Popular Korean BBQ restaurant, Wang Dae Bak has opened a new outlet in Holland Village. Located at level 2 of Holland Piazza, Wang Dae Bak Grill is the restaurant’s first outlet out of the central business district. They have three other outlets at Amoy Street and Cross Street.

For a quick and casual lunch, Wang Dae Bak Grill offers several set lunches starting from S$15. Options include Grilled Saba Set, Spicy Pork Belly with Vegetables Set and Pork Katsu Set.

We do recommend going for a good mixture of marinated and non-marinated meats to get a taste of their best offerings. If you cannot decide on the meats to get, go for their meat sets which come with a variety of meats. The KBBQ Prime Set (S$98) consists of US Prime Ribeye, Marinated Bone-in Prime Ribs, and Pork Tomohawk.

You can also get Wang Dae Bak’s signature dishes such as Spicy Pork Ribs Soup, Spicy Tofu Soup, Kimchi Stew with Pork Belly, Half Half Pancake.

Wang Dae Bak Grill
Holland Piazza #02-01, Singapore 277725

There is something oh-so-magical about the hustle and bustle of fast-paced Dotonbori, an iconic street in Osaka that is packed with a never-ending array of things to see and do. If you’re an unashamed foodie like us, you’ll also be glad to know that the area is a fantastic place to try some authentic Japanese fare.

However, the crowd does sometimes get to us and some of the prices for food here can be rather steep as Dotonbori is, at the end of the day, still a tourist hotspot. Many a time, we wished that there was somewhere we could settle down for a quiet meal to get away from the crowd for a bit.

We are glad to say that if you search hard enough, you can actually find some gems that are a little less hectic than the places in the main area of Dotonbori. That was how we came across Wakasaya Nankai Namba along a random street. This humble restaurant is great for people who love raw seafood as they specialise in wholesome sashimi bowls at wallet-friendly prices.

Located in an obscure, quiet street of Dotonbori away from the massive crowds, the restaurant is your typical Japanese dining establishment with its narrow, cramped interior. One side of the eatery is lined with a long table with around eight seats while the other has three four-seater tables.

They have a very extensive menu, packed with every conceivable combination of sashimi bowls out there. While we were spoilt for choice, we decided to go back to the basics and ordered ourselves a Salmon Bowl (720 Yen)

The dish featured a bed of warm rice that was generously blanketed with thick strips of salmon sashimi. Each piece of salmon was fresh and evenly sliced, and we liked how each cut was thick enough for you to get a good mouthfeel of the fish without it being too cloying. We also loved how buttery the salmon was; it simply melts away in your mouth!

If you’re an indecisive person who enjoys sampling a little bit of everything, we recommend getting bowls that come with a variety of different toppings. We ourselves opted for the Negitoro, Sea Urchin & Ikura Don (1320 Yen) and were pretty impressed by it.

The dish came embellished with a generous, fresh smothering of negitoro (minced tuna), creamy uni and juicy salmon roe served once again atop a bed of warm rice.

We liked how the negitoro managed to add some richness and saltiness to the dish without being too fishy or overpowering. When mixed in with the rice, it also added a little stickiness that helped to gel the various components together.

The uni, on the other hand, had a more buttery texture that too helped enhance the dish by giving it an addictive creaminess. It also provided the dish with a subtle sweetness as well as a briny touch.

Finally, the explosive ikura (salmon roe) tied everything together by giving us little sensational pops of flavour with every mouthful.

If you’re in Dotonbori, be sure to check out Wakasaya Nankai Namba. They don’t have the best sashimi bowls in town, but we find that for the price point and the location, this spot is really worth visiting.

Wakasaya Nankai Namba
Japan, 542-0075 Osaka, Chuo Ward
Nanbasennichimae, 12?34
Tel: +81 6-6556-9508
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Osaka-Namba

Tucked away in Upper Cross Street is Whiskit Bakery & Cafe—one of the most instagrammable cafes in Singapore which serves up an array of delectable desserts!

From colourful Rainbow Cheesecakes to more local-inspired pastry such as Kaya Ondeh tarts, Whiskit Bakery & Cafe is definitely one to mark down on your list of cafes you have to try in Singapore.

Decorated with all-pink chairs and floral decor, this hidden gem of a cafe is sure to send your Instagram-senses tingling with excitement. It was also relatively easy to spot with its beautiful decor, setting it apart from the traditional stores surrounding it in this quiet part of Chinatown.

We first had a taste of their Kaya Ondeh Tart (S$4.50). It was a very petite pastry with several fluffy balls of mini Ondeh Ondeh kueh sitting atop a kaya filling and a buttery crust.

The tiny balls of Ondeh Ondeh were filled with gula melaka filling, making each chew very flavourful despite its small size. We did think that the Kaya filling was a little too runny, though. Perhaps the tart would have been made better with a thicker and more flavourful kaya filling!

Next up, we managed to try their Lemon Meringue Tart (S$6.50)—a lemon curd-filled sweet tart is topped with a torched meringue rosette.

We found Whiskit Bakery & Cafe’s Lemon Meringue Tart to be one of our favourite renditions of the French pastry. The lemon curd filling had a wonderfully smooth texture and tasted refreshingly zesty. The tart shell was also nice and buttery. With the meringue, the tart altogether was a delight to eat!

Other than the two pastries we mentioned, Whiskit Bakery & Cafe also serve up other interesting pastries such as their “Tart Kiu” Milo Tart (S$6.50) and Hazelnut Speculoos Tart (S$5).

Just a short walk from Chinatown MRT (Exit F), Whiskit Bakery & Cafe is a great place to take a short break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Whiskit Bakery & Cafe
533 Upper Cross Street, #01-33
Singapore 050533
Tel: +65 9366 6136
Mon to Sat: 11am – 8pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Chinatown

Housing many relics from the Vietnam war—including real-life tanks, choppers, artillery and ammunition, the War Remnants Museum is consistently popular with tourists, particularly Western tourists.

Few museums around the world convey the harrowing and brutal effects of war so powerfully and so accurately. In fact, many of the tools, machines and torture devices of the war are well preserved here, painting a dreadful story of the unthinkable atrocities that happened during the war.

There are many documents and photographs shown in the museum that may prove to be rather difficult to stomach. But for what it’s worth (a ticket costs just 15,000 VND per foreigner), we dare admit that the museum is truly worth spending half a day at, for what you’re likely to find, learn and experience is truly unlike any other.

Littered all over the museum’s courtyard, you will find US armoured vehicles, artillery pieces, bombs, infantry weapons and even gunboats on display. Billions of dollars worth, this military equipment were all left behind after the Northern troops invaded down South.

When Saigon finally fell and when the Americans officially departed its shores, the government in Hanoi were left with plenty of hardware to choose from to showcase as display pieces.

Referred to during the war as ‘Tiger Cages’, visitors are given an inside look into how the living conditions of prisoners were in their massive Tiger Cage exhibit.

From a wide range of torture devices to actual jail cells, the atrocities you’ll likely find is pretty grim yet fascinating.

War Remnants Museum
28 Vo Van Tan, District 3,
Ho Chi Minh City,
Tel: +84 28 3930 5587
Daily: 7am – 6pm

For more recommendations, read our Ho Chi Minh City’s guides to discover the best places to visit in the city.

When the news broke that a popular LA-based ice cream parlour was selling ice cream a unique white rabbit-flavoured ice cream, the internet went mad. Pictures of these creamy white ice creams encased in packaging that distinctively resembles the signature White Rabbit wrapping have been circulating on social media platforms and everyone has been trying to get their hands on it.

One man on Weibo even went as far as to say that “for this reason alone, [he] decided that [he was] going to LA again”. But now, all of that hype might be all for nothing because the original manufacturers of said White Rabbit Sweet, Guan Sheng Yuan, is not happy with it and may potentially sue the ice cream parlour.

The White Rabbit ice cream was first sold at Wanderlust Creamery in Los Angeles during the Lunar New Year and it was such a massive hit that they decided to extend its sales period from its original 9 days up to the end of March. To date, over 50 gallons of the ice cream has been sold. 

Photo Credit: queeniestephy

The ice cream is so coveted that it is even being recreated in countries such as Malaysia and the Philippines. It has come to the point where different rival companies have begun to compete for ready stock of the White Rabbit candy.

However, there is a small problem—the ice cream is not legally allowed to be sold without official approval by Guan Sheng Yuan.

Photo Credit: Inside Scoop 

White Rabbit manufacturer Guan Sheng Yuan has come forward and said that the product was created without authorisation and permission from the original White Rabbit company, who has been producing the popular candy since 1959. This means that Wanderlust Creamery could potentially be sued for brand infringement.

Whether this would affect future sales of White Rabbit ice cream in Wanderlust Creamery and other areas is still unclear. However, we hope that it doesn’t as we too would one day like to have the opportunity of trying this nostalgic dessert!

A brand new addition to PasarBella’s last standing outlet in Suntec City is Japanese donburi specialist, Wan Niu Wan. They mainly focus on meat-based dishes using top-quality stuff such as Iberico pork jowl, Karubi short ribs and of course, the luxe Wagyu.

An easy, quick and surprisingly wallet-friendly option in the heart of town, donburi is a great option to consider but what sets these folks apart is their clear attention to detail and the way that they treat their meat pre and post cooking, resulting in a rice bowl that’s well balanced.

Their menu is straightforward in its approach, just rice bowls featuring a variety of meat options from the high-end Wagyu to the affordable teriyaki chicken.

Boasting a heady aroma of fresh truffle and toasted sesame seeds, the Wagyu Bowl (S$25) is truly one of the most well-prepared ones we’ve tried over the years. For one, we appreciated that everything was properly seasoned and it was also great that every component of the dish was skilfully prepared.

The Wagyu, cooked to a perfect medium-rare, revealed specks of buttery fat running through the meat, indicating that it was indeed beef of exceptional quality, which, doesn’t leave much to the imagination with regards to how utterly orgasmic it tasted.

Great news though, as part of their opening promotion, this particular rice bowl is only going at S$19.90!

We also had the Karubi Rice (S$16.50), a donburi featuring a tender short rib, coated with a fruity yakitori, garlic-sesame sauce atop Japanese rice. No regrets getting this because it was literally mind-blowing.

The moment you take a bite, a number of sensations are simultaneously felt. You get the buttery, slightly sweetish soft beef that melts on the tongue followed by the fruity sauce that livens up the entire dish. This does not come with an onsen egg although we highly recommend adding it on for S$2.

Wan Niu Wan
3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-455
Singapore 038988
PasarBella Suntec City Mall
Tel: +65 8309 3212
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

Few things in life are as mind-blowing as Wagyu beef. Better yet, thick juicy slices of perfectly seared, smoky and tender Wagyu on a bed of sauced up Japanese rice, a healthy amount of pickles and an onsen egg for good measure—yes, we’re talking about Wagyu donburi.

Beef bowls are a mainstay at many Japanese restaurants, but what goes into a bowl and how every component is treated varies across the board. We particularly enjoyed the version at Waa Cow! due to its simplicity and its emphasis on flame-torching their Wagyu prior to plating.

If you’re ever planning on indulging on something as rich and luxurious as a Wagyu bowl, we urge you not to waste your calories (and money), head on down to Waa Cow! for one heck of a memorable meal.

You can’t go wrong with their Mentaiko Wagyu Beef Bowl (S$21.90) that comprises a bed of Akitakomachi rice that is topped with 24-hour sous vide Wagyu beef smeared with creamy mentaiko and a tender onsen egg.

Every component was spot on from the beef right down to the pickles served at the side. To say the least, this was easily one of the best beef bowls we’ve ever had.

At its price, the Yuzu Foie Gras Wagyu Beef Bowl (S$25.90) is a far better bargain than many that we have tried before that either cost more than double the price or just tasted underwhelming overall.

Comfortably nestled atop a bowl of fluffy Japanese rice sits a generous layer of charred, smoky slices of succulent beef, a sizeable portion of foie gras and of course, the obligatory runny onsen egg to bind it all together and to give it an additional layer of richness. The light sprinkling of yuzu peel over the foie gras does well to provide a citrusy appeal and nicely cuts through the intense fattiness.

Seafood lovers are sure to enjoy the Mentaiko Salmon Don (S$18.90), a delicious plate made with sashimi-grade salmon that is cooked medium-rare and topped with mentaiko, shoyu and a heaping mound of tobiko (flying fish roe).

Waa Cow!
5 Straits View, #01-09 Marina One
The Heart West Tower,
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 9851 1552
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

Sporting a fabulous, dimly-hued space with lots of warm lighting and greenery, Winestone is a wine lover’s oasis away from the hustle and bustle. The wine bar boasts its own wine retail store, restaurant and cocktail bar and prides itself on serving modern European dishes as well as affordable and delicious wines that serve to both complement the food and round out the experience.

When it comes to proper wining and dining, casual and comfortable are always the vibes that we go for—and immaculate service as well for that matter—, which is what makes Winestone our immediate go-to whenever we crave for good wine that won’t take too much of a toll on our bank accounts.

New to Winstone’s repertoire of food and wine offerings is their brand new 5-course gourmet Spanish Wine Pairing Dinner Menu that you can enjoy this festive season. An opportunity for any romantic looking to impress, the dinner menu comprises a host of Spanish classics as well as 5 different wines from Spain to accompany each course.

Priced at only S$98++ per pax (minimum 2 people to dine), it’s really a steal. And to make this dinner even more spectacular for you, we’re giving you an additional 20% off this menu from now until 28 Feb 2019. All you have to do is to quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservation to enjoy it!

Having undergone a series of intense tasting sessions, Winestone’s sommeliers have specially curated a very specific wine list for the menu, with one unique label served with each course. Every label presents its own unique style and flavour notes that not only serves to complement the dish that it’s served with but to also give guests a memorable wine drinking experience overall.

For expert wine drinkers, we reckon that you’ll be thoroughly impressed with their selection, and for novices like us, rest assured that your palate is in good hands.

JAMON IBERICO

Designed to ease the palate in, the Jamon Iberico—that consists of two fried eggs, bread topped with a house-made tomato jam and shavings of Jason iberico—is a roller coaster of tastes, textures and flavours.

First, you get the distinct saltiness and porky flavour from the Jamon Iberico, followed by the sweet, bright hit of the tomato jam and at the end, the richness from the fried egg. Accompanying the surprisingly heavy starter is a robust red from Spain that’s dry, has good tannins and sweet, fruity undertone—perfect for cutting through the rich flavours.

GAMBAS

Served on a stone tile is the Gambas, a deep-fried duo of crispy, battered prawns an and a cod brandade served with an aioli made using roasted peppers. A classic Spanish staple that consists of poached salted cod, olive oil and potatoes, their rendition is a great example of how simple and modest ingredients can be elevated.

The texture was smooth and the flavour of the cod was prominent. It was tasty enough on its own which rendered the aioli unnecessary for the most part and we especially loved its outer crust that was both light yet crunchy.

PAELLA

A twist on the classic seafood paella of Valencia, Spain, Winestone’s rendition truly takes it up a step—a rather bold step too, if we may add—by swopping spaghetti with the traditional Spanish short-grain bomba rice.

Cooked and served in a wide, shallow-based pan, the dish boasts a fragrant complexity of smoked paprika, saffron, parsley and fresh seafood and is delightful when enjoyed with the crisp, fruity white that accompanies it.

Every component was well executed from the delicate mussels to the fresh and plump, sweet prawns, yet, as much as we enjoyed the seafood components, there was something sorely lacking, and that was a paella’s signature socarrat, or in other words, the crusty layer that forms at the bottom of the pan.

We are huge fans of creativity and chefs who take risks, but perhaps doing without rice—a paella’s key ingredient—was pushing boundaries a tad much. If not for the deliciously fruity white that was served alongside it, we probably would not have been able to finish the entire dish.

ESTOFADOS DE CARNE

Steak or beef, in particular, is the ideal foil for a good red but as to which red best matches up to it, it really depends on how the beef is prepared.

The Estofados De Carne—essentially a Spanish beef and potato stew—served as one of the two main entrées in the menu is paired with Hado, a red from the Rioja region of Spain. Made with 100% Tempranillo grapes this style of wine has a tendency to be slightly higher in alcoholic strength but with good acid and tannins to cut through the intense fat and rich flavours well.

Allowed to simmer and reduce over a long period of time in a rich broth comprising beef stock and wine, the chunks of fork-tender beef developed a deep, dark brown sheen and a delicious complexity to it. Served atop a bed of roasted potatoes and topped with pickled jalapeños and dried chilli flakes, the dish was a delightful marriage of tastes and sensations that bolded well with the vino paired with it.

Just when we thought that we could rest our palates easy, especially after all the flavour-packed dishes prior, the dinner menu ends off with yet another bout of pure decadence.

Crispy on the outside, light and soft on the inside and generously covered with ground cinnamon and sugar, the Duo Creme Catalana With Churros is quite literally the only way—at Winestone at least—to end a meal properly. Accompanying the mammoth of a churro is a teacup-full of melted dark chocolate, a Spanish custard topped with blueberries and ice cream.

Served as the vino pairing of choice is the Zeta Cava Brut, a sparkling white that boasts fragrant aromas of citrus and apple. Fresh-tasting, crisp with small bubbles, the decadent edge of the dessert was instantly cut through, making for a pleasant, clean finish—a brilliant pairing.

Whether you’re looking to celebrate an anniversary, or simply to leave an impression on a first date, Winestone is probably one of the top places where you can take someone for a memorable wining and dining experience. And don’t forget to quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a further 20% off your bill from now until 28 Feb 2019—exclusively for our dear readers!

Winestone
Mercure Singapore on Stevens
30 Stevens Road, #01-09
Singapore 257840
Tel: +65 6491 6100
Website: www.winestone.com.sg
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 12am (bar snacks are served after 10pm)
Nearest Station: Stevens / Orchard

This post was brought to you by Winestone. 

Hidden away at the rustic and relatively unexplored Portsdown road is Wessex Tavern, a quaint English-style cafe that serves delicious Western food and is a great place to head to for brunch.

This place was set up by none other than the younger generation of the Colbar family, so you know that they will only serve you the very best of hearty grub.

They have both alfresco and air-conditioned dining, so you can take your pick depending on how the weather is like. The cafe’s interior is nice and spacious, and the whole place is decorated in a very rustic manner, making you feel like you’re being taken back in time to an old-fashioned cafe.

In terms of food and beverages, they serve lots of great breakfast, brunch and lunch options such as Bangers & Mash (S$14), Big Breakfast (S$15.80), Tavern Pan-Fried Salmon (S$15.80), Homemade Shepherd’s Pie (S$8) and Homemade Beef Stew (S$13.80).

We decided to try their Avacado Sandwich which was served on multigrain bread with romaine, rocket, tomatoes, and alfalfa (S$8.90). The bread was a bit too hard for our liking, but that was just due to the nature of multigrain bread, so if you enjoy multigrain bread this would be perfect for you.

The bread was stuffed from edge to edge with vegetables and generous chunks of avocado, so much so that we had a hard time holding it even with both our hands. All in all, we feel that it was really worth the money even though it sounds very expensive.

Wessex Tavern really is a hidden gem that is worth exploring if you’re ever in the area. We recommend that you come here if you’re looking for a place to get away from the hectic city life.

Wessex Tavern
5B Portsdown Road #01-1
Singapore 139311
Tel: +65 64757019
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Commonwealth

Do a quick Google search on chocolates and you will probably find Wimbly Lu either on that list or topping it. Known for their array of chocolate desserts, ice cream and waffles, Wimbly Lu first started off in a quaint neighbourhood of Jalan Riang and now has 2 other outlets in the heartlands of Singapore.

Located just a few doors away from Chye Seng Huat Hardware Coffee, the outlet at Tyrwhitt Road is definitely more accessible as compared to the one at Jalan Riang and the café boasts a cosy decorum that has been remodelled from an old shophouse.

We headed down on a rainy Friday afternoon to seek refuge from the rain as well as to indulge in some sweet treats, to which we were not disappointed.

Once we stepped into the café, our eyes were immediately fixated on the display of lovely chocolates and cakes, which definitely got us drooling then.

Retro lamps, mirrors, and dim lightings lend a casual yet modern charm to the place and we couldn’t wait to try the beautiful desserts that they have.

We got ourselves 2 desserts to share and the first that came up was the Jey’s Nutella Pie (S$6++). Filled with a silky smooth Nutella spread across a soft hazelnut crust, this wonderful dessert slides easily down your fork and every bite you take bursts with rich and creamy Nutella goodness that simply melts in your mouth.

Next came Clare’s Sticky Date Pudding (S$5++), which is essentially a moist sponge cake made with finely chopped dates drenched in a sweet toffee sauce and served warm.

A bite into the soft sponge cake filled with toffee sauce makes you feel as if there is a marriage of flavours happening in your mouth–the sweet toffee sauce complemented the fluffy sponge cake without being too overly decadent.

Wimbly Lu
166, Tyrwhitt Road
Singapore 207570
Tel: +65 6291 8138
Mon, Wed & Thurs: 12pm – 10.30pm
Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 10.30pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Bendemeer

*Multiple outlets islandwide

As the annual Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, it goes without a doubt that the Chinese are busy preparing for one of the most significant celebrations of the year; there are tantalising mooncakes to indulge in, paper lanterns to lit and family gatherings to attend.

For the Chinese, the gesture of exchanging mooncakes is a tradition that must not be skipped because they believe that it symbolises togetherness and completeness. This Mid-Autumn Festival, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel aims to help you convey that message with their stellar range of mooncakes.

Featuring 11 exquisite mooncake creations and a premium Mid-Autumn Gift Set that are handcrafted by the chefs of this award-winning Chinese restaurant, you can expect is nothing short of culinary genius—unique flavours, traditional mastery and modern refinement.

Available from 20 August to 24 September 2018, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel will be offering both traditional baked mooncakes alongside unique baked and snowskin creations. When it comes to their handcrafted mooncakes, there are absolutely no added preservatives or artificial flavourings.

If you are looking for something to impress your business associates or to spoil your loved ones, the Limited Edition Royal Gift Set (S$238) aims to go above and beyond.

Comprising four gold-dusted White Lotus Seed Paste Baked Mooncakes with Chrysanthemum, Mixed Grains, Serrano Ham and Salted Egg Yolk, these delights are also accompanied with a bottle of premium Villa Girardi Amarone Della Valpolicella 2013, a wine opener and a wine stopper, all encased in an elegant and auspicious two-tier satin chest box.

For those who prefer something familiar, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant is offering traditional recipes with a twist—by injecting local flavours. Drool-worthy options include the new and flavourful Chicken Bak Kwa Baked Mooncakes with Assorted Nuts (S$70) that comes without white lotus seed paste and tropical yet familiar Cempedak Paste Baked Mooncakes with Pumpkin Seeds (S$78).

As for their snowskin renditions (S$68), the restaurant is launching three exciting flavours in the likes of Mango Yoghurt Snowskin Mooncakes with Lime Margarita Truffle, Mocha Snowskin Mooncakes with Milk Chocolate Royaltine and White Lotus Seed Paste Snowskin Mooncakes with Salted Egg Truffle.

Promising only the highest quality, every mooncake by Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant is handcrafted from scratch and is hot-stamped with chinoiserie of flowers and butterflies before they are placed in a stylish two-tier red chest that exudes sophistication and class. All these indeed make the perfect gifts for your clients, business associates and family!

With a minimum purchase of 50 boxes, the Chinese restaurant is also offering complimentary personalisation of mooncake boxes with hot stamping of the company logo (terms and conditions apply).

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel’s mooncakes are available for purchase from 20 August to 24 September 2018 at the hotel’s Forecourt Stall. Alternatively, you can pre-order online over at their website.

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel (Forecourt Stall)
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4708
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

This post is brought to you by Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel.

A humble burger joint opened by the folks behind Carvers & Co, Wolf Burgers has, over the last few years, risen through the ranks to become a popular choice among burger aficionados all over Singapore.

The brand is famous for a few things, but more notably for their affordable prices and undeniably delicious burgers.

This no-frills burger joint puts out some scrumptious, meat-packed options, with most items on the menu priced below S$10. And before you begin comparing them to any ordinary fast-food restaurant, let us assure you that the quality and satisfaction that Wolf Burgers guarantees go far beyond your average happy meal.

If you’re a first-timer, perhaps it would not be a bad idea to start yourself off with their signature Wolf Burger (S$9.90). This anything-but-basic burger comprises a freshly ground beef patty with cheddar, sweet onions, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles in their house-made sesame seed bun.

Our patty was beautifully cooked, achieving the perfect medium-rare. During the cooking, the cooks press the patties down hard against the griddle to achieve a deep and even crust, all while expertly flipping and timing each one to ensure that every patty is done just right.

What we particularly enjoyed about the Wolf Burger, despite it being so simple and ordinary, was the fact that neither one of the ingredients were overly assertive, allowing us to truly appreciate the quality of the beef.

Every burger here is fully customisable, so feel free to exclude or include whatever you want from the type of cheese to their wide selection of toppings. We requested for some pickled gherkins to be added as well as we wanted something acidic to cut through the richness of the beef and melted cheese.

For an additional S$3, you can choose to upgrade to a meal that comprises any side item and a drink of your choice. There were quite a few interesting choices but the Sweet Potato Fries (S$4) seemed like the most enticing.

Crispy from edge to edge, every shoestring of sweet potato brimmed with a deep caramelised flavour—a quality that complemented our burger extremely well.

If you’re a truffle fanatic, then our advice is to go for the Truffle Fries (S$6).

The notes of truffle were apparent and the fries were nicely textured, but all in all, it was rather underwhelming as compared to its sweet potato counterpart.

Wolf Burgers
#01-43, Changi City Point,
5 Changi Business Park Central 1,
Singapore 486038
Tel: +65 6902 0486
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Expo

Read: 11 legit burger places in Singapore

Wan He Lou is a traditional Chinese restaurant along Maude Road that is well known for its popular Lobster Porridge and myriad of classic Chinese dishes.

It is the kind of restaurant that will gain instant approval from your grandmother for its cosy ambience, comforting Chinese food that will never go wrong and attentive service from the friendly wait staff.

When it comes to Chinese restaurants in Singapore that evoke nostalgia, Wan He Lou is an established brand that always seeks to deliver.

The warm lighting, Chinese lanterns, portrait photographs and round communal tables remind us of how a typical Chinese household used to look like in the past. It may be far from fancy, but the intimate, homey vibes play a huge part in getting loyal patrons to visit them time and time again.

Wan He Lou’s signature is undoubtedly their Lobster Porridge (S$31.90++ onwards), which also happens to be the pride of the restaurant’s award-winning founder chef, Lau Siaw Dee.

Cooked in Teochew style, the Lobster Porridge is a winning recipe and its success all boils down to its flavourful stock which comprises rich lobster roe and topped off with a fresh lobster that was prepared separately.

Tuck into the Truffle Pork Chops (small – S$19.90++, big – S$34.90++) should you be looking for something more substantial. Using Kurobuta pork, the tender chunks of meat came with truffle sauce that gave the pork chops an umami flavour explosion in our mouths.

Meanwhile, this sinful plate of Crispy Lotus with Salted Egg (small – S$11.90, medium – S$19.90) is worth breaking your diet for. The paper-thin lotus roots are beyond addictive; covered in a layer of golden salted egg yolk powder and accompanied by fragrant curry leaves.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Wan He Lou
65 Maude Rd
Singapore 208347
Daily: 11am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

Richly marbled wagyu is highly popular in Japan; it is almost a way of life. These pampered cattle are prized for its fats and the Japanese sure know how to appreciate wagyu.

Now, here’s the thing. Wagyu can be done in many ways, but the most unlikely way is to make gyu-katsu sandwiches out of them. It sounds like a shame; the cow didn’t die just to be stuffed in between slices of bread.

But that is exactly what Wagyumafia The Cutlet Sandwich is doing and these guys got famous for doing it! A recent trip to Tokyo made us travel to Nakameguro just for a taste of these famed (and expensive) sandwiches and we are now converts. We promise to never judge sandwiches ever again.

Sandwiches are usually sad and boring. Well, how exciting can bacon, lettuce and tomato get?

But Wagyumafia The Cutlet Sandwich in Tokyo gives sandwiches a new definition and instantly ups its appeal factor. These brilliant guys offer rich cuts of beef as their only filling for sandwiches and you’d have to try these sandwiches yourself to understand that indulgent feeling of a wagyu sandwich.

Yes, prices are not cheap; you have been warned. And, the small stall in Nakameguro has no ambience to speak of. Don’t expect a fancy place just because you are paying so much for a sandwich; it is really just a few bar tables to stand around, and two small tables outside the stall if you need a seat.

But nobody cares about all these frills when you have good gyu-katsu sandwiches. There is a variety of wagyu for you to choose from; the cheapest being a minced version for a mere ¥1,000. We’d say don’t bother with this and just go for the better cuts such as the Wagyu Zabuton Sando (¥5,000) and Wagyu Fillet Sando (¥10,000).

If you are willing to splurge, go for the Kobe Beef Shabu Sando—the most expensive wagyu sandwich on the menu at ¥20,000.

Every piece is deep-fried with a precise control of time to make the exterior slightly crisp, and for the sweet juices to be retained on the inside so that every bite is a gratifying one. Bread slices are lightly buttered and grilled for a while before they envelop your choice of wagyu. You can choose to have it with or without pickles.

That moment when you bite into the sandwich, you will be greeted with a sheer explosion of beefy flavours. And if you get the better cuts, you can literally feel the warm fats melting on your tongue.

To complete the experience, Wagyumafia also offers a range of Japanese craft beers.

Wagyumafia The Cutlet Sandwich
108 Meguro-ku,
Kamimeguro, 1 Chome?26
Tokyo, Japan 153-0051
Nearest Station: Naka-Meguro

We are always up for a buffet that pays tribute to Asia’s vibrant culinary traditions and if you are someone who enjoys the rich and diverse flavours of Southeast Asian recipes and are always on a hunt for affordable buffets, try Window on the Park at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre. Year after year, Window on the Park has been constantly expanding and refining their buffet spread.

Featuring three Seafood Woks—Sambal tomato, black pepper and cream sauce—that comprise crustaceans such as lobster, crab, crayfish, prawn, clams and mussels, these new highlights at Window On The Park are the creations of Executive Chef Ivan Lim and his dedicated culinary team.

The best part? From now until 14th May 2018, diners are entitled to one Seafood Wok per person on top of their popular 1-For-1 weekend dinner from Fridays to Sundays (S$96++ for two pax)!

Aside from that, look forward to other Asian delights such as laksa ‘live’ station, seafood on ice as well as DIY rojak and kueh pie tee stations. Can we also add that there is complimentary beer for everyone who quotes ‘ladyironchef’ upon making reservations?

SEAFOOD WOK – BLACK PEPPER

Starting with our favourite of the lot, the Black Pepper Seafood Wok is slightly different from the usual black pepper sauce Singaporeans are used to.

While still boasting the usual peppery spiciness, Chef Ivan Lim’s rendition comes with some sweetness in it too; the sauce strikes a harmonious blend of flavours that will have you licking up your fingers.

SEAFOOD WOK – SAMBAL TOMATO

Inspired by Malaysian and West Javanese culinary techniques, the Sambal Tomato Seafood Wok is a nostalgic taste all locals will be familiar with. The spicy and slightly tangy sauce is made from a blend of sambal chili, tomato paste and a combination of various Asian spices to bring about complex layers that enhance the natural sweetness of the lobster, crab, crayfish and other seafood in the wok.

Pro tip: get a mantou (deep-fried bun) from the buffet counter and dip it into the sambal tomato sauce for the ultimate satisfaction.

SEAFOOD WOK – CREAM SAUCE

If you are not one who enjoys spicy food, then the cream sauce will work instead.

Window On The Park’s Cream Sauce Seafood Wok is a treasure chest filled with all sorts of seafood goodness and sits in a pool of luscious cream sauce. We thoroughly enjoyed digging into the crab legs which were oozing with full-favoured cream sauce.

LAKSA ‘LIVE’ STATION

The ever-popular laksa ‘live’ station at Window On The Park is one that regulars will always make a beeline for. Guests can customise their very own laksa, just the way they enjoy it. Choose between yellow or white noodles (have them both if you wish) and add on toppings such as prawn, fish cake, hard-boiled egg and bean sprouts.

Do not be shy about making multiple trips back to the laksa station because that was what we did too!

ASIAN DELIGHTS

Once you are done with the signatures, it is time to go all out on the Asian spread at the main buffet counters. Some options on rotation include Singapore Chili Crab, Hong Kong Fried Noodles, Bak Kwa and Lotus Rice.

Do not skip their two DIY stations where you can make your own kueh pie tee and Chinese rojak.

DESSERT COUNTER

Should you still have room after all the feasting, head over to the dessert section where you will be able to choose among classic desserts such as brownie, cupcake, whole cakes and ice cream as well as Asian delights in the likes of durian pengat and red bean pancake.

Do note that diners are entitled to one Seafood Wok per person and it can be ordered from any of the friendly service staff at Window On The Park. Dine in a group of two or more and get to enjoy a wok prepared specially for you and served to your table.

Here’s also a gentle reminder to quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy complimentary beer for everyone at the table!

Succulent Seafood In A Wok
Dinner (Friday to Sunday): 6.30pm -10.30pm
S$96++ for two persons, S$24 nett per child (6 to 12 years old)

Window On The Park
11 Cavenagh Rd, #02-00
Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre,
Singapore 229616
Tel: +65 6733 8333
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset / Dhoby Ghaut

This post is brought to you by Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre.

Korean BBQ restaurants in Seoul are on a whole new level—think high-quality meat at lower prices, using only charcoal grills to give the meat a smokey taste. 

If you are looking for a good Korean BBQ restaurant that is conveniently located in Myeongdong, we highly recommend Wangbijib restaurant for its delicious range of grilled meat and easy accessibility.  

Wangbijib currently has three branches in Seoul and the outlet at Myeongdong is nestled within the second level of a building. Although the restaurant looks spacious, the seating capacity is limited so do expect to queue if you are visiting during peak hours.

One thing to note at Wangjibip is that they have great ventilation systems so you would not leave the restaurant smelling like Korean BBQ.

While prices are not the cheapest in the city, the Korean restaurant is very popular among locals and tourists because of the obvious difference in quality as compared to other KBBQ joints in Seoul.

Wangjibip offers free-flow Banchan. We had the standard banchan dishes such as steamed bean sprouts, broccoli, kimchi and fresh lettuce. Feel free to get a bottle of soju to complete your dining experience!

Moving onto the best part—the glorious meat!

We had the Grilled Assorted Premium Beef (W33,000 for 150g) which is a mixture of different premium beef cuts. The luscious cuts of meat were bright red in colour and came with a good layer of melt-in-your-mouth beef fats.

The servers at Wangbijib are trained to grill the meat for you so all you have to do is sit back and watch the magic happen.

Our medium rare beef slices were grilled to perfection; tender and flavourful on every bite, with a subtle smokey taste thanks to the charcoal. We are still salivating at the thought of it!

If you look closer, you will notice that Portobello mushrooms are given at the side as well. They may look unassuming but all of us at the table were raving about it—the mushrooms are surprisingly juicy and sweet.

Grilled Pork Skirt Meat (W15,000 for 150g) was perfectly done as well. While it is not as tender as the beef, it has a chewy texture and is a flavoursome addition to your grill. The portion was smaller than expected but you get a better grade of meat in return.

You should also go for their Soybean Paste Stew (W4,500). Served hot from the kitchen, ours came with a generous serving of tofu and vegetables.

Wangbijib
26, Myeongdong 8ga-gil
Jung-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 3789 1945
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Myeongdong

If the words, USDA Black Angus Beef, dry-aged and tender are among your top few trigger words then great news for all you steak and meat aficionados, because Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is opening its first outlet in Singapore!

Making its debut on 14 October 2017, this New York institution will open its doors at the InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is famed for serving tender cuts of prime USDA Black Angus beef, which are dry-aged for about a month in their in-house proprietary ageing room and cooked using traditional methods.

Photo Credit: Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

The original Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in New York was started by father-son duo, Wolfgang and Peter Zwiener in 2004. Wolfgang had over four decades of experience at the legendary Peter Luger Steakhouse in Brooklyn.

Photo Credit: Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

All steaks, from the rib-eye to the filet mignon, arrive piping hot with a caramelised crust on the outside and melt-in-the-mouth tender meat on the inside.

The restaurant offers lunch, happy hour and dinner daily, but stay tuned for the launch of their new weekend brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays—14 October needs to arrive sooner because our bellies can barely contain the excitement!

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
1 Nanson Rd
InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay, 2nd Floor
Singapore 238909
Daily: 11.30am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Window on the Park at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre has a lobster buffet spread that focuses on Asian delights, though there are still international elements.

Paying homage to the ASEAN Golden Jubilee and the region’s rich culinary heritage, Window on the Park will be showcasing culinary styles and dishes from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore. This is part of their Southeast Asian Culinary Dinner Showcase that happens every evening from Monday to Thursday and it is only going at S$80++ for two pax.

And as you gear up for the weekend from Friday and through to Sunday, reward yourself with the ultimate seafood treat—the Boston Lobster Weekend. Making its debut at the live station is the pan-seared Boston lobster as well as a myriad of seafood indulgences including baby lobster, fresh succulent prawns and scallops—all this for a steal of S$96++ for two pax! Window On The Park’s buffet promotions will be available from now until 30 November 2017.

While many other buffet restaurants out there pride themselves on having the largest and most extensive range of food and cuisines, Window on the Park adopts the ‘less is more’ approach by dishing out a substantially sized spread of only the good stuff, allowing diners to be able to savour each and every item before their bellies beg them to stop. Read on to find out just what stellar creations they have in store!

With brightly lit chandeliers looming in the air, Window on the Park maintains a cosy atmosphere that is inviting to diners from all walks of life—from t-shirt and shorts-clad hotel guests to office workers.

The evening buffet spread at Window on the Park encompasses the culinary icons from across the region so you can expect to load up on dishes such as chilli crab, fish head curry and roti prata—just to name a few.

This stellar line-up takes is available every evening from Mondays to Thursdays from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, from now right up to 30 November 2017.

CHILLI CRAB

This iconic dish is one that requires no introduction. Fresh crabs are stir-fried to perfection and tossed with copious amounts of that luxuriously thick sweet and mildly spicy chilli crab sauce. With crab meat that firm and sweet, coupled with a chilli sauce that decadent and flavourful, we must admit that it is difficult to be disappointed.

Deep fried buns (or mantous) are also part of the spread to help you ensure that you mop up every morsel of that delicious sauce.

FISH HEAD CURRY

This spicy Indian dish is a scintillating stew of curry cooked with vegetables and the whole head of a fish—typically a Red Snapper. Subtly tart with a good amount of spice and umami, this is a dish best enjoyed with plain rice.

ROTI PRATA WITH FISH CURRY

Many locals may find it ridiculous to eat a dish as common as roti prata at a buffet but we beg to differ. Crispy on the outside whilst maintaining a soft and chewy interior, this is an extremely versatile item that can be used to mop up anything (not just curries)—we used it to mop up the chilli crab sauce and it was pretty darn delicious!

BAMBOO CLAMS WITH THAI BASIL

The bamboo clams were juicy and fresh and prepared using common Thai ingredients. The end result was succulent and flavourful shellfish and the use of bell peppers really helped to enhance the sweet flavours of the clams—it was so good that we just had to go for seconds.

BLACK PEPPER CLAMS

Clams are versatile in that whatever it lacks in a scallop’s melodic sweetness and an oyster’s distinct flavour, they make up for in their rich, earthy notes and subtle brininess.

As such, serving it in a Malaysian style that uses lots of black pepper and oyster sauce does well to bring out a supple sweetness from the clams. Tasty and incredibly flavourful, this dish would certainly go well with some rice to mellow out the flavours.

SAMBAL STINGRAY

The sambal stingray here ranks pretty close to the ones you would typically get at zi char stalls. The sambal was spicy and mildly sweet and the stingray was tender enough to slip off the bone easily. It also gave off a nice smokey aroma which was rounded off nicely with a squeeze of fresh lime.

BOSTON LOBSTER

On Friday evenings right through to Sunday, treat yourself to as much Boston lobsters as you can possibly stomach. Cooked to perfection by Executive Chef Ivan Lim and his culinary team, the pan-seared Boston lobsters boast a subtle charred quality that really boosts the umami of this dish.

The meat of the lobster itself was sweet, succulent and plump. Overall a hugely satisfying seafood dish, which is no wonder why a batch of these bad boys can disappear in literally minutes.

END YOUR MEAL OFF ON A SWEET NOTE

We highly recommend that you do not overstuff yourselves at the main buffet, but even if you do, just make sure to leave a tiny room for dessert. Offering a small yet substantial array of both local and international sweet treats—such as their creamy durian pengat and their Portuguese egg tarts that will have you longing for seconds, and possibly even thirds!

Whoever said that indulging should be a costly affair? This delectable array of Southeast Asian culinary delights can be enjoyed at only S$80++ for two persons. It is available from Mondays to Thursdays between 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

And if you love lobsters, do not miss out on their Boston Lobster Weekend going for only S$96++ for two persons that takes place every Friday to Sunday between 6.30pm to 10.30pm. A price like that for Boston lobsters is as unbelievable as it is hard to come by.

These lovely spreads are available from now right up to 30 November 2017. Do note that the menu items are on a rotational basis and they are subject to changes.

Window On The Park
11 Cavenagh Rd, #02-00
Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre,
Singapore 229616
Tel: +65 6733 8333
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset / Dhoby Ghaut

This post is brought to you by Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre.

Singaporeans seem to have an unfathomable appetite for waffles. Over the years, many cafes and dessert joints have boasted the iconic dish in numerous innovative ways to satisfy our cravings (and Instagram feeds), but it is a shame that in the midst of all the hype, many people have neglected one of Singapore’s oldest fried chicken and waffle joint.

Waffletown at Balmoral Plaza is a family-owned retro fast food restaurant that has been serving American food such as burgers, fried chicken and Belgian waffles for the last thirty odd years in Singapore.

At Waffletown, expect no gimmicks, just great food and possibly the best (and simplest) waffles around.

The first thing that greeted us at Waffletown was the strong whiff of fried chicken goodness coupled with the sweet, doughy smell from freshly made waffles—we had officially arrived in Heaven.

To cool ourselves down, we started off with one of their signature Belgium waffles topped with ice cream (S$2.90). At first glance, you may assume this dish to be immensely basic—well it is—but it was so good.

Raspberry ripple flavoured ice cream atop a toasty and crunchy waffle. Perfect for a hot day—or any day for that matter.

The two-piece fried chicken (S$8.50) was beyond amazing. Marinated and deep-fried to perfection, the chicken was super crispy on the outside but moist and succulent on the inside. An added bonus is that it was not the slightest bit oily.

The sides that came along with it were decent but nothing much to shout about.

We also got the Super Value Meal (S$6.80) which consisted of a deep-fried boneless chicken thigh, white rice and a fried egg with a runny yolk. For what it’s worth, we think that it is a pretty good deal considering the large portion size.

The chicken was deep fried to perfection and the egg was cooked just right. However, we wish the rice could have been more aromatic and flavourful to better complement the other two components.

Waffletown was truly a breath of fresh air. A cosy eatery devoid of the hustle and bustle and pretentious aesthetics, serving comfort food at reasonable prices. We will definitely be back.

Waffletown Singapore
271 Bukit Timah Road #01-08
Balmoral Plaza
Tel: +65 6836 6536
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Newton

We like to start our day right with a hearty breakfast, especially when we travel as a robust meal will give us enough fuel to go about during the day. Whale And Co is a fantastic place with great breakfast and excellent coffee if you are looking for a simple breakfast spot in Seminyak, Bali.

Diners can get mains at wallet-friendly prices, ranging from RP25,000 to RP60,000 (S$2.50 to S$6). Besides food, the cafe is also building a steady reputation on Indonesian artisan coffee and cold pressed juices.

Featuring colourful signages and glossy mirrors on pastel blue walls, Whale And Co boasts an energetic and cheerful atmosphere where visitors can settle in for a meal and a chat with their friends.

Avocado lovers, hands up! You have to try their Avo Smash Sandwich (RP55,000/ S$5.50) which comes with poached eggs lying atop smooth avocado and toasted bread. The addition of chopped almond crumbs gave the dish more variety in terms of both taste and texture.

For something simpler, we recommend The Good Eggs (RP35,000/ S$3.50). What you get is essentially two eggs (poached/ sunny-side-up/ scrambled eggs), buttered toast and your choice of sauteed spinach and mushroom or salad of the day.

Of course, what is breakfast without a cup of coffee? We enjoyed their Cappuccino (RP28,000/ S$2.80) which came with a slight bitter aftertaste from the espresso. Other caffeine choices at the cafe include Americano (RP23,000/ S$2.30) and Cafe Latte (RP28,000/ S$2.80).

Whale And Co
Jalan Nakula, gang Kresna unit 3 Seminyak
Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 0878 6156 0977
Mon to Sat: 8am – 7pm
Sun: 8am – 3pm