Cafe Rui has the best Nutella tarts in Singapore, hands down. There is no fight, and there are no better contenders.

Trust us when it comes to Nutella tarts because we are so particular about our Nutella desserts and we’ve tried so many Nutella tarts over the years that we know what a good one should be. And Cafe Rui has nailed it, making them our go-to home baker whenever our cravings for Nutella tarts kicks in.

Cafe Rui is a small home-based business founded by Jess Puan, a very passionate baker who’s also a mom to two beautiful girls. She started out baking for her daughters, and with that simple hobby, Cafe Rui was born with the humble intention of sharing her bakes.

Today, Jess sees a long waitlist for her famous Nutella tarts and she doesn’t rest on her laurels. She is constantly pushing herself and launching new creations that never fail to impress us.

Cafe Rui’s menu is small but concise, because Jess only wants to serve what she knows is the best that she can present. Being ever strict to herself and always persisting for perfection, Jess puts her heart and soul into every single cookie and tart that Cafe Rui dishes out, and we have never once been disappointed.

Cafe Ruihas the best Nutella tarts in Singapore; every single element is perfect. The tart base is a buttery and crumbly, and she bakes them with only premium French butter, so you know her tarts will never come with that distinct cheap taste that most nutella tart places in Singapore unfortunately offer. The Nutella filling is more than generous, and piped with precision so that every bite of the tart is accompanied with a good ratio of Nutella filling.

And you know what is the most amazing part? Even after opening the tin and the tarts being exposed constantly, the Nutella filling doesn’t harden. This is something that happened to all the Nutella tarts we’ve tried; they don’t hold well and almost always tastes lousy the very next day. We don’t know how Jess did it but her tarts are life-changing.

As if this isn’t good enough, Cafe Rui has a Nutella Biscoff version that is even more kickass and this has truly spoilt our taste buds. We can’t go back to eating any other Nutella tarts. The Nutella Biscoff version is a marriage of two very wonderful ingredients – well, Nutella and Biscoff. The difference lies in the tart base. Biscoff cookies are crushed and mixed into the batter to create the tart, giving it a nice, salty dimension. And the piped Nutella filling is topped with more Biscoff crumbs for a textural variety. Lovely. Very, very addictive. This is our guilty pleasure – any time of the day, any day of the week.

Want more? Yes, we don’t just stop here. Let’s just make our calories worth while. Cafe Rui has a fabulous selection of butter cookies too and no, we are not going to talk about their regular butter cookies. Because while they are good, what’s even better and life-changing is the Truffle Cheese Butter Cookie. Holy, we don’t know what Jess did here but these are SO. DAMN. GOOD.

Extremely melty in texture, these Truffle Cheese Butter Cookies are like little bites of heaven. A variety of hard cheese is used to create the dimensional cheese flavour, and quality truffle oil is used lavishly to elevate the taste of the batter. The end result is a savoury cookie that is quite unlike any other, and you will never be able to stop at just one piece. This is one of the best butter cookies that we’ve ever had.

Do support this passionate home baker for she is truly talented and she bakes with her heart. We are ardent fans of her Nutella tarts and now, her butter cookies too. The long waiting time is worth it.

Located at the historic Customs House, Caffe Fernet is an idyllic Italian restaurant that promises fresh air and a gorgeous waterfront view of the Marina Bay with its alfresco dining concept.

Opened by the group behind Jigger & Pony, Gibson Bar, Sugar Hall, Humpback and Live Twice, Caffe Fernet offers a fresh take on Italian cuisine and cocktails.

With Jigger & Pony’s background in the cocktail industry, you can naturally expect a selection of well-crafted cocktails. You won’t go wrong with the classic Aperol Spritz (S$17), which had a distinctive sunset orange colour and a sweet tinge to the taste.

Start off your meal with a selection of small plates including Beef Tartare (S$31), Burrata (S$24), and Brussels Sprouts (S$21).

We recommend the Grilled Octopus (S$32) for the seafood lovers. The octopus is tender and goes well with the marinated beans and the chilli vinegar that has just the right amount of spice.

There are three choices under the pasta section. Caffe Fernet is well known for its Mafaldine Cacio E Pepe (S$26) with parmesan, pecorino, four pepper. Otherwise, you can go for the Tonnarelli Vongole (S$29) with flower clams. Gluten-free options are available upon request.

Overall, Caffe Fernet is a great place along the Marina Bay if you’re a fan of classic Italian craft cocktails with a twist, and authentic Italian food that will leave you wanting to come back for more.

Caffe Fernet
70 Collyer Quay
#01-05 Customs House
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 9178 1105

Located at Mandarin Orchard Singapore, Chatterbox is perhaps one of the most famous—and expensive—chicken rice restaurants in Singapore.

Helmed by executive sous chef Liew Tian Heong, Chatterbox’s Hainanese Chicken Rice is its most popular dish and propelled the restaurant to fame. People from all over the world flock to the restaurant for a taste of this signature dish.

Is Chatterbox’s Hainanese Chicken Rice really that good? Is it worth paying S$27++ for a plate of chicken rice?

Chatterbox has quite a variety of local snacks on its menu. From the Rojak (S$17), to Satay (S$18 for 6 sticks), and Ngoh Hiang (S$18), you can find all the popular local snacks here.

And don’t miss out on the Salted Egg Chicken Wings (S$20 for 8 pieces)—it is certainly the best appetizer on the menu, and the best way to start your meal!

Nobody comes to Chatterbox without ordering the legendary Mandarin Chicken Rice (S$27++).

It comes with tender-boiled free-range chicken that is so juicy and succulent. Paired with fragrant rice—every grain is evenly coated with chicken oil and perfumed with pandan leaves. The homemade chilli sauce is really good and kickass.

Other than the Mandarin Chicken Rice, we also love Chatterbox’s Lobster Laksa (S$38).

There’s simply no turning back once you’ve tasted their Lobster Laksa—a wondrous bowl of goodness that looks and tastes amazing. A whole fresh lobster is used in every bowl. The soup is thick with the layered taste of quality coconut milk and fresh lobster. It is as luxurious as laksa can get.

This is probably one of the most, if not the most expensive, chicken rice in Singapore. And let’s be frank, not everyone will want to pay so much for a plate of chicken rice, especially when you can get really good chicken rice at S$3-5 from the other famous chicken rice stalls in Singapore.

If you are willing to pay S$27 for pasta or risotto from an Italian restaurant, why not the same amount for a plate of chicken rice?

Chatterbox is where you can get a taste of Singapore’s local food, elevated with premium ingredients and precise cooking techniques. It’s certainly the ideal place to bring your overseas friends to have a taste of the most popular Singaporean local food in a comfortable setting.

Chatterbox
333 Orchard Road
Level 5, Mandarin Orchard
Singapore 238867

One of the best things in life is undeniably indulging in a cookie full of decadent filling that oozes and melts in your mouth. There’s just something about this sinfully good, universally loved classic treat that leaves you craving for more.

With an abundance of cookie shops boasting timeless, good ol’ signature chocolate chip cookies to studios doling out innovative creations with novel flavours, we are simply spoiled for choice. Prepare yourselves for a mouthwatering experience with gooey, crumbly, or even chewy cookies chock full of nuts and fruits; when it comes to cookies, there is always something for everyone.

Throw your dieting out of the window and satisfy your cookie fix with this cookie guide: here are 8 places in Singapore with sinfully good cookies.

FAMOUS AMOS

Growing up, many Singaporeans are familiar with Famous Amos, more than a childhood cookie shop that has been around since our parents time’, known to lure every kid in with their irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies. Coined as the “OG” cookie store, they have paved the way for the cookie scene on our little red dot.

Tempting us with their “free smells”, Famous Amos constantly re-bakes their trays to retain the alluring aroma of cookies. Albeit a tad bit pricey, their coveted treats are baked to perfection with utmost crunchiness and chips.

Famous Amos
23 Serangoon Central
NEX Mall, #03-K5/K6
Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 6634 1736
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

KITH CAFE

Kith Café offers addictive, gluten-free cookies to pair with their famed aromatic coffee brews. Truly a “batch made in heaven”, nothing beats sipping on a cuppa while munching on their moreish cookies. These easily poppable cookies hold a subtle sweetness that complements the nuttiness of their coffee.

One of their must-try cookies is none other than their Magical Sea Salt Chocolate Cookies. A treat worth gaining calories for, these bite-sized, flaky cookies have just the right balance of both sweet and salty notes. 

Kith Cafe
9 Raffles Boulevard
Millenia Walk, #01-44/45
Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 6333 4438
Daily: 7:30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

NASTY COOKIE

Inspired by monster-sized, gourmet Levain cookies in New York, former online business Nasty Cookie has set up shop at Funan Mall. Priding themselves on using only premium dark couverture chocolate, each handcrafted treat is low in sugar and great for those who are watching their weights.

Served with a complimentary filling of either Nutella, Dulce de leche or Marshmallow, customers can watch their cookies get injected with their desired filling right in front of their eyes! Offering a range of unique flavours such as their bestselling Biscoff Cookie and Reese’s Cup, each treat has a cake-like texture and a crumbly exterior.

Nasty Cookie
107 North Bridge Rd
Funan Mall, #02-35
Singapore 179105
Mon to Thurs: 11:30am – 9:30pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

TWELVE CUPCAKES

A prominent homegrown cupcakery in Singapore, Twelve Cupcakes is notable for their diverse range of handcrafted bakes such as cupcakes, cakes, as well as appetising cookies. Perfecting their cookie recipe, each cookie bolsters a unique flavour, such as Red Velvet or Salted Caramel, with varying textures of crunchy, gooey, and chewy.

Though their cookies are made from a thick dough mixed with generous chunks of ingredients, such as real fruits and cheese, their scrumptious treats are not overwhelmingly sweet, allowing you to savour their indulgent cookies without any guilt!

Twelve Cupcakes
23 Serangoon Central
NEX Mall, #B2-47
Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 6509 1255
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

FOLKS AND STORIES

Imagine this: cookies creations inspired by human personalities and traits. Here’s where you can find these quirky bakes — Folks and Stories. A rustic baking studio located in the residential estate of Queenstown, each cookie is made from all-natural ingredients, specialising in treats that are both crunchy and soft.

Their cookies are uniquely named, such as “Mister Muscle” and “Curious Merrymaker”; they also feature unconventional flavours: think cream cheese with dark chocolate or even green tea with white chocolate. (Pst, our favourite is Ambitious Sailor.)

Folks and Stories
Block 163 Stirling Road, #01-1238
Singapore 140163
Tel: +65 8282 7375
Mon to Fri: 10:30am – 6pm
Sat: 10:30am – 4pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Queenstown

SUBWAY

When someone mentions Subway, we don’t just think of their Subs. Instead, many conjure up the image of their soft and chewy cookies. A favourite grab-and-go snack of many Singaporean, Subway brings on a nostalgia factor that has many touting its cookies as one of the best in Singapore.

Using a secret recipe, their irresistible cookies are all freshly baked daily and consists of chocolate chip bits with melt-in-your-mouth goodness. We recommend getting the Double Chocolate Cookie — an absolutely divine treat, the chocolate dough is generously sprinkled with sweet, white chocolate chunks.

Subway
23 Serangoon Central
NEX Mall, #02-11
Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 6634 4758
Daily: 8:30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

With hipster cafés popping up all over our sunny island, we are simply spoilt for choice. Do you know that the North-East is home to a plethora of cafés — from crowd-favourite gelato and waffle parlours to floral-themed establishments reminiscent of a garden from a fairytale?

We have combed through all the noshery there is to find in the North-East, and narrowed down the best spots for you; what better than a chill hideaway nook with a mean cup of joe and Instagram-worthy food?

Forgo your neighbourhood bak chor mee stall — here are 15 cafes in North-East Singapore from Serangoon to Punggol you have to visit!

Photo Credit: Lickers

LICKERS

Nestled in neighbourhood estate Lorong Ah Soo is hip ice cream parlour Lickers. Notable for their affordable ice cream and waffles, this café operates until after midnight, so you can satisfy your sweet late-night cravings at 2am.

There’s also a multitude of flavours to choose from, including classics such as Dark Chocolate and Earl Grey and interesting options such as Yakult Oreo, Lychee Rose or Cookie Monster! They change the selection on some days too. You can choose between standard cup, cone or waffles, but we would recommend getting the gelato with their crispy buttermilk waffles — the generous dollop of ice cream tastes heavenly together with the fluffy base.

Blk 124 #01-1446
Singapore 530124
Tues to Thurs: 1pm – 2am
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 2am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Kovan

COTTONTAIL CREAMERY

A stone throw’s away from Serangoon MRT Station, Cottontail Creamery is a Taiwanese-owned ice cream parlour. Resembling a rustic cottage, the décor is very much industrial-themed with brick walls and paintings. It gives off a very homely vibe and is perfect for families looking for an after-meal dessert.

With over 18 flavours to choose from, their award-winning vanilla gelato is a must try here, best paired with their fluffy waffles. They also have a wide selection of brunch dishes for those looking for a filling meal.

Blk 326 Serangoon Ave 3
#01-378
Singapore 550326
Tel: +65 8118 7552
Tues to Thurs: 11am – 10pm
Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Serangoon

AMBER EMBER

Think dusty pink walls, minimalistic marble and wooden furniture with faux plants, and you get a chic café: Amber Ember, esteemed for their unique jaffles and coffee. Jaffles are toasted sandwiches, and here, you can choose between sweet or savoury options. Inspired by Mod-Sin cuisine, they also serve up scrumptious brunch dishes.

If you’re looking for a cosy café to laze your weekends away while reading a book with a good cup of brew, do drop by Amber Ember.

#01-01, 730 Upper Serangoon
Singapore 534643
Tel: +65 6926 3312
Tues to Fri: 10am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Serangoon

KOOKS CREAMERY

Hands up if you love cookies! Better yet, those with oozing filling. At Kooks Creamery, you get the best of both worlds — molten lava filling in a crumbly cookie, topped with a generous scoop of ice cream. Upon stepping in the charming cafe, you can smell the aroma of baked cookies.

They have two signature sets: Matcha and Chocolate. It comes with a cookie that breaks apart and oozes lava while the scoop of ice cream sits upon it. You can also choose to have an a la carte cookie to bring home! They have a standard ice cream selection of 18 flavours, with a few premium flavours such as Ferrero Rocher and Milk Cereal.

Serangoon Ave 4 #01-02
Singapore 550211
Tel: +65 9006 8748
Tues to Thurs & Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Serangoon

OBLONG

Expect pop music blasting in the background upon stepping into Oblong, skateboards hanging on the walls and a dim-lit interior; the low lights add ambience and cosiness to the tiny parlour.

Oblong serves up fluffy stacked waffles, with a wide selection of handcrafted gelato. They also occasionally change up their flavours and waffle base. Our favourite is the red velvet waffle — the sandwiched cream cheese and creamy ice cream drizzled with various toppings and sauces is absolutely delish.

10 Maju Ave
Singapore 556688
Mon, Tues & Sun: 2pm – 12pm
Weds & Thurs: 7pm – 12pm
Fri & Sat: 2pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Serangoon

SEOUL GOOD

A Korean café fashioned out of a container, Seoul Good serves up scrumptious K-grub in Punggol East. You can spot it from afar with its cute penguin storefront! The self-service eatery is also set in an al fresco environment and is usually crowded during the weekends.

They have a diverse menu ranging from starters, mains to desserts. Their signatures are the Korean Fried Chicken Wings, which come in different dressings. Of course, no Korean café is complete without bingsu! Choose between six flavours and two different bases: yoghurt and milk. Seoul Good is a perfect spot to lounge with your friends and family while enjoying cold shaved ice on a hot day!

50 Punggol E #01-K36
Singapore 828824
Tel: +65 6884 6884
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Punggol

LOLA’S CAFE

Lola’s Café is a popular eatery well-known for their specialty coffee and extensive brunch menu.

Some of their signatures include the all-day breakfast platter and pastas. Aside from their mains, Lola’s also serves some luscious desserts. Some of their popular dishes are the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Tart and Brownie Jar!

5 Simon Rd
Singapore 545893
Tel: +65 6284 0349
Sun to Thurs: 10am – 11:30pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 12am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Kovan

HATTER STREET BAKEHOUSE

Imagine a whimsical café inspired by Alice In Wonderland: Hatter Street Bakehouse is a quaint little eatery that immerses you into the world of fantasy and sweet treats. The interior is decorated with drawings, scribbles and quotes, adding character to the place. The café also aims to bring across passion and determination in their food, just like The Mad Hatter.

Their signatures are the Whoaffles, which are uniquely shaped with a crisp and airy texture. It also comes with a scoop of ice cream. We would also recommend a star dish here: the Unicorn Whoaffle.

212 Hougang Street 21
#01-333
Singapore 530212
Tel: +65 6988 4591
Daily: 1pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

WILDSEED CAFE

The café is decorated with flowers, plants, brick walls and they even house a florist, giving off a very rustic atmosphere. They serve up a hearty brunch with some signatures such as the Wagyu Beef Burger and Yuzu Mac and Cheese.

Their pastries here are equally as visually appealing and yummy as well, with crowd favourites such as the Pea Flower Coconut Muffin and Honey Lemon Rosemary Tart. If you want to bring your furkids along, you can! They allow pets at the outdoor sitting area.

Level 1, 3 Park Lane,
Seletar Aerospace Dr, Park,
Singapore 798387
Tel: +65 8126 7524
Mon to Thurs: 9am – 11pm
Fri: 9am – 1am
Sat: 8:30am – 12am
Sun: 8:30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Punggol

WIMBLY LU

A charming dessert shop tucked away in the neighbourhood of Jalan Riang, Wimbly Lu is known for their chocolate-themed treats. They also offer waffles, cakes, ice cream and chocolates.

Stepping in, you will feel right at home — the ambience is cosy with wooden furniture, brick walls and dim lights. Here, their best-selling item is their waffles. You can choose to have them plain or topped off with some homemade ice cream.

15-2 Jln Riang
Singapore 358987
Tel: +65 6289 1489
Nearest Station: Serangoon

ELEVEN STRANDS

Situated along Yio Chu Kang Road, Eleven Strands is a relatively new Italian, Asian and French cuisine café that has taken over Kombi Rocks. They have an indoor and al fresco dining area, and the interior is blue accented with wooden furniture, resembling a modern, chic diner.

Eleven Strands is the sister establishment to South Union Park, and some of their fare include classics such as the Chicken Liver Pate from South Union Park. Some popular items in the cafe also include the Crab Meat Pasta and the Truffle Kombu Fries.

66 Yio Chu Kang Road
Singapore 545568
Tel: +65 9487 1398
Tues to Fri: 12pm – 9pm
Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 8pm
(Closed Mondays)
Nearest Station: Serangoon

Photo Credit: Flavour Flings

FLAVOUR FLINGS

Located in the heart of Hougang, Flavour Flings is a halal-certified café specialising in American-French cuisine. The people behind the first raclette salted egg yolk croissant in Singapore, the eatery has garnered a fair bit of regulars stopping by for their hearty all-day-breakfast and brunch menu.

Here, they spin their own twist to American-French classics, inventing new flavours and revamping ideas. Some of their signatures include the Beef Steak & Raclette and Salted Egg Yolk Fries. They also serve up iconic pastries such as the Salted Egg Yolk Croissant and Crème Brulee.

Hougang Ave 1, Block 121
#01-1348
Singapore 530121
Tel: +65 6286 0051
Mon, Thurs to Sun: 11:30am – 4pm, 5:30pm – 10pm
Weds: 5:30pm – 10pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Hougang

CIEL PATISSERIE

A heartland patisserie that boasts a menu of French desserts, Ciel Patisserie is a hidden gem. Unassuming but very surprising, this small patisserie has a wholesome range of cakes and tarts that are mostly priced under S$6.

124 Hougang Avenue 1
#01-1444, 530124
Tel: +65 6383 0803
Tue to Thu: 11am – 8pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 3pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

While a seafood feast is usually thought of as a gourmet experience, we prefer to get our hands down and dirty by having it the messy way.

You can do just that at Cajun on Wheels, a Halal-certified seafood diner on wheels that serves outrageously sumptuous and fresh Louisiana-style seafood at very reasonable prices. Living up to its name, the majority of Cajun on Wheels dishes pack a mean, spicy punch that will undoubtedly leave you reeling in satisfaction.

To add on to their already extensive menu, they will be introducing a whole new range of Asian Charcoal-Grilled dishes that are marinated with Kicap Manis, an iconic Indonesian sauce that is sweet, savoury and mildly spicy all at once. The new range of Charcoal-Grilled dishes is exclusively available at Cajun on Wheels at Plaza Singapura only.

So, say goodbye to your utensils and don your plastic bibs because this bold and unpretentious feast is best enjoyed with your hands!

OLYMPIAN BUCKET 

Unleash your inner beast with Cajun on Wheels’ classic Olympian Bucket (S$177) that features a smorgasbord of various fresh seafood and ingredients such as Scottish Dungeon Crab, Sri Lankan crab, prawns, white clams, mussels, sweet corn, potatoes and chicken spam.

All these goodies are drenched in a sauce of your choice which includes options such as Cajun Cheese, Herb & Butter, Spicy Cheese Soil (available in a non-spicy version), Singapore Chilli Crab, Sambal Chilli Egg and Salted Egg Yolk.

We highly recommend the Spicy Cheesy Soil, a decadent, full-bodied sauce that is sweet, creamy and ridiculously addictive.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED SEAFOOD BUCKET 

Be sure to also try Cajun on Wheel’s Charcoal-Grilled Seafood Bucket (S$89) which can serve 2 to 3 people. The bucket comes brimming with ingredients such as charcoal-grilled Sri Lankan crab, crayfish, squid, baby potatoes and corn. To complete this hearty feast, everything is doused in a spicy and sweet kicap manis sauce which pulls all the various components together perfectly.

NAUGHTY PLATTER 

Whether you’re naughty or nice, the Naughty Platter (S$36) was made for ravenous seafood fanatics who like to have a little taste of everything. It isn’t an unfamiliar dish and has been a constant menu item, but they’ve revamped it to make it even naughtier and better.

Served on a massive wooden platter, the dish features charcoal-grilled seabass and tiger prawns lusciously coated in kicap manis sauce, a fried whole squid, sambal matah and your choice of aglio olio, rice pilaf or white rice.

Despite the squid being fried to a perfect golden-brown crisp, its flesh still remained satisfyingly chewy and sweet without being too rubbery. We also love how once again, the kicap manis sauce managed to add an additional layer of flavour to the dish that elevated the sweetness of its various seafood components perfectly.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED SRI LANKAN CRAB 

There are few things as satisfying as cracking open gargantuan crustacean pincers and claws to reveal the sweet, tender meat beneath the hard exterior.

The Charcoal-Grilled Sri Lankan Crab (S$56) is a treat for crab fanatics. Each dish comes with a generous serving of 600 grams of charcoal-grilled Sri Lankan crab drenched in that addictive kicap manis sauce and paired with a side of grilled cauliflower and corn.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED FLOWER GROUPER

The Charcoal-Grilled Flower Grouper (S$28) features a whole flower grouper that has been cooked in kicap manis sauce, garnished with a tangy, fiery sambal matah and complemented with a side of cauliflower and corn.

Don’t be fooled by the fish’s boney-like structure; dig in deeper to discover its impeccably tender flesh that pairs amazingly well with the kicap manis sauce. We also like how the generous slathering of sambal matah added a piquant, spicy touch to the overall dish.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED GIANT SQUID 

Rarely do we come across squid that isn’t cooked to the point where it is rubbery, so tucking into Cajun on Wheel’s Charcoal-Grilled Giant Squid (S$19) certainly was a real treat.

Here, two colossal-sized squids are grilled to perfection and doused in kicap manis sauce. Each squid was absurdly succulent and of just the right amount of chewiness. The kicap manis sauce also managed to bring out the sweetness of the squid phenomenally and we savoured each and every blissfully good mouthful of it.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED TIGER PRAWNS

Prawn enthusiasts will adore the Charcoal-Grilled Tiger Prawns (S$19) which has 6 mammoth-sized tiger prawns that are grilled to perfection, coated in kicap manis sauce and paired with a side of cauliflower, corn and sambal matah.

Tear off the head and shells of each prawn to reveal the sweet, white flesh that lies beneath which is further enhanced by the kicap manis sauce.

OCEAN VALUE MEALS

If you want to have a taste of what Cajun on Wheels has to offer but you don’t have a voracious appetite, you can instead opt to have one of their Ocean Value Meals. Each meal comes with an individual seafood platter just for one as well as your choice of sauces, sides, carbs and drinks.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED SEABASS PLATTER 

Tuck into the Charcoal-Grilled Seabass Platter (S$18) which consists of a massive slab of grilled seabass slathered in kicap manis sauce and served with a sunny-side-up, sambal matah and your choice of carbs, drinks and side dishes.

The beautiful white fish was delightfully buttery and succulent and the sweetness of its plump flesh complemented the rich kicap manis sauce. For added texture and flavour, we recommend breaking open the yolk of the sunny-side-up over the fish for a creamier finish.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED TIGER PRAWNS PLATTER 

The Ocean Value Meal version of the Charcoal-grilled Tiger Prawns Platter (S$16) offers 4 fat fleshy pieces of tiger prawns in kicap manis sauce that are served with a sunny-side-up, sambal matah and your choice of carbs, drinks and side dishes.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED GIANT SQUID PLATTER 

Likewise, if you find the Charcoal-Grilled Giant Squid dish too much, you can have the Charcoal-Grilled Giant Squid Platter for just S$14. Each set comes with a charcoal-grilled squid in kicap manis sauce that is served with a sunny-side-up, kickass sambal matah and your choice of carbs, drinks and a side dish.

Cajun On Wheels
68 Orchard Road, #03-92 Plaza Singapura
Singapore 238839
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

This post was brought to you by Cajun On Wheels.

Bangkok is home to a plethora of animal cafes which house all kinds of animals; from massive human-sized dogs to exotic fennec foxes, this place is an absolute animal paradise for animal lovers.

Feline lovers will be glad to know that Bangkok has a really solid cat cafe called Caturday Cat Café that is brimming with adorable, fluffy kitties of all shapes and sizes. With its convenient location near BTS station Ratchathewi, cat lovers have no excuse to not visit this cat heaven.

Caturday Cat Café is not just filled with fluffy feline friends; it is also a pretty aesthetic café with many great Instagram-worthy spots for photos.

Here, the café walls are lined with paintings of cats, murals of cats as well as cat memorabilia. A massive climbing post also sits in the middle of the café and here you can see cats either scooting up or down it or taking a nap.

For the entrance fee, all you need to do is purchase a drink or food item (per pax) from them and you can stay there for as long as you want. We really appreciate this flexibility as a number of animal cafés in Bangkok usually set time limits for their visitors.

We ordered ourselves a Thai-Tea Crepe Cake with Thai Tea Sauce (138 baht) and a Hot Chocolate (118 baht) for the entrance fee.

We honestly were not expecting much from the Thai-Tea Crepe Cake with Thai Tea Sauce and were pleasantly surprised by how it turned out. Here, delicate crepes are carefully layered with a creamy and concentrated Thai tea filling that tasted as good as the actual drink. While the Thai tea flavour was incredibly rich, we like how the flavours were not cloying and did not go too heavy on the palate.

The hot chocolate, on the other hand, was a tad bit too milky for our liking as we prefer ours to be more on the chocolatey side. Nonetheless, it still was a satisfying cup of hot chocolate and it was nice to sip on it as we watched the cats play.

Caturday has cats of all shapes, colours and breeds and we found ourselves cooing over each and every one of them.

We ended up staying here for a solid 2-hours but how long you want to stay is entirely up to you. Some visitors even brought their laptops to do their work amongst the cats which we thought was a pretty good idea too.

All in all, a highly-recommended spot to visit in Bangkok the next time you are there, especially if you love cats!

Caturday Cat Cafe
89/70 Phayathai Road
Khwaeng Thanon Phetchaburi, Khet Ratchathewi
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 656 5247
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 9pm
(Closed on Mondays)

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/09/caturday-cat-cafe/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/08/crown-bakery-singapore/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/08/crown-bakery-singapore/#comments Fri, 23 Aug 2019 01:00:50 +0000 Natasha Ng https://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=185795 Continue reading →]]>

Nestled amongst residences at Bukit Timah is Crown Bakery & Cafe. Established in 2015, Crown Bakery & Cafe offered bread and bakes made with the very best of ingredients from all around the globe. This includes Hokkaido Kitanokaori flour, German sourdough and the creamiest French butter; no artificial flavours or ingredients at all!

It is no wonder that Crown Bakery & Cafe is not only a favourite amongst locals but expats living nearby. If you’re craving some good dough, visit this local bakery for some of the best freshly-baked goods in Singapore.

Check out what we thought about Crown Bakery & Cafe!

Scanning through their stacked rows of golden-brown pastries, we immediately knew that we had to try their 27-Layer Croissant (S$3.20). Its flaky exterior was practically calling out to us from the display shelves! We would recommend you to get it toasted before eating, though.

Despite it being but a plain pastry, it was packed with the taste of fresh butter. The layers fell apart upon biting into it and it was deliciously flaky and flavourful.

It was already perfect on its own, just imagine if it were paired with some cream cheese or spreads!

Other than their croissant, Crown Bakery also serves up interesting pastries like their French-Japanese fusion Seaweed Cheese Croissant (S$4), Sweet Potato Bread (S$2.93) and classic French Baguette (SS4.50).

Other than pastries, Crown Bakery & Cafe also serves several Breakfast, Brunch and Mains, along with an extensive menu of drinks.

Located just a short bus ride from Botanic Gardens MRT Station, it’s the perfect respite for weekend brunch-goers and those wanting to treat the family to some quality baked goods.

Crown Bakery & Cafe
557 Bukit Timah Road
#01-03 Crown Centre
Singapore 269694
Tel: +65 6463 3066
Mon to Thu: 7.30am – 7pm
Fri to Sun: 7.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens/Tan Kah Kee

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

Tiong Bahru is one of the best areas for hungry souls with the many hidden gems and cafes that offer scrumptious food at almost every turn. Newly opened in early 2019, Cafe Pandan is yet another addition to the bustling area.

Serving a plethora of traditional Singaporean breakfast dishes and even having their own DIY-Nasi Lemak station, Cafe Pandan is a must-visit for those in the area craving for a good ol’ school meal.

We had a taste of their Plain Cheong Fun (S$3.50) which came in a generous portion despite the affordable price tag. The silky rolls of cheong fun were coated in a sesame soy sauce and accompanied with a dollop of their house-made chilli.

Their chilli was what truly made the dish so delicious, giving it that small kick of spice with a hint of sweetness. Mix this in with the soy sauce to create a thicker sauce that can coat each piece of cheong fun!

For a good breakfast, sometimes, simplicity is the way to go. It certainly was the case with Cafe Pandan’s Thick Toast Set (S$5). Fluffy thick toast is slathered with a generous helping of the slightly savoury peanut butter and accompanied with 2 soft-boiled eggs and a choice of hot Teh or Kopi.

The toast was delicious and we liked how liberal they were with the peanut butter. The bread was soft but we felt that it was a bit dry. However, it wasn’t a big issue once you chase it down with a sip of their hot tea.

The tea was flavourful and milky, but we did feel it was slightly on the sweet side.

Cafe Pandan sits near to Wangz Hotel, so keep your eyes peeled for this entrance when you go exploring the enclaves of Tiong Bahru.

Cafe Pandan
241 Outram Road
Singapore 169044
Tel: +65 6224 2723
Tue to Sun: 8am – 8pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Outram Park/Tiong Bahru

Instagrammable cafes are all the rage now; anything that’s picture-perfect is bound to be a hit. If you’re looking for one of these Instagram-worthy hot spots in Singapore, Cafe De Nicole’s Flower should be your next destination. Both a florist and cafe space, it will fulfil all your floral fantasies and sweet cravings.

Though a little out of the way in the East of Singapore, Cafe De Nicole’s Flower has made its way up Singapore’s list of picturesque cafes. The cafe is decked with fresh blooms, dried flowers and boasts a subtle rustic charm. You can even bring your pets with you to enjoy some desserts too!

Walking into Cafe De Nicole’s Flower truly felt like we were stepping into a fairytale. We were immediately greeted by a whole display of beautiful flowers, rustic decor and an inviting aroma of sweets. A good picture can be taken from every angle.

First up on the table was the Charcoal Waffles with Ice Cream (S$15.90). You can choose from a myriad of interesting ice cream flavours such as Hokkaido Strawberry, Lemon Yuzu and Earl Grey. We went with the aromatic classic Earl Grey.

The crisp waffles paired very well with the silky Earl Grey ice cream. Sliced fruit is also speckled on the plate.

Light, fluffy and sweet, the Original Pancakes (S$17.90)  is served with maple syrup and sweet cream. It tasted a little eggier than sweet and it was a bit jelak for us after a while.

Their soufflé pancakes also come with Hokkaido Strawberry Ice Cream (S$19.90) or in a Tiramisu-flavoured rendition (S$19.90).

We also tried one of Cafe De Nicole’s Flower’s signature drinks – Rose Latte (S$9.80). Made with homemade rose syrup and milk, this warm drink is mildly sweet and pleasantly perfumes your tastebuds as you sip on it.

Overall, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of food at Cafe De Nicole’s Flower, although price wise, it is a little on the steep side.

If you’re making a trip down to the cafe, try and spot their resident cat that’s cutely named “Lao Ban” – it means “Boss” in Mandarin.

You’re free to bring your furry friends with you to the cafe as well. Just make sure they’re properly leashed and looked after while you eat!

224 Telok Kurau Road, #01-01
Singapore 423836
Tel: +65 8338 8511
Tue to Fri: 9am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 9pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Eunos/Kembangan

Boasting high ceilings, a bigger space and decked out in Peranakan-inspired tiles and furnishings, one-Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant Candlenut offers an Omakase menu—which they cheekily call ‘Ahmakase’.

The restaurant has a different, somewhat contemporary approach towards Peranakan cuisine, delving away from traditional methods.

Boasting a wider array of dishes (ranging between S$20 – S$30 each), we got to try a good many dishes, with our favourites being the Blue Swimmer Crab Curry, Turmeric, Galangal, Kaffir Lime Leaf and Westholme Wagyu Beef Rib Rendang, Serunding, Turmeric Leaf.

The Wok Fried Tiger Prawns, Petai Beans, Tamarind, Fried Shallots (S$28++) comes with plenty of crunch from the vegetables and the tamarind provided a sourish tinge to the dish. The prawns were sweet, succulent and complemented the strong flavours of the petai well.

The Blue Swimmer Crab Curry, Turmeric, Galangal, Kaffir Lime Leaf (S$32++) is something that instantly stole our hearts. The dish sees a generous portion of de-shelled crab, so much such that every scoop is riddled with bits, if not chunks, of fleshy crab meat.

The curry is spicy and rich in coconut, but just enough to give you that rich creaminess without overcompensating for the natural sweetness of the crab.

Executed decently but with room to improve, their Homemade Kueh Pie Tee Shell, Braised Local Turnip, Pork Belly, Prawns (S$20++) comes with 4 shells and a platter of ingredients for you to craft your own one-biter.

The ingredients were fresh and immaculately prepared, however, the turnip filling was a tad underwhelming with regards to seasoning. A quality that no amount of sweet sauce nor chilli can do to salvage, unfortunately.

An interesting take on the classic satay, the allure of this dish would be the choice of meat used. Kurobuta pork from Snake River Farm is known to be extremely well-marbled, tender and flavourful.

Licked with a sweet kicap manis glaze every few turns and allowed to develop a deep, caramel-coloured char on the outside, the skewers were truly sublime in both aroma and flavour, penetrating down deep into the meat.

An interesting dessert that comprises one of Nonya cuisines most prized ingredient, the Buah Keluak Ice Cream, Valrhona Chocolate, Chilli, Warm Chocolate Espuma (S$15++) intrigues with its nutty flavour and quirky make-up, that sees granules of pop rocks and chocolate.

Not something we would consider getting a second time, but it’s worth a try for its creativity.

Candlenut
COMO Dempsey
17A Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249676
Tel: +65 1800 304 2288
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Road

An innocuous outdoor eatery perched in the middle of Clarke Quay’s favourite eateries and bars, Chuan Grill & Noodle Bar is one of the best places to fill your stomachs with—be it post-clubbing or for lunch.

Specialising in delectable Sichuan cuisine, they cater to caters to meat-lovers with their Northern-style grilled meat and vegetable skewers, but we felt the real star of the shop was definitely their la mian.

There are over 10 different varieties of noodles to choose from, all of which were specially put together by the owner. While like any other eatery, you can pick whatever you want from the menu, your orders are customisable to your own liking—spice level, soup base, you name it, they’ll do it.

The signature dish is, aptly named, their Signature Beef Combination Noodle (S$16.50) that comes with ribeye, tendon and shank, served with a Mala soup base. The soup had a strong, robust, full body flavour from the broth alone, with an added kick from the spice without the painful choking sensation normally associated with Sichuan spice. While normally soups tend to play second fiddle to most other components, here it’s plain as day that the soups themselves are what brings each bowl to life.

They’re also generous with their portion sizes. There’s no hiding the small mound of meat in the bowl. The ribeye was so tender that it was just falling apart, while the tendons were the perfect complement to the soup.

It’s not hard to understand why the Sichuan Crispy Chicken Noodle (S$12.50) is one of the most popular dishes amongst regulars at Chuan Grill & Noodle Bar.

Crispy, juicy and satisfying, it’s a bowl of comfort food that’s been elevated by the chef’s personal touch. It’s also a much lighter bowl that makes it easier to eat, though while it’s not as heavy, it’s just as hearty as the rest.

Here, you can’t help but want to slurp your noodles, but rest assured no one would fault you for that. Open till 4am, they’re the perfect place to hit up to fill your bellies at after a night of clubbing instead of stuffing yourself silly with the usual junk food.

3A River Valley Road
#01-01
Singapore 179020
Daily: 11.30am – 4am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

As many new overseas food concepts continue to excite us with their opening in Singapore, especially over at Jewel Changi Airport which is slated to open on 17th April 2019, there are several restaurants that are leaving our shores for good.

On 24th March 2019, the perennial favourite American grill bar, Chili’s, has permanently shut down all 3 outlets on our island.

In a short and abrupt announcement post on their Facebook page yesterday, Chili’s thanked all their patrons over the past decade for their support and announced their closure.

Their first branch in Singapore first opened in Tanglin Mall in June 2009 and the brand has since been a go-to for many Singaporeans for classic Western food. Unfortunately, we will not get to bid farewell as they have quietly closed all outlets last Sunday on 24th March 2019.

We are thankful for the past 10 years that they have been with us and for all the burgers, steak, and fajitas they’ve served us. The good news is that their outlets in neighbouring Malaysia are still in operation!

All photos credited to Chili’s Singapore.

Best known for being a heartland artisanal ice cream gem, Creamier has long been a go-to for lovers of good, honest ice cream and coffee, as well as a humble respite from the hustle and bustle. Sad to say, the folks here will be hanging up their aprons come 30 June 2019.

No concrete reason was given about their sudden decision to close, but here’s what we do know based on their announcement so far.

The news comes from a recent Facebook post from them thanking their loyal supporters and their landlady, announcing their eventual closure come late June and informing the public about an apparent ‘farewell gift’ that will come in the form of a special flavour.

This special flavour, although still unknown, serves to commemorate the shop and its nearly-a-decade-long stint in Toa Payoh. Whether it’ll be a hit or not is secondary, but what we can be sure of is that it’ll taste bittersweet, similar to how we’ll feel inside.

Feeling a little down because the Christmas feasting has come to an end? Fret not as Chinese New Year is just around the corner, giving us even more reason to put our diets on hold.

As food and reunion dinners are one of the most important aspects of Chinese New Year, it is absolutely crucial that your family and guests are served with the very best. Therefore, we have compiled here a list of 9 caterers who will definitely not disappoint this Chinese New Year.

BELLYGOOD BY TUNGLOK 

Bellygood is established by the TungLok Group and is a reputable catering company that is halal certified, so it’s great for if you happen to have some Muslim guests over. They serve up a wide range of scrumptious Asian eats that will definitely satisfy your guests. Their buffet spreads start from just S$22++ per pax.

For more information, visit them here. 

Photo Credit: Four Seasons Catering 

FOUR SEASONS 

Not to be mistaken for the hotel, Four Seasons is a renowned catering company that never fails to serve up a sumptuous feast for every occasion. Their Chinese New Year buffet prices start from S$13.90++ per pax, making it incredibly affordable, especially if you are expecting a lot of people!

For more information, visit them here. 

Photo Credit: Neo Garden Catering 

NEO GARDEN 

Neo Garden has always been one of the more popular catering companies out there and it is no surprise as they never fail to deliver a stellar buffet spread that leaves everyone full and satisfied. Their Chinese New Year Buffet prices start from S$23.88++ per pax.

For more information, visit them here. 

Photo Credit: Orange Clove 

ORANGE CLOVE 

In all 7 years of its operation, Orange Clove has bagged numerous awards for its stellar food. Yet despite that, their prices are still kept affordable, so you won’t break the bank when you order from them. They are also Halal certified. Their Chinese New Year buffet spread starts from S$23.88++ per pax. 

For more information, visit them here.

Photo Credit: Select

SELECT Catering

Select is well known for offering affordable high-quality buffet spreads that are great for special occasions such as Chinese New Year. Their Chinese New Year buffets start at just S$16.80++ per pax.

For more information, visit them here. 

STAMFORD CATERING

Stamford catering is a halal-certified catering company that serves up a sumptuous array of eats that will definitely leave your guests with happy and full bellies. Their Chinese New Year buffet spread starts from just S$16.80++ per pax.

For more information, visit them here.

Photo Credit: Foodline

THE ORANGE LANTERN 

The Orange Lantern never fails to deliver affordable top-notch food. Their reunion buffets even come with complimentary Yusheng. Their Chinese New Year buffet prices start from just S$19.80++ per pax.

For more information, visit them here. 

Photo Credit: Foodline 

XIN YI PIN 

Xin Yi Pin specialises in local Asian and contemporary regional delicacies that are affordable for all. All orders for their Mini CNY Buffet come with free house deliveries on the eve of Chinese New Year! Prices start from just S$16.80++ per pax.

For more information, visit them here. 

Photo Credit: Yeh Lai Siang 

YEH LAI SIANG 

Yeh Lai Siang has over 30 years of experience in the food catering industry, so you know that you can trust them with something as important as your Chinese New Year buffet spread. For your vegetarian friends, fret not as they also have a special Prosperity Vegetarian Buffet set just for them! Buffet prices start from just S$15.80++ per pax.

For more information, visit them here. 

We’ve just finished celebrating Christmas and the New Year, yet we are already stoked to start our annual preparations for the next big exciting thing: Chinese New Year! There are lots to do leading up to the Lunar New Year celebrations, and what better place to soak in the festivities as well as to get all your Chinese New Year necessities than at Chinatown’s annual CNY night market?

The colourful streets of Chinatown are lined with a variety of stalls that sells everything you’ll need for the New Year. From shops that sell an assortment of traditional and contemporary snacks, ornaments and decorative pieces to roadside stalls that sell interesting knick-knacks and trinkets, we can foresee ourselves spending a very long time here over the next few weeks!

CHINESE NEW YEAR GOODIES GALORE  

Undoubtedly, our favourite part of Chinese New Year has to be all those festive goodies! While some prefer to stick to tradition and sell the usual snacks such as love letters and bak kwa, while others choose to be more innovative by coming up with interesting new snacks that no one has ever seen or heard of before.

Many of the traditional snacks hold very auspicious meanings. For instance, peanuts symbolise vitality, longevity and riches while nian gao is usually eaten for prosperity and promotion. If you’re curious about the meaning of other Chinese New Year traditions, you can read all about them here. 

Chinatown is also the place to be at if you need to stock up on your favourite thematic cookies such as almond cookies and pineapple tarts. Look at all these colourful jars of snacks! Time to put all your diet plans on hold.

If you are a fan of dried meats like lup cheong, waxed duck, liver sausage and other cured delights, you’d be thrilled to know that there is a massive stall with walls that are lined with every kind of cured meat you could name.

GORGEOUS FESTIVE PLANTS 

If you are someone who appreciates exotic plants, you’ll be glad to know that you can find plenty of such plants in the market. Besides traditional favourites such as tangerine plants and pussy willows, feast your eyes on a wide range of other exotic plants that are only available during the Lunar New Year.

INTERESTING TRINKETS AND DECORATIVE ITEMS 

You can’t invite people over to your house for visitations if it isn’t decorated, can you? Fret not though, as the Chinatown market overflows with beautiful decorative items to jazz up your home.

Amidst all the pretty lights and decorations, this man caught our eye. In the middle of a crowded street, he was patiently painting the lively scene of the night market and it was simply mesmerising to watch him at work. It definitely isn’t something that you see every day!

MESMERISING CHINESE NEW YEAR DECORATIONS 

What is a trip to Chinatown without admiring the gorgeous new year decorations that have been painstakingly done up? When it comes to festive decorations, Singapore is known to go all out in terms of the extravagance and sheer size of their displays.

This year is no different and along New Bridge Road at the outskirts of the Chinatown district, you can expect to see a display of two adorable, giant pig lanterns that are surrounded by plenty of small piglet lanterns. It is definitely a sight to behold and makes for a great #OOTD spot for the gram!

The CBD area, despite being crowded and hectic during lunchtime, is well known for having a plethora of great eats ranging from the cheap to the exorbitant to feed the hungry office crowd.

Let’s face it, you’re strapped for time, money and the workday isn’t shaping up to be as great as you had hoped. You need a pick-me-up and one that’s quick tastes incredible and won’t take a toll on your wallet. That’s where Chunky Crabs comes in.

Newly-opened Chunky Crabs is the brainchild of the same folks who brought you Chunky Lobsters. The concept here is pretty much the same, with the only key difference being that Chunky Crabs serves, well, crabs. But don’t worry, you’ll be able to find their lobster rolls at both their outlets at The Cathay and Oxley Tower.

You would expect a crab roll made with such high-quality meat to be exorbitantly overpriced. However, you’d be surprised to know that Chunky Crabs sells pretty wallet-friendly crab rolls that are great for those of you who are craving for anything crab related but are on a budget.

All the rolls here are meticulously made with love and utmost precision. They use only the freshest ingredients so you can be assured that you’ll be getting the best quality crab rolls out there.

They pride themselves on using only the best and the freshest crabs that are sourced from the waters of the Western English Channel and they even go as far to hand-peel every single crab themselves.

Here at Chunky Crabs, they only serve three kinds of crab rolls at an affordable S$16 each: Chunky’s Butter, Chunky’s Chilli and Chunky’s Aioli. 

Each roll is generously stuffed to the brim with a copious amount of sweet, fleshy crab meat that is encased in a soft, evenly-toasted brioche bun. We can imagine how heavenly this combination alone tastes like; the sauces are just additional enhancements that serve to elevate the flavour of the crabs tender, sweet flesh even further.

Every serving of crab roll comes with a side of their crisp, golden brown Cassava Chips, which adds a nice crunch to the overall meal and a nice barbecue element as well. if you’re addicted to their chips (we know we are), you can order the à la carte version of it for just S$1.50.

CHUNKY’S AIOLI

If you’re hankering after something with a Mediterranean touch, Chunky’s Aioli is the crab roll for you. The roll is served cold and consists of crab that is garnished with mayo, chopped celery, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper and a dash of zesty lemon juice for that extra tanginess.

Chunky’s Aioli had a more refreshing feel to it as compared to the other rolls as it was served cold, making it great for people who prefer something that is lighter on the palate.

CHUNKY’S BUTTER 

If you’d rather go for the real-deal taste of natural crab meat, then you should opt for Chunky’s Butter. Simple, as it literally comprises crab meat tossed in butter, this roll is the best choice to really get the purest flavour.

The crab meat in this roll is coated in a generous but not too overwhelming amount of melted butter that provides a rich, savoury touch that really complemented the sweet flavours of the crab meat.

CHUNKY’S CHILLI 

For all our chilli crab fans out there, you would be delighted to know that they have their own rendition of our favourite classic local dish.

Chunky’s Chilli features a soft, toasted roll that is adorned with a lavish amount of fleshy crab and drenched in a sinfully potent chilli sauce that is sweet, savoury and spicy all in one. It’s all right if you have a low tolerance for heat because the spiciness is really quite manageable and tends to lean more towards the sweeter side.

MAKE IT A SET 

Wash down your meal with a nice, cold drink. All you need to do is opt for Set A and top up an additional S$0.90 for a cup of your choice of drink.

If you’re feeling a little more peckish, you can have Set B instead and top up S$3.90 to get both a drink as well as a bowl of their thick, hearty crab bisque. We recommend dunking your crab rolls into the soup. You won’t regret it, we promise.

LOBSTER ROLLS 

We also sampled some of their famous lobster rolls that will be available at their sister brand, Chunky Lobsters, which is located at The Cathay and Oxley Tower.

At Chunky Lobsters, they will be serving their three signature flavours of lobster rolls at also an affordable S$16 each: Chunky’s Original, Chunky’s Connecticut and Chunky’s Cheezy. Don’t forget their lobster bisque, too.

DRINKS GALORE 

There is just something oh-so-satisfying about pairing a scrumptious crab roll with an icy cool bottle of beer. Chunky Crabs knows what’s up, so they have an array of beers for you to choose from for you to complete your meal.

Beer lovers will also rejoice over how cheap each bottle is—only S$6! That’s even more reason to crack open a cold one while you savour your crab roll, even if it’s in the middle of the day.

Some of the beer varieties available are the light and refreshing Estrella, the fruity Magners Apple Cider as well as refreshing Bavaria.

All-in-all, Chunky Crabs has won our hearts and we know that both crab aficionados and foodies alike will enjoy the affordable, chunky yet funky crab rolls here. So the next time you’re craving anything crab-related, you should definitely give Chunky Crabs a try.

Chunky Crabs
51 Telok Ayer Street
#01-06A, China Square
Singapore 048441
Mon to Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer & Raffles Place

This post is brought to you by Chunky Crabs

With the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill as the perfect backdrop for a gratifying and intimate brunch or lunch, COMO Dempsey astounds with its effortlessly elegant interiors and picture-perfect scenery. Boasting 4 stunning restaurant concepts, as well as a lifestyle stall, escape from the hustle and the bustle of the city and retreat to COMO Dempsey for a chichi experience with your closest friends and loved ones.

Bathed in bright sunlight during the day and romantically dim-hued in the night, all four of their intimate restaurant spaces will make you feel like royalty. The food, of course, is the main appeal here and have all been specially curated to impress even the fussiest gourmand.

Take your pick. On weekends, pamper yourself and your loved ones with a hearty brunch at COMO Cuisine, an array of refined signatures from The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar, a traditional Osaka-style tempura Omakase experience that dates back to 1850 at Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh and lastly, the first Peranakan restaurant to ever have been awarded a Michelin star, Candlenut.

THE DEMPSEY COOKHOUSE AND BAR

Opened by one of New York’s most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar, set against the backdrop of Singapore’s modern appeal and burgeoning culinary scene, is a place where refined cuisine and elevated experiences can be found.

Here, diners can expect indulgent signatures such as the Egg Caviar (S$38++) and the Black Truffle and Fontina Cheese Pizza (S$34++) that are nuanced and contemporary, as well as a selection of Asian-inspired dishes served with a twist. Their Crispy Salmon Sushi, Chipotle Mayonnaise and Soy Glaze (S$20++) is an absolute game changer. Served warm, the combination of crispy fluffy insides with the soft, smooth and chilled salmon completely won us over.

This specially curated menu showcases the culinary innovations and refined style that runs deep within the DNA of every Jean-Georges restaurant and thrums alive under the skin of anyone that steps into the restaurant.

In a meaty mood? Their Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Chop, Glazed Mushrooms, Sage (S$38++).

Incorporating smoky, cured prosciutto into the dish, the otherwise dry pork chop is given an outer coat of savouriness while still keeping a good amount of moisture locked in. The mushrooms served on the side provide a good amount of umami and earthiness that do well to complement this colossal meat dish.

An exquisite curation of his unique cocktails and speciality concoctions inspired by Asian flavours also complement the contemporary menu, taking the entire dining experience up a notch. Diners can also opt to have a drink by the restaurant’s beautiful marbled bar before their meals are served.

The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar
Block 17D Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249676
Tel: 1800 304 5588
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am
Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 1am
Sat: 11.30am – 4pm, 6pm – 1am
Sun: 11.30am – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Make your reservations here: http://bit.ly/2PBU2nG

COMO CUISINE

From the buttery whiff of freshly baked viennoiseries to the chocolatey aroma of fresh coffee grinds in the morning, there is truly no better place to start your day than at COMO Cuisine. Luxuriate in their hearty selection of breakfast items as well as their all-new menu that features all-day comfort fare that will power you up for the rest of the day!

On the new breakfast menu, tempt your taste buds and sweet tooth with their list of perennial favourites such as Banana Bread with whipped Tahini and coffee maple (S$12++), and the Acai Bowl with house-made almond granola, bee pollen, banana and berries (S$16++). Or if you’re in the mood for the savoury fare, the Croque Madame with brioche, organic egg, smoked ham and truffle cheese sauce (S$20++) and the Real Toast with avocado crush, heirloom tomatoes and cucumber (S$16++) will settle you right in.

Encasing melted cheddar in the centre by two perfectly toasted, sweet brioche toasts and topped with a perfectly fried egg, the former is a hearty treat that is bound to leave you completely satisfied, and the latter is a refreshing delight packed with a myriad of fresh, bright flavours.

Their all-day menu leaves a lasting impression as well, with the likes of their Pandan Crêpe with mango, passionfruit and coconut sorbet (S$12++) that boasts an insanely potent yet pleasant pandan aroma as well as a cold, refreshing coconut sorbet stuffed in-between.

Feeling peckish? Definitely go for their COMO Burger (S$26++) and Fritto Misto (S$32++) as well.

COMO Cuisine
Block 18A Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249677
Tel: 1800 304 6688
Mon to Sun: 8am – 9pm
Breakfast (Mon to Fri): 8am – 12pm
High Tea (Tue & Fri): 3pm – 5pm
Brunch (Sat & Sun): 8am – 3pm
Make your reservations here: http://bit.ly/2PCQqBF

IPPOH TEMPURA BAR BY GINZA IPPOH

Famed for elevating tempura-making to an art form, Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh brings with it more than a century’s worth of culinary traditions and mastery to the table.

Opened by Chef Masaru Seki, a fifth-generation member of the founding family that first began the restaurant back in 1850 in Osaka, Japan, what gourmands can expect is nothing short of the freshest and most premium ingredients seasonally available—all expertly prepared with minimal seasoning to ensure that each tempura offering retains its pristine flavour and integrity without the greasiness that people typically associate with tempura.

To have an all-rounded and proper introduction to Osaka-style tempura, we highly recommend starting light with the Tsubaki Set (S$70++ per pax) that features a starter, 8 pieces of tempura made up of seasonal seafood and vegetables, along with a kakiage that comes served with either rice or cold somen noodles, followed by a dessert to round it all off.

A few à la carte signatures to consider—and we strongly suggest you do—include the Live Shrimp with Shiso Leaf (S$14++), Shrimp Toast (S$12++) and Sea Urchin Tempura with Caviar (S$28++). Both the shrimp signatures took us by surprise with their delicate textures and light flavours. The latter option, on the other hand, is a glorious, decadent one-biter that packs rich, briny flavours.

Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh
Block 17B Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249676
Tel: 1800 304 3388
(Closed on Mondays)
Lunch (Tue to Sun): 12pm – 3pm
Dinner (Tue to Thu & Sun): 6pm – 10pm
Dinner (Fri & Sat): 6pm – 11pm
Make your reservations here: http://bit.ly/2PJdPkU

CANDLENUT

The first Peranakan restaurant ever to be awarded a Michelin star, dining at Candlenut promises a true feast and one that would make any Nyonya proud. Designed by world-renowned architect and designer, Paola Navone, the restaurant decor features a modern concept while retaining intricate touches of the rich Peranakan heritage.

Staying true to their roots, the restaurant continues to leave diners in awe with their contemporary cuisine that preserves the true quality and complexities of traditional Peranakan food, but with a few astute tweaks here and there.

Diners can choose from more than 40 appetisers, mains and desserts from the à la carte menu for lunch and dinner or for those who prefer to leave it to the chef, you can also consider the Peranakan ‘Ah-ma-kase’ communal tasting menu at S$88++ for lunch and S$118++ for dinner. Yes, you read it correctly, a Peranakan Omakase.

Some items that we highly recommend include the Homemade Kueh Pie Tee Shell, Braised Local Turnip, Pork Belly, Prawns (S$20++), as well as the 1824 Grain-Fed Beef Cheek Rendang and Charcoal Grilled Maori Lakes Lamb Shoulder Satay, Kacip Manis Sauce—both of which are only available in the tasting menu.

As with most traditional Peranakan dishes, preparing a single dish requires tonnes of elbow grease as it is only through grinding and pounding do you get the full range of heady aromas and complex flavours to permeate through.

At Candlenut, every item that we tried was absolutely stunning but the dish that stood out most was the Blue Swimmer Crab Turmeric Lemak, Sweet Potato Leaf. Nuanced with a myriad of herbs and spices and enriched with coconut milk, this charming delight boasts a generous serving of plump, sweet crab meat that pairs excellently well with the sauce it sits in.

The green bouquet that sits on top is a combination of locally grown herbs that provide a bright and herbaceous lift to the dish—a quality that does well to cut through the coconut milk.

Candlenut
Block 17A Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249676
Tel: 1800 304 2288
Lunch (Mon to Sun): 12pm – 3pm
Dinner (Sun to Thu): 6pm – 10pm
Dinner (Fri & Sat): 6pm – 11pm
Make your reservations here: http://bit.ly/2PCD1JU

This post is brought to you by COMO Dempsey.

Offering a full-on menu of both Asian and Western fare, Colbar is one of the few gems in Singapore that we can safely say, has truly stood the test of time. Opened in 1953, the establishment formerly served as a canteen for the British army. It, therefore, gave rise to its name, Colbar, otherwise referred to as ‘Colonial Bar’.

Granted that it’s a little out of the way, especially for those who do not drive, it is still a charming spot that’s worth the trip. It is a retreat from civilisation and it is also a great place to catch a glimpse of the old days.

This rustic hideout is furnished with retro interiors like Formica tabletops and old photographs, which bring an air of nostalgia that sets you back in time. Whether you’re pining for a beer, some food or a place to chill, Colbar is one that’ll guarantee you a relaxed and tranquil experience.

Well-versed in the culinary art of Western cooking, the cooks here are able to whip up a wide array of both Western and Asian delights.

In addition to their stellar grub, they also carry a vast selection of English craft beers. From sweet ciders to bitter IPAs, they have it all.

Their Roasted Chicken Chips & Mushroom came with a piece of chicken leg and a small portion of potato wedges and mushrooms. Despite the small portion, the chicken was well roasted—super crispy on the outside and firm but not too dry on the inside.

The mushrooms were coated in savoury gravy, which complimented the chicken.

Next came the Pork Cutlet Chips & Mushroom which was equally good as well.

The meat was succulent and well coated in panko breadcrumbs, that did well to give the pork an incredible crunch as well as help to lock in moisture. The pork itself boasted a subtle yet pleasant note of rosemary and thyme which we thought worked brilliantly.

The dish that we enjoyed the most was definitely the Cheese Omelette & Chips. This classic dish was simple yet so ‘egg-cellent’.

The egg was really soft and fluffy and the warm melted cheese inside just oozes out with a slight cut. The portion and wonderful taste of the omelette definitely made up for the price.

Last on our table was the Dry Ho Fun, which we felt was nothing special. Just like a plate of fried kway tiao, it was filled with basic ingredients like small prawns, fish cakes and bean sprouts.

We liked that they added a good portion of fried shallots on top that added a crunch to the dish. However, the dish was simply too greasy to finish.

Colbar
9A Whitchurch Road
Singapore 138839
Tues to Sun: 9.30am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: One North