Tag: Singapore

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Links We Love Singapore

Weekend Reads: 9 – 11 March

Happy International Women’s Day! This week, Chope celebrates the awesome women gracing Singapore’s F&B industry. We’re also dishing out amazing news for Coca-Cola fans, wine enthusiasts, and birthday cake lovers. Stay tuned for more deets!

Y’all, Japan’s F&B scene gets all the good (maybe) stuff. Next up: Coca-Cola plans to mix alcohol into their fizzy drink.

Speaking of Coca-Cola, the peach flavour is now in Singapore?! Hold our laptops. We’re on our way.

This smashing new birthday trend shows that age is truly just a number.

Wine connoisseurs will be thrilled to know that someone has finally found a way to make (almost) instant wine in a pot. Bottoms up!

With this cool meal prep tip, you’ll never eat cheap, unhealthy takeaway again.

Jimmy Kimmel’s an amazing host – he’s funny, witty, and packs great snack boxes too!

Did you know green gummy bears are actually strawberry-flavoured? And other ‘omgwhat’ facts about food.

We’ve looked at women chefs in Singapore who have us in awe, now 15 chefs from around the world talk about the women and food that inspire them.

And in case you’re wondering what’s all this about Singapore’s feud with an Australian food writer – here you go. #fooddrama

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Go ooh-lala at the fanciest McDonald’s in the world. They even sell lobster rolls!

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Categories
Lifestyle Singapore Singapore

7 Instagrammable Cafes To Glam Up Your Feed!

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

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Brunches Cafe

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

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

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

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Boufe Boutique Cafe

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

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

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Common Man Stan

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

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

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Hatched

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

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

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Lickety

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

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

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Cr: sgcafehopping.com

Wakey Wakey

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

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


Cr: Moodforfoodsg.com
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Cr: danielfooddiary.com

Mellower Coffee (Bugis)

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

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

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

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Categories
Others Singapore Singapore

7 Female Chefs in Singapore to celebrate this International Women’s Day

Despite the plethora of restaurants and dining options that we have in Singapore, only a handful are led or helmed by female chefs or founders – and that’s pretty appalling. Today is International Women’s Day, and with this year’s theme being #pressforprogress, we’re highlighting some of the women in our local F&B industry who continue to inspire us everyday.

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Petrina Loh
Chef-Founder, Morsels

Leaving behind her private banking job of 8 years, Chef Petrina took the road less travelled and decided to pursue her passion for food and wine. After undergoing the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu programme at the California Culinary Academy and working at Michelin-starred restaurants such as Spruce and Atelier Crenn, she opened Morsels in 2013 on Little India’s Mayo Street. Now shifted to Dempsey Hill, Morsels successfully bagged the 2017 World Gourmet Summit’s Awards of Excellence – Restaurant of the Year, as well as Chef’s Choice (Western) for Chef Petrina.

Find it at 25 Dempsey Road, #01-04, 249670
Book a table at Morsels and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

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Samia Ahad
Chef-Founder, Coriander Leaf

Trading in her business suits with chef’s whites back in 1991, Chef Samia is well-respected for being a pioneer in introducing new Asian cuisine to Singapore. Having trained and worked under Michelin-starred Chef Wayne Nish in New York, Chef Samia now brings her expertise to Coriander Leaf – a multi-concept restaurant that she opened in 2001. Apart from gifting good food to Singaporeans, she regularly conducts classes in her cooking studio, and also food-based team-building programmes. Talk about a love for food!

Find it at 30 Victoria Street, #02-01 CHIJMES, 187996
Book a table at Coriander Leaf and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

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Vivian Wee
Chef-Founder, Comida Mexicana

Chef Vivian of Comida Mexicana didn’t go through the typical route chefs usually take. Instead, she learnt how to cook and prepare dishes on her own in 2000 by observing others. “I realised I was a good copycat… I could replicate a dish after watching how it is done just once,” she told The Straits Times last October. Now founder and director of Comida Mexicana, Chef Vivian even designs her own menus! Oh, and it’s her birthday today too, so Happy Birthday and Happy International Women’s Day to you, Chef Vivian!

Find it at 404 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428998
Book a table at Comida Mexicana by Margarita’s and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

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Janice Wong
Chef-Founder, 2am:dessertbar & JANICE WONG

At the age of only 35, Chef Janice’s unwavering love for the culinary arts has already bore fruits. As founder and head Chef of the well-known 2am:dessertbar, she continues to push the boundaries by creating one-of-a-kind desserts that incorporate both sweet and savoury flavours. Having been named Asia’s Best Pastry Chef twice by San Pellegrino’s Asia’s 50 Best, she also recently launched her eponymous restaurant JANICE WONG at the National Museum.

Find 2am:dessertbar at 21A Lorong Liput, Holland Village, 277733
Find JANICE WONG at 93 Stamford Rd, 01-06, Singapore 178897

 

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Cr: Les Amis

Cheryl Koh
Pastry Chef, Tarte by Cheryl Koh

Singapore has not just one, but two women who were named Asia’s Best Pastry Chef! The latest addition is Cheryl Koh – who helms Tarte by Cheryl Koh, a spin-off from the Les Amis Group of Restaurants in Singapore. Having spent time overseas in places such as Dubai and Italy, Chef Cheryl’s fastidious approach towards pastry making ensures that every item that comes out of her kitchen is of the highest quality – both in terms of taste and aesthetic.

Find it at 1 Scotts Rd #02-12 Shaw Centre Singapore, 228208
Book a table at Tarte by Cheryl Koh and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Lyn Lee
Founder, Awfully Chocolate and Ninethirty 

Having spent two years being a lawyer, Lyn Lee wasn’t satisfied with the dessert selections available in Singapore and decided to craft her own, along with a group of friends. In an interview with the BBC back in 2010, Lyn recounts how she was once called “naive” by “someone who told her that business is about expansion and selling products that sell, not just what you like.” Despite that, her persistence and passion for the craft made what started out as a humble store selling only one kind of chocolate cake become an international brand, with operations in countries like China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Find Ninethirty at 31 East Coast Rd, 428816
Book a table at Ninethirty and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

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Anna Borrasi
Group Executive Chef, Sicilia Mia Group 

An expert in dishing up authentic Italian Cuisine, Chef Anna has over 30 years of culinary experience in Europe – during which she successfully opened 8 restaurants, all on her own! Now based in sunny Singapore, Chef Anna continues to utilise her creativity and knowledge to manage two restaurants – Etna Italian Restaurant and iO Italian Osteria.

Find Etna Italian Restaurant at 49/50 Duxton Road, 089513
Find iO Italian Osteria at 4 Hillview Rise, 02-01, HillV2, 667979

Categories
Lifestyle Singapore

Ladies’ Night: Party it Up at These Restaurants!

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

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Senor Taco

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

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

 

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Cr: The Exchange

The Exchange

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

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

 

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District 10 @ Clarke Quay

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

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

 

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Cafe Melba @ Mediapolis

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

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

 

Cr: VLV

VLV

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

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

 

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Privé Clarke Quay

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

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

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Categories
Deals & Specials Singapore

Here’s your golden ticket to snag all the best buffet deals in town!

Shhh. Listen closely. We’re going to let you in on this once-in-a-lifetime chance to score massive discounts at some of Singapore’s best buffet spots. Chope’s unbeatable Buffet-licious Deals brings you the best voucher offers in town, from 1-for-1 specials to discounts off your bill!

With top names such as Sky22, Edge, Triple Three Restaurant, Crystal Jade Kitchen, Hai Tien Lo, Shin Minori, Ash & Elm, and more, there’s enough to have you indulging in a different buffet once, or even twice, a week.

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What’s more, shop and dine with your Visa card to get an extra $10 off! All you need to do is purchase vouchers from any of the participating restaurants by keying in the promo code “VISABUFFET” (e.g. 123456VISABUFFET) and pay with your Visa card to score this exclusive – it’s that easy!

 

Oceania Seafood Buffet Sunday Brunch
Four Points Eatery
1-for-1 buffet complimentary glass of Tall Tale Pale Ale;
Prices start from $49.80++ for 2 adults

Known for their Oceania Seafood Buffet that offers a medley of the ocean’s freshest bounties, Four Points Eatery is no stranger to the buffet scene in Singapore. Tuck into a 1-for-1 buffet and you’ll see what we mean. Plus, each diner will receive a complimentary Tall Tale Pale Ale, an exclusive craft beer from Four Points Singapore’s lobby bar The Best Brew. Good food over a good brew? Count us in!

Find it at 382 Havelock Road, Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Singapore 169629
Buy now >
Book a table at Four Points Eatery and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

 

Triple Three Dessert Counter
Triple Three Restaurant
1-for-1 lunch, 2nd diner 50% dinner;
Prices start from $78++ for 2 adults

Any well-seasoned buffet-fan knows that this award-winning Japanese-inspired buffet in Mandarin Orchard is not one to be missed, especially when a 1-for-1 offer like this comes along! Don’t miss their Boston Baby Lobsters, Alaskan Snow Crab Legs, and Kagoshima Wagyu – trust us on this one.

Find it at 333 Orchard Road Level 5, Mandarin Orchard Hotel Singapore, Singapore 238867
Buy now >
Book a table at Triple Three Restaurant and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

 

Selection of Fresh Seafood
Seasonal Tastes
1-for-1 dinner buffet
Prices start from $88++ for 2 adults

Dine like a baller with a range of global delights, all while soaking in a breathtaking view of Singapore’s skyline at this spacious and classy buffet hot spot. Take to a selection with a luscious spread of the freshest seafood, crustaceans, and salmon sashimi, “live” carving station with a hearty selection of roasts and prime cuts or allow our chef to serve up a selection of pasta with homemade sauces and ingredients. It’s about time to treat yourself.

Find it at 12 Marina View, Level 32, Asia Square Tower 2, The Westin Singapore, Singapore 018961
Buy now >
Book a table at Seasonal Tastes and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

 

Salted Egg Soup Base
Talay Kata
1-for-1 buffet lunch, 30% off buffet dinner
Prices start from $19.80++ for 2 adults

Taking pride in serving the most authentic Thai flavours with the freshest ingredients, it about high time to give Talay Kata a visit if you haven’t already. Grab your friends and pop by for lunch to score their 1-for-1 offer, or shave 30% off your bill during dinner. We promise that it’s all worth your while.

Find it at 181 Orchard Road, #08-04/05, Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
Buy now >
Book a table at Talay Kata and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

 

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Shin Minori (Katong Square)
1-for-1 lunch
Prices start from $41.90++ for 2 adults

Drop by this popular Japanese spot for value sushi, sashimi, and other delights. From temaki to teppanyaki, you can just about find anything that tickles your fancy here. With their 1-for-1 lunch offer, you’d be hard-pressed to give this chance a miss!

Find it at 88 East Coast Road, #02-08, Katong Square, Singapore 423371
Buy now >
Book a table at Shin Minori and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

 

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Rumah Rasa
Up to 40% off
Prices start at $27 nett per pax

This Halal-certified Indonesian restaurant is one to keep an eye on. With the increased importance of sustainable dining, The Bay Hotel farms its own spices to be used in dishes, so you know you’re getting the best of the best. Delight in crowd-favourites such as Sate Lilit, Ayam Panggang Berkakak Rumah Rasa, Ikan Kakap Bakar Gurame Cianjor, and more – just thinking about it makes our mouths water!

Find it at 50 Telok Blangah Road, Bay Hotel Singapore, Singapore 098828
Buy now >
Book a table at Rumah Rasa and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

 

Kurobuta Pork Chop
Beach Road Kitchen
25% off Sunday Brunch
Prices start from $81++ per pax

It’s time to give yourself the ultimate pampering on Sundays at Beach Road Kitchen, the beautiful buffet hot spot located in the lavish JW Marriott Singapore South Beach. Score 25% off their Sunday Brunches that see a tantalising array of feature stations such as a seafood room, vertical salad bar, pizza oven, and dessert showcase – this is something you just can’t miss!

Find it at 30 Beach Road, JW Marriott Singapore South Beach, Singapore 189763
Buy now >
Book a table at Beach Road Kitchen and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

 

Small & Mains
Ash & Elm
20% off semi-buffet lunch (mon-sat), 20% off Sunday Champagne Brunch
Prices start from $22.40++ per pax

Relish in true European experience when you dine at this swanky yet laid-back establishment. Expect classic and reinvented dishes prepared on the spot at the culinary theatres. Whether you’re a crazy carnivore, a passionate pescetarian, or just looking for some variety, look no further than Ash & Elm! Enjoy their semi-buffet lunch from Mondays to Saturdays or delight in their Sunday Champagne Brunch, both at 20% off.

Find it at 80 Middle Road, Level 1, InterContinental Singapore, Singapore 188966
Buy now >
Book a table at Ash & Elm and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

 

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Oscar’s
20% off buffet
Prices start at $47.20 per pax

Give your buffet experience a luxurious upgrade at Oscar’s, an international dining mecca at the Conrad Centennial Hotel. As one of the stalwarts in the hotel buffet scene in Singapore, this hot spot’s long been known for the quality of their food. Serving both international and local cuisine in a cheery, casual dining room, one is spoilt for choice amidst the variety of gastronomic delights on offer.

Find it at 2 Temasek Boulevard, Conrad Centennial Hotel, Singapore 038982
Buy now >
Book a table at Oscar’s and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

 

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Categories
Lifestyle Singapore

Dining with Children: Family-Friendly Restaurants

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

 

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Open Farm Community

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

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

 

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Hard Rock Cafe

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

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

 

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National Kitchen by Violet Oon

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

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

 

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La Barca Ristorante & Wine Bar

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

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

 

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Saint Pierre

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

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

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Citrus By The Pool

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

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

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Coastes

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

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

 

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Categories
Features Singapore

Oodles of Noodles: Best Noodle Shops in Singapore

Some call these carb-heavy dishes sinful, I say it’s a staple. You can’t eat clean with this (we haven’t found an ideal zucchini pasta yet), but it’s worth training dirty for these bad boys. As a dedication to National Noodle Month in March, here are some of our favourite noodle spots around the island.

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Cr: makansutra.com

J & J Special Beef Noodle

Towards the end of the food haven that is Old Airport Road Food Centre lies a stall brewing fragrant, thick, brothy bowls of goodness. The braised beef brisket noodle soup is a standout, with its warm, full-bodied, and blended with spices to give it a hearty flavour. Uncle William serves up good meat alongside kind smiles — it’s hard to ask for anything more. Unless you want wagyu noodles or rice, which he has on the menu, too.

Find it at Block 51 Old Airport Road Food Centre, #01-162
Click here for more information on J&J Special Beef Noodle.

 Morsels Firecracker Pulled Pork Pasta
Morsels

It’s always a treat to dine at Morsels, but one of the most memorable dishes we’ve had here is the “Firecracker” pulled pork pasta. The pork is marinated for 24 hours, then braised for another three, so you know it’s juicy and flavourful. The habanero pesto is nestled in the curves of the shell pasta, so with each bite, you’ll be grabbing your glass of water, and craving your next mouthful. Don’t worry if you can’t take the heat — each bowl comes with a dollop of sour cream to ease the burn.

Find it at 25 Dempsey Road, #01-04
Book a table at Morsels and get 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

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Cr: danielfooddiary.com

JB Ah Meng

This amazing zichar restaurant is always crowded, and once you have their “san lou bee hoon” (or ‘three-storey noodles’), you’ll know why. Every strand is coated with wok hei, and the charred bits are a great textural contrast to the more moist noodles inside. Fried with shrimp, egg and squid, it is an absolute must-order if you can brave the crowds.

Find it at 534 Geylang Road
Click here for more information on JB Ah Meng.

 

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Sumo Bar Happy

This hole-in-the-wall ramen bar was our most visited restaurant last year and we are ecstatic they are finally on Chope so we can continue our streak without the anxiety of not getting a seat. The beef ramen is great (as are the free flow onsen eggs), but my personal favourite is the sashimi mazemen. The fish is great (how can you complain when there’s otoro, ikura and akami among others?), but accompanied with the chilled yuzu noodles and ponzu sauce, and this dish is the most addictive, refreshing thing you can have on a hot day. Wash it down with one of the playful cocktails on offer.

Find it at 261 Waterloo Street, #01-24 Waterloo Centre
Book a table at Sumo Bar Happy and get 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

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Cr: pinkypiggu.com

Boon Tong Kee Kway Chap Braised Duck Roasted

Not to be confused with the chicken rice shop of the same name, this stall in Zion Road Food Centre serves braised, tender duck meat with two great chilis. But the kway chap is cooked to perfection, the Chinese equivalent of al dente, and the broth is a soothing herbal blend sure to complete the meal. Go early to avoid the queue.

Find it at 70 Zion Rd, #01-24
Click here for more information on Boon Tong Kee Kway Chap Braised Duck Roasted.

 

A Noodle Story

There’s always a long line here for these bowls of “Singapore-style ramen”, but it’s no surprise when the food deserves its two Michelin Bib Gourmand awards. Brave the wait, and you’ll be rewarded with melt-in-your-mouth char siew, an Instaworthy (and tasty) potato-wrapped prawn, a soy sauce-infused onsen egg and crispy Hong Kong-style wontons, served on top of a bed of springy noodles. There are only 200 bowls on offer for lunch though, so get there quick.

Find it at 7 Maxwell Road, #01-39
Click here for more information on A Noodle Story.

 

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Categories
Others Singapore

8 Mouthwatering Mookata Joints in Singapore

Siam Square

This house believes Singapore is a country of soup and barbecue lovers. Just look at the vast number of steamboat joints, Korean barbecue spots, and that old-school stalwart Seoul Garden. It’s no surprise then, that mookata, a Thai amalgamation of Korean barbecue and Chinese hotpot, has found tons of fans here.

Originating from Thailand, the term ‘mookata’ is actually ‘mu kratha’, with “mu” meaning pig or pork and “kratha” referring to a skillet or pan. The pan in question typically comes with a dome top surrounded by a trench for the soup. It all sounds pretty average until you see the cooking in action. Scores of meat and seafood plaster the top of that dome (stuck down by a generous layer of pork lard), bubbling and sizzling away as fat and umami goodness drip down into the moat to create some delicious, delicious soup.

Stomach rumbling and mouth watering yet? Perfect, then you’re ready to embrace these mookata must-tries. Be warned, though, fancy clothes not advised here because the smells will linger.

 

1_345 Secrets of Thai Taste
Cr: 1_345 Secrets

1_345 Secrets of Thai Taste

With their location in the spacious food court at The Elitist building coupled with their late opening hours, 1_345 Secrets ensures a table for those late-night owls. Their menus are pretty straightforward, no fancy twists here, but their classics, deep soup pit, and MSG-less stock are popular enough to warrant a new outlet at Seng Kang Square, cheekily named 12_45 Secrets of Thai Taste. Why the blank? Here’s a hint: future number of outlets.

Find it at 25 Bukit Batok Crescent, The Elitist, Singapore 658066
Click here for more information on 1_345 Secrets of Thai Taste.

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Mookata Traditional Thai BBQ

If you’re serious about chowing down in fine clothes, here’s a restaurant that’s decided to add a dedicated exhaust system to combat that smell problem. One of the pioneers of Mookata in Singapore, Mookata Traditional Thai BBQ now has 3 branches in Bugis, Katong, and Yishun to cater to their growing crowd of fans. They have a great selection of meats including streaky bacon and pork collar, 3 levels of spice, and change up their menus on occasion to keep diners coming back for more.

Book a table at these outlets and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

MookaliciousCr: SethLui.com

Mookalicious

Being one of the few mookata locations in Bukit Timah doesn’t mean that Mookalicious slacks on the competition! With MSG-free soup and one of the freshest prawns and fish slices in town, it’s no wonder that there’s always a crowd.

Find it at Chicken House, 17 Lorong Kilat, Singapore (598139)
Click here for more information on Mookalicious.

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Tom Yum Kungfu

We love that this mookata spot fire their pans with actual charcoal. Besides the clear and light broth which is better for those avoiding too much rich foods, their offerings also include uncommon protein options like venison and a homemade fish paste. Personally, we like to pair our bubbling soups with yummy Thai dishes off their a la carte menu.

Find it at 56 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore (555952) or 16 Circular Rd, Singapore (049372)
Click here for more information on Tom Yum Kungfu.

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Ladyboy Moo-ka-Cheese

We’ve had traditional mookata, we’ve had kungfu mookata, now here’s something a little (or a lot) cheesier. Besides your usual soup selections, Ladyboy Moo-ka-Cheese turns the typical mookata on its head by offering you a choice of decadent cheese dips with names as cheeky as the restaurant moniker. Try Ladyboy Cheese and Golden Salted Egg Cheese for starters, but if you’re looking to sample every type they have, prepare to stay past midnight for sure.

Find it at 644 Geylang Lorong 40, Singapore (389574)
Book a table at Ladyboy Moo-ka-cheese and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

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Siam Square Mookata

Here’s another old hand at this hotpot delicacy, Siam Square Mookata. This chain restaurant has grown greatly since the first outlet at Siam Square and bears the coveted title as one of the largest, if not the largest, mookata chains in Singapore, with a whopping 9 outlets in total. In keeping with its tradition, it has maintained a no-frills style and continues to wow fans with a secret chilli sauce recipe (practically magic words to a Singaporean).

Book a table at these outlets and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

 

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Huay Kwang Thai Mookata

Sure, service here isn’t Michelin-level but with an affordable buffet that leaves your wallet feeling comfortable, does it really matter? With fresh seafood and a good selection of meats, Huay Kwang Thai is popular and gaining fans every day. Open until 2am, this place is perfect for supper seekers.

Find it at 244R Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574369
Click here for more information on Huay Kwang Thai.

Happy MookataCr: Happy Mookata

Happy Mookata

Golden Mile Tower is a haven of Thai delights and mookata is no exception. For your standard, no-frills mookata buffet paired with some of the most affordable prices in Singapore, Happy Mookata is great. Drinks are not included in the buffet, but they’re not expensive either, plus the Thai Milk Tea here is of the less sweet variety, perfect for avoiding an early death. The seafood is frozen, so depending on your luck you could get fresh ones or not so fresh ones, but the meats are usually dependable.

Find it at Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Road #01-55D, Singapore 199589
Click here for more information on Happy Mookata.

 

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Categories
Lifestyle Singapore

5 interesting facts you should know about Chinese New Year

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

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

 

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Cr: voanews.com

The longest-lasting fireworks display in the world

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

 

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Cr: CityWeekend.com

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

… well, sort of.

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

 

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Cr: Asian Fusion Mag

Enjoying Lion & Dragon Dances

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

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

 

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Cr: CityWeekend.com

Adhering to Chinese New Year superstitions

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

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

 

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Cr: Flickr @ Choo Yut Shing

Eating foods that are considered lucky

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

 

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Cr: CityWeekend.com

Giving and receiving red packets or ‘angpao’

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

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

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

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Categories
Lifestyle Others Singapore

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

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

 

shutterstock_538273909Bai Nian At Friends’ Places

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

Lion-DanceCr: little day out

Watch Lion Dance Performances

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

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

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Chinatown Light Up

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

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

 

Betel Leaf WrapUnique Reunion Dinners

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

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

 

imageChingay Parade

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

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

 

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Categories
Links We Love Singapore

Weekend Reads: 9 – 11 Feb

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Crochet food, lobster emojis and a secret mocktail bar to check out for Valentine’s day!  

Y’all, food art is really a Thing lately. Have a crocheted feast! 

These cheese-wrapped chicken creations are only a causeway away!

This rooftop bar is so hidden, you have to ask staff where the secret entrance is.

We’ll finally be getting a lobster emoji later this year.

If you’re bored of white bread, you need these bread hacks in your life.

This week in WTF: Cappucino served in a carrot stick. A carrot-cino.

In other news, the Chope team put Chrissy Teigen and Martha Stewart’s Banana Bread recipes to the test to see which one reigns supreme.

From powdered orange juice to liquid salt, are some of the wacky foods astronauts eat in outer space.  

No idea what to do for Valentine’s day? This gorgeous cake will wow your date and psst…it’s not hard to make.

Don’t forget to check out GlowBeat this weekend – they’ve got live music, great food and a huge illuminated ball pit for the young at heart!

 

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Categories
Lifestyle Singapore

Everything you wanted to know about Lo Hei

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

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