Tag: Cheap and Good

Bali’s top 30 for the holiday season!

Post author By Chope
Post date May 31, 2019
No Comments on Bali’s top 30 for the holiday season!

It’s that time of the year again! Like they say, “A little bit of summer is what the whole year’s all about”, and this time, summer coincides with the Muslim religious holiday, Eid-al-Fitr. Since this is a festival that most of Indonesia celebrate, holiday-hotspot Bali will surely be buzzing with tourists from all over — expect some places to be packed like sardines! To prepare yourself, book the best restaurants beforehand so you won’t go home on an empty stomach. Here are some great places to celebrate the holiday season!

Ubud

Welcome to the land of yoga and wellness. Take a stroll through Campuhan Ridge Walk, enjoy the lush scenery, and unplug for a bit. Afterwards, you can have an authentic Indonesian lunch at Hujan Locale, Kemiri, Nomad, or The Restaurant at the Chedi Club Tanah Gajah.

It’s time for some Bali-exploration! Be captivated by a kecak dance performance or visit the cheeky Ubud Monkey Forest for the ultimate Bali experience! After that, drop by the Habitat Cafe for a healthy and refreshing meal. But, if you feel like lazing the day away, sink into cool waters and watch the time fly by at Folk, or better yet! Enjoy stunning Ubud alongside Bali’s acclaimed sunset at Sayan House. Reservations are essential but fret not, we’ve got your back. Book your dinner at the best of Ubud — BLANCO par Mandif, Kubu at Mandapa, Pica, and bridges will be your best bets.

Seminyak

Oh my, we seriously don’t know where to start. Seminyak is such a fun area to explore! Experience the largest saltwater pool at Mrs. Sippy, grab a quick bite at Bo & Bun, or put on your sunnies and sip on a cold rosé while enjoying a delightful meal at Ijen, whereby zero wastage is promoted to lower carbon footprint. Wander around Jl. Kayu Aya and pick your favourites from a treasure trove — from traditional handmade souvenirs to designer boutiques, you name it, this street has it. You won’t be lacking dinner options here in Seminyak with Mamasan, Sarong, Da Maria, and Barbacoa being definite favourites. When you’ve had your fill, dance the night away at La Favela, but don’t forget to snap some shots at the cute photobox on the second floor!

Canggu

From_the_Land_Tongseng_Kambing_1554128131 — SVÁ Indonesian Tapas & Bar

If Seminyak and Ubud were to have a child, Canggu would be their baby. Start your day right by joining a barre class or relax through sunrise flow yoga at Fitspot Bali. Then, move on to indulge in great food at all-time favourite cafe Milk & Madu at Jl. Pantai Berawa, or enjoy a caffeine boost amidst ravishing rice fields at Cinta Cafe. Another must do is renting a motorbike and visiting the bustling local flea market around Batu Bolong area — like they say, reuse and recycle! Spend the rest of your afternoon lounging and watching the sunset from the beautiful La Brisa, surf at Echo Beach, or lay back and relax at the sophisticated COMO beach club. Spoil your taste buds with an exotic twist on traditional Indonesian flavour at SVÁ Indonesian Tapas & Bar. If Japanese is your thing, modern restaurants Musubi and Ji are some of the eateries we take delight in.

Kuta

Screen_Shot_2018_06_29_at_11_5_1531913996 — Il Tempio Bali

The jewel of Bali, the one that first brought the island to fame. Take a walk along the beach and splurge a little at the Beachwalk Shopping Mall *wink*. When hunger strikes, pay a visit to our favourite Italian places — Il Tempio and Jamie’s Italian Bali are just around the corner. Waterbom Bali is a One-of-a-Kind experience you just have to try in the city, and we believe you deserve a medal for completing the thrilling 5GX Reverse Bungy without throwing up. Treat yourself to a delicious meal of juicy, tender dry-aged meat at Henry’s Grill and Bar, or stuff your face at Feast Restaurant, located in Bali Kuta Resort. We hope you brought your dancing shoes, because LXXY is a glamorous nightclub not to be missed.

30 Restoran dan Bar Paling Ngetop di Bali Untuk Liburan!

Eng | Bahasa

Waktunya sudah tiba! Liburan kali ini bertepatan dengan Idul Fitri yang dirayakan warga Indonesia beragama Muslim. Wah, Bali bakal padat banget nih kayaknya, siap-siap macet ya! Buat makan disana pastinya kamu harus reservasi dari sekarang biar nanti dapat tempat, jangan sampe bingung karena ga dapat kursi. Chope mau kasih tau beberapa tempat kece buat kamu dan teman-temanmu makan dan nongkrong liburan ini, yuk!

Ubud

Selamat datang di tanah yoga dan kebugaran. Jalan santai di sepanjang Bukit Campuhan, resapi pemandangan hijau asri dan matikan notifikasi handphonemu untuk sementara. Setelahnya, kamu bisa menikmati rasa asli Indonesia di Hujan Locale, Kemiri, Nomad, atau The Restaurant at the Chedi Club Tanah Gajah.

Waktunya eksplorasi Bali! Saksikan tari kecak yang energik atau jelajahi Monkey Forest Ubud untuk pengalaman tidak terlupakan! Setelahnya kamu bisa singgah ke Habitat Cafe untuk menikmati berbagai menu sehat dengan rasa nikmat. Jika lebih ingin bermalas-malasan, kamu bisa menghabiskan waktu di kolam Folk sambil mendengar lagu favoritmu. Kamu juga bisa melihat matahari terbenam dari Sayan House yang luar biasa indahnya. Kamu wajib reservasi di tempat-tempat terbaik di Ubud berikut ini, tapi tentu saja kamu bisa mengandalkan kami. BLANCO par Mandif, Kubu at Mandapa, Pica, and bridges adalah pilihan terbaikmu.

Seminyak

IMG_1401_jpg_1541652394 — Mrs. Sippy Bali

Waduh, mulai dari mana ya? Seminyak adalah area yang sangat menarik untuk dijelajahi. Kamu bisa memulai di kolam air asin terbesar di Mrs. Sippy, nyemil di Bo & Bun, atau pasang kacamata hitammu dan nikmati segelas rosé sambil makan siang di Ijen. Jalan-jalan di sekitar Jl. Kayu Aya dan temukan harta karunmu — suvenir tradisional sampai butik desainer, semuanya ada disini. Kamu dijamin tidak akan kekurangan pilihan, Mamasan, Sarong, Da Maria, dan Barbacoa adalah restoran-restoran terfavorit di Seminyak. Sudah kenyang? Bakar kalori dengan berdansa di La Favela, jangan lupa fotobox di lantai dua ya!

Canggu

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset — Bo & Bun

Kalau Seminyak dan Ubud punya bayi, Canggu adalah bayi mereka. Mulai harimu dengan mengikuti kelas barre atau flow yoga di Fitspot Bali. Kemudian kamu bisa makan pagi di Milk & Madu Jl. Pantai Berawa, atau nikmati asupan kafein di Cinta Cafe sambil menatap hijaunya sawah Canggu. Hal lain yang harus kamu lakukan adalah menyewa sepeda motor dan singgah di flea market lokal sekitar area Batu Bolong. Habiskan harimu bersantai dan menatap matahari terbenam dari La Brisa, berselancar di Echo Beach atau ambil waktu untuk istirahat di COMO beach club. Manjakan lidahmu dengan citarasa eksotis Indonesia di SVÁ Indonesian Tapas & Bar. Kalau sedang ingin masakan Jepang, Musubi and Ji adalah restoran-restoran yang kami sukai.

Kuta

Permata Pulau Bali, asal muasal terkenalnya pulau ini. Kamu bisa menelusuri pantai Kuta dan belanja di Beachwalk Shopping Mall. Kalau sudah lapar, makan siang di restoran Italia favorit kami, Il Tempio dan Jamie’s Italian Bali bisa dicapai dengan berjalan kaki. Waterbom Bali akan menjadi pengalaman yang harus kamu coba, dan kamu berhak mendapat medali jika dapat menyelesaikan 5GX Reverse Bungy tanpa muntah. Traktir dirimu sendiri dengan steak yang berair dan lembut di Henry’s Grill and Bar, atau makan sepuasnya di buffet Feast Restaurant. Semoga kamu memakai sepatu dansamu, LXXY adalah klub malam yang tak boleh kamu lewatkan.

Klik untuk berlangganan buletin Chope dan temukan penawaran terbaik, restoran baru, dan banyak lagi promo lainnya!

Destination Save/Splurge Singapore

Dim Sum at a Dim Sum!

With Mid-Autumn Festival coming up, some of us are planning for a hearty family meal. And what better dish than dim sum? While the famous Crystal Jade and Din Tai Fung outlets are certainly choice restaurants, we have scoured and found five “hidden” restaurants that won’t make you break the bank when you feast on these delectable Cantonese dishes!

To our beloved Muslim readers: psst, check out the last on the list. We’ve reserved the best for last and we’re definitely not excluding you!

Photos from 126.com.sg

126 Wen Shi Dao

For affordable roadside dim sum that’s just as good as fine-dining restaurants, 126 Wen Dao Shi is a clever play on words and numbers (in Cantonese it’s Wan Dou Sek). Started in 1985, it has been faithfully serving delicious dim sum at 126 Sims Avenue to a large and growing crowd of regular customers. It has since added another outlet at Boon Keng under its name. Be sure to come during off-peak hours as seats are hard to get!

Estimated Price: <$30

Find it at 126 Sims Avenue, Singapore 387449 or 1086 Serangoon Road, Singapore 328187

Click here to find out more about 126 Wen Dou Shi.

Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaraunt

Humble late night dim sum is the menu of choice at Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant. This casual dining place along Jalan Besar is certain to satisfy both your belly and soul. Open from 6pm to 6am, this restaurant has been around for more than 50 years, as long as Singapore! Queues are always long at this well-established place, so book on Chope to secure a space.

Estimated Price: <$30

Find it at 183-191 Jalan Besar, Singapore (208882)

Book a table at Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant with code TASTYBLOG to get 2x Chope-dollars now!

Photos from Victor’s Kitchen Website

Victor’s Kitchen

Claiming to have the #1 custard buns in Singapore, Victor’s Kitchen serves exquisite Hong Kong-style dim sum in a friendly Kopitiam setting. Their chief chef came to Singapore 10 years ago,bringing in authentic Hong Kong fare and has since incorporated his award-winning recipes into the menu. Prior to that, he used to work in Victoria Hotel, a five-star hotel in Hong Kong.

Find it at 91 Bencoolen Street, Sunshine Plaza, #01-49, Singapore 189652 or Chinatown Point B1-33, 133 New Bridge Road, Singapore 059413

Click here to find out more about Victor’s Kitchen

Photos from Dim Sum Haus Facebook

Dim Sum Haus

Hand-made, traditional, Hong Kong-style dim sum! What more could you ask for? This rather new addition to the dim sum scene blows our mind with their dainty treats. Their tagline is to serve their diners with quality dim sum at affordable prices and thus far, they have kept that promise.

Find it at 57 Jln Besar, Singapore 208809

Click here to find out more about Dim Sum Haus.

Photos from The Dim Sum Place Facebook

The Dim Sum Place

For our Muslim friends who want to relish in delicious dim sum at a pocket-friendly cost, look no further! The Dim Sum Place is a new addition to the small but growing assortment of Halal-friendly restaurants! Serving Cantonese-style dishes with a local twist, this candidly named restaurant is sure to satisfy your dim sum cravings!

Find it at 791 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198759

Click here to find out more about The Dim Sum Place.

Tags Cheap, Cheap and Good, Featured, Guides, Pocket-friendly

Bali Destination Others

Top 10 Pocket-friendly Restaurants in Bali

Post author By Chope
Post date September 13, 2017
No Comments on Top 10 Pocket-friendly Restaurants in Bali

Bali’s well-known for its stunning beaches and exotic cuisine, Indo dishes, and believe it or not, there are countless places to splurge on a hearty feast without shelling out a small fortune. We’ve taken the liberty of compiling a quick guide to 10 restaurants, so you can eat your way across this beach paradise on a budget. It includes a variety of cuisines, from authentic Indonesian to Western fusion—whatever your pick, we guarantee both your appetite and your wallet will leave satisfied.

Spice by Chris Salans

If you’re looking for solid, unpretentious Indonesian food in a hip setting, Spice is the place to go. This gastro-bar, helmed by acclaimed chef Chris Salans, has three classy but comfortable locations spread across three destinations: Ubud, Sanur, and Seminyak. The menu is divvied up into sections like “Seafood”, “Raw”, and “Sliders”, and standouts include the indulgent Crispy Pork Belly given an update with turmeric dressing and dukkah spice or Tuna Tataki with sambal kecicang and tempe crackers. The cuisine here is infused with Western influences, so it’s no surprise that the affordable sliders (with ingredients like papaya, sambal hijau, and wakame bread) are absolutely scrumptious. Wash it all down with a milkshake or signature cocktail—Salans’ tipples only use fresh fruits and local spices. Pro-tip: give the Jackfruit Bourbon Cocktail a spin!

Find it at Jalan Raya Ubud No. 23, Ubud, Bali 80571; Jalan Danau Tamblingan No. 140, Sanur, Bali 80228; or Jalan Batu Belig No.7, Kerobokan, Seminyak, Bali 80361
Book a table at Spice by Chris Salans and earn 2X-Chope Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Grain

Grain’s affordable menu belies the effort put into it: from locally-sourced produce, pies baked in-house, to a unique blend of 100% Arabica beans. You can find classic Indo dishes here too, but the All Day Breakfast and Western dishes are where it’s at. Go for a Bali Benedict or the luxurious Breakfast Board, which offers an assortment of components like marinated feta and sourdough rosti for a steal. For something heartier, you can’t go wrong with a Pulled Pork Burger showcasing slow-roasted pork with homemade apple sauce. Pair it with a cup of coffee and while away a lazy afternoon in Seminyak. The art-adorned walls, matching cushions, and industrial vibe make for a beautifully Instagrammable interior, too.

Find it at Jalan Raya Seminyak No. 16B, Bali 80361
Book a table at Grain and earn 2X-Chope Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Scratch

When an entire section of a restaurant’s menu is dedicated to comfort food, you know they’re serious about it. This casual eatery, with its homely interior and downright good food, is hidden away near Oberoi and Kerobokan streets. Scratch is devoted to serving up rustic pasta and meaty mains that are easy on the wallet—most dishes are priced below IDR 120,000! Each plate is an explosion of flavours, and we love the Scratchatouille, a roasted crispy skin chicken on a ratatouille comprising ten vegetables and five herbs, garnished with gorgonzola and toasted almond olive oil. Other favourites are the Philly Cheese Steak Poutine and slow-cooked Baby Back Pork Ribs in two styles, whether you’re craving eastern or western flavours. Salivating yet? There’s even an outdoor patio, so gather your friends and toast to their happy hour specials.

Find it at Jalan Pengubengan Kauh, Kerobokan, Bali 80361
Book a table at Scratch and earn 2X-Chope Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Zibiru

Impress your date with a romantic evening that won’t break the bank. In Zibiru’s charming garden setting, treat yourself to well-executed Italian specials as you retreat from the buzz of Seminyak. Their pasta dishes truly shine, and no wonder, since it’s all freshly handmade in their kitchen daily. Try the Ravioli di Carne Al Midollo, with a luxuriant bone marrow sauce and refreshing citrusy garnish, or the Gnocchi di Zucca con Cime di Rapa, pumpkin gnocchi served with sautéed kale, anchovies, and ricotta. If you’re feeling peckish before dinner, get an early seating and sample all of the chef’s picks. Diners get a free degustation with every glass of wine or cocktail purchased between 4-6pm, so that’s more bang for your buck!

Find it at Jalan Drupadi No.7, Seminyak, Bali 80361.
Book a table at Zibiru and earn 2X-Chope Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Ulekan Bali

Hop up to Canggu for this new, delicious concept from The Good Food Brotherhood. Ulekan Bali prides itself in bringing people together for a communal meal of traditional Indonesian food. Of course, they’re not just limited to the ulekan—enjoy dishes from the grill and wok too while you lounge around in the open-concept space, which reflects the authentic cuisine in vibrantly patterned décor. Besides sate and stir-fries, they offer sharing plates for dinner and a dizzying selection of sambals for the true Indonesian foodie! Opt for the Nasi Campur Plate for lunch (available daily), or their Special Ulekan Rijsttafel, a traditional local meal which lets you sample a broad array of small bites and flavourful sauces over rice. Cocktails go for just IDR 50,000 all night on Saturdays, in case you needed any more reason to visit.

Find it at 34 Jalan Tegel Sari, Pantai Berawa, Canggu 80361
Book a table at Ulekan Bali and earn 2X-Chope Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

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Nostimo

Craving a taste of the Mediterranean? Pop by Nostimo, a Greek grill in Seminyak. It’s only been open slightly over a year but Nostimo’s already established itself as the destination for delicacies from the Grecian coast. You can opt to dine alfresco, or in the blue-and-white themed interior, styled to look like an airy pavilion. Come with a group, and mix-and-match from a staggering selection of mezze platters, gyros and souvlaki. The star of the show is the tender, toothsome soutzoukaki, a type of spiced kebab—wrap it inside a thick fluffy pita with a crisp salad on the side, and find your little piece of Grecian heaven in Bali!

Find it at Jl. Petitenget No. 17B Seminyak Kerobokan, Badung, Bali 80361
Click here for more info on Nostimo.

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Tiffin

For some light Indian cuisine, get yourself over to Tiffin in Seminyak. At this casual eatery opened by Indians, you can be sure everything’s authentic, from their recipe for garam masala to their piping hot naans. The restaurant’s reinventing the wheel of heavy Indian dishes with their specialty tapas and small plates—all the better for sampling a greater variety of their mouthwatering cooking. Some must-tries are the moreish Kheema Samosas, appetizing chaat and heavily spiced Prawns Tadka—the plates may be small, but they’re big on flavour! They’re also open for an Indian-inspired breakfast/brunch so you can fulfill your spice craving first thing in the morning.

Find it at Jalan Petitenget 17C, Denpasar, Bali 80361
Click here for more info on Tiffin.

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Biku

Tucked away inside a quaint teak joglo, this home-wares and bookstore also houses a tea lounge and restaurant, marrying Indonesian cooking with international influences and flavours. The lounge serves up cake specials paired with an exotic selection of teas (over 50 varieties!) and alcoholic tipples. Besides breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we recommend their delightful high tea menu, split into either Traditional Afternoon Tea or Asian High Tea for Two—the latter runs the gamut of Asian cuisine, from Ayam Sisit with Sambal Matah Tart to Middle Eastern Orange Cake with rose tea syrup, all at the pocket-friendly price of IDR 250,000 for two. Enjoy sipping your tea off fine-bone china as you bask in the 150-year-old history of the Javanese joglo around you!

Find it at Jl. Petitenget No.888, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Click here for more info on Biku.

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May’s Urban Thai Dine

If you’re looking for a break from Indo cuisine and Thai’s what you’re after instead, May’s Urban Thai Dine offers delectable street food in a casual indoor setting. The beautifully-decorated space is bedecked with industrial-style lighting and hanging potted plants for a cozy dining experience. Start with a plump and fresh Spicy Mussel Salad, then move on to the crowd favourite Tom Kha Gai. There’s also a comprehensive list of Thai curries heady with spices—you won’t have to travel out of the country for a taste of the Land of Smiles! Head down soon to take advantage of their Pad Thai festival, where variations of the classic dish go for a bargain.

Find it at Jalan Petitenget no 200, Seminyak, Bali 81361
Book a table at May’s Urban Thai Dine and earn 2X-Chope Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

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Warung Eropa

Warung Eropa is a popular eatery, serving up cheap and cheerful Indonesian food for every occasion, whether it’s a family outing or a casual dinner with friends. In a rustic, fuss-free setting, tuck into traditional soul-warming soups like Surabaya Soto Ayam and Oxtail Soup. They’re also known for the finest Crispy Duck in Bali, so be sure not to miss that! Each bite of tender meat and fragrant crackling skin truly pops with a piquant touch of sambal. Get it in one of their seven convenient Special Packages with an assortment of accompanying sides for a proper feast on a dime.

Find it at Jl. Petitenget No. 9D, Seminyak, Bali 80361
Click here for more info on Warung Eropa.

Tags Alfresco, Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Brunch, Cheap, Cheap and Good, Cocktails, Coffee, Dinner, Drinks, Featured, Guides, High Tea, Lunch, Pocket-friendly, Seafood

Destination Singapore

7 Hotel Happy Hours for the Gang

Post author By Amanda Seah
Post date August 25, 2017
No Comments on 7 Hotel Happy Hours for the Gang

What’s better than sipping on champagne while swaying to soothing jazz tunes playing in the background? Happy hour, of course. That’s when you get to guzzle down your favorite tipples at a fraction of the price. If you’re looking for places to hang out with your mates for post-work drinks, then look no further. Check out these 7 hotel happy hours – the perfect places to unwind after a long day of work, and have a tipple or three without breaking the bank!

Image source

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Atrium @ Pan Pacific Singapore

Get ultimate privacy in one of Atrium’s cosy floating pods, located right in the heart of Pan Pacific Singapore’s spacious lobby, while tipping back glasses and nibbling on savoury finger food.

Happy Hour runs 4pm to 8pm, Sundays to Thursdays, where Tiger or Heineken Draught, house wines by the glass, and house pour spirits are all $12++ per serve.

For serious wine lovers, don’t miss out the “WINESday on Wednesday” promotion available from 6pm to 9pm. At just $48++ per person, you can down an unlimited amount of red and white wines – three types of each will be offered – so drink away!

Find it at Pan Pacific Singapore Lobby, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039595
For more info on Atrium, click here

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Astor Bar @ St. Regis Singapore

Come in your best dress to this elegant bar, hidden behind mirrored doors, and feel like royalty as you take your pick from premium alcohols and spirits. For one hour only, between 6.30pm to 7.30pm, partake in their Champagne Ritual, where their House Champagne will be going for just $19++ per glass.

Find it at The St. Regis Singapore, Lobby Level 29, Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911
For more info on Astor Bar, click here

Bar Canary @ Grand Park Orchard

The early bird catches the worm here, with drink prices increasing as the hours tick by! At 6pm, the bundle will set you back $66++, at 7pm, $77, and at 8pm and 9pm… you get the idea. Mix and match 8 drinks from their selection of beers, ciders, wines, Champagne (additional charge), spirits, cocktails, and of course, Bar Canary’s famous boozy popsicles.

Find it at 270 Orchard Road, Grand Park Orchard, Singapore 238857
Book a table at Bar Canary and earn 2X-Chope Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Manhattan Bar @ Regent Hotel

As its name suggests, Manhattan Bar is inspired by the grandeur of fine hotels of the old New York City, with a touch of mystery of the Prohibition Era. Their happy hour, dubbed the Violet Hour, is thus unsurprisingly in line with this theme.

Upon arrival, receive a complimentary welcome tipple, and for every subsequent cocktail you order, you get a free Raines Law sandwich to go along with it! If you’re in luck, you might just be able to get their ever-popular pastrami-spiced sandwich! And chow down those sandwiches fast, because Violet Hour only lasts from 5pm to 7pm.

Find it at 1 Cuscaden Road, Level 2, The Regent Singapore, A Four Seasons Hotel
Singapore 249715
Book a table at Manhattan Bar and earn 2X-Chope Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Martini Bar @ Grand Hyatt Singapore

Check out Hyatt’s newly-refurbished Martini Bar at Mezza9, a high-ceiling, glass-enclosed bar filled with natural light.

Everyday from 5pm to 9pm, enjoy selected house pour martinis, cocktails, wines and spirits by the glass for $14++, all beers for $9++, as well as $56++ for house pour wines by the bottle. Be sure to try their signature Lychee Martini and Espresso Martini!

After 9pm, hold onto your seats because the selected house pour martinis, cocktails, and spirits go at a special price of $18++, which is way cheaper than their regular pricing of $20++ to $34++.

Find it at Mezzanine Level, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211
For more info on Martini Bar, click here

Post Bar @ Fullerton Hotel

Complete with an iconic red postbox to commemorate Post Bar as the former General Post Office, this golden-hued bar is the go-to destination to end the day in style.

Not only does Happy Hour include draught beers ($10++/$12++), five house-pour spirits ($12++ per glass), wines ($12++ per glass), and Champagne ($118++ for a bottle of Perrier Jouet Grand Brut NV), it also offers all cocktails at $15++, save for their bubbly cocktails. Traditionalists will love timeless classics like the Singapore Sling or Classic Martini, while adventurous souls will be intrigued by unique creations like their Almond Sling or Gold Sling. With more than 20 cocktails to choose from, you’ll definitely be back for more!

When your work day’s done and dusted, make a beeline for Post Bar as happy hour runs from 5pm to 8pm on weekdays. On weekends, happy hour extends all the way till midnight, so round up your mates and head over here for a merry time!

Find it at 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore (049178)
Book a table at Post Bar and earn 2X-Chope Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

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Celebrity Chef restaurants at MBS

If you’re still reading this paragraph, congratulations! You’re in for a treat. Because here we have not just one Happy Hour location, but 14!

A mix of celebrity chef restaurants and casual fine dining restaurants are participating in Marina Bay Sands’ Social Hour, every Tuesday from 6pm to 9pm, and they are offering 50% off selected cocktails! From classics like the Singapore Sling to funky new creations, there’s definitely a drink for everyone.

Participating restaurants are:

Adrift (Book on Chope)
Bread Street Kitchen
Caffé B (Book on Chope)
Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria (Book on Chope)
Club55
CUT
db Bistro and Oyster Bar (Book on Chope)
High Society
Long Chim (Book on Chope)
Osteria Mozza
Pizzeria Mozza
Spago
The Bird Southern Table & Bar
Waku Ghin

Check out the individual restaurants’ details here.

Tags Cheap, Cheap and Good, Cocktails, Drinks, Guides, Pocket-friendly

Destination Features Hacks & How-Tos Singapore

Pairing Wines with Local Food with CellaRaid

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date July 20, 2017
1 Comment on Pairing Wines with Local Food with CellaRaid

We know, wine pairings can be pretty intimidating to the uninitiated (especially when deviating from the standard red-wine-and-steak variety), but we have great news for you: we managed to get hold of the experts over at CellaRaid who were more than happy to give us a couple of valuable tips and pointers!

First and foremost, here’s a serious pro tip: pair wines with local foods (as opposed to traditional ‘western’ fare) and you’ll incur zero corkage charges (most of the time, anyway)! Local restaurants, along with zi char and hawker food stalls, are usually more relaxed about patrons bringing their own wines (do so for your own drinking pleasure, obviously, don’t go around hawking the stuff) since they don’t usually have their own wine list.

A typical Asian meal also offers a large variety of dishes, which translates to a much larger margin for error, since there’s such a broad range of food you can pair your wine with!

Pairing Singaporean Dishes and Wine: A Quick Guide

Build on guidelines, and take sauces into consideration
You’re probably somewhat knowledgeable about the basic guidelines: white meat usually goes with white wine, and red meat usually goes with red wine. The beauty of Asian food is its complexity – various meats are cooked in all sorts of different sauces, and these transform the taste of those meats. Take fish, for example – it’s usually a white meat that pairs well with white wine, but when cooked with something strong and rich like a black bean sauce, it goes much better with a light to medium-bodied red!
Think of wine as a condiment – would it go well with your food?
Our well-loved chicken rice is a great way to illustrate this point. This dish usually goes with chili and dark soy sauce that lends the dish a slightly sweet flavour, so you could pair with a slightly fruity wine like a Chenin Blanc or Moscato. Spicy food usually has a more robust flavour, so go with something that would complement it and which has enough ‘weight’ to hold its own amidst the fire in your mouth like a full -bodied Shiraz pairing with tandoori chicken. Alternatively, for spicier dishes like Sze Chuan food, you could pair with something crisp with a bit of fizz to cleanse the palate, like Prosecco.
Either opt for ‘contrast’ or ‘complement’ when pairing
Choose a lighter wine if the dish is lighter – like a glass of Sauvignon Blanc with salt baked, lightly grilled, or steamed fish, and a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Rose when having fatty fish like tuna or salmon. Or you could go in the complete opposite of the taste spectrum and pair a a lusciously sweet dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling with a savory and salty dish with salted egg yolks – it really depends on what you like!
Think of traditional pairings and build from it
Sushi usually goes with sake, but when looking for a similar profile in wine, a Champagne with that tell-tale sake-like nutty and creamy nuances would be a perfect fit as well! Likewise, if you’re looking to pair wine with lup cheong, look for wines that you usually have with charcuterie, as they’re pretty similar.
Be your own judge. Buy a variety of food items, get one or two bottles of wine, and try it out for yourself!
Wine is supposed to be fun! No one is judging you, so let your personal preferences be your guide and experiment.

CellaRaid offers monthly subscription discovery boxes that contain 3 vials of different carefully curated wine options, and they all come with tasting notes and food pairings so you can discover what you truly enjoy without spending a lot for an entire bottle!

To answer some of the more general questions most of you may have:

What are the best wines for beginners?

Moscato! This one is very light and often times comes across like a soft drink (i.e. Sprite). As most Singaporean food is pretty spicy and/or flavourful (like the ubiquitous Char Kway Teow), this is the easiest to pair them with. It’s slightly sweet and refreshing, and normally works well with most Asian dishes. For those without a sweet tooth, Sauvignon Blanc is also a good alternative- it’s dry, crisp and very versatile, usually providing zip to the dish.

The reason these are both white wines is simple: the spice in most Asian foods have the tendency to interfere with the tannins (from the grape skins that make a wine red) in red wines, making the dish spicier and the wine more tannic. However, a heavy bodied Shiraz could hold up to some curries (as they tend to be spicy as well) – but they’re not an easy wine for the uninitiated to appreciate. White wine is usually a safer choice!

How to choose a wine at a restaurant

Your best bet is to go for a mid-ranged option! They usually cost $60-$90 and most wine lists at this price range will normally feature Moscatos, Sauvignon Blancs, and Chardonnays for whites, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz for reds. Besides considering the food that you are ordering, a person’s palate also plays a big part in the wine selection – if you’re someone that’s used to enjoying robustly flavoured foods, certain wines are bound to taste pretty watered down to you (i.e. Pinot Noir), so go for a heavier bodied option like a Shiraz. One tip is not to order the house wine by the bottle, as tempting as the pricing may be. Paying just a bit more for a bottle can usually mean much more in quality and satisfaction!

How to choose wine as a gift

First and foremost, make sure that it looks presentable (half the time people judge a wine by its label along with its taste), and most importantly, stick to your budget – don’t get too fancy unless you know they really appreciate wine. The safest option is a red wine – it’s hardier and can be stored for a longer period of time outside of a proper wine fridge without going bad. Champagne may look nice as a gift, but is more susceptible to damage from improper storage, so only get it if you know it’s going to be opened soon or the receiver has a wine fridge.

When is an expensive wine worth the price?

This is really based on personal preference – some people love aged wines, and some hate it! Most good wines will age in the bottle – they evolve and gain secondary flavours like earthy, umami notes while primary fruit flavours mellow down. However, not everyone appreciates drinking a non fruit-driven wine. An important thing to take note of when buying aged wines is to know who you’re buying from – storage in Singapore is KEY due to its hot and humid climate. Also, ensure that you have proper storage at home if you’re planning to buy and keep expensive aged wine, or it’ll be a complete waste of money! Under the bed or in a dark cabinet don’t make the cut as wine storage options in tropical Singapore.

What to serve at a party to appeal to many guests

Choose uncommon and more interesting wines, like those from Portugal, Argentina, Eastern European countries or some of the lesser known regions of France (i.e. Madiran) and Italy (i.e. Sicily) to offer your guests a brand new experience! Avoid the standard wines from popular wine-producing areas and try something new. For the more adventurous, China and India also produce wine, and Chinese wines have recently been on the radar of wine critics (they aren’t messing around)! Currently, natural and biodynamic wines are all the rage now and some of these make for interesting dinner conversations so do seek them out.

It’s important to not get wines that are too cheap as well – pay a little more to get something a lot better, especially when you’re buying it in Singapore. Alchohol tax is already $10, and after factoring in GST, shipping, handling, and storage, the base cost just to bring a bottle of wine onto the shelves is probably $15-18. Do the math and you will realise that only a couple of dollars goes into actually paying for the wine itself. Comparatively, every incremental dollar paid after that would directly go to the wine cost and presumably quality as well.

This cannot be over-emphasized: you’re your own best judge, so give different varieties of wine a try and figure out what you like for yourself! You’ll never really know unless you try. Cellartracker and Vivino are free to use community review sites that are pretty helpful to find out more about a specific wine, Google is your best friend, and CellaRaid is here to help you expand your palate (and to help you save money, since you don’t have to commit to buying multiple full-sized bottles at one go!) Click here to check them out!

Tags Cheap, Cheap and Good, Dessert, Dinner, Guides, Pocket-friendly, Wine

Bangkok Destination Others

7 of the Best Restaurants in Bangkok for Mookata & Grilled Meat

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date June 29, 2017
No Comments on 7 of the Best Restaurants in Bangkok for Mookata & Grilled Meat

There’s a reason why people keep going back for grilled meat despite the fact that it leaves them smelling strongly of food and smoke – barbecued food is simply too good to pass up! Here are some places in Bangkok you can get your grill on.

Photo credits: Best Beef

Best Beef

Best Beef is one of Bangkok’s most popular Mookata restaurants, and for good reason – feast on a plethora of all-you-can-eat grilled meats and seafood for two whole hours for a mere 300 baht along with ice cold beers and delicious soft-serve ice-cream to combat the heat!

Find it at 1490/2 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Click here for more info on Best Beef

Photo credits: Pla Thong Mookata

Pla Thong Mookata

This takes cheap BBQ to a whole new level – this free flow meat buffet will only set you back about 190 baht. It’s usually packed with locals instead of the usual hordes of tourists, so you know you’re at the right place. It’s truly the perfect place to fill your stomach without burning a hole in your pocket!

Find it at Phaya Thai Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Click here for more info on Pla Thong Mookata

Riverside Grill

Tired of slaving over hot coals? Have someone do it for you at Riverside Grill! Sit back, relax, and soak in glorious views of the Chao Phraya River while tucking into deliciously juicy Wagyu Beef Rib Eye or succulent grilled Jumbo Prawns. Life doesn’t get any better than this!

Find it at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Charoen Krung Soi 30, Bangkok, Thailand
Book a table at Riverside Grill and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Photo credits: BAR-B-Q Plaza

BAR-B-Q Plaza

BAR-B-Q Plaza is a popular chain restaurant you can find all over Thailand that serves high-quality meats (including luscious cuts of kurobuta black pork) for just 400 baht! This establishment is favoured by both locals and tourists alike, so power through the long queues to get yourself a seat – we promise it’s worth it.

Find it at 4, 4 / 1-2, Central World, 6th Floor, Rajdamri Road, Khet Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand
Click here for more info on BAR-B-Q Plaza

Lady Brett Tavern

This popular restaurant in the heart of Bangkok is a hotspot for everything and anything grilled – head on down for deliciously tender Australian Black Angus Ribeye steak, tender and juicy Pulled Pork burgers, and everything else you could possibly want. The best part? You don’t have to do any of it yourself!

Find it at 149 Sathorn Soi 12, Bangkok, Thailand
Book a table at Lady Brett Tavern and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

salang
Photo credits: Salang

Salang

If you’ve already had your fill of Thai barbecue and you’re craving something else, Salang’s here to save the day with delish Korean BBQ! It’s one of Bangkok’s most popular K-BBQ restaurants, so come on over and stuff yourself with all the flavoured meats, ddeokbokki, and kimchi soup you can possibly fit in your stomach for the price of 330 baht.

Find it at 69/29 Phayathai Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Click here for more info on Salang

Photo credits: Gyuma BBQ

Gyuma Japanese BBQ Buffet

499 baht for all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ? Count us in! This well-loved yakiniku restaurant has a wide array of beef, pork, prawns, squid and other delights marinated in their well-loved special sauce that gives the grilled meats a sweet yet savoury taste – we promise you’ll leave satisfied!

Find it at 25/12 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Click here for more info on Gyuma Japanese BBQ Buffet

Tags Buffet, Cheap, Cheap and Good, Good View, Guides, High Tea, Japanese, Pocket-friendly, Seafood

Destination Others Singapore

Fresh Eats: 9 New Restaurants to Check Out this June!

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date June 5, 2017
No Comments on Fresh Eats: 9 New Restaurants to Check Out this June!

Another month has come and gone, and now we have nine more spanking new restaurants for you to try! Time to ditch your diet and indulge at these amazing new joints.

Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant

Remember being filled with jealousy and yearning while scrolling through your Instagram/Facebook feed during cherry blossom season when half your friendlist was strolling around Japan, chowing down on freshly cut (and caught!) sashimi at Tsukiji Fish Market? Now it’s your turn to treat yourself to a smorgasbord of Japanese delights at Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant, right here in Orchard Central! (So much cheaper than a trip to Japan, and almost as good.)

Find it at 181 Orchard Road, #12-02, Orchard Central, 238896
Book a table at Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Aburiya and The Container

Aburiya is well-known for their exquisite, marbled cuts of wagyu beef, and they recently fused their yakiniku concept with a tapas and cocktail bar! Head down to Aburiya and The Container by Boat Quay for smoky grilled meats, small plates, and delish cocktails – you’ll definitely find something you fancy here!

Find it at 78-79 Boat Quay, 049866
Book a table at Aburiya and The Container and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Bottega Kitchen & More

Not a fan of restaurants that charge exorbitant prices for bite-sized portions of fancy fusion food and leave you feeling hungry (and $100 poorer)? If so, you’re definitely going to love Bottega Kitchen & More. Dig into unpretentious, no-frills, hearty, authentic Italian fare at prices that won’t make your wallet beg for mercy. Save the fancier fare for a special occasion!

Find it at 31 Hong Kong Street, 059670
Book a table at Bottega Kitchen & More and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Coriander Leaf Grill

How can anyone in their right mind pass up anything charcoal grilled? Coriander Leaf Grill is owned by the same exemplary team behind the established Coriander Leaf Restaurant, and serves up contemporary Asian-style charcoal grilled dishes alongside bespoke cocktails, wines, and beers on tap. Count us in!

Find it at 12 Ann Siang Rd, 069692
Book a table at Coriander Leaf Grill and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Royal-Palm-Interior

Royal Palm at Clarke Quay

Settle in for a tasty set lunch that’ll only set you back $20++ while enjoying views of the Singapore river in this hidden oasis in the heart of Clarke Quay. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day at work!

Find it at 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #04-86/87, The Central, 059817
Book a table at Royal Palm at Clarke Quay and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Zaffron Banana Leaf

Delicious, aromatic Indian food at wallet friendly prices? Yes, please! Zaffron Banana Leaf was opened by the culinary geniuses behind Zaffron Kitchen, so rest assured you’ll be in good hands. We promise you’ll leave this establishment already planning your next visit!

Find it at 65 Jurong West Central 3, 648332
Book a table at Zaffron Banana Leaf and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Royal Palm at Orchid Country Club

Royal Palm strikes again, but this time with an amazing buffet spread. We’re talking local, Indian, western, and Mediterranean cuisine along with fresh seafood – there’s truly something for everyone here. Did we mention it’s a steal for only $30++/pax? See you there!

Find it at 1 Orchid Club Rd, 769162
Click here for more info on Royal Palm at Orchid Country Club

I’m Kim Junior

I’m Kim has opened up a brand new outlet at *SCAPE that serves delicious KBBQ at insanely affordable prices. But just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, this fun, quirky restaurant also serves up free-flow Chicken and Seafood Galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) and alongside scrumptious slabs of marinated meat and other Korean goodies! Head on down as soon as you can, your stomach (and wallet) will thank you for it.

Find it at 2 Orchard Link #03-01, 237978
Click here for more info on I’m Kim Junior

HolyCrab

HolyCrab is armed with an ambitious mission: elevate the beloved Singapore-style crab to a whole new level. The classic butter crab is known as “Devil’s Crab” here, and the salted egg yolk has been renamed the Orgasmic Crab – but does it truly live up to the hype? Head on down and find out for yourself, we promise you won’t regret it!

Find it at 2 Tan Quee Lan Street, #01-03, 188091
Book a table at HolyCrab and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Buffet, Cheap, Cheap and Good, Cocktails, Drinks, Fresh Eats, Fresh Eats: Singapore, Good View, Guides, Japanese, Lunch, New Restaurants, Newly-opened, Pocket-friendly, Seafood

Destination Save/Splurge Singapore

Save vs Splurge: Singapore Edition

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date May 31, 2017
No Comments on Save vs Splurge: Singapore Edition

Singaporean food is well known for being both inexpensive and amazing, but if you don’t want to seem kiam siap (stingy), or if you just want to escape sweltering heat, there are pricier versions of our favourite cheap eats that are perfect for dining out with clients or foreign friends. It’s up to you to decide!

Photo credit:The Coconut Club

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is flipping AMAZING, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Abandon your diet plans, throw all caution to the wind, and tuck into fragrant, coconut-flavoured rice topped with delish sambal chili, a fried egg, deep fried ikan bilis and peanuts, and a couple of deep fried chicken wings or pan fried fish for good measure. Feel free to add on other goodies like otah, stewed vegetables, or fried fish balls at some of Singapore’s favourite haunts: Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak if you’re in the west, or Ponggol Nasi Lemak if you’re in the east! A large plate with multiple add-ons will only cost you $5 at most – you really can’t go wrong with either one.

Want to enjoy Nasi Lemak in a more atas, air-conditioned environment? We have TWO retro-style restaurants for you to visit! The Coconut Club and SINPOPO both exude a fun, classic, old-school charm (totally Instaworthy), and are perfect for your weekly #tbt post! A plate from The Coconut Club will set you back $12.80, and a sharing plate of fragrant Nasi Lemak for two at SINPOPO is $28, but we promise they’re both worth it. The fragrant rice is cooked to perfection and served alongside chunky sambal chili (YUM) and everything else that comes with a great plate of Nasi Lemak.

Find Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak at 221A/B, Boon Lay Place, 641221
Find Ponggol Nasi Lemak at 965 Upper Serangoon Rd, 534721
Find The Coconut Club at 6 Ann Siang Hill, 069787
Find SINPOPO at 458 Joo Chiat Road, 427671
Book a table at SINPOPO and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Photo credit: Roxy Laksa

Laksa

Singapore seems a little nuts for coconuts, and for good reason – rich, mildly spicy coconut broth is what makes laksa so incredibly indulgent and irresistible. I know Singaporeans are INTENSE about which bowl of laksa truly takes the cake, but these three are my personal favourites. Head down to 328 Katong Laksa, Roxy Laksa or Sungei Road Laksa (I can’t narrow down my list any further, I’m sorry) for a slurping good bowl of noodles that’ll only cost you $5 at most, even if you add on extra noodles, cockles, and other goodies.

Now, if you want to splurge, Beast & Butterflies at M Social Singapore has a fresh take on the classic dish. Featuring smooth, thick mee tai mak (or lao shu fen/rat noodles) instead of the standard fare, it will run you $16. Chatterbox serves up an extravagant bowl of Lobster Laksa, complete with thick vermicelli, quail eggs, fish cakes, dried beancurd, and a whole Boston Lobster simmered in spicy coconut gravy! No, that’s not a typo. A delight for sure, but also something that will set you back $36. Worth it? For the relaxing ambience and those hearty mouthfuls of sweet, succulent lobster flesh drenched in laksa gravy – definitely.

Find 328 Katong Laksa at 51 East Coast Road, 428770
Find Roxy Laksa at 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, #01-17, 139957
Find Sungei Road Laksa at Blk 27 Jalan Berseh #01-100, 200027
Find Beast & Butterflies at 90 Robertson Quay, Level 1, 238259
Find Chatterbox at 333 Orchard Rd, Level 5, Mandarin Orchard, 238867
Book a table at Chatterbox and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Photo credits: Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice

Chicken Rice

Okay, real talk, this is the ONE thing I look forward to having every time I head home from a long trip overseas. There’s honestly nothing more comforting than sitting in a noisy kopitiam and shoveling fragrant chicken stock (and fat) infused rice in my mouth – and one of my favourite places to get it is from Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice. You can’t go wrong with their smooth, tender pieces of chicken and flavourful grains of rice. I’m not a rice person, but trust me when I say that I’ll lick this entire plate clean.

Wanna have it somewhere fancier? Chatterbox strikes again with their award-winning Hainanese Chicken Rice – enjoy your tasty plate of goodness for $32 in a beautiful, relaxing 5-star hotel.

Find Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice at 101 Thomson Road, #01-08 United Square, 307591
Find Chatterbox at 333 Orchard Rd, Level 5, Mandarin Orchard, 238867
Book a table at Chatterbox and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Satay

Beautifully barbecued chunks of meat on a skewer? Sign me up! It was all my Swiss friend’s lovely family would talk about when discussing Singaporean food in the middle of winter when we were busy having raclette, and for good reason. It’s really a genius way to enjoy meat, especially when it’s dunked in a bowl of satay sauce full of peanutty-goodness. Get some amazingly affordable satay at Chai Ho Satay or Fang Yuan Satay, where a skewer will only set you back 50 cents AT MOST. Talk about a value for money!

Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill is the place to be for slightly more extravagant fare. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful and furnished in rich greens and polished oak, with handpicked vintage-looking decor that’ll bring you back to the good ol’ days. You can get three skewers of Angus Beef Satay for $18 that are tender and full of smokey goodness – pricey, but there’s a reason why people keep coming back for more!

Find Chai Ho Satay at #01-10, 448 Clementi Ave 3, 120448
Find Fang Yuan Satay at #01-344M, Blk 75 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh, 310075
Find Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill at 3B River Valley Road, #01-18, 179021
Book a table at Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Photo credits: Hill Street Fried Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow

Hill Street Fried Kway Teow has queues that stretch on for miles (ok, slight exaggeration) and you’ll understand why after an arduous 30 minute wait. Their $4 Char Kway Teow has incredible wok hei and is the most fragrant thing EVER (my mouth waters just thinking about it). It’s greasy and sinfully good, full of cockles and noodles doused in the sweet and salty dark soy sauce, and makes you feel like you need to run 5km just to unclog your arteries after inhaling a plate (or two, I won’t judge), just the way a good plate of Char Kway Teow should be. It’s affectionately called a heart attack on a plate for a reason!

Kopi Tiam Swissôtel The Stamford has a great plate of wok-fried goodness for $18 that’s chock full of fresh prawns, cockles, and fish cakes. The restaurant is also furnished to look like a real kopitiam right out of the 80’s (complete with a wooden signboard), except you’ll be enjoying your plate of greasy, fried goodness in air-conditioned comfort – a welcome respite from Singapore’s heat, that’s for sure!

Find Hill Street Fried Kway Teow at 16 Bedok S Rd, 460016
Find Kopi Tiam Swissôtel The Stamford at 2 Stamford Rd, 178882
Book a table at Kopi Tiam and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

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Photo credits: Choo Yut Shing, Flickr

Bubur Pulut Hitam

This dark mixture may seem a little daunting at first, but it’s one of Singapore’s most beloved desserts. Made up of black glutinous rice (which gives the dessert a satisfying, slightly chewy texture), creamy coconut milk, and gula meleka for a sweet, nutty fragrance, this sweet dish is sure to please your inner sweet tooth. Get your fix from Lit Lit Sin Cold & Hot Desserts, where dessert prices range between $1.20 to $2.30 – a value for money for sure!

Alternatively, you could head to National Kitchen by Violet Oon for a fancier rendition of the popular Nyonya dessert, this time topped with a generous dollop of coconut ice cream ($12). If this isn’t the best way to #treatyoself, I don’t know what is!

Find Lit Lit Sin Cold & Hot Desserts at 928 Yishun Central 1, #01-157, 760928
Find National Kitchen by Violet Oon at 1 St Andrews Road, #02-01, 178957
Book a table at National Kitchen by Violet Oon and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Cheap, Cheap and Good, Dessert, Guides, Pocket-friendly, Save, Splurge

Destination Singapore

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

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

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

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

teppei
Photo credits: Teppei Japanese Restaurant

Teppei Japanese Restaurant

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

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

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

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

Shin Minori Japanese Restaurant

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

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

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

Standing Sushi Bar

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

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

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

Photo credits: @jael.__

Sushiro

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

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

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

Photo credits: The Sushi Bar

The Sushi Bar

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

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

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

Mitsuba

Mitsuba Japanese Restaurant

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

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

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

Shinagawa Ramen & Izakaya

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

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

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

Otaru Suisan

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

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

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

Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant

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

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

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

Marukyu-Chirashi-Sushi

Marukyu

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

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

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

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

Prices accurate as of 23rd March 2017

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

Features Interviews

The Woman Behind Edition, the Must-try Korean Restaurant in Hong Kong

Post author By Benedict @ Chope
Post date March 16, 2017
No Comments on The Woman Behind Edition, the Must-try Korean Restaurant in Hong Kong

In our continuing series of the coolest female culinary stars in celebration of International Women’s Day, I sat down with Katrina Zai, the co-founder and co-owner of Edition. Edition, a Korean-American ‘gastropub’ on Peel Street, is not your typical run-of-the-mill Bibimbap restaurant. Serving serious Korean-American comfort food, Edition specialises in soju-based cocktails and American-inspired fusion fare such as Pork Belly Lollipops, Spicy Kimchi Fries, and Asian Slaw with Prawns. As one of Hong Kong’s hottest female-owned and operated restaurants, I caught up with Katrina to learn how she got Edition off the ground.

BL: What’s your story, and how did you get started in running Edition?

I’ve been in the industry for 18 years. I started when I was in university, bartending for fun. Once I graduated, I spent some time in finance, but I didn’t like the office environment. When a friend asked me to help him out at the bar, I knew I found my passion. I went to Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena to study to become a Pastry Chef.

I was a pastry chef for a few years when I was living in LA, and when I moved to HK, I took a break. In 2012, I went to Seoul to study Korean cuisine. Edition was a creation of what I learned in Seoul and my experiences as a chef in LA. I started out in fine dining, but I much prefer casual comfort food instead.

BL: I’m with you there. White linen tablecloths are overrated! In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re profiling women in the F&B scene here in Hong Kong. What challenges do you think women in particular face in the F&B space? How did you overcome them?

Being a female chef is tough everywhere in the world. However, I noticed there are more and more of us, and it’s amazing to see women chefs being recognised. My first mentor, Dominique Crenn, was recently awarded World’s Best Female Chef 2016 and American Chef of the Year 2016. I am so proud and blessed to have worked with her.

Gaining respect from my peers has been my greatest personal challenge. Back then, the industry was heavily male-dominated. I really wasn’t part of the crew until I proved myself.

BL: What’s been your biggest surprise since opening up Edition?

It took us around nine months to ‘educate’ people about soju. Either people have no idea what it was, or they thought the only way to drink soju was chugging the bottles like you see in Korean dramas. Our own infused soju is much easier to drink, and It’s been fun introducing Honkers to this Korean classic.

BL: What’s wrong with chugging soju? (Just kidding). Along with surprises, there must’ve been the odd request here and there. Any ones that jump out of your mind, in particular?

I think the most difficult surprises I’ve had to deal with were dessert requests on the fly. I had a vegan request for dessert, but she didn’t want fruits. Another time, it was a little girl’s birthday and she wanted a particular dessert. She was the daughter of a pretty famous actor, so we had to make a peanut butter soufflé molten cake for her on the spot.

BL: Nice, already serving celebrities! What are the inspirations behind the dishes and drinks at Edition?

My husband and I love to travel and we love to eat as the locals do. Whenever we are in on holiday, I try to to see how I can use those ingredients in a dish.

Our cocktails are similar, where we try to take a classic cocktail like Negroni or Old Fashioned, and we use our infused soju to give it a twist. A favourite amongst our customers is the Wah Mei Whiskey Sour.

“To feel that passion, that burn, that thirst for learning makes you feel more alive and energised than ever. It’s such a great feeling. Keep your passion alive. Remember why you are in it. Starting out is easy, but staying is the hard part.”

BL: Yum. What is your favourite dish at Edition? And are there any particular dishes that you felt have become a hit?

My favourite dish at Edition is probably the Pork Belly Lollipops. It’s braised pork belly on skewers, fried and served on our Three Cheese Kimchi Fondue. It’s become pretty popular with the food bloggers, and whenever people see a photo of the cheesy goodness, they get really excited. I love to see people getting excited about food. To me, that’s a hit.

BL: You’re making me hungry…Are there any local food trends that you’ve noticed lately?

The egg waffle. That’s become such a craze now! I spent three months testing loads of recipes, and trying to get the right balance. This egg waffle beat me. I had an awesome dish in my head that I just couldn’t get it to become real. It was pretty frustrating. I wouldn’t mind revisiting it again, but I’ve got to find an great recipe!

BL: Testing loads of recipes? If you ever need another objective tester, I’m happy to help! Erm, I mean, other than Edition, tell me some of your favourite places to grab a bite in Hong Kong?

I love BBQ in Sai Ying Pun. It’s open until 1am and perfect for night owls like me. You can eat as much or as little as you want. It’s cheap and affordable.

BL: I love that place! Good choice. What advice would you have for aspiring females who want to start out in the F&B scene?

From the point of view of a chef, you’ve got to love food. I really mean it. My first two years, I lived and breathed food. I worked, slept, and read only food-related books. I barely had a life outside of work. My work was my entire life.

Learn from everyone that you can, and never stop learning. I watch everyone. I learned to cook so much more this way. I jumped in when I saw people needed help. I showed my chefs I was willing, and I put in extra effort. I was able to push myself further with extra mentoring they offered.

Every minute I spent in the kitchen in those early days, I wish I can relive again. To feel that passion, that burn, that thirst for learning makes you feel more alive and energised than ever. It’s such a great feeling. Keep your passion alive. Remember why you are in it. Starting out is easy, but staying is the hard part.

Check out Edition, The Korean Fusion Gastropub
Find it at 37 Peel St., Central

Check out our International Women’s Day Campaign. Book now with code WOMEN to enjoy exclusive offers for female diners, and get 2x Chope-Dollars. Bookings must be fulfilled by 8 April 2017.

Tags Cheap, Cheap and Good, Feature, Hong Kong, International Women's Day, Interview, Korean, Pocket-friendly

Destination Hong Kong Save/Splurge

9 Best Affordable French Restaurants in Hong Kong

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

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

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

Bon appétit!

Bistro du Vin

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

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

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

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

Eiffel Bistro

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

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

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

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

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

le Relais de l’Entrecote

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

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

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

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

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

Bistronomique (Kennedy Town)

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

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

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

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

Chez Patrick Deli (Star Street)

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

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

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

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

The Continental

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

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

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

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

LE CAFÉ de Joël Robouchon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Les Fils à Maman

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

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

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

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

Cocotte

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

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

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

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

Destination Save/Splurge Singapore

Best Restaurants to Treat Yourself and Dine Solo

Post author By Chope
Post date January 16, 2017
No Comments on Best Restaurants to Treat Yourself and Dine Solo

There’s no shame in dining solo; in fact, we think more people should try it. No fussy eater to cater to, no need to bother with someone else’s schedule – you are your own boss! Here are our favourite joints to tuck into a good meal, sip some wine, and enjoy the bliss of solitude.

Under $30:

Sinpopo

Much like its food, Sinpopo finds itself nestled between tradition and modernity, located along a stretch of shops that serve classic local food. Sinpopo antes up by serving up some unpretentious fare with undeniable local leanings that we can’t get enough of.

Dishes We Love: Har Jeong Burger, Ma ling Luncheon Crisps, Gula Melaka Cake

Book a table at Sinpopo.

The Refinery

Blending a trendy bar, grill, and creative workspace into a three-story oasis, The Refinery advocates a lifestyle you’ll fall instantly in love with. Whether you’re here after a tough day’s work, or enjoying some quiet time on a Saturday morning, you won’t be disappointed by their surprising and delicious items served from brunch ’till dinner. If you escape from work early, remember to catch their happy hour from 6-8pm every Tuesday to Thursday.

Dishes We Love: Hambagu Steak & Eggs, Wild Mushroom Risotto, The Refinery Bowl, B&W Milkshake

Book a table at The Refinery.

Grub

Housed in a window-encased space in Bishan Park, this hip establishment has generated buzz aplenty since its opening and for good reason. With food that satisfies your tummy without breaking the bank who can resist? If overlooking the stream and watching the world pass lazily by sounds tempting, Grub’s the place to be.

Dishes We Love: Mentaiko Fries, Slow Cooked Pork Belly, Sakura Ebi Linguine

Book a table at GRUB.

Under $60:

The Reading Room Cafe Bar

Get lost in a world of villains, heroines, or philosophical musings as you recline in a plush couch and cosy up with your favourite books. There’s no better way to find some tranquility and peace of mind than at The Reading Room. Who needs company when you have good books and yummy food?

Dishes We Love: TRR Burger, Kro-battered Fish and Chips, Maine Lobster Benedict

Book a table at The Reading Room Cafe Bar.

Sabio Tapas Bar

Who says tapas is only for sharing? Enjoy hot plates like Croqeutas de Jamon (ham croquettes), or the more unusual cold plates like Rillettes Sardinas (sliced sardines on black olive ciabatta toast). The decor is similarly splendid, with traditional Catalan tiles lining the walls as well as a huge ‘Anis Del Mono’ tiled mural. Remember to say cheers to a great night with a glass of Sangria too!

Dishes We Love: Albondigas en Salsa Espanola con Tomate, Ostras Fritas, Jamón Ibérico de Bellota,

Book a table at Sabio Tapas Bar.

Cha Thai

At Cha Thai you’ll enjoy a fresh side of Thai cuisine you’ve never experienced outside of Thailand. Enjoy authentic Thai dishes such as Pork In The Garden, Creamy Crab Roll, or their Signature Tiger Prawn Panang Curry, a Cha Thai original. The best part about dining solo? You don’t have to worry about sharing their Baked Pineapple Rice (served in half a pineapple) with anyone!

Dishes We Love: Creamy Crab Roll, Signature Tiger Prawn Panang Curry, Tom Yum Soup

Book a table at Cha Thai.

Under $100:

Basilico

Dining solo means no more judgemental stares when you return from the buffet table after your third go (guilty as charged)! Having been voted the ‘Best Buffet’ by Chope diners in 2014 and 2015, Basilico should be your new go-to place for a top-notch buffet serving seasonal and authentic Italian fare. Feast on a wide selection of antipasti and hot dishes but remember to save space for desserts because they are simply heavenly.

Dishes We Love: Roasted Leg of Lamb, Roasted Pork Belly, pizzas, pastas, and many more

Book a table at Basilico.

Wooloomooloo

Who says you need company when tucking into a juicy slab of beef? We present to you Wooloomooloo, one of the best classic steakhouses in this hemisphere. Their location on the 3rd floor of the Raffles City Shopping Centre means you’ll be chowing down on a hearty slab of heaven as you look over the elegant St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Stamford Road.

Dishes We Love: Australian Wagyu Beef Selection, Colossal Crab Lumps, Australian Black Angus Tomahawk

Book a table at Wooloomooloo.

Tags Cafe, Cheap, Cheap and Good, Coffee, Guides