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Lifestyle Singapore

Unique foods to try in 2018

If trying new things is your New Year’s resolution, we’ve got you covered. From Tibetan to Egyptian, here’s a list of unique foods you haven’t heard of, and where to find them in on our sunny island. Happy eating!

 

koshari
Cr: Fill A Pita

Koshari

Koshari is the national dish of Egypt, and is served everywhere in the country – from restaurants to roadside stalls. The combination of elbow macaroni, lentils, and rice topped with a spicy tomato sauce and shallots may look unappealing at first, but mix the tomato sauce in thoroughly for a spicy yet sour mouthful that will excite your palate. Get your fill of this unique dish at Fill A Pita, a vegan-friendly eatery that doles out scrumptious plates of this delightful dish.

Find it at 3 Pickering Street, #01-29 Nankin Row, China Square Central, Singapore 048660
For more information about Fill A Pita, click here

 

 

laphet
Cr: The Myanmar Times

Laphet Thoke

Once served as a peace offering between warring kingdoms, this Burmese dish consists of pickled tea leaves and is commonly referred to as a ‘green tea salad.’ Myanmar is one of the few countries where tea leaves are both eaten and drunk, and this dish is considered a national delicacy there. Laphet Thoke is made with pickled green tea leaves, shrimp, and tomatoes, and is topped with peanut and sesame seeds. Inle Myanmar in Peninsula Plaza serves affordable, authentic Burmese cuisine and is popular with the sizeable Burmese population in Singapore.

Find it at 111 North Bridge Road, #B1-07A, Peninsula Plaza, Singapore 179098
For more information about Inle Myanmar, click here

 

 


Cr: Fig & Quince

Meigu Polo

If you think Indian food is good, wait till you get a taste of Persian. Rich stews, fragrant rice dishes and sumptuous curries are the cornerstone of this fabulous Middle Eastern cuisine. Meigu Polo is a dish that seamlessly marries land and sea in an earthy meal of saffron rice topped with prawns, walnuts, and raisins. If the heady aroma of this dish isn’t enough to tempt you, the blend of savoury rice, sweet raisin and crunchy nuts sure will! Give Shabestan a try – lush interiors, fresh seafood, and excellent service make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Find it at 80 Mohamed Sultan Road, #01-13, Robertson Quay, Singapore 239013
Book a table at Shabestan and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

 

 

thukpa
Cr: chicken.ca

Thukpa

If you’ve ever wondered what Chindian food would taste like, Tibetan cuisine comes pretty close. Thukpa is made with South Asian spices, such as Garam Masala and Chilli Powder, as well as hand-pulled noodles from the East. Spicy, savoury, and best served piping hot, this is the perfect pick-me up on a cold day. New Everest Kitchen in Little India is a quaint little eatery that has been serving up authentic Nepalese, Tibetan, and Indian cuisine at wallet-friendly prices over the last decade, so you know where to go for good Thukpa in Singapore.

Find it at 55 Chander Road, Singapore 219550
For more information about New Everest Kitchen, click here.

 

 

cevapcici
Cr:
turismo.it

Cevapcici

These aren’t your regular sausages. Popular in the Balkans, Cevapcici is a type of skinless sausage that can be made with pork, lamb or beef. Served on a platter of five to ten and eaten with flatbread and feta cheese, this meaty main is believed to be an Eastern European version of the kebab. Next Door Cafe makes excellent Cevapcici served with onions, feta cheese, and tomatoes. Pair the dish with a craft beer from their extensive list, and you for a moment, it’s almost as if you’re in Croatia.  

Find it at 699 East Coast Road, Singapore 459061
For more information about Next Door Cafe, click here.

 

 

Ceviche
Cr: perunorth.com

Ceviche

This dish of fish and citrus is popular throughout Latin America, but is best known as the national dish of Peru. Fresh, raw fish marinated in a mix of citrus and pepper, and served with corn and sweet potato makes this dish both refreshing and interesting. There aren’t a lot of places to get Peruvian cuisine in Singapore, so Tiger’s Milk [closed] is a notable spot. Named after the citrus, salt and fish sauce mix used to flavour Ceviche, this rooftop bar serves up three varieties of the dish using several types of seafood, a must-try if you’re starting on your Ceviche journey.

Find it at 28 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069708
Book a table at Tiger’s Milk and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Categories
Lifestyle Singapore

Chope’s Food Horoscope 2018

As 2018 welcomes itself into our lives, we look towards the Decadent Deities in the Cosmic Universe to give our Chope fans a delicious forecast for the year ahead.

Aries

Aries (21 Mar – 20 Apr)

As the zodiac’s trailblazing Ram, Aries has never faced any problems getting by solely on charisma and natural skills. However, 2018 may kick off with some instability and turbulence but not without opportunities for growth, which isn’t all that bad for a sign that’s known for weathering even the fiercest of storms!

While the Forceful Mars, your power planet, turns retrograde, you may be faced with some irritating moments this year; just stay calm and play it cool. Coincidentally, auspicious Jupiter lands in Scorpio which highlights your house of merging and intimacy. It’s time to gather your closest mates and hit up amazing restaurants that are perfect for a catch-up sesh over amazing food and even better conversations.


Taurus
Taurus (21 Apr – 20 May)

As we move into 2018, the planets have aligned in your favour, headstrong Taurus – there’s nothing stopping you now! When the Sun bursts into your enduring sign at the end of April, you become more focused and driven.

Later part of the year, the rebellious Uranus turns retrograde in your sign until January 2019; by the time, you should be armed and ready to venture out of your comfort zone. There’s no doubting that you’re one of the most traditional signs of the zodiac, but there will come a time where you know you have to change with the times. Mix things up, try something new, and don’t be afraid of progress. Venture into Singapore’s ever-evolving foodscape and experience new eats that you’ve yet to discover – the world is your oyster.

 

Gemini

Gemini (21 May – 20 Jun)

Dear Gemini, my fickle-hearted friend, we know that nothing in the world can hold you down. While your penchant for freedom knows no bounds, 2018 may just be the year for you to start getting grounded.

While your sign is famous for biting off more than you can chew, you’ll find yourself craving simplicity as Jupiter orbits into Scorpio that rules health. Embrace a “less is more” mindset and focus on what matters most; switch up your diet to incorporate healthier eating or factor in regular workouts at the gym. Since Jupiter is also the planet of expansion, don’t be surprised to find yourself gaining a little bit of curviness during this cycle! Our advice: embrace it.

Cancer
Cancer (21 Jun – 20 Jul)

Oh Cancer, you wear your heart on your sleeve – and for a good reason too. In 2018, the theme of love looks persistent in both challenging and inspiring aspects. The ever expansive Jupiter will be paying your house a visit until November 8, giving you plenty of chances to shine creatively and romantically.

Whether it be love between couples, love for your family, or self-love (for you beautiful singles out there), look towards the kitchen for a home-cooked meal that nurtures the heart. If cooking isn’t your forte, why not check out some of Singapore’s most romantic dining spots? When it comes to love, have faith and all shall fall into place.

Leo
Leo (21 Jul – 20 Aug)

The limelight is where you feel most at home, fearless lion! While you have no problems showing the world what you’ve got, the challenge this year will be learning how to spice things up. Try not to let your tendency to overreact interfere with your poise and charm; hang in there a little while longer and the emergence of Leo moon in the middle of the year will allow you to unleash your full potential.

When that time comes, embrace all things Leo and immerse yourself in all the glitz and glamour that after hour parties have to offer! From late night eats to Singapore’s best bars, flourish in the night and soak up the festivities because you’re born to shine.

Virgo
Virgo (21 Aug – 20 Sept)

In every group dynamic, there’s always the perfectionist – and who better to play the role than our vigilant Virgo?

While you’re perfectly happy sticking to the familiar, 2018 may just be the year you step out of your comfort zone. The ever-expansive Jupiter finds its way into Scorpio and it’ll make itself comfortable there until November; variety becomes the main theme of the year, encouraging you to break away from the norm.

Used to taking the train home? Try taking the bus instead for a change of scenery. We all know your usual noodle spot for lunch but maybe you could try another cuisine instead – or better, go fusion! You might also like to venture around Singapore and discover a new part of town, or pop by neighbouring countries for a short getaway.

Libra
Libra (21 Sept – 20 Oct)

This year’s looking mighty fine for you, Libra! As Jupiter spends most of its time in Scorpio, stabilising your second House, nothing is going to faze you because your year is going to be UH-MAY-ZING (not that you need the planets to tell you that)!

The second House rules work, money, and security; with Jupiter finding solace here, things at work are going to be a breeze. Finances will grow in abundance, and as much as you prioritise balance, it’s about high time you give yourself a pat on the back and relish in something fancy once in a while.

Scorprio
Scorpio (21 Oct – 20 Nov)

Everyone’s secretive Scorpio, it doesn’t seem like things will change much as you continue keeping your guard up in 2018. And there’s no fault in that either — you can’t change your basic nature — but there comes a time when improvements have to be made!

When Mercury comes together with Pluto, your ruling planet, you will find that secrets have its way of unravelling themselves for you. It would be wise to use the information that you gain in a way that benefits yourself as well as others too.

Sagittarius
Sagittarius (21 Nov – 20 Dec)

Our ambitious and audacious Archer, life is just one big adventure after another. No matter what 2018 throws at you, you take those challenges and shoot ‘em right back!

It comes as no surprise that you have a penchant for travel; your urge to pull off something huge may be hindered by the Sun, moving against Jupiter, your ruling planet. Don’t let this stop you from satisfying your sense of wanderlust, though: you can still travel the world (via your taste buds!) at top restaurants that offer the best of global eats, all within our Little Red Dot!

Capricorn
Capricorn (21 Dec – 20 Jan)

People may think of you as an overachiever but we all know that you see the rewards in discipline and hard work, careful Capricorn. You know that hard work pays off, and 2018 continues to provide for you as long as you strive for what you want.

A “special someone” may be right above the fray when the solar eclipse in Cancer catapults you into your committed relationship house. This gives rise to unexpected developments with both love and business over the coming six months. Nurture those relationships by way of food — whether it be with yourself (#treatyoself), a loved one, or at work.

Aquarius
Aquarius (21 Jan – 20 Feb)

You know you’re larger than life, beloved Aquarius – with an attitude like that, nothing’s gonna get you down! As the radiant Sun settles in your House earlier in the year, this prompts you to be the most of ‘Aquarius’ (read: unpredictable) you can be.
Your happy-go-lucky demeanour may get you through anything life throws at you but take heed: 2018 calls for more attention on your personal connections, so don’t take your close ones for granted.

As you thrive on technology, use that to your advantage by documenting precious moments with your loved ones (put your social media skills to good use!). Spend quality time by taking a stroll in the park or dine in gorgeously lush greenery; however you choose to bond, remember to capture those moments so you’ll have something to remember them by.

Pisces
Pisces (21 Feb – 20 Mar)

As the final House in the zodiac, people tend to take advantage of your kindness and compassion, gentle Pisces. It’s about high time you move away from your self-sacrifice and focus on yourself this year! As the brilliant Sun finds solace in your sign, shift your focus towards activities that involve or are near bodies of water.

Plan a seaside vacation or go on a cruise; if finances are tight, why not go for something a little closer to home? Nothing says “surrounded by water” like dining on Sentosa island! This would be a good time to rejuvenate and focus on self-love before your ruling planet Neptune turns retrograde towards the second half of the year, throwing you more challenges that are almost impossible to escape from.

 

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Categories
Links We Love Singapore

Weekend Reads: 5 – 7 Jan 2018

We’re battling the back-to-work blues with plenty of delicious reads. Ok, that, and a lot of snacks.

 

Going overseas? Eat McDonald’s.

Everything. Is. So. Pretty. My Modern Met looks back at the Top 21 Food Art Masterpieces of 2017.

What did you have for your #firstmeal2018?

A glimpse into the diet of Michelangelo as sketched out by the artist himself.

This week in WTF: Colourful pizzas?!

An inspirational #familybodygoals story to help you keep that weight loss resolution.

KFC Singapore has released Mac ‘N Cheese with popcorn chicken. Yum.

Here’s how to save money on food this year!

And here are some food trends for 2018, according to experts.

 

Categories
Links We Love Singapore Singapore

Weekend Reads: 29 – 31 Dec 2017

It’s the last weekend of the year, so here’s some entertainment as we gear up for 2018. Happy New Year, Chope fans!

Can’t decide what to eat? Here’s what to do.

If you’re looking to clean up your diet in the new year, this healthy eating program can help!

People are sharing the weird foods they’ve encountered and it’s bizarre.

Singapore’s favourite salt-baked chicken store will cease to operate on December 31st.

Speaking of New Year’s Eve, here are some things you can do in town!

This cafe in Bukit Timah is serving up some Insta-worthy waffles! #foodporn

Christmas dinner brought us some strange foods from around the world…

McDonald’s Singapore teased us with a “game-changing” burger in 2018… We wonder what it could be?

And here’s some inspiration for your #firstmeal2018.

Categories
Events Singapore

6 things to do on New Year’s Eve (instead of watching fireworks)!

Bored of the same old this New Year’s? From old-school dance parties to quiet nights out, here is a list of some unconventional activities you can do to end 2017 with a bang – don’t worry, there’s more than just fireworks on our list! Whatever you choose to do this weekend, we hope you have fun and here’s wishing you a fabulous 2018, from all of us at Chope!

 

sumyitai-kf-073_preview
Rooftop barbecue at Sum Yi Tai

Sum Yi Tai, which means third wife in Cantonese, promises to redefine the way you enjoy Chinese food. This three-level joint, which is karaoke lounge, bar, and restaurant rolled into one,  is hosting a rooftop barbecue this New Year’s Eve. Count on the kitchen to dish out authentic Cantonese classics in a delightfully unpretentious environment. Skyline views, cheap nosh, and ice-cold booze – all we need to bid farewell to a great year.

More information about Sum Yi Tai’s Rooftop Barbecue can be found here.

Find it at 25 Boon Tat St, Singapore 069622
Book a table at Sum Yi Tai and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

99ad039
Cr: blujazcafe.net

Street Party at Blu Jaz Cafe

Free tequila shots? Yes, please! Blu Jaz cafe promises to bring you back to the 90s with hip-hop and reggaeton tunes that will have you grooving into 2018. The first 300 revellers to turn up will also get a free shot of tequila. Set in the artsy grunge of Haji Lane, you’ll definitely have a spot to get one last #OOTN before the clock strikes 12. If you’re looking for a spot to let loose away from the crowds of the city, you might have just found your place.

Find out more about Street Party here.

Find it at 11 Bali Lane, Kampong Glam, Singapore (189848)
Click here for more information on Blu Jaz Cafe.

 

Spicy Kko Chicken_preview
Get some KFC at Kko Kko Na Ra

Get your Korean Fried Chicken fix at this saucy joint in Tanjong Pagar. Opened till 1am on Sundays, this is the perfect place to go with your friends to get your junk food fix before the New Year begins. With chicken available in four flavours – from soy garlic to hot & spicy, there’s something for every taste. Pair your sinful treats with some cold soju for an authentic Korean experience. Remember, diet starts tomorrow!

Find it at 68 Tanjong Pagar Singapore (088489)
Book a table at Kko Kko Na Ra and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

udders2
Cr: honeykidsasia.com

Cow-nt down at Udders

Fried chicken not your thing? Fret not, Udders has got you covered! Indulge your sweet tooth with delectable flavours like Thai Iced Tea, Mocha Rocks, and Oktobeer at this homegrown ice cream chain. Eggless ice creams mean that even the picky vegans in your life will be satisfied here. We recommend the Upper Thomson outlet as it tends to be deserted (see what we did there?) late on New Year’s Eve.

Find it at 246D Upper Thomson Road Singapore (574370)
Click here for more information on Udders.

 

Grilled Cheese on Crack
Guilty Pleasures at Overeasy

This isn’t your average New Year’s party. Enjoy Singapore’s best burgers, booze, and bangers – all in one place! This retro diner in Orchard has probably been all over your Instagram timeline in the last few months, but come December 31st, prepare to party it up with classic tunes at this retro-themed New Year’s Eve event. Enjoy one of their delectable burgers till 10pm, then move to the dancefloor and bump and grind to the tunes of DJ Hookstyle.

For more information about Guilty Pleasures, click here.

Find it at 541 Orchard Road #01-01 Liat Towers Singapore (238881)
Book a table at Overeasy Orchard and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

Singapore-Under-the-Banyan-Tree-Open-Air-Cinema
Cr: uberding.net

Countdown Cinema at Esplanade Park and Empress Lawn

You’ve seen these blockbusters in the theatres, but how about on an eight-metre inflatable screen under the stars? Ring in 2018 with your loved ones in Empress Lawn and Esplanade Park with some of the highest-grossing movies of 2017, including Spiderman: Homecoming and Wonder Woman. Top off your movie marathon with a fireworks display at midnight. Bring your snacks, grab a beanbag and chill out!

Kick back and relax at Esplanade Park Connaught Drive, Singapore 179682 or Empress Lawn 10 Empress Lane, Singapore 179555.
Click here for more information on Countdown Cinema.

 

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