Nestled amongst private housing estates in the Lorong Ah Soo neighbourhood, Purist Patisserie is a beautiful boutique patisserie tucked away on the end of shop houses of The Promenade @ Kilat. Primarily opened for custom cake orders and collections, this boutique patisserie is on a journey to make exquisite pastries fun and delightful for everyone.

With an assortment of exquisite cakes and French bakes, you can expect to indulge in creative desserts that are put together with quality ingredients and a whole lot of heart.

Decked in pastel pink and featuring rose gold and marble elements, Purist Patisserie exudes a serene ambience which makes an ideal spot to unwind over a good book or an afternoon tea with friends in Kovan. Only open for walk-ins from Friday to Sunday, Purist Patisserie is the next place you should pop by this weekend.

The boutique patisserie’s delicate Fleur (S$8) is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and definitely made for the ‘gram. Expect a luxurious raspberry mousse sandwiched between a crispy thin waffle biscuit and a layer of delicate white chocolate, and topped with freeze-dried berries, popping lychee bobas and blue cornflower.

Much like your mango sticky rice, the Cebu Surprise (S$8) features similar components but with a slightly different flavour profile. Made with coconut and Jasmine rice mousse, the cake is filled slightly with mango gelatin and it sits above a base made of puffed rice and crushed cookies that is laced with white chocolate.

The aromatic mousse went really well with the mango filling but it was the crunchy texture from the base that brought the entire dessert together and made it simply addictive.

Apart from what we have tried, Purist Patisserie also offers a selection of single cakes and French bakes such as madeleines, financiers and chouquettes.

Purist Patisserie offers interesting and unique cakes which are worth a try. We would highly recommend this new patisserie for some sweet fix over the weekends and away from the bustling crowd.

Purist Patisserie
183 Jalan Pelikat
#01-01 The Promenade@Pelikat
Singapore 537643
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 6pm
(Closed on Mondays to Thursdays)
Nearest station: Kovan MRT Station

Looking for a new spot to bring your Muslim amigos for dinner? The Great Mischief is a new Halal Catalan-inspired Tapas concept in Little India that you need to know about it!

Look no further for this new concept by The Black Hole Group offers a menu of savoury Spanish cuisine and house blend coffee. An overdue catch up with your compañero is calling!

From the folks that brought you Working Title, Afterwit, The Mad Sailors and Santap, The Great Mischief is a new halal-certified Spanish tapas bar and the fifth installation from The Black Hole Group.

Sprawled across the lobby of The Great Madras hotel, The Great Mischief adds a vibrant and playful Catalonian twist to the vintage setting of the hotel and rich heritage of Little India.

Photos Credit: The Great Mischief

Besides a humble range of delectable and affordable Catalan-inspired savoury tapas such as Coca Pizza, Croquetas and Calamares Sliders, the restaurant also offers a selection of Spanish-style desserts such as Churros and Torrijas alongside mocktails, speciality coffee and tea.

Inspired by the gastronomical culture of Catalonia, this place makes the perfect spot for sharing good food and spending quality time with family and friends.

If Spanish cuisine isn’t up your alley, you can check out these other Instagram-worthy Halal-certified cafés in Singapore for that caffeine fix or some late night sweet treats.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 3 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.

The Great Mischief
28 Madras Street
Singapore 208422
Tel: +65 9392 2762
Sun to Thurs: 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri and Sat: 6pm – 2am
Closed on Tuesdays
Nearest Station: Rochor MRT

Looking for something new besides the cluster of food establishments along Dempsey Hill? Carrotsticks & Cravings is a cafe and cooking school in the Dempsey neighbourhood that is helmed by Terri-Anne, a Melbourne expat who is passionate about creating healthy recipes that do not compromise on taste for her family and friends.

Guests can expect to dine on superfoods and other healthy dishes inspired by the owner’s family, friends, cookbooks and travel experiences. The all-encompassing breakfast and brunch menu includes vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free options. Yes, this is a new place that will please all the health junkies.

The cafe’s al fresco seating arrangement boasts a very calm and relaxing atmosphere so you can unwind and partake in soulful food. Opened from morning to early afternoon daily, Carrotsticks & Cravings is the next place you should be checking out soon.

The concise menu is divided into two sections—mainly breakfast and lunch items. Some breakfast options you have there include Smashed Avo, Organic Acai Breakfast Bowl and Breakfast Berry Parfait.

What you should not miss, however, is their Sourdough Special—you can add your favourite toppings including feta, bacon, smoked salmon and more.

Lunch at Carrotsticks & Cravings is a delicious affair too. The lunch menu features Quinoa and Pomegranate Salad, Green Falafel Bowl and Quinoa Tart With Side Salad among others.

Those who are bringing the little ones along will be keen on knowing that they have a Kids Menu with highlights such as Scrambled Eggs And Sourdough, Mini Acai Bowl and Coconut Water And Fresh Fruit Popsicles.

Carrotsticks & Cravings
75E Loewen Road
Singapore 248845
Daily: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

All photos are credited to Carrotsticks & Cravings. 

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2018/01/carrotsticks-cravings/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/12/eggs-n-things-singapore/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/12/eggs-n-things-singapore/#comments Mon, 18 Dec 2017 07:07:47 +0000 Julee Ooi http://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=153884 Continue reading →]]>

A new breakfast place is opening up at Plaza Singapura and it is featuring two signature items we cannot get enough of—eggs and pancakes! If you are a fan of pancakes, omelettes and crepes, you definitely have to keep a lookout for Eggs n’ Things, a popular eatery hailing all the way from Waikiki, Hawaii.

Founded in 1974, Eggs n’ Things’ outlets are currently found only in Hawaii and Japan but Singaporeans are in for a real treat when they open their doors to the public soon. Dedicated to serving quality food using only the freshest ingredients while keeping prices affordable, the eatery brings the ‘spirit of Aloha’ to Singapore shores.

Over here in Singapore, diners can expect Eggs n’ Things to feature popular items from their menu such the fluffy and light buttermilk pancakes which are often touted as one of the best in Hawaii! Try the pancakes that are topped with their iconic whipped cream made using a special recipe.

You will not be disappointed when it comes to their speciality omelettes too—every omelette dish comes with three fresh eggs and they are served with steamed rice, fried potatoes or three buttermilk pancakes. Just the thought of it is making us hungry!

Eggs n’ Things has yet to declare their official opening date so keep your eyes peeled for it!

Eggs n’ Things
68 Orchard Road
#03-79/83, Plaza Singapura
Singapore 238839
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

All photos are credited to Eggs ‘n Things. 

The Glasshouse Specialty Coffee & Toast Bar is a new standalone cafe in CHIJMES that, as its name suggests, serves up a range of speciality coffees from your humble latte to some pretty neat hand-dripped brews to a myriad of hearty toasts.

The cafe opened not too long ago and has been a hit among those in search of some respite from the bustling city. Filled with plants, lots of natural sunlight and good vibes, there is no way anyone would doubt this spot as a haven to retreat to for a nice coffee on a lazy afternoon.

Start your day right, or end it on a (caffeine) high—it’s up to you. But take it from us, there is probably nowhere in the city that boasts a better ambience than that of The Glasshouse at CHIJMES.

Housed in a standalone glass structure that resembles that of a greenhouse, sporting floor-to-ceiling windows and lots of lush greenery, The Glasshouse provides some much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is a haven where one can simply lounge about, sip on a coffee and grab a bite.

The Glasshouse menu is a simple one—mainly hot and cold beverages, a few different types of toast and some pastries to go with your coffee.

For the avocado fanatics, be sure to try their Avocado Toast (S$7). As humble (and small) as this avocado-on-toast looks, it actually makes for a pretty substantial breakfast given the fair amount of carbs and fats in it.

Perhaps one of the more intriguing qualities of this particular item is their use of Dukkah. For the uninitiated, Dukkah is an Egyptian condiment that consists of a mixture of herbs, nuts, and spices.

Whether you are an avid cafe hopper, coffee aficionado or simply someone in search of a new hangout spot within the city, we are sure that you will find just what you’re looking for at Glasshouse. 

The Glasshouse
30 Victoria Street
#01-K11 CHIJMES
Singapore 187996
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

Bok’s Kitchen is a homey cafe situated along Boon Lay Avenue and it is a new F&B project from the same team behind The Hidden Chefs which specialises in private dining arrangements.

Featuring a progressive menu comprising dishes that are unlike the standard cafe fare, Bok’s Kitchen delights taste buds with primarily local flavours with a mixture of other Asian and Western influences

Diners can expect a variety of mains such as filling rice bowls, breakfast items and sides, as well as a small selection of desserts and drinks. The casual atmosphere at Bok’s Kitchen makes it a great destination for westies to pop by for an affordable fuss-free meal with their family and friends.

Nestled within an HDB block, Bok’s Kitchen is an 11-minute bus ride away from Lakeside MRT Station. As the estate is rather new, those who are looking to have a meal in a quiet environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city will enjoy dining at this humble cafe.

We were pleasantly surprised that the Char Siew Rice Bowl (S$9++) at Bok’s Kitchen fared better than most of the rice bowls that we’ve had in Singapore.

The generous pieces of tender char siew came in a glorious shade of red, with charred edges that gave the meat some textural variety. Alongside Papa Bok’s Legendary Char Siew were runny sous vide egg, fragrant Italian spiced rice and some sliced pickles that helped to elevate the natural flavours of the char siew.

Another star dish at Bok’s Kitchen is the Beef Rice Bowl (S$12++) While we love the intense beef flavours of the juicy steak, we felt that it would be better if diners are able to choose their preferred doneness to enhance the entire experience. Similar to other rice bowls, the beef flank steak was accompanied with Italian spiced rice and sous vide egg cooked at precisely 63 degrees Celsius.

Bok’s Kitchen by Hidden Chefs
Blk 216 Boon Lay Avenue, #01-01
Singapore 640216
Tue to Fri: 11am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 9pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Lakeside

The Wired Monkey is a new speciality coffee shop nestled just off Little India along Dunlop Street. Besides serving up amazing coffee, they also have some interesting food offerings that delve away from your typical cafe fare.

Their Falafel Burger comes highly recommended and their banana cake is the perfect accompaniment for your freshly brewed coffee. The Wired Monkey uses a blend of coffee from Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, a veteran in Singapore’s coffee scene.

If you’re tired, The Wired Monkey is, without a doubt, an excellent place to get wired.

If you happen to be a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, then the Falafel Burger (S$12) should be right up your alley.

This unconventional cafe item consists of a deep-fried patty made primarily from chickpeas and is stacked with kale, a refreshing tomato compote and tzatziki (a common Greek sauce made with yoghurt, cucumber, garlic and sometimes mint).The dish comes served with thick, crispy wedges of sweet potato fries.

For coffee aficionados who adore the robust, medium-bodied blends that come from Tiong Hoe Speciality Coffee, you will be happy to know that The Wired Monkey sources their blends from them. So you can expect to always have a solid brew to go along with their tantalising array of dishes.

The Wired Monkey
5 Dunlop Street, #01-00
Singapore 209335
Tel: +65 9022 0194
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 9am – 7pm
Sat: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Little India

All photos are credited to The Wired Monkey SG.

Calling all meat lovers and those passionate about a good steak—there is a new steak bar in town that you will not want to miss.

Sharing the same shop space as The Bao Makers, Butler’s Steakbar is the newest resident eatery along the food-laden Jiak Chuan Road. Like its name suggests, diners can expect to tuck into to luxurious steaks, gourmet burgers and possibly the crispiest French fries around.

Although a spot like Jiak Chuan Road may be home to a considerable amount of fine-dining establishments, you can rest assured that dining here is anything but expensive. Priding themselves with serving up exceptional cuts of beef and a variety of gourmet dishes without an overly exorbitant price tag attached, Butler’s Steakbar is one that all steak lovers should check out.

Butler’s Steakbar and The Bao Makers join the list of restaurants with dual concepts that transform through the day.

The Bao Makers operates in the day while Butler’s Steakbar takes over its operations at night. Their menu features anything from gourmet burgers, sensational sides and of course not forgetting their signature Butler Steak.

Make no mis-steak, although prices here for food are rather affordable compared to its fine-dining neighbours, what you can expect at Butler’s Steakbar is nothing short of delicious.

The restaurant’s pride and joy—the Butler Steak—is a black Angus flat iron steak and it is only available in limited portions daily.

For the uninitiated, the flat iron is a steak cut that comes from the shoulder of the cow. The flat iron is rich in beefy flavours and is also incredibly tender when cooked properly, but the only flaw of this particular cut is a thick piece of connective tissue that runs through the middle of it—which experienced cooks should all know to remove before cooking.

Modestly seasoned without overwhelming the natural flavour of the beef, the Butler’s Steak comes with a simple side salad and a serving of rock salt that really helps to bring out the natural flavours of the black Angus.

Butler’s Steakbar
4 Jiak Chuan Road
Singapore 089261
Tel: +65 6291 2330
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 6pm to 1am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

All photos are credited to Butler’s Steakbar

Nestled in an enclave of cafes in Tiong Bahru, Merci Marcel is a chic French café that took over the premises of the now-defunct The Orange Thimble. Located right next to Tiong Bahru Bakery, the café operates as a brunch spot in the day and transforms into a casual bar at night.

With a variety of French bakes and mains features in their daytime menu and an even larger assortment of hot beverages and alcoholic drinks, Merci Marcel is the perfect place for a gathering with friends or a romantic date with your other half.

Here’s a peek into what you can expect from this enchanting Parisian-style cafe in Tiong Bahru.

Merci Marcel is an Instagram-worthy Parisian-style café that emits a charming ambience and it is separated into three dining areas—an outdoor lounge, the main dining hall with a fully-stocked bar and an air-conditioned courtyard.

With natural sunlight filtering in through the glass roof, the cafe’s iconic indoor courtyard boasts the best seats for food and OOTD pictures.

The cafe’s delightful Smoked Salmon Burger (S$21++) makes for a wholesome meal that will start your day right if you are dropping by for breakfast. Their robust burger came with warm toasted bretzel bun, avocado slides, smoked ham and a side of mesclun salad tossed in olive oil and white wine vinegar dressing.

End your meal on a sweet note with a plate of French Toasts Brioche (S$17++), drizzled with honey and topped with summer berries. The French toast was very aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and definitely made for the ‘gram but the taste was not mindblowing and we have tried better ones elsewhere.

However, Merci Marcel’s signature croissant (S$3++) is a must-order! The croissant might look ordinary but the taste was phenomenal—it was one of the best croissants that we’ve had in Singapore.

Patrons can expect an airy and flaky crisp croissant baked with rich and creamy French butter which made it good on its own. The raspberry jam provided at the side gave it a zesty contrast and added an uplifting bite to the croissant.

Patrons can also look forward to other options such as Ravioles de Royans (S$18++) and three goat cheese platter (S$24++).

Coffee lovers will be interested to know that Merci Marcel outsources their coffee beans from Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee where the beans are roasted locally in Singapore.

Without a doubt, this Parisian café is gaining attention fairly quickly for its charming ambience and we would definitely recommend this brunch spot to our friends.

Merci Marcel
56 Eng Hoon Street #01-68
Singapore 160056
Tel: +65 6224 0113
Tue to Fri: 9am – 11.30pm
Sat and Sun: 8am – 11.30pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

Words by Fion Lee
Edited by Julee Ooi

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

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

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

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

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

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

EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS CLASSICS

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

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

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

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

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

ASIAN DELIGHTS

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

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

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

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

WESTERN AND ASIAN HOT SPECIALTIES

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

CRAYFISH LAKSA ‘LIVE’ STATION

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

SEAFOOD ON ICE

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

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

FESTIVE ARTISANAL DESSERTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This post is brought to you by Mercure Singapore Bugis

MINIONS CAFE is slated to open in Singapore this November!

Managed by the same team behind the extremely successful Pokémon cafe, PARCO is bringing the first pop-up MINIONS CAFE to Singapore from 23 Nov 2017 to 21 Jan 2018. Fans of this cute yellow cartoon character in popular animated film ‘Despicable Me 3′ must not miss it for anything in the world!

Here in Singapore, guests can expect a myriad of Minion-themed food and beverages at the cafe and be spoiled with over 14 options on the menu that are inspired by the movie’s characters and stories.

Here’s an overview of what you can expect from MINIONS CAFE Singapore.

The MINIONS CAFE operated as the “The Despicable Me 3 Cafe” in Japan at five “THE GUEST cafe&diner” outlets located in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo and Fukuoka during July and September this year.

Following the cafe’s theme, guests can expect to be impressed with a myriad of Minion-themed mains, sides, beverages and desserts that make for great photo taking opportunities.

MINION-THEMED FOOD

For instance, you can choose to start your meal with the Minion’s Great Escape Cream Stew (S$20.90)—which looks extremely appealing, with a giant Minion character right in the center of the pan.

The yellow rice is mixed with saffron powder to give it that dark yellow hue and we recommend having it with the savoury cream sauce given at the side to boost the overall flavour. Every order comes with a mini salad drenched in thousand island dressing.

If you are craving for some fried food, pick the Minion Riceball Party (S$21.90)! Kids will love the fun-looking minion rice balls that come with accompanying sides such as crispy french fries and deep-fried tempura.

Alternatively, they also have other minion-themed mains such Minions Vacation Plate (S$23.90) and Pizza Box (S$13.90).

MINION-THEMED DRINKS

Feeling thirsty? Go for the Up-side-down Minion Jelly Soda Drink (S$12.90), Gru & Lucy “Grucy” Soda (S$8.90) or the Be Bad! Café Latte which can be served either hot (S$8.90) or cold (S$9.50). Although we must say, they really look too adorable for consumption!

MINION-THEMED DESSERTS

Of course, you have to end your meal with yet another Minion-themed dessert—S’more & Minion’s Ice Cream. What you get in this dessert is a scoop of refreshng mango ice cream and perfectly torched marshmellows that melt in your mouth.

As much as we enjoyed it, we had to pair the sweet treat with digestive biscuits to balance the sweetness on our palates.

Other dessert items on their menu include Minion Pudding (S$24.90) and Caramelised Banana (S$16.90).

Visitors can also look forward to exclusive MINIONS CAFE Original Goods which are not available elsewhere at the cafe. Besides that, there will also be other official “Despicable Me 3” merchandise on sale for you to shop to your heart’s content.

MINIONS CAFE – THE GUEST cafe&diner
181 Orchard Road
#03-23/24/25, Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/11/minions-cafe-singapore/feed/ 7 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/11/the-bettership-singapore/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/11/the-bettership-singapore/#comments Mon, 13 Nov 2017 02:09:10 +0000 Dick Tan http://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=150457 Continue reading →]]>

The Bettership, a sashimi-centric eatery, has recently opened up on the ground floor of The Cathay. This humble Japanese eatery serves up boats—yes, boats—of fresh restaurant-standard sashimi as well as show-stopping donburi.

Priced decently at no more than S$20 for a sizeable donburi, this makes it a rather affordable option as opposed to many restaurants. And if you happen to be in the area during noon time, take advantage of their set lunch promotion. Available from 12pm to 6pm on weekdays, their Chirashi Don goes for only S$15.90 with the addition of a bowl of miso soup and green tea.

If you happen to be looking for a bite either before or after a movie or simply just an affordable alternative to satisfy your sashimi cravings, The Bettership is a great spot to check out.

The Bettership adopts a rather simple hole-in-the-wall concept with an open kitchen where diners can watch as their food gets prepared. Sticking true to its name, you will also notice that the shape of the dining counter is shaped like the front of a ship.

Their menu is pretty straightforward, either you pick from their wide selection of donburi potions or simply go for their variety of sashimi options that can be served in the form of a Basic Don, Premium Don, or in the classic Sashimi Setting.

Served in a tiny wooden ship-like bowl, the Chirashi Don (S$17.90) comprises diced salmon, tuna, tamago, cucumber and a variety of other fishes—all of which were laid out neatly atop a bed of tasty Japanese rice.

As with any good chirashi don, the ingredients were fresh, chunky and plentiful, allowing the unique flavour and textural qualities of each individual item to shine through. The addition of nori, although intended as more of a garnish, provided a lovely umami note to the dish which bolded well with the robust fishy flavours.

An alternative to consider should you wish to enjoy sashimi at its textural best is the Kaisen Don (S$17.90) which is served in a sashimi boat. This dish features thick slices of salmon, maguro (tuna), hamachi (yellowtail), swordfish, scallop and is accompanied by tamago, radish, jellyfish, inari (beancurd) skin, and ginger slices.

Overall, we were very impressed by the quality of food here and the sheer hospitality of the staff also helped make our lunch a very pleasant one.

The Bettership
2 Handy Road #01-03,
The Cathay
Singapore 229233
Tel: +65 6835 9006
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

Run by a team of experienced chefs from a multitude of culinary backgrounds, Edwin & Cooks is the newest kid in the Upper Thomson enclave. What initially started off as a kitchen and storage space for private chef services for parties and events, is now a bistro on its own.

The good folks at Edwin & Cooks serve up delicious fusion cuisine, munchies as well as a variety of alcoholic beverages for you to sit back and relax to. The talented chefs constantly work hard to update their menu every now and then so as to ensure that customers will always have something to look forward to.

Located at Thomson V Two, this new spot is a place worth checking out.

Occupying a small shop space, the interior is fully dedicated to being a kitchen and an order counter while the seating area outside consists of 3 tables. We felt the ambience to be rather cosy as the absence big a crowd really allowed us to sit back and relax as we watched the world go by.

The menu features a wide array of tasty offerings from freshly shucked oysters, truffle fries and a whole host of mains such as their Chicken Burger and Sloppy Joes Dog.

For those of you in search of a hearty meal that packs lots of flavours, the Sloppy Joes Dog (S$12) comes highly recommended. On a perfectly toasted brioche bun sits a pork bratwurst sausage that is generously slathered with their home-made tangy beef ragu and topped with onion and mozzarella.

The brioche bun provided a nice sweetness which bolded well with the savoury qualities of the meaty beef ragu. The sausage by itself was flavourful, but the beef ragu coupled with the cheese gave the dish a heightened dose of richness and texture.

The Chicken Burger (S$16) is something of a treat that even the most discerning of palates can agree with. Sandwiched between a toasted charcoal bun is a crispy chicken thigh that is given a healthy dose of their homemade buffalo wing sauce and cheddar cheese sauce as well as a refreshing cucumber slaw.

The chicken thigh had a lovely crunch and the marriage between both the spicy buffalo wing sauce and the cheddar cheese sauce was magical, to say the least. The cucumber slaw was a nice touch as well as it gave this heavy dish a refreshing lift. Crispy, spicy and savoury, this hearty burger easily trumps all other chicken burgers out there.

Edwin & Cooks
11 Sin Ming Road, #01-13
Thomson V Two
Singapore 575629
(Closed on Mondays)
Sun to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Marymount

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

style=”display:block; text-align:center;”
data-ad-layout=”in-article”
data-ad-format=”fluid”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-1199323522078805″
data-ad-slot=”3885138539″>
//

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

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

style=”display:block; text-align:center;”
data-ad-layout=”in-article”
data-ad-format=”fluid”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-1199323522078805″
data-ad-slot=”3885138539″>
//

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

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

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

style=”display:block; text-align:center;”
data-ad-layout=”in-article”
data-ad-format=”fluid”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-1199323522078805″
data-ad-slot=”3885138539″>
//

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

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

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

style=”display:block; text-align:center;”
data-ad-layout=”in-article”
data-ad-format=”fluid”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-1199323522078805″
data-ad-slot=”3885138539″>
//

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

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

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 2 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.

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

While exploring the Kampong Glam enclave on a hot, sunny afternoon, cool down and treat yourself to a refreshing scoop of Italian ice cream at aROMA, a new takeaway shop on Arab Street that serves up Gelato.

This humble gelato store features an alluring array of flavours that many might find usual in comparison to its other Italian ice cream counterparts. Be dazzled by the likes of their Chocolate Chili, Strawberry with Mint, Watermelon and Lemon with Basil—all of which happen to be heavy hitters among regulars.

The best part is, all their ice cream is made daily in-house using only fresh and natural ingredients.

Photo Credit: aromasg

The fabulous folks at aROMA pride themselves with only using the best and freshest ingredients to make their gelato—from fruits, nuts and herbs to the type of milk they use. Experimental as they may be in crafting their ice cream, they try to keep things subtle so as to allow the natural flavours of each respective ingredient to shine.

Beyond gelato in cones or cups, aROMA also has a variety of gelato sundaes available as part of their La Torta series as well as the Sorbetto Frappè—essentially an ice-blended beverage comprising of sorbet as a primary component.

Alternatively, you can also pair your gelato with coffee in an Affogato. Featuring a scoop of premium gelatos such as the classic vanilla or coconut, with a shot of espresso made with freshly roasted arabica-blend coffee beans, what you end up with is a sweet chilly treat that comes with a delightful hit of caffeine.

Photo Credit: aromagelato.sg

If you happen to find yourself around the Orchard Road area, aROMA also has another outlet that recently opened up in Plaza Singapura with seats and waffle options.

aROMA
29 Arab Street
Singapore 199728
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

Harvest is the new kid on the block along East Coast Road, located right opposite i12 Katong. This homely salad and protein bowl bar features an extensive range of fresh ingredients of which you can pick to customise your very own healthy bowl.

Every portion of either the salad or protein bowl comes with one base, one sous vide-cooked protein, three sides, one topping and one dressing. Should you require something refreshing to wash down your food with or simply to cool you down, they also carry a pretty impressive variety of bottled cold-pressed juices.

What is impressive is that they adopt the French cooking technique of sous vide in cooking their proteins—a practice not commonly found in your average cafe. For all you health nuts living on the East side in need of a quick and healthy fix, Harvest is one spot that you should definitely pay a visit to.

Decked out in white walls, minimal decor and lots of plants and wooden furniture, this humble eatery gives off a rustic, almost tropical-like ambience.

The way things work here is pretty straightforward. Simply grab an order sheet and fill in your order that consists of one base, one sous vide-cooked protein, three sides, one topping and one dressing, and submit it at the counter.

What truly impressed us was their use of sous vide to cook their proteins which is not something you would typically expect to find in a cafe.

It takes the hassle and stress away from traditional cooking methods by utilising precise temperature control to deliver even and consistent cooking, ensuring that the final product is always cooked to the right doneness. After which, the dish is completed by either searing or in this case, flame torching for that extra hit of flavour.

Each bowl starts off at S$12 but you will have to top up for premium items such as steak, salmon or avocado.

Our first protein bowl came with Japanese brown rice as its base. For our choice of protein, we went for the dory fillet along with shaved parmesan, marinated cherry tomatoes and an onsen egg  (+S$1) as our sides. Finally, we topped it with bonito flakes and a garlic soy dressing.

The dory was soft and flavourful, and the brown rice was given an extra flavour boost thanks to the parmesan cheese and the runny yolk of the onsen egg. Separately, the ingredients may not have worked but the garlic soy dressing really did well to bring the entire dish together.

The second bowl we got started off with a bed of mixed baby spinach and rocket (+S$1) and a marinated chicken breast as our protein of choice. Our sides comprised broccoli, roasted pumpkin and shimeiji mushrooms which were beautifully topped with furikake and a sesame wafu dressing.

Despite being cooked sous vide, the chicken itself was rather dry. The other vegetable items were decent but special mention has to be made about the roasted pumpkin. Roasted till soft, the pumpkin was incredibly sweet and delicious.

Harvest
81 East Coast Rd,
Singapore 428785
Tel: +65 8715 1625
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/10/harvest-east-coast-singapore/feed/ 1 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/10/upside-down-coffee-alternatives/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/10/upside-down-coffee-alternatives/#comments Thu, 19 Oct 2017 01:00:28 +0000 Editorial http://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=147744 Continue reading →]]>

A shout-out to those working in Singapore’s CBD because we are introducing to you a new coffee bar at Amoy Street, for you to get your daily fix of caffeine.

Officially launched on 25 September 2017, Upside Down Coffee Alternatives is a beautiful café space where you will discover quality brews which are crafted and poured by their main barista, Ivan. And on every Friday in October, you can get your hands on a batch brew for just S$1; what are you waiting for?

Behind Upside Down Coffee Alternatives lies the mission to create an alternate dimension where patrons can put aside any pressing thoughts in their mind and channel their complete focus on their great cup of coffee. This coffee joint also keeps things fresh and exciting with seasonal blends that are on a rotational basis.

Coffee options on their menu include the Espresso (S$4), Long Black (S$5), Mocha (S$6) and the Batch Brew (S$4) which is only available until 2pm.

Two seasonal beverages that you can look forward to are the Cold Drip & Tonic (S$7) which features natural gin-inspired flavours, juniper berries, coriander seeds and citrus peel; and the Ultraviolet (S$6.50— a delightful infusion of lychee and lime in cold-brew hibiscus tea.

Dropping by for a light tea snack? Well then, pair your coffee, tea or drink with Upside Down Coffee Alternatives’ Homemade Banana Bread which is freshly baked every day. Alternatively, you can enjoy a healthy Granola Parfait (S$10) or a Mini Sweet Potato Doughnut, too.

Upside Down Coffee Alternatives
115 Amoy Street, Lobby Space
Singapore 069935
Tel: +65 8826 6907
Mon to Fri: 8am – 4.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 6pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

All images are credited to Upside Down Coffee Alternatives.

Nestled within the Sembawang Hills Estate neighbourhood, and the newest addition to the Upper Thomson enclave is Thus Coffee, a chic cafe that offers stellar grain bowls, pasta, brunch, hearty stews and coffee

Not only that, coffee aficionados can take pleasure in knowing that their coffee beans are freshly roasted in-house—something often overlooked at many cafes in Singapore.

Whether its superb coffee, a stellar array of brunch-style eats or simply just a place to escape the midday heat, the newly opened Thus Coffee at Upper Thomson is no doubt a worthwhile spot to check out should you happen to find yourself wandering around the area.

Decked out in weathered grey walls and simple furniture, this humble coffee joint exudes a rather relaxed and laid-back vibe that is just perfect for lounging or catching up on work. There is also a communal dining table that caters for larger groups.

Their food offerings typically revolve around your usual cafe fare with the exception of their Hearty Chicken Stew and Wagyu Beef Grain Bowl. Besides the usual coffee, tea and fresh fruit juice selection, Thus coffee also serves Argentian wine at only S$40 a bottle.

The Hearty Chicken Stew (S$16) starts off with a standard mirepoix—basically, a fancy French term to mean carrots, onions and celery—which gives the stew its savoury and mildly sweet base and is thickened with cream for that hearty quality. Tender, herbed potatoes are also added to give the dish texture and a heightened boost of flavour.

The tender and succulent chicken comes with toasted multigrain bread and a wedge of lime—which we thought was a wonderful touch to the dish as the sharp tang really helped to cut through the richness of the stew.

Humbly roasted in-house by the good folks at Thus Coffee, the standard Latte (S$5) went well above your usual cuppa. The initial whiff boasted deep, chocolatey notes while the first sip was earthy and crisp.

We may not be coffee experts, but we know a decent cuppa when we’ve had one—and this was definitely one of them.

Thus Coffee
4 Jalan Kuras
Singapore 577723
Tel: +65 8411 7565
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio

Greater Lot by Cedele is a new multi-concept space at Quayside Isle, Sentosa. The collective food store features a bakery, retail store and a casual dining area with a stronger focus on all things healthy and wholesome.

Brought to you by the good folks behind Cedele, the aim of Greater Lot is to keep things as natural as possible. So expect a variety of superfoods like grain, smoothie bowls, salads and lean proteins, cakes baked with unrefined sugar and even beverages that contain no additives.

This is a dream come true for all you fitness fanatics. What are you waiting for? Get supercharged at Greater Lot today!

Photo Credit: Greater Lot

This humble establishment boasts an extensive ‘Superfood’ menu which features healthy interpretations of modern comfort dishes such as their Poached Lemongrass Coconut Chicken with Quinoa and their gluten-free Greater Green Pancakes.

For something heartier—perhaps for brunch—you can also look forward to a pretty decent selection of pasta and burger options. Greater Lot also does weekend brunch that includes roasts and wines.

Photo Credit: Greater Lot

Be sure to tuck into some of their marvellous bakes as well, such as the Apple Galette and Walnut Carrot Cake—all made using unrefined sugar to give you that much-needed sugar rush minus the unnecessary calories.

They also take their coffee very seriously, like their Red Velvet latte, a caffeine-free alternative filled with natural antioxidants and Ayurvedic properties—perfect for getting you through the day without the drawbacks of over-caffeinating your body.

Photo Credit: Greater Lot

From stellar coffee and wholesome grub to kick-start your day proper, to relishing the weekend with your pals over delicious food and wine, Greater Lot by Cedele has got it all covered!

Greater Lot By Cedele
31 Ocean Way,
#01-08 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Singapore 098375
Tel: +65 62621512
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Fri: 9am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/10/greater-lot-cedele/feed/ 0