Fondly known as ‘Tenko No Daidokoro’, which translates to ‘The Nation’s Kitchen’, Osaka should be your one-stop destination in Japan if you’re on a gastronomic pilgrimage for some solid Japanese cuisine.

This food-focused metropolis is home to a plethora of delectable Japanese delights. From the humble street stall vendors selling piping hot takoyaki to the large restaurant chains that churn out plates of kaiten sushi, the vast variety of food here is sure to leave your stomachs hankering for more.

If you’ve been to Osaka or have done extensive research on it, you would probably have come across Kuromon Ichiba, a popular market that has been around for almost 170 years. Despite being a seafood market, the 580-metre stretch also has shops that sell fresh local produce as well as restaurants that serve up local cuisine.

A staggering average of 23,000 people visit Kuromon Ichiba a day and the market is said to not attract just tourists, but locals too. However, over the years, does the place continue to be an accurate representation of a Japanese seafood market or has it slowly evolved into just another tourist trap?

The market supposedly wakes up around 9am every morning and despite reaching there just slightly before the official opening hours, the place was already bustling and packed with people.

FRESH SEAFOOD

The bulk of the market specialises in seafood-related items. Whether you’re here to grocery shop or to down some freshly shucked oysters, the market has plenty of fresh seafood to go around.

Vendors line the front of their stalls with beautiful displays that showcase their colourful array of crustaceans and other sea creatures. The selection is pretty impressive and includes the likes of lobsters, snow crabs, oysters, salmon and sea urchins.

The market also has stalls that specialise in fugu, also known as pufferfish. While pufferfishes are known to be poisonous and dangerous to even touch, it is considered a delicacy in Japan. Places that sell fugu are required to have a government certification so fret not, you can safely sample this unique dish without worrying about being poisoned to death.

Watching a fugu being slaughtered for its flesh is not for the faint-hearted; the creatures are plucked from their tanks alive and squirming and are then immediately skilfully sliced open by the chefs. The process is bloody and quite stomach-turning, so if you aren’t a fan of gory sights, it’s best if you don’t witness the procedure first hand. However, for the more curious and adventurous, the grisly experience is definitely a unique one for the books.

COOKED SEAFOOD 

If you want to chow down on something that is piping hot and freshly cooked, there is also cooked seafood available for purchase. Watch your scallops being grilled right before your eyes while you munch on some skewered tako; your mouth won’t be able to stop moving!

The appealing thing about Kuromon Ichiba is that you get the thrill of watching the vendors prepare your food; the built-up anticipation from watching it being marinated, cooked and garnished is enough to make one salivate!

RESTAURANTS 

There are also a number of restaurants within and at the outskirts of the market for those of you who prefer to have a meal while sitting down. These restaurants serve a very extensive variety of dishes which include rice bowls, soba and udon.

FRESH PRODUCE AND SNACKS

Aside from seafood, the market also has a variety of other food and snacks available to fill your bottomless pits.

We came across a wide assortment of goodies which ranged from fresh produce such as dried fish and vegetables to premium cuts of A5 Wagyu beef. Sweet tooths can even get themselves some ice cream and fruit!

While Kuromon Ichiba undoubtedly has an impressive range of foodstuff for sale, the prices here are, however, much steeper than what we expected. Having visited this market a few years back, we were rather shocked by the mark up of prices. Granted, this is a popular tourist stop that attracts swarms of visitors daily, but some of the price tags that we came across were pretty outrageous.

The market is definitely worth a first-time visit for curious travellers, but we would probably give it a miss if we already had a relatively packed itinerary.

Kuromon Ichiba
2 Chome-4-1 Nipponbashi
Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6631-0007
Daily: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nippombashi/Nippombashi

For an all-rounded experience of authentic Japanese cuisine, there is no better place to visit than Osaka, fondly known as “The Nation’s Kitchen”. The vibrant, bustling city is known to be the place for foodies to fill their bottomless pits, and you can easily find something to eat at every corner of this gastronomic paradise.

While there are plenty of options that you can stuff your faces silly with, one popular street snack that is a must-try here is takoyaki. For the uninitiated, takoyaki refers to a spherical Japanese appetiser that is made from a wheat flour-based batter that gets its shape from the unique moulded pan it’s cooked in. It usually comes stuffed with ingredients such as diced octopus, but these days, you can also get fillings such as tempura scraps, ham and shrimp.

Dotonbori is a great place to head to if you’re keen to try some authentic takoyaki. However, the streets here are lined with multiple stalls that sell the same thing, so which stall truly has the best takoyaki? Like the true blue Singaporeans we were, we decided to find the Takoyaki stall with the longest queue. Alas, this led us to Takoyaki Juhachiba, which had a snaking long queue that stretched on for about half an hour.

The stall isn’t hard to miss and it can easily be identified by the gargantuan 3D model of a takoyaki that is placed right smack above the restaurant.

Like most places in Japan, you purchase your food via a ticketing machine before queuing up to collect your order from the main counter. They also offer an extensive menu, with numerous flavour options for you to choose from. However, we decided to go back to the basics and ordered 8 pieces of their classic Sauce & Mayonnaise Takoyaki (650 Yen).

After queueing for almost half an hour, we finally managed to get out hands on a piping hot tray of takoyaki. While you’re in the queue, you can also entertain yourself by watching the skilful chefs prepare the snack right before your eyes; it is rather mesmerising!

The takoyaki here is made with a light scatter of crispy fried bits which gave the exterior an interesting texture. However, the skin itself was more on the doughy side and we would have preferred it to be a little bit thinner and crispier.

Break open the sphere and be welcomed by a soft and moist filling that is a nice contrast to its charred exterior. Hidden within the creamy mess are 2 plump pieces of octopus that gave each takoyaki a nice bite and slight sweetness.

While the takoyaki wasn’t half bad, it was nothing to shout about. Perhaps the pressure from the long queue compromised its quality. Regardless, after trying other takoyaki stalls around Osaka, we felt that Takoyaki Juhaichiban was only average at best. If you’re not keen on enduring a long arduous wait, you could give this place a miss.

Takoyaki-Juhachiban
Japan, 542-0071 Osaka
Chuo Ward, Dotonbori, 1 Chome?7?21
Tel: +81 6-6211-3118
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nippombashi/Osaka-Namba

There is something oh-so-magical about the hustle and bustle of fast-paced Dotonbori, an iconic street in Osaka that is packed with a never-ending array of things to see and do. If you’re an unashamed foodie like us, you’ll also be glad to know that the area is a fantastic place to try some authentic Japanese fare.

However, the crowd does sometimes get to us and some of the prices for food here can be rather steep as Dotonbori is, at the end of the day, still a tourist hotspot. Many a time, we wished that there was somewhere we could settle down for a quiet meal to get away from the crowd for a bit.

We are glad to say that if you search hard enough, you can actually find some gems that are a little less hectic than the places in the main area of Dotonbori. That was how we came across Wakasaya Nankai Namba along a random street. This humble restaurant is great for people who love raw seafood as they specialise in wholesome sashimi bowls at wallet-friendly prices.

Located in an obscure, quiet street of Dotonbori away from the massive crowds, the restaurant is your typical Japanese dining establishment with its narrow, cramped interior. One side of the eatery is lined with a long table with around eight seats while the other has three four-seater tables.

They have a very extensive menu, packed with every conceivable combination of sashimi bowls out there. While we were spoilt for choice, we decided to go back to the basics and ordered ourselves a Salmon Bowl (720 Yen)

The dish featured a bed of warm rice that was generously blanketed with thick strips of salmon sashimi. Each piece of salmon was fresh and evenly sliced, and we liked how each cut was thick enough for you to get a good mouthfeel of the fish without it being too cloying. We also loved how buttery the salmon was; it simply melts away in your mouth!

If you’re an indecisive person who enjoys sampling a little bit of everything, we recommend getting bowls that come with a variety of different toppings. We ourselves opted for the Negitoro, Sea Urchin & Ikura Don (1320 Yen) and were pretty impressed by it.

The dish came embellished with a generous, fresh smothering of negitoro (minced tuna), creamy uni and juicy salmon roe served once again atop a bed of warm rice.

We liked how the negitoro managed to add some richness and saltiness to the dish without being too fishy or overpowering. When mixed in with the rice, it also added a little stickiness that helped to gel the various components together.

The uni, on the other hand, had a more buttery texture that too helped enhance the dish by giving it an addictive creaminess. It also provided the dish with a subtle sweetness as well as a briny touch.

Finally, the explosive ikura (salmon roe) tied everything together by giving us little sensational pops of flavour with every mouthful.

If you’re in Dotonbori, be sure to check out Wakasaya Nankai Namba. They don’t have the best sashimi bowls in town, but we find that for the price point and the location, this spot is really worth visiting.

Wakasaya Nankai Namba
Japan, 542-0075 Osaka, Chuo Ward
Nanbasennichimae, 12?34
Tel: +81 6-6556-9508
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Osaka-Namba

The Circuit Breaker has turned many of us into bakers; the shelves at the baking section in supermarkets are completely barren and everyone has been posting their freshly-baked creations on their respective social media platforms.

If you want to hop onto the baking bandwagon but don’t know the difference between all-purpose flour and self-raising flour, don’t give up! Start with our 3-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe to give yourself the motivation to try bigger projects in the future. The Circuit Breaker period is the best time to pick up a new skill, and this could be it.

All you need for this simple recipe is peanut butter, sugar, an egg and a little bit of patience.

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR 3-INGREDIENT PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES: 

• Peanut butter (240 grams)
• Sugar (100 grams)
• 1 egg
• Mixing bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Oven
• Baking tray
• Fork
• Parchment paper

STEP 1

Preheat oven to 180 degree celsius.

STEP 2 

Spoon 240 grams of peanut into the mixing bowl.

STEP 3 

Pour in 100 grams of sugar.

STEP 4

Crack in an egg.

STEP 5

Give everything a good mix.

STEP 6

Roll mixture into even-sized balls. Place balls onto the baking tray covered in parchment paper with about a 1-inch gap between them.

STEP 7

Flatten balls with a fork in a criss-cross pattern so they will bake evenly.

STEP 8 

Pop cookies in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes at 180 degree celsius.

STEP 9 

Remove cookies from oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes and then plate.

And there you have it, 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies in 9 easy steps. It’s so easy that you can make them with your kids while you stay home during the Circuit Breaker period. Enjoy!

We don’t know what it is about raw cookie dough, but we always find ourselves taking a sneaky lick or two of it whenever we bake some cookies.

While cookie dough is terribly addictive, it is a known fact that it is is unsafe for consumption as it contains raw eggs and flour which can potentially cause food poisoning. This isn’t the most optimal outcome for us cookie dough lovers.

To satisfy any cravings for this sinful addiction, we have here an easy 6-step edible cookie dough recipe that won’t leave you writhing in pain. Try it at home during the next time you need to stress eat!

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR EDIBLE COOKIE DOUGH: 

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla essence
• 1 tablespoon of milk
• 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (or more, if you like)
• Mixing bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Oven
• Parchment paper

STEP 1

Preheat your oven to 190 degree celsius.

STEP 2

Spread the flour onto a baking tray covered in parchment paper and bake for 5 minutes at 190 degree celsius to remove any bacteria.

STEP 3

Mix baked flour, sugar, butter, vanilla, milk and salt in a mixing bowl.

STEP 4 

Refrigerate mixture for half an hour.

STEP 5 

Remove mixture from refrigerator and add in chocolate chips. Mix again until everything is combined.

STEP 6 

Roll the cookie dough into balls or just eat it straight from the bowl.

And there you have it, an easy 6-step recipe for edible cookie dough that won’t give you food poisoning. It’s a great weekend activity to try with the kids at home too!

Singapore has gone through plenty of changes over the years and we have evolved from a humble little fishing village to a bustling economic hub. As we continue to progress and grow, it is inevitable that we leave behind certain parts of our culture and roots.

One area that has certainly gone through plenty of changes is our food scene. Over the years, with new food fads popping up all over the place, old school snacks and eats have been pushed aside and forgotten, especially by the new generation of youths. We bet that if you approach any teenager now and ask them if they want to follow you to get some bo bo cha cha, they would respond with a blank stare and a confused “huh?”.

For those of you who are sick of the salted egg and mala trends and believe that old is gold, here is our guide to 10 old-school places in Singapore that sell nostalgic foods from your childhood. For the people who don’t know anything about traditional Singapore food, educate yourselves by reading this list.

75 AH BALLING PEANUT SOUP 

Tang Yuan—also known as Glutinous Rice Dumplings—is a Chinese dessert traditionally eaten during the Winter Solstice. It is made from glutinous rice flour shaped into balls that encase different types of fillings such as peanut and sesame paste, which are then served in a sweetened soup.

75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup is one of our favourite places that serves up comforting bowls of this classic dessert. They originally started out as a simple pushcart stall along Jalan Sultan but ever since they’ve gained popularity, they now have multiple outlets islandwide.

Blk 85 Bedok North Street 4, #01-25
85 Fengshan Centre
Singapore 460085
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

**Multiple outlets islandwide

BISCUIT KING 

If you happen to be an avid fan of nostalgia and all things authentically Singaporean, then Biscuit King is a place you definitely have to check out. Stepping into this humble snack shop will transport you back to the heydays where these treats used to be more readily available.

From iconic games such as Old Maid and Happy Family to childhood snack time favourites such as iced gems, this is a place worth checking out no matter which generation you belong to. They also make an effort to retain their goodies in their original packaging so it looks and feels like the real deal.

130 Casuarina Road
Singapore 579518
Tel: +65 6458 0925
Tue to Sun: 11am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Yio Chu Kang

CHA DIAN 

Tucked away at Amoy Street Food Centre is Cha Dian, a humble stall that anyone with a sheer love for traditional hand-made Teochew kueh should patronise. They specialise in a whole range of savoury, vegetable-stuffed kueh that come either steamed or fried.

If you’re spoilt for choice, we recommend that you try their classic Peng Kueh as well as the fried Pumpkin Cake. You can also ask the stall owner for an extra dollop of dark sweet sauce and chilli to enhance the experience!

7 Maxwell Road, #02-135
Singapore 069111
Tel: +65 9799 2003
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 2.30pm
(Closed on Weekends)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Fatt Soon Kueh 

FATT SOON KUEH 

Fatt Soon Kueh specialises in all sorts of traditional Teochew kueh and is easily one of our favourite Teochew Kueh spots to patronise in Singapore. Their savoury snacks are all wrapped and steamed in-house to ensure utmost freshness.

Their best-sellers include their Soon Kueh and Png Kueh. Topped with a sweet black sauce and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, this is a solid snack to have in between meals. We recommend paying the stall a visit during off-peak hours to avoid having a long wait.

208B New Upper Changi Road, 01-18
Singapore 460208
Mon to Sat: 9am – 7.30pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Bedok

GRANNY’S PANCAKE 

Love peanut pancakes? So do we. There is something oh-so-nostalgic about chomping down on these peanut-laden goodies and we absolutely love that satisfying crunch from the granules of sugar and nuts.

Stalls that specialise in peanut cakes are a dime in a dozen nowadays and it’s the folks like the ones who run Granny’s Pancake that make us all the more thankful that this childhood favourite hasn’t completely disappeared from the face of the earth. Serving up the classic peanut cake as well as others with different fillings, this humble stall is definitely a must-visit!

20 Ghim Moh Road
#01-52, Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre
Singapore 270020
Daily: 5am – 2pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

**Multiple outlets islandwide

JIE BAKERY 

When we crave for bread, several big names will immediately spring to mind. There are the more commercialised brands such as BreadTalk and Four Leaves, convenience stores, franchise bakeries or even petrol kiosks.

However, when it comes to freshly baked bread, nothing beats a traditional bakery. Trumping regular store-bought loaves any day, Jie Bakery is one of the few surviving traditional bakeries in Singapore that pushes out authentic, nostalgic bakes. Baked without preservatives using a recipe that has been perfected for the past 30 years, their bread is wholesome, fluffier than most and excellent with kaya slapped on.

123 Upper Paya Lebar Road
Singapore 534837
Tel: +65 9818 8386
Mon to Sat: 7am – 11pm
Sun: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

LEK LIM NONYA CAKE CONFECTIONERY 

Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery is a Halal-certified bakery that has been around since the 1960s and they specialise in producing traditional nonya snacks. All these snacks are laboriously made by hand daily, which is what makes them so authentic. Their kuehs also have no preservatives in them to ensure that the quality and taste remains consistent and on point.

Some of the snacks that you can expect to indulge in are Ang Ku Kueh, Soon Kueh, Peng Kueh and Gu Chai Kueh. Beside kueh, they also have snacks like Curry Puffs, Sardine Puffs, Spring Rolls and Yam Cake.

84 Bedok North Street 4, #01-21
Singapore 460084
Tel: +65 6449 0815
Mon to Sat: 6am — 6pm
Sun: 6am – 2pm
Nearest Station: Bedok Reservoir

LIT LIT XIN 

Located just beside Northpoint City is Nice Snack Corner, a coffee shop that is home to a plethora of cheap and good eats. One of the stalls here that is worth mentioning is Lit Lit Xin, which specialises in Popiah and old school desserts such as Ice Kachang, Red Bean Soup and Bo Bo Cha Cha.

Our favourite is the classic Ice Kachang and we like how they allow diners to customise them however they please. This icy treat is perfect for combatting Singapore’s sweltering hot weather!

NO NAME CHENG TNG 

The solution to Singapore’s merciless weather is a refreshing bowl of cheng tng, which is essentially a clear, cooling soup that was drunk by coolies in the heydays. Each bowl of cheng tng is typically filled with gingko nuts, dried longan, red dates, candied winter melons and white fungus.

No Name Cheng Tng serves up some of the best Cheng Tng around and their thirst-quenching bowls of goodness are a lifesaver when the weather gets too unbearable. We also like how the Cheng Tng here has a much sweeter flavour as compared to most places.

69 #01-490 Bedok South Avenue
Block 69
Singapore 460069
Tue to Sun: 12.30pm – 8.15pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Tanah Merah

PING KEE POPIAH 

Ping Kee Popiah is one of the biggest mainstays at Sembawang Hills Food Centre and they have been consistently pushing out homely popiahs and kueh pie tees. Helmed by an amiable couple, they’ve been serving the same great popiahs for many years.

The ingredients used to make their popiahs are extremely fresh. Filled with crunchy bean sprouts, eggs, grounded peanut and plenty of braised turnip, it made for a myriad of textures playing on the tongue and created a familiar and satisfying mouthful. Despite such a generous serving of filling, the skin was surprisingly sturdy and held all the sauces and ingredients well without turning soggy or tearing apart.

590 Upper Thomson Road
#01-32 Sembawang Hill Food Centre
Singapore 574419
Tue to Sat: 11.15am – 8pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio

If you’re a foodie who’s heading to Japan for the first time and you’re not sure which city you should start with, we highly recommend that you slot in Osaka at the top of your list.

Endearingly known as “Tenka no Daidokoro”, which translates to The Nation’s Kitchen, Japan’s second largest metropolitan area is home to a plethora of food options that are sure to leave you spoilt for choice. From bite-sized balls of takoyaki to piping hot bowls of ramen, there is something to eat in pretty much every corner of Osaka. You’ll never go hungry in this gastronomic paradise!

Aside from being a glutton’s idea of heaven, the fast-paced city is jam-packed with plenty of things to see and do. From one of the largest pokemon centres in the world to the majestic Osaka Castle, Osaka is truly a one-stop destination where you can experience the beauty of Japan in a nutshell.

For those of you who need some help with your itinerary, here is our 5D4N guide on what to eat, see and do in the kitchen of Japan.

DAY 1

HAVE LUNCH AT KIMUKATSU

Start your trip off with some tonkatsu at Kimukatsu. The tonkatsu here is more like a pork mille-feuille that is made up of many thin layers of pork. In addition to the original tonkatsu, they also have other flavours like cheese, black pepper, green onion, garlic, sour plum and yuzu pepper.

1-9-19 Dotonbori
Chuo-ku, Osaka
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Namba

EXPLORE DOTONBORI 

Prized as one of the hottest tourist destinations in Osaka, Dotonbori is an iconic street that is packed with a never-ending array of things to eat, see and do. This happening, fast-paced stretch of entertainment and restaurants is enough to keep you occupied for an entire day.

Come dusk, the entire place is illuminated by the glows of neon signboards from stores that line the streets and Dotonbori Canal. Do remember to snap a picture of yourself with the famous Glico billboard!

1 Chome-9 Dotonbori Chuo Ward
Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Nearest Station: Osaka-Namba/Kintetsu Nipponbashi

VISIT DOTONBORI KONAMON MUSEUM 

The kitchen of Japan is home to a plethora of scrumptious eats, but one notable candidate that is criminal not to try is the takoyaki. For the uninitiated, takoyaki is a spherical-shaped street snack made of flour-based batter. A typical takoyaki is stuffed with minced or diced octopus but other variations of fillings include tempura scraps, shrimp and ham.

When in Dotonbori, you can check out the Dotonbori Konamon Museum which features a museum that talks about the history of takoyaki, an area where you can make takoyaki wax samples and a booth on level one that pushes out freshly made takoyaki for hungry guests. Adults can also head down to B1 where they can enjoy their takoyaki with carefully selected wine and champagne at the museum’s very own bistro.

1 Chome-6-12 Dotonbor Chuo Ward
Osaka 542-0071, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6214-6678
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Osaka-Namba/Kintetsu Nipponbashi

ENJOY A KAPPO-STYLE DINNER AT KIGAWA 

For the uninitiated, Kappo refers to a multi-course meal that is left entirely up to the chef. To experience an authentic Kappo-style meal, we recommend checking out Kigawa, an institution that is well-known for naniwa-kappo. Elusively hidden in a back alley near the Hozen-ji, Kigawa looks just like one of those ancient houses that are better known as machiya.

1-7-7 Dotonbori
Chuo-ku, Osaka
Tel: +81 6 6211 3030
Daily: 11.30am – 2pm, 5pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Namba/Nipponbashi

SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT DON QUIJOTE 

If you’re still in the mood to shop after dinner, you can head on over to Don Quijote, Japan’s famous discount chain store that has over 160 outlets across Japan. A Don Quijote store isn’t hard to miss and you can usually identify it by its massive neon signs and iconic penguin mascot.

You can find pretty much anything and everything at Don Quijote; from basic groceries, beauty products and household items to clothes, luggage bags and funky Japanese products, the place will keep you occupied for ages.  Most Don Quijote stores are also open till the wee hours of the morning, so you can do some late night shopping if you can’t sleep.

7-13 Souemoncho Chuo Ward
Osaka, 542-0084, Japan
Tel: +81 6-4708-1411
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest Station: Osaka-Namba/Nippombashi

**Multiple outlets across Japan

DAY 2

START THE DAY WITH SOME SASHIMI BOWLS FROM KUROMON SANPEI

Primarily a wholesaler, the folks behind Kuromon Ichiba supply fresh seafood as their core business. A few years into the business, they decided to set up Kuromon Ichiba, a small retail-cum-eatery for the mass market. If you love fresh, raw fish, this is a great place to get your fix!

2-4-1, Nipponbashi
Chuo-ku, Osaka
Tel: +81 6 6635 1938
Daily: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Nipponbashi

EXPLORE THE MAJESTIC OSAKA CASTLE 

A visit to Osaka is not complete without visiting the magnificent Osaka-Jo, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. The castle played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century and you can learn more about its past as well as Japan’s history at the museum within the castle. You can also get spectacular views of the castle grounds and the surrounding area from the top of the castle.

Aside from the castle, the area is also home to the Nishinomaru Garden, a gorgeous garden with over 600 cherry trees and a teahouse.

1-1 Osakajo
Chou Ward 540-0002, Osaka, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6941-3044
Daily: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Osakajokoen

Photo Credit: twofatkids 

HAVE LUNCH AT SUSHIRO 

When Sushiro opened their first store at Tiong Bahru Plaza in 2019, Singaporeans went absolutely crazy, and for a good reason too. They are known for consistently pushing out fresh plates of sushi and they sell around 1.36 billion plates annually, making them one of the most popular kaiten sushi chains in Japan. Sushiro is also much cheaper in Japan, so you can binge away and stack those plates high without feeling the pinch in your wallet!

Japan, 530-0041 Osaka Kita Ward
Tenjinbashi 5 Chome 6-24, 1F
Tel: +81 6-4800-1780
Mon to Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tenjimbashisujirokuchome Station

**Multiple outlets across Japan

Photo Credit: j.jeii

WALK DOWN OSAKA’S LONGEST SHOPPING STREET— TENJINBASHISUJI SHOPPING STREET 

The Sushiro outlet that we mentioned above is located at Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, also known as the longest shopping street in Japan.

Spanning a whopping total of 2.6km, the place has around 800 stores that sell all kinds of things. From clothes to household items and even kimonos and traditional knives, you can spend a good 2 to 3 hours just exploring the area and uncovering hidden gems. Walking down the street is also great exercise!

Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward Osaka
532-0011, Japan
Daily: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tenjimbashisujirokuchome Station

Photo Credit: xu.xit

LEARN MORE ABOUT JAPAN’S HISTORY AT THE OSAKA MUSEUM OF HOUSING AND LIVING 

At the furthest end of Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street near Tenjimbashisujirokuchome Station is Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. It’s great for history buffs or people who are just curious about Japan’s culture.

The museum has interactive exhibits that showcase how people in the past used to live and they even recreated a section of the townscape of Osaka in the late Edo Period. You can also don traditional Japanese costumes for a small fee and have your photos taken; it’ll really make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time!

Japan, 530-0041 Osaka Kita Ward
Tenjinbashi, 6 Chome-4-20
Daily: 10am – 4.30pm
Nearest Station: Tenjimbashisujirokuchome Station

SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT UMEDA

Just close by Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street is Umeda, which is also known as Kita, meaning the ‘North’ district. It is one of the two main cities in Osaka and is considered Osaka’s busiest transportation hub. Aside from that, it is also home to some of Osaka’s largest departmental stores and underground malls, making it one of the best places to get your shopping done.

Some malls here that you can visit are Lucua, Grand Front Osaka, Hankyu, HEP FIVE, and a massive underground shopping street.

Nearest Station: Umeda

Photo Credit: inspirock

VISIT THE LARGEST POKEMON CENTRE IN OSAKA 

Pokemon fanatics will be thrilled to know that the largest Pokemon Centre in Osaka is located right smack in Umeda. Located on the 13th floor of Daimaru Department store and just 5 minutes away from JR Osaka Station, this store will make even non-pokemon fans excited! There is an overwhelming amount of merchandise available as well as limited edition items that you can’t find anywhere else in the world, making it the perfect place to do some gift shopping.

Japan, 530-8202 Osaka Kita Ward
Umeda, 3 Chome-1-1, 13th floor
Tel: +81 6-6346-6002
Daily: 10am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Umeda Station/Osaka-Umeda Station/JR Osaka Station

HAVE DINNER AT GYUKATSU MOTOMURA 

One of our favourite foods in Japan is gyukatsu, also known as deep-fried breaded beef cutlet. There are multiple places across Japan that serve decent gyukatsu, but one of our absolute favourites is Gyukatsu Motomura. The simple menu consists of nothing but gyukatsu with different portion sizes for people with differing appetites. If you love beef and all things fried, you definitely need to try this when you’re in Osaka.

They also have outlets in other parts of Japan such as Tokyo and Kyoto.

Japan, 530-0001 Osaka
Kita Ward Umeda
3 Chome-1-3 LUCUA 10th Floor
Tel: +81 6-6151-1290
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Umeda Station/Osaka-Umeda Station/JR Osaka Station

**Multiple outlets across Japan

Photo Credit: Reijikirihara

SEE OSAKA FROM ABOVE ON THE HEP FIVE FERRIS WHEEL 

Aside from shopping and food, one of Umeda’s main attractions also includes the HEP FIVE Ferris wheel, which is attached to the roof of the mall. You can board it on the 7th floor and it takes about 15 minutes to complete one full circuit. We recommend going in the day so you can have clear views of Osaka from above, but if you prefer the city when it’s lit up, go at night.

5-15 Kakudacho
Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0017, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6313-0501
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Umeda Station/Osaka-Umeda Station/JR Osaka Station

DAY 3

SLURP UP YOUR BREAKFAST AT ICHIRAN 

When in Japan, it is an absolute must to try Ichiran. This popular Japanese ramen chain has been widely accepted as one of the best spots for tonkatsu ramen and it has most definitely set the benchmark for Japanese ramen.

The broth is unbelievably rich and thick, which pairs well with the springy noodles. They also let you customise your ramen broth, the texture of the noodles, as well as the ingredients you want to have with your ramen. It is, in a nutshell, the perfect bowl of ramen. You have to try it to believe it!

1 Chome-4-16
Dotonbori Chuo Ward
Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Tel:  +81 6-6210-1422
Daily: 24 Hours

**Multiple outlets across Japan

RELEASE YOUR INNER CHILD AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN 

Theme park enthusiasts can’t leave Japan without checking out the exhilarating and magical Universal Studios Japan. Some of their more popular attractions include the backwards-riding Hollywood Dream roller coaster, Space Fantasy and the thrilling Flying Dinosaur. We can also foresee Potterheads spending hours in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which makes you feel like you’re on the actual set of the movie!

2 Chome-1-33
Sakurajima Konohana Ward
554-0031, Osaka, Japan
Nearest Station: Universal-City

Photo Credit: taken.identity

TRY TAKOYAKI AT THE OSAKA TAKOYAKI MUSEUM

Right outside of Universal Studios Japan is Universal Citywalk Osaka, an area that is lined with restaurants, shops, hotels and speciality stores. One place here that you definitely should check out after a fun day of playing is the Osaka Takoyaki Museum. Here, visitors can learn about the origins and history of takoyaki, do some souvenir shopping and sample takoyaki from five popular takoyaki shops.

Japan, 554-0024
Osaka Konohana Ward
Shimaya 6 Chome-2-61 4th Floor
Tel: +81 6-6464-3080
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Universal-City

HAVE DINNER AT MATSUSAKA BEEF YAKINIKU M

Most people are probably familiar with Kobe beef, but have you heard of Matsusaka beef? Also known as Japanese Black, Black-haired Wagyu or Kuroge Washu, Matsusaka beef from the Mie Prefecture is actually a grade higher than the famous Kobe beef. It has one of the highest fat-to-meat ratios and it has an insanely creamy texture and a sweet aftertaste.

Matsusaka Beef Yakiniku M is a beef paradise that carries the mentioned prized Matsusaka Beef. You will definitely be in for a meaty feast that will leave a lasting impression! We also love the excellent service which helps to enhance the dining experience. Reservations are recommended.

1-1-19, Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Tel:  +81 6-6211-2904
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 12am
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Namba/Nipponbashi

DAY 4

HAVE FRESH SEAFOOD FOR BREAKFAST AT KUROMON ICHIBA 

Kuromon Market is a seafood lover’s paradise! The 600 metre-long street is packed with stalls selling a multitude of seafood and fresh produce that are handled and prepared right before your very eyes. You can either purchase seafood to cook at home or have the staff freshly prepare it on the spot for you. Apart from seafood skewers like scallops and octopus, you can also find uni (sea urchin) and fugu (blowfish), which are interesting must-try items when in Japan. 

2 Chome-4-1 Nipponbashi Chuo Ward
Osaka, 542-0073, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6631-0007
Daily: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Namba

Photo Credit: yogaquarelle 

GO FOR SOME RETAIL THERAPY AT SHINSAIBASHI 

Shinsaibashi is one of the city’s main shopping areas and this long shopping arcade houses a mixture of both international and local brands. Aside from shops selling the latest fashion items as well as drugstores that are chock full of beauty products, the street also has quaint dessert and coffee houses that are great pit stops in between shopping. Foodies can also look forward to wining and dining at some of the plenty of restaurants available that serve both Japanese and international cuisines.

Nearest Station: Shinsaibashi

HAVE LUNCH AT MIZUNO OKONOMIYAKI 

Mizuno is famous for its okonomiyaki. For the uninitiated, okonomiyaki is one of Japan’s most popular street snacks and refers to a savoury Japanese pancake that originated from Osaka. The restaurant dishes out a variety of pancakes to hungry patrons throughout the day. Among all the options on the menu, the best-seller is the yam flour Okonomiyaki with scallops and roast pork.

1-4-15 Dotonbori
Chuo-ku, Osaka
Tel: +81 6 6212 6360
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Namba/Nipponbashi

GET YOUR CAFFEINE FIX AT GRANKNOT COFFEE

Located in America-mura, Granknot Coffee is a great coffee spot for all you caffeine addicts to get your midday fix. They have a pretty extensive menu filled with a variety of different coffees; there’s a cuppa for everyone! Aside from coffee, they also have American-style food which includes sandwiches and french toast.

1Chome-23-4 Kitahorie
Nishi Ward, Osaka, 550-0014, Japan
Tel: +81 6 6531 6020
Mon to Wed, Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 6pm
(Closed on Thursdays)
Nearest Station: Nishiohashi

Photo Credit: trixiepgallery

SHOP VINTAGE AT AMERICA-MURA 

To experience Japanese youth culture, head on over to America-mura where you can find plenty of quirky clothes and accessories that are definitely head-turners. People who love to shop vintage can also come here to hunt for unique pieces that are carefully sourced and curated. The whole area is centred around the famous Sankaku Koen Park, where you can sit, people-watch and appreciate the vibrant atmosphere of the place.

Nearest Station: Yotsubashi

TAKE A TRIP TO WONDERLAND AT ALICE ON WEDNESDAY 

Have you ever dreamed of being Alice, falling down a rabbit hole and entering a magical world where you could meet The Madhatter, Cheshire Cat and the gang? You can do so here at Alice On Wednesday, a lifestyle concept store with a magical Alice in Wonderland theme. Step in through the tiny door and be transported to another world; you may not even feel like you’re in Osaka!

Japan, 542-0086 Osaka Chuo Ward
Nishishinsaibashi 2 Chome-12-25
Tel: +81 6-6211-6506
Daily: 11am – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Shinsaibashi/Yotsubashi

END THE DAY WITH DINNER AT HANAMARUKEN RAMEN 

Ramen lovers in the know will find their way to Hanamaruken. This much-loved Osaka ramen chain has been dishing out hearty bowls of ramen for over 30 years. The broth is made from stewed pork cartilage and the pork that comes with each bowl of ramen is fork-tender and outrageously succulent. We recommend getting their Signature Happiness Ramen bowl, which features tonkatsu ramen with slow-braised pork rib.

1-2-1 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Tel: +81 6 6213 0131
Daily: 24hours
Nearest Station: Namba/Nipponbashi

**Multiple outlets across Japan

DAY 5

Photo Credit: love_travel_food_kanazawa

HAVE BREAKFAST AT NAKANOSHIMA NADAMAN 

For an authentic and traditional Japanese breakfast, head on over to Nakanoshima Nadaman where they serve kaiseki style meals. For the uninitiated, Kaiseki is a style of traditional Japanese cuisine where small, intricate dishes are prepared and served to diners on a tray. The sets here are all very well-curated with quality ingredients, ensuring you of a fantastic Japanese breakfast experience.

5 Chome-3-68 Nakanoshima Kita Ward
Osaka, 530-0005, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6443-7101
Daily: 7am – 10am, 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 9pm

FULFIL YOUR INSTANT NOODLE CRAVINGS AT THE INSTANT RAMEN MUSEUM (MOMOFUKU) 

Did you know that instant noodles were first invented by Momofuku Ando in Osaka? Nissin Foods was the first company to create and distribute it to the masses. To celebrate this amazing creation that many around the world are thankful for, the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum was born in 2011 and is open to the public to come forth and understand the history and significance of this iconic food.

Here at the museum, you can even customise and make your own cup noodles for a small fee. It makes the perfect memento!

8-25 Masumicho
Ikeda Osaka 563-0041, Japan
Tel: +81 72-752-3484
Thu to Tue: 9.30am – 4pm
(Closed on Wednesdays)
Nearest Station: Muromachi

Photo Credit: aiphoto0508

LOOK AT ADORABLE ANIMALS AT TENNOJI ZOO 

Tennoji Zoo has been around for over 90 years and was the third zoo to be built in Japan. The 11-hectare space is home to over 1000 animals which include specimens from New Zealand and Australia. Aside from that, they also have lions, chimpanzees, a reptile house and a hippo enclosure that mimics the African savanna.

1-108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji Ward
Osaka, 543-0063, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6771-8401
Daily: 9.30am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Dobutsuen-Mae/Tennoji

Photo Credit: reji.sti

DO SOME LAST MINUTE SHOPPING AT TENNOJI 

Aside from the zoo, Tennoji also has a massive cluster of brightly lit malls and skyscrapers that shopaholics will adore. Some of the malls that you can visit include Tennoji Mio Plaza Mall, Abeno Cues Town and Hoops. There is also a massive Don Quijote and plenty of restaurants that are a short walk away from the train station.

Nearest Station: Tennoji

Photo Credit: w___album

HAVE A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF OSAKA FROM ABENO HARUKAS

Aside from being a shopping mall that houses a massive department store, an art museum and a hotel, Abeno Harukas, standing at 300 meters tall, is also the tallest skyscraper in Japan.

It would be befitting to place an observation deck on one of the tallest buildings in Japan, so that is exactly what they did. Harukas 300, their observation deck, can be accessed on the 58th, 59th and 60th levels of the building. The massive floor-to-ceiling glass panels provide one with a magnificent 360-degree view of Osaka and we could honestly spend the whole day here just watching the world pass by.

1 Chome-1-43 Abenosuji
Abeno Ward, Osaka, 545-6016, Japan
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tennoji

Photo Credit: rum_1412

EXPLORE THE COLOURFUL SHINSEKAI 

Shinsekai, in our opinion, is one of the most intriguing neighbourhoods in the whole of Osaka. One step into the area and you’ll feel like you’ve been zipped back to the 1960s. We adore the colourful buildings and loud, quirky decor that gives the place plenty of personality and character. At the heart of it all is the famous Tsutenkaku Tower which stands tall and proud and was designed by architect Tachu Naito, the same man who designed the Tokyo Tower.

The area is also a foodie’s idea of paradise. Here, the streets are lined with rows and rows of restaurants and eateries that sell all kinds of delicious food; it makes you want to try everything!

Nearest Station: Ebisucho/Dobutsuen-Mae/Shin-Imamiya

INDULGE IN SOME CRISPY KUSHIKATSU 

One famous dish that you must try in Osaka is kushikatsu. Also known as kushiage, kushikatsu is essentially deep-fried meat and vegetable skewers. Every skewer is coated with a light batter and deep-fried to a lovely golden brown.

A typical kushikatsu outlet is usually simple and fuss-free, and sells nothing else but skewers and drinks. The options available are usually chicken and beef, vegetables like brinjal and capsicums, eggs and mushrooms. There are over 60 restaurants in Shinsekai that sell kushikatsu and if you’re spoilt for choice, we recommend that you go to Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Sohonten for some quality sticks of fried goodness.

2 Chome-3-9 Ebisuhigashi
Naniwa Ward
Osaka, 556-0002, Japa
Tel: +81 6-6645-7056
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Ebisucho/Dobutsuen-Mae

STUFF YOUR FACE WITH SUSHI FOR DINNER AT KURA SUSHI 

Fans of conveyor belt sushi will adore Kura Sushi, a sushi joint that sells a whole array of sushi at incredibly affordable prices. Besides the cheap price point, you also get to play with the gachapon machines stationed at every table every time you eat a certain number of plates of sushi.

While on the conveyer belt, the plates of sushi also make their rounds in little domes to retain its freshness.

Japan, 556-0002 Osaka, Naniwa Ward
Ebisuhigashi, 2 Chome-6-3 2F
Tel: +81 6-6632-6101
Daily: 11am – 11pm

**Multiple outlets across Japan

If you’re a fan of the Mala Oden by Snacksdelivery.sg, you’d be excited to know that there is now a different flavour of this popular oden snack for you to try.

Cue Hei Ren Bu Luo Mushroom Oden, an instant noodle option that is perfect for a midday snack or to satisfy your midnight hunger pangs.

While the popular Mala Oden provides you with a fiery kick that leaves your senses tingling, the Mushroom Oden is the perfect option for people who have a low spice tolerance. Each cup comes with a variety of fishcake that is doused in a rich and savoury soup; we promise you that it’s good till the very last drop!

Open the box and find everything you need to put together your Mushroom Oden instant noodle snack, including sweet potato noodles, dried vegetables and an air-tight packet of chewy fishcakes.

Preparing it is easy; all you need to do is to unwrap all the ingredients, pop them into the cup and add hot water. After 5 minutes, your Mushroom Oden is ready to be enjoyed.

Tastewise, the soup is similar to that of the Mala Oden, minus the tongue-numbing burn. Rich and savoury, the soup, true to its name, has an earthy mushroom aftertaste. We also love how the varying fishcakes of the Mushroom Oden add plenty of texture and bite to this instant snack. Our favourite is the one that is chock full of juicy bits of roe!

The provided sweet potato noodles also have a slippery and chewy texture that soaks up the goodness of the soup and pair well with the fishcake pieces.

Want to try the Mushroom Oden yourself? Order it from Snacksdelivery.sg. Aside from the Mushroom and Mala Oden, they have a whole variety of other snacks for you to choose from such as the Hai Chi Jia Hua Jia Fen and Tsurai Spicy Salted Egg Fish Skin snack.

This post was brought to you by snacksdelivery.sg. 

If you’re planning to visit Bangkok and you’re bored of the usual markets like Chatuchak and Palladium Night Market, why not travel a little out of the main city area and check out what the more local markets have to offer?

For all you broke university students who are in Bangkok for a holiday, we suggest that you pay a visit to Ramkhamhaeng University Night Market to get a feel of how the local university students shop. As the market is catered mostly to youths, you can expect some super cheap bargains as well as clothes, accessories and shoes that are tailored for a younger crowd.

The market has both a tented and open-air section filled with different stalls that sell pretty much anything and everything a university student could ever need and want.

TRENDY FASHION PIECES AT BARGAIN PRICES 

Fashionistas and shopaholics will love the selection of clothing here and the best part is that everything is very affordably priced to suit the wallets of the university kids. Here, we found pieces of clothing that we previously saw at places like Chatuchak and Platinum Mall going for 50 baht to 150 baht cheaper, which is really a huge steal!

They also have stalls that sell both new and preloved shoes. Do take note that some of the shoes are little old and grimy, but if you’re the kind of person who loves to inject new life into a pair of old kicks, feel free to go crazy!

If you’re in need of some new accessories, they also have multiple stalls selling things such as glasses, bags, belts and earrings.

As this market is dedicated to the students of Ramkhamhaeng University, it isn’t surprising that they have a stall that sells just school uniforms.

AFFORDABLE COSMETICS

While the market does have a few stalls that sell a pretty extensive range of cosmetics and contact lenses, we suggest that you don’t patronise them as the products all look a little dodgy. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can go ahead and do so. Who knows, you may accidentally come across a product that will change your life!

SUPER CHEAP STREET FOOD

Just like all the fashion items, all the food here is sold at incredibly affordable prices. We chanced upon skewers for just 15 baht and lunchbox sets for 25 baht, which is definitely way cheaper than what it usually sells for in the city!

We loved their bottled juice! It definitely helped to combat the sweltering heat.

CHILL LIKE A LOCAL 

At the market, we saw many people sitting and chilling around a small pond at the side of the market. After exploring the market, we recommend grabbing some food and drinks and sitting there for the full local experience. It is a surprisingly nice way to end the day

While Ramkhamhaeng University Night Market may not be the most happening and hip night market out there, we do feel that it is worth a visit as it is a nice change from all the other touristy and overhyped markets in Bangkok.

Ramkhamhaeng University Night Market
2345/1 Ramkhamhaeng Road
Khwaeng Hua Mak, Khet Bang Kapi
Bangkok, Thailand 10240
Thu to Tue: 4pm – 11pm
(Closed on Wednesdays) 

While Japan is home to a smorgasbord of delicious food options that never fail to leave us spoilt for choice, there are a few perennial staples that the Japanese always go back to.

Ramen is one of them and is considered comfort food; we mean, who can resist springy noodles doused in a piping hot, savoury broth? We definitely can’t.

Although we can never say no to a classic bowl of tonkatsu ramen, we don’t mind stepping out of our comfort zone and trying an unconventional version of it, which is why we were drawn to Tanchou in Osaka.

What makes Tanchou so different from the other ramen joints out there is that their ramen comes cooked with chawanmushi. For the uninitiated, chawanmushi is a Japanese-style steamed egg custard that has a silky texture. This bizarre combination undoubtedly piqued our interest and here is what we thought.

The quirky restaurant isn’t hard to spot; just look out for the giant egg! It is also conveniently located near Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and the Tempozan Ferris Wheel so it is a great place to fuel up at after a day of fun.

Like most Japanese restaurants, Tanchou has a pretty small interior that simply consists of a long counter and about 12 seats that are all side by side. Having a meal here entails a bit of a squeeze, but for the experience, it’s worth it!

You can order the standard Steamed Egg Custard Ramen for just 850 Yen, but we decided to spice ours up by getting the Steamed Egg Custard & Pork Ramen (1350 Yen).

Saying that the pork is fantastic is an absolute understatement; this fork-tender chunk of meat broke apart easily and was the epitome of melt-in-your-mouth. The fat-to-meat ratio was on point and the meat was jam-packed with umami which helped to elevate the subtle flavours of the chawanmushi.

The ramen and chawanmushi gelled surprisingly well together. We did, however, expect the chawanmushi to provide the ramen with a creamier texture, but alas, all the chawanmushi did was stick to the ramen in clumps. Also, instead of ramen broth, they incorporated the stock used to make the chawanmushi, which resulted in a concoction that was very light on the palate. As we prefer our broth to be on the thicker, richer side, we weren’t massive fans of it, but if you enjoy light soup bases, this would be perfect for you.

We also got ourselves the Steamed Egg Custard & Cheese Ramen (1350 Yen) which is essentially the standard Steamed Egg Custard Ramen that is blanketed in a luxurious layer of cheese. The dish is then flambéed, which melts the cheese and gives it a lovely char as well as an addictive smoky flavour. 

They also provide you with a side of toast that you can use to scoop up the cheese and chawanmushi.

When mixed in with the ramen and chawanmushi, the cheese gave the entire dish a creamier, more viscous texture, which was a complete contrast to the silky and smooth consistency of the Steamed Egg Custard & Pork Ramen. We very much preferred the ramen with cheese as it added more depth to the dish that helped to elevate the light flavours of the other components.

All in all, it was an interesting experience that we do not regret. While most of the flavours were too light for us, it was still a pretty solid bowl of ramen that is worth a try.

Tanchou 
3 Chome-8-7 Chikko
Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0021, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6576-6826
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Osakako

The first thought that comes to mind when Nara is mentioned is deers. Lots and lots of deers.

Nara is famous for its free-roaming Sika deer which can be found wandering around the city. There are at least 1200 of these nimble creatures in Nara and they are tame enough for people to pet and feed them.

However, did you know that the Nara deer used to be deemed as sacred? These graceful creatures were once revered and considered to be divine messengers of the gods. They were so enshrined that anyone found to have killed a deer of Nara were to face the death penalty.

The deers these days are no longer considered as sacred, but they still continue to be protected as national treasures. The city loves their deer so much that there are even signs reminding people to give way to them when they cross the road!

Nara is the perfect blend of both the past and present, making it a great place to make a day trip. If you’re new to the city and are clueless on what to add into your itinerary, here is a guide on what you can see, eat and do there.

Nara is easily accessible from Osaka as well as Kyoto and you can take a train to either Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station.

Aside from their massive obsession with deers, it is also interesting to note that Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital. Due to its rich past, this quaint city houses some of Japan’s most important cultural landmarks which include Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.

The main place to explore is Nara Park, where you can find most of the temples, museum, shrines and deers. However, if you’re keen on exploring the sites of Heijo Palace and Horyuji Temple, there are also buses that are able to bring you there.

PLAY AND FEED DEERS

As mentioned earlier, Nara is famous for its gentle, free-roaming deers which can be seen wandering around the main parts of the city as well as Nara Park.

You can choose to purchase some biscuits from vendors located alongside the streets to feed them too. While the deers here are friendly, they can get a little aggressive if you withhold food from them, so try not to open the biscuits too obviously unless you want to be stampeded by a horde of hungry deers.

Top tip: If you bow at the deers, they will bow back. Reward them with some biscuits!

Photo Credit: lexy_ray_

VISIT TODAI-JI TEMPLE 

One of the most famous and important landmarks in Nara is Todai-ji Temple. The intricately designed structure is one of the biggest wooden buildings in the world and is also home to the world’s largest statue of Buddha cast in bronze. While the statue is mostly made from metal, x-ray scans have revealed that treasures are hidden within its framework. 

406-1 Zoshicho
Nara 630-8211, Japan
Daily: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Photo Credit: bymtw_

STROLL THROUGH ISUI-EN GARDEN AND YOSHIKI-EN GARDEN 

While many people have heard of Isui-en Garden, Yoshiki-en Garden is a less known hidden gem that is located nearby. Both gardens are shrouded in lush greenery and gorgeous blooms, making them great spots to snap some lovely photos as well as to meditate and take a breather from the hectic city life.

Isui-en Garden Japan
630-8208 Nara Suimoncho, 72-3
Daily: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Yoshiki-en Garden
1, Noboriojicho Nara
630-8213, Japan
Daily: 9am – 4.30pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Photo Credit: caihonglim

HAVE LUNCH AT TOU NO CHAYA 

Tou No Chaya is a small Japanese cafe that specialises in dishes that are served with tea rice gruel, which is essentially rice porridge cooked in green tea. This simple, traditional dish can rarely be found these days, so if you’ve always wanted to try some authentic tea rice gruel, this is a great place that you can do so at.

18 Minamijodocho Nara
630-8341, Japan
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Nara

Photo Credit: mitaaninn

VISIT KASUGA TAISHA SHRINE 

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is Nara’s most celebrated Shinto shrine and it is dedicated to the deity who is responsible for protecting the city. The shrine’s offering hall is free for all but if you want to explore the inner area which contains the main sanctuary, you have to pay a small fee.

The shrine is also famous for its bronze and stone lanterns, which are donated by worshippers. These mesmerising lanterns are only lit twice a year during lantern festivals in February and mid-August.

160 Kasuganocho Nara
630-8212, Japan
Daily: 6am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Photo Credit: sakamai1260

ADMIRE TAMUKEYAMA HACHIMAN-GU SHRINE 

Tamukeyama Hachiman-gu Shrine is a small, less-known Shinto shrine that is located up a hill behind Todaiji Temple. As it is rather overshadowed by the other shrines in the area, it’s more peaceful, which is great for people who want to avoid the hectic crowds at the more popular shrines.

434 Zoshicho Nara
630-8211, Japan
Tel: +81 742-23-4404
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Photo Credit: ruudverstraeten

SNAP SOME PICTURES AT KOFUKU-JI TEMPLE & THE KOFUKUJI FIVE STORIED PAGODA 

The famous Kofukuji Temple is a Buddhist temple that features several buildings that are incredibly rich in history. Out of all the beautiful structures on the grounds, the most prominent one would be the five-storied pagoda which is 50 metres tall and Japan’s second tallest wooden pagoda.

Aside from the pagoda, you can also check out the Central Golden Hall which houses a large statue of the Yakushi Buddha, as well as the temple’s amazing art collection.

48 Noboriojicho
Nara 630-8213, Japan
Tel: +81 742-22-7755
Daily: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Photo Credit: guesthousesmq 

LEARN MORE ABOUT NARA AT NARAMACHI MUSEUM 

At the heart of Nara is Naramachi Museum, a great place for people to learn more about the rich history of Nara. The small yet well-curated museum has a variety of tools, signboards and other historical artefacts from the Edo and Meiji periods on display for visitors to learn about. Entry to the museum is free too!

14-2 Nishinoshinyacho
Nara, 630-8334, Japan
Tel: +81 742-22-5509
Daily: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Photo Credit: may_gio_d

DO SOME SOUVENIR SHOPPING AT HIGASHIMUKI SHOPPING STREET 

Higashimuki Shopping Street is a covered shopping arcade near Nara Park that is packed with souvenir shops and boutiques. You can head on over after a fun day of exploring to get gifts for your loved ones back home. There are also a plethora of eateries here where you can get a bite to eat to refuel.

5 Higashimuki Minamimachi Nara
630-8216, Japan
Tel: +81 742-24-4986
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Photo Credit: philmehz

HAVE DINNER AT EDOGAWA NARAMACHI 

For those of you who love unagi (eel), you need to have a meal at Edogawa Naramachi if you are ever in Nara. They specialise in grilled eel that is sourced from Kagoshima and this is usually served with a simple bowl of rice, miso soup and pickles. Their extensive menu also has a variety of other set meals for you to choose from.

43 Shimomikadocho Nara
630-8365, Japan
Tel: +81 742-20-4400
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Singapore is finally in Phase 2, and this means that we are given a little more freedom to go out and about. While the pandemic situation across the globe doesn’t seem to be getting better anytime soon, Phase 2 in Singapore is definitely a step closer towards normalcy.

If you’ve been indoors for too long and are stumped on what you can or cannot do in Phase 2 in Singapore, here are 8 activities that we are allowed to partake in. Do remember to practise safe distancing and good hygiene habits while you have fun with your loved ones; we don’t want to find ourselves back in another Circuit Breaker.

Photo Credit: Singapore Airlines 

APPRECIATE ART AT THE ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM 

Art enthusiasts who have been surviving on online virtual tours of museums and attractions during this period will be glad to know that museums will be open in Phase 2. One of these museums is the futuristic Artscience Museum near Marina Bay Sands Singapore. A plus point that comes along with the reopening of museums in Singapore is that crowds will be relatively smaller due to safe distancing measures.

6 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018974
Tel: +65 6688 8888
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

BRING THE KIDS TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE ZOO AND RIVER SAFARI 

If you have restless kids who have gone nuts while being cooped up at home during the Circuit Breaker, you’d be glad to know that you can now bring them out to play. Popular Singapore attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore Zoo, River Safari and Jurong Bird Park are once again open to the public, and you can also expect smaller crowds.

Universal Studios Singapore
8 Sentosa Gateway
Singapore 098269
Thu to Sun: 2pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Harborfront

Singapore Zoo
80 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729826
Daily: 8.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Woodlands

River Safari
80 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729826
Daily: 8.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Woodlands

Jurong Bird Park
2 Jurong Hill
Singapore 628925
Daily: 8.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Boon Lay/Pioneer

READ A BOOK AT THE LIBRARY

If you’re a book nerd or someone who enjoys the peace and quiet of libraries, you must have been devasted to know that libraries were not accessible to the public for quite some time. Libraries in Singapore are finally reopening in Phase 2 so we can head there for some alone time and a good book.

SOAK UP THE SUN AT THE BEACH 

It’s time to get a good dosage of vitamin D to make up for all the time you spent stuck at home. Head over to one of Singapore’s many beaches to frolic in the sand & sea, get a good tan and just laze around. Who knew that we would one day miss the sun so much!

Some beaches you can visit in Singapore’s Phase 2 include Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach and East Coast Park. You can also have a mini getaway and go island hopping at some of the few islands that surround Singapore.

WORK YOUR LEGS AND DO A WALKING TRAIL 

Stretch those stiff legs and take a nice long walk at one of Singapore’s many walking trails such as Imbiah Trails, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Southern Ridges. It’s a wholesome activity to do in Phase 2 with your partner and friends after being apart for so long!

HAVE A PICNIC AT THE PARK 

Everyone is all excited about dining out in Singapore and we can expect some pretty long queues for our favourite eateries. To skip the crowds, why not have a picnic at a park instead? Places like The Botanic Gardens, MacRitchie Reservoir and Chinese Garden are open again in Phase 2 in Singapore so you can prepare a sumptuous feast with your loved ones for a fun picnic session.

GO MURAL HOPPING 

If you don’t fancy the usual attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore and Singapore Zoo, an alternative activity you can try out is mural hopping. Singapore is home to a number of beautiful murals, with the more popular ones being by Yip Yew Chong. Embark on a wall crawl and discover hidden pieces of art that will let you rediscover Singapore from a different perspective in Phase 2.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH FLORA AND FAUNA AT THE FLOWER DOME IN GARDENS BY THE BAY 

Nature loves who are afraid of Singapore’s unforgiving heat can find solace in The Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay Singapore. The famous air-conditioned glass greenhouse houses a myriad of gorgeous plants and flowers for you to admire and take photos with.

18 Marina Gardens Drive
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6420 6848
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

If you love spicy food, you would know how satisfying it is to chow down on something that packs a fiery punch. While there are a number of spicy food out there that we can turn to when we are hankering for something chock full of spice, few things are as convenient and as addictive as a bowl of spicy instant noodles.

The market is full of spicy instant noodles from varying brands across the globe, but some leave a larger impact than others. To challenge yourself and test your spice limit, here are 10 spicy instant noodles in Singapore that will definitely leave you with a burning mouth.

Read: 20 best instant noodles in Singapore including Kiki scallion noodles, mushroom oden & guo ba fen.

Photo Credit: Shopee, aromatherapycastle.sg

DAEBAK GHOST PEPPER SPICY CHICKEN NOODLES

Claimed to be one of the world’s spiciest instant noodles, the Daebak Ghost Pepper Spicy Chicken Noodles was finally brought into the Singapore market last year.

For the uninitiated, the ghost pepper is one of the spiciest peppers in the world and scores 1,000,000 units on the Scoville scale. This deadly cup of instant noodles is definitely not for the faint-hearted but is great for people who love a good challenge.

Price: S$2.81 for a cup of Daebak Ghost Pepper Spicy Chicken Noodles

Set your senses on fire and cart out this spicy instant noodles online from Shopee.

HAI CHI JIA GUO BA FEN 

A newcomer in the spicy instant noodle scene, the Hai Chi Jia Guo Ba Fen. is an instant noodle snack that features sweet potato noodles and crispy rice soaked in a tongue-burning peppercorn soup base.

Pop in the crispy rice last so that it doesn’t become too soggy. We love how it absorbs all that spicy soup so you get plenty of heat in every bite.

Price: S$19.90 for 1 carton with 6 boxes of Hai Chi Jia Guo Ba Fen, S$58.80 for 3 cartons with 18 boxes of Hai Chi Jia Guo Ba Fen and free courier

Get this popular spicy snack online from Snacksdelivery.sg.

Have a peek of our review of the Hai Chi Jia’s Guo Ba Fen here.

HAI CHI JIA HUA JIA FEN 

Another spicy instant noodle from Hai Chi Jia is the Hai Chi Jia Hua Jia Fen. This popular bowl of instant noodle comes with real lala clams, potato noodles, enoki mushrooms and vegetables that soak up all the goodness of the spicy mala soup. It’s also a great option for seafood lovers!

Price: S$19.90 for 1 carton with 6 boxes of Hai Chi Jia Hua Jia Fen, S$58.80 for 3 cartons with 18 boxes of Hai Chi Jia Hua Jia Fen and free courier

Spicy food lovers can buy this well-loved instant noodles online from Snacksdelivery.sg.

Read our review of Hai Chi Jia’s Hua Jia Fen here.

MALA ODEN 

Can’t get enough of mala? We recommend the Hei Ren Bu Luo Mala Oden, a spicy mala cup noodle that has become increasingly popular. This spicy snack is similar to a Japanese oden and comes with a generous variety of juicy fishcake. Here, the usual sweet oden soup is replaced with a tongue-burning mala broth for a spicy remix.

Each cup comes brimming with sweet potato noodles, dried vegetables and fishcake. All you need to do is add hot water to enjoy this spicy instant noodle and it only takes less than 10 minutes to prepare!

Price: S$46.90 for 1 carton with 12 cups of Hei Ren Bu Luo Mala Oden, S$89.90 for 2 cartons with 24 cups of Hei Ren Bu Luo Mala Oden

Order this spicy noodle snack from Snacksdelivery.sg and have it for supper.

Curious about how it tastes like? Read our review of the Mala Oden here.

Photo Credit: NTUC Fairprice 

INDOMIE HOT & SPICY MI GORENG INSTANT NOODLES

Fans of Indomie, an instant noodle brand from Indonesia, will adore their Hot & Spicy Mi Goreng Instant Noodles.

The bag of these instant noodles specify that it’s ‘extra hot’, and they couldn’t be right enough about that. These spicy noodles are mixed with a rich chilli and spice seasoning that really hits you upon the first bite, leaving you wanting more.

Price: S$2 – S$2.10 for a bundle of 5 Indomie Hot & Spicy Mi Goreng Instant Noodles

You can find these spicy instant noodles online from NTUC Fairprice and Cold Storage. It is also available in most of their physical stores.

Photo Credit: NTUC Fairprice 

MAGGI HOT HEADS INSTANT CUP NOODLES SPICY CURRY 

Tired of having your usual Maggi Curry for supper? Turn up the heat and try the Maggi Hot Heads Spicy Curry Instant Cup Noodles instead.

This spicy instant noodle is made with pure extracts of red dried chillies and real curry spices that will leave you with a mouth-burning sensation that is both painful and addictive. They weren’t kidding when they named it ‘hot heads’, because it most probably would give you one.

Price: S$1.30 for one cup of Maggi Hot Heads Spicy Curry Instant Cup Noodles

This painfully spicy instant noodle is available at NTUC Fairprice.

Photo Credit: Giant 

NISSIN UMA KARA SPICY INSTANT NOODLES

Popular instant noodle brand Nissin has done it once again with Uma Kara Spicy Instant Noodles.

These instant noodles are inspired by Japanese ramen and come with springy wheat noodles that are served in a spicy, rich broth that will leave you craving for more. You can choose to add your own toppings to jazz up these instant noodles and have a more authentic ramen experience.

Price: S$3.85 for a bundle of 5 packets of Nissin Uma Kara Spicy Instant Noodles

Head to Giant’s websites to get the Nissin Uma Kara Spicy Instant Noodles online.

Photo Credit: NTUC Fairprice 

NONGSHIM GRILL SUPER SPICY CHICKEN INSTANT NOODLE  

It is a well-known fact that the Koreans love their spice and this is evident in their instant noodles. From the popular instant noodle brand Nongshim is the Grill Super Spicy Chicken Instant Noodle.

Just from the colour alone, you can tell how spicy these Korean instant noodles are. They use flat, thick noodles instead of your regular instant noodles, which helps to suck up all those spices.

Price: S$5.50 for a bundle of 4 packets of Nongshim Grill Super Spicy Chicken Instant Noodle

These Korean spicy instant noodles can be ordered from NTUC Fairprice’s website.

Photo Credit: NTUC Fairprice

OTTOGI YEUL RAMEN HOT PEPPER FLAVOUR

The two red peppers on the packaging of these spicy instant noodles should say enough.

Ottogi is another brand from Korea that is famous for its delicious instant noodles and the Yeul Ramen Hot Pepper Flavour is one of the spicier ones that they produce. You can choose to eat this with some kimchi for an even spicier touch as well as for a contrasting texture.

Price: S$5.65 – S$4.50 for one bundle of 5 packets of Ottogi Yeul Ramen Hot Pepper Flavour

Want to burn your tongue with these spicy Korean instant noodles? Order yourself some from NTUC Fairprice and Cold Storage.

Photo Credit: NTUC Fairprice 

SAMYANG HOT CHICKEN INSTANT RAMEN 2X SPICY 

One of the more notable brands for spicy instant noodles on this list, Samyang has been burning the tongues of their spice-loving consumers for years with their range of popular spicy instant noodles.

While they are famous for the Samyang Hot Chicken Instant Ramen, they have decided to up their spice game and create the Samyang Hot Chicken Instant Ramen 2x Spicy. Be prepared for a next-level amount of spice that will sear your tastebuds.

Price: S$6.90 – S$7.85 for a bundle of 5 packets of Samyang Hot Chicken Instant Ramen 2x Spicy

If you’re up for the challenge, get the Samyang Hot Chicken Instant Ramen 2x Spicy from Cold Storage, NTUC Fairprice and Giant.

Do you pride yourself on having a high tolerance for spicy food or do you just enjoy spicy food in general?

If you love spicy food and want to get your hands on some spicy snacks to spice up your life, we recommend these spicy snacks from popular snack brands in Singaporet. From the popular Hai Chi Jia’s Hua Jia Fen to Tsurai’s Sichuan Mala Fish Skin, put your tastebuds and stomach to the test with these 10 spicy snacks in Singapore.

TSURAI MALA FISH SKIN

It would be an absolute crime to not like crispy fish skin and we are so badly addicted to it. If you feel the same way as us, we highly recommend that you give the Tsurai Sichuan Mala Fish Skin a try.

One of the best fish skin snacks you can find in Singapore, this spicy snack features crisp fried fish skin that is smothered in a savoury and spicy mala seasoning. While it tastes great when eaten alone, we recommend dunking it in your steamboat too.

Price: S$15 for 1 bottle, S$36 for 3 bottles and S$100 for 10 bottles of Tsurai Sichuan Mala Fish Skin

Have the Tsurai Sichuan Mala Fish Skin delivered to your doorstep when you order this spicy snack online from Snacksdelivery.sg.

Photo Credit: NTUC Fairprice 

CALBEE HOT & SPICY POTATO CHIPS 

One of the most popular snack brands in the Singapore market, Calbee has a whole array of snacks ranging from their popular potato chips to prawn crackers.

Their Calbee Hot & Spicy Potato Chips are one of their bestselling items and the spicy snack really packs a punch. Each chip is coated in a generous amount of seasoning so you get a tongue-burning kick in every bite.

Price: S$1.50 – S$1.55 for a bag of Calbee Hot & Spicy Potato Chips

This spicy snack is available at most supermarkets across Singapore. You can also get the snack online from NTUC Fairprice and Cold Storage.

MALA ODEN

An instant noodle snack we highly recommend is the popular Mala Oden that has been making waves across the internet. This spicy snack is similar to a Japanese oden and comes with a variety of fishcake. Here, they replace the usual sweet oden soup with a tongue-burning mala broth for a spicy remix.

Each cup comes loaded with a generous amount of sweet potato noodles, dried vegetables and fishcake. All you need to do is add hot water to enjoy your mala oden.

Price: S$46.90 for 1 carton with 12 cups of Hei Ren Bu Luo Mala Oden, S$89.90 for 2 cartons with 24 cups of Hei Ren Bu Luo Mala Oden

Purchase this spicy snack from Snacksdelivery.sg and add it to your snack stash.

Read our review of the Mala Oden here.

Photo Credit: Itsybitsyspicy 

FRIED CHILLI PADI 

If you love chilli padi to the point where you feel the need to add it to everything, then you definitely need to get this Fried Chili Padi from Itsybitsyspicy. This crispy, fiery hot snack uses chili padi that is freshly harvested from Thailand and you can add it to your porridge, rice or noodles for a spicy punch. If you’re brave enough, you can even eat this snack on its own!

Price: 1 can of fried chilli padi for S$15.90, 2 cans for S$30, 5 cans for S$70 and 10 cans for S$125.

Turn up the heat and order this spicy snack from Itsybitsyspicy.

Photo Credit: Cold Storage 

FLAMIN’ HOT CHEETOS

If you haven’t tried it already, you’ve been missing out. There’s a reason why the Flamin’ Hot Crunchy Cheetos have been such a popular hit globally. This tongue-burning cheese snack is ominously red as it is coated in a spicy seasoning that lives up to its colour. Spicy food lovers will get a massive kick out of eating this, but people who have a low spice tolerance might find it quite overwhelming.

Price: S$5.20 for a bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos

Experience this spicy snack yourself get it online from Cold Storage.

HAI CHI JIA HUA JIA FEN 

Seafood lovers will love the Hai Chi Jia Hua Jia Fen, a popular spicy snack from China that has been a massive hit with people who love spicy food. Each bowl comes with real lala clams, potato noodles, enoki mushrooms and vegetables that soak up all the goodness of the spicy mala soup.

Price: S$19.90 for 1 carton with 6 boxes of Hai Chi Jia Hua Jia Fen, S$58.80 for 3 cartons with 18 boxes of Hai Chi Jia Hua Jia Fen and free courier

Spicy food lovers can buy this popular instant noodles online from Snacksdelivery.sg.

Read our review of Hai Chi Jia’s Hua Jia Fen here.

HAI CHI JIA GUO BA FEN 

Another addition to the spicy instant food scene is the Hai Chi Jia Guo Ba Fen. This instant noodle snack features sweet potato noodles and crispy rice soaked in a fiery peppercorn soup base. Pop in the crispy rice last to add an addictive contrasting texture to the slippery glass noodles.

While It is very different from your usual instant noodle ensemble, trust us when we say that it is worth a try!

Price: S$19.90 for 1 carton with 6 boxes of Hai Chi Jia Guo Ba Fen, S$58.80 for 3 cartons with 18 boxes of Hai Chi Jia Guo Ba Fen and free courier.

Order this popular spicy snack online from Snacksdelivery.sg.

Read our review of Hai Chi Jia’s Guo Ba Fen here.

Photo Credit: okashiworldmy.sg 

HAITAI SHINDANGDONG TTEOKBOKKI 

These hot tteokbboki-flavoured snacks are great for people who love the popular Korean street snack. For the uninitiated, tteokbbokki is a cylindrical Korean rice cake that is served in a sweet chilli sauce and is one of the country’s most popular dishes.

It isn’t chewy like your usual tteokbokki and is instead crispy and crunchy. However, this spicy snack has its own appeal that will leave you hooked.

Price: S$1.70 – S$2 for one packet of Haitai Shindangdong Tteokbokki

Snag this spicy snacks online from Lazada.

Photo Credit: Mala Mala SG 

MALA MALA CRAZY SPICY HAND-CUT POTATO WEDGES 

A homegrown brand that has become increasingly popular for its fiery mala snacks, Mala Mala has a multitude of snack options for people who enjoy the heat.

Aside from their popular Fish Skin and Hand-Cut Mushroom Chips options, they also sell Hand-Cut Potato Wedges. These are available in 3 different spice levels for various spice tolerances, but we recommend the Crazy Spicy level for the ultimate amount of spiciness.

Price: S$9 per packet of Mala Mala Hand-Cut Potato Wedges

Place an order for these super spicy snacks on their website.

Photo Credit: NTUC Fairprice 

NORILICIOUS 

This one is for our vegan friends! The Spicy Sunflower Seed Seaweed Snack from Norilicious is a vegan-friendly snack that is made with wholesome natural ingredients that are good for your body. These spicy snacks are roasted and not fried, which doesn’t compromise on the snacks flavours.

Created with Korean seaweed, sunflower seeds, peanuts, sesame seeds and chilli peppers, you won’t be able to put down this spicy snack!

Price: S$3.50 for one packet of Norilicious Spicy Sunflower Seed Seaweed Snack

Want to sample this spicy snack? Opt for snack delivery and order this snack from NTUC Fairprice. 

Photo Credit: The Golden Duck Singapore 

THE GOLDEN DUCK SICHUAN MALA HOT POT FRAGRANT MIX 

Addicted to mala xiang guo and can’t go a week without eating it? If you do, this snack was designed for people like you.

The Sichuan Mala Hot Pot Fragrant Mix from The Golden Duck is like having a bowl of mala xiang guo in a bag. Aside from the brand’s signature fish skin, this packet of goodness also includes a generous amount of fried beancurd skin and mushrooms that are seasoned in a numbing mala concoction that is made from 19 various herbs and spices.

Price: S$39 for a bundle of 5 of The Golden Duck Sichuan Mala Hot Pot Fragrant Mix

Get your spicy snack fix and order the Mala Hot Pot Fragrant Mix snack online from The Golden Duck’s website.

The past few days have been filled with a string of bad news. With the closure of popular patisserie Antoinette and seafood restaurant The Pelican, there can’t possibly be anything else worse, right? Sadly, we are wrong.

The Fabulous Baker is the next dining establishment to announce its closure and their last day will be on 11 July 2020.

Before the restaurant closes, they will be serving their well-loved food and bakes for the last time.

They will be reopening their doors on 27 June 2020, Saturday and will be open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 8.30am to 5pm till their final day on the 11th of July. You can also order from them online and they will be providing islandwide delivery.

If you’ve been a loyal fan of The Fabulous Baker Boy, do pop by one last time to support them before they close for good.

The dessert scene has seen the arrival of many quirky and innovative creations, with some that are too pretty to be eaten. However, at the end of the day, nothing truly beats a classic scoop of ice cream.

We adore our ice cream and we love how over the years, more exciting, unheard of flavours have popped up in the market. Nutty beer? Chilli Chocolate? Rhubarb Buttermilk? Sign us up.

While we enjoy having our ice cream in the parlour itself, sometimes, it just feels better to have it at home. Especially during this period where most people would prefer to stay home, we know that some of you would want another alternative that’ll allow you to get your hands on your favourite dessert. Therefore, we have put together this guide of 16 places that do ice cream delivery in Singapore for your reference.

APIARY 

Having many quirky flavours up their sleeves, Apiary has etched its name in many Singaporeans’ ice cream dictionary. All their ice cream is made from scratch and they use natural, fresh ingredients to create ice cream of the highest quality.

Flavours you can look forward to indulging in include Caramelised Strawberry (S$15) and 73% Dark Chocolate (S$17) and Black Sesame (S$17).

Order a tub of their ice cream on their website and engage in their ice cream delivery services. A minimum spend of S$50 is needed and a flat islandwide delivery fee of S$5 applies.

BIRDS OF PARADISE 

Situated along East Coast Road, Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique is an ice cream paradise that is highly popular on social media for its extremely photogenic interior and ice cream that are both inspired by botanical elements.

Look out for favourites such as Lychee Raspberry (S$17), Pistachio (S$20) and Sea Salt Hojicha (S$17).

Get your ice cream fix from this popular ice cream store in Singapore by placing an order on their website. A minimum order of 3 pints and a maximum order of 4 pints is needed. Delivery charges are at a flat rate of S$8.

BUTTERKNIFE FOLK

Specialising in handcrafted gelatos and sorbets, Butterknife Folk offers a diverse range of creamy sweet treats in a multitude of flavours. The folks behind the brand are very passionate about what they do and this is evident in their products.

A tub of their ice cream in any flavour is priced at just S$19. From unique picks like butterbeer to even vegan creations like Red Fennel, there is truly something for everyone.

Butterknife folk provides free islandwide ice cream delivery for orders above S$57. Pick out what you want from their online ice cream shop.

CAMACA

Hankering for a sweet treat but need to watch your sugar intake? Engage in Camaca, a sugar-free dessert cafe that has a variety of desserts that taste good even without the added sugar. Yes, this includes their ice cream!

Classic flavours to choose from include Swiss Chocolate (S$15) and Tiramisu (S$15). Want something more premium? Go for their Musang King Durian (S$22) that is made with authentic Malaysian Maoshan King durians.

Check out what they have available for ice cream delivery on their website. They provide free delivery within 5km of their premises (Bukit Timah, Clementi, Holland Village etc) with a minimum spend of S$35. Other locations will be charged a fee.

CREAMIER 

Best known for being a heartland artisanal ice cream gem, Creamier has long been a go-to for lovers of good, honest ice cream and waffles.

Popular ice cream flavours such as Roasted Pistachio (S$16), Sea Salt Gula Melaka (S$12) and Blue Pea Vanilla (S$16) are some of what you can expect from this well-loved ice cream shop in Singapore.

Get free ice cream delivery when your order goes above S$55. Orders below that amount will be charged a flat delivery fee of S$12. Have a look at what they have to offer on their website.

DOPA DOPA CREAMERY 

Dopa Dopa Creamery is the very definition of quality over quantity. While they have a very small selection of ice cream options to choose from, each and every flavour they have for sale is meticulously made with plenty of passion. The result? Thick, rich and creamy scoops that will blow you away.

Get yourself a tub of their bestselling Pistachio ice cream. Not a fan of that? They also have Coconut Pandan, Ferraro and Peanut Butter.

Whatsapp them at +65 9123 2143 to check for the flavours of the day and to place an order. They provide free islandwide delivery when you order at least 4 tubs of ice cream.

KIND KONES

Happen to be vegan? Fret not, as we have an ice cream option for you too! Kind Kones is an ice cream parlour in Orchard that serves vegan ice cream that is made without milk, cream, eggs or refined sugar. You would think that this would affect the taste and consistency of their ice cream but surprisingly, it doesn’t.

Kind Kones has gluten-free ice cream cups such as Salted Chocolate Chip (S$4.90) and Black Forest (S$6.90). If you can’t take nuts, get their Pandan Gula Melaka (S$4.90) or Madagascan Vanilla Bean (S$6.90).

Free ice cream delivery is available for orders above S$100 and anything below that will be charged delivery rates according to distance.

KINDRED FOLK 

Nestled away in KAP Residence Mall along King Albert Park is Kindred Folk, a charming ice cream cafe that serves a decent selection of unique homemade ice creams.

Choose from decadent tubs of Belgian Dark Chocolate (S$13) to vegan options like Sea-salt Gula Coconut (S$13).

Place an order for Kindred Folk’s ice cream here. A minimum order of 2 pints is needed for free islandwide delivery. Deliveries to Sentosa will be an additional S$5.

KOOKS CREAMERY 

Miss Kooks Creamery’s molten cookies and ice cream pairings? You can now enjoy it from the comfort of your home.

They have special bundles for their ice cream and lava cookies. All you need to do is pop the cookies in the oven for 9 minutes and top it off with a scoop of your favourite ice cream. Some bundles you can choose from are the Chocolate Lava Cookies & Ice Cream Bundle (S$59.70) and the Matcha Lava Cookies & Ice Cream Cooker Bag Bundle (S$71.70). They also sell their cookies and ice cream separately.

For free islandwide ice cream delivery, spend a minimum amount of S$65. Orders below that amount will be charged a flat fee of S$10 per location. Get more information on their website.

MONARCHS & MILKWEED 

Named after the gorgeous butterfly, Monarchs & Milkweed Gelato is a gelato boutique that specialises in interesting botanical flavours.

Regular customers will be glad to know that popular ice cream flavours like Brown Butter Sage, matcha and Pistachio will be available for ice cream delivery. They charge S$16.50 per pint for regular flavours and S$20 per pint for premium flavours.

You can Whatsapp them at +65 9665 7534 to get your share of their artisanal ice creams. Delivery charges depend on your location.

MOOSH 

Moosh is a Muslim-owned soft serve shop situated along the ever-hip Haji Lane. Their soft serves are velvety smooth and lusciously creamy without being too sweet on the palate, just how we like it!

Pints of their Nutella Brownies Cheesecake, Ondeh Ondeh or Milo Monster soft serve is available for ice cream delivery. All pints cost S$12. Order more to get a discount.

To order, drop them a Whatsapp at +65 8790 7077. A flat ice cream delivery charge of S$10 is applicable for all orders.

Photo Credit: Sunday Rose 

SUNDAY ROSE 

Sunday Rose specialises in handcrafted Artisan gelato that is not created with synthetic flavourings, dyes or off-the-shelf mixes. These pair fantastically well with the signature buttermilk waffles which are also available for delivery.

Belgium Dark Knight (S$15), Sapporo Lavender Milk (S$17) and Hong Kong Milk Tea (S$20) are just some of the flavours they have available for ice cream delivery. If you’re keen on getting some of their Original Buttermilk Waffles, they cost just S$12 for a pack of 2.

Head over to their website to order your ice cream online and get free islandwide delivery with a minimum order of S$80. Orders below S$80 will be charged S$10 per location.

THE DAILY SCOOP 

As one of the pioneers of artisanal ice cream, The Daily Scoop has multiple outlets islandwide that has had successful reception over the years.

Have a peek at their ice cream delivery menu and find flavours like Chendol (S$12.50), Kookie Monster (S$12.50) and Maoshan (S$18.50).

Fill up their order form to get ice cream delivery. They provide free deliveries when you spend above S$50 and anything below that will be charged a flat fee of S$5.

TOM’S PALETTE 

Local ice cream parlour Tom’s Palette specialises in homemade ice cream that comes in a range of exotic flavours. Everything here is painstakingly made from scratch and their hard work really shines through.

Mango Sticky Rice ice cream (S$18), anyone? Or what about Lemon Cheesecake (S$18)? You’ll definitely be spoilt for choice when you look at all their ice cream offerings.

Spend S$54 and above to be entitled to free islandwide delivery

Joining the many dining establishments that have closed down in 2020 is DC Super Heroes Cafe at Marina Bay Sands.

The 5-year-old themed cafe has been a popular spot for both children and adults to enjoy a meal inspired by their favourite superheroes.

Unlike many of the other eateries in Singapore that have closed down due to the impact of the pandemic and Circuit Breaker, DC Super Heroes Cafe mentioned that it will be shutting its doors due to the end of its tenancy.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, they thanked their customers for all the support and love over the past 5 years.

We are glad to know that their Takashimaya branch will still be around and will be open for business again in Phase 2 on 19 June 2020. However, as mentioned in their Facebook post, their Takashimaya outlet will be transitioning to a new brand.

The day we’ve all been restlessly waiting for has come, and Singapore has finally exited the Circuit Breaker.

However, before we dash out of our homes in euphoria and attempt to carry out every single activity we’ve been waiting to do, we need to understand that our lives from now onwards will be a long stretch from what it previously used to be like.

As we rev our engines and restart our work towards normalcy, we have to remember that our society isn’t the same place that we left behind before we entered the Circuit Breaker.

Our economy is in shambles and Singapore will be entering a recession this year. A dark, ominous cloud looms above our heads, fuelled by a significant amount of uncertainty, especially over the duration and intensity of the period. Singapore’s GDP growth forecast for 2020 has been revised downwards to -7% to -4%, the lowest in Singapore’s history.

How long will we be stuck in this rut? How bad will it be? What can we do moving forward to prevent things from getting worse?

While you may think of yourself as a small speck in Singapore’s 5.6 million population, every effort counts and we all need to work together to save our little red dot. Don’t know where to start? Here are 6 ways in which you can contribute to getting Singapore back on her feet.

AVOID DELIVERY SERVICES AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND ORDER DIRECTLY FROM THE F&B BUSINESS ITSELF 

While delivery apps like GrabFood and Foodpanda are undoubtedly a convenient option, placing an order via them may be harming your favourite eateries more than helping them.

These platforms charge a whopping 20% to 40% commission for regular deliveries and 10% to 20% commission for self pick-up orders. To make up for the loss, some eateries tend to jack up their prices, but this usually ends up deterring diners from ordering from them. You can read about all this in detail here.

It is pretty hard to eliminate our usage of such apps completely as there are instances where it is the merchant’s only delivery option or it is inconvenient for you to takeaway from the eatery itself. However, as much as possible, we should try to minimise our usage of these platforms whenever we can to support our local establishments. Check out Facebook groups such as Singapore Restaurant Rescue and Hawkers United — Dabao 2020 to find out which restaurants and hawkers you can order directly from. 

SEND YOUR FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES SOME FOOD

We know it’s a bummer that we still can’t really hang out with all our friends and we sorely miss them. One way to let them know that you’re thinking of them is to send them food. Aside from making your friend happy, you will also be supporting local businesses as well. That’s killing two birds with one stone!

You can order meals from your favourite restaurants that offer islandwide deliveries in Singapore, send them a pint of ice cream or two, or your favourite Basque Burnt Cheesecakes.

Mala instant noodles and Suan La Fen are all the rage in Singapore right now. Order a carton of the popular Mala Oden to send to your friends and family.

Feeling fat from pigging out during Circuit Breaker? Try the best slimming coffee in Singapore from Mskinny.

LEAVE A TIP WHENEVER POSSIBLE 

Though Singapore doesn’t have a tipping culture, there isn’t anything wrong with giving a tip once in a while to spread some happiness and make someone’s day. The next time you order something or head down to dabao something from the chicken rice auntie near your house, tell the merchants or delivery person to keep the change. It may be a minuscule gesture, but every small step counts in helping our local businesses.

#SAVEFNBSG AND VISIT YOUR LOCAL HAWKERS CENTRES AND EATERIES 

The F&B scene in Singapore is in absolute ruins right now. With eateries not being able to allow their customers to dine in and having to switch to delivery and takeaway options, sales have taken a plunge, leaving these poor businesses in a sinking ship that’s close to becoming fully submerged.

We’ve already heard of a number of businesses that have given up on the battle and closed down to cut losses. It would be awful if more of such dining establishments follow suit and we should do as much as we can to protect the remaining ones.

So, whenever possible, support our hawkers and restaurants by patronising them. It doesn’t have to be a daily affair, but we can all attempt to do so whenever convenient.

#SUPPORTLOCAL AND ORDER SOMETHING FROM HOME-BASED BUSINESSES OR HOME-GROWN BRANDS 

We must not forget that aside from our brick and mortar stalls, home-based businesses and home-grown brands are just as badly affected by the pandemic as everyone else. For a period of time during the Circuit Breaker, these brands were not allowed to operate so as to curb human-to-human interaction. This also means that they were not receiving any revenue at all.

To help them out, you can always make a small purchase from them. For a comprehensive list of home-based and home-grown businesses, you can check out hbb.sg.

#TREATYOURSELF AND DO A LITTLE SHOPPING 

Who would have ever imagined that spoiling ourselves with occasional gifts would be useful in saving Singapore’s dying economy? With most physical stores being shut for the time being, many of our favourite brands have desperately turned to online platforms to continue their businesses. To help them make it over the next few hurdles before stores are allowed to re-operate again, purchasing something from them online can help boost their sales and survive another month.

While we aren’t asking you to go crazy and start carting out all the items in your wishlist, a little retail therapy to #treatyourself will definitely help to stimulate the economy. So yes, get those pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing; you deserve it for surviving the Circuit Breaker.

Covid-19 has ruined pretty much all of our plans for 2020 as well as affected our daily lives for the worse. From cancelled overseas trips to plenty of restrictions, the pandemic has been a wet blanket and the worst way to start another decade.

However, it hasn’t completely put a permanent halt on some of the activities that we have been looking forward to. A number of events in Singapore that were scheduled to happen across 2020 have bounced back innovatively with online versions of what they had originally prepared. While it definitely won’t feel the same as physically being there, for now, it’s better than nothing.

From the National Day Parade 2020 to Shilin-inspired Night Market, here are 8 events and activities in Singapore that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home while you #stayhome and #staysafe.

Photo Credit: Cé La Vi Singapore 

CÉ LA VI SINGAPORE

The party doesn’t have to stop even though you can’t head out to a club! CÉ LA VI Singapore will be bringing the clubbing experience to you at home so you can still let loose and unwind while bopping to some sick beats from your bedroom. Recent DJs they’ve hosted include the renowned Fabio Neural, and they’ve even held fundraising live streams for the Italian Red Cross. You can be sure that there will be more great music to come until you can physically visit the club again.

Check out their Facebook or Instagram for updates.

Photo Credit: Gavin Foo

NATIONAL DAY PARADE 2020

This year’s National Day will definitely be vastly different from what we are used to. The parade will mostly be focusing on allowing Singaporeans to celebrate our Nation’s birthday online at home instead of the usual locations like the floating platform at Marina Bay.

The theme for 2020 is ‘Together, A Stronger Singapore’. The bulk of the parade segments will be moved to heartland areas and streamed on both television and internet platforms. Traditional performances such as the Red Lions free-fall jump, state flag fly-past and mobile column will take place in various locations across our little red dot. An evening show will also be held at The Star Performing Arts Centre in Buona Vista where they will feature films and performances by Singaporeans. Of course, everything will end off with a breathtaking fireworks display across multiple sites.

While it definitely won’t feel the same as any other parade we’ve attended, we are glad that we are still able to celebrate Singapore’s birthday despite what is going on in the world. It is crucial for us to remember that at the end of the day, the only way we can overcome this adversity is to stick together as a country.

When: 9 August 2020

Photo Credit: Marquee Singapore 

MARQUEE ONE LIVE

Another club that has moved to the online sphere is Marquee Singapore. During this period, they will be live streaming virtual parties that you can partake in at home. They even celebrated their One Year Anniversary with a lit online birthday bash with performances by DJs such as Steve Aoki, Nicky Romero and Andrew Rayel.

For more groovy jams, hop on over to their Spotify and check out some of their playlists.

Check their Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

PINK DOT 

Celebrate love and Singapore’s LGBTQ community even while you stay home. This year’s Pink Dot celebration will be live-streamed on its online platforms instead of their usual venue at Hong Lim Park.

Dress up all pretty in pink and tune in at 6.30 pm on the 27th of June 2020 to watch the line-up of discussions, activities and programmes that they have in store for you. The world is in a tough place right now and a little more love will help make everything better.

Check out their Facebook or Instagram for more information.

When: 27 June 2020, 6.30 pm

SHILIN-INSPIRED NIGHT MARKET 

Enjoy a slice of Taiwan with the online version of Shilin-inspired Night Market in Singapore! The bright side about this year’s online event is that you won’t have to sweat it out and battle with throngs of other people just to have the night market experience. This year, you can attend their virtual marketplace which will have four zones: Eat, Shop, Play & Fun.

Enjoy performances and shop online for food and products without having to take a step out of the house. With over 100 local and regional vendors like Mori, Playmade and D’bun, the people behind Shilin Night Market hope to be able to boost sales for these F&B & retail operators who have been badly hit by the pandemic blues.

The event will be happening across two weekends, so mark your calendars!

When: 12 June 2020 to 14 June 2020, 19 June 2020 to 21 June 2020

Photo Credit: Singapore Heritage Festival 

SINGAPORE HERITAGE FESTIVAL: DIGITAL EDITION  

Want to feel like a tourist in your own country? You can do so via the Singapore Heritage Festival: Digital Edition.

This year, delve into the less-known stories of areas such as Tanjong Pagar, Pasir Ris and Kallang. Learn more about Singapore’s vibrant history via a series of virtual tours, webinars and digitally commissioned works from your bedroom. You can even attend online masterclasses that will teach you how to make your very own belachan at home.

Check out their website for more information.

When: 19 June 2020 to 5 July 2020

Photo Credit: Star Wars Run 

STAR WARS VIRTUAL RUN 

Never would we have ever imagined that marathons and runs will go virtual, but 2020 has proven to us once again that such unfathomable things can actually be made possible.

This year’s annual Star Wars Run goes online for the very first time and from 15 June 2020 to 30 September 2020, you can partake in this legendary run at your nearest neighbourhood park or from your treadmill. Participants can choose between the Light Side & Dark Side and clock the distances they’ve run. Once completed, you’ll receive a commemorative Finisher Trophy. 40-kilometre runners will also be able to get a limited edition 40th-anniversary gold Darth Vader trophy. May the force be with you and good luck!

Check out their website for more information.

When: 15 June 2020 to 30 September 2020

Photo Credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

WAN QING DUMPLING FESTIVAL 

Explore ancient Chinese myths and practices during Wan Qing Dumpling Festival’s very first digital edition. Also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, the dumpling festival is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world. This year, you can do so while you stay home with a line-up of family-friendly online activities such as cooking classes, quizzes, interactive craft demonstrations and contests that will be available on their Facebook page.

From learning how to make bak zhang to watching animated storytelling sessions about rice dumplings, there is something for the whole family!

When: 1 June 2020 to 30 June 2020

After a long arduous wait, June has arrived and we have finally exited the Circuit Breaker.

To reward yourself for staying home for so long, why not treat your bellies with some fantastic food offers? Times are tough, so while we treat ourselves, we can always try to save some money at the same time.

From 1-for-1 pizza from Pizza Hut to free winglets from 4 Fingers, here are 7 F&B venues in Singapore that will be having food promotions in June 2020. Save money and stay safe!

Photo Credit: SG Food Deals 

4 FINGERS — 2 FREE WINGLETS WITH COMBO ORDERS 

Winner winner chicken dinner, reward yourself for your victory over the Circuit Breaker by getting some free chicken winglets from 4 Fingers.

To claim your well-deserved winglets, simply just flash the above picture from SG Food Deals and claim your chicken with any purchase of one of their combo orders. Do note that this food promotion is only valid for takeaway till end June and is available at all their outlets except Marina Square, Plaza Singapura and Changi Airport Terminal 1 & Terminal 3. Check out their list of stores here.

Promotion period: 30th June 2020

Photo Credit: Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 

COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF — 4 CUPS OF PICCOLO LATTE FOR S$9.90 

Sad that you need to head back to the office after working from home for 2 months? Perk yourself up by enjoying this value-for-money offer from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. For just S$9.90, get yourself 4 cups of their 8oz Piccolo Latte. You can either share these with your colleagues or down them all yourself if you really need the caffeine, your choice.

Do note that to enjoy this deal, you have to redeem it before 11am. The promotion is available in-store at all their outlets and is not applicable with any other promotions, discounts or privileges.

Promotion period: Until further notice

Photo Credit: KFC Singapore 

KFC — 10-PIECE CHICKEN SET FOR S$18 

To get your chicken fix, you’d be glad to know that KFC will be having an exciting food deal in June to satisfy those cravings. Get their 10-piece chicken set for just S$18 (U.P. S$33.50); that’s a whopping 46% off!

The value-for-money food promotion can be claimed when you opt for both contactless takeaway and delivery. Limited to 1 set per transaction. It is available at all KFC outlets in Singapore except for KFC ARC, Kidzania, Jcube, Nanyang Technological University, Toa Payoh Express, Jewel Changi Airport, Orchard Cinelesiure, Takashimaya, Singapore Polytechnic and Singapore Zoo.

Promotion period: Until further notice

Photo Credit: Pizza Hut 

PIZZA HUT — 1-FOR-1 PIZZA TUESDAYS, 50% ALL PIZZA FLAVOURS 

You may have survived Monday, but Tuesdays aren’t easy days of the week either. Make the day better by getting their 1-for-1 promotion on Tuesdays for their pizzas starting from just S$10. Save money and enjoy this offer with a colleague (or have it all to yourself). Available for personal, regular and large pizzas.

The deal is valid only for delivery orders made via their website and is not available during public holidays.

Promotion period: Until further notice

Can’t wait till Tuesday? Order any 2 pizzas for delivery or 1 pizza for takeaway and get 50% off your bill! Available for personal, regular and large pizzas.

Promotion period: Until further notice

All mentioned deals are not available with any other promotions, coupons, discounts or offers.

Photo Credit: Sakae Sushi 

SAKAE SUSHI — 1-FOR-1 TERIYAKI CHICKEN RAMEN 

We’ve missed being able to indulge in a piping hot bowl of ramen and if you feel the same way, why not enjoy this 1-for-1 offer for Sakae Sushi’s Teriyaki Chicken Ramen (U.P. S$15.90 per bowl)? That makes it just S$7.70 per bowl after discount!

To make things even more exciting, there is also the option of adding S$5 to your meal for 2 packets of their Sakae Bubble Milk Tea, it’s the perfect promotion for two.

Promotion period: Till 15th June 2020

Aside from that, you can also redeem a free serving of edamame when you spend S$40 on any a la carte purchase. Do note that this cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion so unfortunately, you can’t use it with the 1-for-1 Teriyaki Chicken Ramen deal.

Promotion period: Until further notice

Photo Credit: Spizza 

SPIZZA — 1-FOR-1 TAKEOUT DEAL 

Spizza will be having a special June 2020 offer where you can get 1-for-1 on any of their pasta and pizzas when you opt for takeout on a weekday. So, if you’ve been craving for some good ol’ Italian food, this is a deal you have to take note of!

The offer runs from Monday to Friday (except Eve and/of public holidays) and is only for pick-up orders made directly with their participating outlets, which are located at Jalan Kayu and Bukit Timah.

Give the outlet a ring to order in advance and expect a waiting time of about 45 minutes. Please take note that the offer is not redeemable when you order via their website or mobile app. They also encourage their diners to use Paywave to minimise any form of physical contact.

This deal cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions, discounts or privileges.

Promotion period: 30 June 2020

Photo Credit: 7-Eleven 

7-ELEVEN — COUPON BOOKLETS 

While the pandemic period has turned many of us into Masterchefs, there are some of us who still prefer a more convenient option when it comes to anything related to food. Why wait an hour for your steak to cook when you can pop a ready-to-eat meal in the microwave and get back to watching Netflix?

If that resonated with you, we recommend that you get 7-Eleven’s discount coupon booklet and score some of these great deals for June. Each booklet costs just S$1 (Yes, you heard that right, just one dollar!) and contains a plethora of value-for-money deals that you won’t be able to resist.

Some of the promotions you can look forward to are getting 2 packets of Kettle Chips for S$1.60, 50 cents off their Chicken Teriyaki Onigiri and S$1 off their Mac & Cheese microwavable meal. It truly is a steal!

Do note that these coupon booklets are limited edition, so fastest fingers first.

Promotion period: Coupon booklets are sold till 14th June 2020 or while stocks last and deals can be redeemed up until 30th June 2020.