Tag: Pocket-friendly

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 Chope
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!

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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 Chope
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 Chope
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 Chope
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 Chope
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 Chope
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 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 Events Singapore

The 8 Best Bang-For-Your-Buck Festive Menus in Singapore

Post author By Chope
Post date December 1, 2016
No Comments on The 8 Best Bang-For-Your-Buck Festive Menus in Singapore

With the holidays upon us three things are certain: good food, good mood, and good music. Notice how we didn’t say ‘lots-of-holiday-spending’ there? We’ve put together a list of casual-to-fine-dining options that will let you stretch your dollars this holiday season, no matter what kind of feast you choose to indulge in. Without further ado, here are 8 of the best bang-for-your-buck festive menus for the 2016 holiday season in Singapore.

The Carvery

Prepare your stomach for some substantial festive lunch and dinner feasts at The Carvery, Singapore’s first dedicated carvery restaurant at Park Hotel Alexandra. Expect a lavish spread of succulent holiday goodness with highlights like Crown Roast of Pork, Roast Turkey, and Black Forest Trifle. The best part? The lunch buffet starts at $45++, and dinner buffet just $58++. They’ve also got great value options for Christmas Eve and the big day itself (which will both feature live caroling), but if you’d prefer to celebrate a bit earlier we highly recommend a mid-month festive December meal here.

Details & Pricing – See Menu Here
12 – 30 December, excluding 24, 25, 31 Dec
Lunch: $45++ (Mon-Fri) or $48++ (Sat-Sun)
Dinner $58++(Sun-Thur) or $68++ (Fri-Sat)

Book a table at The Carvery.

1933 by Toast Box

1933 is a great option for those dining with relatives who crave some local choices alongside their Christmas pudding. For the first half of December 1933 is offering up a 3-course festive set (for just $19.33++) that features the soup of the day, a main (think Pan-seared Salmon, Hainan Chicken Rice, or Nanyang Curry Chicken), and a Gula Melaka Pandan Cake as a sweet ending. The second half of the month brings a Christmas-themed 4-course set featuring a ‘Broccoli Christmas Tree’ (you have to see it to believe it) in addition to their famous Secret Pumpkin Soup, Pan-seared Chicken Thigh, and Rice Pudding with Vanilla Sauce at $39++. Great news: all festive sets come with a free Christmas cookie, along with affordable drink top up options.

Details & Pricing – See Menu Here
Festive 3-course Set (1-16 Dec), $19.33++
Festive 4-course Set (17-31 Dec), $39++

Book a table at 1933 by Toast Box.

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[Closed] Oak Room Restaurant & Bar

For those who have yet to experience this cozy hidden gem nestled within Hotel Royal, we present to you the perfect introduction: a scrumptious four-course festive menu coming in at just $38++ for lunch or $65++ for dinner (the latter includes a glass of wine!). The midday meal features standouts like the savoury French Onion Soup to start, followed by a substantial Prime Roast USDA Ribeye with Mash & Mixed Greens. Dinner offers up a similar starter/app choice, but with a wider selection of holiday mains like the exquisite Spanish Iberico Pork Chop with Spiced Applesauce that we can’t stop raving about, and a sinful & sweet Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce.

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Gallery & Co.

For a more casual holiday affair that doesn’t sacrifice quality or taste, hip café-cum-all-day-dining joint Gallery & Co. will be serving up a drool-worthy festive ‘sharing feast’ all month-long. Feeding 3-4 pax, this bad boy features fusion festive delights like Assam & Honey Glazed Christmas Ham, Coconut & White Wine Seafood Curry, Coconut Panna Cotta w/ Pineapple, Papaya, & Lime, and more, all for just $75++. That’s EIGHT different dishes, split between you and a few friends, and you’ve got a tasty holiday dinner for less than thirty bucks.

Details & Pricing – See Menu Here
3-4 Pax Sharing Festive Feast (1-31 Dec), $75++
Individual 3-course Festive Meal (1-31 Dec), $45++

Book a table at Gallery & Co.

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Osteria Art

One of the finer dining options on our list, Osteria Art’s festive menus are a tad more high-end. But for this level of quality at a price range of $58-$88 for a holiday feast, we say it more than deserves its place on our list. The ongoing five-course Festive Season Menu ($88++ for dinner, $58++ for lunch) can be enjoyed all month and features the best of the Christmas & Christmas Eve sets, like the Foie Gras with Blueberries and Pumpkin, Roast Turkey with Chestnut and Orange Sauce, Black Cod with Brussel Sprouts and Mulled Wine Sauce (sign us up), and Chocolate & Cherry Log Cake. Christmas Eve & Day bring slightly different menus so be sure to check which you prefer before you book your table!

Details & Pricing – See Menu Here
Festive Season Menu (1-31 Dec), $88++ Dinner, $58++ Lunch
Christmas Eve Dinner (24 Dec), $98++
Christmas Day Lunch (25 Dec), $58++
Christmas Day Dinner (25 Dec), $88++

Book a table at Osteria Art.

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il Cielo

il Cielo is also a bit more high-end, but the icing on this yule log is that for their Festive Dinner Menu parties of 6 diners or above get free flow wines for two hours. So if you consider that $85++ unlocks a gorgeous evening of panoramic Orchard views, a 4-course extravaganza with dishes like Homemade Roasted Beef Ravioli, Marinated Salmon with Pumpkin Puree, and White Chocolate Yule Log, in addition to unlimited wine … well then that may just be the best $85 we spend this season.

Details & Pricing – See Menu Here
4-Course Festive Dinner Menu (1-30 Dec, not applicable on 24 Dec), $85++

Book a table at il Cielo.

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The Square Restaurant

We’re almost overwhelmed by how many fantastic options The Square Restaurant is serving up this season. While the month-long daily lunch and dinner buffets are a fantastic value, ($38++ to just $62++ for an unlimited feast of both Western and Asian delights), the true stars are the buffet spread sets for Christmas Eve, New Year’s Dinner, and Christmas Day Brunch. All three are priced at $78++, with an even wider selection of festive nosh featuring standouts like Oven Baked Pumpkin, Baby Lobster & Fresh Oysters on ice, FIVE different live carving stations (Baked Gammon Ham with Clove & Apple Compote…oh my!), and a dessert spread that takes more than half a page to list out. Oh, and did we mention it includes free-flow wine/beer? Now that sounds like some serious holiday cheer that we can get behind.

Details & Pricing
Festive Daily Dinner Menu (Mon-Fri, 1-30 Dec, excludes 24 Dec), $62++
Festive Weekday Lunch (Mon-Fri, 1-30 Dec), $38++
24 & 31 Dec Dinner and 25 Dec Brunch, $78++ (inclusive of free-flow beer/wine & soft drinks)

Book a table at The Square Restaurant.

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The White Rabbit

The White Rabbit is offering up a way to get fancy this holiday season without spending serious dough. The pristine 1930s chapel setting provides a serene atmosphere conducive to warm festive gatherings, so you’re sure to experience that ‘Christmas feel’ when chowing down on their 3-course Festive Lunch Menu ($46++). Head Chef Benjamin Tan has whipped up a selection of holiday-inspired meats and dishes, like the succulent Quail with Braised Chestnuts, and Challans Duck Breast with Lavender Honey Glaze. Expect elegant presentation, fresh ingredients, and attentive service for a stress-free holiday meal more than worthy of a few Insta photos.

Details & Pricing – See Menu Here
3-course Festive Lunch (Tue-Fri, 29 Nov – 30 Dec), $46++

Book a table at The White Rabbit.

Tags Guides, Pocket-friendly, Save

Destination Singapore

9 Wallet-Friendly Deals & Set Meals Just in Time for the Holidays

Post author By Chope
Post date November 16, 2016
No Comments on 9 Wallet-Friendly Deals & Set Meals Just in Time for the Holidays

Who doesn’t love saving money? We’re certainly not going to turn down a great deal, especially if it means we can eat more. Here’s our quick and easy to guide to a few of our favourite affordable eats this season so you can still enjoy the pleasures of dining out without worrying about burning too much of a hole in your pocket – especially after those ravenous 11/11 expenditures. Hurry, cause most of these end by December!

Timbre+
$1 food & drinks for ‘Good Eats Promotion’ until 30 Nov

For just the rest of November the hipster hawker center at one-north Timbre+ is offering over 200 food and drink items for just $1 each. Nope, that’s not a typo. Sounds too good to be true, right? The only hitch is that you need to pay with a UOB card using one of three mobile payment options – Apple Pay, UOB Mighty Pay, or Android Pay. A selection of craft beers from the Timbre+ Bottle Shop, select MAIN COURSES and alcoholic beverages from 14 pretty awesome restaurants, all at just $1 each…quick, let me round up all my UOB card-holding friends! It’s a ‘while stocks last’ kind of deal with limited supplies, and it starts from 6pm daily running until November 30th. Pro tip: try the Barramundi Fish and Chips from Dancing Crab Shack (usually $15) with a bottle of Vedett Extra White (usually $10) and it will be the best $2 you ever spent.

Click here for more info.

Privé CHIJMES
2-course set lunch for $25 nett ($15 nett with Visa card) until 30 Nov

Café-cum-all-day-dining-joint Privé is offering up a special weekday set lunch at their CHIJMES location for just $25 nett ($15 nett when you pay with a Visa card, now THAT’S a bargain). This two course indulgent holiday treat includes your choice of a Cajun Chicken Burger served with fries and mesclun, or a Pulled Pork Knuckle Panini with fries, a Sticky Date Toffee Pudding or Oreo Mudpie, plus your choice a coffee or tea. We could fantasize about the juicy cajun chicken topped with jalapeno cheese or the melt-in-your-mouth pork smothered in housemade BBQ sauce all day, but how about that oreo cookie, affogato swirl ice cream, cookie crumble, vanilla and chocolate sauce mudpie? Must. Have. Now. Considering the average entree at Prive is upwards of $20, this is a deal that’s hard to pass up.

Note: you must pre-purchase this menu on The Chope Shop, and it’s only valid until the 30th of November! See full menu and details here.

Ice Edge Cafe
1-for-1s on lunch menu, ongoing

We’re always on the lookout for a solid 1-for-1 deal, and Ice Edge Cafe already dishes out affordable grub so you know this is going to be a steal. From buffalo wings to creative seafood pastas, pizzas, and more, they’ve got anongoing 1-for-1 weekday lunch special from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm. It’s buy one get one on select starters and mains that are mostly all under $20 already, meaning you might have to break a $20 to pay for lunch for two. It also means you can use the money you’ve saved to indulge in one of their famous warm waffles, or our favourite buttery Maple Toast topped with a scoop of decadent chocolate gelato.

Click here for more info on Ice Edge Cafe.

Xiao Ya Tou
Set dinner menu for $49 nett ($39 nett with Visa card), until 30 Nov

For a slightly more refined dining experience, Xiao Ya Tou is offering up a Chope Diner’s Choice dinner menu that showcases the cuisine that everyone has been raving about. Choose two starters like the Grilled Eggplant with miso-cured egg, dried shrimp, and nam jim dressing, or the Spicy Baked Scallop with garlic, ginger, and salted soy bean. For your main you can indulge in a culinary home run like the Twice-Cooked Beef Short Ribs with roasted white sesame & scallion sauce and spicy kimchi cabbage-slaw (it’s on everyone’s Instagram, in case you haven’t noticed) or the Black Cod with ginger-soy and mirin dressing, crispy garlic, and goji berry. Top it off with a glass of merlot and that entire meal will only set you back $49 nett, or $39 nett when you pre-purchase with your Visa card. If you paid full price you’d be shelling out upwards of $70!

Mondays to Thursdays, 6pm to 9.30pm
Fridays – Saturdays, 6pm to 10.30pm

Note: you must pre-purchase this menu on The Chope Shop, andit’s only valid until the 30th of November – see full menu and details here!

Brewerkz
$15++ Set Lunch, $20++ with a Pint of Beer, ongoing

Microbrewery and American nosh fave Brewerkz has a well-known and ongoing lunch deal that we simply can’t get enough of. Their $15++ lunch set includes soup or salad, a main course (we recommend the Lunch Burger or Sausage Hash), a soft drink, and one scoop of homemade ice cream. Pay just five bucks more to add on your pint of choice if you’re feeling like your weekday grind needs some liquid encouragement, or you’re just starting your Saturday festivities early. Brewerkz makes all of our simple Western comfort-food dreams come true, and this lunch set seals the deal.

Riverside Point: Daily, 12-3 pm,
Indoor Stadium: Fri-Sun, 12-3 pm
Orchard Parade Hotel: Mon-Fri, 12-3 pm
Sentosa Boardwalk: Sat-Sun, 12-3 pm

Book a table at a Brewerkz location

Supply & Demand at Orchard Gateway

Set lunch menu at $25 nett ($15 nett with Visa card), until 30 Nov

Supply & Demand is the perfect place to experience the modern trattoria feel without dropping serious cash – this lunch comes with a petite salad of the day, petite antipasto of the day, cheese of the day, and handmade bread. You get to choose a main from their varied assortment of fresh pastas, pizzas, chicken, and seafood – seriously, check out the menu, it has every food craving you could possibly harbour. You also get a choice of drink (fruit juice or iced tea), as well as the chef’s pick of the day for dessert. A weekday set lunch is a steal for just $25 nett ($15 nett with your Visa card) at the chic and well-situated Orchard Gateway branch.

Note: you must pre-purchase this menu on The Chope Shop, and it’s only valid until the 30th of November! See full menu and details here.

Tao Seafood Asia
30% off a la carte menu, until 31 Dec

Introducing the best way to save some dough and experience fine Chinese dining this month: Tao Seafood is offering up a whopping 30% off their a la carte food menu for dinner on weekdays and all day on weekends & public holidays until December 31st. Choose from classics like Stir-fried Prawns, Specialty Pot Roasted Fishes, and Chinese favorites that you can expect to taste like near perfection, made even sweeter by all the cash you’re saving. Marina Bay area joints don’t give out deals much better than this!

Book a table at Tao Seafood Asia.

Full of Luck Club
Bao Lunch Set from $11.80++, ongoing

This quirky Holland Village mod-Chinese joint makes a mean bao – but actually just about everything on their menu is ridiculously good. Our minds are stuck on the buns though, ‘cause Full of Luck Club’s ongoing set lunch offers your choice of 2 baos plus a homemade iced tea or coffee (+$1.50 for coffee) at just $11.80++. Can’t choose between the Kung Pao Fried Chicken Bao and the Salted Egg Yolk Prawn Bao? Go with friends to mix and match and try more of the five choices. Not a bao fan? Opt for the Claypot Rice Set Lunch – which also includes a drink – and choose from standards like the Braised Beancurd or Truffle Pepper Beef (+$2); you’ll be rewarded with an incredibly scrumptious meal for a mere $15.00++.

Available Monday-Friday excluding public holidays from 11am-3pm.

Book a table at Full of Luck Club.

Wheeler’s Yard
6-course tasting menu for $25 nett ($15 nett with Visa card), until 30 Nov

The trendy cafe meets bicycle atelier meets hip dining destination does more than just pair bikes and coffee, and its super affordable 6-course tasting menu is a great way to become acquainted with the cuisine. Dishes like Sakura Ebi cold tofu, Deep Fried Crab Cakes, and the most succulent 60°C Chicken Breast all serve as perfect examples of simple fusion food done right. End with the ‘Summer Delight’ dessert: a mix of homemade coconut panna cotta (YUM), butter crumbs, milk foam, mango, and passionfruit coulis, and you’ll have a hard time thinking of a better way to spend $15 bucks.

Note: you must pre-purchase this menu on The Chope Shop, and it’s only valid until the 30th of November! See full menu and details here.

Tags Coffee, Guides, Pocket-friendly, Singapore

Destination Others Singapore

Fresh Eats: 8 New Restaurants in Singapore You Need to Try this November

Post author By Chope
Post date November 3, 2016
No Comments on Fresh Eats: 8 New Restaurants in Singapore You Need to Try this November

From fusion bites to Michelin-starred ramen, tapas to Thai beef noodles and a whole lot more, here are 8 spots that either just opened or are opening soon guaranteed to transport your tummy to a happy place.

Ninja Cut

This new concept by Ninja Bowl recently opened its doors, but don’t mistake the ‘younger sibling’ as being any less awesome. Here you can find a new menu with several slightly more indulgent versions of Ninja Bowl options. Some of our personal favourites are the showstopping Truffle Polenta Mash ($18), a refreshing salmon & avocado based ‘Wakiki Surf’ bowl (pictured above, $16), and the Marvellous Matcha hotcake ($16). Savoury all-day brunch (24-hour braised Japanese curry beef cheek ON TOP of a grilled cheese sandwich?! Yes, please!), some healthier (but equally tasty) bowl options, and a surprisingly outstanding coffee and drink selection makes this an absolute must-try.

Find it at 32 Seah Street
Book a table at Ninja Cut.

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Ash & Char

From the team behind Rise & Grind Coffee Co (the fab Bukit Timah brunch spot) comes Ash & Char: a laidback joint that delivers a more refined menu for lunch and dinner at Telok Ayer. Expect substantial mains in the form of pastas, burgers, and bowls, while still casual and under $20, along with all the coffee and dessert options you’d crave at a great café. One of the most popular dishes is the Tomyum Seafood Pasta ($17++), a staple at Rise & Grind that they were smart enough to bring over in all its original glory. Other standouts include the Truffled Bacon & Mushroom Carbonara ($15++) and Korean Chicken Burger ($15++).

Find Ash & Char at 21 McCallum St

Tsuta Ramen

The world’s first and only Michelin-starred ramen joint from Tokyo is FINALLY opening in Singapore on the 6th of November. We were lucky enough to score an exclusive pre-opening tasting with the staff, and let’s just say this ramen is the stuff of legends: Shoyu Soba with truffle sauce and the Ajitama Char Siu Shoyu Soba don’t just live up to the hype, they surpass all expectations of how truly outstanding ramen should taste. Also, you had best prepare yourself for the most perfectly cooked eggs you will ever sink your teeth (and chopsticks) into.

Find Tsuta Ramen at 9 Scotts Road in Pacific Plaza, #01-01 (just look for the sea of hungry people impatiently queuing)

FOC Sentosa

This is is the closest you’ll get to Barcelona without hopping on a plane. Think superb tapas backed by a seriously talented (and award-winning) kitchen combined with a top-notch bar menu, served at a ridiculously beautiful and relaxing beachside spot. FOC’s Hong Kong Street location is already well-known for its impeccable menu, and you can expect a similar focus on Mediterranean fare at Sentosa: heavy on grilled fish & meats, paellas, and of course tapas. Lounge in the hammocks or dine by the pool deck, just be sure to try the Beetroot Gazpacho w/ Olive Oil Ice Cream ($12++), and the Iberian Pork Paella ($18++), all with a refreshingly smooth Matcha Colada ($16++) in hand of course.

Find it at 110 Tanjong Beach Walk
Book a table at FOC Sentosa.

Kin Cow

Now is the perfect time to experience Kin Cow’s traditional kuay teow neua (Thai beef noodles) as the team has already worked out all the opening kinks. This Thailand export boasts 11 outlets back home, and the newly opened S’pore location delivers the quality and authenticity you’d expect from a family owned operation. Bowls range from the simpler Brisket ($10.90) to the fancier Wagyu ($22.90) with options in between, solid side dishes, and delectable Thai desserts like the creamy Coconut Ice Cream. The portions aren’t exactly gigantic, but you’ll get really high quality ingredients with this one, as well as a flavour experience that most cheaper options simply can’t match.

Find Kin Cow at 133 New Bridge Road in Chinatown Point, #02-34

Little Bastard

Hidden within the already quite hidden Refinery along King George’s Ave, Little Bastard bills itself as ‘not your average illegitimate child’, as it offers up a myriad of Asian explorations with a focus on Thai and Chinese influences. Expect modern fusion in the form of Cold Tom Yum Udon ($20++), Sichuan Beef Tartare w/ Century Egg ($20++), Sous Vide Lemon Barley Gin ($18++), and other impressively inspired concoctions. One of the more curiosity-piquing options recently opened, you’d be remiss not to give this one a taste.

Find Little Bastard at 115 King’s George Avenue – walk into The Refinery and tell the service staff that you are looking for Little Bastard.
Book a table at Little Bastard.

PIM PAM by FOC

The team at FOC have clearly been busy, with their new concept PIM PAM opening just days ago along Orchard Road near Tanglin. You can swing by from breakfast to tippling time, as this ‘gastro-bodega inspired by the Barcelona tapas and wine culture’ offers all-day dining options in addition to a retail corner where you can grab a variety of bites to go. Some of our favourite plates are the Spinach & Pine Nut Croquetas, PIM PAM Migas, and the Straciatella Salad.

Find it at 442 Orchard Road in Claymore Connect, #01-29
Book a table at PIM PAM by FOC.

Photo Credit: SG Magazine Online

Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant

Teppei Yamashita has had incredible success with his series of Japanese concepts, the most popular being Teppei Japanese Restaurant, where an Omakase dinner requires a reservation more than three months(!) in advance. Next up? Man Man Unagi, a grilled eel concept on Keong Saik. Just check out the reviews and it’s quite clear: insane kitchen expertise, huge queues, and lots of ‘the best eel I’ve had outside of Japan’ types of comments. The pricing is fantastic for the quality and portions, as you can expect to spend under $30 a person and leave with a belly full of eel that could not be fresher – it’s flown in from Aichi prefecture, plucked from a tank, then sliced and cooked in a glass front kitchen for patrons to watch live.

Find Man Man Unagi at 1 Keong Saik Road

Tags Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Brunch, Cheap, Cheap and Good, Fresh Eats, Fresh Eats: Singapore, Guides, Michelin, New Restaurants, Newly-opened, Pocket-friendly, Singapore

“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.”

[Closed] Oak Room Restaurant & Bar

Timbre+ $1 food & drinks for ‘Good Eats Promotion’ until 30 Nov

Privé CHIJMES 2-course set lunch for $25 nett ($15 nett with Visa card) until 30 Nov

Ice Edge Cafe 1-for-1s on lunch menu, ongoing

Xiao Ya Tou Set dinner menu for $49 nett ($39 nett with Visa card), until 30 Nov

Brewerkz $15++ Set Lunch, $20++ with a Pint of Beer, ongoing

Supply & Demand at Orchard Gateway

Set lunch menu at $25 nett ($15 nett with Visa card), until 30 Nov

Tao Seafood Asia 30% off a la carte menu, until 31 Dec

Full of Luck Club Bao Lunch Set from $11.80++, ongoing

Wheeler’s Yard 6-course tasting menu for $25 nett ($15 nett with Visa card), until 30 Nov

Timbre+
$1 food & drinks for ‘Good Eats Promotion’ until 30 Nov

Privé CHIJMES
2-course set lunch for $25 nett ($15 nett with Visa card) until 30 Nov

Ice Edge Cafe
1-for-1s on lunch menu, ongoing

Xiao Ya Tou
Set dinner menu for $49 nett ($39 nett with Visa card), until 30 Nov

Brewerkz
$15++ Set Lunch, $20++ with a Pint of Beer, ongoing

Tao Seafood Asia
30% off a la carte menu, until 31 Dec

Full of Luck Club
Bao Lunch Set from $11.80++, ongoing

Wheeler’s Yard
6-course tasting menu for $25 nett ($15 nett with Visa card), until 30 Nov