Coffee cube latte is a unique twist on your usual iced coffee, and can be made as a morning or early afternoon pick-me-up. We actually prefer this to regular iced coffee, because the coffee does not get watered down as we continue drinking. When the coffee cubes melt, the taste only becomes richer.

If you’re like us and you find it hard to survive without a cuppa in the morning, this recipe’s for you. Especially when we live in such a humid environment, a cold cup of coffee is just what we need to start the day well.

This fuss-free coffee cube latte recipe just needs 10 minutes of your time and 3 ingredients that you can easily find at home.

HOW TO MAKE COFFEE CUBE LATTE – STEP 1

Step 1: Gather your ingredients, instant black coffee powder, an ice tray, and a cup of milk. Pour hot water into the instant black coffee powder and mix well.

HOW TO MAKE COFFEE CUBE LATTE – STEP 2

Step 2: Pour the mix into the ice tray and put it in your fridge. Leave it there overnight.

HOW TO MAKE COFFEE CUBE LATTE – STEP 3

Step 3: Put the coffee ice cubes in a cup. Add milk, and serve!

Pro-Tips:
Add sweetener/condensed milk if you want the coffee to taste sweeter.

First introduced in 1974, Binggrae’s famous Korean banana milk has been a hit worldwide, and loved by people of all ages. Over the years, other banana milk brands such as Seoul Milk Banana Milk and Maeil’s Banana Milk have gained recognition, selling the well-loved drink that has captured the hearts of many a round the world, not just South Koreans.

If you want to save some cash and a trip to the grocery store, you can. Here’s an easy recipe you can follow to recreate this trendy drink. Trust us, it tastes JUST as good. Without further ado, here is how you can make Korean Fresh Banana Milk.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE KOREAN FRESH BANANA MILK

- 3 bananas
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Milk

HOW TO MAKE KOREAN FRESH BANANA MILK – STEP 1

Step 1: Put 2 bananas in a mixing bowl and mash it. Add 2 tbsp of sugar. Mix well.

HOW TO MAKE KOREAN FRESH BANANA MILK – STEP 2

Step 2: Take the remaining banana and slice it into small pieces.

HOW TO MAKE KOREAN FRESH BANANA MILK – STEP 3

Step 3: Pour the mashed bananas into a cup. Add the sliced banana pieces and pour the milk in. And you’re done. It’s that simple. Enjoy!

Pro-Tips:
Put the Korean Fresh Banana Milk in the refrigerator and chill it for an hour or so for the best taste!

Have you ever tried fresh strawberry milk with a Korean twist to it? This refreshing Korean fresh strawberry milk drink is usually sold in the summertime in various boutique cafés around Seoul, Korea.

The difference between regular strawberry milk and Korean strawberry milk is the fact that real strawberries are used in the Korean version. Nothing is artificial or processed in the bottle of Korean strawberry milk.

The prices range from S$6 to S$8 for just one bottle. Sounds expensive? We think so too. Especially when you just need 10 minutes of your time and 3 ingredients. It’s that easy. Here is a Korean fresh strawberry milk recipe on how to make this popular drink at home.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE KOREAN FRESH STRAWBERRY MILK

- 10 strawberries
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 200ml milk

HOW TO MAKE KOREAN FRESH STRAWBERRY MILK – STEP 1

Step 1: Cut 5 strawberries in half and remove the top part. Put them in a bowl and crush them. Pour 3 tbsp of sugar into the bowl of crushed strawberries and mix.

HOW TO MAKE KOREAN FRESH STRAWBERRY MILK – STEP 2

Step 2: Put the mixture in a pot and turn the heat to medium. When it starts to boil, mix it around for a minute or so before letting the purée cool.

HOW TO MAKE KOREAN FRESH STRAWBERRY MILK – STEP 3

Step 3: Chop the rest of the strawberries in small sizes. Pour the purée into a bottle, add the milk in, and finally, the chopped strawberries. And you’re done! Here is your Korean fresh strawberry milk.

Pro-Tips:
If you leave this in the fridge overnight, it’ll taste even better after a few hours.

You’ve seen Dalgona coffee being whipped up by the masses all over social media. It has taken the internet by storm, and people have come up with their own recipes for this sweet drink. Dalgona is a type of Korean honeycomb candy, and Dalgona coffee is a whipped coffee treat that is made typically using instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. For our Dalgona coffee recipe, click here.

The Matcha Dalgona Latte is a twist to the usual Dalgona whipped drink, and today we’ll show you an easy matcha dalgona latte recipe on how you can make this popular drink in 3 simple steps.

All you need is an egg white, matcha powder, and sugar to make matcha dalgona latte at home.

HOW TO MAKE MATCHA DALGONA LATTE – STEP 1

Step 1: Get your egg white, matcha powder, and sugar ready. Whip your egg white in a bowl until you have a frothy, thick texture. For us, we’ve used a whisk to get the egg white to the right consistency. It might take a while, so patience is key.

HOW TO MAKE MATCHA DALGONA LATTE – STEP 2

Step 2: Scoop sugar into the mix and continue whipping. Sift the matcha powder and whisk until the matcha is fully mixed in. Whip until it reaches a firm peak consistency. Firm peaks should stick to your whisk.

HOW TO MAKE MATCHA DALGONA LATTE – STEP 3

Step 3: Pour milk into a glass and add the whipped matcha in. Mix and enjoy your matcha dalgona latte!

Pro-Tips:
If you want a matcha dalgona vegan recipe without egg, aquafaba is a good alternative to egg whites. Aquafaba is a fancy word for the liquid inside a can of legumes such as chickpeas.

Add more sugar for a foamier and thicker texture.

It’s all over Facebook, Instagram and every other social media platform you see – it’s Dalgona Coffee. Dalgona is actually a traditional Korean candy that is made with sugar and baking soda to form a caramel consistency, where after that it is hardened and shapes are pressed into it. When you whip the coffee up, it also resembles the texture of molten dalgona candy, hence the name!

We’ve narrowed down these three simple steps such that you can also enjoy this viral drink everyone seems to be having. It’s definitely a lot easier than you think!

Step 1: The ratios are super simple – 1:1:1! Add 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, sugar and hot water into a bowl.

Step 2: Mix with a whisk by hand (and risk feeling the ache for 3 days after) or just grab a small hand-mixer and let it do the work for you. You should see it turn a lighter brown as it gets foamier! Whip it until it reaches a whipped cream-like consistency.

Step 3: Add ice and milk to a cup and pour your dalgona whip over it. Mix it thoroughly to enjoy!

Pro-Tips:

Sometimes Singapore can get a little hot so if your coffee doesn’t seem like it’s thickening, stick it in the fridge for around 10 to 15 minutes and try whipping it up again. Patience is key when whipping this.

The foam whips up from the amount of sugar added so if you reduce the amount of sugar, it might not be as thick and foamy as seen in a lot of videos. But the taste will still be pretty good!

So when Friday rolls around, you’re dying to meet your pals or gals for a good night out. Run-of-the-mill bars and pubs aren’t good enough and you want something a little more fun and a little more special to celebrate the end of a tiring week of work.

Here is a list of 12 Watering Holes Perfect For Your TGIF Celebrations.

#1 1925 BREWERY CO.

Serving up handcrafted beers and beer-inspired grub, 1925 Brewery Co. is the perfect place to unwind at after a tough day at the office. All their craft beers have an interesting tale to tell and their friendly staff are always willing to share.

Their signature beer – the Yellow Van – is worth a try. It’s a pale ale with a light and refreshing mouthfeel. They also offer stronger brews for those who prefer something with more robust flavours; their Jewel of Africa Smoky Porter has an interesting coffee flavour and resembles a deep stout.

While you’re at it, try their boozy Tiramisu made with Patron Cafe XO, an espresso-based liquor. It’s the perfect sweet ending to your work week!

261 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427515
Tel: +65 6909 1425
Tue to Sun: 4pm – 12am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Dakota/Eunos

#2 BAR BAR BLACK SHEEP

Sporting over 150 food items from a wide variety of cuisines, Bar Bar Black Sheep will satisfy all tongues. Western, Indian, Thai, Japanese – you name it, they have it.

While enjoying live soccer with your pals, you can dig into their unique Laksa Potato Chips or a bar-grub-classic Battered Fish & Chips; they go so well with an ice cold pint of beer. It’s the perfect way to relax and let off some steam, considering that the soccer clubs you support wins, of course!

501 Bukit Timah
#01-05C Cluny Court
Tel: +65 67634757
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 1am
Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

#3 BARKING IRONS

Barking Irons is a new steampunk-themed speakeasy bistro bar in Lavender serving up an interesting innovation: local-inspired cocktails! They wanted to adopt the “coffee-shop style” with drinks that reminded others of their throw-back childhood generation.

Try their famous alcoholic Bandung – pretty in pink but packs quite a punch!

78 Horne Road, #01-01
Singapore 209078
Tel: +65 6909 0349
Tues to Sun: 4pm – 12am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Lavender

#4 DON’T TELL MAMA

Despite it’s name, you would definitely want to tell your mama about this Korean-Mexican fusion bar. Don’t Tell Mama boasts a rustic wooden-industrial interior with a whimsical twist, having galaxy-printed umbrellas hanging from the ceiling and an indoor tree.

Of their plethora of drinks, including fruity soju and cocktails, they have their Beeritas and Sojuritas. They are slushy margaritas topped with a whole bottle of beer or soju. Food-wise, try their Bulgogi Quesadilla to really get to know what Korean-Mexican fusion is all about!

52 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088473
Tel: +65 6221 2007
Mon to Thu: 5.30pm – 2am
Fri & Sat: 5.30pm – 3am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Outram Park/Tanjong Pagar

#5 HOPHEADS

If you and your friends aren’t the kind to sit and chill at a bar, Hopheads might be the place for you. Think beer pong, giant Jenga and even table tennis – you’ll never get bored at Hopheads.

With no minimum spend and affordable happy hour prices, you and your buds don’t have to break the bank to enjoy yourselves.

78 Clemenceau Ave
Haw Par Glass Tower #B1-00
Singapore 239926
Tel: +65 6904 4019
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 11.45pm
Fri: 11.30am – 1.45am
Sat: 5pm – 1.45am
(Closed on Sundays except for private events)
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

#6 HOLEY MOLEY GOLF CLUB

Have you ever played mini golf when you’re tipsy? You may not get that hole-in-one, but you’re sure to have a ball of a time either way. Holey Moley Golf Club has several themed mini golf stations where you and your friends can have your hand at golf, even if you’ve never touched a golf club in your life.

Their menu boasts affordable beer towers and classic bar comfort food such as tater-tots and truffle fries but their biggest highlight would be their metre-long pizzas. If you’re planning a big group gathering, their gigantic pizzas are perfect for sharing.

3B River Valley Road
Singapore 179024
Tel: 800 492 2410
Mon: 12pm – 10pm
Tue: 12pm – 12am
Wed & Thu: 12pm – 1am
Fri: 12pm – 2am
Sat: 10am – 2am
Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

#7 LEVEL UP

Level Up, Singapore’s first-ever arcade bar, will take your Friday game nights to a whole new level. Stepping into Level Up seeing all the various game machines and flashing neon lights will definitely make  you reminisce the old days where you played air hockey with your friends at arcades such as TimeZone.

All you need to do is buy some drinks to get tokens to play with the machines. Challenge your friends at old-school arcade Basketball, Foosball and Streetfighter while snacking on their pub grub sharing platters.

3A River Valley Road #02-04
Singapore 179020
Tel: +65 6266 2276
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 2am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 3am
Sun: 4pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

#8 LOOF

Famed for their instagrammed-to-death neon lights and Asian-fusion bar snacks, Loof is a great spot to enjoy the last day of the week with friends.

Loof sports a modern menu with Asian flavours, offering cocktails with Asian twists and local-flavour-inspired such as their Bak Chor Mee Grilled Cheese or Chilli Crab Fries. Their al-fresco dining concept makes for a chill ambience; perfect for closing off a stressful week.

331 North Bridge Rd
Odeon Towers, Roof Top #03-07
Singapore 188720
Tel: +65 6337 9416
Sun to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Bras Basah/Esplanade

#9 NINETEEN80

Located in the heart of the CBD is retro-arcade bar, Nineteen80; a convenient rendezvous point for an after-work TGIF celebration. Nineteen80 is not just an instagram hotspot – it’s somewhere you can relive your inner child and have a great time with good company.

Combine some nostalgic game machines (think Space Invaders, Puzzle Bobble and Street Fighter 2) with fun drinks such as Vodka Ribena and you’ll get the perfect mix for a great night.

21 Tanjong Pagar Road #01-05
Singapore 088444
Tel: +65 9183 6073
Tue: 6.30pm – 1am
Wed & Fri: 6.30pm – 3am
Thu: 6.30pm – 2am
Sat: 9pm – 4am
(Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#10 OPERATION DAGGER

Like its name, Operation Dagger is a sharp and sleek speakeasy bar, hidden away in Ann Siang Hill. If you’re willing to push a few more pennies for drinks, Operation Dagger will not disappoint you and your crew.

Helmed by culinary flavour-master Luke Whearty, this hidden gem offers a plethora of the most unique drinks with its ever-changing menu. Some of the bars’ past concoctions include The Egg (salted egg yolk, vanilla and caramel) and Kakigori (matcha, vanilla, melon and white chocolate).

7 Ann Siang Hill
Singapore 069791
Tel: +65 6438 4057
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#11 PONG

If you and your friends’ favourite drinking game includes beer and a few ping-pong balls, Pong will be your new favourite after-dark hangout.  With their PongConnect™ technology, they will guarantee you a high-tech and fun-filled evening.

Their array of pizzas, pasta and drinks will keep your tummy satisfied as you battle it out with your friends. You can have a go at their dart machines too if you want to take a break from an intense match of Beer Pong.

3B River Valley Road #01-17,
The Foundry
Singapore 179021
Tel: +65 8808 7664
Sun to Thu: 7pm – 2am
Fri & Sat: 7pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning / Clarke Quay

#12 TIPSY PENGUIN

A rare gem in the East, the Tipsy Penguin boasts a wide selection of handmade pasta, donburi rice bowls and even $2 oysters! This spacious sports bar will offer you an array of affordable boozy drinks to play alongside your munchies such as their Charles’ Double Chocolate Stout or some fruity soju.

If you’re up for a sweet treat, check out their Accidental Cheesecake – a burnt cheesecake served with honeycomb ice cream. It will be one of the most satisfying ways to end your week.

300 Tampines Avenue 5, #01-02A
Singapore 529653
Tel: +65 9179 2051
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Tampines

If you were to look up the best cafes in the Bugis area, you would have a pretty hefty list. It’s definitely a hot spot for new openings with the abundance of shophouses and lots for retail and F&B.

Located at Jalan Klapa, near the North Bridge area and a few streets down of the famed Haji Lane and Arab Street, is Double Up Coffee. It’s a minimalist’s dream with stone seats, wooden furnishings and an overall industrial theme.

First up, we definitely had to try their coffee. We ordered an Iced Latte, which they call an ‘Spro With Milk (S$5, S$1 for iced). We felt that their house blend of coffee was right up our alley – smooth, full-bodied and had a nice tinge of fruit lingering on our tastebuds as we sipped on the coffee.

To complement our early-morning cuppa, we chose to have a slice of their freshly-baked Blueberry Crust (S$5.50). It’s an interesting pastry that we’ve never really come across before (almost like a cross between a baked galette and a pie). The pastry comes sprinkled in lemon zest and a dusting of icing sugar.

The blueberry filling was what really blew us away. It wasn’t too sweet or too tangy – like a lot of pie fillings. It was balanced really well in between and had a great texture – not jammy and still having the mouthfeel of stewed blueberries. The flaky crust accompanied this filling harmoniously and we liked how it was accented by the brown sugar crystals that were probably pressed into the dough just before the egg wash-glazing and baking.

Double Up Coffee is quite a great place to sit and sip on a cuppa with a friend, passing the morning. The cafe is quiet and the staff are pretty cheery to boot, so it’s well worth a short hike from Bugis station. If you’re into granite walls, minimal settings and a good cup of joe, you’re definitely going to love this cafe.

7 Jalan Klapa
Singapore 199319
Mon, Wed to Sun: 9am – 5.30pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Bugis

EXCLUSIVE: Machi Machi Singapore will be opening on 18 Jan 2020 11am at Arab Street and here’s an exclusive first look at Jay Chou’s bubble tea brand.

Machi Machi, a Taiwanese bubble tea speciality brand, has set up its first Singapore outlet. And trust us, it is worth a visit.

Machi Machi offers diverse flavours of bubble teas such as fresh fruits, cream cheese and lattes. Choose from five different tea bases: Tieguanyin Oolong Tea, Sun Moon Lake Black Tea, Pekoe Jasmine Green Tea, and Ceylon Highland Black Tea.

Whether you are a fan of Jay Chou or are a dedicated milk tea lover, here’s what you can expect at Machi Machi Singapore.

Popular Singer Ang Junyang—who also owns Boat Noodle—is one of the partners behind Machi Machi Singapore.

MACHI MACHI BOTTLED TEAS 

Those looking to snap photos of cute, photogenic drinks will be happy to know that four of their signature teas come packed in the iconic Machi Machi Bottles.

For the best taste experience, slurp both the jelly base and tea using the bubble tea straw.

STRAWBERRY MILK WITH PANNA COTTA 

Similar to a strawberry milkshake, the Strawberry Milk Tea with Panna Cotta (S$7.80) is a great selection for those who like their drinks sweet.

First blended with fresh strawberries for a tinge of tartness, then laden with their sweet signature gelatinous cream base, the creamy drink is a well-balanced creation not to be missed.

BLACK MILK TEA WITH PANNA COTTA 

One of Jay Chou’s all-time favourite milk teas, the Black Milk Tea with Panna Cotta (S$7) is a caffeine-free drink containing two luscious layers and edible bits of vanilla seeds. 

It is first prepared with a strong black tea, then mellowed in flavour from the addition of milk and sugar.

CREAM CHEESE TEAS 

Do not miss out on their unique cream cheese teas! There are three steps to enjoying this drink: first, sip on their cream cheese to get a sweet burst of flavour, stir the drink well, then guzzle down the rest of the beverage.

BLACK MILK TEA WITH CRÈME BRÛLÉE

Machi Machi’s signature Black Milk Tea with Crème Brûlée (S$5.80) — coined the legendary “God of Cheese Tea” — skyrocketed the brand to international success. Heads up for Jay Chou fans: this drink is another one of his favourites!

Served with a frothy layer of thick, caramelised cream cheese atop a milky beverage, the cheese is torched to give the drink an aromatic, roasted flavour.

BLUEBERRY AND STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE WITH CREAM CHEESE

We recommend the Blueberry & Strawberry Smoothie with Cream Cheese (S$7) if you want a refreshing pick-me-up. This fruity beverage is light on the palate and is well-blended with a handful of strawberries and blueberries, then topped with a layer of cream cheese.

CREAM CHEESE OOLONG TIEGUANYIN TEA 

The Cream Chinese Oolong Tieguanyin Tea (S$5.50) is a delicate, nutty tea infused with fragrant floral notes. This is a good option for those who enjoy an aromatic, light-bodied brew.

Balancing out the slight bitter aftertaste from the oolong tea is the rich flavour of cream cheese, making it the perfect savoury beverage.

Is Singapore ready for Machi Machi? We sure are!

Machi Machi Singapore
25 Arab St
Singapore 199724
Nearest Station: Bugis

When it comes to beverages, the Singapore market is already saturated with a plethora of brands jostling to see who can sell the best cup of bubble tea or coffee. So when we heard that Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt was bringing their highly raved-about yogurt drinks to the Singapore market, we were excited about this refreshing change.

Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt originates from Shanghai and they stand out in the traditional yogurt drink scene by selling yogurt drinks made from purple rice. The fresh in-house yogurt and rice blend provides their drinks with a viscous and creamy consistency which gives the drink an addictive, chewy bite. Moreover, these drinks are low in sugar and filled with probiotics and can be consumed as a meal replacement or diet drink.

Texture-wise aside, these drinks are great for health junkies who want to slurp away at something sweet without feeling the guilt. Made from high-quality milk that has been fermented for at least 48 hours in-house, all their drinks are chock full of essential vitamins and anti-oxidants. They also use complex grains that are high in fibre and great for your digestive system.

If you’re interested to try a cup (or two!) of Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt’s unique concoction, you can check them out at Westgate, Orchard Centrepoint and CityLink Mall.

There will also be a 1-for-1 promotion valid for all drinks during the grand opening of all existing branches. This will be happening on 21 December 2019, Saturday, and is limited to the first 150 customers (1 per pax) of all 3 outlets during 11am and 6pm until the drinks are sold out. In addition, vouchers (50% off) will also be given out for every purchase on the grand opening day itself. So, grab a friend and don’t miss out on this great deal!

All of Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt Drinks are made fresh and from scratch in-store, so you can be assured that you’ll only be getting top-notch quality yogurt drinks. 

They are famous for the use of purple rice in a number of their drinks. Not only do these provide the drinks with a subtle sweetness and bite that add plenty of texture and flavour, they are highly nutritious as well.

A helping of purple rice also has numerous health benefits and provides you with a copious amount of antioxidants, fibre, protein and iron that can help lower the risk of chronic diseases and keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in check.

YOMIE’S RICE x YOGURT SMOOTHIE 

If the extensive menu intimidates you, we recommend that you try their best-selling drink: Yomie’s Purple Rice Yogurt (S$5.60). With over 10,000 cups sold daily worldwide, each cup of this goodness comes with specks of partially blended purple rice. Upon first slurp, we were pleasantly surprised by how the nuttiness of the rice complemented the subtle sweetness and tartness of the yogurt, resulting in an intriguing medley of flavours.

What makes the drink even more palatable is the number of health benefits you can get from long term consumption of purple rice. Aside from promoting heart health, the drink helps to lower the risk of some cancers, increase the levels of good high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the body and improve liver functions. There is definitely more to this drink than meets the eye!

Also from the Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt Smoothie series is the Yomie’s Oats Yogurt (S$5.60). If you don’t fancy oats, this drink may change your mind! The oats add a nice chewiness that gave the drink more viscosity and body as well as a subtle nuttiness that paired well with the yogurt.

Oats are known to promote weight loss as well as improve the immune system and blood sugar levels. They are also great for those of you who need a little push in the bowel movement department as they help with digestion and prevent constipation.

ENERGY GRAINS x YOGURT SMOOTHIE

If you need a little energy boost, we recommend that you check out their Energy Grains x Yogurt Smoothie series for concoctions that will help start your day off on the right foot.

The Pure Jujube Yogurt (S$5.60) is one of the most popular items, where jujubes are essentially a type of dates that are packed with plenty of health benefits. Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt get their jujubes all the way from Xin Jiang, where the dates are extra plump and sweet. When blended into the yogurt drink, these small but mighty fruits suffuse the entire drink with a lovely, natural honey-like sweetness that is incredibly addictive.

Some benefits that they are known for include the regulation of blood circulation, prevention of constipation and the improvement of bone strength. For those of you who have trouble sleeping at night, jujube is also known to help you improve your sleep quality and get a better night’s rest.

Rich in minerals, protein, vitamins B1 and B3, the Red Bean Purple Rice Yogurt (S$6) helps regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels, eliminate edema and gives the entire body a light detoxification.

FRESH FRUIT x YOGURT SMOOTHIE 

If you love drinks that use the natural sweetness of fruits for enhancement, you definitely should get yourself one of their Fresh Fruit x Yogurt Smoothies!

Each cup comes with a generous helping of selected fresh fruits that provide health-boosting benefits from added vitamins and fibre. You have to taste it to believe it!

The Passionate From Miles Away (S$6.60) drink was our absolute favourite out of the trio of passionfruit, avocado, and strawberry drinks that we sampled. Each refreshing cup comes with plenty of soft passionfruit pulp and crunchy seeds, giving it an overall interesting texture. In addition to that, it’s sweet yet slightly tart flavour adds a subtle tanginess that goes well with the original flavour of the yogurt.

Passionfruit also contains a number of key nutrients and is rich in antioxidants, has a low glycemic index, improves insulin sensitivity and contains plenty of fibre.

We also thoroughly enjoyed Avos! (S$7.20), a drink that lends it creaminess from the luscious, buttery flesh of ripe avocados which also provide the drink with a delicately sweet and nutty touch.

Avocados are known to be heart-healthy fruits that are great for your vision and lower the risk of osteoporosis, cancer, and other chronic diseases.

Strawberry lovers should also check out Straw to My Berry (S$6.60), a pretty pink-hued drink that comes loaded with fresh, plump strawberries which permeate the entire concoction with a sweet, slightly acidic flavour. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin C, manganese and antioxidants.

Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt
Westgate 
3 Gateway Drive, #01-09A
Singapore 608532
Nearest Station: Jurong East 

CityLink
1 Raffles Link, B1-07A
Singapore 039393
Nearest Station: City Hall

Centrepoint
176 Orchard Road
The Centrepoint, #B1-K1
Singapore 238843
Nearest Station: Somerset

This post was brought to you by Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt.

For those of you who are frequent travellers to Thailand, you probably would have chanced upon Café Amazon. This is the country’s most popular coffee chain and it has over 2,700 outlets scattered across the Land of Smiles alone, 3,025 stores worldwide and 3 in Singapore at Jewel Changi Airport, Jurong Point and Republic Plaza. Globally, they are the sixth-largest coffee chain, which is a testament to how well-loved their cups of coffee are.

All 3 of their cafés in Singapore are inspired by the Amazon Rainforest and shrouded in lush greenery, with the Jewel Changi Airport outlet being their first flagship store outside of Thailand. If you’re looking for a spot to have a chill catch-up session with your friends or some much-needed alone time, their verdant, botanical vibes make it the perfect place to do so!

Food-wise, diners can look forward to a Singapore-exclusive menu that also stays true to its roots by including cuppas made with their famous and uniquely formulated Amazon Blend as well as other Thai-inspired and fusion dishes.

The Amazon Blend is the café chain’s pride and joy and the folks of Café Amazon work very closely with Thai farmers to select the best quality coffee beans. These are then roasted, processed and packaged with strict quality control measures to ensure that every bean used in their coffee is perfect.

ICED YIN YANG 

If you’re both a coffee and matcha fanatic and you can’t decide between the two, get yourself a cup of their Iced Yin Yang (S$5), Café Amazon’s take on the popular Yuan Yang. This drink can only be found in their Singapore outlets!

Our usual Yuan Yang is a blend of milk tea and coffee, but here at Café Amazon, they decided to spruce it up a little by using high-quality matcha that is blended together with creamy milk and topped with a shot of their signature espresso.

ICED ESPRESSO 

Coffee aficionados will adore their iconic Iced Espresso (S$4.50), which features a single iced Amazon Blend shot sweetened with milk and cream. While iced espresso may seem rather unconventional to Singaporeans, it is actually very popular in Thailand amongst locals.

A Thai tradition that provides the drink with a little sweetness is the addition of milk, which also gives the entire drink a creamier, smoother texture.

ICED THAI MILK TEA 

To pay homage to their Thai roots, Café Amazon also offers traditional Iced Thai Milk Tea (S$4.50)—one of their best-sellers. What makes the Iced Thai Milk Tea here at Café Amazon Singapore stand out is how each cup of tea is brewed individually to ensure that every drink that’s pushed out is of the highest quality.

Made with richly-brewed black tea and ingredients such as star anise, crushed tamarind, cardamom and condensed milk, this popular Thai drink will make you feel like you’ve been whisked all the way to Thailand for a retreat.

ICED COFFEE MARBLE 

For something with a little more bite, we recommend the Iced Coffee Marble (S$5.50) where chunks of chewy coffee jelly are doused in milk coffee. The texture of the coffee jelly is similar to that of bubble tea pearls, so you’ll feel like you’re drinking a cup of coffee-flavoured boba!

To jazz up your cup of Iced Coffee Marble, you can also add a scoop of coconut gelato (S$3.80 per scoop). The addition of gelato definitely enhances the flavour and texture of the drink, giving it a creamier and sweeter consistency.

Just in time for the festive season, Café Amazon has released two magical and frosty Christmas drinks — Iced Peppermint Mocha and Red Velvet Chocolate Frappé. These are available from 1 to 31 December 2019.

ICED PEPPERMINT MOCHA 

Minty, chocolatey and full of crunch, the Iced Peppermint Mocha (S$6.50) features a dark chocolate and mint blend that is embellished with chocolate malt crunch. This smooth, aromatic concoction leaves a lovely minty aftertaste in the mouth that’s reminiscent of Christmas and all its positive feelings.

RED VELVET CHOCOLATE FRAPPÉ

For those of you who aren’t huge fans of mint, you can opt to have their Red Velvet Chocolate Frappé ($6.50). Here, a dark chocolate frappe is spiced up with mixed berry sauce and then finished off with a copious sprinkling of chocolate malt crunch. The result is a winning sweet and sour combination that’ll tickle your taste buds.

Café Amazon doesn’t just specialise in drinks; they also have a menu featuring a variety of mains and desserts that pair amazingly well with their drinks. These are only sold in their Singapore stores.

WHOLEMEAL THAI CHICKEN WRAP 

If you’re constantly on the hunt for healthier food options, you need to try their Wholemeal Thai Chicken Wrap (S$5.90) that is also one of their best-selling menu items. Each wrap comes stuffed with chunks of juicy chicken leg that are smothered in Thai chilli sauce which gives this entire ensemble a lovely tangy and sweet touch.

BEEF LASAGNA 

For something a little heartier, get the Beef Lasagna (S$8.90). Its pasta layers are cooked to a nice al dente which holds the cheese and meat filling well. The acidity of the tomato sauce is also nicely balanced out with the savouriness of the beef and the creaminess of the cheese.

The lasagna is also available with chicken for those of you who do not fancy beef.

BLACK SESAME LAYER CAKE 

Nothing pairs quite as nicely with a cup of coffee as a plate of mouth-watering dessert. If chocolate and red velvet cakes are getting a little old and you’re looking to try something more unique and local-inspired, you should have a go at Café Amazon’s Black Sesame Layer Cake (S$6.90).

The cake essentially consists of fluffy black sesame sponge layers that are held together with silky caramelised sesame frosting and finished off with a scattering of toasted sesame seeds. Nutty, creamy and earthy, this cake truly is an innovative take on popular Chinese desserts such as black sesame soup.

FESTIVE LUCKY DRAW IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

To add to the festivities, Café Amazon is also be having a lucky draw from November to December. All you need to do is spend a minimum of S$30 in a single receipt to qualify.

The first prize is a pair of Thai Airway return tickets to Bangkok while other prizes include gift hampers worth up to S$150.

We wish all participants all the best!

1-FOR-1 DRINKS

Another promotion that you can look forward to is their daily 1-for-1 drinks at all their stores islandwide from the last week of November throughout the whole of December!

Here is the lineup for the 1-for-1 drinks:

• Mon: Iced Cappuccino ($5 for 2)
• Tue: Iced Honey Black Tea ($4.50 for 2)
• Wed: Iced Espresso ($4.50 for 2)
• Thu: Iced Green Tea Latte ($4.50 for 2)
• Fri: Iced Caramel Macchiato ($5.50 for 2)
• Sat: Iced Chocolate ($4.50 for 2)
• Sun: Iced Coffee Marble ($5.50 for 2)

So, grab a caffeine-loving friend and snag these great deals!

Café Amazon Jewel Changi Airport 
78 Airport Boulevard, #04 – 225
Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 6694 7028
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

Jurong Point
1 Jurong West Central 2, #02-31
Singapore 648886
Tel: +65 6694 7028
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Boon Lay

Republic Plaza
9 Raffles Place, #02-03
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6694 7028
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 8am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

This post was brought to you by Café Amazon Singapore. 

South Korea is a haven for all things delicious. And when you think of Seoul, other than shopping, food will immediately pop into your mind! From bubbling pots of army stew to the ever-changing street food stalls and the well-loved bibimbap, Seoul has it all covered.

Other than the savoury, spicy dishes that Seoul is well-known for, the city is also bursting with hidden dessert spots waiting to be uncovered! Here’s a list of some must-try sweet treats when you’re in the land of BTS and Blackpink. Damn, life’s good when you have a sweet tooth!

BACKEN

Located on the edge of the Sinsa-dong and Garosu-gil area in Seoul, Backen is a cosy, industrial-themed coffee shop. Their rustic interior is further emphasized by their freshly-baked pastries displayed openly on trays.

Try the Raspberry Cream Bun that comes with a coating of chocolate and cookie crumbles. Hidden inside is a light and airy raspberry whipped cream filling that’s sweet and provides a nice contrast to the bun and chocolate!

528-3 Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Tue to Sun: 11am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Sinsa, Exit 8

CACAODADA

One of the few bean-to-bar chocolate cafes in Seoul, Cacaodada makes all their chocolate from scratch and have a menu dedicated to showcasing their unique creations. It requires a bit of effort to locate in the cafe-filled Mangwon-dong area, but it’s worth the walk!

Give their Chocolate Affogato a try – vanilla bean ice cream is topped off with a freshly-baked cookie. Drizzle their house-made chocolate sauce over it to complete the most decadent chocolate dessert in Seoul. Grab some of their single-origin chocolate if you’re a chocolate lover!

15 Huiujeong-ro 10-gil
Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 9pm
(Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Nearest Station: Mangwon

CARIN LOUNGE

One of the most instagrammable cafes in Seoul would have to be Carin Lounge. Decked in all-pink and rose gold decor, the cafe is an Instagrammer’s haven. Their pastries are also incredibly beautiful and delicious!

If you’re a fan of mousse cakes, try the Espresso Banana Cake! Coffee-infused mousse envelopes a creamy banana filling atop a crisp tart shell. The pairing of banana and coffee was a match made in heaven.

7 Hongik-ro 2-gil
Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Hongdae

DESSERT LAB

Specializing in quirky cakes and pastries is Dessert Lab. They have two outlets in two hip areas of Seoul – Hongdae and Myeongdong. The interior is also rather instagrammable; they have neon lights, dried flowers and have minimalistic decor.

For a bit of a mind-boggle, their Peach cake is actually a raspberry cheesecake! Vanilla mousse is paired with a sweet raspberry jelly filling and oreo crumbles are sprinkled around this petite peach dessert!

332-32 Seogyo-dong
Mapo-gu, Seoul
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Hongdae

55-16 Myeong-dong
Jung-gu, Seoul
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Myeongdong

IKSEON-GORO

One of the prettiest ice cream swirls in Seoul has to be the Purple Berry Softserve in the hipster village, Ikseondong. This quaint hanok-house village was refurbished to house several interesting retail stores, cafes and eateries. All are equally interesting and insta-photo-worthy!

This 2500KRW softserve has a sweet berry-like taste and is super creamy. It’s the perfect icy dessert for the scorching summer heat in Korea!

166-34 Ikseon-dong
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Jongno-3(sam)-ga, Exit 4

OSULLOC

This famous tea-centric cafe in Seoul has several outlets, originating from Jeju as a tea plantation! Specializing in all-things-tea, Osulloc’s offerings include delicious tea-infused cakes, drinks and chocolate bars.

We like their roll cakes, especially their Hojicha (roasted green tea) roll cake! They’re soft, fluffy and filled with tea-infused cream. Try their Double Matcha Cheesecake too – it consists of matcha sponge, a baked green tea cheesecake layer and a soft cream cheese layer.

Osulloc has several outlets. Check out the full list here.

PAULIN PANCAKE

If you’re a fan of fluffy, cloud-like souffle pancakes, Paulin Pancake at Honggik University will be a must-visit for you when you’re in Seoul. Paulin is a minimalistic cafe that specializes in souffle pancakes.

Their Earl Grey Pool Pancake was to-die-for. Two large souffle pancakes sit in a mildly sweet earl-grey cream sauce and are accompanied with spiced cinnamon apple chunks, crumble and a dollop of fresh whipped cream. It’s an indulgent afternoon treat fit for any tummy!

Wausan-ro 29ga-gil, 862F
Mapo-gu, Seogyo-dong, Seoul
Daily: 11.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Honggik University

SEOUL COFFEE

This Instagram-famous hanok-house cafe is appearing everywhere on everyone’s Seoul travel feeds. Serving thick slabs of butter in fluffy bread, whipped cream coffee and several ice cream desserts and tiramisus, Seoul Coffee is a great place to relax and unwind in the Ikseondong area.

Their Vienna Coffee comes with whipped sweet cream on top and is a must-try! Their matcha tiramisu and charcoal bread with butter are quite delicious as well. Do go slightly earlier than they open because there will definitely be queues to go in!

33-3 Supyo-ro 28-gil
Jongno 3(sam)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Jongno 3(sam)-ga, Exit 4

SOBOK

Fans of the pretty ice cream desserts from Sobok in Hongdae were disappointed by their closure but thankfully, Sobok has a small shop at Incheon Airport’s Dessert Hall. They specialize in more traditional Korean-flavoured desserts.

Try their signature Sobok Ice Cream that features a roasted grain-flavoured soft-serve, complete with a bean paste-covered rice cake and candied fruits and nuts. It’s a unique dessert you can only find in Korea!

Incheon International Airport
West of Public Area 4F, Terminal 1
Daily: 6am – 10pm

MIL TOAST HOUSE

Hands-down the best french toast in Seoul is from Toast House in Ikseondong. This cosy cafe has no signboard but has a distinctive toast logo on the outside of the wood-themed shop.

The toast here is steamed fresh to order – these fluffy buns are so addictive. The Blueberry Cream Cheese Toast was one of the best desserts we’ve ever had in Seoul. Drenched in sweet syrup, a burnt sugar top and paired with a block of cream cheese and blueberry compote, it was a super satisfying plate.

30-3 Supyo-ro 28-gil
Donui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Jongno-3(sam)-ga, Exit 4

ZAPANGI

One of the more creatively-hidden cafes in the hipster alleys of Mangwon-dong, Zapangi’s entrance is an iconic pink vending machine. The cafe is minimalistic and serves up some seriously Instagrammable desserts.

Their menu consists of sweet treats, including tin cakes and doughnuts, and beverages, all costing no more than 10,000 won. We suggest you order a cup of their signature milk tea to go with their insanely cute cakes and doughnuts!

400-2 Mangwon-dong
Mapo-gu, Seoul
Daily: 10am -11pm
Nearest Station: Mangwon

We are sure that just like us, all you foodies have an all-time favourite eatery that you never fail to recommend and sing high praises for. This is the place that you always turn to when you’re all out of ideas for dinner and the very same spot that has provided you with the comfort food you needed when you badly craved a perk-me-up.

Conceived in 2014, Diners’ Choice is an annual award that’s brought to you by dining app Chope, with the goal of bringing recognition to our favourite restaurants that have satisfied our bellies and left us happy and full.

Diners can start voting from 21 October 2019 till 24 November 2019 across 8 different categories, and the winners will be announced on 2 December 2019.

To make the entire experience even more exciting, voters will get to enjoy a number of partner perks as well. Look forward to snagging attractive rewards such as 100 KrisFlyer miles when you vote under the Restaurant of the Year category!

Voters can head on over to the dinerschoice.chope.co where you will be presented with a curated list of recommended restaurants for each category. If you don’t see the restaurant you want to vote for on the list, you can also search for other eligible restaurants under each category. Each voter is allowed 1 vote per category and can choose to vote in more than 1 category.

If you vote in at least 3 categories, you can unlock 2 partner perks of your choice. This is subject to availability. Some perks that are up for grabs are:

• 30 mins off your next 2 GrabWheels rides (worth $6)
• 10% off Love, Bonito (no min. spend)
• $5 promo code for new PayLah! Users
• $5 Lazada promo code (min. spend $25)
• $7 Shopee promo code (min. spend $15) for new users
• $5 Zalora promo code (min. spend $25)
• $8 off ChopeDeals (min. spend $30) for new users
• 100 Chope-Dollars for your next reservation (min. party size of 4 diners)

Do remember to submit your votes along with your email address in order to receive the partner promo codes!

Here are the restaurants that we are rooting for this year!

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR – FAT COW

There are so many fantastic restaurants out there, but which is the best out of the lot? We are definitely voting for Fat Cow—the winner of Restaurant of The Year in Diners’ Choice 2018.

A place where terrific food, culinary finesse and Japanese hospitality all come together, Fat Cow is one of those restaurants that bears timeless appeal.

MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT – THE CLIFFORD PIER

We all need a list of romantic restaurants that are perfect for a date with your partner.

Nestled in The Fullerton Bay Hotel, The Clifford Pier sits on a heritage site and offers a menu that reflects the finest of local favourites and international classics.

NEW RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR – 15 STAMFORD BY ALVIN LEUNG

Out of all the newcomers in the Singapore food scene, we love 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung over at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore.

The menu features a host of dishes that showcase innovation, gutsy elaboration but above all, a contemporary twist on Asian favourites, all designed by the self-proclaimed “demon chef” himself and inspired by his many travels across Asia.

BEST BOUNTIFUL BUFFET – EDGE

We all love stuffing our faces with a good buffet, but who has the most lavish buffet spread? Edge at Pan Pacific Singapore—one of the best buffet restaurants in Singapore—is one that never fails to take our breath away.

With 7 interactive live food theatres, 16 food stations (at least) and over a hundred dishes to choose from, this is one buffet restaurant that’ll push your appetite to the edge—literally.

DEAL-ICIOUS RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR – DANCING CRAB

Who doesn’t love a good deal? We do, and amongst the list of restaurants under this category, we are supporting Dancing Crab to win Deal-icious Restaurant of the Year.

Upholding its reputation as one of the best Louisiana restaurants in Singapore, one can expect only the best of Louisianan seafood to be served on their dining tables at Dancing Crab by TungLok Group.

BAR OF THE YEAR – SMOKE & MIRRORS

There are many beautiful bars in Singapore, and Smoke & Mirrors is one of the our favourite drinking spots. Perched atop the iconic National Gallery Singapore is the gorgeous destination rooftop lounge Smoke & Mirrors, which boasts panoramic views of the Marina Bay skyline.

CAFÉ OF THE YEAR – THE MARMALADE PANTRY

With its charming ambience, innovative brunch dishes and a wide selection of artisanal teas and cakes, The Marmalade Pantry has remained one of the most popular dining destinations in Singapore throughout the years.

From signature favourites such as their Spicy Crabmeat pasta and Sticky Date & Toffee Pudding, to new Asian section such as Kimchi Fried Rice and Singapore Laksa, there is something for everyone at The Marmalade Pantry.

HOTTEST GROUP DINING – LOKKEE

Do you and your clique love eating out? Then you must have some pretty swell recommendations under your belt! Famed for its contemporary approaches to traditional Chinese food along with its unyielding commitment to theatrics and witty presentation, Lokkee, part of the TungLok Group, is one Chinese restaurant that impresses time and time again.

This post was brought to you by Chope.

Located conveniently at the recently renovated Gaysorn Village, BOYY & Son is a chic, stylish and incredibly Instagram-worthy spot to chill at after a hectic day of shopping. Many similar cafes that we have come across produce pretty subpar food but that isn’t the case here at BOYY & Son.

The cafe is by the people behind BOYY, which explains its gorgeous and clean interior. For shopaholics, you’ll be glad that right next door, you can find BOYY Boutique which sells handbags, shoes and accessories.

Their simple and straightforward menu consists mostly of drinks and pastries that are pretty affordably priced.

We’ve heard great things about their croissants so we ordered ourselves a Plain Croissant (80 baht) which came with a side of apricot jam. If apricots aren’t your thing, you can choose to have either strawberry or wild blueberry jam instead.

The croissant was the perfect combination of fragrant, crisp and buttery and we appreciate how it wasn’t too oily and flaky. We also love how the apricot jam paired well with the croissant and added a lovely sweet and slightly tart touch to it.

We enjoyed our croissant with a very aesthetic glass of Iced Latte (140 baht). Smooth and rich with a mellow amount of acidity, the iced latte definitely was a mid-day perk-me-up from all that shopping.

If you love pastries and fragrant brews, we highly recommend a visit to BOYY & Son the next time you’re in Bangkok.

BOYY & Son Café BOYY 127 Unit L00-01 GAYSORN Tower2 Lumphini Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Tel: +66 2 253 8300 Daily: 8am – 8pm Daily

Aside from mala and salted egg, another thing that Singaporeans are unanimously addicted to is bubble tea. We don’t know why but these little starchy balls of happiness never fail to make any drink taste better and every time there is a new bubble tea store in town, we find ourselves gravitating towards it even if the queues are 2-hours long.

This time around, it isn’t a new bubble tea store that’s opening, it’s a bubble tea factory. That’s right, you read that right! For just two months starting from 19 October 2019 onwards, The Bubble Tea Factory will be welcoming bubble tea fanatics to enjoy an enthralling and immersive bubble tea journey that features larger-than-life cups of bubble tea and an infinite galaxy of pearls.

Designed to stimulate the mind and provide a feast for the senses, visitors can look forward to more than ten multi-sensory and visually-stunning installations that will extend across its 7000sq ft premise at *SCAPE. The immersive experience expects you to make use of your five senses to enjoy and appreciate the exhibit.

Bubble tea lovers can look forward to things like the Pearl Pit, where you can dive into a massive “pot” brimming with taro pearls.

You can also swing on a giant pearl wrecking ball or pose with an IV drip of bubble tea!

Upon entry, each visitor will also be given a Boba Booster Pack which contains a set of limited-edition collectable cards that feature fun and interactive challenges. After you’re done with the exhibit, you can also enjoy a refreshing cup of bubble tea on the house to end the journey on a sweet note.

Tickets for the event will be available from 19 September 2019 from 10 am onwards.

Ticket prices
Weekday: S$24
Weekend: S$28

Opening special tickets prices
Weekday: S$18
Weekend: S$23

The Bubble Tea Factory
19 October 2019 to 18 December 2019
*Scape
2 Orchard Link
Singapore 237978
Mon to Fri: 4pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Exciting news for North-siders in Singapore: Xing Fu Tang will be opening its third outlet at Compass One mall this September, adding on to the other two at Takashimaya Shopping Centre and Century Square at Tampines.

Since its first arrival onto Singapore’s shores, Xing Fu Tang has been gaining huge traction as one of the best Brown Sugar Boba Milk vendors in Singapore. With their huge vat of stir-fried brown sugar tapioca pearls, all made from scratch at each store, it is no wonder the long lines that plague each storefront.

They will be open at Basement 1, near Guardian at Compass One mall, which is located just a stone’s throw away from Seng Kang MRT.

Xing Fu Tang
Compass One
1 Sengkang Square
Singapore 545078
Nearest Station: Seng Kang

Hidden away in the cafe-filled streets of Telok Ayer is Platform., a new minimalist modern cafe & bar serving cocktails, mocktails, filter coffee and some light bites. It is quite a refreshing concept, backed by a beautifully decorated interior.

If you’re a thirsty tippler searching for some drinks, or if you want to spend a few hours relaxing while sipping on a good cuppa, Platform. might be up your alley.

Decked in white walls and adorned with rustic dried flowers, Platform. gives you an instant mood boost the moment you walk in. It oozes a rustic charm that eases you into your seat, allowing you to relax as you scan through their curated menu.

We decided to have a taste of their Iced Matcha Latte (S$7) and were extremely satisfied. The drink was creamier than your typical matcha latte and had a smooth finish. The matcha had a slight floral aftertaste and left a pleasant aroma after drinking it. It was slightly pricey but it was very delicious.

To go along with our matcha latte, we chose to have a bowl of their Bibimbap Noodles (S$8). It was a rather refreshing option – the cold buckwheat noodles are tossed in a gochujang sauce (Korean red pepper paste) and topped with a medley of pickled cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, sesame seeds and crunchy seaweed.

It would be perfect for a quick lunch and it pairs perfectly with the creamy matcha latte as well! It was mildly spicy and we appreciated the slight kick of spice. Other than their selection of mains, they also have some pastries to go with their drinks!

The next time you’re in the Telok Ayer area, be sure to mark this down on your list of must-visits. Just a stone’s throw away from the MRT station, this cosy little space is perfect for you to spend an entire afternoon sipping on their curated cocktails, perhaps with a pastry in hand.

Platform.
#01-01 Amoy Street
Singapore 069854
Tel: +65 8280 0292
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat: 4pm – 12am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

You’ve knocked off and you’re looking to unwind over drinks. Or maybe you need a spot for an intimate date night that will impress. If gin and tonic (G&T) puts you in high spirits or if you are just a curious tippler who’s clueless about gin, head over to Cin Cin for a taste of their collection of boutique gins and gin-inspired cocktails.

Find them nestled on the ground floor of Oasia Hotel at Tanjong Pagar and be greeted by sleek, refined sage green and emerald furnishing with accents of gold for glamour.

Behind their marble counter is a collection of almost 100 different gins ready to be mixed with a variety of tonic waters. If you’re feeling experimental, build your own G&T with some help from the bartenders. Whatever the creation, Cin Cin is has has a wondrous diversity of flavours to help you make the world feel a little more bearable.

Drinking gin is not everyone’s cup of tea but one of our favourite cocktails to raise a toast with is their Dr Earl Potion (S$20++). It is Bulldog-infused Earl Grey, fresh lime juice, beer syrup, and egg white finished with dried lime. The harmony of ingredients gave the malty tipple a sweet dimension with some citrusy lift.

If you like something refreshing, Sambucus Toxin (S$25++) boasts botanical flavours with a blend of Napue, fresh lime juice, lychee puree, J Gasco Elderflower, a mint bouquet, and dried lime. Its sweetness is balanced out by strong notes of herbaceous elderflower and mint.

A humble and reliable choice is Earlgroni (S$18++). This is a strong concoction of Bulldog-infused Earl Grey, and Carpano Antica Formula, Bitters, garnished with a dried orange. Stir it till ice cold and sip it to enjoy its flavours. It is a drink as light and smooth as Earl Grey tea that’s slightly bitter with a faint touch of citrus.

If you’re coming as a group, their monthly bottle promos are a great deal. Otherwise, gin enthusiasts can guzzle on their House Gin during their 1-for-1 happy hour from 5pm to 8pm while non-Gin drinkers can get Carlsberg or House Red/White Wine instead.

100 Peck Seah Street, Level 1
Oasia Hotel Downtown
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 2604
Mon to Wed: 5pm – 12am
Thu to Sun: 5pm – 1am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Decked out in leather couches, deep wood furnishings and all the things you’d expect out of an Ernest Hemingway novel, modern cigar bars are without a doubt a notch higher in terms of austerity and remains to this day, a gentleman’s hangout.

At many such cigar joints, you can enjoy a good old Cuban cigar with a bottle or glass of fine whisky or simply a black coffee. Step into one and you’ll immediately feel removed from the bustle of city life. There truly is no better way to enjoy a quality smoke tan at any one of these 6 cigar and whisky bars in Singapore.

Photo Credit: Capital Zouk Singapore

#1 CAPITAL ZOUK SINGAPORE

If you’re currently in a state of shock that Singapore’s most established club made it to this list, believe us, we are too. As part of club Zouk’s latest venture that aims to target the older and more refined crowd, what you can hope to find in Capital is an expansive lounge fully decked out in comfortable seat and sofas, a whisky bar and a state-of-the-art cigar room for your cigar smoking pleasure.

3C River Valley Road
#02-05 The Cannery
Singapore 179022
Tel: +65 6738 2988
Thu: 10pm – 2am
Fri: 10pm – 3am
Sat: 10pm – 4am
(Closed Monday to Wednesday and Sunday)
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

#2 MARTINI BAR

Located in mezza9 in Grand Hyatt Singapore, Martini Bar is a popular spot for cigar aficionados. Although the bar is not a cigar bar per se, there is a spacious and cosy smoking room in the restaurant where guests can enjoy a cigar or two.

What’s more, this martini-centric bar serves up refreshing drinks at 50% off during Happy Hour from Mondays to Saturdays between 4pm to 9pm, which makes heading there all the more enticing.

10 Scotts Road
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Singapore 228211
Tel: +65 6416 7322
Sun to Thu: 5pm – 12am
Fri and Sat: 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard

#3 OLDE CUBAN

Tucked away in an old shophouse in Chinatown, Olde Cuban might not seem like much from the outside. Upon first glance, what you will first notice is a raggedy zi char restaurant but head on up the stairs and you will be greeted by fine, custom leather couches and a whole host of Cuban cigar brands numbering in the hundreds.

This understated spot is frequented mostly by regulars but feel free to mingle, because anybody with a cigar and whiskey in hand rarely ever is in the mood to be hostile.

2 Trengganu Street
Singapore 058456
Tel: +65 6222 2207
Mon to Fri: 11am – 12.30am
Sat: 1pm – 12.30am
Sun: 1pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Chinatown

#4 ORGO

Located on the roof with a spectacular view of Marina Bay, Orgo is the perfect spot to hit after the sun goes down in the CBD. This scenic restaurant is known for its unique and delicious martinis and range of tasty cocktails.

Although their cigar selection isn’t the restaurant strong point, we must admit that they do have a pretty impressive range. Feel free to bring your own as they have tables overlooking the Marina Bay skyline catered specifically for cigar smokers.

8 Raffles Avenue
#04-01 Esplanade-Theaters on the Bay
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 6336 9366
Sat to Wed: 6pm – 1am
Thu and Fri: 6pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Esplanade

#5 QUAICH BAR

Established in 2006, Quaich Bar is the first whisky bar in Singapore to house more than 500 whiskies, 95% of which are sourced from boutique distilleries in Scotland including many rarities not easily available anywhere else in the world. It is quintessentially a heaven on earth for all whisky lovers but little do people know that it is a haven for cigar lovers as well.

Quaich’s cosy cigar room boasts more than thirty labels of cigars as well as all the tools you will need for a quality smoke. Grab yourself a bottle of fine scotch, light up a cigar and lean back against one of their plush leather couches.

28 Beach Road
#01-16 South Beach Avenue
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 6386 5366
Sun to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri and Sat: 5pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Esplanade

Photo Credit: The Connoisseur Divan

#6 THE CONNOISSEUR DIVAN

The Connoisseur Divan is a spacious whisky and cigar bar that features live music, top-of-the-line whiskies and Hemingway-inspired Cuban style interiors. Situated right opposite UE Square, this bar is perfect for unwinding after work.

207 River Valley Road
Singapore 238275
Tel: +65 6733 7141
Mon to Thu: 4pm – 12.30am
Fri and Sat: 4pm – 1.30am
Sun: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

A good beer can highlight the best part of any dish if you know which kind to choose. The versatility of the drink makes beer pairing a very practical skill. A helpful tip to take away today is that light beers go with lighter dishes and heavier beers go with heavier nosh. 

But at the end of the day, what reigns supreme is your palate. If you are feeling chips with stout, go for it. Otherwise, here are a few pairing suggestions for some of the more common beer types you might come across!

Whether it tastes bitter, malty, dark, or light, keep in mind a few guidelines when drinking to get the most out of your pairing. Besides matching complementing flavours, you can pair by contrast, use your beer as a palate cleanser for dishes with strong flavours, or avoid overpowering beers that can mask the taste of your food.

Here, save this chart. It will help you enjoy your beer with food better!

Yes, you are very welcome!

Known for their beautiful hand-crafted tea selections and their freshly-baked, Instagram-worthy baked goods is Chinese lifestyle cafe, Nayuki. Pioneering the concept of pairing delightful cheese teas with baked goods, Nayuki has made its rounds across the various social media platforms for reigniting the tea-drinking culture amongst tea fans in Singapore!

Successfully launching their very first overseas outlet at VivoCity with BreadTalk Group, Nayuki has announced the opening of their second and third outlets. Its second opening will be at the revamped Funan on 28 June 2019, and the third opening will be at Takashimaya Shopping Centre on 12 July 2019.

To celebrate their new openings, Nayuki will be launching two new products that you will fall head over heels in love with: Supreme Cheese Mixed Berries drink (S$8.50)—only available in July—and Magic Mango Mystique bread (S$6.80)! That’s not all, though, because Nayuki has prepared some opening special promotions for their respective new outlets!

OPENING SPECIALS

Nayuki is holding its opening special at both of their new stores at Funan and Takayshimaya Shopping Centre.

Customers will be given a free Soft-Euro Bread along with a purchase of any drink. In addition, they will also be given an opening exclusive gift—an eye-catching and incredibly stylish holographic tote bag, adorable Nayuki-themed stickers, a postcard, and some vouchers.

All you have to do is like and follow Nayuki on their Facebook and Instagram pages (@nayukisg), upload a post with the hashtag #NayukiSG on either platform and present it together with your receipt to receive the opening exclusive gift!

• Funan Opening Promotion Dates: 28 – 30 June 2019
• Takashimaya Opening Promotion Dates: 12 – 14 July 2019

The “Free Soft-Euro Bread” promotion is limited to 1 redemption per customer but only the exclusive gift redemption is limited to 300 redemptions a day.

NEW FAVOURITES AT NAYUKI

Making their timely debut in July 2019, Nayuki is introducing two new products to their menu. We had the privilege to try them, and here is what to expect.

You will love the Supreme Cheese Mixed Berries.

Fresh strawberries and strawberry purée are added alongside Nayuki’s Jasmine Tippy Tea to create this delicious concoction. The mixed berries complement the Jasmine Tippy Tea well. Refreshing, fruity and mellow, we thoroughly enjoyed the drink balanced flavour profiles.

If you’re a fan of pink, strawberries and cream, pair the Supreme Cheese Mixed Berries with the Strawberry Blush Mystique bread.

Soft Euro-bake is filled with fresh cream and topped with real fresh strawberries! Bright pink strawberry-flavoured chocolate is also drizzled on top of the bread, making it look even prettier. It’s the perfect pretty-in-pink pairing!

Another one that’s joining the Mystique range of bread is the Magic Mango Mystique.

This pillowy Soft-Euro Bread is filled with light cream and cubes of fresh mango. Every bite of this wonderful baked good was an enjoyable one. Don’t we all love mangoes?

Pair this fluffy bread with Nayuki’s Supreme Cheese Mango for a dynamic combination.

MSW DURIAN SUPREME + SUPREME ORANGE

Durian lovers should add Nayuki’s MSW Durian Supreme to their list of must-tries because it was one of the most indulgent breads we have ever tasted. A spiky bread is stuffed generously with a creamy Mao Shan Wang durian filling. It was sweet, flavourful and creamy with the distinct flavours of durian greeting your tastebuds with every bite.

Cutting through the rich creaminess of the durian, Nayuki pairs its Supreme Orange with the MSW Durian Supreme. A genius pairing, we must say.

The Supreme Orange is made with 2 whole oranges that are freshly squeezed and mixed with Jasmine Tippy Tea and fresh lemon slices.

Bursting with the benefits of Vitamin C, the Supreme Orange’s acidity cuts through the creaminess of the durian for a balanced palate.

FROSTED CAP OOLONG BLACK PEARL & QQ PEARLY CHOCO BEAR

Bringing milk tea to a whole new level, Nayuki’s Frosted Cap Oolong is complemented with chewy brown sugar pearls and can be enjoyed either hot or cold. The Oolong tea brings a wonderful roasted flavour that elevates the freshness of the milk.

Complementing the Frosted Cap Oolong Black Pearl is the QQ Pearly Choco Bear. The cute bear-shaped bread is not only good-looking but extremely tasty. It’s filled with custard and dotted with chewy pearls and raisins. The cocoa-infused bread is rich in flavour so the milk drink is the perfect accompaniment.

A FARMER’S HARVEST + CHEESE ALI MOUNTAIN DEW

A classic baked bread filled with bits of ham and cheese, this delicious bread is yet another choice amongst the bakes by Nayuki.

For the ones with lighter palates, this bread is for you. Pair it with Nayuki’s classic Cheese Ali Mountain Dew.

The fragrant floral flavours of Nayuki’s award-winning Alisan Mountain Dew Tea is pleasantly combined with the luscious milk cheese foam for a soothing aftertaste.

AROMATIC COLD BREW TEAS

If milky drinks and fruity concoctions aren’t your cup of tea, try Nayuki’s range of Cold Brew Oolong Teas. They come in delicately labelled bottles with the various oolong tea leaves still in them!

They come in three different flavours: Frosted Cap Oolon, Green Oolong, and Golden Cicada Oolong. The different Oolong leaves are harvested from Alisan Mountain and Lugu Village in Taiwan; promising the most aromatic and full-bodied flavours. These teas are steeped for eight hours during preparation

This post was brought to you by Nayuki.