Tag: Singapore

Chope’s guide to Lo Hei

Yusheng is a staple of every Chinese New Year celebration, and they say the higher the toss, the more prosperous your coming year will be. Here are some places for you to get your lo hei fix – from fancy to fusion, you’ll be spoiled for choice!

cny1
Cr: Majestic Restaurant

Atlantic Salmon Yusheng

When someone says “good Chinese” this is what they mean. A former stalwart of the New Majestic Hotel, this spot has made a name for itself as being one of the best places for authentic and delicious Cantonese food. Helmed by the award-winning Chef Yong Bing Ngen, you can expect a treasure trove of dishes on the menu. Most notable is their Yusheng, which is made with premium Atlantic Salmon. You can’t go wrong with this dish.

Find it at 5 Straits View, #04-01, 018935
Book a table at Majestic Restaurant and get 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

Salmon Ceviche Yusheng

Xiao Ya Tou is a pioneer of innovative Asian nosh. Located in the heart of Singapore, this cheeky spot serves up some fantastic fusion food. This Chinese New Year, try your hand at a unique lo hei. Made with salmon ceviche, and mandarin orange as well your classic Yusheng ingredients, the refreshing flavour of lime juice in the ceviche cuts through the crunch of the vegetables, giving the dish a refreshing bite. This is your go-to dish if you’re tired of the same old.

Find it at 6 Duxton Hill #01-01 Singapore 089592
Book a table at Xiao Ya Tou and get 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

Cr: Shape

Dog Yusheng

You wouldn’t want to toss this adorable lo hei aside! (See what we did there?) Keeping with the canine theme for the Year of the Dog, Food Capital has created one of the cutest dishes we’ve ever seen. Featuring an adorable puppy made of radish, olives, and carrot strips, as well as chunks of smoked salmon rolled into pretty flower shapes, this version of the prosperity toss is both kid-friendly and Instagram-worthy.

Find it at 392 Havelock Road Singapore 169663
Book a table at Food Capital and get 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

Vegetarian Yusheng

If you’re vegetarian and have had to sit out previous lo heis because of your dietary needs, then fret no longer. Din Tai Fung has got you covered with their Prosperity Vegetarian Yusheng. Made with all the ingredients of a regular lo hei, sans meat, this is a treat both vegans and vegetarians can enjoy, and it’s healthy too. Add pine nuts and crispy yam strips for an extra crunch, and get tossing!

Find it at various locations.
Click here to find out more about Din Tai Fung.

Cr: six-and-seven

Black Caviar Yusheng

If you’re looking for a place to impress the in-laws, this is it. The Ritz-Carlton’s beloved restaurant has upped the ante by creating a lo hei with premium ingredients such as black caviar and abalone. The briny taste of the caviar gives the dish a sharp flavour. Toss your yusheng in the opulent setting of the Summer Pavilion. Together with their carefully curated festive menu, a dining experience here will be one you won’t soon forget!

Find it at 7 Raffles Ave, 039799
Click here for more information about Summer Pavilion.

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Cr: Seth Lui

Chocolate Yusheng

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll love this! Antoinette has created The Queen’s Yusheng – made with Chocolate Fish and Ingots, Mandarin Orange Butter Cake, and Gula Melaka, all housed within a Golden Chocolate Egg. Break open the egg and drizzle some of the homemade dressing over. Gather five of your sugar loving buddies and head over to Antoinette to try out this one of a kind treat – we promise you it’s worth the calories!

Find it at various locations.
Book a table at Antoinette and get 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

cny7
Cr: Bargain Queen

Lo hei with your hands

The Dancing Crab is known for their delicious Cajun cuisine, so it’s no surprise that their Chinese New Year menu is just as tasty! Crafted like a typical salad with plenty of greens, salmon, and carrot strips, the Yusheng also contains delicious Alaskan King Crab and is drizzled with tangy honey mustard. The highlight of this lo hei, though, is the fact that you get to toss the Yusheng with your hands rather than chopsticks!

Find it at various locations.
Book a table at Dancing Crab and get 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

cny8
Cr:SG-Asia City

Pulled Pork Yusheng

Who better to serve up a good roast than The Carvery? Making waves since their debut in Singapore in 2015, trust these folks to get your roast done right. If you can’t get enough of pulled pork, then this is the Yusheng for you. Crunchy walnuts, Granny Smith apple strips, and generous chunks of pulled pork, all slathered in White Balsamic Peach Dressing, and tossed with tortilla crackers, this Yusheng is the true definition of East meets West.

Find it at 323 Alexandra Road, Level 7, Singapore 159972
Book a table at The Carvery and get 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

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 these facts about lo hei!

Tags Cantonese, Chinese, Chinese New Year, Lo-Hei, Singapore, Yusheng

Interviews Singapore

In The Pantry: Chef Wells & Chef Joeri of Blackwattle

Post author By Michelle Tan
Post date February 6, 2018
No Comments on In The Pantry: Chef Wells & Chef Joeri of Blackwattle

Speaking with us from their handsome restaurant Blackwattle, Chef Wells and Chef Joeri open up about kitchen horror stories, what their last meals would be, and what it means to open up their very first restaurant in Singapore.

Chef Wells shuffles between Singapore and Australia while Chef Joeri you’re permanently stationed in Singapore. How would you say your chemistry with one another is like?
W: Well I wouldn’t be have Joeri down here working with me if our chemistry isn’t good! We worked closely together since September 2015 at Automata, and prior to that we worked together at Momofuku.
J: It’s come to a point where Clayton says “I need a thingy!” and I go “Here’s a spatula, chef!” (laughs) It all works.

What were your proudest moments as a chef?
J: I’d say opening Automata with Clayton was my moment and having Blackwattle – doing what we’ve always wanted to do and cooking what we want to eat, and being so well-received.
W: It is a really good feeling, doing something we love. People come to me and say “I can’t believe you opened a restaurant in another country!” and it never really hit me until I stop to think about it, and it’s like: “That’s pretty cool!”

If you could give a personality/personalities to the dishes served at Blackwattle, how would you describe them?
W: If there was someone with a split personality, that might be it! (laughs)
J: I would say like James Morrison.

If you could have a last meal, what would it be?
W: Good sushi -some really good sushi from Sushi Ya in Ginza, Tokyo.
J: Mine would be a good warm bowl of ramen; the one from Afuri in Tokyo – their Yuzu Ramen is the way to go. And a light last meal, too! (laughs)

What’s your favourite kitchen tool & why?
J: This may sound cheesy, but a good sharp knife makes a big difference.
W: A good blender. It’s the best tool, in my opinion. It’s just a necessity in the kitchen.

Chef Wells & Chef Joeri

The one ingredient you must have in your pantry is…?
J: It’s Tamari (editor’s note: naturally fermented soy sauce) for me.
W: Konbu. I have a thing for seaweed – everyone knows this. It’s even in my desserts!

What’s the one dish you crave for during days when you don’t feel like cooking?
J: Char kuey teow. I love char kuey teow.
W: I’m all for a good ol’ roasted chicken sandwich.

Any kitchen horror stories to share?
J: Ahh, yes – it’s all unicorns and rainbows in the kitchen. (laughs) There was once a chef who sliced his finger in half in a slicer, and he just taped it up and continued his duties. Never went to the hospital!
W: There was this guy in London who had burnt himself so badly, his skin just peeled off completely… are you sure you want to hear more? Kitchen horror stories are horrific.

What’s the best city or country for food?
J & W: We can both answer this: Tokyo, Japan. (laughs)

What’s the one restaurant you would go back to again and again?
J: If we’re talking about Singapore it would be at Burnt Ends; if comparing on a global scale, I’d say Septime in Paris, France.
W: Totally agree with Burnt Ends in Singapore (I was just there last night)! If worldwide, hands down I’d return to Ester Restaurant in Sydney. It’s really near Automata and every time I go there, I swear it just gets better, and better, and better.

How do you like your eggs cooked?
W: Scrambled, with curry powder.
J: (laughs) I knew you were going to say that! I like mine as an omelette.

What do you think the next food trend in Singapore would be?
J: I think everyone just tries to do their own thing. There are no ‘food trends’ per se.
W: I don’t think about food trends. Food trends have a shelf life, so we don’t follow them because much like all ‘trends’, it dies. If anything, I believe that things will go back to classic French cooking.

We were floored by how minimalistic yet flavourful the dishes at Blackwattle were: from decadent Grilled Black Angus Short Rib to an immaculate plate of Roasted Jerusalem Artichokes, be sure to check out what these lads whip up every week with their ever-evolving menu!

Find it at 97 Amoy Street, Singapore 069917
Book a table at Blackwattle and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Tags australian, chef joeri, chef wells, In The Pantry, New Restaurants, Singapore

Lifestyle Singapore

Happy Nutella Day! – An Ode to Nutella

Post author By Veena Vinod
Post date February 5, 2018
No Comments on Happy Nutella Day! – An Ode to Nutella

Listen up boys, girls, and everyone in between, I’ve come to spread the gospel of Nutella (pronounced noo-tella). The wholesome marriage between rich, velvety chocolate and creamy hazelnut can be perfectly described as sinful pleasure, and nobody does it better than Nutella. Creamy, luscious, and decadent – perhaps the most important components of great chocolate spreads – I’ve lathered it over anything for instant deliciousness.

This World Nutella Day, I’d like to spread the happiness by sharing creations too good to resist! (Disclaimer: Neither Chope nor I are sponsored by Nutella in any way.)

Cr: Popsugar

Krispy Kreme Donuts

This is a classic office snack, where the fastest fingers always win. Krispy Kreme has made a name for themselves as a producer of delicious donuts. Donuts on their own are already great, but donuts layered with a velvety chocolate spread? A whole ‘nother level of awesome. Pick up a dozen of these for your colleagues to be the new darling of the office, or take them home and enjoy them all by yourself. Hey, I’m not judging – I’ve done the same too.

Find it at 3 Temasek Boulevard #01-419/420, Singapore 038983
Click here for more information on Krispy Kreme.

Cr: Eatbook

Little Diner’s Nutella French Toast

If you turn your nose up at the thick, sweet slices of French toast people enjoy for brunch, here’s a concoction that might be a game-changer for you. Little Diner’s weekend brunch menu features the luxurious Nutella Stuffed Super Cereal-Crusted French Toast. Crunchy, thick, and served warm, we guarantee that this giant dish tastes just as good as it looks. Served with a side of caramelised bananas and drizzled with extra chocolate sauce, no self-professed Nutella lover can say no to this treat.

Find it at 789 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269763
Book a table at Little Diner and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Cr: Daniel Food Diary

Benjamin Brown’s Nutella Banana Milkshake

If diabetes was a drink, this would be it. Dripping with Nutella, brownies, and topped with pretzels, chocolate, and wafer sticks, decadent isn’t enough to describe this drink. The creamy milkshake reimagines Nutella in a whole new way. The addition of banana gives the drink a thick, fruity flavour – plus banana is a fruit, so that’s good, right? While I definitely wouldn’t recommend consuming this on the reg, World Nutella Day is an exception I’m happy to endorse.

Find it at 583 Orchard Road, #01-20/21, Singapore 238884
Book a table at Benjamin Brown’s and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

But why leave it to the professionals when you can recreate the happiness at home? Here are some simple recipes you need to make this World Nutella Day – some of them can be made with ingredients you already have in your pantry!

Cr: eatlivetravelwrite.com

Nutella Custard Pots

Nutella has a sticky texture that makes it ideal for scooping, but tends to harden when put in the fridge. This delicious dessert can be made with just eggs, whipping cream, and Nutella, and placed in the fridge – it’ll still be perfectly soft afterwards. Be warned – these desserts require overnight refrigeration, so you can’t enjoy them right away. Have some patience, and give these Custard Pots a try! Best served straight out of the fridge, this is a must-have in the warm weather here.

Cr: Rasa Malaysia

Nutella Cheesecake Bars

If you love Oreos and Nutella, then this is the recipe for you! Crumbled Oreos and butter form the base of this delicious bar, and a Nutella and cheesecake layer make up the top. These Cheesecake Bars will require a bit more time to prepare than the other recipes, but the end product is definitely worth it. Soft, chewy, and best served warm, these tasty treats are ideal for some tea time snacking or entertaining friends.

Cr: She Knows

Nutella Cookies

Three ingredients, and done in 10 minutes? Sold. This is one of the simplest recipes you’ll encounter, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious. Even if you’re not the best baker, the foolproof recipe guarantees a tempting snack that is quick to prepare and absolutely irresistible. These cookies may not be the prettiest, but as always, it’s what’s on the inside that counts, and in this case, these cookies are bursting with our favourite hazelnut spread.

Tags cheesecake, cookie, french toast, milkshake, recipe, Singapore, world nutella day

Lifestyle Save/Splurge Singapore

Save vs. Splurge: Valentine’s Day Edition

Post author By Rachel Ho
Post date February 3, 2018
2 Comments on Save vs. Splurge: Valentine’s Day Edition

Valentine’s Day: We all know it’s a commercialised holiday, but we are suckers for any excuse to dress up and dine out.

Has your honey been hinting to go somewhere special, yet you know there are bills to pay? Pick the place that gives you the best bang for your buck. Maybe you’re feeling flush thanks to your year-end bonus, or you’re going Dutch? Splurge a little on some of the fanciest menus on offer. Whatever your budget, whatever your partner’s palate, we’ve got you covered.

In the mood for Asian fusion?

Save: The Palmary

Occupying a three-storey shophouse in the quickly gentrifying Owen Road in Farrer Park, The Palmarcosy a cosy, quaint restaurant with a love for all things marble and retro (read: it’s perfect for the ‘grams). For $59++, you and your date get three courses: Lobster and Blue Manna Crab Bisque, a choice between Tiger Prawn Linguine and Codfish, and Dessert; a five-course meal sets you back $79++. Enjoying a good glass of wine here won’t break the bank either: it’s $10++ a glass.

Find it at 142 Owen Road, Singapore 218941
Book a table at The Palmary and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Splurge: 28Wilkie Italian Restaurant & Caviar Bar

Housed in another conserved shophouse, this time in Selegie, 28Wilkie is an intimate restaurant that is Pinterest goals: white walls, cosy armchairs and just enough space for romantic conversations. The restaurant serves up eight courses of seamless Italian-Japanese food and a glass of prosecco. For this, you’d be out of pocket by $168++ per person.

Find it at 28 Wilkie Road, #01-01, Singapore 228051
Book a table at 28Wilkie Italian Restaurant & Caviar Bar and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

In the mood for Italian?

Save: Acqua e Farina

Enjoy old-school Italian at Acqua e Farina at The Rail Mall in Upper Bukit Timah — and if your partner loves nature, kick off the date with a walk along the Green Corridor across the road. Quench your thirst with a glass of sangria, then feast on Gamberetti (poached shrimps), Burratina and Parma Ham, Salmon Linguine or Mushroom Penne, Oven-Baked Seabream or Crispy Duck Confit. There is the classic Tiramisu too. The menu goes for $88++ per person, but there is a 10% discount if you take the first sitting from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Find it at 400 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 678050
Book a table at Acqua e Farina and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Splurge: il Cielo

Stay above the fray of the Orchard Road bustle and enjoy the city skyline from il Cielo, while dining on mouth-watering Italian dishes in a modern setting. Enjoy a six-course menu including Kinmedai Carpaccio, Cod Fish Mousse Ravioli and Raspberry pannacotta and a glass of champagne for $158++ per person. If you happen to be “working late” on Valentine’s Day itself, then dine on 10, 12 or 13 Feb for just $138++. Either way, we’ve got your back: Use the promo code VDAY18 to get 15% off if you book on Chope.

Find it at 581 Orchard Road, Singapore 238883

To score 2X Chope-Dollars, book a table at il Cielo with code TASTYBLOG*.
Want 15% off your Valentine’s Day meal? Book with the code VDAY18 to enjoy this exclusive discount*!

*Note: Only one promo code is applicable per reservation

In the mood for Japanese?

Save: Panko

Give your date something different by bringing him or her to Panko, a cyber-punk restaurant off Haji Lane. Part of the Unlisted Collection group, the restaurant features Kushikatsu skewers, fresh Negitoro (green onions + tuna) Don and a cocktail. Take advantage of your Chope affiliation: the dinner set is $58++ for the first person, and half-price for second diners!

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

Splurge: Hashida Sushi

Does bae love exquisite but expensive delicacies like uni (sea urchin) and awabi (abalone)? Do his eyes light up when he sees a glistening piece of otoro, or her ears prick up when she hears the growl of a blowtorch aburi-ing her favourite sashimi? If you’re going to do sushi, do it right with an omakase set at Hashida Sushi, the Singapore leg of the award-winning Tokyo restaurant. Guests get a glass of Krug champagne. The price tag for the whole experience is steep — $480++ per guest — but it’ll be a night you both won’t forget!

Find it at 333A Orchard Road, #04-16, Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897
Book a table at Hashida Sushi and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

In the mood for Steak?

Save: Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria

If your date loves meat and lots of it, what better place is there than a full-blown Brazillian barbecue buffet in Chijmes, the site of every other person’s dream wedding? Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria’s buffet menu on this special day features the butter herb steak at $69++ per person. It also comes with a complimentary glass of prosecco and a slice of tiramisu cake. Meat, wine and dessert? Sign us up.

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

Splurge: Origin Grill & Bar

Treat your partner to a night of indulgence at the newly opened Origin Grill & Bar at the Shangri-La Hotel. The gorgeous restaurant is decked in warm wood and shaped in arches reminiscent of an old train station — the perfect setting to wax lyrical about how you have enjoyed the journey that is your love. Origin doesn’t just serve steak, but their snow-aged (yes, it’s buried in snow) full blood A4 wagyu beef is a must-try. Three courses cost $198++ per couple, while the four-course menu is $298++. After that, check out the moody, romantic bar next door. The experimental cocktails are sure to put you in the mood for love.

Find it at 22 Orange Grove Road, Lobby Level, Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore 258350
Book a table at Origin Grill & Bar and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

If dinner and drinks are too overrated, check out some unique date ideas! Didn’t plan ahead? This last-minute Valentine’s Day survival kit is for you!

Tags Fusion, Italian, Japanese, Save, Singapore, Splurge, Steak, Valentines' Day

Deals & Specials Singapore

7 Restaurants for CNY Dinner Parties

Post author By Kenneth Fong
Post date February 3, 2018
4 Comments on 7 Restaurants for CNY Dinner Parties

It’s the first week of February; if you haven’t made your reservations yet for Chinese New Year reunion dinners, gatherings or corporate functions, you best get scrambling right now as tables are filling up fast and restaurants are almost at max capacity!

We’ve put together a list of 7 Chinese restaurants, which provide Chinese New Year set menus that can accommodate large parties of at least 10 people. All of them were meticulously handpicked to suit a spectrum of budgets and different tastes and preferences!

Ah Hoi’s Kitchen

The Prosperity Festive Set Menu features a delectable Tiger Prawn Dish with their Signature Ah Hoi’s Chilli Crab Sauce and Hong Kong Style Steamed Red Garoupa. On the other hand, the Longevity Festive Set Menu features their luxuriously decadent Lobster Beehoon and aromatic Champagne Pork Ribs – a definite crowd-pleaser. For even more festive cheer, add on the Ah Hoi’s Signature Yu Sheng at $68 for smoked salmon, and $108 for abalone.

Price: $688++ (Prosperity/ Longevity Festive Set Menu)
Set Menu Availability: 15 – 28 February 2018

Find it at 1A Cuscaden Rd, Level 4, Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore, Singapore 249716
Book a table at Ah Hoi’s Kitchen and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

House of Seafood – Punggol Point

If you’re a big fan of seafood and appreciate a nice sea breeze, then House of Seafood at Punggol Point is the ideal place for gathering like-minded friends or to bring your seafood-loving family along. All set menus start with a Fatt Choy Abalone Yu Sheng, and a choice of their Famous Signature Black Pepper Crab or Chilli Crab. Other favourites include Deep Fried Marble Goby with Soya Sauce and Lobster with Chef’s Special Sauce. Charcoal Roast Suckling Pig, Charcoal Roast Beijing Peking Duck and Roast chicken are also available for pre-order.

Price: $578++ / $668++ / $998++ (CNY Eve); $568++ / $658++ / $898++
Set Menu Availability: 2 February – 2 March 2018

Find it at 3 Punggol Point Rd, #01-01/02, The Punggol Settlement, Singapore 828694
Book a table at House of Seafood – Punggol Point and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant

Need someplace fancy to impress the boss or the in-laws? Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant has the culinary chops and a beautiful waterfront view of Marina Bay that will blow anyone away. Chef Yong Bing Ngen has lovingly crafted menus, which feature dishes that are light on the palate and nourishing for the soul: Double-boiled Kampong Chicken Soup with Burdock Root and Huai Shan, Stewed Whole Abalone in Beancurd Sheet Bag and Broccoli Florets, and Steamed Tengalan Fish with Light Soya Sauce.

There’s also a CNY Vegetarian Set Meal that goes for $68++ per person, which features Puree of Pumpkin Soup with Golden Mushrooms, Sautéed Broccoli Florets Topped with a Trio of Mushrooms, and Stir-fried Udon and Seasonal Vegetables in a Black Pepper Sauce.

Price: $688++ / $888++ / $1088++
Set Menu Availability: 1 February – 2 March 2018

Find it at 18 Marina Gardens Drive, #01-10, Gardens by The Bay, Singapore 018953

To score 2X Chope-Dollars, book a table at Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant with code TASTYBLOG*.
Want 10% off all Chinese New Year set menus? Book with the code MJB10 to dine in the month of February to enjoy this exclusive discount*!

*Note: Only one promo code is applicable per reservation

Spring Court

Since 1929, Spring Court has been satisfying customers seeking to satiate their appetites for Chinese cuisine. The menus feature perennial favourites like Deep Fried Soon Hock, Stir Fried Scallop and Straw Mushrooms with X.O. Chilli Sauce, and Roasted Whole Boneless Suckling Pig.

Price: $738++ / $868++ / $1138++ / $1368++ (CNY Eve); $638++ / $798++ / $938++ / $1228++
Set Menu Availability: 15 February – 1 March 2018

Find it at 52 – 56 Upper Cross St, Singapore 058348
Book a table at Spring Court and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
*Kindly note that blackout dates apply on 16 February 2018

Szechuan Court

Talk about first impressions, the Abundance Set Menu ($1380++) leads with a Snow Crab and Crispy Eel Yu Sheng while the Blessed Reunion Set Menu ($$1488++) kicks off with a Snow Crab, Salmon, and Abalone Yusheng. The Abundance Set Menu features Sauteed Boston Lobster and Scallops in an X.O. Chilli Sauce, while the Blessed Reunion Set Menu features a Chef’s Supreme Consommé with Bird’s Nest and Shredded Fish Maw, and even a luxurious Braised Ee-Fu Noodle with Maine Lobster. A whole slew of barbecue meats and roasts are also available for pre-order.

Vegetarians rejoice as Szechuan Court’s got your back. Start your meal with a Coconut Pulp, Mock Abalone Yusheng ($58). At $98++ per person, the Vegetarian Set Menu features highlights such as Double Boiled Winter Melon Soup, Sauteed “Gong Bao” Tofu, as well as a delightfully refreshing Pineapple Lemon Grass Jelly and Traditional Nian Gao for dessert.

Price: $1380++ / $1488++
Set Menu Availability: 1 February – 2 March 2018

Find it at 80 Bras Basah Rd, Level 3, Fairmont Singapore, Singapore 189560
Book a table at Szechuan Court and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Tonny Restaurant

Looking for a taste of home? Chef Tonny Chan, renowned chef from Hong Kong, promises to serve that when you visit his restaurant. His $588++ and $748++ set menus start with a Prosperity Salmon Yu Sheng, whereas the $1388++ set menu begins with a Spanish Iberico and Salmon Yu Sheng instead. Because of Tonny Restaurant’s Cantonese origins, expect hearty soups to follow, like Golden Superior Dried Seafood Soup, and Double Boiled Chicken Soup with Shark’s Fin, Dried Fish Maw, and Agaricus Blazei Murrill Mushroom – an edible Brazilian mushroom with medicinal qualities that promote liver health.

Chef Chan’s famous Steamed Patin Fish – butterflied and topped with copious amounts of ginger and chilli paste – makes an appearance on the menus too, alongside other specialities such as Sautéed Canadian Coral Clam with Sliced Lotus Root and Steamed Dried Oyster with Organic Wild Rice. The largest table they have can fit a party of 14 people.

Price: $588++ / $748++ / $1388++
Set Menu Availability: From now until 2 March 2018

Find it at 8 – 10 Geylang Lorong 3, Singapore 388862
Book a table at Tonny Restaurant and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
*From 13 – 27 February 2018, all dinner reservations must be made before 5pm.

Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant

Perhaps the most opulent offering on our list, Xin’s Chinese Executive Chef Eric Chan brings Hong-Kong style Cantonese cuisine right to our doorstep. The Golden Bliss Menu ($3796++) requires you to place your order at least three days in advance to allow sufficient preparation time for the Supreme Braised Buddha Jumps Over The Wall. For that price, you’ll also get a Hamachi and Salmon Yusheng, a Whole Roasted Suckling Pig, Double-boiled Superior Bird’s Nest with Yellow Boletes in Clear Broth, Steamed Star Grouper in Superior Light Soya Sauce, Braised Ee-fu Noodles with Crab Meat and Crab Roe, and will end your meal with a nutritious Double-boiled Hashima with American Ginseng.

If you haven’t booked a spot for your reunion dinner (15 February), it’s an opportune time to reserve a table here where you’ll get 25% off the Blissful Reunion Banquet Menu!

Price: $898++ (CNY Eve); $1068++ / $1188++ / $1298++ / $1398++ / $3796++
Set Menu Availability: 5 February – 2 March 2018

Find it at 317 Outram Rd, Level 4, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, Singapore 169075
Book a table at Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
*Kindly note that blackout dates apply on 16 and 18 February 2018

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

Tags Chinese New Year, Good for Groups, Reunion Dinners, Singapore

Lifestyle

Unique Chinese New Year Spots

Post author By Veena Vinod
Post date February 2, 2018
5 Comments on Unique Chinese New Year Spots

If you’re sick of the same old foods and settings for Lunar New Year, here are some places for you to have an interesting experience!

Hello Kitty Orchid Garden

Everyone’s favourite Sanrio feline has her own cafe! This Chinese New Year, we’re getting some exquisite menu items, such as the Fortune of Gold Lobster – fresh Boston lobster baked with cheese and bursting with umami. Finish off an adorable meal with the Blossoms of Happiness – a lychee meringue and vanilla ice cream. Set in lush greenery and away from the hustle of the city, this is the perfect family-friendly spot for a unique reunion dinner.

Find it at 65 Airport Boulevard #01-22 Changi Airport Terminal 3 Singapore 819663
Book a table at Hello Kitty Orchid Garden and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Sawadee Thai

If you want a break from the usual Chinese fare this New Year, check out Sawadee Thai, an eatery that has a festive menu that features delicious and innovative foods such as Thai Otah, Tom Yum Soup, and Golden Pineapple Fried Rice. Not only have they been serving up authentic dishes for several decades, all their ingredients are imported daily from Thailand. If you want a taste of the Land of Smiles, look no further!

Find it at 9 Tan Quee Lan Street #01-01 Singapore 188098
Book a table at Sawadee Thai and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Baba Chew’s

Peranakan cuisine has long been a part of our local palate, but have you ever tried a Peranakan New Year’s dinner? Baba Chew’s Set Menu lets you experience Peranakan classics reunion dinner style. Located in the heart of Joo Chiat, this eatery offers Peranakan-style duck and barramundi as part of their festive menu. Whether the culture runs in your blood or if you’re just a curious onlooker, these dishes offer a good taster of traditional Straits Chinese cuisine.

Find it at 86 East Coast Road Katong Square Singapore 428788
Book a table at Baba Chew’s and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Kintamani

Furama Riverfront Hotel’s beloved Indonesian restaurant delivers a delicious buffet of Indonesian Chinese classics. Feast on classics from the archipelago, such as Gado Gado and Ikan Kukus. Helmed by Indonesian Chef I Gusti Nyoman Kaler, savour the flavours of one of Asia’s most diverse cuisines. For a wallet-friendly, authentic Indonesian dining experience this Lunar New Year, check out this lovely spot!

Find it at 405 Havelock Road Level 3 Singapore 169633
Book a table at Kintamani and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Labyrinth

For a truly Singaporean dining experience, it doesn’t get better than Labyrinth. This one Michelin-star restaurant is nestled in the magnificent Esplanade, and serves up upscale versions of beloved Singaporean classics. Savour premium seafood such as abalone, fish maw, and tiger prawns on the exclusive Chinese New Year menu. If you’re looking for a fancy fare to impress your relatives and friends, this is the place for you!

Find it at 8 Raffles Avenue #02-23 Singapore 039802
Book a table at Labyrinth and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Xiao Ya Tou

Like the name, Xiao Ya Tou’s fare is cheeky, bold, and delicious. For an unconventional Chinese New Year celebration, check out their brand new weekend brunch menu, which features beloved local classics and brunch staples with a unique Asian twist. Try their Unagi Kabayaki Benedict – an Omakase egg drenched in Yuzukosho Hollandaise Sauce served with wild Unagi. You’ll never want ordinary cafe fare again!

Find it at 6 Duxton Hill #01-01 Singapore 089592
Book a table at Xiao Ya Tou and earn and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Takumi Yamamoto

Anyone who’s familiar with Japanese food will know the name Takumi Yamamoto. The famous chef has an outpost in the upscale Marina Bay Sands, which serves up Chinese-Japanese fusion fare. If you want to up your lo-hei game, look no further! A Premium Special Yu Sheng bursting with items fresh from Tsukiji market like caviar and fresh lobster is the way to go. Soak in the ambience and enjoy a one-of-a-kind Japanese dining experience!

Find it at 8 Bayfront Avenue #02-05 Singapore 018955
Book a table at Takumi Yamamoto and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

EMPRESS

Located in the gorgeous Asian Civilisations Museum, having your reunion dinner at EMPRESS is bound to be a memorable experience. Toss your lo-hei with a prime view of the Singapore River. Savour exquisite flavours such as Wild-Caught Lobster and Angus Beef Tenderloin in a specially curated Chinese New Year menu. Whether it’s an elegant family gathering or a fancy festive office party, EMPRESS’ is perfect for any occasion!

Find it at 1 Empress Place #01-03 Singapore 179555
Book a table at EMPRESS and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, trying to save some cash we’ve got you covered. While you’re at it, check out some information about lo-hei, and our local lo-hei guide.

Tags Chinese New Year, Festive Menus, indonesian, Japanese, peranakan, Singapore, thai

Links We Love

Weekend Reads: 26 – 28 Jan

Post author By Veena Vinod
Post date January 26, 2018
No Comments on Weekend Reads: 26 – 28 Jan

More themed cafes, hipster hawker food, and breakfasts made of paper are on our plates this weekend.

Interesting, gorgeous, quirky – great menus from around the world, as chosen by designers.

100 paper breakfasts.

You can now get hipster fare at this brand new hawker centre!

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A post shared by EPIKebabs Singapore (@epikebabs)

Maybe we should be bringing back these moustache cups for current-day folk too…

If you’re a gamer, you’ll be glad to know there’s a Final Fantasy themed cafe opening here next month.

And a Care Bears cafe too?!

This 1-metre long kebab looks. So. Good.

Continuing with our mini food and art theme, how bout some mindblowing pies that look like celebrities?

You don’t need to bring cash to the hawker centre anymore, just use your Ez-link!

Don’t forget to check out the gorgeous Chinatown light-up this weekend!

This week in WTF: Fried chicken bouquet for Valentine’s?!

Tags care bears, final fantasy, hawker centre, kebabs, paper food, Singapore, Weekend Reads

Lifestyle Others Save/Splurge Singapore Singapore

Chope Tries: $2 vs $85 coffee, plus how to become a Coffee Connoisseur

Post author By Veena Vinod
Post date January 21, 2018
5 Comments on Chope Tries: $2 vs $85 coffee, plus how to become a Coffee Connoisseur

Think you’re a coffee expert? Could you tell the difference between a cheap and expensive blend by just taking a whiff? We took three of our coffee-loving colleagues and put them to the test.

Ok, while this may be an extreme case of coffee-tasting, plenty of people island-wide are picking up, or have picked up, a serious coffee addiction. If you’re a cup of joe novice and looking to attain the title of coffee snob, here’s how you can be on your way to roasting your own beans!

Cr: Follygraph

1. Diversify your picks

If your go-to drink is a Starbucks frappe, it’s time to branch out! There are plenty of drinks you can try when starting out with coffee – you don’t have to start long blacks and flat whites. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, try out a Mocha – a mix of chocolate syrup, milk and espresso. Chye Seng Huat Hardware makes deliciously sweet, rich mocha at a reasonable price point.

If you prefer your coffee bitter, opt for a Ristretto – a variant of the Espresso with half the water. Dutch Colony Coffee makes an excellent ristretto, with a slightly nutty taste and a velvet sheen. As you grow your coffee love, you may want to check out Sarnie’s – where all their drinks are brewed with ristretto, which gives them a strong flavour.

Don’t get us started on all the variations of coffeeshop kopi.

Cr: The Ranting Panda

2. Attend a cupping session

After you’ve started trying out the variants of coffee, you can expand your knowledge and rub shoulders with coffee experts at a cupping session. A short session that allows you to taste coffee and compare tasting notes with other connoisseurs, this is one way to grow your knowledge about the many varieties of coffee available and their tastes.

Common Man Coffee Roasters offers free cupping sessions the first Friday of the month from 3-4pm. As you grow your coffee knowledge, you can try attending more advanced classes, such as Common Man’s Sensory Skills & Coffee Knowledge class, or Central Perk’s Barista Workshop to increase your expertise.

Cr: Daniel Food Diary

3. Get to know your barista

It’s not always easy to have a chat with the barista at your local Starbucks, so maybe a smaller coffee joint will work better. Try Penny University on East Coast Road, the aforementioned Highlander Coffee, and Artistry cafe (closed). Baristas at smaller cafes tend to be more willing to speak to you about their creations, especially when it’s off-peak hours.

Head over to the counter with your drink and ask them about where their coffee comes from – this is a good way of establishing your interest in the drink. Follow up with questions about how they brew their drinks – do they roast the beans in-house or buy them from suppliers? You can even ask the baristas what their personal favourite drinks are! Not only will this give you some firsthand insight into the world of coffee craft, the recommendations baristas make may well lead you to find your new favourite blend or beans.

Cr: Seth Lui

4. Buy locally-produced coffee

If you’ve been buying your coffee from the supermarket, it’s time for an upgrade. While coffee connoisseurs are divided on the actual amount of time coffee can be stored, they agree that it should be no longer than a month. If that jar of Nescafe Gold has been serving you well for more than four weeks, it’s time to throw it out. Depending on your palate, there are several places for you to get locally roasted coffee. If you like blends or are looking to sample coffees from Asia and Africa, check out Papa Palheta – their coffee is served at Chye Seng Huat Hardware. Prefer something sweeter? Check out Yahava Koffeeworks, that stocks a range of coffee blends from Sumatra, Rwanda, and Columbia.

As your coffee knowledge grows, you can begin to branch out to different varietals, like the blends of Nylon Coffee. They stock espressos and brewed coffees and have tasting notes printed on their packaging. With the roast date stamped on the packaging, you can enjoy fresh coffee – the purveyors say within 4 weeks of the given date. You can even buy coffee beans and grind them to create your own blend, but more on that later.

Cr: Eater

5. Get some coffee paraphernalia

Doesn’t matter if you get a hand grinder or a professional one. When you start purchasing coffee grounds, you’ll want to start getting from bean to cup as quickly as possible in order to preserve the freshness of the drink. Simple hand grinders can cost upwards of $50, while the fancier mechanical ones are slightly more expensive. If you want to experiment with your coffee making technique, you can try using a Moka Pot to brew your coffee. Not only does it look fancy, coffee brewed in Moka pots has a heady aroma and a more full-bodied taste, according to experts.

Tags Chope Tries, Coffee, cupping, mocha, ristretto, Singapore

Features Lifestyle Others Reviews Singapore

Chope Tries: All 18 toppings at The Magnum Pleasure Bar (on 10 ice creams)

Post author By Michelle Tan
Post date January 20, 2018

If you’re well-versed in all things ice cream, then The Magnum Pleasure Bar needs no introduction. Known for their bespoke Magnum bars, The Magnum Pleasure Bar provides a “Make My Magnum” experience for those who enjoy an extra touch of lovin’ to their usual icy delights.

With a whopping 18 classic and exotic toppings to choose from (rose petals and chilli flakes, anyone?), there are all sorts of interesting creations you can experiment with.

Being scientific people, we made space in our stomachs and marched down with a mission to try all 18 toppings available to us. 10 ice cream bars, 2 cups of coffee, and 1 serious case of diet-related regret later, here’s our definitive guide to the Magnum experience.

Loco for Cocoa: The Humble Chocolate vs. The Massive Attack

For a full-fledged cocoa experience, your best bet is the Dark Chocolate Coating & White Chocolate Drizzle topped with Crushed Oreos, Almonds, and Speculoos (above left). You would think that this chocolate-heavy creation would be overwhelming on the palate, but the speculoos crumbs provide just the right hit of flavours to cut through all that cocoa.

On the other hand, the Dark Chocolate Coating & White Chocolate Drizzle with Crushed Chocolate Cookies, Cocoa Pearls, and Cacao Nibs (above right) guarantees you a one-way street to achieving that chocolate high. There’s nothing about this combo that doesn’t scream “chock full of chocolate” with every bite!

Verdict
If you just need a chocolatey boost, the first combo’s definitely go-to. But if you think you’re ready, go all out with the second pairing because #yolo.

Insta-worthy Babes: Flatter-Me-Floral vs. Vanilla Romance

When comparing Rose Petals, White Chocolate Pearls, and Popping Candy with Dark Chocolate Coating & Milk Chocolate Drizzle (above left) with the Rose Petals, Crushed Pistachio, and Popping Candy with White Chocolate Coating & Dark Chocolate Drizzle (above right), we didn’t know what to expect – until we had our first mouthfuls of these two gorgeous ice creams.

With the first combination, you get dark, velvety smooth chocolate punctuated with sweet fizzing from the popping candy and a hint of floral essence from the rose petals. On the other hand, the second creation was creamy and light with the white chocolate coating that’s mellowed down by the dark chocolate drizzle. The crushed pistachios add a nice contrast in textures as well.

Verdict
Need a shot for your Instagram? These bad boys are where it’s at. Even if your friends can’t taste the ice cream through your photos, these visually stunning creations are enough to get them drooling over your Insta-feed!

The ‘Spice’ Girls: Fiery Delight vs. Pop-Rock Bonanza

The Popping Candy, Rose Petals, and Chilli Flakes with Milk Chocolate Coating & Dark Chocolate Drizzle (above left) combination opens with an innocently smooth first bite before the floral and herbal hints from rose petals makes a subtle appearance. Then, without warning, the small-but-powerful chilli flakes show their strength and leave your mouth tingling with warmth.

If you love textures, you can’t go wrong with the Gold Nuggets, Popping Candy, and Chili Flakes with Dark Chocolate Coating & White Chocolate Drizzle (above right). Not only do the gold nuggets and popping candy paint a contrast of colours against the noir-coating of the ice cream, the fiery chilli flakes once again do their thing and spice things up on the palate too.

Verdict
Take heed: these creations are not of the faint of heart! But if you’re looking to try something out-of-the-box, look no further than these two combos at the Magnum Store.

Salty is the new Sweet: The Wolfberry Beauty vs. The Nutty Novice

Combining Goji Berries, Sea Salt Flakes, and Cacao Nibs with Dark Chocolate Coating & White Chocolate Drizzle (above left), a bite out of this gives you the smoothness of the chocolate with hints of saltiness staccatoed with bittersweet wolfberries.

We compared this creation with its equally salty counterpart, comprising Salted Peanuts, Chocolate Pearls, and Sunflower Seeds with White Chocolate Coating & Dark Chocolate Drizzle (above right). Perfect for those who prefer a little more texture, and less of an Asian bent, this creation has a layer of White Chocolate coating that brings the sweetness to a whole new level.

Verdict
These beauties are meant for those who love a touch of umami to go with their desserts. Though these may be odd combinations for some, we say ‘don’t knock it till you try it’!

The Battle of Textures: Pillowy Ebony vs. Crunchy Ivory

What happens when you top Peanut Butter Chips, Marshmallows, and Crushed Oreos onto an ice cream and coat it with Dark Chocolate with a Milk Chocolate Drizzle (above left)? You get this insanely indulgent piece Reese’s’ Pieces and Marshmallows, coming together with the dark, smooth chocolate ice cream.

If you’re in need of something milder, the Crushed Speculoos, Pretzels, and Almonds with White Chocolate Coating & Dark Chocolate Drizzle (above right) transports you back into time with its vanilla-esque flavours and fun, crunchy bits to keep things interesting.

Verdict
These combinations are jam-packed with fun flavours and it’s impossible not to feel like you have a party in your mouth with every bite – perfect for people old and young.

Tags Chocolate, Chope Tries, Customised, Dessert, Ice-cream, Magnum, Magnum Pleasure Store, Singapore

Events Singapore

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

Post author By Veena Vinod
Post date December 28, 2017
1 Comment on 6 things to do on New Year’s Eve (instead of watching fireworks)!

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

Rooftop barbecue at Sum Yi Tai

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

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

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

Cr: blujazcafe.net

Street Party at Blu Jaz Cafe

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

Find out more about Street Party here.

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

Get some KFC at Kko Kko Na Ra

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

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

Cr: honeykidsasia.com

Cow-nt down at Udders

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

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

Guilty Pleasures at Overeasy

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

For more information about Guilty Pleasures, click here.

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

Cr: uberding.net

Countdown Cinema at Esplanade Park and Empress Lawn

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

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

Tags 2018, fireworks, Movies, new year's eve, Singapore, what to do

Links We Love Singapore

Weekend Reads: 15 – 17 Dec 2017

Post author By Veena Vinod
Post date December 15, 2017
No Comments on Weekend Reads: 15 – 17 Dec 2017

One week left till Christmas! Here are a few reads to make the time pass faster.

We foresee lots of these dreamy bubble teas popping up on Instagram next year.

Antoinette’s serving up laksa-flavoured roast chicken. Yeah, we never thought all those words would go together in one sentence, either.

These Death Star-shaped ravioli are. So. Cute.

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A post shared by Josh Healy (@joshhealy)

Aaaand, it looks like llaollao’s coming back. #morefooddrama

How about a ceramic mug that comes with an app and keeps your drink the perfect temperature till the last drop?

This week in WTF: vegemite ice pops?!

Buzzfeed gives those pitless avocados a try.

Tags bubble tea, laksa, llaollao, Singapore, star wars, swiss-miss, Weekend Reads

Lifestyle Singapore

The Chope Guide to Christmas Gifts for Foodies

Post author By Rachel Ho
Post date December 5, 2017
No Comments on The Chope Guide to Christmas Gifts for Foodies

It’s that time of the year when we start panicking about what thoughtful present to shove into the hands of our nearest and dearest. We can’t help you buy all your gifts, but if your loved one enjoys wining and dining, here are a few suggestions for varying budgets!

Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker WIFI

Cr: Anova Culinary

Whether your friend is an aspiring chef or a time-starved disaster in the kitchen, a sous vide machine can help to produce restaurant-grade meals. It works by immersing vacuum-sealed food in a water bath and cooking it at a precise, consistent temperature. The result? Juicy, flavour-packed steaks or perfectly poached 65 degrees Celsius eggs — every single time. A machine like the Wifi-enabled Anova means your friend can start cooking his meals from the office, freeing him from the tyranny of the clock. The best part is that you stand to be a guest at his next dinner party, so really, this is the gift that keeps on giving.

Available for $159 on https://sg.anovaculinary.com/

Cocktail gift boxes

Cr: EC Proof

For the budding mixologist, get her a set (or two!) packed with everything she needs to make her favourite drink, prepared by the same people behind The Proof Flat on 43A Hong Kong Street. The gift sets come in gorgeous handmade black lacquer boxes and feature a must-have drink with the appropriate utensils and tools. For the friend who is classic and timeless, get the Rum Old Fashioned (which comes with a bottle of Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum); for the classy companion, opt for the Manhattan (Willett 3 Year Whisky and Mancino Rosso Vermouth — yum).

Available from $150 to $250 on https://ecproof.com/

Cookbooks with a Singapore twist

Cr: Epigram Books

Singapore made it onto the Michelin map last year, so why shouldn’t we embrace our local food and chefs? Plusixfive: A Singaporean Supper Club Cookbook features Singaporean-in-London Goz Lee’s spin on hawker delights like chwee kueh and ayam buah keluak in a book packed with award-winning illustrations — if your friend isn’t going to try the recipes, at the very least he has a cool coffee table book. For the hardcore chefs gunning for authenticity, Epigram also stocks compilations for Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew, Peranakan, South Indian and Eurasian dishes.

Available from $22.90 to $44.90 on https://shop.epigrambooks.sg/

Food and drinks with a local bite

Cr: SethLui.com

While we’re on the topic of #supportlocal, these next few suggestions may go down well with the patriotic pal, or the foreign friend visiting you for the holidays. Ette Tea offers a pack of local favourites in tea form (Mini Mix Local Flavours, an assortment of three flavours, $48.90 at www.ettetea.com) — so have your nasi lemak or chicken rice with fewer calories. For the feisty and fearless, try Mofo Chili ($10 to $12, ) which go just as well with kangkong (morning glory) as they do chicken wings. And what better way to show love than helping your friend skip the crazy queue for Irvin’s salted egg yolk fish skin and chips? A special Christmas package is available for $235 at irvinsaltedegg.com.

Chope vouchers and gift cards

If all else fails, get your friend Chope vouchers. The secret to happiness is experience, not things — so why not be the catalyst for a meal to remember?

Restaurant vouchers are available at $50 and $100 while Chope Gift Cards go for $25 onwards at The Chope Shop.

Tags Anova Sous Vide Machine, Chope Gift Cards, Cocktail Gift Boxes, Cookbooks, Gift Guide, Holiday Gifts, Singapore, The Chope Shop