Original Cake, Taiwan’s famous Castella cake shop, is opening its first outlet in Singapore on 23 September 2017 at 10.30am.

Original Cake is a well-known bakery from Taipei that specialises in Castella cakes. Staying true to their original recipe derived from tradition, they have since come up with new and innovative variations to trump the competition—namely their Frozen Chocolate version that is made with HERSHEY’s chocolate chips that we are all excited for!

Having only been established in 2010, they already have four outlets in Taiwan and eight outlets around Malaysia (3 in Penang, 3 in Klang Valley, 1 in Putrajaya and 1 in Johor Bahru); this is a true testament to their success and outstanding Castella cakes.

To celebrate its official opening, Original Cake will be giving away free 800 Castella cakes on 23 September 2017 (on a first-come-first-serve basis).

Original Cake is known for serving fresh, out-of-the-oven Castella cakes that are made upon order to keep up with the highest standards for their customers.

Each and every Castella cake made by Original Cake is hand-made with fresh ingredients of the highest quality such as egg, milk, vegetable oil, sugar and flour. And the best part is that all their cakes are pork and lard-free.

The components that go into their Castella cake (or any Castella cake in general) may not be the most complicated or luxurious, but given the appropriate treatment and care, the end result is always guaranteed to be fluffy with pillow-like perfection.

Original cake’s cakes first outlet here in Singapore will feature three different flavours—their signature Original, Golden Cheese and Frozen Chocolate.

SIGNATURE ORIGINAL FLAVOUR

The original version comprises fresh eggs, milk and flour, delicately married together to create a Castella cake that is creamy, luscious and insanely fluffy. You get a poignant aroma of freshly cooked eggs and a richness from the milk which is just a beautiful treat to have.

GOLDEN CHEESE FLAVOUR

The best-selling Golden Cheese flavour introduces two layers of sliced cheese within the cake plus a generous sprinkling of cheese powder on top. The salty kick derived from the cheese provides a heightened level of savouriness that is an excellent accompaniment to sweet tea.

You will be glad to know that Original Cake makes it their utmost priority to keep their cakes as healthy as possible. Their practice of introducing a low sugar and low-fat health concept makes it ideal for the whole family to enjoy—minus the guilt.

FROZEN CHOCOLATE FLAVOUR

This is the one that we are sure many are excited to try. This slightly unconventional version introduces HERSHEY’s dark semi-sweet baking chocolate chips in the mix. The end result is a decadent Castella cake that brims with chocolatey goodness.

The use of dark chocolate also provides a depth of flavour without being overly sweet—which means health nuts can enjoy this treat as well!

Each mouthful is a sensation of sheer joy that only true chocolate lovers will understand. But do not simply take our word for it; you will have to try it for yourself to be convinced.

We think that it is pretty safe to predict hour-long waits and snaking queues for this highly anticipated Castella cake shop when it officially opens on 23 September 2017 at Westgate in Jurong East. But we say for Original Cake, it is well worth the wait.

Taiwan Original Cake Ptd Ltd
3 Gateway Drive
#02-24 Westgate Jurong
Singapore 608532
Tel: +65 9688 7012
Nearest Station: Jurong East
Facebook: OriginalCakeSingapore

This post is brought to you by Original Cake Singapore.

Photo Credit: Original Cake Website

Unless you have been living under a rock, you would have heard of Castella cakes by now as the bouncy Japanese sponge cake is currently the latest food trend that has exploded on social media.

It seems that the ongoing Castella cake fad has brought yet another brand to Singapore shores and it is none other than the famous Original Cake from Taiwan—the first cake store in Tamsui Old Street which specialises in Castella cakes.

The bakery is so successful among their loyal customers that it currently has four stores in Taiwan and six outlets in Malaysia.

Great news for all west siders! Original Cake will be opening its first outlet in Westgate. This is the second Castella cake shop located in the west of Singapore, after the launch of Ah Mah Homemade Cake in Bukit Panjang Plaza.

Photo Credit: Original Cake Facebook

Original Cake is known for serving fresh, out-of-the-oven Castella cakes that are made upon order to keep up with the highest standards for their customers.

Photo Credit: Original Cake Website

Besides the Original and Cheese flavours, we are hoping that Original Cake will also be offering other signature favourites from Taiwan such as Spurted Chocolate, Banana Milk, Cranberry, Almond and Nuts and Healthy Dried Longan.

Gear up for the queue that is probably going to form outside their first outlet in Westgate when they are ready for business. Original Cake has yet to announce its official opening date, so keep your eyes peeled for it.

In the meantime, those who are not willing to wait can always head over to Le Castella, Antoinette or Ah Mah Homemade Cake which might have a shorter queue after the opening of Original Cake in Singapore.

Original Cake
3 Gateway Dr
#02-24 Westgate
Singapore 608532
Nearest Station: Jurong East

Curious to find out which Castella cake is the best in Singapore? Read our taste test review to find out.

Sometimes all we need is a cup of ice cold drink to cool us down, especially with Singapore’s humidity. Ciao! Tea is a newly opened shop at Westgate that specialises in fresh fruit juice, tea drinks with fresh fruits and Hong Kong Milk Tea.

And best of all, Ciao! Tea’s Pantone-coloured juices are made with real fruits – they are completely natural and not made with artificial ingredients.

We were absolutely floored by the enticing cups of Pantone-coloured fruit juice which appears to be in a gradient of two different colours. The signature Coconut’s Special will definitely get the ladies’ attention, for the pretty drink is a mixture of pink and white colours with red dragon fruit. Another drink comes in bright orange and pink colours!

Not only are the drinks healthy, they look totally picture-perfect for your Instagram feed too!

All the fruit beverages in Ciao! Tea are made with real fruits. Order an orange tea and you get an entire orange blended into your drink. The same goes for the apple tea, where the staff at Ciao! Tea will put in one whole apple into your drink.

Other items on Ciao! Tea’s menu include classic items such as the Ice Lemon Tea and Fruit Tea; yoghurt drinks that come with all kinds of fresh fruits; and the award-winning authentic Hong Kong Milk Tea. Ciao! Tea will remind you of your love for the popular Hong Kong-style beverage.

This is one drinks stall in Westgate we will frequent. See you there!

Ciao! Tea
3 Gateway Dr
#02-K3 Westgate
Singapore 608532
Nearest Station: Jurong East

This post is brought to you by Ciao! Tea.

Popular Taiwanese Snowflake Ice Smoothie House is opening its flagship store at Westgate this Friday on 06 May 2016.

Following its success of its two outlets at Paya Lebar Square and One Raffles Place, Smoothie House is bringing the famous Taiwanese dessert to the west of Singapore - in a much bigger space which will be their flagship store.

Our readers can quote “ladyironchef” to enjoy a sharing-size Mango Ice (U.P. $12.90) at just S$2 – only at Smoothie House (Westgate) from 09 till 15 May 2016. Smoothie House has also lined up several promotions specially for its opening this weekend.

You probably would have known about Smoothie House – Taiwan’s most popular and bestselling shaved ice store that sits along Yong Kang Street. They see queues every day, and are best known for their Mango Shaved Ice that features fine snowflake ice with chunky fresh mango pieces.

Smoothie House in Singapore imports the blocks of ice directly from Taiwan; you can be assured that the quality and taste will be exactly like the original snowflake ice in Taiwan.

Its new outlet at Westgate will open its doors to public this Friday. It will sit on the ground level of The Courtyard – a casual yet inviting environment to sit down and enjoy some delicious iced cold desserts with friends and family.

Other than its usual signatures, Smoothie House’s Westgate outlet will have some new additions to the menu including the Tie Guan Yin Milky Snowflake Ice as well as Napoleon Pie and Waffles.

SMOOTHIE HOUSE WESTGATE OPENING SPECIAL

From 06 to 08 May 2016, enjoy a free healthy size mango snowflake ice (U.P. $7.90) with every purchase of a sharing size snowflake ice (S$12.90).

MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL AT SMOOTHIE HOUSE WESTGATE

On Mother’s Day (08 May 2016), the first 10 customers per hour can dig in to a sharing size Mango Snowflake Ice Dessert at only $2 (U.P. $12.90) when you bring along your parent to Smoothie House Westgate. Bonding time – yes!

LADYIRONCHEF’S READERS SPECIAL

And just for you, the S$2 promotion will be extended from 09 to 15 May 2016 at Smoothie House Westgate. Don’t worry about not being the first ten per hour; it is applicable to everybody who flashes this post or quote “ladyironchef”

This post was brought to you by Smoothie House Singapore.

The long wait is finally over! Hong Kong’s famous Mak’s Noodle has just opened its very first overseas outpost, and it is in Singapore no less!

Fellow discerning foodies will get to enjoy Mak’s Noodle’s signature wanton noodle soup and mouthwatering classic dishes at wallet-friendly prices. Sitting on the ground level of The Centrepoint, Mak’s Noodle in Singapore brings you the familiar authentic taste of Hong Kong with its concise menu of noodles and beef brisket.

If you are still confused by what we are talking about here, Mak’s Noodle is one of the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred eateries. It is well loved by food connoisseurs from all over the world, who return regularly for the restaurant’s legendary wanton noodles.

The international obsession with Mak’s Noodle goes way back – even before it made an appearance on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations TV Series. The reputable brand was established since 1920 and had won over countless of hearts, including former China President Chiang Kai Shek’s.

Coined as one of Hong Kong’s best dining destinations, Mak’s Noodle has been a mandatory attraction on every gourmand’s checklist, and we are no exception. We saw ourselves returning to the renowned eatery even on our umpteenth Hong Kong trip. Fret not if you have never been to Mak’s Noodle in Hong Kong, for you can now sample their popular wanton noodles right in the heart of Orchard Road.

Diners can be rest assured that the quality of Mak’s Noodle in Singapore will not be compromised at any costs. Third generation owner Tony W.K. Yung takes immense pride in the wanton noodles’ original taste and is insistent on the continuation of its timeless recipe despite the ever-changing trends in the market and increasingly demanding patrons.

Springy noodles and wanton skins are all specially imported from Central Hong Kong to retain the dish’s authenticity; it is as close to the real thing as you can get. In addition, Wellington Street’s seventy years old head chef has relocated to Singapore and will be personally overseeing the kitchen for the next two years.

Mak’s Noodle simple food menu is divided into three main sections, namely tossed noodles, soup dishes and sides. No trip to Mak’s Noodle is complete until you have ordered their best-selling Wanton Noodles Soup (S$6.90).

The tiny bowls used for wanton noodle soup may shock first-timers, but fret not; you are not the only one! The noodles are intentionally served in a tiny palm-size bowl for a bigger purpose – to prevent sogginess, and to emphasise the importance of quality over quantity. A small bowl of authentic, robust flavours triumphs over a huge bowl of mediocre and lacklustre noodles, right?

The flavourful broth – made with pork bones, dried flounder, powdered shrimp roe and other secret ingredients – was impeccably tasty and nothing short of satisfying. Only the freshest shrimps are used as fillings and they are wrapped by soft silk-like wanton skin.

The snack portion also allows you to try other tantalizing appetizers such as seasonal vegetables in oyster sauce (S$4.90) and beef brisket (S$14.70). Prices remain affordable despite being a globally recognised brand, with items starting from as low as S$4.90.

A piece of Hong Kong right here in Singapore; we cannot be more thankful. Now, damn those cravings for Mak’s Noodle already! Nothing too unattainable.

Beverages include a selection of traditional drinks such as refillable Chinese Tea (S$1.50), refreshing Five Flower Tea (S$3.20), Herbal Monk’s Tea (S$3.20) and Homemade Barley (S$3.20).

The restaurant’s beautiful interior is significantly more modern (when compared to its humbler Hong Kong counterparts), but without forsaking the essence of oriental beauty. Chinese decors are evident throughout – even the hanging ceiling lamps are surrounded with inverted Ming dynasty-inspired porcelain bowls! You can also watch the chefs in action through the kitchen’s clear glass windows.

The opening of Mak’s Noodle in Singapore is a great opportunity for both Singaporeans and foreigners to sample Michelin-starred eateries without breaking the bank. We do think that the prices are actually very reasonable, especially for an award-winning establishment.

Drop by Orchard Road today to savour this bowl of goodness before the queue becomes insane! And, we have news that the second outlet will soon open at Westgate!

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 1 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.

Mak’s Noodle
176 Orchard Road
The Centrepoint, #01-63/64
Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 6235 5778
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

This post is brought to you by Mak’s Noodle.

Ever felt so discouraged by the potential crowd in town that you just want to escape to a neighbourhood mall for a lovely meal? And when you think of neighbourhood mall, do you think of limited F&B options and mediocre food? Because Westgate will so totally change that perception.

Since its opening last year, Westgate has been the mall of the West, and it has such a comprehensive F&B tenant mix that it is impossible to run out of dining ideas! Residents from the vicinity might have already discovered its amazing directory of eateries and restaurants, and non-residents also have every reason to patronise. Names that were previously only found in town have expanded their empire to the West, alongside new concepts and fresh finds.

From 1 to 31 October 2014, be part of Westgate’s Dine-out where you receive S$10 worth of Food Republic dining vouchers when you spend S$100. Plus, enjoy exclusive weekday deals at participating F&B outlets. Refer to westgate.com.sg for more details.

There is definitely something at Westgate to satisfy every craving and palate. The spacious mall is well-connected by public transport and has a huge car park to boast, and it offers options for various budgets and occasions. Whether you just need a midday cuppa, or looking for a place to dine, here is our guide to Westgate’s restaurants – undisputedly the dining destination in the West.

BROTZEIT

The German joint that everyone is all too familiar with is now at Westgate too! But for the uninitiated, Brotzeit is an outlet for the discerning meat and beer lovers. It is not hard to understand why every outlet is perpetually packed. Toast to a great meal with a pint of beer and lots of meat and sausages, Brotzeit offers a sexy and laidback environment for you to loosen your tie for some after-work fun.

Who else loves their pork knuckle and meat platter as much as we do?

Westgate #01-04
3 Gateway Drive
Tel: +65 6465 9874
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

GRIDDY

Think waffles everything when you think of Griddy. Offering a wide selection of sweet and savoury waffles all day at pocket-friendly prices, the top-sellers include The Griddy Burger (S$9.80) which comes with beef patty, sauteed mushrooms, cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce sandwiched in a waffle; and The New Yorker (S$10.90) – classic waffle stacked with sunny side up, beef patty, bacon strip, and cheddar cheese.

For something sweet, go for the Rocher Banana (S$7.50): The combination of melted hazelnut chocolate spread, sliced banana, Graham cracker crumb and waffle is irresistible.

Westgate #B2-K12
3 Gateway Drive
Tel: +65 6465 9465
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

IPPUDO

Ippudo’s ramen empire is showing no signs of slowing down as it opens more and more outlets across the globe, including New York City, Seoul, Shanghai and Sydney. Ippudo’s outpost at Westgate – its third outlet in Singapore – further cements Westgate as the dining destination in the West.

Start your meal with the Miso Dare Gyoza (S$8) and the legendary Steamed Pork Buns. Ippudo serves classic Hakata-style ramen: Choose from the Shiromaru Motoaji (S$15) – the original tonkotsu broth ramen; Karaka-Men (S$17), a strong flavoured bowl of ramen with curly noodles; or Akamaru Shin-Aji (S$15), Ippudo’s signature red bowl of tonkotsu ramen with miso paste and fragrant garlic oil.

Westgate #03-03
3 Gateway Drive
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

MK RESTAURANTS

Known for its Thai-style suki hotpot and roast duck, MK Restaurants is a household name and one of the most famous casual dining restaurants in Thailand.

The best thing is we no longer have to fly to Thailand just to satisfy our cravings. Along with its signature suki, you will also find an array of familiar dishes that are affordable.

Westgate #01-04
3 Gateway Drive
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

NARA THAI CUISINE

We used to go to Bangkok for Nara Thai, for its fine Thai cuisine is truly deserving of all its credits and accolades. The well-known name is now in Singapore, and has an outlet at Westgate with both indoor and alfresco seating. Contemporary and sophisticated, the restaurant pays homage to evergreen Thai classics and favourites.

Its new snacks promotion (available on weekdays 3 – 8pm from 1 to 31 Oct 2014) makes the idea of midday nibbling so inviting, because at just S$20, you get to pick 3 yummy beer snacks from a tantalising list of 10 options. Our favourite has got to be the Gai Tord Kapi (deep fried chicken in traditional shrimp paste sauce).

Westgate #03-07
3 Gateway Drive
Tel: +65 6710 5867
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

OLD STREET BAK KUT TEH

A bowl of bak kut teh is comfort food for the soul. Over at Old Street Bak Kut Teh, the folks are dedicated to dishing out an inexpensive bowl of piping hot goodness. Besides the usual pork ribs soup, Old Street Bak Kut Teh also has a dry version of Bak Kut Teh (S$9.10 for small, S$11.70 for big). Together with a series of condiments that are free for you to mix, enjoy your peppery soup in the air-conditioned space.

The set menu (S$11.10 for normal pork ribs, or S$15 for premium loin ribs) comes with bak kut teh, you tiao (fried dough fritters), rice and a bowl of douhua (jellied bean curd) that is also made in-house.

Westgate #B1-25
3 Gateway Drive
Daily: 9.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

RYOSHISUSHI IKEIKEMARU

One of the most underrated Japanese restaurants in Singapore is Ryoshisushi Ikeikemaru. Its name is quite a mouthful, but we’d totally master the pronunciation because it is one that we often recommend to our friends and fans. Nothing too fanciful about this place – just good ol’ reliable options that we always return to when we crave for sushi and sashimi.

The variations of donburi is definitely something to love, but look out for their new Aburi Salmon Roll (S$20 for 8 pcs) – promotion valid on weekdays from 1 to 31 Oct 2014 – that makes a fuss-free sushi fix.

Westgate #03-05
3 Gateway Drive
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

SKINNY PIZZA

A popular favourite ever since it was born, Skinny Pizza is a chic concept that will spoil your taste buds with its endless options of, well, skinny pizzas. The pizzas here are a neat rendition, and the Squid Ink Pizza (S$29) is a crowd favourite!

We cannot have our meals without their side dishes. We are often torn between the Truffle Fries (S$9) and Sweet Potato Niblets (S$8), but rejoice! There is a trio appetiser option that makes our lives complete.

Westgate #01-03
3 Gateway Drive
Daily: 11:00 – 22:00
Nearest Station: Jurong East

TONKATSU BY MA MAISON

Tonkatsu by Ma Maison is our favourite tonkatsu restaurant in Singapore, and boy were we glad that it has opened a second outlet at Westgate. Gone are the days when we had to go all the way to town just to satisfy our tonkatsu cravings.

From the much-lauded Rosu Katsu (S$18.80) and Hire Katsu (S$19.80), to the Mameton Set (S$23.80) which comes with an assortment of your favourite tonkatsu and deep-fried ebi, every dish at Tonkatsu by Ma Maison is a masterpiece. We also highly recommend the Cheese Mille-feuille Katsu Set (S$24.80). Deep-fried to a glorious golden brown, this rendition of many thin layers of pork filled with oozy cheese is totally what dreams are made of.

Westgate #04-06
3 Gateway Drive
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

ZAFFRON KITCHEN

With a modern British-styled restaurant interior design, Zaffron Kitchen is opened by the folks behind Prata Wala and it has built a strong following among expats and locals alike. At Zaffron Kitchen, you can enjoy authentic Northern and Southern Indian cuisine in a chic and stylish setting. With air-con too! No more perspiring while downing your naan with teh tarik.

We sampled many dishes, and we really enjoyed the Chef Sampler for 2 (S$12) and Kashmiri Naan (S$5.50) – a sweet version with dried berries. But the star of the show has to be the very creamy and tangy Butter Chicken. And if you need your wines, you’d be happy to know that Zaffron is also a well-stocked gastro bar.

Westgate #01-20
3 Gateway Drive
Tel: +65 6465 9880
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Fri to Sun, Eve of PH & PH: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

From 1 to 31 October 2014, be part of Westgate’s Dine-out where you receive S$10 worth of Food Republic dining vouchers when you spend S$100 — maximum of 3 same-day combined receipts, inclusive of one F&B receipt and one non-F&B receipt. Also, spend a minimum of S$5 at Gourmet Paradise at Westgate B2 and get 5X Star$. Enjoy exclusive weekday deals at participating F&B outlets, refer to westgate.com.sg for more details.

On weekdays, enjoy free parking at Westgate between 12pm to 3pm. For the latest updates, go to westgate.com.sg and like Westgate on Facebook.

This post is brought to you by Westgate Singapore.