Month: November 2017

Categories
Others Singapore

Fresh Eats: Delicious December

It’s the last month of 2017 and Chope is bringing to you the last of this year’s fresh eats! To end the year on a smashing note, we’re going all out to feature the most drool-worthy treats these new restaurants have to offer. So sit back, relax, and read on for 11 absolutely delectable new establishments that you just have to try.

 

TAKU Sushi & Wagyu & Craft Bar

Impeccable service and exquisite food – these two pillars of a Japanese dining experience are definitely apparent here at TAKU. Omakase-style is central to this new restaurant, however it also offers reasonably priced lunch courses. Of course, the main draw here is the exceedingly fresh sushi but guests can take a stab the Japanese Wagyu Steak or New Zealand Aging Lamb Chop too.

Find it at 46 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore (089858)
Book a table at TAKU and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

Kabuke

A combination of “kabuki” and “sake”, Kabuke is dedicated to the art of pairing food with sake. Indeed, the menu here is evidence of that promise, with a sake collection from over 20 different prefectures and traditional Japanese bar bites—with a modern twist. Try their sake of the day at only $5 and don’t miss out on their lunch bowls either!

Find it at 200A Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068638
Book a table at Kabuke and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

The Glass Onion

Named after a Beatles’ song that talks about not over analysing, this hotel cafe serves both western and local fare with a warm smile. None of that awkward etiquette here! The Glass Onion is a place for friends and family. Do try their Rendang Sandwich!

Find it at Hotel Mi, 41 Bencoolen Street, #01-03, Singapore 189623
Click here to find out more about The Glass Onion.

 

Comida Mexicana

This new diner offers classic Mexican eats in a casual and inviting setting, making you feel right at home once you settle at your table. With delightful dishes like The Enrollados and Mashed Avocado Sopes, you’ll definitely get a genuine taste of Mexico here.

Find it at 404 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428998
Click here for more information on Comida Mexicana.

 

NAMI

You know you’re in for a luxurious meal when you step into Shangri-La Hotel. However, NAMI still manages to exceed expectations with their exceptionally impressive culinary ingenuity. We heard that their Japanese Saga Wagyu Beef Sirloin A4 is simply a-ma-zing! Authentic and traditional Japanese plates made with the precision and decades of dedication, that is NAMI in a nutshell.

Find it at 22 Orange Grove Road, Level 24, Tower Wing, Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore (258350)
Book a table at NAMI and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

Bayswater Kitchen

The newest restaurant by The Privé Group, Bayswater Kitchen is a new space at Keppel Bay where the kitchen specialises in (none other than) fresh seafood dishes. It boasts an extensive and varied menu with very reasonable prices and great lunch sets.

Find it at 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Singapore (098382)
Book a table at Bayswater and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

Casa Poncho

There’s a new Latin restaurant shaking things up at Bukit Pasoh! With a sexy new layout that’s both rustic and fun, this bar-and-restaurant seems set to be the next new hot spot for young Singaporeans looking for a great time.

Find it at 14 Bukit Pasoh, Singapore 089828
Click here for more information on Casa Poncho.

 

Lerouy

Contemporary French served with style is what’s up at this new fine-dining place opened by  Chef Christophe Lerouy in partnership with Willin Low of Wild Rocket and Gwen Lim of Patisserie G. You’d think that too many cooks spoil the broth, but in this case, it’s a perfect tripartite alliance to bring on the best of modern French cuisine.

Find it at 3 Stanley Street, Singapore (068722)
Book a table at Lerouy and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

Sluviche

Taking ceviche to a cool new level, Sluviche offers tantalizing seafood dishes and a dizzying selection of alcoholic drinks! Lunch sets start at $28++ so while we don’t often recommend tipples at noon, we’re making an exception.

Find it at 17A Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089124
Click here for more information on Sluviche.

 

Orient Palace

It’s rare to find real charcoal spit-roasts, but now there’s one at Havelock. Get your Charcoal-Roasted Crispy Suckling Pig or Sri Lankan Crabs at this snazzy new Chinese restaurant offering modern Nanyang cuisine.

Find it at 407 Havelock Road #01-01, Furama Riverfront Annex Building, Singapore (169634)
Click here for more information on Orient Palace.

 

Don & Tori

This spot is so serious about their dishes, they have their seasonal ingredients air-flown from Japan’s own Tsukiji Fish Market to Singapore! A new take on traditional Japanese cuisine, complete with Japanese-inspired cocktails and bowls; a live sushi bar where diners can spectate a sushi chef’s craft and enjoy the fruits of his labour – need we say more? Let your feet take you to this brand new addition to the food-heavy Tras Street, and sink your teeth into all the fresh and juicy meats on offer.

Find it at 74 Tras Street, Singapore (079013)
Click here for more information on Don & Tori.

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Categories
Events Save/Splurge Singapore

12 Days of Season’s Eatings

Season’s Greetings, to one and all! Fine, it’s not quite Christmas yet, but our little island is already adorned with gorgeous decorations, especially along Orchard Road. Bonus confession: we feel a certain kinship to the admittedly over-the-top ballerina-on-a-music-box theme in Bugis; our waists are likely to end up the size of the skirt by the time we’re done indulging in holiday eats.

Cr: The New Paper

What’s on our list, you ask? Scroll right on for our selection of festive menus and Christmassy dishes to scoff down this year.

 

Cr: carouselbuffet.com

Carousel

Winner of the ‘best Halal spot’ Diners’ Choice award last year, Carousel is definitely a fan favourite. With separate buffet menus for both Christmas Eve and Day, they’ll be injecting their usual array of international eats with a bit of seasonal charm in the form of festive classics like turkey and roasted veg. All this from $68++ onwards!

Must-tries: Christmas Roasted Turkey-Japanese Garlic Butter Style (Eve) and Lamb Shank, Roasted Parsnips and Garlic Confit. Yum!

Find it at 25 Scotts Road, Lobby Level, Royal Plaza on Scotts, Singapore (228220)
Book a table at Carousel and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

Cr: ritzcarlton.com

Colony

You’ve heard of bar and cafe hopping, now prepare yourself for buffet hopping – all in one place. Colony – one of the best eats around, in our humble opinion – has prepared a whopping 5 buffet options! There’s a festive seafood dinner, festive lunch, festive dinner, festive afternoon tea, and even a festive champagne brunch. (The word ‘festive’ is starting to sound weird…) Prices start from $58++, so get your time management skills ready for some serious “festing”!

Must tries: Oyster basket, Tarragon Roasted Halibut, Hazelnut and Lemon Mousseline (Christmas Eve Champagne Brunch), and Slow Cooked Scallop, Carrot Puree, Deep Fried Dry Scallop Floss.

Find it at Level 3, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore (039799)
Book a table at Colony and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

Atrium Restaurant

Our love for Christmas turkey is rivalled by our love for laksa, which is why we’re shamelessly including Atrium for their easy mix of East and West. Squeeze in their Festive Offerings buffet dinner ($68++ onwards) for the best of both worlds – a paradise which includes snow crab legs and more. Be sure to grab vouchers from The Chope Shop as well!

Must tries: Baked Honey Glazed Gammon Ham with Orange Cinnamon Sauce

Find it at 317 Outram Road, Level 4 Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, Singapore (169075)
Book a table at Atrium and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

Chihuly Lounge

There are only so many dinners and lunches to pack your days, so Chihuly Lounge’s afternoon tea buffet ($62++) is a pretty smart move. Live the fancy pants life as you inhale a cheery selection of mini-sandwiches, bite-sized foie gras parfaits, delicious tipples, and, of course, gently steaming tea

Must tries: Foie Gras Parfait, Avruga Caviar, Fromage Blanc

Find it at Level 3, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore (039799)
Book a table at Chihuly Lounge and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Edge

There’s no way we could talk about buffets without mentioning Edge. If you’re looking for over-the-top and over-the-edge (#abitsorry), you’ll find it right here at Pan Pacific Hotel. There are festive lunch and dinner buffets available in both November and December, which is packed with luxuries like Boston lobster, wagyu, and suckling pig. Yeah, we’ve given up on calorie counting at this point.

At $58++ per person, this buffet is a steal. Find out more here.

Must tries: Boston Lobster, Wagyu Beef, Suckling Pig

Find it at 7 Raffles Boulevard, Level 3, Pan Pacific Singapore, Singapore (039595)
Book a table at Edge and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Audace Bar & Restaurant

Unlisted’s Audace welcomes diners with their festive 7 course Degustation Menu ($168++) created by Chef Jérémy Gillon. No stranger to unique flavours from his stints in Michelin-starred locales, his menu boasts interesting – or, should we say, audacious – flavours like Pan Seared Foie Gras with Kumquat crumble and Asperule Odorante (a.k.a. sweet-scented bedstraw a.k.a. an edible plant; yes, we had to look it up too), so you’re sure to have a most joyous meal.

Find it at 2 Dickson Road, Wanderlust Hotel, Singapore (209494)
Book a table at Audace and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

NOX – Dine in the Dark

If we had a first-world gripe about buffets, it would probably be the homogeneity of their offerings. For something a little more different, NOX’s  premium, prix fixe Christmas set mystery is a good place to start. Eat your way through 12 mystery dishes without your sense of sight, and immerse yourself in an unforgettable festive food adventure. Diners with special restrictions may inform the staff/guide and the restaurant will tailor your menu accordingly. Repeat these instructions at the table to the staff/guide before eating, just in case.

Find it at 269 Beach Road, Singapore (199546)
Book a table at NOX and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Casa Tartufo

This family-run “House of Truffles” is getting into the holiday spirit with special festive sets for both lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Featuring extravagant choices like Pan-fried Scallops with Caviar and Black Truffles, you just know that you’re in for a treat at Casa Tartufo. Obviously, truffles are the main choice of ingredient here, so truffle-fans listen up: get ready to go wild with a smorgasbord of truffle-related goodies on the menu.

Find it at 33 Erskine Road, The Scarlet Hotel, Singapore (069333)
Book a table at Casa and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Forlino

Celebrate this year’s holiday season in exquisite, fine-dining style, complete with gorgeous views of Singapore’s skyline. Perfect for that romantic date, Forlino is a staple when it comes to Italian excellence and awe-inspiring panoramas. The festive menus at Forlino are a delicious mix of traditional and modern Italy, made with prime produce from around the globe. You know what they say, the best way to a person’s heart is through their stomach!

Find it at 1 Fullerton Road #02-06, One Fullerton, Singapore (049213)
Book a table at Forlino and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Hashida Sushi

We doubt your mind automatically goes to Asian fare when it comes to holiday feasting, but why shouldn’t it? December is a month for festivities with friends, family, and loved ones, after all, and that includes indulging in a fabulous, well thought out meal. At Hashida, Chef “Hatch” Hashida and team carefully craft an intense gastronomic experience, featuring the prized ise-ebi and golden ikura, promising you a splendid Japanese spread. A smashing way to welcome the new year, we think.

Find it at 333A Orchard Road, #04-16, Mandarin Gallery, Singapore (238897)
Book a table at Hashida and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Kinki Restaurant & Bar

Since we’re on Asian eats, here’s another Japanese restaurant to add to your list! Kinki is an edgy dining concept at Customs House that delivers some of the best Japanese-style bar bites (and sake) we have ever tasted. Hands-down, this is the place to be if you want to party with sushi! And guess what? They’ve got festive eats too!

Find it at 70 Collyer Quay, #02-02 Customs House, Singapore (049323)
Book a table at Kinki and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.


Song of India

Finally, if you’re looking to celebrate a warm and snug Christmas from home, you can order the Christmas Festive Hamper that’s available from Song of India. Nobody doubts the merits of a festive home cooking, but the clean-up is definitely no celebration. So grab the order form here and sign yourself up for a night of easy feasting. Get the Tandoori Turkey!

Find it at 33 Scotts Road, Singapore (228226)
Book a table at Song of India and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

And that’s 12 eats for 12 days! Yum! Whether you’re stuffing yourself with awesome buffet deals or treating yourself to an elegant degustation course, know that we’re wishing you a Merry Christmas. Here’s to a great end to a great year! Cheers!

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Categories
Features Interviews Others Singapore

In The Pantry: Chef Kazuma Ishikawa of Panko

We’ve rattled on about Panko and their affordable lunch sets plus kushi sticks, this time we’re settling for a tiny peek into the life of Panko’s Head Chef Kazuma Ishikawa. Read on for his favourite tool, the one ingredient he can’t live without, and more!

 

Interesting fact about yourself: I come from a family with over 100 years of history as sushi chefs.

What would you be if you weren’t a chef: I’m not sure. Probably a sushi restaurateur like my family.

That’s still a chef, though? : Oh, right. laughs I can’t think of anything else though.

One ingredient you can’t live without: Fresh wasabi.

What’s a favourite tool of yours: My Japanese knife. I’ve had it for years and years.

Where did you work previously: After I first graduated from cooking school, I worked in a sushi restaurant in Nagoya for 12 years. Then I went overseas to Amsterdam and worked in Hotel Okura for 3 years. After that, I came to Singapore and worked under Chef Hide Yamamoto. That was the last restaurant before Panko.

Why did you switch from sushi to kushikatsu: I wanted to try something new. Have a fresh experience.

And there you have it, a sneak peek into the man behind the kitchen at Panko! Panko, as previously mentioned, is a kushikatsu restaurant under Unlisted that aims to serve the freshest kushi-sticks at affordable prices. It is, in fact, Unlisted Collection’s current lowest price point restaurant, offering kushi lunch sets at $17++. In addition, as you can tell, Chef Ishikawa is also no slouch at sushi, so do try their don sets!

Find it at 33 Arab Street, Singapore (199732)
Book a table at Panko and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

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Categories
Interviews Singapore

In The Pantry: Chef Harry Cummins of Paris Popup

Following our exceptional Parisian village experience at Open Farm Community last week, we managed to catch Chef Harry Cummins of Paris Popup for a quick chat as he lets us rummage through his pantry and discover the person behind the kitchen.


The one ingredient that’s always in your pantry is…
Fleur de sel de Camargue and Vinegar.

One food trend you think is underrated?
Steaming.

What’s your favourite kitchen tool and why?
Metal pique for testing when meats, vegetables, and fish are cooked.

That one unforgettable meal you still think about today is…
My first meal at Noma in 2010.

Chef Harry Cummins @ OFC
What’s one cooking myth you wish everyone would stop believing?
That being a chef is an easy, glamorous life – it’s not and it has never been. It’s a lot of hard work and back-breaking hours; if you’re not 100% passionate then it’s best to stick to your day job.

The best city or country for food is…
Paris, Montréal, and Japan.

Fine-dining or street food?
Definitely street food. I find that it is always the best way to get close to the folks on the ground and their cultures.

A dish you crave during days where you don’t feel like cooking?
Beef Stew

An interesting fact about yourself would be…?
My middle name is Ziggy and my parents were punks.

If you weren’t a chef, what would you be?
A painter.

Do you have a kitchen horror story to share?
Too many! I was once shouted at for leaving a piece of cling film on a foie gras terrine.

Catch Chef Harry and the award-winning culinary collective Paris Popup at their three-week takeover “Kampong French” at Open Farm Community from now until 3rd December 2017. Serving an all-day dining menu and “feed me” menu for lunch and dinner daily, diners can look forward to exclusively curated plates that bring out the best and brightest flavours of this season’s produce.

Find it at 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819.
Book a table at Open Farm Community and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

 

Categories
Restaurants Singapore

A Taste of Paris in the Village

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Emerging from the hype of Michelin-starred eats and Mod-Sin cuisine comes a refreshing take on local dining: “Kampong French”, a three-week restaurant takeover at Open Farm Community by the award-winning nomadic culinary collective Paris Popup, is a guerilla-style dining experience that showcases exceptional dishes made with the season’s finest local produce whipped up with a touch of contemporary French flair.

 

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Over the course of merely 7 days, the popup team — consisting of Harry Cummins, Laura Vidal, and Lina Caschetto – combed Singapore’s fishing ports, heartland wet markets, and the edible garden at Open Farm Community to source for uniquely local ingredients, producing an ensemble of 12 drool-worthy small plates that bring out the best of Singapore’s flavours.

 

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Kicking off the menu is the decadent Shrimp Chawanmushi; fragrant with flavours of the ocean, each pillowy-soft mouthful of the steamed egg comes with shreds of sweet young coconut shreds and garden city sorrel that give it texture and sweetness. Paying tribute to the local roti prata is the flatbread rolls with a savoury potato filling, topped with ‘chai poh’ (preserved vegetable) and spring onion. Truth be told, we can’t get enough of this!

 

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Move aside, Caesar Salad – we’re convinced that this medley of Long Beans, Wing Beans, Sesame, Tempeh, Shallots, and Mint and its creamy dressing may just be the next best thing! The Aubergines with XO sauce are also a hit, where perfectly steamed local brinjals are drizzled over with a punchy XO and bone marrow sauce and topped with crushed peanuts.

 

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Getting mussels right can be a hit and miss but Chef Harry does it to perfection with the Big Head Green Mussels, Kai Lan, Nuoc Cham, and Fried Shallots. Have the mussels as is, then try it with a side of the smoked mayonnaise dip (your taste buds will thank us). We couldn’t stop tucking into the Mud Crab, Tagliolini, Bisque, and Chives either: a thick and luscious mud crab sauce which is tossed with homemade pasta, resulting in this delightful creation that will have you wiping the plate clean.

 

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Haven’t heard of pearl groupers? It’s about high time you’re introduced to this beautiful fish, and a good place to start is the Pearl Grouper & Lala Clams here, topped with a fermented black bean tapenade. For those looking to get their meat game on, you mustn’t miss the barbeque pork echine that’s nicely charred on the outside but tender and juicy all the way through. Trust us – these will have you singing till the very last bite!

 

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Your gastronomic journey here isn’t complete without this beautifully-presented Calamansi, Coconut, Goat Yogurt, Pomelo, and Grass Jelly. Combining sweet, creamy, and tangy flavours into this beautifully-presented dessert, we can’t think of a better way to round up a meal.

If you haven’t already, drop by “Kampong French” at Open Farm Community from now until 3rd December 2017 to experience the best of local produce in ways you wouldn’t have thought possible! Plus, get the low-down on Chef Harry of Paris Popup here.

Find it at 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819.
Book a table at Open Farm Community and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

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Categories
Links We Love Singapore

Weekend Reads: 24 – 26 Nov 2017

Happy Black Friday! Honestly, we’re heavier from Thanksgiving gluttony but lighter in the pocket from shopping; guess it evens out. This weekend, we’re laughing at that crazy, post-lipstick-application eating face, marveling over a massive, massive wedding cake, and more.

Made us laugh. Whips out lipstick

10 of the best new cookbooks of 2017 – how many do you already own?

Non-fiction books about food to your reading list.

Check. Out. This. Wedding. Cake. It took 1 month and 15 people to make.

Minions Cafe at Orchard Central! The 2 months countdown before it disappears, starts now.

#pieporn

 

Cr: @lokokitchen

Japanese competitive eater, back at it again with 4,000 calories worth of Singapore’s favourites.

This week in WTF: space beer?!

The art of making fake food.

Categories
Links We Love Singapore

Weekend Reads: 17 – 19 Nov 2017

This week in WTF: transparent milk tea?!

These Rilakkuma and Toto-rolls (yes, really) are too cute.

Cr: @dairyandcream

Great Big Story covers Singapore’s very own carrot cake.

One tree. 40 fruits.

Buzzfeed tries out 6 famous mashed potato recipes – and we’re just sitting here eating Popeyes.

Tourists forced to pay $613 for lunch in Venice.

Stay ahead of the foodie game with these predicted food trends of 2018!

Categories
Features Interviews

In The Pantry: Chef Mok from Shang Palace

An imagination that dreams up buns masquerading as mushrooms yet finds comfort in the humble Hong Kong milk tea. Youthful features that surprise you once you find out about his full-grown children. We sit down for a round of quick-fire questions with the man of many subtle contradictions, Chef Mok Kit Keung — a trailblazer in Michelin-starred Chinese cuisine and newly appointed executive Chinese chef at Shang Palace, Shangri-La Singapore — to talk about his favourite restaurant in the world, which sauce holds his heart, and more.

What’s one ingredient you can’t live without?
For me, sauces are the most important in the kitchen, whether it’s XO sauce or sweet and sour sauce. But if I had to choose just one, I’d say oyster sauce is an absolute must.

What’s your favourite kitchen tool and why?
Spatula for stir-frying.

What’s an ingredient you think is underrated?
None. If people are raving about it, there must be something good there.

What’s a dish everyone should know how to make?
Fried rice. I believe that Chinese people need to know to make fried rice. In fact, I almost always eat rice for all three meals.

What’s your favourite restaurant in the world?
Shang Palace! [laugh] But if I had to choose, it would be L’Abeille or La Bauhinia at Shangri-La Paris.

What’s the best city or country for food?
Hong Kong, hands down.

What’s your favourite thing to eat in your home country?
Seafood! It’s always fresh–live–in Hong Kong.

What’s your comfort food?
Dim Sum and Hong Kong Milk Tea.

From a luxurious Baked Sea Cucumber and Foie Gras to the satisfying Oven-Baked Cod Fillet or an intricately crafted dim sum spread, savour Chef Mok’s culinary ingenuity when you dine at Shang Palace!

Find it at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350.
Book a table at Shang Palace and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

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Categories
Deals & Specials Featured Singapore

Everything you need to know about 1-for-1 buffets and other Diners’ Choice deals

Diners’ Choice Awards 2017 isn’t just about voting for your favourite eateries in Singapore – it’s also an opportune time to savour stellar eats too! With these Diners’ Choice Specials, grab the chance to sample exclusive set menus at irresistible prices, as well as buffet offers that will leave you wanting more. There’s only a week left to bag these goodies, so you’d better start now!

Buffet Specials

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It’s buffet for days, with these all-you-can-eat specials, to get your appetite going! Whether it’s a 1-for-1 tantalising spread at Seasonal Tastes you’re after or a special 25% off at The Line for their lunch or dinner buffet, these deals are guaranteed to satisfy both your bellies and wallets.

 

Cafe Set Menus

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Fresh coffee, the satisfying smell of big breakfast platters, and an ambience that lets you believe that time stood still; there’s just something about cafe spots that we can’t get enough of. Want to make your experience an even better one? Get your hands on these exclusive 2-course cafe set menus for only $19.90++ from Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar, Sinpopo, Sunday Folks, Ninja Cut, and more top cafes in Singapore!

 

Restaurant Set Menus

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There’s never a shortage of good eats in Singapore but with these specially-curated set menus from the best eateries in town, you know you’re getting the crème de la crème of the lot! From Korexican creations at Vatos Urban Tacos to a satisfying lunch ensemble at Butcher Boy to stacks of fresh seafood at K-Tower, tuck into these 3-course drool-worthy eats for only $39.90++. If that’s not a steal, we don’t know what is!

Here’s a little insider’s secret for you: score $15 off your next buy on The Chope Shop when you order any 2 items from the Diners’ Choice Specials with the code DC15 in a single purchase. So hurry and grab these specials before they’re gone!

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Categories
Links We Love Singapore

Weekend Reads: 10 – 12 Nov 2017

More proof that our closest relatives are monkeys. At least in their food habits.

Free fries from L’Entrecôte tomorrow! Psst. There’s still space.

How to throw the perfect dinner party.

This guy tried to open a restaurant…and failed spectacularly.

Coca Cola…coffee?!

This week in WTF: KFC has made a fried chicken bath bomb.

7 Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes of Your Life.

Massive cones were used to make ice in ancient Persia.

Beans, beans, the Musical fruit! This book of Japanese beans will make any OCD foodie proud.

Sanrio adds a little dark humour to everyone’s favourite lazy egg mascot.

Finally, Google comes up with something that we can all get behind (without having to get behind a line).

Categories
Destination Others Singapore

Scrumptious Hidden Gems in Singapore

With Singapore’s diverse variety of cuisines, classic or fusion, we’re a must-stop for culinary connoisseurs. As many famous restaurants as there are in Singapore, there will often be hidden gems. Some are simply local secrets, while others have taken a step beyond to actively hide with innocuous storefronts and clever camouflaging. Here are some of the more secluded spots that your even your Singaporean friend may not know of!

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Chin Lee Restaurant

Founded in 1973, this family-run restaurant for families is located in the heartland of Singapore, Bedok. A considerably “ulu” (rural) area, the restaurant is mostly known to only locals living nearby. Chin Lee has been serving humble Teochew fare to Singaporeans for years, adhering to their promise of comfort, scrumptious food, and excellent service. Visitors and fellow Singaporeans alike, don’t miss out!

Find it at Blk 115 Bedok North Road #01-285, Singapore (460115)
Click here for more information on Chin Lee.

 

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Cafe Colbar

Trek through the bushes for a taste of Colonial Singapore. Cafe Colbar was established by a Mr and Mrs Lim in 1953, making it 64 years old this year. A former military canteen, this colonial bar was originally located on Jalan Hang Jebat. It was, however, moved to its current location due to the construction of a flyover, and hence is no longer the original bar but a recreation by both owners and fans. The rustic eatery hasn’t changed its menu much since establishment, with local eats and Hainanese-styled British food. So take a walk down Singapore’s heritage lane and check them out!

Find it at 9A Whitchurch Rd, Singapore (138839)
Click here for more information on Cafe Colbar.

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ENAQ Restaurant

What’s that? You have a craving for ab-so-lute-ly awesome Prata? Well, hold onto that hunger just a little longer to make the drive all the way to Jurong West for some Enaq Prata! As a self-proclaimed Prata Connoisseur, I profess to favour crispy prata over the softer prata. There’s just no comparison between the two. Between the regular chewy version and the crunchy one, crispy prata wins hands down. And this is one of the rare places to get said crispy prata! There’s another outlet in Ghim Moh now, which caters to the hipster crowd unlike the original mamak stall style, so if you want to get your #Instastories, hop on over there instead.

Find it at 303 Jurong East Street 32, Singapore (600303) or 21 Ghim Moh Rd, Singapore (270021)
Click here for more information on ENAQ.

 

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Chong Wen Ge Cafe

Have I come to the wrong place? This is a temple…or is it? Chong Wen Ge is a Peranakan cafe hidden in plain sight! Sharing the same tiling as Thian Hock Keng Temple (just next door), it definitely blends in well with the traditional look. Blink, and you’ll miss it. Serving up piping hot local favourites like Nyonya laksa and Nyonya Mee Siam (Nyonya also referring to Peranakan), this camouflaged spot is certainly worth squinting for!

Find it at 168 Telok Ayer St, Singapore (068619)
Click here for more information on Chong Wen Ge.

 

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Bincho

Despite its disguise as a heritage shop in Tiong Bahru, this classy gastrobar is no kopitiam stall. You’ll have to creep through the back lanes of Moh Guan Terrace alley, spot the entirely metallic door with the tiny Bincho lettering, and then watch as the world transforms around you as you walk through. Do try the custom cocktails and specialty yakitori, for they are sure to blow your mind.

Find it at 78 Moh Guan Terrace #01-19, Singapore (162078)
Book a table at Bincho and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

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The Dragon Chamber

While speakeasies are not uncommon in Singapore, they’re not usually Chinese. A large group of them are admittedly Japanese or Western concoctions, so I have to say that there was a little me squealing in excitement when I learned of this secret “speakeasy dining experience” by Tunglok. Head to Lokkee, a restaurant also under the Tunglok group, and ask to enter the Dragon Chamber. You’ll be lead to a red door through which you’ll enter this secret bar. There’s a secret menu that boasts exotic dishes. I won’t ruin the surprise, but do check out the Dragon Claw dish there—it’s proof that Chinese do eat everything!

In keeping with the speakeasy style, The Dragon Chamber does not have an official page, so you’ll only be able to access its front restaurant, Lokkee’s, website.

Find it at #03-02, 68 Orchard Road, Plaza Singapura, Singapore (238839)
Book a table at Lokkee and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 


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Guac & Go

This trendily named restaurant doles out healthy and yummy salad/grain bowls in generous helpings. Started by two avocado lovers, it claims to serve the “best guacamole bowls in the CBD” and seems to be living up to this promise. Be sure to look hard for them, as they’re hidden behind Maxwell Chambers. This hipsterific place has seasonal menus that keep customers on their toes and absolutely instagrammable desserts. Check out their Supergreens Chai Parfaits!

Find it at 32 Maxwell Road #01-08, Singapore (069115)
Click here for more information on Guac & Go.

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Lau Wang Claypot Delights

I navigated the narrow streets of Serangoon to this back-end alley corner coffee shop just to satiate my desire for clay pot. Perhaps we should remove “just”, for a craving is certainly no small deal! And I definitely got my wish at Lau Wang Claypot Delights, for a very reasonable price. This humble family-style kopitiam has been around since 1985, which only goes to show that they’ve been doing things right. So if you ever crave clay pot dishes, do take a short trip to Serangoon!

Find it at 263 Serangoon Central Drive, #01-43, Singapore (550263)
Click here for more information on Lau Wang Claypot.

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Maggie Joan’s

As a popular spot for irresistible Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, this hidden gem isn’t exactly ‘hidden’ for those in the know. Go through the unassuming metal door entrance and you’ll find yourself emerging into the underground edgy atmosphere; thereafter, your taste buds are in for a treat! From the juicy, perfectly marinated Braised Beef Cheeks, Bacon & Cabbage to the irresistible Egg fried in Dukkha with Saffron Mayo, you simply cannot fault any of the dishes that fly out of the kitchens here.

Find it at 110 Amoy Street, #01-01, Singapore 069930
Book a table at Maggie Joan’s and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

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Categories
Features Others Restaurants Singapore

Achieving Golden Kushikatsu Perfection at Panko

If you’re done wandering food streets Arab Street and Haji Lane, check out the quirky watering hole that sits on the corner between the two: Panko, the newest baby from Unlisted Collection, is a cyberpunk-themed kushikatsu restaurant and bar. The concept of the bar is “casual, playful, and accessible”, and it’s headed by Chef Ishikawa who hails from a family of sushi chefs with 105 years of history and tradition. While Chef Ishikawa had followed faithfully in his family’s footsteps, the sushi chef has since branched out (to our great fortune) to a greater variety of flavours.


As the brainchild of Unlisted Collection, expect Panko to dish out extraordinary creations that are in line with those that come out of Salted & Hung, Cheek by Jowl, and Bincho. In fact, it’s run by the very same team behind Bincho. The table sitting area facing Arab Street has a wall projection displaying Tokyo’s street life, while Japanese-style murals decorate the walls around the bar area.

Panko is currently the restaurant with the lowest price point on Unlisted’s team of restaurants. Their aim is to provide exquisite Japanese food with fresh ingredients at affordable prices. Lunch sets start at $17++, with skewers ranging from as low as $2 to $8 per stick.


We were served with some of the delicate skewers that they have on the menu: the first on top is Salmon with Ikura ($6), while the foreground boasts Prawn ($6), and Young Corn ($2). Sauces offered to us, from left to right, were ponzu, lemon, Japanese Sea Salt, and Panko’s own secret Kushi Sauce (we only managed to discern Worchester sauce and sake in this, alas, it shall remain a true mystery).

Note how the skewers are angled towards the secret sauce? A clever tip that lets you know which sauce that skewer should be dipped into! Diners have free reign over which sauces they’d like to go with their skewers but of course, chef knows best.

The secret sauce was just right for the prawn and corn kushi, being neither too salty or too sweet. (We had a moment of rebellion and gave the Ponzu a try, but, while also pretty good, it was a little too acidic for the corn.)


With the sound of sizzling kushikatsu covering your whispered sweet nothings, the bar setting can make for a pretty intimate date night. Here’s a tip for those wondering how to impress even more at Panko’s. While not explicitly stated on the written menu, diners can actually request an omakase set. Meaning, “I’ll leave it up to you” or “entrust”, ordering omakase will leave the chef to decide what he wants to puts on your plate, be it a menu staple or special dishes he’ll create just for you. Wallet warning: be prepared to splurge at least $100. You’ll be asked your budget beforehand, but that’s the minimum for Omakase. This doesn’t include drinks, so make sure to do the sums! Personally, we feel that the quality and quantity more than justifies the price.

So how does Panko make these tasty fun-sized skewers, you ask? Here’s a sneak peek into the kitchens to see how the magic happens:

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These delicately-prepared kushi are first skewered with utmost care, making sure that the bamboo skewers have a split at the end – this prevents meat from falling off. Then, they are dipped in batter before being left to drip on the rack for a minute. Chef helpfully informs us that this is to prevent too much batter from coating your food. The rule of thumb for kushikatsu, as the good chef tells us, is that less batter is better.

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Next comes the dusting of bread crumbs, a.k.a. panko! Chef Ishikawa gently pats the kushikatsu down with an even coating of homemade panko.

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And finally, the deep-frying. Look at that sizzle! The kushikatsu is deep-fried forexactly 2 minutes (we timed it), before taken out and allowed to “rest” for a few seconds.

Finally, it’s decorated and served, like so!

Salmon
(We’re betting our bottom dollar that you’re salivating just as much as we are right now.)

Mochi Bacon
We’re head-over-heels for the Mochi Bacon with Mentai Mayo ($5) Kushikatsu, which is bacon wrapped around mochi and dusted with panko. The crispy outside complements the soft and chewy insides. By then, the mochi has taken in enough “juice” to hold a slight taste of bacon as well, which fills your mouth the more you chew. A small dollop of mentaiko mayonnaise is squeezed on top and sprinkled with tobiko, which burst with each bite and leave delicate hints of umami.

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The first skewer is the Hokkaido Scallop with Nori Dashi Foam ($6). For seafood lovers, especially those who love Hotate (Japanese scallops), these are a must-try! The first bite starts with a crunch, and then your teeth sink into the tender, bouncy flesh. When you dip it into dashi foam, it’s a delightful combination of slight saltiness and shellfish-sweetness. Yum! And if you love Uni (Japanese sea urchin) as much as we do, you should definitely go for the latter dish which is the Hokkaido Scallop with Sea Urchin ($8).

Whether you’re looking for a casual but quirky setting for a date or if you simply want to try a new bar with an extensive collection of good Japanese alcohol and food, Panko is a place that will tease, please, and overall guarantee you a good time.

Find it at 33 Arab Street, Singapore (199732)
Book a table at Panko and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

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