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

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157/03/2015

This is the State where parties don't wait till the weekends.

As part of the State's celebration for the nation, island admission is declared free for guests entering by car or taxi on weekdays after 5pm. Special promotions are also available for birthday celebrations in Sentosa. Promotions are valid till 31 December 2015. Visit www.sentosa.com.sg/SG50 for more details. *Terms and Conditions apply. www.sentosa.com Tel.1800-SENTOSA (736 8672) #thestateoffun

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Every day is a Sentosa Funday The State of Fun, Sentosa offers an endless whirl of things to do and eat from morning to night—you won't want to leave! As the nation celebrates its Golden Jubilee, Sentosa dials up the fun factor with celebrations galore. In fact, with over 100 F&B outlets and dozens of attractions joining in the revelry, visitors are more than spoilt for choice when it comes to planning a day out. BiTES puts together a jam-packed itinerary for getting the most out of a trip to the State of Fun, with yet many more for another day. Oh and if you’re a MasterCard® cardholder, do bring it along for even more deals and privileges! At 10am, be the first to pop into the Skyline Luge Sentosa (45 Siloso Beach Walk. Tel: 6274 0472). You'll first take the skyride that brings you to the starting point of the Luge ride. Luge is a gravity thrill ride that's ideal for anyone, with kids under six years old and below 110cm riding tandem with an adult while anyone else can cruise or race two different trails on their own, in an easy-to-control vehicle. ◆ Exclusively with MasterCard, enjoy $6 off 5-rides tickets. With your adrenaline pumping, now’s the time to continue your adventure at Sentosa 4D AdventureLand (51B Imbiah Road. Tel: 6274 5355). Soak in the spills and thrills of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. The experience comes alive with special effects and synchronised elements of wind, water and surprising movements. Your OneDay Pass (Unlimited) also includes the 4D virtual Extreme Log Ride and Desperados, an interactive 4D shoot-out game. ◆ Exclusively with MasterCard, enjoy 15% off the one-day Adventure Pass (Unlimited).

The beckoning smells of thin-crust pizzas coming out of the wood-fired ovens at Trapizza (Level 1 on Siloso Beach, ShangriLa’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa, 101 Siloso Road. Tel: 6376 2662) reminds you to eat! Nosh on 12 varieties such as cheesy Margherita pizza, or the Trapizza linguine, tossed in white wine, saffron cream and topped with prawns and mussels. ◆ Exclusively with MasterCard, enjoy 15% off food. Get priceless photos at Madame Tussauds Singapore (40 Imbiah Road. Tel: 6715 4000), where the biggest celebs in sports, film, music and political leaders are waiting—in wax form. Don’t miss the Spirit of Singapore as well, the first Madame Tussauds boat ride through a fantasy tropical garden to ‘experience’ the F1 Night Race and more. ◆ Exclusively with MasterCard, enjoy 2 Madame Tussauds Full Experience tickets at $60 (U.P. $78). You won’t have to go too far ‘away’ if you’re in need of a treat. W Singapore Sentosa Cove’s refreshingly modern AWAY® Spa (21 Ocean Way. Tel: 6808 7290) is where you’re pampered in a rainforest ambience with signature therapies such as

Tel: 1800-SENTOSA (736 8672) | www.sentosa.com |

the AWAY® Massage, to detox from a long night and prepare for the day ahead! ◆ Exclusively with MasterCard, enjoy 15% off for all massages, facials and spa packages (valid weekdays 11am-3pm). Hungry after all the day’s activity? 5pm is the time to park yourself at Tanjong Beach Club (120 Tanjong Beach Walk. Tel: 9750 5323) as there are perks for MasterCard cardholders. The chic menu features starters such as tuna tartare and blue crab dip, as well as mains such as Tanjong Burger with truffle fries and beer-battered fish and chips. ◆ Exclusively with MasterCard, enjoy a free Maine lobster with 2 main courses ordered after 5pm (daily). Last but not least, refresh yourself under the stars at Bob’s Bar (Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls. Tel: 6591 5047), where the Cuban-inspired cocktails will whisk you away to Caribbean heaven. Delicious fresh sugarcane makes the Bob’s fresh-pressed mojito so much better as you enjoy the breezes and scenery at the open-air terrace. ◆ Exclusively with MasterCard, enjoy 15% off dining bill.

Check out more MasterCard® promotions online, ranging from F&B and attractions to hotels and spas at www.sentosa.com.sg/mastercard

www.facebook.com/sentosaofficial |

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2015 157/03/

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T h e s c o o p o n

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Gear up for

Epicurean Market!

inside CAFÉ HOT SEAT p8

Kiss 92 DJ Charmaine Yee has the golden voice

DESTINATION: JURONG EAST p20

The “Orchard of the West” is truly happening

WOK & TALK p22

This 'Old House' serves Dino prawn mee

*Heartsg Red velvet cake from lime pattiserie, parkroyal on pickering

KITCHEN PLAYGROUND p26 Shop our home-grown brands

w e l c o m e

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

• Ginkhao 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 • Yellow Submarine (Toa Payoh) • ZEN Japanese Cuisine • 31 Bar Kitchen Car showrooms Chevrolet • Citroen • Honda • Hyundai • Infiniti • Kia • Mazda • Nissan • Opel Singapore • Subaru • Toyota Singapore Cooking Schools Cookyn Inc • 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 • NUSS - Kent Ridge Guild House • NUSS - Bukit Timah Guild House • NUSS - Suntec City Guild House • 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

Cover image Lime Patisserie, PARKROYAL on Pickering

OTHERS Pet Lovers Centre Petrol Kiosks Caltex • ExxonMobil • Shell • SPC Salon Jean Yip Hairdressing schools •Temasek Polytechnic supermarkets Four Seasons Gourmet Market-MBLM • Four Seasons Organic Market-Great WorldCity • Four Seasons Organic Market-Parkway 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

Publisher Cecilia Goh

Web Developer Jun Evangelista

Editor June Lee Staff Writer Meredith Woo Editorial Intern Sharon Salim Contributors Vanessa Koh, Wenny Yeo

Accounts Manager Linda Ng

Senior Designer Benjamin Soh Design Intern Lim Kay Li Head of Business Development (Food Division) Carlos Loh Business Director Ashad Shah Business Managers Cherin Ong 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. 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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c a l e n dA r :

a u g u s t sunday

monday

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wednesday thursday friday

saturday

Ang Ku Kueh Girl workshop

TILL 2 AUG | FABER PEAK SINGAPORE

The craft-y Ang Ku Kueh Girl and friends will win you over with a step-by-step guide in creating a multi-fold card with a unique Cable Car envelope. Bring your little ones too! www.faberpeaksingapore.com

Scoops of Hope TILL 9 AUG |11AM-9PM | MARINA BAY SANDS

Savour eight flavours of specially created gelato from celeb restaurants (from $4.50, single scoop) www. marinabaysands. com/sandsfor-singapore/ scoops-of-hope. html

4 5 Singapore Master Mixology Food Festival 2015 Class with TILL 31 AUG Ethan Leslie Be ready to trade your Leong crops for baggier tops! www.yoursingapore. com/festivals-eventssingapore/annualhighlights/singaporefood-festival.html

$168 |3-5PM | ToTT

Learn a trick or two from the veteran, in mixing your own cocktails. www.content.tottstore. com

6 Pops of the Top

Savour Singapore Sling and sliders, and party on as OverEasy features indie hits that includes the oh-so-talented Goo Goo Dolls. www.overeasy.com.sg

13-16 AUG

The Karl Experience TILL 29 AUG | 7.30PM

FREE | 22-23 AUG | HOTEL FORT CANNING

Tickets are available at the door for foodies to sample local delights prepared by the hotel chefs, including kueh pie tee, bubur cha cha and many more! www.hfcsingapore.com

24 TILL 28 AUG

With over 600 participants from SMU, NUS and NTU last year, they are back this year as part of the Ultimate Food Trail challenge by SMU! www.smugourmetclub.com/

TILL 16 AUG | MARINA BAY SANDS

Snag a three-day pass ($28) and fill your plate with exquisite tastes from around the globe! www.marinabaysands. com/epicurean-market. html

15 World Halal Gourmet Expo

11AM-9PM |TILL 16 AUG | EXPO HALL 5

Find out all you need to know about Halal food trends at this exhibition. www.sphereexhibits. com.sg

22 Hands-on Bread Making Class

Who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love a soft, fluffy floss bread? Master the art of making soft bun breads with Felicia Hong from My Baking Needs. www.lessonsgowhere.com. sg/baking-classes/soft-bunbreads-ii-floss-red-bean-andraisin-breads

$42 | 3-5PM,12.30-230PM | TILL 31 AUG | AXIS BAR AND LOUNGE

Delicieux 2015

What else but a durianinspired afternoon tea?

(See this and more in our SG50 cover story, p10!)

coming up in september

26 SG50 Singapore Food Trail

14 Epicurean Market

$105 | 1-6PM | BLK 457 SEGAR ROAD

Have your senses awakened with this heightened experience where fashion, theatre and food blend together, transporting you to a make-believe dimension, (Wed-Thu $98, Fri-Sat $108). www.andsoforth.com.sg

23 Makan in the Park Food Fair

Besides the chance to try a variety of kuehs, pop down to catch our homegrown talents featuring pop rock band NOAH and hip hop artist Altimet among others in this annual fest. www.pestaraya. com/2015/

OverEasy at Fullerton 8PM TILL LATE | FULLERTON

Pesta Raya Malay Festival of Arts

7-10 AUG A very happy National Day weekend to everyone!

10-23 Sep: World Food Fair 2015 16 Sep: Foodi-licious Design (Food Play) 18-20 Sep: F1 Singapore Grand Prix 27 Sep: Mid-Autumn Festival

Maka

# b e s t b i t e s

on BiTES

India-licious! Jade of India proved a gem as Makan on BiTES winners showed up to a rousing feast on 7 July. The family owned restaurant served up lasuni tikka (chicken pieces marinated in refreshing yoghurt, garam masala and garlic) and crispy chilli baby corn for starters, with our readers diligently filling out the feedback form as they tasted the food. Fish head curry made with red snapper was a hit with its tomato-ish gravy, while piping hot tandoorbaked plain and garlic naans were perfect with chicken tikka masala. Happy from the food and warm service, we sipped homebrewed masala tea before the restaurant gifted us with loyalty cards. Scan the QR code for a slice of the action.

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!

AUGust: 5 readers stand to win SET DINNER FOR 2 Your clues: Situated in the midst of the lush foliage of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, this restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored bungalow and offers contemporary Western cuisine such as the prime rib royale, tuna tataki salad and warm molten chocolate cake with vanilla gelato. 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 7 September at 7pm. More on www.bites.com.sg/makanonbites

SPSG50_265x165mm_v2.ai

15/7/15

2:31 pm

Give us your best guess between 1-16 Aug to dine at the restaurant on 7 Sep, 7pm! For full details and to enter, visit www.bites.com.sg/ makanonbites

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GET YOUR PARTY HAT ON

Look forward to an exciting lineup of activities at Epicurean Market, the annual pilgrimage for the savvy foodie. The third edition of the gastronomic event is extending opening hours to 1am on 14 and 15 August by popular demand and introducing an After Party concept where, as the lights dim, you can hit the floor to sick beats by international DJs. There’s something for everyone during the jam-packed weekend, whether it’s snacking on bite-sized fare from your favourite celebrity chef restaurants; sampling wines, whiskies and cognacs; or sidling up to The Bar for a midday cocktail. So make sure you’ve got your smartphone on full charge and your walking shoes on—it’s going to be a weekend to remember. Hashtag your snaps with #EpicureanMarket to rack up those likes! $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 11am1am, 16 Aug 11am-9pm. Hall D and E, Basement 2, Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. www.marinabaysands.com/epicurean-market.html

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epicure august 2015 $8.50

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t h e

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gear up for

Epicurean Market!

best CoVer design gold aWard —asian publisHing aWards 2014

inside CAFÉ HOT SEAT p8

WHy berlin is tHe best street food City noW

life’s refinements

made in singapore

DESTINATION: JURONG EAST p20

The “Orchard of the West” is truly happening

KITCHEN pLAYGROUND p28 Shop our home-grown brands

august 2015 www.epicureasia.com mCi (p) 118/12/2013

WOK & TALK p22

This 'Old House' serves Dino prawn mee

*HEARTSG CAKE FROm LImE pATTISERIE, pARKROYAL ON pICKERING

Kaya scones and butter pudding with kaffir lime crème anglaise

Kiss 92 DJ Charmaine Yee has the golden voice

made in singapore Celebrating tHe old and neW of tHe little red dot ◆◆◆◆◆

samy’s Curry Crab bee Hoon ◆ sg50 treats mod-sin reCipes tHat WorK ◆

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plus your ultimate guide to Quayside isle dining ◆ in this issue royal selangor WHisKy deCanters 00cover-aug15.indd 2

7/20/15 6:26 PM

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.

Stock up on the freshest heirloom tomatoes, kale and artichokes from the Farmer’s Market at closeto-wholesale prices—you can’t snag a better deal that that. Taking after the farmer’s markets of California, Epicurean Market’s version will showcase high quality vegetables, roots, fruits and seafood as well as artisan products in a rustic setting. You can also grab samples, glean cooking tips from experts, and pick up a recipe card or two. Better yet, hit Épicerie Boulud, chef Daniel Boulud’s popular take-out store in the Big Apple, where you can purchase house-made charcuterie alongside freshly baked breads and pastries.

The stage is set for round two of the epic mystery box cook-off between executive chefs Jonathan Kinsella (db Bistro & Oyster Bar) and David Almany (Osteria Mozza). Like last year, the chefs will have to whip up a dish using ingredients from a mystery box in just 45 minutes. They will be judged by a trio of judges—last year’s showdown saw top toques such as Tetsuya Wakuda and Justin Quek scrutinising the duo’s dishes.

Here’s one compelling reason why comic book geeks should head down to Epicurean Market this year—the folks behind the newly opened DC Comics Super Heroes Café will be presenting a whole range of superheroinspired bites. Working with Singaporean chef and household name Eric Teo, you’ll be able to get your hands on a Batman Burger, Super Hero Burritoes and Super Hero Nachos. You’ll even get to see for yourself Teo’s hidden talent—drawing comics! The talented chef will be showing off his sketches at a masterclass while also dishing out tips on how to cook up a Super Heroes-themed chicken sausage gumbo with parmesan lavosh and tomato carpaccio salad.

5 Don’t miss these highlights! Remember to grab your very own Epicurean Passport before you start perusing the bazaar! You can collect stamps and chronicle your culinary adventure as you spend at the various booths. Once you’ve collected five different stamps, you’re entitled to redeem two limited edition SG50 Coca-Cola aluminium bottles, while stocks last.

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Waku Ghin’s booth last year was an absolute sell-out—the restaurant used 200kg of short rib beef, 100kg of Ohmi beef, 150 Japanese musk melons and 800 abalones in just three days. But there’s even more to look forward to from Tetsuya Wakuda’s booth this year other than the ever-popular marinated botan shrimp with sea urchin and Oscietra caviar. The Sydney-based chef will be introducing a new range

of 12 exquisite pastries at a second booth—just grab his special blend of ice coffee at the Nespresso bar next door, and there’s your afternoon tea settled.

Alumni chefs Daniel Chavez of OLA Cocina del Mar (previously of Santi) and Stephane Istel of Bar-Roque Grill (formerly from db Bistro) will also be joining in the festivities at Epicurean Market by making you sure you get fed during the After Party. Look forward to their late night bites at pop-up booths for just four hours on 14 and 15 August.

The Minions craze has everyone all riled up, and in a move certain to please the young ‘uns, the Junior Pastry Academy will see db Bistro & Oyster Bar’s executive pastry chef Benjamin Siwek guiding the kids to create a cute ‘Minion’ birthday cake. The class is open to children between five and 10 years old. Pre-register by emailing dbreservations@ marinabaysands.com.

Last year’s response to seafood supplier Global Oceanlink’s oysters showcase was so positive— they sold more than 7,000 of the bivalves—that they’ll be making a return to Epicurean Market this year. You’ll be able to purchase freshly shucked varieties such as the Kumamoto, Shigoku and Virginica, shipped from Taylor Shellfish Farm in Seattle, at a steal—just $15 for half a dozen. Premium cod and tuna fillets, cooked Boston lobsters, snow and king crab legs, clams and mussels will also be available to the sea-foodies.

Are all those television baking competitions awakening your inner Julia Child? Then catch a masterclass by executive pastry chef Michael Hadobas of CUT by Wolfgang Puck, who will letting on the secret to making perfect eclairs and pate a choux.

Discover North India through its spices as you embark on a culinary journey with chef Javed Ahamad of Punjab Grill. By the end of the masterclass, you’ll be able to tell your carom seeds from your cardamom and also whip up the restaurant’s bestselling butter chicken at home.

Nomming Nihon

At Shun Ka Shuu Tou—the name refers to the four seasons—traditional kaiseki (from $150) is the speciality. Chef Jack Tan, who mentored under chef Chigira Hiroshi of Tatsuya, reveals the best produce each season, such as juicy sweet tomatoes and luscious silky eggplant for summer. Kaiseki dining, unlike omakase, follows a typical fixed order of an appetiser, sashimi, a simmered dish, a grilled fish, a steamed course and a rice dish, followed by dessert. The restaurant’s private tatami rooms are furnished in the seasonal theme as well, making for an inviting space to discover the delights of a formal kaiseki experience. Check out also the speedy value lunch sets. 2/F Amara Singapore, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road. Tel: 6444 7735 shun Ka shuu tou

Kuishin Bo is back at Suntec City (reopened 15 May). Apart from its new location, the windows offer

passers-by glances at kuishin diners’ snow crab legs bo (dinner only), paper hotpots and brimming platters of sashimi (from $18.90++). A highlight is Kids Haven, sporting vivid masks of Doraemon and Pikachu, and a thoughtful low counter with fun, healthier choice faves like chicken ragout spaghetti, DIY ice kachang and a popcorn machine. Till 27 Sep, savour Kyushu and Okinawa themed dishes like rafute (pork belly stewed in soy sauce) and chinbin (rolled-up crepes with Okinawa brown sugar). Look out for the mochi tsuki (rice cake pounding ceremony) and doughnut making demos (SatSun) at the mini stage area. #03-334 Suntec City (North Wing, Tower 2), 3 Temasek Boulevard. Tel: 6341 9200 Ramen Keisuke's latest concept, Tendon Ginza Itsuki, offers food at really affordable prices: a Special Tendon packed with prawns, tender and moist chicken breast, veggies and an onsen egg goes at just $13.90, while the Vegetable Tendon ($12.90) arrives brimming with 10 types of greens. Both are served with chawanmushi, miso soup and pickles. You'll likely be assigned seats at the bar—that’s where the tempura are fried (watch how they make the egg) and each order is plated. 101 Tanjong Pagar Road. Tel: 6221 6678 Whet your appetite with the wafting, smokey

enbu

scents of ENBU’s warayaki-ya dining concept—grilling with charcoal and straw. Katsuo warayaki ($16) unveils slabs of bonito smoked with a blush interior, allowing a balanced taste of aromatic with sweet flesh. Deep-fried tofu ($12) is a crispy blocks of crisp-fried, fresh silken tofu served with a velvety, umami uni sauce. Pair up their exclusive range of Coedo’s craft beers ($15, 350ml) and Suntory Kakubin Draft Highball ($10, 45ml). The eatery is one of seven that’s opening over the next few weeks at Eat at Seven, an ANA Airlines venture to bring top Japanese food concepts to Singapore. #03-310 Suntec City Mall Sky Garden, 3 Temasek Boulevard. Tel: 6238 1630

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Cafe H t Seat

In this column, we pick a notable personality to go cafe-hopping with us. This August, colourful radio DJ Charmaine Yee charms us with her infectious laughter and savvy advice on life, love and work By June Lee

Charmaine, but getting into the industry hasn’t been easy. She reflects, “At 22, I was told I didn’t have the ‘right package’ for the entertainment industry. For three years, I would wonder why I was passed over while tall, gorgeous leggy candidates got the job. Yes, there is a stress to be a size 0 girl, but I learned to be happy with myself and be in my element.” Her long-time stint in radio has kept her on her toes, teaching her to be instantaneous and quick-witted, while the new foray into TV is more glam but scripted. “I always wanted to run a business before 30, maybe a marketing firm, and now, I am my own business,” she smiles. A previous venture, a fashion blogshop with her ex-boyfriend, didn’t work out, as she had no time to really focus on it and the market was saturated by the time she started. The experience was valuable, she concedes, adding with a hearty chuckle that she also learnt something else—”don’t start a business with your boyfriend!” With a small appetite but huge love of food, Charmaine posts plenty of her drool-worthy meals from around the world. Waitressing at her first job at the nowdefunct Seah Street Deli (Raffles Hotel), she is critical

@bitessg & @themarmaladepantry with @yeecharmaine about service only because she has been through it. “I spilled Dr. Pepper on a customer and apologised a million times,” she shudders in memory at her 16-yearold self. “He still came back though! Accidents do happen, but recovery is important. Poor service—the kind where you drag your feet or don’t smile—that’s what really turns people off.” Luckily, we don’t think Charmaine will be running out of smiles anytime soon.

What We Ordered

@themarmaladepantry at Oasia Hotel Fresh-faced Charmaine Yee is the girl next door, just more famous and twice as pretty. When the Kiss 92FM DJ and FOX Sports Asia TV presenter arrives to Marmalade Pantry, Oasia Hotel, in her pastel-pretty mermaid dress and denim jacket, it’s hard not to stare. But this former CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School prefect is used to it—it seems she’s always had a flair for the dramatic. “People think I did sports but I joined English Language, Drama and Dance instead.” The selfprofessed “loud kid” was vice captain of Blue House and vice president of ELDDS, and at 13 was told by a teacher, Jerilee Leong, that her voice would be her asset (she’s hoping to reconnect with Ms Leong for a story, if any of our readers know how to get in touch!) Her friendships from school have lasted the distance, too. “We would walk in a big clique,” she laughs, “and those girls are still my best friends. They’re the ones who text to tell me there’s a spelling error on my Instagram, or give me their honest opinions on my dress or hair. I really treasure that.” Our coffee orders arrive; Charmaine’s is an Oriole Coffee Magpie blend cappuccino, with earthy chocolate and nut notes, a cuppa that’s just like her, she quotes, “People who like cappuccino are warm-hearted but oblivious—their friends have to remind you to wipe the foam off your mouth!” There’s a Jennifer Lawrence-like playfulness about

@yeecharmaine in her element

Charmaine had: Lobster barley risotto ($32) and cappuccino ($6); “the barley with carrot, butternut and sour cream is much lighter and refreshing than usual risotto, and the lobster’s so fresh” June had: Limonata cupcake ($4.90)—“their tangy cupcake has been my fave for 13 years!” Kay Li had: The substantial and chunky miso lobster burger ($34), with shoestring fries on the side, and completed with sticky date and toffee pudding ($14)

#hairadventures

#dating

CHAMELEON: “My hair takes a lot of colour. Purple, green, blonde, red and now #bayalage, which are different hues of brown—it’s the safest for TV.” FAVE: “Rainbow, definitely. I haven’t had black hair since I left marketing and joined radio.” SALON: “Franz de Paris, with my superstar hairstylist @tanangeline_. I go twice a month.” ZEN: “Colouring can take up to five hours, it’s like a spa, I recalibrate and look at things clearly after that.”

WHO’S THAT: “Charming Antoine. We went to Bali together with my mum but we’re just friends!” EX-ES: “I dated someone in the industry once, but I want people to know me, not who I’m dating. Another ex didn’t want me to do TV—he asked, ‘why would you want people to see you?’” ADVICE: “If your mother doesn’t like him/her, give it time, more often than not she’s right. Yes I’m seeing someone now, it’s long-distance and I’m in a good place.”

wheelS of fortune

Mooncakes we’re raring to preorder this season

We love Bakerzin’s Peranakan-inspired premium tote bags as well as its mooncakes’ unique snow skin texture. Standouts include ang ku kueh inspired mung bean and peanut snow skin (within the new Celebration Collection, $68/box of 8pcs) and dry gin yuzu snow skin (Bliss Collection). Early bird: 10% off at its outlets (12-31 Aug). www.bakerzin.com Don’t miss Crystal Jade’s Moët & Chandon Impérial or Rosé Impérial Champagne mooncakes which come with a 375ml bottle of Moét Impérial Brut ($128/ box of 4pcs). Try also the signature mixed nuts and jinhua ham baked skin mooncake and natural sea salt with dark chocolate from Italian chocolatier Icam). Early bird: 20% off (21 Aug to 13 Sep), 10% off (14-27 Sep). www.crystaljade.com Szechuan Court’s burgundy box dressed in intricate orchid patterns can be used as a jewellery chest ($88/box).

Its new Mid-Autumn gems include yuzu passion snow skin, and Autumn Treasures baked mooncake. We also can’t pass up the longevity peach-shaped single yolk & macadamia nuts in white lotus paste. Early bird: 30% off (till 7 Aug, online orders only); 25% off (8-31 Aug). Both min. order of two boxes. Fairmont Singapore, www.celebrationscentral.com.sg We’re pining for tcc’s bestseller javainfused Baileys Amore and new Curacao 87 (both from Royal Elixir mini snow skin). Save the packaging (4pcs box), for it converts easily into a stylish wine carrier, great for those year-end parties. Early bird: Gift Card Special from $48 (till 17 Aug, U.P. $55-65/box), from 15% off (18 Aug to 6 Sep). theconnoisseurconcerto.com Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant’s special orders include Teochew yam paste with single egg yolk and low sugar white lotus seed paste with four egg yolks (from $68/4pcs). Try also Xin’s signature mini egg custard with egg yolk mooncake, housed in a box featuring 50 Vanda Miss Joaquim (Singapore's National flower, $54/box of 6pcs) Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, Tel: 6731 7173

bakerzin

szechuan court, fairmont singapore tcc

crystal jade

Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium

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SG50 Mania

What’s red, white and hot? The BiTES team recommends the top 50 dining experiences, treats, deals, events and collectibles you simply can’t miss this year. Let's celebrate this once in a lifetime Golden Jubilee!

Collectibles

La Cure Gourmande, landed on our shores in May, and they’ve won our hearts with a SG50 tin ($33, till end Sep) featuring artist impressions of our national symbols, and filled with their signature butter cookies. #03-09 Takashimaya S.C, 391 Orchard Road. Tel: 6684 2983

Ayam Brand has released 1 million pieces of its SG50 sardine cans ($2.40 for 215g, $3.95 for 425g) in six designs. The winning artworks were chosen from over 700 public submissions, in the first such project.

Coca-Cola couldn’t get any better, now that they’ve released five designs of limited edition aluminium bottles ($2.95) featuring Singaporean icons such as our HDB flats, National Service, birdsinging corners, game of five stones, and the MRT network.

When beer drinkers around the world seek out Tiger beer as one of the world’s best lagers, you know we have a good thing going. To celebrate the occasion, the SG50 15-can (323ml)

take-home packs ($35) comes with a collectible SG50 glassware. For Tupperware’s 50th anniversary, it has designed its first-ever Singapore exclusive collection just for our 50th celebrations. The limited edition Vanda Miss Joaquim gift set ($50) comprises two One Touch Canister Junior and two One Touch Topper Junior with a matching carrier bag, all encircled with the elegant namesake orchid design. #01-00, 85 Defu Lane 10

Homegrown brand 1872 Clipper Tea & Co. commemorates landmarks in their City of Flavours - Singapore's Local Delights keepsake box collection ($50). The Orchard Road blends hibiscus flowers and raspberry leaf, along with High Street Ceylon black tea, and Lau Pa Sat infused with gula Melaka.

Established in 1956, OWL Coffee has chosen to support the arts via a special promo pack (free with promotional pack sales) featuring a coffee artwork by a 15-year-old budding artist. Proceeds go towards the SING50 fund.

The SG Funpack (free to every Singaporean and PR household) contains nostalgic games and toys, and best of all, a commemorative Singa Lion figurine! If you want more than one, you can buy individual ($10/each) or the Collectible Box Set ($300 including a special DIY figurine). www.kindness.sg

Cocktails

We’re all over Hopscotch Bar’s Liew Lian Liew Lian ($22) cocktail, featuring the King of Fruits in a fantastically addictive blend—creamy, fragrant and almost floral, no kidding! Angostura light rum, Disaronno Amaretto, pink salt, milk and durian ice cream is served in a closed jar, for all the fruit’s goodness without too much of a smell. #01-04, 28 Maxwell Road. Tel: 6327 4820

Pan Pacific Singapore has created Fireworks No50 ($22), a refreshing blend of gin and white balsamico with zesty hints of lemon, lychee and beetroot. We love

the accompanying festive sparkler that inspired its name. The Atrium, Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard.

If any drink has put Singapore on the map, it has to be Long Bar’s Singapore Sling. Invented by Hainanese bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915 to cater to British ladies, the sweet drink celebrates its 100th year by doing away with premixes. 1 Beach Rd, Raffles Hotel Singapore. Tel: 6412 1230

How cheeky! Stylo Milo ($20) from Ding Dong is a dessert cocktail that brings memories of chilled, comforting Milo from the green trucks of yore. This version uses Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve whisky, green Chartreuse and Milo concentrate—served perfectly in a crumpled green cup. 23 Ann Siang Road. Tel: 6557 0189

Drinkdings is offering a complimentary SG50 cocktail menu of four specially created tipples for every Mobile Bar booking this month. The Jubilee Ruby, or Juby, is just what the nation loves—a tropical mix of rum, Malibu, coconut juice, mint and happy jelly bits with capsicum. serveme@drinkdings.com

Dishes

One of two special SG50 dishes available till 31 Aug, BWB's tiger prawn otak otak burger ($17.50) is made of mackerel and tiger prawns accompanied with streaky bacon, sunny side up eggs and curry aioli. #11-03/04 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road. Tel: 6634 0423

Almost too cute to eat, Crystal Jade Palace Restaurant’s chirpy chick pastry ($5.50/3) lotus paste filled pastry is available till 30 Sep. #04-19 Takashimaya S.C., 391 Orchard Road. Tel: 6735 2388

Till 31 Aug, Din Tai Fung’s bitesized xiao long bao rendition of the classic chilli crab dish ($7.50/4) is an unorthodox but tasty blend of crabmeat and pork, juicy and savoury at the same time. #01-04 Junction 8 Shopping Centre, 9 Bishan Place. Tel: 6356 5228

Serving up to four diners, Majestic Bay's signature Boston lobster bee hoon ($50, usual price $84) is limited to one order per table, while stocks last. #01-10 Flower Dome, Gardens By The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive. Tel: 6604 6604

One of the four main dishes available at Pastamania, the prawn sambal-pura pasta ($16.90) sambal sauce together with the deep fried silver fish creates a nostalgic taste that works wonderfully. #B1-08 Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria Street. Tel: 6339 6635

Putting an Italian twist on Singapore’s beloved chilli crab, Spizza’s National Day pizza ($20-24) is topped with a combination of crab

meat, sun-dried tomatoes and rucola salad. #B2-52 Capitol Piazza, 13 Stamford Road. Tel: 6702 1835

Treats

Sep, the treat is topped off with a Merlion biscuit during the National Day weekend only. #01-37 313@somerset, 313 Orchard Road. Tel: 6884 8468

One of four winning entries for SG50, Artisan Boulangerie Co.’s la madeleine durian blends durian puree together with buttery madeleine to create a perfect balance. Till Aug 31. #01-02 Asia Square Tower 2, 12 Marina View. Tel: 6844 9907 Using handmade baguettes and their very own creme patissiere kaya recipe, the Antoinette queen kaya toast ($10/3) is one that is fit for royalty. 30 Penhas Road (off Lavender Street). Tel: 6293 3121

A modern twist on a traditional Teochew treat, Bloomsbury Bakers’ lighter-style orh nee cake ($6.50/slice) is one of three special offerings for SG50. #01-889 Blk 30 Bendemeer Road. Tel: 6299 3450

Domino’s banana kaya dessert ($3.90, U.P. $7.80) hits the right spot with its light buttery crust, aromatic pandan kaya and rasted banana slices. www.dominos.com.sg

Available in two flavours, Fiesta’s Hokkaido red velvet ($4.20) and white chocolate ($4.50) cheesecakes will be sold exclusively at all Ichiban Sushi and Ichiban Boshi outlets. Ichiban Sushi #02-23 Hougang Mall, 90 Hougang Avenue 10. Tel: 6386 7836

Lasting till 17 Aug, Ichiban Sushi/Ichiban Boshi’s Singapura nigiri ($4.20/plate) is made from a combination of tuna, cuttlefish, red pepper, parsley and salt-flavoured sauce and is just one of many specials on the menu. #B1-04 Nex, 23 Serangoon Central. Tel: 6634 0128

Don’t miss out Krispy Kreme’s marshmallow topped Milo or the lemon filled lemon National Day doughnuts ($2.95) available only from 7-9 Aug. #01-419/420 Suntec City Mall 3 Temasek Boulevard

One out of four flavours available, Tiong Bahru Bakery’s flying pig croissant ($4.50) is a unique mixture of spicy pork sausage, caramelised onion jam and miso dressing. #01-70 56 Eng Hoon Street. Tel: 6220 3430

The patriotic two-layered Lime Patisserie HeartSG Red Velvet Cake ($50) in the shape of Singapore island is available till 30 Sep and comes with a limited edition tote bag with every purchase. PARKROYAL on Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering Street. Tel: 6809 8899

Available till 31 Aug across all outlets, St. Marc’s Café’s chilli crab croissant ($2.60) puts a savoury, lightly spicy spin on their airy confections. #01-108 to 110 VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk. Tel: 6222 2309

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Honey Crème’s pandan gula Melaka ($6) comes packed with attap chee and sprinkled with coconut chips. Available till 30

Don’t miss Goodwood Park Hotel’s D24 durian mousse cake ($50, 500g) inspired by the hotel’s original durian mousse cake, available 1-10 Aug. 22 Scotts Road. Tel: 6730 1786

coconut flavours. Till end Aug. Conrad Centennial Hotel, 2 Temasek Boulevard. Tel: 6432 7487

Complete with a gummy worm, shovel your way to the bottom of Swensen’s Milo Dinosaur sundae dirt pot ($10.50). With Milo powder covering the Milo ice cream underneath, this treat rightly brings Milo flavours to the fore. #03-11 JEM, 50 Jurong Gateway Road. Tel: 6734 7712 The Terrace’s SG50 red and white lapis ($75, 1kg) layered cake is the perfect combination of bandung and

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Dining Experiences

Axis Bar and Lounge’s SG50 Singapore Food Trail monthlong afternoon tea ($42/pax, $80/2 pax) packs a punch with three tiers of durian desserts (scones, creme brulee, souffle roll etc) along with local-style canapes. Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, 5 Raffles Avenue. Tel: 6885 3500

Swoon over Fordham & Grand’s SG50 Tasting Menu three-course Mod-Sin meal ($50, till 15 Aug). Start with piquant chilli crab over warm homemade focaccia, dive into Hokkien mee crafted from linguine, tiger prawns, Japanese pork and calamari, and finish with banana cake goreng pisang, paired with vanilla ice cream. 43 Craig Road. Tel: 6221 3088

You won't get such moovelous prices any other time at Fat Cow. The hearty lunchtime SG50 Shokado Bento ($50) features kinpirago (sauteed burdock and carrots), wakeginuta (leek, seaweed and shellfish with vinegar miso), sashimi— and of course, a Wagyu hamburg steak. #01-01/02 Camden Medical Centre Singapore, 1 Orchard Boulevard. Tel: 6735 0308

Dine while soaring above our sunny island with Singapore Delights onboard Singapore Cable Car. Can't decide between Hainanese chicken rice and chilli crab meat with mini mantou? Have both options and five other local faves in one bento ($50, till 30 Sep). Pre-order only. Tel: 6377 9688, www.faberpeaksingapore.com

Chow down on heartwarming dishes that’ll make you beam with pride at Bakerzin: mains include pork belly rice, satay burger and chilli crab pasta. Each Celebration Set Meal ($15-$20, till 31 Aug) comes with an appetiser and a Snapple drink. Don't skip the $5

add-on dessert for the full experience. www.bakerzin.com

Deals

New parents of SG50 tots, enjoy up to 50 percent off your Neo Garden Catering 宝宝 Baby Full Month buffets. The same goes for granny or yeye's party with the Pioneer Generation Birthday Buffet Promotion. For anything else, turn to the (Un-unun) Unbelievable Weekdays Promotion (Monday events net you 50 percent off Deluxe, Divine and Blossom menus). Till 31 Dec. Tel: 6896 7757, www. neogarden. com.sg

Be whisked away in a limousine to a three-hour Flavours of Singapore hands-on cooking class. After you whip up dishes like Nyonya laksa, chilli crab, chicken satay with peanut sauce and onde-onde, head back to your cosy room to unwind, thanks to Hotel Clover's SG50 Room Package: be a Clover Wok Star! (from $540/2 nights; till 30 Sep). www.hotelclover.com

Tuck into a six-course $34 Celebratory Set (U.P. $88, min. two to dine) from En Grill & Bar which stars chef recommended Wagyu and seafood dishes (fugu mirin, aburi hotate ikura salad, grilled salmon with butter shoyu, etc. Till 31 Aug, reservation required. #0160 UE Square, 207 River Valley Road. Tel: 6732 6863

Treat yourself to Kinsa Sushi’s signature Wagyu don, sashimi and sushi, and enjoy $5 cash voucher rebates with every $50 spent (before service charge and tax, dine-in only). Till 31 Aug. #02-02 HillV2, 4 Hillview Rise. Tel: 6710 7278

A pot of Segar Village's authentic fish head curry at half price ($10)? While there, don’t forget to order their barbecue dishes and other items from the mouthwatering halal tze char menu. Til 30 Aug. 19 Sims Way @ Geylang Lor 3. Tel: 6547 1031

Enjoy Jack’s Place flambe escargot at half price (6pcs, U.P. $10.50) sauteed with creamy garlic butter and baked in their shells with any main course or set meal ordered. Perfect for Instagram when set alight. jacksplace.com.sg

Nosh on HarriAnns Nonya Table's $8.80 nett high tea set for two (till 31 Aug). It includes the third-gen family-run business' choux filled with Nyonya kaya cream, six kuehs (rainbow lapis, pink fairy, kueh salat, etc) and two cups of traditional Nanyang style coffee/tea. #01-01A Bugis Junction Towers, 230 Victoria Street. Tel: 97367 449

Events

Giant Tampines celebrates our local SMEs (till 31 Aug) with special booth spaces given to 31 brands at the SG50 Pop-up Fair. Shop for the meaty Capitaine sardines, try Camel's new muruku and try Coffeehock's raw sugar java. Level 1, #03-01, 21 Tampines North Drive 2. Tel: 6788 5919

You gotta party like it's SG50! Pops Of The Top at OverEasy Fullerton’s 6 Aug gig features Kurt and KiDG spinning old school faves and pre-millennial hits from Third Eye Blind to the Goo Goo Dolls. From 8pm till late. #01-06 One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road. Tel: 9129 8484

Head to The State of Fun, Sentosa, to view 3D video projection mapping shows on the Sentosa Merlion (till 30 Aug), and free guided tours of Fort Siloso (till 10 Aug, excl. 9 Aug). During the Golden Jubilee weekend, view a 100m-long sand sculpture showcasing Singapore's key achievements and milestones at Siloso Beach (7-10 Aug). Enjoy other freebies like cable car joyrides (10 Aug, 8.45am9.30pm). Best of all, enter for free if you drive in (car or taxi) after 5pm on weekdays (till 31 Dec)! www.sentosa.com.sg/sg50

You must make a trip to Singapore's newly-crowned and first UNESCO site, Singapore Botanic Gardens. There'll be a carnival, concerts, an orchestra, movie screenings, band performances and a live screening of our NDP at various sites (7-9 Aug, 10am-10pm). Look out for vintage knick-knacks, traditional snacks like kachang puteh and other nostalgic activities which also celebrate our Gardens' heritage. Tel: 6471 7138, www.sbg.org.sg

National Day Parade 2015 We celebrate our golden jubilee, the celebration's theme echoing our anthem's chorus of 'Majulah Singapura'. So go on, collect your NDP Funpack, fill your picnic basket, wear red, and enjoy the extra special aerial displays, a vintage segment, and of course the beautiful fireworks! 9 Aug. www.ndp.org.sg

ADVERTORIAL

Thirst quencher When heading out to party, you want a drink that's as crisp, refreshing and easy to down as Somersby cider—it's just the right amount of buzz in a bottle, and goes well with all kinds of food

mogambo bar & restaurant

hero's

Hero’s

If you love live music, themed outlets and plenty of late night party fun, Hero’s ticks all the right boxes. This 2,500sq ft venue by the Mogambo Asia Group is done in a timeless Old West Saloon style, with resident band Into-It performing rock and pop hits from the 1970s and beyond from 10pm every night. Diners nosh on Tex-Mex favourites and mouth-watering burgers from BERGS, which pair refreshingly well with crisp Somersby cider—as the cider contains fresh apple flavours at just 4.5% alcohol, you won’t feel full too quickly while hanging out with your friends. Mon-Fri 5pm-3am, Sat 6pm-4am. 69 Circular Road, #01-01. Tel: 6438 6058, www.heros.sg, www.facebook.com/ heroslivemusic

Mogambo Bar & Restaurant

Since the early 1980s, Mogambo has been rocking Asia—from the Philippines to Japan to Singapore. This hip and happening jungle themed bar has been based in the CBD area since June 2011, offering both indoor and outdoor sections manned by the friendly waitstaff who are more like friends. The al fresco area is a chill-out drinking and dining space where a bottle of icy cold Somersby cider hits the spot alongside BERGS sliders, burgers, fish n chips and other pub grub. The party zone inside sports an island-style bar with an infectiously fun and down-to-earth atmosphere. Mon-Fri 11am-3am, Sat 5pm-3am. 3 Canton Street, #01-01/02 Boat Quay. Tel: 6438 9808, www.mogambo.sg, www.facebook.com/mogambo.sg

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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. Chope a seat at one of these all-you-can-eat places and pile your plate high with lots of favourite local flavours this SG50 holiday. Love sushi? We’ve rounded up picks under $50 nett too. 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)

Saltwater Café Lobby Level Changi Village Hotel, 1 Netheravon Road. Tel: 6379 7018 Tuck into their daily Kampong Buffet Lunch ($38++; Mon-Fri 12-2.30pm, Sat-Sun & PH 12-4pm) which features delectable Asian delicacies such as lor mee, pig’s tail soup with lotus roots and peanuts, biryani and a selection of desserts. Highlights are the outdoor teh tarik station where you can watch tea being ‘pulled’, and feast on freshly grilled satay. It’s a great reason to visit this idyllic enclave that’s close to the shoreline and a boat ride away from Pulau Ubin.

grouper king seafood restaurant

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

#sosingaporean Buffets

[$] Café Lodge Y.W.C.A. Fort Canning Lodge, 6 Fort Canning Road. Tel: 6333 0487 Head to the serene Fort Canning for a meal at this all-day dining outlet. The dinner buffet ($32++, Fri-Sat 6-8.30pm; 7-10 Aug: 11.30am-2.30pm/3-5.30pm/6-8.30pm, National Day menu will include special dishes) features rotating themes of Peranakan, Teochew or Hakka—call ahead to enquire or reserve. Enjoy favourites babi pongteh, Nonya chap chye, nasi ulam and durian pengat while you admire the greenery. Food Haven the Restaurant Singapore Polytechnic Staff Centre (Gate 3), 500 Dover Road. Tel: 6778 3622 Bet you didn’t know about this hidden find—and yes, they’re open to the public. Savour a bowl of noodles from their DIY station (rotates between mee rebus/laksa/lor mee/mee siam), then fill up on ayam masak merah, ngo hiang and ice kachang (11am-2.30pm; Mon-Fri $12.80+, Sun $14.80+; closed on 9 & 10 Aug). Grouper King Seafood Restaurant SAF Yacht Club Changi, 110 Tanah Merah Coast Road. Tel: 6294 2638 Think fresh seafood from this seaside establishment’s own kelong. There’s a barbecue corner, so get fired up with prawns, sotong and steaks; and choose from a variety of other seafood (we spied flower crabs and mussels), noodles, dried beancurd skin and veggies for our bubbling steamboat. There’s cooked food like fried mantou, har cheong gai and champagne pork ribs too.

Makan@Jen #10-01 Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore, 277 Orchard Road. Tel: 6708 8899 Satisfy your brunch cravings at the well-priced Weekend Singapore Brunch buffet ($38++, Sat-Sun 12.30-3pm; $45++ during National Day weekend, additional items to be announced) before taking a stroll around the malls. Chow down on international faves and local delights like siu mai or roast pork and duck, or create your own bowl of greens at the salad station.

Don’t forget the tummy warming red/green bean soups and ice cream too ($32.80++, daily 6-10pm). King’s Laksa Steamboat 17 Teck Chye Terrace. Tel: 6287 8010 Based in an air-conditioned shophouse, King’s prides itself on its eponymous signature laksa soup base steamboat—served alongside more traditional mala, chicken and seafood broths—and its a la carte buffet ($18.80+, Thu-Tue 11am-2pm; $23.80+, Thu-Tue 2-11pm, Wed 4-11pm) which totals 60-70 food items, including cooked food. Visit for an efficient, no-frills experience. makan@jen

Si Chuan Dou Hua (Kitchener) PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road, 181 Kitchener Road. Tel: 6428 3170 Reminisce the old times with this nostalgic dim sum buffet (till 31 Aug; $38++ per person, min. 4 to dine; Mon-Fri 11.30am-2pm, Sat-Sun 11.30am-1pm/1.303pm). Tuck into bygone treats such as the traditional Hakka dumpling with white turnip, and steamed rice with salted fish and chicken. There are also staples like noodles, desserts and signature roast meats.

spices cafe

Spices Cafe Concorde Hotel Singapore, 100 Orchard Road. Tel: 6739 8370 For an affordable all-you-can-eat meal, the Singapore Flavours Buffet Lunch ($33++, Mon-Fri 12-2.30pm) always satisfies. Another reason to go there is to feast on the hearty Peranakan dishes (bakwan kepiting, ayam buah keluak and loh kai yik) alongside heartwarming local favourites such as the herbal black chicken soup and crabs. Straits Chinese Nonya Restaurant #01-08 Chinatown Plaza, 34 Craig Road. Tel: 6534 7328 Managed by the oldest Nyonya restaurant group in Singapore with an impressive history from 1953, this restaurant boasts authentic fare ($32 nett, daily 11.30am2.30pm). The fermented beans in their babi pongteh is a nostalgic taste of Peranakan cuisine together with other traditional dishes like ayam buah keluak, assam fish, cendol and bubur cha cha. white rose cafÉ

pengat, alongside ice kachang, soy bean milk pudding and yam paste with ginkgo nuts.

[$$] Ah Meng Restaurant [ ] Ah Meng Restaurant (Terrace), Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Road. Tel: 6269 3411 Have Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife starring our zoo’s iconic orangutans (adults $33 nett, kids $23 nett; daily 9-10.30am) who’ll amble in from 9.30-10am. Interact with the cheeky primates, playful tamarins and docile snakes while enjoying the spread which includes a baker’s basket, French toast, dim sum (har kau, cuttlefish siew mai), beef bacon, a cheese board with grapes and relish, and freshly scrambled eggs. Singapore Zoo admission charges apply ($32 nett without tram ride).

straitskitchen

Dine On 3 - Silver Shell Café [ ] Level 3 Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa, Singapore, 101 Siloso Road, Sentosa. Tel: 6371 1966 In the mood to relish the Good Ol’ Days? Chow down on local fare like char kway teow, laksa and satay at this dinner offering ($48++, Tue 6-10pm). It’s an excellent venue to bring the whole family-there’s a scaled-toheight children’s buffet section brimming with mains, salads, sandwiches and fruits alongside cupcakes and gummy bears; while the BabyZone provides complimentary nosh for tots at different stages of infancy and comes equipped with bottle sterilisers, hot water, a microwave, and other necessities. StraitsKitchen [ ] Lobby Level Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road. Tel: 6732 1234 Can’t miss out this renowned Singapore-themed buffet. With a smorgasbord of popular local hawker fare, StraitsKitchen is a great place to head to this August (from $45++; Mon-Fri 12-2.30pm, Sat-Sun & PH 12.303pm). The marketplace setting is a Singapore showcase of Hainanese chicken rice, beef rendang, crabs and even the pungent king of fruits—homemade durian ice cream. Its halal-certified theatre kitchens also offer a visual treat, with much prata-flipping and satay grilling action.

White Rose Café York Hotel Singapore, 21 Mount Elizabeth. Tel: 6830 1156 Street food done well is this hotel restaurant’s forte. Usually known for their Penang hawkers fest, this month savour Treasured Flavours of Singapore in an a la carte lunch buffet ($25++, Mon-Fri 12-2.30pm, min. 2 to dine). Their 20 homestyle items include black ink sotong, chicken masala, chap chye, achar and chin chow with palm seeds. On 9 Aug, relive the 1960s at their Singapore Street Food extravaganza with live food stalls ($35++, 12-2.30pm; $29++, 3-5pm).

ah meng restaurant

edge

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 ($48++, Sat 12-2.30pm; 6-8 & 10 Aug: $50++ for Jubilee Lunch). 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 puffs, mousse cakes and

Tiffin Room Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Street. Tel: 6412 1816 At this British colonial-style restaurant that’s been in operation since 1899, the all-curry Northern Indian buffet ($60++, daily 12pm-2pm; $75++, daily 7-10pm) includes a good portion of curries alongside a salad section with varied condiments like coconut chutney. Try the fresh cheese naan that goes with the vegetable curries. For dessert, the gulab jamun, fried milk dumpling with saffron sugar syrup, will be a treat.

tiffin room

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Nihon Mura Kaiten Sushi

under $50 sushi BUFFETS

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Formerly known as Suki Sushi, this buffet restaurant not only features the familiar sight of the conveyor belt sushi but also an open concept kitchen where you can watch the chefs do what they do best. There’s an extensive range of Japanese treats from sushi to temaki and sashimi (Mon-Fri 2.30-5pm, $27.80++, Sat-Sun 11.30am5pm, $28.80; Mon-Fri 6-9pm, $30.80). Walk-ins only. #04-01 Shaw Plaza, 360 Balestier Road. Tel: 6255 4197 sakae sushi

Located in the hustle and bustle of one of Singapore’s oldest housing estates, this gem brings a Japanese buffet straight into the heartlands (lunch: 11am-2.30pm Mon-Fri, $33++, Sat-Sun, $37++; dinner: 6-10.30pm daily $39++). Come here for fresh cuts of octopus and squid, the simple sweetly flavourful beancurd, and a broad selection of sushi. Over 100 items to choose from, including tempura, and teppanyaki as well. #0106/07/10 600@Toa Payoh, 600 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh. Tel: 6255 5598

Mitsuba Japanese Restaurant Snag a cosy booth or a window seat to gaze out over the Singapore River at this a la carte buffet (daily 11.30am-3pm, 6-10pm, $36.90++). Don’t miss out on their crispy prawn tempura temaki or go for their salmon maki mono for a slightly more traditional taste. #03-88 The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street. Tel: 6227 0388

Sakae Sushi

It’s packed with diners on weekends, so we highly recommend that you book a table in advance for this buffet (lunch: Mon-Sun 11.30am-3pm, $34++; dinner: Mon-Thu 6-10pm, $37++, Fri-Sun 6-10pm, $39++). Try the classic California temaki, a hand roll stuffed with crab meat stick, avocado and cucumber or stick with a healthy serving of sushi with choice picks like ebi (prawn), ebiko, chopped salmon with wasabi mayo and vinegared mackerel, along with deep-fried and grilled items. #03-15/16 UE Square, 81 Clemenceau Avenue. Tel: 6733 2272

Shinkei Japanese Restaurant

Fans of raw (or cooked) fish on rice, these are the Japanese buffets you’ve been pining for.

mitsuba japanese restaurant

Shin Minori Japanese Restaurant

With outlets located all across the island, this homegrown chain is well-known for their premium buffet (lunch: Mon-Thu 11.30am-2pm/3pm-5.30pm, $28.99++, Fri-Sun $36.99++; dinner: Mon-Thu 6.30-9pm $33.99++, Fri-Sun $37.99++). With over 80 choices from nigiri to maki rolls and inari, you can also enjoy one red plate such as lobster salad inari, and two pink plates such as unagi temaki and edamame. At five locations including #02-01 Hersing Hub, 450 Toa Payoh Lorong 6. Tel: 6354 9083

shinkei japanese restaurant

b u f f e t

b o u n t y

10 SG50 buffets

Celebrate Singapore’s Golden Jubilee together with friends and family in the most Singaporean way: eating till you drop.

21 on Rajah [

]

From 7-10 Aug, stuff yourself silly at this SG50 buffet celebration (6-10pm, $46++ adult, $23++ child). Immerse yourself in Singapore’s multi-cultural heritage as you munch on scrumptious butter chicken masala, tender lamb rendang, fragrant sambal sea bass in banana leaf and the delectable wok-fried Hokkien mee while beverages such as bandung and honey lemon accompany your meal. Last but not least, end with sweet treats like bubur pulut hitam, durian mousse and the special SG50 cake. Days Hotel Singapore at Zhongshan Park, 1 Jalan Rajah. Tel: 6808 6847

Azur [

assortment of Nyonya kuehs. Till 30 Sep. Lobby Level, Park Hotel Clarke Quay, 1 Unity Street. Tel: 6593 8855

Café Brio’s This long weekend, take a tour down memory lane with this nostalgic Food Street buffet (8 Aug: 2-5pm, $42++ adult, $21++ child; 7-9 Aug: 6-10pm, $72++ adult, $36++ child) by the waterfront. Savour the taste of home with familiar dishes such as bak kut teh and kiam chye duck soup, or snack on treats like popiah and kueh pie tee to whet your appetite. Dine on succulent roasted char siew and pork, or roti prata with curry chicken for those who prefer their food spicy while satay with otak otak and lemongrass peanut sauce come fresh from the live station and piping hot laksa and prawn noodles are freshly made by the chefs. There’s also fresh durian fruit available during dinner. Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, 392 Havelock Road. Tel: 6233 1100

Running till 31 Aug, have your fill of familiar favourites such as spicy wok fried chilli crab, or decadent crispy fried squid with salted egg in the hotel’s SG50 Buffet Dinner (6-10pm, Sun-Thu $69++ adult, $34.50 child; Fri-Sat $80++ adult, $40++ child). And take a chance to show your love for Singapore while munching down on the patriotic red waffles for dessert. And if you happen to be there Mon-Wed, don’t forget to quote “Ice Kachang” for a special SG50 price. Conrad Centennial Singapore, 2 Temasek Boulevard. Tel: 6432 7481

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spice brasserie

From 6-10 Aug, travel back in time to the way things were in the 1960s. Apart from a specially created menu, the restaurant will be decked out with old school snacks such as blocks of ting ting candy, kachang puteh and muah chee at the pasar malam night market snack counter. Expect freshly steamed snow crab with garlic chilli and coriander dip and poached prawns with chrysanthemum flowers on the seafood ice bed. Delights such as Hainanese chicken rice, grilled fish and prawn otak and the classic chilli crab are available as part of the Back to the 60s buffet lineup (7-10 Aug, 12.30-3pm, $50++ adult, $25++ child; 6-10 Aug, 6-10pm, $65++ adult, $32.50++ child). Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, 75 Airport Boulevard. Tel: 6823 5354

Spice Brasserie

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Brizo

Brizo Restaurant & bar Spend an evening chowing down on familiar Singaporean dishes in the Taste of Singapura buffet (6.30-10.30pm; Wed-Thurs $58++, Fri-Sun $68++). On top of their usual cold seafood station, feast on the fragrant fish head curry made with a homemade curry paste of Indian spices that will leave a satisfying burn. Or bite down on the tender beef, chicken or mutton satay, barbecued. Don’t forget the dessert station featuring local delights such as kueh lapis, chilled pumpkin with sago with gula melaka as well as an

Oscar’s

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Till 10 Aug, the best of local dishes come together in one mouth-watering high tea buffet (Mon-Thu 3.30-5.30pm, $42++ adult, $27++ child 4 to 11 years old; Fri-Sun $48++ adult, $32++ child). Try the special Singapore laksa yong tau foo, a fusion of two favourite local dishes. Or the mee siam goreng, an interesting dry version of Singapore’s favourite Malay noodle dish. And who can forget traditional loves such as the Singapore rojak, roti prata and pan-fried carrot cake? With a well-stocked dessert table of ice kachang, burbur cha cha, kueh tutus and more rounding off the meal, this buffet is worth skipping lunch for. 25 Scotts Road. Tel: 6589 7799

Marriott Cafe From 7-9 Aug, celebrate local in this delightful Golden Jubilee buffet (12-2.30pm, $63++; 6.30-10pm, $80++). With over 50 dishes to choose from, go straight for snow crab legs and Boston lobster straight off the seafood on ice section and traditional roasted duck and crispy pork belly. Pleasure your taste buds as you feast on the chilli crab dish or go traditional with Wan Hao’s signature roasted chicken. Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel 320 Orchard Road. Tel: 6831 460 5

The specially curated Balinese BBQ and seafood spread (Thu-Sat 6.30-9.30pm, $50 per person or $78 for two) takes centre stage till 12 Sep. Chef Low Hoe Kiat oversees the perfectly crispy babi guling, roasted over a spit, along with 12 kinds of Indonesian sambals and a plethora of seafood catches freshly grilled—clams, fish, gonggong, stuffed squid, crab, lobster, mussels and kampong chicken all get the fragrantly smoky treatment. The buffet’s usual Japanese, chilled seafood and Indian counters round out the wide variety of Asian flavours on display. To finish, do like we did: DIY your own chendol topped with a scoop (or more) of the luscious durian pengat. Lobby Level PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road, Singapore, 181 Kitchener Road. Tel: 6428 3160

Tea Lounge Take a breath and relax with this weekend high tea buffet (12-5.30pm, $61++ adult, $35.50++ child) that’s running till 30 Sep. Feast on traditional local classics like laksa, chilli crab and char kway teow. Finally, round off your meal with a hearty helping of chilled cheng tng for dessert. Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road. Tel: 6725 3245/46

Window on the Park Don’t miss out on this month-long 1-for-1 lunch and dinner buffet (12-2.30pm, $50++ for two; 6.30-10pm, Sun-Thu $57++ for two, Fri-Sat $65++ for two). Treat yourself to fresh seafood such as poached prawns, scallops, salmon sashimi and mussels from the seafood station or indulge in local delights such as the spicy laksa, tantalising kueh pie tee and an enticing assortment of satay accompanied with peanut sauce. And not to be missed are the wasabi prawns, an original recipe by IGH’s very own Culinary Ambassador chef Sam Leong! Till 31 Aug. #02-00 Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, 11 Cavenagh Road. Tel: 6733 8333

d i n i n g

Remaking the west

Joo Siah Bak Koot Teh MOVED

(#01-1215, Blk 349 Jurong East Ave 1)

We can’t help but revisit Jurong East (our debut Destination in July 2014!)—especially after the exciting announcement of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail site (Jurong Country Club will hand over the land by Nov 2016) and the completion of new buildings (a mall, two hospitals and a hotel). Residents there have little reason to travel to town: business savvy big brands (Uniqlo, H&M, Paradise Dynasty, Tim Ho Wan, etc) know well to expand here; and a HSA Bloodbank has opened at Westgate Tower. The Orchard Road of the west? Oh yes.

A year on, this humble familyrun stall has moved from its hawker centre home to a coffeeshop, just two blocks away (since 30 Apr 2015). Get your premium loin ribs soup fix (now $8 a bowl) at this cooler location. New opening hours: Tue-Sat 8am-7pm, Sun 8.30am-3.30pm

To W h ng ye Tem ple

Westgate

(3 Gateway Drive)

Nunsaram Korean Dessert Café (#04-37/K4) Seems one can get a bingsu anywhere, even in Jurong. Nunsaram just opened its second outlet here in May. We shovel down its speciality sweet potato bingsu ($14.90) to beat the heat at this cafe which means snowman in Korean. Daily 11am-10pm

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ge n j u h o ti n ro te g ng l

r oa d

Ned's crepe

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singapore science centre

jurong golf course

cojur un on cl tryg ub

J.Avenue

(Level 2 JCube, 2 Jurong East Central 1)

(1 Chinese Garden Rd)

By 2017, the Chinese and Japanese gardens will be combined with Jurong Lake Park, making it the largest in Singapore. Highlights at the 13.5-hectare attraction include a Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum ($5 admission) and daily feeding at the Koi Pond (1-1.30pm). Visit during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival (27 Sep) for the garden’s vibrant best.

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the chinese wedding shop

Chinese Garden

e nes Chi rden ga

Dulang Ambeng World, Hajjah Mariam Cafe (#B2-08) [ ] The star's their nasi ambeng, which draws queues. Set A ($25, for 4 pax) is the standard portion with your choice of beef and/or chicken, while Set B ($34, for 4 pax) is the premium version with additional brinjal and cow lungs. Solo and duet sizes of this popular Javanese-Malay rice dish are also available. Daily 10am-9pm

new

av A M uru lm e 1 ru ig Tem pleganu

Chateraise (B2, inside Isetan) This patisserie from Yamanashi prefecture prides itself on its cream+custard choux puffs ($1.90), made in collaboration with Japanese farmers for their fresh ingredients. Since its opening in April, some items have changed: hopefully they’ll bring back the moreish dango. Try the baked cheese tart ($3/slice) and the cutesy Happy Little Bunny ($4.70). Sun-Thu 10am-9.30pm, Sat & PH Eve 10am-10pm

shuqun

ng j u roake l

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Dulang ambeng world

Chateraise

Visit on busy weekends and you’ll hear smatterings of nihongo—it’s no surprise ‘cause at last count, the mall housed about 18 Japanese F&B outlets which includes a supermarket. New cafes have also sprung up here since our last visit.

science ce

renewed

By Meredith Woo, Photography by Benjamin Soh and Lim Kay Li

d e s t i n a t i o n

Launched on 6 Sep 2014, the Harajuku/Hongdae inspired shopping district's packed with selfie opportunities and energetic concepts run by young entrepreneurs (like yourself!), thanks to its short-term leases. It’s even got a dedicated website listing events (recent: the Seoul Spicy Noodle Challenge), tenants and their wares (with online shopping), feature articles and J.Mix, an interactive creative platform. Highlights: Ned’s Crepe (#0266), One Ice Cafe for (more) K-desserts (#02-67), The Chinese Wedding Shop (#02-83) for trendy tea ceremony sets and Economiss (#02-78) for grow-your-own plants and an anti-ants plate. www.javenue.sg

Aiman Cafe

(235 Jurong East St 21) [

new

]

Find this halal coffeeshop diagonally opposite the mosque: we spotted cheery kuehs, a seafood/tze char stall, Western food, noodles and of course, nasi padang. But what led us there was Lina Satay Club, which offers a delivery service (from $39.90 for 50 sticks; Tel: 9004 8715). Our ayam satay ($0.70/pc), grilled-to-order over charcoal, emerged tender with adequate char.

This coffeeshop-by-day, Western-grill-by-night concept was "born on 13 Oct 2014". Premium items include airflown Australian ribeye ($20/250g) and whole French spatchcock poussin ($16/500g). Each main’s served with garden greens, garlic bread, your pick of one side which includes cous cous salad and sauteed Lyonnaise potatoes, and choice of sauce (mmm, rosemary brown sauce). Spaghetti, bar bites and handmade burgers (Chef Gary's curry pork burger, $9.50) also feature on the menu. Tue-Sun 5-10.30pm. Tel: 9789 8262

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yuhua primary school

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secondary school

Big Box Warehouse Retail Mall new

M a u k A l sj i m - d in in

(1 Venture Avenue)

te way road ju rong ga

TradeHub 21

Jtc s u m m it

obar

Where industrial meets hipster eats. Find new vegetarian option NatureCafe (#01-29) which dishes out konjac oatmeal 'prawns' and green curry 'fish' made of oatmeal (both $10 for small). Places to chill include Southwest Tavern (#0133), known for its cowboy vibe, meaty menu (Suicide Wings, $22/6pcs) and its Spaghetti from Hell challenge; while OBar (#01-32) offers pool and darts at $2 per game, draught beer towers ($68 for Tiger) and Western comfort fare.

(8 Boon Lay Way)

n g g + e n te co j u e r n g m r o a l fo m n h n un g o g sp it i y ho tal sp it w al re ar b ta eh ig il oubo m s x al e l

There's a sheltered walkway connecting this one-stop concept to the MRT station and to the condo-esque Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. We made a beeline for Warehouse Mart to suss out its frozen seafood section—said to be the largest in Singapore. It's about two tennis courts worth of pre-cut and ready-to-cook fish fillets, shellfish (Argentine red shrimp $38/pkt, U.P. $45), meat (short ribs $10.50) and more with cooler bags and aluminium trays within reach. There's also a selection of wines from France, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Chile and New Zealand. For fast food, portions and prices at Uncle Sam-styled Big Burger by BIG BOX (Level 2) are modest: beef quarter pounder meal ($5.50), Thunder Fries ($1.90/3.50, mix of potato and sweet potato). Or check out the Food Street (Level 1) for 60-cent sushi, dim sum and other bites. www.bigbox.com.sg

ay y w te la ga

JEM

The Carving Board

(#01-107 Sam Yat Coffeeshop, Blk 252 Jurong East St 24)

tr ad e h

u b 21

Trail of worship

Beng Hiang Restaurant (#02-337, 135 new

Jurong Gateway Rd)

This traditional restaurant has newly-relocated (27 Jun) its Amoy Street shophouse digs to the west (former home of Boon Lay Raja Restaurant that was sold for $15 million to a businessman). They’ve lobster, abalone and all the works, but regulars go for the ngo hiang ($8), kong bak pau ($16), oyster omelette ($12) and black Hokkien mee ($8). Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-9.30pm. Tel: 6221 6695/6221 6684

We started our journey from Tong Whye Temple (212 JE St 32) that was founded in 1932. From 8-10 Aug, they celebrate the birthday of main deity Guan Di, the God of War. It's a 15min stroll to the volunteer-run Arulmigu Murugan Temple (281 JE St 21), the only Hindu temple in the area. The building, finally built in 2004, was a long-time dream of devotees living in the west. Our final stop was Masjid Al-Mukminin (271 JE St 21), launched in 1987. Its facilities include a study room and a playground.

Dinosaurus hungerus

Conserved shophouses line the one-way stretch of Neil Road. Within one of them we find delicious curio Old House Food* where a ‘dinosaur’ is on the menu. Photography by Benjamin Soh and Lim Kay Li

!!!

omg! dinos fighting???

A re we go in g b a c k in t im e ?

yum!

40-year-old master stock + 20cm giant ocean prawns + pork ribs + lard + thick beehoon/ yellow mee = Singapore Dinosaur prawn noodles

Their white lor mee is another giant to be reckoned with. Also made with a robust 40-year-old master stock, carefully brewed with pork bones. Mr Teo who owns the family business with his siblings, still uses their grandmother’s original Hokkien recipes but recently upgraded to a $19K e-ordering system to boost efficiency.

it's a tie! m il k

the same flavourful broth accompanies both the dry and soup versions

sta rch

The family business was started in 1970 by Mr Teo’s late mum, and till now he works with their old suppliers for sauces and the hard-to-get Heng Hwa beehoon from Pu Tien, China.

old pic on the wall

I'm hungry! hurry up rex!

We love the crisp salted egg calamari, but it could be less sweet. The black pepper pork neck reminded us of pork lard… with added meat. Yum! In comparison, the homemade ngoh hiang lacked oomph.

But i can't reach the food!!!

OLD HOUSE FOOD, 25 NEIL ROAD. Daily 11.30am-4.30am. Tel: 6223 1633 *prices and pics taken on an earlier visit. At time of print, Old house was undergoing renovations. slated to reopen 1 aug

The bill total (4 pax): $94.80 ➔ Singapore Dinosaur Prawn Noodle dry $15 (large) ➔ Singapore Dinosaur Prawn Noodle soup $15 (large) ➔ Thick soup noodles (white lor mee) $6 (small) ➔ Salted egg squid $14 (small) ➔ Old House’s tofu $10 (small)

THE VerdicT ➔ Fried egg with Chinese leek $8 (small) ➔ Pork neck stir-fried with black pepper $12 (small) ➔ Ngoh hiong set $8.80 (small) ➔ 2x Homemade barley $3 ($1.50/cup) ➔ 2x Homemade lime juice $3 ($1.50/cup)

➔ Primordial soup! The humble owners have a dedication to maintain both their family’s legacy and the master stock (carefully-timed re-boiling). Good for old-school flavours in the heritage Chinatown area, and open for supper!

The score ➔ Food

➔ Ambience

➔ Value

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

ADVERTORIAL

Mid-Autumn merriment

Good things come in threes! tcc's alluring mooncakes span Classic, Royal Elixir and Grandeur this season. BiTES checks out how to pre-book with the tcc Mooncake Gift Card or get in on the early bird offer When treating yourself to the best mooncakes each year, you want a creation that’s both a feast for the senses as well as the eyes. Each tcc handcrafted creation is elegantly edged with filigree and its luxurious contents are made with premium ingredients. And now, there’s never been a better time to get the tcc Mooncake Gift Card. Available for purchase till 17 August, each card entitles you to reserve a tcc Mooncake Gift Box Set of your choice at a special promotional price of $42+ (tcc members) or $48+ (non-members). You can pick up the card at any of tcc’s 24 outlets, or at KUVO. Alternatively, if you miss out on the gift cards, you can still enjoy the early bird offer from 18 August to 6 September, where you receive up to 25 percent off retail price (exclusively for tcc members and Citibank cardholders; 15 percent off for non-members). We sneak a peek at the three collections— Classic (baked), Royal Elixir (tipple-infused mini snowskin) and Grandeur (non-alcoholic mini snowskin)—and share our fave picks.

Grandeur Mini Snowskin ($60+/ box of 8pcs, 2pcs of each): Matcha Azuki, Yuki Kuro Goma, Osmanthus Yuzu, Hazel Carmelia

GRANDEUR MINI SNOWSKIN Yuki Kuro Goma Black sesame fans, this one’s for you. This is our go-to flavour when we’re in the mood for soft and heavenly skin, fragrant and smooth kuro goma paste, and the sweet surprise of a white chocolate truffle centre for added dimension and crunch. Osmanthus Yuzu Exactly what its name describes. This creation starts with the refreshing burst of the eastern Asia flower. As you get to the yuzu truffle middle, the smack of zesty citrus accentuates the floral scents even further. We’d definitely pair this with a cup of tea.

ROYAL ELIXIR MINI SNOWSKIN Rum ‘V’ Raisin Not your typical straightforward rum and raisin. tcc has given their masterpiece a thoughtful twist, with the ‘V’ standing for superior Valrhona—and we know how well the premium bittersweet dark chocolate lends itself to this divine alcohol blend. Royal Elixir Mini Snowskin ($65+/box of 8pcs, 2pcs of each): Rum ‘V’ Raisin, Sea Salt Caramel with Whisky Truffle, Curacao 87, Baileys® Amore

Classic Baked: D’Classic with Egg Yolk Blend ($65/box of 4pcs), D’Classic with Melon Seeds ($55+/ box of 4pcs)

theconnoisseurconcerto.com |

Baileys® Amore This is so good, you’ll be lost in delicious throes of amore. We love this bestseller that features a luscious Baileys® truffle heart embraced by an aromatic coffee blend. The Original Irish Cream and java—it’s a match made in mooncake heaven.

CLASSIC D’Classic with Egg Yolk Blend Think traditional premium white lotus paste with salted egg yolks spruced up to cater to both the conventionalists and the innovators. Replacing the orangeyellow spheres is a generous slab of egg yolk blend for that indulgent nuance in every bite.

theconnoisseurconcerto |

dtccsg

s u p e r m a r k e t

s l e u t h

Crab in a bag So many sauces, so little time. We braved our way through six instant chilli crab sauces to find out which one deserved a space in our kitchen pantry. By Vanessa Koh, Photography Benjamin Soh B i T E S paid for our own groceries

Brand: A1, $2.80 (200g) Where: NTUC FairPrice Smells like curry, tastes like curry. One of the cheapest on the list, A1 has a relatively slim list of ingredients, including lemongrass, tomato sauce and chilli sauce—as well as MSG. Requiring only two ingredients during cooking, this hassle-free sauce is good value for those needing a very quick fix. Verdict:

For curry fans.

Brand: HAI’s, $3 (200g) Where: NTUC FairPrice The favourite of seafood lovers at the table, this paste is both fishy in scent and taste, a result of the anchovy seasoning powder and dried shrimp. This finely blended fresh sauce has the hottest taste of the lot, and fries up easily. Find it in the supermarket fridge. Verdict:

Perfect for those who love their seafood.

Brand: KWONG CHEONG THYE, $5 (300g) Where: Kwong Cheong Thye retail outlet Similar in taste to sambal belacan, without the accompanying heat. Galangal, turmeric, dried shrimp and tomato paste make up the jammy paste, though the final results were disappointingly average. This century-old Singaporean brand is better known for its soy sauces. Verdict:

If you can’t take the heat, this is the sauce for you.

Brand: PRIMA TASTE ($6.90, 320g) Where: NTUC FairPrice There are three packets of sauce— chilli crab paste, chilli crab premix (which consists of starches), and extra hot sauce. When cooked, the sauce thickened up to a jelly-like consistency, with an oddly sour aftertaste. Somehow, this staunch overseas Singaporean favourite didn’t hit the spot for us. Verdict:

For those who prefer their sauce a little thicker.

e d i t o r ' s p i c k

Brand: SINGLONG $4.80 (380g) Where: Giant Super The only sauce that didn’t come pre-mixed with starch (thumbs up in our books), Singlong trumped the competition at the table. With a taste slightly like chicken rice chilli, this bottled orange-red sauce leaves a pleasant gingery aftertaste and most resembled the classic chilli crab you find at tze char restaurants. Verdict:

Classic 'clean' taste and most versatile.

Brand: THAI SING, $2.79 (225g) Where: Giant Super Tangy with a slight prawn-y taste, this sauce has candlenut and belacan, giving a slight Nyonya twist—as befits this local label with its range of other Chinese and Peranakan pastes. The strong underlying taste of onion may be distracting but this budget-friendly bottle can fry up to 1kg of shellfish and provides a homey, comforting taste that’s not quite chilli crab, but close. Verdict:

The best value-formoney.

Notes on cooking

• BiTES used a teaspoon of oil and one egg to prepare each of the sauces, and water where indicated

• No shellfish or crab were used in order to taste the flavours of the sauce itself • Cooking times vary, A1 and HAI were the shortest (around 2-3 min), and Kwong Cheong Thye the longest (8-10 mins) to properly incorporate and cook through the sauce • To adjust the spiciness to your taste, you may want to have tomato ketchup/paste to sweeten, or fresh cut chilli to spice it up as you cook

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National pride

Supermama + STUCK + Meykrs' Souvenirs from Singapore Keep your eyes peeled for this inspired collection of 50 Singapore memorabilia that will be officially launched on SG50 Day (7 Aug). We can't wait to collect the kopi bag mug, 'chicken rice' plate, and the fitting 'yum seng' bottle opener.

Brands we grew up with, emerging makers and special SG50 designs. Go on, #SupportLocal right in your kitchen. By Meredith Woo

$10 or $20 per item, from Supermama store, www.supermamastore. com/ss

Hush TeaBar's artisanal tea cups + TeaMoods Sip on specially concocted blends of Sri Lankan loose tea leaves to suit your desired state of mind (Freshly Tranquil, Delectably Robust, Undoubtedly Quirky, Sweetly Intimate) from this local initiative that works with the deaf to bring our busy selves into a calm, meditative state of mind. Each tea cup is handcrafted from clay.

$18 (cup) + $22 (per TeaMood), enquire at www.hushteabar.com

S-Cube Porcelain Tumbler (Novelty Series SY-051A) This Singaporean maker prides itself on its tumblers' non-toxic porcelain interiors. The chemical free inner coat doesn't retain smells or stains, and is suitable for all kinds of drinks. Bring your fave beverage to the Padang, it'll stay hot/cold for up to five hours.

$52.70 for 250ml (U.P. $79), from www.s-cubebrand.com

AKIRA 18-in-1 multipurpose rice cooker RK-S4018 With 25 years of market experience, this homegrown brand really understands how much we need perfect rice. This smart kitchen helper brings the carbo staple through six stages for nutritious, soft and fluffy grains every time. It can also make stews, cakes and even pizzas.

$79 (U.P. $129) from all Giant outlets (www.giantsingapore. com.sg) and BIGBOX Singapore (1 Venture Ave)

ADVERTORIAL

Perfectly Paired The Square@Furama introduces specially prepared snacks to pair with Somersby cider, ideal for a break with friends

The house salad is packed with handpicked mesclun, cranberries, orange segments, mango chunks and sunflower seeds in honey and lime dressing. Crisp Somersby cider opens the palate for juicy homemade ngo hiang, with fresh prawns, water chestnuts and pork, deep fried till crispy and golden. You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to resist the traditional taste of grilled chicken satay, accompanied with peanut sauce. And the cheesy croque monsieur with freshly fried fries is portioned to share with a friendâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;accompanied by hearty cheers, of course. Food pairing for Somersby cider also available at Waterfall Lounge. Mon-Fri 12-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm; Sat-Sun 12-3pm, 6-10.30pm. Furama RiverFront, Singapore, 405 Havelock Road. Tel: 6739 6468

Homeproud Electric Cordless Kettle HP17 Need hot water in a pinch? Look to FairPrice, our largest supermarket chain. This 1.7-litre housebrand appliance has boil-dry safety protection and a handy auto shut-off feature. Great for brewing that instant kopi, sock teh or warm Milo to dunk your so da piah in.

Aztech Soup Maker ASM800 We can always count on this since-1986 SGX-listed company. Great-tasting soups aside, bet you didn't know their 1.7 litre soup maker can churn out a strawberry smoothie or an avocado salad dressing too. Use it also to blend or pulse drinks or relishes, and heat/boil food and beverages.

$99 from various outlets including the Aztech Showroom #01-05, 31 Ubi Road 1

$23.90 (till 16 Sept, U.P. $26.90) from FairPrice Xtra and other selected supermarkets, www.fairprice.com.sg REDMAN’s Katy Sue Designs Silicon Moulds That iconic crimson silhouette standing inside a blue circle is the logo of Phoon Huat's unmissable housebrand. The manufacturer and supplier of baking ingredients and bakeware has been honing its craft for over six decades. Perk up a garden party with this Design A Hat cupcake mould—great for crafting your NDP picnic centrepiece.

LOVE SG Coins Coaster Set Put your drink where your SGD is. These gigantic $1, 50-cent, 20cent and 5-cent 'coins' showcase quirky Singapore with excellent functionality. Made of water repellent surface coat, rigid wood middle, and cork backing. Wonderful as souvenirs.

$21.30 from Phoon Huat, available at 11 outlets including #02-01 Buona Vista MRT Station, 100 North Buona Vista Road

$19.90 from Naiise, naiise.com/products/coinscoaster-set BON-SG-15-07-N10-A_BITES_165x265w_v7_FA.pdf

13/7/15

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Singaporeans love winning at things, the more zany the better. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the patriotic foodie recordbreaking feats you need to know ABOUT. By Vanessa Koh

Bigger! Longer! Most!

last

Most number of mooncakes made onboard cable cars

Largest national flag formed by ang ku kuehs

(6 Aug 2014, Singapore Book of Records) 202 mooncakes 30 minutes 200 pairs of hands

(9 Aug 2014, Singapore Book of Records) 2300 ang ku kuehs 2.7m by 3.3m

Largest durian cake (19 Apr 2014, Singapore Book of Records) 2.35m by 0.31m 1,000,000 tv viewers unlimited free smells

Longest satay (1 Jul 2007, Guinness World Records) 140.02m long 150 staff 150kg chicken meat

Largest logo made of jelly worms (21 Jul 2014, Singapore Book of Records) 3m diameter 4,000+ jelly worms

Largest jelly/ jello mosaic* (21 February 2004, Guinness World Records) 1,6125 jelly pieces 12.8m by 19.8m 6,740.23 miles away *made by Singaporeans in the U.K.

Largest serving of lo mai kai (4 Apr 2015, Singapore Book of Records) 1,500 pieces 1.7m steamer 11 hours total

Most pizzas made in 12 hours (team) (27 April 2014, Guinness World Records) 3,574 pizzas 9 hours 51 minutes 36 seconds 41 tired pizza-makers