One of the best Louisiana seafood restaurants in Singapore, Dancing Crab by TungLok Group is no stranger to us.

With an extensive menu and a huge range of seafood with guaranteed freshness, Dancing Crab is a perennial favourite and a family-friendly restaurant that is suitable for all sorts of occasions and celebrations.

Just when you need another reason to visit them again, we have good news for you – Dancing Crab is introducing a new lunch set menu with prices starting from S$11.90++. We’re in for this pocket-friendly deal, and so should you!

Let’s begin with their classics for they cannot be forgotten.

Get your hands dirty and messy with the Live Crab Combo (S$98++) that comes with 6 different sauces for you to choose from – Signature Cajun, Beurre Blanc, Salted Egg Yolk Butter Cream, Black Pepper, Zesty Garlic Butter and Chilli Crab.

Crack open the crab shells to bite into the plump and juicy pincers; so fresh that you can taste the natural sweetness! Together in the bag are sweet clams, prawns, corn and the slightly spicy chicken sausage for a hearty combination of flavours.   

Black Pepper Crab (S$112++) is a well-loved dish amongst us Singaporeans and Dancing Crab has their own rendition of it! Get a mild kick of spice from the pepper and sweetness from the corn served along with the crabs.

This dish is definitely good for sharing between 3 to 5 pax. For S$112++, you get two big crabs of approximately 700g each.

The Moonshine Vodka Live Prawn (S$38++ for 500g, S$68++ for 1kg) is a fire show that is served table-side. Upon peeling the fresh prawns in your mouth, be prepared for a burst of vodka to hit you on your tongue that will awaken your senses.

Dip the prawns into the garlic chilli sauce to give it an extra punch that creates a great harmony of sweet and spicy.

A side dish to love is the Crab Cake (S$18.50++) and it is something we can never get sick of no matter how many times we’ve had it. Beneath the crunchy batter are hearty lumps of soft and flavourful crab meat.

It is creamy, savoury and especially scrumptious when paired with the ranch sauce served on the side.

You don’t have to travel to Ireland, France, Canada or Australia for fresh and plump oysters; you can find the best in the season from all over the world over at Dancing Crab.

Perfect as an appetiser before digging into the other saucy seafood dishes, make sure to squeeze the lemon generously over the oysters for some toothsome goodness.

The Duck, Waffle and Egg (S$22++) is a serving of duck confit alongside four quarters of fluffy waffles. You will love the crispy and flavourful duck skin! To complement the duck, pair it with the Salted Egg Yolk Sauce and drizzle it all over for a sweet and salty experience.

INTRODUCING THE NEW DANCING CRAB LUNCH SETS

With nothing over S$18.90++, you can indulge in seafood goodness without burning up a hole in your pocket.

Here are some exciting new set lunches that Dancing Crab will be offering.

First up, we have the Lobster Roll that is served with a side of Poached Rice in Lobster Bisque Soup (S$18.90++).

The lobster roll is your classic succulent lobster flesh stuffed in really good buttery toasted brioche buns; an absolute joy to have, we must say. And we really enjoyed the flavourful broth of the Poached Rice in Lobster Bisque Soup and could not stop reaching for more!

The Grilled Chicken Chop served with Beurre Blanc Sauce and Beignet on the side (S$11.90++) was a surprisingly delicious dish that we enjoyed very much albeit it not being a seafood dish.

The Beurre Blanc Sauce was so creamy and flavourful, there were crab meat shreds in it that added some textures and complemented the grilled chicken thigh so well.

Pasta la vista, baby! We would gladly sacrifice our no-carbs streak for this plate of Grilled Kuhlbarra Barramundi Fillet topped with Cajun Sambal Sauce, served alongside Tomato Linguine (S$14.90++).

The barramundi fillet was crispy on the outside with a firm texture on the inside, the pasta beautifully al dente, and when put together with the Cajun Sambal Sauce, it was really a great lunch dish.

VivoCity #03-10
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6222 7377
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

Orchard Central #07-14/15
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6509 1878
Fax: +65 6509 1879
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30 – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
#01-20/21 Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 6466 3303
Tue to Fri: 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Sixth Avenue

This post is brought to you by Dancing Crab.

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2020/03/dancing-crab-singapore/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2020/02/double-coffee/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2020/02/double-coffee/#comments Wed, 12 Feb 2020 09:48:28 +0000 Natasha Ng https://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=197075 Continue reading →]]>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nestled amongst the many food options available in the Katong-East Coast area of Singapore is Doong Ji – a cosy, authentic Korean restaurant that serves up a variety of dishes from the ever-popular Army Stew to more traditional ones such as the Kimchi Stew and Seafood Pancake.

Run by a Korean lady boss, Doong Ji was established in 2008 and has since become a favourite amongst local residents and tourists who stay in the vicinity. Doong Ji also has a weekday lunch promotion with a selection of dishes priced at only S$9.90+.

On our visit, we got the Bulgogi Hot Pot (S$9.90+), Jjajangmyeon (S$9.90+) and the Pork BBQ (S$9.90+).

Almost as if it was just taken off the stove, our Bulgogi Hot Pot arrived at our table piping hot, with the strong but pleasant smell of beef in the air. We were pleasantly surprised to find generous portions of beef, glass noodles and mushrooms in the soup, in addition to the bowl of rice that came with the dish.

It seemed like the beef had been stir-fried before they were added to the soup. The glass noodles were springy and managed to retain its consistency despite being soaked in the broth. The soup itself was naturally sweet and rich.

The Pork BBQ came stir-fried with onions in a spicy-sweet sauce, set atop a bed of beansprouts, alongside a bowl of rice and soup.

On its own, the dish made for a satisfactory lunch value meal though it’s not too bad as a side dish to share either. The pork was juicy, tender, and each piece of meat was well covered with the sauce, ensuring no disjoint in flavour.

As constant hunters of good jjajangmyeon in Singapore, we have to say that Doong Ji’s definitely made it onto our list with their take on this traditional Korean favourite.

Served with three slices of radish on the side, the noodles came with a sunny side up and a generous portion of sliced cucumbers, which we quickly mixed together. The runny yolk from the egg made for a nice extra topping to the sauce, creating a nice and gooey texture – which gave the jjajangmyeon a well-rounded taste that had us wanting more.

Doong Ji Korean Restaurant
222 East Coast Road
Singapore 428919
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest station: Eunos

Fans of Taiwan’s famous fiery hot chicken brand, Devil Chicken, will be excited to know that they will finally be opening their first permanent outlet in Singapore. This is great news for those of you who didn’t manage to get your hands on some of their chicken at the Shilin Market event earlier this year.

The store will be opening at Century Square on the 4th of October 2019 and judging by the 4-hour queues at the Shilin Market event, be prepared for even longer queues here at their permanent store!

Devil Chicken originates from Taichung, Taiwan, and the fried chicken store has grown so popular over the past few years that they have opened up multiple stores all over Taiwan.

They are famous for their fiery hot chicken packs a mean, spicy punch and it is the perfect snack for anyone who loves all things spicy and chicken.

For those of you who are looking forward to trying Devil Chicken’s famous chicken, do prepare yourself for the snaking long queues! Good luck!

2 Tampines Central 5
Singapore 529509
Nearest Station: Tampines

Photo credits: Devil Chicken

A new kid on the block, DUAL Cafe Singapore joins the line-up of hip cafes on the famed and graffiti-covered Arab Street. The cafe is decorated with classic wood furnishings and welcoming shades of green.

Impeccably fusing Western culinary techniques with Asian flavours, DUAL Cafe Singapore offers customers the option to pick from dishes on their set menu or create their own food bowls.

With customisable protein bowls often coming with a hefty price tag, it is easy to understand the cafe’s popularity; their lunch special on Mondays to Fridays, from 11.30am to 2pm, offers food bowls with Ice Lemon Tea for just S$6.90 nett!

We customised our own bowls for the lunchtime special—with a choice of one base (such as Soba Noodles and House Salad), one protein (including Dijon Chicken Thigh, Baked Garlic Dory and Sesame Chicken Breast), and three toppings.

Customers also have the option to add extra sauce to their bowls without extra charge!

Our first bowl was made up of Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Mirin Salmon, Sous Vide Egg, Mushroom Medley and Honey Balsamic Mushrooms.

The servings were incredibly generous considering the price. Every single ingredient on the plate was well seasoned and complemented one another perfectly.

The other customised bowl we ordered consisted of Organic Brown Rice, Braised Pork Belly, Mushroom Medley, Steamed Broccoli and Corn. Unsurprisingly, the highlight of the bowl here was definitely the Braised Pork Belly.

Fatty and salty enough to enjoy with the fluffy bed of brown rice, the pork belly was so flavourful with it being steeped in a myriad of sauces for hours to give it that savoury burst of flavours.

Office workers looking for a healthy yet affordable lunch meal in the area should definitely check out DUAL Cafe Singapore; they even serve local brew craft beers at wallet-friendly prices so you can indulge yourself after office hours!

DUAL Cafe Singapore
48 Arab St
Singapore 199745
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 9pm
Sat: 10.30am – 9pm
Sun: 10.30am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

Nestled in the area of Taman Mount Austin, Ding Ding Ji Pai is an adorable cafe that specialises in Taiwanese food with solid mains such as Braised Pork Rice and Fried Chicken Cutlet, on top of numerous creative renditions of their signature winter melon milk tea—all costing no more than S$5 each.

Here’s why you should pay this eatery a visit on your next day trip to Johor Bahru!

Their menu boasts a wide selection of snacks, beverages, desserts and hearty mains, all of which are extremely pocket-friendly. On top of that, you’d be glad to know that there’s free wifi over at Ding Ding Ji Pai.

A dish synonymous to Taiwanese cuisine would be Lu Rou Fan, otherwise known as Braised Pork Rice.

Served with salted vegetables, a braised egg and a chunky piece of braised tofu, Ding Ding Ji Pai’s Rice with Braised Pork (RM7.90) reminded us of the ones we’d get in Taiwan. The tender pork boasted an appropriate balance of fat to lean meat ratio and the marinate was aptly rich without being overly cloying.

For something more indulgent, the Fried Chicken Rice (RM11.90) would go highly recommended by us. Accompanying a bowl of rice that has been cooked in a light braised sauce is a huge piece of boneless fried chicken cutlet as well as a helping of salted vegetables.

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, we could tell that no effort was spared in the preparation of the dish. The meat was extremely well-marinated and the skin had a flavourful, intense seasoning sprinkled over.

No Taiwanese meal will ever be complete without some creamy milk tea and you’d be glad to know that Ding Ding Ji Pai offers a stunning array of beverages such that you’d be spoilt for choice.

The Winter Melon Milk Tea (RM8.40) is one of their signature beverages and for good reason. The strong aroma of black tea balances out the creaminess and we thoroughly enjoyed the subtle taste of winter melon.

Other options you might wish to try include Passion Milk Tea (RM8.40) and Mango Honey Lemon (RM8.40).

Ding Ding Ji Pai
31 Jalan Austin Height 8/8
Taman Mount Austin, 81300 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tue to Sun: 11am – 12 midnight
(Closed on Mondays)

Duck aficionados, prepare your stomachs because TungLok Group is jazzing up the food scene once again with their new restaurant, Duckland.

Priding themselves on using ducks from Silver Hill Farm in Ireland—a breed that is known to be the ‘wagyu’ of ducks—the Irish duck is no normal duck. It is actually a unique and cultivated hybrid of the Peking duck and the Aylesbury duck, which are poultry specially bred for their dense and porous skin. This means that the ducks used in the dishes here at Duckland will be even more succulent, tender and robust than your average duck.

Adopting a ‘farm to fork’ concept which emphasises heavily on the utilisation of top-notch quality ducks from Ireland, their dishes all embody the authentic flavours of Ireland and the best flavours of duck meat you can get.

Located in United Square at Novena, Duckland has just opened its doors in mid-January. From now until 28th February 2019, our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 10% off the total bill with a minimum spend of S$50*. Here is what you can expect at Duckland!

Duckland serves up a pretty impressive range of both Asian and Western-style duck dishes that will raise the bar for duck lovers anywhere else. However, they aren’t just all about ducks. There are other comforting options such as lamb stews and even a whiskey cake that we are totally digging!

ROAST IRISH DUCK

Starting off with their signature dish, the Roast Irish Duck (S$28 for half, S$50 for whole) is definitely the one item you have to order because going to Duckland and not ordering this dish is like going to McDonald’s and not eating fries.

The duck is roasted in a combi-oven, which results in gorgeously amber crisp skin as well as delightfully tender and moist meat.

This duck is the very definition of melt-in-your-mouth; the perfect ratio of flesh to fat allows the duck to maintain its soft succulence, and when paired together with that aromatic skin, you’ll experience a burst of complex umami flavours of epic proportions.

Each serving of their glorious Roast Irish Duck comes with a selection of dipping sauces which include raspberry sauce, calamansi chilli as well as yellow mustard. However, in all honesty, we feel that the natural flavours of the duck are so outstanding by itself that the sauces are unnecessary.

DUCK CONFIT & WAFFLE

Boy, this Duck Confit & Waffle (S$20) has got to be the best rendition in Singapore. To begin with, not many places serve Duck Confit & Waffle, but we now have a place to go to when we need a “ducking good” respite.

Encrusted in a smoky, crisp skin that brims with intense flavours of duck fat, the duck leg was fork-tender with a pleasant bite to it. Executed brilliantly, we adore how Duckland did not incorporate any fancy twists to the dish but instead, brought out the best qualities of the meat through their cooking methods.

Drizzle over the buttery sweet maple syrup at the side to bind the flavours and textures of the waffle, egg and duck leg all together!

DUCK FRIED RICE

The restaurant’s Duck Fried Rice (S$10) is unlike your typical Chinese-style fried rice. Their rendition of such a simple rice dish consists of pieces of Irish roast duck, sweet corn, zucchini and garlic, making it a flavour bomb that bursts with a complex, intense ‘wok hei’ aroma that cloaks every mouthful you take.

What’s worth mentioning is that they enhance the fragrance of their steamed rice with duck fat before stir-frying it, making this dish a notch tastier and aromatic than your average serving of fried rice.

DUCK PIES

On Duckland’s menu, you can find 2 types of duck pies that are perfect for a fuss-free snack or a quick meal on-the-go. The restaurant offers two options, namely the Black Pepper Duck Pie and Tomato-Pineapple Duck Pie (S$6 each).

The former comprises succulent duck meat and onions coated in a black pepper sauce while the latter consists of tangy pineapple, tomato and duck meat encased in a savoury baked puff pastry.

IRISH LAMB STEW

Loaded with a chock full of hearty, healthy ingredients including carrots, potatoes, celery, a myriad of herbs and spices and a generous helping of lamb cooked to tender perfection, their Irish Lamb Stew (S$22) is a showstopper in its own right despite not being a duck dish.

BACON, CABBAGE & COLCANNON

Bacon, colcannon and cabbage is a classic combination commonly found in Irish restaurants. For the uninitiated, colcannon is also known as Irish mashed potatoes and is a traditional Irish dish that incorporates cream, butter and kale into mashed potatoes to give it its creamy texture.

Duckland’s Bacon, Cabbage & Colcannon (S$20) sees slices of smoky old-fashioned bacon—essentially Irish bacon which is leaner as opposed to the fattier American bacon we are used to—atop a generous helping of colcannon, accompanied by cabbage and a creamy parsley sauce.

GOOD OL’ FISH & CHIPS

What we found slightly bewildering was the fact that Duckland, a place that specialises in duck, has one of the best fish and chips (S$18) that we have ever had in Singapore.

Here, fresh barramundi fillets are copiously coated in a thick, fragrant batter and are deep-fried to a lovely golden brown. Cut into it to reveal fresh and flaky barramundi fillets which go hand-in-hand with their house-made Japanese mayo-tartar sauce.

FRESH JUICY OYSTERS

Offering a rotating selection of seasonal oysters, Duckland serves these premium shellfishes in accordance to the season, depending on which is the freshest and best during that particular period.

Slurp up some of these plump, smooth oysters that are freshly-shucked in the restaurant. Imported from various parts of the world, expect meaty Irish oysters or Fine De Claire oysters from France. Prices vary according to its season.

THE SINGAPORE SLAW

This beautifully put together salad (S$15) provides a lovely, refreshing touch to the restaurants otherwise very rich and savoury menu.

The Singapore Slaw is an original Singapore-style salad that was created by International Celebrity Chef Susur Lee, Featuring a colourful mix of fresh herbs and vegetables such as julienned red carrots, daikon, turnip and edible flowers, they are tossed together in a tangy raspberry dressing that serves to pull the entire salad together.

TANTALIZING DESSERTS – WHISKY CAKE & APPLE CRUMBLE

Round off your entire experience at Duckland with a couple of their decadent sweet treats. The Whiskey Cake (S$7) is an indulgent treat that features an aptly dense chocolate cake that comes with a luxurious hint of whiskey.

The Apple Crumble (S$7) is also another delight you mustn’t miss. A medley of soft and crunchy textures is encased in a buttery, crunchy tart exterior, presenting fruity bursts of flavours that comes with strong notes of cinnamon.

Duckland
United Square Shopping Mall #B1-09&64/65
101 Thomson Road
Singapore 307591
Tel: +65 6259 5668
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Novena

This post was brought to you by Duckland.

When it comes to classic spirits, rum may not come first in your mind, as compared to say fine scotch, nor is it a spirit associated with crazy wild parties. In that grey area between classy and crazy, rum is a spirit that sits in between.

You may associate rum with the beach and tiki bar cocktails—and you’d be right to think so. Few spirits can make a beach cocktail like rum can. Period. In fact, rum, which is made from sugar cane, is the key ingredient to many of the classic tiki cocktails.

A versatile spirit, rum is one of those things that can taste excellent in a cocktail given its complexity of flavour notes, but few would agree that having it neat or on the rocks would be ideal—until now.

Having won several prestigious awards and the hearts of many abroad, Don Q is set to make a smooth yet assertive entry—much like their rums—into the Asia Pacific region with their portfolio of premium rums that boast distinctive bouquets, tasting notes and balance. We tried it for ourselves and were utterly blown away by the sheer smoothness of it.

Our readers can use our code ‘LADYIRONCHEF’ to get 10% off Don Q’s rums on Club Parcel Santa with a minimum spending of S$100.

A spirit that comes with the promise of versatility, fragrant complexity, excellent taste and a clear subtlety that’s unmatched, Don Q is, hands down, our newest go to. And here’s why it should be yours too!

DON Q CRISTAL

For what it’s worth, the Don Q Cristal is an excellent white rum to have on your shelf. Clean-tasting, light-bodied and easy to drink—which is undoubtedly its intended style—, this product is quite literally the only white rum you’ll ever need whether you choose to simply have it with soda and ice, to concoct your rum-colas or even to jazz up a classic summertime mojito with.

A versatile product, the Don Q Cristal won us over with its ultra-smooth finish and its ability to taste good in literally any cocktail. It’s great for mixing in both frozen and non-frozen cocktails and forms the perfect base for anything—which is fantastic given its price.
And before the sceptics begin to say anything, we assure you that Don Q has several awards to show for it. Clinching the top prize of ‘Best Rum in a Mojito’ at the inaugural Ultimate Cocktail Challenge in New York, along with many other major prestigious awards, we suppose that it’s safe to say that the Cristal can be relied on.

DON Q GOLD

Perhaps one of the most remarkable facts about the Don Q Gold is that the world’s very first Pina Colada cocktail—invented in 1954—was made using the Don Q Gold as its base spirit.

Don Q Gold is a favourite of those searching for a classic rum taste. Its production process is pretty much similar the Cristal but with more flavour added to it give traditional rum cocktails its distinctive spiced edge. The Gold is blended using multiple varietals of rums aged between 1 and a half to 5 years. The result? A spirit that’s smooth, easy on the palate and damn good in a Piña Colada.

DON Q AÑEJO

Fashioned to suit the palates of even the most distinct connoisseur, the Don Q Añejo is an immensely versatile rum that can be used for premium cocktails or for sipping.

An obvious flavour step up from the Gold, the rum itself bears a noticeably darker sheen, suggesting that it’s more aged. The tasting notes upon our first sip was a surprisingly sweet and fruity while the finish had a subtle hint of vanilla coupled with a rather nice nuance of oak.

We recommend enjoying this on the rocks to allow the ice to really open the rum up a tad, or if you do decide to craft a cocktail with the stuff, perhaps a spin on the classic whiskey Old Fashioned but substituting the base with the Don Q Añejo instead. Classy, versatile and impressively smooth, we must say this is one of the better rums we’ve had given its price.

Affordably priced and a considerable notch higher than many commercial rums, Don Q has really outdone itself in providing proper, quality base spirits worthy of some far-out cocktail concoctions. The next time you decide to get creative behind the bar, give Don Q a try.

Cocktails have close to zero boundaries when it comes to the number of recipes that one can explore and concoct, but what differentiates an epic cocktail and one that’s subpar is truly the spirit that forms its foundation.

Piña Coladas and Mojitos are literally only the tips of the iceberg. There are hundreds, even thousands more rum-based cocktail creations that you can create in your own home, and if you’re ever hard-pressed over what rum to get to truly bring out the qualities of your desired drink—especially if you’re new to mixology as a whole—, we dare admit that Don Q is a good place to start.

GET YOURSELF A BOTTLE (OR TEN)

Craving a tropical cocktail to combat Singapore’s unforgiving heat? Get yourself a bottle (or ten) of Don Q’s premium rum now at select 1855 The Bottle Shop stores and Club Parcel Santa for online free delivery.

https://club.parcelsanta.com/collections/alcoholic-beverages

Our readers can use our code ‘LADYIRONCHEF’ to get 10% off Don Q’s rums on club Santa with a minimum spending of S$100.

This post was brought to you by Don Q.

A venture that was spearheaded by both a humble passion for baking and of sharing good food with the masses, Don Pie first opened its doors back in 2000 and has since won the hearts of many with their insanely modest yet mouth-watering, all-natural pies.

Perfuming the spaces wherever it takes up residence with the savoury aromas of freshly baked pastry, Don Pie is truly a gem that deserves so much more recognition. For one, they aren’t gimmicky in any way, just humble pies (pun intended) made using fresh, quality ingredients and a substantial amount of elbow grease.

You’d also be happy to know that despite being five times higher then the cost of margarine, 100% butter is used in all their pies instead because the owner believes in serving trans fats-free pies. This on its own is definitely reason enough to love Don Pie!

Besides Don Pie’s signature pies and Kueh Lapis, you should also check out Bazuka Yakibuta which offers a decadent medley of rice bowl comprising meaty deliciousness in the form of caramel roast pork and crackling roast pork.

SIGNATURE SHEPHERD’S PIE

A stalwart favourite and a classic that’s graced many seasonal gatherings is their Shepherd’s Pie (available in beef & chicken). Available in two sizes (S$7.50 for personal size, S$26.20 for family size), this stellar treat is great as a meal on its own or as a centrepiece dish for a dinner party.

Prepared simply, but with lots of heart, the layered casserole of ground beef (or chicken) and veggies nicely melded together with a rich, savoury gravy that gives the pie a robust body and good flavour.

The mash that tops it is velvety and decently seasoned. Not really much to hype about, until it goes under the broiler allowing a blackened, toasted crust to develop at the surface of the pie.

FAMILY-SIZED PIES

Available in a variety of flavours—namely their Signature Chicken, Black Pepper Chicken and Kid’s Chicken—these sizeable bad boys make for a formidable centrepiece at any office party or social gathering.

Made using freshly ground chicken, peas, carrots, potatoes, egg and white pepper, the Signature Chicken is ideal for those who would much rather a lighter taste. Its black pepper counterpart, on the other hand, has a more profound flavour profile with a headier pepper aroma. The latter alternative is made without pepper, ensuring that your little ones will be able to enjoy it as well. Family Pies are available at S$27.20.

PERSONAL-SIZED PIES

Fancy a quick, easy meal minus the hassle? Well, that’s what their Personal-Sized Pies (S$8.90) were designed for. Available in pretty much the same few flavours as its larger counterpart, these smaller pies also feature a curry-filled alternative that is both aromatic, satisfying and a notch tastier than your average curry puff.

CURRY PIE

Comprising a flavourful curry gravy that’s reduced to nearly nothing, diced potato, small bits of onion and a small fraction of a hard-boiled egg, the Curry Pie boasts a mixture of interesting textures, all nicely underscored by a spicy curry flavour.

Complemented by the flaky consistency and buttery flavour of the pastry, the Curry Pie was easily one of our favourites of the lot—a definitely must-try should you ever be craving a curry puff but not quite.

SIGNATURE PUFFS

Perfect for sharing, Don Pie also boasts a unique array of puffs (S$13 for 5 pieces). Their Beef puff had a rather bold yet interesting flavour to it, but if we had to choose, the Curry and Signature Chicken would be at the top of our list.

SIGNATURE KUEH LAPIS

If you’re ever in the mood to treat yourself to something sweet on a cheat day, make those calories count with their Signature Kueh Lapis (S$30 for 500g, S$55 for 1kg). Fragrant, bouncy and buttery, their version of the iconic Indonesian cake was an instant hit, and we particularly liked that it wasn’t too sweet.

BAZUKA YAKIBUTA

Available in 3 main donburi varieties, patrons get to choose their donburi to come topped with Caramel Roast Pork (S$8.80), with Crackling Roast Pork (S$8.80) or both (S$10.80).

The manner in which these porky delights were displayed did not paint such a convincing image in our heads, but as we allowed our teeth to sink into the chunks of pork belly, we were treated to some serious crackling.

They nailed the texture down nicely, but it seemed to lack flavour. We had to rely heavily on the sambal served on the side as well as the onsen egg between each mouthful to entice us to finish it. A fascinating addition to their list of offerings (although hardly necessary), we feel that these bowls have potential and would probably fair even better with a few creative tweaks here and there—perhaps an acidic element to better cut through the richness of the pork and the egg.

We were actually rather surprised by their Caramel Roast Pork. Sweet, smoky and indulgent the way caramel is supposed to be, the slices were addictive and went exceptionally well with the accompanying ingredients.

Topped with a glossy char siew sauce, the savoury appeal of the dish is nicely balanced out with an element of sweetness, allowing for better enjoyment overall.

Don Pie & Bazuka Yakibuta
Downtown Gallery 6A Shenton Way,
#03-29
Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 8511 2093
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

One Raffles Place,
1 Raffles Place, #B1-06
Singapore 048616
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 10am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade,
#B1-12A Singapore 237994
Daily: 11am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#B2-K4
Singapore 098585
Daily: 11am – 10pm

This post was brought to you by Don Pie Singapore.

One thing that we Asians cannot get enough of are dumplings. We are sure that everyone can agree that these delicious little blobs of joy are one of the best things that have come out of our Asian cuisine.

When we heard about a new stall located along Amoy Street that is solely dedicated to dumplings, we knew that we definitely had to check it out!

From interesting flavours such as Momo Curry to fusion dumplings such as Fried Pierogi, Dumpling Darlings is definitely an interesting place to check out if you’re a dumpling lover.

Hidden away in a little crevice at Amoy Street, Dumpling Darlings is almost hard to spot amongst all the other colourful stalls that line the street. We soon found it after spotting their adorable neon light sign in the shape of a dumpling.

They have both an air-conditioned dining area as well as a small al fresco portion. The interior was quirkily decorated and looked like a modern oriental Japanese bar. The entire space was incredibly small and intimate, so it makes for a perfect place for a date!

Before we got our food, we were served a complimentary vegetable appetiser. We ordered their lunch set meal which was S$16 per set. Each lunch set comes with your choice of noodles, 5 dumplings as well as a drink.

For drinks, we opted for a Longan Osmanthus Pu-Erh and a Grapefruit Thyme Strawberry Tea. The drinks were incredibly satisfying to drink, especially on a sweltering hot day.

For the lunch menu, we were given a choice of Miso Mushroom Noodles, Braised Pork Noodles or Sichuan Pork Noodles. We opted for a bowl of Braised Pork Noodles and Sichuan Noodles and we were pleasantly surprised by how it turned out.

The noodles for both dishes were delightfully springy and had just the right amount of chewiness to it. The Braised Pork Noodles was coated in a delicious, savoury sauce that had chunks of pork in it while the Sichuan Noodles came with a lovely, tangy sauce that was not too spicy.

Finally, we have the star of the show: the dumplings themselves! There were a number of interesting flavours such as Fried Pierogi, Spicy Sichuan, Smoked Duck, Momo Curry and Veggie Mandu.

The Original dumplings had a lovely, crisp underside that gave the dumpling a nice crunch when bitten into. The ratio of filling to dumpling skin was just right and it was filled with a generous amount of juicy minced pork collar.

The Smoked Duck dumplings were definitely interesting. Each dumpling was filled to the brim with chunks of chopped-up moist, tender smoked duck.

Dumpling Darlings
44 Amoy Street
Singapore 069870
Tel: +65 8223 9249
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 2am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Located just a stone’s throw away from Newton MRT Station, Daily Affairs is a humble, non-pretentious cafe that serves up comforting nosh with a side of good vibes. The place is dimly lit but it brings a warm and cosy feeling, making it a great place for a nice and quiet chitchat session with your friends and family.

The cafe prides themselves on using fresh herbs that they grow in their own backyard—something not commonly seen in most cafes. The food served here is really affordable, is of great quality and is actually pretty darn heartwarming.

First up on our table was the Roasted Pork Belly With Rice (S$9.90). It is on their daily set lunch menu–which changes each day–and it comes with a soup of the day along with your choice of either coffee or tea.

Boasting tender, succulent meat and crispy crackling, it was the epitome of good roasted pork belly and it definitely had us hooked. The addition of a perfectly poached egg just added more flavour and a heightened richness to the whole dish.

Next came the Modern Caesar Salad (S$8), which was really vibrant, fresh-tasting and unique.

Just like a normal caesar salad, this one came with a fair amount of romaine lettuce and tomatoes, but what caught our attention was that they replaced the croutons with fritter dough—or youtiao as locals may know it as. It added a nice crunch to the whole dish and the addition of a 65-degree egg just brought everything together nicely.

Of course, nothing beats their 8-Hour Braised Beef (S$16) when it comes to flavour and comfort all rolled out into a single plate. Marinated in aged Hua Diao Wine and served with a side of mashed potato and field greens, this dish packs a punch with all the different flavours combined.

Although the meat was not as fork-tender as we expected it to be, we were definitely blown away by the special brown sauce that was rich but not too greasy.

Their Unagi Donburi (S$16.50) comes with a sous vide-cooked egg, along with cucumber slices and pickled ginger that adds a refreshing taste to the whole dish.

They were really generous with the portion of the unagi and we liked that it was soft and pleasant on the palate. The eel was well coated with their special homemade tare sauce and it was topped with sesame seeds that added a fragrant touch to the whole dish.

Daily Affairs
1 Anthony Road
Cairnhill Community Club
Singapore 229944
Tel: +65 6262 4342
Mon to Sat: 11am – 10pm
Sun: 8am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Newton

New to the slew of cafés and restaurants that have been sprouting up all over South Bridge Road is a small artisanal ice gelato café.

Whether it is an ice gelato for a refreshing treat in the middle of the day or an indulgent dessert to end off the night on a sweet note, Dopa Dopa Creamery will likely please you with their selective yet impressive range of ice cream.

Churning out ice cream so incredibly delicious that they were sold out on their first day, here is why you need to pay Dopa Dopa Creamery a visit if you are craving some sweet treats.

They only have 8 flavours on their menu—all of which are curated and made by an Italian chef. The standard flavours (S$3.90/ single scoop) include Apple Ginger Sorbet and Banana while premium flavours (S$4.60/ single scoop) include Home Roasted Pistachio and Green Tea Toasted Rice.

Coffee-lovers can look forward to getting a cuppa to complement the sweetness of their ice-cold desserts!

Rather than having our ice cream in a mainstream cup or cone, we opted to get our scoop of Green Tea Toasted Rice (S$4.60) in a buttery, flaky croissant (S$5.50).

Boasting a thick consistency that gives the gelato a slight chewiness, the Green Tea Toasted Rice flavour is one that any green tea lover must get. Mildly sweet with a hint of bitterness at the end just the way we prefer it to be, we highly recommend to try this flavour.

The Speculoos with Lotus Biscuit (S$4.60/ single scoop) features bits and pieces of crushed caramel biscuits mixed into a creamy and milky base, giving it an extra crunchy texture.

Otherwise, you can opt to get your ice cream in a cone for an additional S$1. Topping off our cone was Hojicha (S$4.60/ single scoop).

You can bet that the distinct smoky, toasty flavour will blow you away upon your first mouthful. Other popular flavours that Dopa Dopa Creamery offers are Hazelnut and Home Roasted Pistachio.

Dopa Dopa Creamery
29 South Bridge Road, #01-01
Singapore 058665
Tel: +65 6535 3539
Mon to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Dehesa, which in Spanish translates to “grasslands”—home of the Iberico pig—is a Spanish restaurant nestled in North Canal Road that is quite unlike any other.

Priding itself with being the only front-runner of the nose to tail eating revolution in Singapore—meaning to say, they use every part of the animal—what you can expect from Dehesa Restaurant is a tantalising array of edible treats that will leave even the most squeamish of diners satisfied from head to tail—literally.

Duck hearts on toast and lamb sweetbreads are just some of the things one can look forward to here and Chef-owner, Jean-Philippe Patruno, who has over 20 years of culinary experience, makes it his personal commitment to use modern techniques to delight your taste buds despite how off-putting the idea of animal innards may be.

This 50-seater restaurant features a long bar top that overlooks directly into the open kitchen, long communal dining tables as well as an alfresco area.

For the ballsy, consider the Crispy Pig’s Head Dehesa Signature (S$28++).

This dish may resemble a meatloaf from taste to texture but little did we know that the contents of this breaded and deep-fried parcel are made up of the odds and ends of a pig’s head. Yes, we are talking about the ears, the snout, and for good measure, possibly a touch of brain as well.

Contrary to what you may think (or feel), this dish was the bomb. Expertly butchered and brined for several days, the semi-finished product is rolled in breadcrumbs and deep-fried. Robustly flavoured with a series of interesting textures, this is one dish that got us nodding in approval.

If offal really isn’t your thing, scuttle back to a more familiar territory with their Dehesa Octopus (S$28++). This dish adopts the ’whole animal’ philosophy as well by making using of thin strips of lard that is blow torched and melted over a tender octopus leg.

Although we should admit that this was not the best (nor most visually appealing) octopus dish out there, we must give the chef credit for his technique and for sticking true to his philosophy of using every part of the animal.

Despite experiencing some hits and misses, we were pleased with our meal here. For palates unaccustomed to offal, our advice is to put aside your misgivings and dive right into their stellar array of unconventional cuts. Because if there is one place that champions the goodness that is an animal’s insides marvellously, it’s Dehesa.

Dehesa Restaurant
12 North Canal Rd,
Singapore 048825
Tel: +65 6221 7790
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Sat: 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Better known for its printing services for students studying nearby, the unassuming Sunshine Plaza is actually a food haven that houses some of the city’s most affordable eateries. The latest addition to its list of eateries is District Sushi, a Japanese joint that serves up delicious Japanese fare at wallet-friendly prices.

Their stellar Bara Chirashi Don, which is priced at an unbelievable S$13 per bowl (no GST and service charge), is stacked high with generous cubes of fresh marinated fish and is one of their most frequently ordered items. Besides that, the casual eatery also has a range of sashimi, nigiri sushi and a la carte sides that are mostly below S$15.

If you ever find yourself craving for some donburi, fresh sushi or sashimi without burning a hole in your wallet, this is where you should probably be heading to!

Two-week-old District Sushi is the owner’s first business venture into the F&B industry after working in hotels and Japanese restaurants for many years—both locally and abroad—to gain some experience. The Japanese eatery was then set up with the aim to provide high-quality dishes at affordable prices.

The simple eatery had a basic sashimi counter and long communal dining tables for groups of friends and colleagues to have a meal together. Nothing was particularly outstanding about the interior as the focus was all on creating mouthwatering Japanese cuisine for the patrons.

We went for their highly sought-after Bara Chirashi Don (S$13) and boy, were we blown away by the freshness and quality of the ingredients used. The raw fish had no strong fishy odour and the meat was springy when we bit into it.

Going beyond just the standard ingredients including salmon, tuna and octopus, there is also the addition of a poached prawn on top. Diners get generous portions of sashimi cubes atop sticky Japanese rice—for only S$13! We are definitely going back to District Sushi again just for this.

District Sushi’s 5 Kind Nigiri Sushi (S$10) did not disappoint either. The sushi selection was decided by the chef who gave us a good mix of tamago, unagi, ikura, salmon and tuna nigiri sushi.

While the rest lived up to our expectations, it was the tamago sushi that created the deepest impression on us—the Japanese omelette came with a slightly charred taste which added a new layer of flavour to it.

All in all, District Sushi is a hidden gem we would highly recommend to students studying at the campuses nearby or those who are on a budget. Their value-for-money donburis and nigiri sushi sets are definitely worth a try!

District Sushi
91 Bencoolen Street
#01-15, Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
Nearest Station: Bencoolen

Fans of Korean food would know that Tanjong Pagar is home to many authentic Korean restaurants and popular Korean barbecue joints. The latest addition to Tras Street is Daegweol, a new Korean restaurant that opened discreetly in August.

Those who enjoy hearty, traditional Korean dishes will find Daegweol right up their alley—their straightforward menu focuses on Korean delicacies such as Galbi-Tang (beef short ribs soup) and Suyuk (pork belly).

Daegweol also offers affordable lunch sets starting from S$16++. As the restaurant is currently still in soft launch, diners can expect an updated menu in coming months.

Taking over the premise of the now-defunct May May, Daegweol has a similar refined interior which boasts polished marble tables and a sleek counter bar right at the back of the hall.

The modern restaurant’s soft ambient lighting, crawling greens and wooden furnishing help to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for business lunches with clients, a romantic date with your significant other and even a gathering with large groups of friends.

We dropped by for their weekday lunch sets and the first thing that caught our eye was the Galbi-Tang (lunch – S$18++, dinner – S$26). For those who are not familiar with Korean cuisine, Galbi-Tang is beef short-rib soup and it is a favourite among Koreans.

The intense beef flavours from Daegweol’s Galbi-Tang is a result of simmering beef short-ribs for a total of six hours before they are served to diners. We pulled the tender meat off the bone easily and sang praises of its robust flavours. Other ingredients you can find in the soup are radish, leeks, glass noodles and stripped slice eggs.

Their Suyuk with Rice Set (lunch – S$16++, dinner – S$24++) came with six pieces of boiled pork, pork soup, healthy multigrain rice and fresh lettuce. The chewy boiled pork slices may be too tough for some but we felt that it went well in a wrap with seasoned bean paste. Wash it all down with refreshing light pork broth.

All main dishes come with free-flow ban chan such as kimchi, fried anchovies, tamagoyaki amongst others. We ordered a few rounds of the tamagoyaki which had bits of crunchy carrot for extra textures.

Apart from what we tried, the menu currently has three other main dishes—Suyuk, DweaJi-GukBap (pork bone soup) and NaeJang-GukBap (stuffed pork organ rolls). If you are up for some desserts, Daegweol has a range of bingsu, Green Teaffogato and Hotteok.

Daegweol
65 Tras Street
Singapore 079004
Tel: +65 6222 1828
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/11/daegweol-singapore/feed/ 2 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/11/doco-singapore/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/11/doco-singapore/#comments Fri, 03 Nov 2017 06:01:57 +0000 Dick Tan http://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=149344 Continue reading →]]>

Located at International Plaza, DOCO—short for ‘Donburi Coconut’—is the new kid on the CBD circuit where you can now look to for hearty protein-packed rice bowls and refreshing coconut soft serve.

This speciality food kiosk was set up as part of a joint venture between brands, Soi Coco and Fish Sh-nack, of which are known for their coconut and fried fish skin products respectively. Being relatively new, their only offerings thus far comprise two speciality donburi rice bowls next to the vegan-friendly and dairy-free Coconut Shake and Coconut Soft Serve.

For all of you health nuts who are ‘in love with the coco’, this is perhaps one of the most promising health-centric eateries along the bustling Tanjong Pagar area. From now till the end of the year, lunch sets—which consists of one rice bowl and one coconut dessert—are going at S$11.90 instead of the usual S$13.90.

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The interior itself is pretty small. It includes the main kitchen area, a small order counter and bar seats at the side.

With lunchtime in the CBD often being a chaotic affair, the good folks at DOCO keep it simple. Simply, choose one of the two available donburi options, decide if you would like any add-ons and lastly, choose between either the coconut shake or the coconut soft serve.

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The Sh-nack Don (S$8.90—essentially a beef rice bowl—came with a generous portion of peppery beef, an onsen egg and a copious sprinkling of crispy cajun-spiced fish skin.

The grilled beef was jam-packed with flavour with a subtle sweetness that went excellently well with the Japanese rice. The onsen egg provided an added richness but the real money-maker was the cajun-spiced fish skin.

Crumbled nicely over the rice, it gave the modest rich bowl a wonderful smoky aroma as well as a much-needed hit of umami.

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The other alternative donburi option is the Sh-ken Don (S$8.90) which comprises honey miso chicken instead of beef. It, too, comes with an onsen egg as well as a generous ‘sh-prinkling’ of that glorious cajun-spiced fish skin.

Compared to the beef option, the chicken was tasty but a tad too dry for our liking. Be sure to pair it with the Coconut Shake, which is made purely from fresh blended Thai coconut water and coconut flesh.

A refreshing treat to have is their decadent Coconut Soft Serve (S$4.90) that comes as part of your main meal. This dairy and nut-free dessert is drizzled with gula melaka sauce and powdered gula melaka for that extra sweetness and oomph.

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The subtle roasted flavours of the gula melaka really elevate the rich and creamy coconut flavour making it pretty similar tasting to chendol (minus the little green slug-like jellies).

Overall, the soft serve is refreshing and light, and we would recommend trying it whether or not you decide to have your lunch there.

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DOCO
10 Anson Road
#01-16 International Plaza
Singapore 079903
Tel: +65 9049 9926
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Thu: 11am – 8pm
Fri: 11am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

A cafe by day and bar by night, Dexter Cafe & Bar along Sathon road is an aesthetically pleasing dining establishment in Bangkok. Their innovative coffee menu, calm ambiance and availability of free WIFI are great for those who are looking for a place to do some work.

We were pleasantly surprised at the wide range of drinks, brunch items and other Western mains which come in beautiful presentations that make perfect #foodporn pictures on social media platforms.

Swing by the place with your friends for a casual meet up, a birthday celebration or a chill drinking session at night. 

Running a rustic theme with Scandinavian touches, Dexter Cafe & Bar boasts only three primary colours—black, white and brown. Every spot at the cafe is perfect for photo taking  but keep a lookout for the vintage marquee sign which makes the best OOTD backdrop.

Although we dropped by in the day, we could imagine how chill it is to relax by the bar at night with a couple of drought beers, cocktails and wines. Of course, they also have a curated list of spirits and whiskeys for the serious drinkers as well.

When you are at Dexter Cafe & Bar, you cannot skip their coffee beverages inspired by international flavours around the world.

If you are up for something more adventurous, try their Brazilian Iced Coffee (THB130) which is an interesting blend of espresso double shots, cacao powder and Coca-Cola. Yes, this is a fizzy caffeine drink!

For a safer choice, we recommend the Iced Australian which is more like your usual iced coffee with espresso double shots, cold milk, vanilla syrup and vanilla ice cream on top.

The Æggekage (THB400) came with Danish-style omelette and it is a wholesome dish with plenty of cucumber, tomato, savoury bacon and crispy pork belly. While we were very impressed with the presentation of this dish, the same could not be said for its taste.

We found the pork belly to be slightly overdone and too tough for our liking. That being said, we still enjoyed the light and fluffy egg omelette which was well seasoned.

For the ultimate breakfast platter, get their Brunch Plate (THB500) which has all the breakfast items you can ever dream of.

This enormous plate features bacon, sausage, ham, parma ham, salami, cheese, fruits, bread, homemade pancakes, yogurt with muesli and eggs of your choice (scrambled/fried/omelette).

Dexter Bar & Cafe
56 Sathorn Soi 8
North Sathorn Road
Silom, Bangrak
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 636 6222
Mon to Fri: 9am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Chong Nonsi

Serious coffee drinkers will find plenty of options in Seoul, and one of the most popular destinations in the uber-cool Seongsu-dong neighbourhood—also known as the Brooklyn of Seoul—is Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN.

More than just a cafe offering pretty food, Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN is also an art gallery where you can admire various art exhibitions—from larger-than-life art installations to creative paintings. The exhibitions change from time to time so guests can always look forward to something new there.

Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN is also located near to Common Ground, a hipster container market which has been making rounds on social media so you can visit both places on the same day!

Housed in an old red brick building, you will never guess what this space was used for initially. It was previously a rice mill in the early 70s and then a simple storage area in the 90s.

Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN opened its doors to public in May 2016, after much effort has been made to convert it to an art gellery and cafe.

If there is one thing you will not fail to notice, that would be the extremely spacious interior. Most of the tables are good for communal dining and yet, there was enough space for you to wal karound comfortably. Now, can you imagine how enormous the place is?

The high ceilings are open to allow natural sunlight to filter in, which is essential for the trees planted in the cafe to grow well. The cafe oozes with a calm ambience as guests are surrounded by tall trees with luscious green leaves that dance in the wind.

With free wifi provided, guests can choose to do some work in peace there while having a cuppa or wander around to admire the art pieces. Even if you are not into art, you will be amazed by the grandeur and creativity of certain art exhibits.

The menu features full meals such as pasta, pizza and party plates but if you are there for a quick bite, they have pastries as well. For drinks, go for their house brews, fresh juices or beers.

Their Blueberry Tart (W9,000/ S$10.84) came with fresh blueberries and sweet cream atop a crusty pastry base. The portion size was great for sharing among friends and makes for a great afternoon snack if you are up for something sweet on your palate.

Of course, you have to pair a sweet treat with an aromatic cup of Cappuccino (W6,000/ S$7.22). We loved how the freshly pulled espresso came with bitter after tones which were not too overwhelming because it was balanced with hot milk.

If you are looking for alternatives, try their Nitro Coldbrew Coffee (W9,000/ S$10.84), Cacao Latte (7,000 won/S$8.43) or Vanilla Affogato (W7,000/ S$8.43).

Craving for a beer instead? You can either have bottled beers, draft beers or the one and only signature craft beer—Mikkeller. The cafe serves beers throughout the day, so do not be shy to spend on them!

The Mikkeller (W9,000/ S$10.84) is a type of pale ale beer which has a strong bitter taste. The reddish-orange beer has a crisp taste to it and is for those who enjoy something in between a dark stout and light lagers.

There are so many cafes in Seoul that are worth visiting and Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN definitely ranks high on our list.

Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN
78, Seongsui-ro
Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 499 9669
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Seongsu

For more recommendations, read our Seoul food and travel guides featuring the best places to visit.

Famous French-born pastry chef Dominique Ansel has teamed up with local chef Malcolm Lee of Candlenut to create a dessert version of our Singapore Chilli Crab at Dominique Ansel Bakery Japan. That is so cool!

Here’s everything you need to know about the awesome collaboration.

For the uninitiated, Dominique Ansel is the creator of the life-changing cronuts, cookie milk shots and frozen S’mores. The world-famous bakery currently has three outlets in New York City, Tokyo and London.

Dominique Ansel Bakery is not one to rest on their laurels. The Tokyo outlet has recently introduced What-a-Melon soft serve (a watermelon soft serve sandwiched between an actual watermelon slice) and Crème de la Corn (soft serve served on a piece of grilled corn). Needless to say, both desserts have been making its rounds on social media.

And now, Dominique Ansel Bakery is putting Singaporean “Chilli Crab” on the world map. The collaboration is with Chef Malcolm Lee, the head chef and owner of Candlenut—one-Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant in Singapore.

Dominique Ansel Bakery’s Singaporean “Chilli Crab” is essentially made with a chocolate “shell” filled with coconut panna cotta, pandan jelly, mango mousse, with mango tapioca “roe”. You can crack open the shell with a little hammer which is provided together with the box.

The Singaporean “Chilli Crab” dessert is priced at ¥2,400 and it is available from 25 August to 10 September 2017 at Dominique Ansel Bakery Japan.

Once again, congratulations to chef Malcolm Lee for the partnership with Dominique Ansel. We are so excited to know that our very own Singaporean Chilli Crab is part of the dessert lineup at Dominique Ansel Bakery. We are definitely keeping a lookout for more amazing creations from Chef Malcom Lee!

Dominique Ansel Bakery Japan
5 Chome-7-14 Jingumae, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Tel: +81 3-3486-1329
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Omotesando

Upholding its reputation as one of the best Louisiana restaurants in Singapore, one can expect only the best of Louisianan seafood to be served on their dining tables at Dancing Crab by TungLok Group. Those who have been to the restaurant would know that a meal there is life changing and the dining experience redefines perspectives of how seafood should be enjoyed.

Dancing Crab has done away with the usual tableware so that diners are able to enjoy their food freely using bare hands. That’s right, the casual restaurant is like a home away from home but much better with scrumptious country-style Cajun seafood, a boisterous atmosphere and creative alcoholic beverages.

We are very excited to share that Dancing Crab has unveiled an updated menu featuring new dishes that come with prices that won’t shock you. Needless to say, signature dishes such as their Dancing Crab Combo Bags are here to stay as well.

Are you ready to find out what Dancing Crab has to offer? You’d be sorry if you do not read on.

DANCING CRAB SIGNATURE SEAFOOD COMBO BAGS

Those who have been to the restaurant would know that the best memories at Dancing Crab are forged when groups share the Signature Combo Bags. There is no need to be shy when you are indulging in the seafood boils.

Go ahead and reach out for that juicy crab pincer, slurp some mussels or whatever you fancy that day. Don’t be afraid to get messy because that is the idea actually; it is all part of the fun!

Dancing Crab Chili Crab Served With Country Bread (S$88++) is a crowd-pleaser and it is not hard to see why. Served fashionably in a handcrafted bread bowl, this dish is more than just a visual feast for your eyes. We recommend dipping the tender crab meat into the thick and savoury chili crab sauce.

You can never go wrong with Dancing Crab Black Pepper Crab (S$88++) as well. This is a perennial Chinese favourite and we love the robust peppery spice that enhances the freshness of the seafood.

Creamy Pepper is a flavour that is exclusive to Dancing Crab @ VivoCity, so make sure you go for this flavour when you order your combo bags at VivoCity’s outlet. In comparison with the rest, this light and creamy sauce will strike a good balance on your palate after the usual heavy sauces.

Other combos that will delight all shellfish affectionados are Crawfish Combo (S$75++) and Dungeness Crab Combo (seasonal price) With Miso Butter. Do note that the Miso Butter sauce is exclusive to Dancing Crab @ Orchard Central.

The Crawfish Combo features 600g of crawfish, 350g of prawns, clams, corn and sausages; while Dungeness Crab Combo is filled with 1 large Dungeness Crab, 350g of prawns, clams, corn and sausages.

APPETISERS

Dancing Crab may be known for their signature combo selections but you should never skip the appetisers on the menu.

For salads, we loved the Crab and Shrimp Ceviche Salad (lunch – S$12++, dinner – S$15++) and Cajun Sweet Potato Salad (lunch – S$12++. dinner – S$15++). The former is a delightful plate of leafy greens with fresh shrimps and tender crab meat while the latter boasts crispy deep-fried sweet potatoes lying atop crunchy green vegetables.

If you are looking for something comforting, Crabby Corn Chowder (lunch – S$8++, dinner – S$10++) is what you have to order.

DANCING CRAB CLASSICS

You probably wouldn’t think of anything non-seafood when at Dancing Crab, but we are telling you the Chicken and Waffles (S$15++) is the bomb. The deep-fried chicken is ever insanely addictive—crispy golden brown chicken skin that crumbles when you bite into it, unveiling tender white chicken meat beneath. On top of that, you also get warm waffles that go really well with sweet honey and cream.

Nothing screams party food like Crab Nachos (S$12++). The portion of nachos is generous, making it great for sharing and is best paired with cold booze. Other Dancing Crab Classics to look out for include Popcorn Shrimp Po’ Boy (S$15++) and Lobster Roll (S$29.90++).

SINGLE PLATES

Thinking of dropping by for a quick meal during lunch? Dancing Crab has got that covered with their rice and pasta dishes which come in a wide array of flavours.

Pasta “Goreng” (lunch – S$12++, dinner – S$15++) is a mee goreng inspired dish. The fried noodles are replaced with traditional spaghetti and we applaud the chef’s creativity in infusing local spices together with the pasta and seafood ingredients.

Fans of Aglio Olio should not skip Dancing Crab’s Seafood Aglio Olio (lunch – S$12, dinner S$15++)—what you get is a plate of warm, buttery pasta with fresh seafood such as prawn, clams, mussels and calamari.

Originating from coastal South Carolina and Georgia, Shrimp and Grits (lunch – S$15++, dinner – S$17++) is an iconic Southern dish. While it looks like a simple recipe, the rich and creamy grit received many praises from all of us at the table.

FROZEN BEER IN SEVEN FLAVOURS

Nothing goes better with seafood than a mug of ice-cold beer. But why stop at one when you can have seven different flavours?!

Options include French Vanilla, Mango, Lychee, Watermelon, Wild-berry, Bubblegum for the adventurous and Plain for those who simply prefer the classic taste of beer. Mix and match any four flavours for S$32++.

MASSIVE ICE CREAM SUNDAE TO END YOUR MEAL WITH A BANG

The kid in us was screaming in delight when we saw this massive ice cream sundae which can easily feed more than 5 people!

Layers upon layers of ice cream, marshmallow and strawberries are piled on top of each other to build this outrageous ice cream sundae. That is not all—it is then topped off with more ice cream cones, waffles, creamy whipped cream and strawberries.

Dancing Crab
VivoCity #03-10
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6222 7377
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

Orchard Central #07-14/15
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6509 1878
Fax: +65 6509 1879
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30 – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
#01-20/21 Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 6466 3303
Tue to Fri: 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Sixth Avenue

This post is brought to you by Dancing Crab.