BiTES - The Scoop on Good Eats (February 2015) by BiTES - The Scoop on Good Eats

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bites r y f e b r u a

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m . s g t e s .c o w w w. b i

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Up for grabs!

T h e s c o o p o n

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A dinner experience

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WIN!

2014 187/03/

TICKETS to BANGkok in bangkok jam's photo contest

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inside smart buys p8

Smart buys for the Year of the Goat

buffet bounty p14

Epic Lunar New Year feasting and 5 Peranakan spreads not to miss

destination: chinatown p20

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Hungry for heritage in hip, happening New Bridge Road and its surroundings

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* FIND OUT WHERE TO MAKE THIS SUSHI CAKE ON P10!

e t r m a nt i c buf fets u th b e h i nd

supermarket sleutH p22

p19

aphrodisiacs p24

Meat the bak kwa alternatives, from marlin to duck

ADVERTORIAL

Eat, drink and be merry You don’t need holiday excuses for a pint of Kronenbourg‘s distinct pale lager or elegant wheat beer. We round up four of the latest places you can toast to The French Way of Life. the catch seafood restaurant & bar

the alley cafÉ

The Alley Café

Duck past the red lanterns of heritage district Chinatown and into The Alley Café, a homely alcove along the stretch of retro shophouses on Keong Saik Road. It's easy to forge new friendships here, especially when there’s a working vintage Pacman machine that breaks any ice. Pair up the golden highlights of Kronenbourg 1664 with The Alley half pounder burger and zinging Sawadee Chicks; while comfort European offering fish and chips is a spot-on match for the citrusy Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc. 21 Keong Saik Road. Tel: 6223 1334. www.thealley.com.sg

31 Bar and kitchen

31 Bar and Kitchen

Another Keong Saik Road hangout for merriment is 31 Bar and Kitchen. Run by buddies with profound expertise in F&B, wines and marketing, you'll be sure this convivial gastropub has your best interests at heart. Enjoy any Kronenbourg with the French mussel mariniere and fries—you can’t go wrong with the world’s best-selling beer. The menu also comprises vivacious east-meets-west starters such as char siew arancini and homemade chilli crab puffs. Linger till late because the bar’s open till 1am. 31 Keong Saik Road. Tel: 6224 9141. www.fb.com/pages/31-BarKitchen/710554098989979

milagro spanish restaurant

Milagro Spanish Restaurant

Milagro’s Mediterranean offerings of paella Valenciana, slow-cooked Galician octopus, and authentic tapas are heightened with a touch of tipple. The indie restaurant’s vibe is casual, a no-frills interior with hearty flavours from all reaches of Spain. When it’s time for a beer, Kronenbourg’s standout blue bottle is a statement in itself. Drop the confusing drinking rituals and verse common in Andalusia’s bars—a simple salud among amigos will serve you well here. #08-06/07 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road. Tel: 6238 6248. www.fb.com/milagro.spanish

The Catch Seafood Restaurant & Bar

Located near a war memorial, The Catch is rustic and casual with semi-al fresco seating and a well-stocked bar. Live seafood swimming in tanks and wooden pavilions on stilts amid lush greenery give the restaurant that kelong feel. ‘Catch’ the white pepper Alaskan king crab, further accentuated by the coriander in a Blanc, or the delicate hops in a 1664 which lend fried lobster a deeper flavour. Johore Battery, 27 Cosford Road. Tel: 6546 2155. www.fb.com/ thecatchseafood

w e l c o m e

Where to find your BiTES?

DOWNLOAD THIS ISSUE at www.bites.com.sg PICK US UP! Free at over 100 venues Cafes & restaurants &Sons • Alfresco Gusto • Black Angus Steakhouse • Bonta Italian Restaurant & Bar (District 10) • Brussel Sprouts - Big Splash • Brussel Sprouts - Robertson Quay • Brussel Sprouts - Sentosa Cove • California Pizza Kitchen Forum • Delifrance Cafe - Cold Storage Jelita • Delifrance Cafe - Gateway West • Delifrance Cafe - Gleneagles Hospital • Delifrance Cafe - Harbourfront Centre • Delifrance Cafe KK Women's and Children's Hospital • Delifrance Cafe - Lot One Shoppers' Mall • Delifrance Cafe - Mount Elizabeth Hospital • Delifrance Cafe - Rendezvous Gallery • Delifrance Cafe - Singapore Post Centre • Delifrance Cafe - Thomson Medical Centre • Delifrance Cafe - UE Square • dr CAFE COFFEE (all outlets) • Eggs & Berries Changi City Point • Eggs & Berries Westgate • Emicakes @ Kovan • EN Grill and Bar • Ginza Lion Beer Hall • IPPIN • Joe & Dough (Kallang) • KOMMUNE • Medzs Millenia Walk • Medzs Orchard Central • Ootoya Japapnese Restaurant • Outback Steakhouse • Outpost Bar & Bistro • Oyster Bar & Grill Wharf • Ramen

Champion • Picotin Express East Coast • Picotin Express - Sentosa Cove • Roti Mum • Selfish Gene Cafe • Spinelli (all outlets) • Starbucks (all outlets) • SQUE Rotisserie & Alehouse • tcc - The Connoisseur Concerto (all boutiques) • ZEN Japanese Cuisine Car showrooms Chevrolet • Citroen • Honda • Hyundai • Infiniti • Kia • Mazda • Nissan • Opel Singapore • Subaru • Toyota Singapore Cooking Schools Cookyn Inc • My Private Pantry • The Eureka Cooking Lab Country & Private Clubs British Club • China Club • Ee Hoe Hean Millionaire Club • Hollandse Club • Jurong Country Club • Keppel Club • Laguna National Golf & Country Club • Orchid Country Club • Raffles Marina • Republic of Singapore Yacht Club • Seletar Country Club • Sentosa Golf Club • Serangoon Gardens Country Club • Singapore Chinese Swimming Club • Singapore Cricket Club • Singapore Island Country Club • Tanah Merah Country Club

• The American Club • The Swiss Club • Tower Club Hotels Albert Court Village Hotel • Amara Singapore • AMOY Hotel • Bay Hotel • Carlton City Hotel • Changi Village Hotel • Concorde Hotel Singapore • Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore • Furama City Centre • Furama RiverFront • Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel Singapore • Hilton Singapore • Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium • Hotel Miramar • Hotel Re! • ibis Hotel Singapore • Intercontinental Singapore • Link Hotel • Mandarin Orchard • Moon Hotel • Nostalgia Hotel • Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay • Orchard Hotel Singapore • Pan Pacific Orchard • ParkRoyal on Kitchener Road • Peninsula Excelsior Hotel • Ramada and Days Singapore at Zhongshan Park • Riverview Hotel Singapore • Studio M Hotel Singapore • The Club Hotel • The Elizabeth Hotel • The Quincy Hotel • The Scarlet Hotel • Traders Hotel • Village Hotel Bugis • Wangz • York Hotel MallS Far East Square • Katong V • Orchard Central • Parkway

Cover image Toyko Sushi Academy

Parade (Pedestrian Crossing) National Tourism Offices Australia Tourism • Japan National Tourism Organization • Korean Tourism Organization Petrol Kiosks Caltex • Shell • SPC Salon Jean Yip Hairdressing schools National University of Singapore •Temasek Polytechnic supermarkets Four Seasons Gourmet MarketMBLM • Four Seasons Organic Market-Great WorldCity • Four Seasons Organic MarketParkway Parade • Meidi-Ya Singapore • Rochester Market Also hand-distributed at: OUTSIDE MRT Stations Ang Mo Kio • Bedok • Bishan • Boon Lay • Bugis • City Hall • Clementi • Dhoby Ghaut • Eunos • HarbourFront • Holland Village • Jurong East • Lavender • Orchard Road • Pasir Ris • Raffles Place • Serangoon • Tampines • Telok Blangah • Tiong Bahru • Woodlands • Yishun

Publisher Cecilia Goh

Web Developer Jun Evangelista

Editor June Lee Staff Writer Meredith Woo Editorial Intern Timothy Lam Contributor Kylie Ng

Accounts Manager Christina Tan

Designer Benjamin Soh Contributing Senior Designer Loh Wai Sum Regional Business Director Carlos Loh Business Directors Penny Ho, Ashad Shah Business Manager Cherin Ong Publishing Admin Manager (Admin & Circulation) Siti Haneymah Senior Digital Media Manager Eugene Koh

Group Publisher Ho Sum Kwong Group Managing Editor Adeline Wong Group Creative Director Thng Wee Nee Bites is published 12 times a year by Magazines Integrated Pte Ltd 85 Playfair Road, #04-02 Tong Yuan Building, Singapore 368000 Tel: +65 6848 6884 Fax: +65 6748 3453 Website: www.bites.com.sg Advertising enquiries: 6848 6882 bites.editorial@magsint.com bites.advertise@magsint.com bites.marketing@magsint.com Distributed by Region Periodicals Distributor. Printed by Times Printers Company Reg No: 200918015G MCI (P) 187/03/2014

Bring us with you! BITE INTO US ONLINE www.bites.com.sg

BitesSingapore

@wlee76

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c a l e n dA r :

f e b r u r a r y sunday

monday

tuesday 3 THAIPUSAM

wednesday 4

9 AM | SRI SRINIVASA PERUMAL TEMPLE

TGIF BAZAAR 12-10 PM | ONEKM MALL

Find Valentine’s Day gift ideas and Chinese New Year accessories at this ‘Love and Prosperity’ themed marketplace, with nostalgic snacks to fuel your shopping spree. www.tgifbazaars.com

8 KENWOOD SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY MACARONS

Catch the annual procession during this Hindu festival as devotees adorn their Kavadis and hoist milk pots upon their heads as they trek to Sri Thendayuthapani temple on Tank Road. www.mydestination. com/singapore/ events/73557429/ thaipusam-2015-4february-2015

11 TRADITIONAL STEAMED CAKES

$98 | 1-6 PM | CREATIVE CULINAIRE the school

Huat kueh that blossoms, wu tao ko (savoury yam cake) and savoury carrot cake. Learn to make these festive steaming delights and share them with people you care about. creativeculinaire.com.sg

FROM $38 | 10 AM-12 PM | TOTT, COOKING STUDIO 1

Whip out your baking trays and get ready to bake some heart shaped macarons filled with either rose buttercream or dark chocolate ganache in this cooking demo class by chef Lin Weixian. content.tottstore.com/ classes/P20

15 KEEPERS MARKET

17 FESTIVE STREET BAZAAR

TILL 15 FEB | 11 AM-10 PM | JUNCTION OF CAIRNHILL RD & ORCHARD RD

22 RIVER HONGBAO

friday

$55 | 3-5.30 PM | CHIJMES

WHAT SHE GAVE TO ME

TILL 7 FEB | MAD NEST, 378/380 EAST COAST ROAD

Immerse yourself in this exhibition of photographs and live floral art with locally grown edible microgreens by urban farmers G.R.E.E.N.S, while savouring the mix of Japanese, North Indian and contemporary cuisines available at the restaurant. madnest.sg

12 GOURMET GUYS: PINEAPPLE TART CLASSES FOR MEn

BROOKS MARINA RUN 2015

FROM $45 | 5.30 PM/7.30 PM | GARDENS BY THE BAY

FROM $20 | 7-9.45 PM | MARINE PARADE CC

Gear up for this Valentine’s Day run, covering scenic river front views and dress the part to win a mystery prize. Light music will continue after the run for perhaps a romantic picnic after? www.marinarun.com.sg

Impress the ladies with a twist on these homemade tarts this CNY from local recipe booklet Home-Made with Love: Sweet Treats for Every Occasion. one.pa.gov.sg

CNY!

There’s a new sheriff in town as Sailor Jerry takes over Bar Naked as their main spirit till March. On Saturdays 6-10pm, enjoy free flow beer and house pours for $60 nett. www.naked.com.sg

初七

初二

26 PAU MAKING

27 CHINGAY

Learn to make, pleat and steam your own paus, and cook the fillings, chicken and char siew, to assemble your very own pau. A special recipe will also be given and taught during the session, peach-shaped longevity lotus pau. Great to offer to your elders. creativeculinaire.com.sg

Celebrate the nation’s 50th birthday with the grandest parade ever organised. Used plastic drink bottles will be converted into flowers by members of the community and lit up on giant trees representing Singapore’s development. chingay.org.sg

初八

初九

$80 | 1-6 PM | CREATIVE CULINAIRE THE SCHOOL

TILL 31 MARCH | BAR NAKED, 95 CLUB STREET

初六

19 HAPPY

24 SAILOR JERRY X BAR NAKED

初五

This high tea session cum blind group date includes snacks, coffee and facilitation, in a strictly singles only mingling. Dress your best and try to impress, and perhaps you’ll have a date next week. Registration necessary. www.clique2click.com

初一

saturday 7 GARDEN HIGH TEA

Feast on traditional goodies like waxed duck, and shop for festive decorations and plants among the brightly lit stalls on the streets of Chinatown. On the eve of Chinese New Year, enjoy extended hours till 1am. chinatownfestivals.sg

Free | 17-28 FEB | THE FLOAT AT MARINA BAY

Join in Chinese cultural activities such as calligraphy, savour unique delicacies at the food fair, and watch performances by local and foreign troupes while enjoying the magnificent lanterns and the festive decorations. riverhongbao.sg 初四

thursday

TILL 18 FEB | 6-10.30 PM

Be engulfed in the smell of your memories as the Code Deco Memory Project seeks to recreate them by mixing materials, even as you shop for local artisans’ products and eatables in this popup boutique. keepers.com.sg

2 01 5

初三

FROM $28.50 | 27-28 FEB, 8PM | F1 PIT BUILDING

coming up in march 14 MAR: Pi Day 14-22 MAR: Singapore Restaurant Week 19-21 MAR: Gelato International 20-22 MAR: Cafe Asia

初十

Maka

# b e s t b i t e s

on BiTES GUESS AND WIN!

Each month, we’ll feature a fresh makan place—whether it’s a new outlet of a familiar brand, revamped concept or completely new entrant—for you to guess what/ where it is. Correct answers will be entered in a draw to win a dining experience with us!

FEBRUARY: 2 readers stand to win DINNER FOR 4

This month, we go louco for meat, meat and more meat at the 3rd outlet of this beloved BBQ restaurant. Hint: it’s located amongst greenery. Give us your best guess between 1-16 Feb to dine at the restaurant on 10 March! To enter, email us between 1-16 February to bites.editorial@magsint.com with the following: Name: Contact number: Address: Guess name of restaurant: Guess the location:

Using your noodle

The event: Ramen Champion Tasting Competition 2015 at Bugis+. The contenders: six ramen stalls including the new contender, Tonkotsu Ikkyu from Changi Airport T3’s Ramen Champion. BiTES editor June joined an esteemed panel of judges which included chef Hisao Goto of Goto restaurant, chef Seiichiro Arawaka of Han restaurant, and Misako Ito—director of the Japan Creative Centre, Embassy of Japan, to slurp up six bowls of unique ramen creations. Taiko performances and the lively proceedings made the event a success with the VIP and media attendees. And the winner is… Tonkotsu Ikkyu! Their milky pork bone broth, thin and straight al dente noodles, and

The judges scored each dish on presentation, broth, toppings, noodle texture and overall balance.

sous vide chashu were the judge’s favourite. Runner-up was Menban Yamagishi Kazuo with their silky tsukemen, while Buta God and Menya Ryu claimed media’s choice favourites.

More details at www.bites.com.sg/promotions/contests Buta god

Menban yamagishi kazuo

menya ryu

Where got BiTES?

We staked out MRT stations islandwide in January to meet our BiTES readers as the month’s edition was being handed out.

Check out www.fb.com/BiTESSingapore for updates and distribution dates.

riki

tonkotsu ikkyu

shodai koji

ALL FOR LOVE

Here’s something to sweeten your Valentine’s. 10 readers stand to win lushly fragranced candles from Shea worth $28.80 each! We have 5 Vanilla Honey and 5 Vintage Velvet candles to give away on 2-3 February over on our Facebook page at @BitesSingapore. Be sure to check in on those dates for a chance to win a prize for your sweetheart.

Shea is located at #B2-47/48 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road. Tel: 6238 1690, www.shea.com.sg. Open daily 11.30am-9.30pm

City hall: by 8.40am, ALL gone! sorry folks who came but couldn’t get any.

Vanilla Honey (burn time 35-50 hours) With vetiver and cedarwood essential oils, this is a balanced bouquet of creamy vanilla and musk with honey tones.

Vintage Velvet (burn time 45-50 hours) Bergamot freshens the top, in this luxurious floral-musky concoction enhanced with rose and geranium essential oils.

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b i t e s

Eat up this Lunar New Year Blue Lotus | Till 5 Mar (18 Feb dinner only, closed 19-20 Feb) | www.bluelotus. com.sg Noms: Choose from three eight-course set menus (min. 4 pax). Happiness ($88/pax) features poached live prawns in a claypot; Prosperity’s ($108/pax) highlight is the braised Mexican abalone; and Longevity ($138/pax) means a lifetime of delicious wok-fried Kagoshima Wagyu beef with peppercorn. These all start with the signature tea smoked salmon yusheng, which is packed with Japanese cabbage, salmon skin and whitebait.

BRUSSELs SPROUTS |17 Feb-5 Mar (Big Splash outlet closed 18-20 Feb) | www. brusselssprouts.com.sg Noms: 1) Yusheng's a must! 2) Prosperity Plate—a cold starter with tempura prawns 3) Lucky Shells is a twist on chicken noodle soup with mussels; 4) Duck a la Mandarin combines the classic dish with roasted shiitake mushrooms and wok-sauteed vegetables; and 5) Sweet Blossoms is a medley of pineapple carpaccio, lychee syrup and coconut ice cream ($288/set, feeds 4).

JuChunYuan | 2 Feb-5 Mar | #01-01 Far East Square, 130 Amoy Street. Tel: 6536 2655 Noms: Fuzhou delicacies feature in the Chinese New Year set menus which also offer a vegetarian option (from $68/pax). Highlights include kampachi and salmon yusheng, Fuzhou auspicious dish Eight Treasures in a Pot, signature Pa Shao pork belly, and to symbolise longevity, stir-fried Heng Hwa bee hoon. Find stalls offering Fuzhou street food and snacks in the courtyard.

Oceans of Seafood | Till 5 Mar | www. oceansofseafood.com.sg Noms: The lohei includes Tokyo's Tsukiji Market specials like rock lobster, salmon and amberjack. They go further by topping the festive platter ($128) with braised smelt, tobiko and even a gold leaf, with a generous drizzle of creamy goma sauce.

En Group | Till 5 Mar | www.endiningbars.com Noms: Toss to a jubilant year with a free platter of lobster yusheng (worth $89) at En Japanese Dining Bar or Z'en Japanese Cuisine. Just get three others to tag along for reunion dinner (easy-peasy) at the restaurants' a la carte and shabu shabu buffet (from $58++/pax).

Shisen Hanten | Till 5 Mar | Level 35 Orchard Wing Mandarin Orchard Singapore, 333 Orchard Road. Tel: 6831 6262/ 6831 6266 Noms: Treat the family to an opulent evening with one of 10 festive set menus (from $98/pax, min. two to dine). Usher in prosperity with salmon lohei, then move on to luxe delights like Alaskan crab meat and crab roe soup, steamed sea perch fillet, and braised baby abalone with sea cucumber and dried oyster in a beancurd bag.

Gu Ma Jia Private Kitchen | 5 Feb-5 Mar | 45 Tai Thong Crescent. Tel: 6285 2023 Noms: Their fifth anniversary ushers in new dishes such as the homemade yam ring with the sweet and savoury Kyoto pork ribs ($30) and the Ubin lala bee hoon ($18). Must-have dishes such as herbal chicken and fish maw soup with crabmeat and sea cucumber are available in the reunion set menu ($488, $588 and $888, no service charge and GST).

SQUE Rotisserie & Alehouse | Till 28 Feb | #01-70 The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street | www.sque.com.sg Noms: The Prosperity Platter for two features drunken prawns, smoked duck breast with plum sauce, roasted five spice spring chicken with rich oyster and sesame sauced lettuce with sliced abalone ($58.80). Add on two bottles of XXX Gold Lager from Australia ($10) for a boozy CNY.

SunnyHills | Till 4 Mar | #03-05 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Road. Tel: 8522 9605 Noms: Throw in Echire French AOP butter, summerharvested Taiwanese pineapples and kawaii sheep illustrations into the mix, and we're sold. A limited edition box of SunnyHills' tasty and tangy Summer's Blush pastries ($32/box of 10pcs) make a good (and premium) gift when visiting the in-laws.

SYNC | Till 28 Feb | fb.com/syncbistro Noms: Gather your K-loving chingu (friends) for the lohei (from $28). It's a colourful salad made of fresh Korean daikon, myoga (ginger flower), kimchi; and topped with Korean sea bream sashimi and tobiko. Instead of plum sauce, this is dressed with a mix of kimchi juice, gochujang, soy and yuja (citron).

tcc | Till 28 Feb | www. theconnoisseurconcerto.com Noms: These Pros-bear-rity pineapple tarts are literally wee bear faces in pastry cases ($23.80/set of 20pcs). If you spend a minimum of $30 at the art boutique caffè, or if you're a tcc member, pay just $18.80/set.

umisushi | Self-collection/ delivery from 6 Feb-5 Mar | www.umisushi.com.sg Noms: Give your CNY celebration a Japanese twist with takeaway reunion sets. The shredded vegetables in the umiYusheng ($42.80/59.80) are soaked in iced water for optimal freshness and crunch. Other options include the Abundant sushi platter (from $56.80, 54pcs), grilled teriyaki wings (from $9.80, 12pcs), and a free tamago sushi tissue box cover with the Prosperity Bundle (from $132.80).

Tastes of Bangkok: Fly to the Thai capital with Bangkok Jam! Stand to win a pair of air tickets to Bangkok via Thai Airways, and Bangkok Jam dining vouchers, by sharing your food photos Calling fans of som tum and khao pad: how does flying to BKK for the real deal sound? Just send your photos of Thai dishes you’ve savoured to mail@createries.com with the subject “Bangkok Jam Facebook Photo Contest”. Snap away—whether photos of Thai food that you enjoy, or food that you think best represents Thailand!

es bite advert 17.06.14AW.pdf

17/6/14

Just answer three questions: 1) What is the name of the dish? 2) Where did you eat this dish? 3) What is it about this dish that you enjoy? Include your details (full name, email, mailing address, contact number) before 23 February 2015. Only one submission per person. After that, if you’re shortlisted, get your friends to also like Bangkok Jam Singapore on Facebook and share your entry with #BangkokJamSG for extra cred with the judges. Terms and conditions apply. • 1st Prize: A pair of return air tickets to Bangkok (by Thai Airways) + $300 Bangkok Jam vouchers • 2nd Prize: $200 Bangkok Jam vouchers • 3rd Prize: $100 Bangkok Jam vouchers

Full details on: fb.com/BangkokJamSingapore and www.bites.com.sg/promotions/contests

3:51 PM

n e w s

b i t e s

Suntec City reboot

New eats: Comfort food with Asian roots for everyone For quality Korean BBQ in a well-ventilated environment, check out BORNGA's third Singapore outlet. Top seller woo samgyup comprises thinly-sliced U.S. beef short plate seasoned in the restaurant's secret marinade—the marbled meat remains vibrant unlike the usual dull strips in dark sauce. New on the menu: LA yangnyeom galbi ($40, marinated short rib), haemul pajeon ($22, seafood pancake), and hae mul dduck jjim ($32, seafood and rice cake). Soju goes for only $11 a pop, and the banchan variety will please hungry diners. Daily 11.30am-10pm. East Wing (Towers 3 & 4) #01-641/642. Tel: 6836 3291

Just a few units away sits Hoshino Coffee, a charming Japanese cafe serving specialty hand-drip coffee, made from handpicked premium Arabica beans (from $5.80). Iced coffees (from $6) are served in a bespoke copper cup to keep your java cool. Nosh on salmon spaghetti with wasabi cream sauce ($16), fuwa-fuwa doria ($15.80) and matcha pot-baked souffle ($10.80, baked fresh upon order). Grab breakfast (from $5.90, till 11am) or a value lunch set (Mon-Fri 11am to 3pm). Daily 8am-10pm. East Wing (Towers 3 & 4) #01651/652. Tel: 6836 9881 A short stroll brings you to My Dining Room. Despite its luxe layout and fine dining fare, your wallet won't ache. Appetisers like fried crispy golden mushroom are priced from $6.80, and the most expensive item on the menu is the whole roasted suckling pig ($198). There's Hong Kong dim sum (from $4.50 for char siew pau) and wines too. A CNY celebration (from $35/pax for veg sets) calls for an order of Teochew yusheng with whitefin wolf herring (from $55) and abalone pen cai (from $248 for six persons). Huat ah! Mon-Sat 11.30am-3pm, 6-10.30pm; Sun & PH 10am-3pm, 6-10.30pm; closed 19-20 Feb. West Wing (Tower 5) #02-314/315/316. Tel: 6238 6898

Fire up the grill BORNGA

With the opening of Bratworks—the German Imbiss, Singapore finally has its own authentic imbiss, or German street food shop. The owner, who hails from

MY DINING ROOM

Germany, ensures that their sausages are packed with flavour and the Flensburger beer is chilled enough to go “plop” on opening the swing-top cap. The Original Currywurst ($10) has an addictive tomato-curry ketchup sauce that hits the spot, while there’s also a choice of bratwurst, chicken, nurnberger, krakauer and bockwurst ($8 each) to explore. The smoked and simmered bockwurst has the bounciest texture, while pork nurnberger are smaller and have more intense grill flavour. Don’t miss the French fries in red and white ($5), boasting robust German-imported ketchup and mayo. #B1-18 One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place and #01-01 Altez, 16 Enggor Street

FREE Red Packets with purchase of Soft Shell Crab LO HEI. While stocks lasts. Valid from 1st February to 5th March 2015. The management reserves the rights to amend the terms & conditions at no prior notice.

K-Chow More than just Korean specialty noodles, 'guksu' to the eponymous Guksu Noodle House’s executive chef Kang Heunseong means love. His grandmother, Mdm Park Mi Suk fed their hometown during World War II with the same noodles for survival. Try the handmade noodle dishes of varying thicknesses (from $9.90) and make it a set (+$4) to enjoy a juicy fried chicken drumstick (we like the garlic soya, U.P. $3.90) and Korean corn tea. The vongole ddeok bok ki pasta ($9) and the gul sam hap ($36.90, fresh oysters and steamed GUKSU noodle house

JCY[ws]_Bites HPFC ads (CNY&Fuzhou street food)FApath.pdf

pork belly DIY wraps) are stars too. Daily 11am-10.30pm. #02-385 Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard. Tel: 6334 7950 Located right in the midst of the Kovan heartlands is Yorijori Singapore, a Korean hotplate that has just taken up shop at Paya Lebar Kovan Community Centre. Enjoy the peaceful sight of elders doing taichi as you munch through dak galbi (spicy chicken ribs) ($15/pax), rice balls ($5) with a rich flavour despite their messy appearances, and Korean BBQ ($15/pax), all on custommade BBQ tables imported directly from Korea. Mon-Fri 3.30-11pm, Sat-Sun 11.30am-11pm. 207 Hougang Street 21 Paya Lebar Kovan CC. Tel: 6288 6651 Keeaboos (fans joo of K-culture) now have another reason to rejoice—the latest chic makgeolli bar, Joo, serves homebrewed rice wines with delish anju, or bar grub. Opt for the makgeolli sampler ($35) for a taste of five refreshing flavours, including yucha, or Korean yuzu. Match the moreish tipples with some baby eel paper ($12), deep-fried fish crisps served with chilli salt and lime zest; slow-roasted mangalitsa belly ($32), a juicy Asian rendition of Hungarian pork; and seafood gochujang risotto ($24). The stylish branding and interiors are the final finishing touches to the merry night out. 5 Tan Quee Lan Street. Tel: 8138 1628

20/1/15

#HASHTAG Happenings

What’s trending on social media. (P.S. Like us! @bitessg on Instagram and BitesSingapore on Facebook) @wearesingavore Remember our Jan issue which extolled the virtues of eating local? Check out We Are Singavore, a quartet of final year undergrads from the Wee Kim Wee School, NTU. This Feb, they celebrate Singavore Month, a collab with 10 F&B outlets like Artichoke and 7Kickstart. The scoop: exciting new dishes that feature local produce at promo prices. www.wearesingavore.com @mcdonaldssingapore is McDonald's LINE account through which special deals and updates will be announced. If you read this before 7 Feb, quickly get your paws on the exclusive LINE x McDonald's sticker set via the LINE Sticker shop for loads of Brown and Cony. fb.com/ mcdsgww

12:49 PM

s m a r t

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$ 10 0

Oh, goat on OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW—IT’S TIME TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME FOR THE IMPENDING VISITS by RELATIVES AND FRIENDS. By Timothy Lam, Photography by Benjamin Soh and Tay Yu Liang

GRAPHIC BOWL This black iron graphic bowl is the perfect centerpiece to house your Mandarin oranges and impress hipster friends, and will look good all year round. $95 from BoConcept Paragon, #04-01/02/03 Paragon, 290 Orchard Road. Tel: 6736 0777

GOAT PLUSHIE To celebrate the Year of the Goat, what more can you ask for than a festively coloured plushie, complete with horns and buttons for eyes. This adorable creation will be an instant hit with the little ones, perhaps earning you a well-deserved break. $19.90 (small), $22 (medium), $25 (large) from Egg3, #02-35, 112 East Coast Road. Tel: 6345 5200

SINGLISH PERPETUAL CALENDAR Let this retro Lunar Almanac calendar designed in nostalgic fashion guide your day with its daily predictions in the true blue Singaporean way, Singlish style. $18 from The Farm Store, www.farmstore.sg CERAMIC PLATES Modern yet somehow retaining the classic Chinese touch, these ceramic plates in a variety of colours are bound to please even grandma. $22.90 from Metro, #02-28 Paragon, 290 Orchard Road Tel: 6835 3322

lazy susan There’s nothing slothful about this brightly coloured Lazy Susan, made from durable glass and perfectly suited to the Chinese New Year family gathering. Best of all, you’ll find it at half price in ToTT’s Chinese New Year sale, which runs till 1 March. $86.65 (U.P. $173.30) from ToTT Store, #0101A 896 Dunearn Road. Tel: 6219 7077

TEA LIGHT HOLDERS Add a luxurious touch of gold to the room the next time you light candles—perhaps after a hectic day of visitations. These ceramic holders cast a sophisticated sheen that works for all festive occasions. $29/$49 from SaladShop, 25/27 Haji Lane. Tel: 6299 5805

MINI TINGKAT Sure to bring back fond memories, these mini tingkats in both classic and modern colours are ideal for serving up snacks or side dishes in nostalgic fashion. $29.90 from When I Create + Zakka, whenicreate. com.sg

golden fortune goat baskets Running out of ideas to display your mandarin oranges? Make a zodiac statement with the Golden Fortune Goat Baskets—these wire framed designs won’t take up much room, while the smaller unit is perfect for doubling up as a hostess gift. $12.88 (fits 2), $22.88 (fits 8) from all Cold Storage, Market Place and Jasons the Gourmet Grocer outlets

TERRACOTTA HANDPAINTED WARLI JAR WITH SHEESHAM TRAY To hide the best snacks from the ravenous horde, this terracotta jar hand-painted in Warli art, with a Sheesham wood tray, will keep your dry goods secure. $38 from EXCLUSIVELANE, available at Jooix, www.jooix.com. Tel: 9666 0223/8182 2358

ROYAL DOULTON PLATES To add a touch of class, these microwave and dishwasher safe plates boast a beautiful tree design full of fruit. An auspicious ode to the year ahead indeed. $14.90 (small), $23.90 (big) from When I Create + Zakka, whenicreate. com.sg

PAINT YOUR OWN PLASTER LARGE Do pineapples come only in yellow? To unleash your hidden potential, this plaster ornament project kit provides everything you need to create your very own multicoloured pineapple decoration. $29.95 from Typo, #01-18 313 Somerset. Tel: 6509 6951

GOLD FISH DISPLAY To usher in a good year, this intricately carved metal display fulfils cultural obligation for the Chinese New Year and doubles up equally well as a paperweight! $79 (mini), $89 (regular) from Egg3, #02-35, 112 East Coast Road. Tel: 6345 5200

We are not only serving foods and beverages but you can also purchase products which we are using for the menu! All products are from Japan and exclusively imported by IPPIN PTE LTD. Feel free to contact us to know more!

@wlee76

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IPPIN CAFE BAR - Japanese Makan & Drinks Place

18 Mohamed Sultan Road #01-01 Singapore 238967 Tel: 6733 4794 Opening hours: 11:00am - 11:00pm https://www.facebook.com/ippincafebarms18

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My fussy valentine’s The next hardest thing to finding a date for St Valentine’s Day is deciding on what to eat. What if the way to your darling’s heart is through an allergy or strange food phobia? We chart our way through the food and restaurants that should help you score brownie points on the day of romance—and for the rest of the year, too. By June Lee

My Valentine’s is…

Stingy

If he declares, “We’re not spending more than $50!”— then you should drag him outdoors. And make him carry the lovingly prepared basket from Food For Thought at the Botanic Gardens. Customise your own or order the Picnic For Two ($50) package which includes a choice of two burgers (such crispy fish fingers) along with chicken wings, potato salad, mudcake and drinks, along with picnic mat, cutlery and trash bag. The catch? Return the basket before 6pm to get your $50 deposit back. www.foodforthought.com.sg

Allergic to pollen

Rainbowly’s chocolate-dipped fresh fruit bouquets are a brilliant alternative to (inedible) flowers. Sure, she won’t be able to carry and flaunt the ‘blooms’ around, but these gourmet treats—made from imported French, Australian and U.S. fruit and European chocolate—are so healthy and luscious you won’t be able to stop picking at them. Upgrade to Godiva chocolate if you’re up for a splurge. From $49.90, rainbowly.com

A terrible cook

She’s bad, you’re worse—time to sharpen those kitchen skills to cook up a delicious weekend! Besides the usual bakes and chocolate tutorials, kitchen wonderland ToTT is offering classes such as Breakfast in Bed ($118/person) which will guide you on making artisan bread with cashew butter, scrambled eggs with mushroom, and tiramisu—to truly impress the day after. 7-14 Feb, www.tottstore.com

Pat yourself—and your rolled rice—when you attend Tokyo Sushi Academy’s sushi cake-making class ($220 per pair, with free bottle of wine) on 14 Feb, 4.30-6.30pm. You’ll be walking away with the skills to create works of (he)art with raw fish for future parties and occasions. #B217 Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge Road. Tel: 64447828

Food for thought

Alternatively, if you’re heading to Marina Promenade, book a picnic basket in advance from Four Seasons Gourmet Market ($15/day with $20 deposit), and fill it with ready-to-eat gourmet picks such as salads, cheese and deli items. #B2-49 Marina Bay Link Mall, 8a Marina Boulevard. Tel: 6634 4629

Do you have: SLIMY FOOD PHOBIA?

I just want a huge variety of food Check out Top 10 Romantic Buffets, p19

AZUR

Definition: Picky eaters can have an aversion to texture— making it difficult to face “rubbery” raw seafood such as sashimi and oysters, “slimy” vegetables such as eggplant, ladies’ fingers and fermented soybeans, while even “spongy” mushrooms and tomatoes are not spared.

No, so give me my oysters! Top 3 for oyster and ambience

YES, FINALLY SOMEONE UNDERSTANDS!

Slimy foods lurk everywhere—unfortunately, there isn’t a foolproof menu that won’t include the items you can’t stomach. Your best bet? Private chef services, where you can specify all the ingredients to exclude. www.anappleaday.com.sg Most personal chefs charge an arm and leg—but what if this chef does the shopping, comes to your house, and prepares up to a week’s worth of dishes (packaged, labelled and ready to heat up)? A four-to-six hour session will provide about 20 individual meal servings, which you can enjoy in any combination and plate as you please. Wellness is the site’s focus, so expect healthy but delicious dishes like orange-glazed salmon and raspberry compote.

WWW.PERSONALCHEFSINGAPORE.COM

Oyster Bar & Wine Dining Wharf Old-world romance is in the air at CHIJMES’ historic courtyard. Wines and mojito wash well with the fresh oyster platters, starting at $36 for half dozen for French, Canadian, New Zealand and U.S. imports. A variety of grilled flavours ($28 for four) include garlic butter and mozzarella and tomato sauce options, while oyster chowder ($14-24) in two styles—milky Boston and clear Manhattan—ramp up the gourmet offerings. #0119 CHIJMES, 30 Victoria Street. Tel: 6332 6789 PRIVE WATERFRONT BAR

WWW. ANAPPLEADAY. COM.SG

www.personalchefsingapore.com Whilst chef John Sawarto and his team cater to large events as well, they also provide the option for romantic dining for two—you just have to provide the kitchen and location. As each event is individual, you’ll have to check with them for a menu price quote, which will include chef on site, ingredients, food preparing and cooking—if your kitchen is not up to scratch, they’ll work out something.

Southbridge Oysters, prosecco and cocktails are a match made in heaven at this buzzy openair rooftop bar overlooking the downtown waterfront. Slurp up cold bivalves by the half dozen, in styles such as Tropical—New Zealand oysters topped with Thai-inspired sauce, or Umami, dressed in punchy dashi and ponzu ($24/half dozen). Level 5, 80 Boat Quay. Tel: 6536 5818

OYSTER BAR & WINE DINING WHARF

Prive Waterfront Bar Escape to your private island— almost!—for easy, breezy coastal dining amongst the fancy yachts. The menu has been revamped to feature signature shells such as Fanny Bay (New Zealand) and Vendee-Atlantic (France), along with seasonal specials such as Perle Noire from Brittany, served with tangy champagne mignonette dressing, priced at $36 per half dozen. Marina at Keppel Bay, 2 Keppel Bay Vista. Tel: 6776 0777

SOUTHBRIDGE

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Are you on: a glutenfree diet? Definition: All diets are restrictive but going glutenfree may be the most frustrating. Gluten, a protein, is found in all grains including wheat, barley, rye, semolina and couscous. Many sauces and marinades, including soy and teriyaki, also contain gluten. The diet is medically necessary for people with celiac disease, but others have jumped on the bandwagon believing that it will help them lose weight and be healthier (a la Victoria Beckham and Miley Cyrus).

YES, BECAUSE I HAVE CELIAC DISEASE

ACTUALLY, I’M MORE ABOUT CARB-FREE

Osteria Mozza Never fear, you can still enjoy Italian cuisine! 98 percent of their pastas can be replaced with handmade, gluten-free substitutes. #B1-42/46 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands,10 Bayfront Avenue. Tel: 6688 8522

Rocks Urban Grill + Bar Suave and sophisticated, this European venue won’t burn a hole in your wallet—plus, the main courses are meaty and worth every penny: Atlantic cod with sundried tomato crust, lamb shank Rocks with rosemary and garlic, Urban Grill + or 150-day grain-fed Bar sirloin. The Valentine’s Day dinner set menu ($140 per couple) includes a choice of starter, organic vegetables and red wine sauce to share, and ends with warm chocolate fondant. #02-01/02 The Sail, 2 Marina Boulevard. Tel: 6438 4404

3 worry-free places to dine in

OSTERIA MOZZA

Crust Pizza The Australian pizza ninjas take their work seriously, and were one of the first to introduce a gluten-free base. Impress your date with the gourmet Upper Crusts such as wagyu and prawn ($38) and white prosciutto ($29) pizzas—while not all sauces are gluten-free, the ones with pesto, BBQ and béchamel sauces are fine. 34B Lorong Mambong. Tel: 6467 2224 Real Food Killiney We’ve snuck in our favourite “real food” vegetarian bistro because not only do they have gluten-free options, they are also meticulous about catering to a wide range of food sensitivities, be it all-vegan or no garlic, onions and soy. This may not be the most romantic Valentine’s Day venue, but you’ll go gaga for body-healthy cuisine such as probiotic miso soup ($7), baked organic brown rice ($13.80), beet millet burger ($12.80) and pure juices (from $6), served in an eco-hip space in town. Tai Wah Building, 110 Killiney Road. Tel: 6737 9516

NO, I’M NOT ON ANY DIET

Congratulations! Eat anything you like—but first, find out what Dr Love prescribes on p24

GARLIC

Cupid says: Stay away from this sulfurous disaster before your monstrous breath scares away your date. Doctor says: Allicin in garlic increases blood flow to nether regions. We all know what that will do for you.

Our fave and most memorable V'day picks

Skyve Bistro Get set to dine on the 4-course set dinner ($228 per couple) that comprises a choice of main: seared duck d’margaret, zataar crusted snapper or char-grilled Angus ribeye, all in generous portions for skinny eaters. The language of love, in this case, includes a glass of complimentary bubbly as well as Lush Spa 30-minute treatments worth $110 for every couple. #01-17 Block E, 10 Winstedt Road. Tel: 6225 6690 SKYVE BISTRO

Kinki How much cheekier can you get than bringing your date to Kinki? The 4-course Valentine’s Day Set Dinner ($128 per person) sets the mood with top-shelf sushi moriawase and main course choice of whole slipper lobster or chicken roulade. Don’t go dry with a complimentary glass of wine. #02-02 Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay. Tel: 6533 3471

KINKI

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Wish you had a reliable buffet resource available to guide you to the best all-you-can-eat spots? Buffet Bounty is your go-to resource on buffets for all budgets, tastes and locations. This month, we toss up 26 Chinese New Year buffets for your abundant appetite, and prosper with 10 Peranakan spreads for more festive feasts. Then go into Valentine’s Day proper with bloggers Daniel & Esther who share a love for cooking. Log on to www.bites.com.sg for these buffets and more!

Bites guide: Price guide (nett) $ wallet-friendly (below $50) $$ just can’t resist a splurge ($50-100) $$$ a special occasion ($100-150) $$$$ indulgence galore (above $150) Certified halal Does not serve pork or lard Kid-friendly facilities Veg-friendly

chinese new year buffets

ASIAN [$$] Brizo Restaurant and Bar Park Hotel Clarke Quay, 1 Unity Street. Tel: 6593 8855 Toss to a prosperous new year at this dinner buffet (19-22 & 26-28 Feb: $65++, 6.30-10.30pm) with golden fortune prawns, imperial herbal sakura chicken soup, and fish maw with superior stock. Relish in the reunion seafood and BBQ dinner buffet ($75++, 18 Feb 6-10.30pm) with steamed Hong Kong style black cod fish, Brizo golden fragrance crab and four special BBQ items done Asian style such as baby pork ribs marinated with char siew sauce. HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY: ◆ 20% off Prosperity Buffet Dinner (Thu-Sun). Valid from 19-22 Feb 2015, 26-28 Feb 2015, 1 Mar 2015, 5-8 Mar 2015

Café Mosaic Carlton Hotel Singapore, 76 Bras Basah Road. Tel: 6311 8195 Usher in an auspicious year with a buffet ($58++ adult,

fish maw soup, braised pig trotter with black moss and dried oyster, braised sea cucumber with roasted duck, and finish off with homemade pan-fried nian gao at this Lunar New Year buffet (9 Feb-5 Mar: $48++, 12-2.30pm; $68++, 6-10pm). HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY: ◆ 15% off festive dining flavours at zhongshan park

$29++ child, 19-22 Feb 12-2.30pm; $88++ adult, $44++ child, 18-21 Feb 6.30-10.30pm) which includes salmon yusheng with strawberry sauce, suckling pig and live cooking stations where chefs serve up Peking duck and chicken coin, wrapping up with deep-fried nian gao. Element Amara Singapore, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road. Tel: 6879 2607 Have the traditional reunion at this buffet (18 Feb: $48++, 12-2.30pm; $68++, 5.30-10pm) with fatt choy yusheng served at the dinner slot together with local favourites like roasted Peking duck, double boiled shredded abalone soup with sea treasure, and king prawns grilled with XO sauce prepared at the live station. Add $55++ to the Lunar New Year buffet (19 Feb-5 Mar: $49++, 12-2.30pm; $59++, 6.30-10pm) for free flow champagne. HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY: ◆ 15% off Lunar New Year’s Eve Reunion Buffet Dinner for reservations made before 9 February 2015 escape restaurant & lounge

Escape Restaurant & Lounge One Farrer Hotel & Spa, 1 Farrer Park Station Road. Tel: 6705 7828 Tuck into ambrosial delights such as eight treasures

visit

Flavours at Zhongshan Park Ramada Singapore at Zhongshan Park, 16 Ah Hood Road. Tel: 6808 6888 Signature dishes have been tweaked to suit the occasion with the carving station changing to beer marinated roasted suckling pig for the Chinese New Year buffet ($58++, 18 Feb 6-10.30pm; $46++, 19-20 Feb 6-10.30pm). Build your own burger and kueh pie tee at the D.I.Y. stations for dinner and create burgers and sandwiches for high tea ($40++, 19-20 Feb 1-5pm). Indulge at Park Grand Park City Hall, 10 Coleman Street. Tel: 6432 5888 Local delights like wok-fried salted egg baby lobster and paper wrapped chicken await you at this buffet (1 Feb-5 Mar: from $42++, Mon-Sat 12-2.30pm; from $55++, Sun 12-2.30pm; from $55++, Sun-Thu 6.30-10.30pm) while you greet the Chinese New Year. A BBQ buffet (1 Feb-5 Mar: from $62++, Fri-Sat 6.30-10.30pm) is also featured, or opt for the Chinese New Year Eve buffet (18 Feb: $42++, 12-2.30pm; $68.80++, 6.30-10.30pm). HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY: ◆ 20% off Chinese New Year Prosperity Buffet Dinner (Mon-Sun). Valid 1 Feb-5 Mar 2015, except on 18 Feb 2015

In partnership with

indulge at park

Spice Brasserie PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road, Singapore, 181 Kitchener Road. Tel: 6428 3160 Receive five fortunes at this dinner buffet ($78++, 12-28 Feb 6-10pm) in the form of crispy baby crab yusheng, prosperity pot, lobster in superior stock, abalone glutinous rice with liver sausage and pumpkin puree with almond flakes. Dine during lunch ($48++, 12-28 Feb, 12-2.30pm) and receive a complimentary yusheng platter. HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY: ◆ One dines for free with every two paying adults, lunch and dinner buffets

buffet town

spice brasserie

Kintamani Indonesian Restaurant [ ] Furama RiverFront, Singapore, 405 Havelock Road. Tel: 6739 6463 Celebrate Chinese New Year Balinese style at Kintamani with chef duo Kaler and Noldy presenting Nusantara yusheng and festive delights from their halal certified establishment. HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY: ◆ One dines free with two paying adults for buffet. Only applicable on 18 (dinner), 19 and 20 Feb. $50++ (lunch)/ $55++ (dinner) Makan@Jen Hotel Jen Orchardgateway, Singapore, 277 Orchard Road. Tel: 6708 8899 Get ready for Hotel Jen’s first Chinese New Year celebration with a sumptuous buffet ($55++, 18-20 Feb 6.30-10pm) spread including steamed red garoupa with Japanese beancrumbs, dried oysters with black moss, and fresh slipper lobsters. Their seafood buffet (21 Feb5 Mar: 6.30-10pm; $40++, Sun-Thu; $55++, Fri-Sat) will also include Chinese New Year dishes. Princess Terrace Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore, 403 Havelock Road. Tel: 6318 3168 Celebrate the Chinese side of Peranakan heritage at the Pre Festive Spring buffet (2-18 Feb: $48++, Mon-Fri 122.30pm; $52.80++, Sat-Sun & PH 12-2.30pm; $52.80++, Mon-Thu 6.30-10pm; $56.80++, Fri-Sun & PH 6.3010pm) and the Lunar New Year Heritage Buffet (19-22 Feb: $52.80++, Mon-Sun & PH 12-2.30pm; $58.80++, Mon-Sun & PH 6.30-10pm) with classic Penang dishes, yusheng and nian gao with sweet potato and yam.

International [$] Buffet town [ ] #B1-44E Raffles City, 252 North Bridge Road. Tel: 6837 3793 Customise your own yusheng at this buffet (18-22 Feb: $39.80++, 11.30am-3pm; $49.80++, 6-10pm) and dig into a mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, deep-fried whole sea bass with black bean sauce, chilli crayfish accompanied by a wide range of fresh seafood such as sashimi, oysters and prawns.

[$$] StraitsKitchen [ ] Grand Hyatt Hotel, Singapore, 10 Scotts Road. Tel: 6887 5492 Who says Chinese New Year is only for Chinese? Enjoy halal certified food in this buffet (19 Feb: $60++, 12-2.30pm; $88++, 6.30-10.30pm) with a mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, glutinous rice with crabmeat and deep-fried prosperity rice cakes and yams. Try their sustainably sourced seafood yusheng available from 15 Feb-5 Mar.

Azur Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, 75 Airport Boulevard. Tel: 6823 5354 Enjoy a ($88++, 18 Feb 6.30-10.30pm) mix of Western and Asian dishes such as pan seared foie gras and guava pudding with sour rhubarb in this festive themed menu by chef Andrew Tharm. Lunar New Year brunch and dinner (19-20 Feb: $68++, 12.30-3.30pm; $75++, 6.30-10.30pm) as well as auspicious buffet dinner ($58++, 21 Feb-5 Mar 6.30-10.30pm) and lunch ($45++, 23-27 Feb & 2-5 Mar 12.30-3.30pm) are also available.

Town Restaurant The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, 1 Fullerton Square. Tel: 6877 8911/6877 8912 Have a reunion over the Singapore High Tea Buffet ($35++, Sat 12-3.30pm) with local delights such as kueh pie tee and laksa accompanied by local beverages, or stick to dinner with their seafood buffet ($69++, Wed-Sat 6.30-10.30pm) which offers fresh lobsters and oysters. A BBQ dinner ($89++, Wed-Sat 6.30-10.30pm) is also available with free flow beer and Singapore Sling for two hours. HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY: ◆ One dines free with every three adults for dinner buffet (daily) and Singapore High Tea Buffet (Saturdays only)

azur

Bakerzin

For HSBC Credit Cards

15% off

Chinese New Year collection purchases at Bakerzin outlets only.

Offer is valid till 5 March 2015. For outlet listings, visit www.bakerzin.com For more dining privileges visit, www.hsbc.com.sg/dining

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Blogger Hot Seat

Does the couple who blog together, stay together? Daniel Goh and Esther Lim have been blogging for eight years, and can finish each other’s sentences. We find out why she’s the meat to his potatoes over the Grand Astor Afternoon Tea Dance at Brasserie Les Saveurs.

PET PEEVES: Food bloggers/writers who know nuts about food, misrepresent it, or are overpretentious. E: “Someone insisted on Fine de Claire oysters at a regular buffet.” D: “Sexist beer ads, and snobbishness creeping into the craft beer industry.” ULTIMATE COMFORT FOOD: E: Very good wagyu beef. D: Potatoes, and a shot of whisky before bed. DON’T OFFER THEM: E: Weird stuff like deep-fried tarantulas. D: Phobia of slimey okra.

WHO: Daniel Goh and Esther Lim (danandesther. tumblr.com)

THE BUFFET:

The Grand Astor Afternoon Tea Dance with Live Band at Brasserie Les Saveurs, The St. Regis Singapore ($59++ per person, Sat 3-5pm)

BLOGGING TOGETHER SINCE: 2007, a year before they got married. “Esther was looking for a written recipe; I told her why not put it online? It’s easier to search and share.” Their blog’s just for fun and not for ads. COUPLE TIME: Daniel runs the Good Beer Company and 99 Bottles (“the graveyard shift”), while Esther works office hours in HR. “I don’t see Daniel much the entire week, except Monday nights (his off day). Sometimes I help out on Friday, Saturday. We cook a lot together on weekends for the week’s meals.” THE WAY TO THE HEART: Food. Hanging out often at a church friend’s home, he’d cook and she’d make dessert. E quips, “If I couldn’t cook, would he marry me? He wouldn’t even date me.” DIFFERENT TASTES: Coffee for him, tea for her. They both love chilli, but for her it’s the fresh, sharper kind and for him it’s the mellow, earthy ones with back heat. SO ROMANTIC…NOT: (Picture-taking) D: “Want to do the feeding one? E: “Ewww!” (V’Day plans) E: “We definitely don’t go out. No, no, no surprises. I plan everything.” D: “She hates surprises.” THEN V’DAY HOW? D: “Usually for special occasions, we cook, but with more premium ingredients.” E: “Last round he got some A4 wagyu and foie gras. We paired this with Japanese rice.” BEING A HAWKER: E: “Mum thinks he’s penniless.” D: “Sometimes she’ll buy groceries for us... so we’ll cook it up and send the meal to her house.” They know of teenagers who’ve never set foot in a hawker centre before, let alone eaten laksa.

TIME OF VISIT: 10 January, 3pm STRATEGY: D: “Start with the sweets, less emphasis on savouries. Few high tea places devote a section to scones, clotted cream, jams... cheese selection could be more robust.” E: “I go for what I want (chocolates, pralines).” THE MUSIC: (A female vocalist and a male singerpianist) D: “Doesn’t gel with the overall experience... just a really fab violinist or piano combo would do. Music plays on your psychology even at a buffet.” E: “Vibe is poppish, upbeat.” ROMANTIC? D: “The crepe station’s perfect for a date.” E: “Spice it up with fresh cut strawberries.” D: “More emphasis on the wines and spirits, not just the champagne.” E: “There’s a private alcove with a curtain.” D: “Shall I show you my eclair?” COME HERE FOR… Serious conversations to solidify the relationship. Or if she has a problem to unload. BEST DISH: Scones for him, chocs for her. NOT ON THEIR MINDS: The sushi (out of place). COULD BE BETTER: Choux pastry and the presentation of dainties on the three-tiered silver stand (barely touched). MOST MEMORABLE: The setting. Tasteful with gold accents, posh with velvet couches and middlehigh tables. Seats that “hug” you. HOW MANY BiTES? Taste: 3.75/5 Value for money: 3/5 Service: 4/5 Ambience: 4.65/5

visit

Café Brios Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, 392 Havelock Road. Tel: 6233 1100 Indulge in the spread laid out by award-winning chef David Toh in the Lunar New Year Festive Buffet (9 Feb-5 Mar: $48.88++, Sun-Fri 12-2.30pm; $66.88++, Mon-Thu 6-10pm; $72.88++, Fri-Sun 6-10pm) which includes a Fa Cai barbecue platter with coin-shaped jerky, chilled snow crab legs, and green tea nian gao. Watch chefs prepare beef mignon and salmon at the hot plate corner. The Lunar New Year Eve Prosperity dinner buffet is priced at $98.88++. HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY: ◆ 20% off festive buffet. Valid from 18 to 20 February 2015; for booking and full payment by 11 February 2015 ◆ 20% off festive goodies take away. Valid for booking and full payment by 17 February 2015, collection may be at a later date ◆ $50 return voucher with a min spend of $150 in a single receipt. Valid from 1 to 17 February 2015 cafÉ brios

Oscar’s Conrad Centennial Singapore, 2 Temasek Boulevard. Tel: 6432 7481 Gather family and friends for a sumptuous Chinese New Year reunion at Oscar’s. Feast to more festivities featuring an auspicious yusheng station amidst global culinary selections (18-21 Feb: $68++, 12-2.30pm, $98++, 6-10pm; 23-28 Feb: $59++, 12-2.30pm, $69++, 6-10pm). There’ll be two dinner seatings on Chinese New Year Eve (18 Feb). Sunday’s Amazing Graze Lunch is an $80++ affair with an optional top-up for free-flow champagne. HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY: ◆ 15% off lunch and dinner buffet RISE 10, Marina Bay Sands, Hotel Lobby Tower 1. Tel: 6688 5525 Start the festivities with traditional yusheng followed by the buffet (from $48++, 12-21 Feb 12-2.30pm & 6.3010.30pm), with a selection of both Western and Asian

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CAFÉ LODGE Duck into the serene Fort Canning for a meal at this all-day dining outlet. The weekend buffet ($32++, Sat-Sun 6-9pm) is Peranakan, Teochew or Hakka-themed—don’t worry, it’s also flexible—so call ahead to enquire or reserve. Enjoy favourites babi pongteh, Nonya chap chye, nasi ulam and durian pengat while you admire the greenery. Do keep your eyes peeled for festive specials during the Lunar New Year period. Y.W.C.A. Fort Canning Lodge, 6 Fort Canning Road. Tel: 6333 0487

the terrace

curry, flavoured with homemade rempah paste; and delights from pastry chef Philip Lee such as durian pengat, red cherries coconut tart, and gula melaka cake. Includes tea and coffee. G/F Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard. Tel: 6826 8240

CHILLI PADI NONYA CAFÉ (HENG MUI KENG TERRACE) If you’re lost, look out for the NUS Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. The restaurant is within the building above it. Try the Peranakan cafe’s ayam buah keluak, sayur lodeh and curry laksa, before helping yourself to the kuehs and sometimes, mango pudding (from $10.80++; Mon-Fri 11.15am-3pm; Sat-Sun & PH 11.15am-2.30pm, 3-5.15pm; Fri-Sun & PH 6-9.30pm). They offer catering too. #06-21 (Ground Level), 29 Heng Mui Keng Terrace. Tel: 6872 2982

PACIFIC MARKETPLACE Nosh on the Weekend Peranakan Afternoon Tea Buffet ($39++, min. two to dine; Sat-Sun 3-5pm) which features a tiffin carrier brimming with yesteryear favourites. Help yourself to unlimited servings of the Peranakan chicken

spreads like pan-seared duck liver being cooked at the live station and Cantonese roast duck carved at the Chinese carving station. The Dining Room Sheraton Towers Hotel Singapore, 39 Scotts Road. Tel: 6839 5621 Enjoy the enhanced lunch buffet ($60++, 9-18 Feb 12-2.30pm) tucking into sauteed prawn with salted egg and butter and visiting the yusheng station. On the Lunar New Year Eve buffet ($90++, 18 Feb, 7-10pm), try the deep fried nian gao after tossing the yusheng. Continuing the festivities, the Lunar New Year buffet ($80++, 19-20 Feb, 12-2.30pm) still offers yusheng and dishes like cereal jumbo prawn, finishing off with jasmine tea macaroons. HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY: ◆ 15% off Chinese New Year Enhanced Buffet Lunch. Valid from 9 to 18 February 2015

Step right up for a good mix of dishes (over 30) featuring the Penang char kway teow, laksa and chendol (from $23.90++; Mon-Sat 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-9.30pm). You’ll also find assam prawns, kueh pie tee, homemade achar and an assortment of kueh. The restaurant will be closed during Chinese New Year (18-22 Feb) and buffet prices will see a $3 surcharge when they re-open (till 5 March). However, festive items like hao shi fa cai and shark’s fin soup will only be available then. Order a salmon yusheng (top-up $28.80++/36.80++) to make it a celebration. #B1-20/24 Connexis, 1 Fusionopolis Way. Tel: 6467 7003/6467 7008

SUN’S CAFÉ Immerse yourself in Peranakan fare at Sun’s Café as you bask in the restaurant’s natural light. Go for the signatures: sambal prawn with juicy petai, fish maw with pork ball soup, and itik sioh (from $29++; Mon-Fri 12pm-2.30pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-3pm, Fri-Sun 6.30-10pm). From 16 Feb to 3 March, expect a Chinese New Year buffet special (prices and menu not available at time of print). Lobby Level Hotel Grand Pacific Singapore, 101 Victoria Street. Tel: 6431 1824

The Terrace The Singapore Resort & Spa, Sentosa, 2 Bukit Manis Road. Tel: 6371 1414 Kick back and relax at this festive buffet ($78++, 1821 Feb 6.30-9.30pm) with a yusheng table and live barbecue stations. Try The Terrace’s signature cold delights and unwind while revelling in crabmeat, slipper lobsters and seared pepper tuna in balsamic dressing. Top up $48++ for free-flow French rose wines. The sixth person dines for free. HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY: ◆ 10% off Lunar New Year Buffet Dinner

Hotpot [$] Suki-Ya Tampines Mall, 4 Tampines Central 5. Tel: 6789 6166 Having a family reunion with a steaming hotpot in the

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suki-ya

[$$] The Buffet M Hotel, Singapore, 81 Anson Road. Tel: 6500 6116 Gather around a steaming pot of broth this Lunar New Year at the steamboat buffet dinner ($50++, Mon-Thu 6-11pm; $60++, Fri-Sun & PH & Eve of PH 5-11pm) with two soup bases in one steamboat, a new special flavour being introduced every month, and drunken ‘live’ prawns in herbal soup being prepared right before your eyes. 18 percent off prosperity reunion seafood steamboat dinner buffet, inclusive of a baby abalone. Valid on 18 Feb 2015 and for first seating from 5-7pm. HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY: ◆ 20% off prosperity seafood steamboat dinner buffet, inclusive of a baby abalone. Valid from 19-22, 25 Feb and 5 Mar 2015. Valid for both seating (first seating 5-7pm & second seating 7.30-10pm)

[$$]\ Orchard grand ballroom Orchard Hotel Singapore, 442 Orchard Road. Tel: 6739 6565 Orchard Hotel will be opening the Orchard Grand Ballroom on Chinese New Year Eve for a Grand ‘Lo Hei’ Reunion Buffet Dinner with performances by local artistes Xu Bin and Kimberly Chia, Michelle Tay, and their very own “Fei Yuqing”. Alternatively, sit down for the feast ($51.88++, 18-20 Feb 12-2.30pm; $88.88++, 18 Feb 6-10pm; $78.88++, 19-20 Feb: 6-10pm; 21 Feb-5 Mar: $48.88++, daily 12-2.30pm; $68.88++, Sun-Thu 6-10pm; $78.88++, Fri-Sat 6-10pm) to enjoy dishes like stewed whole duck with sea cucumber in brown sauce, and honey ginseng panna cotta while you’re enthralled by the show kitchen live station stir-frying a variety of mushrooms and vegetables. HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY: ◆ One dines free with two paying adult for buffet lunch/dinner ◆ $28 return voucher with a min spend of S$100 in a single receipt ◆ $8 for the fourth diner with every three paying adults for festive buffet Orchard grand ballroom

Spices Cafe Concorde Hotel Singapore, 100 Orchard Road. Tel: 6739 8370/6733 8855 Raise your chopsticks to toss the complimentary platter of salmon and tuna yusheng at this Chinese New Year Reunion Buffet (18 Feb 6.30-10pm), which also includes offerings of roast suckling pig with hoi sin sauce, braised eight treasures and a complimentary serving of braised lobster (200gms) with baby abalone, fish maw & mushroom per diner. HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY: ◆ $95 nett for CNY reunion dinner. Valid on 18 February 2015 ◆ $48 nett for CNY buffet lunch. Valid from 19 to 22 February 2015 ◆ $68 nett for CNY buffet dinner. Valid from 19 to 22 February 2015

Korean [$] Seoul Garden [ ] #05-18/19/20 The Clementi Mall, 3155 Commonwealth Avenue West. Tel: 6659 2339 Have the prosperity seafood platter which includes tiger prawns and half-shell scallops, Chinese New Year cookies with flavours like almond butter, and hot tang yuan for dessert ($32.88++, 18 Feb-5 Mar 11.30am4.59pm & 5-10.30pm) while your meat cooks in this Korean-style restaurant. From 22 Feb-5 Mar, the platter will not be available.

Chinese [$] TungLok Seafood The Arena Country Club, 511 Upper Jurong Road. Tel: 6262 6996 This buffet ($38.80++, daily 6-10.30pm; $38.80++, Sat-Sun & PH 11.30am-3pm) offers all the classics with salmon yusheng, chilli crab, Peking duck, pan-fried nian gao and a mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. A Chinese New Year dim sum buffet ($29.80++: Sat 11.30am-3pm; Sun & PH 10am-3pm) is also available with a minimum of four diners.

Peony Jade Keppel Club, Bukit Chermin Road. Tel: 6276 9138 Be spoilt for choice with over 60 dishes to choose from at this ‘FA-CAI’ a la carte buffet ($70.88++, 19 Jan-12 Feb & 19 Feb-5 Mar 6-10.30pm). Must-tries are double boiled whole 10 head abalone soup with conch and sakura chicken, lobster salad, and roasted U.S. duck.

seoul garden

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Top 10 romantic Buffets

Want to win her (or him) over, get closer, or even seal the deal? Bring your flowers, your warmest smile and perhaps diamond ring to these gorgeous restaurants for a splendid Valentine’s date.

Alkaff Mansion Ristorante Alkaff Mansion’s Prosecco Brunch ($88++, Sun & PH 11.30am-3.30pm) is a luscious way of welcoming the weekend. The buffet lists seasonal oysters, Italian cold cuts, Scottish salmon carpaccio with caviar dressing, and live stations doling out homemade seafood ravioli and oven-baked beef sirloin. The repast includes free flow of prosecco, red and white wines. 10 Telok Blangah Green. Tel: 6510 3068

Bar & Billiard Room The Carving Champagne Brunch ($158++, Sun 123pm) is royal treatment for a cherished one. Knock back glasses of Singapore Sling and Bloody Mary in the restaurant’s regal colonial interiors, and indulge in choice eats the likes of crab salad, sea urchin and Kristal caviar; grilled langoustine with olive oil and lemon thyme; and Welsh lamb leg with garlic and mint jelly. 1 Beach Road. Tel: 6337 1886

basilico

homemade foie gras ravioli with sea urchin and raspberry sauce and green asparagus vellutata (a velvet vegetable soup); lobster carnaroli risotto with Bellavista prosecco; poached Fine de Claire oyster and Sardinian saffron; and an invigorating hot chocolate and marsala wine cream. 1 Cuscaden Road. Tel: 6725 3232

Brasserie Les Saveurs What’s a lazy afternoon date without a sumptuous tea spread? The Grand Astor Afternoon Tea (from $49++, Mon-Sat 3-5pm, Sun 4-6pm) features both Western and Asian delights, such as duck foie gras profiteroles; prawn, lobster and tarragon cup pie; creme caramel with orange compote; fresh scones like the St. Regis classic and Perrigord black summer truffles; and iconic Nonya kuehs. Sip leisurely rounds of premium tea while being serenaded by the live band on Saturday. 29 Tanglin Road. Tel: 6506 6860 (See Blogger Hot Seat for review.)

Nothing spells ti amo quite like an impeccable Italian feast ($138++, 14 Feb 6.30-10pm). The highlights:

Bask in old world charm at Manhattan’s cocktail brunch buffet ($150++, Sun 11.30am-3.30pm). Toast to each other with craft cocktails like Ward Eight, a zesty blend of Redemption Rye, orange, lemon and homemade grenadine; and Market-Fresh Bellini, concocted out of champagne and seasonal fruit juice. Drinks aside, there’s excellent fare the likes of whisky infused creme brulee, chocolate bacon lollipops and smoked foie gras to justify leaving the kids behind. 1 Cuscaden Road. Tel: 6725 3377 rang mahal

Catalunya Catalunya’s spirited brunch ($98++, Sun 12.30-4pm) is a feisty start to the morning. The appetising must-haves include tortilla de Trampo—the restaurant’s signature deconstructed omelette; Bikini sandwich, jamon, truffle and cheese with grilled bread; and fideua—succulent noodles and seafood cooked in a paella pan. Tantalising eats like suckling pig done Segovian style and a saltcrusted whole fish are served to the table, complete with upbeat fiesta tunes. 82 Collyer Quay. Tel: 6534 0188

Rang Mahal

Equinox Drink in the dramatic city views with a tasty spread to match at Equinox Restaurant’s Sunday Brunch ($138++, Sun 11am-2.30pm). Signature fares consist of roasts from the live carving station; steamed barramundi with fennel, herb salad and ginger vinaigrette; roasted wagyu beef with confit mushroom and au poivre (pepper); before sharing a raspberry chocolate gateau. 2 Stamford Road. Tel: 6837 3322

Greenhouse

Basilico

Manhattan

This buffet (from $158++, 14 Feb 7-10.30pm) will certainly have your lover swooning with its plush offerings. Fill his/her plate with freshly shucked oysters, beef bourguignon, lobster a la plancha and a hearty warm chocolate cake. The feast includes a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Rosé 2009, because y’know, the way to the heart is through the stomach. The RitzCarlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue. Tel: 6337 8888

Spice up the occasion with a lunch buffet ($58++, Sun-Fri 12-230pm) at Rang Mahal. The aromatic spread showcases cuisine from northern, southern and coastal regions in India, including tandoori mushroom, lamb briyani and artichoke pakora. Conclude the meal with gajar halwa, a sweet pudding with grated carrots, or masala brownie, a spiced version of the Western delight. Guests can opt for the al fresco area to take in the skyline or the private dining room for an intimate afternoon. 7 Raffles Boulevard. Tel: 6333 1788

The Knolls Treat your beloved to the Mediterranean’s finest products at The Knolls’ Sunday Brunch ($128++, 12.30-3pm). The seasonal menu boasts seafood bouillabaisse, Spanish style suckling pig, succulent barbecued cuts, and a dizzying selection of cheeses for a decadent prelude to your date. Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls. Tel: 6591 5046

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By Meredith Woo, Photography Benjamin Soh

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Kok Sen Restaurant (No. 30/32) Named after second-gen owner Wong Kok Sen, the restaurant is a good #SG50 candidate with its old school decor along a street fast filling with new faces. Try the spicy big prawn hor fun (from $15): patrons testify it's "chock-ablock with taste, the stuff of cravings"; and also the claypot yong tau foo (from $13). Expect a long wait during peak hours. Tue-Sun 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm. Tel: 6223 2005

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joe pork porridge

Potato Head Folk (No. 36) No resemblance to their Bali beach club sibling, but the three-storey Folk is iconic too. It’s filled with sculptures, playful murals and jolly food. Tuck into gourmet burgers (try Baby Huey, $20, and the Naughty Fries, $10) and cocktails at Three Buns on levels one and two, chill at Studio1939 Lounge with its leather couches and vintage seats, or ascend to herb garden, bar and alfresco space The Rooftop Garden to take in the sights. Wonder why there’s 東亚 on the building? Read on. www.pttheadfolk.com Tong Ah Eating House (No. 35) The original owner of No. 36. Relocated across the road after the family sold the shop to PTT. Under the yellow awning, munch on Super Crispy kaya toast ($2) or order from their tze char menu. You might hear scraping sounds too—it’s just the uncle removing the chaotah bits of bread with the lid of a condensed milk can. Try some old schoolturned-hip butter kopi since you’re here. Daily, alt. Wed off 11am-2.30pm, 5-10pm. Tel: 6223 5083

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Before it was hip, Keong Saik Road was home to brothels in the 1960s, operated by the Sio Loh Kuan secret society. They later made way for hotels in the 1990s, with the opening of Hotel 1929 and Keong Saik Hotel to name a few. Right now? Lively, for all the right reasons: a liquid buffet at Wine Mansion (No. 20), tipples and nosh at The Study (No. 49), as well as artisanal bakery Bread and Hearth (No. 18), and smoothie and juice bar Afterglow (No. 24). What remains the same are the two and three storey shophouses which were given conservation status in 1989.

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Pan Ji Cooked Food (#02-78) Sachima or sar kay mah are sweet blocks of Cantonese honey crackers ($2.60/4.80/6) made of fluffy fried batter, bound together with honey. Made fresh by Mr Pan, the entire process of kneading the dough to frying and coating takes about nine hours. You'll think twice about going back to the factory-made versions. Daily 9am-5pm

Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice (#02-198/199) A.K.A. Three Sisters’ Claypot Rice. Call before going to avoid a 45-minute wait. Raw rice is steeped in each claypot for the full development of earthy flavours over a charcoal flame. Go for the mixed claypot rice which includes lup cheong (the liver variety included), chicken and salted fish ($5/8/10/12/15/20). You control the amount of black sauce and oil. Fri-Wed 4.30-10.30pm. Tel: 6227 2470

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The Good Beer Company (#02-58) Do craft beers pair with hearty hawker food? Beermeisters Daniel and Esther will give you their fave nosh tip-offs (we also speak to them in Blogger Hot Seat, p.16). Swing by their other outlet Smith Street Taps (#02-62) for a tap takeover by Siren Craft Brew in early Feb (from $13/pint). Mon-Sat 6-10pm. fb.com/goodbeersg

Joe Pork Porridge . Raw Fish (#02-81/82) The raw fish ($2.50/3.50/5) from this 1971 stall is fresh, clean, boneless and served with fried shallots, ginger strips, sesame oil, sesame seeds and spring onions. Joe has a single stall with a slicing machine just for this. Order porridge from the other: we had the century egg and pork porridge ($3/3.50/4.50). Tue-Sun 7am-1pm

KEONG SAIK ROAD

(335 SMITH STREET)

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CHINATOWN COMPLEX MARKET & FOOD CENTRE

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What better place to venture to during Lunar New Year than Chinatown, Singapore's largest historic district? The BiTES team had a tough time trying to narrow down the sights and munchies: we meet an amazing craftsman, sample handmade traditional delights, and stroll along hip Keong Saik Road. There's also free Wi-Fi (Wireless@Chinatown), lion dance performances (Sat 6.45pm, Pagoda Street), and trishaw rides ($49, from the visitor centre).

tong ah eating house

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65, partner at Yong Gallery (260 South Bridge Road) Armed with an arsenal of tools, Mr Cheh was carving Chinese characters on a wooden signboard order outside the shop—he’s also done commissions for royalty, carved the Singapore state seal and exhibited his art overseas. He took us around his shop and gallery, telling us about the traditional craft ("I choose to do it by hand instead of using a machine so I can feel the characters") and the intricacies of each piece (gold leaf inlays, teak wood, etc). His orders come from as far as Finland.

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Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee (#02-17) The Singapore Hawker Masters logo features on this champ's signboard. Uncle's been frying delicious noodles for over three decades with his secret blend of condiments. Add cockles ($1) or egg ($0.50) to your plate ($3) for a flavour boost. Mon-Sat, excl. PH 6am-4.30pm Hiong Kee Dumplings (#02-37) Satisfy your bak zhang craving with one of Hiong Kee's power-packed rice pyramids. We opt for the Hokkien-style one containing pork, mushroom, chestnut and salted egg ($3.30) every time; but there are the chicken (from $2.70), Nonya ($2.50), belly pork ($3.30), and sweet kee chang versions too (plain $1.30, red bean $1.50). Mon-Sat, excl. PH 8.30am-7.30pm

Tuck Kee Ipoh Sah Ho Fun (#02-40) There’s a line even before lunch; and when noon rolls around, it’s a snaking queue—most order Tuck Kee’s crayfish Ipoh hor fun ($6.50), which comes with sweet fried shallots, green veg and prawns. Add 50 cents for takeaway or extra fibre. Some customers pre-order in bulk and drop by to collect their office #desklunch. Mon-Sat 11.15am-2.30pm

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(133 NEW BRIDGE ROAD)

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Once a sprawling complex of curio, pawn and jewellery shops, the 22-year-old mall now houses big names Uniqlo (#B1-16 to 20) and Poulet (#02-40), with a volunteerrun library@chinatown (#04-12) brimming with Chinese arts and culture materials. New: Halal-Chinese Segar Restaurant (#B2-39 to 41), Japanese hotpot Pecori An (#02-39) and Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (#01-04).

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(531A UPPER CROSS STREET)

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AROUND CHINATOWN Thye Shan Medical Hall (201 New Bridge Road) Founded 60 years ago, this traditional Chinese medicine hall and clinic's flagship products include 13 medicated oils and balms, and freshly brewed herbal teas. Traditional wooden drawers hold over 500 types of Chinese herbs. On weekends, there are herbal soup tastings. Daily 9am9pm. Tel: 6223 1326 Pek Sin Choon (36 Mosque Street) This 1925 tea merchant is now run by the fourth generation. House blends: Unknown Fragrance ($15/ box of 10 pkts, $53/tin of 50 pkts) is a staple pairing with bak kut teh, and the fruity Charm of Buddha Palm ($50/128 for gift boxes) consists premium tea leaves from China's Anxi province. Tea blending's still traditionally done, and leaves are painstakingly wrapped by hand in paper packets. Mon-Sat 8am-7pm. www.peksinchoon.com The Tintin Shop (28 Pagoda Street) Who remembers this 1929 comic by Belgian cartoonist Hergé? We followed the adventures of the young cartoon journalist and his terrier into this shop. Don't just stop at the cute figurines, go for porcelain homeware ($12-$50 for the Blue Lotus series) or purchase the boxset ($230, all 24 adventures) for your bookshelf. tintin.sgstore.com.sg Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium (70 Eu Tong Sen Street) The de facto stop for all things Chinese. You'll find anything from traditional medicine (dried seahorse, anyone?) to classic furniture here. Head to the exhibition area (L4) to check out the Chinese Art Porcelain Fair (till 9 Feb). www.yuehwa.com.sg yue hwa chinese products emporium

Le Cuisine (#B2-34/36) Helmed by local celebrity chef Daniel Koh, signatures include lamb shank braised in rose wine and red grain marinade ($16.50) and Six Sense mushroom soup ($7.80. Private dining room with customised menu available (from $50/pax). www.lecuisine.com.sg Tamoya Udon (#B1-48/49) This Japanese-run outlet makes thick and chewy Sanuki udon from scratch. Tuck into kake udon ($5.80/7.80) or try the kama-tama udon which features a beaten raw egg for full flavour ($6.60/8.60). There’s pork, beef and curry too; and seasonal specials. Pair up with some tempura (from $1 for okra) for some crunch. tamoya.com.sg

SOUTH BRIDGE ROAD HERITAGE Masjid Jamae Chulia (No. 218) has been around since 1827. The humble South Indian mosque was built on donated land and faces Mecca, hence is out of alignment with the street grid. Sri Mariamman Temple (No. 244) is the oldest Hindu temple here (built 1827) and is dedicated to the deity known to cure epidemic illnesses and diseases. Drop by during Oct/Nov for Theemithi (fire walking ceremony). On 8 Feb, the Tangstyled Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum (No. 288) will see the releasing of lives birthday celebration (from $80, 8am-1pm). There's also vegetarian fare for charity in the B1 dining hall (daily 9am-3pm). When visiting religious places, please observe the rules and proper etiquette.

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Meat the alternatives Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bak kwa season again, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready to try something new. BITES scoured Singapore for duck, fish, beef and vegan options, along with our favourite affordable pork brand to get your Lunar New Year off on a chewy start.

DUCK Brand: Xi Shi Rou Gan/Cecilia Price: $25/500g Where: #02-37, Blk 15 Woodlands Loop. Tel: 6756 6696, xishibakkwa.com Taste Test: Gamey like its undercooked self, a whiff of this reveals the base meat used. The marinade coats in sloppy amounts, leaving the red mixture dripping slightly for a messy gruesome eat. With a robust flavour and a slightly tough bite, the aftertaste is strong and is best kept aside for the most fervent carnivores. Verdict:

For meat lovers

By Timothy Lam, Sourcing Meredith Woo, Photography Benjamin Soh/ Loh Wai Sum.

FISH (MARLIN) [ ] The Contender: Ocean King Price: $8/100g Where: www.oceanking.com.sg Taste Test: Professionally packed, the soft bite of the flesh reminded us of otah. The smooth exterior and pleasant taste could not, however, mask the fishiness that was too strong for some, drawing divided opinions in the BiTES camp. Look out for other interesting lower cholesterol combinations they deal in, such as salmon with seaweed and tuna with chilli. For the adventurous and the feline. Verdict:

For a healthier option

Bites Feb (1).pdf 1 23/1/2015 1:50:36 AM

CMY

CHICKEN The Contender: Hup Chong Price: $12.80 per value pack of chicken + pork Where: At selected FairPrice outlets. www.chophupchong.com.sg Taste Test: These vacuum-sealed bite-sized chunks of chicken were as hard to open, as they were to chew due to the thickness of the pieces. A good aroma of smokiness greeted us, revealing balanced charring on the edges; only to have a general lack of flavour. Having it diced and fried in rice might be a better alternative. (Its pork counterpart fared better.) Verdict:

MUSHROOM + GLUTEN [ ] Brand: Friendly Vegetarian Price: $6.50/250g Where: #01-1165, Blk 421 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10. Tel: 6456 6607/6749, www.friendlyvegetarian.com.sg Taste Test: The bright red colour reminded us instantly of mock char siewâ&#x20AC;Ś but was as hard to pull apart as carpet. Black strips litter its surface from the mushrooms used, so the visual aesthetics are bad to say the least. Tearing through a piece is not an easy task, however the taste is surprisingly meaty despite its fibrous texture. Going meatless just got easier, and still tasty enough. Verdict:

Disappointing end to jaw exercise

Eat your veggies

PORK The Contender: Peng Guan Price: Around $20/500g Where: #02-036 Chinatown Complex, 335 Smith Street Taste Test: Ah pork, the most familiar and beloved. These squares of mince are lathered in sweet marinade and charred slightly with just a hint of crisp at the edges. You can detect the oh-so-satisfying bits of fat in every mouthful. Savoury with just a touch of sweetness, something for everyone to enjoy. Eat it between bread, or on its own because you can. Verdict:

Buy it and hide it (for yourself)

BEEF [ ] Brand: Dendeng House Price: $4/100g Where: 54 Changi Road. Tel: 6344 4117 Taste Test: This halal treat most popular during Hari Raya is still available in all its strong peppery goodness throughout the year. With a texture most similar to satay, maximum flavour is guaranteed straight from the hot grill, while cooling off leads to this spicy snack tasting badly. While the greyish slabs of beef are not too pleasing on the eyes, it's perfect for multi-cultural gatherings with friends and neighbours. Verdict:

Serve hot and fresh

Bites Feb (2).pdf 1 23/1/2015 1:52:55 AM

COME VALENTINE's day, WE UNVEIL THE SCIENCE BEHIND THESE supposedly aphrodisiacal foods. By Timothy Lam ALCOHOL

Cupid says: Candlelight dinner with a bottle of red or some bubbly, what can be more romantic? Doctor says: Alcohol dries up the mouth resulting in bad breath and the sugars will create gas. Smells from both ends? A big no-no.

Love, diagnosed

last

SOY

Cupid says: Impress with this lactose-free healthier alternative, and this little bean of power will get her into a friskier mood. Doctor says: Increasing estrogen levels for guys leading to loss of libido and increased chances for prostate cancer are definitely not the way to impress.

COFFEE

Cupid says: Have a cuppa for your supper, and keep awake the whole night after. Doctor says: Caffeine will raise your heart rate and encourage blood flow. Hmm...I wonder where all this blood is flowing to.

M INT

e T his lit tl : s y a s id C up a ga in st sn owdrop ly whites your pea r ess es freshn gua ra n te a n d eve n of brea th igestion. he lps in d tho l a ys: Me n D o c tor s is k n own t in m in d fo u n jo, f your mo f o l o o c to r o a ra the t g in d a e l . e eve ning la ck lustr

GA R LIC

LICORIC E ROOT

Cupid says: This sweet treat will banish bad breath and may put her in a good mood. Doctor says: Testosterone be gone! This root will siphon off the production of these important hormones.

C upid sa ys: om S ta y a wa y fr s this sulfurou re disa ster befo ous brea th your mon str your da te. sca res a wa y a rlic : Allicin in g Doctor sa ys od flow to in crea ses blo We a ll k n ow s. n io g e r r e h ne t u. ill do for yo w t a h t t a h w

C H EES E

C upid sa ys: A pla t ter of this will sure ly se t the moodâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the soft , the ha rd, a ll up to you. Doctor sa ys: T his zin cla de n food mu ch simila r to oysters wil l give you a boost, but to o much might lea d to fla tu le n ce.

Facebook Photo Contest Mixed Grill of Chicken, Beef Short Ribs , Squid & Pr awns

Thigh with Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wrap

Seafood Phad Thai

with served Mango Rice Sticky

Red Tom Yum with Seafood

Do you have photos of your favourite Thai food?

Better yet if the photo is taken in Bangkok. Send it to us! Grand Prize

A pair of economy-class return air tickets from Thai Airways to Bangkok and $300 Bangkok Jam dining voucher

Second Prize

$200 Bangkok Jam dining voucher

Third Prize

$100 Bangkok Jam dining voucher

Winning entries will also be featured in BiTES magazine! Mail your photo with contact details (full name, email, mailing address and contact number) to mail@createries.com Subject: Bangkok Jam Facebook Photo Contest With answers to the following questions: - What is the name of the dish? - Where did you eat this dish? - What is it about this dish that you enjoy?

Deadline: 23rd February 2015

Terms & Conditions . Only one submission per person. . Employees of Creative Eateries and BiTES will not be allowed to participate. . Taxes and Surcharges for air tickets have to be borne seperately by the winners. . Prizes are non-exchangeable for cash.

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Official Media:

BangkokJamSingapore www.bangkokjam.com.sg