BiTES - The Scoop on Good Eats (April 2018) by BiTES - The Scoop on Good Eats

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BiTES p1

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Download WIN A FREE issue the DINNER! here ON MAKAN

nOSTALGIC 90'S CANDIES p10

2016 111/03/

inside NEW EATS p2

Taste the flavours of Bali, Hong Kong and Korea at our doorstep

HOT SEAT p3

Kyenne Lee brings Taiwan's sumptuous cream puffs to Chinatown Point

Our guide to the best pink-themed food and activities in Singapore p6

p e t s

in our

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Destination Dining p8

The biggest food and hospitality event, Food&HotelAsia2018, is back in town

BUFFET BOUNTY p4

7 high tea and dessert buffets under $50

w e l c o m e

Where to find your B i TES ? PICK US UP! Free at over 100 venues | BITE INTO US ONLINE www.bites.com.sg | Cafes & restaurants Bonta Italian Restaurant & Bar (District 10) • Brussels Sprouts - Robertson Quay • California Pizza Kitchen Forum • Emicakes @ Kovan • EN Grill and Bar • Farisya's Kitchen • Ginkhao Restaurant • Ginza Lion Beer Hall • Joe & Dough (Kallang) • K.Kook Korean & BBQ Buffet • Milagro Spanish Restaurant • Ootoya Japanese Restaurant • Oriole Coffee + Bar • Outback Steakhouse • Oyster Bar & Grill Wharf • Pu3 Restaurant • Ramen Champion • Roti Mum • Selfish Gene Cafe • Serenity Spanish Bar & Restaurant • Spinelli (all outlets) • Starbucks (all outlets) • tc c - The Connoisseur Concerto (all boutiques) • The Marmalade Pantry ION • Yellow Submarine (Toa Payoh) • ZEN Japanese Cuisine • 31 Bar & Kitchen

bites.singapore

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Senior Publisher Cecilia Goh Digital Editor Natasha Venner-Pack Staff Writer Jessica Chan Editorial Intern Jolene Saw Senior Art Director Jenn Chew Designer Lim Kay Li Digital Media Designer Elliott Chan Design Intern Natasha Tan Business Manager Jack Ang Serena Bakshi Marketing Associate Shauna Mun

Salon Jean Yip Hairdressing Also hand-distributed at: OUTSIDE MRT Stations Ang Mo Kio • Bedok • City Hall • Jurong East • Raffles Place • Woodlands • Yishun

Publishing Admin Manager (Admin & Circulation) Siti Haneymah IT & Digital Media Director Jun Evangelista Group Publisher Ho Sum Kwong Group Managing Editor Adeline Wong 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

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Copyright by the Publisher. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the Publisher is strictly prohibited. Views and opinions expressed in Bitesare not neccessarily those of the Publisher and the Editors. Although every reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the information provided in this publication, neither the Publisher, editors and their employees and agents can be held liable for any error and omission, nor any action taken based on the views expressed or information provided within this publication. You should always seek your own professional advice. All prices are in Singapore dollars unless otherwise stated and exclude miscellaneous taxes, unless stated.

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Maka

# m a k a n o n b i t e s

on BiTES FOLLOW US, GUESS AND WIN!

Each month, we’ll feature a fresh makan place for you to guess what/where it is. Correct answers will be entered in a draw to win a dining experience with us! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram/Facebook!

5 READERS STAND TO WIN A DINNER FOR 2

Casual steakhouse brand, ASTONS, has joined the bustling Clarke Quay stretch with a brand new concept. Within walking distance from Fort Canning MRT station, the restaurant offers a delectable selection of dry-aged beef of both premium and secondary cuts. Expect a mammoth USDA Prime 365 Days Dry-Aged Porterhouse T-Bone or a chunky Australian 240 Days Grain-Fed Black Angus Tenderloin to go along with their five sauces, such as Green Peppercorn with Cognac or Perigord Truffle. A bevy of classic sides, like the Creamed Spinach and Gratin Dauphinoise, are also available. The walletfriendly establishment also comes with a extensive selection of wines, from bubblies to reds. Keep an eye out for the the massive magnum-sized Monte do Zambujeiro. Give us your best guess of the restaurant and its address from 1 to 24 April to dine on 7 May, 7pm! For full details and to enter, visit bites.com.sg/makanonbites.

B i T E S reserves the right to publicise winners’ names and pictures. By entering the contest, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to publish publicity photos and videos in any format without limitation. Participants to ensure they can dine on 7 May at 7pm. More at www.bites.com.sg/makanonbites.

Makan on BiTES Where: tunglok teahouse @ square 2 When: 8 march WHAT WE Ate: • Mini Piglet BBQ Buns • Teahouse Signature Rice Rolls ‘Cheong Fun’ • Steamed Truffle and Wild Fungus Dumplings • Steamed Glutinous Rice Rolls with Chinese Sausage • Trio BBQ Meat Combination Platter with Char Siew, Soya

Sauce Chicken and Roast Irish Duck • Rice with Beef and Egg Yolk in Stone Pot • Braised Spinach Tofu with Seasonal Greens • Braised Marble Goby with Bamboo Shoots, Mushrooms and Garlic • Chilled Mango Cream with Pomelo and Sago

All smiles after a treat for our loyal readers

Mini Piglet BBQ Buns

Braised Spinach Tofu with Seasonal Greens

Chilled Mango Cream with Pomelo and Sago

Our five winners and their partners were treated to a sumptuous spread of dim sums and authentic Cantonese and Teochew delights at TungLok Teahouse @ Square 2. We skipped the usual suspects of siew mai and har gao for the adorable Mini Piglet BBQ Buns and the signature rice rolls, which come stuffed with a crispy medley of prawns, scallops and vegetables. The succulent slivers of Roast Irish Duck aside, we thoroughly enjoyed the Braised Marble Goby. The texture of the fried fish juxtaposed against the sweet crunch of bamboo shoots kept us coming back for more, especially when complemented with a bowl of Rice with Beef and Egg Yolk in Stone Pot. A luscious Chilled Mango Cream, topped with bursts of sour pomelo pulp, completed the satisfying affair.

n e w s

b i t e s

there's so much news, we couldn't fit it all here, so check out all the latest at

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search for rumours bar & grill

mui kee congee

Hong Kong brand Mui Kee Congee has opened a permanent outlet at Shaw Centre. The famed Cantonese stall dates back to 1979 in the bustling district of Mongkok, where founder Mak Mui first served his luscious bowls of congee from a handmade copper pot. It takes a gruelling five hours to prepare and includes the tedious step of cooking raw rice grains and mashed century eggs in a flavourful pork and fish stock. The Parrot Fish Belly Congee ($11.80) is a favourite, but diners can go for the premium Alaskan Crab Leg Congee ($22). There’s also an array of claypot dishes, like the Frog Legs with Ginger & Spring Onions ($22), noodles and shaved ice desserts. True to its roots, they offer a Yuan Yang ($5) flavour. #01-12, Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road. Tel: 6737 2422

Big Fish Small Fish has brought its Halal-certified fish and chips café concept from Punggol East Container Park to Bugis Junction. Customers can choose from five types of fish, from Dory ($7.90) to Arrowtooth Flounder ($14.90); each comes with a side of potato crisps, sliced and fried a la minute. Add-ons include a cone packed with fish, calamari and shrimp ($12.90) but we have our eye on the free flow Salted Egg Yolk, Mozzarella Cheese and XO Mayo sauce. Dessert fiends will love the Ondeh Churros ($7.90), which is drizzled with gula Melaka and garnished with coconut shavings. #04-05, Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria Street.

new openings

PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road’s buffet restaurant, Spice Brasserie, launches two walletfriendly dinner spreads. Mondays to Wednesdays offer a smorgasbord of homely Teochew delights during the Nostalgic Teochew Porridge Dinner Buffet (S$29/adult; $15/child; $100/4 adults). Expect executive chef Kelvin Chuah’s coveted Teochew Soya Sauce Braised Duck alongside a selection of stews, steamed fishes and handmade Tau Sar Piah. Or indulge in the vivid flavours of Peranakan cuisine from Thursdays to Sundays at the Baba and Nyonya Seafood Dinner Buffet ($65/adult; $33/child; $240/4 adults). Highlights include the fiery Crab Assam Pedas in Claypot and the Cuba Lobster BBQ drizzled with a tangy assam sauce and mango cubes. As for desserts, the quintessential Bubur Cha Cha is not to be missed. PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road, 181 Kitchener Road. Tel: 6428 3000

Nickeldime Alley, sister branch to Nickledime Drafthouse, is shaping up to be the

Joining the lineup of bars along Lorong Mambong is award-winning restaurant from Bali, next craft beer haunt. They carry an impressive international selection, from the Lervig Rumours Bar & Grill. Chef Noor Azman doles out a decadent spread of grilled meats, Orange Velvet, a fruity IPA from Norway, to the rich chocolate and coffee notes in the including a lip-smacking 1kg Oriental BBQ Pork Rib ($41.80) as well as an eye-catching Black Butte Porter from Deschutes Brewery in Oregon. Savour them alongside executive 1.2kg Fiorentina Bistecca ($89.80) for sharing. Making up the beer snacks menu are a hearty chef Tim Ashwood’s menu of beer-infused bites. Have the N.D. ‘Mac’ & Bratwurst Veal Pork Sausage ($8.80) and Deep-Fried Meat Ball Cheese with IPA cheese ($8) to start or go big with the Dijon & IPA Mussels drenched in a bourbon tomato sauce ($7.80) to go along with their ($22). 8 Mohamed Sultan Road. Tel: 6735 1035 Rumours brew (from $9.80/330ml). Best of all, they have an enticing Free Flow offer ($35/pax, between 8pm and 12pm) during which spice brasserie guests can indulge in everything from their list of spirits, wines to cocktails for two hours. 24A Lor Mambong. Tel: 6463 5053

From the folks who brought you Chir Chir Fusion Chicken Factory and Masizzim comes Nipong Naepong, Singapore’s first jjamppong (Chinese-Korean seafood noodles) restaurant. The menu offers nine versions of noodles. Tuck into the fiery broth brimming with mussels, squid and prawns in the classic Cha Ppong ($15.80) or go for their take on Pad Thai in the Tae Ppong ($15.80). Those adverse to spice can check out the Al Ppong ($15.80) which comes in a sweet chicken broth. Round off the meal with unique dessert pizzas, like the Ni Pizza-Sweet Potato ($16.80), which comes with a dip of fluffy whipped cream. #01-16, JEM, 50 Jurong Gateway Road. Tel: 6931 6295

Nickeldime Alley

H t Seat openings We go behind the scenes to find out the highlights and challenges of the latest F&B openings. By Jessica Chan

Tell us more about Kazo. Known as Nichifu Bakery in Taiwan, it is a chain bakery popular for their picture-perfect cakes. The founders were looking to expand overseas and that’s where my partner and I stepped in. We have always wanted to bring quality Taiwanese confectionaries to Singapore. After visiting several known establishments, we knew it was a winner. The name, Kazo, is a term referring to the sound made when biting into something crispy and acts as a prelude to the characteristics of our main sellers of Cream Puffs and Danish Polo Buns. To fit the young, modern energy of the brand, we also launched the quirky Kazoman (soy drink in bottles modelled after masculine men); which our customers love to bits. What makes Kazo different? The pastry. It's made of flour and yeast imported from our sister brand in Taiwan, and produced using a combination of French, Japanese and Taiwanese baking techniques; rather than the more common Japanese style in the market.

Who: Kyenne Lee, 29, general manager What: Introducing Nichifu Bakery’s sumptuous desserts at a takeaway kiosk in Chinatown Point.

What were some of the challenges you’ve faced? The first step is always the hardest to take. My partner and I came from an unrelated industry and had no experience in F&B. Gaining the trust of landlords to secure a location proved difficult. Our patience

eventually paid off with Chinatown Point offering a fantastic location on the ground floor with lots of foot traffic. Then came the renovations. Not only was the timeline tight, we almost missed our opening day when our contractor broke the display counter (which also acts as the storefront). We lucked out, cutting it close with a new counter, 30 minutes before our grand opening. My takeaway is to plan ahead and communicate with your contractors at every stage. Be diligent and track the progress – you never know what might happen. You’ve opened to much fanfare. How has the response been so far? The location in Chinatown, perhaps, played a part. We have had lots of foreign customers; Australians and Europeans included. There was one tourist who gave our Danish Polo Bun a try and came back for another five more. We were surprised by his praise, considering pastries are a lot more common in Western cuisine. He thoroughly enjoyed the unique soft yet crumbly texture of the bun, juxtaposed with the luscious cream. We were happy to know that our hard work paid off. What’s next for Kazo? New products and an expansion in the later part of the year. We are in talks with several malls in hopes of bringing our quality bakes conveniently to everyone.

b u f f e t

swensen’s

b o u n t y

Thanying Restaurant If you've always wanted to dine like a King, Thanying Restaurant would be the place to visit. A classy restaurant on the second floor of Amara Singapore, Thanying has been serving up exquisite Thai cuisine since 1988. With every lunch or dinner (choose between set meals or a la carte), diners get to opt for an exciting Thai dessert semi-buffet as a fitting end to a splendid feast. Expect fresh seasonal fruits that are seeded and peeled, and some with intricate carvings that almost look too good to eat. Try the Pra Lung (steamed tapioca with coconut cream), a refreshing Taptim Benjarong (water chestnut, jackfruit in coconut milk), and a myriad colourful Thai cakes and jellies. At only $9++ per diner, the dessert semi-buffet is a steal, though it must be accompanied with lunch or dinner which averages at an estimated $100 for two people for a five-course meal. Worth a splurge. #02-00, Amara Singapore, 65 Tanjong Pagar Road. Tel: 6222 4688

Swensen’s With over 50 ice cream flavours, you'll be spoilt for choice at Swensen's ice cream buffet. Try the crowdpleasing signature Sticky Chewy Chocolate, or the Salted Gula Melaka on a hot, golden waffle. Cop a serving of the unique Lime Sherbet with Collagen in between. The buffet offers a lighter whipped gelato too that is otherwise only available in Earle Swensen's outlets. They even have local flavours like Lychee and Durian. (Tip: sandwich the ice cream between traditional rainbow bread for a dose of nostalgia!) To complete your sundaes, choose from a smorgasbord of over 40 sauces, nuts and candy, or opt to have them mixed in on top of a frozen slab at the live station. Go crazy with the unique toppings – attap seeds and fruity options like peach slivers and Maraschino Cherries. Add to that cheesecakes, brownies and pastries, and a bubbling milk or white chocolate fondue for a complete treat! Weekdays: A la carte $19.90++ Adult, $14.90 Child; with food orders $13.90 Adult, $10.90 Child. Weekends/PH: A la carte $20.90++ Adult, $15.90 Child; with food orders $14.90 Adult, $11.90 Child) #B1-31 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn. Tel: 6884 5967

tiffany restaurant and cafe

HIGH TEA AND DESSERT BUFFETS UNDER $50 Unlimited sweets and savoury treats for that unimitable sugar rush (or food coma). By Jolene Saw

Little Ice Cream Kafé (LICK!) For something a little more cosy, try the ice cream buffet at LICK!, a modest ice cream cafe tucked away in Tanjong Katong. Available every Friday, rain or shine (even on public holidays), dessert fiends can look forward to homemade ice cream and fluffy homemade Belgium waffles. For a timed two hours, try any of the 25 flavours, including the ever-popular Sea Salt Caramel. Those who prefer floral flavours will enjoy the Earl Grey and Honey Lavender, while the little ones will surely be drawn to Belgium Chocolate and Oreos. Made fresh daily, the flavours are available on a rotational basis – if you’re lucky, you might get to try their Kaya Toast or Bandung ice creams. Choose between two seatings to enjoy an affordable ice cream fix; there’s even a student discount. (First seating, 2-4pm: $13.50 Student; First and second seating, 2-4pm and 6-8pm: $15 Adult, $7.90 Children from 5-11 years) 258 Tanjong Katong Road. Tel: 6440 8526 thanying

Tiffany Restaurant & Cafe Budget buffet hunters are no strangers to Tiffany Restaurant and Cafe. This time, we're talking about their weekend high tea buffet. Enjoy their fragrant localinspired Homemade Kaya Scones, as well as an iconic Chef's Signature's Durian Pengat. Fill your bellies with delectable savouries too, like a crispy Tempura Fish with Remoulade Sauce, Oven-Baked Mini Chicken Pie, and a Seafood Gyoza with Vinegar Dip. With a sizeable spread of sweets and savouries, this is one high tea buffet for everyone. (Saturday and Sunday, 3-5pm: $19.90++ Adult, $12.90++ Child) 60 Eu Tong Sen Street. Tel: 6531 5366

Bites guide:

Certified halal Does not serve pork or lard Kid-friendly facilities Veg-friendly

Ellenborough Market Café For a weekend high tea buffet with an Asian twist, head down to Ellenborough Market Café to get your fill of Peranakan, local and international favourites. You can expect DIY Kueh Pie Tee, freshly fried Soon Kueh, Ku Chye Kueh, and the classic Har Kau and Chicken Siew Mai, among other dim sum must-haves. For something more substantial, try their Roti John with Chicken Curry, pastas and pizzas. Go for the chilled seafood and sashimi section, but save some space for their creamy Chempedak Pengat, Peanut cream, and Ah Balling (Glutinous Rice Balls in Sweet Soup), Cheng Tng or Chendol. They serve a fair share of cakes too – look out for their Pandan Chiffon Cake, Black Forest Cake, and Grandma Carrot Cake. Items are available on a rotational basis. (Saturday and Sunday, 3.30-5.30pm: $42++ Adult, $21++ Child) Swissotel Merchant Court Singapore, 20 Merchant Road. Tel: 6239 1848 spices cafÉ

Makan@Jen

ellenborough market CafÉ

Spices Café Making the list is Spices Café with their Weekend Afternoon High Tea. Savour their signature Fragrant Pork Trotter Mee Sua, and Chee Pow Kai (paperwrapped chicken), as well a Hong Kong-style dim sum. Tantalise your taste buds with Rojak and Kway Chap before washing it all down with a frothy hand-pulled Teh Tarik. End your feast with some Nyonya Kuih. (Saturday and Sunday 12-4.30pm: $37++ Adult, $18++ Child between 3-12 years) Concorde Hotel, 100 Orchard Road. Tel: 6734 0393 or 6733 8855/8133 Makan@Jen Makan@Jen’s Singapore High Tea Buffet is one to add to your foodie list. Start off with a Wholemeal Loaf with Smoked Salmon, Capers, and Tomato Pesto before digging into the assorted sushi. International delights include a crispy Peking Duck with Crepe Rolls and Condiments, Malay Chicken Satay, and a funky Roast Tandoori Chicken and Cheese Pizza! Stuff yourselves with their dim sum selection too, with Siew Mai, Soon Kueh with Sweet Sauce and Chilli Sauce, and Fried Yam Puffs. Don’t leave without having a go at their dessert counter. Help yourself to an assortment of scones, danishes, ice cream, and fresh fruits, as well as local pastries like the Red Bean Tart, Lapis Cake and Nonya Kueh. (Saturday and Sunday, 3-5pm: $30++ per person) Level 10, 277 Orchard Road. Tel: 6708 8899

d e s t i n a t i o n

d i n i n g

Foodie goodies

Ramkalni ramkalni nordeco

Singapore’s largest food and hospitality festival is back - bigger and better. Dive into a galore of unique tea blends, chocolates from Latvia and exciting dessert competitions at Food&HotelAsia2018. It's happening at Singapore Expo from 24 to 27 April. By Jessica Chan and Natasha Venner-Pack

Hall 5

The Baltic nation of Latvia celebrates their Centenary with a vibrant showcase of bounteous offerings and multifaceted cuisine. Lat Eko Food Sample Latvia’s seasonal produce in an array of smoothies, jams and baby food at Lat Eko Food. They are certified organic and are free of additives, preservatives, thickeners or additional sugars. Pack home a few bottles of the Beetroot and Horseradish vegetable spreads for your sandwiches and pastas, or, quench your thirst with a burst of fall flavours with the Pear, Pumpkin and Quince fruit drink. 5J4-01 RamkalnI Nordeco Available in stores across Japan and Michelin-starred restaurants in Belgium, their candied berries, syrups and lemonades are not to be missed. A classic Latvian summer treat are the Candied BIO Blackcurrants, packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, but we can’t forget the Candied Rhubarb with its addictive sour twang. Or take a gander at their pumpkin syrup that’s sure to give your standard pumpkin spiced latte a run for its money. 5J4-01

HALL 6

HALL 5

HALL 4

lat eko food

NELLEULLA Chocolatier Liene Zemite’s selection of chocolate truffles, bars, slabs and fruit jellies are made from the saccharine berries found within the Nordic forests. These pictureperfect treats come in a variety of flavours, including a bright red Balsami Wild Berry, decorated with tiny freezedried raspberries and bilberries, and a lip-smacking quince fruit jelly. 5J4-01 The Beginnings For a delectable yet guilt-free snack, The Beginnings offers a range of sugarless treats made from fruits and vegetables. Their handmade flax cookies are sugar- and gluten-free and dressed in dried and fresh berries, crunchy coconut flakes and pumpkin seeds, while organic Latvian buckwheat (their staple) are tossed with Amaranth seeds, chia seeds, quinoa and other superfoods for a nutritious muesli. There’s also a Tomato Crispbread to go along with rich Latvian cheeses. 5J4-01 Pernes Do as the locals do with Latvia’s Long Chips. Dating back to 1986, they are the first potato chips produced in the country and came only in Original and Onion flavours. They have come a long way and now offer their unique snack in flavours ranging from BBQ and Wasabi to Horseradish. 5J4-01 Karumu Fabrika It’s all about the cookies, pastries and cakes at Karumu Fabrika. The company started in 1992 as a humble bakery in Vidzeme, but has since gone international with its assortment of delectable bakes. The usual suspects of Butter Gingerbread cookies aside, there’s also a Sweet Cottage Cheese Pastry and Honey Layer Cake – perfect for an afternoon tea. 5J4-01

nelleulla

Hall 1, 2 and 3

asian pastry cup

Should you find yourself needing a pick-me-up after traversing the halls of FHA, here’s where you’ll get a rejuvenating cup of Joe or tea and desserts to go along with.

Gryphon Tea Company Gryphon Tea Company is a homegrown tea importer with almost 100 years under their belt. This family-owned tea specialist is known for their quality, floral creations, such as the sweet yet tart blend of Apple Strudel with Pistachios and Cherry Cassis. There’s also a selection of fruity iced teas, like the Classic Spanish and All About Lychee, that’s perfect for a beachside party. 2N3-15

boncafÉ Stop by Boncafé and pick up a glass of refreshing Nitro Cold Brew. Made from premium coffee beans that have been specially brewed and cold-steeped for 12 hours, the inclusion of nitrogen gives the ice coffee an extremely smooth and silky taste. Looking for a luxury coffee machine? Boncafé will also be displaying the latest models including the sleek La San Marco Leva Luxury, or the Segafredo Zanetti Coffee System if you prefer your coffee in capsules. 2H3-01

Callebaut To go along with the many coffees and teas is Callebaut’s finest Belgian chocolates. They are here to entice with their luscious dark chocolate, the luxurious gold chocolate and (the newest) ruby chocolate. They can be eaten on their own, drunk or drizzled onto your favourite treat – what’s not to love? 1E3-01

LaCimbali Office pantry looking dreary? LaCimbali’s catalogue of traditional and superautomatic espresso machines, from the compact Q10 to the state-of-the-art M100i, is here to entice. We have our eye on the latter with its intuitive touch pad for easy selection and the Turbomilk function for luscious, cold frothed milk atop our lattes. 2J3-01

Illy Café For an authentic Italian café experience in a cup, head over to illy. Be it decaffeinated or a powerful Dark Roast, they’ve got in all – from whole beans and ground to capsules. Coffee aficionados can check out the Alessi Pulcina Moka Pot, a ground-breaking moka pot designed to enhance the coffee’s aroma and achieve optimal flavour extraction. 3B3-01

MONIN Chances are you’ve already had Monin’s delectable flavoured syrups while cafe-hopping across Singapore. Besides the classic hazelnut and cherry, they will be showcasing their new Le Fruit de MONIN Yuzu syrup. Think grapefruit, lemon and mandarin orange all in one delicious pump for your lattes or cocktails. 2M3-01

HALL 3

Asian Pastry Cup Love the smell of fresh pastries in the morning? Multiply that by 12, as a whopping 12 countries from across Asia-Pacific go head to head as Asia’s largest live pastry competition returns. Held over two days from 24-25 April, teams will create fantastic desserts, as well as sugar and chocolate showpieces. The winning team will go on to compete in the World Pastry Cup in Lyon.

HALL 2

HALL 1

Asian Gelato Cup In Singapore’s balmy weather, who can say no to gelato? From 24-27 April, watch as 12 teams from 10 Asian nations compete for a chance for three teams to represent their cities, at the Gelato World Cup 2020 in Rimini. Expect artistic frozen showpieces, plating and stunning gelato cakes as Singapore defends its title as Asia Pacific Champion. Barista Super Duo Challenge Top baristas from the region will rise to the challenge to fulfill three requirements: make an espresso, a milk coffee beverage and pour over coffee. It’s not just about flavour – judges will be marking the pairs on showmanship as well.

Hall 4

Be here or be square.

asian gelato cup

BiTES What better way to find out the latest on Singapore’s dining scene then come by our booth for a cup of Boncafé coffee as well as the latest issue of BiTES and our sister magazines, epicure and PETS. 4J5-10 Yeo Teck Seng If redecorating the kitchen is on your agenda, head over to Yeo Teck Seng. From BODUM’s French presses to Schott Zwiesel’s exquisite glassware for your fanciest vino, they have got all you’ll need. Don’t forget to check out Australian brand, décor’s many storage solutions to get that Nigella Lawson-like pantry of your dreams. 4G3-01

asian gelato cup

boncafÉ

S u p e r m a r k e t

S l e u t h

Wu Hua Guo

Whistle Sweet

Before figs became a fancy addition to our salads, they were sneakily nibbled on during boring lectures.

Simply place them on your lips and blow for a resounding whistle.

Kitty Boy Fruity Cream Cone We couldn’t enjoy a Mr Softee in class, but we found a substitute in these DIY treats.

Paper Mint Candy and Breath Spray Candy The quickest and (used to be) coolest way to minty, fresh breath.

MomMom Eyeglass Chocolate

The sweet 90's Kinos Ding Dang and Tora Candy

The consensus: we wanted the toy more than the candies.

Who hasn’t tried to play Batman with these?

Before the boom of macarons and rainbow cakes were brightlycoloured candies in all shapes and sizes. The BiTES team takes a stroll down memory lane and re-discovers the 20 treats we used to hide in our pockets. By Jessica Chan Photography by Natasha Tan

Magic Pops

Pop rocks were perhaps the greatest invention of the nineties. We would either eat it on its own or cover our lollipops in them.

Orion Mini Candy in Cola

There was a no drinking rule (besides water) in class, but we found solace in this adorable can of melt-in-your-mouth coke tablets.

Preserved Limesticks and Ling Mong Lemon Tablets

If you’ve never dozed off during class (liar), chances are you’ve had these sour treats as a pick-me-up.

Didi Milk Tablets, Ovaltine Tablets and Horlicks Malties

Another classroom favourite. We all agree that the chocolaty flavour of the Didi Milk Tablets and Ovaltine trumps the Horlicks.

Little Bob Dog Candy Sticks

While these plain sugar sticks didn’t have much going on in terms of flavour, we would have it hanging on the side of our mouths to emulate the cool kids.

Toothpaste pudding

What better way to hide your sugar addiction from your parents than have it disguised as a tube of toothpaste? Available in a variety of fruit flavours, these deceptive tubes were a hit among schoolkids for its packaging.

Haw Flakes

An oldie but a goodie. This sweet yet sour cylindrical stacks of hawthorn slices are colloquially known as shan zha bing, and is still enjoyed by many today.

Push pop Hiro Choc Cake

The twinkies of Singapore. A simple yellow sponge in a milk chocolate coating, it was often packed into goodie bags you’d bring home from a classmate’s birthday party.

Ever had the dilemma of not being able to finish a lollipop? You could enjoy a Push Pop during breaks and place the plastic cap back on when a teacher walked by.

The paw-fect match Whether you’re a paw-rent or pet lover, Ah B Café has all you’ll need for an exciting day out.

Nestled within Sunny Heights is Ah B Café, one of the Singapore’s largest petfriendly cafés. Accompanying the commodious indoor seating is a sprawling al fresco area and dog run to build up an appetite for the food. The kitchen offers an extensive menu of homemade goodies, including a lip-smacking Pork Burger ($16.80), with a handmade pork patty and a special Ah B sauce, as well as hearty Salmon Teriyaki Rice ($18.80). There’s also a dedicated menu for your fur-kids too. With such a cosy and pet-friendly setting, Ah B Café is simply a doggie haven. Minimum spending applies for indoor dining. 110 Turf Club Road, S288000 (inside Sunny Heights). Tel: 8858 6661

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8 Drinkable desserts other than your daily bubble tea Alcoholic or not, these drinks sure hit the sweet spot. By jolene saw blend of butterfly pea extract, mango juice, honey, yogurt, and butterfly pea tapioca pearls. For something with more mystic, try Pandora's Treasure ($5.90), a charming drink that changes from azure to purple when you stir it – a fascinating natural reaction between butterfly pea extract and lemon juice. 3155 Commonwealth Avenue. XIN DIVINE For a truly unique drinkable dessert, try Xin Divine’s Osmanthus Sphere ($12++), a two-part creation inspired by the traditional osmanthus and wolfberry jelly. A jelly glass-like orb pops open to reveal a refreshing, chilled winter melon soup, with sprigs of osmanthus, wolfberries, and pang da hai (malva nut) contained within. Pour in the accompanying glass of aerated red date juice for an extra dimension to the clear soup. 10 Duxton Hill. Tel: 3100 0030 Bobii Frutii Mermaid's Tears Xin Divine Osmanthus Sphere

FRUCE Tucked away in Wisma Atria's basement, perpetual queues snake outside this modest dessert beverage store. A word-play on 'fruits' and 'fuse', the local brand serves unique fruity slurpable desserts and boasts a wide range of local flavours with a tinge of Japanese influence. The crowd favourite is definitely the Coconut Avocado ($4.30 medium, $5.30 large), made with a five-hour house-filtered coconut milk and fresh avocados. The result – a decadent, invigorating treat without artificial sweeteners and caffeine. Choose sago, grass jelly, or tapioca pearls as toppings, or add coconut ice cream for more indulgence (toppings at $0.70-$0.90). Another intriguing option is Purple Grains ($3.20 medium, $4.20 large). Inspired by local dessert pulut hitam, the creamy drink has a great play on textures, and is sweet without being cloying. (Tip: ask for reduced sweetness level – still tasty but less guilt! #B1-45 Wisma Atria. Tel: 6910 3108 BOBI FRUTTI Try the latest Taiwanese bubble tea contender – Bobi Frutti. Each cup is eye candy as much as it is a sweet treat. A signature would be the Mermaid's Tears ($5.90), a refreshing blue-orange ombre fruit

FRUITURDAY Made with fresh fruits and natural sweeteners, Fruiturday's drinks are not only good for the 'gram, but for you as well. With fresh mangoes and coconuts flown in from Thailand, you know you're getting the real deal when you order the Mango Sticky Rice Smoothie ($6.90). A drinkable form of the classic Thai dessert, the smoothie can be blended according to your preference - 'fine' for a smoother, creamy consistency, and 'chunky' for more texture from the kibbled rice. B2-146 Northpoint City (South Wing) LOOF Known for a local-inspired menu, rooftop bar Loof also serves up some dessert-esque options. The Gummi Berry ($22) is truly a tipple for the sweet toothed - gin is mixed with orange curaçao, strawberry, blueberry, and topped with a flametoasted meringue.

mango sticky rice

Loof's Gummiberri

For that one friend who needs to fulfill his daily bubble tea quota, try the Loof Bubble Tea ($21). This spiked bubble tea comes shaken with vodka, orange liqueur, sour plum, passion fruit, calamansi, lemon and yogurt, with an intriguing addition of fruity pearls. #0307, 331 North Bridge Road, Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop. Tel: 6337 9416 JEKYLL & HYDE Ever thought that tau huay could be made into a cocktail? No, we're not talking about soy bean milk. Another local-inspired dessert tipple worth trying would have to be the Mr. Bean ($22), a 'tau huay' cocktail from Jekyll & Hyde. Fresh beancurd is bought daily from the local market down the street and shaken with Frangelico, butterscotch liquor and vodka, and a dash of Kaya for good measure. Come by during happy hour between 6-8pm if you can, and enjoy 1-for1 cocktails. 49 Tras Street. Tel: 6222 3349 BITTERS AND LOVE Since we're talking about kaya, why not have a kaya toast tipple? Served in a kaya bottle, the Kaya Toast cocktail ($25) from Bitters and Love is one for the local breakfast-lovers out there. Kaya is stirred in with rum, peach liqueur, English breakfast tea, honey, citrus and egg white, and the dessert tipple is ready to satisfy your sweet tooth, but not before being topped with a slice of toast, and a generous dollop of fresh, sweet kaya. 118 Telok Ayer Street. Tel: 6438 1836

The Secret Mermaid's Moonshine Milo

THE SECRET MERMAID Hop on over to The Secret Mermaid for a spiked version of a drinkable mango sticky rice – the cheeky Spice and Everything Nice ($22) blends white rum with mango, coconut cream, chilli, lime and vanilla bitters. While you're there, try your luck at ordering their Moonshine Milo ($20), a local-inspired concoction of moonshine, Milo powder, raspberry syrup and chocolate bitters. Call it a secret menu item if you will – the chocolatey drink is no longer on the main menu, but just the say the word and cocoa heaven will be yours. B1-09, 10 Collyer Quay, Ocean Financial Centre

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