BiTES - The Scoop on Good Eats (May 2016) by BiTES - The Scoop on Good Eats

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Happy mumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day!

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10 spots to have a feast, only at Orchard Central

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KITCHEN PLAYGROUND

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Give your parties a touch of wooden sophistication

DESTINATION: MACPHERSON

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Best eats and finds in this neighbourhood

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Where to find your B i T E S ? DOWNLOAD THIS ISSUE at www.bites.com.sg PICK US UP! Free at over 100 venues Cafes & restaurants Alfresco Gusto • Bonta Italian Restaurant & Bar (District 10) • Brussels Sprouts - Robertson Quay • Brussels Sprouts - Sentosa Cove • California Pizza Kitchen Forum • Chijmes • 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 - Thomson Medical Centre • Delifrance Cafe - UE Square • Emicakes @ Kovan • EN Grill and Bar • Farisya's Kitchen • Ginkhao Restaurant • Ginza Lion Beer Hall • IPPIN • Joe & Dough (Kallang) • Kinsa Sushi HillV2 • Milagro Spanish Restaurant • Ootoya Japanese Restaurant • Oriole Coffee + Bar • Outback Steakhouse • Oyster Bar & Grill Wharf • Pu3 Restaurant • Ramen Champion • Roti Mum • Selfish Gene Cafe • Spinelli (all outlets) • Starbucks (all outlets) • tcc - The Connoisseur Concerto (all boutiques) • The Rustic Bistro • The Marmalade Pantry ION • Yellow Submarine (Toa Payoh) • ZEN Japanese Cuisine • 31 Bar Kitchen Car showrooms Chevrolet • Citroen • Honda • Hyundai • Infiniti • Kia • Mazda • Nissan • Opel Singapore • Subaru • Toyota Singapore

Cooking Schools Cookyn Inc • 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 • NUSS - Kent Ridge Guild House • NUSS - Bukit Timah Guild House • NUSS - Suntec City Guild House • Orchid Country Club • Raffles Marina • 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 Amara Singapore • Carlton City Hotel • Changi Village Hotel • Concorde Hotel Singapore • Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore • Dorsett Singapore • Furama City Centre • Furama RiverFront • Hilton Singapore • Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium • Hotel Miramar • Hotel Re! • ibis Hotel Singapore • Intercontinental Singapore • Mandarin Orchard • Moon Hotel • Nostalgia Hotel • Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay • Orchard Hotel Singapore • Pan Pacific Orchard • Park Hotel Alexandra • Peninsula Excelsior Hotel • Ramada and Days Singapore at Zhongshan Park • Studio M Hotel Singapore • The Elizabeth Hotel • The Quincy Hotel • The Scarlet Hotel • Village Hotel Bugis • Wangz • York Hotel

MallS Orchard Central • Parkway Parade (Pedestrian Crossing) • SVC@ION Orchard• The Grandstand National Tourism Offices Australia Tourism • Japan National Tourism Organization • Korean Tourism Organization OTHERS Pet Lovers Centre Petrol Kiosks Caltex • ExxonMobil • Shell • SPC Salon Jean Yip Hairdressing schools •Temasek Polytechnic supermarkets Meidi-Ya Singapore • PasarBella Also hand-distributed at: OUTSIDE MRT Stations Ang Mo Kio • Bedok • Bishan • Boon Lay • City Hall • Dhoby Ghaut • Eunos • Holland Village • Jurong East • Lavender • Orchard Road • Raffles Place • Serangoon • Tampines • Tiong Bahru • Woodlands • Yishun

Cover image Dreamstime Consultant Digital Manager Eugene Koh Web Developer Jun Evangelista

Publisher Cecilia Goh

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Editor June Lee Staff Writer Katie Boon Editorial Intern Samantha Seah

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c a l e n dA r :

M ay sunday 1 SUMMER SUNWAVE

$78-98 | 10-12AM | WAVE HOUSE SENTOSA Party away the whole day to the beats of Generation 69 and Franco. From 7pm, free-flow beer keeps energy levels running high. www.eventnook. com/event/ summersunwave2016/ home

monday 2

LABOUR DAY (public holiday)

tuesday 3 A DOZEN EGGS TILL 8 MAY | TUE-THU 12-7PM, FRI-SUN 12-9PM | OBJECTIFS An exploration into a semi-fictitious scenario of “what if..?” discussions on our relationship with eggs. www.atelier. hokostudio.com

8 9 MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL: COOKING WITH MUM

2 016

wednesday thursday friday 4 5 star wars day May the force be with you. Look out for global celebrations organised by fans. www.starwars. com/may-the-4th

HAWKER WINE SAFARI

$88 | 6.30PM | 443 JOO CHIAT ROAD Start off the evening with bubblies before being whisked on a fun pairing journey of local hawker delicacies with boutique New World wines. www. store.merchantsofsingapore.com.sg

THE ART OF JAPANESE CUISINE

$20-25 | 10AM, 12PM, 2PM, 4PM | TOTT@DUNEARN In conjunction with Gourmet Japan’s fifth edition this year, eight leading Japanese chefs brings you a wealth of tips and tricks through their workshops. www.gourmetjapan.com.sg

22 COLD STORAGE KIDS RUN $35-44 | FROM 6.45AM 1-FOR-1 MEDZS | GARDENS BY THE BAY BURGER NIGHT

$15-65 | 9.15-10.25PM | OBJECTIFS Get to know the back end of each meal through the world premiere of this film which presents a scientific and experience-based documentary shot over three continents. www.foodcine.ma

$188/PAIR | 3-6PM | TOTT @ DUNEARN What better way to bond with your mama than over food. Learn how to whip up a three-course meal together with chef Felix—and his mum! www.tottstore.com

Engage in a family bonding activity that goes beyond the race. Stay behind for the carnival with mascot photo sessions and freshen up with the well-loved Milo truck’s icy beverage. www.kidsrun.com.sg

EVERY MON FROM 5PM What Monday blues? Get two MEDZS signature burgers, made using USDA beef brisket and chuck, for the price of one with purchase of any regular priced alcoholic beverage. www.facebook.com/MEDZS. SimplyMediterranean

29 DBS REGATTA

28 MAY-5 JUNE The fifth edition dragon boating competition also sees Southeast Asia’s tallest inflatable water slide. Satisfy those hunger pangs with munchies from Two Men Bagel House, Snag Shack, Kerbside Gourmet and more. www.dbsmarinaregatta. com

FOODCINE.MA: TASTEOLOGY

voilah! WINE DINNER

$79 | WINE CONNECTION, 41 CUPPAGE ROAD As part of the annual Voilah! 2016 French festival, enjoy a five-course French wine pairing dinner, and meet French wine maker Pierre-Jean Sauvion to ignite and discover your inner French. www.voilah.sg/wine-connection

18 7TH HEAVEN ON THE BEACH

$7-45 | MON-FRI 6-9PM | SAND BAR Take a chill pill and unwind by the beach, with happy hour $7 deals of selected bottled beers, cocktails, Sand Bar shooter of the day, house pours and wines. Cheers! www.cside.sg

20 15th halal food expo

FREE | 19-22 MAY | SINGAPORE EXPO Incorporating the Hari Raya Mega Sale, this exhibition brings a myriad food items to the public. www.singaporeexpo. com.sg

saturday 7 DISCO DE MAYO FREE WITH REGISTRATION | 10PM ONWARDS | LUCHA LOCO Celebrate the Mexican Cinco de Mayo with a twist at Lucha’s 3rd annual fiesta. Dress retro to the disco theme and receive a shot of tequila on the house. www.fb.com/ luchalocosingapore

14 SILENT DISCO ASIA

$20 | 8PM-2AM | KULT KAFE Groove to the beat of three DJs sounding out tracks on your personal headset at this hip silent rave. You won’t go dry with The Training Shed’s imported beers and ales. www. silentdiscoasia1.peatix. com/view

happy Vesak DAY

25 ONE FOR THE GIRLS

7PM | MCGETTIGAN’S CLARKE QUAY Ladies enjoy three complimentary house pour drinks, with a choice of beer, wine and house pour spirits. Guys, don’t feel left out—happy hour is extended till midnight with house pour drinks at only $10 nett. www.mcgettigans.com

28 KEONG SAIK CARNIVAL

12-10.30PM | KEONG SAIK ROAD Head outdoors for this buzzy street market and live music event. Various restaurants and bars will also serve up special creations and deals as you browse the latest collections from diverse fashion labels. www.pttheadfolk.com

coming up in June From 3 June: The Great Singapore Sale 9-12 June: The Singapore Coffee Festival 16-19 June: Beer Fest Asia 2016 19 June: Father’s Day

Maka

# m a k a n o n 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!

MAY: 5 readers stand to win DINNER FOR 2 Discover recently launched 'hawkerlicious' cuisine at this fabulous hotel buffet spread. Think dry mee siam, wok-fried oyster omelette, mutton rendang, cereal prawns with curry leaves and a D.I.Y noodles station for Nyonya laksa, Penang assam laksa or prawn noodles. At the dinner buffet, expect also a Wok-Fry Station for fresh seafood in signature sauces such as black pepper, salted egg yolk, assam curry, and ginger and onion. The restaurant is known for serving modern Asian and Western favourites in a soothing wood-accented space with large windows. Need more clues? Last year, the same restaurant introduced its popular Ah Hood Burger Stall section, a nod to the name of the street where the four-star hotel is located. Give us your best guess of the restaurant’s name and the hotel it's located in between 1-19 May to dine on 9 June, 7pm! For full details and to enter, visit www.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 video in any format without limitation. Participants to ensure they can dine on 9 June at 7pm. More on www.bites.com.sg/makanonbites

BiTE Makan on BRIDGE Where: Bridge , 7pm When: 7 March What we ate:

• Starter: s with »» Hokkaido octopu urnt shikuwasa sorbet, b topiko, soya pearl • Mains: otto »» Choice of truffle ris with freshly-shaved ith truffle or seabass w d white wine foam an cocoa beans • Dessert: »» Deconstructed cheesecake

On a balmy Thursday night in March, five lucky B i T E S readers and their partners kick-started the weekend early with an indulgent three-course dinner at upbeat BRIDGE. Sourcing ingredients directly from producers, BRIDGE is known for keeping their prices low while still curating a menu that gives fine dining restaurants a run for their money. To whet their appetite, readers first received a complimentary basket of soft bread with a side of luxe truffle honey butter and salt. Following which, the refreshing Hokkaido octopus served with a refreshing scoop of shikuwasa sorbet, burnt topiko and soya pearl was wiped off in minutes the moment it was served. Expectations for the mains were high. Readers who

chose the seabass with white wine foam and cocoa beans were greeted with an aesthetically pleasing dish that boasted a lovely contrast in both taste and texture. The aromatic truffle risotto garnished with freshly-shaved truffle was also a definite winner—it was intensely flavourful, without being too overwhelming. While everyone was afraid they would be too full for a heavy dessert, BRIDGE’s deconstructed cheesecake turned out to Scan the QR be very light and foamy; leaving readers code for a with a satisfied smile as they walked slice of out the door. the action.

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On a Little Street in Farrer Park

Food & Hotel Asia 2016 (FHA2016) The biennial event from 12 to 15 April across 10 halls at Singapore Expo attracted 72,000 industry professionals, exhibitors and competitors congregating at this single location. At the largest food and hotel event yet in Southeast Asia, the platform was set for myriad networking and transactional deals, intense competition at the Asian Pastry Cup where the Singapore team emerged champion, to the FHA Culinary Challenge and the new CTI Latte Art Duel. BiTES walked around to sniff out a few highlights for you.

3. Nippon go Participating for the fifth time this year, the Japan Pavilion saw a 70% increase compared to the previous edition, with showcased items like colourful marine collagen beads, yuzu pepper which provides that wakeup punch, temari sushi that comes in bite size portions which can be easily defrosted for your anytime sushi cravings, and much more.

1. Halal Supermarket A first for FHA, the halal supermarket was a hit with its slew of halal-certified products. We discovered unique produce including the world’s first Japan halal-certified miso from Hikari Miso, as well as delicious charcuterie cuts from Indoguna—both of which aren’t distributed in Singapore yet (someone, please bring them in!). More halal dishes are also set to enter the market including Malaysian-owned ezee meals, who will be launching their frozen home-styled dishes like their piquant Bukhara Briyani Chicken, possibly in Mustafa this year.

4. Cocoa treats From the land where sheep outnumbers people, New Zealand-owned Spring Sheep Milk Co. brings sheep milk gelato in well-loved flavours like dark chocolate and vanilla. Boncafé caught our attention with a preview of iChoco, their latest refreshing canned beverage available in milk and dark chocolate—look out for it in regional markets in the third quarter. We also enjoyed our daily cuppa from their friendly Segafredo baristas— thanks guys!

Date: 26 March, 11am-9pm and 27 March, 11am-6pm Location: One Farrer Hotel & Spa, 1 Farrer Park Station Rd The inaugural One Farrer Street Food pop-up was bursting at the seams as foodies floated down for a scrumptious feast. With several food and drinks stall serving a wide variety of cuisine from local treats to European fare, our set of Farrer dollars (worth $30) easily satisfied two hungry bellies. Succumbing to the aromatic charred fragrance emitting from the grill, we joined the winding queue for a plate of succulent chicken satay. The fried Hokkien mee served on an opeh leaf with a side of fiery chilli paste was another hot seller we couldn’t resist. A side of California maki and refreshing Thai mango salad made good companions to our sinful local bites. Armed with fluffy churros and potent $12 cocktails, we ended off the night swaying to energetic beats by Sweatbox Jam at the laidback al fresco Boxkite Lounge on Level 2.

5. Drink up 2. Tasty Singapore Under the bright red banner of Tasty Singapore, the popular Mr Bean introduces new soya ice cream flavours like dark chocolate, blueberry bliss, salted gula Melaka and durian. P.S. Their new lemongrass soya milk drink will be in stores anytime now.

Soon to replace the coconut fad, is Sealand Birk water from Canada, a 100 percent organic birch sap drink with natural vitamins and minerals. Nature’s own tree water anyone? Over at Monin, we were dazzled by the creative syrup flavours – think creamy pandan, buttery popcorn and roast pumpkin—which tasted natural and rich.

Cafe H t Seat

WHAT WE ORDERED:

Jeryl had: Nutella latte ($6.50) and tuna sandwich ($8) Samantha had: Cappuccino ($6) and ham and quail egg sandwich ($8) Benjamin had: Chamomile with lavender tea ($5) and smoked chicken salad ($8) Hailey had: Almdudler soda water ($6) and smoked salmon salad ($10)

In this column, we pick a notable personality to go cafe-hopping with us. Over the cool selection of café goodies at Jen’s Kitchen On-The-Go, we pin down the camera-shy photographer and adventurer Jeryl Tan for this May’s interview. By Samantha Seah, Photography by Benjamin Soh @smilewithjeryl regaling us with his tales

The quirky good looks of Jen's Kitchen On-The-Go @HotelJenTanglin Jeryl Tan—better known for his popular Instagram photography account (@SmilewithJeryl) with 38.4K followers—dodges away each time the camera clicks, and we can’t help but laugh away through our session at Hotel Jen. “I’m not comfortable being in front of the camera,” he protests self-consciously, much to our amusement— especially given the name of his Instagram account. Boyish and outwardly friendly, the 24-year-old juggles a hectic job as events coordinator with sideline photography for clients such as Singapore Tourism Board. Not bad for a self-taught photographer who completed his National Service barely one year ago and was then struck with a severe case of wanderlust. First though, we browse through the 24/7 pick-andgo selection at Hotel Jen before settling down with our food and drink. Between sips of Nutella latte, Jeryl shares his “lame” start in photography. “Don’t judge, okay? Actually I was inspired watching a running tap of water, and wondered what it would look like if I could stop the motion.” Jeryl went on to purchase his first professional camera, a Canon 6D, and taught himself the technical skills needed. “At first, it’s all by feelings,” he laughs,

switching to Mandarin mid-sentence. “My favourite subject to capture now is lightning. But it’s so hard, I’ve only captured it twice so far.” The conversation drifts back to his Tumblr account, smilewithjeryl.tumblr.com, where he shared his journey of “69 days across Europe. Cost: $5,700” in a post. Picking the cheapest return flight he could find, he left in June 2015 on a solo backpacking trip that spanned Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, UK, France, Italy, Hungary, Poland and his ultimate favourite, Switzerland. Travels and backpacking expose us to so many situations and experiences, some good, some bad, and others bad that turn out well, he muses. “Not a lot of people will do it, but it’s something nobody can explain, until you experience it yourself.” Getting mugged once in Paris had him scared, but undeterred. His advice when travelling solo, and especially for ladies: “I made sure I had all the offline maps in my phone, that’s most important” and “you must really be aware of your situation”. While admiring the playful decor at Jen’s Kitchen On-The-Go, Jeryl reveals he is into architecture and nature—it’s noticeable in his Insta account, which is mostly of angles and urban landscapes. When it comes

#MILKYWAY Abandoned: Dumped by his couch surfing host in Germany, Jeryl had to cancel all subsequent plans but managed to find a kind soul to host him last minute. Alone: “I hiked out to the Bachtel Kulm hills close to midnight, set up a campfire and at the strike of midnight, the Milky Way appeared.” It was his most memorable birthday and the highlight of his trip.

to food though, he’s a true-blue Singaporean who’s crazy about crabs and seafood. If he were a drink, he would be a cup of tea—rational and down to earth, he summarises. “I try to maintain my Instagram account by posting a picture a day at exactly 8pm—unless I’m too busy with events, but recently I’m running out of pictures so I think I need to disappear again,” he grins. So what’s next for Jeryl? A part-time degree in business management later this year, and another trip at the end of the year to see the Northern Lights. Check out #whereisjerylnow to keep up with him.

Hailey from @HotelJenTanglin and @bitessg meet @smilewithjeryl

#RELATIONSHIPGOALS Travel companion: “I rather not travel with anyone, just saying. But if it came to a partner with similar interests, well that’s different!”

Pet peeves: People who don't keep to the agreed upon schedule, and double standards, as “I will take your word seriously—don’t tell me one thing, then do something else, unless you have a valid reason.”

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big lazy chop

Local food in a tourist spot doesn’t have to be gimmicky and Good Old Days is here to prove just that. Located across from Sentosa’s Beach Station, the two-storey colonial-inspired restaurant whips up authentic dishes that can rival hawkers. Plated the traditional way, chicken rice ($11.80) doesn’t disappoint with its fragrant rice and chilli that packs a fiery punch. The best-selling beef hor fun ($11.80) is also cooked in a well-seasoned wok, giving it a nice smoky wok hei flavour. End your meal on a sweet note with their icy cool chendol ($3.50)—a great dessert to beat the sweltering heat! Daily 11am-10pm. Beach Station, Sentosa. Tel: 6273 1743

New openings Big Lazy Chop is all about XL sized food and original flavours. The no-frills Chinese bistro is helmed by head chef Oh Ah Lek with 37 years’ experience handling a hot wok. Don’t miss his signature Indo Curry sauce, using four chillis, lemongrass and curry leaves—it brings out the sweetness of Sri Lankan crabs ($70/kg). Between the Saucy XL spare ribs ($20) in salted egg and Drunken XL spare ribs ($23) in butter champagne, we were torn—the former was richly coated while the latter was delightfully creamy and balanced. Just get stuck in with your hands because their Big Lazy Prawns ($20) are studded with crispy crackers and you don’t want to miss any shred of goodness. #01-04, 1A Short Street. Tel: 6238 8443 Inspired by the popular Nine Levels Steamed Shells in Bongcheon-dong, Captain K Seafood presents fresh seafood and shellfish in multi-tiered steamers. Eat your way from top to bottom, starting with a juicy Hokaiddo scallop topped with cellophane noodle. Choose from three soup bases—kombu dashi, Korean kimchi and premium Korean ginseng chicken (additional $15)—which collects seafood juices from the tiers, giving it an intense richness. While the signature ninetiered tower ($288.90) is highly recommended, Captain K Seafood offers a three-tiered ($52.90), five-tiered ($98.90) and seven-tiered ($188.90) too. Daily 11.30am3pm, 6pm-10:30pm. #01-02 ERC Institute, 30 Prinsep Street. Tel: 6255 2270

Executive chef Nakano Hiromi, ex-NOBU Las Vegas, will be headlining his modern restaurant Sen of Japan till 12 May with a special tasting menu of signature dishes and new fusion creations. Look out for black cod soy and salmon aburi maki roll, prepared with ingredients flown in from Japan twice a week. The highlight of his visit will be the six-course Chef’s Table dinner experience ($88), featuring items such as tuna white fish salad with garlic olive oil, and light smoked duck with fresh wasabi and balsamic sauce. Pair it up with sakes by the glass or bottle, including thoughtful sake flights to enjoy over the sunset views. #01-86 Bay Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue. Tel: 66887426 Sen of japan

good old days crave

captain k seafood

Moving away from the heartlands, CRAVE has opened its fourth outlet at ION Orchard. Set up by the brains behind Pezzo, CRAVE brings the original Adam Road nasi lemak by Selera Rasa ($4.90-$6.90) together with Amoy Street teh tarik ($1.80) by Rafee’s Corner. The trademark of this best-selling nasi lemak is its Himalaya basmati rice that’s light and not starchy, which pairs well with the more sinful (but good) ingredients like crispy chicken wing. Both owners have passed down their recipes and techniques to ensure that the quality of their dishes remain the same. #B4-58/59 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn. Tel: 6238 7181

New Promotions

At Tea Valley, Taiwanese dishes with a homecooked vibe jostle for attention with street snacks at super wallet-friendly prices (set meals from $9). The traditional three cup chicken with rice ($6.50) is comfortingly redolent with garlic and sesame, while the bites of fried plum sweet potato ($3.50) and chicken floss wrap ($3.80) were addictively good. Top it off with one of the healthy floral and fruit tea options ($4), imported from Taiwan. #B1-04 The Central, 6 Eu Tong Seng Road The wafting smell of grilled meats such as pork collar, pork belly and chicken never fail to delight. Using charcoal stoves, Mookata traditional Thai BBQ tempts you with a new buffet ($25.90, Mon-Thu 5pm-12am), allowing you to load up on unlimited meats, fresh vegetables, finger foods and beverages. Don’t forget to douse your meats in their signature sweet, garlicky and spicy sauces. For the month of May, enjoy a Boston lobster for just $10 (at Katong, Bugis Junction and ORTO outlets) when you purchase a Mookata set meal for four—just in time for Mother’s Day! Mon-Thu 5pm-12am, Fri 5pm-1am, Sat 12pm1am and Sun 12pm-12am. #01-04 ORTO, 81 Lorong Chencharu. Tel: 6257 5198 mookata traditional thai bbq

pine garden

Surprise mommy dearest Celebrate Mother’s Day with Pine Garden’s four creations that range from fruity to funky. Mango pomelo sago cake ($38/0.8kg, $58/1.2kg) and blood orange prosecco cake ($45/0.8kg, $65/1,2kg) are safe, pretty choices, while the luscious sea salt caramel garlic chocolate cake ($33/0.5kg, $48/1kg) appeals to adventurous palates with its pungent tang of garlic—a real love or hate reaction. #01-2368/9 Blk 529 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10. Tel: 6457 6159

Whisk mom away to Skyve Wine Bistro where she receives a free main course when you order one too, only on 8 May from 6pm onwards. Choose from staples including a grilled lamb rack ($42) served with grilled vegetable medley or vegetarian mushroom stack burger ($34) with generous grilled portobello and porcini. If she prefers oysters, be sure to order the refreshing raspberry mignonette ($34) and savoury Rockefeller ($35), which are new additions to the sleeping oysters list. #01-17 Block E, 10 Winstedt Road. Tel: 6225 6690 It’s your turn jack's to ply mom with place comfort food after all the times she’s cooked for you. Treat her to Jack’s Place signature traditional oxtail stew ($20.80), Hainanese style, which is sure to hit all the right nostalgic notes. It’s only available at selected outlets such as NEX Mall and Anchorpoint for Wednesday dinner, so plan your outings in advance. www.jacksplace.com.sg

Midday munchies Instagram is exploding with Prima Deli's newest pastries—the lava cheese tart original ($2.40) and salted yolk lava cheese tart ($2.80)—and it’s no surprise why. While both tarts boast a creamy cheese filling, the latter has a decadent salted yolk centre that prima deli lends contrast to the sweet cheese. Pop it in the microwave for about two minutes and be rewarded with a molten cheesy core as you bite into the buttery shortcrust pastry. At all outlets. Crystal Jade presents two new dumplings this Dragon Boat Festival. Catering to young and old is the moreish black rice dumpling with baby abalone ($12.90) that’s made with a mix of white and black glutinous rice with baby abalone studded throughout. Another must-try is the deluxe rice dumpling with conpoy ($16.90) that encapsulates the flavour of the sea from the dried scallops. Prefer traditional bak crystal jade zhangs? Fret not— the best-selling rice dumpling with pork ($6.90) and sweet rice dumpling with red bean paste ($4.90) continues to be a mainstay. Available 13 May-9 June at all Crystal Jade restaurants and bakery outlets.

voilah!

French affair Voilah! French Festival Singapore 2016 brings culinary delights with over 50 outlets participating this year. Dine like the French and enjoy a special threecourse meal ($32.90 nett) at charming Mon Bijou. Or gather the posse and indulge in a scrumptious French buffet at Triple Three, where every second diner enjoys 40% off. Oenophiles—tipple up at numerous wine tasting sessions including a wine flight ($38) featuring five wines and a complimentary cheese platter (with two flights) at Café & Bar Gavroche. On 20 May, learn how to whip up delicious French cuisine with chef Igarashi at Lewin Terrace. Till 31 May at participating restaurants, bars, hotel and retailers. www.voilah.sg

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Celebratory meals

It’s always a feast at Orchard Central, whether you’re gathered over the round table for a Chinese meal with family or raising a pint with colleagues. Check out these hotspots to celebrate with gusto!

Ban Heng @ Orchard Central #11-01

It’s Ban Heng Group’s 50th anniversary but you’re the one celebrating, with a special suckling pig and abalone set menu ($398 for 10 pax). Some Teochew and Cantonese signatures include crackling suckling pig, crispy-fried soon hock and braised 10-headed abalone with spinach. Check out the private dining rooms too. Tel: 6238 1516/7816

BWB Burgers. Wings. Bar. #11-03/04

If stacked burgers, jazzed up wings and mammoth milkshakes make your mouth water, gather your friends for pocket-friendly daily set lunches, all-day happy hours and zero service charge. With suicide-level hot buffalo wings and seasonal specials like the Snack Attack! pizza platter, there’s always something exciting at BWB. Tel: 6634 0423

Dancing Crab #07-14/15

It’s a showdown of humans vs seafood at this Louisiana seafood concept. Get cracking with Combo Bag #01 which includes Sri Lankan crab, 300g prawns, 250g clams, potatoes, corn and sausages ($88, good for four), splashed with a good dose of signature sauce, spicy miso butter, beurre blanc or zesty garlic butter. Tel: 6509 1878

Kiseki Japanese Buffet Restaurant #08-01 to 03

Pamper loved ones with a sumptuous feast here, where there’s something for every palate! From the extended spread ($19.80-34.80), we recommend zooming into teppanyaki and yakitori skewers as well as assorted sushi, fresh snow crab and crayfish (weekends), mud crab (weekdays), and even Japanese-western style dishes. Then wrap it up with the unique flavour of wasabi gelato lingering on your tongue. Tel: 6736 1216/9626 7767

181 Orchard Road, S238896 Tel: 6238 1051 w w w.orchardcentral.com.sg

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@orchardcentral

K.Cook Korean BBQ Buffet #07-01

Ootoya Japanese Restaurant #08-12

Shabu Sai #08-09 to 11

Ootoya (established 1958), brings a homely touch with teishoku set meals ($15-27.50) that comes with rice, soup and chawanmushi. Fresh fish air-flown from Tsukiji seafood market in Japan ($27) are available in limited quantities. Celebratory dining don’t have to bust your waistline, they cater healthy bento sets ($13.50-14.50) for fussy taste buds too. Tel: 6884 8901

Choose from six soup bases including tonkotsu and sukiyaki broth as well as a monthly special on rotation, and start your boil. Dine buffet style ($16.99-29.99) as servers deliver unlimited portions of pork, beef and chicken while you chat and catch up over the bubbling pot. Liven up your spirits with add-ons like free flow soft drinks and soft serve ice cream ($1.99), Kirin Ichiban Shibori Beer ($9.99) and Kikumasamune sake ($19.99). Tel: 6884 6760

Tonkichi #07-06

TungLok XiHé Peking Duck #07-07 to 09

Tony Roma’s #07-02 to 05

K.Cook amps up the revelry with K-pop music videos streaming on the overhead projector at the alfresco area. Sizzle and grill your way through the ample buffet ($14.9026.90) with marinated meats and cooked food items like Korean spicy rice cakes. Toss down shots of soju to keep your appetite going. Limited to 2 hours per session. Tel: 6884 7282

Japanese food doesn’t have to be expensive, especially at Tonkichi which is renowned for authentic and hearty tonkatsu since 1993. Choose from hire (pork fillet) or rosu katsu (pork loin) sets ($22-28), which are perfectly breaded and deep fried to a crisp, served with free flow thinly cut cabbage and aromatic Akita Komachi top grade rice from Iwate. Friends who prefer sashimi, udon or teriyaki chicken are not left out with lunch sets at $13.90 and $17.90 too. Tel: 6238 7976

Are you ready to take on the 'Wagyu of Duck'? TungLok Group has used a trademark secret curing process for its mouthwatering Peking Irish duck ($66)—the first such dish in Singapore. The Irish-reared ducks offer succulent, juicy meat and skin that's so crispy and light that it melts in your mouth, paired with condiments like popping candy and blueberry sauce to spark conversation over ways of eating it. Tel: 6736 0006

Chow down on original baby back ribs ($26.90 half, $35.90 regular, $41.90 full) in all its tender, lean pork loin glory basted with Tony Roma’s original BBQ sauce. Don’t be shy to upsize to the Family Feast ($64.90) or Combo Feast ($64.90) with ribeye steak. Fill up the table with the famous giant hand-cut onion loaf ($16.90), and potato skins loaded with cheeses and bacon ($11.90). Tel: 6738 8600

Fancy a treat from one of the outlets in this feature? Flash a picture of this blurb, whether print or online, at OC L1 Concierge Counter to win a dining voucher in their sure-win lucky dip. Valid from 1 to 31 May 2016, while stocks last. Terms & conditions apply.

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How to

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EAT LARGE on a SMALL BUDGET

Feast like a king without breaking the bank with these pocket-friendly breakfasts, attractive lunch deals and mind-blowing dining secrets across the city. By Katie Boon, Breakfast photography by Benjamin Soh

Best value breakfasts Prata

local

In the business for over 30 years, Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata (7 Crane Road. Tel: 9794 3124) is the real deal—queues were forming past 10am on a weekday! As the name implies, their freshlymade prata is crispy and boasts an aromatic buttery fragrant. The three curries—dahl, fish and sambal ikan bilis—offered also doesn’t disappoint with its fiery tinge. Late-risers should know the popular store usually closes by 11.30am, when the pratas are sold out. Katie’s verdict: Skip the fillings and go straight for their plain prata ($1 nett)—it’s so satisfying especially when doused in the tangy fish curry.

Kaya and kopi gu you Kaya toast and coffee may be available in nearly all corners of Singapore. But if you’re looking for the best, legendary Heap Seng Leong Coffeeshop (#01-5109, 10 North Bridge Road. Tel: 6292 2368) is the place to go. Everything here from the storefront to coffee preparation is kept traditional. A generous spread of butter and kaya ($1.20 nett) fills your mouth as you bite into the soft bread that’s lightly toasted over a charcoal stove. Ben’s verdict: Forget your usual kopi and order their signature kopi gu you ($1.20 nett). The dollop of butter brings out the buttery notes of the aromatic beans. You’ll feel more energetic than usual (#truestory!)

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c o v e r

The first meal of the day is the most important, but we just can’t decide—local or western? We suss out the best options in both camps that checked all the criteria on our list: filling, delicious, hearty and won’t break the bank.

Pancakes

western

Bread Yard (#01-23/24 Galaxis, 1 Fusionopolis Place. Tel: 9773 5318) gives you the best bang for your buck in the Buona Vista precinct. Their thick, airy sourdough pancakes are made daily in-house and go for as low as $6. That’s as affordable as getting breakfast from a fast-food chain! Dine extravagantly and indulge in their popular candied bacon and grilled cheese pancakes ($12 nett). Marinated in brown sugar and paprika, the sweetness of the candied bacon marries well with the savoury grilled cheese. Katie’s verdict: The pancake has a nice mix of sweet, salty, and spicy— great for indecisive eaters such as myself.

Sandwiches and Bulletproof Coffee

Who isn’t loco for coconut? Over here, the bulletproof coffee features an additional spoonful of cold-pressed virgin coconut oil in addition to butter. One of the few cafés in Singapore to serve this concoction, Sarnies’s (136 Telok Ayer Street. Tel: 6224 6091) cuppa only costs $6 nett; 50 cents more than your usual latte. Their gourmet sandwiches are a must-try too. Crowd-pleaser is the Grass Fed Steak ($16.50 nett) sandwich that’s overflowing with strips of grass-fed beef, mushrooms, and mixed greens. Ben’s verdict: Come here on an empty stomach as their portions are massive. I packed half my sandwich for lunch.

Food Challenges Hot, heat, help!

Chow down three of Lower East Side’s signature tacos prepared at their level five spice intensity (worth $28) in under 30 minutes to get the food for free. Made using native Mexican chillies including harbaneros, poblanos and jalapeños, the tacos come in six different fillings— tilapia, barramundi, chilli con carne, pork belly, chorizo, and verduras. Order the milky homemade horchata (rice water) to quell the burning sensation after you’ve completed the challenge. 19 East Coast Road. Tel: 6348 1302 Lagnaa Spice Challenge is another hot favourite among foodie daredevils. Wipe clean the ultimate Full Moon Chilli Challenge (Level 7) that happens once a month and get your meal on the house. Think you can handle the heat? First you have to pass Level 6 (starting from $8 for aloo gobi) to qualify for the challenge, and that’s already unbelievably spicy. 6 Upper Dickson Road. Tel: 6296 1215

you’ll get it on the house. Best part? Any four friends who come to support will receive a complimentary cup of daily brew. #01-02/03 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road; #01-361/362 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard. Tel: 6735 9201 (Wheelock Place)/ 6338 7758 (Suntec City Mall) the 1872 clipper tea co.

The impossible challenge

The only way to win this challenge is to gobble down food faster than Singapore’s celebrity competitive eater, Zermatt Neo. As record holder of Satay Power 6’s satay eating challenge, he currently holds the title at 150 satay sticks in 19.41 minutes. (P.S. He told us he was taking it easy). Lau Pa Sat Stall #6, 18 Raffles Quay. Tel: 9384 7148

timed discounts Steaky situation

Turning down free-flowing steak is a sin in our books. Head to Morton’s Singapore during their weekday happy hour (5-7pm) and load up on complimentary filet mignon sandwiches when you order one of their potent martinis (we highly recommend the rich Chocolate Mortini, $15.95). Mandarin Oriental, 5 Raffles Avenue. Tel: 6339 3740

Secret Mermaid—during their happy hour. Or if you rather a shot of whisky or stiff G&T, Loof’s weekday around the clock deal (5pm-8pm) costs as low as $5 a glass. Drink up!

Bivalves on a budget

When we heard about these oysters offers, we couldn’t help but squeal at the steal. Order a glass of Martini ($10) at Tanuki Raw on weekdays and enjoy six freshly shucked oysters at $2 apiece. Greenwood Fish Market and Bistro at two locations, Greenwood Avenue ($1.50) and Quayside Isle ($2), also dish out affordably-priced oysters on Tuesdays when you order their mains.

Calling big eaters

Have a ravenous appetite for four? Little Diner Empire Challenge is for you. Meant to be shared between three to four diners, the Empire Burger (worth $55) comes with 3 thick beef patties, multiple strips of bacon, fried egg, Swiss and cheddar cheese, caramelised onions, lettuce and tomato, and a side of fries. Available during lunch and dinner, devour the entire plate within 20 minutes and get it for free. And if you can’t, your punishment (aside from the bill) is a free dessert, which—thankfully—you can finish on your own time. 789 Bukit Timah Road. Tel: 6466 4088 Brunch lovers will absolutely adore The House of Robert Timms Ultimate Pancake Challenge. Scarf down a stack of their 18cm high by 24cm wide stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes ($39), layered with seven different fresh fruits including blueberries, peaches, and strawberries within 15 minutes and

d o o f y m e m gim

Still hungry for more? Dallas Restaurant & Bar offers unlimited servings of their premium 100-day grain fed Australian cut (regular price for one steak, $35) on weekends at their Suntec outlet only. #03-302/303 Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard. Tel: 6333 4068

Drinks galore

Singapore Cocktail Week may be over, but the affordable $14 price tag is here to stay at four sleek spots— Jigger and Pony, Gibson, Rumpoles Bar at Hotel Jen, and The

Sundae savers

A hot, sticky day always calls for an ice cream sundae—or two in the case of Swensen’s. Available every weekday between 2.30-5pm at all their outlets, beat the sweltering heat as you enjoy two ice cream sundaes for just $11.80 at the familyfavourite restaurant. Yummy flavours include their Sticky Chewy Chocolate as well as their Merri-Mint Do.

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Lunch Lunchtime time madness madness

Folks Collective

It’s always a battle deciding which set lunch to choose at Folks Collective. Their four lip-smacking set lunches ($15.90) comes with steam rice along with two to three sides like Thai spring rolls, stewed beef soup and green curry chicken. #01-01 Asia Square Tower 1, 8 Marina View. Tel: 6443 9820

take my m

oney

Riverfront promotions

There’s no shortage of lunch options at Clarke Quay. Keep your eyes peeled for $10, $15 and $25 set lunches from over 20 participating restaurants including Privé, The Butchers Club Burger, Little Saigon and Peony Jade. 1-for-1 deals are also available every first Monday of the month. 3 River Valley Road. Tel: 6337 3292

Aura

Dying to try fine dining Aura but unwilling to spare $100 for a meal? Fret not—they have an irresistible weekday set lunch that comes with a constantly changing selection of starter, main course, and dessert for just $32. They also have weekday salad buffet ($18) of hearty greens and bread featuring flavours from Italy, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon and the Mediterranean. #05-03 National Gallery, 1 Saint Andrew's Road. Tel: 6866 1977

PrivÉ clarke quay

aura

folks collective

The Royals Steakhouse Shi Li Fang Hotpot

One of the more affordable lunch deals along Orchard Road. This $9.90 special lets you enjoy a personal hotpot with two soup bases, a side of meat or fish, a generous vegetable platter as well as a choice of carbs to complete your meal. #07-10/11 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road. Tel: 6238 0800

This halal-certified bistro delivers an affordable $15 nett set lunch. Choose one of their main courses like their crispy pan-fried salmon or filling ayam masak merah with spaghetti, along with two side dishes like soup and potato salad. Top up $5 for a sweet cake of the day! 10 Jalan Pisang. Tel: 6291 3326

1-for-1 Foodie Deals

Bring a friend along to enjoy ION Orchard’s 1-for-1 foodie deals. Available till 31 July when you download ION Orchard’s mobile app, redeem dining offers from Tazeh, Mr. Churro, Nara Thai, Monster Curry, and more. There’s also free lunchtime parking (Mon-Thu 12pm2pm)! 2 Orchard Turn. Tel: 6238 8228 monster curry

the royals steakhouse

s u p e r m a r k e t

s l e u t h

An avocado a day Whether you’re looking for a quick mom’s day brunch idea or celebrating the Mexican Cinco de Mayo, the essential avocado brings full flavours and a complete meal to the table. Here are three no-sweat ideas. By June Lee

One ripe avocado

2 eggs

1 cup milk

salt and pepper

Half the avocado and take out the pit. Crack one egg into each hole of the avocado. If the hole looks too small for the whole egg, scoop out a bit of the avocado first. Garnish with black pepper and salt.

gula Melaka syrup to taste

lime juice

Scoop avocado flesh and lime juice into a bowl, and toss together (to prevent avocado from browning). Place upright in baking dish, resting against the side so egg doesn’t spill out, and bake in a 180°C oven for 10 to 15 minutes (depending on size of avocado and egg). cayenne

Optional: top with tomato, bacon, spring onions, or anything you like.

Using a potato mash or fork, gently work in preferred herbs while turning the avocado into a chunky mash.

diced onion Baked eggs in avocado

salt

diced tomato

1 banana (optional)

Together with the flesh of avocado, blend everything together to the consistency you prefer (whether a bit more chunky or smooth). Garnish with your favourite flavours such as pocky sticks, dehydrated fruit or crushed nuts.

chopped coriander Avocado milkshake with gula Melaka

Lastly, fold in diced and chopped fresh ingredients and let rest for 30 minutes before serving. Guacamole

b u f f e t

b o u n t y

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. It’s more delicious in the West, where myriad options range from Japanese and Taiwanese to Brazilian and seafood.

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

buffets in the west

chilli padi nonya cafÉ

CHILLI PADI NONYA CAFÉ #06-21 (Ground Level), 29 Heng Mui Keng Terrace. Tel: 6872 2982 Once you locate the NUS Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, you know you’re at the right place. The restaurant is within the building. Fill up on delectable Peranakan fare at their buffet ($19.75 nett Mon-Fri 11.15am-3pm and Fri 6-9.30pm; $23.30 nett Sat-Sun 11.15am-2.30pm and 6-9.30pm; buffet Hi-Tea $12.70 nett Sat-Sun 3-5.15pm). Go for the café’s signature ayam buah keluak, pulot hitam, and Nyonya mee siam before helping yourself to the colourful kueh kuehs. CRAB CORNER #03-26 FairPrice Hub, 1 Joo Koon Circle. Tel: 6333 6969 We found such a steal all the way in the far west! The a la carte buffet ($28.80++ Mon-Thu 5pm onwards, SatSun 11am-3pm; minimum 3 to dine) includes one choice of popular salted egg sauce, the classic chilli crab or ‘secret’ recipe black pepper crab, poached live prawns, and braised shark’s fin with crab meat (limited to 1 order per table). Also available on the buffet menu are dishes like Nyonya style sliced fish, sambal kang kong, cai poh omelette and other meat, tofu, soup, and rice and noodle dishes. EARLE SWENSEN’S [ ] #03-11 JEM, 50 Jurong Gateway Road. Tel: 6734 7712 Keeping it fresh and exciting, the salad buffet bar ($15.90++, daily 10.30am-10.30pm) is styled thematically and changes seasonally. Get your required daily dose of nutrients with their delightful mix of crisp mixed greens like romaine lettuce, chickpeas and button mushrooms among many others. Dress them up with a range of garnishes and the exclusive Earle’s salad dressing. (All mains come with the salad buffet too.)

kkbkorean bbq buffet

KOTOSHI RYORI JAPANESE DINING #01-01 The Splendor, 31 Bukit Batok Crescent. Tel: 6339 7271 Kotoshi Ryori might not be the most easily accessible via public transport, but it’s still worth the visit, especially for the affordable dinner a la carte buffet ($38.80 nett inclusive of free flow beer, Tue-Sun 11.30am-3pm, 6-10pm). Popular items include aburi salmon and salmon teriyaki among their wide range of items from sashimi and tempura to udon and donburis. KUISHIN BO [ ] #B1-47/51 Jurong West Central 2. Tel: 6792 9286 Even in the west, keep an ear out for the “dong dong dong Kuishin Bo” chime for limited special items. Expect an impressive buffet (11.30am-3pm Mon-Fri $32.90++, Sat-Sun $34.90++; 5.30-10pm Mon-Thu $48.90++, FriSun $52.90++) of snow crabs, sashimi, a dessert area with three-tier chocolate fountain and a scaled-to-height children buffet spread. LEE’S TAIWANESE #03-05/06 JEM, 50 Jurong Gateway Road. Tel: 6694 1588 This a la carte buffet offers 25 items (Mon-Fri: $16.90++ 11.30am-5pm, $19.90++ 5pm onwards) for an authentic taste of Taiwanese food. Load up on favourites like pig intestines and meatball mee sua, century egg tofu, crispy chicken chop, and the shredded chicken rice, which is new to the menu.

[$] CHARCOAL THAI #02-08 Clementi Central, 321 Clementi Avenue 3. Tel: 6250 9298 Fill up on your Thai Mookata buffet (Mon-Fri lunch $15.95, Mon-Thu dinner $20.95. Sat-Sun lunch $20.95, Fri-Sun dinner $23.95. Students get a special rate) craving with street food like braised pork rice, Thai boat noodles and Thai tom yum noodles (only at the Clementi outlet). A decent selection of meats, seafood, vegetables and cooked food are available, with additional top-up for premium items such as Wagyu beef ($19.95), Kurobuta pork ($9.95), oysters ($6.95) and scallops ($7.95) for a more fulfilling oomph to your meal. Don’t miss out on their Thai ice cream ($1.95) too!

KBB—KOREAN BBQ BUFFET #02-05 Cityvibe, Commonwealth Avenue West. Tel: 6774 5712 Opened in 2012, this Korean BBQ joint from the mainland Ulsan, South Korea, serves an extensive buffet (11am-3pm Mon-Thu $20 nett and Fri-Sun $30 nett; 5-10pm Mon-Thu $25 nett and Fri-Sun $30 nett) range of meats like pork collar, prawns, sausages and cooked food items like ddeokbokki and jap chae. No need to travel all the way to the mini-Korean town at Tanjong Pagar now.

earle swensen’s

PENANG PLACE #B1-20/24 Connexis, 1 Fusionopolis Way. Tel: 6467 7003 / 6467 7008 Using no pork or lard in their dishes, Penang Place retains the delectable flavours of Penang cuisine while expanding their reach to include our Muslim friends. Favourites ($23.90-29.90++; Mon-Sat 11.30am2.30pm, 6-9.30pm) to go for are the Penang char kway teow, Penang laksa, and steamed otak otak.

POT LUCK #01-101 IMM Building, 2 Jurong East Street 21. Tel: 6899 6636 This old school style diner recounts the good old days with their dishes served in claypots. Slurp up their enticing Penang noodle buffet ($9.99+, daily 2.30-5pm) with three flavourful selections of Penang prawn mee, laksa and lor mee. Additionally, as part of the buffet, choose two party packs of small bites, from chicken wings, chicken popcorn, Taiwan sausage and sotong balls, all with potato wedges, and wash it down with free-flow drinks. pot luck

Fri-Sun 4-10.30pm) instead of their usual buffet spread style. Make your orders through the screen or with a waitstaff. Indulge in a selection of marinated meats like lamb bulgogi for the grill, fresh ingredients for your hotpot and cooked food while you wait for your meal to get started. SHIU YAKINIKU #01-03/04 The Village, 241 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim. Tel: 6265 1004/6266 6366/ 9113 9105 Using BBQ stoves imported from Japan, Shiu Yakiniku’s BBQ buffet (regular $24.90++ Mon-Thu 11.30am-3pm, $28.90++ Fri-Sun 11.30am-4pm and daily 5.30-10.30pm) gives a smoke free grilling experience with 28 cooked dishes, hot pot and raw meat items like pork belly, smoked duck and beef ribeye. Get 50% off on a la carte Wagyu beef with the buffet.

[$$]

COLONY

BRAZIL CHURRASCO 16 Sixth Avenue. Tel: 6463 1923 Brazil Churrasco, the first churrascaria in Singapore, serves an authentic Brazilian BBQ buffet (daily 6-11pm; full meal with salad bar $49++ and light meal with only salad bar $29++; Sun brunch 11.30am-3pm $45++). Steak out over 14 cuts of beef, lamb, pork, chicken and caramelised pineapples, all served to your table and onto your plate by their passadors. The meats are marinated in a 40-year-old recipe then slow roasted, goes well with a wide range of veggies and carbs from the salad bar. Brazil Churrasco

TUNGLOK SEAFOOD The Arena Country Club, 511 Upper Jurong Road. Tel: 6262 6996 TungLok Seafood’s a la carte dim sum lunch buffet ($26.80++ Sat 11.30am-3pm, Sun 10am-3pm) is a firm favourite, so make your reservations in advance. A broad selection of cold cuts and appetisers like salmon sashimi and crispy fish skin with salted egg yolk, delicacies like the roast meat platter, and soups like the hot and sour bisque beside 20 dim sum items will hit the spot everytime. Minimum four to dine. SAKURA INTERNATIONAL BUFFET [ ] #2B-01 SAFRA Jurong Club, 333 Boon Lay Way. Tel: 6760 8197 The halal certified international spread ($25.80 Mon-Fri 12-3pm; $39.80 Sat-Sun 11.30am-3.30pm, Mon-Thu 6-10pm; $42.80 Fri-Sun 5.30-10pm) which includes an interactive D.I.Y. station, serves over 150 items. Musttry signatures include Boston lobster and Argentine prawn Hokkien mee, and Portuguese bird nest egg tart. Throughout the month of May, receive 48g of salmon sashimi when you dine-in during lunch on weekdays, and 100g of king crab during brunch and dinner with every paying adult. SEASONAL SALAD BAR [ ] #02-16/16A IMM Building, 2 Jurong East Street 21. Tel: 6896 1061 With more than 70 items, this is one of the most extensive salad bar buffet ($17.90++ daily 11am-2.30pm, $20.90++ 2.30-9pm) spreads in Singapore. Fill up on fresh greens like sweet peas and asparagus, ready-mix salads like black fungus salad and chicken mango salad, daily soups, fruits and staples. Additionally, when you order a main, you get to enjoy the selection at the salad bar too. SEOUL GARDEN #05-18/19/20 The Clementi Mall, 3155 Commonwealth Avenue West. Tel: 6659 2339 Probably one of the most accessible Korean buffets around with 10 outlets islandwide. The one at Clementi Mall features an a la carte buffet ($21.99++: Mon-Thu 11.30am-4.59pm, Fri 11.30am-3.59pm; $25.99++: SatSun 11.30am-3.59pm, Mon-Thu 5-10.30pm; $28.99++:

ONE MORE STEAMBOAT AND TEPPANYAKI #01-14/15 HillV2, 4 Hillview Rise. Tel: 6710 7478 We’ve seen mookata and Korean BBQ dotting our little island, but not common is One More Steamboat and Teppanyaki’s Taiwan style buffet version (12-3pm Mon-Fri $23.80+,Sat-Sun $25.80+; 5.30-10pm MonThu $28.80+, Fri-Sun $30.80+). They’re managed by Pariss International buffet group and showcase over 160 steamboat ingredients, cooked dishes, desserts and free-flow drinks. They offer six specialty soup bases; herbal, Korean kimchi, German sauerkraut, Italian tomato, Indian curry and vegetarian herbal soup bases—all without MSG as well!

seasonal salad bar

CARNIVORE #01-16 The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Road. Tel: 6466 9418 The engaging churrascaria buffet dining experience ($49++, Tue-Thu 5-10pm and Fri-Sun 6-11pm; $34++ Sat-Sun 11am-3pm) will see meat lovers rejoice with unlimited cuts like beef rump, boneless leg of lamb, chicken heart and honey ham and ribs, where the last two are only available for dinner. Don’t miss the 15 hot and cold salads, appetisers and soups as well. EN JAPANESE DINING BAR @ ALOCASSIA #01-01 Alocassia Apartment, 383 Bukit Timah Road. Tel: 6235 0080 This Okinawa-focused Japanese dining experience will tantalise your palate with the new queen crab and seafood hotpot as part of their a la carte buffet (all-timefavourite; $48++ Mon-Thu 6-10.30pm and $58++ FriSun 12-3pm and 6-11pm. Top up $43++ for two hours of alcoholic drinks too. Minimum two to dine). They’ve got a whole range of items from appetisers, salads and the usual sushi, maki and temaki to yakitori and grilled items, so you can eat to your hearts’ content. XIAN DE LAI #B1-09 JEM, 50 Jurong Gateway Road. Tel: 6339 4366 When its cold outside, huddle in with a hotpot buffet ($26.90++ daily 12-10pm) instead. Choose two steaming broths from a choice of Sichuan spicy soup, tonkotsu soup, bak kut teh soup, duck soup and the Thai-style tom yum soup. Flavour the broth with a variety of ingredients like lamb fillet, fresh prawns, abalone mushrooms and more. While waiting for it to boil, snack on side dishes like the secret recipe drunken chicken.

b u f f e t

b o u n t y

buffet r ev iew Ho

use at Dempsey

8D Dempsey Roa 31 March, 3pm

Date your

Mama

It’s time to show some appreciation for the home she’s created for you, so this Mother’s Day, bring your lady to enjoy some high tea luxuries at the aptly named House.

$30++ (Thu-Fri 3-5.30pm)

First impressions: This two-storey building (part Mama & Samantha of it is a spa) is situated behind the row of shops at 8D Dempsey Road, and seems to blend into its lush rainforest surroundings. Full length windows line the interior allowing natural light to stream in to give a welcoming atmosphere. An assortment of mismatched furniture fit into the spaces to exude a cosy vibe. Food stations: The long table is distinctly separated into sweets like mini cupcakes, tarts and scones, and savouries like salads, skinny pizzas and meats, with an additional live sandwich counter and a cooler stand. In sync with the garden theme were a scattering of fallen leaves, shovels, rakes, vintage books, red bricks and the personalised handwritten names of each small bite on reused tin cans. Start off with a choice of four potted teas: homemade ginger tea, grape boost tea, hip hop chai and fruity mango tea. My mama chose the homemade ginger tea brewed using freshly ground ginger which aids in digestion, while I went for the non-caffeinated, grape boost tea option which consists of rooibos, honeybush and grapeseed. But, we recommend heading to the refreshing basil lemonade cooler stand first as it doesn’t get replenished when it runs out. The whimsical set up is as pretty as an Alice in Wonderland party, but don’t take too long to snap those Instagram-worthy pictures or you’ll be left looking at crumbs as staff take some time to replenish the spread. While I started off with items that got my attention aesthetically, mama went for a sampling of each and every item which she compiled on two plates. “Just try all first, then you’ll know what to have next,” she advised. We went for the savoury side dishes, mum was being the typical Singaporean, and I was trying to balance my single plate consisting of a seafood and pumpkin skinny pizza, and roasted peppers stuffed with goat’s cheese and pesto, all which were pretty good. Moving on to something heavier, I went for the denser sandwiches which are prepared upon order. Three types of sandwiches were on offer that day:

The spread is lined up over three stations

Top PICKs1: The refreshing homemade lemonade with basil

sautéed mushrooms, beef, and grilled chicken, lightly toasted then drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with chopped herbs. Mama went down the greener route with a tossed salad, and tried three homemade dressings for the salad (marjoram, honey lemon and herb infused olive oil), with a copious amount of nuts and dried fruits over her greens. Save space for the sweets with a twist! About 10 items were showcased, but the really interesting gems that day were the chilli chocolate cupcake, caramel banana flower pot, and crispy curry leaf almond brownie. While I raved about the charcoal scones with homemade raspberry jam, clotted cream and butter, mum appreciated the use of fresh herbs in the caramel banana flower pot; a banana walnut base with added crunch from the slightly bitter coffee soil.

Top picks 2: Mama enjoyed

the curry chicken with papadum and mango chutney, while Sam loved the skinny pizzas and roasted peppers stuffed with goat’s cheese

Not so hawt: It can get really crowded on some days, so reserve in advance for this super popular affair!

Top picks 3: Mama liked

the caramel banana flower pot and Sam savoured the charcoal scones

Final say: This Mother’s Day—or any day, in fact—is a good time to treat your mama to something special. There’s a creative assortment of food that incorporates fresh herbs as well as contrasting flavours that pique the taste buds, where every detail is oh so delicious!

Their popular regular cakes like Marilah Onde Onde! ($8.50/slice) and It’s Berry Chocolatey ($8.50/slice) are also available throughout the hi-tea buffet. our Ginger and rooibos tea with assorted sandwiches

Thu-Fri 3-5.30pm. 8D Dempsey Road. Tel: 6475 7787

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Wooden you like this? For every kitchen design style, from rustic to minimalist Scandinavian, there’s a wood accessory that adds warmth and cheer. By Samantha Seah

WAREHOUSE MAPLE KNIFE SET Canadian design firm Warehouse won the Red Dot Design Award 2013, Best of the Best for this lust-worthy knife set. The traditional chef and butcher knives’ body and handle are crafted from Canadian maplewood and wood accents, while the blade is German stainless steel.

BAMBLEU CUTTING BOARD Ever left a trail of food from your chopping board to the pan? The Bambleu cutting board's foldable design enables you to create a V-shaped valley mimicking a funnel to allow for a fuss-free transfer of chopped ingredients to the bubbling pot or sizzling pan.

$81.35 from www.stumpfstudio.com (additional $38 shipping to Singapore)

KIKKERLAND WOOD CAFÉ CLIP Functional aesthetics is Kikkerland’s game with its wood café clip. It doubles up as a sealing clip as well as measuring spoon (1 tablespoon). Ingenious design that works on most coffee pouches.

$16.97 from www.rakuten.com

$169.50 from www.warehousebrand.com (additional $67.80 shipping to Singapore) EPICUREAN WOOD FIBRE PIZZA CUTTER Made from Richlite, this wood-fibre composite is both lightweight and sturdy for slicing through those thick doughy crusts as well as crisp paper thin ones. With this being eco-friendly and dishwasher safe, you don’t have to fret about the clean-up process afterwards.

$31.70 from ToTT, www.tottstore.com

THE OAK BOTTLE Fresh from its Kickstarter success, Oak Bottle is here! Infuse your own wines, spirits, beers or cocktails in wood, with results in just a matter of hours, thanks to Oak Bottle’s high wood to liquid ratio design. Made from American white oak with an interior charred to a medium-level giving it its distinct smoky 'flavour', it comes in three sizes and different flavours like chocolate, cherry and smoke.

$108.40 from www.oakbottle.com (additional $76.80 shipping to Singapore)

AMARA KOALA PLATE Made from Asian red wood that’s cut and kiln dried in Indonesia, this segmented koala plate adds a playful touch to any meal or party. The natural finish is foodsafe, and weighs in at just 245g.

$35 each from www.naiise.com or #01-30 West Gate Mall, 3 Gateway Drive. Tel: 6252 7701

NUSSKUBUS NUTCRACKER Breaking the mould of the traditional nutcracker with this architectural block shape, the Nusskubus nutcracker complete with three different anvil hollows brings a fun note to everyday kitchen tools. Just place nut in one of the hollows and crush the beech wood cubes together.

$52.90 from www.fancy.com

DECORATED TURKISH COFFEE POT Make a statement with your kitchenware with this Turkish coffee pot. Individually hand painted with intricate designs by experienced artisans in Turkey, it’s sure to be a point of conversation during tea time with family and friends. Comes in five different sizes for every need.

$47.40 (medium) from www.turkishcoffeeworld. com (additional $62 shipping to Singapore)

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Merry in Macpherson First called Jalan Klapa (coconut road), Macpherson Road was then christened after Lieutenant Colenel Ronald Macpherson, the first colonial secretary of the Straits Settlements in 1867 and builder of the present St. Andrew’s Cathedral. While others may associate the area with industrial and residential pockets, we at BiTES have the privilege of calling it our office ‘hood. Who better to tell you all about the hidden food finds? By Samantha Seah, Photography Benjamin Soh

Chicken rice wars

We dub Macpherson the chicken rice stretch, with Boon Tong Kee (470/472 Macpherson Road) not far from the fray with their silky white chickens. Famous Traditional Hainan Chicken Rice (New Rong Liang Ge Eating House, 123 Eating Place, 458 Macpherson Road) They’re better known for their roast duck and char siew, but do up a competitive plate of chicken rice as well. Verdict: At $2.50 a plate, the oily, tender chicken pieces got us at the first bite. Note: The coffee shop was bought over and they’ve now relocated to Hougang (as of 1 May), with two other locations at Queen Street and Telok Blangah Crescent. Unusual Chicken Rice (Delicious Coffee Shop, 456 Macpherson Road) The soup here is on the herbal side with a few wolfberries bobbing inside our bowl, and the chilli delivered a fiery kick. Verdict: We got the roasted version and for $3 we were quite impressed. Tender, juicy chicken breasts were piled on fragrant rice that had the right amount of oiliness.

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Junjie Industrial Building (153 Kampong Ampat)

Truly Test Kitchen (#07-05) A hidden gem within an industrial building, Truly Test Kitchen is managed by three young hawkerentrepreneurs with five food concepts namely Truly curry rice, handmade meatball porridge, homely noodles, Truly Western and the drinks stall. Their signature chicken and waffles with a heaping mound of crisp thin fries ($4.50), pork ball porridge ($3) and curry rice that’s slathered in that signature gravy (prices vary) are some of the popular items with the crowd here. Mon-Sat 7am-2pm. Hock Siong & Co (#01-03) There are a few second-hand stores around and Hock Siong is probably the most famous of them all. A father-daughter business that started out from the karang guni trade has since shifted focus to sustainability and upcycling. They restore decommissioned and old homeware in a huge space that spans furniture, kitchenware, bedding, art and antiques. It’s a treasure trove of silver serving vessels and Singer sewing machines, to classic soda drinks still preserved in their glass bottles. Daily 9.30am-5.30pm. Tel: 6281 8338

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River South (Hoe Nam) prawn noodles (31 Tai Tong Crescent) What we ordered: big prawn noodles $4.50 + handmade fishcake $1.50 Dominating the corner coffee shop, this place is run by a brother and sister duo. Sis runs the middle stall in the morning, and bro takes over at the front stall in the evening till the wee hours. The rich robust soup stock of long simmered prawn shells and pork ribs come with various toppings like small/big prawns, pork ribs, pig’s tail, intestines and abalone clams ($4-15). We prefer the night version for its heartier oomph, but the queue runs into the late hours too. Daily 6.30-4am. Tel: 6281 9293

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Overview It’s the start of the long straight road of Macpherson which once served as a vital road link back in the days, when Singapore’s first international airport was at Paya Lebar in 1955, until it ceased aviation operations in 1981. This hidden junction, currently partially obscured by construction works, harbours some well-loved foods with roots that go way back like Gu Ma Jia (45 Tai Tong Crescent) that offers set lunches from $6.50 onwards, and Ser Seng Herb Restaurant (39 Tai Tong Crescent) that does a warm hearty turtle soup.

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Macpherson Seng Li chicken rice (177 Macpherson Road) A surprisingly huge plate of chicken rice ($2.50) garnished with a side of bean sprouts and slices of Japanese cucumber. Verdict: We would have preferred a more juicy chicken, but this turned out on the drier side.

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Overview On the outskirts of Sennett Estate we discovered a mini foodie haven catering to the residents and offices around. A mix of cuisines open side by side, such as Sakon Thai (77 Jalan Wangi), Seng Li Food Junction that houses a good kolo mee and Sarawak laksa, as well as 181 Home’s Delight tze char which attracts a large lunch crowd on weekdays. Joan Bowen (9 Jalan Wangi) Started as a special culinary centre in 2009 training youths with special needs, Joan Bowen has progressed far since then. Run mostly by special needs staff, they recommend dishes like the chilli crab pasta ($18), lemongrass char-grilled chicken ($14) and BBQ pork ribs ($20). Mon 11am-4pm; Tue 11.30am-4pm; Wed-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm, 6.30-9.30pm; Sat 1-9.30pm. Tel: 6281 3629

chilli crab pasta

keng seng restaurant yong tau fu

Keng Seng Restaurant Yong Tau Foo stall (79 Jalan Wangi) You’ll know you’ve got the right spot when you see a spunky 72-year-old hawker dishing up noodles and furiously saucing them up with sweet black sauce and chilli, while a long snaking queue of hungry customers wait patiently. Prices for the yong tau foo are also one of the lowest around ($0.30/piece, $2.50 for seven pieces with noodles). Daily 8am-2pm.

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Singapore Chee Chung Huay Free Clinic (364D Macpherson Road) The temple’s free clinic set up since 1971 has been supporting the community through their free medical consultations and medicine. This service is extended to all races too.

GETTING CRABBY

Crabmeat wanton mee (560 Macpherson Road) Hot on the scene! The 28-year-old hawkerpreneur adds crabmeat in his wantons. Each plate comes with two or three crispy fried wantons and two or three boiled ones, coupled with slices of char siew and vegetables ($4/5). Check out what's new at their FB page: www.fb.com/crabmeatwontonmee. Mon-Sat 7.30am-11.30pm. Tel: 9125 5748

Ibis Styles Hotel (401 Macpherson Road) Situated at the crossroads of Macpherson and Aljunied Road, Ibis Styles Hotel (levels 4-9), rated three stars, sits atop Macpherson Mall, which is slated to open its doors this June with over 80 shops. A landmark development for the area, the mall—also known as Macpherson Square or M2–marks a new era for the corner that used to be Windsor Hotel, which was built in the 1980s and changed hands in 2013.

yi jia south village seafood restaurant

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Yi Jia South Village Seafood Restaurant (550-552 Macpherson Road) Adding to the seafood crab feast, Yi Jia dishes out a value-for-money crab promotion, $50 for two crabs, while stocks last. Get them done salted egg yolk style, or classic chilli or black pepper variants. Reservations required. Daily 11.30am-11.30pm. Tel: 6747 8263

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Crab at Bay Seafood Restaurant (549 Macpherson Road) Their signature crab bee hoon, using top grade Sri Lankan crab and white rice vermicelli noodle, are reminiscent of the acclaimed version at the old Ming Kee Seafood including the leeks used. Well, now you know: the chefs from Ming Kee have decamped here, which is owned by one of the ex-partners of Ming Kee. Daily 11am-2.30pm and 5-10.30pm. Tel: 6743 8366

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New Taste (476 Macpherson Road) The crab feast never ends with New Taste’s signature crab porridge which feeds two to three persons (current promotion at $19.90, usual $39.90), served with a whole mud crab and immersed in a chicken and pumpkin broth. 26-year-old chef and co-owner Cao Yong, helms the restaurant and hold a world championship chef Shanghai team champion 2015 title. Daily 11.30am-3pm, 6-10pm. Tel: 6848 5233

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HDB gems

Alfero Gelato (#01-37, Blk 81 Macpherson Lane) Usually served by two sweet grandmas behind the pozzetto counter, it’s always a joy stepping into the store for fresh gelato made right next door in their laboratory. Their gelato storage methods ensures that the quality, taste and texture of gelato don't get contaminated by air or light. Go-to flavours on warm days include bacio, a chocolate and hazelnut combination, and pistachio, with new flavours introduced every so often ($4.50-10, students get 15% off). Tue-Sun 129pm. Tel: 6848 4269 Check-in The Belgium Waffles (#01-261 Blk 83 Macpherson Lane) The newest spot in the estate serves Belgian waffles—score! Crisp and fluffy waffles are served fresh with a big scoop of gelato of your choice. At press time, these treats were going at $9.90 a set for iced strawberry tea with waffles and gelato, only available from Mon-Fri till further notice. Daily 11am-9pm.

Overview This stretch is known for its seafood stalls, but don’t miss supper joints Aroy Mak Mookata (510 Macpherson Road) and Julaiha Muslim restaurant (538 Macpherson Road) for the usual prata cravings, as well as the famous KL offshoot Kin Kin Chilli Pan Mee (534 Macpherson Road). The heartland Macpherson Lane HDB cluster, with its hipster vibes, of cafes like PS Bakery and Bistro (#01-27, Blk 82 Macpherson Lane), My Sister Bakes (#01-55, Blk 81 Macpherson Lane), and bubble tea stores should also be explored. Situated not far from Paya Lebar airbase, expect to see planes flying overhead too. Purepandan (468 Macpherson Road) Nose past the motor repair shops and industrial buildings to find this charming little green shop. Set up in 2012, PurePandan uses only real pandan juice painstaking extracted from the fragrant leaves to create their classic PurePandan chiffon ($1.70/slice). But what we particularly liked was the golden citrus variant, which was zesty and brightly flavoured with bits of lemon rind ($1.80/slice). Mon-Fri 11am-5pm. Tel: 6745 0255 Masquerade Costume Rental (524 Macpherson Road) Deceptively small and unassuming, Masquerade is actually one of the oldest and largest rental stores around (over 20 years in the business now). You'll find something for a themed dinner and dance, Halloween or even prom among their racks. Mon-Fri 12-7pm, sat 12-4pm. Tel: 6292 4889 Kushi Japanese Dining Bar (526 Macpherson Road) Started in 2009, this Japanese buffet restaurant now boasts over 170 items to choose from including maguro tataki, cheese tempura and shabu shabu. A la carte buffet $39-$72. Daily 11.30am-3pm and 5.30-10.30pm. Tel: 6285 6525

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Battle of the pods The expiry of Nespresso’s pod patent has meant a new crop of brews for coffee fiends. here, we taste our way through the best Nespresso-compatible capsules to find worthy rivals to the original. By Katie Boon, photography by Benjamin Soh

Pellini Armonioso

Justin Metcalf Signature Blend

($8.50 for 10 capsules, www.gourmetcoffeecapsules.com) Region: African, Asia and Central America This pleasant blend is individually foil-sealed to ensure freshness. Despite having an intensity of 10, the robust coffee was nicely balanced with a noticeable acidity that did not overpower our taste buds. Verdict: 4/5

Best morning cuppa

Providore Main Blend

($15 for 15 capsules, available at The Providore) Region: Asia and Central America Roasted exclusively in Melbourne, Providore Main Blend has a delicate body that’s smooth and easy to drink. The low acidity and slight floral note make it a brilliant choice when picky friends visit. Though we tried, we couldn’t discern a chocolate aftertaste as listed on the tasting notes. Verdict: 4/5

($7.50 for 10 capsules, www.reddot.coffee) Region: North and South America and Africa Albeit bitter, Pellini’s Armonioso reverberates on our palate with a burly flavour and has a long, sharp finish. There is a subtle toasty aroma and a mild dark chocolate undertone, which was nicely accentuated with milk. Verdict: 3.5/5

CaféDirect Americano

($8.90 for 10 capsules, available at FairPrice Xtra) Region: Africa and Central America CaféDirect Americano’s complex flavours and bitter aftertaste was far too intense for our liking. There was a lack of toffee notes too, as promised on the packaging. The saving grace of this 100% fair trade coffee is its delightful aroma, making it the most fragrant of the lot. Verdict: 2.5/5

Èspresso1882 by Caffè Vergnano Arabica

($8.30 for 10 capsules, www.capysense.asia) Region: Africa and Central-South America A rich and citrusy scent greets you as you sip this velvety brew. Boasting a wellrounded body and harmonious taste, the espresso has a sparkling acidity and gentle chocolate undertone that was much appreciated. The blend was also fresh due to the individual foil packaging. Verdict: 5/5

Editor's choice

Best value –$0.60 a brew

Café Borbone Respresso Borbone Rossa

Tripod Coffee Red Fedora

($7.50 for 10 capsules, www.tripodcoffee.com.sg) Region: Africa Our senses were immediately enticed when Tripod Coffee Red Fedora’s lovely hint of sweet flora notes hit our noses. The bright roast has a distinctive zesty overtone and a light body that’s enjoyable to drink. (Bonus points for cute packaging!) Verdict: 4.5/5

($6 for 10 capsules, www.reddot.coffee) Region: Africa and Central America Marked by a heavy, full-flavoured body, Respresso Borbone Rossa is ideal for those who like their coffee strong. The acidity is powerful and tart, but not overwhelming. Ideal for when you need an instant perk-me-up. Verdict: 3/5

San Marco Verona

($8.40 for 10 capsules, from selected Cold Storage & Market Place outlets) One shot will get you buzzing through the day. The nutty blend carries a distinctive smoky flavour that grows on you on subsequent sips. Though the acidity is slightly sharp, the creamy texture from the full-bodied coffee leaves a pleasant aftertaste. Verdict: 4/5

Pittissima Arabica

($9.10 for 10 capsules, www.pitticaffe.com.sg) Region: South America and Africa This dark, bittersweet blend has a mild floral aroma and crisp acidity that lingers on your palate. Great for those who love their coffee with milk—the fullbodied roast mellows down and has a nice rich texture when a dash is added. Verdict: 3/5

New sips on the shelves

Take a pause for these hot ‘n cold drinks, available at all major supermarkets.

In addition to OWL's Nutrifield soya range of products like the instant soya beancurd pudding and the soy cereal, comes their newly improved recipe using 100% finely milled freeze dried banana in their soy cereal (price not available at press time). A single serving of banana oat soy cereal will provide you

with 40.2% of your daily whole-grain requirement. Stir it up and have it for a quick remedy to your hunger pangs. Made from white ginger from northern Thailand, and harvested at 12 months, Gingen instant ginger drink ($5.80/box of 10) comes in four pleasing flavours—100% ginger (no sugar), strong ginger (80% ginger), ginger with brown sugar (75% ginger) and ginger with honey (69% ginger). Serve as a remedy for indigestion, motion and morning sickness. Targeted at working adults, MILO Nutri G ($1.20/bottle, $6.95 for six) incorporates four different whole grains—oats, brown rice, barley and wheat, with fibre composition equivalent to one bowl of rolled oats in its iconic drink. We liked the smooth texture, which is slightly thicker than the usual Milo, and the petite handy size—it literally fits in a hand.

Tamarind, also known as the Manila sweet, with its powerful antioxidant properties and essential vitamins now comes in a convenient can—Yeo’s Tamarind juice drink ($0.65 from Sheng Siong, 330ml). Its signature sweet and slightly sour flavour gives this refreshing drink a nice tangy burst. Freeze up a batch to get some icy popsicles for a quick remedy on warm sticky days, and don’t just limit your creativity to having them as popsicles—experiment by adding it to salads or even curry too. Challenge your physical limits and push through the fatigue with Lucozade Sport’s zesty, perk-me-up orange ($1.40) flavour. The official isotonic sponsor of the Spartan Race, TRI-Factor Series and The Performance Series offers longer hydration with their specially formulated isotonic electrolyte drink.