Located in HarbourFront, VivoCity is currently the largest retail and lifestyle shopping mall in Singapore comprising a total land area of 1,500,000 square feet.

Besides being well known for its open space design concept and retail shops, VivoCity also boasts a myriad of dining options ranging from family-friendly restaurants to big eateries and mini food stalls.

Heading to VivoCity for a meal anytime soon? You will find all that you need in our VivoCity Food Directory.

8TARTS N PASTRIES
#B2-K4 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6276 0915
Daily: 10am – 10pm

AONE CLAYPOT HOUSE
#B2-25 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6251 9288
Daily: 10am – 10pm

ARTISAN BOULANGERIE CO.
#01-163 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6278 8500
Daily: 10am – 10pm

AUNTIE ANNE’S
#B2-K6 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Daily: 10am – 10pm

AWFULLY CHOCOLATE
#01-156 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6410 9725
Daily: 10am – 10pm

BAKERZIN
#01-207 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6438 8700
Daily: 10am – 10pm

BARRIO BY MEX OUT
#01-116 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6265 6260
Daily: 10am – 10pm

BEARD PAPA’S
#B2-K13 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Daily: 10am – 10pm

BEN & JERRY’S
#02-135 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9917
Daily: 11am – 10pm

BLACK SOCIETY
#02-156 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9740
Daily: 10am-10pm

BORNGA
#02-123 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 8268
Daily: 10am-10pm

BREADTALK & TOAST BOX
#B2-34 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6278 4434
Daily: 8am – 10pm

BROTZEIT GERMAN RESTAURANT & BAR
#01-149 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6272 8815
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 12 Midnight
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 1am

BURGER KING
#02-80 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9291
Daily: 10am – 10pm

CAFFEBENE
#02-150 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6635 1778
Daily: 10am – 10pm

CARL’S JUNIOR
#02-50 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6820 2720
Daily: 10am – 10pm

CENTRAL HONG KONG CAFE
#B2-13 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 8270
Daily: 10am – 10pm

CHARCOAL THAI
#03-07 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6222 3880
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm

CHURRO 101
#B2-K16 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Daily: 10am – 10pm

COLD STONE CREAMERY
#02-K1 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9352
Daily: 11am – 10pm

COSTA COFFEE
#01-100 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6276 0514
Daily: 9am – 10pm

CRAVE
#B2-K23 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6255 5926
Daily: 10am – 10pm

CRYSTAL JADE DINING IN
#01-112 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6278 5626
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 10.30am – 4pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

CRYSTAL JADE JIANG NAN
#01-52 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6221 1830
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 10pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11am – 10pm

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

DIAN XIAO ER
#02-138 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9786
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30am – 10pm

DON YOUR PERSONAL PIE CLUB
#B2-K3 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 8323
Daily: 10am – 10pm

EARLE SWENSEN’S
#02-117 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6272 3306
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm

FAMOUS AMOS
#B2-K11 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6352 2771
Daily: 10am – 10pm

FISH & CO.
#02-116 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6224 3176
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm

FRUIT PARADISE
#01-59 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9978
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm

GARRETT POPCORN
#01-159 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9523
Mon to Fri: 10.30am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm

GODIVA BELGIUM 1926
#02-05 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6352 0061
Daily: 10am – 10pm

HODO LOCO
#B2-K10 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 9155 8975
Daily: 10am – 10pm

HONEYMOON DESSERT
#01-93 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 0027
Daily: 11am – 10pm

HONG KONG EGGLET
#B2-K17 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Daily: 10am – 10pm

HONG KONG KIM GARY RESTAURANT
#02-128 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 8183
Daily: 11am – 10pm

ICHIBAN BOSHI
#B2-07 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 8318
Daily: 11am – 10pm

IRVIN’S SALTED EGG
#B2-K25 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6264 7090
Daily: 10am – 10pm

JAMIE’S ITALIAN
#01-165 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6733 5500
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 10pm

JAPANESE GOURMET TOWN
#01-157 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6224 9690
Daily: 10am – 10pm

JIA XIANG SARAWAK KUCHING KOLOMEE
#B2-38 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6272 0000
Daily: 10am – 10pm

JPOT
#01-53 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6273 3536
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 12pm – 11pm

KRISPY KREME
#B2-K2 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6221 7263
Daily: 10am – 10pm

LENU CHEF WAI’S NOODLE BAR
#02-91 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9039
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 10.30am – 10pm

LONDON FAT DUCK
#B2-29 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6221 6689
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 10am – 10pm

LONG JOHN SILVER’S
#02-94 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9452
Daily: 8am - 10pm

MADAM KWAN’S
#01-152 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6271 9989
Daily: 10am – 10pm

MAK’S NOODLE
#B2-27 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6358 2582
Daily: 11am – 10pm

MARCHÉ MÖVENPICK
#03-14 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 8226
Mon to Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 11pm

MCDONALD’S
#B2-40 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 8197
Daily: 7am – 10pm

MENYA MUSASHI
#01-104 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9519
Daily: 10am – 10pm

MILK & HONEY
#B2-K8 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6352 2580
Daily: 10am – 10pm

MINI MELTS
#B2-K7 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Daily: 10am – 10pm

MODESTO’S
#03-11 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9808
Daily: 12pm – 10pm

MONSTER CURRY
#02-126 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6221 3308
Daily: 11am – 10pm

MORGANFIELD’S
#01-51A VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6225 0501
Daily: 10am – 10pm

MR BEAN
#B2-K15/#B2-K9 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6221 5102
Daily: 8am/10am – 10pm

NAM KEE JB HANDMADE PAU
#B2-K17 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Daily: 10am – 10pm

NO SIGNBOARD SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
#03-02 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9959
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm

NYONYA & BABA PERANAKAN CUISINE
#01-54 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9138
Daily: 11am – 11pm

OLD CHANG KEE
#B2-K21 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6224 3769
Daily: 10am – 10pm

PAIK’S BIBIM
#02-125 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6377 0696
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm

PARADISE DYNASTY
#03-08A VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 8103
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 10.30am – 10pm

PEZZO
#B2-K15 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Daily: 10am – 10pm

POULET
#01-175 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9087
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm

PRIMA DELI
#B2-K1 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6225 4579
Daily: 10am – 10pm

PUTIEN
#02-131 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9358
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30am – 4.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm

RIVE GAUCHE PATISSERIE
#B2-K5 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 8046
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm

SAINT MARC CAFE
#01-108 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6222 2309
Sun to Thu: 9.30am – 10.30pm
Fri, Sat & PH: 9.30am – 11pm

SECRET RECIPE
#02-108 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9618
Daily: 10am – 10pm

SERENITY SPANISH BAR & RESTAURANT
#01-98  VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 8185
Sun to Tue: 11am – 11pm
Wed to Sat & PH: 11am – 12 Midnight

SHIN KUSHIYA
#02-120 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6275 8766
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri to Sun, Eve PH & PH: 11.30am – 11.30pm

SNACKZ IT!
#B2-K24 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Daily: 10am – 10pm

SOUP RESTAURANT
#02-141 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9969
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm

STARBUCKS COFFEE
#01-168/#02-60 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6271 5634
Daily: 8am – 10pm

STUFF’D
#B2-K18 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6264 9181
Daily: 10am – 10pm

SUBWAY
#B2-31 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6227 7968
Daily: 8.30am – 10pm

SUSHI GOSHIN BY AKASHI
#B2-28 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9972
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm

SUSHI TEI
#02-152 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel : +65 6376 9591
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm

TAJIMAYA YAKINIKU / SHABUYA
#01-102 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6377 0070
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30am – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm

TARTA
#B2-K19 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6225 8827
Daily: 10am – 10pm

TASTE BETTER
#B2-K12 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Daily: 10am – 10pm

TCC – THE CONNOISSEUR CONCERTO
#02-149 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6221 5455
Daily: 10am – 10pm

TEPPEI DAIDOKORO
#B2-K22 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6264 9322
Daily: 10am – 10pm

TEXAS CHICKEN
#B2-24 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6225 8166
Daily: 10am – 10pm

THAI ACCENT
#02-145 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9282
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm

THAIEXPRESS
#B2-30 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6272 1912
Daily: 10am – 10pm

THE CHOP HOUSE
#01-161 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9262
Mon to Sat & Eve PH: 11.30am – 10pm
Sun & PH: 11am – 10pm

THE COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF
#02-03 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9924
Daily: 7.30am – 10pm

THE KING LOUIS BAR & GRILL
#03-07A VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6276 0862
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri, Sat & Eve PH: 12pm – 11pm

THE QUEEN & MANGOSTEEN
#01-106 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9380
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11.45pm
Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 10am – 1pm
Sun: 10am – 11.45pm

THE SOUP SPOON UNION
#B2-37 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6274 1979
Mon to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Eve PH: 11am – 10.30pm
Sat: 10am – 10.30pm
Sun & PH: 10am – 10pm

TOSS & TURN BY CEDELE
#01-113 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6221 1396
Daily: 10am – 10pm

TUNGLOK SIGNATURES
#01-57 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9555
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 3.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

TWELVE CUPCAKES
#B2-K14 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Daily: 11am – 10pm

UYI SAVOURY SQUID
#B2-K20 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 9555
Daily: 11am – 10pm

WINGSTOP
#02-143 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6265 3690
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 10pm

YA KUN KAYA TOAST
#B2-26 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6225 5789
Sun to Thu: 8.15am – 10pm
Fri, Sat & Eve PH: 8.15am – 10.30pm

YAMI YOGURT
#B2-K13 VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6276 5800
Daily: 10am – 10pm

When it comes to café hopping in Johor Bahru, most Singaporeans find themselves guilty of only exploring hipster street Jalan Dhoby. But there are actually several more exciting cafes in this Malaysian city waiting to be discovered – so long as you are willing to venture further out.

Specialty coffee shop and patisserie Vanilla Bean is a pretty new face in Johor Bahru’s luxurious integrated marina, Senibong Cove. The cosy third-wave café has a menu that includes Asian-inspired waffles, espresso beverages, artisanal cakes and a splendid selection of all-day brunch items.

Singapore National Barista Championship 2013’s second runner-up lovingly handcrafts Vanilla Bean’s coffees (from RM6/ S$2) and each fragrant cuppa is no less than gratifying.

Health junkies have to give Vanilla Bean’s bottled cold pressed juices a shot. We absolutely love the Dragon Quencher (RM13/ S$4.40), which is essentially a refreshing concoction of dragon fruit, green apple and pineapple.

Vanilla Bean is the very first café in Johor Bahru to sell Salted Egg Yolk Charcoal Waffle (RM17/ SGD5.80) and Teh Tarik Waffle (RM17/ S$5.80). The former is a wonderfully crisp charcoal waffle served with vanilla gelato and salted egg yolk sauce on the side, while the latter is topped with milk tea gelato, homemade Teh Tahrik sauce and milk.

But what had stolen our hearts was the divine Ole Ole Waffle (RM17/ S$5.80) – an ondeh ondeh style waffle topped with gula melaka sauce, ice-cream and pandan ganache. It is every bit Asian as we had hoped for it to be.

Sweet stuff aside, patrons can also help themselves to savoury delights such as Panini Grill (RM14/ S$4.80) and The Big Breakfast (RM19/ S$6.50).

My Vanilla Bean
G-08, Block B
Pangsapuri Pinggiran Air
No 2, Persiaran Senibong
Senibong Cove
81750 Masai, Johor
Tel: 016 7239238
Mon: Closed
Tue to Fri: 9am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 8pm

Valentine’s Day is coming and if you are always looking for ways to break your usual dating routine(s) with your partner, we might just have the answer for you. Truth to be told, it can be easier than you think. Whenever you see a fun activity that your friends shared on their social media, or from a drama serial, or anything at all – note them down on your mobile phone.

Another easy method is just to recall the things you used to love to do (before life caught up on you). Was it singing karaoke with your buddies? Having a friendly match of snooker? Or simply staying at home playing board games? Revisit them.

There are so many possibilities and even more ways to keep the love alive. Here, we share with you some Valentine’s Day Date Ideas – 9 Fun Activities & Thrilling Things to Do in Singapore.

#1 GAME NIGHT FOR 2

By game, we mean board games, videos games and so much more. No grown adult can get over the thrill of a simple game like Jenga or Monopoly. But of course, you can always snuggle up in bed and fight zombies on your Xbox, too!

#2 BAR HOP

Instead of stationing yourself at one location, go to a couple and try their various signature cocktails. Cocktails are getting more and more love and attention here in Singapore, and everywhere around the world, there are a ton of really interesting flavours awaiting your discovery.

Read: 8 Interesting Cocktails with a local twist you should try in Singapore.

#3 TAKE A TOUR AROUND THE ISLAND

You can rent a motorcycle (if you can ride) or simply grab a bicycle and go for a spin. There are several park connectors for those who are going by bicycles, and for the adventurous ones who are going on a motorcycle, take a route that you normally wouldn’t and navigate your ways together as a couple!

#4 DO VOLUNTEER WORK TOGETHER

Volunteers are always needed in many non-profit organisations. Research online beforehand to check out which organisation needs your help, or if there are any campaigns over the weekend that still requires manpower. Give back to the society together in the company of your loved one; how meaningful!

#5 GO FOR DANCE CLASSES

Venture out of your comfort zone and try something you wouldn’t normally do. Sign up for dance classes; ballroom dancing is a good one to start on. This dancesport is both beautiful and intimate, and requires much communication and coordination. That should pretty much strengthen you as a couple, and we can pretty much guarantee that you will have a “ball” of time here.

7. REVISIT YOUR CHILDHOOD

Think something as simple as building a lego structure or making a kite from scratch and getting it up in the sky. You would not know the absolute excitement of something as carefree and simple as this, until you actually do it with your partner! The simplest joy that you grew up with will always be a bittersweet happiness to relish.

#6 GO TO AN ESCAPE ROOM

Escape rooms are popping up everywhere. Book a time slot and get ‘trapped’ in a room together with your partner. This simple game will have you working together through communication, and it will certainly strengthen your relationship while learning new attributes about each other.

8. PLAN A PICNIC

Not a lavish sit-down dinner kind of couple? You aren’t the only one! Plan a picnic instead. Take the chance to whip up dishes with love for each other, then find a spot in Singapore that bears symbolic meaning to your relationship. Perhaps it is the park where you first kissed, or the Barrage where you first flew a kite together?

8. HIT THE BEACH

When was the last time you took a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores and stop to listen to the sounds of the waves crashing? The beach is somewhere so relaxing, and it calms all senses. Take your lover’s hand, kick off your shoes, and just frolic under the sun at the beach! The best things in life are free like that.

For recommendations on where to dine at on Valentine’s Day, read our guide to the most romantic restaurants in Singapore.

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

Vanilla Garden enjoys a lavish space at Ekkamai. Like a secret hideout in a labyrinth, Vanilla Garden is lovely, peaceful and cosy. Garden benches, fountains and little corners make up the outdoors of the precinct; beautiful butterflies are often spotted, so are occasional squirrels.

It is like a scene from a storybook. We are only missing Alice here.

Home to a cafe and a desserts room, Vanilla Garden is a destination in Bangkok to note, for it is most definitely worth the visit.

The bakeshop sits at the foot of the garden. Buttery bakes and its aroma whizzed past as we stepped in. The fresh bread and pastries are favourites to the residents in the area.

Over at the cafe, the spacious mezzanine unit reminds us of a quaint, Japanese home. Filled with Japanese comics, toy figurines and retro knick-knacks, Vanilla Cafe makes a fabulous space to kick back and relax over a nice Japanese-Italian meal.

On the menu, there is a series of sushi and maki – which we love. Creative rolls include Premium Strip Loin Steak Sushi (THB 420), Ume Pork & Bacon Maki (THB 280) and Salmon & Tempura Crispy Roll (THB 320). The latter was so good that we polished it off in seconds.

They take pride in their fusion pasta choices too – think Signature Carbonara (THB 280), Angel Hair with Crispy Tuna Flake (THB 260) and Spaghetti with Prawn Roe (THB 360). But honestly, we say give this a miss and stick to the sushi.

Japanese-style desserts such as parfaits and pancakes are on the desserts menu should you want to come here for a sweet treat.

You can also take a piece of Vanilla Garden home from the curated merchandise section.

Vanilla Garden
53 Ekamai Soi 12,Sukhumvit Soi 63 10110
10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 381 6120
Daily: 7am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Ekkamai

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cafes in Bangkok.

Violet Herbs is what we call an alternative dating spot if you want to do away with the crowd and pretentious vibes at posh establishments.

Conveniently located at Tanjong Pagar, this modern semi-fine dining restaurant is within walking distance from the train station. The restaurant occupies the entire three stories of the shophouse unit along Tras Street – with the first two floors for dining, and a rooftop herb garden where fresh produce are used for the cooking.

Helmed by Chef Edward Hoe, Violet Herbs is one of the most underrated restaurants in Singapore that offers splendid 3-course set lunches (S$33+/pax) and 4-course set dinners (S$58+/pax) at very decent prices that feature high quality and intricate plating.

The main courses are also nothing short of impressive. Mark Violet Herbs down – it should be your next romantic lunch/ dinner spot.

Chef Edward Hoe runs the show in Violet Herbs’ kitchen. He who was part of the pioneer team that spearheaded Restaurant Ember has 20 years of culinary experience, and at Violet Herbs, traces of familiarity are evident from the restaurant’s star dishes. Chef Edward was the head chef in The 2nd Floor-The American Club, as well as Greenwood Fish Market & Bistro.

SOUPS & APPETISERS

The menu boasts a good range of appetisers that include both hearty and light options. Lighter options include the Basil Pesto Salad (S$18) and one that we thoroughly enjoyed – Pistachio & Herb Crusted Scallops (S$18).

The scallops were wonderfully plump and we liked the textural distinction between the soft juicy scallop flesh and the crunchy outer layer of pistachio and herbs. The dish is complete with tasty butternut pumpkin puree, bisque gel, parma potato chip and chocolate soil. This dish deserves a star for its presentation too!

Guess what we love most about Violet Herbs’ appetisers? The variety of foie gras options from Roasted & Poached Foie Gras (S$24) and Truffle Foie Gras (S$26).

We are usually unimpressed with lobster bisques because they are more often than not fishy or artificially flavoured. But the Lobster Cappuccino & Brandy (S$16) at Violet Herbs is easily the best we’ve tasted in recent times.

The bisque was so intensely flavoured – the sheer sweetness of fresh lobster coupled with brandy is a feat in itself. With every scoop, we became more and more addicted. This is one stellar soup.

ALL THE MAINS TO LOVE

With so many interesting mains to choose from, it will be one of those I-can’t-decide-because-I-want-everything-from-the-menu moments. We started with Violet Herbs’ bestseller – the Marinated Red Miso Cod (S$39). It is an a la carte main, but can be a top-up option in the dinner menu.

The cod cooked to a glistening glory with a miso marinate was spot-on. With a side of roasted pumpkin puree, almond eggplant and some dehydrated parsnip chips, this stunning dish is a combination of healthy veggie goodness and fresh white fish presented in varying textures and colours.

Even if you are not the biggest fan of lamb, we still urge you to try the Colorado Lamb Rack (S$48). Of course, besides the fantastic medium-rare cook on the lamb, it was the simple marination itself that made it so tasty with every bite.

It also comes with mini pistachio foie gras roulades that you can choose to eat with the meat to cut the richness.

Duck Confit is something we have to try if we see it on a menu, and of course, we tried the one at Violet Herbs. The Sous Vide Duck Confit (S$36) has a crackling outer crust and the most tender duck meat inside.

The duck jus reduction that accompanied the duck was just right. We also liked how the duck confit is placed atop a bed of rustic vegetables of herb potatoes and sautéed baby spinach.

Feeling really hungry or looking for something hearty? The Sous Vide 48 Hours Wagyu Beef Cheek is for those who are after something more robust.

The beef is fork tender, has a sweet red wine glaze, and is jazzed up with Sardinian fregola sarda and zucchini spheres.

In the pasta menu, you can find dishes such as Homemade Butternut Squash Gnocchi (S$42) and Lobster Risotto & Fregola Sarda (S$44).

These aside, you should go for the Ebi Angel Hair Pasta (S$38) if it is your first trip to Violet Herbs. The pasta is cooked to a beautiful al dente, then tossed in lobster essence, rayu oil and bird eye chilli (or as we call it, chilli padi). Using only premium air-flown Japanese sakura ebi, the pinkish-red dried shrimps are sweet and crispy. That’s all we need for our pasta, really.

SWEET TREATS

Some desserts to expect here include Yam Strudel (S$12), Chef’s Special Tiramisu (S$16) and Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake (S$16).

However, our heart was stolen by the Frozen Nougat (S$14). The dessert comes with little bits of lychee sorbet all around that complements the nougat with varying sweetness.

Also, being huge fans of chocolate-anything mean we couldn’t miss the Valrhona Chocolate Fondant (S$16).

The surprise of this dessert lies in the fact that it comes with truffle oil – an unexpected ingredient that actually makes the dessert even more fragrant.

VALUE-FOR-MONEY SET MENUS

Violet Herbs has superb set menus for lunch that is priced at S$33 per person, and that includes a total of three courses.

To sample Chef Edward’s signature foie gras dishes, you have the option to upgrade your set menu appetiser to a foie gras (+S$7) of choice. It is little wonder Violet Herbs is such a popular lunch spot, especially for business luncheons. Such value for money; we can all do away with the lunch hour rush and noise everywhere else, and embrace the cosiness of Violet Herbs with an intimate lunch.

Dinner degustation menus begin from S$58 per person. Now, that is practically impossible if you want some fine dining. A typical main at fine dining establishments would usually start from S$40 already! But at Violet Herbs, the degustation menus begin from S$58 for a 4-course meal.

EVENTS AND PARTIES

If you are looking to host your events and/or plan your company gatherings here, you can also have a menu personalised for you. Private rooms are also available, else if all else fails, we say book the entire second level – which is the prettiest spot at Violet Herbs that is more than befitting for events of all sorts.

For more information and reservations, call +65 6221 3988.

Violet Herbs
81 Tras Street
Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area
Singapore 079020
Tel: +65 6221 3988
Mon to Sat: 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

This post is brought to you by Violet Herbs.

Eating in Venice does not mean you have to go broke; you can eat well and happy with tightened purse strings, if you know where to go. While there are plenty of tourist traps, it is still possible to find good, reasonably-priced restaurants and eateries.

Bacari – traditional Venetian wine bars – are your best bets. When you need a little snack and a glass of wine, or if you are feeling peckish, you can “bacaro-hop” and try different cicchetti – cheap Venetian bar snacks. Below, you will find our guide to Venice’s top budget restaurants where you can dine and wine at sensible prices.

ALL’ARCO

One of the most popular and highly-recommended Bacaro in Venice, All’Arco is just a stone’s throw from the iconic Rialto Bridge. What makes All’Arco stand out from the numerous bacari – other than its array of cicchetti – is their team of friendly staff and impeccable service.

Calle dell’Ochialer 436
Tel: +390 41 520 56 66
Mon to Sat: 8am – 3.30pm
Nearest Vaporetto Station: Rialto-Mercato

AL MURO

If you are visiting Mercato di Rialto – the most famous market in Venice – visit Al Muro for lunch. It is packed with locals and tourists alike getting a quick bite during meal times.

Campo Bella Vienna
San Polo 222
Tel: +39 041 24 12 339
Daily: 9am – 3pm, 4pm – 2am
Nearest Vaporetto Station: Rialto-Mercato

ALLA BASILICA

Avoid all the touristy restaurants at Piazza San Macro and head to Alla Basilica, which is just a short walk from the Bridge of Sighs. It serves an extremely value-for-money set lunch which comes with a first course, a main course, and a side dish for €14/pax.

Calle degli Albanesi, 4255
Tel: +39 041 522 0524
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 3pm
Nearest Vaporetto Station: San Macro San Zaccaria

CANTINA DO MORI

Established in 1462, Cantina do Mori is the oldest bacaro in Venice. For those who are planning to go on a bar crawl, this Venetian institution is a must-visit. Snack on a selection of cicchetti, and head over to All’Arco (read above) for more tasty small bites.

Sestiere San Polo, 429
Tel: +39 041 522 5401
Mon to Sat: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Vaporetto Station: Rialto-Mercato

ENOTECA CANTIONE GIA SCHIAVI

Unlike the other bacari in the city, Schiavi is more like a wine shop that sells cicchetti to its regulars who want to munch on something while sampling the different wines that are sold in the shop. Schiavi has quite a selection of affordable wines, so if a wine label catches your attention, you can always grab a bottle to take home.

This family-run bacaro has been around for almost 60 years, serving 20-30 different cicchetti each day, and the variety rotates based on the owner’s preferences and inspirations of the day.

Fondamenta Nani, 992
Tel: +39 041 523 0034
Mon to Sat: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Vaporetto Station: Accademia

OSTERIA AL SQUERO

Just a few units down the road from Schiavi is Osteria Al Squero – right across Venice’s last gondola repair shop – a lovely bacaro which serves cichetti with classical music looping in the background.

Dorsoduro, 943-944
Tel: +39 335 600 7513
Nearest Vaporetto Station: Accademia/Zattere

OSTERIA CÀ D’ORO ALLA VEDOVA

Osteria Cà D’ Oro Alla Vedova is famous for its cicchetti, in particular, its polpette is to-die-for. We are usually not big fans of meatballs, but the one here totally blew us away. It was so good that we ordered extra portions.

Besides having cicchetti at the bar, you can also choose to dine in for a proper meal. Pastas and main courses are well-priced between €10 – €12, which is relatively affordable by Venice’s standards.

Cannareggio, 3912
Tel: +39 041 528 5324
Mon to Sat (closed on Thu): 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Vaporetto Station: Cà D’Oro

PASTICCERIE DA BONIFACIO

There are many wonderful pasticceries in the city, and while you cannot get a full meal here, they offer traditional Venetian pastries as well as cheap aperitivo. Pasticcerie Da Bonifcaio, just a few minutes away from Piazza San Macro, is one of our favourites. It is the perfect pitstop between meals. Come here to have an espresso and enjoy some Italian pastries.

Calle degli Albanesi 4237
Tel: +390 41 522 75 07
Fri to Wed: 7am – 8pm
Nearest Vaporetto Station: San Macro San Zaccaria

ROSTICCERIA SAN BARTOLOMEO

For an affordable meal in Rialto, go to Rosticceria San Bartolomeo, one of the most popular rosticcerias in Venice. Pastas are available for €7 – €8.50, while you can get main courses like Venetian-style squids, grilled sole, and cotoletta alla Milanese from €9.50 – €16.50. Manage your expectations, though. Rosticceria San Bartolomeo is an old-fashioned canteen/eatery rather than a restaurant – fuss-free, and no ambiance to speak of. The staff are quite nonchalant and to a certain extent arrogant, so it might be a challenge trying to get their attention and having your orders placed.

From Rialto bridge, walk towards Campo San Bartolomeo and on the left, look out for Sottoportego Della and you will be able to spot Rosticceria Gislon (its old name).

Calle della Bissa
Tel: +390 41 522 3569
Mon: 9.30am – 3.30pm
Tue to Sun: 9.30am – 10pm
Nearest Vaporetto Station: Rialto

If you are heading to Venice, you must also go for a day trip to Burano, the happiest island in Italy.

For many, Valentine’s Day is a dreadful day as restaurants mark up their prices ridiculously. However, it is still possible to have fun celebrating Valentine’s Day – with your partner, your family, or a group of friends – if you know where to go.

Here’s my guide to Valentine’s Day Dinner in Singapore 2013.

Like what I always say, any occasion is a good excuse to go to a nice restaurant and have a great time. My advice: avoid celebrating on the actual day. Instead, go the weekend before or after. Happy Valentine’s Day in advance.

Akashi Japanese Restaurant

Akashi is probably not the most romantic restaurant, but what it lacks in ambience it certainly makes up for with top quality Japanese food. This is a nice place to go for your first omakase experience as the restaurant uses the finest ingredients imported from Japan. Otherwise, there are also many value-for-money bento sets to choose from.

1 Harbourfront Walk
#B2-07-09 VivoCity
Tel: +65 6681 6719
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm.

DB Bistro Moderne

Daniel Boulud’s name is synonymous with fine dining in New York, and his signature Manhattan restaurant DB Bistro needs no introduction. The chefs have prepared a splendid four course Valentine’s Day menu ($148/pax). Start with a Maine lobster salad, and tease your taste buds further with their signature seared foie gras. Continue the feast with a roasted tenderloin, and end the romantic dinner with a French Kiss – Greek yogurt mousse with raspberry sorbet.

10 Bayfront Avenue
#B1-48, Across from The Theater, Galleria Level
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Tel: +65 6688 8525

Five and Dime Eatery

Located in a colonial shop house along River Valley Road, Five and Dime Eatery is a restaurant which serves comfort food like mac & cheese, burger, fish & chips, and pasta. Most of the items are priced between $20-30.

It is a charming place, with a friendly and cosy atmosphere. Take my word for it: Five & Dime Eatery is the perfect place to spend Valentine’s Day with your partner.

297 River Valley Road
Tel: +65 9236 5002 Mon to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat: 10am – 12am
Sun: 10am – 10pm

Fukuichi Japanese Dining

Fukuichi offers excellent set meals at reasonable prices. With its stellar location, the Japanese restaurant is a hidden gem in town. I am surprised that it is not as popular as I’d have expected it to be. It is my newest to-go place for Japanese food, I think you will love it too. If you love Japanese food, and if you are looking for a place to celebrate Valentine’s Day – or any special occasions, for that matter – Fukuichi Japanese Restaurant should be on the top of your list.

111 Somerset Road
TripleOne Somerset
Tel: +65 6271 5586
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 12am

Open Door Policy

Being under the Spa Esprit group (which also manages Forty Hands Cafe), Open Door Policy – with the perfect Manhatten-chic vibe – certainly delivers as far as ambience is concerned. But it is more than that – it is a bistro with a difference. Everything is prepared with the freshest ingredients and when you get to dine in such a buzzy yet intimate atmosphere, I promise you will fall in love with the place. Definitely one of my top picks for a special day like Saint Valentine’s.

9 Yong Siak Street
Tel: +65 6221 9307
Mon to Sun: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11pm

Restaurant Ember

I have said it before, and I will say it again: Ember Restaurant has one of the best, if not the best set lunches in Singapore. If you are planning to take a day off, bring your partner to Ember. I am sure you will have a fantastic meal. Remember to make your reservation in advance, Ember is extremely popular.

50 Keong Saik Road
Hotel 1929
Tel: +65 6347 1928

Ristorante Pietrasantra

While the food at Ristorante Pietrasantra is not particularly impressive, the ambience makes up for all misgivings. The Italian restaurant is housed in a lovely building at Portsdown Road, and we love its homely, rustic setting. It is a pretty decent place to have a romantic dinner if you are not looking for something that is too fancy.

5B Portsdown Road #01-03
Tel: +65 6479 9521
Wed to Mon: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

There’s no shortage of steak restaurants in Singapore, and to make us excited over one takes more than just good food, yet Ruth’s Chris does just that. It impresses with authenticity and needless to say, the steaks are spectacular.

For steak lovers, Ruth’s Chris is the place to go for a nice dinner on Valentine’s Day.

6 Raffles Boulevard
Level 4 Marina Mandarin Hotel
Tel: +65 6336 9093
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm

Salt Grill & Sky Bar

Looking for a stunning restaurant to impress your hot date on Valentine’s Day? Salt Grill at Ion Sky is just the place to go. Perched at the top of Ion Orchard, Salt Grill Restaurant by Chef Luke Mangan is all about the complete dining experience. From the journey through the mysterious lift to the amazing view when you step inside the restaurant – there is only one word to describe it – wow!

2 Orchard Turn Level 55 & 56
ION Orchard Singapore
Tel: +65 6592 5118
Daily: 11.30am – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm

Wild Honey

I don’t know about you, but I love the idea of having breakfast food for dinner. So, how about going to Wild Honey for a breakfast date? The second outlet at Scotts Square has a lovely interior, and it is a great place to dine if you do not wish to spend a bomb on a meal.

6 Scotts Road
Level 3 Scotts Square
Tel: +65 6636 1816
Mon to Fri: 9am – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 10.30pm

The idea of a Venezuelan feast started when one of my reader, and friend, Mike asked whether I was keen to sample some Venezuelan food. I agreed immediately, it’s not everyday where you get to try authentic Latin America cuisine, so we had to try the food prepared by Mike’s wife who is from Venezuela.

Our Latin America adventure started with the rhythmic and contagious latin music played in the background. When the rhythm starts to play, dance with me, sway with me. Like a fool who will never say no, hold me close, sway me more.

Trekking in the dense, but serene jungle, with every step closer to Angel falls. The roaring sound of the water amplifies as we approach it; the magnificent waterfall was a sight to behold. This was all but a scene that we could almost imagine ourselves when we close our eyes for a second.

The “sandwich” that we had, was awesome! It’s like totally, God’s gift to mankind. Made with just corn flour, water and salt, the Arepa is a staple in Venezuela, the folks there eat it everyday. It tasted something like our popiah skin, and the mcgriddles, but in much thicker portions. It’s good to eat on its own, but I wanted more! And it came in the form of the excellent carne mechada (pulled beef).

The Carne mechada was oh-my-god, so good, and I’m really not exaggerating. Flank steak is cooked in a pressure cooker for hours until it is tender enough that you can pull it off in strips – and then cooked again in a tomato/onion sauce. The beef was so tender and flavourful! We added two slices of halumi cheese together with the pulled beef into the arepa; it’s a creation that would rival any worthy burger/sandwich. It might just be beef wrapped within bread made from corn flour, but in the right company and atmosphere, it’s divine.

Even the rice that they eat, is prepared differently. Instead of just water and rice, there’s garlic and salt added in to enhance the flavour of the rice. I’m not going to continue to rave about the carne mechada, okay just once more, I had a lot of it, with the arepa, and on its own too! Interestingly, there’s tajadas which was quintessentially fried plantains, a bigger, and uglier cousin of banana, but it was as good as our goreng pisang (fried bananas). Except, it was sliced thinly and fried instead of the whole banana.

We actually started with the Empanadas, some sort like our Chinese dumplings, but they call it stuffed pastry where it can be filled with different ingredients. They are made all over Latin America – but in Venezuela’s case, they are made from a corn flour/white flour mix, and deep-fried. The ones we had were filled with Halumi cheese – a salty white cheese from Cyprus that is popular in the Greek/Middle Eastern world – the closest to Latin American cheese in Singapore! Even the corn flour that they used were imported from Australia, Mike would always buy back tons of flour when he travel there, nothing but flour!

Go on, give it a bite, succumb to your temptation. Savour the rich pickings of every sweet, and wonderful taste. I’m running out of superlatives now, but the tres leches, was truly amazing. The three-milk cake is a butter-free sponge cake that’s soak in three kinds of milk; evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. Poking lots of tiny holes within the sponge cake, it fully absorbs the essence of the different milk. Topped with a layer of meringue, the tres leches was in every way a close reminiscence of the bread pudding, but definitely so much better!

* * *

The Venezuela feast was way beyond my expectations, thank you Mike and family for hosting us! We saw some videos and photos of the beautiful country, the Angel falls was magnificent! The current Venezuela population in Singapore is still very small, which explains for the absence of their food here. We are keen to let more people to sample some of their authentic Venezuelan food, so if you are keen, rise up your hand and let me know. If there’s enough interest in it, we will think of ways to prepare the food for a large group, and I’ll organise an outing at Mike’s place.