations, running in between the two locations.

We visited Liao Fan Hawker Chan a few days ago. The weekday lunch time queue wasn’t as crazy as we expected it to be with a menu featuring roast meats, seasonal vegetables, soya beansprouts, Thai-style tofu and wonton soup.

The Wonton soup ($5) featured a couple of generously-filled wontons and vegetables. Each of them had a good texture and we could really chew on the fillings. The soup was packed with an immense chicken herbal taste and some might find it a little too overwhelming.

For a heartier meal, have some rice, noodle or hor fun dishes. The star – Soya Sauce Chicken Rice ($3.80) – arrived looking so enticing with its glistening skin. One mouthful of the succulent chicken, with rice, hits us with a myriad of tastes and textures. The gravy that was drenched over the rice had a herbal aroma while the chicken had a layer of skin that’s slightly thicker than usual. Its silky smooth texture allowed us to easily tear it apart.

Although the menu states, “Any 3 combination Platter” ($10), the soya sauce chicken is not included as one of the choices so that leaves everyone with the combination of Char Siew, Roasted Pork and Pork Ribs.

Unfortunately, these meats failed to impress. The char siew had a tender texture but it would’ve been better if it’s slightly more caramelised. Roasted pork’s skin was a little too hard with a strong charred taste. Some parts of the pork ribs were too dry and tough.

For your safest bet, just go for the soya chicken. You can add either the plain noodle or hor fun at $1.50 per portion to go with your soya sauce chicken or meat platters. We preferred the former as it boasts a QQ texture. Even after we left it untouched for a little, the noodles did not become lumpy. The accompanying chilli sauce paired well with the noodles which had some black bean sauce in it. The hor fun, on the other hand, was smooth but dried up too quickly. We probably won’t queue for it but we don’t mind coming back for some soya chicken noodles!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to Liao Fan Hawker Chan. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Liao Fan Hawker Chan – New Outlet for Michelin-Starred Hawker in Chinatown appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Japanese are very smart in coming up with lovable Sanrio characters which became a hit with both young and old. Looking at the success of the popular Hello Kitty cafe, Pompompurin cafe and Pokemon pop-up cafe, it’s not surprising that Gudetama cafe has opened its doors on our little red dot.

This little cute yellow character managed to tug at our heartstrings with its nua-ness and “bo chap” attitude. All of us feel like retreating into our ‘shells’ from time to time. And Gudetama literally jams its face into an eggshell and clings to a strip of bacon as a security blanket.

We arrived slightly before their opening hours and were surprised to find no snacking queues. There is a television showing Gudetama cartoon so customers will still be entertained when the wait gets too long. Orders are first placed outside before the waiters show you to your table.

There are two areas to Gudetama cafe. The main area which can hold a capacity of 112 customers feature private booths with a differently designed Gudetama looking over you for intimate gatherings, while the two tables for two-seaters are basically in the shape of an egg, and there is also a communal table that resembles an egg tray. In the other area, you’ll be greeted by an indoor garden – its interiors specially designed in line with Singapore being a garden city.

As cutesy as the cafe looks, let’s find out how the foods fare. We started with “I’m Cold” Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict ($26.90). Instead of its usual ‘bacon blanket’, poached-egg Gudetama is now tugged cozily into the ‘smoked salmon blankets’. It is laid on a bed of mashed avocado and brioche toast, drizzled with Ebiko and Yuzu Hollandaise sauce, and served with seasonal greens and tater-tots.

Eggs Benedict might be a classic at cafes but where else can you find such an adorable version? This dish exceeded our expectations as we’re usually skeptical when it comes to the taste of foods at themed cafes. Adding a tinge of zesty yuzu cuts the creaminess of hollandaise sauce. The hashbrowns are crispy but some might find it a tad too hard.

Lazy Surfer ($28.50) usually comes in the form of Brazillian-rice Gudetama but the cafe ran out of rice so Gudetama was re-born into mash potato. An assortment of grilled seafood, including a prawn, fish, mussels, clams and squids, surrounds Gudetama, kind of like a moat surrounding a castle as its defence. The prawn was slightly mushy and not that fresh but the rest of the seafood was alright. Beware of fish scales when you’re savouring the fish, we recommend not eating the skin. The gravy had a tinge of spice to it and complements the mash potato well.

For desserts, we had Ta-Ma-Go ($17.90) and Shoyu Ramen ($21.50). Many people mistook these for the savoury dishes. The former boasts a bottom layer of cheesecake coated with rice pops and a sponge cake layer on top. Each little sushi cake is held together by a black strip of charcoal crepe. It is served with maple syrup and a very rich Matcha curd, which is supposed to resemble ‘wasabi’. The cheesecake is light and fluffy, not too creamy, so it doesn’t overwhelm us. However, the charcoal crepe looked rubbery and has no taste to it. Remember to eat it as soon as it is served as the rice pops will lose its crispiness when exposed to air for too long.

The Shoyu Ramen, on the other hand, looked very pretty but unfortunately, failed to impress our tastebuds. This ‘ramen’ dessert is made with chocolate and feuilletine cake topped with layers of chestnut Mont Blanc and earl grey jelly, and served with a side of panna cotta and sweetened rose tea. The panna cotta stole the limelight away from the ‘ramen’, which should have been the highlight of this dessert. The chocolate reminded us a little of Ferrero Rocher hazelnut chocolates but it’s too soggy.

Gudetama cafe is worth checking out as the food actually tastes better than many other themed cafes out there. If you’re a huge fan of eggs just like us, you’ll be spoilt for choice by Gudetama’s menu offerings which include poached, scotched and fried eggs. Just don’t turn into a lazy egg like Gudetama after your meal here!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to Gudetama Cafe. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Gudetama Cafe – Egg-joyable Egg-perience Lazing with an Adorable Egg appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

We were introduced to Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen in Serangoon Gardens by Actor Edmund Chen. Indeed, it was an awesome recommendation! Started by Chef Tan who used to work in Tonkichi and Tampopo, he can jolly well been considered the tonkatsu master. His passion for Japanese cuisine led him to start Hajime this year. “Hajime” is the Japanese word for “beginning” and the short form for “Hajimemashite”, which means “nice to meet you”. He wants to spread his philosophy of going back to the food’s beginning and welcoming all customers warmly.

Bringing over 25 years of experience to the kitchen, the Premium Pork Loin ($19.90) is a premium cut of air-flown Japanese pork, chosen for its exquisite juiciness and tenderness. It is dunked in freshly made breadcrumbs for that extra crunch and accompanied by the crunchy and refreshing cabbage, which goes very well with Tonkatsu.

You should first grind their premium roasted sesame seeds with Tonkatsu sauce before dipping your pork in it to enhance its flavours. The Tonjiru Soup is made from Tonkotsu broth simmered with Japanese pork and a hint of Yuzu for over 12 hours. Finally, your meal is complete with the Niigata rice, grown in pristine waters from melting snow, then milled locally to lock in freshness. All Tonkatsu sets come with free flow of rice and cabbage.

We also tried the Tonkatsu Ramen ($14.90), with a tasty egg added at a price of $2. The ramen was flavourful and comforting but not impressive. The deep-fried pork is ordinary – it was still crispy but its meat, was not as tender and juicy. I would gladly chose the Premium Pork Loin over this.

Besides their best-selling Tonkatsu and Ramen, Hajime also serves a variety of side dishes, Donburi, curry dishes and desserts. We especially enjoyed their Gyoza ($6.90) where savoury fillings are enveloped within their thin gyoza skin and fried to a golden brown.

Located at Serangoon Gardens, this unpretentious eatery is an ideal spot to enjoy Tonkatsu. There was one particular waitress who was friendly and very helpful, taking their service standards up a notch. There are so many Japanese establishments popping up in Singapore recently but how do you know which is worth your money and calories? Well, for a start, Hajime Tonkatsu and Ramen may be a good choice!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

The post Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen – Crispy Pork Loin Air Flown from Japan appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Hokkien Prawn Mee is an iconic Singapore dish which is a variant of Penang Prawn Noodles. Although we’re next-door neighbours with Malaysia, our version of Hokkien Prawn Mee is very different from their Hokkien Char Mee. Their version consists of fried yellow noodles braised in dark soya sauce while our version is a mixture of yellow noodles and bee hoon, first fried with eggs to give it a lovely fragrance before being braised in a rich and flavoursome prawn broth. Some people prefer the Singapore Hokkien Prawn Mee to be more moist while others prefer it drier. One delicious plate is usually garnished with prawns, squid and sliced pork belly.

Hokkien Prawn Mee doesn’t sound very difficult to cook but the secret lies in how good the prawn stock is as this stock imparts the essence to the noodle and is the key ingredient that makes the plate satisfying. You have the choice to eat it with Sambal chilli and a squirt of lime juice if you like, as these help cut through the richness of the dish. Traditionally, for take-out, Hokkien Prawn Mee would be wrapped in Opeh leaf to enhance the fragrance. With Hokkien Prawn Mee easily found in many hawker centres, we bring you a list of 19 stalls (in no order of preference) that we felt were worth the calories.

1. Ming Yun Famous Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle

There wasn’t any queue on a Saturday morning so we happily ordered a plate of Hokkien Mee while watching the uncle work his magic. This is perhaps one of the fewer plates of Hokkien Mee boasting an eggy goodness. Starting at $3 per plate, the yellow noodles and thin bee hoon are accompanied by squids, prawns, slices of pork belly and bits of pork lard. As savoury as this plate of Hokkien Mee sounds, it actually finishes on a sweet note due to the seafood gravy. It’s not the best Hokkien Mee but satisfying enough if you crave a plate.

2. Havelock Road Blk 50 Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee

The man behind Havelock Road Blk 50 Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee, 73-year-old Uncle Soon, started helping his mother make fishballs since he was 16 years old and has been frying Hokkien Mee for 48 years. He diligently wakes up at 4am every day and starts working at 5am. He cooks the stock, peels the prawns, prepares the sotong with the help of his wife and works till 10.30pm. It may not be the best Hokkien Mee in Singapore but his passion beyond the taste and flavour is what touched our hearts. According to his caring wife, Aunty Soon, they close from 2pm to 4pm so Uncle Soon can sleep and take a break. With no one taking over, it’s best to try their Hokkien Mee soon as they don’t know when they’ve to cease operations.

3. Tiong Bahru Yi Sheng Fried Prawn Mee

Also located at ABC Brickworks Food Centre, 66-year-old Mr Toh fries up plate after plate of Hokkien Mee triumphantly to hordes of customers daily. His father started selling Hokkien Mee in a push cart in Tiong Bahru during the olden days. When Mr Toh took over in the 80s, they moved into ABC Brickworks Food Centre. It’s a joy watching the uncle fry noodles. He did it so deftly, cooking the garlic, splashing generous amount of crustacean stock, and covering the noodles with a wooden lid to let the flavours absorb into the noodles. The noodles were flavourful, with a moderate smoky flavour and each plate is moist with huge fat prawns. The sambal chilli containing ikan billis is adapted from his father’s recipe and gives a good kick!

We ordered 3 plates of Hokkien Mee ($5 each). Each plate only has two prawns. For photo purpose, we took extra two prawns and a few slices of sotong from another plate of Hokkien Mee and placed it on this plate. Hence, you see a bigger portion of Hokkien Mee. Anyway, it’s better if you give Mr Toh a call to order your Hokkien Mee.

4. Eng Ho Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee

Eng Ho hits the spot by using thin bee hoon in their Hokkien prawn noodle which absorbs all the sweet goodness in their soup. There was no sight of fried pork lard, but their broth was already flavourful enough. Using wild sea prawns, squid and pork to cook the rich stock, it is such a rare find because many hawkers would just go for tiger prawns. Wild sea prawns give a sweeter taste and boast a more delicate flesh. The noodles soak up the essence from the gravy, keeping it very moist. The portions are priced between $3 to $5. If you have been a fan of wetter Hokkien mee, this will suit your palate.

5. Bedok Corner Hokkien Prawn Mee

The star of Bedok Corner Food Centre might be the Chng Tng and Cuttlefish Kang Kong but if you’re craving for a plate of Hokkien Mee, this stall is decent enough to satisfy you. Using a thinner bee hoon with yellow noodles, we’re happy that these noodles were well soaked with the superior stock but perhaps, the stock could have been stronger and more robust. Their sambal belachan definitely enhanced the tastiness of this Hokkien Mee so remember to add a little even if you’re not a fan of spicy food.

6. Sheng Seng Hokkien Mee

There is always a queue at Sheng Seng Hokkien Mee. To be honest, we didn’t fancy this Hokkien Mee but our makan buddy loves it. As with inflation, the plate of Hokkien Mee is no longer at $2. You will like it if you are a fan of wet Hokkien Mee. The noodles are soft and towards the soggy side (perhaps to cater to a large group of old folks in the area). You get a few pieces of thinly sliced prawns and sotong. A squeeze of lime and some kicking chilli make the dish better.

7. Fatty Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle

The famed Simon Road Hokkien Prawn Mee has relocated to Ci Yuan Hawker Centre. This plate of Hokkien Mee ($4) consists of noodles, bee hoon, squid, and prawn. The noodles, though fried, were served with a bit of gravy, keeping this dish slightly moist. The noodles were infused with prawn stock with mild smoky fragrance. Nevertheless, for those who like spicy food, their chilli is definitely something for you to look forward to.

8. Hainan Hokkien Mee

Fans of wet Hokkien Mee might find Hainan’s version disappointing as this is a plate of dry, fried Hokkien Mee. Its dryness cannot be contended elsewhere as the owner leaves the stock to simmer till it has evaporated, ensuring that the flavours are locked into the yellow noodles and bee hoon. Hence, you get a plate of Hokkien Mee that is immensely rich in flavours, very tasty! A smoky fragrance lingers as you savour each mouthful of noodles. Served with slices of pork belly, squid, small prawns, sambal chilli and lime, Hainan Hokkien Mee is a must-try!

9. Ah Hock Fried Hokkien Mee

Ah Hock is the stall to visit for a sinful supper fix! On weekends, especially during dinner time, expect to wait at least 45 minutes before the plate of delicious Hokkien Mee appears in front of your eyes. The broth was simmered with tip-top quality prawns and pork bones for 3 hours hence, bringing out the sweetness of the prawns. Upon your order, the owner will fry the noodles with this broth till the noodles have fully absorbed the broth. What you get is a plate of aromatic, slightly dry, delicious noodles which goes very well with their secret recipe chilli sauce.

10. Yi Ji Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee

Also located around Serangoon, Yi Ji Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee is patronised by many night-owls. You’ll notice two queues at this coffee shop along Upper Serangoon Road – one for the famous Punggol Nasi Lemak and the other, for this Hokkien Mee. The standard is inconsistent as the Hokkien Mee is sometimes very moist, but too dry at other times. The only thing that remains its standard is the extremely spicy chilli sauce that might even be challenging for chilli lovers. The stall has been around for approximately 5 years and uses a number system so you can sit around comfortably while waiting for your number to be flashed on their digital “board”. One plate costs between $4 to $6.

11. Fried Baby Squid Prawn Mee

We were recommended to try this stall by Alexis’ boyfriend as he lives in the West side and oh boy! This hawker stall is surrounded by a mob of hungry diners during meal times. The father-son team is very organised as the son takes in orders and collects the money while the father focusses only on whipping up delectable plates of Hokkien Mee. Expect to wait around 30 to 45 minutes for your Hokkien Mee during dinner hours.

This version is wet and gooey and the noodles are well-soaked with rich flavours from the broth. The bite-sized squids are cooked just right, with a slightly chewy texture. The best part was the generous portions of fried pork lard served on each plate which made the Hokkien Mee even tastier. The price ranges between $3.50 to $8. Take-away Hokkien Mee of $5 and above will be wrapped in the Opeh leaf. If you’re dining at the coffee shop yet want an added fragrance to your Hokkien Mee, you can also request for your plate of Hokkien Mee to be served on the Opeh leaf if you order $5 and above.

12. Original Serangoon Fried Hokkien Mee

The owner apparently learnt the recipe from the original chef. The stock boasts a mild seafood flavour and they use the thick laksa noodles here that oaks the flavours till it becomes gooey with some smoky flavour. The sambal chilli helps to lift the flavours of the noodles. The dish is moist with pork belly, small prawns and squid but is not as eggy as a lot of Hokkien Mee out there. You can request for extra pork lard bits to put on your noodles which really makes a difference. Each plate costs $4 onwards. We suggest you order the $6 portion for takeaway because it comes wrapped within the Opeh leaf. Our packet of Hokkien Mee costs $15.

13. Xiao Di Fried Prawn Noodle

Honestly speaking, we rate Xiao Di as the best Hokkien Mee in Singapore. The plate of scrumptious Hokkien Mee includes yellow noodles, bee hoon, eggs, beansprouts, sliced pork belly, prawns, squids, garlic and sinful pork lard. All these flavours and textures burst in one mouthful. The noodles are well infused with the prawn stock. You’ll be hit by a strong taste of ‘wok hei’, which we particularly liked. The garlic and pork lard further accentuated the overall fragrance of the Hokkien Mee. Paired with Xiao Di’s specially made chilli sauce, this plate of Hokkien Mee is simply irresistible!

14. Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee

The four brothers behind Nam Sing used to run their stall in Hougang. The eldest of the brothers is the main uncle frying Hokkien Mee. It’s not hard to recognise him as he wears a goggles. The other three brothers split their work up in areas of ingredients preparation, order-taking and serving. The focus of Hokkien Mee here is on the light yet savoury gravy, complemented by the yellow noodles and thin bee hoon, which are well infused with flavours from the gravy. Instead of using the usual sambal chilli, the brothers stick to their tradition of serving only sliced chilli in soya sauce. They feel that mixing sambal chilli into the dish would mask the original flavour of the dish. Don’t be fooled if there isn’t any queue as the wait might take up to an hour during lunch and dinner time.

15. Bedok North 85 Fried Oyster

From the name of the stall, it’s obvious that the owners want to highlight their ‘orh lua’ (oyster omelette), but their Hokkien Mee far outshines the mediocre plate of ‘orh lua’. We had the $3 portion. The Hokkien Mee is neither too wet nor too dry, cooked just right. The sweetness of the stock has been well-soaked by the noodles. Served with prawns, sliced pork belly and squids, this plate is good enough to bring you contentment. Being one of the East-siders’ popular food enclaves in Singapore, Fengshan Food Centre has many other tasty offerings. Don’t waste your calories on food that aren’t worth it so, we recommend ordering a plate of Hokkien Mee for sharing if you’re in a big group. Well, good friends share calories too right?

16. Geylang Lorong 29 Fried Hokkien Mee

The man behind Geylang Lorong 29 Fried Hokkien Mee has been in this business for about half an century. He insists on frying Hokkien Mee in a style that was similarly used in the 1950s. The most important part is having a really hot wok and frying the noodles until the alkaline smell is gone. Charcoal fire heats up the entire wok and he uses a special charcoal fire wok which is half the thickness of the normal gas fire woks. This way, he can swirl the noodles around to ensure each strand is consistent and drenched in the crustacean stock. What you get is a dry plate of Hokkien Mee with a slightly charred flavour, we love it!

17. Yang Zhou Fried Hokkien Mee

We’re not sure why it was surprisingly quiet around dinner time on a Saturday night at Yang Zhou Fried Hokkien Mee but the bunch of aunties sitting at the table beside us said the queue here is always crazy. Hokkien Mee here leans towards the slightly gooey and wet side. The slippery noodles kept sliding off from our spoons. The texture of the noodles are good but it would’ve been better if the stock was full-flavoured. Perhaps, the standard is inconsistent as we’ve came across raving reviews on the standard of Hokkien Mee hence, our expectations soared sky-high. We wouldn’t say this is disappointing. Guess the Hokkien Mee just lacked the “wow” factor. The smallest portion is priced at $3.

18. Nam Kee Fried Prawn Noodle

The wait for a plate of Nam Kee Hokkien Mee is very long during dinner time so we have always skipped this stall and went for other food. By the time we finished our meal and thought the queue had died down, the Hokkien Mee is already sold out. We finally had an opportunity last weekend and the Hokkien Mee was served in a jiffy. The yellow noodles and thick bee hoon had been simmered in the stock for a good timing as it turned out not too mushy, still retaining some of its QQ texture. We could clearly taste the sweetness of the seafood stock, which was further intensified by the freshness of the prawns and sotong. Sambal chilli wasn’t too spicy and gives the dish a nice finish.

19. Tian Tian Lai (Come Daily) Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee

Don’t be deceived when there’s no queue in front of Tian Tian Lai Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee as numerous orders have already been placed and the helpers at the stall serve the plate of smothering goodness directly to their customers’ table. The average waiting time is around 30 minutes. What arrived was a plate of well-balanced harmony of aromas and flavours. Hokkien Mee here leans towards the gooey side, with a distinctive crustacean taste of the stock. The prawns and sotong weren’t the highlight but we definitely love the full-flavoured noodles.

It doesn’t matter which area of Singapore you live in as there is a good one at almost every corner of Singapore. Do comment and share more Hokkien Mee stalls that you feel are worth visiting with us. We will prolly drop by and add more to our list.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visits and paid its own meals at the stalls featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to the stalls listed above. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post 19 Popular Hokkien Prawn Mee in Singapore (We like No. 8 & 13) appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Located beside the “river”, this café boasts a relaxing atmosphere and you can choose to dine alfresco or enjoy the air-conditioning indoors when the heat is too hot to bear. This café is very family-friendly as there’s a small playground where your kids will be able to enjoy themselves outside. On weekday nights, you get a more tranquil atmosphere as the cafe is less crowded. With fairy lights installed on the ceilings, the atmosphere is a tad romantic. Whether you want to chill on a lazy weekend morning, catch up with friends over coffee and desserts or unwind with colleagues after a stressful working day, the wide variety of menu offerings will be able to satisfy everyone.

All-day breakfast is available here and there’s even a kid’s menu. Western food is the focus here so we decided to start with the Oriental Wings ($12), featuring everyone’s favourite comfort food – deep fried chicken wings – except it’s served with Thai chilli dip at Whisk & Paddle. The wings were well marinated and very fragrant when served. You’ll first bite into the crispy skin before sinking your teeth into its tender, juicy meat. The accompanying Thai chilli dip was tangy, kind of like sweet chilli and we felt that the tasty wings can be devoured without any sauces.

Whisk & Paddle serves thin crust pizzas as well, and we had the unique Duck & Lychee Thin Crust Pizza ($17.80). The crispy crust is topped with succulent smoked duck breast. Each bite gives a burst of flavours which ends with a refreshing twist due to the lychee and mango salsa.

The other main that we shared came in the form of pasta. The Italian Carbonara ($15.80) consists of spaghetti cooked al dente, tossed in garlic, egg yolk, bacon and generous shavings of parmesan cheese and topped with a poached egg and crispy parma ham. We found this extremely creamy hence, too overwhelming for us.

Finally, we had Churros ($5) for dessert and opted for the Gula Melaka dip. Unfortunately, the churros were not as fluffy as we expected them to be and the Gula Melaka dip was too sweet. Perhaps, we should’ve tried other desserts such as their sinfully rich warm chocolate fudge cake or the sweet nutella banana cake. There are also pancakes and waffles available.

Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this cafe is the perfect “hideout” if you need to relax. Moreover, you can rent a bicycle from Punggol Settlement and explore Coney Island before heading to this cafe for a break. After indulging in their desserts, you can burn off your calories by cycling back to Punggol Settlement to return your bikes.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to Whisk & Paddle Cafe. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Whisk & Paddle – Relaxing Family Friendly Cafe in Punggol appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.