Category: Shanghai

Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: How to be a responsible diner

Post author By Chope
Post date February 13, 2020
1 Comment on Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: How to be a responsible diner

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is taking the world by storm. Away from headlines and social media feeds, it’s important for everyone to take their own personal steps in ensuring that they stay safe and healthy.

At Chope, we care about our diners and restaurant partners, which is why we’re encouraging you to be extremely responsible during this period. Take note of your personal hygiene, and be mindful of your fellow diners whether you’re at home, or dining out at a restaurant.

Save the infographic below and send it along to your loved ones. In the meantime, keep clean and carry on!

Are you a restaurant looking for best practices and precautionary measures to put in place due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak?

Check out our complete guide here.

Tags advice, advisory

Bali Bangkok Beijing Featured Hong Kong Jakarta Lifestyle News Phuket Shanghai Singapore Singapore Videos

ChopePerks: What can you do with 10,000 Chope-Dollars?

Post author By Chope
Post date November 12, 2018
No Comments on ChopePerks: What can you do with 10,000 Chope-Dollars?

Ok, so you’re no newbie; you’re on your way to making Chope reservations like a pro, there’s a list of favourite restaurants you’ve dined at parked away in your brain, and your account is filling nicely with Chope-Dollars. Now what? It’s time to get spending, my friend. Multiply your Chope-Dollars, multiply your experiences with ChopePerks!

Let’s imagine you have 10,000 C$ – what could you do? (If you already passed that amount ages ago – teach us your ways, shifu.)

1. Fulfil your wanderlust

Cr: myotonic.org

At 1,000 KrisFlyer miles for every 1,200 C$ redeemed, this is seriously one of the best ways to get miles. Chope reservations are free, and with earnings starting at 100 Chope-Dollars per booking, swapping them out for miles will take no time at all. With 10,000 C$, you can redeem a whopping 8,000 Krisflyer miles, then use the remaining 400C$ to enjoy a 7% discount on Agoda hotel bookings. Pack your bags, you’re ready to go!

2. Dig in without wallet worries

Using vouchers to pay for a meal can be totally fine. Of course, don’t pull them out at key events like the first date or a very important business meeting with higher-ups, but at other times? They could make an already unforgettable experience even better. Redeem 10,000 C$ for $300 worth of cash vouchers that you can use to offset the bill at restaurants. Italian to Japanese, fine dining to casual cafes, your C$ can be used to make your tummy – and friends – happy without hurting your wallet.

Still not sure where you’re going yet? Then you might find it more useful to redeem your C$ for discount codes that entitle you to future restaurant voucher purchases on shop.chope.co.

3. Shop til you drop

Cr: mandalaybay.com

Let’s start with a little something for the makeup junkies, whether that’s you or someone you know. How does $5 off your Sephora online purchase sound? We did the math: your 10,000 C$ can be exchanged for $400 worth of Sephora makeup products (note: each user can only redeem a $5 voucher per transaction on Sephora). We know — we’ve already put this to good use. If you don’t fancy makeup, however, there are other lifestyle options from HipVan and CapitaStar vouchers to satisfy the shopaholic in you.

Krisflyer and Agoda rewards are available across all cities on Chope. For those who are in Bangkok, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and Singapore, get up and moving because you can redeem your C$ for GuavaPass reward. Ready to shop till you drop? Shopee rewards are yours to keep if you’re in Bangkok, Jakarta, and Bali. To our Thai friends in Bangkok, Happy Fresh and Starbucks perks are waiting for you! Also, our Hong Kong friends can redeem 4,000 or 8,000 Reward-U points with C$!

Here’s a tip: if you want to earn C$ faster, keep making reservations on Chope to hit the higher tiers. As you Chope your way up tiers with ChopePerks, the amount of C$ you earn will speed up as well.

Members and Bronze Members get 1X Chope-Dollars for every completed booking while Silver and Gold Members receive 1.25X and 1.5X Chope-Dollars respectively. Be the best of the best, a Platinum member, to boast 1.75X C$ for each booking.

The more C$ you have, the more rewards you can redeem! And after all that glorious eating, ChopePerks is here to give you the rewards you rightly deserve. Remember: only reservations made through www.chope.co and the Chope app are counted, so download the app today!

Tags Chope, Chope Deals, Chope-Dollars, ChopePerks, Krisflyer miles, Loyalty Programme, Redemption

Bali Bangkok Deals & Specials Hong Kong Jakarta Shanghai Singapore Singapore

Chope Deals: November

Whether you are in Singapore, Bali, or Shanghai, November’s Chope deals have got your back. Score extra Chope-Dollars, 1-for-1 deals, and more to dine and save like a champion!

Singapore

Make your way down to Conrad Lobby Lounge, Mr Punch Public House, Gemmills, and more restaurants offering fantastic Chope Exclusives deals like 1-for-1 mains.

Visit any of these New on Chope restaurants and score extra 100 Chope-Dollars when you use the code NEWONCHOPE.

Grab an extra 300 Chope-Dollars when you make a booking at Sushi Jin, Meat Smith, LINO, and more. Only the first 50 redemptions will be able to enjoy this deal!

Have you nominated your favourite restaurants on Chope? The upcoming Diners’ Choice Award is offering perks such as $25 off the 4-class GuavaPass package and $5 off your voucher purchase when you vote. Hurry before your favourite places lose their spots!

Bali

Time to leave the house and explore what kind of cuisines Bali has to offer you. Look through the list of Chope Exclusives restaurants and see which stands out to you the most. Buy-1-get-1 offer at Jahe Restaurant and 50% discount at Boy’N’Cow will be yours to keep!

Bangkok

Are you in the mood for Thai, Indian, or Italian food? Make a trip down to one of these Chope Exclusives eateries to satisfy your cravings and at the same time enjoy ฿500 off your bill!

Get ready for Chope-Dollars Boost! Bag home an extra 300 Chope-Dollars when you make a booking at new hot spots such as Taan Bangkok and Mallard.

Hong Kong

From 1-for-1 Korean mains at Zzang to all-you-can-eat weekend brunch at OM Tapas, take your pick from one of the best Chope Exclusives in Hong Kong.

Slurp up free pastas like Calamari Squid Ink Pasta and Lobster Tail Linguine when you join our Flash Giveaway! Be quick, there are limited quantities only!

Bank of China, HSBC, Hang Seng, and Standard Chartered card holders, listen up! Enjoy up to 20% off your meals when you dine at The Pawn, Umami, and more.

Jakarta

We have Happy Hour Food deals just for you, only available at selected timings. Get 50% off your bill at Amuz, Casa Mexico, and more restaurants.

Shanghai

Let Chope recommend you some everyday eats with our Daily Special. On Mondays, dig into 1-for-1 burgers. On Tuesdays, tuck into hearty pastas and risottos at 50% off.. And the list goes on!

Tags Chope Deals, Chope Exclusives, Chope-Dollars Boost, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, New on Chope, thai

Bali Bangkok Beijing Deals & Specials Hong Kong Jakarta Phuket Shanghai Singapore

Chope Deals: October

Welcome October with the best dining deals in town! Chope’s Online Food Festival dining deals and Chope Exclusives are ready for you to snag, so read on to find out how!

Singapore

Are you aware of our Online Food Festival happening from 1 to 5 October? If not, you’d better start camping at our website before the best deals are gone! With over 100 participating restaurants with up to 85% off dining vouchers, where else can you find such crazy deals?

Be the cool kid on the block and introduce your friends to the newest additions on Chope. From spicy hot pot to board games cafe, we have a variety of restaurants just for you. Score an extra 100 Chope-Dollars when you book with the promo code NEWONCHOPE.

Think 100 Chope-Dollars isn’t enough? This October, Chope-Dollar Boost gets you an additional 300 Chope-Dollars when you book and dine at Symmetry, Uya, and more gorgeous eateries.

Credit card holders of AMEX, Standard Chartered, UOB, and DBS/POSB can enjoy 1-for-1 promotions and 50% off your meals at restaurants like Salted & Hung and Overeasy. Our Chope Exclusives are also offering 1-for-1s, 50% discounts, and more attractive deals.

Bali

Let Chope Exclusives guide your foodie adventure when you visit the beautiful Bali island. Bring along three other foodies and enjoy buy-3-get-4 Fire brunch at this FIRE, a grill restaurant at W Bali, Seminyak! Otherwise, save up to 15% your bill at selected restaurants like The Savage Kitchen and Layang Layang.

Bangkok

Satisfy your cravings, as well as your wallet with our Chope Exclusives. Look out for buy-1-get-1-free offers and ฿500 off your bill at Above Eleven, Le Boeuf, and more delicious eats.

Hong Kong

Indulge in a whirlwind of flavours when you dine at Chope Exclusives restaurants offering 1-for-1 mains and 50% discounts.

Get ready, your Chope-Dollars are getting a boost! Earn extra 300 Chope-Dollars when you reserve at these restaurants. You can redeem your Chope-Dollars for a HK$50 restaurant voucher or HK$25 Starbucks voucher. Now that’s the real deal.

Phuket

Make everyday a TGIF with our Happy Hour Deal. Get amazing drink promotions when you dine at certain timings of the day. Have a much needed break after work at chill spots like Cradle and Silk Restaurant and Bar.

Shanghai

Daily special is here to save you from Monday blues, midweek blues, and gloomy days! Exciting deals like 50% off your meals and buy-1-get-1-free mains happening every day of the week gives you a good enough reason to dine out.

Tags Cafes, Chope Deals, Chope Exclusives, Chope-Dollars, Online Food Festival

Destination Hong Kong Shanghai Singapore

Top Restaurants in Asian Cities – Part 1

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

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

Singapore

New Ubin Seafood

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

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

Wild Honey

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

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

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

Hong Kong

Ming Court

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

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

NOBU

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

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

Bangkok

Cocotte Farm Roast & Winery

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

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

Laemgate Infinite

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

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

Phuket

Palm Seaside

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

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

phuket cut Lake_View_jpg_1481878557 phuket cut Half_Spanish_Chicken_with_Manc_1481878556

Cut Grill & Lounge

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

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

Bali

Sarong

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

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

MÉTIS

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

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

Jakarta

Amuz

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

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

AB Steak by Chef Akira Back

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

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

Shanghai

Lost Heaven (Silk Road)

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

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

Liquid Laundry

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

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

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

Destination Hong Kong Shanghai Singapore

7 of the Most Innovative Coffee Cocktails in Asia

Post author By
Post date November 4, 2016
No Comments on 7 of the Most Innovative Coffee Cocktails in Asia

These are not your typical espresso martinis, folks.

Inspired by a recent visit to my Chope Shanghai compatriots that involved several coffee-based alcoholic beverages, as well as my general predisposition for all things coffee and alcohol, I decided to take it upon myself to find the most innovative caffeinated cocktails across Asia.

While a shot of whisky in your afternoon long black is a quick ‘n dirty instant fix (not that I’ve ever done that), I suggest you instead visit any of these renowned spots to experience a creative coffee cocktail mixed to perfection – at a more socially acceptable hour of course.

The Liberties: Coconut Cold Brew & Irish Whiskey at Jigger and Pony, Singapore

Let’s start right in our own backyard – we all know that the team at Jigger and Pony crafts a killer cocktail, but The Liberties truly exceeded my high expectations. As you take the first sip an arresting aroma of roasted chocolate makes it difficult not to dive right into the mix of Teeling small batch Irish whisky, coconut cold brew coffee, pandan bitters, and the source of the heavenly smell: a garnish of roasted chocolate nibs. The taste is impeccably smooth with only the faintest hint of coconut complementing the full-bodied flavour combo of Irish whisky and cold brew. It’s like the rich, sophisticated aunt of a Black Russian who you’ll want to visit again and again.

Find Jigger & Pony at 101 Amoy Street (Telok Ayer), Singapore

Californication – coffee infused beer at Ocean Grounds, Shanghai

What do you get when you cross one of the best craft beer breweries in China with one of the most innovative coffee bars in Asia? Cue up Californication, a combination of Boxing Cat Brewery amber ale that’s brewed with Ocean Grounds’ Santa Leticia Bourbon Especial cold drip coffee. The 14-hour brewed cold drip has hints of palm sugar, tootsie roll, and nougat, thus the the resulting beer that’s been brewed WITH the coffee is crisp with notes of caramel – a heady experience that warrants several rounds. What surprises me most is that coffee beers tend to be in the stout or porter families, but this light and refreshing amber ale brew pushes boundaries in new and delicious directions.

Find Ocean Grounds at Hong Kong Plaza, Room 1-09A,283 Huaihai Zhong Lu, Shanghai, China

Photo Credit: Eat Drink KL

Golden Eclipse – hot espresso Nutella milk with rum at Olfactory Bulb Cafe, Petaling Jaya (Kuala Lumpur)

Olfactory Bulb Cafe specialises in coffee, tea, and chocolate-based cocktails (when can I move in?), so choosing just one from their extensive menu proved a bit challenging. One look at “Nutella milk” however, and I was sold. The Golden Eclipse contains Mount Gay Barbados Rum, Frangelico, chocolate bitters, espresso, and house-made Nutella milk. It’s a nutty, sweet, hazelnut-mocha-like reason to drink alcohol that warms like a nice cuppa hot cocoa, with a grown-up twist.

Find Olfactory Bulb Cafe at 15-2, Jalan PJU 5/13, Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

reviver-regent-sg

Reviver – jalapeno and coffee bean infused apple brandy at Manhattan, Singapore

Forget an alarm clock, take a swig of the Reviver at Manhattan (which was recently named Asia’s best bar and 11th best in the WORLD) and you’ll be feeling all kinds of alive. Daron calvados (apple brandy), Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, Ferrand Dry orange curaçao, sugar, bitters, cloves, jalapeno, and coffee beans are all soaked together overnight to make this complex drink. Spicy, bold, and strong, this is a cocktail fit for one of the top bars on the planet.

Find it at 1 Cuscaden Road, Level 2, Regent Hotel, Singapore
Book a table at Manhattan.

Costadoro Martini, an updated espresso martini at The Artisan Room, Hong Kong

It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for a good espresso martini, but The Artisan Room’s updated version on the classic reinvents the wheel in all the right ways without straying too far from a formula proven to work. They specialise in coffee and tea cocktails, so rest assured there is skill, passion, and experience behind this badass tipple. Instead of coffee liqueur, vodka, and espresso (a typical espresso martini), the Costadoro Martini is created with dark rum, Costadoro espresso, Bailey’s, coconut milk, and Okinawa black sugar. The heavier coconut milk and dark sugar result in an exceptionally smooth martini laced with hints of hazelnut and toasted bread from the the Italian coffee exclusive to Artisan Room. Pair that with an al fresco garden area and I think that’s the sound of me packing my bags for Hong Kong.

Find The Artisan Room at 8 South Ln, Shek Tong Tsui, Hong Kong

Photo Credit: Q&A Bar

Coffee Negroni at Q&A Bar, Bangkok

This hip Bangkok speakeasy is so secret that there isn’t even a photo of the elusive coffee cocktail – but something as delicious and unique as a coffee negroni deserves a spot on the list. Hidden behind a nondescript green door in Asok, Q&A has become somewhat of a cult hit for cocktail lovers in Bangkok. With equal parts gin, vermouth, and campari, this negroni mixture brews for six hours with Ethiopian coffee beans resulting in a sultry combination of flavours that fit perfectly with the intimate interior of the bar. The depth and nuttiness of the coffee mellows out some of the bitterness you’d expect from a negroni, which basically means it’s the negroni I’ve always wanted. Ask about their cold brew version as well!

Find Q&A Bar at 235/13 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-1445, Bangkok, Thailand

Prohibition – Cutty Sark & cold brew at Gibson, Singapore

One of the fruitier options on the list, Gibson goes for a refined simplicity with Prohibition. They mix Cutty Sark Prohibition whisky, grapefruit & orange campari, and Antica Formula (sweet vermouth), with cold brew ice cubes, then garnish with grapefruit zest and gold leaf – ‘cause Gibson is that badass. Think a more robust Manhattan that becomes increasingly smooth as the cold brew ice gradually melts and infuses the drink with the dark and chocolatey notes of the coffee.

Find it at 20 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore
Book a table at Gibson.

Tags Bars, Cocktails, Coffee, Drinks, Guides

Destination Shanghai

Do or Die: Shanghai Edition

Post author By Chope
Post date October 20, 2016
No Comments on Do or Die: Shanghai Edition

The most populous city in China and a global financial centre, this buzzing metropolis is never short of things to do (or to eat!). Historic sights, dining, nightlife, culture – here’s everything you should do when visiting this mega-city.

Attractions

transrapid-565646_1920

The Shanghai Maglev Train

Step out of Pudong International Airport and you’ll see the the world’s first and only commercialised magnetic levitation train. The Maglev can reach speeds up to 430 km/hour, taking a mere 8 minutes to travel 30km to its next stop at Longyang Road. Skip the taxi and traffic jams and fly into downtown Shanghai in mere minutes.

shanghai-1484452_1280 shanghai-673087_1920

The Bund (Wai Tan)

The Bund, otherwise known as 外滩 (Outer Beach in Chinese), stretches out over a sprawling 2km and is the best place to admire the phenomenal views of Shanghai’s historical-cum-modern skyline. For a bird’s eye view of The Bund and Shanghai’s cityscape, be sure to head to the observation deck on the 100th Floor of the Shanghai World Financial Centre.

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Dubbed as Shanghai’s Venice, this ancient town has a history dating back almost two centuries. It boasts charming traditional Chinese residences along the canals connected by the many bridges built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Check out the Qing Dynasty Post Office along Xihu Street too, allegedly the best preserved of its era in China.

Photo Credit: Brian Duncan

Jing’an Temple

This regal temple in downtown Shanghai was built in the tumultuous Three Kingdoms period in the 3rd century and survived being converted into a plastic factory during the Cultural Revolution. Remember to catch a glimpse of the Jade Buddha, the biggest jade statue of the Buddha in mainland China.

Dining

xindalu_dessert_jpg_1412136937

Xindalu-China Kitchen

There’s nothing like a satisfying meal after a working up an appetite on a long walk along the Bund. Located at the Hyatt on the Bund Hotel, enjoy authentic Shanghai, Hangzhou and Beijing family-style fare as you admire the master chefs at work through the open kitchen at Xindalu. The signature dish here is the Peking Duck, with succulent and tender duck meat nestled under a crisp and flavourful skin. The Beggar’s Chicken is another must-try, so popular that we hear you have to pre-order this dish!

Dishes We Love: Beggar’s Chicken, Clay Pot Baby Lobster

Book a table at Xindalu-China Kitchen.

ourdoor_jpg_1446434924

Kathleen’s Waitan Restaurant & Cocktails

If you want unparalleled views of the Bund, Kathleen’s is a must. Enjoy a wide selection of Asian-inspired seafood and steak dishes as you admire the twinkling lights set against the Shanghai night sky. Complete the meal with a few of their funky vintage cocktails.

Dishes We Love: Eel Dragon Sushi Roll, Grilled Australian Blackface Lamb Rump,“Rougie” Foie Gras on Asparagus Risot

Book a table at Kathleen’s Waitan Restaurant & Cocktails.

ll_salad_jpg_1450151458

Liquid Laundry

Liquid Laundry stands out from the crowd of bars and restaurants at the historic former French Concession, which explains the throngs of locals and expats who flock there in record numbers – especially for brunch. Expect to enjoy American classics like the Four Cheese Mac ‘n’ Cheese, but don’t pass up their terrific wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted charcuterie, and sinful desserts.

Dishes We Love: Eggs Benedict with Smoked BBQ Brisket, Warm Bacon-Guajillo Cornbread with Maple Butter, Rotisserie Chicken

Book a table at Liquid Laundry.

maya_brunch_huevosdivorciados__1436336278

MAYA

Cha-cha to some quirky Mexican fare at MAYA, located in Jing’an, the former French Concession’s quieter northern neighbour. Tuck into MAYA signatures like the MAYA Casserole and the Huevos MAYA, but for a quirky twist, be sure to try the Beijing Duck Quesadilla!

Dishes We Love: Mango & Avocado Salad, Crispy Mexican Waffle, Adobo-Grilled Pork Tenderloin w/ Black Mole

Book a table at MAYA.

For more insider tips about dining in Shanghai, click here!

Shopping

East Nanjing Road

Come here at any time of the day and you’ll find this bustling pedestrian street filled with tourists and locals alike shopping and milling about. Shop till you drop at the over 600 stores that line this 3.4 mile-long street. At nighttime, Nanjing Road is also a feast for the eyes as the colourful billboards light up the sky.

tumblr_inline_nuspq1d7dm1tc46kr_1280

Xintiandi

Housed in the old French Concession, Xintiandi has been transformed in the last decade to become one of Shanghai’s most popular entertainment districts. Revel in the nostalgia of old Shanghai: this is the place where the new meets the old, as seen from the architecture surrounding you. Head to the South Block, a mall in a stylish glass building for necessities, and the North Block, comprising the nostalgic Shikumen buildings, for all your luxury goods.

Nightlife

Photo Credit: Smart Shanghai

Speakeasies

For a fun and edgy experience, you can’t beat the speakeasies in Shanghai. Can you even tell that’s a bar entrance in the above photo? Speak Low, a Japanese bar nestled above an inconspicuous bar tools shop along Fuxing Lu, tops our list. The Tailor Bar, located above a Chinese medicine shop, is another hidden gem where you can enjoy drinks tailored just for you as you revel in the stunning views of the Jing’an district.

shanghai_brewery_exterior_jpg_1457596722

Craft Beers

Who doesn’t fancy a refreshing glass of beer and great al fresco ambience?

Check out Shanghai Brewery – with outlets dotted around the former French Concession you’ll find a selection of locally brewed craft beers on tap, including their international award-winning North Star IPA.

Click here to check out Shanghai Brewery locations.

bcb_tv_room_jpg_1450152080

Boxing Cat Brewery, another favourite local haunt, has a regularly rotating variety of award-winning and expertly executed craft beers. We absolutely love the smooth, light and tasty Right Hook Helles, and the Sucker Punch Pale Ale, a hoppier, less malty ale.

Click here to check out Boxing Cat Brewery locations.

Clubs

Check out Arkham, a sprawling underground space lets you party till dawn every Thursday to Saturday. Enjoy live acts by guest DJs and say cheers to unfolding night with affordable drinks and shots.

Click here for more info on Arkham.

Arts and Culture

Image Source

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre

Hidden beneath a rather random apartment complex along the gorgeous treelined Huashan Road is a museum experience that you’ll find nowhere else in Mainland China. This propaganda poster art center contains hundreds of original posters that date back to the earliest days of Mao, and also includes a quaint gift shop perfect for cheap and historical souvenirs.

Photo Credit: Smart Shanghai

Modern Art Galleries

Competing with Beijing for the title of China’s art capital, Shanghai’s art scene is flourishing with contemporary art galleries all around town. Be sure to walk along 50 Mongshan Road (or M50 for short) for a thriving community of artists who studios are open to the public. Or wander over to the Old French Concession to admire historic buildings with modern art galleries tucked inside!

Tags Bars, Cheap, Cheap and Good, Do or Die, Guides, Pocket-friendly, Travel