Established in 1976, Red House Seafood is one of the oldest Chinese restaurants in Singapore and they have been offering masterful creations that display Singapore’s kaleidoscopic gastronomical palate to their loyal customers for decades. Their menu sees finely-crafted dishes that speak of incredible thought and finesse.

Mention Red House Seafood and most people will think of quality seafood and exquisite hand-crafted dim sum. But not many people know that Red House Seafood’s latest outlet at The Grand Copthorne Waterfront is easily one of the most gorgeous Chinese restaurants in Singapore.

Dressed in tasteful hues and gorgeous furnishings, Red House Seafood at The Grand Copthorne Waterfront is a place that is suitable for all occasions—it is perfect for family gatherings, date night with your loved one as well as a business luncheon to host your clients and business partners.

Here is some good news if you are planning to dine at Red House Seafood. It is offering 20% OFF total bill for food only (excluding promotional items and beverages), and the Alaskan King Crab is available at a whopping 60% discount at S$98/kg (usual price S$248/kg).

Red House Seafood has recently introduced a new daily a la carte dim sum buffet at the The Grand Copthorne Waterfront and Prinsep Street outlets. Enjoy unlimited servings of dim sum, congee, noodles and specialities from S$23.80++/pax.

From Braised Alaskan Crab Bee Hoon to the Signature Creamy Custard Lobster and Crab Meat Pao Fan, here are the iconic dishes that you have to order when you are dining at Red House Seafood.

Get entranced as you step into their luxurious abode. Preceding the main dining area is a stunning walkway decked out in an alluring Oriental theme. Floral watercolour prints trail across the luminous walls, reminiscent of a historical Chinese courtyard house.

Warm reddish hues create an absolutely intoxicating atmosphere, enveloping whoever walks into their embrace.

As if the walkway wasn’t sophisticated enough, enthroned at the main foyer is an eye-catching floral centrepiece that will have you pressing your brakes.

Decorated with lush trees, earthy tones, and dainty pops of colour, their aesthetically-pleasing main dining area stands out from the usual interior of Chinese restaurants with its contemporary touches.

Large glass windows allow natural light to filter in and brighten up the whole space. With the vibrant woven chairs and playful wall designs, it almost feels like an indoor patio.

SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD

Fresh seafood is at the core of Red House Seafood’s menu and you will be happy to know that Red House Seafood sources for the freshest seafood from global sustainable suppliers around the world.

Every week, shipments of seafood harvested from the boats of fishermen in the North Sea, Indian Ocean and South China Sea arrive at Red House Seafood. You can rest assured that you are getting the best seafood when you dine here.

BRAISED ALASKAN CRAB BEE HOON

If there was one dish that could bear testament to the restaurant’s culinary prowess, it would be their Braised Alaskan Crab Bee Hoon. This majestic dish features a regal Alaskan crab draped in stir-fried glass noodles and bee hoon laced with spring onions and ginger slices.

Every strand of noodle was well-coated with a smoky, crab-infused essence. The layering of textures of the noodles added a wonderful dimension to the dish. And as expected, the crab was supremely fresh and plump, making us feel extremely undeserving.

As mentioned earlier, Red House Seafood is having a 60% discount for its Alaskan King Crab at only S$98/kg (usual price S$248/kg). Don’t miss out on this promotion!

SIGNATURE CREAMY CUSTARD LOBSTER

Red House Seafood sources their lobsters from the deep blue waters off of Nova Scotia and spins them into wondrous masterpieces. From the array of sauces available on their menu, the Signature Creamy Custard Sauce is one of the most popular options amongst diners.

The lobster was cooked so well and was evidenced by its bouncy, sweet flesh. Golden and buttery, this accompanying sauce won us over. It trod the fine line between sweet and savoury, and was addictively creamy. If they sold this sauce in bottles, we would gladly wipe out their shelves.

“TEOCHEW” COLD BROWN CRAB

For a stripped-down, straightforward crab dish, the “Teochew” Cold Brown Crab is a no-brainer. This deconstructed crab dish is served cold, with the shells pre-cracked and cut. It’s an absolute dream for lazy eaters.

The absence of accompanying sauces allowed the freshness of the crab to shine through. Every bite sent us straight into the deep blue oceans.

SPICY SEAFOOD COMBINATION WITH MANTOU 

Their Spicy Seafood Combination entails a medley of prawns, scallops and squid tossed in a rich Thai-style gravy.

If someone told us that there was seafood fresher than this, we would highly question that. The seafood was immensely juicy and succulent, exploding with briny sweetness in every bite.

The thick spicy sauce had an aromatic lemongrass-galangal profile and was enriched with fragrant coconut milk. Pair it with deep-fried crispy mantou for a divine experience.

CRAB MEAT PAO FAN

You simply cannot leave Red House Seafood without ordering their Crab Meat Pao Fan. Unlike the more familiar congee or porridge, this comforting dish is made by adding pre-cooked rice into the fabulous broth and letting it simmer for a long duration.

Crispy rice bits are generously scattered across the soup just before consumption to add a delightful crunch to the soupy dish. Every mouthful promises soft and plump rice grains drenched in an almost creamy broth brimming with crab essence; comfort food at its best.

ASSORTED HANDCRAFTED DIM SUM

Although seafood is this restaurant’s main forté, their artisanal dim sum could easily join the ranks of the most esteemed Cantonese restaurants in Singapore and maybe, even Hong Kong.

Their dim sum range features the likes of Siew Mai, Shrimp Dumplings, Truffle Wild Mushroom Dumplings, BBQ Pork Char Siew Flaky Pastry and the Chilli Crab Bao.

The stand-out dim sum dish at Red House Seafood has got to be the Chilli Crab Bao, which sees an innovative local twist on traditional dim sum. This pan-fried charcoal bun encases a flavourful chilli crab gravy that nails the sweet-to-spicy ratio.

CHILI CHOCOLATE WITH ICE CREAM

End your feast with a bang in the form of this feisty dessert — Chili Chocolate With Ice Cream. Velvety smooth ice cream and chilli chocolate truffles sit in a pool of chocolate lava, finished with a topping of buttery crumble.

While chilli-chocolate may not be everyone’s cup of tea, this dish will convert any unbeliever. The spicy kick is mellowed out by the sweet milkiness of the ice cream, creating a perfect harmony of flavours. The icing on the cake is that buttery crumble, which adds a gorgeous, decadent crunch.

If Red House Seafood isn’t already on your list of go-to Chinese restaurants in Singapore, you know where to go now. With three locations across Singapore—Prinsep Street, Clarke Quay and The Grand Copthorne Waterfront—this sophisticated Chinese restaurant is a fantastic dining option for an unforgettable Asian-fusion feast.

Red House Seafood
392 Havelock Rd, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Level 2
Singapore 169663
Tel: +65 6735 7666
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5 – 10pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

This post was brought to you by Red House Seafood.

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

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

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

TRENDY FASHION PIECES AT BARGAIN PRICES 

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

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

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

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

AFFORDABLE COSMETICS

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

SUPER CHEAP STREET FOOD

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

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

CHILL LIKE A LOCAL 

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

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

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

Working in the heart of Singapore’s CBD can be tough — splurging on overpriced, mediocre lunches is something that every white-collared worker has gradually gotten used to. However, we have got you covered to save you from burning an unnecessary hole in your wallet! 

Nestled within Raffles Place is Republic Plaza, a flourishing office building that has introduced new eateries in their all-encompassing retail enclave serving affordable, delicious lunch fare. These lunch spots at Republic Plaza offer lunch deals under S$15! 

Now, you can dine with your kakis and feast on fantastic nosh as much as you want without fretting about needing to scrimp and save for lunch tomorrow. From healthy salads to traditional local delicacies and even nutritious herbal soups, there is something for everyone at Republic Plaza.

BIG DADDY

Big Daddy is a relatively new kid on the block which offers wholesome, hearty protein bowls.

This is the restaurant to make a beeline for if you are craving a well-balanced lunch consisting of a mixture of delicious fibres, protein, and carbs. Depending on your choice of protein bowls, it will all be generously topped with a variety of sides.

Highlights of their menu include the well-received Grilled Wagyu Beef (S$13.90) and Norwegian Salmon (S$11.90), which are both appetisingly plated with colourful, crunchy sides and runny egg. The beef bowl was our favourite; each beef cube was grilled to perfection to ensure diners taste its utmost smokiness and char.

Accompanying each rice bowl is their specialty dressings, such as the iconic Peri Peri and Mentaiko Sauce.

Big Daddy
9 Raffles Place
#02-04 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

CEDELE

Diners looking to dine at a crisp, comfortable lunch spot will love Cedele which provides an extensive sweet and savoury menu. Expect nothing less than quality food at reasonable prices here.

For the health conscious, we would recommend their Grilled Beetroot Patty and Avocado Plant-based Sandwich, which is served together with a small bowl of soup (S$11.50).

The Cake Set (S$10) includes both a chunky cake slice and a choice of either Wellness Tea or Hot Organic Black Coffee; we had their iconic Carrot Walnut Cake — each thick layer was coated with cream cheese and studded with dozens of walnuts, leaving us hankering for more of their sweet treats.

Cedele
9 Raffles Place
#01-08 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6974 6201
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

HEYBO

Hitting the CBD area is a popular eatery, Heybo, touting a “feel good fast food” concept. Churning out build-your-own grain bowls, each meal is prepared within a couple of minutes and is chock full of nutrients, flavour and ingredients.

The Kampong Table (S$9.90) is one of their most popular items on the menu. Served with mixed grains and grilled lemongrass chicken, this is a bowl that will surely remind you of the good ol’ days hanging out at the kampong with your pals.

Fish lovers can also opt for their Mighty Mekong (S$9.90) that is served with baked chilli dory. Those who also prefer something a little more traditional will like their Spice Trade (S$9.90), which is served with cauliflower rice and lentils, falafels, fried eggplants and murukku crackers.

Heybo
9 Raffles Place
#01-04/05 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6974 6209
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

KNEAD TO EAT

Offering sumptuous, humongous portions of sandwiches and toasts, Knead To Eat serves grab-and-go meals for diners on a short lunch break.

Now, you do not need to skimp on lunch! Take a short walk down to the basement, grab your desired sandwich of the day, and munch on a hearty takeaway meal in the office.

We would recommend trying their Wholesome Chicken Avo (S$9.90); the multigrain sandwich is lightly toasted and charred, while their chicken slices were thick and succulent. Chunkily filled with a variety of greens, the bread was also huge in portion and kept us full for the rest of the day!

Knead To Eat 
9 Raffles Place
#B1-14 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6702 0887
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

KUEH & MEE

Kueh & Mee is a humble eatery serving up traditional Indonesian comfort food, handmade kuehs and local delicacies.

Get a taste of the past with their Asian Delight Set (up to S$7.90)! Indulge in a diverse selection of familiar comfort food including their Signature Mee Siam, Mee Rebus and Indonesian Nasi Uduk, all of which are accompanied by either Kopi or Teh.

A meal is also never complete without desserts! Sticklers for tradition will love the array of sweet treats Kueh & Mee has to offer — nothing hipster or modern, they specialise in old-fashioned Indonesian kueh-kueh and cakes which are all lovingly baked daily to ensure freshness and is sure to stir a sense of nostalgia in you.

Kueh & Mee
9 Raffles Place
#B1-20 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6226 2516
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

RAMEN HITOYOSHI

Fans of ramen rejoice! Known for being one of the better Tonkotsu ramen chains in Singapore, the prominent noodle restaurant has opened its doors at Republic Plaza and is dedicated to serving the busy office crowd its signature Tonkotsu ramen.

Other than Tonkotsu ramen, they also dish out donburis and sides.

The pork bone broth is tediously prepared to ensure a thick, rich, flavour. It is then garnished with huge chashu pieces and Ajitamago. Spice lovers should definitely try their Spicy Tonkotsu With Ajitamago (S$14.90); chewy noodles sit upon a fiery broth, guaranteed to leave your tongue numb and give “mala” a run for its money.

Those who also prefer the original will love their signature Tonkotsu with Ajitamago (S$13.90), while diners craving for a dish much more familiar and homely can go for their Chashu Chahan (S$11.90), a chashu, egg and rice combination.

Ramen Hitoyoshi 
9 Raffles Place
#02-13/14 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

SALADSTOP!

Satisfy your cravings with SaladStop yummy nutritional wraps, warm grain bowls and hearty soups! Nothing is better than being able to enjoy a nourishing meal that is not just affordable, but tasty.

The highlight here at SaladStop! is their salads. Each signature salad is topped with a myriad of greens, such as lettuce and mixed grains depending on your choice of salad; you can also create your own wrap or grain bowl.

Fans of fish will love their Tuna San (S$13.80), a wholesome salad plated with freshly seared tuna and avocado. Their Sabai Sabai (S$13.80) and Beyond Me Salad (S$13.80) are other crowd-favourite items on their menu as well.

For drinks, definitely check their smoothies out! We had Get Shrek’d (S$8.00) and Berrylicious (S$8.00), and we absolutely loved the latter. Well-blended with a combination of various berries, the smoothie was refreshing and definitely perked up our day.

SaladStop!
9 Raffles Place
#B1-21 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6974 4223
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

SIMPLEBURGER.INC

This wallet-friendly burger joint serves up a mouthwatering selection of burgers and toasts. They even have an array of ingredients where diners can choose to customise their own free-flow fillings.

SIMPLEburger.Inc stands out with its tasty burgers and well-grilled thick patties. You can choose to order them a la carte or in a set, which comes with a side of either rosti or fries.

We will go out on a limb to say that the Natural Beef Burger with Fries (S$11) was one of the best burgers we have had in a while; the burger consisted of a succulent meat patty and fluffy toasted buns. Made with a mixture of premium beef cuts, the Natural Beef Patty was unseasoned to let its natural flavours shine, then grilled to a perfect medium doneness.

SIMPLEburger.Inc
9 Raffles Place
#B1-02 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6285 8839
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

SUKHUMVIT 100

Sukhumvit 100 is a new takeaway kiosk at the basement of Republic Plaza dishing out well-loved Thai favourites.

You can watch the chef behind the wok up close in action as he cooks your food and get a whiff of the aromatic fragrance from the Thai spices used! Every dish on their menu — from their Beef Boat Noodles to the Traditional Phad Thai — is guaranteed to bring you right to the heart of Thailand and allow you to experience their local flavours.

Sukhumvit 100′s Beef Boat Noodles (S$7.90) brings back fond memories of the Thai Boat Noodles that we had in Thailand! Each strand of rice noodle is deliciously soaked in a herbaceous beef broth and has just the right texture of springiness.

Their Crab Meat Fried Rice with XO Sauce (S$11.90) was also a winner for us — huge tender chunks of crab meat mixed with polished white rice and eggs, what’s not to love?

Sukhumvit 100 
9 Raffles Place
#B1-18 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 9485 9909
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

THE HERBAL BAR

The Herbal Bar at Republic Plaza is known for a spread of nutritious dishes and herbal soups that has followed their family for four generations! The soups were originally created by the owner’s mother, a TCM physician of over forty years, who wanted to incorporate Chinese medicinal elements and herbs in her traditional soups. 

The Herbal Bar specialises in serving a comprehensive menu of natural, nutritious dishes that are gluten and MSG-free with less salt, sugar, and oil. They even have homemade Chuan Bei Almond drinks which give you the taste of each Chinese almond nut due to the stone grind that they use!

Try out their signature soups that come in a set: the Chinese Cabbage Fish Maw and Handmade Meatballs Soup with Chicken Stew Meesua Set (S$13.80), and Ginseng Chicken Soup Rice Set with Herbal Tea Egg (S$13.10).

Expect nothing less than strong, wholesome soups that are full of herbaceous, authentic flavour. They also serve sides to complement your meal! We went for their Oriental Salad with Black Fungus and Lotus Roots (S$3.80) and a small platter of Homemade Dumplings (S$4.80). This is the place to go for if you would love to try wholesome Chinese food!

The Herbal Bar  
9 Raffles Place
#B1-22 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 9185 2835
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

UNCLE HO’S CAFE

Feast upon a myriad of authentic Hanoi delicacies at Uncle Ho’s Cafe and experience a sensational culinary journey with their authentic Vietnamese dishes! If you think Vietnamese food is only about pho or banh mi, this rustic cafe will be sure to prove you wrong and leave you impressed with other lesser-known delectables.

The star of the show is none other than their House Special Hanoi Buncha (S$13.90): a sweet, tangy broth consisting of a meaty mixture and pickled vegetables, meant to be eaten soba-style. Throw in the platter of cooked rice vermicelli and vegetables, give the combination a good mix, and you are good to go!

The Banh-Mi (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich) also deserves mention. It is freshly baked in-house daily in the morning, resulting in a crispy crust and a soft inside with a mouthwatering roasted flavour. The Banh-Mi can be ordered with a variety of meat or vegan fillings (from S$8.90). For salad lovers, the Banana Flower with Chicken Salad (S$12.90) tossed with a special home-made dressing is a must-try.

The other highlight would also be their House Blend Vietnamese Hot Drip Coffee (S$5.80) — made from three different coffee blends and served with a metal filter, you get to savour your cuppa as it slowly blends into a cohesive mixture of both sweet and bitter nuances.

Uncle Ho’s Cafe  
9 Raffles Place
#02-05 Republic Plaza II
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 9185 2835
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

DIN TAI FUNG

Locals are all familiar with the household name, Din Tai Fung, the famous restaurant known for their legendary Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao, fried rice and noodles. They have recently opened their latest restaurant at Republic Plaza, and diners around the CBD area can now stop by and relish in the true Taiwanese dining experience!

Every true blue Singaporean has got to sample their signature Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao, which is available in a basket of five (S$7.30) at the Republic Plaza restaurant. A delicate dumpling with a minimum of 18 exquisite folds, it contains a lean, juicy meat filling wrapped in a silky smooth skin.

Check out their Steamed Yam Xiao Long Bao (5pc/S$7) as well! Featuring a unique flavour, the Premium Thai-imported yam is first mashed, then enveloped in skin and steamed. Do not miss out on their other well-loved classics such as their Fried Rice with Shrimps & Eggs (S$13.80) or Crispy Golden Prawn Pancakes (S$11) either!

Din Tai Fung
9 Raffles Place
#02-08 Republic Plaza II
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6226 6988
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Besides the attractive lunch options, all below S$15, some of the outlets are also open for dinner. So, if you are working late in the area, or too lazy to stop by somewhere for some quality dinner, pop by Republic Plaza to end off the day on a scrumptious note.

This post was brought to you by Republic Plaza.

Nestled among the many shophouses that pave the streets of Kampong Glam, Rich & Good Cake Shop stands as something of a confectionery institution in Singapore. They specialise in a variety of Swiss rolls that come in several flavours from chocolate, mango, green tea to blueberry and even durian.

The two flavours, however, responsible for their claim to fame are their Kaya Swiss roll and Durian Swiss roll. Perhaps it’s due to the sense of nostalgia that these classic flavours evoke, but one thing’s for sure, they taste mighty darnn good.

Swirled with pandan-infused kaya, the Kaya Swiss roll is, without a doubt, one of our all-time favourites. The sweet aroma of pandan, coupled by the semi-sweet coconut jam filling makes this modest-looking Swiss roll just the best tea time snack.

We love that it isn’t overly sweet nor laden with insane amounts of filling but still hits the spot nonetheless, and the pillowy exterior also does well to give the roll a nice texture.

Encased within a soft, durian-accented roll is a cream filling mixed with creamy durian. The ratio between durian cream to sponge cake is perfect, such that neither of them overwhelms the other. The roll is sweet but is nicely balanced out by a subtle saltiness in the cream itself. A hit among durian lovers, this is must if you’re thinking of bringing a dessert over to a house party—provided they’re fans of durian as well.

The flavours and creamy texture of their Chocolate Swiss roll resemble the humble chocolate cake sold in many heartland bakeries. This is by no means comparable if you’re talking about the best chocolate cake around but it does sing of nostalgia, giving us a blast to the past to a time when being able to indulge in a decadent chocolate cake could only happen during birthday celebrations.

The one thing that makes their cakes stand out—and we’re sure most of their fans would agree too—is that their Swiss rolls are incredibly fresh-tasting and will never, ever give you a sense that it was prepared days prior. Take their Strawberry Swiss roll for instance.

Wrapped in between the sponge cake lies swirls of sweet strawberry cream that is nicely underscored by a tinge of sourness—a particular quality that could only be achieved by using fresh strawberries. Their Swiss rolls are all made fresh daily and the benefits include a stronger aroma and fresher flavour.

Rich & Good Cake Shop
24 Kandahar Street,
Singapore 198887
Tel: +65 6294 3324
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon: 10.30am – 5pm
Tue to Sat: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Bugis / Nicoll Highway

A highly celebrated stalwart in the Chinese dim sum scene here in Singapore, Red Star Restaurant is one that needs no introduction.

Here is where one can relish in a large selection of dim sum goodies be it steamed or fried and have them served to you table-side via food trolleys—the traditional way. Standing as one of the few Chinese restaurants left in Singapore (or at least the only one we know about) that still serves dim sum this way, Red Star Restaurant is a gem that many loyal patrons, new and old, hold dear.

If you’d like to experience proper Cantonese dim sum dining the traditional way, then Red Star Restaurant is where it’s at.

No dim sum meal is complete without a basket full of steaming hot char siew bao, and while the ones served here are slightly bigger than the average bao, we were a tad disappointed with how it turned out.

Their char siew bao is nice and soft with a sweet, doughy aroma, however, the filling—an amalgamation of both lean and fatty components of pork—was very little and we found ourselves loading up on more bao than actual filling.

Flaky on the outside with an outer crust that’s buttery but not too thick, the BBQ Pork Pie—otherwise referred to as Char Siew Soh—is one item that we got as well.

The pork filling was sweet and meaty, bearing a milder flavour in comparison to its stickier, diabetes-inducing cousins.

When dining at Red Star Restaurant, the Ha-Kau is a popular pick among the crowd, however, we were not really impressed seeing as to how it arrived at our table, overturned and in a mess. The skins were all punctured and the dumplings all stuck to the basket—probably a result of oversteaming.

A hit among the crowd, their Egg Tart  is one of the fastest items to go. The egg custard is velvety and boasts a sweet, fragrant vanilla note and the crust that holds it all together is a delicate pastry that flakes upon the lightest touch.

A simple porridge dish, their Century Egg Porridge comes with a decent portion of pork slices and bits of century egg.

A rather unusual item yet one that the ladies persistently told us to try was the Jin Long Ji. What it is is essentially chicken skin that’s stuffed with a prawn paste and deep-fried. Satisfyingly crispy, the dish had a mild prawn flavour but other than that it didn’t really impress us.

Chee Cheong Fun is one item you’re most likely to see taking up residence on most of the tables around you. Available fillings include prawn, scallop and char siew—all of which are just as good.

All in all, Red Star Restaurant is a place that we highly recommend if you’re keen on having an all-rounded, authentic traditional dim sum eating experience but where price and quality of their dishes is concerned, you could probably do better at many other dim sum restaurants in Singapore.

Red Star Restaurant
Chin Swee Road,
#07-23 Block 54,
Singapore 160054
Tel: +65 6532 5266
Mon to Sat: 8am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 7am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

Providing a delectable buffet spread that includes a selection of perfectly grilled premium meat and an extensive salad bar, Rodizio Do Brazil prides itself with using the freshest ingredients to cater to every palate. Health-conscious people would be glad to know that their beef and lamb are grass-fed, which means that they are higher in nutrients and lower in fat.

Situated just minutes away from Clarke Quay Station, this authentic Brazilian restaurant located by the Singapore River is a great spot to unwind after a long day at work and you can gather with your friends and family and treat yourselves to a slew of quality meat dishes at a really reasonable price.

We treated ourselves to their Full Churrasco + Salad Bar Buffet (S$49++ for Adults and S$18++ for Children) and we were completely blown away when the food arrived.

The perfectly grilled meats are threaded onto large skewers and upon being sliced and served tableside, the chef will make it a point to talk about the dish being served, giving diners a better idea of what they’re about to eat.

Meat lovers are spoilt for choice with their wide selection of meats from Beef Rump to Honey Ham Pork and even Grilled Chicken Hearts.

Their signature Beef Rump was extremely tender and well flavoured but what stole our hearts was definitely the Grilled Chicken Hearts. A bite into these tiny morsels will set you on a trip to flavour town and they come with a bounciness similar to fresh squid.

After stuffing yourself with those flaming-hot grilled meats, have yourself some refreshing grilled pineapple to wash down the grease and to give your palate a sweet, refreshing wake up call.

Rodizio Do Brazil
3E River Valley Road
Clarke Quay #01-07
Singapore 179024
Tel: +65 6253 8858
Sun to Thurs: 6pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Being one of Singapore’s most highly-anticipated cultural celebrations, the Lunar New Year is a remarkable one that sees the coming together of family, friends and loved ones. Whether you observe the festivities, we can all agree on one thing; that it’s always a feast.

This year, leave no room for hiccups by taking the celebration outside instead. Over at award-winning Racines, perched on the fifth floor of Sofitel Singapore City Centre, look forward to a medley of sumptuous festive offerings along with a variety of set menus, curated, designed and crafted by a veteran in the art of traditional Chinese cooking, Executive Chef Andrew Chong himself.

Be wowed by the artistry that is the Malaysian born chef’s elaborate fortune-enhancing creations, from his extravagant and exquisitely assembled Seafood Abalone Treasure Pot with Braised Cabbage and Black Moss (Pen Cai) to his signature Clay Pot Royale Braised Duck with Sea Cucumber.

Our readers can get 15% OFF Racine’s CNY takeaway orders using our code’ LADYIRONCNY’ on Sofitel Singapore City Centre’s website.

CHEF ANDREW CHONG

Armed with over 20 years of culinary experience and a firm knowledge of traditional Chinese cuisine, Malaysian-born Chef Andrew Chong helms Racines Chinese culinary brigade, leading a team of passionate chefs, who all share the same passion for gastronomy and authentic Chinese cooking.

With an aptitude in presenting memorable culinary experience to all who dine at the restaurant, Chef Andrew maintains a hunger for elevating his skills and delving deeper, exploring new elements and ingredients so as to keep his dishes contemporary and exciting yet true to its humble heritage.

CLAYPOT RICE WITH SELECTION OF PREMIUM WAXED MEATS AND CHINESE SAUSAGE

Lap Mei Fun, or Chinese waxed meat rice, is a simple and delicious one-pot meal that’s commonly had during the festive season. Chef Andrew’s version, his Claypot Rice with Selection of Premium Waxed Meats and Chinese Sausage (S$98++), comprises a mixture of waxed and cured meats such as Lup Cheong (Sausage), Lup Yoke (Pork-belly) and Yun Cheong (Goose Liver Sausage).

The secret to this dish, albeit simple in its ingredient list, lies in the flavourful fats of each individual meat product which imparts all its aromatic goodness onto the rice during cooking. This dish yields a fragrant, meaty savouriness sans the smoky element and comes with generous slices of sausages, neatly arranged over top.

A dish that’s hugely popular in Hong Kong and one that has become synonymous with Chinese New Year celebratory feasts here in Singapore is pen cai. Pen cai is a traditional Chinese dish that consists of several premium ingredients such as seafood and meat that is typically eaten during important occasions.

While purists may argue that this dish is merely a big pot of fancy ingredients thrown together and topped with sauce, Chef Andrew takes it up a notch by preparing each and every component—from the seared Hokkaido scallops to the blanched napa cabbage—separately, treating every ingredient with the respect that it deserves.

MAGNIFIQUE PEN CAI

Chef Andrew Chong’s Pièce de Résistance features a multitude of premium ingredients such as abalone, sea cucumber, king prawn, Hokkaido scallop, fried oyster, fish maw, roasted duck breast, roasted pork and more!

When it comes to ladling over sauce, he is careful not to overdo it so as to preserve the textural integrity and natural flavours of each ingredient from the crispy pork belly to the tender scallops.

The cherry on top? This luxe version is finished with a generous shaving of black truffle over top. Now if that isn’t the epitome of luxury, we don’t know what is.

CHEF ANDREW CHONG’S CLAYPOT ROYALE BRAISED DUCK WITH SEA CUCUMBER

Fuelled by his fountain of knowledge in traditional Chinese cooking, Chef Andrew’s Claypot Royale Braised Duck with Sea Cucumber (S$168++) is one mammoth-sized festive centrepiece that begs to be devoured (and photographed).

Stuffed abundantly with lotus seeds, gingko nuts, diced carrots and braised chestnuts, the braised duck achieves a profound sweetness that bolds well with the subtle gaminess of the duck. The pot is packed generously with a multitude of edible goodies and will prove itself a crowdpleaser at any reunion dinner.

BAKED CARAMELISED BLACK COD FILLET WITH SOY GLAZE, EDAMAME AND BONITO FLAKES

Firm and robust in texture yet delicate, almost cream-like in flavour, we could hardly stop ourselves from reaching in for seconds when it came to the Baked Caramelised Black Cod Fillet with Soy Glaze, Edamame and Bonito Flakes.

The soy glaze painted over gave the fish a savoury depth and the bonito flakes provided a hint of umami which contrasted the creamy fish very well.

Exquisitely constructed, the Chilled Avocado with Shredded Coconut and Steamed Koi Fish Nian Gao is just too gorgeous to consume. The koi fish nian gao was tacky and tasted oddly similar to the traditional rainbow lapis we grew up with and the chilled avocado was both light and refreshing.

Our readers can get 15% OFF Racine’s CNY takeaway orders using our code’ LADYIRONCNY’ on Sofitel Singapore City Centre’s website.

Racines – CNY Set Lunch
21 Jan to 22 Feb 2019
Prosperity Set Lunch (S$68++ per pax)
Abundant Fortune Set Lunch (S$98++ per pax)

*Minimum of 2 diners

Racines – CNY Set Dinner
21 Jan to 22 Feb 2019
Prosperity Set Dinner (S$128++ per pax)
Abundant Fortune Set Dinner (S$168++ per pax)

*Minimum of 2 diners

Racines – CNY Reunion Lunch & Dinner
4, 5, 6 Jan 2019
Magnifique Reunion (S$168++ per pax)
Premium Reunion (S$188++ per pax)

*Minimum of 4 diners

Terms and Conditions:

• Orders may be places at Racines or online via Boutique Magnifique.
• Pre-payment is required for orders to be confirmed and processed.
• No refunds are allowed for missed pickups.
• Collections are made between 11am – 6pm.
• Please allow a min. of 3 working days between confirmation of order and pick up.
• Last orders will be on Wednesday, 20 February 2019.
• Last day of collection will be on Friday, 22 February 2019.
• Discounts and promotions are not cumulative and not valid with other special offers.
• All prices are in Singapore dollars and subject to 7% GST.

Racines
9 Wallich Street, 5th floor
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 6428 5000
Reservations: HA152@sofitel.com or +65 6428 5000
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30am, 12pm – 12.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

This post was brought to you by Sofitel Singapore City Centre. 

If there was ever a good enough reason for you to put your dieting plans on hold for chocolate, Christmas would definitely come up tops. A season where eating and indulging in decadent treats is a vital part, this is the time where it’s totally fine to go full beast mode on all things rich and luxurious. And where better to stock up on quality chocolates than at ROYCE’?

One of the top chocolatiers in Japan and our personal favourite, ROYCE’ really goes above and beyond your standard truffles and chocolate bars. Established in 1983 in Hokkaido, Japan, ROYCE’ chocolates have gained itself international recognition for their original, superior quality confectioneries. Bringing together the best ingredients from all over the world, together with the rich and creamy dairy products from Hokkaido, ROYCE’ never fails to impress with their offerings old and new.

This season of giving, what better way to put a smile on the faces of your loved ones than to gift them with an assortment of decadent treats from ROYCE’? Newly revamped with a brand new look, their ION Orchard outlet promises a better customer experience, in addition to boasting a wider array of the brand’s signature products.

Feeling lucky? Be sure to snag yourself a complimentary gift during their in-store promotion from 10 to 25 December 2018, where, for every S$100 spend, you get to participate in a lucky dip, winning you a special Christmas gift courtesy of ROYCE’.

Newly-furnished to allow more space for customers to browse, the outlet at ROYCE’ is where we would recommend heading to. Run by a team of helpful staff that commit their utmost to provide excellent customer service, you will find yourself well taken care of.

CHAMPAGNE NAMA CHOCOLATES

If there was one significant quality that differentiates ROYCE’ from the many chocolatiers out there, it would be their undying commitment to originality and impeccable quality. We are die-hard fans of their Nama Chocolates and if you haven’t tried it, boy you’re missing out.

Their most popular product, the iconic Nama Chocolate is made from pure, rich Hokkaido cream lavishly mixed into the chocolate. Available in a variety of flavours, the one we always look forward to most is the ones accented with prestige liqueurs.

Gracing this festive Yule is their Champagne Nama Chocolate (S$15). This decadent treat comes armed with a bright, luxurious flavour profile of Pierre Mignon champagne that does well to elevate the experience altogether. Good champagne and solid chocolate, how much more luxurious can you get?

PURE CHOCOLATE 

Made using the finest dairy from the pastures of Hokkaido, tuck into total, melt-on-your-tongue luxury with their individually sealed Creamy White off their Pure Chocolate line. Intricately designed the beautiful ripples serve to enhance its texture.

This single-serving chocolate comes in 10 varieties with different percentages of cacao added to each varietal. One box (S$15) contains 40 individually wrapped morsels of pure chocolatey indulgence with 2 flavours.

POTATOCHIP CHOCOLATE 

Combining the salty, savoury goodness that is potato chips and coating them in a thin yet decadent layer of their velvety chocolate, ROYCE’ range of Potato Chip Chocolate (S$15 per box) offerings are just pure genius and a snack appropriate for any occasion.

The unique combination of potato chips and chocolate. Who can resist? Available in four flavours that are sure to tickle your taste buds, indulge in the edible likes of the Original, Caramel, Fromage Blanc and Mild Bitter. Disclaimer: it’s going to be hard to stop shovelling down these savoury-sweet bad boys.

CHOCOLATE WAFERS

Delivering a bright, berry burst that’s nicely enveloped in creamy, rich chocolate, the Wafer Strawberry (S$15) is absolutely perfect for folks who love strawberry.

But let’s not forget the other chocolate wafer options which include the Tiramisu Cream (S$15) and Hazel Cream (S$15) as well that delivers a flavour burst of nuanced espresso and nutty notes respectively.

MACCHA BAR CHOCOLATE

Great news for lovers of all things maccha-laden, ROYCE’ has a pretty stellar range of maccha fit for any craving or fancy. Nama Chocolate Maccha. Prafeuille Chocolat Maccha. Chocolate Wafers Maccha. Maccha Almond Chocolate.

However you like to enjoy your Maccha be it with a crunch or melting on your tongue, you can trust ROYCE’ to have you well sorted. A decadent triple-threat and one that we highly recommend is their Maccha Bar Chocolate (S$12.50 per box of 6). Each bar comes packed with a nutty crunch featuring the likes of almonds, pecans, cashews, macadamias as well as cookie bits and crispy puffs, all nicely underscored by the fragrance of pure green tea powder.

LUCKY DIP BOX WITH EVERY S$100 SPEND

From 10 to 25 December 2018, with every S$100 spend, you get to participate in the Lucky Dip Box, where you stand to win special Christmas goodies from ROYCE’. Who can and would say no to more chocolate, right? Just note that you’ve got to arrive as early as possible because the lucky dip is capped at 50 customers per day.

And exclusive to outlets at ION Orchard, Tampines Mall, Westgate & Tanjong Pagar, for every S$50 spent with at least 1 Nama chocolate purchase, customers can personalise 1 box of Nama Chocolate—talk about a gift that’ll turn heads.

ROYCE’ (ION Orchard Mall)
2 Orchard Turn #B4-10 ION,
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 9340
Daily: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

This post was brought to you by ROYCE’. 

Christmas is the season of giving and here at Royale, and it is sans the hefty price tag so that many more of us can enjoy without having our wallets take a beating. That’s not to say they’re skimping on anything.

When you think of Christmas, you think of indulgence, you think of a celebration, and with Royale’s Santa’s Christmas Circus Festive Buffet, there is no better way to jingle some bells and make some merry. Watch the flavourful magic of Christmas come to life in an enticing festive feast featuring over 40 scrumptious Yuletide dishes. We’re talking about Truffle Cheese Fondue, a Live Outdoor BBQ station and show-stopping meat-focused centerpieces, all lined up like presents under the Christmas tree for you.

You’ll be glad to know that the circus will be in town from the 10 Dec 2018 until 01 Jan 2019 so you can ring in the new year with festivities too. For prices as low as S$48++ per pax, there’s no reason to let this festive opportunity pass you by.

For the extra star on top of the tree, our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ for 25% off Royale’s festive dinner buffet at only S$36++ per pax for lunch buffet and S$51 per pax for dinner buffet (valid every day except for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve). If you’ve already been to Royale, you’ll understand how the opulent baroque style furnishing of the place fits the Christmas theme to a T.

SEAFOOD ON ICE

Despite the extremely affordable price tag, Royale doesn’t skimp at all. Shellfish lovers will be elated to know that they serve up sweet poached prawns and short neck clams all on a giant bed of ice, ready for the picking.

What’s more, fresh, meaty live oysters on the half shell will also be part of the seafood on ice selection on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve as well as New Year’s Day.

LIVE OUTDOOR BBQ

One of the biggest highlights of this delightful Christmas spread has to be the Live Outdoor BBQ Station. They’ve got delicious Tandoori Chicken Kebabs with Mushrooms that’s got a serious heady note of Indian spice and heat from the grill that makes it so addictive, yet the Mini Crayfish with Homemade Spices doesn’t pale in comparison with how fresh and sweet the flesh is.

We absolutely loved the way the creamy mentaiko sauce kept the sweet scallop hot within its pocket of goodness and couldn’t help going back for thirds and fourths. It’s definitely a dish you can’t leave without sampling over and over again.

CARVING STATION

Now Christmas isn’t quite Christmas without a stunning centrepiece, and here you get to choose between three stellar ones. Back by popular demand, Royale will be showcasing their Baked 7-Spices Turkey with Homemade Chilli Sauce, German Pork Knuckle with White Pepper or Pineapple Sauce and their Baked Honey Cinnamon Gammon Ham with Citrus sauce again.

In a marriage of festive and Asian flavours, the rich textures and tastes are a treat for the taste buds and take your senses on a flight. Everything is carved right in front of you to whet your appetite before it’s even served.

Contrary to popular opinion, as well as our preliminary expectations, their turkey was neither dry nor lacking in flavour. Neatly and professionally carved, every slice is thick enough such that you get a good amount of flavourful skin attached to it, as well as a robust succulence that you wouldn’t otherwise have with a thinner slice.

Putting a spin on the quintessential Christmas roast, Royale serves their turkey with a garlicky, potent chilli sauce rather than traditional giblet sauce, heightening the dish with a flavourful, pungent kick.

FLAVOURFUL YULETIDE DISHES

They’ve also got more lined up like presents under a Christmas tree with their hotline specialities. From succulent spicy Black Pepper Pork Ribs to their tender and perfectly pink Port Wine Glazed Rack of Lamb, there’s no stopping the assault of flavours on the tongue. The ratatouille and a dash of homemade champagne sauce served alongside the Oven-Roasted Barramundi was also the perfect complement to the dish.

What really stood out for us though, was the Slow Braised Beef Cheek with Madeira Wine that was so soft, we barely needed to chew. In fact, ditch the knife as the meat is soft enough to tear apart with minimal effort.

Do note that some dishes are only available on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day festive buffets.

TRUFFLE CHEESE FONDUE

We all love doing a little craft in our work, and there’s little that beats a chocolate fondue than a cheese fondue. What’s even better? It’s a truffle cheese fondue. Looking pretty much like a fountain of gold, this screams indulgence at its finest.

Feel free to dip some nachos into the fondue, or their special homemade biscottis and cranberry bread to soak up all of that liquid gold, but don’t let us stop you from drizzling cheese off your biscottis onto the other meats on your plates too.

JOLLY CHRISTMAS SWEETS

A rather crucial but a tip often easily forgotten in the face of a galore of mouthwatering food: always save room for dessert, and you’d be very much sorry if you didn’t. As with every Christmas, you can’t do without a classic log cake but to take the festivities up a notch, Royale’s Ivory White Chocolate Log Cake boasts a moist vanilla sponge cake that’s nothing short of lavish.

They also serve up absolutely adorable Santa Claus Mini Cheesecakes, Festive Tart, Lemon and Berries Meringue and perhaps the most indulgent Valhoma Dark Chocolate Cake ever.

Royale ensures fun for all, and kids would be delighted to unleash their creativity in the kid’s playroom by decorating their own Gingerbread Man. There’s also plenty of other fun-filled activities that’ll keep them entertained while you dine at ease.

If you’re anywhere near as excited as we are, you’ll understand how we’re already salivating just eagerly awaiting the arrival of December. Remember to quote ‘ladyironchef’ for 25% off Royale’s festive dinner buffet at only S$36++ per pax for lunch buffet and S$51 per pax for dinner buffet (valid every day except for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve)

Santa’s Christmas Circus Festive Buffet

Lunch:
$48++ (Adult)/ $24++ (Child 6 – 12 years)
Dinner:
$68++ (Adult) / $34++ (Child 6 – 12 years)
Children under 6 years dine free

Christmas Eve & Day
24 December & 25 December 2018
Lunch:
$68++ (Adult)/ $34++ (Child 6-12 years)
Dinner:
$88++ (Adult) / $44++ (Child 6 – 12 years)
Children under 6 years dine free

New Year’s Eve & Day
31 December 2018 & 1 January 2019
Lunch: $68++ (Adult) / $34++ (Child 6 – 12 years)
Dinner:$88++ (Adult) / $44++ (Child 6 – 12 years)
Children under 6 years dine free

Royale
Level 3, Mercure Singapore Bugis
122 Middle Road
Singapore 188973
Tel: +65 6521 6030 / or email HA0D7-FB1@accor.com
Buffet Lunch: 12pm – 2.30pm
Buffet Dinner:  6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post was brought to you by Mercure Singapore Bugis.

Royale—known for their extremely affordable buffet spreads—has now launched their newest Weekend High Tea Buffet showcasing tea time delights spanning from local delights to Western favourites. Specially crafted with a leisurely weekend gathering in mind, feast to your heart’s content at the gorgeous baroque-style dining hall that features dim sum counters, a sandwich bar, desserts and many more.

Bask in an indulgent afternoon of over 40 delectable teatime delights with scrumptious international and local lunch staples alongside a Live Dessert Station. Royale Weekend High Tea rotates between two different menus for Saturday and Sunday, both created in the spirit of a communal feast that is family-friendly and very pocket-friendly.

On the international front, the line-up features classics such as a fresh selection of sandwiches, salads, and brunch fares such as Eggs Benedict and Beef Sliders. Royale also allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds with local delights such as oyster omelette, nasi lemak, and DIY rojak.

Royale’s Weekend High Tea Buffet is available on weekends, Saturday and Sunday, during lunch hours from 12pm – 3pm at only S$48++ per adult and S$24++ per child. Kids under 6 years old dine for free. And here’s the sweetest part: quote ‘LADYIRONCHEF30′ upon making your reservations for a whopping 30% discount off the weekend high tea buffet at S$33.60++ per pax.

IRREGULAR SALAD BAR

Before you scoff at this, while a salad bar is more often than not the least popular part of a buffet, it isn’t the case here at Royale. The salad bad is filled with an array of refreshingly delicious salads to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Expect new varieties and combinations such as Smoked Duck Salad, Thai Beef Salad, Slow Braised Pork Belly with Homemade Pickles and Thai Marinated Squid Salad. They even have a DIY Chinese Rojak station where you can customise your rojak to your own liking.

DAINTY AFTERNOON APPETISERS

When you think of a typical English afternoon tea, handheld sandwiches and light bites are an absolute must. The sandwiches come with a plethora of fillings that cater to every palate—from Smoked Turkey with Cheese and Tomato, Pepper Beef Steak with Sweet Onions, to Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese. They even offer cheesy Caesar Chicken Quesadilla, Beef Sliders and oozy Egg Benedicts; perfect for kids!

What we do recommend the most though, has to be their bowls of Mini Nasi Lemak that was nothing short of indulgent, savoury and fragrant that even the little ones would want more of.

STEAMY DIM SUM

Of course, high tea doesn’t always have to be an exclusively Western affair. Here, Royale has multiple bamboo steamers filled with classic Asian favourites such as Siew Mai, Braised Chicken Claw and Chicken Char Siew Pau. Our personal favourite had to be the Chicken Pockets, which were little crispy dumplings stuffed full of savoury filling.

There’s also a large vat of congee to help yourself to, and an entire spread of condiments to add to your heart’s content.

SIZZLING HOT EATS

The lineup also features the likes of fluffy Crab Meat Fried Rice, thick umami Braised Ee-Fu Noodles with Mushrooms, decadent Oyster Omelettes and even Bak Kut Teh.

You can also cook your own Laksa. The broth was so rich and flavourful, we had multiple servings of this!

SWEET TREATS TAKE CENTRE STAGE

As with any high tea affair, the sweet treats section is the main star. If you love a show along with your dining experience, head over to the Live Dessert Station to watch the chef serve up Crepe Suzettes with Grand Manier or freshly Baked Apple Strudel with Caramel Sauce. The two live stations are available on Saturdays and Sundays respectively.

In addition to that, there’s also a grand assembly of assorted desserts by Chef Man—from Yam Paste with Coconut Cream to Durian Crème Brûlée, Pandan Kaya Cake and Royale’s speciality cheesecake in Oreo or Lemon. A tray of nonya kueh awaits too, alongside Japanese-style muah chee.

There is also a very decadent (and very good) Durian Penget that was so lusciously thick; we couldn’t stop going back for more. That alone was well worth the buffet price.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Just adjacent to Royale’s main dining area is a playroom (available during the weekend high tea buffet) to keep the young diners entertained while parents enjoy a well-deserved quiet and relaxing afternoon tea break. Complete with cartoons and a selection of fun-filled activities, you’d be happy to know the little ones wouldn’t plan on pulling your arms off whining to leave any time soon.

This is just about the perfect weekend plan for families! Available every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm – 3pm at just S$48++ per adult and S$24++ per child, enjoy a further 30% discount when you quote ‘LADYIRONCHEF30′ upon making reservations. Kids under 6yo dine for free!

Weekend High Tea Buffet Details
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 3.00pm
Price: Adult – S$48++/ Child – S$24++ (Ages 6 – 12)/ Children below the age of 6 dine free

Royale
Level 3, Mercure Singapore Bugis
122 Middle Road
Singapore 188973
Tel: +65 6521 6030 / or email HA0D7-FB1@accor.com
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post is brought to you by Mercure Singapore Bugis.

Red Holic is where lovers of Korean food can settle in for some of the tastiest tteokbokki around. Helmed by the same folks behind Super Star K, this cosy joint boasts a myriad of home-style Korean stews, dumplings and other tasty delights that go well with beer or soju.

Red Holic specialises in comforting Korean food in the likes of classic tteokbokki, ramyeon and Korean street snacks. While their menu is pretty selective, this Korean eatery does make for a nice pit stop for a quick snack on the go or for your friends and yourself to retire to over drinks after a hard day’s work.

Kick start your meal with one of Red Holic’s Giant Mandus (Korean dumplings). Red Holic serves a selective variety of this classic Korean street snack at a relatively affordable price per piece.

We opted for the Giant Kimchi Mandu (S$1.80++ per piece) and each piece came steaming hot and stuffed with generous amounts of kimchi, minced pork and glass noodles.

While the variety of textures, flavours and tongue-tingling heat surprised us in some way, we would have much preferred if it was less dry.

If you are tired of drooling over the Jjajangmyeon you often see in Korean dramas, hop over to Red Holic and order up a portion of Jjajang Tteokbokki that will satisfy any of such cravings.

The Crispy Chicken Jjajang Tteokbokki (S$27.80++) comes with Korean ramyeon noodles, quail eggs, 2 pieces of fried mandu, tteokbokki and pieces of diced up chicken thighs that are deep-fried to a nice golden brown.

The Jjajang sauce was mildly sweet and savoury with a slight spicy kick to it, which we felt went pleasantly well with the tteokbokki and ramyeon. The fried chicken arrives tender on the inside and crisp on the outside but we suggest you finish them up quickly before they turn soggy.

If you’re a fan of spicy food, don’t beat around the bush and head straight for the Red Holic Tteokbokki which comes with a broth that is equally as sweet as the Jjajang sauce, but with a fiery element that will impress.

The Red Holic Beef Brisket Tteokbokki (S$28.80++) can feed 2 to 3 people nicely given its size. Similar to the Crispy Chicken Jjajang Ttekbokki, this dish gives you the best of both worlds as it comprises both ramyeon as well as their signature Tteokbokki. Carbs aside, this dish will fill you up with the beef brisket, fried mandu as well as glass noodles too!

Tanjong Pagar may be home to plenty of Korean restaurants—this area is known to be Singapore’s ‘Little Korea’ after all—but what makes Red Holic stand out is their exceptional tteokbokki which are undeniably one of the best that we tried.

And while Red Holic’s menu is rather limited, they definitely deliver when it comes to quality. Should you wish to indulge in inexpensive and hearty Korean fare that is not overly pretentious, Red Holic is a great place to consider.

Red Holic
88 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088509
Tel: +65 6224 1064
Daily: 11.30am – 2am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

A metropolis, Seoul is home to some of the most spectacular dining establishments in the world that have attracted plenty of foodies from all walks of life to visit the city for their brilliant cafe scene.

With its simple facade, Rose Bakery may not be able to compete when it comes to aesthetics but it is precisely its comfortable and cosy vibes that attracted throngs of locals and tourists to visit if they are just looking for a place to unwind and enjoy mouthwatering brunch items and coffee.

Hailing all the way from Paris, this French cafe shares the same space as popular Japanese fashion label Comme des Garcons, so guests can always go for a shopping spree before or after grabbing a cuppa!

Presented on a long white counter, Rose Bakery’s drool-inducing range of pastries and baked goods are similar to what you will find at their main bakery in Paris.

Have a look at their brunch menu as well; a small selection comprising unpretentious mains such as Egg Crab Sandwich, Avocado Spread Poached Egg Toast and Rose Bakery French Toast.

In the meantime, delight yourself with some coffee, tea, smoothies and fresh fruit juices. Some caffeine options to perk you up include Cafe Latte, Cappuccino, Caramel Macchiato and Cafe Mocha. Otherwise, we would also recommend the Valrhona Chocolate for its dark chocolatey flavour.

If you are in the mood to do some shopping, head over to the Comme des Garcons store and pick up a few fashion apparels before leaving the place!

Rose Bakery
140-893  261, Itaewon-ro
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 02 790 7225
Daily: 10am – 10pm

For more recommendations, read our Seoul’s travel guides to discover the best places to visit in the city.

Hotel buffets need not be the most extravagant and fancy; we are happy if the food is good and the price is reasonable. Royale at Mercure Singapore Bugis has constantly been on our list of affordable buffet spreads in Singapore since its opening and we are giving you another reason to love them.

For the next three months, Royale is going to pay tribute to Asia’s dynamic flavours. The new Rasa Sayang BBQ Buffet is the next buffet with local spread to try. It is super value-for-money and it is like enjoying all your favourites at Chomp Chomp Food Centre in a comfortable air-conditioned environment for just one price.

From 01 June to 26 August 2018, indulge in a huge array of local goodies which features an extravagant lineup of over 30 local and Asian delights. You may quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 30% off the buffet upon making reservations from Sundays to Thursdays, and 20% off on Fridays and Saturdays. Do note that the discounts are not applicable on Father’s Day, Eve and Public Holidays and it is limited to a maximum of only 10 diners per booking.

DO IT YOURSELF STATION—ROJAK

Rojak is a dish that needs no further introduction. In Malay, ‘rojak’ is a word that means ‘mixture’. In Singapore, ‘rojak’ is a local “salad”. Essentially a salad tossed in sweet sauce, rojak compromises dough fritters, turnips, pineapples, cucumbers and jellyfish.

Look forward to the D.I.Y. rojak station at Royale where you can customise your rojak to your own liking. We like the sound of unlimited D.I.Y. rojak because it means we can add as many pineapple and dough fritters as we please!

OUTDOOR BBQ STATION

This time, Royale at Mercure Singapore Bugis has taken their buffet spread a notch up by featuring a live barbecue station outdoors. Think your favourite BBQ seafood stalls from Chomp Chomp, but even better because this is free flow!

You can indulge in a myriad of barbecued food items, which include ayam panggam, grilled squid, 3 different varieties of satays and everyone’s favourite grilled sambal stingray!

Just think about the value you are getting for the price you are paying—at your typical hawker centres, you pay an average of S$12 per sambal stingray; you pay S$26.60++ (on weekdays) here for endless servings. Isn’t it unbelievable?!

DO IT YOURSELF STATION—ASIAN BAO-WICH

Royale has decided to redefine ‘kong ba bao’. Choose from not 1, but 3 different types of meats.

Besides the classic Braised Five Spice Pork Belly, Royale also offers diners Nyonya Chicken and Black Pepper Beef fillings that sit in between soft, pillowy steamed mantou buns.

While the fatty and mildly sweet pork belly is surely a crowd-pleaser, we sang nothing but praises for the Nyonya Chicken, which had a really nice crispy skin. The Black Pepper Beef was well-marinated and came with a hint of spice, although the heat is not lip-smacking so children can enjoy this dish as can everyone else.

FRIED KWAY TEOW

Fried Kway Teow may not be what you’d expect to get at a hotel buffet but you would be thankful for this delight at Royale.

The Fried Kway Teow at Royale boasts smoky and robust flavours and every mouthful of this char kway teow is bursting with a complex charred aroma. This station will definitely be one that Singaporeans will be making multiple rounds to.

HAR CHEONG GAI

Trust us when we say that Royale’s version of Singaporeans’ favourite Har Cheong Gai is insanely addictive. The crispy and succulent prawn paste chicken is richly marinated in shrimp paste and just the aroma of this dish alone is enough to whet your appetite.

Royale has executed this dish so brilliantly such that die-hard fans of prawn paste chicken will definitely be pleased. 

WOK FRIED SALTED EGG YOLK PRAWNS 

Here in Singapore, we take our food trends seriously. The salted egg yolk trend is undisputedly one that will last for a long time and it is dishes such as the Wok Fried Salted Egg Yolk Prawns at Royale that keeps this food trend alive.

Royale’s rendition of salted egg yolk prawns definitely did not disappoint—the prawns were beautifully coated with a creamy, rich and piquant salted egg yolk coating which came with a hint of spiciness.

PAPER BAG OVEN-BAKED LAKSA CHICKEN

Having been marinated for 24 hours before being roasted in a paper bag, the tender meat of the chicken is a showstopper in its own right, especially when complemented with the luscious broth.

Royale’s version of the Singapore laksa broth differs slightly from the traditional ones—made with a blend of seven spices, the laksa broth which the chicken is doused in is rich and fragrant, bursting with a distinct spicy coconut flavour.

Every piece of chicken you have would have locked in the was creamy and full-flavoured laksa broth, making the tender chicken surprisingly flavourful.

SNAPPER FISH HEAD CURRY

The Fish Head Curry at Royale is a slightly tangier version and less spicy than what we had hoped for it to be, but it left an impression on us anyway. We were pleasantly surprised by the strong aroma and richness of the curry despite it being slightly watery.

Coupled with a variety of vegetables such as lady’s fingers and brinjal, this is one hearty dish that stood out in the line-up and is one that will make us return to the buffet for.

TRADITIONAL DESSERTS

Royale’s Rasa Sayang BBQ Buffet includes not just their usual sweet treats but also a repertoire of traditional local desserts which come with a modern twist.

Look forward to items such as Durian Crème Brûlée, Coconut Custard Tart and an assortment of Nonya Kueh—every one of their desserts is made fresh in-house. Don’t miss out on the classic Pandan Chiffon Cake sweetened with a layered of fluffy marshmallow, inspired by the nostalgic ice cream sandwich.

There is also a D.I.Y. Chendol station which will be part of the buffet spread—customise your dream chendol and end off your meal with this icy treat!

From 01 June to 26 August 2018, indulge in a huge array of local goodies which features an extravagant lineup of over 30 local and Asian delights. You may quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 30% off the buffet upon making reservations from Sundays to Thursdays, and 20% off on Fridays and Saturdays. Do note that the discounts are not applicable on Father’s Day, Eve and Public Holidays and it is limited to a maximum of only 10 diners per booking.

Rasa Sayang BBQ Buffet Details
1 June – 26 August 2018
Daily Dinner: 6pm – 10pm
Price: Adults—S$38++, S$68++*, Children—S$19++

*Inclusive of free flow wines and beer

Royale
Level 3, Mercure Singapore Bugis
122 Middle Road
Singapore 188973
Tel: +65 6521 6030 / or email HA0D7-FB1@accor.com
Buffet Dinner: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post is brought to you by Mercure Singapore Bugis.

Royale at Mercure Singapore Bugis has, once again, successfully challenged themselves and raised their own bar for buffet spreads. With an extremely competitive pricing coupled with a scrumptious buffet spread that is set to impress, Royale is ready to dazzle with their Surf & Turf buffet lineup that features the house’s best seafood and meat recipes from March to May 2018.

Leading the culinary team is Executive Chef Nicholas Sia who will introduce more than 30 seafood and meat delights that are inspired by Western and Asian cooking techniques. Be treated to the wonders of both land and sea!

The line-up will feature Nyonya Baked Seabass Fillet with Pineapple Slaw, Homemade Lor Mee with Crayfish, BBQ Pork Ribs with Lychee Pearls, and Duck Confit with Tomato and Garlic. And this isn’t all, of course!

From 08 Mar to 27 May 2018, Surf & Turf is available on Thursdays through Sundays for dinner, as well as lunch on Saturday and Sunday at only S$58++ per adult and S$29++ per child. And to sweeten things up, quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making reservations for a 25% discount.

SURF & TURF WELCOME PLATTER

Diners start off their meal with an exclusive Surf & Turf Welcome Platter to whet their appetites for the massive spread. On the platter sits a serving of Black Pepper Crab Claw in a Bucket, Chessy Clam Gratin and a Beef Slider.

The tantalising Black Pepper Crab stole the show with its rich and earthy black pepper sauce which had an addictive spicy kick to it. Fans of cheese will also take to the Clam Gratin which features a juicy clam and savoury diced mushrooms covered with a golden blanket of baked cheese.

SURF SPECIALS

NYONYA BAKED SEABASS FILLET WITH PINEAPPLE SLAW

If like us, you love traditional Peranakan recipes, the Nyonya Baked Seabass Fillet will fill you with nostalgia. Sticking true to how the Peranakans do it, the homemade marination comprises seven different types of spices and distinctive ones include lemongrass and candlenut. To ensure that all the flavours come through, the fish is marinated overnight.

Pair this with the pineapple slaw given at the side for a refreshing crunch which is a perfect match for this spice-laden seabass.

SAUTÉED WHITE WINE MUSSEL WITH THYME

The chefs at Royale will redefine your perception of mussels being just a filler in a buffet lineup. As one of the star attractions in their Surf & Turf Buffet, these jewels of the sea are first sautéed and simmered with a splash of white wine and thereafter lightly seasoned with thyme—we loved the simple, yet elegant flavours!

SEAFOOD CASSEROLE

Tuck into the magnificent Seafood Casserole—a huge pot filled with all sorts of seafood goodness including prawns, mussels, clams and squids.

A crowd-pleaser, this decadent and comforting dish are for all the guests who enjoy richer and heartier flavours. Besides, who can resist the generous amount of baked cheese added in it? Not us for sure.

TURF SPECIALS

BBQ PORK RIB WITH LYCHEE PEARLS

BBQ pork ribs are aplenty in Singapore but one that is worth trying is Royale’s BBQ Pork Rib with Lychee Pearls—that will also be part of the Surf & Turf Buffet.

The BBQ ribs are slow-cooked in the barbecue grill so the skin is smoky and crispy with slightly charred edges; the meat is fork tender. It is then glazed with a coat of BBQ sauce and topped off with sweet lychee pearls that burst upon biting.

DUCK LEG CONFIT WITH TOMATO AND GARLIC

The Duck Leg Confit with Tomato and Garlic gained instant approval from everyone for its perfect execution. Have the crispy skin and aromatic duck meat in one bite—it brings together a great combination of textures, from the crunchy bits to the tender duck.

The duck we had came with a decent amount of fat too, which attributed greatly to the overall taste because the very idea of confit is to cook the duck in its own fat.

OVEN-ROASTED SIRLOIN FILLET WITH BLACK PEPPER AND FENNEL CONFIT

Another stellar addition in the ‘Turf’ category, this medium-rare steak is probably one of the most prized possession in the entire buffet line up. The lip-smacking sirloin fillet was succulent, juicy and so tender that it melts in your mouth within seconds.

SOUP

PRAWN BISQUE WITH BRANDY

Soup may not be what you will be interested in at a seafood and meat buffet but this will change at Royale.

The glorious Prawn Bisque with Brandy is a very smooth and creamy one that you must try. It is full-bodied and no efforts have been spared in creating this aromatic pot of prawn goodness.

‘LIVE’ STATION

HOMEMADE LOR MEE WITH CRAYFISH

Look out for the Homemade Lor Mee With Crayfish ‘Live’ Station where the chef whips up a comforting bowl of Lor Mee—a popular Hokkien dish commonly found in Singapore and Malaysia. The full-flavoured broth was a clear winner for everyone at the table—with some of us even having seconds.

Chef Nicholas shared that only rich chicken stock is used (by simmering chicken bones for more than four hours) for the lor mee broth. And of course, what differentiates this bowl of Lor Mee apart from what you can get at a hawker centre is the addition of crayfish.

SEAFOOD ON ICE

There is also another seafood on ice counter where you can help yourselves to more seafood.

Savour all the natural flavours of the ocean with the Sweet Poached Prawns, Half Shell Scallops, Locally Farmed Black Mussels and Locally Farmed Clams.

DESSERT GALORE

When you are ready for some sweets, do not be shy about going back for second or third helpings.

Some noteworthy ones in the dessert spread that are the Chocolate Banana Cake, Lemon Meringue Tart, Assorted Mochi and Assorted Agar-Agar.

The Chocolate Banana Cake is everyone’s favourite. Generous layers of bananas are tucked in between chocolate sponge cake, and this is the perfect sweet ending for your Surf & Turf Buffet.

Surf & Turf Buffet Details
08 Mar to 27 May 2018
Dinner (Thu to Sun: 6pm – 10pm)
Lunch (Sat & Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm)
Price: Adult – S$58++, *S$88++/ Child – S$29++

*Inclusive of free-flow wines and beer.

Royale
Level 3, Mercure Singapore Bugis
122 Middle Road
Singapore 188973
Tel: +65 6521 6030 / or email HA0D7-FB1@accor.com
Buffet Lunch: 12pm – 2.30pm
Buffet Dinner: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post is brought to you by Mercure Singapore Bugis.

Nestled along the foodie haven of Jalan Tras and Jalan Dhoby lies Restoran Hua Mui, an old-school coffee shop that is said to be the birthplace of the original, authentic Hainanese chicken chop.

Although it may look unattractive at first glance, this shabby two-storey coffee shop is a huge hit among locals and tourists alike, who often pack it full from as early as 9 in the morning. From their popular charcoal grilled butter and kaya toast to other Eastern and Western food offerings, there is bound to be something to satisfy your craving.

Located just 15 minutes away from City Square Mall, Restoran Hua Mui is one spot that visiting Singaporeans should all check out to kick-start their day proper.

Established since 1946, the interior oozes an old school charm that is reminiscent of how old Singapore eateries used to look like. From its creaky staircase to its vintage floor tiles, this is perhaps something of a novelty for many of us who never got to experience coffee shops like this back home.

Boasting an extensive menu that comprises both Western as well as local cuisine, you can rest assured that there will be something to peak your fancy.

The star attraction of Restoran Hua Mui is their Hainanese Chicken Chop (RM15.90). Sitting atop a savoury gravy with some peas and a few potato wedges, the fried chicken chop itself was crispy beyond belief without being oily.

The initial slice down the middle revealed a juicy and succulent centre, an indication that it was marinated properly prior to the actual frying. The batter was flavourful with prominent notes of egg and milk coming through—which is something unusual as most fried chicken batters tend to be milder.

Compared to its more popular counterpart, It Roo Cafe, that is located just a short walk away, we would boldly admit that the chicken chop served here is heaps better.

Restoran Hua Mui
131, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru,
80000 Johor Bahru,
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 11-3505 8916
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 6pm

Heading to Johor Bahru? Read our Johor Bahru guides to find out the best places to visit.

Those who have tried Royce’ Chocolate will agree with us that no contenders have ever come close to beating this well-known Japanese chocolate brand for its dedication to producing high-quality confectionary and chocolates at reasonable prices. And no, we are not saying this solely because we have been fans of Royce’ for almost a decade.

We are such advocates of their mainstays, such as the legendary Nama Chocolate, the addictive Potatochip Chocolate and the rich Chocolate Bars which are manufactured in Hokkaido for its climate and clean air. When it comes to Royce’, you can be assured only the best chocolate making techniques and ingredients are used to uphold their reputation.

For Christmas, Royce’ is introducing a range of festive goodies that will delight all chocolate aficionados. Look forward to the new Nama Chocolate “Port Charlotte”, The Royce’ Happy Selection Christmas and Royce’ Christmas Selection—these premium chocolate treats make excellent presents for your Christmas dinner host or Christmas gift exchanges!

Here’s what you can expect from Royce’s Christmas products this year.

NAMA CHOCOLATE “PORT CHARLOTTE”

Calling all you fellow whisky lovers! Royce’ is tickling taste buds with the Nama Chocolate “Port Charlotte” that is infused with single malt whisky. As part of the Nama Chocolate collection (which seriously are to die for), we would be lying if we said that we do not have very high expectations of their new seasonal flavour.

The single malt whisky “Port Charlotte Scottish Barley” found in the chocolate is made with only Scottish barley and matured in a village Port Charlotte on the island of Islay. This heavily peated whisky is chosen for its deep smoky aroma which compliments semi-sweet milk chocolate.

The initial whiff of the luxurious chocolate’s fruity whisky aroma got us on a high but it was after we popped those chocolate cubes into our mouths did we feel like we were teleported to chocolate and whisky heaven. The rich chocolate melted in our mouths to gradually unveil a rich fragrance from the whisky before leaving us with a dry smoky aftertaste.

Since the Nama Chocolate “Port Charlotte” contains 2.1% alcohol, do keep in mind that it is not suitable for children or those who cannot take alcohol.

THE ROYCE’ HAPPY SELECTION CHRISTMAS

Spending Christmas with your family? The young ones will absolutely love this adorable limited edition Christmas can from Royce’.

Filled with Pure Chocolate, Royce’ R Chocolate and a delightful assortment of popular chocolate products from Royce’, this “goodie bag” brings an uplifting Christmas spirit to any party or dinner that you are attending.

It is also a great gift for the fickle-minded ones who cannot decide what they like; just give them a little of everything!

ROYCE’ CHRISTMAS SELECTION

If you are visiting friends, relatives or even business associates during this special occasion, then you need to bring this box of goodies filled with Christmas cookies and popular chocolate treats such as their iconic Pure Chocolate and Amande Chocolat.

Other treats worth mentioning include Petit Kurumaro Chocolat, R Chocolat, Nutty & Fruity Bar Chocolate and Chocolate Wafers. We are so addicted to the Chocolate Wafers, by the way!

THE SWEET CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

From 14 to 25 Dec 2017, Royce’ will be running a special Christmas promotion! With a minimum spending of S$200 in one single receipt, customers are entitled to a mystery gift that is worth up to S$21.

Remember to mark down the dates on your shopping calendars because who doesn’t love a good freebie, right?

PERSONALISED NAMA WRAPPING

In line with the festive season, Royce’ is offering wrapping services exclusively for Nama Chocolates! All you have to do is to spend a minimum of S$50 (including the purchase of one Nama Chocolate) and you get to personalise your Nama Chocolate with your name on it!

This event is happening from 14 to 25 Dec 2017 and it will only be available at Royce’s outlets in ION Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, Tampines and Westgate.

THE ROYCE’ EXPERIENCE AT ION ORCHARD

No matter how many times we have been to Royce’ at ION Orchard, we always look forward to our next visit—for more chocolate indulgence, of course. We never leave that chocolate heaven empty-handed.

The refined yet welcoming interior makes us feel right at home and who can resist that large selection of Royce’ Chocolates enshrined in polished glass cabinets? Chocolates may just be chocolates to some people but to us, it is always about the entire experience that makes Royce’ a notch above the rest.

And yes, our friends are definitely receiving Royce’ Chocolates from us for Christmas!

This post is brought to you by Royce’.

Christmas is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends because this is the season to be jolly! Needless to say, restaurants and hotels are pulling out all stops when it comes to their festive buffets to create a memorable Christmas for everyone.

Royale—an all-day dining restaurant located at Mercure Singapore Bugis—has made it into our list as one of the best options for Christmas this year. The team behind the restaurant has prepared a sensational holiday buffet and you would be surprised by its affordable price tag.

For the entire month of December, delight yourself in ‘A Globetrotting Christmas’ buffet feast from S$48++ per adult/ S$24++ per child. The buffet features over 40 holiday recipes intertwined with Asian flavours such as Oven Baked Nonya Turkey served with Homemade Chili Sauce and Baked Honey Cinnamon Gammon Ham with Citrus Sauce.

From the succulent meat offered at ‘live’ carving stations to Western and Asian specialities and artisanal desserts, this is one festive buffet you definitely need to try! Our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 20% off total bills for Royale’s festive buffets from 01 to 31 December 2017 (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve), 

Helmed by Royale’s Executive Chef Nicholas Sia, this over-the-top buffet spread brings you on a gastronomical journey across the continents with a specially curated menu comprising highlights like European Christmas classics, Asian delights, and even Australian-inspired dishes.

To set the festive mood right, guests will get to dine in a swanky dining hall that has been done up with baroque style furnishings.

EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS CLASSICS

You may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices at this festive buffet but we had no problems identifying the dish we would be starting our feast with.

The Roasted Beef Sirloin with Red Wine and Mustard was hands down our favourite of the lot. Served at the carving station, Royale’s medium rare beef sirloin came in the most beautiful shade of pink. Using traditional roasting methods, the crusty-charred top layer had a hint of smokiness while the insides remain juicy and extremely tender.

Adding a tropical touch to a European delicacy for a twist, the German Pork Knuckle with Pineapple Sauce is another highlight of this buffet. Also known as Bavarian Schweinehaxen in German, the pork knuckle was roasted till it had a layer of crispy skin enveloping fork-tender pork.

The pork knuckle is good on its own but you can spice things up a little and add a few drops of pineapple sauce for an elevated taste.

Of course, you must not skip the Baked Honey Cinnamon Gammon Ham with Citrus Sauce either. The meat was tender with the right amount of saltiness and it was delicious, to say the least.

ASIAN DELIGHTS

Moving on to the Asian flavours, you’d probably be surprised to find a turkey under this category but what do you know? Royale’s Oven Baked Nyonya Turkey served with Homemade Chilli Sauce is the real deal, guys!

Turkey has always been the quintessential dish for Christmas and this is what you can expect as part of the buffet lineup as well—but not quite the way you know turkey. Those who cook will know that turkey is not one of the simplest recipes to master but Chef Nicholas at Royale nailed it.

If you are wondering where the turkey got its rich flavour from, that’s because there are seven types of Peranakan spices used to marinate the meat. And you have to pair the fragrant turkey meat with Royale’s homemade chilli sauce—a spicy concoction that reshapes our perspective of how wonderful a turkey can be.

There is a stellar fish option too if you do not want an all-meat meal. The Baked Tandoori Salmon with Mint Chutney features a smooth salmon fillet that is marinated overnight with traditional Indian spices and yoghurt before it is roasted in the oven to achieve a smouldering taste.

WESTERN AND ASIAN HOT SPECIALTIES

Beyond that, the festive buffet also offers some pretty good Western and Asian specialties—the Australian Cherry and Port Glazed Rack of Lamb is a hearty meat dish that is often eaten in Winter; the Waffles Chicken is simple but oh-so-good; then there are the Garlic and Rosemary Prawns that won us over with lightly flavoured sweet, juicy prawns; and Accordion Potatoes which is covered in copious amounts of sour cream and bacon bits.

CRAYFISH LAKSA ‘LIVE’ STATION

Head over to the Crayfish Laksa ‘live’ station for something that is good all year round; Christmas or not. The chef prepares every order a la minute so you only get the freshest, warmest bowl of noodles. The laksa broth we had was creamy, full-flavoured and was well complemented with sweet crayfish.

SEAFOOD ON ICE

No buffet spread is truly complete without fresh seafood on ice and fans of shellfish will need to know that this is where you can get free-flow oysters, mussels, prawns, crayfish and clams!

Yes, they are all included in the festive buffet line-up and this reality sure made us do a double take on the price.

FESTIVE ARTISANAL DESSERTS

Remember to save some room for Royale’s festive artisanal desserts, handcrafted by Royale’s own Pastry Chef Man. In fact, you can even watch the pastry chef in action at the ‘live’ pastry kitchen as she crafts out all the cakes and muffins daily.

Our picks include Royale’s Hazelnut Log Cake, Pandan Crème Brûlée, Cempedak Meringue Tart and Durian Puree with Vanilla Mousse.

You have to try the Pandan Crème Brûlée! Smooth egg custard infused with pandan, topped with a layer of brown sugar that is lightly torched; it is one of those successful fusion desserts that do not steer too far from its roots and has a distinct Asian touch to it without overpowering the European aspect.

If you are looking for more choices, there’s also New York Chocolate Cheese Cake, Santa Red Velvet and Snow Angel Vanilla cupcakes among others.

Our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 20% off total bills for Royale’s festive buffets from 01 to 31 December 2017 (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve),

Globetrotting Festive Buffet (01 to 30 December 2017, excluding 24 & 25 December 2017)
Lunch & Dinner
$48++ (Adult) / $ 24++ (Child 6-12 years)
$78++ per person with free flow wines & beer

Globetrotting Christmas Buffet (24 & 25 December 2017)
Lunch & Dinner
$68++ (Adult) / $34 ++ (Child 6-12 years)
$98++ per person with free flow wines & beer

New Year’s Eve Countdown Party (31 December 2017)
New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet
$68++ (Adult) / $34 ++ (Child 6-12 years)
$108++ with free flow wines & beer

New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet & Countdown Party (31 December 2017)
$148++ per person with free flow wines, beer & Moscato Rose
Children under 6 years dine for free.

Royale 
Level 3, Mercure Singapore Bugis
122 Middle Road
Singapore 188973
Tel: +65 6521 6030 / or email HA0D7-FB1@accor.com
Buffet Lunch: 12pm – 2.30pm
Buffet Dinner:  6pm - 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post is brought to you by Mercure Singapore Bugis

There is just something so inviting about a hot bowl of rich and nourishing ramen and it is one of our go-to comfort foods whenever we need a perk me up especially on wet gloomy days in Singapore. But it is hard to find a sumptuous bowl of ramen that comes at a reasonable figure and this is why Ramen Hitoyoshi should be your next dining destination. 

Ramen Hitoyoshi is a 2-month old restaurant in Harbourfront Centre that all ramen lovers need to know. Brought to you by a partnership between local chefs Ray and Tan who have a breadth of experience in various dining establishments including Keisuke Ramen, Ramen Hitoyoshi’s menu features a selection of affordable yet tasty ramen options starting from S$10.90, and diners also have the opportunity to customise their own ramen.

Ramen Hitoyoshi focuses on Tonkotsu ramen in three varieties namely garlic, original and spicy. Aside from picking the variant of Tonkotsu broth for their ramen, diners can also choose the intensity of the taste of the soup, the amount of oil in their ramen, the thickness and texture of the ramen noodles.

And for those who need a little something to nibble on before receiving their order, Ramen Hitoyoshi provides containers of marinated bean sprouts and corn on each table to temporarily sate your hunger.

The Tonkotsu (S$10.90) comes with a piece of Chashu, black fungus, spring onion and a generous portion of ramen noodles. Our first impression of the Tonkotsu was the high viscosity of the soup; that would only mean that it must be chock full of flavour, right?

Well, yes. The thick and creamy Tonkotsu broth was oh so satisfying and we felt that for S$10.90, it was a steal. As for the Chashu, you may feel slightly disappointed when you see a singular piece but throw away all of such judgment because the meat was tender and had a melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Spicy Tonkotsu with Ajitamago (S$13.90) was another dish we enjoyed. Like the Tonkotsu, it had the same ingredient makeup except for the addition of chilli oil, Ajitamago and a scoop of spicy minced pork. For us, we did not feel that the broth was particularly spicy but it further enriched the taste of the broth.

If you are searching for quality ramen at affordable prices, make Ramen Hitoyoshi your next dining destination.

Ramen Hitoyoshi
1 Maritime Square, #01-99 Harbourfront Centre,
Singapore 099253
Tel: +65 6250 8518
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

Singaporeans who love visiting Bangkok’s most well-known night market Talad Rod Fai Srinakarin should be glad to know that their sister market has opened in the Ratchada area of Bangkok.

Although the market is smaller than the Srinakarin branch, it is conveniently located just a few minutes walk away from National Cultural Center MRT Station. The night market’s central location and wide variety of food and fashion stalls make it a popular destination for locals and tourists.

Not sure what you can find at The New Rot Fai Market Ratchada? We share some of our best finds with you!

If there is one reason why you must visit Rot Fai Market Ratchada, it has to be the mouthwatering array of food you get there. The bazaar has rows and rows of food stalls where cooking is done on site.

#1 SEAFOOD

Fancy some seafood? We ordered this as a snack while we were walking through Rot Fai Market Ratchada—it is similar to a Japanese takoyaki where you get seafood on batter. You can choose to have individual seafood items or mix them up like we did.

#2 FRIED NOODLES

Those who are looking to get something more filling can look forward to having some fried noodles which are very fragrant and comes with the right amount of seasoning. On top of that, there is also the addition of roast meat, a sausage and vegetables for a complete meal.

#3 MEAT SKEWERS

Meat skewers are great for eating on the go so you can continue doing your shopping while snacking at the same time. You will find a variety of such stalls at Rot Fai Market Ratchada.

#4 MARINATED SQUID

This humble stall may look unassuming, but the marinated squid that they offer is one of the best we have tried. It is extremely flavourful and we polished it off within seconds.

If you are pressed for time, skip the popular stalls at the night market and give these stalls a chance. You may just find something better instead!

#5 CREPES

It is impossible to resist getting some crepes because they look so delicious! With most crepe stalls offering both savoury and sweet delights, getting a crepe at Rot Fai Market Ratchada is something you must not skip.

We got Charcoal Crepe with Banana and it tasted amazing. Fresh from the hot pan, the warm crepe came with generous portions of melted butter and warm, sticky banana slices.

#6 WATERMELON ICE

Remember to drink plenty of water after indulging in all the street food! Those who are looking for something to spice up their Instagram feeds can opt for this Watermelon Ice which you can find easily at the night market.

#7 CASUAL EATERIES

While street food is the main attraction at Rot Fai Market Ratchada, those who are looking to get a full meal can also pop by any casual dining eatery there as well. These small eateries usually serve Thai local food and you can satisfy all your cravings at one destination!

Tom Yum Goong is a local delicacy in Thailand. Unless you do not take spicy food, there is no reason why you should not be trying this before you leave the land of smiles. The spicy and sour broth comes with a hint of lemongrass and plenty of seafood inside.

#8 SHOP ALL NIGHT

Everyone knows that night markets are where you can find the best bargains in Bangkok. We prefer shopping at these lively night markets where you to glimpse at how locals lead their everyday life.

#9 BAR HOP

Besides food and retail, Rot Fai Market Ratchada is also home to many exciting bars and some of them even offer live bands. Go for a beer at one of these bars to unwind for the night and join in the fun.

Rot Fai Market Ratchada
Ratcadaphisek Road
Thu to Sun: 6pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest MRT: National Cultural Centre

For more recommendations, read our guide on the 28 Best Bangkok Cafes To Visit

Good news to all rum aficionados! There is a rum and Caribbean-themed festival happening in Singapore from 10 July 2017 to 15 July 2017 at Keong Saik. Immerse yourself in a Caribbean oasis and get savvy with rum, hearty eats, and Caribbean culture at Rasa Fiesta Singapura 2017.

Those of us who are passionate about rum will know the sugarcane-based spirit hardly gets as much attention as whiskeys and craft beers. But the Rasa Fiesta Singapura is surely reason for lovers of rum to rejoice!

The event is also a celebration of Caribbean, South American and Filipino culture and lifestyle—three cultures in which rum is immensely popular.

From Monday to Friday (10 July 2017 to 14 July 2017), iconic cocktail bars such as Sugarhall, Vasco, Potato Head, Bread Street Kitchen, Phat Cat Laundry and Lime House will transform into a tropical oasis; mixing up a selection of rum-based cocktails going for S$15 to S$25 each.

Photo Credit: Beveragemedia.com

Each of the venues will also be slinging cocktails dedicated to a particular rum brand. These include, but are not limited to, Appleton Estate, Don Papa (a Filipino rum that has been gaining immense popularity), Saint James and Sailor Jerry.

Attendees are thereby encouraged to visit each of the venues to discover the rich and diverse aspects of rum originating from the different Caribbean cultures; that is, South America, Jamaica, the Philippines and more.

On the nights, attendees will also be provided with a map, and each stop will warrant them a stamp. Once five stamps are collected, they will be eligible to redeem some prizes including coupons, tiki mugs, and even a one-night staycation at Swissotel Merchant Court.

Photo Credit: Lime House

To wrap up this glorious event, a bustling and vibrant Tiki Festival – Rasa Fiesta Singapura Block Party—will take place on Jiak Chuan Road on Saturday, 15 July 2017. Expect delicious street food, salsa performances, tattoo artists, workshops and private tastings of some exclusive rarities.

On the street, expect to find dancers, limbo games, beer pong, live DJ performances, and workshops. Food vendors from Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and the French Carribean will be there to satisfy your appetite as well.

Mark this one down in your calendar folks; it’s going to be well worth your while!

Rasa Fiesta Singapura
10 July to 14 July: Various locations at participating bars
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

Rasa Fiesta Singapura Block Party
15 July: Jiak Chuan Road / Keong Saik Street
Sat: 3am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park