Coffee aficionados in Singapore went absolutely crazy when popular Japanese coffee shop % Arabica opened its first store in Singapore at Arab Street last year.

Since then, the renowned coffee chain that hails from Kyoto, Japan has opened another 2 outlets in Singapore at 313@Somerset and Chip Bee Gardens.

While % Arabica is known for its stellar cups of coffee, the brand’s venture at Chip Bee Gardens has introduced a food section to their menu so you can enjoy some scrumptious nosh that pairs perfectly with their soothing cups of coffee. This is also the only % Arabica outlet in the world to have a food menu.

From hearty bowls of Shiso Pasta to their outrageously juicy Beef Katsu Sando, here is what you can expect from % Arabica at Chip Bee Gardens.

Like all their other outlets, the Japanese coffee shop is decked out in its signature clean and minimalistic white interior. The shop space is also more spacious as compared to their first store at Arab Street and it has both air-conditioned seating as well as an al fresco area.

The food menu for % Arabica at Chip Bee Gardens has been specially curated by Michelin starred chef Chen Lanshu, named Veuve Clicquot Asia’s Best Female Chef for 2014, as part of S. Pellegrino & Acqua Panna’s Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Every dish she has presented in this ensemble has been carefully considered and crafted to pair well with % Arabica’s skillfully brewed cuppas, so you know that you’ll be in for a treat.

SWEET PEA SALAD

If you want something light and refreshing to munch on while you enjoy your freshly brewed coffee, you can opt to get the Sweet Pea Salad (S$16). The simply put together salad comes with sweet peas, tangy feta cheese and juicy guava that is finished off with a spritz of olive oil.

HOMEMADE YOGHURT WITH FRESH BERRIES & FRUITS

Diners who enjoy something on the creamier side can go for the Homemade Yoghurt with Fresh Berries & Fruits (S$18). This comes with a generous serving of smooth Swiss yoghurt that is topped with crunchy organic nuts, cereal with fresh kiwi and plump kiwi, blueberries, raspberries and bananas.

The combination, while simple, is wholesome and packed with plenty of nutrients, making it a great option for breakfast or a healthy snack.

GRAIN PORRIDGE MAISON

For a heartier meal option to start off your day with, we recommend getting % Arabica’s Grain Porridge Maison (S$20). The set features a bowl filled with a mix of freshly cooked oatmeal, corn and tri-coloured quinoa.

We love how diners are given the choice of being able to customise their porridge however they like with the provided condiments. Each bowl of porridge comes accompanied with a tray of pinch bowls containing hot milk foam, homemade raisins and your choice of Okinawa dark brown sugar or bacon salt.

BEEF KATSU SANDO 

We promise you that you won’t regret getting the Beef Katsu Sando (S$32) from % Arabica. Period.

The dish features a meaty slab of Japanese Wagyu tenderloin that is deep-fried to give it a crisp golden brown exterior. This is then wedged between two pieces of lightly toasted bread and enhanced with a dash of mustard and ketchup so as not to overwhelm the natural flavours of the beef.

Lusciously juicy and packed full of umami, the beef, despite being very thick, was extremely tender. While this dish is one of the pricier items on the menu, rest assured that it is well worth every cent.

FEDELINI WITH SHISO PASTA 

Earthy and nutty with a slight citrus taste, The Fedelini with Shiso Pasta (S$24) is great for pasta lovers who want something that is light and not too cloying or heavy on the palate.

Here, al dente pasta is cooked with luxurious Echiré butter, extra virgin oil and a lavish helping of Green shiso. The pasta is then finished off with some crunchy pinenuts for texture. While the dish uses a simple amount of ingredients, each and every component is of top-notch quality and comes together perfectly to create a blend of flavours and textures you will definitely enjoy.

CROQUE MADAME 

We love a dense, chewy piece of sourdough with a crisp, crackly crust and the ones used for % Arabica’s Croque Madame (S$22) ticks off all the right boxes.

Sandwiched between two thick slices of their fragrant sourdough toast is a layer of salty Serrano ham and gruyère cheese. This is finished off with a runny free-range hen’s egg that is gingerly perched atop the toast. Slice into the egg yolk and allow it to be soaked up by the bread, helping to meld all the various elements of the dish together.

CAFE LATTE (HOT & ICED) 

Of course, how could we miss out on % Arabica’s coffee? The brand prides itself for its use of quality coffee beans which are harvested from their own farm in Hawaii as well as sourced from various places around the world.

A piping hot cup of their classic Cafe Latte (S$7 for short, S$8 for tall) is great for days when you need a shot of energy or a morning perk-me-up. Aromatic with a slightly nutty taste, % Arabica’s Cafe Latte had a pleasantly bitter aftertaste that was soothed by the mellow creaminess of the milk.

For a rendition that will help you beat Singapore’s sweltering heat, you can also opt to get the Iced version of it for S$8.

SPANISH LATTE (HOT & ICED)

Coffee fanatics who prefer having their coffee a little on the sweeter side will love the Spanish Latte (S$7.8 for short, S$9 for tall), which was actually first created in % Arabica Kuwait. The drink comprises sweetened condensed milk that is balanced with the bitterness of the coffee.

MATCHA LATTE 

Another popular drink at % Arabica which pairs excellently with their food menu is the Matcha Latte (S$8.60 for short, S$9.60 for tall). Smooth and earthy with a distinct matcha flavour, the Matcha Latte nailed the matcha to milk ratio and the bitter notes of the matcha harmonised perfectly with the full-bodied milk. This is easily one of the best matcha lattes you can get in Singapore.

They also have an iced version (S$9.60) for people who prefer their drinks cold.

% Arabica Chip Bee Gardens 
44 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-58
Singapore 278116
Tel: +65 6261 4516
Sun to Thu: 8am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

This post was brought to you by % Arabica. 

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. 

Who doesn’t love a good buffet? We can definitely all appreciate a good lineup of some amazing local nosh and scrumptious spreads from a myriad of cuisines. What makes Atrium Restaurant’s buffet even better? It’s finally gotten their official Halal certification!

Atrium Restaurant at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium is re-launching its buffet lineup with new signature dishes, live stations as well as halal dishes. You can look forward to a buffet spread chocked full of local delights as well as cuisines that will take you on a culinary flight across the globe.

Expect live stations preparing Singaporean fares such as Hainanese Chicken Rice, Mee Siam and Laksa, as well as Atrium Restaurant’s signature Chilli Crab. Seafood lovers can indulge in a vast array of fresh seafood on ice and even a whole baked fish complemented by 6 varieties of sambal sauce.

Atrium Restaurant has also revamped its desserts buffet to cater to all sweet tooths. There will be a Cendol live station and Durian Pengat alongside their selection of delectable cakes and kuehs! If you’re feeling nostalgic, the buffet has its own ice cream bicycle where you can get your favourite childhood ice cream with colourful bread or wafer biscuits!

If you’re looking to have a great meal with your loved ones, we have a deal that will make this meal even sweeter – quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservation to enjoy a 1-for-1 buffet with a glass of complimentary soft drink from now until 30 November 2019.

ATRIUM RESTAURANT’S SIGNATURE DISHES

HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

Enjoy a well-prepared serving of authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice right before your eyes. Choose from the steamed or roasted chicken, which will be chopped on-the-spot, based on your preference. You can then add the respective condiments that you desire like the dark soya sauce or spicy garlic chilli.

CARROT CAKE

“It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white” – fried carrot cake is always good! Loved by locals and Singapore’s visitors, carrot cake is one local food that’s super hard to hate. Atrium Restaurant dishes up this Singaporean classic straight from the wok and into your plates. We loved how this timeless dish was both sweet-and-savoury – we really couldn’t keep our forks off of it!

ROTI PRATA & CURRY

Known for their much raved about Indian dishes and curries, the Roti Prata Live Station at Atrium Restaurant serves freshly-made roti pratas that are paired with a serving of spicy curry.

The prata soaks up the curry so deliciously and a kick of spice really ties everything together.

CHICKEN SHAWARMA

Carved specially for diners at a live rotisserie is Atrium Restaurant’s Chicken Shawarma. Marinated with a blend of aromatic spices, the chicken is cooked to perfection – tender, succulent and oh-so flavourful. Dip these cuts of roasted meat in a tangy yoghurt sauce to enjoy this dish fully.

SATAY

Singapore is known for its street food and Satay is definitely one of the most popular and well-known dishes everyone far and wide should try when visiting our sunny island. You can get freshly-grilled chicken and lamb Satay, basted with lemongrass and accompanied by a spicy peanut gravy.

LAKSA

Silky rice noodles, beancurd, egg and seafood are drenched in a thick and creamy spicy broth in Atrium Restaurant’s DIY-Laksa live station. Choose from a variety of toppings to put in your own perfect bowl of laksa. It’s one of Singapore’s most comforting bowls of noodles – you’ll be instantly hooked with this rendition.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS HALAL-CERTIFIED BUFFET

CHILLI CRAB

Let’s not forget the most iconic Singaporean dish – The Chilli Crab. Succulent crab is cooked in spicy-sweet chilli gravy, laced with a slurry of silky egg. A bite of sweet crab meat paired with this delectable rendition of chilli crab sauce is simply to-die-for!

Pair it with deep-fried mantou and you’ll then truly taste why Chilli Crab is one of Singapore’s most famous specialities.

MEE SIAM

Other than Laksa, you can also customise your own Mee Siam. Add some bean sprouts, beancurd and egg to complete this local classic.

GADO GADO & POPIAH

Adding on to the several live stations Atrium Restaurant has to offer, skilled chefs will help you assemble your perfect roll of popiah as well as your very own plate of Gado Gado, an Indonesian classic. Choose from a spectrum of fresh vegetables and toppings and the chefs will gladly whip up a plate that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

SEAFOOD ON ICE

Atrium Restaurant’s Seafood on Ice features prawns, flower clams, fresh scallops and black mussels. Accompanying the seafood are a selection of curated sauces including Tabasco and Sesame sauce. Pair it with a spritz of lemon and you’re good to go!

WHOLE BAKED FISH WITH 6 DIFFERENT SAMBALS

Another one of Atrium Restaurant’s most popular live stations would be their Whole Baked Fish. The succulent fish can be paired with any of the 6 varieties of sambal sauce – Sambal Terasi (Indonesian Sambal with Shrimp Paste), Nonya Sambal Belacan, Sambal Ikan Bilis, Sweet Chilli Sambal, Sambal Tumis (Stir-fried Chilli Paste) and Garlic Chilli Sauce (Chicken Rice Chilli).

Our favourite of the bunch was the Sambal Tumis as it had a nice tangy yet spicy kick which complemented the baked fish super well. A close second was the Nonya Sambal Belacan with its umami-bomb flavour!

JAPANESE SUSHI & SMOKED FISH

The sushi selections vary from salmon, California rolls, scallops and ebi prawn sushi. You can also get smoked fish to go along with the sushi selections.

CHINESE CUISINE

There are popular dishes from Chinese cuisine such as Yong Tau Foo with Hot Bean Sauce and Wok Fried Chicken with Shredded Bell Peppers. The two dishes that caught our fancy the most were the Wintermelon with Chicken Soup and the Braised Ee Fu Noodles.

The soup was so flavourful despite its simple appearance, having a complex mix of sweetness and a nice savoury chicken flavour. Like most Chinese soups, this was a hearty bowl that kept us going back for more. The Ee Fu noodles were super “QQ” and also packed with a lot of hearty ingredients and flavour from being stir-fried.

WESTERN DELIGHTS

Other than just Asian cuisines, there are also dishes from Western origins such as a super delectable Chicken Stew and Pan-Fried Fish with Orange Sauce.

We loved how tender and juicy the chicken was after being stewed for hours. The stew itself was bursting with flavour and every ingredient was mouthwateringly delicious after being simmered in the thick gravy.

DIY ICE KACANG STATION

Of course, every buffet will be judged by its dessert spread as well and Atrium Restaurant will not disappoint with its revamped lineup of sweet treats. One particular live station will keep local-cuisine lovers on their toes – the DIY Ice Kacang Station!

Grab some shaved ice, sweet syrups, red beans, jellies and corn – you’ve got yourself an amazing local dessert.

ICONIC ICE CREAM SANDWICH

If you’re feeling nostalgic, head on over to Atrium Restaurant’s very own Ice Cream Bicycle where a chef will slice up some ice cream with some rainbow bread or wafers – just like the good ol’ days! Choose from chocolate, vanilla or even durian ice cream to go with your choice of “wrap”.

DURIAN PENGET

Durian-lovers rejoice! Atrium Restaurant’s Durian Penget is something everyone can look forward to. What’s not to love about a creamy, luscious mash of sweet durian pudding? The answer has to be “nothing”.

This creamy dessert is definitely one of the more sinful dessert options, but you’re already at a buffet so just indulge to your hearts’ content while you’re here!

Lunch (Mon-Fri): $64++ per adult | $20++ per child (6-12 years old)
Weekend Lunch (Sat & Sun): $72++ per adult | $20++ per child (6-12 years old)
Dinner (Sun-Thu): $80++ per adult | $25++ per child (6-12 years old)
Dinner (Fri & Sat): $88++ per adult | $25++ per child ( 6-12 years old)

For more information, visit Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium’s website.

Atrium Restaurant
317 Outram Road
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, Level 4
Singapore 169075
Tel: +65 6733 0188
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park/Tiong Bahru

This post was brought to you by Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium.

Taking our coffee scene by storm is Alchemist, a specialty coffee joint famous for their grab-and-go cuppa. Coffee lovers will be familiar with their first two outlets at Hong Leong Building and International Plaza; they have just opened their flagship store this year at Khong Guan Building in Tai Seng!

Their latest establishment is a hidden gem, nestled in former Khong Guan Biscuit Factory. Decked in a minimalistic interior with marble furniture and blue countertops, they now house a roastery and dining area for you to chill with your cup of joe! You can snack on their baked goods too.

The Hot Chocolate (S$5) was smooth and velvety in texture, and we could taste the thick chocolate flavour. We thought it tasted like a brownie in drink form! The creaminess of the foam was also very comforting with a sweet aftertaste.

We also ordered a Flat White (S$5), which was served with beautiful swan latte art. The coffee was made from a house-blend Dark Matter, and it had a bold, nutty finish. It was also smooth and consistent with a mellow flavour profile.

Here at Alchemist, each cuppa is carefully and lovingly prepared. They are definitely one of the better coffee shops out there, with their cosy ambience being a plus point. If you are looking for a great pick-me-up, this is the place to visit!

2 Mactaggart Rd
#01-01 Khong Guan Building
Singapore 368078
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

If you’re a fan of the crisp layers of croissants and the way the flaky pastry just seems to melt on your tongue, Au Croissant will be right up your alley. Tucked away in Aperia Mall (that’s just a stone’s throw away from Lavender MRT), this hidden gem of a bakery specialises in their quirky flavours of croissants along with other wonderful breads and pastries.

We first savoured the Custard Cruffin (S$3.80)! The cruffin was definitely a stunner with a hint of creamy custard oozing out the top of the golden-brown pastry. It is also lightly dusted with icing sugar and if you ask the friendly staff to toast it for you, the icing melts into a nice glossy glaze that coats the crispy shell.

What we loved was that the cream was light and airy – not too sweet and cloying – such that it contrasted with the indulgent pastry encasing it.

Au Croissant also makes a variety of fun flavours of their croissants such as the Banana Kaya, Purple Sweet Potato, Gula Melaka and Peanut Butter Croissants. They all cost S$4.80. We tried the enticing-looking Black Sesame Croissant (S$4.80).

The golden-brown pastry is glazed with a smoky black sesame crumble layer and then topped with more white and black sesame seeds. We were also surprised once we bit into the croissant, revealing that there was another layer of black sesame paste hidden inside.

It was smoky, sweet and buttery all in a single bite. We devoured this sweet treat in minutes!

The bakery is located nearest to Lavender MRT, just a 5 minute walk away from Lavender Exit B. Drop by Au Croissant if you’re craving some fun-flavoured croissants or toasty freshly-baked goods!

Au Croissant
2 Kallang Avenue
#01-35 Aperia Mall
Singapore 339509
Mon to Sat: 7.30am – 7.30pm
Sun: 9.30am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

When Batam comes to mind, people normally think of relaxing staycations and lounging around without a care in the world. Cafes won’t be their most poignant memory from this tropical island.

Anchor Café & Roastery will help you change that mindset.

Serving up a delicious array of Southern-inspired brunch, cakes and single-origin coffee, Anchor Café will ensure your Batam trip is one that you’ll remember.

Photo Credit: Anchor Cafe

Stepping into Anchor Café, you will immediately smell freshly brewed coffee and the slight hint of cake.

Food specials and single-origin brews of the day are scribbled onto a huge chalkboard behind where the baristas work. Cakes and pastries are displayed on wooden cake stands, giving it a homely rustic vibe.

Photo Credit: Facebook

We tried their Carrot Cake (IDR60,000/ S$5.70) and their Caramel Apple Pie (IDR45,000/ S$4.30).

Their carrot cake was moist and fluffy, but the cream could have been less sweet. However, the cream cheese flavour was strong and complemented the cake well. Their caramel apple pie was delicious as well, though bordering on the sweet side. The best part was the crust – flaky and buttery.

Another big highlight was their Skillet Brownie (IDR80,000/ S$7.60). It was an ooey-gooey chocolatey brownie, baked into a piping hot skillet pan, topped with vanilla ice cream. It ws super rich and fudgy and the vanilla ice cream prevented the brownie from getting too gelak. It’s definitely a super indulgent dessert that’s perfect for chocolate lovers.

Photo Credit: Facebook

Other than their sweets, they specialize in their extensive range of Single-Origin brews, rotating the beans they roast daily. Anchor prides themselves in encouraging sustainability of the coffee trade through their good relations with coffee-bean farmers. Each origin produces a unique flavour profile, so give these speciality coffees a try over your typical mocha or cappuccino.

If you’re here for a meal, Anchor Café also serves up Southern-inspired brunch foods like their Anchor Eggs Benedict (100,000IDR/S$9.50) and their Wild Berry Granola Crunch French Toast (70,000IDR, S$6.65). For lunch and dinner, they offer a range of burgers and their Double Barrelled Grilled Cheese (60,000IDR/S$5.70) as well.

Anchor Café is just a short taxi ride away from Batam Centre Ferry Terminal, making it an easy pitstop whether you’re arriving or leaving Batam. With a slice of cake and a cup of coffee in hand, it’s the perfect place to chill and forget about your worries for a while.

Ruko Dermaga Culinary Paradise Blok RF No.11
Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29462
Phone : +628 12 7070 2210
Tue to Thu: 8am – 6pm
Fri to Sun: 8am – 8pm
(Closed on Mondays)

Anguk-dong in Seoul is one of the few neighbourhoods in Seoul where you can see an interesting juxtaposition of old and new architectural styles, featuring traditional Korean houses made from bricks contrasting with modern shop fronts.

Its favourable position near tourist attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village has made Anguk-dong a popular destination among those who are interested in culture and cafe hopping.

Here are 8 Places To Check Out In Anguk-dong, Seoul.

#1 C FLAMINGO

Aesthetically pleasing desserts are everything but where better to enjoy them than C Flamingo? The dessert cafe at Anguk-dong may not have real flamingoes but it certainly has an appealing array of cakes and beverages.

64 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-722-3454
Nearest Station: Anguk

#2 CAFE BORA

One of the better-known dessert cafes in Anguk-dong, Cafe Bora’s speciality is their Purple Sweet Potato Iceflakes which is essentially bingsu made with sweet potato. Other bingsu flavours you can get there are Green Tea and Strawberry.

For those who are not a fan of bingsu, Cafe Bora offers other sweet treats including Sweet Potato Ice Cream, Steamed Sweet Potato Bun and Chickpea Ice Cream.

75-3 Yulgok-ro 3-gil
Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8613 5537
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

#3 DODO

Visitors are welcomed by the sight of a lovely front garden as they walk into dodo. The cafe specialises in coffee, but you can also find food like tacos (W6,000), hamburger (W7,000) and their signature waffles (W13,000) on the menu.

Bukchon-ro 5-gil
119-1 Samcheong-Dong, Jongno-gu
Tel: +82 2 737 7236
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest station: Anguk

#4 GLOBO COFFEE FAKTORY

We are letting you in on a little secret that we found out at GLOBO Coffee Faktory—there is a secret hideout nestled within the cafe! Just looking at the modern entrance of the cafe, we could hardly believe our eyes when we found out that there is a hidden spot that looks almost like a traditional Korean tea house.

GLOBO Coffee Faktory roasts their own coffee beans in-house with a large probat roaster and guests are able to choose up to seven different types of coffee beans from around the world.

17 Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil,
Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-722-6269
Daily: 9.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

#5 HIT THE SPOT BAKERY

You cannot miss this two-storey French bakery which serves an impressive array of artisanal fresh bakes. If you cannot decide what to order, go for their best seller which is the Ice Cream on Brioche.

#6 MUKSHIDONNA

Mukshidonna Tteokbokki is a simple Korean restaurant that focuses on serving stews in a communal pot, and the stew is up to you to customise. The base is basically the same stock, and you pick from an array of ingredients to go into your pot.

It has several outlets in Seoul—including Garosugil and Hongdae—but you should dine at the original outlet at Anguk-Dong.

74-7 Yulgok-ro 3-gil,
Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 723 8089
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

#7 O’SULLOC TEA HOUSE

O’sulloc is a tea salon in Seoul that pays homage to Korean green tea from Jeju Island, with branches in Myeongdong, Apgujeong, Insadong and Daehangno. With green tea as the core ingredient, the cafe offers ice cream, tea, green tea milk spread and more.

There are also tea accessories sold in the stores for you to purchase as souvenirs or for individual use back at home.

170 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 732 6427
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk 

#8 RADIO M

Another dessert cafe at Anguk-dong neighbourhood, Radio M is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. Their attention is focused on three things only—coffee, desserts and bingsu. If you are not intending to stay for long, you can also grab a cup of coffee, tea or smoothie on the go at their takeout counter.

128-4 Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 737 4669
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

We first announced the news of % Arabica opening in Singapore back in August last year and we are happy to report that the wait is finally over.

The ever so popular Kyoto coffee chain % Arabica has finally opened their doors in Singapore at Arab Street! And at a pretty apt location we’d say. Striving to let people “see the world through coffee” as their philosophy, they have currently 36 stores in 10 countries.

Taking up a corner shop space, the coffee shop is decked out in their signature minimalist white interior that is incredibly aesthetically pleasing. Serving up their specialty blends and single-origin coffees, we predict long queues for the next few days. Or months.

% Arabica prides themselves in quality coffee beans that are harvested from their own farm in Hawaii as well as sourced from around the world. Our blend Caffe Latte (S$7) in short was aromatic from perfectly roasted beans which were soothed by the mellow creaminess of the milk. There was a pleasant bitter aftertaste that was not too overwhelming on the palate too.

Next up was a very photogenic iced Matcha Latte (S$9.60) that had a beautiful gradient against the cup bearing their iconic % emblem. Earthy and smooth, % Arabica nailed the matcha to milk ratio, with the full-bodied milk harmonizing with the bitter notes of matcha.

Fans of % Arabica will be pleased to know that apart from an in-house coffee roaster where you can purchase their freshly roasted beans, you can also get your hands on a range of the brand’s merchandise as well.

% Arabica Coffee Singapore has also announced the opening of two other outlets in Singapore at Chip Bee Gardens and 313@Somerset.

% Arabica Singapore
56 Arab Street
Singapore 199753
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

Ramen lovers, rejoice! Afuri Ramen is coming to our little red dot on June 28. Setting up their eatery at basement one of the newly reconstructed Funan Mall, they will be named as Afuri Ramen + Dumpling here.

Now that Afuri Ramen is opening in Singapore, we no longer have to take a 7-hour flight only to wait along the snaking line at their outlets in Japan, all just to get a taste of the satisfying bowl of yuzu ramen.

Afuri Ramen + Dumpling is brought into the Singapore market by Japan Foods Holding, and they will introduce the highly-anticipated signature Yuzu Ramen series; including Yuzu Shoyu Ramen, Yuzu Shio Ramen, Yuzu Ratan Ramen and Yuzu Tsukemen.

The Yuzu Ramen consists of a rich broth that will leave you wanting more from the very first mouthful and truly does ooze the light aroma of citrusy yuzu that is complemented by a subtle touch of chicken oil to give the broth more savoury depth.

Fans can also look forward to side dishes such as gyoza and their absolutely drool-worthy charcoal grilled pork that just melts-in-your-mouth, we promise that you won’t be able to resist ordering a second helping.

We cannot wait for Afuri Ramen + Dumpling’s opening in Singapore later this month, and we know that we will be queueing amongst ramen fans upon their opening!

Afuri Ramen + Dumpling Singapore

109 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179097
Nearest Station: City Hall

Hailing from Osaka, Asian Rad Afters specializes in beautifully handcrafted egglet waffles, of which they have termed “Bubble Waffles”. They are served with various flavours of ice cream and a plethora of delicious toppings.

They have finally opened up a small storefront at hipster cafe-hopper paradise, Bali Lane, and have created a special Singapore-exclusive menu for their brand new outlet!

The storefront is conveniently located at the front of Bali Lane, along the same street as other well-known cafes such as Stateland Cafe and Krave. The space sports a bright aqua coloured exterior with floral decor that is hard to miss.

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Some of the flavours they offer in Osaka for their Bubble Waffles range are the Nutty Caramel (topped with banana slices, caramel, nuts and popcorn), Very Berry Chocolate (topped with dried berries, nuts and oreo) and their ever-popular Blue City Chocolate (topped with oreo, blue whipped cream, popcorn, nuts and banana slices).

For their Singapore outlet at Bali Lane, they have released a special lineup of fruity desserts and colourful drinks, featuring all sorts of tropical fruits that Singapore has to offer. Their signature Bubble Waffles will be topped with dragonfruit, pineapple and fruit loops, named Peranakan Road. Their tropical fruit parfaits, coined “Fruitful Day”, are topped with pineapples, strawberries, kiwis and more pineapple.

For drinks, you can expect four fruity refreshers (from left to right): Princess Yang Kweifei, Kuta Beach, Arabian Nights and Bonsai Citrus. Like the rest of their Singapore-exclusive menu, their drinks are also made with various tropical fruits and citrus.

Give their beautiful ice-cream filled bubble waffles a try if you’re in the area and maybe you can update your Instagram feed while you’re at it, too!

Asian Rad Afters
33 Bali Lane
Singapore 189869
Nearest Station: Bugis

(All photo credits to Asian Rad Afters Facebook and Instagram)

If you’re fed up with the disgustingly long queues at Jewel Changi Airport’s A&W Singapore outlet, we have fantastic news for you. A&W will be opening a second branch at Ang Mo Kio’s AMK Hub by July 2019!

The new space will be a spanking 2,812 sq ft big and will be able to accommodate up to 142 diners, which is almost twice as much as the Jewel Changi Airport outlet. Hopefully, this means that there will be shorter queues for our favourite root beer floats and Golden Aroma Chicken! 

There are also plans for A&W to submit its application for halal-certification to the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), which is great news for our Muslim friends. A third outlet is also expected to be open by 2020 and we already can’t wait for that to happen! 

True to its name, Arteastiq is the quintessence of elegance with its beautiful posh restaurants featuring exquisite dining ambiences, scrumptious nosh and eclectic ranges of artisanal teas. The establishment already has two existing outlets that are conveniently located at Mandarin Gallery and Plaza Singapura, and they’ve decided to expand to the East to include an outlet at fresh-faced Jewel Changi Airport.

Overlooking the world’s biggest indoor waterfall and shrouded in lush greenery, Arteastiq Bistro at Jewel Changi Airport is a dreamy sanctuary for travellers and city dwellers alike to retreat to for some much-needed respite away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Aside from the majestic view, take your senses on a gastronomical adventure with their all-day multifaceted menu that has been created by Arteastiq Group’s executive chef, Chef Yip. The adroitly curated menu focuses on the reinterpretation of continental cuisines and features the likes of snazzy high tea sets, delectable mains and ambrosial desserts.

This botanical haven sits in a quiet corner on the top floor of Jewel Changi Airport. Its strategic location at the rooftop area lets in plenty of sunlight that bathes the entire restaurant in a warm, soothing glow.

With its sleek furniture and verdure accents in the colour scheme of cyan, white, gold and black, the bistro exudes a chic and modern charm that provides its diners with a tranquil and luxurious Al fresco dining experience.

NATIONAL TREASURE HIGH TEA SET 

Iindulge yourselves with Arteastiq Bistro’s new National Treasure High Tea Set (S$32 for 1 Pax, S$48 for 2 Pax), which is the perfect embodiment of Singapore’s rich and diverse multi-cultured food history.

This glorious display includes two speciality teas of your choice (not including their alcoholic range) and bites such as kueh pie tee with crab stick, rainbow kueh lapis, soft gula melaka with red bean and glutinous rice wrapped in spicy shrimp.

Our absolute favourite has to be the glutinous rice wrapped in spicy shrimp — dense, chewy and accompanied by a spicy kick, this small but fiery mouthful undoubtedly packs a mean punch.

SCRUMPTIOUS STARTERS 

Start off your feast with one of their enticing starters which include Cheese Tofu (S$9), Pan Seared Foie Gras (S$15) and Scallop Bruschetta (S$12). Out of the lot, our favourite is the Spicy Escargot (S$11) which consists of sauteed snails doused in a sauce made from chilli oil, garlic, cocktail onions and light cream.

HEARTY ASIAN MAINS 

Arteastiq Bistro’s extensive menu serves up a bountiful range of hearty, soul-comforting mains but out of them all, the ones that grabbed our attention were the Sambal Sea Bass with Dry Laksa (S$25) and Pan Roasted Satay Chicken Boneless Thigh (S$22).

Drenched in a tangy and fiery dried shrimp sambal chilli sauce, the fork-tender oven-baked sea bass had a decent amount of heated kick to it that didn’t overwhelm the palate.

The dry laksa, on the other hand, was aromatic and chewy with a slight zest to it that made it the perfect accompaniment to the sea bass.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the Pan Roasted Satay Chicken Boneless Thigh, which features a succulent slab of chicken thigh that comes with a side of rice vermicelli, prawns, rice cake and a pot of fragrant peanut sauce.

Tender, moist and well-marinated, the chicken thigh proved to be a more elevated version of Singapore’s classic chicken satay. The rice vermicelli and satay sauce also served to add a nice variance in texture when eaten together with the chicken.

PASTAS TO LOVE

Get yourself a carbonora; their version is a sinful Truffle Carbonara (S$18). This bowl of goodness comprises unique tri-colour spaghetti that is drenched in a luxurious cream sauce and enhanced by the addition of black truffle, garlic, turkey bacon and parmesan cheese.

If cream-based pasta isn’t your cup of tea, you can opt for the Spicy Crayfish Spaghetti (S$16) which features two generous slabs of crayfish atop a bed of tri-coloured pasta that is tossed and sautéed with chilli oil, garlic, cocktail onion and light cream.

DECADENT DESSERTS 

Arteastiq Bistro has a range of decadent desserts that we’d gladly get fat for.

The Rainbow Kueh Lapis (S$12) is a whimsical take on the classic kueh lapis and is served with red beans and a scoop of ambrosial durian gelato. Dense, fragrant and addictively buttery, the kueh lapis pairs really well with the light and creamy durian gelato.

Another dessert to try is the Pandan Kaya Lava Cake (S$12) which is served with red beans and a sinful (but shiok) scoop of gula melaka gelato. Slice through the cake’s soft exterior and watch the viscous lava ooze out of the cake. The cake as a whole manages to be rich and saccharinely sweet without being too overwhelming and we appreciate how it tastes like authentic pandan and kaya.

AFTER DARK DELIGHTS (8pm – 10pm) 

If you’re a night owl, Arteastiq Bistro at Jewel Changi Airport offers an outlet-exclusive Mid-night Menu from 8pm to 10pm. Order yourself a brightly hued cocktail and enjoy the magnificent view of the majestic indoor waterfall from the comfort of your seat. Some cocktails that you can try are Flight Fantasy, Bewitching Grove and Dragon Gin & Tonic.

If you’re feeling peckish, get yourself some grub from their bar menu which includes savoury finger foods such as Salted Egg Fried Chicken Thigh (S$9), Beef Chilli Waffle Fries (S$12) and Prawn Paste Fried Squid (S$12).

Lo and behold, there is the Mid-night High Tea set at S$48 for 2.

The grandiose set comes with speciality tea for two, with a choice of an upgrade to a sharing cocktail or sangria for an additional S$20. We recommend upgrading your drink because that would mean that you can get yourself a massive sharing glass filled with your choice of alcoholic beverage and pearls; definitely not something you get to try every day!

Accompanying the drinks is an array of bite-sized treasures such as smoked salmon roulade with cream cheese and tobiko, truffle shell pasta, sweet potato fries with truffle oil and vol au vent with tuna and cheese.

Arteastiq Bistro
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard, #05-201
Singapore 819666
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

This post is brought to you by Arteastiq Bistro. 

Winning the one-Michelin star for 3 consecutive years now, Alma by Juan Amador is a restaurant that enthrals with their creative Asian-inspired spins on European nosh. Helmed by Executive Chef Haikal Johari, diners can definitely expect to be spoiled with tasty, impressionable delights as well as great wine.

In celebration of their 3rd year anniversary, the restaurant and their team of talented chefs have meticulously crafted out a brand-new dinner menu that is set to amaze diners, old and new. Focusing on contemporary European dishes that are paired heavily with Asian influences, Japanese flavours take centre stage in their splendid array of dishes this time around.

Available in 4-course ($S117++), 6-course (S$158++) and 8-course (S$197++) options, the tantalising dishes present to diners flavours that are exhilarating, innovative and familiar, all at once. 

OKAYAMA MUSCAT GRAPE

The gastronomic experience begins with Alma’s first course, the Okayama Muscat Grape. Topped with julienned Okayama green grapes and a helping of Hokkaido uni, the Japanese Bluefin chutoro tartare beneath is mixed with onions, pine nuts, and mayonnaise before finally being seasoned with a mildly fiery Yuzu kosho sorbet that is savoury at the same time.

As if it doesn’t already look enticing; dig in and you’d notice a myriad of different textures and flavours teasing your palates all at once.

Photo Credit: Alma

MUIRGEN OYSTER

For the largest umami explosion, the Muirgen Oyster is what you should be looking forward to.

IBERICO PORK JOWL

Sous-vide first before being grilled on a traditional binchotan grill—a white charcoal commonly used in Japanese cooking, the Iberico Pork Jowl is then being slathered with a layer of aka miso which is known to be richer and bolder in flavours.

Full of smoky aroma, the crunchy sour apples and fresh flowers that are delicately perched on the Iberico Pork Jowl brought out a contrast in flavours and textures while the sesame paste at the side provides an extra earthy flavour to the dish.

Photo Credit: Alma

OHMI BEEF

For those of you who adore meat with a passion, you mustn’t miss out on Alma’s Ohmi Beef. Regarded as one of the top wagyu beef varieties in Japan, this dish is made using Omi beef, the oldest and undeniably one of the most reputable beef brands in Japan.

Served together with an intense wine and beetroot reduction, fine horseradish potato and crispy seaweed, we were beyond impressed by everything that was brought out on this dish but it was truly the incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth Omi beef that will blow your mind away.

MANGO

The bright and fresh flavours which were used to kick off the menu return again at the end to round the palate off in the last course with the dish, Mango.

Made using Alphonso mangoes from Pakistan, the sorbet in the middle isn’t just tangy and sweet. The team behind this new dinner menu has incorporated zingy flavours by using Myoga, a Japanese ginger bud that resultantly provides a mildly spicy taste that cuts through the sweetness.

Calamansi foam, yoghurt, meringue and passionfruit surround the sorbet as a final touch to complete this divine dessert.

Alma by Juan Amador
22 Scotts Road
Goodwood Park Hotel
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 6735 9937
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Sat: 6pm – 9.30pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Orchard

Tucked away at Upper Serangoon Road next to the old Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre is newly-opened, Amber Ember.

Exuding a simple yet charming vibe, the interior is decked out in marble and wooden furnishings that are neatly decorated with potted plants and paintings, making it a nice place to retreat to and a great place for photos too.

Here, they sell a variety of brunch-style fare such as jaffles (a type of toastie that bears no similarity to a waffle), scrambled eggs on toast and coffee, but with an added twist that differs slightly to your average cafe food.

Starting our cafe trip off on a proper note, we ordered ourselves the White (S$5)—which is essentially a flat white. Amber Ember uses coffee beans from Cata coffee, which are freshly roasted daily and pack a robust, chocolatey note that is both incredibly aromatic and well-balanced.

Having heard so much about their fried chicken, we decided to order up the Amber’s Fried Chicken (AFC) (S$10). The chicken was decently crispy, however, the meat lacked a certain succulence to it and the drums were not as meaty as we would’ve liked. The saving grace, however, was their house-made blue cheese sauce and sriracha.

We also tried their Asian ‘Risotto’ (S$10), which was pretty much a fancy bowl of Chinese porridge that had been embellished with a variety of ingredients. We really enjoyed this dish and found it really comforting and satisfying.

The risotto had bits of braised pulled pork, fried shallots, garlic and a runny egg. We were a tad bit disappointed with the runny egg, which did not turn out as runny as described on the menu.

When we heard that they had a dish called Fu Yong Eggs (S$11), we were expecting a  modern rendition of the popular zi char dish. However, to our surprise, it was simply scrambled eggs and sauteéd mushrooms on a piece of sourdough.

Finally, we had the main thing that we came here for—Jaffles!

Out of the many options they had, we opted for their K-Pork Jaffles (S$10). The pork in the jaffles was slightly tangy due to the gochujang sauce used, but what surprised us was the purple sweet potato mash that came with it that was both sweet and deliciously creamy.

Amber Ember
730 Upper Serangoon Road, #01-01
Singapore 534613
Mon, Wed & Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Serangoon

% Arabica Coffee, famous coffee shop from Kyoto, is finally opening its first outlet in Singapore.

Given how Singaporeans are such caffeine addicts, there is certainly no shortage of cafes and coffee bars dedicated to offering high quality brews. As we see more Japanese concepts—Kurasu Singapore and Omotesando Koffee—opening up one after another, we are more than excited for the addition of % Arabica Coffee right here in Singapore.

According to % Arabica Coffee’s Instagram account on 12 June 2019, the first outlet at Arab Street will be ready by next week. % Arabica Coffee Singapore has also announced the opening of two other outlets at Chip Bee Gardens and 313@Somerset.

You can have a taste of their signature brews at (place) when % Arabica Coffee Singapore officially opens to the public.

This coffee shop is the brainchild of Kenneth Shoji, who worked with head barista Junichi Yamaguchi—champion of the Coffee Fest Latte Art World Championship in Tokyo—to make % Arabica Coffee the world-class brand it is today.

Watch this space as we bring you the latest news of the opening of % Arabica Coffee Singapore.

% Arabica Coffee Singapore
56 Arab Street
Singapore 199753
Nearest Station: Bugis/ Lavender

Occupying floors 25 to 39 of the Duo Tower and towering over the beautiful Kampong Glam enclave is the latest lifestyle hotel brand, Andaz Singapore. Boasting marvellous skyline views and a sensational snippet into Singapore’s vibrant dining scene is Alley on 25, an immersive novel dining concept that shares the hotel lobby of Andaz Singapore.

An F&B destination in its own rights, you’ll find various different restaurant concepts, a bar and a lounge that cohesively share the space; each of them with its own identity and no two concepts are alike. It is like stepping into a different world despite being in the same zone; it is one enthralling alley.

Inspired by Singapore’s vast and fluid dining culture, tuck into a splendid array of edible delights from hearty stews and family-style roasts from The Green Oven, charcuterie, a variety of cold dishes and locally-inspired desserts from Icehaus, to rustic modern Asian fare from Smoke & Pepper.

The truth of the matter is, whichever dining concept you choose to dine at, you can be certain that the impeccable service standard at any of their 5 restaurant concepts will have you feeling pampered from head to toe, and leave your taste buds sufficiently satisfied. Here’s every reason why Alley on 25 should be on your go-to list.

ICEHAUS

Icehaus—the all-day dining restaurant at Alley on 25—offers cold cuts, sustainable seafood, heirloom salads and locally-inspired desserts.

During lunch, Icehaus has a semi-buffet lunch concept whereby you can opt for the full spread of edible delights for only S$18++/ pax. Tuck into the likes of freshly baked bread from the local bakery, Tiong Bahru Bakery, a well-stocked salad bar, as well as unlimited amounts of charcuterie, cheese, soft-serve ice cream and iced tea.

Guests hankering for a light yet satisfying desserts can also opt for Icehaus’ famous desserts that beautifully encompass the elements of local street sweets but with a modern approach.

We are huge fans of their Pandan Chiffon Cake (S$14++) as well as their Andaz Chendol Pop (S$10++). The former really took us by surprise with its heady pandan aroma and decadent yet light mouthfeel, and the latter in itself was such a joy to eat (and look at).

The Andaz Chendol Pop consists of gula melaka coconut ice cream, red bean caramel and pandan white chocolate—all of which work wonderfully well together to form the ultimate treat.

AUNTIE’S WOK & STEAM

Meandering down the alleyway, guests will surely be drawn to the sounds of clanking metal and a strong scent of stir-fried delights wafting through the air courtesy of Auntie’s Wok and Steam. The restaurant emulates Singapore’s zichar scene but with a hint of Szechuan influences thrown into the mix.

The result? An array of hearty zichar-style dishes that pack massive flavour, heady wok hei and a fiery kick.

Diners can also look forward to a smorgasbord of dim sum offerings in addition to classic rice and noodle dishes.

A variety of the signatures from Auntie’s Wok and Steam include Double Boiled Beef Short Rib (S$22++) that comes with hand-stretched egg noodles and a spicy Szechuan broth, Jiao Zi Dumplings (S$12++ for 6 pieces) as well as Organic Fried Rice (S$18++) that comes with massive chunks of crab meat.

PLANCHA’LAH!

Currently available for dinner service only, Plancha’Lah! is where one can find a multitude of premium ingredients spanning from all corners of the Pacific Rim—from Japan to as far as South America—all expertly prepared by a team of seasoned teppanyaki chefs.

The live culinary theatre that features an open flat top, also known as a plancha is a true spectacle to behold.

Combining both the precision and sophistication of Japanese teppanyaki techniques and a wide array of international dishes such as Hokkaido Scallops, Grass-fed Black Angus Tenderloin and Patagonian Toothfish, what diners can expect is no less than culinary finesse with a hint of dramatic effect.

We absolutely love their Patagonian Toothfish “en papillote” (S$42++) and their Grass-Fed Black Angus Tenderloin (S$35++), both of which boast a superb sear before being tossed around with a combination of seasonal root vegetables.

And what better way to round off our meal than with their must-try Pineapple Flambé (S$15++). Perfectly seared on the flat top with lots of clarified butter before being a shot of tequila is added for an added kick (and dramatic effect), this savoury-sweet dessert is literally the best thing one can have after a hearty meal.

SMOKE & PEPPER

Dishing out primarily Asian-focused fare with a touch of modernity, Smoke and Pepper impresses with not just their stellar interior furnishings, but with their food as well. Perhaps the largest dining destination at Alley on 25, this humble restaurant entices with its barbecued specialities that are prepared over an open-fire grill.

Dig into the succulent likes of their Black Angus Beef Burger (S$18++), Grilled Squid (S$18++) that comes served with shiso peppers and a green chilli dressing, Black Angus Beef Skewers (S$35) and more!

THE GREEN OVEN

For those who crave all things homey, comforting and meaty, The Green Oven works up the ultimate treat. This restaurant is where one can tuck into a myriad of classic international fare, prepared from the heart of the kitchen, that is within the confines of the restaurant’s massive green-colour Beech oven.

Look forward to comfort dishes such as Roast Black Figs (S$18++), Whole Spring Chicken (S$ 35++)—cooked in a claypot along with bacon lardons, baby potatoes, rosemary and thyme—,Braised Osso Buco–a Milanese staple—and not forgetting their oh-so-glorious Lobster Mac & Cheese (S$35++)

These homey, soul-warming dishes are a favourite among many and will definitely delight every palate.

NEW EXTENDED “LAZY BREAKFAST”

Too tired to wake up for brunch on weekends? Now, you can sleep in and still have an awesome breakfast/brunch meal at Andaz Singapore! Alley on 25 just launched their new “Lazy Breakfast” from 11.30am to 2.30pm daily, priced at just S$35++ per pax (Child S$17.50++). You can enjoy unlimited offerings at their breakfast buffet spread, including one a la carte dish of your choice. For another S$35++, you can enjoy free-flow Proseccos, wines and draught beer.

A la carte items include Eggs Benedict, Steak and Egg prepared with Australian Sirloin, Breakfast Burger, Smoked Salmon Bagel, Breakfast Quesadilla and Grilled Pastrami & Cheese Sandwich. Besides the a la carte dish, stuff yourselves with their huge variety of items in the buffet spread that features pastries from Tiong Bahru Bakery, gluten-free cereals and even Asian dishes such as congee and dim sum.

Alley on 25
5 Fraser Street, Level 25
Andaz Singapore
Singapore 189354
Daily: 6.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post was brought to you by Andaz Singapore.

Aqua S—Sydney’s famous soft serve shop—is opening in Singapore. For all the dessert fans out there with an incurable sweet tooth, be prepared to get the sugar rush of your lifetime.

Aqua S’ famous blue-hued soft serve has taken the internet by storm and stunning pictures of this dessert have flooded our Instagram feeds ever since it was founded in 2016.

The mastermind behind these whimsical desserts, Aqua S, will be opening their first outlet in Singapore at Orchard Xchange. Here’s what you can expect besides insanely long queues.

Aqua S is most famous for their pastel blue sea salt-flavoured swirls that are often accompanied with toppings including toasted marshmallows, caramel popcorn, popping candy and of course, their signature dreamy fairy floss.

But that’s not all—Aqua S boasts over 130 rotational different flavours, all of which are pastel-coloured. This includes flavours such as D24 durian, apple cinnamon pie, tiramisu, grapefruit and taro.

Make sure to try their signature sea salt flavour, which was inspired by the famous sea salt ice-cream from Okinawa, Japan. This flavour will be permanent on the menu.

Like their outlet in Sydney, Singapore’s Aqua S will offer ever-changing flavours. Their soft serve flavours will rotate on the 1st and 16th of every month, so you may look forward to something new and exciting every fortnight! Prices start from S$5.70 for a plain cone and an additional S$0.80 for each topping.

Aqua S Singapore
437 Orchard Road, #B1-01
Orchard Xchange
Singapore 238878
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Bangkok’s hipster market returns once again and yes, it is none other than the immensely popular Artbox. For those who have been anticipating this year’s edition, there is so much to look forward to as Artbox Singapore 2018 is bigger and better than ever.

Comprising more than 200 retail booths on rotational basis over two weekends from 25 to 27 May and 01 to 03 June 2018, Artbox Singapore is THREE times bigger than last year. Shop your way through the lifestyle and fashion stalls from Thailand and Singapore, satisfy your palates with food from over 160 F&B booths, play an exciting round of Beer Pong at the beer garden and jump into the foam pit with your friends!

So if you are looking for the ultimate guide that will prep you in advance for this creative market so you don’t get overwhelmed by the crowd and huge event space, you have come to the right place. Presenting our list of the best stalls and vendors you will find at Artbox Singapore 2018. You are very welcome.

FOOD & DRINKS FOR THE GRAM

CEREAL CITIZEN

Cereal Citizen is the first cereal cafe in Singapore that is managed by local online personalities BongQiuQiu and Rachell Tan. You can expect their signature items such as the Crododo + Milkshake and a very photogenic rainbow cotton candy (S$8) that will surely stand out on your social media feeds.

Booths 065 & 066

GOSHOT

Get yourself a jet black charcoal ice cream at GoShot (S$5.90) which is infused with Go Shot NeuroEnergy, a liquid drink that helps to replenish and recharge your energy levels—something that will definitely help when you are squeezing past the crowds under the hot sun. Gold flakes are also added for a luxurious touch.

Booth 074

CARROT CUBES

Carrot Cubes is where you get a taste of traditional hawker food when you get sick of all the hipster foods at the bazaar. Choose among three flavours such as Traditional White Carrot Cake (S$5), Hottie Carrot Cake (S$6) and Bacon & Cubes (S$7).

Booth 040

JOLLY KITCHEN

What is Artbox without the addition of Thai food stalls? Let your taste buds teleport all the way to Thailand with Jolly Kitchen’s Thai Basil Stir-Fried Chicken—which comes with rice and egg—(S$6.80) or the Thai Fishcake (S$4.80) as a light snack.

Booth 078

HOME PAO PAO

Swing by Home Pao Pao where the inner kid in you will scream in delight at the assortment of cute cartoon character paos. Steamed on the spot, patrons are treated to various flavours such as durian, teriyaki chicken and chocolate banana. Prices are set at S$4 for one, S$10 for three and S$20 for six.

Booth 046

555 THAI TEA

Trust us, you will need a drink to replenish those lost fluids when you walk around in the humid weather. For affordable thai milk tea (S$3/4) served in gigantic plastic cups, 555 Thai Tea is one of the best choices around.

Booth 075

FASHION & RETAIL

For the fashionistas, Artbox Singapore has a plethora of fashion retail shops offering the latest trends and accessories that are too pretty to pass up.

ACTIVITIES

FOAM PIT

Round your friends up for some fun at the foam pit which is located right beside the funfair. Complete with adorable inflatable pool floats, every corner has been designed for photo taking so do not be shy about snapping pictures here! All you have to do to redeem free entry is to spend S$20 at the event using any cashless payment method.

ARCADE GAMES

Foam pits are not your thing? Fret not, because there are also arcade games where you can compete against your friends to see who is a better player. There are basketball games, claw machines, Daytona and more!

BEER PONG

You know where the alcoholics will gather at—the Singha Beer Garden, of course! This is the place to drink till you drop and try your hand at beer pong. On top of that, there are also DJ sessions and a photo booth.

Mileslife—our favourite app for accumulating miles through everyday spending—has a booth at Artbox Singapore 2018 as well. They are giving away an air ticket (worth 25,000 miles) to Bangkok every hour. You just have to step into their cash-blowing machine and catch the winning ticket!

Artbox Singapore 2018
25 May to 27 May & 01 June to 03 June 2018
3pm – 11pm
Bayfront Event Space (next to Marina Bay Sands)
Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018970

Read: Guide to Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2018 – What To Expect At The Biggest Pasar Malam

While there are many things about Japanese cuisine that we love, few are able to satisfy our cravings for crispy, greasy delight as well as a hearty tonkatsu. Be it in the form of meat, poultry or seafood—anything coated in egg and panko breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection warrants our attention.

Anzu—a popular tonkatsu restaurant from Japan—at Wisma Atria’s Japan Food Town specialises in tonkatsu and it features a remarkable range of katsu offerings on their menu.

Tonkatsu joints may be in abundance in Singapore, but if you are someone who values great service on top of delicious food, then Anzu is a place you have to pay a visit to.

THICK PORK LOIN KATSU SET

Fat is flavour as far as meat is concerned and more importantly, it keeps the tonkatsu itself incredibly moist. We loved every bit of Thick Pork Loin Katsu (S$25++) from the crunch of the breaded exterior to the pork juices that come spilling out all over our tongue with each bite.

Every katsu set comes with free-flow portions of rice and salad, chawanmushi as well as your choice of either seaweed or clam soup.

PORK LOIN KATSU SET

Considerably easier to manage given that it is not as huge as its thicker counterpart, we enjoyed this version in the sense that we could really taste the porky goodness erupt the moment we bit into it.

Our only issue was that, due to the lack of delicious fat, this tonkatsu option (S$20++) was quite dry—to the extent that we had to rely heavily on the sauce and soup to balance it out.

We must say that we were impressed by how every component was executed properly from the pork katsu to even the accompanying side dishes right down to the house-pickled carrot and cucumber served on the side.

Anzu
435 Orchard Road
4F Wisma Atria
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 6262 3408
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Nestled within a residential area, Anthracite Coffee Roasters stands out amongst the buildings surrounding it. Anthracite Coffee Roasters is a café chain in Seoul, South Korea and this particular outlet in Yongsan-gu is our favourite. The café occupies the entire old building, with an open-space terrace on the second floor.

The impressive interior excited us the moment we stepped in. The first floor is the main counter area where the skilled baristas whip up aromatic cuppas for you to enjoy. The backdrop of the counter is a digital wall mural that displays futuristic and cosmic digital art that adds a little something extra to the gorgeous architecture and interior design.

You can grab a beverage and snack of your choice and head to level 2, where the main seating area is. If the weather is nice and cool, you can even grab a seat outside on the terrace.

No matter what coffee you like, they have the works. Enjoy the original splendour of coffee with their range of Espressos which they have beautifully named–Pablo Neruda, Natsume Soseki and William Blake–some of the most celebrated poets in history. The complex flavours of good coffee mirror an alluring poem, both enticing the body and soul of the consumer.

They specialise in both single origin and a carefully-curated list of house blend coffee that you can choose from. You can pick from a plethora of different single origin choices such as–Ethiopia, Kenya, Honduras and Guatelama, each with its own one-of-a-kind flavours and aromas.

As the weather was pretty warm in Seoul on the particular day of our visit, we opted for an Iced Latte (6,000 Won), using their own signature house blend beans. From one coffee lover to another, we can tell that a lot of effort was put in to create this ideal blend of coffee here.

The Piora Original Iced Tea (6,500 Won) was a delightful and refreshing treat but it fell short of impressing us after we had a taste of the amazing coffee whipped up by the baristas. So we say, skip the tea and stick to what they do best.

Anthracite Coffee Roasters in a must visit in Seoul if you are a huge fan of coffee. Even if you are not obsessed with coffee, a trip here might just make you one!

Anthracite Coffee Roasters
738-20 Hannam-dong
Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-797-7009
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Hangangjin