Category: Destination

10 Delicious Chirashi, Sushi & Sashimi Places That Won’t Break the Bank

Post author By Chope
Post date March 23, 2017
No Comments on 10 Delicious Chirashi, Sushi & Sashimi Places That Won’t Break the Bank

If there’s one thing Singaporeans will never tire of, it’s Japanese food! Happily, new Japanese restaurants are popping up every year to satiate our enormous appetites, but our favourite Japanese culinary exports (like fresh slabs of sashimi) can also be one of its most expensive, and if you’re not careful, that delicious sushi dinner can easily set you back hundreds of dollars.

Not to worry – for the benefit of your wallet we’ve taken on the trying task of eating our way through Singapore’s multitude of Japanese restaurants to bring you some of the best and most affordable spots on our sunny island. Itadakimasu!

teppei
Photo credits: Teppei Japanese Restaurant

Teppei Japanese Restaurant

You’ve probably seen a couple of Teppei Syokudo stalls all around Singapore serving up bowls of Kaisen-Don tossed in their signature specialty Bara Chirashi sauce (Teppei-san has it specially manufactured in Japan), but the original restaurant at Tanjong Pagar is where the party’s at! An assortment of generously cubed fresh Salmon, Tuna, Cuttlefish, Scallop and Swordfish sashimi pieces lies atop a bowl of warm, fluffy Japanese rice, topped with seaweed flakes, spring onions, sprouts and a sprinkling of Ikura ($17.60). The Bara Chirashi sauce is reminiscent of Japanese Soy Sauce, but with a touch more umami flavour. Oishi!

(Tip: they have different Higawari (daily specials) lunch bowls every day, so check out their Facebook page for what they have on offer before you go!)

Dishes We Love: Kaisen Don, Negitoro Kaisen Don, Japan Gyudon, Steamed Unagi Don, Sukiyaki Don

Find it at 1 Tras Link, #01-18 Orchid Hotel, 078867
Click here for more info on Teppei Japanese Restaurant

Shin Minori Japanese Restaurant

Shin Minori has been named the winner for ‘Best Buffet’ in Chope’s Diners Choice Award in 2016, and for good reason: you can treat yourself to 8 different types of fresh sashimi, a large variety of sushi, temaki and makimono, and a plethora of grilled and fried options – all for the low price of $37++ for lunch and $39++ for dinner! It’s the perfect place for get-togethers, made even better with their 10th anniversary promotion menu (available till the 31st of May 2017) – free flows of red wine, white wine, sake, beer, umeshu soda, fruit juice and soft drinks for an additional $10! If you’re looking for a reason to celebrate, this is it.

Dishes We Love: Maguro Sashimi, Kani Tempura, Zaru Soba, Spider Temaki, Ebi Tempura Maki, Harvest Maki Roll

81 Clemenceau Avenue, #03-15/16, UE Square, 239917
Book a table at Shin Minori and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Standing Sushi Bar

Despite its name, Standing Sushi Bar doesn’t actually require its customers to stand and consume their sushi. Just as well, for it’s going to take us a while to take full advantage of the restaurant’s generous promotions. On Mondays and Thursdays, gorge yourself on tender Salmon Sashimi with Standing Sushi Bar’s promise of 5 slices for a mere $3. Then come back on Try Us Tuesdays and eat your way through the restaurant’s nigiri sushi selection, including classics like Mackerel, Yellowtail, Salmon, Ebi, and Tuna for half-price. It’s probably a good thing they don’t offer these promos every day of the week because we’d never leave!

Dishes We Love: Salmon Sashimi, Mackerel Nigiri Sushi, Shake Aburi, Salmon Avocado Maki

Find it at 8 Queen Street, #01-03 8QSAM, 188535
Book a table at Standing Sushi Bar and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Photo credits: @jael.__

Sushiro

Sushiro is situated at Thompson Plaza and serves up amazing bowls of Bara Chirashi don as well, and among one of the cheapest at only $12.90! Their generous bowls contain large cubes of sashimi – namely Salmon, Tuna, Octopus, Scallop and Prawn, along with a sprinkling of Ikura for a burst of umami flavour. The sashimi is covered with a slightly sweet and sticky sesame sauce, definitely your cup of tea if you’re into sweet-savoury foods. There’s usually a queue outside before the tiny store even opens, so go early or be prepared to wait in line!

Dishes We Love: Bara-Chirashi Don, Chu-toro Don, Salmon Mentaiyaki Don, Salmon Sushi Nigiri Set

Find it at #01-113F, 301 Upper Thomson Rd, 574408
Click here for more info on Sushiro

Photo credits: The Sushi Bar

The Sushi Bar

We’re pretty sure you already know about The Sushi Bar – how can you not? This place serves up amazingly fresh and thick cuts of sashimi, specialty rolls and chirashi dons at affordable prices. We’re obsessed with their Chirashi Don ($19.90) and their phenomenal Soft Shell Crab Salmon Aburi Roll ($17.90) – truly the stuff of dreams! Their Far East Plaza joint was so incredibly popular that they’ve expanded and opened up a second branch at Ngee Ann City.

Dishes We Love: Basic & Normal Chirashi Don, Soft Shell Crab Salmon Aburi, Ebi Salmon Aburi

Find it at 391B Orchard Road, #05-34/35, Ngee Ann City, 238874
Click here for more info on The Sushi Bar

Mitsuba

Mitsuba Japanese Restaurant

Did someone say buffet? Mitsuba Japanese Restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat sushi and sashimi buffet from its a la carte menu for less than $40, with a 25% discount for groups of four adults. We threw restraint out the window and immediately indulged in delicious Sashimi Moriawase ($30): two of each of the six types of sashimi, Negi Toro (Tuna belly) Handroll ($10), and Tobikko Sushi ($4). For the less voracious, choose a set meal like the Unagi Kagayaki ($28): grilled, soft freshwater eel accompanied by a bowl of rice, an appetizer, fruit and miso soup.

Dishes We Love: Unagi Kagayaki, Dobin Mushi, Sashimi Moriawase, Bifu Yakiniku, Ebi Tempura Temaki, Oyako Don

Find it at 6 Eu Tong Sen Street #03-88, The Central, Singapore 059817
Book a table at Mitsuba Japanese Restaurant and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Shinagawa Ramen & Izakaya

Tucked away in Anson Road, Shinagawa Ramen & Izakaya offers simple, unpretentious and (most importantly) delicious Japanese fare. We loved the Salmon Mentai’s tender slices of salmon sashimi topped with salted cod roe ($5.00), and the restaurant’s Chirashi Don: generous slices of mouthwatering sashimi atop a bed of perfectly prepared sushi rice. To sweeten the deal, visit the restaurant during weekdays for its promotional specials, which include a main course, a side dish and dessert for under $20. With value like that, how can we decline?

Dishes We Love: Chirashi Don, Salmon Mentai, Char Siew Ramen, Salmon Popiah, Beef Tataki, Shake Teriyaki

Find it at 10 Anson Road, #02-35/36/37, International Plaza, 079903
Book a table at Shinagawa Ramen & Izakaya and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Otaru Suisan

With its widely diverse menu we guarantee you’ll be spoilt for choice in Otaru Suisan. Start with classic appetizers like a refreshing Takoru ($6.80): cool, chewy slices of fresh octopus with cucumber and seaweed in a sweet vinegar sauce, or order the Pan Fried Chicken Gyoza ($7.00) and crunch into juicy chicken tucked in a crispy dumpling skin. Sushi lovers can also sample from the restaurant’s numerous sushi dishes, but if you’re having trouble choosing (truly, we sympathise), order the Nigiri Ume, which promises nine different nigiri for less than $20. We were also fans of the Barachirashi Don, which pleases both the stomach (thanks to hearty pieces of assorted sashimi on a heaping bowl of rice, accompanied by a steaming bowl of miso soup) and the bank account for under $25.

Dishes We Love: Takoru, Pan Fried Chicken Gyoza, Maguro Tataki, Baked Seafood with Cheese and Mentaiko, Nigiri Ume, Barachirashi Don, Sanshoku Don

Find it at Unit No 04-10, 201 Victoria Street, 188067
Book a table at Otaru Suisan and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant

As the restaurant’s name suggests, Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant caters to diners looking for a tasty, leisurely, and, of course, affordable meal. Sink your teeth into a crunchy Spider Roll ($19.90) – fret not, it’s not actually made of spiders, but heavenly deep fried soft shell crab – or order a melt-in-your-mouth Kagoshima Wagyu Beef Sushi ($7.90). For heartier fare, go for the Hokkaido Salmon Roe Sushi Rice Bowl. With its abundance of soft, piquant, salmon roe on rice for less than $25 it’s a bargain you can’t beat with a stick.

Dishes We Love: Unagi Roll, Spider Roll, Kagoshima Wagyu Beef Sushi, Salmon Roe Rice Bowl, Grilled Beef Short Ribs Rice Bowl

1 Vista Exchange Green, #02-16, The Star Vista, 138617
Book a table at Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Marukyu-Chirashi-Sushi

Marukyu

Japanese Fine Dining for less than $30? Sign us up please!

We especially loved Marukyu’s Yaki Sakana Lunch Set ($16): its salty, flaky grilled mackerel was perfect when enjoyed with fluffy white rice, and comes with a side of sashimi and miso soup. The Salmon Teriyaki & Scallop Butter Yaki set ($21) is a must try as well, consisting of grilled salmon with sweet teriyaki sauce and large scallop medallions with butter sauce. Indulgent tip: if you’re feeling particularly flush from all the money you’ve saved up from dining at the previous restaurants on the list, spring for Marukyu’s Omakase sets ($68 or $88) and let the chef decide your meals for you.

Dishes We Love: Yaki Sakana Lunch Set, Salmon Teriyaki & Scallop Butter Yaki Set, Australian Wagyu Set, Senkai Set, Omakase Fue

Find it at 116 Telok Ayer Street, 068585
Book a table at Marukyu and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Prices accurate as of 23rd March 2017

Tags Buffet, Cheap, Cheap and Good, Guides, Japanese, Lunch, Pocket-friendly, Save

Destination Hong Kong

Where to Eat in Mong Kok

In between Mong Kok’s second-hand stores, book shops, and traditional Chinese apartments is an area packed full of gastronomic delights sure to satisfy any hungry foodie. Don’t worry, we’ll take you through the streets of the district that offer the best foodie haunts in this bustling neighborhood. Whether you’re in the mood for some authentic Chinese fare or jonesin’ for a juicy burger and a cold brew, you’re just a few short steps from food nirvana in Mong Kok!

NATHAN ROAD

A main throughfare in the heart Mong Kok, Nathan Road is lined with shops, restaurants and tourists alike. Connecting Mong Kok with Yau Ma Tei and Tsim Sha Tsui, a plethora of shops, restaurants and more can be find on either side of this pedesterian artery. Here are some restaurants to check out when traversing Mong Kok’s ever-packed Nathan Road.

Garage Bar

These days it seems like every corner harbours yet another craft brewery enmeshed in Sai Ying Pun and Soho. Fear not, it’s not the same scene in Mong Kok. At Garage Bar, chill out amidst loungers sprinkled between two vintage Citroën vans, one from 1966 and the other from 1972. Even with gorgeous night-time views of the surrounding Mong Kok skyline, you’ll lose focus as soon as the Hongkongese Burger (a New Zealand steak burger in a bamboo charcoal pineapple bun) and the Ninja Lobster Roll (outfitted with Boston lobster tempura) arrive.

Dishes We Love: Ninja Lobster Roll, Crab & Cheese Melt Sandwich, Hongkongese Burger
Why We Like It: Where else can you chill out in Hong Kong amidst two vintage Citroën Vans? Brownie points if you can resist a selfie.

Find it at Level 4, Lobby, Cordis Hotel, 555 Shanghai St., Mong Kok
Book a table at Garage Bar and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Ming Court

Restaurants able to survive Mong Kok’s competitive food scene truly deserve an accolade (or two)! Cue Ming Court. This two Michelin-starred gem marries bold, yet not overwhelming flavours, and exceptional ingredients. Don’t miss out on the Eight Treasure Soup. In it you’ll find jet-fresh abalone and succulent pieces of fish maw coupled with the kick of dried tangerine peel and ginger. Or dig into the Australian Wagyu Beef. Winner of the Hong Kong International Culinary Classic 2013, it encompasses foie gras, Thai basil and sautéed cashew nuts. Yes, that’s right, all in one dish!

Dishes We Love: Supreme Pork Loin, Barbecued South African Abalone, Sea Cucumber Conpoy
Why We Like It: Sure, the food and artisanally-chosen wines are first rate, but it’s the hospitality and conviviality that puts Ming a cut above the rest.

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

The Place

Fresh from a re-brand from Langham Place, Cordis Hong Kong’s in-house restaurant has become the de facto Mong Kok dining mecca. The Place has an illustrious history of famously good food. With a smorgasbord of entrées ranging from Chicken Caesar Tortilla Wrap to Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls, The Place won’t be staying under the radar for too long.

Dishes We Love: Signature Fresh Seafood Selection, Vietnamese Rice Paper Roll
Why We Like It: Where else in Mong Kok can you feast on a Chicken Caesar Tortilla Wrap on one hand and a Vietnamese Rice Paper Roll in the other?

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

Alibi – Wine Dine Be Social

It’s probably quite rare for architects to rave about a restaurant’s design. But Alibi – Wine Dine Be Social is a special case. Nestled in a modern, industrial-chic space designed by Stickman Design of Dubai and Hong Kong, Alibi – Wine Dine Be Social is the perfect enclave in which to lounge, mingle, and bond over bespoke cocktails. Its aesthetic is earthy, with dashes of a rustic yet refined interior in shades of nut, oak ,grey and steel. Oh, and all the while tuck into teeming plates of Asian and European inspired fare.

Dishes We Love: Bone Marrow & Braised Short Rib, Crispy Skinned Suckling Pig, Seafood Platter
Why We Like It: Alibi’s ability to elevate simple Italian staples into a culinary concoction is definitely worth a try!

Find it at Level 4, Cordis Hotel, 555 Shanghai St., Mong Kok
Book a table at Alibi – Wine Dine Be Social and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Sky 726

Perched on top of Mong Kok’s Nathan 726 lies Sky 726. As you might have guessed, this fine dining restaurant boasts magnificent views of the Kowloon skyline, coupled with a fresh take on French dining. With a lively Mong Kok environment mixed in with its bar industrial and contemporary design, Sky 726 evokes energy and ambiance – perfect for a Kowloon evening out. Make sure to try out the Miso Salmon with Eggplant in Dashi, and the Peri Peri Chicken with Chef’s Sauce.

Dishes We Love: Miso Salmon with Eggplant in Dashi, Peri Peri Chicken with Chef’s Sauce
Why We Like It: Who doesn’t like to savour on French fare while enjoying spectacular views of the Mong Kok skyline?

Find it at 25/F, 726 Nathan Rd., Mong Kok
Book a table at Sky 726 and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

TUNG CHOI STREET

Situated between Sai Yeung Choi Street and Fa Yuen Street, Tung Choi Street offers the best of Kowloon-style cuisine, and general merchandise – all at an affordable price. Be sure to check out Ladies’ Market as well as Goldfish Street for the very best deals ‘n’ steals!

MOKO / FLOWER MARKET

One of Mong Kok’s most infamous attractions is MOKO’s Flower Market, where you’ll find the best that Mong Kok has to offer. Here you’ll get the best freshly-cut flowers, potted plants, and the like – all in the heart of Mong Kok.

Something Wild – The Sea

Fresh, farm-to-table, and sustainably sourced produce was considered ‘hippie’ back in the day. Not anymore. As the name implies, Something Wild – The Sea will have sea-lovers frothing with excitement. With blue placemats featuring pictures of crustaceans set alongside thermos flasks of hot water and stainless steel mugs, the setting is a bit like Finding Nemo mixed with a few dashes of high school camping sprinkled in. We dare you ‘dive in’.

Dishes We Love: Trio of King Crab Legs, Whole Boston Lobster Platter, U.S. Prime Flank Steak
Why We Like It: Since farm-to-table is a thing now, why not try it out in Mong Kok?

Find it at Shop No. B02-B06, B 1/F, Pioneer Centre, 750 Nathan Rd., Prince Edward
Book a table at Something Wild – The Sea and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

PizzaExpress (MOKO)

US juggernauts Pizza Hut and Dominoes have almost taken over Hong Kong, but British-based PizzaExpress is looking at gobbling some market share too. With Peking Duck and Polpette Bolognese pizzas, they’re going where their American incumbents have not. Can I get some more plum sauce please?

Dishes We Love: Peking Duck Pizza, Antipasti Board, Leggera Superfood Salad
Why We Like It: PizzaExpress’ massive and gooey pizza slices are a sure winner for those looking for a quick lunchtime fix.

Find it at Shop 182, Level 1, MOKO, 193 Prince Edward Rd., Mong Kok
Book a table at PizzaExpress (MOKO) and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Canton Pot

Canton Pot sits across from old school Dynasty Theatre and is a potpurri of the best of old and new Hong Kong. Run by the trendy purveyors of the L’hotel Group, Canton Pot combines traditional and modern hot pot together in one pot! Their fantastic set menus and condiment trays teaming with spices, sauces, and the like are definite crowd-pleasers.

Dishes We Love: Grade 1++ Hanwoo Korean Beef Chunk, Assorted Dumpling Platter, Green Tea and Red Bean Panna Cotta
Why We Like It: Canton Pot’s 15 different kinds of beef cuts combined with their homemade signature broths make it a true hot pot lover’s delight!

Find it at 2/F Major Portion, Lodgewood, 1131-1135 Canton Rd., Mong Kok
Click here for more information on Canton Pot

Tags Bars, Chinese, Guides, Lunch, Michelin

Destination Singapore

Does Eating Chicken Feet Actually Give You Youthful-Looking Skin?

Post author By Chope
Post date March 9, 2017
3 Comments on Does Eating Chicken Feet Actually Give You Youthful-Looking Skin?

The Myth – Eating Chicken Feet Will Keep You Looking 16 Forever

I’m sure many of you have been on the receiving end of this exchange – female relatives crowding around you during family gatherings while you pick at the slimy, alien-looking talons on your plate.

steamed-steamed-chicken-feet — Doesn’t that make you hungry? (Photo: Dim Sum Central)

“Eat it, it’s good for your skin!” they insist. “It’s full of collagen, and eating collagen keeps your skin looking young.”

So you reluctantly take a bite and then realize – hey, this isn’t all that bad! Chicken feet has actually been incorporated into various cuisines and is considered a delicacy in many parts of the world, but does it actually help with attaining youthful skin?

Sorry ladies, but the answer is no. You can eat as many of those talons as you can ‘stomach’ (no pun intended) but it won’t keep that dewy glow you rocked in secondary school!

Scientifically Speaking, Here’s Why

1. Facts about Collagen

– It’s a structural support protein in the dermis (inner layer) of your skin.
– Your cells produce less collagen as you age.¹
– This is inevitable. Valar Morghulis.

2. Does Chicken Feet actually contain as much collagen as people say it does?

Long story short: it does.² Sort of. Let us explain:

It’s actually high in gelatin content, which is what you get when you boil/steam food rich in collagen. It’s the stuff you find in jelly and gummies.³

Braised Peanut Chicken Feet — Yum, can’t get enough of that! (Photo: LilyAnette)

3. Does ingesting collagen (or gelatin) actually help with regenerating collagen fibres?

Not exactly.

Despite what a small number of research papers and dermatologists claim, collagen really is just a clever marketing tool. Attempting to regenerate collagen fibres is affecting the way your body produces a protein, not just the way it absorbs and stores something like fat, for example.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

– Your body digests collagen and/or gelatin into amino acids (the basic ‘building blocks’ for protein) that it can utilize.⁴
– These amino acids are important and useful as your body does need them to produce collagen, BUT
– You can get these from various other sources – like eating eggs and meat, or soybeans and asparagus if you’re vegan.

Is There Any Health Benefit To Eating Chicken Feet?

Of course! Superficial improvements shouldn’t be the only reason for healthy eating habits. Not only are chicken feet delicious, (hey, we’re fans!) they’re also a good source of amino acids, and glucosamine and chondroitin⁵ – one of the most common dietary supplements taken to maintain joint health.

Here are a couple of places that serve #chopeapproved chicken feet if you’re keen on getting your hands on some!

4190099954_b8e03a7e43_o (1) — (Photo: Alpha on Flickr)

Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant
If you must have chicken feet, you have to do it right – with dim sum, of course!
Find it at 183-191 Jalan Besar, s208882
Book at table at Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Crystal Jade Dining IN Restaurant
Chicken feet with a view. Could you ask for anything better?
Find it at 1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-112 VivoCity, 098585
Book a table at Crystal Jade Dining IN Restaurant and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tim Ho Wan
Braised chicken feet stewed with abalone sauce. Yum!
Find it at 68 Orchard Rd, #01-29A, Plaza Singapura, Plaza Singapura, 238839
Click here for more info on Tim Ho Wan.

Closing Notes

I’m sure you’ve heard this all before, but the best things you can do to slow the effects of ageing are to apply sunscreen regularly, exercise, stay hydrated, happy and relaxed, and ensure that your nutritional needs are properly met. It’s a good thing that you have Chope to help you make stress-free bookings to satisfy all your food and beverage needs then, huh? 😉

1. http://ajp.amjpathol.org/article/S0002-9440(10)62205-5/abstract
2. http://www.waset.org/publications/9997777
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11592686
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/368634
5. http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1099

Tags Guides, Healthy

Destination Hong Kong

Part 2: Top Tips at Taste of Hong Kong

Post author By Chope
Post date March 6, 2017
No Comments on Part 2: Top Tips at Taste of Hong Kong

In Part 1 of our series, we focused on the top restaurant tips for Taste of Hong Kong. If you missed that, catch it here! But what’s better than a line-up of Michelin-starred restaurants? A crazy line-up of the best celebrity chefs around! Here are two top chefs to keep an eye out for at Taste!

Antoine Audran

With a career spanning for more than 30 years, Chef Antoine Audran brings the best of French delights to Hong Kong. He has worked in the French embassy in London, and under renowned master chefs Andrew Guillot and Jean Delaveyene. Chef Audran imparts serendipitous flavours of his globetrotting exploits back home – be sure to check him out for a global melange of what’s popping.

Max Levy

Max is special. His rich and balanced menu encourages diners to rethink conventional wisdom on food through a deeply artisanal focus. What’s more, his restaurant Okra is set to become an esteemed drinking and dining destination on its own right. Showcasing both a fixed menu and a seasonal menu, Okra Hong Kong is the perfect place to encourage diners to recalibrate their know-how and savoir faire in food.

Things to Do

Not only are the restaurants fantastic, but there will be a veritable cornucopia of associated culinary delights on offer at Taste. Here are a few things to keep any eye out for at the event! Pro tip: check out The Gourmet Market and The Foodie Market.

The Gourmet Market

The Gourmet Market is a ‘cannot miss’ for those looking for a range of premium food and beverage producers on offer. From delicious food specialties to a range of premium drink products, you’ll be sure to love the eclectic mix on offer at The Gourmet Market. With so many temptations, we’re sure you won’t leave empty-handed!

The Foodie Market

Be sure to head over to the Foodie Market and try your hand at music, cooking demos, workshops, and more on offer. The bi-annual Foodie Market features fantastic wine and pairing opportunities!

Meet the Chope Team!

Drop by our booth at Taste and check out our awesome giveaway featuring our interactive Chope Ring Toss and the Chope Wheel of Fortune! We’re giving away loads of cool Chope swag bags brimming with mugs, notebooks, and a ton of exciting and different prizes! It’s definitely a treat for all of our loyal Chope users. What’s more, as an added bonus, our loyal Chope users get an exclusive 26% discount on general admissions tickets using promo code “tasteofhk17” when booking tickets through Ticketflap. See y’all there!

*Discount applies to advance price General Entry tickets only (subject to availability). Booking and transaction fees apply.

Tags Guides, Michelin

Destination Hong Kong

Part 1: Top Tips for Taste of Hong Kong

Post author By Chope
Post date March 3, 2017
No Comments on Part 1: Top Tips for Taste of Hong Kong

Ahoy! Foodies rejoice cause Taste of Hong Kong is coming to Hong Kong! We are so excited for what is undoubtedly going to be the ‘greatest restaurant festival in the world’. But worry not, we’ve got you covered on what to taste, drink and see at Hong Kong’s premier food festival. In the first of our two-part series on what to taste and do at Taste, we’re going to explore some of the top restaurants that will be showcased at Hong Kong’s premier food event!

This year, Taste of Hong Kong is going to be even bigger than ever, with a fresh (and popping) new lineup of restaurants, smokin’ hot chefs, and culinary experiences to boot! What’s more, you’ll get to learn about 15 of Hong Kong’s most elite and exclusive restaurants and meet their renowned chefs.

So…who’s going to be there? Here are some of our favourite restaurants that you’ll see this year.

Tosca

One of Hong Kong’s most exclusive restaurants, Tosca offers innovative Italian cuisine with gorgeous Victoria Harbour panorama views as a backdrop. Relive the passion and enchantment of one of the world’s most beloved operas through this Romanesque, stylish dining destination, and be sure to try out gems on their menu, including Prime Beef in Pizzaiola Sauce and Octopus, Amalfitan Lemon Mayo, and Parsley Salad. It’s truly exquisite, Italian-inspired fare to savour, available exclusively at Taste of Hong Kong!

Dishes to Watch Out for at Taste: Prime Beef in Pizzaiola Sauce, Amalfitan Lemon May and Parsley Salad

Find it at Level 102, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Rd. W., Kowloon
Book a table at Tosca and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Arcane

Nestled in the heart of Central, Arcane offers seasonal European gastronomy by Michelin-starred Chef Shane Osborn. The best part of their Taste of Hong Kong menu has to be the Salad of Octopus with Aubergine and Green Daikon! With octopus flown overnight from Japan, aubergine shipped in from France, and salad greens from the U.K., Arcane literally uses the freshest international flavours. From the Rangers Valley Wagyu Short Rib to Sautéed Potato Gnocchi, their menu lends itself to the best of Australian and European decadence. Trust us when we say don’t miss the sumptuous delights to be had at Arcane!

Dishes to Watch Out for at Taste: Salad of Octopus with Aubergine and Green Daikon, Rangers Valley Wagyu Short Rib, Sautéed Potato Gnocchi

Find it at 3/F, 18 On Lan St., Central
Book a table at Arcane and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Tin Lung Heen

Similar to its brethren Tosca, Tin Lung Heen offers luscious Cantonese cuisine 100 stories up in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. Our fave dishes on Tin Lung Heen’s menu include Deep-Fried Shrimp Toast and Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Fish Maw in Baby Coconut. Head to Tin Lung Heen for the best of Cantonese cuisine and panoramic views from Hong Kong’s loftiest hotel.

Dishes We Love: Deep-Fried Shrimp Toast, Double-Bouled Chicken Soup with Fish Maw in Baby Coconut, Steamed Dumpling with Egg Custard

Find it at Level 102, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Rd. W., Kowloon
Book a table at Tin Lung Heen and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

72373_restaurant_kaum_potato_head

KAUM at Potato Head

Tucked away in a largely nondescript Third Street outpost in Sai Ying Pun, KAUM makes its Hong Kong debut marrying multiple Indonesian flavours. What’s unique about KAUM is its showcasing of almost-forgotten Indonesian cooking techniques. Their most famous dish has to be the Timbungan Babi: pork belly marinated with Balinese spices and cooked inside a bamboo shoot! At Taste, the eclectic menu combines classic Indonesian dishes with modern twists. Take their Braised Wagyu Beef Shank in a Black Nut and Chayote, Sweet Soy Sauce & Coconut Milk Broth – iconic yet modern. Don’t also miss out the Scallops & Barramundi Cooked in a Spicy & Sour Turmeric Sauce.

Dishes We Love: Braised Wagyu Beef Shank in a Black Nut and Chayote, Sweet Soy Sauce & Coconut Milk Broth, Brongkos Shenkel Daging Sapi

Find it at 100 Third St., Sai Ying Pun
Click here for more info on KAUM at Potato Head

Check out Part 2 of our series on the Top Tips for Taste of Hong Kong

Tags Guides, Michelin

Destination Others Singapore

Fresh Eats: 5 New Places You Don’t Want to Miss in March!

Post author By Chope
Post date March 3, 2017
No Comments on Fresh Eats: 5 New Places You Don’t Want to Miss in March!

There’s something for everyone this month – rich decadent desserts, exciting fusion cuisines, cheesy indulgent burgers, smoky grilled yakitori, exotic new cocktails, a hidden bar, rustic barnyard settings, family-friendly spaces… Time to dive right in!

MEET Dining

Adding to the slew of restaurants that cater to the family-crowd in City Square is MEET Dining, a dining concept inspired by French and Japanese cuisines. There’s plenty of space for communal dining, and its sturdy industrial wood furnishings gives the restaurant a relaxed, homely vibe. The owners must have also taken the gripes of Singaporean parents and youngsters in mind – portions are large and perfect for filling the hungry bellies of growing children and large groups of teenagers without breaking the bank.

A portion of Crispy Baby Squid is priced at $10 and is both visually appealing and guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds – it’s covered in squid ink and deep-fried to perfection, served with garlic mayonnaise and zesty lemon slices. Get an entire Honey Spiced Chicken for $16, perfectly tender and juicy with a side of sauteed button mushrooms and buttery mashed potatoes – large enough for sharing with a friend or two (that is, if you don’t finish the entire thing yourself).

Find it at 180 Kitchener Road, #02-37/38, City Square Mall, Singapore 208539
Book a table at MEET Dining and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Lucky Bar

If Full of Luck Club is your down-to-Earth girl-next-door, then Lucky Bar would be her cheeky younger sister with a rebellious streak. Barely a month old, Lucky Bar has already begun making ripples (which will soon turn into waves, we’re sure) in Singapore’s competitive cocktail bar scene. Diners can access Lucky Bar through Full of Luck Club; those who prefer to give others the slip, however, can choose to go through the restaurant’s back entrance along a secluded alley. Pro tip: look out for the red lantern!

The stairs make way for a rooftop bar at the landing, furnished with Chinese ceramic stools and fairy lights overhead. Moving indoors, the ambience take on a more intimate setting. Head bartender Darren Lim whips up quirky tipples with even quirkier names: we’d recommend Dragon’s Breath & Baccarat, both of which are guaranteed to take your taste buds for a spin. Have a couple of classic crowd-pleasers like Duck Spring Rolls with Hoisin Sauce ($7.50) or Golden Sand Corn with Salted Egg Yolk ($6.80), but it’s highly recommended that you give their One Ton Nachos ($12) a shot – these come with crispy fried wonton skin, pulled pork, pineapple, lots of melted cheese and sour cream. YUM.

Find it at Full of Luck Club, 243 Holland Ave, Singapore 278977
Book a table at Lucky Bar and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

[Closed] Half Pound Burger Bar & Grill

There’s honestly nothing better than tucking into a rich, hearty meal; whether it’s a greasy plate of char kway teow or a succulent, juicy burger – especially one that’s topped with truffled gouda, monterey jack, pan seared foie gras, candied bacon, pickled daikon and pineapple chips (talk about a mouthful)! Enter the Mother of All Burgers ($24) – it’s all that and more; their patty not only weighs a whopping half a pound (220g) but is made out of 100% imported Angus beef, no fillers whatsoever. If you feel like having something especially cheesy, give their Blue Cheese & Bacon Pasta ($18) a shot. It’s just as decadent and sinful as it sounds, and it comes with a sprinkling of tart dried cranberries to cut through the richness of the Blue Cheese.

The owner of this brightly coloured burger bar is on the road to fulfilling his lifelong dream when he set it up after being retrenched from his previous job; sink your teeth into the indulgence they have on offer and watch all your dreams come true as well.

Find it at 8 Purvis Street, #01-01, Singapore 188587
Book a table at Half Pound and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

MOJO

This tiny establishment located right smack in the CBD isn’t as simple as it seems. MOJO serves a wide variety of nutrient-packed, build-it-yourself protein bowls ($14) along with fresh agua frescas and antioxidant rich teas by day but their menu undergoes a complete transformation at night; the mouthwatering aroma of grilled meat permeates the air as the sun starts to set and you now have the option of various assortments of yakitori and sharing plates, all of which you can wash down with specialty Japanese craft beers and a plethora of cocktails with a Japanese twist.

Their Uni Soba ($38) is not to be missed – cold noodles topped with buttery uni (sea urchin), ebi (prawn), plump hotate (scallop) and ikura (salmon roe). Fancy something hot? Give their Pork Belly yakitori ($6) a whirl; it’s grilled to perfection and topped with nanami (leek). Truly magical.

Find it at 204 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068640
Book a table at MOJO and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Morsels at Dempsey

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a quaint little spot for a relaxed, romantic date or if you’d like to don floral maxi dresses on a Saturday morning with your girlfriends and pretend you’ve taken a trip out of the hustle and bustle of Singapore; Morsels at Dempsey is just the place for you. This homely, barnyard style restaurant focuses on combining the simplest ingredients and flavours in a novel way, and they’ve done so perfectly.

Their Charred House Poached Octopus ($26) is to die for – slices of perfectly grilled octopus sits on top of a bed of squid ink pearl rice risotto and is drizzled with a pale yellow salted egg sauce, and this is all topped with tobiko (flying fish roe) for an explosion of flavour and textures. Their Firecracker Duroc Pulled Pork ($24) is also a must-try; shell pasta cooked al-dente comes tossed in a tangy, spicy habanero cilantro pesto that meshes perfectly with chunks of caramelized pulled pork, topped with a dollop of sour cream.

This picturesque rustic space only accommodates 40, so be sure to make reservations before you go!

Find it at 25 Dempsey Road #01-04 Singapore 249670
Book a table at Morsels at Dempsey and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Tags Dates, Fresh Eats, Fresh Eats: Singapore, Guides, New Restaurants, Newly-opened, Romantic

Destination Hong Kong

7 Must-Try Tapas Bars in Hong Kong

Post author By Chope
Post date February 24, 2017
No Comments on 7 Must-Try Tapas Bars in Hong Kong

Along with the bottles of wine imported to Hong Kong, Spanish specialties such as jamon Iberico and paella are quickly gaining a mass following. But what’s better than the traditional paella? Tapas.

Tapas are a traditional Spanish dining concept, and have roots tracing back to the early thirteenth – fourteenth century. The most popular legend involves the late King Alfonso X of Castille. After recovering from an illness where he could only eat small portions of food and wine, the King mandated for all inns across Spain to always serve a small snack, paired with wine. This storied history has made tapas infamous, particularly in Asia. A dozen or so new tapas bars have quickly cropped up across Hong Kong, and here are some to look out for next time you’re craving some Spanish cuisine.

Fofo by el Willy

Fofo by El Willy has been the talk of the town ever since it opened in 2010. Wondering who this El Willy character is? Fofo is the second restaurant by Willy Trullas Moreno (aka ‘el Willy’), an infamous chef hailing from Barcelona. Sadly, Willy no longer helms his Hong Kong jaunt, but another Barcelonian chef by the name of Alex Fargas takes pride in producing Chef Willy’s contemporary Spanish tapas.

Our favourites on their tapas menu include the ‘Atun’ Marinated Tuna, Smoked Sardine, Salmorejo Tomato Salad and the Explosive Smoked Salmon Air Bag (buckle up for a flavour blast!). The latter is a delicious ‘melt-in-your mouth’ combo that provides incredible flavour as the pastry, topped with a chunk of salmon, bursts in the mouth.

Dishes We Love: Explosive Smoked Salmon Air Bag, ‘Atun’ Marinated Tuna, Smoked Sardine

Find it at M99, 2-8 Wellington St., Central
Book a table at Fofo by el Willy and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Supergiant Tapas & Cocktail Bar

Sure, Supergiant doesn’t sound Spanish at all. In fact, it kind of sounds like a grocery store. But its moniker doesn’t forebode inauthentic Spanish eats. Quite the opposite! Nestled in the third floor of a stunningly beautiful boutique hotel, Supergiant Tapas is led by famed Chef Guillermo Delvault, hailing from Argentina. Trained in Barcelona, Delvault has designed a wonderfully Spanish-influenced menu, but with a Chinese twist.

Favourites on their menu include Saturn’s Rings (crunchy, succulent strips of calamari dipped in flour, and fried to golden perfection) and Grilled Chorizo Oreado Sausage – two traditional fresh chorizo sausages, infused with paprika, served with a crusty baguette. End the meal with Supergiant’s infamous Traditional Churro, paired with a sumptuous, rich chocolatey dip and vanilla ice cream. Talk about Supergiant taste!

Dishes We Love: Hokkaido Scallop, Saturn’s Rings, Crispy Suckling Pig, Grilled Chorizo Sausage

Find it at 3/F, Mira Moon Hotel, 388 Jaffe Rd., Causeway Bay
Book a table at Supergiant Tapas & Cocktail Bar and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Timon Seafood Tapas

Located on the other side of Ship Street past a bunch of other buzzy restaurants such as Akrame and 22 Ships, Timon Seafood Tapas is an excellent place for fans of traditional tapas paired with house wines. Our favourites at Timon include the Salted Anchovy with Quince Jam on Toast and the Octopus with Sweet Potato Foam & Paprika. The former is a piece of salted fish goodness, whilst the latter couples the spicy kick of paprika with the tanginess of Octopus.

Dishes We Love: Stuffed Baby Squid with Romesco Sauce, Deep Fried Calamari, Slow-Cooked Chorizos

Find it at 33 Sheep St., Wan Chai
Book a table at Timon Seafood Tapas and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

One Minden Tapas Kitchen

We love the delectable tapas on offer at One Minden, including crowd-pleasers such as Crispy Pig Ears and Handcut 36-month Belloto Ham. What’s so special about One Minden’s Wan Chai outpost is its mix of seating options – downstairs (counter-heavy), upstairs (table-heavy) – which are reminiscent of those cool tapas shops off the coast of Spain. In addition to the aforementioned dishes, be sure to try out the Grilled Iberico Pork Shoulder Loin: rare, thinly sliced pieces of tepid meat, paired with chimichurri sauce. What a bright and refreshing denouement to your meal!

Dishes We Love: 36-month Belloto Ham, Iberico Pork Shoulder, Crispy Pig Ears

Savvy Diner Tip: Be sure to head to One Minden every Tuesday for 2-For-1 Mains. Also, get a complimentary glass of house wine per guest on every purchase of an All You Can Eat Tapas Brunch!

Find it at G/F, 1 Minden Ave., Tsim Sha Tsui
Book a table at One Minden Tapas Kitchen and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Catalunya

Who could forget the delicious bites found at Spanish mainstay, Catalunya? One of Hong Kong’s most talked about restaurants ever since its opening, Catalunya has not seen its popularity abade. No, not all. In fact, the Tapas Lunch menu has grown incredibly popular amongst the lunch crowd; priced at a reasonable $188 and $200, for two and three tapas respectively, it’s hard to beat! On the Hot Menu, make sure to choose the Hokkaido Scallops with Coconut – coconut-celery vichyssoise mixed with curry oil sliced almond and perfectly cooked with Hokkaido scallops. It’s an irresistible combination of flavours! On the Cold Tapas Menu, make sure to try out the Tuna Tataki, which features pieces of succulent, just-caught Atlantic tuna paired with salpicon and raspberries. The other ‘can’t miss’ menu item is the Cod Fish “Esqueixada” – featuring flaky pieces of just-cooked fish, onions, olive oil and hard-boiled eggs.

Dishes We Love: Catlaunya Tomato Tartare, Gazpacho, Crystal Bread

Find it at Guardian House, G/F., 32 Oi Kwan Rd. Wan Chai
Book a table at Catalunya and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Iberico & Co.

Iberico & Co, a multi-award winning restaurant brings the popular Mediterranean tastes of the Iberian coast to Hong Kong. Be sure to try out the signature paella – a slow-cooked daily paella cooked in a massive 50kg cast iron pan alongside a traditional rotisserie oven packed with spicy Portuguese peri peri roast chickens. Do make sure to wash down your meal with jugs of traditional or fruit Sangria. We love the Bruschetta with Crushed Vine Tomato, Serrano & Basil (juicy pieces of roasted vineyard tomato, paired alongside crushed pieces of oven-baked Bruschetta) and the Broccoli with Garlic, Goats Cheese & Almonds (just-plucked pieces of broccoli paired with delicious pieces of fresh cheese and crunchy almonds)

Dishes We Love: Broccoli with Garlic, Goats Cheese & Almonds, Bruschetta with Crushed Vine Tomato, Serrano & Basil, Bruschetta with Prawns & Garlic Aioli

Find it at 18 Shelley St., Central
Click here for more info on Iberico & Co

Chico Chica

An up-and-coming tapas bar located in hip Sai Ying Pun, Chico Chica is one of our favourite places to try out tapas outside the Iberian coast. Crowd pleasers include Tomato Tempura – cherry tomato paired with wasabi and mozzarella, and Pluma Hamburger – a juicy hamburger patty with Hoisin sauce on the side. Sure, the tapas are on the simple side, but we love their simple, fresh creations.

Dishes We Love: Tomato Tempura, Pluma Hamburger, Octopus Galicia

Find it at 70 Third St., Sai Ying Pun
Click here for more info on Chico Chica

Tags Bars, Guides, Lunch

Destination Singapore

Where to Eat in the East Coast

Post author By Chope
Post date February 21, 2017
No Comments on Where to Eat in the East Coast

Singapore may be a tiny city-state with not much land to speak of, but that hasn’t stopped locals from engaging in endless debates on where the best food is to be found on the island – West Coast or East Coast?

The most diplomatic answer is, of course, that we Singaporeans are blessed with mouthwatering food no matter which side of the divide you happen to be on. To prove it, we’ve brought you some of the best eats in the East Coast, from Katong to Joo Chiat and beyond.

Katong Kitchen

Out with a group of friends but no one can decide on where to eat? Katong Kitchen’s wide variety of Asian and Western cuisine will put an end to that! Familiar favourites are given an upscale twist, such as the Beef Hor Fun with Grass-Fed Ribeye and Village Lobster Laksa made with with Boston lobster, cockles and a quail egg in spicy coconut broth. While it’s difficult to say no to local food, sometimes a thick, juicy Grilled Lamb T-Bone Shortloin with truffle fries, sweet young carrots and asparagus hits the spot.

Dishes We Love: Village Lobster Laksa, Beef Hor Fun, Pan-Fried Norwegian Salmon, Grilled Lamb T-Bone, Nonya Ngo Hiang, Deep Sea King Prawn Hokkien Mee

Find it at 25 Marine Parade Road, Village Hotel Katong Level 4, Singapore 449536
Book a table at Katong Kitchen and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Quentin’s Eurasian Restaurant

Blending Portuguese cooking with Indian and Malaysian dishes, Quentin’s churns out tasty hits like Porku Tambreyno, pork sambal with fried pork slices, dried chili, candlenuts and lime juice, and Cambarang Curry Nanas which is a sweet and sour curry made with a unique combination of pineapple and prawns. Try the Curry Debal if you dare – a super-hot curry named after the devil himself, made with bacon bones, chicken cocktails, potatoes, onion, ginger, cabbage and cucumber and A LOT of chili.

Dishes We Love: Porku Tambreyno, Curry Debal, Cambarang Curry Nanas, Roasted Porku, Retu Tinta Choka

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

Bird Bird

Despite its moniker, no one can deny that this cheekily-named eatery perfectly sums up the casual vibe and sinfully indulgent chicken-based offerings. Their crispy, juicy buttermilk fried chicken is not to be missed, so order a Birdhouse Special and try it with cornbread waffle, coleslaw and chunky mash and thick gravy (what diet?). Treat yourself to a side of Truffle Cheese Curly Fries made with black truffle mayo and grana padano cheese to round off your meal – potatoes are vegetables aren’t they?

Dishes We Love: Birdhouse Special, Truffle Cheese Curly Fries, Yuzu Crab Pate, Steak and Eggs, Durian Softie Pie

Find it at 97 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458222
Book a table at Bird Bird and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Al Forno Italian Restaurant

Craving authentic Italian fare but can’t afford a ticket to have the real deal in Italy? Fret not – at Al Forno, the best of Italian cuisine is now available for those living in the East side. Tuck into the Spaghetti Cartoccio and savour succulent seafood morsels and olives in zesty tomato sauce ladled over freshly made spaghetti. To experience the best of Naples, share with a classic Pizza Bufala with a friend: handmade pizza with tomato sauce, buffalo cheese and fresh basil are prepared in a traditional wood fire oven for best results.

Dishes We Love: Pizza Bufala, Spaghetti Cartoccio, Gnocchi Al Formaggi, Risotto Al Funghi, Pizza Al Formaggi, Capricciosa

Find it at 400 East Coast Road, Le Peranakan Hotel, Singapore 428996
Book a table at Al Forno Italian Restaurant and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Rabbit Carrot Gun

You don’t have to travel far to feel like you’re on holiday: at Rabbit Carrot Gun, they offer boutique accommodation along with delicious Western grub for the perfect staycation package. Teaming up with Chef Andy Hearnden, new creations such as as the Koo Koo Ka Choo will surely indulge guests – potato hash is given a lavish blanket of mushroom fricassee and Gruyere cheese, topped with poached eggs, truffle and herb. The Open Faced Steak Sandwich maintains as a crowd-favourite – sirloin steak is cooked to a medium rare perfection, drizzled with veal jus and placed atop freshly toasted sourdough. For a refreshing touch, the sandwich is served with pickled beet, carrot, and smoked onion.

Dishes We Love: Koo Koo Ka Choo, Avocado Smash, Wild Organic Porridge, Rabbits Greens, Open Faced Steak Sandwich

Find it at 47–49 East Coast Road, Singapore 428768
Click here for more info on Rabbit Carrot Gun.

Zaffron Kitchen

Competition for Indian food in Singapore is fierce but Zaffron Kitchen stole our hearts with its simple and scrumptious menu. After all, who doesn’t love a crispy, spicy Samosa? The Butter Chicken Curry is another hot favourite; tender chicken pieces are simmered in a spicy, zesty tomato sauce with creamy yoghurt and earthy cashew nuts for richer and more complex flavours. Don’t forget to order a side of pillowy Naan to mop up every last drop of that delicious gravy at the end of the meal.

Dishes We Love: Samosa, Butter Chicken, Tandoori Malai Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Gobi, Chicken Saag, Garlic Naan

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

Sinpopo

Sinpopo is set to impress with its blast-from-the-past vintage décor and traditional local dishes with modern touches. A meal here makes you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to 1960s Katong! Nasi Lemak is an evergreen classic but we bet your grandparents didn’t have Sinpopo’s Sliced Wagyu Horfun back in the day! This dish sees traditional beef horfun with succulent wagyu beef slices on a bed of horfun noodles and savoury broth. Since Sinpopo is the brainchild of those clever minds behind Awfully Chocolate, you can’t miss the decadent desserts – a rich, chocolatey Horlicks and Maltesers milkshake is the best way to beat the heat!

Dishes We Love: Sinpopo Sliced Wagu Horfun, Ma Ling Luncheon Crisps, Har Jeong Kai Burger, Chilled Pandan Soufflé, Horlicks & Maltesers Shake, Milo Dinosaur Shake

Find it at 458 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427671
Book a table at Sinpopo and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Carvers and Co.

The perfect joint for fellow carnivores, Carvers and Co. specialises in roast meat, fried meat, and well, all sort of meat! A breakfast of Pulled Pork and Waffle is not a familiar combination to locals, but who could resist when you’re presented with tender sous vide pulled pork which was marinated overnight, served on top of crispy waffles with Sriracha sauce and sunny side up eggs? Likewise, only the strong-willed can refuse the Bombass Beer Beef Short Ribs: thick beef short ribs marinated in Trappist dark ale and slow cooked for 24 hours, served together with its own rich beer flavoured gravy and creamy mash. So. Much. Yes!

Dishes We Love: Pulled Pork Waffle, Bombass Beer Beef Short Ribs, Gammon Ham and Cheese Muffin, Bone-In Prime Rib, Red Wine Pulled Pork Pasta

Find it at 43 East Coast Road, Singapore 428764
Click here for more info on Carvers and Co.

Tags Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Brunch, East Coast, Guides

Destination Hong Kong

6 Asian Restaurants, with a Modern Twist!

Post author By Chope
Post date February 14, 2017
No Comments on 6 Asian Restaurants, with a Modern Twist!

Tired of Yardbird, but want a quick fix of classic Asian cuisine with a modern take? Worry not! Here’s a list of six up-and-coming restaurants that we love, popping up all over town. From a modern take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine to a contemporary twist on Taiwanese classics, we have you covered!

Mrs. Pound

Nestled in an old stamp shop, Mrs. Pound is one of the coolest restaurants around! It’s easy to walk right past the green / white storefront – unless you have a particular interest in stamps. (We’re not judging.) What sets Mrs. Pound apart however, is its playful take on Asian street food. One dish worth trying out is the Sriracha Street Corn – a chunk of juicy grilled corn, dressed up with pecorino cheese, and rubbed up with spicy sriracha spicy mayo. So delicious! Don’t also forget Mrs. Pound’s signature Rendang Bao, an incredible melt-in-the-mouth bao plumped up with smoldering char siu sauce.

Dishes We Love: Sriracha Street Corn, Rendang Bao, Avocado Fries

Find it at G/F, 6 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan
Click here for more info on Mrs. Pound

Dragon Noodles Academy

A perennial Chope favourite, Dragon Noodles Academy offers the best of fun, quality contemporary-classic Canto classics, but with a modern twist. Most of the cool dishes worth trying out are on their dinner menu, including Peking Duck, Fried Rice and Whole Fish, which is braised in several mouthwatering ways. The afternoon tea menu also has a few dishes to nosh on – Sous Vide Chiz Rolls, pseudo-sushi rolls made with boneless chicken, and Berry Winter Melon, resembling none other than mini melons! One final ‘don’t miss’ item – the 12-hour Sous Vide US Bone-in Short Ribs. The slices of beef are incredibly tender, juicy and are packed full of flavour!

Savvy Saver Tip: Dragon Noodles’ lunch menu offers great value, with mains starting at only $79

Dishes We Love: Homemade Duck Foie Gras, Classic Lobster Bisque, Rib-eye Steak

Find it at Shop No. G04, G/F, Man Yee Arcade, Man Yee Building, No. 68 Des Voeux Road, Central
Book a table at Dragon Noodles Academy and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Chom Chom

Chom Chom brings Vietnam’s lively Bia Hoi tradition of sipping fresh beer on busy street corners to Hong Kong. With a menu inspired by classic Hanoi street fare, paired with regional Vietnamese beers, it’s one of the coolest takes on traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a modern setting.

Head directly to their Large Plates menu, and be sure to try out Shaking Beef (juicy beef tenderloin, paired with rocket and tomato salad) as well as their low-carb Short Rib Lettuce Wraps. The wraps are full of juicy braised short ribs, and have a kick thanks to a mix of spring onion and diced red chili peppers.

Dishes We Love: Shaking Beef, Short Rib Lettuce Wraps, Bun Cha Pork Skewer

Find it at G/F Block A, No. 58 – 60, Peel St., Central
Click here for more info on Chom Chom

4FUN by Check-In Taipei

Taiwanese puh-leez! We love Check-In Taipei and the street food memories it evokes every time we visit. Unlike traditional Taiwanese food, which isn’t the most photogenic, Check-In Taipei’s dishes are truly Instagram-worthy, and delicious at the same time. What a great combo!

We love their crispy Chicken & Waffles sliders, which are seasoned with chunks of crunchy garlic, tangy ginger and five-spice powder, as well as C.I.T. Noodles, based off of a traditional Taiwanese pork rice dish. Truly a fun, new twist on a Taiwanese classic!

Dishes We Love: Ping Pong, Chicken & Waffles, Flaming Beef Shortrib

Find it at G/F, 27 Hollywood Rd., Central
Book a table at 4FUN by Check-In Taipei and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Little Bao

Little Bao combines the best of sharing – food and cultures. Influenced by international tastes of its hometown Hong Kong, Little Bao serves up an original take on classic comfort foods that we’ve all grown to love.

Much of Little Bao’s menus consist of small plates that encourage sharing, along with some seasonal specials. Dishes that we currently obsess over include their four baos on tap: Pork Belly Bao, Chicken Bao, Fish Tempura Bao and Mushroom Bao. Aside from their signature baos, be sure to try on their sumptuous sides – Orange Chicken, Eggplant & Shiso Pork Tempura. The former is coated with sweet and salty batter, and has an orangey, zesty kick to it. The latter, well, it’s hella tasty! That’s all we can say.

Be prepared for an authentic (and fun) cross-cultural eating experience for all!

Dishes We Love: Fish Tempura Bao, Pickled Mushroom Salad, Orange Chicken

Find it at 66 Staunton St., SoHo
Click here for more info on Little Bao

YUM CHA

Who can forget the decadent Instagram-able dishes at YUM CHA? The dishes are a perfect take on traditional Chinese fare – with much more sophisticated flavours to boot. We love their adorable Hot Custard Bun (oozy buns filled to the top, with cute lil’ eyeballs). Some of their main dishes are also Instagram-worthy. Their Egg White and Seafood Fried Rice and the Organic Kale with Garlic are sure not to miss as well. Be sure to head over to YUM CHA, for a great, modern take on traditional Chinese dishes!

Dishes We Love: Piggy BBQ Bun, Hot Custard Bun, Egg White and Seafood Fried Rice

Find it at Shop 1 – 2, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Rd., Central
Book a table at YUM CHA and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Tags Chinese, Guides, Taiwanese, Vietnamese

Destination Save/Splurge Singapore

Romantic Dinners that Won’t Break the Bank

Post author By Chope
Post date February 10, 2017
No Comments on Romantic Dinners that Won’t Break the Bank

There’s never a shortage of restaurants in Singapore for a romantic night out, but we get it – sometimes we’re just in need of a restaurant that satisfies both our tummies and our wallets! Whether it’s yummy local delights or delectable cuisines of the world, these restaurants will surely give you a bang for your buck.

Little House of Dreams

Tucked away on Dempsey Hill, Little House of Dreams recently made the move from a dessert café to a full-fledged bistro. But fret not, the main dishes here more than hold their own too. Take your pick of everything from their Watercress and Mango Salad ($15.90) to a luscious Chilli Crab Bun ($19.90). Of course, the impeccable desserts are not to be missed, with the elegant crafting reflecting the sweetly decorated, whimsical space. Every inch of the café is decked out in various pastel shades, along with cozy booth seating that make for a picture-perfect romantic restaurant—a house of dreams indeed!

Dishes We Love: Watercress and Mango Salad, Chilli Crab Bun, Lemongrass Chicken Leg with Salad

Find it at Block 8 Dempsey Road, #01-14, Singapore 247696
Book a table at Little House of Dreams and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Food For Thought (National Museum Singapore)

Food For Thought is housed in the National Museum of Singapore, which boasts a rich heritage that is guaranteed to satisfy history buffs. The space is furnished with marble table tops, wall mosaics, and wooden chairs to provide a throwback to the old school kopitiams that Singaporeans are familiar with. Besides their scrumptious all-day brunch (don’t miss the Dark Chocolate and Mixed Berries Pancakes at $14!), the eatery serves up wonderfully inventive plates like the Grilled Swordfish Quinoa ($19) and Red Rice Wine Chicken Leg Mee Sua ($17). The mouthwatering dishes are sure to bring a gourmet touch to any romantic dinner, at wallet-friendly prices. And what better than a stroll around the museum to cap off a satisfying meal?

Dishes We Love: Dark Chocolate and Mixed Berries Pancakes, Grilled Swordfish Quinoa, Red Rice Wine Chicken Leg Mee Sua

Find it at 93 Stamford Road, #01-04/05 National Museum, Singapore 178897
Book a table at Food For Thought (National Museum Singapore) and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Nassim Hill Bakery

Located in a post office along Tanglin Road, Nassim Hill is a bakery, bistro, and bar all rolled into one irresistible package. The charming restaurant dishes out comfort food in a space reminiscent of an European tavern, with funky stained glass windows and an undeniably relaxing vibe. Its expansive menu includes gourmet offerings like Baked Bone Marrow ($12), Pear Cheddar Crumble ($11), plus we couldn’t get enough of the ever-popular Hot Reuben ($18) —made with their signature Guinness bread. It’s a buzzing space ideal for long conversations over a romantic dinner, while the smell of freshly-baked bread wafts over you every once in a while. Don’t forget to pick something up from the bakery to go!

Dishes We Love: Baked Bone Marrow, Pear Cheddar Crumble, Hot Reuben, Steak and Eggs

Find it at 56 Tanglin Road, Tanglin Post Office #01-03, Singapore 247964
Click here for more info on Nassim Hill Bakery.

Ash & Elm

Got a gourmand to please? Ash & Elm, located at the InterContinental Singapore, may just be the romantic restaurant to answer all your needs. This stunning space adopts a culinary theatre concept, boasting a charcoal-grill kitchen, a charcuterie and cheese room, and a wood-fired oven. Get the Ash & Elm Platter ($29/$42) to share, then sample any of their magnificent seafood dishes, which include Tasmanian Salmon Fillet a la Plancha ($46) served in an innovative grapefruit hollandaise sauce. The Pumpkin & Bacon Flatbread ($16) is another solid option, before you finish off with an endless variety of decadent desserts like the Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza ($24).

Dishes We Love: Ash & Elm Platter, Tasmanian Salmon Fillet a la Plancha, Pumpkin & Bacon Flatbread, Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza, Beef Tasting Platter

Find it at 80 Middle Road, Level 1 InterContinental Singapore, Singapore 188966
Book a table at Ash & Elm and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Laffio

Laffio occupies a casual space on Beach Road, with a chalkboard listing ever-rotating daily specials and beers. Despite being effortlessly laid-back, Laffio definitely doesn’t scrimp on the staples. Look forward to noshing on reliable comfort food like Dry Rub Steak ($29) and a selection of delectable pastas—a robust meal without the fuss. Pick from their inventive assortment of light bites to share, or split the fan favourite Buttermilk Waffles ($13) for a sweet ending to your romantic dinner!

Dishes We Love: Dry Rub Steak, Pappardelle with Bone Marrow & Octopus, Buttermilk Waffles, F’n’C Laffio Style

Find it at 337 Beach Road, Singapore 199565
Book at table at Laffio and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Riders Café

Riders Café sits amidst the lush greenery at the former Bukit Timah Saddle Club’s clubhouse, offering a laid-back atmosphere for the best kind of romantic night out! We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the Riders Burger ($18) – a 200g Angus Beef patty, done to perfection and topped with smoky cheddar, branston pickle, homemade sauce, and fries (just thinking about it makes us hungry!). Those with a penchant for all things sweet can go for their Salted Caramel Brioche ($12), where a toothsome serving of butterscotch and vanilla ice cream is topped with crumbled honeycomb – it doesn’t get any sweeter than this!

Dishes We Love: Riders Burger, Salted Caramel Brioche, Death by Chocolate Cake

Find it at 51 Fairways Drive, Singapore 286965
Book a table at Riders Café and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

L’Entrecôte Wine Bar

No one does romance better than the French; with delectable dishes that ring true to the French way of cooking and a setting as picturesque as the one at L’Entrecote, it makes for a romantic experience to remember. Go for The Classic Raclette ($29-$37), a plate of cheesy heaven blanketing fork-tender baby potatoes and tantalising gherkins. Take the romance to a whole new level by sharing the Fondue, where you have a choice of Bourguignonne & Vigneronne ($59.90) – tender beef, dipped in either spiced red wine sauce for a tasty, mulled wine flavour or boiling oil to retain the robust flavour of the beef.

Dishes We Love: The Classic Raclette, Bourguignonne & Vigneronne Fondue, Tartiflette

Find it at 37 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089615
Book a table at L’Entrecôte Wine Bar and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Tags Cafe, Coffee, Dates, Dinner, Guides, Romantic, Save

Destination Hong Kong Save/Splurge

9 Best Affordable French Restaurants in Hong Kong

Post author By Chope
Post date February 10, 2017
No Comments on 9 Best Affordable French Restaurants in Hong Kong

Who hasn’t had that craving for a delicious seafood Bouillabaisse or a succulent Coq au Vin?

Hong Kong has some delicieux French-dining establishments, but sometimes we just don’t want to break the bank just for the opportunity to dine on crisp, white tablecloths, imbibe four to five-figure bottles of wine and savour French culinary creations. As the French say, ‘Ce n’était pas un problème!’ We have you covered with our guide to the best affordable French restaurants around Hong Kong.

Bon appétit!

Bistro du Vin

Nestled in hip and quaint Kennedy Town, Bistro du Vin has been a convivial addition to the up-and-coming neighborhood. We love Bistro du Vin’s rustic French décor, replete with bare wooden furniture, art-deco-inspired tiled flooring and diffused lighting. What’s more, its intimate setting (around 20 tables), makes it just private enough to for a romantic dinner for two or a private gathering for four.

The starters and mains at Bistro du Vin are reminiscent of French, homey classics. Must-try Starters include Escargots in Shell, Garlic Herb Butter, which include juicy pieces of succulent escargot sitting atop a fatty, melting piece of bone marrow, and Cheesy Onion Soup – an oozy, creamy soup infused with sage butter. Our favourites mains include their signature Coq au Vin – garlic and Burgundy wine-infused goodness! All in all, Bistro du Vin is the place for delicious French classics reminiscent of the best of France. Even better? You can dine there for less than the cost of a night of boozing it up in TST!

Dishes We Love: Assiette of Hokkaido Sausages, Escargots in Shell, Crispy Suckling Pig Confit
Price points: Starters [$90 – $180], Mains [$200 – $260]

Find it at Shope 1D, Davis St., Kennedy Town
Book a table at Bistro du Vin

Eiffel Bistro

Located in peaceful Taikoo Shing, Eiffel Bistro is quickly positioning itself as the place for either an upscale business lunch or a more chill family soirée. We love Eiffel’s Parisian-style bistro, open kitchen, and wide, people-watching windows and artwork, inspired by the iconic Eiffel tower.

Eiffel’s menu is a bit more diverse than other classic French bistros on our list. Inclusive of additions such as fishes, meats and sharing platters, Eiffel Bistro’s a la carte offerings are definitely fit for anyone’s taste. We love Eiffel’s Homemade Duck Foie Gras, which include two generous pieces of perfectly cooked liver coupled with seasonal chutney and crispy toast. Eiffel’s Classic Lobster Bisque – creamy and buttery goodness with massive chunks of succulent lobster – is not to be missed. Be sure to try their Seared Tuna Steak (jet-fresh tuna perfectly charred coupled with crunchy bacon bites) and Eiffel’s signature Rib-eye Steak. It’s a juicy and tender rib-eye cutlet coupled with buttery Allgot mashed potatoes! This could be better than a visit to Paris…

Savvy Saver Tip: Book through Chope and enjoy 15% off Eiffel’s A La Carte Menu (excluding beverages and service charge)

Dishes We Love: Homemade Duck Foie Gras, Classic Lobster Bisque, Rib-eye Steak
Price points: Starters [$68 – $168], Mains [$158 – $288]

Find it at Stage 5, Shop G514, Tai Yue Ave., Tai Koo
Book a table at Eiffel Bistro

le Relais de l’Entrecote

Located in bustling Wan Chai, le Relais de l’Entrecote is the place for authentic French bistro flavours, crunchy home-made fries and tangy, signature ‘secret’ sauce that has all of Hong Kong talking. We love how le Relais uses only the freshest, and highest quality ingredients, imported directly from France.

Le Relais’ affordably priced set lunch menu is the gem that keeps on giving. Their ‘light lunch’ menu starts at only $168 and comes with a Green Salad with Walnuts and le Relais’ signature Steak & French Fries drizzled with a unique sauce. Le Relais’ Steak et Frites is to die for! The crunchy, yet light, sizzling duck fat potato wedges coupled with a juicy French sirloin seared to perfection showcases the best of French cooking. If you have a sweet tooth, then be sure to try out le Relais’ tender, rich, and creamy vanilla bean-infused Crème Brûlée (!). If you’re on the east side of the Island, head over to le Relais de l’Entrecote for the best of what France has on offer at an affordable price.

Savvy Saver Tip: Pre-purchase Chope Vouchers, and get 10% off

Dishes We Love: Green Salad with Walnuts, Steak and Fries with Unique Sauce, Profiteroles
Price points: Set Lunch [$168], Set Dinner [$288]

Find it at 222 Queen’s Road E., Wan Chai
Book a table at le Relais de l’Entrecote

Bistronomique (Kennedy Town)

Head over to Bistronomique’s Kennedy Town outpost for great flavours and striking minimalism. With its high ceilings, Bistronomique’s dining room decor touts Scandinavian chic meets country rustic. We love the warm cream tones , providing a soothing ambiance overall. Tables are a bit too close for our liking, but hey, what’s not to like in being close to your fellow comrades? Maybe you can try a bit of their Roasted Goose if you ask nicely.

Led by local chef David Lai, Bistronomique combines the best of local Hong Kong flavour with the techniques and culinary concoctions of the kitchens of illustrious restaurants such as Alain Ducasse’s Le Louis XV in Monaco. Don’t miss out on Bistronomique’s delicious Kurobuta Pork Belly and Roasted Goose, a tender and juicy bird, sizzled alongside crunchy, oven-cooked chestnut, sage-infused pumpkin and spinach. For those looking to pinch a penny (or two), check out their fall-off-the-bone Slow-Cooked Australian Lamb Shank: priced at a reasonable $258. All in all, Bistronomique is the place for an affordable yet elegant evening with with your loved one!

Dishes We Love: Brown Butter Frogs Legs, Truffled Salt Cod Brandade, Slow Cooked Lamb Shank
Price points: Starters [$75 – $88], Mains [$248 – $338]

Find it at Shop 1, 1 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
Book a table at Bistronomique

Chez Patrick Deli (Star Street)

If you’re in the mood for some of the French tastes you enjoyed at Chez Patrick Restaurant, then visit Chez Patrick Deli and you’ll find the same fresh, hand-plucked ingredients found in Chez Patrick’s food, but for less! Most of the products and ingredients found here are as fresh as those found in its sister restaurant, and you’ll find a bunch of homey bistro menu items including home-smoked salmons, freshly baked breads and homemade pates and jams.

We love the Crab and Avocado Tartar – delicious, hand-plucked crab married with zesty avocado – and the Green Asparagus Soup: salty and savoury, oven-roasted asparagus paired with shallots, onions. We’re also mildly obsessed their Organic Wholewheat Seafood Liguini – jet-fresh squid, clams and scallops married with white wine sauce and fresh tomato, oh my! – and Chicken Basquaise (roasted chicken leg with seared Espelette peppers).

Dishes We Love: Crispy Pork Belly, Crispy Shredded Yam, King Prawn with Bang Sauce and Fried Man Tou
Price points: Starters [$68 – $128], Mains [$118 – $218]

Find it at 3 Star St., Wan Chai
Chez Patrick Deli (Star Street)

The Continental

Even though we know that The Continental isn’t a pure play French restaurant, we love the restaurant’s contemporary design, inspired by Europe’s grand cafés. The best way to describe The Continental is French elegance meets British gastronomy.

What’s more, their Valentine’s Day Set Menu is sure one not to miss. We can’t get enough of their Butter Poached Alaskan Halibut & Caviar, featuring crushed russet potatoes, with tangy lemon butter and luxurious bits of caviar. Don’t miss out their seared Rangers Valley ‘Black Market’ Rib Cap Steak garnished with bits of crunchy cauliflower and black truffle. Finish the night off with a delectable Strawberry Tart, and Champagne Coulis – a freshly-baked tart mixed with succulent, just-picked strawberries. This set menu is definitely one that’s worth breaking any diet for!

Dishes We Love: Taiyouran Egg Carbonara, Rib Cap Steak, Noisette
Price points: Set Dinner [$1,388 per couple], Starters [$95 – $215], Mains [$215 – $625]

Find it at Unit 406, L4, 88 Queensway Rd., Admiralty
Book a table at The Continental

LE CAFÉ de Joël Robouchon

Two-Michelin starred chef Joël Robouchon is famous for his LE JARDIN and L’ATELIER dining concepts, offering the best of French classics amidst a contemporary fine-dining experience. If shelling out four to five-figures for lunch ain’t your thing, head over to LE CAFÉ de Joël Robouchon, and savour Michelin-starred culinary delights at half the price!

Neatly ensconced amongst the litany of Harbour City shops with the likes of French staples such as Maison Margiela and Chloé sits Robouchon’s affordable offshoot, LE CAFÉ. We love the Mixed Mushroom ‘velouté’ with Black Truffle and their sumptuous Hokkaido Kegani Snow Crab Salad with Avocado off their starters menu. Mains worth pecking at include Crispy Duck Confit with Fresh Figs and Cabbage as well as Iberico Pork with Mashed Potato and Classic Charcutiere Sauce. Sure, having dinner whilst hearing hordes of shoppers vying for the next GUCCI sale sure ain’t romantic, but LE CAFÉ offers high-quality timeless French classics at an unbeatable price.

Savvy Saver Tip: If you’re in a hurry, head to LE CAFÉ’s express counter and grab one of their baguettes, shipped daily from Paris.

Dishes We Love: Crispy Duck Confit with Fresh Figs, Iberico Pork Rib with Mashed Potato and Classic Charcuterie Sauce, Mixed Mushroom ‘Velvoute’ with Black Truffle

Price points: Starters [$160 – $290], Mains [$180 – $300]

Find it at Harbour City, 2608-2610, 3 Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui
Click here for more information on LE CAFÉ

Les Fils à Maman

Named after four childhood friends who decided to bring back the good old recipes they enjoyed so much during their childhood, Les Fils à Maman serves up simple homemade classics their French mothers used to cook them everyday.

We love the Obelix & Asterix references, and the adorable childhood pictures of the co-founders of the restaurant, found in Les Fils’ rustic menu. It’s certainly something unique, and different vis-à-vis other restaurants that we had the pleasure of visiting. We love the outrageous value found within Les Fils’ lunch menu, including dishes such as Fried Spices Babybel Croquettes, Raw & Smoked Salmon Rilletes as well as Fish of the Day and Seasonal Pot. What’s more, most French degustations at Les Fils are under $200! As an added bonus, we dig their tastefully designed interior; it’s reminiscent of the rustic chateaus off in France’s Burgundy region and costs waaaay less than a plane ticket to France.

Dishes We Love: Fried Spices Babyel Croquettes, Raw & Smoked Salmon Rilletes, Seared Red Tuna Burger
Price points: Starters [$40 – $100], Mains [$155 – $200]

Find it at 75 Hollywood Rd., Central
Click here for more information on Les Fils à Maman

Cocotte

The instant that you walk into Cocotte you’re reminded of that chic Parisien home with plush velvet chairs and eye-catching wallpaper. Standouts at Cocotte include the juicy Steak Tartare, and delicious Crab Cake as well as the perfectly-seared, oh-so-tender Wagyu Beef Bravette Steak. Cocotte’s Discovery Menu is certainly worth perusing, especially their Truffle Risotto, which features truffle shavings and parmesan married with delicious pasta. Don’t miss out on the Grilled Beef Mignon, a juicy, chargrilled cut mixed with freshly cut and perfectly salted homemade fries. Oooh la la indeed.

Dishes We Love: Truffle Risotto, Grilled Beef Filet Mignon, Goat Cheese and Vegetables Tart
Price points: Set Dinner [$1,388 per couple], Starters [$95 – $215], Mains [$215 – $625]

Find it at 9 Shin Hing St., Central
Book a table at Cocotte

Tags Cheap, Cheap and Good, French, Guides, Michelin, Save

Destination Others Singapore

Fresh Eats: Top 11 Restaurants to Try in Singapore this February

Post author By Chope
Post date February 3, 2017
No Comments on Fresh Eats: Top 11 Restaurants to Try in Singapore this February

From nature-inspired dishes to a magical dining experience, you can bet your bottom dollar that there’s something amazing to try every week in February with these latest haunts.

The Summerhouse

Be prepared to have your mind blown when you set your sights upon the grandeur of the architecture on which the Summerhouse resides. Housed in a pristine, ivory heritage conservation bungalow built in the 1930s, it is located in Seletar which offers diners a relaxing respite from the city. The kitchen is helmed by chef de cuisine, Florian Ridder, who has garnered experiences from numerous Michelin-starred restaurants such as Piment, La Belle Epoque and Alma by Juan Almador.

On the restaurant’s second floor, Ridder has adopted a farm-to-table concept, providing a Collective Farming Menu ($90++ per pax for a 10-course meal) where guests can enjoy the best of local ingredients with in-house harvests from the restaurant’s Edible Garden. A crowd favourite is Panzanella, an eggplant ‘caviar’ served in tomato broth and drizzled with coriander oil. We are extremely taken by his Kelong Rojak as well, where Ridder adds finely-chopped rojak flower and burnt lemon zest onto fresh prawns caught from local kelongs and serves them with dollops of Thai basil puree. Enjoying these unique creations in a tranquil and relaxing setting is definitely worth going the extra mile for in our book!

Find it at 3 Park Lane, Singapore 798387
Book a table at The Summerhouse and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Wicked Grill

Head’s up, East Coast! Things are about to get a little hotter with the latest grillery opening along Tanjong Katong Road: Wicked Grill, a casual bar, grill and steakhouse will be serving tasty meats, freshly caught seafood, and succulent poultry that will satisfy your cravings for days.

Bringing to the table a range of grilled meaty offerings such as the bone-in ribeye steak and striploin, we don’t doubt for a second that Wicked Grill’s meat-centric menu is a carnivore’s dream come true. We can’t get enough of their grass-fed grilled Lamb Shoulder that’s cooked tender with only a mild hint of butter to complement its original flavours. Giving the traditional burger a little posh upgrade is the Truffled Shrooms Burger where Wicked Grill serves a grilled patty with a slice of cheese and piles it with truffled mushrooms for that extra touch of umami.

When you’re experiencing a serious meaty craving but is running low on cash, pop by Wicked Grill for your fix of grilled meats and enjoy some seriously good food that’s great on the stomach and easy on the pocket!

Find it at 306 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437089
Click here for more information on Wicked Grill.

One Night Only

Nothing says classic Red, White, and Blue like a good ol’ plate of fried chicken, mac & cheese, and pancakes. Located in a quaint corner in the hip River Valley Road enclave sits One Night Only, an intimate and charming eatery, complete with diner booths and warm mood lighting, that serves simple and unpretentious American fare.

We love how the ambience of the diner made us feel at home, and the food even more so! Tuck into the Buttermilk Fried Chicken for the ultimate Americana experience – the chicken is marinated in buttermilk and then fried to a crispy perfection on the outside while maintaining all its juicy goodness within. For something with a little more kick, the Nashville Hot Chicken would be your best bet for a fiery affair, and don’t forget to order that side of Mac & Cheese (trust us, you won’t regret it)! We’d recommend taking it up a notch and getting their Chicken-Fried Steak. Here’s a hint: it’s not chicken.

As for drinks, nothing goes better with fried chicken than a tall frosty milkshake. One Night Only does a solid range of shakes, including special concoctions like the Brooklyn Egg Cream, and diners can opt to have it malted. You can bet that these are enough to bring all the boys to the yard!

Find it at 397 River Valley Road, Singapore 248292
Book a table at One Night Only and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Acqua e Farina

This little 60-seater neighbourhood ristorante at Upper Bukit Timah dishes out authentic Northern and Southern Italian fare that makes it perfect for intimate get-togethers and family dinners.

With a name that means “water and flour” in Italian, it comes as no surprise that the made-from-scratch pizzas and hand-rolled, egg-based pastas are specialties at Acqua e Farina. We were told that Chef Antonio Manetta handmakes and kneads the dough for his pizzas, allowing it to rise for at least 30 hours before using them for the Neapolitan-style red and white base pizzas (a dedication like that can only produce the best dough, we believe!).

Acqua e Farina’s signature pizza, the aptly named Pizza Acqua E Farina, is a crowd-pleaser and we can see why: the oven-fresh dough is topped with the classic Italian combination of spicy salami, tomatoes, mozzarella, ricotta and sautéed spinach. You wouldn’t want to miss Chef Antonio’s Risotto alla Zafferano e Salsiccia, a radiant dish that embodies simplicity at its finest. We are in love with how the smooth and creamy risotto takes on a sunflower-yellow vibrancy and hints of earthy flavours from the saffron, while chunks of fennel sausages add texture and depth to the rice.

Find it at 400 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Rail Mall, Singapore 678040
Book a table at Acqua e Farina and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

The Wall Singapore

It’s not too late to hop onto the whisky bandwagon: The Wall Singapore is the latest addition to Singapore’s bar scene and they’re here to help de-mystify the art of whisky drinking on a friendlier and more accessible platform. Named for the 100-year-old shophouse walls that house this laid-back establishment, The Wall is a Whisky & Sumiyaki Bar that offers an exquisitely curated list of whiskies and a full dining menu. Some 20 top-quality whiskies by the glass are available at an extremely friendly price starting from $14 per glass.

Unlike other whisky bars that focus almost entirely on the drinks, The Wall takes a different approach by offering whisky and sumiyaki pairing sets from $49, and a Chef’s omakase with whisky at $168 to ease guests into the art of whisky appreciation. For whisky novices, this is definitely a welcoming ‘spirit-ual’ experience!

There was also a whisky tasting chart, indicating the characteristics of whiskies, which helped us in selecting whiskies with the type of flavour profiles that will suit our palates. Those who prefer to savour whiskies with a twist are in for a treat: The Wall plays with whisky’s versatility and presents it through the lineup of whisky-forward cocktails. We were spoilt for choice with a range of classic and bespoke cocktails created by The Wall’s bar manager with our preferences in mind.

Affordable whiskies and quality food? We’ll drink to that!

Find it at 76 Tanjong Pagar Road Singapore 088497
Book a table at The Wall Singapore and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Platform 1094

Wands at the ready! There’s finally a place to geek out for hours on end at the newly opened Platform 1094. Already making waves in the region within the first month of their opening, there’s just something magical about Platform 1094 that people can’t seem to get enough of.

When you first step into this wizardry-themed café, the warm brick walls and inviting wood-panelled ceilings and furniture beckon you into an ambience that is both soothing and welcoming at the same time. Fancy throwing in a little cosplay to heighten the experience? Go all out and don yourselves in wands and witch’s hats that are provided by the café – and did we mentioned that it’s free of charge? Plus points for that!

From their ‘Magically Delicious’ menu, we highly recommend the Pesto Mayo Pork Ribs, where the slab of ribs is first poached to tender perfection in buttercream then served drizzled with creamy pesto mayo and the butter-cream brown sauce that the pork was cooked in. For something a little healthier, their Grilled Chicken Quinoa Salad and Beetroot & Carrot Soup are two must-haves. The desserts at Platform 1094 are also a sight to behold: the intricate Bloodberry comprises two chocolate shells filled with Hoegaarden Rosée and yogurt parfait. On the other hand, the majestic Black Magic looks like something from right out of the Forbidden Forest, with an assortment of black sesame panna cotta, squid-ink profiteroles, charcoal bread, blackberries, and a chocolate wand plated into a deliciously dark masterpiece.

However, it comes as no surprise that the most famous and talked-about item is the Goblet of Fire, an enchanting beverage made of Blue Curacao liqueur, lemonade and Bacardi rum which is torched before serving. The pièce de résistance is saved for last when a sprinkling of cinnamon powder is dusted above the drink, creating mesmerising sparks and flames that left us spellbound! Citrusy, sweet and tangy, it’s hard not to love this simple yet tasty concoction – we were certainly, ahem, spellbound.

Find it at 1094 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 328192
Click here for more information on Platform 1094.

7. Pololi Singapore

If you didn’t know, poké bowls are the latest rage in Singapore. With so many specialty eateries popping up, we’ll do you a solid by sharing it doesn’t get more authentic than those at Pololi, the latest hotspot in town to get your hands on this Hawaiian favourite.

Chef and entrepreneur Steph Kudus first started Pololi in Hong Kong three years ago after graduating from the U.S., where her college summers were spent riding waves and enjoying poké bowls in Hawaii. With flavours inspired by many of Steph’s favourite foods & her travels around the world, Pololi holds a repertoire of more than 20 different poké flavours where five different flavours will be served daily. Portions at Pololi only come in two sizes – the standard Da Keiki Poké Bowl ($15.99) and the heftier Da Kama’aina ($17.99) – but the range of flavours alone are enough to keep us coming back for more. Looking to savour the flavour without feeling the guilt? Swap out the white rice base with brown rice, salad, or both!

You can never go wrong with signature flavours like Traditional Spicy or Yuzu Salmon for an authentic experience. For a mid-week pick-me-up, enjoy their weekly specials such as Sweet Onion Teriyaki Swordfish, Thai Spicy Tuna, Korean Spicy Tako, Ginger Marlin, & even Sambal for those who love a little kick! The menu also offers special Hawaiian treats such as Spam™ musubi (tastes better than it sounds), tropical granitas and ice-cold beers from Kona Brewing Co.

Find it at 51 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 048441
Click here for more information on Pololi Singapore.

Botanico at The Garage

Not until you’ve tried dining in the heart of nature will you be able to understand how transcendent that experience can be, and that is exactly what a night out at Botanico at The Garage gives you. Helmed by Spanish-born Chef Antonio Oviedo, Botanico offers a modern dishes from a seasonality-driven menu to bring the best of diverse flavours to the table.

Beef or steak tartare are a dime a dozen but Botanico’s Lamb Tartare is definitely a first for us (they had us at ‘lamb’). Garnished with egg yolk cream, pickled onions and nasturtium, this starter is one of the most indulgent we’ve ever had. For mains, try the pan-seared Spanish Mackerel and Roasted Pigeon cooked two-ways. Signature cocktails Blackberry Lychee Mojito and Thyme Lemonade make perfect accompaniments as well.

Desserts like the Botanist take on a whole new level of creativity: a dish of cucumber sorbet, coconut cream, lime jam and granny smith cubes sprinkled with kaffir lime zest, each mouthful is a flavour explosion in your mouth – baby, now THAT’S a firework!

Find it at 50 Cluny Park Road, The Garage @ Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 257488
Book a table at Botanico and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Ho Rang I

Drawing upon his Korean heritage, restaurateur Edward Chia (who also happens to be the founder of the DoSiRak) sets up Ho Rang I in the heart of Novena to bring homestyle Korean cuisine to the table in a setting that is stylishly modern yet pleasantly humble. Ho Rang I has also received a nod of approval in the Michelin Guide, serving as a testament to its authenticity and dedication to Korean roots.

Lunch at Ho Rang I sticks to the classics: we appreciate the simplicity of the of noodle and rice dishes, homemade Banchan (Korean appetisers), and soup of the day. Homemade gochujang (korean chilli paste) is used in their Gal Bi Sal, or Grilled Beef Short Rib Bibimbap, rendering it a satisfying rice bowl that packs a punch. Being noodle-lovers at heart, we instantly took to the Gamja Ramyeon (Pork Rib Stew with Instant Noodles) which features Ho Rang I’s signature stew from Edward’s long-lived family recipe.

For dinner, we’d recommend to start with their signature seafood pancake Haemul Pajeon that’s good for two, where a fresh medley of seafood is tossed in simple batter with a sprinkling of scallions and pan fried until deliciously crisp on the outside and fluffy within. A whiff of this had us coming back for seconds! A night out with friends isn’t complete without a good korean barbecue session – once we sank our teeth into their Yangnyeom Samkyub Sal (soy-marinated pork belly), we were sold. Their newly-introduced fried chicken, made with locally farmed chicken and served with Yangnyeom spicy sauce or ganjang sauce (Korean-style soya sauce), is a great way to kick-back with a beer and relax after work.

Find it at 165 Thomson Rd, Singapore 307618
Book a table at Ho Rang I and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Ola Beach Club

No one does a day of fun in the sun better than the Hawaiians do; with Ola Beach Club bringing the best of Hawaiian-inspired enjoyment to sunnyside Singapore, you can bet that there’s plenty of fun to go around for everyone! While the watersports and daytime activities are highlights at the club, we can’t help but rave about the Hawaiian fare offered at Ola that rings true to the pacific islander way of life. Helmed by Chef Liinson Heng (who’s had stints with OCF, Joel Robuchon and Swiss Butchery), you can count on the fact that the menu at Ola is fashioned to impress.

Hot starters like the Grilled Octopus showcases the best of the sea’s bounty served with a side of earthy olive tapenade, confit tomatoes, roasted fava beans, artichoke and house-made garlic and saffron mayonnaise. With mains, it doesn’t get more Hawaiian than the Loco Moco, where a delicious Wagyu beef patty is cooked to perfection and placed onto steamed Japanese rice with sesame seeds and chopped konbu (kelp) and topped with a panko-crusted egg. And who doesn’t like piña coladas? A sip of Ola’s Melemele Tiki that comes with a special twist (think homemade cinnamon banana puree) left us pining for more!

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

Fynn’s Restaurant

Simplicity and elegance come together in this inviting and contemporary space to bring the best of wholesome foods and global favourites. Located in the latest enclave of South Beach Avenue, Fynn’s Restaurant’s modern yet laid-back ambience make for the perfect setting for lunch, dinner and even weekend brunches.

Go for a classic brunch favourite with the Vanilla Hot Cakes with Coconut Cream and berry compote (because why not?). In an age where healthy-eating is on the rise, we’re impressed with their Grilled Chicken Fried Wild Rice, where succulent pieces of grilled chicken and a variety of healthy vegetables such as snow peas and edamame (we feel healthier already) are placed on a bed of fried rice. We find the Rice Noodle Salad, plated with watercress, shredded chicken, sweet nashi pear and drizzled with Oriental Citrus Dressing is also worth a mention.

With the comfortable ambience and their delectable dishes, Fynn’s may very well be the next hotspot for anyone looking for a good time.

Find it at 26 Beach Road #B1-21, South Beach Avenue, Singapore 189768
Click here for more information on Fynn’s Restaurant.

Tags Bars, Fresh Eats, Fresh Eats: Singapore, Guides, Healthy, New Restaurants, Newly-opened

1. http://ajp.amjpathol.org/article/S0002-9440(10)62205-5/abstract 2. http://www.waset.org/publications/9997777 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11592686 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/368634 5. http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1099

1. http://ajp.amjpathol.org/article/S0002-9440(10)62205-5/abstract
2. http://www.waset.org/publications/9997777
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11592686
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/368634
5. http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1099