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

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For our fried chicken paradise, 32 sizzling buffets and all the news you can eat!

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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Ready, steady, play! Gear up for a full day of "YAY" in The State of Fun! There is never a dull moment when you are out and about in Sentosa. Hurray for the September school holidays! Pick a day to bring the family out for a field day of fun, sun and adventure. Whether you have a case of the munchies, a thrill-seeking spirit or a love for the beach, Sentosa’s got you covered. For a fulfilling trip to The State of Fun, check out this fab itinerary we’ve put together just for you, 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! Bright and early at 9am, enjoy 360-degree panoramic views from Tiger Sky Tower (41 Imbiah Road. Tel: 6275 0388). Camera at the ready, enjoy the stunning view of Sentosa’s picturesque beaches, Singapore’s cityscape as well as the neighbouring Malaysia and even Indonesia from your 131-metre-high perch in aircon comfort. ◆ Exclusively with MasterCard, receive a $10 voucher for every $50 spent in a single receipt (full-priced admission tickets only) Head for the Gogreen Segway (Beach Station. Tel: 9825 4066) when it opens at 10am. Choose to spend 30 minutes cruising past the hip Siloso beach or the family-oriented Palawan stretch. If that doesn’t satisfy your thirst for adventure, opt for the hour-long Segway Eco Adventure to speed through Siloso and Palawan before ending your 3.2km-long journey at Tanjong Beach. ◆ Exclusively with MasterCard, enjoy 10% off Segway Rides and 20% off Bicycle Rentals Children and kids at heart, you'll want to head to the Port of Lost Wonder (Palawan

Beach, near Beach Car Park. Tel: 1800 736 8672) for a nautical lunchtime escapade. After filling your tummies with fuss-free comfort fare at our picnic grounds, splash about the pirate ship water play area and check out the hourly interactive activities! ◆ Exclusively with MasterCard, enjoy 10% off weekday admission and tickets to POLW’s monthly event—BBQ Under the Stars Aye matey, we know you want more of the sea. Enter Underwater World Singapore’s (80 Siloso Road. Tel: 6275 0030) iconic tunnel where you’ll get up close and personal with a multi-coloured variety of marine life. Visit the touch pools to feed and stroke the fishes, and don’t miss spectacular performances starring fur seals and the rare pink dolphins. ◆ Exclusively with MasterCard, enjoy 10% off published rates (max. 2 adults and 2 children per MasterCard card) Now that your midday meal’s been digested, it’s time to literally get high at the MegaZip Adventure Park (Imbiah Hill Road. Tel: 6884 5602). The arena boasts the longest and steepest zip line in Southeast Asia, an aerial rope course, a rock climbing wall and free-fall simulator ParaJump. Amazing somersaults? No problem. Twirl to your heart’s content at MegaBounce on Siloso beach. ◆ Exclusively with MasterCard, enjoy complimentary MegaBounce (U.P. $15) with purchase of any package at MegaZip Adventure Park

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

As the sun sets, make your way to Sentosa Cove for its relaxed vibe and admire the stylish yachts docked at the pier. You'll be spoilt for choice at W Singapore - Sentosa Cove (21 Ocean Way. Tel: 6808 7288) with its excellent F&B offerings. SKIRT specialises in prime cuts of meat and sustainably sourced seafood, while The Kitchen Table features a smorgasbord of international cuisine from six live cooking stations. Teetotallers, make sure you drop by WOOBAR during Wicked Hours (Mon-Thu 6-9pm) for one-for-one tipples. ◆ Exclusively with MasterCard, enjoy 10% off total bill at SKIRT, The Kitchen Table and WOOBAR (Mon-Thu) The perfect end to any Sentosa sojourn: soaking up the breezy beach ambience at C Side's Sand Bar (52 Siloso Beach Walk. Tel: 6631 8938). Admire the surrounding bamboo structure which depicts the legend of The Seven Dancing Princesses of Riau Island as you unwind to the gentle lapping of waves and live music with Fruity Mojito in hand. ◆ Exclusively with MasterCard, get a bucket of 4 bottled beers of the month for just $32

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 |

sentosa_island

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2015 157/03/

Fried chicken e s i d a r a p it’s finger-lickin’

JOIN US FOR

MAKAN ON BITES!

inside BUFFET BOUNTY p16

Feast through steamboats, a la carte menus and more!

e soul food1a0s w round up styles of fried chook

DESTINATION: SUNSET WAY p20

Hop on the tram to this rising hotspot in the west

DRINK TANK p26

Prost to Oktoberfest with our German beer guide

LAST BiTES p28

Busting those oyster myths

+whip up cytoufarst own perflee sauces food-styme p at ho 24

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 Photography by Sara Aman

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 Editor June Lee Staff Writer Meredith Woo Editorial Intern Sharon Salim Contributors Desmond Lim, Sara Aman Senior Designer Benjamin Soh Design Intern Lim Kay Li Head of Business Development (Food Division) Carlos Loh Business Director Ashad Shah Senior Business Manager Francisca Wong Business Managers Cherin Ong Redzwan Mohamed Assistant Business Manager Stephanie Tan

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

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c a l e n dA r :

s e p t e m b e r sunday

monday

tuesday 1 Vivocity & TANGS MidAutumn Festival 2015

wednesday thursday friday 2 3 Elite All-Star Fridays Academy at the EVERY THU | 9PM Exchange Premiering on Food

saturday

FREE | TILL 27 SEP | 10AM-10PM Besides the iconic mooncake fair, a special SG50 local showcase featuring gourmet delights will be put up at the atrium this year. www.vivocity.com.sg

Pianobotanica

FREE | 6-7pm | SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS A picnic in the park with Brazilian duo Bastos & Borges gracing the stage with classical pieces. Sentosa SG50 Packages Have a melodious Sunday. TILL 30 SEP | SENTOSA www.facebook.com/ This week’s school holidays, bring your kids out Pianobotanica for some family time. Visit Madame Tussauds, Images of Singapore LIVE and Sentosa Merlion for $30. www.sentosa.com.sg/sg50

Enak Enak HongKong Tea House [ ]

Network Asia (channel 433), 10 home cooks are paired up with culinary stars and put to the test in a steamy competition.

EVERY FRI | From 5pm | ASIA TOWER ONE Usher in the weekend with custom home-infused vodka martinis at $16++ (1-for-1). Tel: 66361200

$70++ | TILL 10 SEP | KILO KALLANG Two nights of fun, food, music and a pop-up style kitchen takeover. Featuring Maximal Concept’s chef Russell Doctrove and Kilo's chef Manel Valero. reservations@kilokitchen. com

TILL 13 SEP | FREE | SINGAPORE EXPO HALL 5 | 11AM-10PM Head down with an empty stomach as you explore mouth-watering treats from around the world. www.worldfoodfair. com.sg

TILL 27 SEP | PARKROYAL ON BEACH ROAD Gaze at ink paintings as you dine on handcrafted dim sum coupled with premium chinese tea. Tel: 6505 5722

4-9PM | GARDENS BY THE BAY A day of food and fun under the sun, get up close with TLC’s celebrity chefs and new ambassador, Erwan Heussaff. www.tlcasia.com

hong kong World Food cooking beats Fair 2015

Foodilicious Design: Stone Soup

TILL 30 SEP | MON-FRI 12-5PM | EAST COAST PARK SEAFOOD CENTRE After a jog at East Coast Park, enjoy 15% off over 400 dishes here before the month ends. www.facebook.com/pages/Enak-Enak-EastCoast-Park/

Brussels Sprouts

Come on down to Marina Bay area as you witness the last day of this spectacular sporting event not forgetting your ear-plugs. www.singaporegp.sg

Happy MidAutumn Festival!

Flash out your fanciful lanterns while chomping down on mooncakes.

CHILDREN AGED 8-12 | JURONG WEST PUBLIC LIBRARY | 3-4PM Decoupage on a pebble, while cooking up a story inspired by a famous folk tale. arts@nlb.gov.sg

F1 Singapore Grand Prix

coming up in OC T O B E R

TLC FESTIVAL

PARK(ing) Day returns!

Happy 181st Oktoberfest!

7-10.30PM | CLARKE QUAY FOUNTAIN SQUARE Featuring Jay & Frenz and Nation One. Enjoy the food kiosk, starting from $8 for a basket of thick-cut fries. www.clarkequay.com.sg

TILL 16 OCT | CHINATOWN Don’t miss the light-up on Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road as you visit the buzzing night market, adorned with thousands of swaying lanterns. www.chinatown.sg

paintings exhibition

Pump Up The Music

Mid-Autumn light up

TILL DEC | QUAYSIDE ISLE Each month, this mussel specialist celebrates SG50 featuring one Asian-inspired sauce. Two pots of mussels ($50) include one mainsized and one startersized. www.brusselssprouts. com.sg

8-10 Oct: Oktoberfest Asia 22-24 Oct: Oishii Japan 23-25 Oct: Singapore River Festival

2 01 5

FREE | AROUND TOWN Turning parking lots into a mini beach or tarik stand, these temporary creative spaces (PARKs) could be yours; locations include Ann Siang Hill, Duxton Plain and Little India. Register before 14 Sep at www.ura.gov.sg

The Munich Oktoberfest (beer festival) takes place 19 Sep-4 Oct. Check out our primer on German beers on p.26

Maka

# b e s t b i t e s

on BiTES

Unforgettable buzz

After encountering the mysterious front door of Fordham & Grand, BiTES winners stepped into a cosy bar and dining space that enticed with dark woods, black leather, lively artwork and mood lighting. All agreed that the food by chef Fong Kean Hun was impressive, from the starters of oysters with mignonette, to the Jerusalem artichoke soup and chunky prawn linguine. We ended the night in good spirits from the oh-sodecadent French toast with vanilla ice cream— cheers to new friends and experiences! Scan the QR code for more hi-jinks.

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!

SEP: 5 readers stand to win DINNER FOR 2

Modern Thai cuisine is the specialty of this bistrostyled restaurant. Dine on creative favourites like green papaya salad with soft shell crab, mixed grill (complete with grilled squid, prawns, chicken and beef short ribs!) and durian panna cotta with sticky rice as you take in the relaxed surroundings of the mall it’s in. Location clue: the mall is positioned as A Kids Learning Hub with plenty of play facilities, just two stops away from Orchard MRT. 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 6 October at 7pm. More on www.bites.com.sg/makanonbites

Give us your best guess between 1-22 Sep to dine at the restaurant on 6 Oct, 7pm! For full details and to enter, visit www.bites.com.sg/ makanonbites

We launched our first BiTES monthly e-newsletter with a contest—thanks ShangriLa Hotel for making life so much sweeter! New members who signed up for the newsletter from 29 Jul-31 Aug were put in the running to win Afternoon Tea for two at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore's Lobby Court! There were THREE SETS to give away, so head on over to www.bites.com.sg/ promotions/contests/251register-for-the-win to see if you’re one of the winners!

And if you haven’t done so, it’s not too late to get the round-up of news, stories and contests direct to your inbox: www.bites.com.sg/ register

Java jivin’ Lobby court, Shangrila hotel, SINGAPORE

Say aye if you got one of these with our BiTES August edition! These slim 240ml cans of ready-to-drink coffee mean business. Boncafé's Halal-certified iCafé series is low in fat but that doesn’t mean low on flavour. Each mouthful is a creamy brew of premium roast with milk in French Vanilla, Caffé Mocha and Caffé Latte variants. Our fave is the mocha with its velvety chocolate notes. Best served chilled. $1.05/can, $6.10/pack of 6, available exclusively in all Cold Storage supermarkets.

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b i t e s

BiTES’ fave dish of the event!

B I T E S r e p o r t db Bistro & Oyster Bar’s New England lobster roll ($25, U.P. $42) is heavily packed with chunks of the premium crustacean, with celery, tomato, dollops of smooth avocado and a sprinkling of heat.

EPICUREAN MARKET 2015

A slurp-fest of freshly-shucked bivalves at Global Oceanlink’s booth: $15 for half a dozen oysters from Taylor Shellfish Farm in Seattle—what a steal!

Date: 14-16 Aug Location: Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Halls D & E

Marina Bay Sands was heaving with a gathering of ardent foodies during the #EpicureanMarket weekend. The annual food and wine fair in its third year brought back the ever-popular celebrity restaurants' booths which drew snaking queues—chef Tetsuya Wakuda's Patisserie Platine was sold out way before the day came to a close but they were regularly restocked. Making strong debuts were chef Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and chef Wolfgang Puck’s second restaurant, Spago. Another signature attraction was the Epicurean Campus, a run of 35 informative masterclasses touching on bartending, tea appreciation and baking/cooking. We were tickled pink by chef Eric Teo's all-encompassing sense of humour during the A Super Hero Recipe session, where he shared cooking tips and tricks, gave away DC Comics' merchandise and even drew his rotund, chibi version of Flash for a lucky fan. Thanks to the bubbly training team from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf - Beanstro, we learnt much about The Art of Tea from the knowledgeable baristas. Everyone also took home a sample of their special Singapore Blend, a blush-coloured green tea scented with orchids, South African honeybush, linen flowers and carrots. Other than rubbing shoulders with celeb chefs and grabbing many #wefie photo-ops, everyone was psyched when the lights dimmed for the spanking new after party (till 1am!) with groovy beats from international names like Patrick Oliver and food pop-ups (yay, more nosh to try!). What a delicious three day journey we had… and already looking forward to next year’s! www.marinabaysands.com/epicurean-market.html

Nice to moo-eet you! The lovely Meiji ambassadors told us about their new products: fullbodied 4.3 deluxe milk, Paigen’s low sugar option, and a 500g tub of their plain yoghurt.

Non-stop grilling at Swiss Butchery’s booth to satiate our appetites. Why: sausages (spicy Italian, chicken cheese, pork bratwurst) at $4, Matsusaka beef at $6 and $4 TAS ribeye.

Apart from indicating keen interest, these snaking lines served as a re-affirmation of our #sosingaporean ways: queuing and love of food.

We literally got high on the amount of gastronomic creations at the Celebrity Chef Arena.

Meanwhile, over at DC Comics Super Heroes Cafe, we tasted previews of Superman’s, Batman’s and Aquaman’s fave food at this new opening at The Shoppes (#01-03/04/05).

WINES WERE MADE MORE ACCESSIBLE WITH TASTINGS AS LOW AS $5 for three, or sometimes even a free sip!

We discovered #FijiWaterMocktails like the refreshing Garden Lemonade and Thai Basil Collins ($10 each) with @fijiwatersg.

So much feels from the DJS, so much food.

Oh yay! Time to stock our pantry with fresh produce and smooth wines from the Four Seasons Gourmet Market. We also enjoyed the healthy smoothie bowls ($6.50) from the adjoining Go! Juice that’ll open in Nov at MBFC.

From the origins of tea to proper steeping (swirl 92-98°C water over leaves, 3min for green tea/5min for black tea). We learnt and sampled much at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf – Beanstro’s aromatic class.

Cafe Fever We visited Oriole Coffee + Bar at their new Capitol Piazza’s digs for their signature Taisho coffee and small plates like soba salad and Portobello confit sandwich. The outlet’s exclusives include Oriole’s angel cake ($14) and waffles, ice cream and caramelised banana ($14). Have the signature in-house cold brewed coffee in black ($6), white ($7) or with M.A.D. milk ($8). #0220/21 Capitol Piazza Neue, 13 Stamford Road. Tel: 6384 6495

arteastiq boutique tea house

Jack’s place

programme Artepret, a fun bonding art-science activity which fuses the cafe’s signature art jamming with personality profiling for a better understanding of you and your team mates. #03-70/72 Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road. Tel: 6336 0952

Oriole coffee + bar

Look to Arteastiq Boutique Tea House at Plaza Singapura for a pleasing modern FrancoChinois design in predominantly black and white and an all-new creative menu of rustic and homestyle comfort food such as Louisiana Love ($22, chicken and waffles), Summer in Provence (foie gras) and The Connection (strip loin).5:36 Do check out the new EN French Holding3.pdf 1 26/8/15 PM

Mid-Autumn Gems We go yin yang with Jack's Place's Creative Fusion duo of bamboo charcoal and pure white cranberry lotus. The former contains gold flakes and dried scallop lotus paste, while the latter has bursts of tangy dried apricot and sunflower seeds and is baked with Chinese flour and honey ($11.50/pc or $45.80/4pcs). www.jacksplace. com.sg / bakery.eatzi.com.sg Do try PrimaDéli's five new snowskin mooncake flavours: Thai milk tea with black pearl, tiramisu, cookies and cream, peanut butter crunch and chocolate mint

(from $5.60/pc for mini, $12.20/pc for regular). www.primadeli.com Did we hear ice cream? Swensen's SG50 Moon Gems feature our iconic Merlion in three fresh flavours: Crunchy Milo, Lychee Dreams and Yummy Yam ($35.80/box of four). www.swensens.com.sg

b i t e s

Chef Jean-Charles Dubois of Balzac Brasserie has launched Indline - The Indian Cookery, a quick service restaurant. Naans and tikkas are fired in a custom made tandoor; the former’s thicker texture and denser chew is perfect for flavour-packed curries like chicken shahi korma ($9) and lamb vindaloo ($11). Kati breads are rolled out thinner to form light wraps filled with meat ($12.50). Or have it all with the Indbox, a complete meal of curries, tikkas, kebabs, daal, salad, naan and rice of your choice ($14.50). Instead of the usual Kingfisher beer, you’ll find brewed-in-Barcelona Estrella Damm, and Brew Dog Punk IPA from Scotland. 28 Keong Saik Road. Tel: 6222 5997

gin khao

Gin Khao might mean ‘eat rice’ in Thai, but that’s not all you’ll get at this atypical East Coast Parkway restaurant. Start with the kang ob woon sen, or juicy crayfish simmered in a moreish Thai garlic and pepper sauce tang hoon in a claypot ($16.80, prawn version available) and stir-fried squid with runny salted egg ($14.80). We’re especially impressed by the fusion tea selections (pandan chiffon, mango sticky rice, tiger mint, halia citron) and desserts (Thai tea molten lava cake, green curry gelato with black sticky rice). #01-01, 1020 East Coast Parkway. Tel: 6604 8996 Palette Restaurant & Bar houses 10 Asian street food and cocktail brands—perhaps more like a food court than a restaurant. Comfort food faves include Balestier Bak Kut Teh’s premium pork ribs soup, IndoChilli’s sate ayam madura ($8.80), Yong Xin Fried Hokkien fried prawn noodle ($6) and Huat Huat BBQ’s chicken wings ($12/6pcs). Relax in the Euro-Peranakan interior and sip on 90 Gastro Bar’s collection of Capitol cocktail tributes such as Cabaret Oasis ($17) and Musical Express ($17). #B1-20/27 Capitol Piazza, 13 Stamford Road. Tel: 6384 3359 Pop into this DEN for a travel-inspired concept. By day it offers value breakfast and lunch options; by night it’s a tapas and wine bar just steps away from the CBD. Young exec chef Marcus Quek cooks up eclectic comfort food such as the seafood mafalda ($15), a creamy tomato linguine that nestles grilled chunks of haddock, squid and prawn, while the DEN burger ($15) takes homemade patty up a notch with tangy Russian

Snack Hour Specials Snack Hour Specials (daily 5pm 7pm)– 7pm) (daily–5pm

FreshlyFreshly Shucked Natural Oyster|*2 eacheach Shucked Natural Oyster|*2 *with every orderedordered *withmain everycourse main course

Highball Cocktails + Housepour Wines|*10 Highball Cocktails + Housepour Wines|*10 Beers Beers | *8| *8

dressing and tomato chipotle inside a brioche bun. 29 Boon Tat Street. Tel: 6220 0629

den

43 Craig Road, Singapore 089681 www.fng.com.sg info@fng.com.sg Reservations : +65 6221 3088 Snacks, Drinks, Dinner & Supper 5.00 pm - 3.00 am Everyday except Sunday

New on the scene

Since it opened in January 2013, bistro and bar Fordham & Grand has won the palates and hearts of discerning diners with great food, delightful cocktails and a handsome concept styled after the speakeasy bars of the 1920s, that takes guests into the wee hours of the morning.

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beverages *selected*selected beverages

SG50 Tasting Menu| |5050 SG50 Tasting Menu (20th– 15th July –August; 15th August; till 10.00 (20th July till 10.00 p.m.) p.m.)

Crab” “Chilli“Chilli Crab” Mud Crab + Tomato + Focaccia Mud Crab + Tomato + Focaccia

“Hokkien Mee”

“Hokkien Mee” Linguine + Tiger Prawns + Japanese Pork + Calamari Linguine + Tiger Prawns + Japanese Pork + Calamari

“Goreng Pisang”

“Goreng Pisang” Banana + Vanilla Ice Cream Banana + Vanilla Ice Cream

SG50 Champagne | 50 SG50 Champagne | 50 (20th July – 15th August)

(20th July 15th August) NV– Paul Goerg 8

Brut Reserve, Premier Cru

NV Paul Goerg Brut Reserve, Premier Cru

Since 2013, Since ititopened openedininJanuary January 2013, bistro and bar Fordham & Grand bistro and bar Fordham & Grand has hearts has won wonthe thepalates palatesand and hearts of discerning diners with great of discerning diners with great food, delightful cocktails and a food, delightful cocktails and a handsome concept styled after handsome concept styled after the speakeasy bars of the 1920s, the speakeasy 1920s, that takes guestsbars into of thethe wee that takes into the wee hours of theguests morning.

hours of the morning.

43 Craig Road, Singapore 089681 www.fng.com.sg info@fng.com.sg 43 Craig Road, Singapore 089681 Reservations : +65 6221 3088 www.fng.com.sg info@fng.com.sg Snacks, Drinks,: Dinner & Supper Reservations +65 6221 3088 5.00 pm - 3.00 am Snacks, Drinks, Dinner & Supper Everyday except Sunday

5.00 pm - 3.00 am Everyday except Sunday

jack’s place

Classics renewed Well-loved heritage brand of 49 years, Jack’s Place rolls out a refreshed menu, led by its third-gen owners. Try new menu items special eye fillet steak ($31.50, topped with fresh asparagus and black mushroom sauce), Jack’s Best beef stew in trendy mini casserole ($18, served with mash and seasonal veg) and the New Jack’s cheese fondue sampler platter ($16). It’s one of the best places to satisfy your bovine craving: the 100 percent grass-fed chilled beef is directly imported from New Zealand, sans hormones and antibiotics; the lean cuts (80 percent less total fat) contain more conjugated linoleic acid, Vitamin E, beta carotene, and 30 percent less cholesterol. Oh, and don’t forget their salted egg lava chocolate pudding ($7.90). www.jacksplace.com.sg There’s a contemporary twist at Nan Hwa Fishboat, the oldest fish head charcoal steamboat

(since 1927). Add on fresh Atlantic codfish slices ($20) to your regular fish head steamboat ($38 for grouper, small) that’s prepared upon order. Shabu-shabu each firm, but not too fatty piece in the soup, which is full of silky, sweet and rich goodness. What’s the secret? Ti poh or dried sole fish, a Teochew condiment, the owner reveals, beaming with pride. Other old-school tze char dishes include salted egg pork ribs, braised pig’s intestines ($8/10/12), fried pork belly with fermented red beancurd and a fluffy oyster omelette. 812/814/816 North Bridge Road. Tel: 8613 2732

Nan Hwa Fishboat

Bar watch Finally—it’s an Italian makeover at District 10’s UE Square outlet! Exec chef and co-owner Luca Pezzera has added on 15 dishes to the already bursting menu, which will have fans of the defunct Bonta rejoicing. Start off right with tomato-rich appetisers of classic baked eggplant alla Parmigiana ($16) and slow braised tripe ($16)—the meat is well prepared so you’ll enjoy its

addictive texture together with chilli and Parmesan. The carbonara spaghetti and black ink taglioni (each $24) are the real stars; generously sized with ingredients you can see, and special twists such as the black truffle scented carbonara. #01-15/16/17 UE Square, 81 Clemeanceau Avenue. Tel: 6738 4788 The hippest cocktail lounge in town sits glamorously on the mezzanine level of The Black Swan. Enter The Powder Room, always dolled up and daring, theatrics at the ready in its parties and libations. The bar’s revamped cocktail menu features creative concoctions like Bubble Yum ($21), a house-infused bubblegum vodka base complete with helium balloon. Paying homage to the venue’s Jazz Age vibe, the B. B. King ($19) is redolent with notes of bananascented whisky with barbecue bitters with a maple syrupthe powder filled smoking gun room for dramatic effect. 19 Cecil Street. Tel: 8181 3305

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Cafe H t Seat

In this column, we pick a notable personality to go cafe-hopping with us. We turn our September spotlight on Singapore’s very own hunky champ eater Zermatt Neo, who was once a selfconfessed skinny-fat. By Meredith Woo, Photography by Benjamin Soh

@theconnoisseurconcerto at The Central Physiotherapist. Personal trainer. Those are the occupations one would immediately associate with Zermatt Neo due to his well-built physique and sculpted abs. He’s the chap that aunties at the gym would ask, “Ah boy, you just completed NS ah?” but he’s also the guy who chowed down 10,000 calories worth of KFC in an hour, prompting curious questions on his weight and earning him more clients. We settle at The Connoisseur Concerto’s (tcc) The Central boutique, the charming Zermatt full of enthusiasm. It’s hard to guess he was once a skinnyfat kid who suffered digestive problems, asthma and regular bouts of flu, much less a champion eater. “When I was 23 I came into bodybuilding (to get over a breakup), started eating clean, counting calories and knowing what my body needs. Miraculously all those issues went away.” He’s hardly at odds with both aspects of his life, thanks to his foundation in nutrition. He casually explains that balancing calories and discipline is all that’s needed. “Who can eat steamed broccoli and chicken breast every (non-competitive) day? I don’t even add salt and pepper. I’m a very bland person.” But bland is hardly how we’d describe Zermatt, who got his name from his aunt’s huge jigsaw puzzle of the famous Swiss mountain area. Even his career has been a colourful one. After spending two years as an HR executive, he decided a desk job wasn’t for him. “While at the gym, I realised a lot of my peers sustained

WHAT WE ORDERED

Zermatt had: Hot chocolate ($7.50); “just the way I like it” Meredith had: Grandiose August high tea affair set ($16.80); “perfect for an afternoon catch-up, tasty scones and mousse-y chocolate cake” Benjamin had: Seafood aglio olio ($23.50); “this classic hits the spot with a hint of heat and juicy scallops”

@zermattneo can easily tackle this training injuries. I started reading up on nutrition and physiotherapy and ended up pursuing a degree on the latter in Sydney.” Shortly after his return in 2013, a friend noticed how on his cheat days, the 27-year-old would load up at a buffet (“that’s the only place I can get all my cravings”) and be the last man standing. He was promptly signed up for the Ramen Champion Big Eater Challenge (where he also met his current boss, the doctor at the competition) and emerged second place, behind professional competitive eater and bikini model Tomoko Miyake (“I want a rematch, losing to a girl is not my thing.”). He had no prior preparation and managed to get so far. He was hooked. Zermatt pauses to dunk a cookie into his hot chocolate. “I like it balanced, not too thick, not too sweet.” The passionate symbolism of chocolate also alludes to his fierce drive to succeed beneath his chill demeanor. We offer to share our food, but he declines: there’s filming for a challenge later and he abstains from food for 16 to 18 hours daily, part of the Intermittent Fasting regime. “I’m not even hungry when I compete—too nervous.” Big events take a toll on him too: he can’t taste/enjoy his food (has to focus on just swallowing)

and can’t afford to pig out again. “Afterwards, I feel super drained, so tired I’ll just crash. Recovery involves a lot of sleeping and water, as the body is not meant to do this. My health comes first so I won’t attempt crazy stunts like big back-to-back challenges, eating ghost peppers (spice) or beer chugging (alcohol).” So what does the future hold? “Proper (competitive eating) training because I tasted defeat this year and it’s not nice. I’d also like to start a clinic to fix lower back, mobility issues; maybe tie-up with a charity to help more people be pain-free.” Admirable life goals indeed. We’ve got your back, Zermatt!

@bitessg with @zermattneo

#abs

#COMPETITIVEEATING

PROGRESS: “I used to be scrawny. This photo was from about two years back, to show I can bulk and cut (build muscle and burn fat). I’ve stopped posting such pics as it attracts the wrong kind of attention.” STALKERS: “They’ll PM you on Facebook, ask stupid questions. After my KFC YouTube video, my friend requests soared like crazy. Every two minutes my phone would go ping-ping-ping.” GYM: “Gymm Boxx at Bukit Batok, at least thrice weekly.”

THAT FACE: “I wasn’t expecting this bowl of ramen to be this big. I was genuinely shocked, like, okay I’m doomed. They even wanted to prepare gyoza for me, but I said no, no, no.” FINISHER: “I took 35 minutes to down this. I could have gone faster, but it was too hot at the start.” ADVICE: “Don’t restrict yourself, as long as you are able to strike a balance. Eating a salad won’t give you abs neither will binging on a burger destroy them.”

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District 10 Bar Tapas Restaurant

Clink your bottles with zeal—the breezy, open-front bar of District 10’s The Star Vista’s outlet sets the scene for a buzzy night out. Unwind with your mates at this 80-seater which boasts a menu brimming with colourful tapas, pinchos and other hearty European dishes. New offerings are bangers and mash, BBQ pork ribs and teriyaki chicken pizza: the full flavours lend themselves extremely well to the refreshing notes of pear and apple Somersby ciders. Also, enjoy 50 percent off tapas and desserts with every order of the daily special, set lunch or main course (valid daily 11.30am2.30pm). Mon-Thu 11.30am-11pm, Fri & eve of PH 11.30am-12am, Sat-Sun & PH 11am-11pm. #01-42/K3 The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green. Tel: 6694 2884

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Fried chicken paradise

Each culture has its own favoured deepfried fowl. The B i T E S team fanned out across the island to sniff out 10 juicy international styles of fried chicken— from Indonesian to Korean—to tempt your tastebuds. Photography Sara Aman

Local fast food

The fried hens from homegrown and Singapore’s first Halalcertified fast food joint are sandy brown with a thin and even coat of crisp, peppery batter. Where to get it: Arnold's Crispy Chicken [ ]

Western

Typical spices used in Cajun/Creole fried chicken seasoning include cumin, coriander and garlic salt— while the battered and breaded crust is thick and crispy. Where to get it: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen [ ]

Taiwanese

Sweet potato starch (for a mochi chew) coats the butterflied and pounded chicken steaks seasoned with salt, pepper and a dash of five spice powder. Where to get it: Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken

Local Chinese

This chook with shatteringly crisp skin and an extra coating of fine crumbs is based on a 1970s recipe. Dip it in tangy chicken rice chilli (fresh red chilli, garlic, ginger, lime, vinegar and sometimes poultry stock). Where to get it: Two Wings

Japanese

Bite-sized pieces of fowl are marinated in shoyu, garlic and sometimes ginger, then lightly coated in flour (not batter) and fried. Serve with a lemon wedge to cut through the grease. Where to get it: Sushi Tei

Filipino

Golden fried chicken is simply marinated with seasonings like garlic powder, salt and pepper, and breaded with flour and cornstarch. Where to get it: Jollibee Singapore [ ]

Korean

The Korean method of double fried chicken wings results in a thin, crackly, ultra-crunchy skin coated with a sweet, sticky, salty glaze of spices, sugar and salt. Add gochujang (Korean red pepper) paste for a chilliish punch. Where to get it: 4 Fingers Crispy Chicken [ ]

American

Buffalo wings—whether deboned or bone-in—are unbreaded wingettes and drumettes usually coated in hot cayenne pepper sauce. Said to be named after their place of origin in New York. Where to get it: Wingstop [ ]

Local tze char

A pungent yet umami prawn paste flavour is what defines har cheong gai. The thorough flavour's achieved by marinating the flock in the tempura-esque batter (that might contain Chinese wine) overnight. Where to get it: New Hong Kong Street Chun Kee

Indonesian

After marination in turmeric and spices and fried, the bird is then smashed with a hammer to loosen the protein fibres. Loose crunchy bits of batter—called kremes—is a must. Where to get it: Ayam Penyet Ria [ ]

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The Taste Test

B I T E S paid for our own fried chicken feast. Here’s our assessment of the chooks.

Jollibee Singapore [ ]

Price: $7.25 ($6.80 before GST)/5pcs Open: Daily 11.30am-10pm. Various locations including #03-15 nex, 23 Serangoon Central. Tel: 6634 7717 Side/seasoning: Mayonnaise B I T E S finger-lickin ratings: Seasoning has hints of delicious garlic, and Japanese mayonnaise given is awesome. Dry (breast meat), toughish and poultry pieces are fraught with blobs of chicken fat and oil.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen [ ]

New Hong Kong Street Chun Kee

Price: $5.70/2pcs (mild) Open: Daily 10am-10pm. Various locations including #03-01 Bedok Point, 799 Upper Changi Road. Tel: 6448 9312 Side/seasoning: Choose from cheese, gravy, BBQ, ranch, tartar sauce. B I T E S finger-lickin ratings: Overall rich, moist texture of chicken. Local chickens delivered to kitchens every morning for freshness. Too much oil, a slight smell.

4 Fingers Crispy Chicken [ ]

Wingstop [ ]

Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken

Price: $4.70/bone-in cutlet in Original Open: Daily 11am-9.30pm. Various locations including #B4-70 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn. Tel: 6634 2254 Side/seasoning: Salt and pepper with a hint of five spice B I T E S finger-lickin ratings: Springy batter for a fun jaw exercise; its no-frills seasoning is its strength. A handy snack. A tad dry, dense and overdone. Batter turns slightly gooey when soggy. Some don’t like the bone-in factor.

Sushi Tei

Price: $8.10 (Indonesian smashed fried chicken) Open: Daily 11.30am-9.30pm. Various locations including #01-71/72 Bedok Mall, 311 New Upper Changi Road. Tel: 6441 0025 Side/seasoning: Belacan-chilli relish. Served with rice, deep-fried beancurd, soybean cake, veg and crispy bits. B I T E S finger-lickin ratings: Overall delicious, crispy and tasty flavour—great with crispy bits and the fiery chilli. A tad pricey and the meat's a little dry.

Price: $3/pc, $16/bucket of 6 for Chicken Joy Open: Daily 9am-9pm. #06-048A Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Road. Tel: 9054 3892/6735 5119/6735 5117 Side/seasoning: Brown gravy with chicken drippings B I T E S finger-lickin ratings: Well-seasoned chicken; crunchy bite from the thick batter. Slightly too salty, no memorable flavour.

Price: $7.95/6 pcs (wings+drumlets) in soy garlic Open: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm. Various locations including #B4-06/06A ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn. Tel: 6509 8641 Side/seasoning: None. Ketchup and chilli sauce on request B I T E S finger-lickin ratings: Intense bursts of sweet soy garlic on the crispy skin. The meat is fried till dry, and it's actually three wings cut into half.

Ayam Penyet Ria [ ]

Price: $7.95/6pcs of classic wings (Original Hot) Open: Daily 11am-10pm. Various locations including #B1-53 Bedok Mall, 311 New Upper Changi Road. Tel: 6844 9230 Side/seasoning: Sauces include cheese, ranch, honey mustard. Other wings flavours: Cajun, atomic, mild, teriyaki, lemon pepper, Hawaiian, garlic parmesan, hickory smoked BBQ, Louisiana rub & in-Singapore-only oriental soy pepper. B I T E S finger-lickin ratings: Spicy and flavourful. Classic blue cheese sauce—not too pungent—complements the chicken perfectly. Don’t expect much crispiness as the wings are slicked in the red, vinegared hot sauce.

Two Wings

Price: $8.50/4pcs Open: Daily 11.30am-9pm. New outlet at #01-01 Essen @ The Pinnacle, 1 Cantonment Road. Tel: 9667 0368 Side/seasoning: Homemade chicken rice chilli B I T E S finger-lickin ratings: Tender inside, wings size is more substantial. Batter seems more like a crumb coating, making it textural and crisper. Wellseasoned with accents of ginger and heat, accentuated by the tasty chilli. Sweet aftertaste is a slight turnoff. A bit oily.

Price: $13 for small (7pcs) Open: Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm. 240 Tanjong Katong Road. Tel: 6342 1981 Side/seasoning: Belachan sauce and a small lime. B I T E S finger-lickin ratings: Each bite is a mouthful of the crunchy light-coloured fluffy and fragrant batter and juicy chicken meat. Remember to dip in the sauce reminiscent of liquid prawn. Seasoning penetrates to the bone. For prawn paste fans, this could do with more of that 'kick'.

Arnold's Crispy Chicken [ ]

Price: $11.90 for spring chicken meal Open: Daily 11am-9.30pm. #02-99 City Plaza, 810 Geylang Road. Tel: 6746 2372 Side/seasoning: Good ‘ol potato fries and coleslaw B I T E S finger-lickin ratings: Thin crisp batter allows fresh-tasting chicken to shine. Tender with a peppery punch. Some parts a little tough and bland. Batter leaves powdery residue. Only delivers to selected areas :(

Texas Chicken [ ]

Price: $8.20/2pc meal Open: Daily 10am-10pm. Various locations including #B1-30 Changi City Point, 5 Changi Business Central Park 1. Tel: 6636 1292 Side/seasoning: Sweet-savoury honey-butter biscuits and mashed potatoes with gravy. B i T E S finger-lickin ratings: Overall delicious and fresh-tasting. Portions are bigger than usual. Juicy chooks with a crisp coating of breadcrumbs and batter. Signature spicy taste blends five types of chilli peppers for balanced flavour. More heat, please.

b u f f e t

b o u n t y

Wish you had a reliable buffet resource available to guide you to the best all-you-can-eat spots? Buffet Bounty is your go-to resource on buffets for all budgets, tastes and locations. Sit back and relax at our pick of a la carte buffets or make a trip to The State of Fun for value finds. Don’t forget to have a bubbling good time at steamboat places 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) Certified halal Does not serve pork or lard Kid-friendly facilities Veg-friendly

a la carte Buffets

soy sauce and pork floss and steamed sea bass with crispy bean paste feature in this a la carte buffet ($39 adult, $19.50 child)—a favourite haunt since its opening in 1977. Irodori Japanese RESTAURANT #03-01 Riverview Hotel, 382 Havelock Road. Tel: 6737 2002 Their daily buffet ($36.80++, 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm) offers a wide range of dishes to pick from. Nosh on refreshing and healthy green tea tofu, to the decadent ebi mentai mayo, and also beef shogayaki— delicately sliced beef served with a fiery ginger sauce.

patara fine thai cuisine

jade

Ban Heng Restaurant #11-01/02 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road. Tel: 6238 1516 Dine at Ban Heng for appetisers, soups, seafood dishes—such as their fried prawn with cereal and crispy fried squid ring—and noodle and rice dishes. For lunch (from $22.80++ adult, from $13.80++ child below 1.2m), you can also choose from a variety of dim sum such as the steamed siew mai and steamed BBQ pork buns. For dinner (from $26.80++ adult, from $15.80++ child below 1.2m), pick some hearty meat dishes like the braised duck in Teochew style and venison with ginger and onion. Minimum four adults to dine. Daily 11.30am3pm, 6-10.30pm.

Coffee Lounge Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road. Tel: 6737 7411 Think piping hot Taiwan porridge with over 29 dishes to choose from. Comfort food favourites like braised pork belly with dark soy sauce, chilled beancurd in Japanese

Patara Fine Thai Cuisine #03-14 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road. Tel: 6737 0818 Standing strong for 18 years, Patara exudes class and elegance in a first-class restaurant. Noted for its classic Thai premium dishes and nestled in cozy Tanglin, give their luscious buffet a try at $44++ or $78++ with unlimited Prosecco, wines and beer.

Jade The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square. Tel: 6877 8188 Select from a lavish assortment of appetisers, soups, signature dishes, desserts and enjoy a glass of wine at an additional $10 for a memorable gourmet experience. Try double-boiled soup braised bird’s nest with truffle

[$]

Cherry Garden Chinese Restaurant 5F Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, 5 Raffles Avenue. Tel: 6885 3538 Best known for their best weekend dim sum brunch, Cherry Garden (Sat-Sun 11am-12.30pm, 1.30-3pm, $48++ without champagne) offers luxed up dishes such as siew mai topped with a mini abalone, and har gow dusted with edible gold power. What’s a dim sum buffet without baos? Don’t forget the irresistible steamed sweetened custard bao filled with dark chocolate.

egg white in superior broth; and golden ‘mantou’ stuffed with spicy crab meat (both limited to a single portion per diner). Daily $58++, weekend dim sum brunch: 11.00am12.45pm (last order 12.15pm), 2nd seating 1.15-3pm (last order 2.30pm).

Peach blossoms

makan@jen

coffee lounge

Peach Blossoms Level 5 Marina Mandarin Singapore, 6 Raffles Boulevard. Tel: 6845 1118 Take your pick on dim sum wheels from a medley of new creations such as poached shrimp dumpling in Sichuan sauce, deep fried squid ball with passion fruit sauce and pan fried foie gras with smoked duck served on mantou. Other delights include lobster congee and deep-fried prawns coated with wasabi mayo. Mon- Fri 12-3pm, $48++ (adult), $38++ (child); Sat-Sun & PH $58++ (adult), $38++ (child). Peony Jade Restaurant 10 Bukit Chermin Road, Keppel Club. Tel: 6276 9138 Treat yourself to handcrafted Hong Kong dim sum at award-winning Peony Jade. There are more than 50 varieties of food items to choose from: har kau or steamed crystal prawns, char siew bao, prawn rice roll cheong fun, wok fried creamy egg yolk prawn and many more. Mon-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm, $33.80++; Sat-Sun two seatings 11am-12.45pm & 1.15-3pm, $32.80++.

peony jade

Shin Yuu Japanese Restaurant 16 Greenwood Avenue, Hillcrest Park. Tel: 6763 4939 Have a go at Shin Yuu’s house specials which feature oyster, salmon aburi, seared tuna, belly sushi and cheese-baked tiger prawn. Must-tries include chawanmushi, wafu steak and kuruma ebi teriyaki. MonSun 12-3pm lunch: $36.90++ adult, $21.90++ child; 6-10.30pm dinner $49.90++ adult, $29.90++ child.

shinkei japanese restaurant

Shinkei Japanese Restaurant #01-06/07/10, 600@Toa Payoh, 600 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh. Tel: 6255 5598 With a spacious interior seating up to 168, Shinkei easily caters for big family gatherings and company events. 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. Lunch: 11am2.30pm, Mon-Fri $33++ (adult) $25++ (child), Sat-Sun $37++ (adult), $29++ (child); dinner 6-10.30pm; MonSun, $39++ (adult) $29++ (child).

senki japanese restaurant

Senki Japanese Restaurant 109 Killiney Road. Tel: 6734 5565 Let your taste buds go wild as you chow on ocean-fresh seafood sashimi or crisp tempura. For a Japanese buffet (lunch from $32++ adult, from $21++ child aged 5-10; dinner from $39++ adult, from $24++ child aged 5-10), head to this restaurant along Killiney Road. They offer sashimi, nigiri sushi, grilled dishes, pan-fried dishes and deep fried dishes like the tori katsu. Order their signature hand rolls while you’re there. We recommend the spider karashi hand roll—a soft shell crab option with spicy sauce—and the mango California hand roll. Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10pm. Shin Minori #03-15/16 UE Square, 81 Clemenceau Avenue. Tel: 6733 2272 Their highlights include an extensive selection of sake and sochu. Stuff yourself silly with 160 items including seven varieties of fresh sashimi, 21 nigiri sushi, 27 sumiyaki teriyaki dishes and over 60 cooked items. Lunch: Mon-Sun: $34++ (adult), $24++ (child); dinner: Mon-Thu $37++ (adult), $25++ (child) Fri-Sun & PH $39++ (adult), $27++ (child).

shin minori

shin yuu japanese restaurant

si chuan dou hua restaurant

Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant Level 3 PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road, 7500 Beach Road. Tel: 6428 3170 Check out the dim sum offerings at lunch (daily 11.30am-2.30pm, $38++) with over 60 dishes including sliced pork in garlic and chilli sauce and braised soon hock. Suanthai 101 Killiney Road. Tel: 6235 4126 Suanthai, which means ‘Thai Garden’ has a homely indoor setting. Requiring minimum two to dine, the buffet (Lunch: Mon-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm, $19.90++ adult,

b u f f e t

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under $50

NETT

famous Ma La Tang and Old Faithful Chicken Stock; these are boiled for hours for that lovely natural creaminess. Look out for unique ingredients such as taro strings and luxurious abalone. With bright red lanterns and faux stucco walls, experience the feel of Sichuan dining while fresh meatballs simmer in delicious broths. Lunch: 12noon-3pm; Dinner: Mon-Fri 6-10:30pm ($37.90++). #04-06/07 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road. Tel: 6734 8135

steamboat buffets

What’s unique at Tianfu is their satay flavoured broth. Unlike the conventional sweet peanut satay dip, this exudes a saltier flavour. The steamboat options includes Tianfu U.S. beef, Four Treasures, geo-duck sashimi, homemade shrimp dumplings and fish paste noodles. Mon-Thu $20.80++ (adult), $10.40++ (child); Fri-Sun, eve of PH & PH $23.80++ (adult), $11.90++ (child).

CRYSTAL JADE STEAMBOAT KITCHEN

MAGIC OF CHONGQING HOTPOT They take pride in their broths which include

$13++ child; Dinner: Mon-Thu $21.90++ adult, $15++ child) totals 20 to 30 items, including tom yum soup with prawns, boneless stuffed chicken wings and Thai style chicken satay. The Seafood International Market & Restaurant Block A #01-01, Big Splash, 902 East Coast Parkway. Tel: 6345 1211 There are 50 dishes to choose from (daily 11.30am2.30pm) including braised mini whole abalone with oyster sauce, deep fried lobster with orange Portuguese salad dressing, stewed chicken with mustard mayo sauce and seafood tom yum soup. Mon-Fri $36.80++ (adult), $20.80++ (child); Sat-Sun $39.90++ (adult), $22.80++ (child). The Thai Table 20 Jalan Pari Burong, Picardy Garden. Tel: 6443 3533 Thinking of Thai food such as tom yum, pandan leaf

At $32++ for a supper buffet (Mon-Thu 9pm-12am, Fri 9pm-2am) and $34++ (Sat 9pm-2am, Sun 9pm-12am), get ready to stuff yourself silly with fresh and top quality meats. Be sure to try their signature tangy tomato and spicy mala soups. The main highlight: for $3, concoct your own dipping sauce from a mind-boggling range of condiments. Psst, the fragrant sesame sauce’s their signature dip. #01-25/25A Liang Court, 177 River Valley Road. Tel: 6836 6839

tianfu hong kong style steamboat

Despite Singapore’s sweltering heat, our love for hotpots just gets steamier.

Affordable, comfortable, reliable. An all-youcan-eat steamboat with free flow drinks and soft ice cream, signature Cantonese a la carte dishes and dim sum for both lunch and dinner. A wholesome spread of more than 35 ingredients and six different soup bases include sliced meats, mussels, mushrooms, vegetables, pork bone and curry soup. While waiting for your meat to boil, chow on cooked items like deep fried chicken skin and mushroom stems from the buffet line. Dinner: Mon-Sat 11am-9:45pm, $20.90++ (adults), $17.90++ (children); Sun 10:30am-9:45pm, $26.90++ (adults), $23.90++ (children). #02-32 Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road. Tel: 6336 2833.

TANYOTO

Suki-ya

magic of chongqing hotpot

SUKI-YA Easties would relate to this as one of the best go-to places for shabu-shabu. Indulge in popular tasty broths such as sukiyaki and touyu miso, coupled with unlimited cuts of quality beef, chicken and pork. As a simmering hotpot is best shared with your loved ones, come in groups of four or more to enjoy 25% off from 6pm onwards (Mon-Thu only). Dinner: Mon-Thu $24.90++ (100mins), Sat-Sun, eve of PH & PH $26.90++ (80mins). #B1-02 Tampines Mall, 4 Tampines Central 5. Tel: 6789 6166

chicken and pineapple rice? Fill up your table with specialty dishes like their homemade Thai fish cakes, stir-fried black pepper beef, pomelo salad, signature pineapple rice and lemongrass chicken. Mon-Sun 11.45am-2.30pm, $19.90++ adult, $13.90++ child; MonSun 6-10pm, $22.90++ adult, $14.90++ child. TungLok Seafood #11-05 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road. Tel: 6834 4888 Requiring a minimum of four persons to dine, this a la carte buffet has both lunch (from $26.80++ adult, from $16.80++ child aged below 12) and dinner (from $38.80++ adult, from $28.80++ child aged below 12) options. Pick from their menu which includes Japanese cold cuts, delicacies such as the sauteed sliced beef with black bean sauce and sambal mussels. Also, enjoy their range of dim sum dishes during their lunch buffet. One of the best-kept secrets on this stretch, in our books.

tunglok seafood

10 Sentosa buffets we love

Spend a day out at The State of Fun with these all-you-can-eat foodie finds.

COCA Restaurant Fans of Thai-style ‘suki’ steamboat, savour the rich flavours of the broth and try house specials fish glue, house special shrimp/pork balls, dumplings and stuffed beancurd skin during the affordable lunch buffet ($27++, daily 11.15am-3.45pm). Add fluffy white rice, chicken eggs and a sprinkling of spring onions into your soup when you’re almost done to concoct the special COCA porridge. Dinner buffet and a la carte menu also available. #01-215/216 Resorts World Sentosa, 26 Sentosa Gateway. Tel: 6659 2133

World. Choose to arrive for lunch (12-2.15pm) or dinner (5.30-7.30pm; both sessions $24++) and eat your fill of Singaporean faves like Hainanese chicken rice, curry chicken, siew mai and green bean soup. There’s also a tummy warming porridge station with flavourful condiments to choose from. 80 Siloso Road. Tel: 6238 1755

PISCO Check out the Sunday brunch ($38++, inclusive of one glass of juice or soft drink; 11.30am-2.30pm) for traditional South American dishes: pick a main course (half Peruvian roasted chicken, prawn burrito etc) and browse the free-flow salads, soups and desserts while your dish is cooked to order. Make a beeline for the churros with chocolate sauce. #01-231/232 The Forum, Resorts World Sentosa, 26 Sentosa Gateway. Tel: 6795 4720

Pisco

Dine On 3 - Silver Shell Cafe [ ] Great for tots—there’s a scaled-to-height buffet section and a dedicated BabyZone. From 10 Sep, visit with junior for Spanish Night ($52++, Thu 6-10pm) for a rich array of soups, tapas, hot dishes and desserts. Delish options include gazpacho with condiments, octopus Gallega, seafood fideua and saffron mousse and apricot. Don’t forget to visit the Spanish cold cuts and ham carving station complemented by olives and Manchego cheese. Level 3 Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa Singapore, 101 Siloso Road, Sentosa. Tel: 6371 1966

]

Island Cuisine [

]

Spend an idyllic afternoon in air-conditioned comfort by the sea, after your journey through the Underwater

Spend a Tropicana Night ($68++; Fri-Sat 6.30-10.30pm) at the colourful and fun Starz Restaurant. The marine harvest is brimming with Alaska King crabs, snow crabs and half shell scallops. Sup on the Nyonya green papaya pork ribs soup and for that spicy kick, try “The Heat Wave” for tandoori chicken and sayur lodeh, before rounding off your meal with a cheese platter and tropical desserts. Lobby Level Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway. Tel: 6577 6688

Relax by the sea with the snazziest dishes from W Singapore - Sentosa Cove’s two outlets. Sunday Remix (12.30-4pm, from $118++) is chock-a-block with wood-fired pizzas, salads, meats from the parilla grill, marine delights, dim sum, a raw bar and more. Tag on an additional $50++ to the buffet for the luxe Bubbly Remix: free-flow house white, red and bubbly, as well as access to the 1,300sqm WET pool. 21 Ocean Way. Tel: 6808 7268

Universal Studios Singapore Port of Lost Wonder [ ]

Don’t forget about this Melaka lok lok steamboat buffet ($29.90++, Sat-Sun & PH 6-10pm) in a jom balik kampung setting within this time-honoured resort. Dip and cook your sticks of food in different soup bases: laksa, satay, tom yum and chicken. Pro tip: visit on Saturdays to catch the fireworks from Resorts World Sentosa at 8.30pm. Reservations required. 30 Imbiah Walk (Costa Sands Sentosa). Tel: 8457 7044

Starz Restaurant

SKIRT/the kitchen table

Dine on 3 - Silver shell cafe

Fara’s Restaurant [

Starz restaurant photo courtesy of resorts world sentosa

Every first Saturday of the month (5 Sep this round; $39 nett adults, $15 nett children 5-12 years old; 6.309.30pm), POLW holds its BBQ Under the Stars event. The kid’s club on Palawan Beach is decked out with a pirate ship and various play areas. Let your young ‘un lead you around the feast (cherry tomatoes with French beans, soups, roasted potatoes, spaghetti aglio olio, wrapped sambal dory, mini beef burger, bread and butter pudding and more) under Sentosa’s expansive night sky. Palawan Beach (near Beach Car Park). Tel: 1800 736 8672. Tickets: store.sentosa.com.sg

Shutters Have breakfast ($28++, daily 7-10.30am) surrounded by greenery at this welcoming space. The international spread features live stations for eggs, waffles, noodles, while daily highlights include rice dishes, dim sum, breads/pastries and fresh fruits for a healthy start. You might also catch a glimpse of the colourful peacocks who wander the resort. Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, 1 Larkhill Road, Sentosa Island. Tel: 6825 3866

Have a jolly good breakfast chock-full of fuzzy vibes with Elmo, Cookie Monster and their Sesame Street friends (till 26 Dec; $113 nett, includes Universal Studios Singapore one-day admission worth $74; Sat 9-11am). Order from the Egg Sensation live station then feast on breads, a cold cut platter and salad, and enjoy hot entrees like nasi lemak and spaghetti with tomato cream sauce. Be sure to try the signature Sesame Street waffle. Loui’s NY Pizza Parlor, New York, within Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway. Tel: 6577 8899 universal studios singapore photo courtesy of resorts world sentosa

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The way to sunset

Clementi Arcade (41 Sunset Way)

A short walk from the blocks and hidden beside private residences, the humble Clementi Arcade contains quality finds. It’s so quiet, you can literally hear crickets. Our first stop, Classic Cakes (#01-06) greeted us with a unique radish cake as we entered through the door. We couldn’t resist two slices of their famous apple mille crepe ($7.80) and matcha mille crepe ($8). The verdict: fresh apple chunks were generous and matcha was not too sweet. The Daily Scoop (#01-04) draws a consistent crowd at this original outlet as loyal patrons brave the heat to get their ice cream fix. Within one-minute’s walking distance, Freesia Woods’ residents enjoy the convenience of a Cold Storage supermarket and learning classes on the Arcade’s upper floor.

Sometimes known as the new Holland Village or Dempsey where good cafes are aplenty, Sunset Way has remained a humble pie all these years. It’s better known for its quiet demeanour and (yet) uncommercialised flavour. From the quirky tram-like buses that ply the condo routes to its old school bakeries, the neighbourhood encompasses what many deem as Clementi’s best secondary road. With the new branding of Sunset Lane block hoping to shake things up, we drop in for a look. By Sharon Salim, Photography Lim Kay Li

BLK 105

(CLEMENTI STREET 12)

Quirky tramlike buses

Balmoral Bakery (#01-08) Shrouded in yellow-dimmed lights, Balmoral Bakery exudes tradition wrapped in pastry-goodness. Since 1965, its shelves have been laden with sugar donuts ($1) and crispy chicken pies ($1.60). They’ll proudly tell you about their iconic 3D cakes and a baker who has been with them for over five decades since their Holland Village days. The shop’s Lucinda Blackletter-ish font is a telltale sign of its bygone patronage by British and Australian armed forces. Daily 9am-8pm. Tel: 6779 2064 Chin Huat Live Seafood (#01-30) Lip-smacking signature dishes (2.1kg Alaskan king crab beehoon, $351.80!), crispy Peking duck ($68), Golden Sauce prawns ($55) are a-calling. Fondly known as Ah Huat, the late Mr Low pioneered and established this place, the first local restaurant that allowed diners to pick live seafood direct from the glass tanks. Daily 11.30am2.30pm,5-10.30pm. Tel: 6775 7348 sun

BLK 106

(cLEMENTI STREET 12)

OVERVIEW Who would have guessed that this unassuming block is home to over eight restaurants, now being commercially developed as Sunset Lane? The long stretch of food hunts include Rocky Pizza (#01-60), Thai Steamboat Happy Mookata (#01-46), Smokey's BBQ (#01-54/56), Sticks 'n Wings (#01-44), Megumi Japanese Restaurant (#01-44), local cuisine De’Beer Seafood Restaurant (#01-38/40/41) and newly opened The Tiny Roaster (#01-60) which serves amazing coffee—we caught a glimpse of their barista carefully hand-sifting their beans. Carne & Caipirinha (#01-50) All of Carne’s beef and chicken (including its cutleries, beers and soft drinks) are directly imported from Brazil. Premium-quality meats are slow roasted over charcoal fire to retain rich flavours while passadors carve out meat portions to diners’ plates. Its grilled pineapple is a must-try, a sweet and citrusy touch to a meaty meal. For $39.90 (adults) and $18 (children), you get a salad bar, abundance of meat and unlimited amount of mochilike cheesy balls. Mon-Sat 5.30-11pm, Sun & Public Holidays 5-11pm, Tel: 6464 0478 Buttercake N Cream (#01-52) We had our lunch here and would recommend you the seafood aglio olio ($14.90) and homemade ice cream over the Paddle Pop Chocolate Bar Crunch ($4.50). Other filling dishes include beef burger ($14.90), cod fillet ($19) and warm chocolate pudding ($11). With eye-arresting decorations and a spacious kitchen open-concept, it has an irresistable charm that has drawn consumers to this pretty gem at Sunset Way. Daily 12-11pm. Tel: 6777 3477

Carne & Caipirinha

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Ulu Pandan Park Connector

Surfacing out from the blocks is a colourful bridge that brings you a nice transition to the other side of greenery. We caught a glimpse of RSAF planes rehearsing for the NDP as they flew over wide-eyed joggers and cyclists.

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Balmoral bakery

cle menti ave 6

These provide a loop service at 30-minute intervals between Clementi Park Condominium (6.30am-8.30pm) and Clementi MRT Station (6.40am-8.40pm)— with a break between 11am and 4pm.The bus uncle told us that he goes off for early dinner at 4pm, hence the half hour break. Brookvale Park condominium is just opposite the tram stop, so non-residents of Clementi Park take the ride too. $1.30/adult, free for kids

OVERVIEW Home to Gelato Art (#01-16), there are a myriad of amenities here: from laundry services to foot reflexology for that extra pampering. We spotted a tinge of cultural arts as well at Famous Antiques and Collectibles (#01-22).

Blk 109

(cLEMENTI STREET 12)

OVERVIEW It’s common to see four-legged furkids taking a stroll with their loving owners around this block. Looking a lot like Dalmatians 101 movie set, there are complete amenities for your pooches at home, including The Animal Clinic (#01-19) (related to The Cat Clinic, see below), Pawsitive Petcare (#01-08) and Polypet (#01-27/29). While pampering your furry bundle of joy, pop into Drips Baker’s Playground (#01-05) for a quick takeaway of teacakes and a cup of java for yourself. The Cat Clinic (#01-33) Singapore’s first ever cat clinic is a boon for its

growing cat-lover population. Many furparents love Dr. Geetha and her staff’s professionalism and patience in handling their beloved felines (including our editor!) We spotted a few of the clinic’s resident furballs alongside the kitty-centric decor. Mon-Fri 11am-9.30pm, Sat & Sun 9am-2pm. Tel: 6873 0014 Swee Seng Aquarium and Florist (#01-23) A Sunset Way fixture since 1985, located right at the start of the idyllic neighbourhood. Get your hands on small fishes from guppies to small koi(s) and tanks of all sizes. Come Lunar New Year, spot gorgeous potted plants in bloom that would fill up the cramped maze-like spaces. Even if you don’t rear fishes, just drop by for the novelty of it while waiting for Fido to be done with his grooming over at The Animal Clinic. Daily 9am-8pm. Tel: 6779 5072

Barnhouse spotted at Sunset Way!

RT+Q architects

Ng Tian Chong, vice president of a computer company, remodelled his house of 10 years into not just one, but two barnhouses. As told to AsiaOne, RT+Q architect Rene Tan says, “The blocks are shaped like barns because this form allowed for a nice unencumbered attic space.” po n ly ge te e ch an ni n c

PIE

photo from www.RTNQ.com

The cat clinic

Blk 108

(cLEMENTI STREET 11)

OVERVIEW Newly renovated food court FoodPark offers the usual Chinese, Western, Muslim and Indian cuisines at kopitiam prices—it’s a go-to option for the older community. Conveniently next door is Xin De An Medical & Minimart (#01-02)—sporting a complete range of Chinese ointments your grandparents would approve of.

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Grinderwald Supermarket (#01-108) We didn’t expect a humble supermarket to be named after a dark wizard in Harry Potter, but the interior didn’t quite live up to its German-ish name. Apart from the normalcy of a grocery store, you can snag some Friskies for your pooches here. Tel: 6775 4947 Sunny Fresh mini-mart (#01-01) No, they don’t just sell sunny fresh eggs here—you can get your favourite takeaway breakfast items like ondehondeh, fried kway teow and warmed up png kueh too. Guaranteed to bring back many fond childhood memories.

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The old railway bridge

Aquatic Science Centre (3 Albert Winsemius Lane)

Opened on 6 July 2011, this is the first of its kind in Asia. Situated between Sunset Way and Sunset Lane, they conduct studies on urban freshwater management issues and developing sustainable solutions. Water quality tests are done from the nearby Ulu Sungei Canal; besides being a research centre, it is also used in training and public outreach. It is open to public, with storyboards to read from. Free. Mon-Thu 8.30am-6pm, Fri 8.30am-5.30pm

Very Instagrammable. Be careful while exploring the area with your cameraphones—we could clearly see thick overgrowth covering parts of the forgotten tracks. According to a history buff, the railway was completed on 11 November 1965 connecting Jurong and Bukit Timah Road. Now, the stretch of old railway tracks is part of conservation efforts for future generations. www. facebook.com/ thegreencorridor

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CBD crush

During the lead up to crazy queue-snaking, tissue-chopeing lunch hour in Singapore’s financial heart, we stake out the newly renovated Amoy Street Food Centre to chow on its greatest hits. Photography Lim Kay Li

10.30am: some are already supping on their first meal or tabao-ing #deskmeals.

d e p m a v Re

Third-gen-run stall Coffee Break doles out unique java creations (pumpkin spice, butter pecan, apple chai vanilla) and thin wholemeal toasts with FUN spreads AND ice-cold butter.

Urban hipster alert!

our kaypo selves ALSO want A taste Of the 2014 Singapore Hawker Masters winners of lor mee (Yuan Chun) and fish soup (Piao Ji)… but the latter randomly closes, especially if the owner can’t get a fish delivery.

Fresh! Generous! Fish eggs! Thick Slices

Phew. We wind down with good ‘ol dessert from Zhen Jie as the full-blown lunch crowd descends…

The bill

So we opt for Han Kee, which sees patrons waiting in line even before the stall opens. During lunch, it draws a fastmoving queue of over 50 hungry professionals!

THE STALL'S moved from Tanglin Halt to Tai Seng and finally to Amoy Street 20 years ago.

12pmue: s Querm fo

Flavo u te rfu l, goo dnder, v a Sweeti lu e . wanto s h soup. n

Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell RoaD

The total (4 pax): $51.90 ➔ #02-78 Coffee Break: butter pecan latte cold $3.80, pumpkin spice latte hot $3.80, apple chai vanilla coffee hot $4, black sesame toast $3, taro toast $3 ➔ #02-79/80 Yuan Chun Famous Lor Mee: $3 (small) ➔ #02-81 Li Xing Nasi Lemak: nasi lemak set $3 ➔ #02-113 Zhen Jie Dessert Ah Balling: yam paste with ginkgo nut $2.80, barley with

Another staple here is nasi lemak from Li Xing, which sells out as early as 12.30pm. We like the fragrant coconut rice, a big dollop of chilli and value-formoney $3 set.

The salad scene here is competitive says Boris Leong, owner of B SaLAD KITCHEN, which offers tempe and homemade dressings.

ginkgo nut $2.20, black sesame peanut paste $2.20 ➔ #02-123 Tai Seng Noodle House: mushroom pork rib noodle $4 (small) ➔ #02-129 Han Kee Fish Soup: sliced fish soup $7 (small add fish eggs) ➔ #01-37 B Salad Kitchen: 5 toppings + 1 dressing $4.80; 4 toppings + 1 compound salad & dressing $5.30 (thanks for the samples, boris!)

THE VerdicT ➔ There's been a Slight price increase since this popular two-storey food centre’s makeover (1 DEC 2014-28 FEB 2015), however prices are still mostly good for the CBD area. We prefer the slightly less chaotic upper level.

The score ➔ Food

➔ Ambience

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

➔ Value

ADVERTORIAL

World-class Feast

The Dunearn has three reasons to celebrate this month: its gorgeous location in our very own UNESCO site, delectable new dishes, and an attractive deal specially for you.

Pan-fried duck liver with crispy floss and berries compote, $24

Multi award-winning is how one might describe The Dunearn's surroundings. The restaurant and alfresco terrace are housed within the Bukit Timah Guild House, a quaint, beautifully restored colonial bungalow that won the architect accolades: the Urban Redevelopment Authority Architectural Heritage Award and an Honourable Mention Award from the Singapore Institute of Architects. Further steeped in heritage is the enchanting Singapore Botanic Gardens that lushly cradles the building: our newly-inscribed and first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Soak in the tranquil atmosphere of your verdant location and tuck into hearty Western fare such as their signature Prime Rib Royale. Be sure to dress to impress: gentlemen, look sharp with a collared and sleeved top, trousers and

covered shoes; ladies, you'll want to don a freshly-pressed dress for the occasion with pumps or covered sandals. If a special celebration is on the cards, seek out private dining at The Raffles and The Eusoff rooms. This month, invite your friends and family to savour The Dunearnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new menu which promises a sumptuous spread. Take your time with the generous fare such as oven-baked fresh oysters with Parmigiano cheese sauce topped with smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce ($22), or the unctuous grilled kurobuta pork with pineapple relish and pink pepper sauce ($32), while delighting in the convivial company and soothing tropical foliage.

Pan-seared rack of lamb with herb crust, roast garlic, sarladaise potatoes and merlot sauce, $42

Daily 11.30am-3pm, 6.30-10pm. 1F Cluny Road. Tel: 6779 1811, www.nuss.org.sg/ restaurant.php?rid=6

September promotion: Flash this advertorial or The Dunearn advertisement when you dine (Mon-Thu, e-copy or snapshot also accepted) to enjoy 15 percent off the food bill!

Lemon sole, turned potatoes and spring vegetables with meuniere sauce, $45

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Getting saucy

The addiction to fast food brands can be due to their secret sauces—think McDonald’s curry sauce dip and Shake Shack’s ‘special sauce’. We recreate these iconic flavours and whip up favourite dishes of our own. By June Lee, Photography Sara Aman. Location at Tiong Bahru Bar B i T E S PAID FOR OUR OWN GROCERIES.

2 tablespoon onion powder

1/2 cup tomato sauce

2 tablespoon red wine vinegar

2 tablespoon yellow mustard

‘The Other Shake’ Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon black pepper

2 tablespoon garlic powder

Using a whisk or spatula, combine all the ingredients together until you get a smooth, glossy consistency. Makes one small bowl. beef patty, grilled

boiled potatoes

bun

zucchini

dill

Tangy potato salad

tomatoes

Awesome burger lettuce

crab stick, battered and deep-fried

Seafood platter

1 teaspoon ground cumin

4 piece Japanese curry cube

8 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon ground coriander

3 tablespoon light soy sauce

2 teaspoon Baba brand curry powder

2 teaspoon white pepper

‘Big M’ curry sauce

3 tablespoon brown sugar

4 tablespoon mayonnaise

2 tablespoon lemon juice

Dissolve Japanese curry cube in 8 tablespoon water over heat or in microwave to make smooth paste. Add other ingredients and mix till smooth—add water to desired consistency.

french Fries grilled Sausauge

cooked rice

Chicken thigh, pan fried

Currywurst grilled Cauliflower

shredded cheese

Layer in bake-proof dish and bake in the oven on medium at least 15 minutes till the cheese is bubbly

Paprika powder

atas salad boiled potatoes

baked curry rice

grilled zucchini

Ang Wei Ming is the consultant chef at Tiong Bahru Bar. 25

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Know your german biers Germans don’t order beer by brand but its style designationsuch as Pils vs Dunkel, Kolsch or a Weissbier. This Oktoberfest, we introduce six delicious biers, draught and bottled. By Sharon Salim

Oktoberfest is the largest 16-day beer festival held annually in Munich, running from mid September till the first weekend of October. For a quick lesson on German beers, we spoke to drinks expert Roel Quimba, co-owner of sQue Rotisserie & Alehouse. Sitting by the riverside, we were introduced to three of sQue’s most soughtafter German beers on tap: Weihenstehan (lager), Benediktiner (weissbier) and Scheneider Weisse Blonde Tap 1 (hefeweizen). Distinct in colour, smell and serving glass, the beers are truly different when tasted side by side, which helped us identify characteristics of each. The oldest brand, Weihenstehan exudes a Bavarian laid-back style; we have one word for it—clean. It’s an everyday thirst-quencher, nice with chicken wings or a salad. A lager is Heineiken-ish which appeals to most Europeans. Roel added, “Wine’s slightly more pretentious, meanwhile anyone can chill with a glass of lager!” Schneider Weisse’s the oldest in producing hefeweizen—original, nonfiltered and cloudy. With a slight and surprising note of banana, it is best paired with a full-bodied meal such as lamb stew or chicken steak. Meanwhile, Weissbier’s the most popular, easy-to-drink fruity drink. Roel explained, “We used to organise our huge beer list by country as drinkers were not as familiar with the names of the beer. But now, customers are more educated and will order lager or weissbier by name right away.” For the ideal food pairing, sQue will be offering the Oktoberfest platter ($69) of thick-cut fries dipped in truffle mayo and must-have crispy sQue pork knuckle guaranteed to have you drinking and eating your way through the fest. We say Prost to that! sQue Rotisserie & Alehouse, #01-70 The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street. Tel: 6222 1887

OKTOBERFEST PLATTER ($69)

ROEL QUIMBA, CO-OWNER OF SQUE ROTISSERIE & ALEHOUSE

weihenstephan ($12.50 for 1/2 pint, $18 for 1 pint), benediktiner ($12.80 for 1/2 pint, $19 for 1 pint), schneider weisse blonde tap 1 ($14.50 for 1/2 pint, $20 for 1 pint).

3 MORE BEERS (BOTTLED) Oktoberfest Bier Price: $13 (0.5L), $25 (1.0L) Available at: All Brotzeit outlets Unique: Paulaner is one of the six breweries for Oktoberfest, the German beer festival dating from 1810 Style of beer: Bock (a strong lager) Best paired with: Brotzeit Oktoberfest Platter (price unavailable at press time)

Alpirsbacher Klosterbrau Pilsner Price: $16 (0.5L) Available at: Stuttgart Blackforest Boutique S-Cafe, #01-01 Rendezvous Hotel Gallery, 9 Bras Basah Road. Tel: 6336 8675 Unique: Awarded World Beer Awards/ Best Lager Pils/Pilsner 2010, and brewed between the green hills and the forest of the Black Forest. Style of beer: Pilsner (a pale lager) Best paired with: Signature crispy pork knuckles ($19.80) and specialty sausages ($19.80)

Flensburger Dunkel Price: $8 at Bratworks (330ml) Available at: #01-01 Altez, 16 Enggor Street and #B118 One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles lace Unique: Uses Scandinavian glacier water and ingredients are regionally-grown around the brewery, also the distinctive cork cap bottling. Style of beer: Dunkel, a dark lager Best paired with: Original currywurst ($10)

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Oyster goodness

last

Myth or truth? We clear the popular misconceptions on your favourite raw bivalve, clearing the way to eat more of them! By Sharon Salim

(Myth)

It’s unsafe to eat raw oysters in months ending with the letter ‘R’

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y ra n d C oted b As qu ef of the G a ts, “T he E s h tive c to Serious he n oyster exe cu w r a re ua lly r Ba Oyste -‘R’ mon ths a re n ot a ct ters r, n on wa rme pa wning oys just ey .S spa wn l to ea t, th le.” u ha rmf a s) pa la ta b ( ’ a re n t Z in c i n oyst ers bo your t e s t os t os t eron e leve ls. S o you might a s we l l stock up o n these; your sexier se lf m igh t ha n k you fo t r it.

Oysters are packed with micronutrients, including zinc and iron. A 113g serving of raw Eastern oysters contains 45 calories.

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Looking for Singapore’S BeSt SommeLier in french WineS 2015! Sommeliers, this is your chance to join the Sopexa Trophy—part of a regional Asia-wide competition In 1986, the Sopexa Trophy was first created to help sommeliers and train them specifically in French wines. This year, Sopexa is relaunching the competition in Asia (Korean, Taiwan and Southeast Asia)—enabling sommeliers in these countries to further their wine training and knowledge. Two winners will be selected to represent Singapore in the grand final competition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in December. They will compete against candidates from the other Asian countries. In addition, the winner of the Singapore Best Sommelier competition will be offered a trip to france to visit the vineyards along with the other national winners of the Sopexa Trophy. hoW it WorkS: ● This competition is open to all Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents over 18 years old ● candidates must be Hospitality, food & Beverage or Trade professionals with at least 1 year’s experience in wine service ● The judging panel is formed from a mix of local experienced sommeliers and master sommeliers from overseas StepS: To register, fill in the form at http://bit.ly/1LF6CvH and send your resume to sopexa.singapore@sopexa.com before 13 august. QuaLification round DATe: 17 August 2015 Time: 9-11.30am Venue: Hilton Hotel Singapore finaL round (4 finaLiStS) DATe: 9 September 2015 Time: 13.30-5.30pm Venue: Raffles Hotel Singapore Wine trade professionals are welcomed to attend the finals on 9 September, by pre-registering through: sopexa.singapore@sopexa.com ORgAniSeR

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ONE HOLIDAY, ENDLESS ADVENTURES Mariner of the Seas®

Best Cruise Operator, Asia TTG award winner 2008 – 2014

HANG OUT WITH KUNGFU PANDA

ROCK-CLIMB WITH A SPECTACULAR VIEW

PERFECT YOUR SWING ON THE HIGH SEAS

GET REFRESHED WITH THE PURE OCEAN BREEZE

ICE-SKATE ON THE EQUATOR

PUT US ON YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY CHECKLIST Main Dining Room

Gastronomic Delights

Enjoy splendid ambience, world-class cuisine and extraordinary personal service from a dedicated wait staff. Our main dining room serves exceptional, multi-course meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Choose from as many as eight dining options onboard including the elegant three-tier Main Dining Room, Windjammer Café buffet restaurant and speciality restaurants such as Chops Grille Steakhouse, Giovanni’s Table and Johnny Rockets.

Specialty Dining

Johnny Rockets*

Chops Grille*

Giovanni’s Table*

Get the family together for good old-fashioned hamburgers and fries at Johnny Rockets — complete with authentic 1950s décor, a menu filled with all-American favorites and a jukebox at every table.

Be sure to dine at Royal Caribbean's popular signature steakhouse. Chops Grille serves grade-A premium cuts of steak cooked to your specifications, plus fresh seafood, hearty side dishes and signature desserts in an upscale, contemporary setting.

A casual Italian trattoria with indoor seating, Giovanni's Table offers rustic dishes with a contemporary flair, including toasted herb focaccia, pastas, braised meat dishes and stews — served family-style. *Additional charges apply.

Mariner of the Seas® Cruise Escapades from $418* 3-NIGHT MALAYSIA EXPLORER CRUISE Singapore Departures: 2015 Nov 27, Dec 4, 21, 2016 Jan 8, 15, Feb 19, 26 Port-of-call: Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang)

4-NIGHT ISLES OF SOUTHEAST ASIA CRUISE Singapore Departures: 2015 Nov 12, 16, 23, 30, Dec 17 2016 Jan 11, 18, Feb 5, 22, 29 Ports-of-call: Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Langkawi, Phuket

5/7^-NIGHT SPICE OF SOUTHEAST ASIA CRUISE Singapore Departures: 2015 Oct 22^, Nov 5^, Dec 7, 12, 24, 29 2016 Jan 3, 22^, Feb 9, 14 Ports-of-call: Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Penang, Langkawi, Phuket

*All of the above information is correct at time of print, subject to availability and change without prior notice. Other terms apply. Kung Fu Panda and all related characters and propertiesTM ©2015 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C.

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BOOK ONLINE: ROYALCARIBBEAN.COM.SG

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