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

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2015 157/03/

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inside

Meat!

CAFÉ HOT SEAT p6

Model and social media darling Nadia Rahmat talks fame, fashion and food

Our ultimate pick of the best value burgers, steaks and ribs + grill up meat

DESTINATION: TIONG BAHRU p20

Cruise like a local through this old ‘hood, hipster or not

and mushrooms on a stick 24 p

WOK & TALK p22

The best of Old Airport Road hawker centre

LAST BiTES p28

Can you name the Malay kuehs?

+ the freshest beers at 12 microbreweries

p26

w e l c o m e

J u LY

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10 prizes worth over $50 with #bestbitessg

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◆ 1-for-1 hotel buffets ◆ Free desserts

e into all Bit tyhouecanneewats

inside Destination: Jurong p.20 Eat, play and shop at Jurong East's new and old hotspots

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◆ 50% off sashimi ◆ Complimentary waffles and more

int eohaalwlke digth revolutior

inside DESTINATION: KATONG p.20

Nostalgia and good food go hand in hand in the proud Peranakan precinct

BUFFET BOUNTY p.14

10 dim sum hotspots not to miss, 5 under $50, plus Asian delights galore

Buffet Bounty p.14

Uncover Sunday hotel brunches under $50, our pick of 10 Ramadan buffets, and more spreads than you can eat this month

SMART BUYS p.8

supermarket sleuth

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Quickie bar bites with just a few pantry staples + best pairing beers

crab feasts on p6, p14 and p24

et p rK + a Ma io kK + Pe

All things local to jazz up your home and as gifts

P2 4 p2 r im ➽ + p jaK a ir w er ines with indian ro on loc al foo d slang p32

Indulge in delicacies with exclusive savings at participating Creative Eateries restaurants

SUpERMARKET SlEUTh p.26 The kopi and kaya taste test

We’ve had a whirlwind ride since our first issue hit the streets in July 2014, thanks to you—our readers, supporters and advertisers. As the leading into all ig monthly food tabloid, we've enjoyed hunting down dthe best value eats and fun dining experiences for you. Our fab features have covered the definitive list of every ramen brand in Singapore; 100 nice ‘n naughty chef confessions; how to eat locavore; and every which way to eat an egg. This year, expect no less as we’ve revving to bring you even more trusty finds. It’s great to hear how much you love certain columns, such as Supermarket Sleuth, where we shop the shelves and bring you recipe ideas and taste tests. Meidi-ya, The Fruit Club and Rochester Market are some of the great brands appearing in this section. We’ve also had HSBC bringing us one year of fantastic deals in Buffet Bounty, spanning lust-worthy lists such as top 10 dim sum, seafood and hotpot buffets, all-you-can-eat feasts in Orchard, Chinatown and the CBD, and plenty of finds like time-limited spreads. One favourite column has been the Blogger Hot Seat, where we got to know 12 of our favourite food bloggers, from Miss Tam Chiak to Keropokman as they revealed pet peeves about the industry. To keep things

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fresh, we bring you Café Hot Seat starting this issue, bringing you closer to famous Instagram personalities over a cuppa joe (or tea). We kick off with Nadia Rahmat, the homegrown model who edged out 11,000 contenders to be the face of Marc by Marc Jacobs. Earlier this year, we introduced Makan on BiTES, the contest that dares you to guess the chosen restaurant for a chance to win a meal with us. In February, we had Carnivore at the Grandstand, March saw Kinsa Sushi, April featured Basil by Thai Express, May gave us Barossa, and June was Jade of India. We can’t wait to work with even more restaurants to give you a Makan on BiTES you won’t forget!

Where to find your B i TES ?

DOWNLOAD THIS ISSUE at www.bites.com.sg PICK US UP! Free at over 100 venues Cafes & restaurants Alfresco Gusto • Black Angus Steakhouse • Bonta Italian Restaurant & Bar (District 10) • Brussels Sprouts - Big Splash • Brussels Sprouts - Robertson Quay • Brussels Sprouts - Sentosa Cove • California Pizza Kitchen - Forum • Chijmes • Dean & DeLuca - Orchard Central • Delifrance Cafe - Cold Storage Jelita • Delifrance Cafe - Gateway West • Delifrance Cafe - Gleneagles Hospital • Delifrance Cafe Harbourfront Centre • Delifrance Cafe - KK Women's and Children's Hospital • Delifrance Cafe - Lot One Shoppers' Mall • Delifrance Cafe - Mount Elizabeth Hospital • Delifrance Cafe - Rendezvous Gallery • Delifrance Cafe Singapore Post Centre • Delifrance Cafe - Thomson Medical Centre • Delifrance Cafe - UE Square • dr CAFÉ COFFEE (all outlets) • Eggs & Berries Changi City Point • Eggs & Berries Westgate • Emicakes @ Kovan • EN Grill and Bar • Farisya's Kitchen • Flee Away Cafe • Hung Kang Teochew Restaurant • Ginza Lion Beer Hall • IPPIN • Joe & Dough (Kallang) • Kakis Bistro and Bar • Kinsa Sushi HillV2 • Medzs Millenia Walk • Medzs Orchard Central • Milagro Spanish Restaurant • Ootoya Japanese Restaurant • Oriole Coffee + Bar • Outback Steakhouse • Oyster Bar & Grill Wharf • Pu3 Restaurant

• Ramen Champion • Picotin Express - East Coast • Picotin Express - Sentosa Cove • Potato Head Folk • Roti Mum • Selfish Gene Cafe • Spinelli (all outlets) • Starbucks (all outlets) • SQUE Rotisserie & Alehouse • tcc The Connoisseur Concerto (all boutiques) • The Alley • The Catch Seafood • The Rustic Bistro • The Marmalade Pantry ION • 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 • My Private Pantry • The Eureka Cooking Lab Country & Private Clubs British Club • China Club • Ee Hoe Hean Millionaire Club • Hollandse Club • Jurong Country Club • Keppel Club • Laguna National Golf & Country Club • Orchid Country Club • Raffles Marina • Republic of Singapore Yacht Club • Seletar Country Club • Sentosa Golf Club • Serangoon Gardens Country Club • Singapore Chinese Swimming Club • Singapore Cricket Club • Singapore Island Country Club

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

Crossing) • 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 Four Seasons Gourmet MarketMBLM • Four Seasons Organic Market-Great WorldCity • Four Seasons Organic MarketParkway Parade • Meidi-Ya Singapore • Rochester Market • PasarBella Also hand-distributed at: OUTSIDE MRT Stations Ang Mo Kio • Bedok • Bishan • Boon Lay • Bugis • City Hall • Clementi • Dhoby Ghaut • Eunos • HarbourFront • Holland Village • Jurong East • Lavender • Orchard Road • Pasir Ris • Raffles Place • Serangoon • Tampines • Telok Blangah • Tiong Bahru • Woodlands • Yishun

In addition to areas such as Paya Lebar, Jurong East, Hillview and Tai Seng covered in Destination Dining, we've also gone in-depth to explore CHIJMES, Suntec City, Far East Square, Icon Village and Orchard Central, giving you the scoop on good eats. Hungry yet? You’ll find even more in Wok & Talk, Kitchen Playground, Drink Tank and the ever-entertaining Last BiTES (our editor's personal fave). So settle in, grab your own drink of choice, and read on. See you next month,

The B i TES team

Cover image The Dunearn, NUSS Guild House

Publisher Cecilia Goh

Web Developer Jun Evangelista

Editor June Lee Staff Writer Meredith Woo Editorial Intern Vanessa Koh Contributor Desmond Lim, Julia Lim, Vrinda Lathika

Accounts Manager Linda Ng

Senior Designer Benjamin Soh Design Intern Lim Kay Li Regional Business Director Carlos Loh Business Director Ashad Shah Business Managers Redzwan Mohamed Stephanie Tan Publishing Admin Manager (Admin & Circulation) Siti Haneymah

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

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

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wednesday thursday friday 3 1 2 Singapore Sake Pairing Restaurant Workshop @ Month Patisserie G Till August 10 | The Restaurant Association of Singapore presents 50 restaurants to feature brand new dishes using locally produced ingredients. www. singaporerestaurant month.com

YOUTH DAY

7 YOSHIMARU RAMEN CHALLENGE

TILL 26 JUL It’s back! Be the fastest to finish off a super-sized bowl (two servings) of Hakata ramen to win a round trip to Japan. If you manage to do it under 4.5 minutes, it’s free! www.yoshimaruramen. com.sg

Tunes and Tipples

$80 | 6-9pm Learn all there is to know about sake with the professionals. From origins to classifications, try out 10 specially selected sakes with a variety of desserts. contact@patisserieg. com

9 Isetan Expo Sale/ Kyushu Food Fair

10 RWS Durian Fest 2015

17 Singapore Food Festival

Till 12 Jul | Free | 10.30am-10pm | Expo Hall 6A Bundled together with the Isetan Expo Sale, pop by to find everything you need from kitchenware to mouthwatering Japanese food. contactus@isetan.com.sg

12-3pm | Toa Payoh Blk 15 Lorong 7 Happy People Helping People Foundation is back in its eight edition. Give back by donating food for the buffet or volunteer as a helper for the event. www.FB.com/ HappyPeopleHelping People

Kueh Appreciation Day

10AM-3pm | ToTT Slow Food Singapore’s kueh-tastic experience offers a taste of local cakes and master artisans doing what they do best. Check out live demonstrations by three renowned chefs followed by tastings ($12 each). www.slowfood.sg/programs/kueh-appreciationday-2015/

Till 26 Jul | $55++ | 6-10pm | KUVO Spend your evenings unwinding while sampling a variety of wines of the red, white and sparkling variety in the heart of Singapore. www.fb.com/ KuvoSingapore

10 Jul-11 Jul | 6-7.30pm, 8-9.30pm | $98 The biggest annual premium durian buffet returns with seasonal fruits such as mangosteens and jackfruits. www.rwsentosa.com

Till 2 Aug Keep your eyes out for the return of the Singaore Food Festival. From roving food trucks to scrumptious food and the reinvention of local dishes for SG50 celebrations! www.yoursingapore. com

Mon- Fri | From 7.30pm | &Sons Awesome Italian tapas and drinks at happy hour prices starting at $5 per pint coupled with live music from local bands. The perfect way to start, or end, your week. www.sons.com.sg

19 Extend the Feast 8

saturday 4 Wine Buffet

21 The New Somersby Freeze @ Naughty Pigs

30 Durian Fiesta at Goodwood Park Hotel 2015

31 Seafood from the Heart

18 Kopi Culture

Till 28 Jul | 10am9pm | National Library Building Journey back in time in this exhibition on how Singapore's kopi culture came to be, and the roasting and brewing techniques that're uniquely local. www.nlb.gov.sg/

Beat back the heat with the all new frosty cold Somersby Freeze. At $10 a pint, it’s the perfect companion to the signature Naughty Ribs. www.fb.com/ pages/NaughtyPigs/240363672819643

Till 2 Aug The famous mousse cake and durian puffs are back! Check out p.14 for more information on this and other buffets. www.goodwood parkhotel.com

Till 7 Nov, Fri-Sat | $85/person | 6-11pm | W Singapore World renowned chef Peter Kuruvita whips up a seafood buffet using sustainable ingredients. www.wsingapore sentosacove.com/en/ peterkuruvita

coming up in August 9 Aug: National Day 14-16 Aug: World Halal Gourmet Expo 14-16 Aug: Epicurean Market

Maka

# b e s t b i t e s

on BiTES GUESS AND WIN!

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

Sawadee-lish!

JULY: 5 readers stand to win SET DINNER FOR 2 This restaurant and bar knows how to show you a good time, speakeasy style. Drink, dance and eat from the menu with creative flair, comprising signature lobster linguine, French toast and charcuterie and cheese boards. The Prohibition style interiors feature a centrepiece bar, and the location in the CBD can’t be beat.

BiTES 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 5 August at 6.30pm. More on www.bites.com.sg/makanonbites

Give us your best guess between 1-15 Jul to dine at the restaurant on 5 Aug, 6.30pm! For full details and to enter, visit www.bites.com.sg/ makanonbites

We turned up the June heat with the piquant dishes at Basil by ThaiExpress. Our 10 Makan on BiTES diners dug into spicy nam prik mamuang and cooled down with homemade lod chong and mango sticky rice. We also enjoyed the signature grilled beef salad, fluffy fresh prawn omelette and the dry Thai-style seafood hor fun. Located at Kallang Wave Mall and right beside the Singapore Sports Hub, we also soaked up the celebratory SEA Games atmosphere. Thank you @Basilbythaiexpress for the yummilicious dinner! Scan the QR code for a slice of the action.

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New on the scene

Plank Sourdough Pizza’s #1 ($19) is a Margherita with caramelised garlic for that flavour punch. Other highlights include #3 ($22), loaded with seafood, and the moreish Plank crispy garlic bread ($5). What’s the secret to the pillowy soft, mochi-like yet crisp crust? It’s based on Baker & Cook’s sourdough recipe that uses natural wild yeast and requires up to 18 hours of careful fermentation. Mon-Thu 12-3pm, 6-10pm; Fri-Sun 1210pm. 1 Swan Lake Avenue, East Coast. Tel: 6448 9288 copper chimney

the perfect counter to our hot Singapore weather. The injeolmi, or Korean rice cake flavour features heavily here: try it in bingsu ($12.90) or on toast with vanilla ice-cream ($8.90). Great for a trio: the citrusy sweet mango cheesecake ($18.90). Mon-Sun 10am-10pm. #04-20/32, 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Road. Tel: 6333 0995 At Beesket from Korea, start by slotting three fruit or veg capsules into your mini ‘basket’ (Beesket Original, $5.90/350ml). We chose broccoli, banana and peach and out popped a personalised score card that lists the drink’s calories (154kcal), vitamins, minerals and fibre content. To naturally balance the flavours and acidity, a spoonful of au naturel fruit nectar is also added to the mix. Other drink options include a hot pear ginger tea ($5.40) and the surprisingly yummy yam honey ($6.40). Daily 10.30am9.30pm. Main outlet: #01-20 Changi City Point, 5 Changi Business Park Central 1

Copper Chimney’s new menu goes Chindian and North Indian. Tuck into fusion specialities like salt and pepper baby corn ($9) and Sichuan fried rice ($11). Their classic dishes like the butter chicken ($11.50) and methi malai mutter—a creamy Punjabi dish of peas cooked in fenugreek leaves and spices—also impress. Mop up the delicious gravies with naan alternative rumali roti ($3.50). Main outlet: 100 Syed Alwi Road. Tel: 6294 8891 O’ma spoon’s milky, snow-soft Korean bingsu is

Japanese jazz-up

Motobu Wagyu is the star of En Grill & Bar’s new menu. The premium beef (A4/A5 grade) is rich in dietary fibre and contains more unsaturated fatty acids (58%) than general black Japanese cows. Whet your chops with Wagyu and foie gras steak ($24), Wagyu Guinness ragu pasta ($18.80) and other unctuous dishes. Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat & Eve of PH 6pm-3am, Sun 6pm-12am. #01-59/60 UE Square, 207 River Valley Road. Tel: 6732 6863 Feed your Monster Curry craving at its newest outlet in VivoCity. Enjoy the familiar 41cm-wide platters brimming with the signature full-bodied and balanced sauce with notes of caramel. We’ll have a Flame Monster Curry ($24; pork shabu-shabu, tori karaage, shrimp tempura, cheese, onsen egg), spice level Monster Hot, please! Daily 11am-10pm. #02126/127/129 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk Wallet-friendly heartland hidden gem Marugoto Shokudou left a lasting impression with its homemade pitan tofu and the off-menu seasonal braised red gurnard fish. Quick picks: from $25 for a three-course set (lunch options: fruit salad or sashimi,

beesket

pork layer cutlet with red wine miso, yuzu or matcha ice cream). Try also fusion items unagi chilli padi maki, foie gras chawanmushi and their unique salmon skin maki. Omakase and alcoholic beverages available. Daily 12-2.30pm, 6-10pm. #01-07 Broadway Plaza, 4190 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6. Tel: 6451 2822 hanamidori

It’s all about chicken at Hanamidori. The specialised restaurant hails from Hakata, Kyushu and its signature chicken broth hotpot mizutaki, dates back to the 19th century Keio era. Poultry picks: hana soboro collagen salad ($9.90), and mizutaki karaage ($7.90, set $18.90) with the lift of ponzu and yuzu kosho. End your meal with their homemade collagen pudding ($5.90). Daily 11.30am-10pm. #04-01 (within Tokyo Walker) Plaza Singapore, 68 Orchard Road. Tel: 6333 9287

amber nectar

Bar Watch

Amber Nectar, a bar and beer specialist, is the first to import and use beer growler stations—yes, finally. Tinted growlers (1.89 litre bottles) are ideal for keeping your booze fresh and fizzy for parties, and can be topped up seven days in advance. We like the Aecht Schelnkerla Rauchbier–Mӓrzen ($48/growler or $43.20/refill), a dark smokebeer with yummy smoked cheese and sausage notes. If you’re staying for live sports screening, check out the crispy white bait ($12), spam fries ($10) and mild Amber wings ($12). Daily 5pm-1am. #01-10/10 Robertson Walk, 11 Unity Street. Tel: 6221 9555. Tucked away in the verdant corners of Horse City is Tin Hill Social—where Tin Hill means Bukit Timah. Housed in two repurposed stables, the sprawling eatery consists of indoor-outdoor dining areas, as well as an outdoor bar. Look forward to Western food and hearty sharing plates, like the seafood platter ($38/2 pax): seven types of seafood including cured herring and gravlax. Many mains also feature their signature technique, haysmoking; we particularly love the pork ribs ($26), which are tender and succulent. Tue-Fri 10am-12 midnight, SatSun 9am-12 midnight. 100 Turf Club Road. Tel: 6466 0966 Hooray! Canopy Garden Dining has reopened after four months of leaving us dry. Aside from its new earthy wood interior, cooling green wall and upgraded menu (crunchy French toast, we love) the restaurant stocks over 30 labels of wine (Malbec, 2012, Finca la Moras, Argentina; $81/bottle). Al fresco diners can bring their furry friends while nibbling on handy tapas (think mapleglazed nuts, $4) and imbibing on cocktails ($15/45) or a pint of draught Hoegaarden Rosée ($16). Mon-Thu 9am-10.30pm, Fri 9am-11pm, Sat 8am-11pm, Sun & PH 8am-10.30pm. Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park II, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1. Tel: 6556 1533

canopy garden dining

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Mouthful of passion

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O’ coffee club, #03-30/30A THAI EXPRESS Bistro, #b1-77

Be prepared to indulge at Raffles City (252 North Bridge Road. Tel: 6318 0238) this month with the return of its annual Food Festival. Whether you’re hankering for favourites such as Buffet Town or Podi, or looking to visit new outlet like Imperial Treasure Noodle & Congee House, you’ll be enjoying exclusive privileges and sure-win lucky dips. For starters, the first 500 shoppers to spend $150 (with minimum one F&B receipt) will be rewarded with 10,000 STAR$® ($10 worth of CapitaVoucher). And for the first 50 diners to spend $50 on F&B daily, you’ll be in the running to dip for a sure-win prize. MasterCard® cardholders will enjoy not just exclusive privileges at participating restaurants, but also $10 shopping rebate for the first 500 cardholders who charge $100 daily (with minimum one F&B receipt). In addition, join DanielFoodDiary as he takes you through a culinary journey over two delectable weekends. Learn cooking tips and prepare your favourite international and fusion delights with live demonstrations by some of our very own chefs here at Raffles City! For details, visit www.rafflescity.com.sg Follow us online: @RafflesCitySG

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Cafe H t Seat

In this column, we pick a notable personality to go cafe-hopping with us. This month, we elbow in a lunch with the face of Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Spring ‘15 collection, the everbusy but oh-so-chill Nadia Rahmat. By Meredith Woo

@bitessg meets @skinnykatwoman

@skinnykatwoman and her 7oz java

@pennyuniversity at 402 East Coast Road NADIA Rahmat's already seated and waiting for us, a picture of calm with headphones casually placed on the table. The east-sider's dressed in her comfy best—a white crop top proclaiming 'Fries Before Guys' (from @ styleraiders), black leggings and high tops complete with ‘breakfast’ socks adorned with eggs and bacon. At only 24, the UniSIM undergrad is well-spoken, mature beyond her years and loves zipping around keeping busy (they call me Energiser Bunny, she says). She’s currently juggling her job as an event coordinator at Kilo, freelance modelling for indie clothing labels and “secretly studying for a Bachelor of Comms degree”. What propelled her to fame though, is her appearance on Marc by Marc Jacobs SS15 billboards this year. Her Instagram followers soared from 1,000-plus to 10.6k after the campaign. She still feels weirded out seeing the images: “It felt like someone Photoshopped me in.” Almost on cue, several girls seated nearby at Penny University’s dining room titter to each other excitedly when they recognise Nadia. We can’t help but wonder aloud how much this rising local starlet sees her new-found fame. “It’s ironic for me. I keep a balance. I post but I’m not too engrossed. I’m both online and present in person,” she muses. Doing a psychology module in university helped too: “It’s all about

4 #random facts

presenting the self you want others to see. I post things that are interesting but not too far from my character. You got to be careful not to let it get to your head; don’t lose your people skills like a friend of mine did… keep Instagram at arm’s length.” Our coffees and brunch platters arrive and we turn our attention (as foodies would!) to the food. “[Before a stint at Toby’s Estate], I used to hate coffee and I’d never drink it,” the part-time final year student reveals, sipping on her 7oz. “Latte is my go-to coffee. I’m very particular about the shot, how long they pull it—it’s the aftertaste when you swallow the whole thing. It needs to fill your mouth. No bitterness, allrounded; not too milky, not too strong. That’s me: when I meet someone and make a lasting impression but don’t come on too strong else they’ll be like, ‘OMG this person is a handful’.” In between mouthfuls of breakfast and carefully preserving the integrity of her poached yolks, Nadia waxes philosophical: “I’d like to be able to eat anything and not gain weight. It helps that I have high metabolism, but I do gain weight. Some people say, ‘Oh, I wanna eat that but it’s so fatty’. And I’m like, are

you craving it? Then eat it! If you keep holding off your cravings, it’s not fun anymore. As much as you want to watch what you eat and stuff, you only have one life.” And keepin’ it real is what Nadia does, instinctively. She naturally gravitates towards the indie labels, for the community. “It’s always important to stay grounded… I appreciate varied and quirky styles.” She’s also focused on house and techno music, especially after she joined Super 0 (@super0sg). “I’ve been going to Europe lately because that genre grew up there and it’s really different, the experiences and how people approach the music and the community. It feels like it’s a family, a close-knit family. That’s why I’m really interested in it right now.”

What we ordered

Nadia had: English breakfast with poached eggs ($16) & espresso with milk 7oz ($5.50)—the eggs were “perfectly runny” June had: Turkish eggs ($8.60) & espresso with milk 7oz ($5.50)— though the portion was smaller than expected, the overall yoghurt and egg combination was delish Meredith had: Penny’s French toast ($11.90) & Thai iced milk tea ($6.50)—”not bad”

#RANDOMFACTS

#CastMeMarc @marcjacobsintl

JEWELLERY: Tikka (traditionally worn at Indian weddings) from Little India spices up the outfit. “The fashion aspect of my Malay, Indian and Arab heritage makes its way into my creative process.” I CRAVE: Wagyu foie gras burger with caramelised onion jam and truffle fries from La Brasserie. AWE: “I’ve always imagined the time when dinosaurs were around. Yes, even if it ate me, the experience would be worth it.” COMFORT FOOD: “India Gate at Changi Village’s amazing butter chicken and garlic naan is amazing. Blows my mind. The latter is my air freshener.”

THE EXPERIENCE: “It was just me, chilling. I’m a very calm person by nature.” THE NYC SHOOT: “After 21 hours of flying, I arrived at the studio feeling icky and I saw these beautiful people everywhere. It’s either I sulk or make the best out of it… I told myself, I’ll give my best, I’ll be myself… and I guess it all worked out. For the shoot, they didn’t change my hairstyle, in fact they liked the braids.” MODELLING?: “It’s great, I will always do it on the side, but I will never do it as a full time job. Cos it’s temporary and… at the end of the day the industry is still very critical.”

#Hashtags & App-enings

Have you got the Harry's App? It's brimming with unbeatable loyalty offers (15% rebate), attractive welcome privileges worth over $30 (think 1-for-1 Harry's small plates), birthday perks and exclusives. Did we mention it’s free? Stand to win $1,000 cash if you make a transaction at Harry's this month. www.harrys.com.sg Play Tap Tap Tuna, Ayam Brand's gaming app, and learn about the nutritional values of the fish. But it's no couch potato game—you need to get out of the house and scan a physical can of tuna to begin. Each week till 26 July, those who've earned all their badges and are among the top 10 sg scorers can win a can heart of Ayam Brand Tuna. map www.ayambrand. com.sg Pin some love on the SG Heart Map, a crowd-sourced SG50 collection of Singaporean definitions of home. Dive into tagged photos by theme (childhood, food, etc)

and decade (from the 1950s to the present). One of our faves: a sepia photo of a pushcart noodles vendor at Wilkinson Road by contributor Jacqueline. www.heartmap.sg @TigerBeer.SG Tiger Beer's 15-can take-home packs ($35) now sport limited edition SG50 livery, inclusive of collectible glassware (four colours in all). Spend $50 on Tiger Beer at participating outlets to collect a special tee, and you can even win cash when buying commemorative bottles at hawker centres and coffeeshops. To influence Tiger Beer's #UnofficialOfficial party lineup (5 Aug, Capitol Theatre), vote online at www.tigerbeer.com.sg #supportlocal, that's what Giant is doing for SG50 and also for its 15th birthday. Till 31 Aug, drop by Tampines Hypermart for a pop-up fair of 31 homegrown SMEs. What caught our eye: Capitaine Sardines (under new producer Dynamic Ocean) with its tangy assam and spicy sambal flavours; Camel Muruku under manufacturer Seng Hua Hng; Coffeehock's quality coffee with raw sugar; Ming Fa's (yes that popular bak chor mee shop along Upper Thomson) fish/meat balls; and the cutesy fresh Kang Kang hawker noodle kits by Tan Seng Kee Foods. 21 Tampines North Drive 2

Close to the HEART If you’re having a mini party, choose from Neo Garden Catering’s selection of 12 themed menus featuring faves such as their signature curry chicken and other Asian and Western delights (self-collection, from $53.50). If you fancy daily meals delivered via tingkat, book from sister company Best Catering for 16 or 20 days (min. two months for two pax) and savour the taste of home at $60 discount. www.neogarden.com.sg

neo garden catering

Bring the folks to Diamond Kitchen's second outlet for a sumptuous signatures set menu (till 31 July; $88/pax, U.P. $150/pax; min. four diners). Highlights: aromatic garlic steamed bamboo clam, prized H.K. giant grouper (steamed/stewed) and lobster porridge. Leave room for the fragrant Diamond Gan Xiang Crab, easily the star of the meal. Daily 11am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm. #01-01 Oasis, 87 Science Park Drive. Tel: 6464 0410

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THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM

“Think an Adrift-style lobster roll, our playful caramel popcorn and something sweet like our black sesame custard and grape jam.”

Epicurean Market is back for its third edition from 14 to 16 August with plenty of new offerings to titillate your taste buds. This year’s annual pilgrimage for the discerning foodie set boasts a swanky new After Party concept, where visitors can paint the town red to grooves by international DJs till 1am at no extra charge. Besides noshing on dishes from the celebrity chef booths and restaurant booths, you will also be able to taste and buy wines at the Wine Zone, fresh produce at the Fresh Food Market, fine picks from The Cheese Artisan, Swiss Butchery and other gourmet suppliers, and cocktails at The Bar. With so much ground to cover, don’t forget to arrive with a full smartphone charge and look your best to hashtag your experience at #EpicureanMarket. You never know which celeb chef you might bump into! $28/person for a three-day pass, inclusive of a complimentary pair of Schott Zwiesel red wine glasses worth $38. 14 Aug, 12pm-1am, 15 Aug 11am-1am, 16 Aug 11am-9pm. Hall D and E, Basement 2, Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. www.marinabaysands.com/epicurean-market.html

1 Don’t miss these highlights! Look forward to new additions to the celebrity chef booth lineup—Bread Street Kitchen by bad boy chef Gordon Ramsay and Spago by Wolfgang Puck, who is also behind the resort’s CUT steakhouse. The former will dole out restaurant “signatures such as tamarind spiced chicken wings, shepherd’s pie, roasted Dingley pork belly sliders, and the classic fish and chips,” says executive chef Sabrina Stillhart; while Spago, which is slated to be unveiled later this year, will give visitors a glimpse of Puck’s Californian cuisine with global influences.

And if you’re looking forward to Waku Ghin’s booth this year (the crowd couldn’t get enough of his signature marinated botan shrimp with uni and caviar at previous events), you’re in for a sweet surprise—the soft-spoken Sydney-based chef will launch a new range of exquisite pastries, on top of his usual food and sake offerings.

As the marketplace morphs into a ‘nightclub’ at 10pm, restaurant booths will switch up their offerings to serve lighter fare and late night bar bites. Mixologists from the integrated resort will also get to show off their chops by shaking up craft cocktails. If you’re looking to splash out, bottle service will be available.

Judging from previous years, expect hot queues for over 30 free masterclasses with a great linexup of culinary talents. Learn trade secrets from chefs, wine connoisseurs, mixologists and so much more, in a theatre setting where you also get to sample the items being taught.

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pick Of the best value burgers, steaks and ribs + grill up meat

DESTINATION: TIONG BAHRU p20

transforM your kItChen

Model and social media darling Nadia Rahmat talks fame, fashion and food

Our ultimate

Marina Bay Sands’ star-studded alumni will also return to the integrated resort specially for the event. You’ll get the chance to sample their dishes at the pop-up food stalls during the After Party.

life’s refinements

—asIan PublIshInG aWarDs 2014

inside

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4 CourtyarD restaurants to VIsIt In beIjInG

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The best of Old Airport Road hawker centre

LAST BITES p28

Can you name the Malay kuehs?

+ the freshest beers at 12 microbreweries

july 2015 www.epicureasia.com MCI (P) 118/12/2013

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transforM your kItChen ◆ key trenDs froM DesIGn InsIDers ◆ ChIC tableWare & GaDGets ◆ neW CookInG stuDIos ◆ InsIDe a hostess hoMe ◆ Make the Most of your oVen

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Don’t forget to look out for BiTES and sister publication epicure, as supporting and official media respectively! We’ll be updating and covering the event extensively.

6/22/15 11:26 AM

Welcome back as well Epicurean Market regulars such as Nancy Silverton of Mozza and Justin Quek of Sky on 57. Hot on the heels of their restaurant openings at Marina Bay Sands, David Thompson of Long Chim and David Myers of Adrift will also return to serve their restaurant’s favourite plates. Myers shares:

ADVERTORIAL

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Waterfall lounge

the dunearn

The Dunearn

Set in the lush surroundings of the Singapore Botanic Gardens is The Dunearn. It's away from the city bustle and nestled inside the Bukit Timah Guild House, a conserved colonial building lauded for its unique architecture and longstanding heritage. There's no need to be a member of NUSS as the restaurant and terrace are open to the public. Partake in contemporary Western cuisine with a touch of summer, such as duck confit with orange and carrot puree drizzled with honey balsamic dressingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;elegantly complemented by the fruity tones and crisp finish of Somersby's ciders. Whether you're having an intimate meal or a convivial faculty get-together, the tipple's low 4.5% alcohol content keeps you sober and in a smooth mood. Sun-Thu & PH 11.30am-12am, Fri-Sat & Eve of PH 11.30am-2am. Bukit Timah Guild House, 1F Cluny Road. Tel: 6779 1811, www.nuss.org.sg/bukit-timah/126/28

Waterfall Lounge

Meditate to the rhythmic sounds of water as it cascades in sheets and channels the positive flow of your energies. Welcome to Furama RiverFront, Singapore's Waterfall Lounge, home to a stunning 20-foot-high waterfall set amidst a natural forest reserve. It's the perfect venue to unwind from the stresses of our busy city-stateâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with a cool Somersby's cider in hand of course. From the casual all-day menu, order a Club Sandwich packed with bacon, chicken, lettuce and tomato with a side of fries, or a platter of pork and veal German sausages: the easy-to-drink beverage is stellar with either choice. Come in the evenings to be entertained by a live band and soulful jazz crooners. Take a swig, raise your bottle, and relax. Sun-Thu 11am-1am, Fri-Sat & Eve of PH 11am-2am. Furama RiverFront, Singapore, 405 Havelock Road. Tel: 6333 8898 ext. 538, www.furama.com/riverfront/Dining/Waterfall-Lounge

orchard central special

A zest for Japanese The Land of the Rising Sun takes centrestage with its culinary finesse and ingenious shopping ideas. You'll be spoilt for choice with these oishii offerings and products in Orchard Central.

Tomato miso ramen $16 (limited to 20 bowls daily)

Chashumen $16

NANTSUTTEI #07-12/13 The key to an outstanding bowl of ramen lies in the soup. NANTSUTTEI's version ticks all the boxes: a rich, creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, topped with the brand's iconic fragrant black ma-yu (roasted garlic oil). Their chashu's another star: superior pork loin is simmered in a master shoyu sauce till tender and flavourful. Tel: 6337 7166

Ootoya Japanese Restaurant #08-12

Maccha House #B1-39 to 45/K1/K6 The aptly-named Maccha House specialises in finely-milled Japanese green tea. Must-tries are the aromatic blended green tea beverages and delightful dessertsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;do try the dorayaki, bouncy castella pancakes served with smooth ice cream. Have a meal with your sweets: rice sets, noodles and other hearty comfort fare also feature on the menu. Tel: 6636 5830

Maccha kuromitsu latte $5.40

Signature Maccha chocolate parfait $10.90

Teriyaki chicken & onsen egg plate $11.90

For healthy meals with a taste of home, Ootoya delivers. The restaurant cuts out preservatives and flavourings, choosing instead to focus on freshness. Vegetables are delivered daily from the Panasonic Indoor Farm here, while meat and fish go through specialised handling procedures. Dishes are also cooked upon order, emphasising their quality promise. Umai! Tel: 6884 8901

Shio kouji teishoku $18.50 (a la carte)

Handmade cold soba $10

Tori salad (charcoalgrilled chicken salad with basil sauce) $18 (set)

Fresh bluefin tuna steak-style chunky sashimi (limited portions) $68 (U.P. $98)

Bamboo sake $9.80/180ml

Mixed seafood value can $52

Sumiya #12-02 Go beyond charcoal grilled meats at this Japanese izakaya. The donburis (rice bowls) are topped with chunky slices of fresh fish, while sea gems like oysters and awabi (abalone) are briny and sweet—and don’t forget to come by for after-work drinks! Monthly highlights include a Bluefin tuna cutting demonstration in which the chef skilfully sections the prized catch. Tel: 6509 9618

Salmon avocado monaka $6.80

Handmade sky/sea/ planet candles $33-$63

Bara chirashi set from $25++

Kagoshima black pork katsu set from $32++

B-Side Label T-shirts $59.30 each

Tapehook (3pcs/pack) $13

Yuki Yuki $62

TOKYU HANDS #B1-07 This lifestyle goods brand is a renowned purveyor of premium beauty products, minimalist looking clothes and innovative kitchenware. In 1976, its first store opened in Fujisawa in Kanagawa prefecture, offering DIY items (hence its name) but quickly evolved into a fullfledged one-stop shop offering a large range of items as its popularity grew. With its arrival in Singapore, you don’t have to fly to Japan to get great gifts and to furnish your home. Tel: 6834 3755

Tonkichi #07-06 Think crisp, golden-breaded pork cutlets and you’ll be craving to come here. As you nosh on the meaty Japanese staple, feel the sincerity and respect given to the time-honoured recipe and to the carefully selected ingredients. The tonkatsu specialist's cosy Orchard Central outlet boasts an expanded menu and generously offers refillable rice and shredded cabbage. Tel: 6238 7976

SPLASH $66.30$82.90 each

Morino Sample food keyrings/magnets $11-$27

181 Orchard Road, S238896 Tel: 6238 1051 Operating Hours: 11am-10pm w w w.orchardcentral.com.sg w w w.facebook.com/oc @orchardcentral

@oc_tweet

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Oh my

$10-20

meat Steaks, burgers and ribs mainly under $30, oh my! We prove that great protein feasts don’t have to come with a hefty price as we sink our teeth into some of the tastiest, juiciest and meatiest cuts around the island.

BiTES’ 10 Fave Burgers

omakase burger

By June Lee and Meredith Woo

Under $10 [ ] Launched just this year, local brand BurgerUp proudly serves customisable gourmet halal burgers at fast food prices. DIY your burger or choose available combos such as the current Rendang Kambing ($6.90 with fries and drink) burgerup from the self-service kiosk. Fans rave about the burger’s generous size, and sufficiently juicy, char-grilled beef patty. #01-03 Yishun 10 Complex, 51 Yishun Central 1. Tel: 6257 1255 Ham Bao Bao, which means burger in Mandarin, is a 10-month-old humble stall in a humid food court. Our pick is the classic beef ($4.50), with a meaty beef patty that beats the chain outlets anytime. The thick ayam buah keluak ($5) while unusually addictive could do with a juicer chicken patty. #04HAM BAO 49 Beauty World BAO Centre, 144 Upper Bukit Timah Road. www.FB.com/ hambaobaosg With three outlets in Singapore, Canadian chain Triple O’s is barely famous—but we swear by their burgers, which are made-to-order along with fresh cut fries and hand-tossed Caesar salads. The secret Triple O’s sauce (triple the mayo and relish) jazzes up the juicy, straightforward but wholesome beef patty, best in the original with cheese combo ($7.90). #B1-16/17 Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Promenade

The splurge With both Potato Head Folk (2014) and MeatLiquor SIN (2015) arriving in a haze of hype, we have the U.K. artisan burger trend going head-to-head on our shores. And they couldn’t be more different. MeatLiquor SIN is a grungy dive bar, with a hefty Dead Hippie ($22) and fried pickles ($9) competing for attention against the loud music and dark graffiti-ed surroundings. Potato Head Folk’s Three Bun’s burger dining room is whimsically decked out in butterflies, birds and vintage kids artwork in a an airy, light-filled space. The Four Floors ($25) is a double prime 100g beef patty with double cheese and triple onion, along with the in-house tomato sauce called the Notorious T.O.M. Verdict? Potato Head Folk’s burger is still the juicier, tastier and more memorable of the two.

MEATLIQUOR SIN

Paradise looks like this: spam fries and a De Burg signature burger ($18.50), filled with 200g of Australian beef patty, crispy bacon, cheese and a whole Portobello mushroom. ‘Chief burger officer’ Andrew Sim quips, “There’s protein, starch and vegetable in every bite, everything is held together and convenient.” He also has a range of local celebrity burgers, like The Madam Tan’s (with 200g each de burg of pork and beef patty) and The Richmond (with peanut butter). #02-15 CT Hub, 2 Kallang Avenue. Tel: 6538 2874 Dojo serves only pork burgers, a genre that owner Janice Tan notes is under-served. The made-from-scratch burgers served in bamboo steamers here feature pork that's minced, crispy, braised, and our pick, grilled. The Little Dragon ($12 with fries and bottled drink) with its grilled lean pork fillet can strike some as too firm, but we love the toothsome bite. 72 Circular Road. Tel: 6438 4410 Back in 2009, brothers Kennie and Bernie Tay felt that the market lacked what they wanted to eat—an old fashioned, handmade burger at good prices. FatBoys' is now found in Singapore, Malaysia, China and Cambodia, serving up classic 'bergs. The best-seller is Wimpy ($15), a single beef, pork or lamb patty that hits the senses with its fab proportions of bun to filling. 187 Upper Thomson Road. Tel: 6252 8780 When Omakase Burger’s second outlet, a 92-seater, drew queues, we knew they were in the serious leagues. The bespoke burgers may look petite, but each smashed beef patty is juicy and hefty, sandwiched in an ideal fluffy bun. We love the outlet’s exclusive applewood smoked bacon cheeseburger ($17.90) topped with crisp uncured applewood smoked bacon gleaned from hormone- and antibiotic-free pigs. #01-02/03/37-41, Level 1 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road. Tel: 6737 3218 The endearing hole-in-the-wall Two Blur Guys burger bench serves up bergs smothered in Gruyere cheese in the heart of the CBD—what’s not to like? Its prime beef ($14.95) gets a two blur guys flavour hit from truffled mayo, with herbs and spices infused into the topside beef cut patty. The “controlled melt” of Gruyere slice gives it the final, savoury finish. Add $5.90 to top up a homemade dessert and drink. #01-13 Orchid Hotel, 1 Tras Link. Tel: 6636 4183

$15 and under You've seen Char Grill Bar's neon-ish sign at coffeeshops and you've probably dined there more often than you noticed (they're almost omnipresent with close to 30 stalls islandwide). Decently juicy and adequately seared, it's just $10.80 for a 200g prime striploin steak complete with two sides. Newest outlet: 107 Serangoon North Ave 1 UNO Beef House serves up piping hot N.Z. steaks (from $12 for sirloin) on a bovine hotplate, old-school style. We also like the ample mushroom gravy's earnest sizzling and the signature mashed potato balls, lightly crumbed and crisp on the outside. No aircon. #01-60 Blk 51 Toa Payoh Lorong 5. Tel: 9003 3832 At Steakout, a classic Australian sirloin goes for just $14.90 nett, with two free sides and your choice of black pepper, mushroom or red wine sauce. This is THE go-to beef hangout for undergrads A.K.A. 'that steak place near the SMU Admin Building'. #01-01 Victoria Hotel, 89 Victoria Street. Tel: 6720 8103

BiTES’ 11 Fave STEAKS

jack's place CHAR GRILL BAR

$30-$45 $15-$30 From coffeeshop to restaurant chain, that's the Astons Specialities (namesake of Aston Soon) story. Steaks start at $15.90 and include two side dishes (ours: garden veggies and mashed potato), but top up $4 for the walletAstons friendly prime ribeye X'tra cut ($19.90). Various locations including #04-03/04 The Cathay, 2 Handy Road. Tel: 6887 5889 Formerly a coffeeshop stall, iSteaks Diner is now in a better place thanks to its popularity. It's spacious, air-conditioned and clean, and just across the road from its old digs. Try the 100-days grass-fed Australian ribeye ($26/250g) which includes tasty sides like cream broccoli and baked olive rice. There’s wagyu for a splurge, too. #02-03 to 06 myVillage at Serangoon Garden, 1 Maju Avenue. Tel: 6285 8839 Jack's Place is where our parents dated over comfort Western fare and where we celebrated our early birthdays with family and friends. We can't leave out this oldie but goodie's N.Z. Silver Fern Farms T-bone steak (free-range, grass-fed), a hearty 350g treat at only $26. Various locations including #01-4274 Blk 730 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6. Tel: 6454 9677

Oh, Carnivore! You know the drill at this all-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue restaurant ($34 for lunch): passadors bearing skewers of quality cuts make their rounds and your double-sided yes/no token indicates your steakcapacity. Beef cuts: rump, hump, tenderloin with bacon, garlic beef—and don’t forget to visit the salad bar for a balanced meal. MBS outlet: #01-80 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue. Tel: 6688 7429 It's about time THE SHIP The Ship's flagship outlet reopened. We're missing the Ship Steak ($36.90), a thick-cut U.S. striploin sailing into our tummies with rich black and white mushroom sauce, baked potato and flambéed with brandy. #03-16/18 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road. Tel: 6884 7337 At Outback Steakhouse, try their Toowoomba topped USDA sirloin ($37.90). It's kinda like a surf 'n turf—the Australian city's eponymous sauce is a moreish combination of sauteed shrimp and button mushrooms tossed in tomato cream. To cut through the richness, a helping of fresh seasonal veggies are on hand. #01-114 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard. Tel: 6837 3242

barossa

The splurge Make a beeline for Barossa's succulent Australian black Angus prime rib (dry-aged, 25 days) platter ($99/800-850g). The Esplanade outlet exclusive is served with four different sauces (peppercorn, barolo reduction, bleu cheese cream, béarnaise) for that unmis-steak-ably delicious night out. #01-11 Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue. Tel: 6534 5188 Prime Rib Royale ($138 for two) at The Dunearn isn’t just a magnificent piece of steak—it’s a feast. Only seven servings of bone-in prime rib are prepared each day, which comes accompanied with Waldorf salad, mixed greens, onion confit sauce, mashed potato, sautéed mushrooms and spinach with carrots, complete with dessert and coffee or tea. Bukit Timah Guild House, 1F Cluny Road. Tel: 6586 3260

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Special mention:

BiTES’ 12 Fave RIBS

brotzeit

$18-$30*

$18* and under

(*prices are for half rack unless noted) You may not yet have heard of Collin's Grille Bento, but this western/Japanese stall already has 17 outlets islandwide and is stealthily expanding. Try their pork ribs (half rack), served with fries and salad—it's an unbeatable deal at $8.90 (or $15.90 for full rack). Not perfectly plated? Who cares, you're in a coffeeshop anyway. Newest outlet: #01-296, 431 Clementi Avenue 3 If your craving for porker hasn't yet reached its peak, trot down to your nearest Cold Storage BBQ counter for a shot at $11.99 ribs (go late and they're all sold out). You can eat them straight out of the package or pop them into your sous vide system overnight for stellar results. #B2-15/16 Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road. Tel: 6238 6761 We skip the beef and go straight for the traditional BBQ baby back ribs ($12.90 for half rack) at Mignon’s Steak and Grill every time. What's not to love when the meat's fall-off-the-bone and the moreish red sauce (only faintly spicy) is so addictive? Did we mention prices are nett? #B204-3 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 391 Orchard Road. Tel: 6737 3556 Somehow Naughty Pigs reminds us of the famous Naughty Nuri's (which recently changed its name to Hog Wild in Bali). And they're cheeky too: if you're too slow to snag their Naughty Super Ribs ($28, only 10 sets daily), settle for a Naughty Ribs (fresh spare ribs, $18) or a Naughty Mate (fresh soft bone ribs, $18) instead. 306 Tanjong Katong Road. Tel: 6440 4363 You can't go wrong with a name like Ministry of Ribs. This hipster hawker stall boasts six hickory smoked ribs items on its menu. Our pick: the honey rum ribs ($15.90, half rack) which comes with two side dishes. Add $3 for your rack to be flamed at the table— let us warn you, it's no puny performance. Main outlet: #01-125, Blk 416 Pandan Gardens. Tel: 9890 4649

[ ] Badoque Cafe's signature beef ribs ($36) are so sought-after, they're available daily during Ramadhan. For something different, go for iga bakar ($36), or Indonesian-style beef ribs, glazed in sweet spicy soy sauce and served with fragrant basmati rice. 298 Bedok Road. Tel: 64466 928 Brotzeit’s honey Bavarian pork ribs ($33) is high BADOQUE on our list. CAFE The generous tower of beerinfused ribs are succulent, meaty and on the nice side of savourytangy, rather than too sweet. Served with potato wedges and sauerkraut, it’s perfectly complemented by a pint of Paulaner. #01-149/151 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk. Tel: 6272 8815

Mignon's steak and grill

COLLIN'S GRILLE BENTO

the chop house meat lovers' platter SMOKEY'S BBQ

(*prices are for half rack unless noted) Remember our ‘hangry’ adventures at The Chop House? The BiTES team ordered a full slab of lusciously smoked BBQ U.S. baby back ribs ($44/600g) that easily feeds two of our ravenous writers. A concept by the Wooloomooloo Group, you can rest assured that meat quality as well as the rest of the food menu with pastas and salads is top notch. #01-161/162 VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk. Tel: 6376 9262 For #meatloversheaven and hunky Southern Pride American smokers, turn to Meat Smith. New on their carnivorous menu are the pork ribs ($25 for half rack, $48 for full). These are massaged with a special spice mix for that deep, unctuous flavour. Eat up, you're in the good hands of head chef Andrew Baldus and sous chef Alysia Chan. 167/169 Telok Ayer Street. Tel: 6221 2262 Most would be familiar with Tony Roma’s original hog ($25.90), so if you're a repeat patron like us, try the larger, meatier St. Louis Ribs ($23.90) with more natural marbling. Pick the Tony Roma's Red Hots sauce for that fiery, peppery Tabasco kick. Newest outlet: #07-03 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road. Tel: 6738 8600 At specialist Morganfield's, they call ‘em 'sticky bones'. Their ribs are slowly smoked with hickory wood till tender and come bathed in five types of aromatic sauces. New in is the spicy Asian BBQ spare ribs ($26.90) that's described on the menu as 'bombastic, fantastic, climatic, galactic', served with fries and garden salad. #02-23 The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green. Tel: 6694 3636 Smokey's BBQ prides itself on serving authentic American fare—down to the barbecue sauce—and has its own proprietary smoking process with wood chips (mesquite and hickory), secret seasoning and equipment imported from the States. You can feed us their baby back pork ribs ($26) any time. #01-54/56 Sunset Lane, 106 Clementi St 12. Tel: 6872 6857

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Wish you had a reliable buffet resource available to guide you to the best all-you-can-eat spots? Buffet Bounty is your go-to resource on buffets for all budgets, tastes and locations. This month, go all out for a delightful Saturday brunch, and jio your buddies for a hearty Iftar dinner. That smell in the air? It’s durian season, and boy, do we have five deliciously pungent picks for you. More at www.bites.com.sg

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

saturday lunch Buffets

DIM SUM [$$] Jiang Nan Chun 2F Four Seasons Hotel, 190 Orchard Boulevard. Tel: 6734 1110 Famed for their authentic Chinese dishes and luxurious atmosphere, Jiang Nan Chun’s oriental weekend brunch (Sat-Sun 11.30am-2.30pm; Sun 11am-1pm, 1.30-3pm, $78++, $134++ with free-flow Bortolomiol Prosecco, $186++ with free-flow Veuve Clicquot Brut) offers up over 80 dishes cooked stove to table. Dim sum includes more than 20 choices such as steamed wagyu beef dumplings and deep-fried cod, scallop and shrimp wrapped in filo.

2.30pm, $85++, $125++ inclusive of free-flowing wines and beers, $103++ for free-flowing soft drinks and juices). From fresh poached lobster to succulent slow cooked lamb shoulder, to a selection of fresh fruits and desserts, the hours will fly past.

FRENCH\ [$$] Cocotte Wanderlust Hotel, 2 Dickson Road. Tel: 6298 1188 Savour the taste of France with Cocotte’s free flow brunch weekend (Sat-Sun 12-3pm, $59++, last lunch order/brunch trolley 2.30pm). Help yourself to signature dishes such as the poulet roti, escargot, and roast pork collar, or try out new dishes from the chef in the convivial industrial-chic space.

[$$$] La Brasserie Clifford Pier, The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay. Tel: 6597 5288 Spend your Saturday brunch (Sat only 12-3pm, $98++) by the calming waters of Marina Bay while dining on eggs, antipasti, and gourmet salads completed by free-flow juices, house wines and the restaurant’s own specially created Bloody Mary. Azur

[$$$] Equinox Restaurant Level 70 Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road. Tel: 6837 3322 Enjoy the view of the Singapore skyline while chowing down on the wide array of dishes offered (Sat only 12-

Element Restaurant Amara Singapore, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road. Tel: 6879 2607 Join in the brunch (Sat-Sun 11.30am-3.30pm, $48++) at this CBD restaurant renowned for their buffet. From freshly sliced sashimi at the sushi station to Alaskan King crab from the seafood on ice, you won’t be sitting still with so many stations to explore. Local dishes such as lap mei fan are on rotation along with Asian cooked food and Western grill, with chocolate fondue for a sweet ending. Melt ~ The World Café Mandarin Oriental Singapore, 5 Raffles Avenue. Tel: 6885 3500 Dine in a stylish, cosmopolitan setting while feasting on the wide range of dishes offered at this buffet (Sat only 12-2.30pm, $68++, additional $20 for free flow white wine, red wine and selected beers). Spice your meal with food from the Indian or Thai cuisine counter, or zero in on the ever-appetising nigiri sushi and maki rolls. The waffle counter complete with a variety of creamy ice cream will satisfy any sweet-toothed craving.

ITALIAN [$]

EUROPEAN [$$] LeVeL33 #33-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, 8 Marina Boulevard. Tel: 6834 3133 Kick off the weekend with the Saturday Brunch Buffet at LeVel 33 (Sat only 11.30am-3.30pm, $58++; $96++ inclusive of free flow craft beers, selected craft beer cocktails, coffee, tea and soft drinks), ploughman style. Enjoy treats like the hand tossed salads and chargrilled steak alongside their signature house-brewed craft beers.

melt ~ the world cafÉ

INTERNATIONAL [$$] Azur 2F Crowne Plaza Hotel, 75 Airport Boulevard. Tel: 6823 5300 Begin your weekend by indulging with this international spread (Sat-Sun 12.30-3pm, $48++). Sink your teeth into tasty crab and lobster meat straight from the seafood on ice section. Not forgetting other international dishes such as the Spanish paella, lamb shank rendang, Kajang satay with ketupat and pineapple satay sauce and more, displaying the best of both East and West.

Alkaff Mansion Ristorante 10 Telok Blangah Green. Tel: 6510 3068 Bask in the historic setting of the Alkaff Mansion, surrounded by greenery, for a real weekend escape. Delight in the pasta of the day before pampering yourself with a selection of fresh fruits and marshmallows served with chocolate. Not forgetting their crepe suzette flambéd fresh from the live station (Sat only 11.30am-3pm, $40++ inclusive of tea served in a teapot).

[$$] Procacci #01-04, Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay. Tel: 6532 9939 Have a taste of Italy at this outpost from Florence. Order any of the classic Italian dishes such as black truffle with

GOODWOOD PARK HOTEL

FEAST @ EAST

under $50* Durian BUFFETS

NETT

Another buffet popular for their Peranakan dishes (lunch: Mon-Sun $41++; dinner: Mon-Thu $44, Fri-Sun $46). Rich and velvety, the durian pengat here is bursting with sweet fragrant creamy goodness. If the paste is not your thing, check out the famed fluffy durian cakes (which you can also buy from the deli). It’s just as good as eating the fruit without the hassle of dealing with the clean-up. Level 3 Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel, 50 East Coast Road. Tel: 6340 5665

SIN YEE WANG*

The season for the King of Fruits is back! Check out these buffets with durian offerings, with one choice selection (all durian!) at $58.

ELLENBOROUGH MARKET CAFÉ

Feast @ East

Featuring a series of daily buffets (lunch: Mon-Fri $38++, Sat-Sun $48++; dinner: Mon-Thu $48++, Fri-Sun $52++), the long-time establishment is well-known not just for Peranakan food but their durian based desserts as well. Smooth, creamy, and filled with bits of durian meat, the bowl of classic durian pengat is always the fastest to empty out. Level 1 Swissotel Merchant Court, 20 Merchant Road. Tel: 6239 1848

mushroom soup, fumo salmone and uovo benedetto (from $16++), and top up $45++ for free flow Prosecco, Peroni beer, soft drinks and juices (Sat only 11am2.30pm).

[$$$] La Brezza The St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Road. Tel: 6506 6884 Have a relaxing brunch at The St. Regis’ very own

dolce vita

Going strong for over 30 years now, the Goodwood Park Hotel Durian Fiesta runs till 2 Aug. Bringing back favourites like the durian cappuccino cake and Mao Shan Wang horn for regular purchase, Coffee Lounge is offering a durian buffet available for both lunch and dinner (daily lunch, 12-2.30; dinner, 6-10.30; $35.80++ for dessert buffet with durian pastries only, $28.80++ for top-up of dessert buffet with durian pastries with any a la carte main course order). And make sure to check out the durian pancakes piping hot from the live station! Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road. Tel: 6730 1746

ellenborough market cafÉ

Italian restaurant. Try the chef’s recommendation of grilled lamb chops, or the oven-roasted seabass fillet (Sat-Sun 12-3pm, $83++ food only, $118++ with free flow Prosecco and beverages, $138++ with free flow Franciacorta and beverages). Enjoy a plate of carbonara or aglio olio to go along with a glass of sparkling wine.

[$$$$] Dolce Vita 5F Mandarin Oriental, 5 Raffles Avenue. Tel: 6885 3500 Dine by the beckoning pool at this luxed up brunch buffet (Sat-Sun 12-3pm, $118++ without drinks, $158++ with free flow champagne, house wine, house beer, soft drinks and juices). Try the Italian antipasti platter which includes a selection of fine cold cuts, rainbow olives, semi-dried tomatoes and homemade grissini sticks, or dive in straight to the main course with Atlantic cod, roast lamb rack and Angus beef tenderloin.

LOCAL [$] Makan@Jen #10-01 Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore, 277 Orchard Road. Tel: 6708 8899 Satisfy your brunch cravings at this well-priced buffet (Sat-Sun 12.30-3pm, $38++) before taking a stroll around town. Chow down on international faves and local delights like siu mai or roast pork and duck, or

Located right smack in the heartlands of Toa Payoh, this fruit stall has been causing a stir with their all-youcan-eat durian fest. Priced at a flat $58, spend the hour chowing down on as much Maoshan King, D24 and Golden Phoenix as you want. #01-21 Blk 211 Lor 8 Toa Payoh. Tel: 6258 2054

STRAITS CAFÉ A vital part of their buffet line up, the durian dishes stand out from the crowd. From the soft, rich, velvety durian pengat to the durian pudding cake filled with pulpy durian bits, it’s the perfect way to top off a scrumptious seafood buffet (lunch: Mon-Sat $42++, Sun: 48++; dinner: Mon-Thu $50++, Fri-Sun $55++). Level 1 Rendezvous Grand Hotel Singapore, 9 Bras Basah Road. Tel: 6335 1771

create your own salad at the salad station.

[$$] Edge Level 3 Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard. Tel: 6826 8240 Treat yourself to a spread of local food at Makan Makan, a tribute to the delicious food heritage of Singapore (Sat only 12-2.30pm, $48++). Besides familiar dishes such as babi pongteh, ngo hiang and traditional Peranakan chicken curry, are live stations such as homemade laksa, Penang prawn noodle soup and the freshly toasted kaya bread with soft-boiled eggs counter. Don’t miss the creative dessert island with signature durian puff, mousse cake and pengat, alongside ice kachang, soy bean milk pudding and yam paste with gingko nuts.

SPANISH [$$$] Catalunya The Fullerton Pavillion, 82 Collyer Quay. Tel: 6534 0188 Bringing the passion of Spain to Singapore, Catalunya’s brunch (Sat-Sun 11.30am-4pm $98++, top up $48++ for cocktail and wines) spices up your weekend. Try the signature Spanish omelette, or help yourself to the spread of cold cuts at the charcuterie station, or simply wait for the specialties like the suckling pig or the paella to be served.

b u f f e t

b o u n t y

10 more

HalaL buffets With the fasting month drawing to a close on 17 July, here are 10 more Iftar dinner places to satisfy your tummy.

Aquamarine [

]

Till 17 July, Aquamarine is extending a Ramadhan feast in addition to their already ample lineup (Sun-Thu, 6.30-10pm: $70++ adult, $30++ child aged 5-12; Fri-Sat, $80++ adult, $40++ child). Taste the cloves as you try out the Moroccan style whole roasted lamb, or bite into the fresh-off-the-grill chicken wings, oxtail and prawns from the outdoor barbecue station while chowing down on the fragrant nasi kuning, tenderly braised and rich beef rendang, Indonesian oxtail soup and more. Level 4 Marina Mandarin Hotel, 6 Raffles Boulevard. Tel: 6854 1111

Nur Indah Restaurant [

]

Great kampung vibe here that matches its array of over 45 authentic and traditional dishes. Be sure to visit the Ulam Corner that boasts over 15 types of fresh ulam (raw salad) and about 10 sambals and condiments. Their claim to fame’s also their pioneering Halal Peking duck dish and Malay desserts like roti jala, serawa durian, bubur kacang durian and goreng pisang. Reservations during Ramadhan are a must as the dinner buffet has a wider spread that includes duck rendang, a variety of bubur flavours, five types of asam pedas and a range of kueh. Iftar dinner: $29.90 nett, 6-8pm. Closed for two weeks from near the end of the fasting month (date not available at time of print). #03-1111 Joo Chiat Complex, 2 Joo Chiat Road. Tel: 8488 1122

Bokhara Biryani and Kebab [ ] This halal Indian, Mediterranean and Mughlai buffet eatery is small but has gained quite a following when it comes to authentic dum biryani and kebabs, both a la carte add-ons. On the buffet line: curries, tandoori and other aromatic dishes. Find them opposite Serangoon Plaza, which houses a Mustafa branch. Dinner: $18 nett, daily 7-10pm. #01-02 Fortuna Hotel Building, 2 Owen Road. Tel: 8399 7795.

Kintamani Indonesian Restaurant [ ] This longstanding halal Indonesian buffet restaurant has been around since 1985. Led by Balinese chef I Gusti Nyoman Kaler, you’ll find a mix of comfort traditional fare (rendang, nasi kuning, es teler) and fusion offerings like sop buntut or braised oxtail soup. Dinner: daily 6-10.30pm, $55++. Level 3 Furama RiverFront Singapore, 405 Havelock Road. Tel: 6739 6463 kintamani indonesian restaurant

]

Exactly what its name promises: local-inspired cuisine that’s tasty. Trot to the minimalist eatery and choose a premium dish (rendang beef steak, golden chicken with chilli crab sauce etc) or a herbal offering (ginseng chicken, Eight Treasures soup etc). Then dive into the free-flow menu: meatball with sambal sauce, curry chicken, cheesy seafood baked rice, waffles and desserts. Dinner: $29.90+, daily 7-9pm, till 31 July. #B1-06 Paya Lebar Square, 60 Paya Lebar Road. Tel: 9008 5233

StraitsKitchen [

]

With a smorgasbord of popular local hawker fare as well as diverse flavours from Indonesia, India, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, StraitsKitchen is a great place for an Iftar dinner. The marketplace setting is a showcase of samke harra (grilled fish), shawarma meats, Moroccan mezze and desserts like baklava, basbousa and kanafa bil cream. From its Halal theatre kitchens swim forth fresh, sustainably sourced seafood dishes like Bengali machi (fish) curry, Alexandria-style mixed seafood, and poached tiger prawns and oysters at the crustacean bar. You’ll also find delicacies Buddha Jumps over the Wall and salted egg crab. Prayer rooms available; Maghrib prayers can be heard through the audio system. Dinner: $68++, daily 6.30-10.30pm, till 17 July. Lobby Level Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road. Tel: 6732 1234

sakura international buffet yio chu kang

straits kitchen

Sakura International Buffet Yio Chu Kang [ ] This outlet’s massive buffet line was revamped in January and offers cuisine from Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Thailand, the U.S., France and Singapore. Make a beeline for the live caught Boston lobster and Argentine red prawn Hokkien mee or the Hiroshima oyster omelette. Keep an eye out for the piping hot egg tarts with bird’s nest, and fill up on liu sha bao and escargot bourguignonne. Pro tip: get your chocolate lava cake with a scoop of Häagen-Dazs Belgian chocolate ice cream while everyone’s busy with the savouries. Dinner: $31.90++, Mon-Thu 6-10pm; $33.90++ Fri-Sun, eve of & PH 5.3010pm. #01-208 Yio Chu Kang Stadium, 210 Ang Mo Kio Ave 9. Tel: 6754 8197

Seasonal Salad Bar [

]

Be spoilt for choice with over 60 items at the salad bar buffet. Build your perfect veggie-centric meal by first picking a base of leafy greens for their nutrients. Grab a colourful bouquet for a variety of vitamins and minerals. Then pack on the protein from chicken, tofu and beans and add a healthy dose of nuts, seeds, grains, herbs and fruit. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and vinegar or a squeeze of lemon pulls the whole thing together. Dinner: $20.90++, daily 2.30-9pm. #04-18 to 20 One@KentRidge (NUH Medical Centre), 1 Lower Kent Ridge Road. Tel: 6734 2652

Singa Goody [

Swensen’s [

]

It’s fun for the whole family at Swensen’s ION Orchard outlet with ice cream galore, pastries, cakes and a chocolate fountain to boot. Savour up to 50 flavours of ice cream and 40 toppings at the dessert buffet. The perfect spot for sweets fiends to buka puasa (open the fast) at. Daily 10.30am-10pm; $19.90++ Mon-Fri, Sat-Sun & PH $20.90++. Exclusively at #B1-31 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn. Tel: 6884 5967

Taste Garden [

]

Drop by this restaurant in a park that serves French, Western and local fare. Enjoy the lush surroundings while feasting on the day’s menu (i.e. sweet and sour fish, fried curry squid, chicken chop, spaghetti bolognese). A prayer room is also provided during the fasting month. Reservations only for weekdays. Dinner: $18++, daily 7-10.30pm, till 17 July (end of Ramadhan 2015). #01-02/03 ORTO, 81 Lorong Chencharu. Tel: 6257 2361

c l a s s i f i e d s h a l a l e a t e r i e s

Signature Cakes & Desserts

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Latest Middle-Eastern bistro located in the East. Savour the Malghoum, our version of the shawarma that converts first-timers and regulars. End your meal with desserts like our well-liked Kunafa!

We serve authentic Nasi Ambeng & other traditional Malay cuisines. Our famous Melaka Asam Pedas is always a favourite! Call us for reservations & experience the Malay dining culture over at Pu3!

www.signature-cakes-desserts.com Facebook.com/signature.cakes.desserts Tel: 83042610

430 Upper Changi Road, East Village, #01-04 Tel: 8545 0132 www.balqis.sg Facebook: balqisbistro

51 Bencoolen Street #01-06 Tel: 6338 4419 Facebook.com/pu3restaurant

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d e s t i n a t i o n

d i n i n g

Taking on Tiong Bahru “New cemetery” may not sound so desirable, but that’s what today’s hip district of Tiong Bahru used to be, and what its name still means, when it was first established around the turn of the century. In the 1920s, the graves were relocated and the first public housing flats were built. The estate grew in popularity after 2003, when several blocks were bestowed conservation status. Tiong Bahru’s compact, low-rise charms have attracted an eclectic and increasingly commercial collection of restaurants, bakeries, art galleries, retail labels and more, but at its heart, it’s simply home to its fiercely loyal residents. By June Lee, Photography Lim Kay Li

YONG SENG Coffee Powder (#01-44) Love your kopi over third wave coffee? Here’s the place to stock up on a variety of Robusta, Arabica and butterroasted beans from Malaysia.

(302 Tiong Bahru Road)

This suburban mall built in 1994 has been reinvented over the years and is currently undergoing massive rebuilding till end-2016. Fingers crossed for Golden Villlage and other longtimers to return.

Tion

Organic vegetables (#01-182-183) Don’t be surprised to see olive dips alongside organic Taiwanese carrots in a beautiful yellow hue. There’s no need to head to Cold Storage when this stall stocks a range of produce suited to western meals, from rocket leaves to beetroot.

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The first market to be built in a residential area in 1955, the former Seng Poh Market is now a modern three-storey building with a wet market on the ground floor and over 50 stalls on the second.

TIONG BAHRU PLAZA

(30 Seng Poh Road)

Tiong Bahru Roasted Pig Specialist (#02-38) With a few branches, this 50-year-old Cantonese meat stall still draws queues and orders for its char siew, roast pork and roast duck. Insiders go straight for the crisp-as-advertised suckling pig ($188) that rivals many restaurants. Daily 7am-8pm. www.tiongbahruroastedpig. com.sg

Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre

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Pop around the corner towards Hua Bee coffeeshop and you’ll stumble across this sign—a reminder of Tiong Bahru’s simple residential roots and neighbourhood quaintness.

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Tiong Bahru Lor Mee (#02-80) With two famous lor mee stalls, fans generally fall into either the ‘yellow bowl’ or ‘green bowl’ (178 Lor Mee, #02-58) camp (both $3). This stall is the former, retaining a more traditional taste with homemade ngoh hiang, fish cake, braised duck, braised egg and fried dumpling in a deliciously thick and not watery gravy—perfect with a big scoop of raw garlic and swirl of vinegar. Tue-Sun 6am-9pm

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Jian Bo Shui Kueh (#02-05) Fans travel from all over for this much-imitated steamed treat ($1.20/4 pieces). The rice cake is smooth, soft but not mushy, while the crunchy radish topping is sweet, savoury, nutty with sesame seeds and glistening with aromatic shallot oil. The spicy chilli is a star in its own right. Daily 6.30am-10pm

Aside from the 24-hour Giant Express supermarket (#01-07/08/09)—for that midnight craving of fresh fruit, of course—there are also convenient late night kopitiams, J.Membina Food House (#01-01) and 26 Food Loft (#01-10). Two Western stalls, Collin’s Grille.Bento and Char-Grill Bar (both chain outlets) are value for money haunts, while the laksa from the fishball noodle stall is fairly decent.

kim

Jian Bo Shui Kueh

AH bong Italian

Grave matter

house of peranakan petit

Just above the bus stop on Outram Road is part of the main road entrance to the old Gongshan primary school (demolished in 1988). It’s also the family burial plot for famed businessman Tan Tock Seng, who died in 1850. His grave, along with daughter-in-law and grand-daughterin-law’s, are flanked by four guardian stone lions.

Eng Hoon Street

The main commercial stretch is probably most famous for the bustling Tiong Bahru Bakery, which opened in 2012 (taking over an egg wholesaler store). g r av

Kopitiam (#01-46, 56 Eng Hoon) Aside from the famous yong tau foo, 10-month-old Ah Bong Italian stall is gaining traction. Ex-accountant Chris Ng parlayed a culinary diploma from at-Sunrice into a simple stall serving comfort al dente noodles the likes of mac n cheese ($6), and pasta with snail pomodoro ($8). Mon-Sat 10am-2.30pm. www.fb.com/ abititalian. At night, the whole kopitiam transforms into Day & Night pizzeria and taproom, with a similar Western menu to its predecessor Two Face. Tue-Thu 5-11pm, Fri-Sat 5.30pm-12am, Sun 10am-10pm

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House of peranakan petit (42 Eng Hoon) Chef-owner Bob Seah of House of Peranakan Group has set up his third and most modern branch. The traditionals are still lip-smackingly comforting, but don't miss new creations such as Bob's braised pork buns ($10) and scallop lemak ($28), where the lemak rempah melds beautifully with juicy Japanese scallops. WedMon 12-3pm, 6-10pm. Tel: 6222 1719

Foodie Market Place (225 Outram Road) Tucked away is this gourmet store at heartland prices. Chilled beef and lamb, frozen groceries, assortment of pastas, cheeses and sauces, and various drinks and snacks often run out of stock due to their wildly affordable prices. Think: Australian 150-day grain fed Black Angus striploin at $4.30/100g. Be prepared to queue at the butcher’s section on weekends as families stock up on meats for roasts and steaks. Tue-Fri 11am8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. Tel: 6224 3290 FASSLER GOURMET (#01-55, 55 TIONG BAHRU ROAD) Alongside Foodie, Fassler is the other gourmet goto. The store, which started as a pop-up, stocks an incredible array of sashimi-grade fish including its famous salmon and ikura (all of which are supplied to hotels and restaurants too). Newly stocked are ready-to-go meals such as sandwiches. Tue-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am6pm. Tel: 6221 3055 Qi Tian Gong Temple (44 Eng Hoon) Popularly referred to as the Monkey God Temple, the colourful house of worship houses more than 10 monkey god statues, the oldest dating almost a century old. Celebrations include Chinese street opera and lion and dragon dances. Daily 7am-5pm. www.qitiangong.com The Tiong Bahru Club Singapura (#01-88, 57 Eng Hoon) It's an uphill task taking over a beloved kopitiam, but the new operators have done a sensitive restoration job. The same folks behind Chaiholics offer an all-day menu with chai drinks and beer. The food blends “Old Raj’ flavours with local favourites, such as satay, devil’s curry and nasi goreng. The recently launched Yum lunch bento ($7.509.50) offers Club Nasi Lemak and classic beef rendang. (As for Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice, it’s moved to 71 Seng Poh.) Mon-Thu 8.30am-11pm, Fri-Sun 8.30am-12am. Tel: 6438 0168. www.fb.com/thesingapuraclub qi tian gong temple

Yong Huat Upholstery

(#01-09 , 60 Seng Poh Lane)

Hotel 81

Established in 1969, this textile refurbishment shop still run by the original couple, uses old fashioned tools to patiently upholster seats. The space used to be surrounded by car workshops, hence they specialised in seating.

Yong Siak Street

Where the hipsters first moved in. Made famous by 40 Hands (2009) and BooksActually (2010), Yong Siak is the other commercial stretch with an ever-changing cast of characters.

Open Door Policy (19 Yong Siak) One of the earliest diners to move in, ODP by the same group as 40 Hands and Tiong Bahru Bakery initially took over an old-school stationery store and retained those elements. The bistro has just been spruced up from its early rustic look, so expect plush chairs and a modern menu from head chef Daniele Sperindio. Liberal amounts of pine nuts adorn the lean, flavourful kangaroo fillet while guacamole risotto nearly steals the show with oozing egg yolk and crème fraiche topped with tortilla chips. Daily 12-3pm, 6-11pm. Tel: 6221 9307, www.odpsingapore.com Plain Vanilla (1D Yong Siak) Walk past the turquoise coloured bikes, potted herbs, artwork and shared bench seating, and step into a cupcake wonderland with real credentials. At $3.90 each or $22 for six, you might wonder if the meticulously handmade creations are worth the splurge—we say yes. All flavours, such as the carrot, dark chocolate ganache and seasonal specials like

caramelised figs and raspberry rose, are made with French butter, Madagascar bourbon vanilla, bittersweet Belgian chocolate, and fresh fruit. Tue-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-6pm. Tel: 6465 5942 Super Farmers (1M Yong Siak) Formerly housing the Crateful pop-up, the space is now temporarily home to urban farmer Cynthea Lam’s retail pop-up till September. The project helps people start their own home farming projects, whether for edibles or even decorative, in the quest to promote food awareness, health and sustainability. Daily 11am6pm. www.fb.com/superfarmers Hua Bee/Bincho (#01-19, 78 Moh Guan Terrace) Longtime residents have a soft spot for Hua Bee mee pok stall, which has been around for over 70 years. The place is seemingly frozen in time, even enshrined in the 1995 movie Mee Pok Man by Eric Khoo. In 2013, conservation-minded entrepreneur Loh Lik Peng took over the space but decided to leave Hua Bee to operate in the front, while high-end yakitori grill Bincho operates at the back. It’s a winning combination for everyone. (Hua Bee) Tue-Sat, 7am2pm. (Bincho) Tue-Sun 12-3pm, 6-11pm. Tel: 6438 4567, www.bincho.com.sg

DID YOU KNOW THere are five hotels within 5

minutes Walk of each other? Nostalgia Hotel (staycation promo from $170) Hotel 81 Osaka (from $109 nett) Cape Inn (from $107 per night) Wangz Hotel (from $208 Link Hotel (from $160)

w o k

t a l k

War of the noses

We follow our nozzles to the sprawling Old Airport Road Market & Food Centre, Home to almost 200 stalls and crawling with competition. We send our ARMY of hungry foodies to battle.

votes cho kee

Photography Benjamin Soh & Lim Kay Li

29 May, 2015 12.30pm

votes hua kee

During peak meal times, getting one’s hands on prime fodder is a survival skill.

Can’t get enough of the garlicky chicken chop (OMG), fried intestines (SHIOK), prawn noodles (SLURP), tender duck rice (MMM), rojak (POWER) and $3 (!!!) nasi biryani.

live prawns fished out for kallang cantonese hae mee.

it's durian!

votes

And so, our appetites won the war. And there was peace.

Old Airport Road Market & Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road

The total (9 pax): $58.20 #01-02 Hua Kee Hougang Famous Wan Ton Mee: medium $4 #01-04 Cho Kee Noodles: medium $4 #01-10 Albert Street Prawn Noodle: $5 #01-17 Hock Kee Duck Rice: set $3.80 #01-42 Selera Rasa: chicken biryani $3 #01-50 Ng Tong San Herb Tea: chrysanthemum & bitter tea $5 #01-53 Western Barbeque: chicken chop $6

#01-72 51 Soya Bean: original $1.50 #01-83 Kallang Cantonese Prawn Noodle: hae mee $5 #01-108 Toa Payoh Rojak: $4 #01-112 Xin Dong Fang: ngoh hiang $3, fried big intestine $6 #01-127 Lao Ban Soya Beancurd: original $1.50 #01-159 727 Cakerie: durian puffs $6.40/6pcs

Have a favourite hawker hunt? Talk to us at [bites.editorial@magsint.com] *BiTES dined incognito and paid for our own meaL

The pioneer wins… hands down.

Stave off heat and humidity in the body with some herbal tea.

Unleash the... chemical warfare (Yay!)

The bill

We rehash the food feuds and eat our way to mediation…

Cho Kee has better noodles + better flavour!

The score ➔ Food ➔ Ambience ➔ Value for money

THE VerdicT ➔ With so many stalls vying to attract customers, the food standards remain high. Almost everything is tasty, some even more so. You won’t go wrong to dine here—just visit during off-peak hours and note the haphazard stall numbers.

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Gourmet picks

Fancy a five-course degustation at just $68? You can’t believe how good the tasting menu is when it showcases chef’s creativity and classic favourites, changing monthly. Savoury and warm prosciutto fennel risotto in light seafood bisque gets the tastebuds going, while a sweet ending of Baileys souffle served with coffee ice cream completes the gourmet experience. Psst: you can also request for a course-by-course wine pairing! Vinyard at HortPark

A kiddie weekend

Every weekend, kids can look forward to a jolly Bouncy Castle, fun colouring activities and free ice cream. While the children have a blast, parents can pamper their palates with new brunch items such as seafood eggs Benedict served with classic poached eggs, ocean trout confit with bearnaise on toast. Take your time over coffee or wine as you opt for another smoked salmon bagel sandwich amidst the fresh greenery.

vineyardhortpark

Late night wine and tapas

Work woes feel further away when you’re sipping premium wine under the stars. From 6pm daily, the restaurant brings out delectable tapas items with big flavours, such as Gen’s Dynamite—deepfried breaded sweet green chilli stuffed with mozzarella served with wasabi mayonnaise, and kong bao split-fried wings with garlic, curry leaves and dried chilli. Pair your bites with over 80 labels on the wine list at value prices.

Lunch specials

Keep your zen intact with a lunchtime sojourn to Vineyard. Whether you’re looking to perk up a Monday or counting down to the weekend, the two- ($23) or three-course ($28) lunch is just what the doctor ordered. For entrees, choose from a range of hearty salads and soups, while the main course tempts with a Black Angus Ribeye Steak, Crayfish Pasta Aragosta and Norwegian Salmon. End with a hazelnut crunch bar or trio of sorbets to make your day.

Say “I Do”

Looking for that picturepostcard-perfect venue? You can’t miss out on a garden-themed solemnisation and wedding party where dining becomes one with nature. Couples can choose to hold their special day in the rustic indoor dining room, sheltered veranda or treat their guests to a relaxing glass of wine on Vineyard’s patio which is accented by the reflecting infinity pool.

| www.vineyard.com.sg | Tel: 6479 7977 | #02-02 HortPark, 33 Hyderabad Road

s u p e r m a r k e t

s l e u t h

Meal on a stick Whether you pop these INGREDIENTS over a grill, into an oven or even into a deep-fryer, food on a stick never goes out of style. By Vrinda Lathika, Photography Benjamin Soh. Location at AllSpice Institute

bell peppers

Cereal prawn mix ($1.80)

egg white

quail eggs ONIONS

thyme

Remove stalk from brown mushroom. Poke skewers on either side and crack one quail egg into the hollow. Cover with foil and grill/bake on high for 6-8 minutes.

eggplant

salt Parsley

tempura flour

Garnish with English parsley. pepper

INDIAN FUSION KEBAB

Blend ingredients with brown mushroom in a food processor, and shape mixture around skewer. Grill for 6-8 minutes, turning repeatedly.

JAPANESE KEBAB FRENCH KEBAB

Cut ingredients into slices and thread onto skewer. Dip in tempura batter (tempura flour and water). Deepfry till crisp over medium heat.

Precook sausage and cut into equal pieces

pineapple

yogHurt

Debone the chicken wing to create â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pocketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Feta cheese

sage

Dice ingredients into equal chunks and arrange on skewers. Grill on all sides for 8 minutes for nice grill marks. long beans

chilli padi

thyme

HAWAIIAN KEBAB

lemongrass

lime zest

lime juice

coriander stem

Marinade ingredients together for at least 30 minutes. Alternate chicken and mushroom on skewers and grill till meat is opaque and firm to touch.

GALANGAL

kaffir lime leaf

Chef Karuppiah sakhtivel The senior chef lecturer at AllSpice Institute preps students in the Diploma of Hospitality and Culinary Arts Course. He shares a bonus idea for fruit kebabs to wow guests with at a dinner party.

Fruit Kebab

fish sauce

Chop and stuff mixture into each chicken wing. Grill for 6 minutes till firm.

*Dice a variety of firm fruits (such as strawberries, rock melon, dragon fruit, honeydew, persimmon and kiwi) along with semi soft cheese like Camembert into same sized cubes. *Cut off bottom of a pineapple to make a stand. *Insert sticks into pineapple at an angle, with the sharp end out. Arrange your fruit on each stick, topping off with an attractive fruit at the end.

THAI STUFFED CHICKEN WING KEBAB TURKISH CHICKEN KEBAB

t h e

d r i n k

t a n k

Fresh beer chart We round up 12 microbreweries for your fix of FRESHLY craftED brews made on our own shores, tracing them from the time they were launched. By Julia Kwan and June Lee

1996

1997

Paulaner Bräuhaus

Brewerkz Microbrewery

#01-01 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard. Tel: 6883 2572 For many, Paulaner Brauhaus was where they got their first taste of German microbrewed beer, and thankfully, the cheery threestorey Bavarian restaurant is still around to serve up fresh lagers and hearty sausages. Working up an appetite? Their famous Sunday German brunch (from $48; top up $10 for free flow beer) offer mouthwatering German cuisine.

Brewerkz microbrewery

#01-05/06 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Road. Tel: 6438 7438 Close on Paulaner’s heels is Brewerkz, the sporty American-styled food and microbrewery concept with 12 different brews on tap at any point. If you’re just starting out, go for the tasting paddle for a sample of four beers, such as the signature Indian Pale Ale, oatmeal stout and pilsner. At three locations, but this is where all the beers are brewed.

2006 Beerfest

4 Rochester Park. Tel: 9722 7446 Not to be confused with the annual festival, this retreat from the city offer choices like their Dark Warder, Amber Sun, Greenpiece and seasonal Cherry Ruby beer. Their food menu running till 11pm offers Thai, Indian, Chinese, Russian and German fare, from steaks to som tam and Russian borscht.

2010

2009

2007

2006

LeVel33

Tawandang Microbrewery

RedDot Brewhouse

The Pump Room

#33-01 MBFC Tower 1, 8 Marina Boulevard. Tel: 6834 3133 No expense was spared when they created the world’s highest urban microbrewery. In-house brews include 33.1 Blond Lager, 33.15 India Pale Ale, 33.3 Stout, 33.4 House Porter and 33.9 Wheat Beer. Chef Jimi Tegerdine turns out fine European dining to match the beers and wine in this dressy, designer space.

#01-01 26 Dempsey Road. Tel: 6476 6742 Tawandang was the first German microbrewery in Thailand, known for live entertainment, Thai seafood and fresh brews. Their three signature beers—the Lager, Weizen and Dunkel—go well with their menu of spicy tom yum soup and deep fried smoked chicken wings. Also, catch your soccer matches live with an ice-cold pint.

#01-01, 25A Dempsey Road. Tel: 6475 0500 The first local-owned joint is famous for their Monster Green Lager. We enjoy the lush greenery at Dempsey and seeing the beer brewing equipment onsite, though others prefer the buzzier Boat Quay outlet. Drop by for their special SG50 beer—a unique brew of dragon fruit steeped in lager for a fruity finish. reddot brewhouse

2010

2012

2013

Adstragold Microbrewery

Blue Bali on Cluny

Hospoda Microbrewery

1D Cluny Road. Tel: 6733 0185 Originally begun as Little Bali, Blue Bali on Cluny is a little slice of paradise for Balinese fans. The eclectic craft beer offerings from their nano-brewery include wheat beers, ales and lagers infused with Balinese fruits and spices. Don’t leave without trying their signature beer, the Pink Mamba—an elegant concoction of wheat beer and red dragon fruit.

417/419 East Coast Road. Tel: 6345 3378 First opened at CHJIMES in 2010 and moving to roomier premises in 2011, they brew up 10 types of ales and stouts at one time. Flavours include nutty brown and red ale, and cider. Bar grub is also a hefty affair here—expect steaks and seafood from their in-house grill. adstragold microbrewery

2014

2013

925 Microbrewery & Restaurant

The Alpine Restaurant & Microbrewery

369 Jalan Besar. Tel: 6294 9215 Start with coffee and segue to beers, wine and cocktails through the day. Beer is freshly tapped from the 2,400 litre tanks, and they offer two resident beers on tap, and another three guest beers from UK, Japan and the US. Order their sinfully delicious deep fried chicken skins to go along.

925 microbrewery & restaurant

#01-09/10 The Foundry, 3B River Valley Road. Tel: 9627 4403 If you’re raring to bust out those killer dance moves while sipping on your craft brew, hop down to the place with the hippest night life in Singapore. The usual suspects are the Pump Room lager, Scottish ale, wheat ale and India pale ale. If you’re lucky, you may get to try the seasonal Brewmaster’s Reserve—a golden light ale with citrus and floral notes.

Snow City, 21 Jurong Town Hall Road. Tel: 6566 8389 They offer Freshbeer Lager, Freshbeer Weizen and Freshbeer Dark brew, but it is their Freshbeer Green—brewed with seaweed barley malt—which intrigues. The Alps-inspired restaurant is the fourth outlet by Indonesian Tan Mung Tjai, who owns Indonesian microbrewery Fresh Beer in Bali, Bintan and Batam.

#01-19 Albert Court Village Hotel, 180 Albert Street. Tel: 9666 5791 This simply furnished Czech microbrewery (its name means bar) offers Pilsner Urquell and Bohemia dark beer. For hearty chomps to pair, pick from Czech cuisine including pork prime ribs, pork knuckle and grilled duck. On a separate note, they accept Bitcoin.

Name that Malay kueh

last

Kueh dadar: (

Rolled-up pancake stuffed with coconut and palm sugar, this pillowy soft kueh takes you back to simpler times in the kampung.

a broad term that describeS cakes, cookies, pastries and the like, This asian staple has travelled as far afield as the Netherlands. Are you a master of kueh? Match the pics with the correct answers.

The green comprises pandan pudding while the white glutinous rice is steamed with coconut milk. This version sometimes uses the blue pea flower.

How did you do?

Kueh salat Nyonya version (E)

Made of mashed tapioca and gula melaka , this kueh is dense and crumbly.

Kueh kochi (C)

Kotah ubi: ( )

Onde onde (D)

)

Soft and chewy, this is a party in the mouth from the explosion of palm sugar in the centre.

Kota ubi (H)

Onde onde: (

Kueh dadar (G)

Although sometimes found at funerals, no need to be pantang! The black symbolises death, but the sweet filling represents resurrection.

Pulut inti (A)

)

Kueh salat Malay version (F)

Kueh kochi: (

Did you know that the blue colour is derived from the flower of the pea shoot? Rice is wrapped and steamed in banana leaves.

Kueh bakar (I)

(Nyonya version)

)

Pulut inti: ( )

Kueh binka (B)

Kueh salat:(

)

BiTES purchased our own Halal kuehs from lek lim Nonya Cake and confectionery and stall #02-120 Geylang Serai Market

Kueh ( salat:

(Malay Version)

)

The top green layer has a more jelly-like texture, the bottom layer is softer and has a strong coconut fragrance.

Kueh bakar: (

)

With a pudding-like texture, the kueh is traditionally made in a flower-shaped bronze mould. The sesame seeds add colour and crunch.

Kueh bingka: ( )

Kueh bingka is made of only shredded tapioca and coconut milk, with a very jelly-like texture.