Category: Lifestyle

7 Instagrammable Cafes To Glam Up Your Feed!

Post author By Emerline Su
Post date March 9, 2018
No Comments on 7 Instagrammable Cafes To Glam Up Your Feed!

We live in a new age where everyone wants to be living the best virtual life, which means snapping the most aesthetic photos. For foodies, finding a new cafe that is easy on the eyes and has good lighting can be a struggle. Hence, here’s a list of 7 Instagrammable cafes based on ambience and food that will leave you with an Instagram page that’s #onfleek!

Brunches Cafe

Go back in time at Brunches Cafe, a vintage-themed eatery that’s decorated with retro knick-knacks. Step into the cafe and you’ll immediately notice the Instagram-worthy Mini Cooper-turned-sofa set. Old-school chalkboards, rustic wooden furniture, oil barrel-turned seats, and more throwback pieces give this cosy cafe its signature look and feel of yesteryears.

Food-wise, Brunches Cafe nails it with their popular Eggs Benedict – two beautifully poached eggs with homemade hollandaise sauce and generous strips of streaky bacon. For desserts, the Fluffy Pancake Stacks with maple syrup and a side of fresh fruits will definitely sweeten up your Instagram feed!

Find it at 96 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218381
Book a table at Brunches Cafe and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Boufe Boutique Cafe

Boufe’s immaculate white walls and minimalist interior simply beckons you to get your camera out. Lamps with intricate metalwork lampshades adorn the ceilings, adding bold contrasts that make the cafe look super sophisticated. The simplicity of the cafe lets any dish take center stage, which is great for achieving that perfect, uncluttered flat-lay. Want a group photo with your friends here? Look no further than the charming garden swing outside. Snap away!

Find it at 308 Tanglin Road, #01-01, Singapore 247974
Book a table at Boufe Boutique Cafe and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Common Man Stan

This wildly popular coffee haunt has everything you could look for in a cafe: tasty food, great coffee, and gorgeous decor. Be sure to get a taste of their unique house blends, the sweet and flowery CMCR Espresso, as well as the rich and warm 22 Martin. Its interior is the perfect blend of fashionable, chill, and homey, with cute spherical lights, a sleek bar and communal table, and a touch of nature in the wood tables and chairs. The colour scheme of the cafe is muted and calm, meaning that your food (beautifully plated, of course) will look even more appetising on camera.

Find it at 11 – 12 Stanley Street, Singapore 068730
Book a table at Common Man Stan and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Hatched

As its name suggests, Hatched serves everything with eggs, making it the ultimate spot to have your brunch or all-day breakfast. Egg lovers will scramble to get a taste of the egg-cellent Sam’s Chetta. Hatched cooks eggs in every way possible, from poached eggs to eggs over-easy to eggs benedict – you name it, they’ve got it! The warm-toned interior accented with bright yellow chairs makes a wonderful backdrop for a cheery breakfast shot, and the web of yellow streaks surrounding its simple wooden door is perfect for a shot with your brunch buddies.

Find it at 267 Holland Ave, Singapore 278989
Book a table at Hatched and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfzY5XyAeny/?taken-by=licketysg

Lickety

Pretty pastel cyan and baby pink colour the walls and furniture at Lickety, a Halal-certified dessert cafe. The interior of Lickety is embellished with more pastel candy adornments such as a giant lollipop and ice cream cones. So ‘candylicious’! Choose from funky flavours like ‘Dark Angel’, ‘Speculoos’, and ‘Earl Grey & Fig’ along with classic toppings like chocolate sauce, pocky sticks, and fruit loops. This is perfect for hot and humid days when you need to cool down and catch a breather. Be sure to strike a pose with your Hong Kong egglet waffle cone and ice cream outside this mini dollhouse cafe.

Find it at 34 Bussorah St, Singapore 199452
Click here for more information on Lickety.

Cr: sgcafehopping.com

Wakey Wakey

This new cafe in The Concourse may just be your motivation to get out of bed early in the mornings. Serving up smooth, creamy lattes (including a delicious matcha latte) and heartwarming breakfast foods, Wakey Wakey is a great place to get your mid-morning pick-me-up. With natural light streaming into the cafe’s sleek industrial interior through floor-to-ceiling windows, your photos of the perfect latte art and cheerful breakfast food are guaranteed to be amazing.

Find it at 302 Beach Rd, Singapore 199600
Click here for more information on Wakey Wakey.

Cr: Moodforfoodsg.com

Cr: danielfooddiary.com

Mellower Coffee (Bugis)

Furnished to give you maximum comfort and tranquility, Mellower is a spacious sanctuary for you to relax and get lost in a book and feel, well, mellow. This modern cafe features the chic, industrial decor that we all love, so get your phone ready for some aesthetic shots. We highly recommend getting the “Sweet Little Rain”. The cotton candy perched on top of your cup slowly melts because of the steam from the hot coffee below, making it look like delicate, sugary rain. If that’s not Instagram-worthy, then we don’t know what is!

Find it at 108 Middle Road, #01-01 The Prospex, Singapore 188967
Click here for more info on Mellower Coffee.

Want more? Don’t miss this month’s Chope Exclusives for some of the best offers at top cafes!

Tags Aesthetic, Cafes, Food Photography, foodie, Instagrammable, Singapore

Lifestyle Singapore

Ladies’ Night: Party it Up at These Restaurants!

Post author By Averlynn Lim
Post date March 7, 2018
No Comments on Ladies’ Night: Party it Up at These Restaurants!

Alcohol and cover charges aren’t cheap, but thanks to Ladies Night offers, we girls can party the night away without burning a hole in our pockets. This coming Wednesday, grab your girlfriends and head over to one of these restaurants to score some free booze and party the night away!

Senor Taco

There’s nothing like some belly-satisfying Mexican to ease into the mid-week. You will find authentic tacos, quesadillas, botana, and more on their menu here, along with more substantial mains such as slow-barbecued beef and ceviche. Round your meal up with some 1-for-1 mojitos from 7.30pm to 10pm.

Find it at Clarke Quay, 3A River Valley Road, #01-07, Singapore 179020
Book a table at Senor Taco and get 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Cr: The Exchange

The Exchange

Situated in Asia Square, The Exchange serves up modern Australasian fare in the heart of Singapore’s CBD. The stunning 5,000 square feet restaurant, bar, and lounge offers all-day dining with a breakfast, a la carte, and small bites menu. Come nightfall, kick back and relax with your pals over some beer and sharing plates. Every Wednesday, ladies get complimentary free flow lychee martinis, margaritas, beer, and vodka!

Find it at 8 Marina View, #01-05, Asia Square Tower 1, Singapore 018960
Click here for more information on The Exchange.

Cr: District 10

District 10 @ Clarke Quay

When the sun goes down, head over to District 10’s outlet at Clarke Quay for some finger-lickin’ burgers, fish & chips, and affordable drinks. Dishing up quality, modern European plates, this restaurant-bar attracts a regular crowd. Ladies can get their fill of shooters and cocktails every Wednesday with their 1-for-1 promotion!

Find it at Clarke Quay, 3D River Valley Road, #01-11, Singapore 179023
Click here for more information on District 10.

Cafe Melba @ Mediapolis

It’s girls’ night out; gather all your gal pals for a relaxing meal at Cafe Melba @ Mediapolis after a long day’s work. Pamper your taste buds with some lip-smacking Australasian fare before knocking yourself out (pun unintended) with free flow drinks!

Find it at 1 Stars Avenue, #03-01, Singapore 138507
Click here for more information on Cafe Melba.

Cr: VLV

VLV

If you and your squad are around Clarke Quay, then you guys will not want to miss out on ladies night at VLV. Housed in a heritage building with a gorgeous view of the Singapore riverfront, VLV is a restaurant, lounge, and al-fresco courtyard bar all in one. Ladies get complimentary entry to the lounge from 10pm onwards, and the first 50 will get three complimentary drinks to kick-start a night of partying!

Find it at Clarke Quay, 3A River Valley Road, #01-02, Singapore 179020
Click here for more information on VLV.

Privé Clarke Quay

Get your night going with not one, but five complimentary speciality cocktails at Privé’s outlet at Clarke Quay, while you bop to your favourite songs by their live band. Dance the night away as DJ Annuar takes over the stage and pumps the crowd up with party anthems.

Find it at 3C River Valley Road, #01-09, Singapore 179019
Book a table at Privé Clarke Quay and get 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Tags Ladies' Night, Late Night Drinks, Party, Singapore

Lifestyle News Reviews Singapore

Ugly Delicious, a review: the docuseries that has set everyone’s craving ablaze.

Post author By Michelle Tan
Post date March 6, 2018
No Comments on Ugly Delicious, a review: the docuseries that has set everyone’s craving ablaze.

Still flipping through episodes on Chef’s Table? Time to change the channel, fellow foodies – Ugly Delicious is what you should be tuning into right now.

Cr: YouTube.com

Hosted by celebrity chef David Chang of Momofuku fame and food writer (and Chang’s foodie-in-crime) Peter Meehan, Ugly Delicious is a refreshing take on gastronomy that covers everything from amazing, every day eats to the sociological and culinary history of popular foods.

Forget about white tablecloth restaurants. Instead, step out onto the streets as Chang and Meehan draw your attention back to food at its very core. Join the duo as they travel to Naples for AVP-certified pizza, tuck into street-side tacos in Los Angeles and Mexico, and gather over Thanksgiving at Chang’s family home. Each episode touches on thought-provoking discussions with revered chefs (Spago’s Wolfgang Puck from Spago, René Redzepi from Noma) as well as TV personalities (comedian Aziz Ansari, actress Gillian Jacobs), challenging them to think about what food means to themselves and to the community.

A word of caution: make sure you have tonnes of snacks with you as you watch – hunger is guaranteed. There’s nothing this docuseries hasn’t served that won’t whet your appetite.

Cr: The Daily Meal

Highlighting critical cultural dialogues through light conversations – all packaged and presented in true Lucky Peach* fashion – Ugly Delicious is an epicurean delight that can be enjoyed by experienced gourmets and everyday foodies due to its relatability. The episodes have so much depth, and yet they maintain extremely digestible at the same time.

Since its debut, numerous popular food sites such as Food52 picked up the usage of the hashtag #uglydelicious. Chang frequently uses the hashtag on his social media platforms. The title in itself epitomises the whole series, prompting viewers to remember that good food isn’t always Insta-ready. In fact, sometimes the messiest or ugliest dishes are the best ones that you’ll ever come by.

Both entertaining and enlightening, it comes as no surprise those who have watched the series are hungry for more (spoiler alert: there are only 8 lip-smacking episodes in the first season). True to its name, Ugly Delicious is proof that food doesn’t need to look pretty to be “food porn”. When you binge-watch this (and you will), it’s almost impossible not to drool the piles of crawfish boils, piping hot fried chicken tossed in sticky, sweet hot sauce, and more.

We’re not kidding – you WILL get hungry.

Whether you agree with Wolfgang Puck that people should steer away from “originality” or if you have second thoughts about Ali Wong’s stand on what makes a good Asian restaurant, there’s one takeaway from this series that we can all get behind: Food is a human experience, and no two experiences are ever alike.

To quote Chang: “There’s good food everywhere. It just may not be where you’re looking.”

*Lucky Peach is a now-defunct magazine originally founded by Chang and Meehan

Tags David Chang, foodie, Netflix, Peter Meehan, Review, Ugly Delicious

Lifestyle Singapore

Dining with Children: Family-Friendly Restaurants

Post author By Rachel Ho
Post date March 2, 2018
No Comments on Dining with Children: Family-Friendly Restaurants

Parenthood is tough enough as it is without having to worry about where to go. We scoured our sunny island to find the best restaurants that will give you a chance to unwind, and your kid space to run around or things to do (yes, something other than an iPhone). The best part? These joints can all be booked on Chope! We know you don’t have time to call to make a reservation when you have a screaming toddler on your hands.

Open Farm Community

Healthy and fresh food that tastes great, and available in kid-sized portions? A pretty, air-conditioned interior for you to catch a breather? A playground featuring a larger-than-life cow for your kid to climb on? Check, check, and check. It’s hard for a restaurant to have it all, but Open Farm Community somehow manages. You can also make the trip an educational one by taking your kid around the herb garden and putting him in touch with nature.

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

Hard Rock Cafe

This rock and roll hall of fame may not sound like an instinctive place to take your child, but it is one of the few restaurants that have always treated its younger customers like, well, rock stars. Kids are entertained with balloons and colouring activities, and it helps that their delicious burgers and fajitas will go down well (no worries about picky children there). Another plus point: you expose your kids to music greats like David Bowie and Michael Jackson.

Find it at 50 Cuscaden Road, #05-01, Singapore 249724
Book a table at Hard Rock Cafe and get 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

National Kitchen by Violet Oon

This gorgeous, 1920s colonial style dining space is a sight for sore eyes and great for family-style meals. While Peranakan dishes can be polarising – fussy kids may find some of them pungent or too spicy – it makes for a good discussion of a culture not many know about at the dinner table. In true Singaporean style, the education can continue after the meal at the rest of the National Gallery, which often has children-friendly exhibitions running.

Find it at 1 St. Andrew’s Road #02–01, National Gallery, Singapore 178957
Book a table at National Kitchen and get 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

La Barca Ristorante & Wine Bar

Maybe you need some tender loving care. Treat yourself to a glass of wine (or two) and some fancy Italian, and let your kids scream their heads off at the bouncy castle/water slide contraption outside. You can still keep an eye on them through the glass panels, and the restaurant also provides towels when they’ve tired themselves out. Go on, crack open that Cab Sav – you deserve it.

Find it at 90 Goodman Rd, #01-21 Block C, Goodman Arts Centre, Singapore 439053
Book a table at La Barca Ristorante & Wine Bar and get 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Saint Pierre

Maybe your child is a budding Gordon Ramsay, or you want to introduce him to the world of fine dining early. At $85 a pop, chefs Emmanuel Stroobant and KimKevin de Dood have come up with a curated menu suited to taste buds of those 9 years and younger. It’s certainly not cheap, but it may help your child develop an early appreciation behind the art and science that is cooking.

Find it at 1 Fullerton Road, #02-02B One Fullerton, Singapore 049213
Book a table at Saint Pierre and get 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Citrus By The Pool

This comfy bistro may be tucked away in the quiet suburbs of Woodlands but don’t let its humble exterior fool you. They are the go-to for many families looking to get their fill of comforting cafe grub, and for a good reason. Their latest additions to the menu are a lineup of banging burgers that will give any global burger chain a run for their money! The portions here are ginormous to boot, which means that a little goes a long way when it comes to feeding the little ones. The best part? Citrus By The Pool is Halal-certified, giving Muslim families a peace of mind too.

Find it at 3 Woodlands Street 13, Woodlands Swimming Complex, Singapore 738600
Book a table at Citrus By The Pool and get 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Coastes

Sip on a piña colada while your child gulps down a Peachy Beachy (a mocktail, don’t worry) at this laidback restaurant on Siloso Beach. There’s not much in the way of activities here but your child can entertain herself building sandcastles. The food is hearty and familiar, with fish and chips, pizzas, and pasta on the menu.

Find it at 50 Siloso Beach Walk 01-06, Singapore 099000
Book a table at Coastes and get 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Tags Family, Healthy, Kids, peranakan, Singapore

Lifestyle Singapore

Books for Food Lovers

There are many ways we feast: most days with our tongue, often with our eyes, and on good days, on journeys through the mind. A love for food is cultivated through a deeper understanding of other culinary journeys, and what better way to do it than with a book and a good cup of coffee? We present a short list for you to get off Amazon or your favourite bookshop this weekend.

Cr: Phaidon

A Day at elBulli: An Insight into the Ideas, Methods and Creativity of Ferran Adria by Ferran Adrià

elBulli, formerly the best restaurant in the world, may have closed its doors for now, but the magic of head chef Ferran Adria lives on in this tome. A Day at elBulli is part photobook, all philosophy, and features 30 dishes that represent a full menu at a restaurant notorious for its hard-to-get reservations. The 600-page book has more than 800 photographs, menus, recipes and diagrams which will take you through a full working day at elBulli in just a few words. You might not get to taste Adria’s food, but you just might learn a thing or two about the thought processes behind his molecular gastronomy techniques. (P.S.:If you prefer something more accessible, try his homestyle cookbook, The Family Meal.)

Get it here!

Cr: Amazon UK

Heat: An Amateur’s Adventures as Kitchen Slave, Line Cook, Pasta-Maker, and Apprentice to a Dante-Quoting Butcher in Tuscany by Bill Buford

Determined to see his culinary hobby turn into something more, New Yorker writer and home cook Bill Buford takes up a stint at Mario Batali’s three Michelin stars restaurant in New York, Babbo. The result is a hilarious memoir documenting the mistakes, humiliations, and disappointments — but also the skills and triumphs — on his learning journey. It also serves as a biography for Batali, a larger-than-life character both in and out of the kitchen. The book is a breezy read, but also raises interesting questions about what and why we eat.

Get it here!

Cr: Amazon

In Defence of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto by Michael Pollan

Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. That’s Michael Pollan’s answer to what we should eat, in a world saturated with what the journalist-activist calls “edible foodlike substances”. Pollan presents the original ‘eat clean’ guide, and he urges us to eat things our ancestors would recognise. He also argues that despite the West’s obsession with nutrition — not about food itself — it has ironically ended up less healthy. If you’re a foodie, read this to know why good, fresh ingredient are critical to amazing food.

Get it here!

Cr: Amazon

Heartburn by Nora Ephron

From the writer of classic rom-coms like When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle comes a side-splitting novel about the disintegration of marriage. Cookbook writer Rachel Samstat discovers her husband is in love with another woman, and dives into her recipes for solace and an attempt to win him back. It’s no secret that this book is a thinly veiled account of Ephron’s own breakup with her husband, so the ending is bittersweet. But she writes with such candour, humour, and strength that, like all good dishes, you can’t help but want more.

Get it here!

Cr: Goodreads

Fresh Off the Boat: A Memoir by Eddie Huang

If you’re a fan of the American sitcom Fresh Off the Boat, then this memoir, which the show is based on, is perfect for you. Huang is profane and profound, musing about the difficulties of growing up as a second-generation Taiwanese-American as, in the same breath, he rhapsodises about his favourite rapper and basketball team. Food is a subtle undercurrent in the book, one of the places in which he tries to fit in — Huang later goes on to open a barebones ‘bao’ eatery called BaoHaus. As he puts it, this is a story about finding love in family, friends, food, music, and culture, “and a million other surprising places.”

Get it here!

Tags Books, Foodies, Reads

Lifestyle Singapore

5 interesting facts you should know about Chinese New Year

Post author By Michelle Tan
Post date February 15, 2018
No Comments on 5 interesting facts you should know about Chinese New Year

Lion and Dragon Dance to celebrate Chinese New Year at Wynn Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV on January 27, 2012. (C) Erik Kabik/ Retna Ltd.

It’s finally the eve of the Lunar New Year! While we prepare ourselves for the main event tomorrow, how many of these facts do we actually know about one of the world’s most celebrated festivities?

Cr: voanews.com

The longest-lasting fireworks display in the world

The Lunar New Year is celebrated by almost ¼ of the world’s population, with China being the largest population to date. It is thought that setting off fireworks at the stroke of midnight “scares off” evil spirits from the previous year and kick-starting the new one on a clean slate. The festival also sees the biggest annual fireworks usage globally; there isn’t a single hour in any other country that witnesses the lighting of fireworks at such a scale than in China – and they produce about 90% of the world’s fireworks!

Cr: CityWeekend.com

It’s the only time to catch up with the family over lively and friendly banter

… well, sort of.

Those who are in their late twenties onwards and unattached would have prepared themselves for all the “when will you get married?” ~~interrogations~~ questions from family members. Taobao, China’s largest online shopping website, even offers ‘rent-a-boyfriend’ services for single women in China to bring men of their choice back home for the festivities to appease their older relatives!

Cr: Asian Fusion Mag

Enjoying Lion & Dragon Dances

The Chinese lion and dragon are creatures that are associated with luck and prosperity. During Chinese New Year, Lion Dance troupes go from door-to-door around neighbourhoods performing dances to invite good fortune to people’s homes. In return, the residents will reward them with a red packet. The dance can range from a 3-minute performance to an elaborate 10-minute display of acrobatic feats depending on the amount awarded.

On the other hand, the Dragon Dance is usually a public performance since it requires a large number of Dragon dancers to hold up the dragon’s body (which can go up to over 200 feet long!) on poles, creating an illusion of a flying dragon in the air.

Cr: CityWeekend.com

Adhering to Chinese New Year superstitions

Starting the new year on a good note is of utmost importance, which is why it comes as no surprise that there are a number of superstitions that the Chinese follow to ensure a smooth-sailing year ahead. The following are just a few prominent ones; how many of these do you actually follow?

Avoid taking medicine during the first couple of days of Chinese New Year so that your year ahead isn’t plagued with illnesses
Don’t sweep or take out garbage on the first day of Chinese New Year to avoid “sweeping away the luck and fortune” that come to your home
Avoiding eating porridge for breakfast as porridge is seen as a sign of being ‘poor’ (since porridge is a common food for the poor in China)
Don’t do the laundry on the first and second day of the Lunar New Year because these two days are celebrated as the birthday of the Water God (‘shui shen’ / 水神)
You shouldn’t wash your hair on the first day of Chinese New Year or else you’d be ‘washing your fortune away’

Cr: Flickr @ Choo Yut Shing

Eating foods that are considered lucky

What’s a festival without some good ol’ feast fest! In Chinese culture, even the food that we eat during Chinese New Year has to have some sort of symbolism to them. Among the most popular (and important ones) to have are Nian Gao 年糕 or Glutinous Rice Cakes (to signify that one will prosper and reap better rewards in the new year), lucky fruits such as mandarin oranges and pomelos (symbolising fullness and wealth), and fish (which represents more savings to come in the following year).

Cr: CityWeekend.com

Giving and receiving red packets or ‘angpao’

This is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated reasons why children LOVE Chinese New Year. Inside these crimson envelopes are ‘lucky money’ given to children by their elders, usually from people who are married or even those who have started to earn their way, and they get to spend it however they like. #bestgiftsever

Not receiving actual angpao this year? Fret not because we’re ringing in a paws-perous Year of the Dog with Chope’s Secret Angpao!

We’re letting you relive the thrill of opening angpaos again and again when you redeem virtual angpaos for 50 Chope-Dollars each, where lucrative prizes such as $50 Chope Shop credits and $88 cash. Think you’re the HUAT-est? Try your luck today!

Tags Chinese New Year, fireworks, Lion Dance, Luck, Lunar New Year, Secret Angpao, Singapore, Superstitions

Lifestyle Save/Splurge Singapore

Chope Tries: $2.50, $15, and $30 Nasi Lemak

Post author By Chope
Post date February 15, 2018
No Comments on Chope Tries: $2.50, $15, and $30 Nasi Lemak

Nasi lemak is one of those foods that has seen plenty of iterations in recent years. With more and more places around the island offering the delicious dish at various price points, we decided to find out if it’s actually worth shelling out extra cash for a “better” quality dish.

Wan Xing Nasi Lemak and Economic Bee Hoon ($2.50)

Wan Xing is known for their cheap food – they have a couple of outlets, if we recall correctly – so it’s no wonder their stall frequently sees snaking queues. The nasi lemak incorporates all the ingredients you would expect – from the spicy sambal to sunny side up – but you can add various dishes from their selection. The rice is supposed to have a green tinge but ours was quite faint. Taste-wise, it had a mild pandan flavour and wasn’t particularly fragrant, but blended perfectly with the sambal, which, to be honest, tasted like most other sambals from the hawker centre. The peanut and ikan bilis mix was crunchy and salty, but relatively sparse. However, for the low price point, this dish was filling and rather delicious, something we would buy again if we were in the neighbourhood and craving nasi lemak.

Find it at 270 Queen Street, Albert Centre #01-62, Singapore 180270

The Coconut Club ($15)

The Coconut Club has been popular among the lunchtime crowd in the city for a while now, so we were curious to see how it held up against the low, low price of $2.50. This spot pays careful attention to the quality of their dishes – think using old crop Thai Jasmine Rice and coconuts from one specific plantation in Sabak Bernam to create fluffy, fragrant rice.

When the dish arrived at the table, it certainly looked impressive, from the colours to the amount of each component. We tried the rice and that was good, fluffy and not drenched in oil. We tried the homemade sambal and that was good too, a balance of sweet and spicy. But then we tried the chicken and forgot everything else; it was definitely the highlight of the dish. Unlike the generic fried chicken of the other two, the chicken here had a spicy, uniquely Asian flavour and featured a delightfully crunchy skin. Would we come back? Yes (after payday), if only to eat that crisp chicken skin again.

Find it at 6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069787
Click here for more information on The Coconut Club.

Chatterbox (Mandarin Orchard Singapore) ($30)

Given the price tag, this must have been the best of the lot, right? We hoped it was, we wanted it to be! The excitement was real, but dampened a bit when the dish was laid before us. The sambal looked legitimately crafted and there was the addition of prawns, but the rest of the components looked like any nasi lemak joint out there. Nevermind, we thought, it’s all in the taste. But while the tangy, spicy prawns did leave us satisfied and the otah was undeniably flavourful, neither the sambal nor the rice left us in gastronomic heaven. That’s not to say it wasn’t good, however, the dish as a whole was fragrant and recognisably ‘nasi lemak’, but lacked a real punch that would elevate it to legendary status. On the whole, it’s a great place to bring someone you’re looking to impress with classy local faves, or for people who prefer less spice and more subtle flavours.

Find it at 333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867
Book a table at Chatterbox and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Ultimately, we’re happy to keep our nasi lemak expenditure below $7 on the regular (why the odd number? Because we admit to having a soft spot for Qiji), but willing to fork out that extra bit of cash for The Coconut Club’s hearty offering.

Tags Chope Tries, nasi lemak, Save, Splurge

Lifestyle Others Singapore

CNY Activities For Everyone (even if you aren’t Chinese)

Post author By Veena Vinod
Post date February 14, 2018
No Comments on CNY Activities For Everyone (even if you aren’t Chinese)

If you aren’t Chinese or forego typical Chinese New Year visitations, the long weekend is a welcome respite from work, but can also be pretty boring. Most of the shops are closed, your friends are busy, and you’re stuck with no plans. But if you’re feeling the itch to get in on the festivities, here are some options for you to consider!

Bai Nian At Friends’ Places

Chinese New Year is more than just red packets, it’s also a good time to catch up with friends and wish them good luck in the coming year. Heading over to their house (with their permission, of course, Chope does not support breaking & entering) to ‘bai nian’, aka receiving well wishes in Mandarin, is a good way to join in the celebrations. Bring two oranges and exchange them with your friend or the head of their household while saying simple Mandarin wishes such as Gong Xi Fa Cai – wishing you a prosperous year, and Wan Shi Ru Yi – may all your wishes come true. Then, settle in for delicious snacking and chit chats!

Cr: little day out

Watch Lion Dance Performances

The lion dance is an icon of Chinese New Year, and no to-do list would be complete without it. If you’re in school, you may be lucky enough to watch one as part of the annual Chinese New Year festivities. If you’re not in school, fret not. There are plenty of lion dance performances complete with stunts and confetti tossing performed at heartland malls and community centres all across the island during Chinese New Year. You may even catch an orange, if you’re lucky.

Find it at various locations.
Click here for more information on Lion Dance Performances.

Cr: The Straits Times

Chinatown Light Up

Chinatown is already pretty colourful, but it’s especially bedazzled this time of year. If you missed the light-up celebrations earlier this year, now’s your chance to enjoy the elaborate, festive splendour of one of Singapore’s best-loved heritage districts. Without the large crowds thronging the area, this is the perfect time to soak in the sights without the hassle of jostling pedestrians. Start at People’s Park Complex and work your way down the streets.

Find it at various locations.
Click here for more information on the Chinatown Light Up.

Unique Reunion Dinners

If you want to have a reunion dinner but aren’t in the mood for a 10-course Chinese meal, why not opt for some unique spots instead? Here’s a roundup of fancy festive menus from all over the island at varying price points. From spicy sour Thai cuisine to delightfully fresh Japanese fare, there’s something for everyone on this list. Gather some friends together, toss some lo hei, and ring in the New Year with a twist!

Find it at various locations.
Click here for more information on unique Chinese New Year spots.

Chingay Parade

Looking to snap some stunning photos? Look no further. Organised by the People’s Association, this parade is now in its 46th installment. The parade has become synonymous with Chinese New Year, and it’s easy to see why. This gorgeous street parade, modeled after the Carnival of Brazil, features multiracial performers and colourful floats decked out in twinkling lights, as well as iconic festive props such as dragons and ingots.

Find it at 1 Republic Blvd, Singapore 038975
Click here for more information on the Chingay Parade.

Tags Chinese New Year, Singapore

Hacks & How-Tos Lifestyle Singapore

7 Unique Pancake Recipes for Shrove Tuesday

Post author By Averlynn Lim
Post date February 13, 2018
No Comments on 7 Unique Pancake Recipes for Shrove Tuesday

In the eternal debate between waffles all the way or being a pancake purist, we often find ourselves vacillating between the two. This Shrove Tuesday, aka Pancake Day, join us as we reaffirm our love for fluffy pancakes with these 7 dee-licious recipes that’ll have your kitchens smelling divine. !

From decadent over-the-top pancakes coated in butter and sugar to Nutella-stuffed pancakes (YES!), these hotcakes are worth the extra time in the kitchen.

Cr: Chopstick Chronicles

1. Soufflé Pancakes

Soufflé. Sou-fflé. Just the word itself brings to mind images of light, fluffy clouds. Unlike the usual pancakes, these are made using whipped egg whites, giving them their characteristic airy texture. The secret ingredient here is the mayonnaise, however feel free to skip it if you can’t get it!

Ingredients (serves 2)
2 large eggs
15 g sugar
½ tablespoon mayonnaise
½ tablespoon milk
20 g plain flour
¼ tsp cream of tartar

For full recipe directions from Chopstick Chronicles, click here.

Cr: The Spruce

2. Red Velvet Pancakes

We’ve heard of red velvet cakes and red velvet cupcakes. Why not up your ante by whipping up a fluffy stack of red velvet pancakes, drizzled with a luscious cream cheese frosting? Plus, these are made easy with a red velvet cake mix, so if you’re short on time, this recipe is perfect for you.

Psst, Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, so if your S/O is a pancake fanatic, you know what to do! 😉

Ingredients (serves 6)
For Red Velvet Pancakes:
1 package of Red Velvet Cake Mix (any brand)
3/4 cup plain flour
1 3/4 cup milk
2 eggs
4 tablespoons butter
Non-stick cooking spray/butter (for greasing)

Cream Cheese Icing:
4 ounces (113g) cream cheese
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

View full recipe directions from The Spruce here.

Cr: killing thyme

3. Matcha Pancakes

Matcha fans, this one’s for you. These pancakes are a beautiful shade of green, with a smooth and earthy taste. Top with fruits and greek yogurt as suggested, or to up the decadence, give it a drizzle of white chocolate.

Ingredients (serves 8)
2 eggs
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil/melted butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup plain flour
2 tablespoons matcha powder
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/8 tsp salt

For full recipe directions, head to killing thyme here.

Cr: Creme de la Crumb

4. Banana Bread Pancakes

If you love anything that’s made with banana, then you’ll love this twist on the classic banana cake. These are made with very ripe, mashed bananas, making these fluffy pancakes superbly moist. If you prefer an extra crunch, throw some chopped walnuts into the batter and griddle ‘em up!

Ingredients (serves 4)
1 cup plain flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 medium bananas (very ripe)
⅓ cup walnuts

For full recipe directions from Creme de la Crumb, click here.

Cr: RecipeTin Eats

5. Nutella Stuffed Pancakes

Nothing says surprise more than stuffed pancakes. Slice through these fluffy golden discs to reveal a glorious molten Nutella centre. Perfect for lovers of all things chocolate or Nutella.

Ingredients (serves 6 – 7)
10 – 14 tablespoons Nutella
1 1/2 cups plain flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
4 tablespoons sugar
Pinch of salt
1 egg
1 cup + 2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla essence (optional)
1 tsp butter

Find full recipe directions from RecipeTin Eats here.

Cr: Cooking On The Front Burner

6. Churro Pancakes

If you’ve never heard of churros before, they are fried dough pastries covered in melted butter and tossed in cinnamon sugar. Now, you can have it in pancake version with this recipe featuring soft, fluffy cinnamon pancakes coated with butter and cinnamon sugar. To add a kick, finish your stack with a drizzle of spicy chocolate sauce that’s made with cayenne pepper.

Ingredients (serves 8)
3/4 cup white flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/8 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 egg white
1 1/2 cup skimmed milk
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
6 oz. (170g) chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For full recipe directions from Cooking On The Front Burner, click here.

Cr: A Pretty Life In The Suburbs

7. Dutch Baby Pancake

If you’re wondering why this pancake looks different from the rest in this article, then here’s why. Dutch babies, also known as German pancakes, are similar to the popovers served during Thanksgiving. These pancakes are baked in a cast iron pan, and puff up beautifully in the oven. Incredibly simple to make and versatile, this is one recipe you’ve got to add to your breakfast repertoire!

Ingredients (serves 6)
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
4 large eggs
8 tablespoons butter

For full recipe directions, head over to A Pretty Life In The Suburbs here.

Tags Dessert, Pancake Day, pancakes, recipes, Shrove Tuesday

Lifestyle Singapore

Instagrams to Follow for Foodies

Post author By Rachel Ho
Post date February 9, 2018
No Comments on Instagrams to Follow for Foodies

https://www.instagram.com/lennardy/ — @lennardy

For all the hate we dish on influencers (influencer influenza, hurhur), let’s face it: there have been times when we were nudged into trying a new restaurant just because the flat lays they featured were #onpoint. And then we head down there, only to realise it’s a big bag of crushed dreams and wasted dollars.

But fear not – here are some of the top Instagrammers in Singapore to follow to save yourselves the disappointment.

@lennardy

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lennard Yeong (@lennardy)

(Topmost main image also @lennardy)

Despite the lack of formal culinary training, self-proclaimed YouTube-taught Lennard Yeong joined culinary competition MasterChef Asia in 2015. He may not have been crowned the winner, but the good-looking engineer has emerged a prince in his own right, with over 62,000 followers. His Instagram features technically precise dishes he experiments with at home, all prettily plated for the ‘grams. But for those of us not so lucky to get a seat at his kitchen, Lennard provides plenty of inspiration as he makes his way around Singapore and around the globe, showing off wagyu burgers in New York alongside street eats from Bangkok.

@bibikgourmand

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A post shared by Evelyn Chen (@bibikgourmand)

Food writer Evelyn Chen keeps an Instagram that is both pleasing to the eye and informative. Each photo – none of those amateur shadows, mind you – is accompanied by the ever-useful geotag and a short caption, telling you what you’re looking at. Sometimes they read like a snippet of a diary entry – a Jan 3 post reveals what she did with 500g of squid from Ghim Moh market – and in others, a critic’s verdict on a new restaurant. It’s a personable way to keep up to date with the latest eateries – both the humble and the atas – in Singapore.

@wenoms

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A post shared by kerri (@wenoms)

Kerri Teo’s Instagram is just over a year old but has amassed more than 300 posts to date, which goes to show how often she eats. She is not afraid to tell us if a dish didn’t live up to its hype, and gives you a heads-up if there are good promotions to take advantage of (though you could also just check out our Chope Exclusives for great deals). She posts about her gastronomic adventures to fancier restaurants like Chef’s Table or Whitegrass, but isn’t ashamed to review the humble Ikea hot dog, either.

@eugenekhooyr

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A post shared by ek. (@eugenekhooyr)

Even if you were content to eat cardboard for the rest of your life, Eugene Khoo’s Instagram is still a delight to peruse, given all the aesthetic photos on his feed. Eugene is another globetrotter, travelling to cities as disparate as Melbourne, Modena and Copenhagen to satiate his desire for good food – another useful account for those who search for travel recommendations on the social media platform. Eugene’s feed is also great for the mini wine lessons he imparts, whether it’s about the way he describes a bubbly he enjoyed, or you just need some recs.

Tags bibikgourmand, eugenekhooyr, Foodies, Instagram, lennardy, wenoms

Lifestyle Singapore

Everything you wanted to know about Lo Hei

Post author By Chope
Post date February 9, 2018
2 Comments on Everything you wanted to know about Lo Hei

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a unique dining experience, or trying to save some cash, we’ve got you covered. While you’re at it, check out our local lo hei guide!

Tags Cantonese, Chinese, Chinese New Year, Lo-Hei, Singapore, Yusheng

Lifestyle Singapore

Chope’s guide to Lo Hei

Yusheng is a staple of every Chinese New Year celebration, and they say the higher the toss, the more prosperous your coming year will be. Here are some places for you to get your lo hei fix – from fancy to fusion, you’ll be spoiled for choice!

cny1
Cr: Majestic Restaurant

Atlantic Salmon Yusheng

When someone says “good Chinese” this is what they mean. A former stalwart of the New Majestic Hotel, this spot has made a name for itself as being one of the best places for authentic and delicious Cantonese food. Helmed by the award-winning Chef Yong Bing Ngen, you can expect a treasure trove of dishes on the menu. Most notable is their Yusheng, which is made with premium Atlantic Salmon. You can’t go wrong with this dish.

Find it at 5 Straits View, #04-01, 018935
Book a table at Majestic Restaurant and get 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

Salmon Ceviche Yusheng

Xiao Ya Tou is a pioneer of innovative Asian nosh. Located in the heart of Singapore, this cheeky spot serves up some fantastic fusion food. This Chinese New Year, try your hand at a unique lo hei. Made with salmon ceviche, and mandarin orange as well your classic Yusheng ingredients, the refreshing flavour of lime juice in the ceviche cuts through the crunch of the vegetables, giving the dish a refreshing bite. This is your go-to dish if you’re tired of the same old.

Find it at 6 Duxton Hill #01-01 Singapore 089592
Book a table at Xiao Ya Tou and get 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

Cr: Shape

Dog Yusheng

You wouldn’t want to toss this adorable lo hei aside! (See what we did there?) Keeping with the canine theme for the Year of the Dog, Food Capital has created one of the cutest dishes we’ve ever seen. Featuring an adorable puppy made of radish, olives, and carrot strips, as well as chunks of smoked salmon rolled into pretty flower shapes, this version of the prosperity toss is both kid-friendly and Instagram-worthy.

Find it at 392 Havelock Road Singapore 169663
Book a table at Food Capital and get 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

Vegetarian Yusheng

If you’re vegetarian and have had to sit out previous lo heis because of your dietary needs, then fret no longer. Din Tai Fung has got you covered with their Prosperity Vegetarian Yusheng. Made with all the ingredients of a regular lo hei, sans meat, this is a treat both vegans and vegetarians can enjoy, and it’s healthy too. Add pine nuts and crispy yam strips for an extra crunch, and get tossing!

Find it at various locations.
Click here to find out more about Din Tai Fung.

Cr: six-and-seven

Black Caviar Yusheng

If you’re looking for a place to impress the in-laws, this is it. The Ritz-Carlton’s beloved restaurant has upped the ante by creating a lo hei with premium ingredients such as black caviar and abalone. The briny taste of the caviar gives the dish a sharp flavour. Toss your yusheng in the opulent setting of the Summer Pavilion. Together with their carefully curated festive menu, a dining experience here will be one you won’t soon forget!

Find it at 7 Raffles Ave, 039799
Click here for more information about Summer Pavilion.

cny6
Cr: Seth Lui

Chocolate Yusheng

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll love this! Antoinette has created The Queen’s Yusheng – made with Chocolate Fish and Ingots, Mandarin Orange Butter Cake, and Gula Melaka, all housed within a Golden Chocolate Egg. Break open the egg and drizzle some of the homemade dressing over. Gather five of your sugar loving buddies and head over to Antoinette to try out this one of a kind treat – we promise you it’s worth the calories!

Find it at various locations.
Book a table at Antoinette and get 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

cny7
Cr: Bargain Queen

Lo hei with your hands

The Dancing Crab is known for their delicious Cajun cuisine, so it’s no surprise that their Chinese New Year menu is just as tasty! Crafted like a typical salad with plenty of greens, salmon, and carrot strips, the Yusheng also contains delicious Alaskan King Crab and is drizzled with tangy honey mustard. The highlight of this lo hei, though, is the fact that you get to toss the Yusheng with your hands rather than chopsticks!

Find it at various locations.
Book a table at Dancing Crab and get 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

cny8
Cr:SG-Asia City

Pulled Pork Yusheng

Who better to serve up a good roast than The Carvery? Making waves since their debut in Singapore in 2015, trust these folks to get your roast done right. If you can’t get enough of pulled pork, then this is the Yusheng for you. Crunchy walnuts, Granny Smith apple strips, and generous chunks of pulled pork, all slathered in White Balsamic Peach Dressing, and tossed with tortilla crackers, this Yusheng is the true definition of East meets West.

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

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a unique dining experience, or trying to save some cash, we’ve got you covered. While you’re at it, check out these facts about lo hei!

Tags Cantonese, Chinese, Chinese New Year, Lo-Hei, Singapore, Yusheng