Popular French bakery, The Lunar Rabbit Boulangerie is opening a new cafe in Tanjong Katong to serve the residents in the East of Singapore.

Known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse community, and a thriving food scene with popular food spots including Supernova, Little Rogue Coffee, Punggol Nasi Lemak, Tanjong Katong is a charming neighborhood on the eastern side of Singapore.

The Lunar Rabbit Boulangerie is the latest addition to the enclave and it is located at 350 Tanjong Katong Road, along the same stretch as Little Rogue Coffee. It will be soft opening to the public on 22 Jul 2023 at 11am.

Established at 16 Hamilton Road in May 2022, The Lunar Rabbit Boulangerie just celebrated her first anniversary not long ago.

Unlike their original location which is just a takeaway space, the new outlet in Tanjong Katong will be a full-fledged cafe with a capacity of 40 pax and it will be offering hot dishes, drinks, pastries and desserts.

Specialising in viennoiserie—the ‘bridge’ between pâtisserie and French bread—The Lunar Rabbit Boulangerie dishes out amazing bakes fresh from the oven every day.

The Lunar Rabbit Boulangerie’s Classic French Croissant is excellent. It is light and airy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Definitely one of the best croissants we’ve had in Singapore. We also love their Almond Croissant and Kouign-amann.

The Lunar, a crescent-shaped croissant, is The Lunar Rabbit Boulangerie’s iconic pastry and a must-try when you are here. Filled with Masarpone mousse and chocolate ganache made of Valrhona Manjari Dark 64% Cocoa, The Lunar tastes as good as it looks.

The little ones will definitely love the Bunny Madeline (S$5) which comes in the form of a cute bunny.

Salt bread is all the rage in Japan and South Korea right now and we are thrilled to see it here. Topped with truffle salt, the Lunar Rabbit Boulangerie’s rendition is as soft as it should be, and it comes with a generous helping of truffle paste and butter.

On to the hot dishes that you can find at The Lunar Rabbit Boulangerie. The Croissant with Turkey Ham and Scrambled Eggs (S$16.80) was disappointing as the scrambled eggs were overcooked, but we would definitely recommend the Croque Madame (S$13.80) which came with a cube pastry as the base for this dish.

The hot dishes include a regular hot drink.

An exclusive item to the new outlet, the Croissant Ice Cream is definitely one for the gram and perfect for the hot weather.

If you love cinnamon buns, you have to get your hands on these beauties.

The Lunar Rabbit Boulangerie
350 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437116
Operational hours: 8.30am – 5pm

Tow Kay Neo is a new project by Maureen (Miss Tam Chiak) and Chef Cao Yong and it strives to provide high quality broths with no MSG and preservatives that are slow-cooked in small batches for more than 12 hours.

Made in small batches to ensure the quality, these soup pouches are something every family needs in their freezer.

Between the Premium Lobster Broth, Giant Grouper Fish Broth and Pork Collagen Broth, there is surely something for the whole family.

Tow Kay Neo currently has stocks in three flavours, and they are available as a la carte and as a bundle with ingredients. Whichever you choose, you won’t be disappointed.

Premium Lobster Broth (1kg) – S$28

Making Lobster Pao Fun at home has never been easier with Tow Kay Neo’s Premium Lobster Broth.

The Lobster Pao Fun Bundle Kit (good for 2 pax) comes with a pack of Premium Lobster Broth, one fresh Boston Lobster and crispy rice puffs. And this kit is so reasonably priced at S$45.90. Yes! The price is inclusive of one lobster, and you can also get additional Boston Lobsters at S$19.90 each.

Follow Tow Kay Neo’s recipe and add ginger slices, hua diao wine, sesame oil, white pepper, chopped spring onions and a bowl of cooked rice to complete the Lobster Pao Fun. A flavourful, hearty bowl of pao fan awaits!

Giant Grouper Fish Broth (1kg) – S$26

Tow Kay Neo’s Giant Grouper Fish Broth is perfect as a soup base for hot pot or as a soup to drink on its own. It tastes milky and is very fragrant. You can also use this as a base for seafood porridge.

If you have a penchant for stronger flavours, and if you fancy Suan Cai Yu (Sichuan Fish with Pickled Mustard), you can get their Sichuan Poached Fish Bundle Kit (good for 3 – 4 pax) which includes the following:

• 1 x 1kg Giant Grouper Fish Broth
• 1 x 250g Preserved Mustard
• 1 x 300g Fresh Giant Grouper Slices

This is definitely our favourite of the lot!

Pork Collagen Broth (1kg) – S$22

Pork Collagen Broth is perhaps the most versatile soup base and a must-have item when you want to whip up a simple and yummy meal at home.

Use the Pork Collagen Broth for your steamboat parties, or as a soup base for you noodles. So many possibilities with one packet of broth; now you know why you need to stock up on these for convenient, flavourful meals?

First-timers can go for Tow Kay Neo’s Trio Broth Deal (S$69.90) to try all three broths. Tow Kay Neo is offering free delivery for orders above S$90. Get your favourite soup from their website.

Nothing beats a good ol’ slice of traditional kaya butter toast and a cup of coffee for breakfast. For the uninitiated, kaya is a custard essentially derived from a mix of pandan, coconut milk, eggs and sugar to give it a creamy texture.

Toast Hut at Old Airport Road Food Centre is a stall you should make a point to travel to. Melvin Soh, the owner of Toast Hut, has been perfecting his craft of making the best kaya toast and traditional kopi since he was 23 years old.

Melvin used to work part-time in coffee shops back in his secondary school days, and through that, he slowly took interest in these traditional delights. After which, he took a leap of faith and ventured into the hawker scene right after his National Service.

He wakes up at 3.30am in the morning daily to assiduously prepare for the opening of his stall at 4.15am so that his regulars can get their coffee as early as 6.30am in the morning!

Toast Hut has their own take on Kaya Butter Toast and we definitely are not complaining.

What sets Toast Hut’s Kaya apart from the usual is that Melvin adopts a less sweet approach as Melvin thought that a kaya spread that is less sweet would complement the taste of traditional coffee better.

The result? A win-win outcome that provides customers with a healthier option whilst getting the best taste of the kaya toast and coffee pairing.

Unique to Toast Hut is the Giant Bun, which has an interesting take on traditional breakfast. It features a crispy grilled layer at the top of the bun and a fluffy interior with just the appropriate amount of kaya and butter inside.

Coffee is serious business at Toast Hut—it is only after countless step-by-step attempts by Melvin over the years before he managed to nail the traditional taste of coffee. The superbly aromatic and fragrant kopi at Toast Hut is so good we’d choose this over gourmet coffee any time.

Toast Hut is not on any food delivery apps as they want to keep the prices of the kaya toasts and kopi affordable. Please support this hawker stall when you are around the Old Airport Road Food Centre.

Toast Hut
51 Old Airport Road #01-52
Old Airport Road Food Centre
Singapore 390051

Famous Chinese sauerkraut fish (Suan Cai Yu, or sour vegetables fish) restaurant from China, Tai Er Chinese SauerKraut Fish is opening its first outlet at Jewel Changi Airport.

Not to be confused with Tai Er Grilled Fish, Fragrant Spicy crab (which apparently is not from China) at Compass One which has the same name and spots a similar look and concept, Tai Er Chinese SauerKraut Fish is a massive chain with many restaurants in China.

Photo credit: Zara Zhang

It specialises in the Chinese sauerkraut fish—a traditional Sichuanese dish that is popular throughout China.

Other than its signature Suan Cai Yu, Tai Er Chinese SauerKraut Fish in China is also known for its rules:

• You can only have four people max at one table at a time, and no latecomers will be seated.
• The restaurant will not adjust the spiciness level of the grilled fish
• No takeout

We wonder if Tai Er Chinese SauerKraut Fish’s outpost in Singapore will maintain these rules.

Photo credit: Lynde Lim

Fans of Suan Cai Yu must visit them when they officially open at Jewel Changi Airport. The new outlet is located on level 3 next to Chun Yang Tea.

Tai Er Chinese SauerKraut Fish
78 Airport Blvd., Singapore 819666
#03-208 Jewel Changi Airport

Tsuta, the world’s first Michelin-starred ramen eatery, has launched five new Japanese ice cream flavours which are created by local artisanal ice cream parlour Apiary.

The five exclusive new ice cream flavours are inspired by traditional Japanese flavours and ingredients. They will be available for dine-in and takeaway at all three of Tsuta’s
outlets across Singapore.

Photos credit: Tsuta

The five flavours are Tsuta Shoyu, Mugi Cha, Matcha & Cookies, Black Sesame, Cherry & Almond and Okinawa Sea Salt & Brown Sugar. Each scoop is priced at S$4.90.

The Tsuta Shoyu is specially created using Tsuta’s signature special Shoyu blend—the very same blend that’s used in Tsuta’s signature Shoyu ramen’s broth.

Try the new Japanese ice cream flavours the next time you dine at Tsuta!

Tenjin is opening a second outlet at Raffles City on 1 Dec 2020.

Tenjin is a Japanese restaurant by the Les Amis Group that specialises in Tempura Donburi and the first outlet is located on the third floor of Shaw Centre.

Photos credit: Tenjin

Tenjin serves a variety of tendons and tempura and the prices start from S$12.80 for the Vegetable Tendon to S$24.80 for the Tempura Moriwase Set.

The menu at Tenjin Raffles City will be similar to that of their original outlet but with one new addition. The Hot Inaniwa Udon comes with crisp tempura and it will be exclusive to the Raffles City outlet.

Tenjin
Raffles City #B1-46
Daily: 11am – 9pm

Read our guide on the best tendon restaurants in Singapore.

Updated on 24 Jan 2021: The White Rabbit and The Rabbit Hole will be closing for good on 30 April 2021.

Established in 2008, The White Rabbit is one of our all-time favourite romantic restaurants in Singapore. Set in a restored chapel on Dempsey Hill, the beautiful restaurant has recently got a facelift and is still gorgeous with its iconic stained glass and booth seats.

Helmed by Exec Chef Daniel Sia, The White Rabbit is well-loved for their menu of classic European Classics with a slight twist as well as an extensive boutique wine list and Gin & Tonics. It is also a fantastic spot for a weekend affair with your loved one(s), especially with its new brunch menu available on weekends and public holidays.

The White Rabbit is known for its Gin & Tonics which are garnished with herbs from its own garden and mixed with its house-made tonic. Bar manager, Andy Lim takes inspirations for his concoction from his travels and the food he eats.

Don’t we love a good Burrata? At The White Rabbit, the ball of fresh, oozy cheese is accompanied by a refreshing tomato-watermelon tartare. Even non-cheese lovers would be wowed by the light yet palatable flavours of the Burratina Salad (S$23).

Paper-thin slices of raw wagyu beef carefully prepared with olive oil, capers and lemon juice, TWR’s Wagyu Carpaccio (S$26) comes with fried Brussel sprouts for a lovely textural variety, and the dish is complete with a drizzle of truffle vinaigrette.

The Ibérico Pork Collar (S$42) was more than impressive. It features a slab of extremely tender pork collar drizzled with kelp brown butter, accompanied by a beautifully charred cabbage and a dollop of lemon purée. The contrast of flavours and textures makes this enthralling dish one to savour and we long for more.

For S$29, the Beer-battered Kühlbarra Seabass is a classic fish & chips dish that features 2 fresh slabs of white fish, accompanied with house-made tartare sauce and a mildly sweet pea purée that is a nice juxtapose to the savoury fish.

Nobody leaves The White Rabbit without having their famous Crêpe Suzette (S$22). Thin crêpe pancakes made fresh upon order is lavishly soaked in Grand Marnier and dressed with yoghurt mousse and fresh flowers.

This TWR classic used to be prepared and served table-side, but due to the pandemic, this table-side service has ceased. Nonetheless, isn’t this TWR rendition of the French dessert oh so gorgeous?

If you still have room for more desserts, go for the Dark Chocolate Caramel Tart (S$16) which comes with a scoop of yoghurt ice cream.

The Rabbit Hole is currently closed during this period but you can still enjoy a stroll in the lovely garden after your meal.

And of course, take a photo at one of the most iconic photo spots in Singapore.

The White Rabbit
39C Harding Rd, Singapore 249541
Tel: 6473 9965

Tajimaya at VivoCity—managed by the Creativeateries group—offers a Japanese Yakiniku buffet which comes with unlimited Wagyu, Iberico Pork, Tiger Prawns, Sashimi and more.

The 100-minute buffet is priced at S$49.90++ for lunch, S$59.9++ for dinner. The next time you want to indulge in fine, superior beef with soft and buttery fats that melt in your mouth, make a reservation here.

Tajimaya’s Yakiniku Charcoal Grill is smoke-free so you can enjoy your feast and still step out for shopping without feeling embarrassed about any smells that cling to your hair and clothes. By cooking on the grill that is attached to the table, we were free to decide the doneness of our meat.

The assortment of beef features Australian Wagyu Short Rib, Australian Wagyu Tri-tip, and Australian OX Tongue. Other proteins include Kimuchi Pork Belly, Iberico Pork Collar, Lamb Shoulder, Smoked Duck, and Chicken.

The staff gave each prettily plated cut of meat a splash of oil and a gentle drizzle of sauce. We lightly grilled our cuts of meat which retained their moisture and tenderness. We loved dipping them in the sweet miso sauce and interchanging that with the salty tare that had a small slice of sour orange to impart a hint of zest.

Other seafood options include plump Tiger Prawns and Scallops too. If you need some carbs, they also have California and salmon mayo makis, as well as takoyaki.

Lunch: S$49.90++ (Adult), S$24.90++ (Child)
Dinner: S$59.90++ (Adult), S$29.90++ (Child)

Additional $3.00++ for Friday to Sunday, PH, Special Occasions & their respective eves.

Tajimaya
1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-102/103
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6377 0070
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11:30am – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: HarbourFront

For an all-rounded experience of authentic Japanese cuisine, there is no better place to visit than Osaka, fondly known as “The Nation’s Kitchen”. The vibrant, bustling city is known to be the place for foodies to fill their bottomless pits, and you can easily find something to eat at every corner of this gastronomic paradise.

While there are plenty of options that you can stuff your faces silly with, one popular street snack that is a must-try here is takoyaki. For the uninitiated, takoyaki refers to a spherical Japanese appetiser that is made from a wheat flour-based batter that gets its shape from the unique moulded pan it’s cooked in. It usually comes stuffed with ingredients such as diced octopus, but these days, you can also get fillings such as tempura scraps, ham and shrimp.

Dotonbori is a great place to head to if you’re keen to try some authentic takoyaki. However, the streets here are lined with multiple stalls that sell the same thing, so which stall truly has the best takoyaki? Like the true blue Singaporeans we were, we decided to find the Takoyaki stall with the longest queue. Alas, this led us to Takoyaki Juhachiba, which had a snaking long queue that stretched on for about half an hour.

The stall isn’t hard to miss and it can easily be identified by the gargantuan 3D model of a takoyaki that is placed right smack above the restaurant.

Like most places in Japan, you purchase your food via a ticketing machine before queuing up to collect your order from the main counter. They also offer an extensive menu, with numerous flavour options for you to choose from. However, we decided to go back to the basics and ordered 8 pieces of their classic Sauce & Mayonnaise Takoyaki (650 Yen).

After queueing for almost half an hour, we finally managed to get out hands on a piping hot tray of takoyaki. While you’re in the queue, you can also entertain yourself by watching the skilful chefs prepare the snack right before your eyes; it is rather mesmerising!

The takoyaki here is made with a light scatter of crispy fried bits which gave the exterior an interesting texture. However, the skin itself was more on the doughy side and we would have preferred it to be a little bit thinner and crispier.

Break open the sphere and be welcomed by a soft and moist filling that is a nice contrast to its charred exterior. Hidden within the creamy mess are 2 plump pieces of octopus that gave each takoyaki a nice bite and slight sweetness.

While the takoyaki wasn’t half bad, it was nothing to shout about. Perhaps the pressure from the long queue compromised its quality. Regardless, after trying other takoyaki stalls around Osaka, we felt that Takoyaki Juhaichiban was only average at best. If you’re not keen on enduring a long arduous wait, you could give this place a miss.

Takoyaki-Juhachiban
Japan, 542-0071 Osaka
Chuo Ward, Dotonbori, 1 Chome?7?21
Tel: +81 6-6211-3118
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nippombashi/Osaka-Namba

While Japan is home to a smorgasbord of delicious food options that never fail to leave us spoilt for choice, there are a few perennial staples that the Japanese always go back to.

Ramen is one of them and is considered comfort food; we mean, who can resist springy noodles doused in a piping hot, savoury broth? We definitely can’t.

Although we can never say no to a classic bowl of tonkatsu ramen, we don’t mind stepping out of our comfort zone and trying an unconventional version of it, which is why we were drawn to Tanchou in Osaka.

What makes Tanchou so different from the other ramen joints out there is that their ramen comes cooked with chawanmushi. For the uninitiated, chawanmushi is a Japanese-style steamed egg custard that has a silky texture. This bizarre combination undoubtedly piqued our interest and here is what we thought.

The quirky restaurant isn’t hard to spot; just look out for the giant egg! It is also conveniently located near Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and the Tempozan Ferris Wheel so it is a great place to fuel up at after a day of fun.

Like most Japanese restaurants, Tanchou has a pretty small interior that simply consists of a long counter and about 12 seats that are all side by side. Having a meal here entails a bit of a squeeze, but for the experience, it’s worth it!

You can order the standard Steamed Egg Custard Ramen for just 850 Yen, but we decided to spice ours up by getting the Steamed Egg Custard & Pork Ramen (1350 Yen).

Saying that the pork is fantastic is an absolute understatement; this fork-tender chunk of meat broke apart easily and was the epitome of melt-in-your-mouth. The fat-to-meat ratio was on point and the meat was jam-packed with umami which helped to elevate the subtle flavours of the chawanmushi.

The ramen and chawanmushi gelled surprisingly well together. We did, however, expect the chawanmushi to provide the ramen with a creamier texture, but alas, all the chawanmushi did was stick to the ramen in clumps. Also, instead of ramen broth, they incorporated the stock used to make the chawanmushi, which resulted in a concoction that was very light on the palate. As we prefer our broth to be on the thicker, richer side, we weren’t massive fans of it, but if you enjoy light soup bases, this would be perfect for you.

We also got ourselves the Steamed Egg Custard & Cheese Ramen (1350 Yen) which is essentially the standard Steamed Egg Custard Ramen that is blanketed in a luxurious layer of cheese. The dish is then flambéed, which melts the cheese and gives it a lovely char as well as an addictive smoky flavour. 

They also provide you with a side of toast that you can use to scoop up the cheese and chawanmushi.

When mixed in with the ramen and chawanmushi, the cheese gave the entire dish a creamier, more viscous texture, which was a complete contrast to the silky and smooth consistency of the Steamed Egg Custard & Pork Ramen. We very much preferred the ramen with cheese as it added more depth to the dish that helped to elevate the light flavours of the other components.

All in all, it was an interesting experience that we do not regret. While most of the flavours were too light for us, it was still a pretty solid bowl of ramen that is worth a try.

Tanchou 
3 Chome-8-7 Chikko
Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0021, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6576-6826
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Osakako

Tai Seng may be an industrial area but it doesn’t just have worn-out buildings and office towers. If you take a stroll through the area, you’ll pass by stretches of hip restaurants, modest eateries and noisy coffee shops.

But that’s not all — stowed away in various pockets of the estate are tons of foodie secrets that we’re about to let you in on.

Whether you’re grabbing a breakfast bite, heading out for lunch or looking for a post-work hangout spot, we’ve put together a list of 27 cafes and restaurants in Tai Seng you should definitely check out! Ranging from ramen and poke bowls to dim sum and salads, you’re bound to find something that’s right up your aisle.

ALCHEMIST

There’s just something about Alchemist’s atmosphere  — their industrial-chic abode exudes a quiet serenity that goes wonderfully with their esteemed coffee. Located in former Khong Guan Biscuit Factory, this cafe is one of Tai Seng’s best-kept secrets.

Their flagship outlet in Tai Seng is armed with an in-house roastery, ensuring the freshest, most aromatic brews. Their baked goods will do you no wrong, either. We can’t get enough of their Almond Croissant which is crusted over with a buttery cookie flap.

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

ARTEASE

As the name playfully suggests, Artease takes a lot of pride in their tea. You can expect the most unique concoctions from them, such as Caramel Popcorn (S$4/regular, S$5/large) and Iced Honey Espresso (S$4.50).

The Caramel Popcorn (Salty) comprises a harmonious blend of caramel, milk, roasted rice tea, and sea salt. If you’re in need of a strong pick-me-up, the Iced Honey Espresso (S$4.50) will fit the bill. The honey lends the drink a gentle sweetness and helps to slightly mellow out the intensity of the coffee.

Artease’s selection of cooked-to-order sandwiches is especially popular amongst the working crowds here, as well. Their Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich (S$4.50) is highly recommended.

30 Tai Seng Street, #02-09, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6222 6966
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

BREADTALK

This home-grown brand probably needs no introduction. With countless outlets across the nation, BreadTalk is easily the ring leader of the local bakery scene. Their ovens spew out an impressive line-up of classic and contemporary bread, along with seasonal pastries and sweets.

Whether you need some fuel for the day ahead or a mid-afternoon snack, Breadtalk has got your back. One of their well-loved creations perfect for breakfast is the Egg O’ Clock (S$1.70), a soft chiffon cake sandwiching runny egg lava and melted cheese. Snag it early in the morning while it’s warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.

And if you haven’t tried their signature Floss Buns (S$1.70), are you really a Singaporean?

30 Tai Seng Street, #01-04, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6636 4344
Daily: 7am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo credit: Chibaobao

CHIBAOBAO

Located at Tai Seng Point level 2, Chibaobao is a new eatery in Tai Seng which specialises in claypot dishes which are affordably priced under S$10.

11 Irving place
taiseng point #02-02 S369551
Tue – Sat: 11.30am – 8.30pm
Sun: 11.30am – 3pm

DIN TAI FUNG

When you think of Din Tai Fung, you think of quality. Hailing from Taiwan, this Chinese restaurant is world-famous for its Steamed Pork Dumplings (S$10.30++ for 10 pieces, S$7.80++ for 6 pieces). Each of these Xiao Long Baos is a masterpiece, undergoing six preparatory stages and pleated with precisely 18 intricate folds.

Another thing we love Din Tai Fung for is its open-concept kitchen, which allows customers to witness the chefs’ impeccable skills and calm focus. Watch them churn out their best-selling dishes which include the Steamed Chicken Soup (S$10.80++) and Fried Rice with Shrimps and Eggs (S$12.80++).

30 Tai Seng Street, #01-02, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6702 0060
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

EVERTON CREAMERY

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. That’s exactly what Everton Creamery did, and they’ve brought the Roman craft to our land. Producing al naturel gelato with techniques from authentic gelato masters, this dessert joint is a force to be reckoned with.

Their flavours rotate with the season to ensure the freshest quality, but they do have a few permanent fixtures on their menu. Their classic Pistachio (S$4.80/single, S$8/double; +S$0.50 for premium flavours) never fails us, made from roasted Pistachio scooped straight from the baskets of Sicily. Top it on their Belgian Waffle (S$9.30) because, well, why not?

30 Tai Seng Street, #02-01A, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 9436 3479
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

FOOD REPUBLIC

Transport yourself back to the historic era at Food Republic in BreadTalk IHQ. Dressed in an ancient Oriental aesthetic accompanied by nature-themed elements, the food court dons antique decor and actual Chinese artefacts.

Trying out food court stalls are always a hit or miss — but, we’re here to ensure that you won’t have to suffer the latter. Li Xin Teochew Fishball Noodles’ Signature Dry Fishball Noodles (S$4.30) are an old-time favourite. Concocted with age-old recipes and house-made fish balls, you’ll be bestowed with al dente noodles and fish balls so springy they could bounce off carpets.

30 Tai Seng Street, #01-06, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6444 6019
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

HARRY’S

Looking for a classy yet casual lunch or dinner spot? Harry’s will take you right into its snazzy abode and take care of your empty stomach.

Their Dry-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs (S$29) always call out to us with their fall-off-the-bone tenderness and well-concocted seasoning. We can never leave without a serving of their Mushroom & Truffle Flat Bread Pizza (S$23), as well. Gooey cheese intertwined with juicy mushrooms and sealed with a dash of truffle oil – it doesn’t get more decadent than this.

18 Tai Seng Street, 18 Tai Seng, #01-23/24/25 & #01-K4
Singapore 539775
Tel: +65 6386 9064
Sat to Thurs: 11am – 11pm
Fri: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

HUGGS COFFEE

No-frills coffee. That’s just how the baristas over here do it. With a mission to cater to the working crowd, Huggs Coffee will set you straight with its dignified yet affordable brews. Their high-quality beans sourced from Columbia and Sumatra vow to be sturdy bases for your morning cuppa.

Their Latte Gula (S$4.80) will whisk your senses to the streets of Malacca while their Turmeric Latte (S$5) promises to inject a spritz of health. For quick breakfast bites, their Blueberry Muffin (S$3.50) is a safe choice.

18 Tai Seng St, 18 Tai Seng, #01-K1
Singapore 539775
Tel: +65 6282 3373
Mon to Fri: 7:30am – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 10:30am – 7:30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

GLC RESTAURANT

Boasting an impressive array of zi char delights that taste really good and are priced pretty affordably, GLC Restaurant is definitely one to consider should you find yourself hankering after proper zi char that’s also Muslim-friendly for your Muslim friends.

GLC Restaurant has an incredibly extensive menu and they serve up almost any kind of local food that you’re craving. From quintessential local food such as chicken rice and nasi padang to popular zi char items such as hor fun and yang chow fried rice, the list is endless and you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice.

121 Upper Paya Lebar Road
Singapore 534836

GRASSO COFFEE

Originally a takeaway kiosk, Grasso Coffee is now a full-fledged cafe that offers straightforward grub at affordable price points. Nothing too fancy here but you definitely won’t be complaining at the end of your meal.

Their menu features classic cafe dishes, from stuffed croissants and baked rice to pasta and salads. Their Egg Mayo Croissant (S$4.50) is a fail-safe choice — the egg mayo is rich and creamy while the croissant exudes flaky crispiness.

As for their mains, their Cream Baked Chicken is an all-time crowd-pleaser. The best part? You can get a portion at just S$3.80 thanks to their insanely reasonable tiered pricing — S$5 for 1 main, S$8 for 2 mains and S$11.50 for 3 mains!

The Commerze @ Irving #01-27/28, 1 Irving Place
Singapore 369546
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo Credit: www.instagram.com/thebigfat.cheeks/

JJAK & CO.

We love our poke bowls but most of them are beyond reach in the CBD areas. Thankfully, Tai Seng has its very own poke bowl contender secluded in Tai Seng Centre — JJAK & CO. Don’t underestimate its humble interior and menu because this place actually serves up formidable poke and Japanese rice bowls!

Their fish is unbeatably fresh and diced into fat juicy chunks, just the way we like it. If you’re not a fan of sashimi, their Pork Belly Yakiniku Don (S$12.90) or Truffle Beef with Foie Gras (S$19.90) will impress you just as much.

3 Irving Rd, #02-03, Tai Seng Centre
Singapore 369522
Tel: +65 9656 1456
Mon to Fri: 11.30 am – 09.30pm
Sat: 11.30am – 08.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

KNOTS CAFE AND LIVING

At first glance, you’d think Knots Cafe & Living is just a well-furbished furniture store. And, you wouldn’t be wrong. But, what do you know — they serve decent nosh as well! Behind their mystical garden theme and woody aesthetic, their hidden kitchen dishes up classic brunch and Western-Italian fare.

Opt for a waffle twist to your usual brunch affair with the Knots Waffle Brekkie (S$18.90), which comes with smoked beef sausage, sautéed mushrooms and scrambled eggs. The Fish & Chips (S$13.90) is a recommended dish as well which sees thick dory fillets breaded and fried to an idyllic crisp.

160 Paya Lebar Rd, #01-07
Singapore 409022
Tel: +65 6817 0383
Sun to Thurs: 9am – 9pm
Fri to Sat: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Macpherson

KOAT AROY

You know you’re in safe hands when you hear the restaurant staff rattling off in Thai. Koat Aroy is a little Thai eatery that serves value-for-money dishes in super generous portions. While their menu has its hits and misses, when they do a dish right, it’s pretty superb.

Go for their Pad Thai (S$6) which will have you singing “sabai sabai” with its bouncy noodles coated in well-balanced seasoning and citrus notes. As for their seafood, the Thai Steamed Fish with Lime Sauce (S$22) is sublime.

#01-24, The Commerze @Irving, 1 Irving Rd
Singapore 369520
Tel: +65 6386 7475
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

MEATS N’ MALTS

To all the carnivores out there who have not given Meats N’ Malts a go, where have you been? This gem of a restaurant dishes out honest Western grub at wallet-friendly prices. Steak, ribs, country fried chicken — they’ve got it all.

Their BBQ Pork Ribs (S$19.90) guarantees to reach the fall-off-the-bone benchmark and is glazed with their lip-smacking BBQ sauce. If you’re in the mood for a nice slab of fish, their Grilled Dory with Lemon Dill Cream Sauce (S$12.90) will surely satisfy. Grilled to a nice charred crisp, the fish’s light smokiness pairs wonderfully with the herbaceous cream sauce.

30 Tai Seng St, BreadTalk IHQ, #01-07
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6909 0010
Sat to Thurs: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

NOMVNOM

Even before Impossible Meat was a thing, nomVnom was already changing the game for plant-based gastronomy. This vegan fast food joint dishes out grub so delicious that you’ll gladly be tossing meat aside.

Their extensive menu sees pizza, smoothie bowls, and sweet indulgences as well. Let their Beetroot Hummus (S$8.90) burger convince you of the goodness of mushroom patties or treat yourself to their Pesto Linguine (S$12.90) bursting with basil goodness.

18 Tai Seng St, #B1-02, 18 Tai Seng
Singapore 539775
Tel: +65 6384 9678
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

ONE BAR CAFE

One Bar Cafe will have your tastebuds singing — literally. Started by four band members, this 3-in-1 establishment ticks all the boxes of “cafe”, “bar” and “live music venue”.

Also, every Thursday is the cafe’s open-mic night! So grab your pals and head down for a liberal time of food and song!

1 Irving Place #01-25, The Commerze @ Irving
Singapore 369546
Tel: +65 8798 2625
Tues to Sat: 11am – 10pm
Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/rockymastersingapores/

ROCKY MASTER

You may or may not have heard of this cafe-restaurant with over 10 outlets islandwide. But, even if you have, you probably don’t have much of an impression of it. Well, it’s time you gave them a shot because this place actually serves up a wide variety of pretty delectable grub.

18 Tai Seng St, #01-28, 18 Tai Seng
Singapore 539775
Tel: +65 6384 5096
Daily: 11.30am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/soramensg/

SÕ RAMEN

Sõ Ramen serves up some pretty solid bowls at budget-friendly prices. Made with premium wheat flour, their ramen comes in three forms. Each type is specially curated to bring out the best of each broth.

Get cosy with their Grand Tonkotsu Ramen (S$13.90), which will warm your soul with its rich hearty broth carrying melt-in-your-mouth pork cheek, silken cha shu, and braised pork belly. For something lighter on the palate, their Shoyu Ramen (S$10.90) is just as comforting.

30 Tai Seng St, #01-03, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6444 5516
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

THE BOILER

Get your hands dirty with some good ol’ crab at The Boiler, which does some seriously delicious Cajun-style seafood. Diners flock there for their seafood boil speciality, which features an assortment of seafood bathed in your choice of sauce and served in a bag. There’s nothing pretty about it but rest assured that it’s going to be one big beautiful mess.

The Bombdiggity Bag (S$149) is one of their best-sellers, consisting of Dungeness crab, mussels, prawns and a whole load of other ingredients. It’s big enough to be shared amongst four or one giant Hulk. If seafood ain’t your thang, their Southern Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich (S$14.90) is a killer option as well.

18 Howard Rd, #01-06, Novelty Bizcentre
Singapore 369585
Tel: +65 6635 1285
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo Credit: www.instagram.com/lixuanpoh/

THE BONELESS KITCHEN

Vegetarian jjajangmyeon and kimchi jjigae that actually tastes good? Sign us up, please. The Boneless Kitchen is a vegetarian Korean restaurant that has been breaking ground in the local Korean food scene for many years now.

While the extensiveness of their menu isn’t comparable to most Korean establishments in Singapore, it’s definitely sufficient to trigger our appetites. Their Kimchi Jeon (S$3.90) makes for the perfect starter, coming in crispy and mildly spicy bite-sized pieces. But, the real feast begins when the gigantic Army Jeongol (S$36.90/2 pax) arrives. Packed with instant ramen, spam, cheese, mushrooms and a whole load of other ingredients, it’ll have you feeling like a soldier charged for battle.

1 Irving Pl, #01-31 Commerze @ Irving
Singapore 369546
Tel: +65 8457 6464
Daily: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

THE FLAME CAFE

Housed in an industrial building, The Flame Cafe is a great venue for hosting large gatherings. While they offer a good variety of Western dishes, we suggest you just come here for their smashing Halal pagoda steamboat buffet.

Layered with four tiers, their steamboat contraption allows you to boil, barbecue and steam your ingredients all at the same time. Their buffet selection ranges from marinated meats and seafood to vegetables and mushrooms.

73 Upper Paya Lebar Rd, Level 1, Central Bianco Building
Singapore 534818
Tel: +65 6282 0251
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

THE GOOD BOYS JUICE AND COFFEE BAR

Clean eating has never been easier than with the help of The Good Boys Juice and Coffee Bar. Despite their name, they sure know how to make a mean smoothie bowl. Their smoothie bowls come in huge heart-shaped bowls and are loaded with an assortment of toppings. Our favourites are the TGB Acai Bowl (S$12) and Going Nuts (S$12) bowl.

Besides smoothie bowls, they also offer a line-up of hearty noodle/grain salads and beverages. Customise your own TGB Hearty Bowl (S$9) and pair it with any of their juice blends for a wholesome lunch!

1 Irving Pl, #01-26, The Commerze Building
Singapore 369546
Tel: +65 8130 1083
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6.30pm
Sat to Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

TIM HO WAN

We don’t know about you, but we’re suckers for dim sum. And sure, Swee Choon is great, but where do we go when we’re looking for somewhere just a little up the tier? Tim Ho Wan is the answer.

This casual dim sum restaurant doesn’t have the most extensive menu that trails across the floor but every dish is satisfying enough. The apple of the restaurant’s eye has got to be their Baked BBQ Pork Buns (S$6.20), which will win your heart with their flaky buttery crust encasing sticky, juicy chunks of char siew.

Other menu highlights include their Pan-Fried Radish Cake and chee cheong fun rolls.

18 Tai Seng St, 18 Tai Seng, #01-36
Singapore 534119
Tel: +65 6246 2000
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat to Sun: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

TOOK LAE DEE

We’ve seen enough of overseas brands coming to Singapore and not living up to the hype. Thankfully, Took Lae Dee is not one of them. This famed restaurant chain operates 24/7 in Bangkok and has landed on our shores at 18 Tai Seng. With a name that translates into “cheap and good”, you can expect some seriously affordable fare.

Their best-selling Pad Krapow (S$6) is adored by many for its piquant basil kick coating the stir-fried minced pork. Top on a fried egg (S$1.20) for that glorious runny yolk enhancement. As for their Pad Thai ($6 for chicken, $7.20 for prawn), it’s an extremely tasty and authentic rendition, albeit verging on the sweet side.

18 Tai Seng Street, #01-34/35/K9, 18 Tai Seng
Singapore 539775
Tel: +65 6702 2000
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

WISHES CAFE

Wishes Cafe is yet another neighbourhood dessert cafe that does excellent handmade gelato. Creamy and lusciously rich, every batch of gelato is made daily for utmost freshness. Their well-loved flavours include Kaya, Pistachio and Lychee Rose (S$3.50/single, S$6/double).

As if the prices weren’t reasonable enough, they have a special promotion every day from 7 pm – 9 pm where diners can get a scoop of gelato at a mere S$2 for every waffle order!

Block 36, Circuit Rd, #01-414
Singapore 370036
Tel: +65 9299 6161
Sun to Thurs: 12pm – 10pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm — 11pm
Nearest Station: MacPherson

YAMATO IZAKAYA

For those days when you and your colleagues can’t seem to agree on a lunch spot, Yamato Izakaya may help to ease the tension. This 3-in-1 institution houses three different restaurants — Man Man, Hitoyoshi Ramen and Tora Tora.

Famed for their signature unagi, Man Man serves up freshly grilled eel that’s dreamily tender and smoky. Take your pick from their three portion sizes: Unatama (S$20.50++), Medium (S$28.40++) and Large (S$36.10++).

If anyone needs to curb a ramen craving, Hitoyoshi Ramen will do the job. Their Tonkotsu Ramen (S$10.90) is satisfying enough, with a sizeable portion of thin ramen noodles, pork slices, black fungus and a perfect ramen egg.

Yamato Izakaya
65 Ubi Road 1, #01-92 Oxley Bizhub,
Singapore 408729
Tel: +65 6385 5273
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Another day, another closure. Popular Japanese lifestyle store Tokyu Hands is closing its outlet at Westgate.

On July 1 2020, Tokyu Hands put up a notice on their Facebook saying that they will be permanently closing their Westgate outlet at Jurong East. Their last day of operations will be on 2 August 2020.

In the post, they thanked their customers for their loyal patronage over the past few years and mentioned that their other stores will continue to remain open. They did not cite the reason for the closure.

If you’re sad about their closure, fret not as you can still visit their other outlets at Orchard Central, Suntec City, Jewel Changi Airport, PLQ Mall and Great World City.

In this day and age, when we think of desserts, visuals of over-the-top milkshakes and soufflé pancakes spring to mind. Yet, we often forget that long before our Insta-worthy confections became the next “it” thing in Singapore, old-school desserts were what we sought comfort in.

It is only right we pay tribute to our classic novelty local desserts: think Ice Kachang, Chendol and Cheng Tng! Not only do they evoke a sense of nostalgia in us, they are still the best treats to counter Singapore’s unrelenting heat.

Here is an ode to 15 Nostalgic Desserts in Singapore — and where to find them — that will leave you with a sweet taste of tradition and take you down memory lane.

Photo Credit: http://facebook.com/75ahballing/

#1 SWEET GLUTINOUS RICE BALLS 

An old-school Chinese dessert well-loved among Singaporeans is none other than Sweet Glutinous Rice Balls, also fondly known as Tang Yuan. Made from glutinous rice flour, these gooey bite-sized dumplings house thick, creamy fillings that are guaranteed to be bursting with flavours in your mouth.

They come in a myriad of different fillings you can choose from, such as peanut, sesame and red bean. Tang Yuans are also doused in various soups depending on your choice. You can also choose to have them together with your traditional paste desserts!

75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup
Golden Mile Food Centre
505 Beach Rd, #01-75
Singapore 199583
Mon to Fri: 11am – 8:30pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 8:30pm
Nearest Station: Nicoll Highway

** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: https://www.ahchewdesserts.com/

#2 BLACK SESAME PASTE

One of our traditional staple treats is Black Sesame Paste. The reason behind this paste’s ever-growing popularity stems from a commonplace saying among the elderly that this dessert comes with a multitude of health benefits, such as preventing wrinkles and having blacker, healthier hair.

Made from ground roasted black sesame seeds, this traditional Cantonese treat is perfect for those who prefer less-sweet desserts. Leaning towards the savoury side, the viscous paste embodies hints of smokiness from the roasted seeds and comes in a smooth, slightly grainy consistency.

Ah Chew Desserts
Liang Seah Place Singapore
1 Liang Seah Street, #01-10/11
Singapore 189032
Tel: +65 6339 8198
Mon to Thurs: 12:30pm – 12am
Fri: 12:30am – 1am
Sat: 1:30pm – 1am
Sun: 1:30pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Bugis

** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: https://www.burpple.com/@limxinnn/

#3 PEANUT MIN JIANG KUEH

Min Jiang Kueh is a dessert that has gradually evolved over the years, stemming from a once-traditional treat to now a local snack with modernised variations and flavours. The turnover pancake used to only contain coconut shavings, but we can now find it sandwiched with different chunky fillings such as ground peanuts and red bean paste.

You may also find certain Min Jiang Kueh stalls offering creative options for fillings, such as Nutella, green tea, to even savoury alternatives such as chicken floss and ham! Recognised for its moist and fluffy texture, Min Jiang Kueh is also a great grab-and-go breakfast alternative.

Granny’s Pancake
Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre
20 Ghim Moh Rd, #01-52
Singapore 270020
Daily: 5:30am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: https://https://rochorwebsite.wixsite.com/rochorbeancurd/

#4 HOT BEANCURD

When it comes to “tao huey”, our minds undoubtedly turn to Rochor Beancurd House, a humble stall that has been churning out both hot and cold soybean curd for the past 50 years. The soy pudding is simply made from coagulated soy milk, curdled to delicate perfection to ensure a smooth, soft texture.

It is best paired together with a few doughy sticks of dough fritters, or even deep-fried Red Bean Buns! Snag a cup of Grass Jelly, and you will get to experience the true traditional way of enjoying bean curd.

Rochor Beancurd House
232 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574363
Tel: +65 8288 7020
Daily: 12.30pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Marymount

** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/haigroadputupiring/

#5 COCONUT PUTU PIRING

Every Singaporean kid has definitely grown up eating “Kueh Tutu”: rice flour cakes moulded in the shape of a flower. Putu Piring, the lesser-known variant, sports a disc shape and is the Malay version of those favoured treats. They are often filled with gula melaka or shredded coconut and was one of those old-school snacks sold at pasar malams or via pushcarts.

Putu Piring is now a traditional delicacy that reminds us of our past culture and heritage. Made by hand, this dessert is carefully crafted to ensure there is a right balance of rice flour and brown sugar used to bring out its true cultural taste.

Traditional Haig Road Putu Piring
Haig Road Food Centre
14 Haig Road, #01-07
Singapore 430014
Daily: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar/Eunos

** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: https://www.burpple.com/@weeteck

#6 SUGEE CAKE

Sugee cake is a treat that will definitely bring you back to memory lane. The original sweet semolina pastry is inspired by both Western and Middle Eastern cuisine, with the local variant improvising off by using creamy butter, whipped eggs, and occasionally using a dash of brandy.

It is then toasted to get strong, nutty notes with a tinge of sweetness. A great pastime snack for kids to munch on, the cake is also extremely fluffy and light on the palate.

Mary’s Kafe 
BS Bendemeer Centre
20 Bendemeer Rd
Singapore 339914
Tel: +65 9852 0348
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
(Closed on Sat & Sun)
Nearest Station: Bendemeer

Photo Credit: https://www.burpple.com/@jonnyboyeats/

#7 CHENG TNG

Home to an enclave of famous hawker stalls, Bedok will be your next favourite spot if are looking to feast on dishes and desserts from your childhood. Featuring Cheng Tng: this clear bowl of soup is with a medley of fresh, natural ingredients such as dried longan, white fungus, gingko nuts and so on, and is the perfect way to beat the heat.

Sold in the olden day by coolies, this dessert surely brings back memories from the past. If you are looking for a refreshing perk-me-up, this is the dessert to go for!

Ye Lai Xiang Cheng Tng
1 Bedok Rd, Stall #31
Singapore 469572
Daily: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Tanah Merah

Photo Credit: https://facebook.com/oldamoychendol/

#8 CHENDOL

You can’t call yourself a Singaporean if you have never had Chendol! This evergreen traditional dessert has been branded as Singapore’s top local dessert, boasting a mound of ice topped with pandan jelly coated in coconut milk and an abundant serving of chendol jelly worms. Throw in some red kidney beans and gula melaka sauce and the sweet treat is complete.

The best way to have Chendol? Order it on a warm day and get it the no-frills traditional way without any extra dollop of ice cream nor attap seeds.

Old Amoy Chendol
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
335 Smith St, #02-008
Singapore 050335
Tel: +65 8748 7590
Daily: 10:30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/115TangShui/

#9 BO BO CHA CHA

Looking for a dessert that is not only delightful in taste and decks a colourful, eye-catching appearance? BoBo ChaCha should be the next sweet treat you should go for! A Nyonya dessert that contains a medley of ingredients such as sweet potatoes, yam and tapioca jelly doused in sweet coconut milk, you can choose to have it hot or cold.

The dish is fragrant from the use from fresh coconut milk and pandan leaves, while the different jellies and potatoes add a dash of colour contrast to the dessert. Slurp on the creamy, thick soup and get a taste of this authentic local delight!

115 Tang Shui
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
335 Smith St, #02-206
Singapore 050335
Tel: +65 9641 9140
Wed to Sun & Mon: 7:30am – 5:30pm
(Closed on Tues)
Nearest Station: Chinatown

Photo Credit: https://www.burpple.com/@flyeetelfly/

#10 GRASS JELLY

A gem commonly found in all hawker centres, Chin Chow, also known as Grass Jelly, is one of those desserts that truly embodies our Singaporean culture. Served in either a drink or bowl, it is a refreshing jelly-like treat with a mild flavour that we locals often make a beeline for on a hot day.

This dessert base is not overwhelmingly sweet nor syrupy, and the herbal jelly is smooth and gelatinous. You can also customise your bowl by adding in toppings such as nata de coco, or sea coconut!

Zhao An Granny Grass Jelly
Golden Mile Food Centre
505 Beach Rd, #01-58
Singapore 199583
Tel: +65 9146 7313
Daily: 11:30am – 6:30pm
Nearest Station: Nicoll Highway

Photo Credit: https://www.burpple.com/@3ferny/

#11 MUNG BEANS 

Mung Beans Soup, also known as “Tau Suan”, is a perfect sweet and savoury dessert that Singaporeans turn to for breakfast. Accompanied with crispy sliced dough fritters, each spoonful is chock full of well-steamed split mung beans.

The soup base itself also has a full-bodied, creamy consistency that goes impeccably well with its doughy topping; the savoury fried pieces complements the sweet and sticky soup. You can even request for as many dough fritters as you like!

Le Chasseur
Eunos Industrial Estate
27 Eunos Road 2, #01-101
Singapore 409387
Tel: +65 6337 7677
Daily: 11:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/dessertstorysingapore/

#12 MANGO SAGO

Mango Sago is an adaptation of a traditional Hong Kong dessert containing bits of pomelo, sago and mango. This is a lighter variant of its cousin, mango pudding, and makes an easy post-meal indulgence.

Popular in Singapore for its cold, refreshing texture, this is now a perennial-favourite amongst families and has become a treat that parents often order for their kids.

DessertStory
Hougang Mall
90 Hougang Ave 10, #02-13
Singapore 538766
Tel: +65 6387 6620
Daily: 10:30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hougang

** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: https://www.burpple.com/@missha/

#13 YAM PASTE WITH GINGKO NUTS

Judge a dessert not by its appearance as this deceptively simple dessert, Yam Paste with Gingko Nuts requires a few painstaking hours in the kitchen to prepare. A ubiquitous Teochew treat, it is best made by hand to ensure a thick and buttery consistency.

Mashed or blended to form a thick paste, it is then garnished with steamed pumpkin puree and boiled gingko nuts. Despite being known to be served during special affairs, you can still expect to find this savoury treat at our local hawker stalls.

White Restaurant
Fountain Court Suntec City
3 Temasek Blvd, #B1-131
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6255 2002
Daily: 11am – 9:30pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade/Promenade

** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/singourmet/

#14 ICE KACHANG

Indulge in an addictive, thirst-quenching dessert known as Ice Kachang. Affectionately coined as “ABC”, locals have come up with their own acronym for “ais batu campur”, also known as mixed shaved ice.

Pop by any hawker stall and satisfy your sweet fix with a towering, colourful heap of shaved ice drizzled with gula melaka and syrup! It is then scattered with sweet corn, kidney red beans, attap seeds and sweetened milk.

Ice Shop

Food Opera @ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn #B4-03/04
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 9198
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/House-of-Dessert-%E7%94%9C%E5%93%81%E4%B9%8B%E5%AE%B6-219274434851373/

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#15 RED BEAN SOUP

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If you are looking for an age-old dessert, opt for a good ol’ bowl of sweet red bean soup. This classic homemade dessert consists of red beans that are well-boiled in a translucent, slightly watery soup, complementing the light soup base with its natural sweetness.

Though our current artisanal versions of this dessert render a thicker, luscious red bean paste, a stark difference with our traditional red bean soup, nothing beats having it the old-school way!

House of Dessert

Tampines Round Market & Food Centre
137 Tampines Street 11, #01-02
Singapore 521137
Tue & Wed, Fri to Sun: 6am – 3pm
(Closed on Mon & Thurs)
Nearest Station: Simei

Out of ideas on where to go for your next meal? One of the best tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore, Tampopo is running a 1-for-1 promotion for their selected Tonkatsu, Ramen and Soba dishes at their Ngee Ann City and Oasis Terraces outlets!

Tampopo serves authentic Japanese cuisines and is known for their tonkatsu and ramen. If you have yet to try out their lip-smacking Japanese fare, this is the perfect chance to.

From now until 29 March, Tampopo Takashimaya (Ngee Ann City B2) and Tampopo Grand (Ngee Ann City level four) will be offering 1-for-1 deals on ramen and soba dishes from Mondays to Fridays.

And at the Oasis Terraces outlet in Punggol, Tampopo will be having a 1-for-1 promotion on tonkatsu and ramen from now until 15 April 2020.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Tampopo
391 Orchard Rd, #B2-33 Takashimaya Shopping Centre
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6235 2318
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Tampopo Oasis Terraces
681 Punggol Dr
#02-24/25 Oasis Terraces
Singapore 820681
Tel: +65 6909 7850
Mon to Fri: 11:30am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Oasis

Cake lovers, rejoice! A new parlour has opened. Located in the heart of Toa Payoh, The Twisted Trio is currently in its soft launch stage, but it is set for a grand opening this Sunday. It is a 5 to 10-minute walk from the MRT.

This new, modern cafe is founded by 3 pastry chefs (with 3 different personalities, thus the name!) who initially worked together before deciding to open their own dessert shop with cakes that cater to all tastebuds.

The chilled desserts include the Watermelon Rose ($8) and Burnt Cheesecake ($7). As the founders wish to accommodate to the tastebuds of the local elderly in the neighbourhood, the cakes are not too overwhelmingly rich and sweet, with lesser cream. So you don’t have to feel sinful while enjoying the treats here.

We definitely recommend the Watermelon Rose due to its unique floral taste. The pastry cream is fluffy and not too rich. The fruits on top and the watermelon layer add a refreshing bite to the cake. Put these two together, and you have a modern, novel take to the usual cake.

However, we feel that the Burnt Cheesecake could have been more charred. Nevertheless, it was still light, spongy, and not extremely sweet. Perfect for a not-so-heavy dessert after a hearty dinner.

As for the desserts that were displayed out in room temperature, we tried the Dark & Milk Choc Brownie ($4). The brownie was crumbly and delicious, with a special blend of both dark and milk chocolate. This definitely goes on our best brownie spots in Singapore list.

We spotted a variety of room-temperature desserts, including Pound Cakes ($12) with flavours such as Earl Grey, Banana, and Matcha. Banana Muffins ($2.50), Scones ($3), and Orange Yogurt cakes ($4) are also displayed. This cafe really leaves you spoiled for choice. And if that isn’t enough, you can also place an order for your very own customized cakes in this cafe.

Feast your eyes and tastebuds on the various desserts offered at this mini parlour, and you will not be disappointed. Pair your dessert of choice with a coffee, and your sweet tooth cravings will definitely be satisfied.

The Twisted Trio
Blk 85C Lorong 4 Toa Payoh #01-384
Singapore 313085
Mon – Fri: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Sat – Sun: 9.30am – 6.30pm
Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh

Located on the fourth floor of the added wing of Plaza Singapura sits Typhoon Cafe, a Taiwanese cafe that brings the taste of Taiwan to locals in Singapore. This casual and modern cafe offers up a comfortable way to enjoy Taiwan’s street-style food without the crowd and the heat.

Their extensive menu comprises a mix of both traditional and street-style foods as well as a variety of bubble teas, fruit teas and specially curated desserts which are Instagram-worthy.

We went with the Crispy Salted Egg Chicken Fritters (S$9.90), Taiwan Sausage Omelette (S$8.90), Taiwan Lu Rou Fan (S$14.90), and the Souffle Stackers with Taiwan Milk Tea and Bubble (S$17.90).

The Taiwan Sausage Omelette was made with a good amount of mushroom, carrots and Taiwan sausage. However, as there was also a generous amount of onions included, the dish had a little bit of a sweet aftertaste which might not be ideal if you prefer to have your omelette more savoury than sweet.

Fried to a golden brown and drenched in the Salted Egg Yolk sauce, the Crispy Salted Egg Chicken Fritters were quite a delight to have as an appetizer. With the added floss on the top, the chicken piece was a mix of sweet and savoury; you really can’t stop at one with this dish!

Though simple looking, the Taiwan Lu Rou Fan packed flavours with its stewed pork belly, half a braised egg and a stalk of vegetable. The sauce of the stewed pork belly has a natural sweetness to it which gives the entire dish a comforting homely taste.

Our favourite of the dishes that we ordered was the pretty Souffle Stackers with Taiwan Milk Tea and Bubble. Paired with the sweet milk tea sauce and chewy bubbles, the taste of the soft and fluffy souffle pancakes were further enhanced into a satisfyingly good dessert which exploded with a complementary mixture of textures and flavours.

Needless to say, this dessert alone would definitely have us returning soon!

Typhoon Cafe
68 Orchard Road
#04-63/67
Plaza Singapura
Singapore 238839
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm

From steaming baskets of siew mai to liu sha baos (salted egg yolk custard buns), dim sum is a well-loved staple among Singaporeans.

Yet, we are firm believers that the best dim sum should not only be yummy, but affordable too. Tang Tea House is a halal dim sum eatery at Simpang Bedok known for their budget-friendly scrumptious dishes.

The Coffee Buns (S$3.40/3 pcs) were up first; from afar, we could already smell the mouth-watering aroma of coffee. The soft bun tore apart easily, oozing thick coffee paste; the gooey filling melted in our mouths with a bold coffee scent that lingered on our palates. The paste wasn’t cloyingly sweet as well.

We thought it was a novel twist to run-of-the-mill lotus or red bean paste; we can safely say this coffee dish was our favourite!

Next, we tried the Hong-Kong Style Egg Tarts (S$4.20/3 pcs). The crust was crispy and flaky with a biscuit-like texture. The wobbly goodness was also soft and slightly sweet in the middle without an overpowering taste of butter. It was a pastry done well, unlike other egg tarts that tend to be overly crumbly.

We would recommend trying the Steamed Rice Roll with BBQ Chicken (S$4.20/1 plate) too. The skin of the rice roll was Q and thick enough to hold a substantial amount of chicken filling. Paired with the sweet soy sauce, the piquant dish had a hint of tanginess. The chilli also gave the dish an extra kick of spice.

The Deep-Fried Shrimps Dumping with Mayonnaise (S$4.70/3 pcs) was incredibly crispy and the meat to skin ratio was just right. It had a generous amount of filling, with oozing meat and prawn. Dipped into the mayo, the toothsome dumpling was an explosion of sweet and savoury flavour.

Out of the lot, the Steamed Chicken Dumpling (S$4.70/4 pcs) was our least favourite. The skin was slightly doughy, and the chicken stuffing a tad bit mushy. We would have preferred if the skin was thinner and the chicken had more bite. The filling lacked seasoning as well, and the vinegar sauce overpowered the dumpling’s taste.

If you are looking to satisfy your dim sum cravings or simply happen to be in the area, do drop by Tang Tea House and give them a try!

Tang Tea House
357/359 Bedok Road
Singapore 469545
Sun to Thurs: 11am – 2am
Fri & Sat: 11am – 3am
Tel: +65 6445 9100
Nearest Station: Tanah Merah
(Multiple outlets islandwide)

Taking over the space of the now-defunct D’Zerts Cafe is the newest hidden gem in the East of Singapore, The Forage Cafe by Thirteen Honey in Simpung Bedok. Their extensive menu features a plethora of all-day brunch, pasta and mains. What’s great is that they also are trying to incorporate their own farmed honey (from Malaysia) into all their dishes as a sugar replacement!

That’s not all! If you were a fan of D’zerts Cafe’s sweet creations, you’ll be happy to know that D’zerts still supplies bakes and desserts to The Forage Cafe.

First up at the table was their Granchio Pasta (S$20) that is made with linguine pasta and a sauce consisting of shredded crabmeat, white wine, tomato cream and parmesan cheese. Also strewn into the mix were a few leaves of baby spinach.

We were pretty happy with the generous portion of pasta and crab meat, given the rather hefty price point. The pasta was mouthwateringly flavourful – sweetness from the crab meat complemented the slight acidity of the tomato sauce base.

We also tried their Smoked Salmon & Egg Grilled Waffle Sandwich (S$17). Two fluffy waffles are sandwiched together, containing a generous filling of egg, cheese and smoked salmon. On the side were sautéed mushrooms, a salad, fruits and Thirteen Honey’s Multifloral Honey.

The waffle was nicely crisped and had a fluffy yet almost chewy texture. We were also very impressed by the copious amounts of cheese and smoked salmon inside this innovative sandwich. What we enjoyed the most was how well the honey paired with the waffles, giving this savoury dish a hint of complex sweetness.

Of course, we love a sweet ending to our meals, so we chose to try their Kahlua Tiramisu (S$8). Biscuits are directly soaked in the coffee liqueur, so it may be a little strong for those who aren’t used to having alcohol in their desserts.

We loved how light and creamy the marscapone filling was, mellowing out the strong taste of alcohol and providing a pleasant, mildly sweet base to the dessert.

Other than just the mains, The Forage Cafe also sells the farm-to-table honey from Thirteen Honey off the shelf. If you’re looking for unique gifts or are a honey-lover, you can even sample their various kinds of honey blends.

The Forage Cafe
30 Jalan Pari Burong
Singapore 488696
Tue to Sun: 10am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Simei

TungLok Group has added a new establishment to its ever-flourishing list of restaurants – TASTE by TungLok.

TASTE by TungLok intends on revolutionising the way many view healthy Chinese dishes by serving everyday dishes with quality and organic ingredients with a refined twist. It is TungLok’s belief that through good food and good taste, family bonds are strengthened and friendships are forged.

Their meticulously-curated menu boasts over 70 heart-warming dishes that will bring many for a trip down memory lane, featuring Chinese-cuisine classics such as their Double-Boiled Fish Maw with Chicken, Australian Barramundi Fish Head and Crisp-Fried Tiger Prawn with Sichuan Spice.

Feel the nostalgia and taste the goodness of traditional recipes with the new TASTE by TungLok. Check out what we had and our thoughts on this new Chinese restaurant.

APPETISERS

We started the meal with TASTE by TungLok’s Shredded Kampong Chicken with Jellyfish and Shredded Cucumber (S$20++), and their Deep-fried Prawn Paste & Chinese Cabbage wrapped with Beancurd Skin (S$22++).

The combination of cold chicken and jellyfish may be an odd combination to many, but they paired together seamlessly in a ginger-sesame dressing. The slices of cucumber also added to the freshness and texture of the dish.

Another appetiser that you should order is the classic Chinese Deep-Fried Prawn Paste and Chinese Cabbage wrapped in Beancurd Skin. Each bite is flavourful yet not at all greasy. Dip these crispy morsels into a bit of soya sauce and you’ll be diving in for seconds.

DOUBLE-BOILED FISH MAW WITH ORGANIC CHICKEN

In Chinese cuisine, hearty soups are a must at the dinner table. TASTE by TungLok has concocted a hearty Double-Boiled Fish Maw soup with tender chunks of Organic Chicken. The flavourful soup is a chock-full of wolfberries, traditional Chinese herbs and of course, Fish Maw and Organic Chicken (S$55++ for 2 pax, S$98++ for 4 pax).

TASTE by TungLok uses Santori MD2 Kampung Chicken – the first and only Healthier Choice Kampung Chicken in Singapore. Paired with fresh fish maw from locally-bred Barramundi, the soup is double-boiled for over 5 hours. It is nutritious yet delicious and will definitely whet your tastebuds for the rest of the meal.

This one-pot wonder was definitely the highlight of the meal as the soup was so flavourful and rich without being too cloying. The savoury taste of the soup was balanced with a mild sweetness from the wolfberries and fish maw. This soup is the perfect heart-warming dish for sharing with your family and loved ones.

CURRY AUSTRALIAN BARRAMUNDI FISH HEAD

Up next on the table was TASTE by TungLok’s Australian Barramundi Fish Head cooked in spicy Curry Sauce (S$48++). Their rendition of a classic Curry Fish Head dish is bound to please families that like having this crowd-favourite often at home with their loved ones.

The sustainable barramundi (locally-farmed) is impeccably tender and pairs deliciously well with the spicy yet tangy curry gravy. Besides the fresh barramundi, the curry is full of other delectable ingredients such as tomatoes, beancurd skin and slices of lady’s finger.

STEAMED AUSTRALIAN BARRABUMNDI DISH HEAD WITH GARDEN PEA SAUCE

Another way to have the sweet Barramundi Fish Head is to have it steamed with savoury Garden Pea Sauce (S$48++). TASTE by TungLok dresses this signature fish dish with deep-fried lard bits and spring onions.

This plate was one that we could not help but go for seconds and thirds. The Garden Pea sauce was so indulgent and addictive, pairing with the sweet fish wonderfully well. The best part of the dish was eating the lard bits, that had absorbed the gravy, complementing the fish.

CRISPY AROMATIC DUCK

Half Irish Duck (S$38++) is fried till golden-brown and shredded, to be put in delicate wraps. The crispy duck comes with julienned carrots, cucumbers and cabbage, along with a sweet bean-paste sauce. Add a little of everything to make your perfect wrap!

We loved how the duck was almost bursting with flavour from the succulent meat to the crispy skin. Despite being fried, the duck was not overly-greasy and was super addictive.

CRISPY FRIED TIGER PRAWN WITH SICHUAN SPICE

Springy, succulent and spicy, this dish was a delight to eat. The Tiger Prawns are fried with a Sichuan Spice that packs both flavour and heat, making the seemingly-simple dish extra delicious (S$38++).

The prawns were so fresh and had a mild sweetness that contrasted the spiciness of the Sichuan spice. Puffed rice topping is also generously sprinkled over the dish, allowing for textural contrast.

CHILLI CRAB WITH DEEP-FRIED MINI BUNS

We also savoured TASTE by TungLok’s signature Chilli Crab (S$68++ for 700 grams) that was served with a basket of fluffy deep-fried mini buns. The gravy was sweet, savoury and spicy all at once, made richer with the slurries of egg added to it. Each bite of sweet crab meat that was coated in the gravy was heavenly.

Such a delicious sauce definitely should not go to waste, so dip your deep-fried mantou into the decadent gravy once you are done with the crab to fully savour this dish.

BARBEQUED COMBINATION PLATTER

TASTE by TungLok’s Barbequed Combination Platter features tender Roast Duck, Roast Pork and sweet slices of Char Siew (S$38++).

The Roast Pork’s crisp crackling skin contrasted the melt-in-your-mouth meat. Pair this with a bit of spicy mustard to fully enjoy the smoky flavour of the pork. The char siew was coated in a sweet-and-savoury glaze, making every single piece worth the battle of chopsticks to get to it.

We especially loved the roast duck and how fresh and tender the meat was. The skin was nicely crisp and had that lingering aroma of smokiness.

POACHED ORGANIC CABBAGE WITH BEANCURD ROLL

This light dish may seem simple, but it was packed with the clean flavours and sweetness of wolfberries, cabbage and tofu skins. It was a welcome treat to cut through the intense flavours of the previous dishes (S$28++).

WOK-FRIED ORGANIC FRENCH BEAN WITH EGGPLANT

Tender slices of eggplant are fried together with crunchy french beans for this savoury dish, tossed with garlic and an aromatic sauce. We liked how the two main components of this dish contrasted texturally yet came together superbly. The wok-hei was strong and added that extra edge to this simple plate (S$28++).

TASTE by TungLok
23 Merchant Road
Park Regis Singapore, Level 1
Singapore 058268
Tel: +65 6721 9118

This post was brought to you by TASTE by TungLok.

Gluttons, prepare your stomachs for an intense feasting session as Twilight: Flea & Feast will be back again this year with a smorgasbord of scrumptious grub. Inspired by the weekend food markets in Australia, this much-anticipated event will house a tantalising array of street food from all around the world.

This year, you can look forward to stuffing your faces silly with goodies from over 50 Muslim-friendly stalls that will be selling an exciting selection of foods that include the likes of beef cubes, poke bowls and takoyaki.

After filling your bellies, take a break and head on over to the arcade zone and retail booths to take part in the many exciting activities available. You can also support some of our local talents who will be performing during the event.

Here is a peek of what you can expect this weekend!

FOOD 

There were a plethora of different food stalls here and we were completely spoilt for choice. We tried a few different items and here is what we thought about them.

MEAT MY MEAT 

Meat My Meat specialises in western grub such as Philly Cheesesteak (S$6) Cheezy Popcorn (S$5.50 and Poppy Cheezy Sandwich (S$6). We tried the Cheesesteak Fries (S$6.50) which featured tender beef chunks draped across a bed of golden brown fries and smothered in a generous amount of cheese. Each mouthful was packed full of umami and cheesy goodness and for the price point, it was really worth it.

THE FAB FIVE 

This simple, unassuming bowl of Classic Mac & Cheese (S$8) stole the show and was easily our favourite food item here. Each serving features spiral pasta drenched in a thick, cheesy sauce that managed to be flavourful yet not cloying at the same time.

Though S$8 may seem a little steep for Mac & Cheese, trust us when we say that it is worth every cent.

ODDBALLS  

Out of the 6 stalls we tried, this was an utter disappointment and a massive waste of money. The photos plastered across the storefront depicts a picture of a generous scoop of ice cream perched atop a crisp golden brown cone and topped with a creamy dollop of nicely scorched meringue.

In reality, we were served a sad scoop of ice cream that was so small that it could barely be seen from the top of the cone. We were hoping that the meringue would make up for the ice cream’s lack of size but instead were shocked and disappointed to see them squirt out a deflated, watery layer of meringue onto the top of our ice cream before carelessly torching it.

We tried the Lavender Honey flavour (S$8) and the ice cream itself was light and creamy with subtle hints of lavender and honey. It was honestly a huge shame because this stall had so much potential but it was completely wasted. We do hope that they buck up a little and start serving their customers proper, well-presented food before they disappoint more people.

SATAY UMMI BY LYDIA IZZATI

The queues for this stall were long and intense but we assure you that it is well worth it!

Lydia Izzati serves her satay without sticks in a brown paper box and each one is generously stuffed with chunks of succulent grilled meat that were well-marinated in a nutty, savoury suace. We ordered the chicken satay (S$7) and while the price point is a little steep, every cent is worth it and we can understand why people were willing to wait almost 20-minutes for a box of these ambrosial meats.

BROTI 

Broti specialises in massive drinks that can easily be shared amongst a group of 2 to 3 people. We got ourselves a Charcoal Matcha (S$4) that came in a gargantuan cup that was filled to the brim. The drink managed to be sweet without being too cloying and the earthy flavours of the matcha and charcoal thoroughly complemented each other.

JP KITCHEN 

JP Kitchen specialises in scrumptious takoyaki and Japanese oden. We had a go at their takoyaki and were not disappointed at all. You can order a box of either 5 or 10 takoyaki and we love how each takoyaki was plump and satisfyingly chewy. The dish was also enhanced by the spicy sauce that she doused the takoyaki in which provided the dish with a subtle amount of heat.

GAMES

Arcade-lovers will be thrilled to know that there are a whole array of games to partake in here at Twilight: Flea & Feast. You can look forward to classics such as Mario Kart, claw machines and Retrocade.

Kids will also enjoy the massive bouncy castle next to the arcade section!

SHOPPING 

Make sure that you have enough money in your pockets to check out some of the retail booths here. All booths are owned by local businesses, so support a homeboy out by purchasing a little something from these stalls! You can look forward to brands such as Soul Singapore, Knick Knack, Dainty Dangles and Twokitz.

LIVE MOVIE SCREENING

Tired after a hectic day of eating and shopping? Sit back, relax and watch one of the movies that they will be screening. You can look forward to popular shows such as Kung Fu Panda 3, Star Trek and Bumblebee.

Twilight: Flea & Feast
Suntec Convention Centre Hall 401 – 402
1 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039593
30 August to 1 September 2019
Nearest Station: Esplanade