Tag: Dessert

Fresh Eats: 9 New Restaurants To Check Out This August

Post author By Averlynn Lim
Post date August 4, 2017
No Comments on Fresh Eats: 9 New Restaurants To Check Out This August

It’s August, and we’re welcoming a brand new month with 9 new restaurants, hot off the press! From heritage cuisine reflecting Singapore’s multicultural heritage to bespoke cocktails infused with Asian herbs and spices, this month’s gonna be an egg-citing one!

COMO Cuisine

Part of the complex under Singapore luxury hotel group COMO Dempsey, COMO Cuisine is a new restaurant concept presenting signature cuisines from COMO Hotels and Resorts properties around the world. Boasting a clean, elegant, and relaxed ambience, the space is designed by world-renowned architect and designer, Paola Navone, and reflects the essence of COMO Cuisine’s offerings.

Here, you’ll get exposed to a myriad of contemporary flavours. The restaurant’s menu brings a light touch to the big flavours of the region, reflecting Singapore’s heritage as a culinary melting pot. Generous in flavour and quality, the refined and modern fare amalgamates ingredients and techniques from different regions to produce something new and unexpected.

After a hearty meal at COMO Cuisine, head over to the other stores located in the same compound – indulge in retail therapy at world-renowned retail concept store Dover Street Market or down some after meal tipples at The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar, opened by acclaimed Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Find it at Block 18A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249677

Provisions

Also located in the hip and trendy Dempsey enclave is Provisions, a 1,600 sq ft space serving up comfort food on skewers, claypot rice, and bespoke Asian-inspired cocktails. Set in an industrial-chic space with high metal chairs, wooden fixtures, and low-hanging warm fluorescent bulbs, the ambience here will remind you of the charms of yesteryear.

Provisions is an ideal dining destination for groups as communal dining is encouraged here; it was his love for bonding with family and friends over food that sparked Singaporean Chef/ Owner Justin Foo to open this place.

While they serve humble, local dishes, the chefs at Provisions are certainly not taking their craft lightly. A great amount of emphasis is placed on the origins and quality of the ingredients, with a majority hailing from the Southeast Asian region. Menu highlights include the Seafood Rice and a decadent Oyster & Uni Rice, which brings to the table two of the most amazing and rich flavours of the sea. Finally, finish your meal with tipples from their well-tended cocktail bar; the inventive cocktails are tailored to your tastes and preferences, and infuse a blend of Asian herbs and spices.

Find it at 7 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249671

Nouri

Former Executive Chef of Michelin-starred restaurant Bacchanalia Ivan Brehm is creating waves in the dining scene yet again with the opening of Nouri, a restaurant serving up ‘crossroads cooking’. Inspired by the shared common traits of different cultures across the world, the fare here aims to build community through a shared experience – dining communally and connecting with the chef and other diners.

Nouri will be open for both lunch and dinner, offering a Teishoku-style a la carte menu and a quick service 5-course tasting menu ideal for work lunches. For dinner, there are two tasting menus, priced at S$140 for 5 courses, and S$170 for 7 courses.

If you’re looking to up your knowledge about booze, then the restaurant’s adjacent bar’s beverage programme will stand you in good stead. A certified sake sommelier and a trained bartender, Matthew will be conducting programmes which will expose enthusiasts to an extensive sake list and Asian-inspired cocktails, created to reflect the unique heritage of our region.

Find it at 72 Amoy Street, Singapore 0698891
Book a table at Nouri and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Panko

With an ambience that’s casual yet energetic and chic, Panko, Haji Lane’s new kid on the block, is Singapore’s first Japanese Kushikatsu Restaurant and Bar. Kushikatsu, also known as Kushiage, is an entire cuisine of deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. There’s a stunning simplicity in meat, seafood, and vegetables skewered onto bamboo sticks, coated in a special egg batter, dipped in fine panko bread crumbs, and fried to a beautiful golden brown. Mmmmm.

Not only can you find a wide range of Kushikatsu here, Panko also offers diners an extensive Japanese menu to complement your skewers – sushi, sashimi, donburi, noodles, and more. Prices start from S$2 per skewer, and they also have lunch sets starting from S$17 including soup, pickles, and dessert.

Find it at 33 Arab Street, Singapore 199732
Book a table at Panko and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Blue Lotus Chinese Grill House

If you’re looking for an interactive and immersive dining experience that has both Western and Chinese influences, then Blue Lotus Chinese Grill House is your best bet.

Part of Blue Lotus Concepts International that launched the award-winning flagship Blue Lotus Chinese Eating House in 2013, this Grill House is a high-energy dining establishment which doles out dynamic, avant-garde Chinese cuisine marrying traditional Chinese flavours and essences with Western culinary techniques. Here, you’ll find remixed presentations of classic comfort foods such as a Chicken Rice Paella, Pomelo Chilli Crab La Mian, and a Hot Stone Truffle Pork Lard Rice, all cooked sans added MSG.

As for the space, this sprawling 2,133 square-feet establishment has an open kitchen, and a signature 6-seater chef’s table to play host to regular happenings such as a “Chef for a Day” experience. Patrons will get to work with the Grill House team on a theme dinner in which the organizer plays host and cooks up three dishes with the help of the full kitchen, as does the restaurant’s team for a full table of friends.

Find it at 5 Wallich Street, #01-13, Tanjong Pagar Centre, Singapore 078883
Book a table at Blue Lotus Chinese Grill House and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Amò

Gather your friends and head to Amò – short for “amore”, a colloquial term of endearment used in Italy – for some antipasti, big plates, and hearty pizzas. Opened by established restaurateur-chef Beppe De Vito of the ilLido Group, this smart-casual Italian eatery located along Hong Kong Street also has a relaxed bar with a beverage list boasting an all-Italian selection of wines, beers, and spirit-forward cocktails.

The menu here features a feast of reimagined Italian classics inspired by seasonality, tradition, and produce. Pasta lovers shouldn’t miss out on their homemade pastas freshly made with eggs and semolina, and crafted with traditional bronze die. If you’re coming with a group, the pizzas here are great for sharing. Choose from classic Neopolitan style pizzas such as the Margherita DOP ($26), to signature pizzas like the Bone Marrow, Wild Garlic Pesto and Anchovy Salsa Verde ($29) and Stracciatella, Prosciutto, Rucola and Fig Vincotto ($29).

Find it at 33 Hongkong Street, Singapore 059672
Book a table at Amò and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

CHIKIN Bar

Translated to “chicken” in colloquial Japanese, CHIKIN is an Asian restaurant-bar specializing in Szechuan Yakitori and Cocktail Infusions. As its name suggests, the menu offers grilled skewers from different parts of the chicken (priced from S$3 to S$4.50 nett per stick) – thigh, skin, liver, heart, gizzard, cartilage, and more, marinated with a punchy Szechuan Peppercorn sauce. Additionally, they also have grilled beef, pork, foie gras, and vegetables, along with a variety of Izakaya style dishes to complete your dining experience.

CHIKIN spans over 3 floors of a conservation shophouse, with a long bar and open kitchen on the ground floor, group seating on the second floor, and private room on the third for hosting small gatherings. They offer a comprehensive range of tipples – cocktails, beer, sake, wine, and more. For the bolder ones, give “CHIKIN’s Challenge” a shot; it’s a Szechuan Bloody Mary with 5 levels of spiciness. Go big or go home, as they say!

Find it at 6 Bukit Pasoh Road Singapore 089820
Book a table at CHIKIN and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Folklore

Dining at Folklore will be a blast to the past. Dishing up nostalgic flavours, Folklore aims to tell stories of Singapore’s heritage through food. The chefs at Folklore take pride in their craft; each dish is meticulously prepared, whether it’s mortar and pestle or just elegant knifework, everything that leaves the kitchen shows the love and attention.

The cuisine at Folklore reflects Singapore’s multi-ethnic culture and heritage, where dishes like a Sambal Buah Keluak Fried Rice, Babi Assam, Garang Assam, and Sweet Potato Leaves with Prawns line the menu. As for desserts, indulge in old-school sweet treats such as Kueh Kosui, Sago Gula Melaka, Pulot Hitam with Dried Longan, and more.

Find it at 700 Beach Road, Level 2, Destination Singapore Beach Road, Singapore 199598
Book a table at Folklore and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Gaig

Located on Stanley Street between Telok Ayer Street and Cecil Street, Gaig, opened by award-winning chef Carles Gaig serves up classic Catalan fare. Washed in white, the restaurant boasts a contemporary, calm ambience that’s great for a casual meal.

Lining the menu are Spanish classics such as an assortment of Bites, Tapas, Paellas, to Fish and Meat-based dishes such as Pig Trotter Catalan style with Turnips. As for desserts, diners with a sweet tooth can sup on an Orange Ice-cream Souffle while cheese connoisseurs can sample a variety of cheeses from their Cheese Platter.

Those working around the area can kick back and enjoy their Set Lunches available from 12pm – 2pm everyday. Two set meals are available – your choice of 3 tapas dishes + 1 main priced at $38, or top up $7 for an additional dessert of your choice.

Find it at 16 Stanley Street, Singapore 068735
Book a table at Gaig and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Chinese, Cocktails, Dessert, Dinner, Drinks, Fresh Eats, Fresh Eats: Singapore, Guides, High Tea, Japanese, Lunch, Michelin, New Restaurants, Newly-opened

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

Destination Singapore

Brand New on the Michelin Guide

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date June 30, 2017
No Comments on Brand New on the Michelin Guide

We’ve updated our guide to all the Michelin starred-restaurants on Chope, and are all set to help you on your quest to indulge at Singapore’s most prestigious restaurants. If you’re looking for something new and exciting on this exclusive list, we’ve got you covered as well! Read on for eight brand new restaurants to drool over, and trust us when we say you should Chope them now before the inevitable three-month wait materialises!

Meta Restaurant

Dining at Meta is an adventure in of itself. Their sprawling open kitchen allows you to get up close and personal with the magical Chef Sun Kim and his talented team as you eagerly await your exquisite French-Korean meal. Our personal favourites? Their fresh and zesty Oyster with Lemon & Pomelo and Wagyu Bulgogi with Egg Jelly & Korean Pear Kimchi for sure!

Find it at 9 Keong Saik Road, Singapore (089117)
Book a table at Meta Restaurant and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Whitegrass

This contemporary fine-dining Australian restaurant at CHIJMES serves up beautifully balanced dishes with a fresh, unconventional twist, all in a homely, relaxed environment – a tricky combination for sure. All the more impressive then that chef-owner Sam Aisbett pulls it all off with such aplomb. Don’t leave without ordering the melt-in-your-mouth Slow Cooked Mangalica Pork Jowl that’s brimming with umami goodness, and remember to finish off your meal with their delectable Feijoa Ice Cream!

Find it at 30 Victoria Street, #01-26/27, CHIJMES, Singapore (187996)
Book a table at Whitegrass and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Restaurant Labyrinth

This whimsical restaurant boasts beautifully intricate creations that are almost too pretty to eat – until you get a whiff of how great everything smells. Then, we assure you, you’ll be licking the plate clean! Restaurant Labyrinth takes well-loved Singaporean classics like Chili Crab, Curry Rice, and Moonlight Hor Fun to an entirely new level with Chef LG Han’s mesmerising creativity. Any Singaporean foodie will be delighted to indulge here, that’s for sure!

Find it at 8 Raffles Avenue #02-23, Esplanade Mall, Singapore (039802)
Book a table at Restaurant Labyrinth and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Saint Pierre

Enjoy scrumptious fine-dining coupled with phenomenal views of Marina Bay at Saint Pierre by Chef Emmanuel Stroobant, and prepare to be blown away by all their “Essence-Centric” delights – a term that refers to the way essences (derived from premium seasonal produce) are used as stock and seasonings for dishes that are both tasty AND healthy! Be sure to give the Vanilla Oil Marinated Momotaro Tomato, and Cod with Oxtail and Daikon a whirl! You won’t regret it!

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

Garibaldi Italian Restaurant & Bar

We can say with authority that Chef-owner Robert Galetti does Italian food right. This classy restaurant serves up perfectly cooked pasta and other authentic Italian dishes made up of only the best, freshest ingredients they can get their hands on. Everything here is delightful, and we mean everything – from the bread you’re offered to start right through to the indulgent end of dolce and formaggi. Our personal favourites? The Gnocchi Al Gorgonzola, Braciola di Maiale and their special Tiramisu’ of Mamma Bice. Buon appetito!

Find it at 36 Purvis Street, #01-02, Singapore (188613)
Book a table at Garibaldi Italian Restaurant & Bar and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Cheek by Jowl

If you’re tired of having the same old thing over and over again, your search for something novel and exciting is over – Chef Rishi Naleendra highlights and reinterprets modern Australian dishes at Cheek by Jowl for the ultimate gastronomic experience! The Duck & Waffles is a signature dish not to be missed, and their Coconut with Laksa Leaf Ice Cream is one of the most decadent desserts we’ve ever had. YUM.

Find it at 21 Boon Tat Street, Singapore (069620)
Book a table at Cheek by Jowl and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Braci

Singapore river sunset? Check. Drink in hand? Check. Delicious Italian fare? Check and check. Charcoal takes center stage at this open-kitchen restaurant, and everything that comes out of the kitchen is smoky and succulent as a result – especially their smoked Duck Breast and Grass Fed Beef Tenderloin! It doesn’t matter if you’re on a intimate romantic date or out with 10 of your bestest friends, ‘cause Braci is definitely the place to tempt your tummy with all manner of deliciozo treats.

Find it at 52 Boat Quay, Level 5, Singapore (049841)
Book a table at Braci and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Summer Palace

Long lauded as one of Singapore’s preeminent Cantonese restaurants, a star for Summer Palace at Regent Singapore comes as no surprise to those that have dined there. Chef Liu Ching Hai offers a stunning spread of dim sum including a dim sum of the month that promises to showcase the peak flavours of the season. Wok-fried, roasted, steamed, or double boiled, the mastery over Cantonese cuisine’s many disciplines is undeniable… And delicious.

Find it at 1 Cuscaden Road, Level 3, The Regent Singapore, Singapore (249715)
Book a table at Summer Palace and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Dessert, Good View, Guides, Healthy, High Tea, Michelin

Features Restaurants

Carousel’s Upcoming High Tea Buffet Will Transport You To The Streets of Taiwan!

Post author By Averlynn Lim
Post date June 26, 2017
No Comments on Carousel’s Upcoming High Tea Buffet Will Transport You To The Streets of Taiwan!

Public service notice: Do not read this post when hungry. If you find yourself drooling over your phone or computer while reading, immediately head to Chope to make a reservation at Carousel for what could possibly be the tastiest High Tea Buffet in Singapore…and here’s what to expect!

‘Gurgle, gurgle’.

Your stomach growls as you take a step into the brightly lit interior of the restaurant, seduced by the scent of food wafting through the air.

“Mmmm, that smells sooo good,” you think to yourself.

Without hesitation, you head towards the buffet line, ready to dig in. Platters of tantalising food greet you – Mediterranean, Asian, Japanese, Seafood, Dim Sum, and not one, but THREE dazzling dessert stations.

Your gaze drifts over the four uniquely themed dining spaces. You have the requisite Japanese selections of sashimi, sushi, and teppanyaki – they may not grab your attention immediately like the three dessert bars (we can’t get over this), but they are highly underrated. At the Rotisserie section (yep, that’s where that amazing smell is coming from), you’ll find a Chicken Kebab (Shovaslaki) live station where meat is carved straight from the roasting spit onto a pita bread or tortilla, packed with fresh greens, and then drizzled with creamy mayonnaise before serving. There’s also a Nasi Lemak station with a large variety of sides and mains to accompany the fragrant coconut rice, such as Baked Chicken with a Sambal Peanut Sauce and Sambal Prawns with Beancurd and Quail Eggs.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a live Popiah station, Waffle station, Deli corner, Seafood on Ice, and so much more, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Hungry yet?

With an innovative culinary concept and lavish spread promising to delight the taste buds, Carousel at Royal Plaza on Scotts has earned itself the ‘Best Halal Spot’ in Chope’s Diners’ Choice Awards 2016, and we can say with authority it is 100% deserved.

Just in case everything mentioned previously wasn’t enough temptation for you, for the month of July, diners will get to enjoy their Tantalizing Taiwanese High Tea featuring a medley of Taiwanese delicacies and delightful small bites from Taiwan’s popular night markets in addition to their usual high-tea offerings!

On the menu are popular snacks such as Crispy Chicken Thigh with Oriental Spices (综合盐酥鸡), Oyster Mee Sua (蚵仔面线), and Braised Beef Brisket Noodle Soup (红烧牛肉面). There will also be a variety of braised dishes at the Taiwan Stew Station such as braised chicken wings and beancurd tofu, served with assorted sauces and condiments.

Fans of the iconic Taiwanese street food, Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎), can happily indulge at the Teppanyaki live station, which will also be serving up steaming hot, Pan-fried Crystal Buns (水煎包) .

Other highlights of the high tea include Braised Seafood in Bread Toast (台湾棺材板), also known as ‘Coffin Toast’, Taiwan Spring Roll (台湾润饼), Grilled Taiwan Sausages (台湾香肠), and Flaky Scallion Pancakes (葱油饼).

Finally, to round out the meal, indulge your sweet tooth with signature Taiwanese desserts such as Shaved Ice (综合冰) with your choice of flavored toppings and condiments, Lemon Aiyu Jelly, and Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts (台湾凤梨酥). Or you could go to one of the three dessert bars. Just sayin’.

This promotion will be available from 3 – 13 July, during the high tea period from 3.30pm to 5.30pm at $42++ for adults and $27++ for children on weekdays. On weekends, it will be $48++ for adults and $32++ for children.

What are you waiting for? Give yourself a pat on the back for getting through half of 2017, and delight your taste buds with tantalising Taiwanese treats!

Find it at 25 Scotts Road, Lobby Level, Royal Plaza on Scotts, Singapore (228220)

Book a table at Carousel and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Bars, Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Brunch, Buffet, Dessert, Feature, High Tea, Japanese, Seafood

Destination Hong Kong

7 Restaurants to Get In On The Korean Craze

Post author By Chope
Post date June 22, 2017
No Comments on 7 Restaurants to Get In On The Korean Craze

Craving some authentic Korean nosh but don’t have the time (or the cash) to hop on a flight to Jeju or Busan? We’ve got you sorted for top Korean spots in Hong Kong with picks that are (as the Korean saying goes) ‘jjang’ (the best). Time to chow down on some kimchi and bulk up on some bibimbap!

There’s more to Korean cuisine than just Korean fried chicken (although we have to admit it’s pretty darn tasty). Here we share eateries that offer a creative twist on Korean food, as well as original and mouth-watering authentic Korean noms. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for that special someone or game for a more adventurous girls’ night out, these restaurants are prime for those who are Korean keen. 우리 시작하자!

Goobne Chicken

Desperate to satisfy those Korean chicken cravings while keeping your body in summer swimsuit shape? You’re in for a treat with the flavourful meats at Goobne Chicken, which proudly utilises tummy-baring friendly cooking techniques.

Their Goobne Original Oven Roasted is made without any oil (gasp!), which not only lowers fat content, but also saves you some extra calories so you can knock back a cheeky signature cocktail without feeling guilty. The Fruity Soy Garlic Chicken (our favourite) is enshrined with a crispy golden coating and crunch that will keep your mouth watering for more, but won’t break your calorie bank. Don’t forget to top it off with their Cheese Toppokki: a combination between Korean sweet and spicy rice cakes (see? healthy!), and mozzarella cheese – a true win win! You can definitely chuck out the calorie counter with these Goobne goodies.

Find it at 5/F, M88, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
Book a table at Goobne Chicken and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

JINJUU

(Closed for renovation until Mid-July)

If you’re all about that bass and Soju, this ‘pearl’ (JINJUU’s English translation) is the hub for multiple Korean beverages including cocktails, Soju, and fusions. Located at the heart of Lan Kwai Fong, JINJUU comes to life at night with a poppin’ DJ to feed visitors’ souls while their Korean Fried Chicken Sliders satisfies their stomachs.

Snack lovers, prepare to indulge in their Anju (bar snacks) like Korean inspired Tacos and Korean Fried Tofu Sliders – are you salivating yet? Their main dishes include the celebrated Bibimbap (natch): white rice and seasonal vegetables served in a stone bowl with Gochujang sauce on the side and a choice of either raw or fried egg. Add your own extras such as Bulgogi (marinated thinly sliced Aussie beef fillet), thinly sliced marinated Iberico pork belly, and needless to say, homemade cabbage kimchi. Sweet lover? Don’t miss out JINJUU’s signature dessert plate to share amongst your friends. We promise that you’ll leave happy, stuffed, and ready for your next visit.

Find it at UG/F, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong
Book a table at JINJUU and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

HANJAN

Boasting both a dapper bar and a more homey dining area, HANJAN dishes up the best of old and new Korea. Head over to chill at the bar for an easygoing night, or sit outside to experience ‘Korean nightlife’ in the roads of Central.

We’re sure we’re not the only ones obsessed with their amazing Fist of Fury. It’s a pork knuckle dish made with special Korean herbs that you’ll have to try yourself to fully appreciate. (With a name like First of Fury though, aren’t you tempted already?) While you’re at it, tuck into a few places of their Kimato Cheese Balls – a tomato stuffed with mozzarella and kimchi that is guaranteed to get your taste buds singing its praises. While it means ‘one shot’, we’re sure HANJAN will keep you coming back for more.

Find it at G/F, 4-5 Wo On Lane, Central, Hong Kong
Book a table at HANJAN and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

MOYO

Italian Korean fusion might not be the most common fusion food around, but trust us, satisfying your curiosity will be well rewarded. Located near charming PMQ (just minutes away from Central), MOYO’s unassuming black exterior is easy to miss; inside, its spare, industrial feel places the emphasis squarely on the food.

With a simple menu, choosing a delicious meal is easy peasy! We love their Marinated Tofu Salad (an aesthetically pleasing and scrumptious combo of lotus root, purple sweet potato, and apples), and you cannot miss their Pesto Rice Cakes – an east-west mishmash you won’t forget! Of course, you can’t go wrong with their Korean Fried Chicken (think tender and moist meat marinated in coarse, rich, peppery flavours). You’ll definitely be getting some chill vibes, great service, and even fab foodie fusion fare here. Whether you’re spending time with family or looking for an evening out, MOYO’s top-notch quality and quantity will keep your buds and tum happy.

Find it at G/F, 36 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong
Book a table at MOYO and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Bib n Hops

With ‘Demon Chef’ Alvin Leung at the hem, Bib n Hops’ Seoul street food stall offers up authentic, yet down-to-earth cuisine choices for diners. The dynamic and vibrant location, along with their cute personalised mugs and rustic old school vibe environment, completes the experience.

Hop over to Bib n Hops for a filling dinner, or if food’s not your thing, knock down a few cocktails and beers – we don’t judge! Relish in their Chicken Wings that are to die for – made with their very own Bib n Hops sauce. (Shhh! it’s top secret!) Their Rice Donut Sundae is also a must-try as they put their own spin on western donuts: similar to your typical ring-shaped dessert, but made with sticky rice for that extra chewy consistency generously topped with berries, vanilla ice cream, and jujube. With good grub that tastes like it’s straight out of Korea, you’ll surely see us ‘hop’ in again!

Find it at Shop 13, 2/F, J Residence, 60 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
Click here for more info on Bib n Hops

MOMOJEIN Korean Restaurant

MOMOJEIN dishes up a luscious Korean cuisine experience unlike any other. Along with their chic and minimalistic décor, this menu introduces a groundbreaking culinary experience to Hong Kong! This isn’t your mother’s Korean cuisine, but rather a modern take that adds a bit of a twist to what would otherwise be ‘just another’ Korean restaurant.

One of our favourite dishes has to be the Bulgogi Flat Noodles, perfect for those adventurous enough to try sweet potato flat noodles. It a first for us and we’d have them again any day! We all love a bit of sugar, and their Black Sesame Ice Flakes will surely satisfy those late-night sugar cravings, or can simply serve as a sweet finish to to a spicy, satisfying meal. We promise you’ll love the MOMOJEIN’s modern Korean nosh encounter as much as we did.

Find it at 23/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
Book a table at MOMOJEIN and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Sodam Chicken

What could possibly surpass the up and coming Korean foodie treats in HK? That’s right, a delectable chain restaurant that already has 70 restaurants across Korea! Prepare yourself for the long queues in front of Sodam Chicken where the most effortless, laidback, and intimate Korean restaurant awaits.

Famed for their Korean fried chicken, diners should get ready to be rid of all table manners as you gobble and gorge on as much chicken and cheese as possible. Their selection of luscious fried chicken includes Cheese Chicken Waffles (fried chicken with waffles), Lava Cheese And Sweet & Spicy Cheese Grilled Chicken, and Cheese Fried Chicken (Mozzarella, Cheddar & Cream Cheese Sauce). This is a breathtaking dish of chicken with a pool of cheese and a bread bowl filled with, wait for it… even more cheese! Trust us, it is as delicious as it sounds. Their fetching signature cocktails include Yogurt SOJU, Grape SOJU, and Lemon SOJU just to name a few – and they’re served with light bulb glasses inside a huge cup (try one, you’ll understand!). An incredible Korean meal at Sodam Chicken is in store for you.

Find it at 7/F, 3 Yiu Wa Street, Bartlock Centre, Causeway Bay
Click here for more info on Sodam Chicken

Tags Cocktails, Dessert, Dinner, Drinks, Guides, Healthy, Korean

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 Hong Kong

TEA-se Me with the Ultimate Springtime Indulgence: Hong Kong’s Best Afternoon Teas

Post author By Benedict @ Chope
Post date May 29, 2017
No Comments on TEA-se Me with the Ultimate Springtime Indulgence: Hong Kong’s Best Afternoon Teas

Ladies, did you know that the origins of afternoon tea harkens back to Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford? Back in those days, the Duchess was only served two meals each day—once in the morning for breakfast, and once in the evening for dinner. Overcome by never-ending hunger pangs, Anna decided to schedule a time each afternoon for a quick repast. Thus the afternoon tea was born, which rose to popularity first in London’s top hotels and was gradually embraced by Britain’s outposts worldwide.

Now you can enjoy this popular British pastime at an eclectic array of Hong Kong’s restaurants, from the posh digs of Clipper Lounge to the Nordic-inspired afternoon tea at FINDS. Pinkies at the ready? Let’s go!

Urban Park: Best for Laid Back Elegance

Urban Park’s Butterfly Blossom Afternoon Tea hands-down wins the prize for the afternoon tea with the best presentation. Priced at just HKD $239 per head, Urban Park’s set features sweet and savouries (think creamy Butterfly Cakes with Lemon Buttercream and Petite Prawn Cocktails). Presented in an adorable silver two-tiered birdcage garnishes with fresh flowers—nice touch eh?—Urban Park’s Butterfly Blossom Afternoon Tea Set is a sure flyaway winner. That British pomp and ceremony (tsk tsk The Peninsula), just isn’t present at Urban Park, but it’s still a glam spot where staff are polished and no ask is too tall. You know what’s the best thing? Refills come gratis.

Savvy Chope Tip: Check out Urban Park (TST)’s al fresco patio for some laid-back elegance

Urban Park (TST)
Monday through Friday
3:00pm – 5:30pm
HKD $239 for two

Find it at 4/F, 20-22 Granville Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui
Book a table at Urban Park (TST) and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Urban Park (Central)
Monday through Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays
3:00pm – 5:30pm
HKD $299 for two

Find it at Shop 3-5, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Rd., Central
Book a table at Urban Park (Central) and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

The Lounge & Bar: Best for Views

Three. Two. One. Yep, there has to be three reasons why The Ritz-Carlton’s The Lounge & Bar is a must-go in our book. Firstly, talk about the view! Indulge yourself with a lavish and bountiful feast 420 meters above sea level with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. You’ll see fab views of the Island, and on a clear day, Devil’s and Kowloon Peak. Second, the ambiance is unparalleled. A grand piano merrily plays Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons; it’s a classy retreat for those looking for a little pomp and indulgence. Finally, the high tea itself packs a serious punch. Savoury items—Ham & Cheese Brioche, Cheese Tart—are a combination of rich and intense flavours. Located just below Ozone, The Ritz-Carlton’s The Lounge & Bar packs a serious punch when it comes to a cosy pot of tea and some finger sandwiches—an excellent place to ‘Lounge’ and relax.

Monday to Thursday
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
HKD $388 for one/HKD $638 for two

Friday
2:15 pm – 4:00 pm (1st seating)
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm (2nd seating)
HKD $408 for one/HKD $678 for two

Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays
12:01 pm – 2:00 pm (1st seating)
2:15 pm – 4:15 pm (2nd seating)
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm (3rd seating)
HKD $408 for one/HKD $678 for two

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

Clipper Lounge: Traditional Opulence

Mover or shaker? Clipper Lounge has historically been the rendezvous of choice for Hong Kong’s ‘it’ crowd. Here you’ll see the real jam: an eclectic mix of bankers hawking their pitchbooks, doting ‘ladies who lunch’, and the odd traveler or two. Expect legendary white-glove service and delicious British-inspired classics including Plain and Raisin Scones with clotted cream served with the Mandarin Oriental’s infamous rose petal jam on top. Be sure to smother that jam on literally every morsel, ‘cause it’s that good. Trust us. Post-indulgence, imbibe from their extensive tea menu, offering the highest quality of teas. If you’re a bit more of a health nut, then don’t miss out on their freshly pressed watermelon juice.

Mondays through Fridays
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
HKD $298 for one

Saturdays and Public Holidays
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
HKD $318 for one

Sundays
3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
HKD $318 for one

Find it at M/F, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Rd., Central
Book a table at Clipper Lounge and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Above & Beyond: Asian Afternoon Tea

There’s more to the eye at Above & Beyond. Sure, the breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour 28 stories up are truly postcard-worthy. But what sets them ‘above & beyond’ amongst the inundation of afternoon tea choices in HK, has to be—cue the drumroll—dim sum. Yup! Sweet and savoury Cantonese plates are all present here: Sweetened Almond Cream with Lotus Seeds and Lily Bulbs, Pork Dumpling with Halibut and Black Mushroom, and Mushroom Dumpling with Pumpkin. Yum. So what’s better than dim sum? Desserts of course. Above & Beyond’s dessert selections are a bit of French-Asian fusion. Savour the Chilled Jelly with Lychee and Osmanthus (the lychee flavours are deliciously concentrated) as well as the Chestnut Crème Brûlée: a perfect dénouement, with its crunchy and custardy flavours melded to a buttery puff pastry base. Soar to new heights beyond our day-to-day afternoon tea haunts.

Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays
3:15 pm – 5:30 pm
HKD $438 for two

Find it at 28/F, Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui East
Book a table at Above & Beyond and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

The Lobby: Heritage Tea

The Lobby, located at the entrance of Hong Kong’s fabled hotel, The Peninsula, offers a wide litany of options to choose from all day, any day. But it’s the Afternoon Tea that’s a ‘must-do’ for any Honker. Long heralded as THE ‘it’ spot for locals and visitors to enjoy classic afternoon tea, The Lobby dishes out Hong Kong’s quintessentials varieties: Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Peninsula Afternoon, and Peninsula Breakfast are yours for the choosing. With a beautifully laid out table, and a live chamber orchestra playing everything from Beethoven’s 5th Symphony to Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas, what’s not to love at The Lobby?

Daily
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm (First-come, first-served basis)
HKD $368 for one/ HKD $658 for two

Find it at The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui
Click here for more info on The Lobby

FINDS: Tea with a Nordic Twist

FIND yourself Finnish delights at FINDS’ Finland Afternoon Tea Set. With selected savouries such as Smoked Trout Roe Treat—light and satisfying with their crunchy smoked roe—as well as Air Dried Beef on Malt Bread (lean and tender beef, while the aged malt bread is intense), you’ll feel like you’ve just been whisked back to Helsinki in no time. FINish the meal off with some decadent sweets on offer: Baked Lapland Cheese with Cloudberry Sauce, Lingonberry Tart, and Milk Chocolate Mousse & Sea Buckthorn Berry Cone are all winners in our book. But, the ‘must-eat’ or daresay, ‘must-drink’ has to be the 62% Dark Hot Chocolate. It’s rich and perfectly paired with FINDS’ in-house Tea Forte’s Organic Tea Selection. Find a winning Finnish combination at FINDS.

Daily
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
HKD $356 for two

Find it at 1/F, The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberley Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui
Book a table at FINDS and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Tags Afternoon Tea, Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Brunch, Cocktails, Dessert, Dinner, Drinks, Good View, Guides, High Tea, Lunch

Features Restaurants

Sunday Folks – Savour Some Spring Specials!

Post author By Averlynn Lim
Post date May 26, 2017
No Comments on Sunday Folks – Savour Some Spring Specials!

Since its opening in 2014, Sunday Folks has taken the ice-cream-and-waffles trend by storm, serving up plate after plate of their signature waffles and silky smooth ice cream to hordes of hungry, sweet-toothed customers.

And if you’re wondering why the waffles at Sunday Folks taste similar to the ones sold at Creamier, then you won’t be surprised to learn they’re sister companies! Co-founded by Executive Chef Audrey Wang, both brands have garnered accolades for serving up quality, handcrafted desserts and premium ice cream.

Of the many flavours of ice cream sold at Sunday Folks, the two best-sellers are the Sea Salt Gula Melaka and Earl Grey Lavender. All the ice cream here is made from scratch in their on-site kitchen, using premium imported ingredients such as Italian pistachio and hazelnut pastes, and pure fruit purees. During service, the ice cream mixes are constantly topped up into their non-pressurized gravity feed churners to produce a freshly churned confection that is rich and almost dense, but not icy. With such pride and love going into every plate served, their award for Best Dessert in Chope’s Diners’ Choice Awards 2016 was 100% warranted!

Here’s something to celebrate this spring! Until 12 June 2017, Sunday Folks will be dishing up their spring menu, inspired by the magical season of growth and renewal.

Fresh from the testing kitchen is the Spring Medley, a beautifully plated dessert featuring their limited edition Adzuki ice cream gateaux crowned with a dollop of Kuromitsu sago, paired with a globe of Hazelnut Milk Chocolate ice cream, warm black sesame financier, orange marmalade, and coconut milk foam. Garnished with Matcha soil, edible red amaranth leaves, pea tendrils, and Kogiku flower petals, it’s a true feast for the eyes and taste buds!

Moving on to the chocolates! Sunday Folks offers more than just the humdrum chocolate bars. Their chocolate bar slabs are all handmade and enrobe a wonderful range of goodies such as rose marshmallows, burnt butter Viennese cookies, roasted hazelnuts, and passionfruit apricot pâte de fruit! YUM.

Choose from a trio of chocolate slabs (left to right):

35% Azelia Hazelnut Milk Chocolate with Passionfruit Apricot Pâte de Fruit & Roasted Hazelnuts
65% Haïti Dark Chocolate with Orange Peel & Burnt Butter Viennese Cookie
34% Zephyr White Chocolate with Rose Marshmallow & Raspberries

Coffee-holics will not want to miss this their new Tiramisu Trifle. Think freshly churned Hazelnut Milk Chocolate ice cream layered with round ladyfingers sponge, mascarpone cream, and drizzled with espresso caramel sauce. To finish, the whole glorious cup is sprinkled with forked coffee jelly made from Liberty Roasters’ Speakeasy blend and THEN crowned with their Haïti Dark Chocolate slab, cocoa nibs, and dusting powder… oh my. Pssst! If you’re feeling fun, request for a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream on the side!

Make an ordinary day extra-ordinary by dropping by Sunday Folks for a refreshing treat of handcrafted, artisanal desserts. Your taste buds will thank you!

Find it at 44 Jalan Merah Saga, Chip Bee Gardens, #01-52, 278116

Book a table at Sunday Folks and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Bars, Coffee, Dessert, Feature

Destination Hong Kong

7 Places to Flock to this Spring for EVERY Occasion

Post author By Benedict @ Chope
Post date May 18, 2017
No Comments on 7 Places to Flock to this Spring for EVERY Occasion

Hallelujah! Shed those tough winter layers (‘Au Revoir’ Canada Goose!) and spring into the season with seven things to try out this May! Whether you’re looking for a relaxed afternoon tea for two or a delish dish from the heart of France, these seven culinary offerings pack a mighty punch.

Uma Nota

Say ‘ola’ to Sao Paolo in SoHo. First there was TokyoLima, then Djapa. Next up: Uma Nota. It’s Hong Kong’s latest Brazilian-Japanese derivative in town, serving up the hottest (and hippest) Nipo-Brasileiro street food and cocktails. Chef Dagoberto Torres (he apprenticed under D.O.M.’s Alex Atlas) dishes up a delectable Brazilian-inspired menu with the streets of Sao Paolo in mind. With signatures like Red Snapper, and Prawn and Calamari Ceviche with Aji Amarillo and Coriander, you’re bound to be surprised and delighted by the plentiful dishes on offer. We’re personally digging the Crackling Pork Belly with Spicy Tonkatsu Sauce. Satiating. Satisfying. DELISH.

Savvy Chope Tip: Art buff? Check out the impressive mural art adorning Uma Nota’s walls post-meal

Find it at 38 Peel St., Central
Click here for more info on Uma Nota

Café 103

Pop on over to this breezy Kowloon nest perched 100 stories above sky at the grand dame of hotels in Hong Kong, The Ritz-Carlton. Soaring windows and beautiful onyx tables envelop the restaurant with natural light and a sense of airiness. If Uma Nota wasn’t enough Japanese flair for you, Café 103 showcases the full blossom of cherry themed Sakura Afternoon Tea. A culinary concoction of guest pastry chef Hideaki Tanaka from The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, this luxe afternoon tea incorporates the Japanese national flower in almost all of their sweet and savoury treats. Sweeten the deal by washing down your savoury treats with some Sakura-infused tea, and of course keep your eyes peeled for the Green Tea Sakura Strawberry Cake and the Soy Milk Panna Cotta with Sakura Jelly. Sneak in some poolside lounging or world-class shopping, before your flight —it’s all just a jump away in Ritz-y Elements and the nearby Airport Express Station.

The Sakura Afternoon Tea Set is available daily from 3:30pm – 4:30pm and costs HKD $378 for one or HKD $638 for two on weekdays, and HKD $398 for one or HKD $658 for two on weekends and public holidays.

Find it at Level 103, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Rd. W., Kowloon
Book a table at Café 103 and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Le Pan

Kowloon Bay? I know. This Kowloon hotspot is a bit far away, but completely worth it to get up close and personal with French cuisine. Spacious, all white interiors, four large private rooms with patios, and an elegant Chef’s Table within the kitchen. Intimidated? Don’t be. Headed by Singaporean chef Edward Voon (yes, that Edward Voon—the Rising Chef of the Year!), this culinary hotspot serves sizzling signatures such as sumptuous Shrimp Crisps, and whimsical amuse-guele! Seafood is a sure specialty here—don’t miss out on the duo of Hokkaido Scallop and the Squid Tortellini. We can’t think of a better place to dive into the wondrous seafood than in Kowloon Bay!

Find it at G/F, Goldin Financial Global Centre, 17 Kai Cheung Rd., Kowloon Bay
Click here for more info on Le Pan

The Mirage’s Exquisite Provence-Inspired Dishes

Be whisked away to rural France with The Mirage’s Provence-inspired Champagne-Ardene set menu. Start the meal off with the classic and delectable Boudin Blanc—matching perfecto with the candied apple purée, heirloom carrots, and crushed ratte potatoes. Paired with The Mirage’s monthly specialties (think Pan-Roasted Duck Liver with a hint of Champagne Gel and Drunken Grapes, which balances the richness of the foie gras), it’s a sure winner worth washing down with a glass of Champagne Deutz s’il vous plaît.

The set menu is available from 1 – 31 May 2017 from 6:00pm to 10:30pm, and priced at HKD $448 per person.

Find it at 1/F, Renaissance Harbour View Hotel, 1 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai
Book a table at The Mirage and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Café Renaissance’s Champagne-Ardene Dinner Buffet

Oh là là. The hippest of Honker’s buffet galore, Café Renaissance’s Champagne-Ardene dinner buffet is a must-try in our book. We love the special showcase of French-inspired dishes such as the Pork Ham from Reims—a juicy marbled piece of meat that can be enjoyed alone as a quick snack or with a salad. Ease into your meal with the other specialty: The Patée. It’s a French stew of various succulent sausages and delish veggies. End on a sweet note by titillating and tantalizing your taste buds with a dénouement—Grapes Tart with Almond Cream. Light and refreshing, this dish is composed of grapes, apricot gel, pistachio, and almond cream enveloped over a crunchy tart. Creamy. Rich. Delicious.

Find it at Mezzanine Floor, 1 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai
Book a table at Café Renaissance and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Dynasty’s Champagne Pairing

What’s better than a sip of bubbly to elevate Cantonese dining to the next level at Dynasty? Discover the deliciously crafted 7-course menu paired with a bottle of N.V. Drappier Blanc de Blancs Signature Brut Champagne at Dynasty this spring. Savour Dynasty classics including Steamed Sliced Garoupa with Bean Curd in X.O. Chili Sauce or the delicious Baked Crab Shell Stuffed with Crab Meats and Onions. Our fan favourite, however, is Deep Fried Lobster Homemade Sauce and Deep Fried Bun—enveloped with sumptuous coconut milk, this jet-fresh dish matches perfectly with the lightly fried lobster. A true Cantonese delight!

Dynasty Champagne Pairing Duet available from now to 30 June 2017, priced at HKD $980 per person.

Find it at Renaissance Harbour View Hotel, 1 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai
Book a table at Dynasty and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Employees Only

Resto pop-ups are all the rage these days. Singapore’s über popular The Naked Finn is swimming its way to Hong Kong this Spring, so what’s next? Employees Only. But this New York speakeasy is jetting back to Hong Kong post pop-up. Headed by a group of industry friends including Dushan Zaric, Jason Kosmas, Bill Gilroy, and Igor Hadziasmajilovic, Employees Only is quite well-known in the Big Apple for cocktails—with a creative twist. Look for West Village sip easy libations (read: Floral Provencal, Hi-Octane Fix, and Grand Marnier and Bitters). Drink hard. Play hard.

Reportedly near Lan Kwai Fong
Click here for more info on Employees Only

Tags Buffet, Cafe, Cocktails, Coffee, Dessert, Dinner, Drinks, Good View, Guides, Japanese

Features Restaurants

Dining Personals: Cosy Seafood Joint The Boiler Seeks Hungry Diners to Enjoy Scrumptious Southern Meal

Post author By Chope
Post date May 9, 2017
No Comments on Dining Personals: Cosy Seafood Joint The Boiler Seeks Hungry Diners to Enjoy Scrumptious Southern Meal

I am: an adventurous seafood spot that will take you on a jaunt to the Deep South for that romantic jetsetting getaway you’ve always dreamed of—all without leaving our little island. Hope you like your restaurants with a spicy Louisiana twang!

You are: anyone from a fun-loving foodie or a picky eater, ‘cause I’m poised to become your new favourite date night spot!

About me:
Tucked away in an industrial estate away from the downtown crowds, I occupy a space that exudes contemporary class and convivial cheer at the same time. You won’t be disappointed by my bold divergence from traditional seafood boil through the fusion of local and Western flavours.

Our date:
We can start getting to know each other over a luxuriant appetiser of Fried Oysters for just $10.90. These crispy bad boys have just the right crunch to break the ice. There’s also the classic Louisiana Crab Cakes ($17.90) or the Crispy Fish Skins with Salted Egg Yolk ($9.90). I highly recommend the latter if you’re craving more of a local twist.

With countless options to spoil you, I promise the outing will be a finger-licking, hearty affair. And no one will be judging if you get ‘down and dirty’ on the first date…with the Bombdiggity Bag, my pièce de résistance. It’s chock full of delectable crustaceans like Dungeness crab, prawns, mussels, clams, corn, and chorizos, all for just $145 for 4 pax. (Celebrate your birthday here by ordering this sharing dish, and I’ll make it an extra special day by throwing in a whole Live Lobster to sweeten the deal!)

With my varied menu options you can choose your own adventure. Pick from a selection of fine, fresh seafood cooked to order, then spice it up with sauces galore: The Works, Garlic Butter, and Peppa’ Butter sauce, customised to your taste. I like to keep things interesting with sauce of the month flavours, like Sambal, Hei Bee Hiam, Tamarind, and Tom Yum, for an explosive combination of exotic flair and local comforts.

I also cater to the classics with dishes like crisp Fish and Chips ($12.90) with tangy tartar sauce and the barest squeeze of lemon. And let’s not forget the star of the show: live whole Boston lobsters for just $55! To round it all off, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a multitude of desserts like Mao Shan Wang Durian Jar cake or Molten Lava Chocolate cake.

And what would a date be without some liberal libations? Find your new favourite tipple in the Beerjito, my refreshing signature cocktail, or an extensive range of craft beers. Looking for something a little more indulgent? Well, you’re in luck. Class it up with a bottle of wine or some fine whisky pairings, from my sister company The Fortress located just next door. Plus, corkage is waived for purchases from The Fortress.

Wine aficionados will swoon at the impressive array of bottles displayed on sleek industrial-style furnishings, for a stripped-back yet sophisticated vibe. Decked out with wooden tables and comfy matching chairs, it’s the perfect ambience for a cosy nightcap. An expansive space, plush leather couches, and candles before you on the coffee table—what more could you ask for?

Picture this: seafood bags brimming with saucy, intensely-flavoured crustaceans, followed by a refreshing tipple in hand, and some quality company. Now that’s an offer you can’t resist.

Book now, ‘cause I feel like we’ll really hit it off!

Find The Boiler at 18 Howard Road #01-06, Novelty Bizcentre, 369585
Book a table at The Boiler and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Coffee, Dessert, Feature, Seafood, Sponsored

Destination Singapore

Five 2016 Dessert Trends and Where to Find Them

Post author By Chope
Post date October 15, 2016
No Comments on Five 2016 Dessert Trends and Where to Find Them

To dessert, or not to dessert…is that even a question? With the thriving sweets scene in Singapore, some remain eternally popular while others naturally fade into obscurity. We’ve put together a short list of desserts that are all the rage this year, and only time will tell if they’ll remain on people’s to-eat list.

1. Matcha-flavoured lava cake

Matcha has obviously been popular for a long time now (and for good reason), but more innovative uses of the flavour have surfaced recently. Matcha lava cake, while already beloved by many, is one that has been gaining increasing prominence; it has also been upgraded, adapted, and enhanced to epic proportions like in this dessert:

Where to find it: Ninja Cut

Introducing the one matcha dessert to rule them all. Newly opened restaurant Ninja Cut (same family as Ninja Bowl) is serving up this monster matcha “hot cake” that’s essentially a huge pancake-meets-matcha-lava-masterpiece. The Marvellous Matcha bakes for twenty minutes so the edges crisp perfectly, is topped with a dollop of ricotta, edible flowers, yuzu peel and azuki beans, and finally surrounded by a ring of shortbread crumble and homemade rice balls. The oozing matcha lava is irresistibly delicious and not overwhelmingly sweet, and paired perfectly with the smooth red bean and tangy ricotta.

Heaven is a place on earth, and can be found here with this cake.

Book a table at Ninja Cut.

2. Bingsu

This refreshing shaved ice dessert is the latest incarnation of Singaporeans’ love for all things Korean. Beat the heat with a generous bowl of icy goodness and swoon as each flavourful spoonful melts in your mouth. To sweeten the deal (heh), some of the more elaborate bingsus are spectacularly photogenic, so avid users of Snapchat and Instagram can snap away to their hearts’ content.

Where to find it: Chicken Up

We know, we know, Chicken Up doesn’t exactly give the impression of a place that sells great bingsu (its specialty is right there in the name) but save your judgement until you’ve taken a gander at this.

It might look just a little precariously balanced, but who cares? Feast your eyes on those fat little melon balls stacked up neatly to support that perfect scoop of ice cream. Admire their creativity in using a melon husk for a bowl, and the perfect complement it provides to the theme of the dessert. Here is an ice-cold dessert that’s as delightful on the eyes as it is on the palate.

Flavours We Recommend: Watermelon Bingsu, Melon Bingsu, Matcha Bingsu, Pat Bingsu

Book a table at Chicken Up.

If you would like to make a booking at other outlets, click here.

3. Over-the-top milkshakes

Milkshakes have been a part of the public consciousness for a long time now, but in recent years they’ve been eclipsed by a barrage of more elaborate confections. They’ve now made a comeback, in the form of prettier, bigger, more over-the-top versions of those of yesteryear that are much more dessert than beverage.

Where to find them: Benjamin Browns

One of the first places to offer and define these milkshakes in Singapore is Benjamin Browns. They offer a substantial range of flavours, from Coffee and Avocado (the avocado might just offset some of the guilt, with its healthy fats and all) to Nutella and Banana. Fans of the cookies will absolutely adore the Tim Tam-flavoured shake, with its copious amounts of Tim Tam, brownie, and, well, pretty much everything. Eat a light dinner, as these bad boys could practically be a meal.

Pretty generous, eh?

Book a table at Benjamin Browns.

Where else to find them: OverEasy (Liat Towers)

The Berry Bonanza Milkshake at OverEasy has generated lots of buzz, and for good reason. A drool-worthy mix of chocolate, berries and marshmallow, this decadent glass of perfection is sure to satisfy your milkshake craving.

Book a table at OverEasy (Liat Towers).

4. Salted Egg Yolk. . .

We’re sure you’ve heard about and even tried a wide variety of interesting creations involving salted egg, but this trend just keeps getting hotter and hotter and as long as sweet creations like the two below keep coming, we’re totally ok with that.

Where to find it: The East Bureau

This is actually part of a trio of towering cream puffs, the other two being whipped orh nee paste and black sesame soy milk bavarian respectively, all topped with a coconut caramel drizzle and desiccated coconut. Imagine the rich salty-sweetness of a salted egg yolk creme, with the roasted sweetness of coconut and caramel, in between bites of the other nutty flavors. Not too sweet and not too cloying, this is one dessert trend of 2016 that we hope never dies.

Click here for more info on The East Bureau.

Where else to find it: Three Cups Coffee Co.

This ‘Salted Egg Yolk Earl Grey Cake’ is a unique sweet with a subtle play of flavours that work devilishly well. Three Cups Coffee Co., tucked away on the 4th floor of One Raffles Place, serves up this beauty which pairs well with a hazelnut mocha. The amount of salted egg-ness in the icing is just right: not too overpowering but definitely still present. Sweet and a tiny bit savoury, expect a really fluffy and pleasant earl grey cake perfect for an afternoon break with a good book.

Click here for more info on Three Cups Coffee Co.

5. Unusual waffles

It has become increasingly common to see restaurants put their own creative spin on old favourites. Relatively obscure flavours are now enjoying a renaissance as consumers place increasing emphasis on uniqueness. Here are some of the funkier flavours and where you can find them:

ButterScotch Café: Ondeh Ondeh Waffles

An indulgence for even those with the sweetest teeth, this cosy cafe’s dessert is made of pandan waffles topped with gula melaka sauce and coconut flakes. The mild fragrance of the pandan provides complexity and depth to the sweetness of the gula melaka, while the coconut flakes add a nice texture to each bite. The final product is one which is ideal for those who find the usual waffle toppings a little pedestrian. So, go ahead, explore the possibilities! Life’s too short to stick to convention anyway.

Click here for more info on Butterscotch Cafe.

Montana Singapore: Black Velvet Waffles

Photo Credit: Vanessa Kou on Burpple

From its name you would think that this is an ultra-chocolatey waffle huh?

Nope. Get that Asian palate ready, because the “black” in this “black velvet” beauty is actually black sesame! You get to choose your waffle texture (crispy or fluffy), then add a scoop or either black sesame or green tea ice cream to top. We say go for the green tea, it’s a smooth compliment to the sesame. Crisp, sweet, and a tad bit salty due to the black miso caramel sauce drizzled on top, this is a wholeheartedly different waffle experience that’s worth the hype. Located within a two-level, multi-dining concept area in the “mallternative” space of Selegie PoMo, this trendy café (previously Montana Brew Bar) offers up several other unusual waffles on the menu that we will be back to try.

Book a table at Montana Singapore

Tags Dessert, Guides, Healthy, Singapore