Author: Rebekah Lee

Sun-Soaked Sentosa’s Best Beach Bars, Cafes and Restaurants

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date May 23, 2017
No Comments on Sun-Soaked Sentosa’s Best Beach Bars, Cafes and Restaurants

Singapore doesn’t have many beaches for you to lounge around on despite being a sunny tropical island. However, if you’re determined to soak up the sun and waves without hopping on a plane, here’s a quick rundown of Singapore’s best beaches – plus the best restaurants and cafes to chill out in!

Tanjong Beach

Tanjong beach is the ultimate dog lovers’ paradise – it’s the place people usually take their dogs for a swim and a stroll (except the adorable pups are usually too excited to just stroll at a leisurely pace), so be prepared to have the time of your life! Bring your fur children along and grab a snack along with a cocktail at Tanjong Beach Club while soaking up some sun rays on lounge beds on soft white sand. Sit back and relax with some Cider Battered Fish & Chips ($28) with a side of fragrant Truffle Fries ($10), and a cold Piña Colada ($23) in hand and feel all the stress and tension of the outside world melt away. Remember to slap on some sunscreen!

Find Tanjong Beach Club at 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa, 098942
Book a table at Tanjong Beach Club and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Palawan Beach

Palawan is Singapore’s child friendly beach, full of activities to keep children occupied for an entire day (or until they exhaust themselves from playing and swimming). Stroll across the suspension bridge to the little Palawan Island (which is also where Asia is closest to the Equator!), and on the other side you’ll be rewarded with a viewing platform that gives you a bird’s eye view of Sentosa. Grab a seat at FOC Sentosa for delish Spanish fare – there’s even a pool by the bar! Imagine goggling at a breathtaking pink and purple-hued sunset while sipping on a glass of FOC Red Sangria ($16) and digging into a Squid Ink Paella ($40 for 2) – talk about perfection!

Find FOC Sentosa at 110 Tanjong Beach Walk, Singapore 098943
Book a table at FOC Sentosa and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Siloso Beach

Siloso Beach is truly where the action’s at – this is definitely the place for you if you’re someone who likes to party, or if you’re the type of person who’s constantly on the move! You can surf a man-made wave at Wave House and chow down on their 1-Foot Garlic Baguette ($5.50) or the all time favourite ‘Wipe Out’ Pizza (topped with beef pepperoni, smoked chicken, chicken bratwurst, mushrooms, capsicum, pineapple and olives – $17.80) if you’re feeling peckish, or head over to Bikini Bar for a ice cold glass of Bintang beer!

If you’d prefer to just chill out, there’s something here for you too: Coastes offers a casual, laid-back beachy vibe where the sunbeds and deck chairs are placed right to the water’s edge. So sit back and relax with a good book, and dig into their delish Big Bad Wolf Pizza (bacon, roast chicken, capsicun, mushrooms – $25) or the flaky beer-battered Coastes Fish Burger ($20). You can also sprawl out at one of Ola Beach Club’s many sundeck chairs for some Hawaiian goodies – like their Kalua Pig Taco ($25) and Lomi Lomi Salmon ($16). Craving some Indian food? Kurry Korner’s got you covered with their hearty Chicken Tikka Masala & Butter Chicken ($17.60 each) that you can wash down with a refreshing glass of Mango Lassi ($6.60).

Find Wave House at 36 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa, 099007
Book a table at Wave House and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Find Bikini Bar at 50 Siloso Beach Walk, #01-01, 099000
Click here for more info on Bikini Bar

Find Coastes at 50 Siloso Beach Walk, #01-06, 099000
Book a table at Coastes and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Find Ola Beach Club at 46 Siloso Beach Walk, 099005
Book a table at Ola Beach Club and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Find Kurry Korner at 50 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa, 099000
Click here for more info on Kurry Korner

Quayside Isle @ Sentosa Cove

Drive a little further down to the luxurious Sentosa Coast Marina for a breezy row of restaurants and cafes reminiscent of Croatia’s Splitska Riva (only my favourite place in the entire universe) where you can settle down with a tall iced latte and almost teleport from the hustle and bustle of Singapore’s dizzying city lights to the jewel toned Adriatic seafront in a matter of seconds.

Visit Sabio By The Sea for great tapas – the El Pulpo (grilled octopus leg, $24) and Vieiras en Salsa de Cava (sea scallops with white wine sauce, $22) are seriously top notch; or Miska Cafe for yummy Falafel ($19) or Shakshouka ($20) – you can’t go wrong with Mediterranean fare! There’s also Greenwood Fish Market if you’re feelin’ seafood – the Cold Seafood Platter ($99) consists of a steamed ½ Boston lobster, marinated Yellowfin tuna, freshly shucked oysters, New Zealand green lip mussels, littleneck clams, tiger prawns, and in-house apple wood cold smoked salmon, and is great for sharing!

Fancy some chewy New York style breakfast bagels? Get The Central Park sandwich ($14) stuffed with spring onion cream cheese, lox, and a smattering of capers from Schmear – perfect anytime of the day. If pizza’s your thing, BIG FAT MAMA’s One Metre Pizzas are bound to satisfy!

There’s truly something for everyone here – so fret not if you can’t jet off for a beach holiday anytime soon; just head down to Sentosa and let the golden sun and salty air whisk you away to paradise.

Find Sabio By The Sea at 31 Ocean Way #01-02, Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove, 098375
Book a table at Sabio By The Sea and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Find Miska Cafe at 31 Ocean Way, #01-07, Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove, 098375
Book a table at Miska Cafe and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Find Greenwood Fish Market at 31 Ocean Way, #01-04/05, Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove, 098375
Book a table at Greenwood Fish Market and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Find Schmear at 31 Ocean Way, #01-03, Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove, 098275
Book a table at Schmear and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Find BIG FAT MAMA at 31 Ocean Way, #01-06 Quayside Isle, 098373
Click here for more info on BIG FAT MAMA

Tags Bars, Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Brunch, Cafe, Cocktails, Coffee, Good View, Guides

Beijing Destination

Top Restaurants in Asian Cities – Part 2

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date May 16, 2017
No Comments on Top Restaurants in Asian Cities – Part 2

Here are 10 more restaurants for you to check out in these few most visited Asian cities!

Hanoi

Photo Credits: Duong’s Restaurant

Duong’s Restaurant

Tucked away in a small street in Hanoi, Duong’s Restaurant serves up authentic Vietnamese food and an experience you won’t soon forget, for the cosy restaurant also doubles as a cooking class venue! Don’t just savour deliciously fresh Spring Rolls and zingy Grilled Pork with Herbs & Fresh Vermicelli, but learn how to make it at home – this way, you can take delicious Vietnamese food with you no matter where you go.

Find it at 27 Ngõ Huyện, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Click here for more info on Duong’s Restaurant

Photo Credits: Marvel Restaurant

Marvel Restaurant

Marvel Restaurant is perched on the 6th floor of Marvellous Hotel, which is conveniently located right in the heart of Hanoi’s buzzing Old Quarter. Escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi to enjoy a hearty meal made up of fresh produce handpicked from Hanoi’s wet markets bright and early on a daily basis. Remember to give their Bun Cha (Vietnamese Pork Meatball and Noodle Salad) a try – it’s definitely something you won’t regret!

Find it at No.55 Đường Thành street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Click here for more info on Marvel Restaurant

Taipei

Photo credits: Ding Wang Hotpot

Ding Wang Hotpot

You shouldn’t leave Taipei without having steamboat, and this is the best place to get it – choose from either a fragrant, spicy broth filled with goodies like duck blood (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!) and tofu or a chicken and sauerkraut-based broth (or both in a yin-yang pot!) – and order a plethora of various thinly sliced meats and vegetables for you to cook on the spot. It’s a place frequented by locals and tourists alike and there are usually snaking queues that extend out the door, so you know you’re in the right place!

Find it at 108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, 西寧南路62號2樓
Click here for more info on Ding Wang Hotpot

Photo credits: Addiction Aquatic Development

Addiction Aquatic Development

Addiction Aquatic Development is a newly renovated former fishmarket that now houses a live seafood area, standing sushi bar, florist, an al-fresco grill area, and a fine dining hotpot restaurant on the 2nd floor . You can also buy beautifully marbled wagyu beef steaks, snow crabs, and fresh slices of sashimi to eat to your heart’s content! It’s one of the best places in Taipei to get great Japanese cuisine at an affordable price, but be sure to head down early before the crowd comes in.

Find it at No. 18, Alley 2, Lane 410, Minzu East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491
Click here for more info on Addiction Aquatic Development

Tokyo

Photo credits: Tapas Molecular Bar

Tapas Molecular Bar

This intimate bar only seats eight at a time, so you’ll have to make reservations at least a month in advance, but it’s well worth it. Come on down for an ever-changing inventive molecular gastronomy menu served in tapas-style portions, with a side of breathtaking views of the Tokyo skyline, and you’ve got yourself a night you won’t forget.

Find it at 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, JP-13 103-8328, Japan
Click here for more info on Tapas Molecular Bar

Photo credits: Han no Daidokoro

Han no Daidokoro (韓の台所)

Dig into the finest cuts of Japanese Wagyu beef, grilled to perfection yakiniku style! Yonezawa beef is purchased and delivered straight to the restaurant from the Yamagata prefecture for deliciously tender, buttery cuts of meat that practically melt in your mouth. Get the Assorted Premium Beef Selection for 5,980¥ for the full experience!

Find it at Japan, 〒150-0043 Tokyo, Shibuya, Dogenzaka, 2−29−8 道玄坂センタービル
Click here for more info on Han no Daidokoro

Seoul

Photo credits: Tosokchon Samgyetang

Tosokchon Samgyetang

This is a must-visit when in Seoul – you really shouldn’t leave without having a hearty bowl of Ginseng Chicken Soup (Samgyetang), and this is the best place to get it. A whole chicken is served in a hot pot and stuffed with glutinous rice, chestnut, jujube, ginseng, red dates, and sunflower seeds, perfect for cold Korean winters or as a nourishing tonic any time of the year.

Find it at 5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Click here for more info on Tosokchon Samgyetang

Photo credits: Maple Tree House

Maple Tree House

Is there anything better than Korean BBQ? This popular restaurant is famous for serving up premium cuts of Korean Jeju Black Pork Belly – enjoy the tender, marbled meat as is, or marinated in their special fruit marinade. You can also find goodies like Maple Aged Bulgogi and Marinated Beef Short Ribs in this cosy joint. Be sure to make a reservation if you’re going around dinnertime or be prepared to queue!

Find it at 26 Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Click here for more info on Maple Tree House

Beijing

Photo credits: Black Sesame Kitchen

Black Sesame Kitchen

This is THE place to be for a unique dining experience. Black Sesame Kitchen is well-known for their private cooking classes and intimate dining sessions that will without a doubt leave you with enough photos and memories to fill an entire Facebook album. A 10 course Wine and Dine lunch or dinner complete with two wine pairings for 300RMB/pax? Count me in!

Find it at 28 Zhong Lao Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
Click here for more info on Black Sesame Kitchen

Photo credits: Hai Di Lao Hot Pot

Hai Di Lao Hot Pot

Hai Di Lao is the ultimate hot pot experience, made complete with impeccable service and the best ingredients they can possibly get their hands on. Their Ma La (directly translated to mean numbing and spicy, which is exactly what it is) paste is imported straight from Si Chuan, and is the ideal broth to cook perfectly marbled cuts of beef in. Be sure to order their special Prawn Paste as well, and make a reservation before you go!

Find it at 109 Xidan N St, XiDan, Xicheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China
Click here for more info on Haidilao Hot Pot

Tags Beijing, China, Dates, Dinner, Guides, Japan, Japanese, Lunch, Romantic, Seoul, South Korea, Taiwan, Tokyo, Vietnam

Events Videos

#takeyourmumout this Mother’s Day!

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date May 14, 2017
No Comments on #takeyourmumout this Mother’s Day!

How many times have we flopped down on the couch after a long day at work or school, whining about how tired we are, while waiting for our mums to whip up dinner? Now imagine having to prepare a meal for an entire family after a day of working your butt off… And I don’t know about you, but that sounds like straight up torture to me.

Chope is paying homage to all the incredible, sacrificial mums out there this Mother’s Day by getting three participants to put together something nice for their mum – and what better way to do so than with her guidance?

Here are the three adorable duos that joined us at CulinaryOn:

Kelly is a busy mum-slash-businesswoman – she’s the person in charge of Mellben Seafood (impressive, right?) Rachel…Well, she doesn’t cook at all. This is her first ever attempt, apart from the Home Economics classes she had to take in Secondary School, and it didn’t go as badly as anticipated (despite the slightly burnt garlic). Mum was proud either way – her daughter has skill!

Agnes is sassy and adorable, and says that her fitness-trainer son Moses cooks up a mean Oxtail Stew that turned her into a beef lover. It’s his very first time cooking beehoon, and he nailed it (7.5/10 despite it being slightly dry, says mummy) – not too shabby! She’s now looking forward to enjoying more of Moses’ cooking so she can finally sit back and relax.

Cindy is one of CulinaryOn’s fantastic sous chefs, and Brandon is the sweet boy who stole all our hearts. They both baked a fantastic dark chocolate cake doused in chocolate sauce, mini marshmallows, and sprinkles (with plans to eat it with vanilla ice cream afterwards, YUM), and this was Brandon’s very first time baking! Talk about pure talent – the gift of cooking certainly runs in the family.

The entire video was shot at CulinaryOn, a spacious culinary entertainment studio originating in Europe that promises a fun and exciting cooking experience – the perfect place for a birthday party for a bunch of foodies or a relaxed girls day out!

Classes are headed by professional Chefs that bring cooking to life with stories and entertaining activities, so you leave with more than just a myriad of new recipes and techniques in your repertoire; you’ll have fun-filled memories you won’t forget.

Remember to bring mummy dearest along for a memorable culinary experience!

Tags Breakfast, Chope, Dinner, Feature, Holiday, Lunch, Mother's Day, Video

Destination Hong Kong Shanghai Singapore

Top Restaurants in Asian Cities – Part 1

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date May 11, 2017
No Comments on Top Restaurants in Asian Cities – Part 1

Ready to take a trip to these hoppin’ Asian cities? If so, you don’t want to miss these top restaurants, ’cause eating local food the best part about traveling (in our humble opinion). If you’re unsure where to start, here are some of our top picks.

Singapore

New Ubin Seafood

There are two things Singaporeans love when it comes to food: (1) variety, and (2) a good value for money, so it should come as no surprise to you that New Ubin Seafood is one of Singapore’s most frequented restaurants! It’s the perfect place to bring a large group of friends with varied food preferences, for you’re bound to find something to satisfy even the choosiest of eaters. From deliciously fragrant Garlic Baked Crab & Bee Hoon to the hearty Chicken Masala, you’d be missing out if you pass this place up!

Find it at 63 Hillview Ave, Level 6 Canteen, Singapore (669569)
Book a table at New Ubin Seafood and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Wild Honey

Wild Honey is the best place to unwind. It’s cosy, comforting, and serves up large portions of different types of breakfast foods from all over the world, all day long! The Greek breakfast consists an open-faced omelette baked with fragrant lamb moussaka, béchamel, Keflograviera cheese, shaved red onion, and fried Japanese eggplant with grilled flatbread – it’s a must try! If you prefer something sweet, The Brittany will hit all the right spots with its panettone french toast stacked with baby bananas, salted caramel mascarpone, toffee-ed hazelnuts, and salted caramel sauce. Drool…

Find it at 6 Scotts Road, #03-02, Scotts Square, 228209
Book a table at Wild Honey (Scotts Square) and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Find it at 333A Orchard Road, #03-01, Mandarin Gallery, 238867
Book a table at Wild Honey (Mandarin Gallery) and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Hong Kong

Ming Court

Two Michelin-starred contemporary Cantonese food with wine pairings? Count us in! Ming Court is located at the swanky Cordis Hotel in the heart of Mong Kok, and serves up spectacular Chinese cuisine. Give their famous Eight Treasure Soup a whirl (the eight treasures are Abalone, Fish Maw, Chicken, Shiitake Mushroom, Bamboo Pith, Black Tree Fungus, Dried Tangerine Peel, and Ginger), and their Honey Barbequed Supreme Pork Loin is to die for – it’s the perfect combination of sweet, salty, crispy, and juicy- just the way meat should be!

Find it at Level 6, Cordis Hotel, 555 Shanghai St., Mong Kok
Book a table at Ming Court and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

NOBU

We’ll spare you the formalities since almost everyone has heard of NOBU, but if you haven’t: it’s only the world’s most acclaimed innovative Japanese restaurant, no big deal really. You’ll find it worldwide: amidst twinkling Vegas lights, frequented by A-listers at WeHo, nestled on the picturesque Monte Carlo coast, and on the buzzing streets of Hong Kong, amongst many others. Stop by for a taste of Toro Tartar with Caviar and melt-in-your-mouth Black Cod Saikyo Yaki – we guarantee you’ll be back for seconds (or thirds)!

Find it at 2/F, InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Book a table at NOBU and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Bangkok

Cocotte Farm Roast & Winery

Cocotte Farm Roast & Winery is one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in Bangkok, dedicated to bringing you only the best and freshest produce that Thailand has to offer. Be sure to give their Cocotte signatures like The Farmer ‘Egg Cocotte’ a try: it consists of an organic duck egg cooked at 64 degrees, duck rillettes, and parmesan foam. If you’re craving something heartier, their tender Tomahawk Australian Wagyu is a succulent treat that you’ll be dreaming about for days!

Find it at G/F, 39 Boulevard, Sukhumvit Soi 39, Khlong Tan Nuea, Bangkok Thailand
Book a table at Cocotte Farm Roast & Winery and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Laemgate Infinite

Laemgate Infinite is one of Bangkok’s top à la carte seafood buffet restaurants, and for good reason. There’s always a wide array of fresh seafood straight from Chonburi available (we’re talking Oysters, Roasted Salt Shrimp and the like), alongside other lip-smacking dishes like Flavoured Grilled Pork and Som Tum with Pickled Crab. It’s also affordably priced and a 15 minute stroll from Chatuchak Market. I don’t know about you, but I was pretty much sold at “seafood buffet” – this sounds like heaven on Earth to me!

Find it at 2/F, 349 SJ Infinite One Business Complex, Vibhavadi Rungsit Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok Thailand
Book a table at Laemgate Infinite and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Phuket

Palm Seaside

Palm Seaside is a literal tropical paradise complete with ocean views, golden sunlight, palm trees swaying in the distance, comfy cushioned seats, and fresh catches from the Andaman Sea. Indulge in King Prawns with red curry paste, Linguini with Andaman Prawns or some Bouillabaisse – it’s the perfect place to do so!

Find it at 110/2 Moo 3 Bangtao Beach, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket Thailand
Book a table at Palm Seaside and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

phuket cut Lake_View_jpg_1481878557 phuket cut Half_Spanish_Chicken_with_Manc_1481878556

Cut Grill & Lounge

Cut Grill & Lounge boasts succulent cuts of meat sourced directly from the Royal Projects Farm in Chiang Mai, so come here expecting high quality, locally sourced goodness! Dig into amazingly smoky Grilled Pork Ribs, creamy, fatty, Beef Tartar, and succulent Lamb Shank Confit – go ahead and treat yourself to the ultimate meat indulgence!

Find it at Soi4, Lagoon Road, Boat Avenue, Cherngtalay, Talang, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Book a table at Cut Grill & Lounge and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Bali

Sarong

Sarong is THE place to visit if you want to savour expertly prepared Asian dishes (mostly Indonesian, Thai, and Indian) in a beautifully intimate and cosy setting amongst luxurious dark wood furnishings reminiscent of a five-star Balinese resort. The food’s spicy and oh-so-good: their Signature Crispy Pork Belly with Sichuan chilli salt tamarillo & tamarind sauce is a crowd pleaser, and their Slow cooked Sri Lankan Lamb Curry is tender, hearty, comforting – everything you could possibly want in a curry dish.

Find it at Jalan Petitenget No. 19x, Bali 80361
Book a table at Sarong and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

MÉTIS

MÉTIS is well-known in Bali’s fine dining scene. It combines a classic fine dining concept with lush tropical beauty in an elegant establishment located in the heart of Seminyak, and provides an excellent interpretation of classic French dishes with a Mediterranean twist! Be sure to try their Pan Seared Organic Grass Fed Australian Beef Tenderloin served with tender braised oxtail, Bellota croquettes, and black truffle jus for a exquisite gastronomic experience unlike any other.

Find it at Jalan Petitenget No.6, Bali 80361
Book a table at MÉTIS and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Jakarta

Amuz

Amuz is one of Jakarta’s top fine dining restaurants, and it’s easy to see why! Its main focus is on highlighting the rich flavours of French cuisine, and its ever-changing menu ensures that you’ll be getting the freshest seasonal produce that the markets have to offer. Expect something new and exciting each time you return!

Find it at The Energy Building, 2nd Floor, Jalan Jend. Sudirman Kav 52-53, Jakarta 12190
Book a table at Amuz and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

AB Steak by Chef Akira Back

Steak lovers, you’re in for a real treat. AB Steak is a brand new steakhouse with a unique Korean twist where meat truly takes the center stage! The beautifully marbled steaks are grilled to smoky perfection and served with a five different dipping sauces (soy wasabi, ssamjang, sesame oil, chimichurri, and bulgogi) and flavoured salts (garlic, kimchi, truffle, yuzu, and Himalayan) for the ultimate indulgence. You can’t go wrong with their House Aged Porterhouse or the Wagyu 9+ Flat Iron Steak!

Find it at MD Place – Mezzanine Level, Jalan Setiabudi Selatan No. 7, Kuningan, Jakarta 12910
Book a table at AB Steak and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Shanghai

Lost Heaven (Silk Road)

You don’t have to trek through the beautiful mountainous terrains of northwest China to get your hands on delicious Xinjiang delicacies when you can get it at a comfortable, elegantly furnished restaurant in the heart of Shanghai – perfect if you’re only here for a short layover. Lost Heaven has delectable food items that span the Silk Road, from Pomegranate Sweet & Sour Chicken to Mongolian Roasted Lamb Ribs. We also dig the Tibetan Style Roasted Beef, as it’s the closest we’ll get to Tibet…for now.

Find it at 758 Julu Lu, 2nd-3rd Floor, Jing’An District, Shanghai, China, near Fumin Lu
Book a table at Lost Heaven (Silk Road) and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Liquid Laundry

Liquid Laundry’s spacious, industrial-style interior exudes an effortless laid-back vibe. It’s the perfect place to kick back with some delicious grub and a pint of craft beer (they even have their own onsite microbrewery!) while relaxing with a bunch of friends. The Eggs Benedict with Smoked BBQ Brisket is heaven on a plate – head on down and give it a whirl!

Find it at 1028 Huaihai Zhong Lu, 2nd Floor, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, near Donghu Lu
Book a table at Liquid Laundry and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Brunch, Buffet, Chinese, Guides, Japanese, Michelin

Destination Singapore

9 Child-Friendly Restaurants for Busy Mums

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date May 8, 2017
No Comments on 9 Child-Friendly Restaurants for Busy Mums

It’s often difficult to enjoy a meal with children fussing about, especially if you don’t want to just keep them occupied by letting them play with your brand new smartphone or iPad, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat yourself to a day out! Here are top restaurants where you can sit back and enjoy great food while your kids occupy themselves with more than just colouring sheets (that are bound to bore them in no time, anyway).

Quentin’s Eurasian Restaurant

Quentin’s is a restaurant tucked away at the Eurasian Community House in Ceylon Road that serves none other than (you guessed it) authentic Eurasian food! Each generous portion serves 2-3 people, so make it a family affair. There’s a kids menu that comes with freshly squeezed apple juice and a scoop of ice cream, and even better: a playroom complete with ball pits, electronic cars, a slide, a bookshelf filled with books, and even a breastfeeding corner!

Head down this Mother’s Day for an all-you-can-eat buffet for just $40 nett per adult & $20 nett per child, complete with a cupcake decorating class – an activity that both mummy and child will enjoy for sure.

Find it at 139 Ceylon Road, Eurasian Community House, 429744
Book a table at Quentin’s Eurasian Restaurant and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

La Barca Ristorante and Wine Bar

Imagine this: you’re enjoying a forkful of Florentine steak in one hand and a glass of wine in the other while your children keep themselves occupied with a bouncy castle, a trampoline, a bunch of toys, and a water slide (put up only on the weekends), leaving you to savour every bit of your Italian meal. La Barca Ristorante and Wine Bar goes above and beyond when it comes to providing a family-friendly environment that’ll leave both you and your children coming back for more (don’t say I didn’t warn you)!

Find it at 90 Goodman Road, Block C, Goodman Arts Centre, 439053
Book a table at La Barca Ristorante and Wine Bar and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

FFT-SBG-Interior FFT-Crispy-Curry-XL-Chicken-&-Rosemary-Garlic-Fries

Food for Thought

This airy restaurant at the Botanic Gardens features a spacious dining area and an outdoor playground, perfect for family get-togethers and restless kids! Food for Thought has a great kids menu that children are bound to get excited about (milk chocolate pancakes, anyone?), and a special 4-course Mother’s Day menu for just $45. You can even take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Botanic Gardens after your hearty meal – talk about the perfect Mother’s Day!

Find it at 1 Cluny Road, Tanglin Gate, #B1-00, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 259569
Book a table at Food for Thought and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

The Bank Bar + Bistro

The Bank Bar + Bistro isn’t just a swanky restaurant in the CBD where people hang out after office hours, it also transforms into a family-friendly establishment (with amazing BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs) on the weekends. Head over on a Saturday and your kids will enjoy a children’s play area that’s complete with a ball pit, a couple of TVs, building blocks, and a plethora of children’s toys. The kids menu (that doubles up as a colouring sheet) is also well thought out, and includes goodies like Crispy Battered Seabass and Chicken Ham Neapolitan instead of the standard fare of spaghetti and chicken nuggets. A winner for sure!

Find it at 1 Shenton Way, #01-01, One Shenton, 068803
Book a table at The Bank Bar + Bistro and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Zaffron Kitchen

It’s often difficult to bring kids out to an Indian restaurant since most of them are unable to take the heat, but if you’re having serious Indian food cravings and you’d like to spend the day with them, Zaffron Kitchen is the place to be! Head to their East Coast branch for a specially curated menu for children (sans spice, obviously!), an impressive play area complete with a wooden hut, a TV playing children’s movies, and a variety of different toys that’ll keep them occupied for a good half an hour, at least – leaving you to enjoy your Tandoori Malai Chicken Tikka in tranquility.

Find it at 135-137 East Coast Road, Singapore 428820
Book a table at Zaffron Kitchen and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Photo credits: The Coastal Settlement

The Coastal Settlement

Chill out at The Coastal Settlement’s al-fresco dining area amidst lush greenery and retro furnishings with the whole family. It’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore’s buzzing city life and the perfect place to sit back and relax with a cup of coffee and some deep fried chicken wings. There’s a outdoors playground filled with old-fashioned rides for your kids to have a go on, and feel free to bring your fur children along to join in on the fun – this unique restaurant is pet friendly!

Find it at 200 Netheravon Rd, Singapore 508529
Click here for more info on The Coastal Settlement.

Photo credits: Ju Shin Jung

Ju Shin Jung

Fancy some Korean BBQ? Now you can stuff your face with deliciously tender pieces of meat and Kimchi Stew while your kids play in a ball pit, tucked away in a glass room that makes keeping an eye on them easy. There isn’t a special kids menu available in this restaurant, but they do get to eat at a discounted price! Try the Yangnyum (marinated beef-rib) and Samgetang (Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup), just trust us on this one.

Find it at 102 Guillemard Rd #01-01, 399719
Click here for more info on Ju Shin Jung.

Photo credits: E-Sarn Thai Cuisine

E-Sarn Thai Cuisine

Sucker for authentic Thai food? Tuck into a delicious plate of Pad Thai or a satisfyingly spicy bowl of Tom Yum Soup while your kids run around in E-Sarn Thai Cuisine’s indoor playground! It’s located at the Grandstand, so there’s a lot you can do afterwards – like treat your kids to some artisan macarons from one of the enticing food and dessert stands at PasarBella, or take them to one of the many recreational places set up just for children like Fidgets World. It’ll be an outing they won’t forget!

Find it at 200 Turf Club Road, #01-13, 287994
Click here for more info on E-Sarn Thai Cuisine

DISTRICT-10-UE-Bar DISTRICT-10-UE-Spaghetti-Carbonara

District 10

District 10 serves up all your favourite comfort foods in one place – mindblowingly tender Black Angus Beef Steaks, perfectly cooked Black Ink Tagliolini, Crispy Goose Leg Confit… You name it! Drop by their UE Square outlet on Sundays, where a bouncy castle is set up for your children to go wild – but make sure they aren’t too stuffed from all the delicious food before climbing in! It’s also right next to Fort Canning Park, so you can drop by afterwards for the post-meal stroll – the best way to digest a hearty meal and for your kids to run off excess energy, no doubt.

Find it at 81 Clemenceau Avenue #01-15/16/17, UE Square, 239917
Book a table at District 10 and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

We have more good news coming your way: from now till the 14th of May 2017, Mums dine FREE at these selected restaurants when you make a reservation via Chope!
*terms and conditions apply

Tags Buffet, Child-friendly, Coffee, Family, Groups, Guides

Destination Others Singapore

Fresh Eats: 8 New Restaurants You Shouldn’t Miss This May

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date May 5, 2017
No Comments on Fresh Eats: 8 New Restaurants You Shouldn’t Miss This May

It’s the start of a brand new month, and you know what that means – eight more spanking new restaurants for you to check out!

ERGON Singapore

This Greek deli cafe-and-grocer is bound to take you back to the sun-soaked islands of Greece with their handpicked selection of premium Greek products, artisanal coffees, wine, and other delicious menu items to chow down on! Also, great news for brunch lovers: their first ever outlet in Asia is set to win you over with a specially crafted brunch menu that showcases hearty Mediterranean fare. Yum!

Find it at Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard #01-365, Singapore
Click here for more info on ERGON Singapore

Guenpin Fugu Restaurant

Fans of fugu rejoice, for Japan’s largest tiger puffer fish restaurant chain has just opened its first-ever overseas outlet in Singapore! Enjoy the dangerous dish (no, really, the smallest mistake in its preparation could be fatal) – and rest easy knowing Guenpin Fugu Restaurant has over 30 years of experience, in a variety of different preparation styles. This is THE place to experience the Japanese delicacy without having to travel to the land of the rising sun!

Find it at #01-06, 32 Maxwell Rd, Singapore 069115
Book a table at Guenpin Fugu Restaurant and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Steamroom with The Pillar and Stones

Steamroom with The Pillar and Stones is a multi-concept space at Orchard Central, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the buzzing Orchard Road despite being mere steps away. The space houses a “kaffatea” room (Steamroom), restaurant (The Pillar), retail and art lab (Stones) – it’s a quirky little bistro that integrates art and specially curated retail pieces that are bound to delight your senses while you tuck into all the delights they have on offer! Some dishes you need to check out: Lobster Fergola Sarda Pasta, 2015L Slider, Sundae Bloody Sundae. (Yep, that song is stuck in my head now too).

Find it at Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, #03-08, Singapore 238896
Book a table at Steamroom with The Pillar and Stones and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

The Masses

The Masses is the brainchild of Chef Dylan Ong (one of the former co-owners of Saveur) and strives to serve ‘contemporary happy food at low prices’, something they definitely weren’t kidding about – everything in the menu is priced below $20! Give their version of Sotong a whirl: it consists of tender sous vide Australia Fremantle Octopus charred on binchotan coals, served alongside pickled lotus root with gochujang aioli. Delish!

Find it at 85 Beach Road #01-02, Singapore 189694
Click here for more info on The Masses

brine2 brine1

Brine Restaurant

Brine Restaurant is The Laneway Market’s sassier and more experimental younger sister – they’re operated by the same folks, but Brine has deviated from the standard hipster cafe scene to bring you exquisite tasting menus with a contemporary twist on the classics. Pop by for their 5-course tasting dinner menu and tuck into aburi-ed Tenderloin Tatare with wasabi mayo and lotus root, Mussels cooked with garam masala and served alongside papadum and freshly grated parmesan, and deliciously creamy homemade ice cream. It’ll be a meal you won’t forget!

Find it at 775 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198743
Click here for more info on Brine Restaurant

Bistro November

Bistro November sets itself apart from all the other new restaurants in Singapore thanks to their ever-changing market-driven menu – everything you’re about to chow down on is purchased fresh from Chinatown markets in the morning and prepared based on whatever ingredients they have on hand, making each visit a unique experience. It’s a place unlike any other, and definitely somewhere you’ll never tire of visiting!

Find it at 50 Keong Saik Road, 089154
Book a table at Bistro November and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

#wtf

#WTF stands for Wine, Tapas & Friends, so why not head down after a tiring day at work? Grab a bottle of amazingly-priced wine off the rack (indecisive people beware: there are so many options you’ll be standing there for at least an hour), order an assortment of delicious and unbelievably affordable tapas (pro-tip: #wtf sliders are amazing), and invite a couple of people you love for a casual get-together. You’ll be recharged in no time – there’s really no better way to celebrate the end of a long week!

Find it at 49 Club Street, 069426
Click here for more info on #wtf

Salmon Samurai

Salmon Samurai is a donburi place that serves up…you guessed it, salmon! The fish is delivered to the store on a daily basis and sliced upon order, so expect nothing but fresh, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pieces of salmon, done up however you’d like – poke style, with mentaiko, sashimi-style, aburi-ed, over udon, ume rice, salad, or on a sushi roll… The possibilities are endless! The best part? It’ll only set you back $9.90!

Find it at 100 Tras Street, 079027
Click here for more info on Salmon Samurai

Tags Cafe, Coffee, Dinner, Fresh Eats, Fresh Eats: Singapore, Guides, Japanese, New Restaurants, Newly-opened

Destination Singapore

Halal Places for Every Palate

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date April 28, 2017
2 Comments on Halal Places for Every Palate

Halal restaurants can be difficult to find even in a multicultural country like Singapore, especially when you’re looking for more than just the traditional Indonesian or Malaysian fare. Fret not, here’s a list of the best (and our favourite) places to get halal food in Singapore, no matter what cuisine you’re looking for!

Photo Credits: The Ramen Stall

Photo credits: Hei Sushi

Japanese

Who doesn’t like Japanese food? It’s the top searched-for cuisine on Chope, and for good reason: nothing is as satisfying as slurping down a hot bowl of ramen on a rainy day, or digging into fresh sashimi atop a bed of tasty sushi rice. Here’s where you can get your fix!

The Ramen Stall serves up delicious ramen in a hearty chicken-based broth instead of the traditional pork-based variety, but this doesn’t make it any less tasty! Their Volcano Ramen’s a hot favourite, consisting of chicken cha-shu, corn, braised onsen egg, seaweed, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and a mix of red chilli and dried Indian chili padi. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart (or stomach)!

Hei Sushi is Singapore’s first ever halal sushi-belt restaurant, and offers a plethora of sushi and sashimi dishes at affordable prices, but if you feel like kicking things up a notch, head over to Santaro by Gion for amazing omakase! Omakase is a Japanese phrase that loosely translates to ‘I’ll leave it up to you’; essentially entrusting the chef to come up with an assortment of sushi, sashimi, and various other delights as opposed to ordering it à la carte. Upscale halal Japanese restaurants are few and far between, but Santaro by Gion is bound to satisfy all your cravings!

Find The Ramen Stall at 787 North Bridge Road, 198755
Click here for more info on The Ramen Stall

Find Hei Sushi at #01-22/23 Sembawang Shopping Centre, 604 Sembawang Road, 758459
Click here for more info on Hei Sushi

Find Santaro by Gion at 165 tanjong pagar road 02-26, Amara hotel, 088539
Click here for more info on Santaro by Gion

Photo credits: Tang Tea House

Chinese

I’m sure you’ve heard of this one before, but if you haven’t, head down to one of Tang Tea House’s four outlets for superb halal seafood (fried beehoon with crab, anyone?) and dim sum, amongst many others! Kowloon Express also has delicious Hong Kong-style food – you can’t go wrong with classics like crispy Roast Duck, Beggar’s Chicken, and Hong Kong Seabass. YUM.

Find Tang Tea House at 242 Jln Kayu, 799466
Click here for more info on Tang Tea House

Find Kowloon Express at 321 Clementi Ave 3, 01-01 321 Clementi, 129905
Click here for more info on Kowloon Express

Photo credits: JINJJA Chicken

Korean

If you thought K-Pop was South Korea’s greatest export, you thought wrong… Because nothing beats sinking your teeth into crispy (yet juicy) Korean Fried Chicken slathered with soy garlic sauce (or yangnyeom-style if you can’t get enough spicy food!) Get your Fried Chicken, Seafood Jjamppong, and Bingsu fix with JINJJA Chicken – halal certified, and 100% delicious.

Find JINJJA Chicken at 249 Victoria Street 188034
Click here for more info on JINJJA Chicken

Swedish

Is this post really complete without mentioning Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro? It’s a hot favourite, and for good reason: their homemade meatballs are to die for, and their extensive menu has everything from premium Black Angus Sirloin Steak to Pickled Herring Platters (served with hard rye crispbread, decadent caviar spread, and dill mayo). What else could you possibly want?

Find Fika at 257 Beach Rd, 199539
Book a table at Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Photo credits: Koh Nangkam

Thai

You can’t go wrong with Thai food, and Koh Nangkam is well-known for their amazing Thai Milk Tea, toothsome Pandan Chicken, Mango Salad, and Clear Tom Yum soup. NaNa Thai Restaurant at Far East Plaza also serves up delightfully sinful and tasty goodies like Green Curry, Pineapple Fried Rice, and the ever -popular Pad Thai. While it’s not fine dining, the food more than makes up for any service or ambience deficiencies. It’s sweet, spicy, sour, salty, and aromatic – just the way Thai food should be!

Find Koh Nangkam at 6 Jalan Kledek Singapore 198711
Click here for more info on Koh Nangkam

Find NaNa Thai Restaurant at 14 Scotts Rd, #04-22, Far East Plaza, Far East Plaza, 228213

Photo credits: So Pho

Vietnamese

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting bowl of Pho, look no further: head down to So Pho for a ready-to-slurp bowl of noodles filled with tender slices of beef, and some Bánh Mì! The Orange Lantern is also a good place to stop by for some crunchy Spring Rolls and Vietnamese drip coffee. Halal and delish!

Find So Pho at 290 Orchard Rd, Paragon Shopping Centre, 238859
Click here for more info on So Pho

Find The Orange Lantern at 2 Jurong East Street 21, IMM Building #02-52, IMM, 609601
Click here for more info on The Orange Lantern

Photo credits: Kucina Italian Restaurant

Italian

Authentic halal Italian food is almost impossible to find, but here’s one that’s helmed by a Muslim Italian chef – Kucina Italian Restaurant serves up delicious pizzas, pastas, and most importantly, a plethora of Italian desserts like Ricotta Siciliana and Panna Cotta! Their signature Carbonara is made the traditional way (with egg yolks and parmesan), but with turkey bacon instead of pancetta -a must-try for sure!

Find Kucina Italian Restaurant at 11 Tanjong Katong Rd, #B1-09/10, OneKM Mall, 437157
Click here for more info on Kucina Italian Restaurant

Photo credits: Afterwit Mexican Taqueria

Mexican

Fancy some lip-smacking street-style tacos? Afterwit Mexican Taqueria’s amazing Chicken Tacos come with freshly made pico de gallo, guacamole, purple cabbage slaw, and sour cream, placed neatly alongside crispy corn chips. Even if tacos aren’t exactly your thing, fret not – head down for phenomenal burritos, quesadillas, and nachos… All stuffed to the brim with deliciously fresh ingredients!

Find Afterwit Mexican Taqueria at 778 North Bridge Rd, 198746
Click here for more info on Afterwit Mexican Taqueria

Tags Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Brunch, Cafe, Chinese, Coffee, Guides, Halal, Japanese

Features Restaurants

The Carvery: A Meat Lover’s Paradise

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date April 27, 2017
No Comments on The Carvery: A Meat Lover’s Paradise

The Carvery sits on the 7th floor of Park Hotel Alexandra and offers spectacular, unparalleled views of the lush greenery of the Southern Ridges, as well as of the beautifully intricate Interlace Condominium (which won World Building of the Year 2015) – be sure to sit back and relax at their poolside al fresco dining area, which is undoubtedly the best way to enjoy all their delectable cuts of meat on offer!

Meat takes the center stage in this buffet, as there are usually 3-4 meat options available for lunch and dinner, respectively. They’re slow-roasted to perfection and carved by Chef Robert right in front of your eyes, and served alongside a large variety of intriguing condiments to complement all the luscious roasts they have on display.

Their Australian beef prime rib is dry aged in-house, slow roasted for about 8 hours, and served medium rare for a beautifully moist and tender finish. It’s then perfectly paired with flaky Maldon sea salt for a bit of texture, a delicate red wine jus if you’re more of a traditionalist, or anchovy butter for an umami twist! I had mine with a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt and anchovy butter and it felt like I just died and went to roast beef heaven. Even looking at this gif is making my mouth water at the memory! The beef was succulent, juicy, and full of beefy flavour, made even better with the hint of umami flavour. Delish!

Not a fan of red meat? Fret not, their Rotisserie Chicken is also a hot favourite – the entire chicken (bones and all!) is marinated in fresh herbs, carrots, onions, celery, and bay leaves for 10-12 hours before being roasted on a spit in the rotisserie – rendering succulent, tender meat that falls off the bone. Pro tip: it’s best paired with either chili sea salt for a mildly spicy kick, chicken gravy (for obvious reasons), or truffle butter! I had mine with a sprinkle of black lava salt (it contains remnants of activated charcoal) and a generous helping of truffle butter for a fragrant, earthy kick that had me going back for more!

The roasts take centre stage in this buffet; the other dishes are usually on rotation, and are made up of items that complement the different meats they have on offer – like Yorkshire Pudding, Baked Portobello, Roasted Butternut Squash, Honeyed Beetroot, Saffron Rice, Cassoulet, Beef Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, and Chocolate Beef Stew (don’t be put off by how strange it sounds, it’s actually really delicious)! There’s also a salad counter, seafood section (with goodies like Chilled Tiger Prawns, Canadian Black Mussels and Freshly Shucked Oysters – only available during dinner!) and a wide assortment of cheese to suit your palate.

If your meal isn’t complete without carbs, grab some freshly baked bread, a slice of pizza fresh out of the oven, or your choice of spaghetti, farfalle or linguini, cooked in pomodoro (tomato sauce) or aglio olio (oil and garlic), prepared a la minute!

What better way to top off a meal than with dessert? Their classic English Trifle is incredibly luscious – creamy custard between layers of Bailey’s soaked sponge cake and a generous portion of fresh fruits and berries; basically heaven in a bowl. There’s also a Crème Brûlée that’s to die for, and a seriously luxurious, decadent, chocolate mousse named ‘Harry’s Choice’. Don’t miss it!

Find it at 323 Alexandra Road, Level 7, Park Hotel Alexandra, 159972
Book a table at The Carvery and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Buffet, Dinner, Feature, Lunch, Steak

Features Interviews

Saffron Sharpe: Food Obsessions & Favourite Travel Destinations!

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date April 26, 2017
No Comments on Saffron Sharpe: Food Obsessions & Favourite Travel Destinations!

This week, I managed to sit down with the effortlessly beautiful Saffron Sharpe (@saffronsharpe) (who’s basically every girl’s #fitspiration) for what was supposed to a quick chat over lunch at Wild Honey @ Scotts Square. It turned into a pretty long one, and she dished the dirt on her workout routines, eating habits and food obsessions. Spoiler alert: she’s a foodie! (And just in case you’re curious, we both got the Canadian Breakfast).

RL: People are constantly asking you about your eating habits and workout routines on your Instagram page. Do you actually eat healthy and work out all the time?

SS: Not all the time! This is going to sound so boring and cliche, but moderation is the keyword. I usually limit my carb intake so I have a lot of quinoa, and I know it sounds gross but I assure you that it’s pretty delicious when you cook it right. I didn’t like it until my mum taught me how to cook it properly: you’re supposed to wash, soak and cook it like rice, then add butter. It’s not that bad, I promise!

I also have just half a bowl of rice, get beehoon if I feel like having noodles, eat a lot of vegetables, and swap out carbs with extra cheese on my salads if I’m trying to get lean. My mum cooks a lot and I LOVE her cooking – she roasts chicken almost every day so I have chicken on a daily basis. I’ve always been eating healthy as my mum is pretty health-conscious, and since I never had much fast food as a child, I don’t really crave it. BUT if I do indulge in fast food, I’ll definitely order a McSpicy!

I also enjoy working out and it isn’t a chore for me, so my diet isn’t that strict. I even run on holidays or do a short circuit (usually just the warm up section of the Insanity workout) when I feel bloated! I really enjoy going for Spin class as well – I’m pretty bored with going to the gym these days. Oh, I also have a Kit Kat or some sweet fruit after dinner most days, and I love ice cream!

RL: Ooh, so you have a sweet tooth then?

SS: Yes! I love sweet-salty things most: savoury ice cream like Sea Salt Gula Melaka and Salted Caramel from Creamier, chicken and waffles with maple syrup, honey butter fried chicken… You name it. I also love chocolate and lemon tarts, and I’m super basic so I love Açaí Bowls as well, especially the ones from HAAKON. Extra points because they’re supposed to be healthy and good for you, but you have to be mindful of not eating too many of them – once again, moderation is key!

RL: Yeah, Açaí Bowls really aren’t as healthy as you’d think, especially when they come with so many toppings! What would you say is your ultimate comfort food?

SS: Bak Chor Mee and Mee Pok, HANDS DOWN! I just grab some from the hawker centre closest to my house, and I sometimes go to Meng’s Kitchen to get my fix. My mum also makes amazing lasagna, and it’s one of the best things in the world. It’s actually my favourite thing to eat! I also love pumpkin pasta, butter chicken and margarita pizza.

RL: Woah, you really love all kinds of food! What’s the one thing you really dislike?

SS: My mum would scold me if I were picking at my food, so I’m not a picky eater; but the one thing I can’t stand is Mayonnaise. UGH. I think Japanese mayo is tolerable in small amounts, but the sort you get in a jar is just too much for me to handle. I saw a video of someone eating copious amounts of mayonnaise and I wanted to gag. It’s so gross!

I can’t stomach the idea of eating Balut and insects either, but I’ve never actually tried them. The worst thing I’ve ever had was chicken that wasn’t cooked properly and was sort of raw and slimy in the middle – but I actually had chicken sashimi and it’s surprisingly good!

RL: Okay ew, your uncooked chicken story really grossed me out. Let’s talk about something more pleasant – what are your favourite restaurants in Singapore?

SS: I really like Japanese, Italian and Thai food. Right now I can’t get enough of Grounded by Common Man Coffee Roasters, it’s a new cafe that’s right by Yoga Movement – I actually just tried yoga for the first time yesterday and I’m SO tired today – but they serve really good and wholesome food. I also love Odette, Fat Cow, and Tatsuya, and I’m obsessed with Tendon Itsuki!

RL: Hah, I remember my first time trying yoga – I actually thought I was going to die the next day. Where is your favorite travel destination?

SS: For sure, I feel your pain! Definitely London. The weather is perfect and they have such a wide variety of good food!

RL: London really is amazing! So is the best meal you’ve ever had something you ate there?

SS: London has a great variety of food, but the best meal I’ve ever had was definitely something I had in Melbourne. It was there that I really learned to appreciate wine, and they have really fresh ingredients! Actually, no… The best meal I’ve ever had is definitely my mum’s lasagna. (Are you seeing a trend here?) She really is the best cook – she does it so well that I rarely have to! I do cook a little, but I can’t bake – it’s so difficult. I tried making Black & White cookies and they turned out all fluffy and cakelike.

RL: Is there anything else you’d like your followers to know about you?

SS: I’m 20 this year – I took a gap year to travel and focus on other things, but I’ll be attending SMU’s School of Business this coming semester.
I’m definitely a dog person; I love French Bulldogs and Shiba Inus!
I’m a single child but I’ve always wanted a sibling.
I’m a very light sleeper, so I can’t stand people who snore!
I want to pick up either Japanese or Spanish. Mandarin Chinese is my second language, but it’s SO HARD.
I love nature, but I’m not into camping and roughing it out – I’d love to go Glamping, though!

Interested in visiting some of the places mentioned? Here’s where to find them:

Find Wild Honey @ Scotts Square at 6 Scotts Road, #03-02, Scotts Square, 228209
Book a table at Wild Honey @ Scotts Square and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG
Find Creamier at Blk 128 Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #01-835, 310128
Find HAAKON at 118 Holland Ave, #01-03 Raffles Holland V, 278997
Find Grounded by Common Man Coffee Roasters at 22 Martin Rd, Singapore 239058
Find Odette at 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, #01-04, National Gallery Singapore, 178957
Find Fat Cow at Camden Medical Centre #01-01, 1 Orchard Blvd, 248649
Find Tatsuya at 22 Scotts Road, Goodwood Park Hotel, 228221
Find Tendon Itsuki at 101 Tanjong Pagar Rd, 088522

Tags Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Brunch, Cafe, Chinese, Coffee, Dinner, Feature, Healthy, Interview, Japanese, Lunch

Features Interviews

Behind the Scenes with 2 Michelin Star Shisen Hanten!

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date April 20, 2017
No Comments on Behind the Scenes with 2 Michelin Star Shisen Hanten!

Culinary genius and two-Michelin star chef Kentaro serves up phenomenal Sze Chuan cuisine at Shisen Hanten, a restaurant he affectionately dubs his ‘baby’. It’s the only one out of Japan, and it has a plethora of flavourful, mouth-watering (and numbing!) delights on offer! I’ve stepped behind the scenes to watch chef Kentaro work his magic, and you, my lucky reader, gets to join me!

First up: Stir-fried Boston Lobster with Chilli Sauce

The Boston lobsters are bought live and kept in a tank in the restaurant, so expect fresh lobster meat instead of the standard frozen fare! He starts off by gently coating both halves of the lobster in flour.

He then drops them into a wok of hot oil, swirling the wok gently and giving the oil a good stir to redistribute heat. The lobsters are removed in less than a minute.

Chef Kentaro then mixes in chili bean paste, tomato sauce, egg, garlic, ginger, onions, and vegetable oil and a little bit of water to form a thick, tasty broth. The briny crustaceans are then dropped in the mix.

They’re given a quick toss in the wok to soak up all the goodness of the sauce.

The lobsters are then served with mantou (fried Chinese buns) so you can mop up the delicious sauce and savour it even when you’re done with the lobster! The crustacean was fresh, succulent, and perfectly cooked, and even reminiscent of Singapore’s signature Chili Crab with its tangy, sweet, spicy and incredibly comforting taste.

Next up was ‘Chen’s Mapo Doufu’, stir-fried tofu in hot Szechuan pepper-flavoured meat sauce!

Chef Kentaro starts by adding dried chili, black beans, bean paste and a scoop of chili oil into an oiled wok.

He then adds in minced pork, and gives the wok a quick stir.

The tofu (that had been simmering in a wok of boiling water, along with a pinch of salt) is then added to the spicy sauce.

In goes some soy sauce, a generous amount of pepper, scallions, and finely chopped onions.

He gives it final stir with a touch more water, and there we have it…

Silky, soft, spicy perfection! The sauce was smokey and perfect with a bowl of rice, and had just the right amount of mouth-numbing kick. By far the best mapo tofu I’ve ever had.

I’ve had the pleasure of trying out their other goodies too, like their Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Crab Roe Soup. The chawanmushi base was silky and soft, and the taste of foie gras was distinct yet delicate – it complimented the dish perfectly without being overwhelming. The entire thing was topped with a phenomenal crab roe soup – slightly thick and viscous, quite like the consistency of shark’s fin soup, but filled with succulent chunks of crab meat and the umami flavour of roe. I wanted to lick the bowl clean – it was THAT good!

Next up is the wildly popular London Roast Duck,. You’re not going to believe what I’m about to tell you, but I assure you that it’s true: the London duck they served at Shisen Hanten was on par with the famous ones you can get at Goldmine & Four Seasons in London itself. Hear me out – I’ve never had duck as good as the ones I’ve had in London in my 23 long years in Singapore, so I wasn’t really expecting much (to be perfectly honest with you), but one bite took me right back to frolicking about under grey London skies. Slightly crunchy, crisp skin, tender and perfectly spiced meat, and an amazing explosion of flavours and textures. SO DELICIOUS. I was reaching for the sharing plate so often that I decided to just claim the entire thing as my own (after making sure my dining companions didn’t want any more, of course).

The Wok-Fried Turbot Fish with Shishito Peppers was fresh and tender, served fried and swimming in a delicious broth filled with green chili, bean sprouts and shishito peppers for a nice mouth-numbing kick. The broth was delicate and slightly spicy (and so good I decided to slurp some like soup after a while – I’m not the most glamourous dining companion, I admit) and perfectly highlighted the sweetness and freshness of the fish.

There is no better way to finish off a hearty meal than with a light, refreshing dessert – and the Cold Almond Pudding hits all the right notes! Silky smooth and slightly milky, just the thing you need to cool yourself down after a spicy, hearty meal.

Trust me when I say that the Singapore Michelin Guide was right when they bestowed Shisen Hanten with 2 Michelin stars… It really doesn’t get any better than this!

Find it at 333 Orchard Road Level 35, Mandarin Orchard Hotel Singapore, 238867
Book at table at Shisen Hanten and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Chef Kentaro, Chinese, Feature, Interview, Japanese, Michelin

Features Restaurants

PizzaExpress: Brand New, and Fresh Out of the Oven!

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date April 18, 2017
No Comments on PizzaExpress: Brand New, and Fresh Out of the Oven!

The UK’s favourite Italian Pizzeria finally landed on our shores last July and if you’re wondering if it lives up to the hype, spoiler alert: it does.

PizzaExpress at Scotts Square serves up amazing Italian-style pizzas, using dough made in-store and the freshest ingredients they can get their hands on. The best part about this whole experience (aside from chowing down on delicious slices of freshly baked pizza)? Being able to see your food being prepared, of course! The workspace is in the restaurant itself, separated from the general public by a glass partition. Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect when you try PizzaExpress for yourself.

First up is their brand new Parma e Rucola Pizza.

The chef gives the freshly-made pizza dough a generous coating of flour and then proceeds to gently roll and stretch it out.

He then slathers on a scoop of passata (fresh, thick tomato purée) that’s unique to the PizzaExpress brand worldwide and spreads it evenly over the dough before topping it with fresh mozzarella. Then it goes right into the oven, where it’s heated to 371 degrees celsius to achieve that perfect balance of crispy and chewy!

It’s carefully taken out when the bottom turns slightly crisp and golden brown, after which the chef immediately starts cutting it into slices. (Um, can I get a sample? My stomach starts growling at this point!)

Fresh arugula is then tossed in garlic oil, and gently layered on top of the pizza.

Generous amounts of delicious, dry-cured Parma Ham are then distributed evenly across the pizza along with MORE slices of fresh mozzarella, and there you have it:

Fragrant, crispy pizza (that was larger than expected), topped with garlicky, peppery arugula and deliciously salty parma ham. There was enough parma ham for each slice so I didn’t have to go through the hassle of tearing a piece of ham in half, like I’d usually have to do at other pizzerias. (#firstworldpizzaproblems) A bite took me right back to wandering around Rome in the summer sun – a must-try for sure!

Next up is their brand spankin’ new Lobster & Crabmeat Ravioli!

A mixture of pomodoro and mushroom sauce goes into a pot, along with a dash of cream.

Premium lobster and crab meat is sauteed, then wrapped into a ravioli shaped egg pasta dough and cooked al-dente, before being put into the pot and given a quick stir.

This is then carefully spooned onto a plate, along with the hearty, mouthwatering sauce and garnished with spring onions and topped with a basil leaf.

This is the delicious end result: ravioli filled with lobster and crab meat swimming in a velvety mushroom and pomodoro sauce! The ravioli was stuffed with incredibly sweet lobster and crab meat, and the thick, creamy sauce was a perfect accompaniment to the seafood ravioli. Definitely a 10/10 in my book!

Find it at 6 Scotts Road, Unit B1-08/09, Scotts Square, 228209
Book a table at PizzaExpress and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Feature, Italian, Pizza

Features Restaurants

Wild Honey – Wonderful Anytime, Even Better During the Holidays!

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date April 12, 2017
No Comments on Wild Honey – Wonderful Anytime, Even Better During the Holidays!

A visit to Wild Honey is like a holiday retreat in itself: its homely rustic furnishings and large plush sofas (perfect for sinking right into) add to the cosy and comforting ambience of this ever-so-popular brunch spot. Serving up huge portions of different types of breakfast foods from all over the world, from savoury to sweet and everything in between, it’s really no wonder that it’s been voted Chope’s Best Restaurant 2016 and clinched the “Best Brunch Spot” for two consecutive years (2014 & 2015) in Chope’s Diners’ Choice Awards. It’s the perfect place for a lazy Sunday family brunch, a romantic first date, a celebratory meal, or high tea with someone special.

The brunch experience is made even better this Easter weekend with something extra special: tender and juicy roasted Australian sirloin carved to perfection, served alongside Yorkshire pudding, roasted root vegetables, green peas & red wine gravy ($35++)!* They also have the perfect glass of wine to pair it with: St. Hallett Cabernet Sauvignon from Down Under ($9++ per glass), specially curated by the geniuses at Culine, no less. (Note: this special Easter roast is accessible by reservation only via Chope, so be sure to indicate it on the ‘select menu’ drop-down box when you book a table!)

Already have plans this Easter weekend? Fret not, Wild Honey’s doing us a massive favour by giving this stellar dish a permanent spot on their menu at Scotts Square every Sunday – carnivores rejoice! Places are limited as well, so be sure to make a Chope reservation to get your fix!

If you’re restricting yourself to fish this Easter, give the Savoy ($28++) a whirl – this delectable new dish combines the elegance of a souffléd omelette alongside softly poached smoked haddock & creamy cheese sauce with a hint of cayenne for a mild kick.

It’s made even better with a glass of fresh, fragrant Torres Viña Esmeralda DO Catalunya from Spain ($9++). I’m salivating just thinking about it!

Alternatively, you could tuck into one of the classics that propelled them to cult-like status in the first place: the Norwegian. This bad boy is all sorts of delicious – it consists of creamy poached eggs wrapped in Norwegian smoked salmon, topped with Hollandaise sauce and a sprinkling of salmon roe. All this is placed atop avocado and grilled asparagus spears and served up on a crisp whole wheat brioche.

If you’re more of a scrambled eggs & bagel person, their I Love NY is bound to be one of your new favourites! Dig into a generous portion of fluffy, creamy scrambled eggs with smoked sturgeon, smoked salmon, and caramelized onions that you can stuff into a delicious hand rolled sesame bagel. YUM.

Fancy a tea break? Pop by their Scott’s Square outlet any day from 3-6pm (or Fridays at their Mandarin Gallery spot) for their new special Afternoon Tea set ($15++) and treat yourself to an assortment of freshly baked, buttery scones served alongside homemade preserves, French butter and clotted cream, or dig into one of their delectable cakes of the day; perfect paired with your choice of TWG select teas, a mug of Common Man coffee, or an indulgent cup of Parisian hot chocolate! Prefer a boozy brunch? Go with a glass of Ruffino Italian Blanc Prosecco ($12++) instead, or go all out with 90 minutes free flow prosecco for just $48++!

If you’re not all that into breakfast menus, Wild Honey’s still got you covered with a couple of exciting new additions to their extensive menu this April! Tuck into toothsome dinner items like Classic Steak Frites, Parisienne Gnocchi and Grilled Spring Chicken, alongside a range of exquisite desserts, like their brand new (and incredibly tantalizing) Chocolate Pot de Crème with Chocolate Brownie.

Kick back for a relaxed brunch or celebrate a special holiday with the people you call family – no matter what your choices are, there’s something for everyone at Wild Honey.

Find it at 6 Scotts Road, #03-02, Scotts Square, 228209
Book a table at Wild Honey (Scotts Square) and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Find it at 333A Orchard Road, #03-01, Mandarin Gallery, 238867
Book a table at Wild Honey (Mandarin Gallery) and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Brunch, Coffee, Dinner, Feature, High Tea, Sponsored