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2016 111/03/
DESTINATION: BOAT QUAY p10
the essential
guide to nightlife fun and after-dark eats
inside NEW EATS p2
Osaka cheese tarts, Yunnan mixian, amazake blends and more
HOT SEAT p3
Aston Soon ventures into hotpot
BUFFET BOUNTY p8
You snooze, you lose at these speedy buffets
20
hotspots for food, booze and more p4
DRINK TANK p12
Cold-pressed juices for a tasty detox
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An An Ode to Singapore with 52 Dim Sum Delicacies An Ode to Singapore with 52 Dim Sum Delicacies AnOde Odeto toSingapore Singaporewith with52 52Dim DimSum SumDelicacies Delicacies
怀旧点心宴国庆日 怀旧点心宴国庆日 怀旧点心宴国庆日 怀旧点心宴国庆日
Savour 52 dim sum delicacies at $52 for two persons, in this special edition of Savour 52 dim sum delicacies at $52 for two persons, in this special edition of Savour 52 dim sum delicacies at $52 for two persons, in this special edition of Savour Savour 52 52 dim dim sum sum delicacies delicacies at at $52 $52 for for two two persons, persons, in in this this special special edition edition of of Savour 52 dim sum delicacies at $52 for two persons, in this special edition of the Nostalgic Dim Sum Buffet Feast (那些年，我们吃过的点心), a tribute to the Nostalgic Dim Sum Buffet Feast (那些年，我们吃过的点心), a tribute to the Nostalgic Dim Sum Buffet Feast (那些年，我们吃过的点心), a tribute to the the Nostalgic Nostalgic Dim Dim Sum Sum Buffet Buffet Feast Feast (那些年，我们吃过的点心), (那些年，我们吃过的点心), a a tribute tribute to the Nostalgic Dim Sum Buffet Feast (那些年，我们吃过的点心), a tribute to to Singapore's 52nd year of independence. Singapore's 52nd year of independence. Singapore's 52nd year of independence. Singapore's Singapore's 52nd 52nd year year of of independence. independence. Singapore's 52nd year of independence. Unlimited servings of classic and new dim sum creations, double-boiled soups, Unlimited servings of classic and new dim sum creations, double-boiled soups, Unlimited servings of classic and new dim sum creations, double-boiled soups, Unlimited Unlimited servings servings of of classic classic and and new new dim dim sum sum creations, creations, double-boiled double-boiled soups, soups, Unlimited servings of classic and new dim sum creations, double-boiled soups, Chef's Specials and dessert treats await. Chef's Specials and dessert treats await. Chef's Specials and dessert treats await. Chef's Chef's Specials Specials and and dessert dessert treats treats await. await. Chef's Specials and dessert treats await. From now until 15 September 2017, every two adults can enjoy the Dim Sum Feast From now until 15 September 2017, every two adults can enjoy the Dim Sum Feast From now until 15 September 2017, every two adults can enjoy the Dim Sum Feast From From now now until until 15 15 September September 2017, 2017, every every two two adults adults can can enjoy enjoy the the Dim Dim Sum Sum Feast Feast From now until 15 September 2017, every two adults can enjoy the Dim Sum Feast at $52*. at $52*. $52*. atat at $52*. $52*. at $52*. Monday to Friday: 11.30am to 2.00pm Monday to Friday: 11.30am to 2.00pm Monday to Friday: 11.30am to 2.00pm Monday Monday to to Friday: Friday: 11.30am 11.30am to to 2.00pm 2.00pm Monday to Friday: 11.30am to 2.00pm Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday: Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday: Saturday, Sunday Public Holiday: Saturday, Saturday, Sunday Sunday &&&& Public Public Holiday: Holiday: Saturday, Sunday Public Holiday: Two sittings available from 11.30am to 1.00pm or 1.30pm to 3.00pm Two sittings available from 11.30am to 1.00pm or 1.30pm to 3.00pm Two sittings available from 11.30am to 1.00pm or 1.30pm to 3.00pm Two Two sittings sittings available available from from 11.30am 11.30am to to 1.00pm 1.00pm or or 1.30pm 1.30pm to to 3.00pm 3.00pm Two sittings available from 11.30am to 1.00pm or 1.30pm to 3.00pm For reservations and enquiries, please call 6428 3170 For reservations and enquiries, please call 6428 3170 For reservations and enquiries, please call 6428 3170 For For reservations reservations and and enquiries, enquiries, please please call call 6428 6428 3170 3170 For reservations and enquiries, please call 6428 3170 (PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road) (PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road) (PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road) (PARKROYAL (PARKROYAL on on Kitchener Kitchener Road) Road) (PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road) *Minimum 4444to dine. Tea and pickles are aaaacompulsory charge at $5 per person. *Minimum dine. Tea and pickles are charge $5 per person. *Minimum dine. Tea and pickles are charge $5 per person. *Minimum *Minimum to 4to dine. dine. Tea Tea and and pickles pickles are are compulsory acompulsory compulsory charge charge atatatat $5 $5 per per person. person. *Minimum 4toto to dine. Tea and pickles are acompulsory compulsory charge at $5 per person. || |Child: $28.80) Regular price will apply for additional diners (Adult: $42 $28.80) Regular price will apply for additional diners (Adult: $42 |Child: $28.80) Regular price will apply for additional diners (Adult: $42 Child: |Child: $28.80) $28.80) Regular Regular price price will will apply apply for for additional additional diners diners (Adult: (Adult: $42 $42 | Child: Child: $28.80) Regular price will apply for additional diners (Adult: $42 All prices are subject to service charge and prevailing government taxes. Terms and conditions apply. All prices are subject to service charge and prevailing government taxes. Terms and conditions apply. prices are subject charge and prevailing government taxes. Terms and conditions apply. AllAll All prices prices are are subject subject tototo service service charge charge and and prevailing prevailing government government taxes. taxes. Terms Terms and and conditions conditions apply. apply. All prices are subject toservice service charge and prevailing government taxes. Terms and conditions apply.
Si Dou Hua Restaurants Dou Hua Restaurants Dou Hua Restaurants SiSiSiChuan Chuan SiChuan Chuan Dou Dou Hua Hua Restaurants Restaurants SiChuan Chuan Dou Hua Restaurants PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road, 181 Kitchener Road PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road, 181 Kitchener Road PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road, 181 Kitchener Road PARKROYAL PARKROYAL on on Kitchener Kitchener Road, Road, 181 181 Kitchener Kitchener Road Road PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road, 181 Kitchener Road douhua.prskt@parkroyalhotels.com douhua.prskt@parkroyalhotels.com douhua.prskt@parkroyalhotels.com douhua.prskt@parkroyalhotels.com douhua.prskt@parkroyalhotels.com douhua.prskt@parkroyalhotels.com Farrer Park MRT Station Farrer Park MRT Station Farrer Park MRT Station Farrer Farrer Park Park MRT MRT Station Station Farrer Park MRT Station
Singapore •••Malaysia •Japan •••Myanmar Singapore •Japan Singapore •Malaysia •Japan •Myanmar Singapore Singapore Malaysia ••Malaysia Malaysia •Japan •Japan Myanmar ••Myanmar Myanmar Singapore Malaysia •Japan Myanmar
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Each month, we’ll feature a fresh makan place for you to guess what/where it is. Correct answers will be entered in a draw to win a dining experience with us! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram/Facebook!
5 READERS STAND TO WIN A DINNER FOR 2
Everyone can enjoy Japanese dining at this Muslim-owned izakaya. Occupying a two-storey shophouse along Bussorah Street, the restaurant lets diners unwind by the bar with non-alcoholic drinks or enjoy the ambience of tatami-style dining. Look forward to charcoal-grilled dishes such as diced Wagyu beef skewers, grilled mackerel with salt, and grilled eel smothered in teriyaki sauce. Your trip to this restaurant would not be complete without trying their Japanese twist on our beloved chendol—the local dessert is served here as a drink. Give us your best guess of the restaurant and its address between 1-21 September to dine on 5 October, 7pm! For full details and to enter, visit bites.com.sg/makanonbites.
B i T E S reserves the right to publicise winners’ names and pictures. By entering the contest, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to publish publicity photos and video in any format without limitation. Participants to ensure they can dine on 5 October at 7pm. More at www.bites.com.sg/makanonbites
Makan on BiTES Where: Uncle Leong Signatures When: 7 August WHAT WE ate:
Happy diners after a satisfying seafood feast
Shimmering Sand Crab with a butter and white pepper sauce
Twin Taste Prawns—the flavours change daily!
The must-try Signature Beancurd
• XO Sauce Asparagus with Scallops • Crispy Milk Granules Fried Marble Goby • Twin Taste Prawns • Signature Beancurd • Fragrance Garlic Diced Chicken
• Cereal Chicken • Treasure Box Beancurd • Shredded Scallop Fried Rice • Chilli Crab • Shimmering Sand Crab • Hong Kong Typhoon Shelter Crab • Longan Sea Coconut
Last month, five lucky winners and their plus-ones tucked into a seafood extravaganza at Uncle Leong Signatures, located in the basement of Waterway Point. Besides a spread of fresh prawns, scallops, marble goby and crabs prepared three ways, our guests also enjoyed house specials such as the delightfully savoury Signature Beancurd.
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Mooncake Mania The Mid-Autumn Festival is upon us! And that means mooncakes galore for friends, family, colleagues, or—let’s be honest now—maybe just yourself. Check out the cute bakes from Hello Kitty Orchid Garden, plus new snow skins from Xin Cuisine at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, filled with fruity and boozy flavours. More at bites.com.sg XIN Cuisine
New Openings PABLO cheese tarts have arrived in Singapore, with the first outlet located at Wisma Atria. The Osaka brand uses precise baking methods to produce their signature freshly baked cheese tart ($9.50/slice, $15/whole) and PABLO minis ($3.50 each), which boast crispy crusts and gooey centres. PABLO Also worth trying is the matcha cheese tart ($18/whole), which uses only the finest green tea powder from Japan. #01-02 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road. Tel: 6835 9269 Amamoto Cafe is all about amazake. The alcohol-free beverage, made from fermented rice, is a key ingredient in every item on their menu, from drinks to salads. Try the original soy amazake ($4.80)—it’s sweet even though there’s no added sugar. For a vitamin boost, go for the cold-pressed juices (from $5.80) blended with amazake and soy milk. Amazake is also used in their salad dressing (yuzu or sesame), which is drizzled on soba, quinoa and amazake-marinated chicken ($12.80). #B1-39 One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place. Tel: 96336536 Sandwich specialist 1KS Park Bench Deli has opened an all-day café called 1KS. The casual 47-seater is great for a quick lunch break. Fuel up with the short rib ‘Swiss’ hoagie roll ($20) or a refreshing açaí bowl ($13). The Working Capitol, 1 Keong Saik Road. Tel: 6221 1792
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A new dining concept by Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant, Lotus Kitchen features a vegetarian menu of local dishes such as stir-fried laksa ($9.80). We recommend the braised mushrooms in a stone pot ($18.80), a filling meal of assorted mushrooms coated heavily with a sweet-savoury gravy, and the lotus yam paste with purple rice ($6.80). #01-01/02 Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge Road. Tel: 6538 1068 Perfect for busy bees, My Banh Mi Saigon is a grab-and-go joint that offers a signature banh mi with roasted pork ($7.5) on a toasted bun, topped with fresh cilantro and vegetables, plus an array of house-made sauces for you to choose from. There’s also an option for vegetarians: thick slices of marinated tofu filled with cucumbers and fresh herbs ($6.90). #B2-23 Tanjong Pagar Centre, 1 Wallich Street. Craving for spicy and authentic Chinese food? Babuxiaomi offers a range of traditional Yunnan-style vermicelli dishes. We love the springy and chewy texture of the mixian imported from Yunnan. Their regular beef mixian ($9.80) has a clear sweet bone broth that pairs well with the tender sliced beef, while spice lovers will enjoy the Sichuan mala beef tender mixian ($9.80). Cool off with the refreshing fresh fruit tea with mint ($5). #B2-30 Tanjong Pagar Centre, 1 Wallich Street. Located along the picturesque Punggol Waterway, Starker Q is a two-storey dining concept with stalls that offer various cuisines: Western, Chinese, Italian and Korean. The first floor has self-ordering systems and offers live music, while diners are served by waitstaff on the second floor. Our favourite stall is Allegra, which dishes up tasty Western dishes such as cuttlefish strips ($2.80) and clams in a pot ($12.90), bathed in a rich garlic butter cream. Wash the food down with a fresh beer flight ($20) of five popular brews. #01-01, 85 Punggol Central. Tel: 6911 4698 Ramen Champion has launched its first full-service restaurant at Clarke Quay Central. Besides ramen offerings from selected brands, you’ll get to try new creations such as the impressive salmon tower maki ($21.80) and maruhi don ($21.80) aka fisherman don—enjoy it on its own or pour the bonito and kombu dashi over the rice and eat it chazuke-style. Top up $4 with every main course order for the free-flow salad bar. #03-89 Clarke Quay Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street. Tel: 6221 2156 LOtus kitchen
Ramen champion
H t Seat openings We go behind the scenes to find out the highlights and challenges of the latest F&B openings. By Fred Voon
Who: Aston Soon, 46, CEO of ASTONS F&B Specialities (brands include ASTONS, Chic-a-boo & Javier’s) What: MANLE Hotpot & Teochew Porridge Buffet @ Downtown East & City Square Mall
How different is it going from one restaurant to a food empire? From the operational perspective, we have to manage more people, more outlets, but the core values of ASTONS remain unchanged after 12 years. We still want to offer value-for-money, quality food, no matter which cuisine. I still come up with new ideas and recipes with the team. Though I’m not a chef by profession, I have a very big interest in cooking. What are some of your favourite foods? Even though I love to eat, explore new cuisines and develop new menus, my diet is very simple. It’s still wonton mee, fishball noodles and economy rice. I’m no different from the average Singaporean. How did the concept of MANLE come about? I have a soft spot for hotpot, and I have been toying with the idea of creating a value-for-money hotpot for a long time. I like the joy and vibrancy of a hotpot meal: when you enjoy the abundance of food, the lively conversation, and everybody participates in the cooking. Do you have fond memories of hotpot? When I was 16 or 17, I used to go to a place on Waterloo Street where the hotpot was only $7.90. The spread was really overwhelming and it was such good value. I also liked the hotpot restaurants
at Dragon Village in Marina South, near the bowling alleys. Prices were about $12.90, $13.90, and you could eat to your heart’s content. The only drawbacks were the issues of cleanliness and the hot, humid environment. With MANLE, I want to give a good spread at good value, in a comfortable environment. What challenges have you faced with MANLE? All F&B places face manpower issues. We don’t plan to make MANLE a big chain—probably four or five outlets—because it’s quite heavily dependent on manpower. We may, however, utilise automation and technology in the future. How do you ensure the longevity of your business? To sustain ourselves, we have to keep up with modern times and understand our consumers. Ultimately, it’s what they want, not what we want to give them. And understanding them means constant innovation and reinvention. What do you still wish to achieve? How to turn ASTONS, a Singapore-born company, into a global MNC—I think that is the challenge for me. Hopefully one day when you visit Malaysia, Europe or anywhere in the world, you’ll see an ASTONS restaurant. That would be the sweetest and biggest achievement for us.
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c o v e r
s t o r y
the essential
guide to nightlife
fun and after-dark eats
Whether you’re struck by 2am hunger pangs or just itching for a night out, here’s a list of nocturnal haunts for eating, drinking and having a roaring good time. By Rachel Lee and Fred Voon cherry discotheque
PARTY ANIMALS
(when all you want are drinks and a dance floor) Latenight revelry
Cherry Discotheque
Looking to try a different club? Cherry Discotheque’s weekly music themes keep things fresh. Famed for their Insta-worthy decorations with disco balls, neon lights and an arcade game machine, you’ll be taking pictures with your squad all night. #B2-01 York Hotel, 21 Mount Elizabeth. Tel: 9760 3031
MANEKINEKO With eight outlets that are all open till late (3am), MANEKINEKO is a godsend to those longing for late-night karaoke. This brand from Japan also offers a wide array of free-flow drinks and snacks at the self-service bar. Call in advance if you’re booking one of their bigger rooms. koshidaka.com.sg/manekineko
zouk
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Zouk Relocated and rebooted after 25 years at Jiak Kim Street, Zouk boasts two storeys and four concepts for party-goers of every taste: hard-hitting EDM at Zouk, downtempo hip hop and nu jazz at Phuture, a lounge-like atmosphere at Capital, plus craft cocktails and snacks at Red Tail. #01-05 The Cannery, Clarke Quay, 3C River Valley Road. Tel: 6738 2988
Stickies Bar Stickies Bar has got to be one of the most affordable bars in Singapore. It opens at 12pm daily and offers a constant stream of promotional items. At the three-month-old outlet at Sunset Lane, enjoy $8 Guinness pints all day, every day. Don’t miss their Beer O’Clock promo (2pm-12am), where pints are priced by the hour (e.g. $2 between 2 and 3pm)! Now you know where your next beer hangout will be. #01-50, 106 Clementi Street 12. Tel: 6252 6588
dirtcheap drinks
Order the Russian roulette ($60), where each shot gets hotter than the last—just make sure to down them fast! #01-05, Block B, Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Road.
FIVE Tapas Bar FIVE Tapas Bar is perfect for a night of live music and inexpensive drinks. Take a seat outdoors and enjoy their daily $5 house pours, wines and sake, as well as $5 tapas such as FIVE wings, marinated with their secret blend of spices, and FIVE Sio Bak, tender roast pork belly with homemade chilli sauce. Cuppage Terrace, 25 Cuppage Road. Tel: 6733 8097
P.O.D Bistro Located in the East Coast heartlands, P.O.D (Philosophy of Drinking) Bistro is known for their quick service, friendly staff and great ambience. Open daily from 4pm to 1am, the bar offers a darts machine for those who fancy a game or two, plus beer and bottle promotions that can’t be beat. 697D East Coast Road. Tel: 6445 9132
Chupitos
Sara’s
One of the first shooters bars in town, Chupitos has a jaw-dropping menu of over 130 shots. For those with a sweet tooth, paddle pop or bandung ($12 per pair) will leave you craving for more. Love the thrill of a challenge?
The next time you’re in the Upper Thomson area, look out for Sara’s. Open since 2000, it’s a small, charming bar and prices of beer range from $10 to $12. The brightly decorated yet cosy interior will make you want to linger through the night. 217 Upper Thomson Road. Tel: 8376 5986
SUPPER FIENDS
(when all you crave is some midnight grub) chicken up
284 Kway Chap Unlike most kway chap stalls that open bright and early, 284 Kway Chap begins business only after the sun has set, winding up at around 3.30am. Expect smooth kway, a sweet, peppery broth, tender pork meat and a rich gravy that pairs amazingly with the chai por. Large intestines and tofu round out this pleasing feast for hungry souls. KPT, 284 Bishan Street 22.
Chicken Up Korean fried chicken specialist Chicken Up is open Mon-Sat till 2 or 3 am. Our favourite of their new UFO platters is the UFO spicy chicken stew ($39), which comes with sides of corn cheese, steamed egg and spam fried rice. The spiciness of the stew is balanced by the sweet onions, and the corn cheese goes well with the tender chicken. On Ladies Night Wednesdays, ladies can redeem a free watermelon soju or watermelon bingsu with a minimum bill of $50. chicken-up.com
District 10 Open till 2am Sun-Thu and 4am Fri-Sat, District 10 at Clarke Quay offers an extensive menu of munchies that will definitely keep you fuelled for the night. Try the BBQ pork ribs with fries ($22.90) or spicy chicken wings with blue cheese ($12.90), paired with a Somersby apple cider ($12) to get you started. #01-11, Block D, Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Road. Tel: 6336 8189
Yan Kee Noodle House Hunting for a good noodle supper spot? Look no further. Yan Kee Noodle House serves one of the best bak chor mee in Singapore—well, district 10 bak chor mee sua ($3.50) to be exact. The soft but not soggy noodles soak up all the gravy goodness, and are topped with crunchy ikan billis, mushrooms and meatballs. They are open round the clock from Mon to Sat so come by anytime and slurp up! BK Eating House, 21 South Bridge Road.
Zhong Huan Steamboat Zhong Huan Steamboat (open till 2am daily) is the spot for inexpensive late-night hotpot. Enjoy a selection of over 70 dishes, whether you choose a la carte or dinner buffet (weekday $22.90, weekends $24.90). Be sure to try their two most popular broths, chicken herbal soup and mala soup, then tuck into a wide variety of fresh seafood, meat and other ingredients. You won’t be disappointed. 14 Jalan Juras, Upper Thomson Road. Tel: 6452 0789
G7 Sin Ma Live Seafood G7 Sin Ma Live Seafood (open till 3.30am daily) started off as a humble stall along the streets of Geylang serving frog porridge. Now you can get
one frog for $8, or five frogs and a bowl of porridge for $22—super value for money. They also offer many other excellent dishes, such as oyster omelette ($6) and Thai styled mango sliced fish ($8). 163 Geylang Road Lorong 3. Tel: 6743 2201
g7 sin ma live seafood
89.7 Supper Club Not only is Halal-certified 89.7 Supper Club open 24-7, it also caters to many tastes with a menu of Western, Indian, Chinese and Malay food. Some of their popular dishes are sambal beef fried rice ($5.50), roti john with chicken or mutton ($6.50) and nasi goreng with ikan billis ($4.50). Come here for a late-night supper to chill with your friends and fill up that tummy. #01-2035, 5 Changi Village Road. Tel: 6214 1897
RESTLESS CREATURES
(when all you need is to work off that excess energy) the color run
homerun baseball
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Run a Mile (or Three)
Bat a Homerun
To be honest, these night runs are less about clocking a world record than having a neon-coloured blast with friends and family. The Color Run ($70 per pax, $175 for family of four) is back on 23 Sep for its fifth year and its first-ever night edition. Run, jog or walk the untimed 5km route while getting bombarded by colour throws and thumping music, then rock out at the after-party. The similar Blacklight Run ($60 per pax) happens on 28 Oct. thecolorrun.com.sg blacklightrun.sg
Sleepless in Singapore? Hit some baseballs at Homerun Baseball, Singapore’s first indoor batting cage. There are five lanes: three for baseball (each shoots balls out at a different speed), one for softball, and one for pitching. You pay $20 for 5 tokens, and each grants you 15 balls to bat or 12 to pitch. Closing time ranges from 11pm (Mon-Thu) to 3am (Sat). #01-01 The Sports Stage, 200 Pandan Gardens. Tel: 6635 6315. hrb.com.sg
orchid bowl
Hit the Bullseye Open till 1am Mon-Thu and 2am on Fri and Sat, Forest Darts Cafe sports an enchanted forest interior and offers both electronic and traditional dartboards. Enjoy a friendly game of darts over food and drinks or, if you’re really game, register for the regular competitions (singles or doubles). 45 Ann Siang Road. Tel: 6227 3522
Bowl a Strike
goflykite
If you enjoy a club atmosphere but not the dancing, check out Orchid Bowl’s cosmic bowling, available on Fri and Sat nights till 3am. Expect psychedelic disco lights, UV lights, laser beams, plus bowling balls and pins that glow in the dark. Throughout the night, the speakers will be pumping red-hot party music, with the Sat night theme rotating between K-Pop, Malay Pop, Mandopop and Bollywood. Only at SAFRA Yishun, SAFRA Punggol, E!Hub and THE CHEVRONS. orchidbowl.com.sg
Fly a Kite
forest darts cafe
Light up the night sky with a remote-controlled LED kite. New to stringless kites? GoFlyKite can help. Sign up for a 30-minute flight experience ($18) or a seven-lesson training programme ($420) that comes with a Jewel kite set (worth $360). They also hold flying sessions at the field next to Riverside Point every Wed, Fri and Sat night. #02-06 LW Technocentre, 31 Toh Guan Road East. Tel: 8444 0009/9844 0009. goflykite.com
b u f f e t
b o u n t y
All you need is $50 to revel in these bang-for-your-buck deals. Eat like a speed demon at the timed buffets, then enjoy free-flow booze at the liquid buffets.
Speedy and liquid buffets under speedy buffets
$50 element
Aroy Jing Jing Enjoy the lush greenery and tranquil ambience of ORTO while feasting on barbecue seafood from 6pm (Tue-Thu $29.90++ adult, $10++ child below 110cm. Fri-Sun & PH add $3). Seafood fiends can help themselves to slipper lobsters, flower crabs and half-shell scallops. Items such as chicken and pork belly skewers are also must-tries. Time limit: 90 mins. #01-05 ORTO, 81 Lorong Chencharu. Tel: 6527 8858 Daessiksin Satisfy your hunger pangs with Korean classics and barbecue meats. Highlights include kimchi pancakes, stir-fried glass noodles, beef bulgogi and kimchi pork belly. For extra indulgence, dip them all into melted cheese ($3). (Weekday lunch: $14.90++ adult, $8.90++ child. Weekday dinner: $24.90++ adult, $18.90++ child. Weekend & PH: $24.90++ adult, $18.90++ child.) Time limit: 100 mins. #02-04/06 NEX, 23 Serangoon Central. Tel: 6853 5054 Dookki Originating from Korea, Dookki introduces authentic ways for diners to enjoy tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). There are eight types of rice cakes along with a spicy sauce that you can concoct at the DIY bar. Then add rice, kimchi and sweet corn to the remaining sauce to
The Armoury
whip up a flavourful plate of kimchi fried rice. ($18.80++ adult, $$10.80++ child.) Time limit: 90 mins. #B1-107 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard. Tel: 6266 2425 Element Can’t decide what to eat for lunch on weekdays? Pamper yourself with an express international buffet lunch ($29++)! The spread includes crustaceans on ice, assorted sushi, tender mutton skewers, as well as live stations serving laksa and hand-carved meats. Save room for petite cakes at the dessert station. Time limit:
45 mins. Amara Hotel, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road. Tel: 6879 2555 I’m Kim Junior After the successful launch of I’m Kim Korean BBQ comes I’m Kim Junior. The restaurant suits large groups and offers a generous selection of marinated meats, seafood, vegetables and fruits. Diners can complement their meal with dakgalbi or army stew at no extra cost. (Weekday lunch: $14.80++ adult, $12.80++ student/ senior, $9.80++ child. Weekend & PH lunch: $23.80++ adult, $21.80++ student/senior, $16.80++ child.) Time limit: 90 mins. for three pax and below; 120 mins. for four pax and above. (No time limit for dinner buffet.) #03-01 *SCAPE, 2 Orchard Link. Tel: 6634 0420 Scoopz Scoopz has a solution for parents to encourage their brood to eat fruits; try their ice cream flavours such as watermelon, grape and banana. The ice cream is made from scratch and handchurned, and there are other flavours such as malted sea salt caramel, cherry brandy and strawberry cheesecake. The buffet also comes with unlimited waffles! ($12 nett, only from qoo10.sg) Time limit: 120 mins. #01-456, Blk 163 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4. Tel: 9628 4892
DaeSsiksin
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The Armoury Load up on protein with the charcoal grill steak buffet (weekend & PH: $29.90++) at this craft beer bar. Along with mains like ribeye steak and beer-battered fish, be sure to order the bar platter which features a variety of items, from buffalo winglets to soup of the day. Over 15 craft beers are available on tap, including Stone Go to IPA and Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar. Time limit: 90 mins. 36 Beach Road. Tel: 6385 3173
Wicked Grill Located at the corner of Tanjong Katong Road and Goodman Road, this casual bar and grill has more to offer than just ribeye, striploin or tenderloin. From the fall-apart St Louis Balinese-style pork ribs to the grilled chicken and black pepper dory, indulge in them all at the a la carte buffet (weekend & PH: $29.80 nett). Time limit: 90 mins. 306 Tanjong Katong Road. Tel: 6247 7803
complemented with a variety of mixers. Don’t forget to line your stomach with mildly spiced chicken wings ($11.90) or the cannibal pizza ($28.90), topped with pork pepperoni, turkey ham, chicken and Bolognese. #01-01, 50 Prinsep Street. Tel: 9384 4557
steak ($22.80) and pork knuckle ($35). Raise your glass to free-flow house wines from 6 to 8pm ($20+). #01-09 Village Hotel Albert Court, 180 Albert Street. Tel: 6538 7886
Highlander On Thursdays, chug unlimited of beers and housepour spirits ($30 nett) at Highlander’s Ladies and Guys Night while you watch the world go by at Clarke Quay. For heart-pumping entertainment, head indoors as resident band Stereofly and DJs turn the heat up on the dance floor. #01-11, Block B Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Road. Tel: 6235 9528 The Exchange Furnished with leather seating and marble-topped bars, this modern-chic space is suitable for casual business meetings or lunch with colleagues. While the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans greets you in the morning, fuel up at mid-day on a three-course set lunch and wind down in the evening with free-flow lychee martinis and lime margaritas on Ladies Night (Wed 6-10pm)—no minimum order necessary. #01-05 Asia Square Tower 1, 8 Marina View. Tel: 6636 1200
Tajimaya
Tajimaya If you love premium black Angus beef, Kurobuta pork, sashimi and tiger prawns, Tajimaya has got you covered (weekend & PH only: $49.90++ adult, $24.90++ child). Pair your unlimited helpings of meat and seafood with sake as you enjoy the restaurant’s panoramic view of Sentosa. #01-102/103 VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk. Tel: 6377 0070
Wine BOS Nestled in Village Hotel Albert Court, this bar and lounge boasts a menu of delectable grub such as sausage platter with white wine sauce ($9.50), sirloin
Wine BOS
The Exchange
LIQUID BUFFETS Bar on Chulia Take advantage of the daily deals here with your friends or colleagues. There’s 1-for-1 house spirits ($13) or wines ($14) on Mondays and $1 oyster nights on Thursdays. If you need an extra round of drinks, Bar on Chulia offers a cocktail buffet on Mon-Sat, 5-11pm ($35+ for ladies, $42+ for guys), with 10 varieties to choose from. 67 Chulia Street. Tel: 6438 0566 Idle Originally located at International Business Park, bistro and bar Idle has moved to Prinsep Street. Put your alcohol limit to the test with free-flow gin, vodka, rum, whisky and beer ($28 nett for ladies, $35 nett for guys)
Bites guide:
Bar on Chulia
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 vegetarian-friendly
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Bustling Boat Quay
Village Nasi Lemak Bar
once the bustling centre of singapore’s shipping trade in the 19th century, boat quay has transformed into a buzzing hub of riverside dining and leisure.
Gyoza Bar
By Rachel Lee, Photography by Lim Kay Li
The Mad Men Attic Bar Yoga Mala Super Star K2
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Charlie’s Restaurant and Bar
i rc ul ar Ro
Meat and Green
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Met a Space pod Founded in 2015, Met a Space Pod is a space-themed boutique hostel for backpackers (from $50/night). Each capsule is surprisingly spacious and comes with airconditioning, vanity mirror with lights, safebox, charging station, a television, and even a mini fire extinguisher. 51A Boat Quay. Tel: 6291 5113. metaspacepod.com.sg
Met a Space Pod
Boat Quay Charlie’s Restaurant and Bar Enjoy the view of the Singapore River at Charlie’s Restaurant and Bar with a glass of house special sangria ($16). Try the signature baby back ribs ($28) and Norwegian salmon ($28), where the fish is glazed with white wine sauce and comes with a side of assorted vegetables. Vegetarians aren’t left out as there are options like patatas bravas ($7) and cheese platter ($28). Be sure to check out their special happy hour house pours, draught beers, spirits and wines. 32 Boat Quay. Tel: 6533 5880
Met a Space Pod Bonchon
BonChon Head to Bonchon for some excellent Korean food. Famed for their spicy and non-spicy wings ($8.90/6 pieces, $16.90/12 pieces, $24.90/18 pieces), they also serve army stew ($26.90), bibimbap ($14.90), plus beer bites like seafood pancake ($14.90), kimchi fries ($12.90) and pan-fried gyoza ($7.90). What sets this outlet apart, though, is their bar and extensive alcoholic offerings. Their soju cocktails ($12.50) are on point and come in five flavours such as Yakult, blue lagoon and Korean pear. 53 Boat Quay. Tel: 8816 4797 Gosso Yakitori At Gosso Yakitori, the smell of sweet grilled meats never fails to make us crave for yakitori. Their gosso dama ($7.80/2 sticks), one of the most popular items, is a skewer of tender chicken livers wrapped with thin stomach lining. Our favourite is the cheese tsukune ($7/2 sticks)—sweet and moist chicken
Gosso Yakitori
Bonchon
meatballs with an ooey-gooey cheese filling. Their stuffed shitake mushrooms ($7/2 sticks) are not to be missed too. 64 Boat Quay. Tel: 6533 5152
Circular Road Yoga Mala Nope, you won’t find Sichuan hotpot here. Mala in Sanskrit refers to a string of prayer beads that draws disparate individuals towards a common focus. At Yoga Mala, re-centre your mind and body through reflexive yoga classes such as traditional Hatha, Hatha flow, Ashtanga, as well as aerial, prenatal and meditation classes. They even provide training for aspiring yoga teachers. 49 Circular Road. Tel: 6803 5031. yogamala.com.sg Super Star K2 Nothing is quite as comforting on a cold rainy day as some tasty Korean barbecue. Super Star K2, the second branch of Super Star K
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Super Star K2
Village Nasi Lemak Bar
(there’s also a K3), offers excellent service and speedy preparations. They utilise a charcoal-fuelled grill to give the meats that charred taste that we love. With many sides to pair your dishes and meats with, you also shouldn’t miss their seafood pancake ($26) and bibim naengmyeon ($12.80)—spicy noodles in a cold broth. 45 Circular Road. Tel: 6224 0504 VILLAGE Nasi Lemak Bar The moment you’re loudly greeted by the neon lights and funky pop art at Village Nasi Lemak Bar, you know you’re in for a different experience. An automated ordering system speeds things up so that you can sooner taste the elevated local
The Mad Men Attic Bar
North Canal Road
Lorong Telok
Hung Kang
Santa Grand Hotel Hongkong Street
North Canal Road The Mad Men Attic Bar Kick back and relax at The Mad Men Attic Bar, a rooftop hideout with awesome live music and walls plastered with vibrant street art. Feeling peckish? Nibbles include stuffed wings ($18), succulent and juicy pork belly ($18), and good ole truffle fries ($10). Wash it all down with draught beer ($13-$15), house wine ($12), champagne ($14), or one of the specialty cocktails. #03-02 (Attic Level), 11 North Canal Road. Tel: 6222 3529
South Bridge Ro
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Gold’s Gym
Bake It Yourself
Gyoza Bar
Carpen
ter Stre
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Legendary Bak Kut Teh
Gyoza Bar Gyoza Bar offers soothing music and a wide range of alcoholic beverages to complement their gyoza—from wine and champagne to sake and shochu. There are three varieties of gyoza: pan-fried gyoza ($8.50/5 pieces, $15/10 pieces, $19.90/15 pieces), boiled gyoza ($11) and soup gyoza ($13), which comes in a white ‘beauty’ broth or a spicy Thai soup. Their pan-fried gyoza goes particularly well with plum wine ($12). Level 2, 7A North Canal Road. Tel: 8319 0875 Hung Kang Hung Kang not only offers traditional Teochew cuisine but also uses special ingredients and spices imported from China. Their signature dishes include barbecue whole suckling pig ($208)—juicy meat with smooth, crispy skin that has been hand-grilled to perfection—and Teochew chilled yellow-roe crab ($80/kg). The flesh of the crab gets a flavour boost from the sweet and tangy dipping sauce. Create your own set meal ($39.80, min. two pax) to mix and match four to five dishes and enjoy complimentary Chinese tea, rice or porridge. Poh Heng Building, 28 North Canal Road. Tel: 6533 5300
South Bridge Road Santa Grand Hotel Looking for a comfy staycation venue? Santa Grand Hotel is a centrally located boutique hotel that has a great view of Robertson Quay and Clarke Quay. It is also in close proximity to two train stations, Clarke Quay and Chinatown. Check their website for promotions and discounts for special occasions. Rates from $128. 57 South Bridge Road. Tel: 6298 8889. santagrand.sg
cuisine. Tuck into nasi lemak in various combinations, from something more familiar like the crispy crumbly chicken wing set ($7.80) to the more unusual Village beef rendang set ($9.50). We all know how critical sambal chilli is in nasi lemak and the house-made sambal doesn’t disappoint—it is sweet yet packs the right amount of heat. 57 Circular Road. Tel: 6443 0400 Meat and green This spacious restaurant curates healthy salads and wraps inspired by Singaporean dishes. Our favourite is the pulled pork bak kut teh wrap ($12). The flavours of the classic local dish are prominent in the marinade, and the tender and juicy pulled pork is wrapped with crisp greens, cucumbers and peanuts. Another winner is the chicken rice wrap ($12), which features perfectly poached chicken drizzled with a chilli-ginger sauce. The chilli crab and fish salad ($13) is worth trying too. 84 Circular Road. Tel: 6557 0457
Bake it yourself Wish you could bake those elaborately decorated cakes on Instagram? Now you can. Founded in 2003, Bake It Yourself is an all-in-one enterprise that sells baking tools and conducts comprehensive classes in baking and cake decorating, from sculpting with fondant to crafting wired gum paste flowers. Check their website for discounts and special promotions. Level 2, 9A Circular Road. Tel: 6100 2253. b-i-y.com
Legendary Bak Kut Teh
Gold’s Gym If you’re seeking a personal trainer or a personalised workout programme, Gold’s Gym may be your answer. With services such as fat loss, bulking and pre/post-natal training, you can choose the option that best fits your needs and body type. Book an appointment by phone. 43B South Bridge Road. Tel: 3110 5888 Legendary Bak Kut Teh A plethora of bak kut teh restaurants has popped up over the years, but Legendary Bak Kut Teh remains one of the few family-run chains. Using only fresh Indonesian pork and Sarawak peppercorns, their bak kut teh recipe has remained unchanged through the years. Whether you order their original bak kut teh ($8) or premium ribs ($10), savour tender meat that tears off the bone easily along with a fragrant, peppery soup that goes wonderfully with white rice. 42/46 South Bridge Road. Tel: 6535 9969
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Cold-pressed juices to the rescue Ease that party hangover with all the vitamins and superfoods you can get. by Rachel Lee
Punch Detox HIC Juice
Gorilla press oriole coffee + bar
A Juicery
A Juicery’s deliciously pink grab-and-go outlet, which opened a month ago, makes taking Instagram shots a breeze. It offers a limited selection of the 16 juices ($8/400ml) available online, which are divided into four categories: green-based, citrus-based, root-based and nut milks. One of the most popular flavours is the citrusbased Pyrotechnics, a watermelon, pineapple, lime and mint concoction which is restorative, anti-inflammatory and boosts immunity. We also love the root-based Sweet Renegade, with the sweetness of carrot, apple and sweet potato, and a tinge of spice from ginger and turmeric to perk up the palate. 21 Lorong Telok. Tel: 6533 1303. ajuicery.com.sg Verdict: There’s a flavour to suit every taste bud. Plus, they’re all delicious.
programme ($330) which consists of six 500ml juices. First-timers who find this too hardcore should go for Punch’D ($120), a taster pack of six juices, with two 300ml bottles of each flavour. Popular picks include Fuel, made from carrot, beetroot, apple, lemon and ginger. The zing from the lemon takes a bit of getting used to. There’s also Glow, which has cashews, chia seeds, vanilla, agave and sea salt in the mix. punchdetox.com.sg Verdict: Perfect for health nuts as well as first-timers, though prices are rather steep.
Hic Juice
Hic Juice is another online juicer with a smaller selection of items at their brick-and-mortar store—great if you’re on the go and can’t afford to wait for an online order. They also have a team of nutritionists who look out for new ingredients and juicing trends. Out of their 30plus flavours, one of our favourites is fuchsia nut milk ($8/250ml), which is made from the superfood beetroot. Add to that a combination of almonds, cashews, medjool dates and Himalayan salt, and you get a pink elixir that’s chock-full of vitamins and minerals to fuel your day. Their most popular option Maquila ($9/250ml) contains the antioxidant-rich Maqui berry, which imparts a sweet yet
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A Juicery
tangy flavour that makes you feel as if you’re drinking a cocktail instead. #01-104 The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road. Tel: 8223 6766. hicjuice.com Verdict: A very wide variety of flavours with some exotic ingredients.
Punch Detox
Ideal for busy professionals who want a quick fix, Punch Detox offers an easy-to-follow three-day cleanse
Gorilla Press
Gorilla Press uses a special hydraulic press that helps preserve vitamins and live enzymes in fruits and vegetables. Their sweet matcha nut milk ($8) is made from one of the finest green teas from Shizuoka prefecture, and is a great choice for the lactoseintolerant. For bad hangovers, opt for Pink Panther ($8), which is made from refreshing watermelon and pink grapefruit with a dash of turmeric. gorillapress.co Verdict: Quality ingredients and juices that cater to different needs.
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