Singapore Restaurant Month is here again!

This year’s Singapore Restaurant Month will be held from 01 July 2016 to 31 July 2016. In collaboration with the Health Promotion Board and Singapore Tourism Board, the Restaurant Association of Singapore has made ‘healthy dining’ the main theme for this year. Now, aren’t we all more conscious about eating healthier lately?

This year’s slew of dishes have to contain either 500 calories or less, or it has to be made up of at least 8% wholegrains such as oatmeal, brown rice and wholemeal bread. All of these dishes have been approved by certified Health Promotion Board nutritionists.

“The main aim of Singapore Restaurant Month 2016 is to encourage people to explore the option of healthier dining with the introduction of either lower calorie or higher wholegrain content dishes,” explained Mr Andrew Tjioe – President of RAS and Executive Chairman of Tung Lok Group.

46 RESTAURANT BRANDS – 95 HEALTHY DISHES

A total of 46 restaurants have dished out a whopping total of 95 wholesome dishes for Singapore Restaurant Month 2016. The participating restaurants range from Chinese, Thai, Western, Japanese, Indian, Spanish, vegetarian, Korean and fusion cuisine.

Among the 46 restaurants, 22 are new to Singapore Restaurant Month.

HERITAGE RESTAURANTS

Singapore Restaurant Month strongly supports heritage restaurants in Singapore which have been around for decades.

Some of them include Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant, Gim Tim Restaurant, Fatty Weng Restaurant, Beng Thin Hoon Kee Restaurant and Moi Lum; and they are all part of the lineup for Singapore Restaurant Month 2016.

SNEAK PEEKS OF 2016′S CREATIONS

We went on a food trail with the food community in Singapore and we had a preview of some of this year’s highlights.

Earle Swensen’s executive chef has created the Baked Hoisin Cod Fish (S$35.90) for Singapore Restaurant Month 2016. We especially loved the cod fish – almost creamy and very delicious when doused in the savoury goodness of the sauce.

The dish is also served with potato balls to fulfil your carbohydrate intake and sautéed mushrooms.

Total calories (full portion): 470.2

When you think of Si Chuan dishes in general, only crazy mala dishes will come to your mind. However, at this beautiful Chinese restaurant – Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant – the kitchen whips up very refined Sichuan-inspired dishes that will change the way you think about Si Chuan cuisine.

The Double-boiled White Fungus in Pear Vessel (S$15) is their addition to this year’s line-up. The soup sits within a pear, and is presented atop a bed of dry ice. Very dramatic, but don’t take your attention away from the sweet broth.

Total calories (full portion): 454.2

The Soup Spoon Union is a well-loved brand in Singapore. They are participating with The Grill Knife’s Grilled Salmon with Cauliflower Rice (S$15.80).

The cauliflower rice is mixed in with other ingredients such as coriander, cranberries, edamame, assorted nuts and quinoa. A huge slab of grilled salmon sits atop the rice. The accompanying black pepper sauce elevated the overall taste of the dish.

Total calories (full portion): 486.3

This is UNA’s submission for 2016′s list – Coca De Higos Y Foie Con Vermouth (S$26).

If you do not understand Spanish, that means Foie Gras and grilled figs on a crisp Spanish flatbread with vermouth reduction. The generous slabs of foie gras were pan-seared beautifully, and the accompaniment with the grilled figs gave the dish a refreshing taste.

Total calories (full portion): 384.1

Probably the most beautiful dim sum platter! This Eight Immortals Dim Sum Platter (S$12) is a treasure trove that you can find at Shin Yeh. In this platter are Steamed Chives Pork Dumpling, Crystal Mixed Vegetable Dumpling, Steamed Shrimp Dumpling and Steamed Chicken Dumpling.

Total calories (full portion): 107

Singapore Restaurant Month 2016 is held in conjunction with the Singapore Food Festival that will take place from 15 July 2016 to 31 July 2016, and Health Promotion Board’s upcoming food and drink campaign taking place from 28 July 2016 to 28 October 2016.

Singapore Restaurant Month 2016
When: 01 July to 31 July 2016
For full list of participating restaurants and dishes, visit www.singaporerestaurantmonth.com
Official hashtags: #singaporerestaurantmonth #singaporerestaurantmonth2016

This post is brought to you by the Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS).

San Francisco is truly a gastronomic heaven. Be it Japanese, Chinese or French patisseries and desserts, they have the best here in San Francisco to satisfy your taste buds. And thanks to the myriad of Asians that flock the land, San Francisco is home to some of the best Asian delights here in the States. It is no wonder why restaurants are one of San Francisco’s main attractions, drawing people not only from the Bay Area, but from all over the world.

Here is a list of restaurants and bakeries that you can visit during your gastronomic adventure in San Francisco.

If you are planning a trip there, also read my post on 5 Things to Do in San Francisco.

Izakaya Sozai

Right in the corner of Inner Sunset neighborhood, a traditional Japanese food soars at Izakaya Sozai. There must be something seductive about its big plate-glass windows that almost reach the sidewalk, because seated inside on the wooden banquettes are all engaged diners and waiting outside for a place in the 40-seat dining room are eager eaters. The most exciting dishes on the menu are small plates that are the most traditionally Japanese. On top of that, they also have daily specials that you can read from the blackboards.

1500 Irving St (between 17th Ave and 16th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94122
Tel: (415) 742 5122
Wed to Thu & Sun: 5:30pm – 10pm
Fri to Sat: 5:30pm – 11pm

Sophie’s Crepes

Sophie’s Crepe is tucked in the corner of the shopping centre in Japantown. It is not hard to find because this place is always crowded with people, especially college students and young adults. They serve French crepe but are done in Japanese style. Their crepe has a really smooth texture and the right amount of sweetness and butter taste. The fillings and toppings are what make the crepe “Japanese” – azuki beans, green tea ice cream, red bean syrup, etc. The crepe is rolled up into a cone (which makes it easy to eat on-the-go) and a generous amount of all-things-sweet is topped on it.

1581 Webster St (between Geary Blvd & Post St)
San Francisco, CA 94 115
Tel: (415) 929 7732
Tue to Thu: Sun 11am – 9pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm-10pm

Ghirardelli Square

Simply a chocolate heaven! Ghirardelli is a famous local chocolate brand in San Francisco. Situated right next to the Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square is like a chocolate playground where you can tour their chocolate factory, sample their chocolates, shop for pounds of chocolate bars for your friends back home, and order their special chocolate creations for that sinful indulgence at their café. Life is always great with chocolates.

900 N Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Tel: (415) 775 5500
Mon to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Fri to Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm

The Buena Vista

Located at a historic old building at the end of the Hyde Street cable car line, The Buena Vista is always packed with people who are there for its famous Irish Coffee. This place is oozing with nostalgia and is no wonder that it is a prime spot for both tourists and locals alike. Besides their addictive alcoholic coffee, The Buena Vista serves food like burgers and sandwiches too.

2765 Hyde St (between North Point St & Beach St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Tel: (415) 474 5044
Mon to Fri: 9am – 2am
Sat & Sun: 8am – 2am

Café Jacqueline

Café Jacqueline is said to be one of the most romantic restaurants in San Francisco. The interior has a simple décor that gives an old-fashioned Parisian feel and I think what makes this place romantic is the quiet ambience in the surrounding North Beach and Telegraph Hill neighborhood.

Café Jacqueline is famous for its soufflé – hearty yet so light, and fluffy yet so filling. Their soufflé is huge (believe me, it’s going to be the biggest soufflé you’ve ever seen) and is good to share among 4 people. And for a little surprise, besides dolce flavors like chocolate, raspberry and Grand Marnier, they also serve savory soufflé like lobster, crab, and asparagus.

1454 Grant Ave (between Green St & Union St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Tel: (415) 981 5565
Wed to Sun: 5.30pm – 11pm

Mama’s

Located at North Beach neighborhood’s Washington Square Park, which is formerly the Bohemian part of the city, Mama’s is famous because it seriously makes the best breakfast in town. Since Mama and Papa Sanchez first opened their doors over 50 years ago, Mama’s has been continuing a tradition in serving fluffy omelettes, homemade jams, thick pancakes, and freshly baked pastries and breads. In short, Mama’s is truly a breakfast legend.

1701 Stockton St (at Filbert St), San Francisco, CA 94133
Tel: (415) 362 6421
Tue to Sun: 8am – 3pm

Golden Gate Bakery

This Chinatown bakery certainly does not stand out from the surrounding businesses in terms of appearance. With their humble shop front, you wouldn’t expect that they serve amazing cult-like egg tarts. There is always a line outside the shop, but when you make it inside, everyone crowds together towards the counter. You have to edge your way up and place your order. Although they may pass you by in favor of a regular, I encourage you to stand your ground to get these tarts of gold.

1029 Grant Ave (between Jackson St & Pacific Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Tel: (415) 781 2627
Mon – Sun 8am – 8pm

Boudin Sourdough Bakery and Café

Boudin bakes the classic sourdough breads and brews the creamy clam chowder. And the perfect way to enjoy these is to have your clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. The slight hint of sourness will blend nicely with the salty and thick sourdough bread. Boudin also sells sourdough breads in cute animal shapes that you can take home and cans of clam chowders that can be good souvenirs from the wharf. You are also able to tour the kitchen or watch the bakers through the glass windows along the street. The shop is sort of magical too as you can see how they move the breads in baskets that are hung and moved along the steel bars.

160 Jefferson St (between Mason St & Taylor St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Tel: (415) 928 1849
Mon – Thu 8am – 9:30pm; Fri – Sat 8am – 10pm

Miette

Miette is a modern, cute, sweet, pinkish and delicious pastry shop. Their cakes are impeccable and traditionally American, which are birthday-party perfect. Besides cakes and cookies, Miette also bakes French macarons, with delicate and elegant flavors like rose, chocolate orange and pistachio. Miette is the French word for “crumb” and I guess it aptly describes the scale of their petite pastries displayed in their minimal yet charming decorations.

1 Ferry Building Ste 10, San Francisco, CA 94111
Tel: (415) 837 0300
Mon to Fri 9am – 7pm
Sat: 8am – 7pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm

Hai Ky Mi Gia

This Chinese and Vietnamese eating house at downtown San Francisco cooks noodles that taste a lot like the Bakmie in those shop houses in my hometown, Jakarta. Hai Ky Mi Gia is famous for its braised duck noodle, in which the fall-off-the-bone meat from the duck is so tender and the spices used to braise the duck is just spot on. Besides consistency and authenticity in their food, the portions are good for sharing too with very reasonable prices.

707 Ellis St (between Larkin St & Polk St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Tel: (415) 771 2577
Daily (except Wed): 8am – 6pm

About the writer
Anlin Melina is a Business Administration and Economics student at the University of California, Berkeley, who likes travelling and writing during her free time. Melina has recently completed writing her first book, titled “Once Upon A Blue Sky”, which is a travel guide book on cities in the United States.

Words by Priscilla Nu (Digital product designer & strategist. Co-founder of UNNU).

As smartphone penetration grows, mobile subscription and usage increases, and percentage of Internet user reaches an all-time high. If you have a business, you should have a website. Even if your product cannot be transacted online, many consumers now search for information online before making a purchase or a visit. Your website may be your first chance to create a positive impression.

In part one, we go through the basic considerations when starting a website. In part two, we will talk about ways to create an online presence without breaking the bank.

The Bare Bones of a Restaurant Website

Suppose you have no design agency or designer to help you. A simple informative statement is better than nothing. There is information your customers who are planning a visit need to know, so give it to them. List your contact number (state if you take reservations), opening hours and address. Your website may be “design-less” although I’d argue that a website with no design is a design by nature.

In fact, a website with key information highly visible upon its first load, that seem to say “there you go, see you soon!” beats one with too much clutter where your customers have to hunt high and low just to look for a way to make a reservation.

Your website can be a single page. Why not? Posters are typically used to communicate key information. A single webpage conveying key information can be just as informative and memorable, without bursting your budget trying to develop a full-fledged website.

A single page teaser page can be used to raise awareness, create identity, and collect user data such as emails for mailing list, while also conveying key information about your restaurant.

The teaser for Cowritable, used to gather emails before launch.

You can draw inspirations from email campaign designs that are always one-paged by email limitations. You can even reuse your offline collaterals.

This email invitation by Chef Anahita is good enough to work as a simple single-page website.

It is possible to get free templates from Tumblr and point your domain name to Tumblr temporarily to enjoy free templates and free hosting. However, if you’re running a higher-end establishment, your customers will not be as forgiving. Free templates are limited and users can often recognise ubiquitous free themes. As you’re putting budget into offline collaterals such as business cards, posters, menu, consider setting aside some for the website, which could capture the highest views with the least variable cost.

Identity

You’ve probably decided early on what your restaurant identity is going to be. You may have spent months considering the restaurant color theme, décor, furnishings and materials so that the physical space captures the right mood for your target market. Your website should extend that identity.

L’atelier de Joel Robuchon restaurant series, which first started in Hong Kong in 2006, feature black wood furnishings, dark rosewood counter and red velvet seating. The interior, designed by Pierre Yves Rochon, is basically black, red and stainless steel. Therefore, I’m not surprised to see the same color theme and modern treatment in their website.

Wild Honey the restaurant is eclectic, friendly and homely. I dare say you do expect that vibe by looking at their website.

I sense McDonald’s targeting the kids.

Geogeske website sits you down and brings you food already!

When capturing your requirements for your website, your design agency should consider your restaurant identity. You may be asked questions about décor and materials, color themes, the mood or target market. Questions that may seem unrelated to web design at first, but with the right use of colors, photographs and textures (yes textures), the website experience can be similar to walking into your actual restaurant.

Sell your products and services

Bloodline to every business is their products and services; there are many ways to feature them.

A conventional way is providing a gallery with good photography. Personally, I find this trite and a tiny bit unabashed, especially when the quality of the photographs are not good. Still, you will find that, pictures do speak for themselves and appetizing food photography sells!

The Little Cake Parlour is an example of a food website that uses a gallery to showcase its products.

Tip for restaurant website design: Do you know if your restaurant’s food photographs are good enough to stand on its own? Take a look at tastespotting and foodgawker for some good examples.

A subtler way to showcase your product is to infuse food photography into the web design.

Coffee Club has a clever way of infusing dining experience, product showcase and key message “sustainable and excellent coffee” into their web design.

Another common way is simply providing your restaurant menu for download on your website. However, there are scenarios where it is not advisable to do so, there are also a few dos and don’ts when publishing menu. But, this is another topic for another time.

Mobile Friendly

Flash websites? No. iPhone accounts for more than 70% of mobile usage. If you load a flash site from iPhone or iPad, you’ll see a completely blank page. If you insist on Flash, always develop a simplified HTML version of your site for mobile users. At the very least, include basic content (see part one) so that key information loads even without a flash plugin.

White Rabbit’s website is highly interactive; the animation and interactivity is achieved through the use of flash. However, loading the website via iPhone Safari loads a blank page. When more and more users are searching for instant information through their phone while on the go, this can be frustrating.

Websites with no flash need not be static, you are able to create flash like websites that are interactive and highly animated with HTML 5. See birrificioirpino.it for a good example for highly animated and interactive website that utilizes HTML5 and loads well on iPhones/iPads.

That’s all for Part 1 of starting a restaurant website! Remember:

• A simple one page webpage is better than nothing.
• Consistent Branding. Offline and Online.
• Sell your food with Subtlety.
• Be friendly to mobile users.

Do include in the comments what other areas of food related online strategies you would like to know. And I will share what I know or do so some research (I’m constantly learning too) and help you as much as I can!

Priscilla is a digital product designer and strategist and the co-founder of UNNU, a creative agency that brings together a network of production and design units that deliver high quality, cost-effective brand communications in digital media. By combining cost-efficient hubs with access to a vast group developers and creative professionals, UNNU offers value, quality, efficiency, and speed-to-market delivery.

Pizza is one of the most recognized food in the world today. There used to be only one place for pizzas when I was still young, and that was Pizza Hut. But as I grow older, I found satisfaction in seeking new places for something new. Having said that, I still love my Hawaiian pizza from Pizza Hut.

Whenever I want to explore a new place, I am thankful of the fact that there are so many Pizza restaurants in Singapore. Be it Pizza Buffet, Gourmet Pizza, Italian Thin Crust Pizza, Skinny Pizza, American Style Thick Crust Pizza, 1-for-1 Pizza, or the best Pizza promotions in Singapore — we’ve got them covered in this post.

Here is a list of the best Pizza Places in Singapore:

I think Pizza is the best excuse for having beer. The fact that you can have Pizza at any time of the day is also a bonus. Without further ado, let’s see which are the pizza restaurants.

Bella Pizza

Having been to Bella Pizza on several occasions, their pizzas have never disappointed me. This is definitely my favourite Pizza Place in Singapore!

30 Robertson Quay #01-14
Riverside View Singapore
Tel: +65 6734 0139

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)

Conveniently located in Orchard road, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a good place to go for American style thick crust pizzas.

583 Orchard Road #01-42
Forum The Shopping Mall Singapore
Tel: +65 6836 0110

Casa Verde

All you need to know about Casa Verde is their ongoing weekday 1-for-1 takeaway pizza promotion – $21 to $24 for 2 wood-fire oven baked pizzas – where else can you find such a good pizza deal in Singapore? Note: the pizza promotion is available from Monday to Thursday, 11am – 9.30pm.

If you are having a headache over what food to bring for picnic, now you have your answer.

1 Cluny road
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Tel: +65 6467 7326

Da Paolo Restaurant & Bistro Bar

Not sure where to go for dinner if you are in the Rochester Park or Chip Bee Gardens area?

Da Paolo Restaurant might just be the right place if you are craving for pizzas. With an extensive pizza menu to choose from, everyone will be able to get a pizza that they like. Oh yes, you must have their famous tiramisu for desserts too!

3 Rochester Park Singapore
Tel: +65 6774 5537

La Nonna Restaurant

La Nonna Italian restaurant has an ongoing lunch promotion – 50% off their ala carte menu for their weekday lunch. Try the La Nonna Signature Pizza ($19.0 before 50% discount). This is definitely one of the best Pizza promotions in Singapore!

76 Namly Place
Tel: +65 6762 1587

26 Lorong Mambong
Holland Village
Tel: +65 6468 1982

Peperoni Pizzeria

Pepperoni Pizzeria is the perfect place to go if you have a big group of friends eating together. Their famous XXL pizza is surely the highlight of the meal, but this is not for the faint-hearted (or those with small appetite).

6 Greenwood Avenue Hillcrest Park Singapore
Tel: +65 6465 6556

7 Binjai Park Singapore
Tel: +65 6463 7800

Osteria & Pizzeria Mozza

You like big and crispy pizza crust? You’d like the pizzas from Pizzeria Mozza at Marina Bay Sands. For a celebrity chef restaurant, the pizzas are reasonably priced between $18 to $38.

Is Pizzeria Mozza the best pizza restaurant in Singapore? I don’t know… It is really hard to say since there are so many good pizzerias in Singapore. But I think it is definitely amongst the best.

2 Bayfront Ave #B1-42/46
The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands Singapore
Tel: +65 6688 8522

OChre Orchard Central

Looking for a Pizza Buffet in Singapore?

During Saturday lunch, OChre Italian restaurant at Orchard restaurant has an Eat-all-you-can pasta & pizza buffet. At $22+/pax, I’d think that it is a fantastic deal. There are 10 selections of pastas (like Carbonara, Linguine Seafood, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Spaghetti Aglio Olio) and 8 pizzas (Margherita, Salmon, & Quattro Formaggi) to choose from.

181 Orchard Road
#11-03/04 Orchard Central
Tel: +65 6634 0423

Skinny Pizza

I’m sure you will agree with me that skinny pizzas are the ladies’ favourite – thin, healthy and not too filling. Skinny Pizza has three outlets in Singapore: Raffles City, Wheelock and Suntec City. Otherwise, you can always get them from Barracks Cafe at Dempsey road.

501 Orchard Road #03-04
Wheelock Place Singapore
Tel: +65 6235 7823

Timbre

And how can we miss out the signature Peking Duck Pizza from Timbre? If you can’t make it to any of the Timbre outlets at The Substation, The Arts House or at Old School Mount Sophia, the popular music restaurant and bar also offers Pizza delivery services.

1 Old Parliament Lane #01-04
The Arts House (Old Parliament House) Singapore
Tel: +65 6336 3386

For more recommendations, read my list of Best Italian Restaurants in Singapore

The title Birthday Party Venues in Singapore says it all. Since I get emails every day asking me for recommendations, I might as well come up with a list of suitable Restaurants for Birthday Party Celebration.

Here’s my list of Birthday Party Venues in Singapore:

Having headache on where to go for your upcoming 21st Birthday Party? Planning for your friend’s surprise Birthday Party? Need some budget Birthday Party Ideas? Or if you want to know where is the best restaurant to throw a fancy Birthday Party — read on!

By the way, you can also use this list of restaurants for: Party Venues Ideas, Wedding Solemnisation Restaurant Venues, Hens Night Venues, restaurants for Business/Corporate Luncheon venues, and Kids Friendly Restaurants for birthday parties.

BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUES UNDER $30/PAX

With a Pinch of Salt

If you are looking for a place to throw a Birthday Party for your child, With a Pinch of Salt cafe may just be the right place. They have several buffet packages starting from $15/pax nett to $21/pax nett.

For enquiries on event venues, email: eat@withapinchofsalt.com.sg

297 Tanjong Katong Road
Tel: +65 6348 2297

The Garden Slug

“I need ideas and suitable venues for my 21st Birthday Party“.

The Garden Slug is a nice cafe to celebrate your birthday or have a nice private dinner with a group of friends. For five main dishes and one dessert, The Garden Slug charges $30/pax nett (minimum 20 guests).

Should you need extra entertainment, they can also arrange for entertainers, roving photographers, balloon twisters, magicians etc.

For enquiries on event venues, email: sophia@thegardenslug.com

55 Lorong L Telok Kurau
#01-59/61 Bright Centre
Tel: +65 6346 0504

BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUES FOR $30-$50/PAX

Basillico Italian Restaurant

Looking for a buffet restaurant to pig-out and have a big feast? Basilico Italian Restaurant at The Regent Singapore is one of the best cheapest buffets in Singapore at just $40++/pax for the Saturday Lunch Buffet.

The only catch is that you must throw your birthday party on a Saturday lunch. Reservations are required in advance, the buffet is extremely popular.

1 Cuscaden Road Level 2
The Regent Singapore Singapore
Tel: +65 6725 3232

Dallas Restaurant & Bar

Situated at the end of Boat Quay, Dallas Restaurant has a 10 items Canepe Menu at $35++/pax. Otherwise, you can go for the 4 course dinner menu at $40++/pax. Dallas is a good option if you are looking for a place to have a casual corporate cocktail party.

31 Boat Quay
Boat Quay Conservation area
Tel: 6532 2131

For enquiries on event venues, email: enquiries@Dallas.sg

Sabio Spanish Tapas Bar

Sabio is one of the newest Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant in Singapore. Housed within a shop house on Duxton Hill, it has been designed to represent an authentic tapas bar in Spain.

Depending on the number of guests who are attending the Birthday Party, Sabio will decide whether they will provide the whole space or just reserve tables in a corner of the restaurant. Prices range from $8-18 for a tapas, $22 for the Chicken & Seafood Paella, and $6-8 for desserts.

5 Duxton Hill Singapore
Tel: +65 6223 4645

Standing Sushi Bar

How about a Japanese Food Party?

For $35++/pax, Standing Sushi Bar provides a buffet style party with appetisers, seven kinds of sushi, three different Robatayaki skewers, two Agemono (fried) items, Udon and free flow of green tea.

I don’t know about you, but I think having Japanese food is a great Birthday Party idea. To get the whole space at Standing Sushi Bar 8Q SAM, you need a minimum of 30 guests. Their maximum capacity is 75 people.

For enquiries on event venues, email: eat@standingsushibar.com

8 Queen Street #01-03 Singapore
Tel: +65 6333 1335

BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUES FOR $50-$100/PAX

Graze Restaurant

The new Graze at 38 Martin Road (first photo of this post) has two intimate private dining rooms can seat 22 and 26 people respectively. There are 3 Private Dinner Menu options: $65++ per pax, $75++ per pax and $85++ per pax.

There is also a drinks package available for $50++ per pax that includes 2 hours free flow of Oxford Landing Chardonnay, Oxford Landing Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz, Singha draught beer, soft drinks and juices.

For enquiries on event venues, email: info@graze.sg

38 Martin Road
Tel: +65 6509 1680

Prive Bakery Cafe Bar

Located just 3 minutes drive away from Harborfront, Prive Bakery Cafe Bar at Keppel Island is a gorgeous place for brunch, desserts or drinks. If you are planning to throw a Christmas party for a group of friends (less than 50 pax), call them 3-4 days in advance to make a reservation. For exclusive events and special menus (like Canapés, Buffets), they need a minimum of 50 guests.

For enquiries on event venues, email: rae@prive.com.sg

2 Keppel Bay Vista
GF Marina @ Keppel Bay
Tel: +65 6776 0777

Zsofi Tapas Bar

Thinking of throwing a Birthday Party with some drinks and tapas for a group of friends? Little India may not be the place where you have in mind, but trust me, Zsofi Tapas Bar serves affordable and good Spanish food, and they are definitely a cool place for a nights out. Prices vary for different requirement, but to give you a better idea what to expect: a basic party package (min 30 pax) comes at $50 per guest for 3 drinks & 3 tapas.

For enquiries on event venues, email: janice@tapasbar.com.sg

68 Dunlop Street Singapore
Tel: +65 6297 5875

BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUES FOR $100/PAX UPWARDS

Forlino Restaurant

Be it private or corporate dinner, weddings and solemnizations, Forlino is the ideal choice. For the exclusive use of the whole restaurant, there are certain booking charges. Otherwise, Forlino does not require any minimum spending for the use of its private dining rooms.

To book the private dining rooms (the Gaia private room for 12 guests and the Serena private room for 22 guests) for your party, the Italian restaurant has several set lunch ($68++/pax) and dinner menus ($88++/pax to $138++/pax) available.

I think Forlino is a good place to have your Hens Night Party. There’s nothing more sexy than Italian Food to celebrate the occasion.

For enquiries on event venues, email: anna@il-lido.com

1 Fullerton Road
#02-06 One Fullerton
Tel: +65 6877 6995

Salt Grill & Sky Bar

Looking for a restaurant with a good view in Singapore? Salt Grill & Sky Bar at level 55 of Ion Orchard is the perfect place to have an intimate birthday dinner with your loved ones. Prices start at $140/pax for the degustation menu.

2 Orchard Turn Level 55 & 56
ION Orchard Singapore
Tel: +65 6592 5118

Waku Ghin

If money is not an issue, I’d definitely go to Waku Ghin at Marina Bay Sands. At $400 per person for the degustation menu, Waku Ghin is all about the complete dining experience, this is not just an ordinary meal.

10 Bayfront Avenue #L2-02
Casino Level 2 Marina Bay Sands Singapore
Tel: +65 6688 8507

Hopefully this list will help you find the perfect Birthday Party Venue, and I will get less emails asking me for recommendations (JUST KIDDING). If you need any help, feel free to reach me at bradleyfk@gmail.com

In the coming weeks, I will be coming up with different lists of romantic restaurants for Wedding Venues and Hens Night Party. Oh ya, don’t forget to get the best cake in Singapore for your birthday party! Have a good weekend.

Popiah is one of my favourite Singapore Hawker food. But I honestly think that it is not given enough credit. Whenever people mentioned about hawker food in Singapore, they will think of Chicken rice, Laksa, Char Kway Teow, Rojak, and Hokkien Mee, but popiah?

It is just an extra dish which people can do without. Surely the delicious roll deserves more recognition? I went on a hunt recently to find the best popiah in Singapore. Here’s a list of Popiah Restaurants in Singapore that you should check out:

Unless you have a very small appetite, it is not filling to have a popiah alone, so it is best enjoyed as a snack rather than a proper meal. Sometimes I feel it’s a little silly to spend $1.50 to $2 for a popiah, but it is just so addictive! I always see Kueh Pie Tee as the cousin of popiah. It has similar fillings, served in a crispy shell (instead of the popiah skin), and most importantly – it looks good!

Glory Catering Nonya Popiah

Located at a corner on East Coast road (besides Awfully Chocolate), Glory Catering is famous for their halal Nasi Padang, Nonya Kuehs, and Nyonya Popiah. They have a very different type of popiah from the Hokkien Popiah that we usually get everywhere.

Nonya popiah uses a thicker skin, it has more lettuce, and the whole spring roll is very wet with a lot more sauce. Glory Catering’s Popiah ($2.2) is like a monster. It is probably twice the size of a normal popiah and I swear it’s impossible to put everything in your mouth at one go.

139 East Coast Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6344 1749

Long House Popiah & Kueh Pie Tee

This is known as the ‘Popiah that I went all the way to Toa Payoh for’. Long House Popiah ($1.20) uses homemade popiah skin with fresh ingredients, and it’s incredibly crunchy. If you fancy a popiah party at home, Long House sells their skin and fillings for DIY popiah too.

Remember to try their Kueh Pie Tee too – happiness now comes in the form of a crispy cup.

Blk 22 Lorong 7 Toa Payoh
#01-03 Toa Payoh Food Centre
Tel: +65 9171 7157
Closed: Mon & Tue

Qi Ji Popiah

With 13 outlets all over Singapore, Qi Ji Popiah is like the Old Chang Kee for Popiah. At $1.90 per roll, their popiah is not exactly cheap, but they have accessibility on their side. Even though I always say that cravings must always be satisfied, it is very unlikely that I will go all the way to Toa Payoh or Joo Chiat just for a roll of popiah.

109 North Bridge Road #01-17
Funan Digitalife Mall Singapore
Tel: +65 6336 6330

Yue Yi Tai Shan Clementi Popiah

Yue Yi Tai Shan Popiah ($1.4) is so popular that if you ask where is the famous Clementi Popiah, people will point you to the stall located beside the equally famous Brothers Rojak. The two stalls will always have a never-ending queue all day long.

Blk 449 Clementi Ave 3
See Lam Herm coffee shop

Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah & Kueh Pie Tee

Kway Guan Huat Popiah (or more commonly known as Joo Chiat Popiah), is one of the few Popiah Restaurants in Singapore that still make their own popiah skin. It’s very interesting to watch how the masters throw the dough in mid air and make it into the paper-thin Poh Piah skins. Try your hands at rolling your own popiah with their DIY Popiah set, and they cater for Popiah Party too! Free Popiah delivery for orders above $250, otherwise collect them at Joo Chiat yourself. Personally, I prefer their Kueh Pie Tee over the popiah, and I’d go as far to say that they have the best Kueh Pie Tee in Singapore.

95 Joo Chiat road
Tel: +65 6344 2875

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If you have other recommendations for good popiah in Singapore (other than the five mentioned), please feel free to leave a comment and share with others. As for me, I think it’s time to throw a popiah party and have a good feast to celebrate the new year!

There was quite a stir in the Singapore food scene when Chef Willin Low of Wild Rocket and Relish Restaurant opened Burger Bench and Bar at Orchard Cineleisure.

Given that Relish Restaurant serves gourmet burger, it’s only natural that people are curious to see how Chef Willin Low’s latest offering fares among the other burger places in Singapore.

Burgers are always so irresistible.

I could almost imagine how the chef prepared the burger: giving the sesame-seed-freckles bun a toast; doing the beef patty to perfection, definitely not over-done, and not under-cooked; watching the layer of cheese melting slowly over the patty; deep-frying the golden crispy fries and throwing it together with the now-ready beef burger.

After the waitress brought it to the table, I checked out the Cheese burger with mayonnaise & sundried tomato relish ($7.80) from top to toe. Taking a glance to the left and right, I grabbed the burger with both hands and took a bite. The sweet-sour sundried tomato relish hit first. Mm.. Ensuing mouthful bought the two halves of the bun, cheese, and beef patty.

Om Nom Nom Nom..

There’s no turning back now. I chomped down the rest of my burger, and the same process repeated itself: bun, sundried tomato relish, cheese, beef patty, bun.

The taste of the sundried tomato vaguely reminded me of the McDonald’s cheeseburger. The sweet and sour element gave the burger a third dimension, but the bun was slightly over-toasted for my liking.

All the items on Burger Bench & Bar’s menu are priced between $7-8 (burger only). You can add on a side of hand-cooked russet potato crisps or fries for a dollar, or an additional beef patty for four dollars. The burgers from Burger Bench & Bar are probably not the biggest in terms of size, nor the cheapest when compared with fastfood restaurants.

But they are actually pretty decent and a meal consisting of burger, fries and drinks will cost around $11. Once Upon A Milkshake is just around the corner, so there’s always room for desserts after having burgers for dinner.

// Burger Bench & Bar is included in my Guide to Restaurants in Orchard Singapore

Restaurant Review
Burger Bench & Bar
8 Grange Road #01-02
Cathay Cineleisure Orchard Singapore
Tel: +65 6737 9947

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Here is a guide to the best buffet restaurants in Singapore.

Basilico – Italian Buffet
1 Cuscaden Road
Level 2 The Regent Singapore
Tel: +65 6725 3232
// Weekday Lunch Buffet $42++
Saturday Lunch Buffet $46++
Sunday Brunch Buffet $69++
Daily Semi Buffet Dinner $69++

Bar & Billiard Room
1 Beach Road Raffles Hotel
Tel: +65 6412 1816
// Mon to Sat Lunch Buffet $60++
Mon to Sat Dinner Buffet $75++
Sunday Champagne Brunch $178++ ($158 without champagne)

Carousel Halal Buffet Restaurant
25 Scotts Road
GF Royal Plaza on Scotts Singapore
Tel: +65 6589 7799
// Weekday Halal Buffet Lunch $46++
Weekend Halal Buffet Dinner $50++
Weekday Halal Buffet Dinner $62++
Weekend Halal Buffet Dinner $75++

Cafe L’Espresso – English High Tea Buffet
22 Scotts Road
GF Goodwood Park Hotel
Tel: +65 6730 1743
// Mon – Thu English High Tea Buffet $34+++
Fri – Sun English High Tea Buffet $36++

Cherry Garden – Champagne Dim Sum Brunch Buffet
5 Raffles Avenue
5F Mandarin Oriental
Tel: +65 6885 3538
// Weekend Dim Sum Brunch
Sat – Sun 10am to 3pm
$48++ without Champagne
$118++ with free flow Champagne

EDGE – seven live food theatres and a whimsical dessert island
Pan Pacific Singapore, Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6826 8240
Nearest Station: City Hall/Promenade

Jing Restaurant – Weekend Brunch Buffet
One Fullerton, #01-02/03
1 Fullerton Road
Singapore 049213
Tel: 6224 0088
// Weekend Brunch Buffet $38++

Melt The World Cafe – International Buffet
5 Raffles Avenue
4F The Oriental Singapore
Tel: +65 6885 3082
// Weekdays Lunch Buffet (Mon – Sat) $56++
Sunday Brunch Buffet $88++ (Non-alohol)
Sun – Wed Dinner Buffet $68++
Thu – Sat Dinner Buffet $78++

One Ninety Restaurant – European Buffet
190 Orchard Boulevard
GF Four Seasons Hotel
Tel: +65 6734 1110
// Mon – Fri European Buffet Lunch $48++
Saturday Asian High Tea $45++
Sunday International Brunch Buffet $138++

Sabroso Tapas Wine Bar – Tapas Buffet Dinner
26A Lorong Mambong
Holland Village, Singapore
Tel: +65 6766 0053
// Sun – Thu Spanish Tapas Buffet Dinner $32++

Seasonal Tastes
32/F The Westin Singapore
Asia Square Tower 2
12 Marina View
Mon to Sat Lunch Buffet S$35++
Mon to Sun Dinner Buffet S$55++
Sunday Champagne Brunch S$110++
Nearest Station: Downtown/Marina Bay

Straits Kitchen – Singapore Hawker Food (Halal) Buffet
Grand Hyatt Singapore Hotel
10 Scotts Rd
Tel: +65 6732 1234
Daily Halal Buffet Lunch $42++
Daily Halal Buffet Dinner $48++

The Line Shangri La – International Buffet
22 Orange Grove Road
Basement Shangri-la Hotel
Tel: +65 6213 4275
// Weekday International Buffet Lunch $47++
Sat International Buffet Lunch $50++
Sun Brunch $78++ (non alochol)
Fri – Mon International Buffet Dinner $68++
Tue Buffet Dinner Oyster Night special $88++
Wed Buffet Dinner BBQ Night Special $78++
Thu Buffet DInner Seafood Night Special $88++

Town Restaurant – International Buffet
1 Fullerton Square
GF Fullerton Hotel
Tel: +65 6877 8128
// Mon – Fri International Lunch Buffet $48
Sat Local High Tea $32++
Sun Champagne Brunch Buffet $148++
Sun – Wed International Dinner Buffet $48
Thu – Sat Seafood Dinner Buffet $58++

Tea Lounge Regent Singapore
1 Cuscaden Road GF
The Regent Singapore
Tel: +65 6725 3246
// Weekday English Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea Set ($38++):
Mon to Fri 12.30pm – 5pm
// Weekend High Tea Buffet ($45++):
Sat & Sun 1.30pm – 5.30pm

Triple Three Restaurant
333 Orchard Road
Level 5 Meritus Mandarin Singapore
Tel: +65 6831 6271
// Weekday Lunch Buffet $68++
Mon to Thu Dinner Buffet $89.9++
Fri & Sat Dinner Buffet $72++
Sun Brunch Buffet $138++ (free flow sparking) $99++ (no Alcohol)
Sun Dinner Buffet $108++
// 1 for 1 with DBS credit cards is valid for Sun – Thu dinner & Mon – Sat lunch

Yan Ting Restaurant – Weekend Dim Sum Brunch Buffet
29 Tanglin Road
The St Regis
// Weekend dim sum brunch $88++
Weekday 11.45am – 2.30pm
Weekend 11 am – 3.30pm
Tel: 6506 6888
Read post here, here, here, and here

I will be adding this list to the top of my Delicious page. Given that it’s already April, that means on average, I need to check out at least one buffet restaurant each month. Get going, save up for the indulgence and report back to me every time you ticked off a restaurant off this list.