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FOODIE CALENDAR p2
From F1 to a latte art workshop, there’s
so much to do!
DESTINATION: KOVAN p14
Hipster joints and supper spots in this
North-Eastern foodie paradise
SUPERMARKET SLEUTH p17
Make your own jelly mooncakes for
a refreshing change
chirashi
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Emporium
Shokuhin
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e-t
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E ake o v e r
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c a l e n dA r :
s e p t e m b e r
sunday
monday
tuesday
2 016
wednesdaythursday friday
1
2
PAW FEST
saturday
11AM-9PM | 112 KATONG
Bring your furry friends to I12 Katong for a fun-filled
time with a petting zoo, games, a weekend market
and movie screening.
1
Cold storage korea fair
29 Aug - 10 Sep | Westmall open plaza
Load up on all your favourite Korean snacks like
kimchi ramen and choco pie.
4
MOLTEN LAVA CHEESE TART
6
6-10PM | EVERY WED
| INITALY
Ladies; enjoy $5 wines
and Prosecco as you
dine on scrumptious
Italian fare.
www.initaly.asia
$168 | 9.30am-1.30pm | TOTT
Learn to bake the trendy tarts from Hokkaido.
content.tottstore.com/classes
11
13
12
7
LADIES NIGHT
14
8
world food
fair
15
16
$89 | 3-5PM | DUTCH
COLONY COFFEE CO
Understand the ins and
outs of milk texturing
to get that perfect pour
and pattern.
www.dutchcolony.sg
PIANOBOTANICA
2016
6-7PM | BOTANIC
GARDENS
Grab your picnic basket
and be serenaded by
Brazilian soprano
Taiana Froes amidst
lush greenery.
www.piano
botanica.com
18
20
7-11 X SANRIO
PENTACULAR
10 AUG-4 OCT
Collect 24 stamps (1
stamp with every $3
spent at 7-Eleven) to
redeem super cute
marker pens in the shape
of your favourite Sanrio
characters.
26
DRINKS
AT $5
5-7PM
|ONGOING
|MO’MOR
IZAKAYA
$5 drinks
including beer
sake, wine and
even cocktails.
Tapas also start
from $5 so you
won’t break the
bank.
momor.com.sg
2
2
10
I EAT DESIGN
11AM-10PM | 8-11 SEP
| EXPO HALL 6
Sample gastronomic
treats from all over the
world with over 150 F&B
manufacturers, suppliers
and distributors.
www.worldfoodfair.
com.sg
27
21
THE
WINEFAMILY
GATHERING
2016
28
THE BEST OF
ITALY GALA
DINNER
Top Italian chefs come
together to present a
special menu with curated
wine pairings.
gustoitaliano.com.sg
29
NATIONAL
COFFEE
DAY
17
ART AT
CURATE
23
ART AFTER
DARK
24
ART DAY OUT
7-11PM | GILLMAN
BARRACKS
Enjoy a series of
exhibitions, music acts
and F&B pop-ups before
heading for the afterparty at Red Baron.
www.gillmanbarracks.
com
$45 | 11AM-11PM |
TREE LIZARD
Sample over 100 wines
from all over the world
while munching on your
personal cheese and cold
cuts platter.
www.eventbrite.sg/e/thewinefamily-gathering-2016tickets-27087833439
1-9PM | 10-11 SEP |
NAIISE FLAGSHIP
Design and food come
together with vendors,
demos and workshops
to feed your eyes and
stomach.
www.naiise.com
2016
FORMULA 1
SINGAPORE
GRAND
PRIX
MID
AUTUMN
FESTIVAL
HARI
RAYA
HAJI
19
9
LATTE ART
WORKSHOP
FROM $250
| 6.3010.30PM |
16-25 SEP |
Enjoy a lunch
or dinner
menu by 3-Michelin
starred chef Esben
Holmboe Bang featuring
Nordic cuisine.
www.rwsentosa.com
2-7PM | GILLMAN
BARRACKS
Attend a series of artistled talks and workshops
as well as familyoriented art activities
and a farmers’ market.
www.gillmanbarracks.
com
30
coming
up in
Oct
15 Oct: Oktoberfest Asia
29 Oct: Deepavali
31 Oct: Halloween
Maka
# m a k a n o n b i t e s
n
on BiTES
GUESS
AND WIN!
Each month, we’ll feature a fresh
makan place—whether it’s a
new outlet of a familiar brand,
revamped concept or completely
new entrant—for you to guess
what/where it is. Correct answers
will be entered in
a draw to win a
dining experience
with us!
OCTOBER: 5 READERS STAND TO WIN
DINNER FOR 2
Whoever said Japanese cuisine would burn a hole in your pocket has yet to see
our scoop on good eats!
Established in 1972, discover authentic family dining here in this oasis of
tranquillity, and be impressed by flavours of traditional Japanese cooking. Apart
from sushi or sashimi, look forward to slices of rib-eye beef served on a “houba”
leaf on a hotplate, or the Shinjuku toast topped with ice cream from Udders.
Whether you select from the a la carte menu or settle on the value sets, both are
real steals!
Here’s another clue—they are the sister restaurant of Jack's Place.
Give us your best guess of the restaurant’s name between 1-18 September to
dine on 6 October, 7pm! For full details and to enter, visit www.bites.com.sg/
makanonbites
B i T E S reserves the right to publicise winners’ names and
pictures. By entering the contest, you grant us a non-exclusive,
royalty-free license to publish publicity photos and video in any
format without limitation. Participants to ensure they can dine
on 6 Oct at 7pm. More on www.bites.com.sg/makanonbites
S
Makan on BiTE
Café,
Where: Orchid
Orchid Hotel , 7pm
When: 5 August
What we ate:
enu
Highlights from the m
•Star ter
kle and chicken
»» Braised pork knuc
to share
feet from the buffet,
• Main courses
a la carte menu,
»» Chosen from the
tenderloin,
including pan-seared
tural brown
chicken chop with na
with lemon
sauce, fresh salmon
rchid fried
butter sauce, and O
rice.
• Dessert
ate fondant
»» Valrhona chocol
In the heart of the CBD, the four-star business hotel
Orchid Hotel was launched in 2011. Fans of Teochew
porridge will know Orchid Café for its famous, valuefor-money Teochew porridge buffet priced at $16.80
for lunch and $18.80 for dinner, but did you know the
cafe also features a wide selection of Western and local
dishes from the a la carte menu?
We started with two signature items from the buffet
to whet our appetite—the braised pork knuckle and
braised chicken feet that were tender and aromatic from
the long simmering. Our Makan on BiTES winners were
pleasantly surprised as they picked their main course
from the local menu that included the Orchid fried rice
with chicken floss and wok-fried beef hor fun. Many meatlovers opted for the pan-seared
tenderloin or lamb loin with red wine
rosemary sauce.
To end, the warm Valrhona
chocolate fondant was a decadent
treat containing a warm, gooey
chocolate centre, and was served
with a scoop of ice cream to
provide contrast. Scan the QR
There was definitely a good
code for a
variety that appealed to everyone,
slice of
from students to working executives.
the action.
3
n e w s
b i t e s
New Openings
Hailing all the way from the U.K. is well-loved pizzeria
PizzaExpress. Its dough follows the original recipe from
1965 and is hand-stretched to produce a thin, nice crust;
while the tangy tomato paste is purely made from mashed
tomatoes, exclusive to the restaurant. Try their bestselling
pizza, the Calabrese ($26), generously topped with
Calabria-style sausage, spicy Italian sausage, mozzarella,
jalapeno peppers, roasted peppers, red chillies and rocket
leaves. #B1-08/09 Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road.
Tel: 6538 0083
Authenticity is the name of the game at En Sakaba.
This watering hole is comparable to the bars in downtown
Tokyo and offers up to 30 sake labels on the menu,
starting from $18 for 180ml of house sake. Those new
to sake can wean their taste buds to appreciate the
distinctive taste of the rice wine with its slew of creative
sake cocktails. Fill up on sumptuous Japanese tapas like
their juicy grilled hotate ($8) that can be topped with uni
sauce, foie gras, zuwai kani and miso, or mentaiko cheese. en sakaba
The beST BREW
New Menus
Celebrate TGIF with free-flowing barbecue grub and beer
at The Best Brew's Brew & BBQ night ($58 nett). Held
every first Friday of the month from 6.30pm to 9.30pm,
indulge in a selection of beers including the exclusive,
freshly-tapped Tall Tale Pale Ale that’s smooth and easy
to a drink. Fired up on the grill are juicy tiger prawns, mini
strip loin steaks, Middle Eastern style grilled chermoula
salmon steak, and chicken teriyaki—all bound to make
your mouth water. 1st Storey, Four Points by Sheraton
Singapore, Riverview.
A food coma is inevitable when you head down to
Oxwell & Co for their Weekend Roast menu. Available
4
Crab lovers will enjoy the Zuwai Kani Miso Kourayaki
($13), which combines the best part of the crab with sake,
before grilling the scrummy dish over a small flame. #0116 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road. Tel: 6634 1018.
#01-04 JEM, 50 Jurong Gateway Road. Tel: 6262 0238
coo
Turn your staycation up a notch and check in to social
boutique hostel, COO. Located in Tiong Bahru, the hyperlocal space is decked with quirky designs—the ceiling is
plastered with a neon map of the various neighbourhoods
and graphics at every corner tell stories from the
yesteryears. The hostel creates opportunities for guests
to socialise by arranging those of similar interests to be
in the same room. The bistro serves modern nosh with
compelling local twists such as the Tiong Bahru “chwee
kueh” ($9)—a light and creamy panna cotta served the
same way as our traditional delicacy. 259 Outram Road.
Tel: 6221 7060
Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm, the swish
British gastropub will be dishing out hearty delights like a
succulent grass-fed prime rib on bone ($16 for 100g), all
served alongside golden-brown roast potatoes and crisp
Yorkshire puddings—staples of any English roast. Add
on a side of Brussels sprouts, maple butter and smoked
bacon ($8/$16) or roasted sweet carrots ($8/$16) to your
meat-heavy meal. 5 Ann Siang Road. Tel: 6438 3984
Head to Gu Ma Jia for delicious, quality homecooked food in a simple restaurant setting. Ingredients are
bought daily from the wet market. Perfect with fluffy white
rice is the crisp yam ring topped with signature Kyoto pork
ribs ($30) that’s drenched in a sweet tangy sauce. Those
averse to veggies will change their minds once they’ve
tried the Crispy Bean-Jal ($12/$18/$24); a stir-fry of French
beans and brinjal. Thinly-sliced, the fried brinjal is tossed
in marmite and is commonly mistaken for fish skin by
punters. 45 Tai Thong Crescent. Tel: 6285 2023
Fill yourself up with modern sweet treats as Cocoa
Colony revitalises its menu. Chocolate lovers can look
forward to the decadent Amazonian gold ($8.50), where
luscious layers of chocolate ganache are sandwiched
in moist sponge cake. Balance it with savoury pleasures
like a sous vide chicken ($12.50) on waffle; or settle for
sandwiches made with grilled chocolate bread ($8.90$9.90). #B1-37 313 Somerset, 313 Orchard Road. Tel:
6509 0356
From now till end October, feast on Kyushu
delicacies at Sun with Moon. Known for having the best
Boasting a much larger space than the Paragon
branch, Café&Meal MUJI’s newest outlet offers their
popular healthy eats like baked salmon with miso sauce
($4.80) and salad with Sakura chicken and mixed beans
($2.80). The new branch also has exclusive dishes like
Chicken Nanban Donburi ($14); fried chicken, fresh
vegetables and 10-grain rice topped off with creamy tartar
sauce. #02-020/20A/22 Raffles City Shopping Centre,
252 North Bridge Road. Tel: 6264 4189
China’s famed noodle chain, Shi Miao Dao is now
in Singapore. The noodles are served in a bubbling bowl
of broth, where ingredients are then rapidly cooked in the
hot soup, hence the name, which translates to ‘arrives in
10 seconds’. The Original ($7.80) comes with a chicken
and pork broth, and is served with a chicken drumlet,
vegetables, quail egg and ham. They also offer tomato,
mala and pickled vegetable soup base ($8.50 each).
Food Republic VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk.
Tel: 6276 0521
shi
miao
dao
bluefin tuna, their Hon Maguro Sashimi ($55.80 for two)
featuring three different cuts is a must-order—the fresh
fish promises to melt in your mouth. For something more
substantial, have the aromatic steamed rice served in an
iron pot that’s mixed with fatty slices of Kurobuta pork
and seasoned cod roe ($23.80). End it all off with the rich
Mont Blanc that’s topped with sweet potato cream swirls
and a light custard centre ($6.80). #03-15 Wheelock
Place, 501 Orchard Road. Tel: 6733 6636
sun with
moon
BiTES Report:
One Farrer Food
Street
Dates: 16-17 Jul, 30-31 Jul
Location: One Farrer Hotel & Spa, 1 Farrer Park
Station Road
1
We spam
Spam musubi ($4)
was the surprise
highlight for our editor,
who loved the warm,
toasty and thick slice of
spam atop sushi rice, with
a sweet sticky teriyaki-like
sauce that pulled together
the flavours well. The same
stall had more innovative
dishes such as spam fries ($6), honey spam and hot and
spicy jalapeno spam ($8), and the mega paella pan ($8
per portion).
2
After their first pop-up in March, One Farrer Food
Street took place this time in July, in conjunction with
Singapore Food Festival. Along the hotel’s walkway, 10
stalls enticed with freshly-cooked local and traditional
delights as well as international bites. The hotel’s
welcoming outlets such as neighbourhood eatery Local,
Fresh and Seasonal, and The Box Kite No. 27 lounge
were also venues for more food offerings. Check out
our four highlights and don’t miss out on the next
Food Street!
Food bazaar
and seafood
market
Pop into the cool aircon premises of Local,
Fresh and Seasonal (LFS)
and you would’ve been
rewarded with freshly
shucked oysters with farmgrown Thai herb dressing
and Tabasco sauce ($12
for 3), and a wonderful
selection of condiments for
your ice kacang ball ($2).
3
A nightclub
with fresh air
Al fresco lounge on
the second floor, The Box
Kite No. 27, was turned
into a club on 16 and 30
July as local DJs took to
the decks, complete with
pulsating lights. DJ Q Doll
and DJ Victoria played
progressive house on
the 16th, while EJ Missy and DJ Shigeki spun smooth
sounds on the 30th, accompanied with bar bites from
the grill and ciders and cocktails from the ice bar.
4
Tradition on
a plate
The png kueh (rice
cake) ball ($2) was a huge
hit. Made from executive
chef Kong Kok Kiang’s
family recipe, glutinous
rice grains were wrapped
in a skin of rice flour, and
dipped into a robust chilli.
Aside from that, the smells
from freshly fried carrot cake, grilled chicken satay, and
Penang assam laksa made us feel like we were walking
down Farrer Park’s famous food stalls of yesteryear.
5
n e w s
b i t e s
boss
H t
Seat
In this series of light-hearted interviews, BiTES celebrates
homegrown food companies headed by their next
generation of family members. We get a glimpse of the
stories behind the brands and the personalities in the boss'
seat. By Katie Boon, Photography by Benjamin Soh
My work style:
Jason Koh
Passionate
Director of Rochor Beancurd House
What was grandpa like?
I have very little memories of grandpa—he was battling
cancer and passed away when I was five years old. He
cared a lot for the family and didn’t want us to suffer
paying his medical bills, so he decided not to undergo
any treatment.
How is it like working with your family?
It was great working with dad—it made me appreciate
the hard work he went through to bring us up. My sisters
are very supportive too. When we first opened the store
at Geylang, they helped out to keep cost down. Today,
I’m running the business with my wife, Petrina. She helps
me see things in another perspective and reconsider
my decisions. I also love that I get to spend a lot of time
with her.
When did you first help out in the company?
16 years old. I had a relatively small build, so I didn’t do
much of the heavy lifting then. I couldn’t serve as well; I
wasn’t tall enough to scoop the bean curd (laughs). So,
instead, I was stationed in the kitchen where I would
help mix the secret recipe for our tau huay.
Did your degree help in running the business?
I studied in Australia at the Queensland University of
Technology where I majored in Data Security. It has
certainly given me an edge in using social media. I know
what should and should not be revealed. In a way, I’m
more streetwise on the net.
Why did you leave your job to join Rochor
Beancurd House?
Actually, dad didn’t want me to join the company as
working in the kitchen was hard work; he didn’t want
me to go through what he did. But when I was working
as a system engineer, I was doing a lot of overtime too.
Dad came to me and said, “You’re working even longer
hours than I am and earning less!” So he suggested for
me to go look for a new shop space. I left my job as an
engineer after my one-year bond.
Rochor Beancurd House's social media pages are
also your personal accounts. Any reason why?
Did you know there are people who call me Rochor?
(laughs) I believe in being one with the company.
It makes the company more personal and sincere,
and shows that if any problems arise, I will be held
responsible and therefore take care of it.
6
What do you like most about Rochor Beancurd
House?
The fact that we serve healthy and wholesome food to
people from all walks of life; our tau huay is made fresh
daily with real soya beans, and without preservatives
or additives. There are many companies that claim
their products are good for your body, when in actual
fact there are no benefits. We also believe in customer
service; our friendly staff are the reason why many
people come back to us.
What do you do to relax?
I used to be very fat—can you believe that? (laughs) I’ve
incorporated going to the gym into my lifestyle. Every
day, without fail, I would work out for 1-2 hours. Exercise
is a good stress reliever.
What’s your favourite cuisine?
I love Taiwanese food a lot. This was why I decided to
add the famed Taiwanese Golden Squid into my menu. I
serve what I love!
What dish do you prepare for family get-togethers?
Every Saturday, all of us would go to grandma’s for pot
luck. We would never bring the food from our stall; I feel
it is more genuine if we made something from home. I
would usually prepare bee hoon and curry chicken.
sHARING
STORIES
ABOUT
DAD
The brief story of rochor
beancurd house
1950s
Koh Jun Kiat moved from Pulau Tekong to
Singapore. Together with his wife and his first born
son—Jason’s father—Koh Koon Meng, the family
started selling soya bean milk and curd at a street
stall beside Rochor mall.
1960s
To make more money, Koon Meng decided to
become a travelling hawker and pushed a fourwheeled wooden cart from Rochor Road to Beach
Road and Balestier Road, carrying his younger
brothers along till they were old enough to go to
school.
1990s
Koon Meng and his brothers operated out of shop
units in Selegie Road and Middle Road. In 1998,
they moved to Short Street.
2002-2004
After a family disagreement, Koon Meng decided to
leave the store at Short Street. Together with Jason,
they opened the Rochor Beancurd House outlet on
Geylang Road.
2008-2010
Cherish
Effort
to see
results!
Rochor Beancurd House opened at Balestier Road
and Thomson Road. Jason Koh set up various
social media platforms to reach out to younger
consumers.
2016
Rochor Beancurd House expands menu and
introduces the mouthwatering Golden Squid and
Taiwan Honey Chicken Chop.
East Side Eats
For a relaxing al fresco dining experience, head to The Oasis
at Changi City Point. This swish space is home to three great
restaurants and bars, all serving good nosh and toothsome
tipples you can’t resist. Take a foodie trip to New Zealand
when you visit Moa Tiki New Zealand Bar & Grill (#0170/71) where they serve Moa New Zealand Craft Beers on
tap ($10, 330ml), Weka ciders ($9) and Allan Scott wines
($10-$12 per glass). Give your wallet a break every time you
dine at Fiv五 Izakaya (#01-66/67); their yakitoris and bevvies
like wine, sake and beer go from as low as $5. Looking for a
fancier dining spot? RessRoom (#01-72/73) is your answer.
Order the sumptuous King Prawn Aglio Olio ($19.90) or Oxtail
Stew ($19.90) braised in beer. The ambiance is tip-top too,
with all three joints having live band performances nearly every
evening. 5 Changi Business Park Central 1. Tel: 6511 1088
More BiTES online!
Go digital and find us at
www.bites.com.sg
The Mid-Autumn Festival is just around the corner
and we can't wait to get our hands on some
mooncakes! We've gathered a plethora of the best
and most interesting mooncakes; from first-timers
Tip Top (the famous curry puff brand) to boozy
treats from Bakerzin and TCC, so you won't have
to sift through the glut of options. Head to our
website for an extensive round-up of mooncakes
available in Singapore.
For advertising enquiries
please contact us at:
6848 6875 / 6848 6877
[email protected]
7
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Highlights:
Emporium Shokuhin
#01-18 Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard. Tel: 6224 3433
What is it?: Shokuhin literally means ‘food products’ in Japanese, and that’s
what they have. Opened in 2015, the Japanese food cluster stands at an
expansive 34,000 sq ft and holds eight different dining options.
First impressions: The first thing you notice coming down the escalator
from Marina Square is their temperature-controlled room, where large slabs of
meat are hung up to be dry-aged. Sleek wooden panelling, warm lights and a $10
million price tag give the place a decidedly more upscale feel.
Come here for: A Tsukiji Market-style experience. The live seafood section
holds an array of tanks that contain monstrous (but so delicious) Alaskan king
crabs and rows of oysters. Different types of seafood appear seasonally and you
can occasionally find live flounders and Dungeness crabs. The prices here are
also slightly lower than average, as Emporium Shokuhin directly imports their
own produce. This also translates to lower prices at the various restaurants in the
emporium, as they draw from the same suppliers.
8
Gyuu+Yakiniku Grill
The yakiniku grill restaurant offers a range of meats, including USDA prime, Australian and the
prized Japanese A5 Miyazaki beef—imported by Emporium Shokuhin themselves. The meat
is aged on the premises, resulting in improved flavour and texture. The restaurant also offers
seafood and Kurobuta pork to be cooked on their smokeless grills.
+
Umi Vino Seafood Wine Bar
Luscious seafood done all ways including a la plancha and ceviche. Pair them with a selection
from their respectable wine and sake list, such as the award-winning Ferrari Trento range of
Italian sparkling wines. Three or four-course lunch sets are also available ($26/$32).
Senmi Sushi
A 50kg bluefin tuna is shipped in fresh every Monday and makes its appearance on the
menu as both sushi and sashimi. Don’t miss their melt-in-your-mouth otoro sashimi ($32)
and Premium Giant Chirashi Don ($54), generously topped with cubed sashimi and amaebi
—good for sharing among two to three people.
Ramen Champion
#04-10 Bugis+, 201 Victoria Street. Tel: 6238 1011
#01-22 Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Promenade. Tel: 6235 1295
#B2-52 Changi Airport T3, 65 Airport Boulevard. Tel: 6214 2958
What is it?: First opened in 2010 at Bugis+, Ramen Champion offers an arena-style
dining concept. Think Iron Chef but judged by the customers—you get to choose the
fate of the stalls by voting whether they stay or leave.
First impressions: The decor is distinctively Japanese, with timber fittings, lanterns,
and banners of the various competing stalls. The arena also functions like a food court,
where seating is shared across all stalls.
Come here for: The consistently high-quality ramen, and the ability to vote for your
favourite stalls. The voting system presumably keeps the participating stalls on their toes.
(
)
tonkotsu
ikkyu
Highlights available at all outlets
torimaru
Torimaru []
Torimaru offers the less-common chicken paitan ramen ($16), which is made with
chicken and vegetables, resulting in a creamy and savoury but light broth. The noodles
are also topped with chicken breast cha shu, and no pork is used in the cooking
process.
Tonkotsu Ikkyu [
Created by the chef and producer of Ramen Champion, Ikkyu’s ramen goes all out;
unctuous tonkotsu broth and thin noodles topped with a generous serving of pork collar
cooked sous vide ($15.80).
buta god
Buta God [
Specialising in tonkotsu ramen, the broth here is lighter than usual, allowing diners to slurp up
large amounts of it without feeling overwhelmed by its richness. Their signature God Ramen ($15) is
topped with marinated pork belly slices and a poached egg.
Japan Food Town
Level 4 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road. Tel: 6694 6535
What is it?: Singapore is the first to debut this food hall concept; there are plans
to open in other major cities. Opened in July by Japan Food Town Development, the
food hall showcases authentic Japanese cuisines through 16 individual well-known
brands that specialise in a particular aspect of Japanese cuisine.
First impressions: There’s ample space to move around this modern ‘village’,
with each shopfront enticingly decorated to give an idea of what it serves. The 20,075
sq ft space can sit up to 628 diners at once.
Come here for: The sheer variety of specialty dishes, with veritable names
that are huge draws in Japan. Except for Hokkaido Izakaya, which opened its first
branch in Tanjong Pagar and second branch here, the rest of the outlets are new to
Singapore.
Highlights:
Osaka Kitchen
Teppanyaki offering premium Wagyu beef and Osaka-style okonomiyaki. Don’t
forget to check out their silky Japanese Omelette with Pork Belly ($8).
Tel: 6262 3271
Sabar
The name is a homonym for the Japanese words for ‘38’ (the number of seats in
their Japan branch) and ‘mackerel’, which they specialise in. Try their Toro-SabaZuke rice bowl ($18), which features soy marinade made with raw, fresh saba.
Tel: 6262 3453
Rang Mang Shokudo
Serves up double-fried buttermilk chicken that has been marinated for six hours,
with a few flavour variations. Pair off the crispy, umami fowls ($12.90) with their
signature frozen lemon beer ($14). Tel: 6262 3504
Inaniwa Yosuke
The restaurant has 150 years of tradition serving handmade Inaniwa udon. The thin
udon takes three days to make with specially selected salt, water and flour.
Tel: 6262 3279
INANIWA
yosuke
sabar
Tempura Tsukiji Tenka
Opened by the renowned Tokyo Sushi Academy, and operated by its graduates,
the restaurant specialises in tempura and donburi. Check out their kaisen don
($24.80), topped generously with fresh seafood. Tel: 6262 3245
9
c o v e r
s t o r y
Shokutsu Ten,Jurong Point
kabe no ana
#B1-77 Jurong Point, 1 Jurong West Central 2
What is it?: Set up by long-time Japanese food veterans RE&S, Shokutsu Ten
was one of the pioneers of the Japanese dining cluster concept with its first outlet at
Jurong Point in 2007. The 17,000 sq ft area is separated into two themes; old Edo and
modern-day Osaka, and holds nine different dining concepts at all price ranges.
First impressions: The area is immediately reminiscent of a bustling Japanese
street with its kabuki-inspired entrance facade, thanks to a $7 million makeover.
Technicolor signs and colourful lanterns adorn the area, and it has a ceiling that
transits from day to night.
Come here for: The Japanese festival experience. All the lights and sounds
give the area a carnival-like atmosphere, and there are plenty of reasonably priced
options for you to indulge in, including bona fide street food stalls.
Highlights:
Kabe No Ana - The Cafe
The renowned Japanese pasta restaurant rebranded as a cafe, where they serve all-day breakfast
and specialty coffee in addition to their scrummy pasta selection. Be sure to check out their mentaiko
carbonara spaghetti ($13.90), where the spicy, salty mentaiko acts as the perfect foil for the creaminess of
the sauce. Tel: 6397 0435
WAttention Plaza
You’d think you were walking down a street in Osaka with over 10 rotating street food and retail stalls that
feature everything from okonomiyaki to Hokkaido cheese tarts. Keep an eye out for the occasional cosplayer, as
they host cosplay events here too.
Eat At Seven at
Suntec City Sky Garden
Level 3 Suntec City North Wing Tower 1, 3 Temasek Boulevard
What is it?: Opened in 2015 with a partnership between Japanese airline ANA
and Global Retailers to bring seven restaurants from Japan to Singapore. From
tempura don to a maguro specialist, these are restaurants that one would have to
queue extensively to enter in Japan.
First impressions: The exterior entrance lacks any overt display of Japanese
motifs, save for Eat at Seven’s kanji logo. At 14,000 sq ft split among seven
restaurants, the area provides a more intimate dining space.
Come here for: Renowned brands from Japan; most of the restaurants at Eat at
Seven are specialist stalls focusing on particular dishes. Coupled with their regular
produce deliveries through ANA, you’re getting the best of Japanese cuisine.
enbu
Highlights:
Enbu
This izakaya sets itself apart from other Japanese grills by offering warayaki; using
straw in addition to charcoal to infuse the food with a smoky fragrance.
Tel: 6268 8043
Maguro-Donya Miura-Misaki-Kou
Sushi & Dining
One of the most renowned sashimi and maguro wholesalers in Japan, where
they control almost every aspect of the process including catching the fish. Head
straight for their Five Cuts Hon Maguro Sashimi ($49), which showcases different
parts of the tuna. Tel: 6684 5054
kohaku
10
Kohaku
The first ten-don in Singapore to offer a spicy sauce option ($15), the tempura here
is fried in a mixture of sesame and cooking oils that is constantly filtered in the fryer
so that it remains fresh. Tel: 6333 4386
Nihon Food Street
at Millenia Walk
Level 2 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard
With two ramen shops, sushi spots, a robatayaki and tonkatsu specialist Saboten, your
Japanese cuisine cravings are sure to be satiated here. Chabuton’s Japanese outlet has a
Michelin star, while Sushi Murasaki offers fresh seafood and an indulgent omakase menu. At
Tomi Sushi, things are a little more casual, but no less sumptuous at this restaurant hailing
from Niigata, a prefecture known for its quality rice. For smoky grilled treats and a tipple,
check out Kurama Robatayaki and Yoi Sake Bar, and Uma Uma Restaurant & Bar.
Opening Soon:
Itadakimasu by PA
RCO
Slated to open by the en
d of the year, Itadakimasu
by PARCO will
be located at 10 0 AM sho
pping mall. The 14,00 0
sq m space will
host everything Japane
se from casual eateries,
to cafes, fine dining
establishments and retail
shops.
saboten
kurama
robatayaki
11
b u f f e t
b o u n t y
Wish you had a reliable buffet guide to the best all-youcan-eat spots? Buffet Bounty is your go-to resource on
buffets for all budgets, tastes and locations. With the glut of
Japanese buffet options, we pare it down to the essential
15 for every price range so you can feast like a prince even
on a budget. Plus, check out our pick of live kitchens that
are worth every penny!
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)
[Under $45]
Certified halal
Does not serve pork or lard
Kid-friendly facilities
Veg-friendly
16
SAKAE SUSHI
All Sakae Sushi outlets including #01-133 Heartland
Mall, 205 Hougang Street 21. Tel: 6383 6127
It’s all you can eat for 60 mins (Mon-Fri, 3-6pm; $18++)
at this ubiquitous sushi chain. Stuff yourself silly with
sushi and small plates from their conveyer belt or order
full dishes like tempura udon off their menu. The buffet
includes a free drink and you can top up $15 for freeflowing beer.
Essential
Japanese buffets
[Under $25]
SUKI-YA
All Suki-Ya outlets including #02-183B/C Marina Square,
6 Raffles Boulevard.
Tel: 6337 9969
Japanese hotpot buffet (Mon-Thu 11.30am-3pm;
$18.90++, Fri-Sat 11.30am-4pm; $20.90++, Mon-Thu
5-10pm; $24.90++, Fri-Sun 4-10.30pm; $26.90) doesn’t
get any more value-for-money than this! Choose from
kombu, sukiyaki, miso, pork broth and kimchi soup bases,
then dunk your meat, seafood and vegetables to your
heart’s content. They also offer condiments for you to
concoct your own sauce to dip your thinly sliced meat in.
Top up $5.90 for free-flow Wagyu beef cuts.
suki-ya
MOMIJI JAPANESE BUFFET
#05-05/06 City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road.
Tel: 6509 1193
There’s something for everyone here with their wide
selection of Japanese and Chinese dishes. Hidden in
Revenue House, Momiji (Mon- Fri 12nn-3pm; $25.80++,
Sat-Sun 11.30am-3.30pm; $40.80++, Mon-Thu 6-10pm;
$40.80++ Fri-Sun; $42.80++) offers cold seafood like
mussels and whelk, in addition to sashimi. Be sure to
check out their impressive dessert selection which
includes a DIY waffle station.
momiji
IKOI JAPANESE RESTAURANT
G/F Hotel Miramar, 401 Havelock Road. Tel: 6887 3788
With high quality food for an extremely reasonable price,
it’s no wonder their a la carte buffet (daily: 11.30am2pm, 6-11pm; $38++) usually requires an advance
booking. The restaurant offers a wide range of authentic
Japanese dishes, from unctuous grilled saba and oden
to fresh, thickly sliced sashimi.
IRODORI JAPANESE RESTURANT
#03-01 Riverview Hotel, 382 Havelock Road.
Tel: 6737 2002
With only one price (daily: 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm;
$36.80++), there’s no reason not to pop by when the
craving strikes. Think a range of well-executed Japanese
dishes like tempura, sushi, handrolls and grilled dishes,
including a lip-smacking ebi mentaiyaki.
KUISHIN BO [ ]
#03-334 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard.
Tel: 6341 9200
It’s dining for the whole family with a wide selection,
kids’ buffet counter and daily specials at this distinctively
Japanese-themed restaurant (11.30am-3pm, Mon-Fri;
$36.90++, Sat-Sun; $38.90++, 5.30-10pm, Mon-Thu;
$54.90++, Fri-Sun; $58.90++). Indulge in perennial
Japanese favourites like tempura, grilled shishamo and
of course, sashimi. Less commonly found items include
oden and a live noodle station. MOMOYA
16 Jalan Pari Burong. Tel: 6245 3303
Besides sushi, yakitori and sashimi, this a la carte buffet
(daily: 11.45am-2.30pm; $35++, 6-10pm; $39++) also
offers yoshoku dishes like baked pasta and curry rice.
Fan of Japanese-Italian cuisine? Don’t forget to check
out their mentaiko spaghetti showcasing al dente
noodles and a moreish mentaiko sauce.
[Under $65]
HIMAWARI JAPANESE RESTAURANT
#01-08/09, 991B Alexandra Road. Tel: 6272 1110
This a la carte buffet (11.30am-2.30pm, Mon-Thu;
12
$45.80++, Fri-Sun; $49.80 ++, 5.45-10pm; $48.80++,
Fri-Sun; $52.80++) offers a plentiful selection of
appetisers, fried dishes and sushi. The main draw is
their shabu shabu featuring juicy, well marbled beef and
accompaniments like tofu and enoki mushrooms. The
sashimi is also noteworthy as they offer slightly more
premium items like amaebi (sweet shrimp) and tai (sea
bream). Top up $1.50 for freshly grated wasabi. OSAHIME
#01-25/26 Golden Shoe Carpark, 50 Market Street.
Tel: 6227 0331
The fact that this restaurant has been around for over
20 years is testament to its consistent quality. Their a la
carte buffet (Sat, 6-9pm; $45++) offers around 60 items
that are rotated frequently, including ikura sushi, grilled
unagi and very well-made gyozas. The menu doesn’t
have agemono (deep-fried dishes), which won’t be
missed given the variety of the other items available.
SHIN MINORI
#03-15 UE Square, 81 Clemenceau Avenue.
Tel: 6733 2272
With wallet-friendly prices (daily: 11.30am-2.30pm;
$37.90++, 6-10.30pm; $39.90++), freshly sliced sashimi
and yakitori, this hidden gem is often packed, so book
early. They’re also known for their fancy makis, including
the Rainbow Maki; shrimp tempura with four types of
raw fish crowning the rice.
SHIN YUU JAPANESE RESTAURANT
16 Greenwood Ave. Tel: 6763 4939
While the variety of dishes may not be as large as other
Japanese buffets, the quality is incredible for its price
(daily: 12nn-3pm; $39.90++, 6-10.30pm; $52.90++).
Expect popular pickings like aburi sushi, crisp tempura
and scallop mentaiko. Dinner includes a complimentary
serving of premium items like tuna belly, boiled abalone
and Japanese ice cream.
5
under $50
live kitchen
buffets
Buffet Town
NETT
A la carte cooking stations are a real
crowd puller at buffets—there’s nothing
better than fresh plates of nosh at
these pocket-friendly spreads.
21 on Rajah
21 on Rajah’s Mediterr-Asian ‘Pasar’ Street Market
Dinner Buffet (Mon-Thu, 6-10pm; $40) dishes out
sumptuous delicacies from the Mediterranean and
Asian regions. Think seafood and chicken paella,
tortilla de patatas Espanola (Spanish omelette with
potato) and slipper lobster with salted eggs. Over at
the live station, diners can request for chefs to cook
up either a bowl of pasta or Asian favourites such as
tom yum, laksa, prawn mee and Maggi goreng.
1 Jalan Rajah. Tel: 6808 6847
tajimaya
yakiniku
Besides offering sliced-to-order sashimi, the restaurant
(lunch: Mon-Fri $26.80, Sat-Sun $33.80; dinner: Mon-Fri
$36.80, Sat-Sun $42.80) also has a robatayaki station
serving items such as salmon fish head, satay, and pork
belly on rotation. The carving station, also on rotation
basis, features premium cuts like Wagyu beef, BBQ pork
ribs, and roasted lamb leg with mint sauce. Don’t miss the
teppanyaki station where you can savour stir-fries such
as mussels and dory fish. #B1-44E Raffles City Shopping
Centre, 252 North Bridge Road. Tel: 6837 3793
crispy pork belly, char siew and Teochew soy braised
duck sliced for you upon order. G/F Hotel Jen Tanglin
Singapore, 1A Cuscaden Road. Tel: 6831 4374
j65
Carousel
Carousel’s high tea (Mon-Thu 3.30-5.30pm, $49.43
nett) features a plethora of toothsome desserts, local
delights and seafood on ice. What’s impressive though
is their Middle East chicken kebab station where cooks
carve out piping hot shovaslaki onto warm pita bread. A
live teppanyaki counter is also available and offers four
dishes—teppanyaki udon with curry vegetable, pan-fried
okonomiyaki, cheese monjayaki with taco, and teriyaki
chicken—on rotation. Lobby Royal Plaza on Scotts,
25 Scotts Road. Tel: 6589 7799
J65
Gracing the multicultural spread during J65’s lunch
buffet (Mon-Sat 12-3pm, $29 nett) is a myriad of hawker
delights as well as authentic Peranakan flavours. Have
talented chefs whip up a bowl of noodles including
wanton mee, Ipoh hor fun and Singapore’s lemak-style
laksa, right before your eyes. Then, swing over to the
Hong Kong-style barbecue station and have servings of
TODAI
#B2-01 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront
Avenue. Tel: 6688 7771
Although Todai offers an international selection (11.30am
to 3pm, Mon-Fri; $42++ Fri-Sun $64++, 5.30-10pm,
Mon-Thu; $58++, Fri-Sun; $68++) with dishes like
caprese salad and a roast station, they are known for
their Japanese dishes like innovative makis, yakitori and
seafood, which includes Alaskan king crab legs that get
snapped up quickly.
Kiseki
Branded as a ‘mega buffet with mini prices’ (11.30am3pm: Mon-Thu $19.80++, Fri-Sun $27.80++; 6-10.30pm:
Mon-Thu $31.80++, Fri-Sun $34.80++), Kiseki offers
over 200 items including sushi, yakitori, and agemono.
Sashimi is sliced fresh upon order too, so you never
have to worry about having bad fish. Be sure to relish
the piping hot stir-fries from the live teppanyaki station
or a soupy seafood and pork yuzu nabe from the live
hotpot station. #08-01/02/03 Orchard Central,
181 Orchard Road. Tel: 6736 1216
todai
[Above $65]
AZMAYA
#01-12/13 Riverside Village, 30 Robertson Quay.
Tel: 6737 6863
Situated along the riverfront, the restaurant offers an
extensive a la carte menu, but it’s the Wagyu beef and
pork shabu shabu buffet (daily: 5pm-1am; $90++) that
you want to head straight for. For two hours, you get
unlimited servings of pork belly and collar, A5 Wagyu
beef, and fixings like vegetables and rice. Choices for the
soup base include kombu, chicken and soy milk.
TAJIMAYA YAKINIKU
#01-102/103 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk.
Tel: 6377 0070
Their weekend buffet brunch (Sat-Sun, 11.30am-4pm;
$49.90++) offers unlimited servings of Wagyu and
Angus beef cuts, Kurobuta pork, tiger prawns, salmon
and sashimi. There is a time limit of 100 minutes, so
feast fast. KUSHI JAPANESE DINING BAR
526 MacPherson Rd. Tel: 6285 6525
Their premium buffet (11.30am-2.30pm, Mon-Thu;
$61.90++, Fri-Sun; $64.90++, 5.30-9.30pm, Mon-Thu;
$69.90++, Fri-Sun; $72.90++) features fresh Japanese
oysters, king prawn tempura, and one serving each of
otoro and Wagyu beef. They also offer the option of
upgrading your shabu shabu to a collagen soup base
made with chicken and shark cartilage ($10 for 2 pax,
$20 for 3-4 pax).
TENKAICHI JAPANESE BBQ RESTAURANT
#03-129 Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard.
Tel: 6250 8918
Revel in their Premium Wagyu Beef BBQ buffet (daily:
11.30am-2pm; $64.80++, 6.30-9.30pm; $69.80++),
which offers various Australian Wagyu beef cuts with a
marbling score of 7+. There is also a small selection of
sashimi, and seafood like scallops and prawns to throw
on the grill. Top up $10 for free-flow Häagen-Dazs ice
cream.
13
d e s t i n a t i o n
d i n i n g
Keeping Up
with Kovan
Previously a Teochew area, this sleepy residential area that
used to border the forested areas of Sengkang and Punggol
was known as Lak Gor Jio (‘six-mile stone’), as it was six miles
away from the Fullerton area, where many Chinese immigrants
first landed in Singapore. In the 60s and 70s, Kovan was rife
with secret societies, which has since given way to supper
spots galore and a fledgling hipster scene.
By Weets Goh, Photography by Benjamin Soh and Soh Kah Khee
ice edge cafe
Simon Road
Overview
With over 50 years of history, Simon Road Market defined the area. It
was common to see traffic jams in the mornings as people flocked to the
market for groceries and to have breakfast at the well-loved hawker stalls
there, including a famous mee rebus and a muah chee stall that served
free Chinese tea. Today, Simon Road has been taken over by cafes and
bistros—a sign of changing times. The tiny coffeeshop at the corner of
Simon Road and Upper Serangoon Road, Nam Heng, used to house two
hawker giants; a Hokkien mee and an orh luak stall, both of which have
relocated to nearby coffeeshops.
Lola’s Cafe (5 Simon Road)
One of the more prominent places within the glut of hipster cafes that
have sprung up over the last few years. Be sure to go between 10am
and 3pm to catch their brunch menu, where they serve silky, buttery
scrambled eggs in their breakfast butter croissant ($15) and Lola’s Full
Works ($17). They also have a dinner menu where you can find a confit of
duck leg with mustard sauce ($17). Daily 10am-11.30pm Tel: 6284 0349
Ice Edge Cafe (#01-10 Simon Plaza, 2 Kovan Road)
Chill out with their selection of homemade ice creams and gelatos, which
you can pair off with freshly-made waffles. The cafe also serves bistro
food like prawn pesto cream linguine ($17.8) and French onion soup
($5.80). Daily 11.30am-11.30pm. Tel: 6858 5729
Joe’s Corner Cafe & Bar (25 Simon ROAD)
With its homely interior and chill atmosphere, it’s like you’re
hanging out at a friend’s place. Around for almost a
decade, they serve consistently good thin crust pizzas
and meltingly tender lamb shanks, which can be
paired with its modest selection of beers—craft or
otherwise. Tue-Fri 4.30pm-12am, Sat-Sun 12pm12am. Tel: 6280 0855
n
va
ko
ri
se
si
m
on
ro
Supper Stretch
Overview
Bordered by Florence Close and Hougang Street 31, this
small part of Upper Serangoon Road is a favourite supper
haunt due to the different stalls that are open until the wee
hours of the morning. Most of the stalls here sell Teochew
dishes, possibly due to the fact that Kovan used to be
populated by Teochews.
Heng Long Teochew Porridge
(1006 Upper Serangoon Road)
One of the longest-surviving shops in the area, they serve
all the tasty accompaniments like salted egg and braised
duck that go well with Teochew-style porridge, which is
more watery and has more distinct grains of rice.
Open 24 hours
lo
Punggol Nasi Lemak
(965 Upper Serangoon Road)
Known for their crispy chicken wings, fragrant rice and
less-than-friendly staff, they also have a wide array of
dishes to choose from so you won’t be stuck with just fried
ikan kuning and luncheon meat. Fri-Wed 6.30pm-2.30am.
Tel: 6281 0020
Simon Road Oyster Omelette (Mee Sek Food
Court, 965 Upper Serangoon Road)
This is the famous oyster omelette stall that used to be at
the old Nam Heng coffeeshop located at the corner of
Simon Road. To add to the confusion, a new stall that also
sells oyster omelette has sprung up in its place. The oyster
omelette here is fried until very crispy, and then topped
with plump oysters. Wed-Mon 4pm-2am
w
u
la
pp
n
er
ro
d
ad
ro
se
ad
ko
n
va
r
ad
an
g
o
o
n
r
o
ad
ko
n
va
ho
Wang Xing Teochew Porridge
(1008 Upper Serangoon Road)
Located just a unit down from Heng Long is this newly
opened Teochew porridge restaurant that took over
the site of Alishan Restaurant (that also sold Teochew
porridge). The prices here are slightly cheaper than Heng
Long. Open 24 hours
Yong’s Teochew Kueh
(1022 Upper Serangoon Road)
One of the oldest fixtures in this area, Yong’s serves
scrummy Teochew kuehs like soon kueh (braised turnip
filling, $1.10) and png kueh (glutinous rice filling, $1.20).
Expect to queue on weekend mornings. Tue-Sun 7am-7pm
or until sold out. Tel: 6287 4328
First Street Teochew Fish Soup
(1014 Upper Serangoon Road)
There is a minimum 30-minute wait for their smooth, tender
batang fish and a sweet, flavourful soup ($5). Prices are on
the higher side but it’s worth it. Tue-Sun 8am-3pm
Sin Chie Toke Huan Hainanese Curry Rice
(1018 Upper Serangoon Road)
Another supper favourite, the curry here is lighter and
doesn’t weigh heavily on your stomach, perfect for when
it’s really late at night. Daily 6pm-5am
14
ug
pancakes ($14) around; flavourful, crispy and stuffed with
seafood. Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, 5-10pm; Sat-Sun 11am-3.30pm.
Tel: 6288 2448
(205 Hougang Street 21)
Opened in 1984, the aptly-named mall has been a fixture in
the area for decades. Chances are, you used to drop by the
long-standing KFC in your school uniform. Much smaller than
the mega-malls that are connected to MRTs, this mall has its
own quiet charm and is often filled with families out for a meal
or doing grocery shopping. It also housed the last Taco Bell in
Singapore.
Ivins (level 2)
The food is comforting and inexpensive at this family-style
Peranakan restaurant. Be sure to try their sticky-sweet honey pork
($7.90) and super shiok ayam buah keluak ($7.90), best enjoyed
over a heaping mound of steamed rice. Daily 11am-10pm.
Tel: 6288 7922
Hansik Korean Family Restaurant (level 2)
You will have to wait for at least 45-minutes during weekend
meal times at this popular Korean BBQ restaurant. The quality
of their meats is good—try their green tea pork belly ($23) and
boneless beef rib ($38) that you can grill on their smokeless,
non-stick grill. They also do one of the best Korean seafood
Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh (level 2)
One of the outlets of the popular supper spot at Havelock Road,
this new branch looks a little more upscale. They still sell all their
old favourites like their clear, peppery Teochew-style bak kut teh
($10.50), in addition to new dishes like Teochew steamed fish
($14.50) and fried prawn rolls ($7.80). Daily 10am-10pm.
Tel: 6282 5818
Kovan 209 Market and
Food Centre (street 21)
Renovated in 2010 for $4 million, the hawker centre
has always drawn large crowds with its awardwinning food stalls. Expect long queues at Fa Ji
Minced Meat Fishball Noodles (#01-05, closed
Wed) and Hougang Hainanese Curry Rice/Economic
Bee Hoon (#01-25). Other stalls of note include one
of the first few Lee Wee Brothers outlets (#01-02),
Yi Shi Jia Wanton Mee (#01-57) and Kovan Rojak
(#01-39), which serves an extra-punchy rojak sauce.
For something more meaty, try the crispy roast pork
belly at Bedok Cooked Food (#01-32), or the locally
inspired chicken chop at Cowboy Grill (#01-31). For
all you Pokémon trainers, look out for a nearby mural
and Pokéstops located at 206 Kovan.
fl
o
re
n
jalan rengkam
c
e
ro
ad
u
pp
er
r
se
an
g
o
o
n
r
o
ad
valley road
Did you know?
tam pin es road
houg
ve 1
ang a
g
Heartland Mall
Although Simon Road Market was
demolished in 1999 to make way for
a condominium and Kovan MRT, a plaque
and several bronze statues stand in its stead to
commemorate fond memories of the market. This
landmark also happens to be a Pokémon Go gym, so be
prepared to run into some trainers.
hatter st.
bakehouse
and cafe
g
an
st
re
et
21
Hougang
Street 21
Soo Teck Ling Confectionary
(#01-257, 210 Hougang Street 21)
An old-school Teochew bakery that churns out vegetarian
versions of tau sar piah (from $2.10 each) and mooncakes. Stop
by in the afternoon and you might get a chance to see gigantic
trays of bean paste being set outside to cool.
Tel: 6287 0198
Nakhon Kitchen
(#01-341, 212 Hougang Street 21)
This popular restaurant draws packed crowds every
day for dinner with its authentic Thai food and low
prices. Try the tom yum soup ($6) and phad Thai tang
hoon ($6) which is lighter than the rice-noodle version.
Thu-Tue 12-2.45pm, 5.30-9.45pm. Tel: 6286 8785
Knuckles (#01-33, 212 Hougang Street 21)
Don’t dismiss this as yet another hipster cafe—the wooden
crate furniture and dim lighting are mostly functional, explaining
their extremely reasonable prices. Go for the chicken chop
($8) or pork knuckle ($10), which is fried till crispy and then
deboned. Tue-Sun 5.30-11.30pm
Simon Road Hokkien Mee
(210 Hougang Street 21)
The other famous stall that used to be located at
Nam Heng coffeeshop by Simon Road, the owners
have been selling Hokkien mee (from $4) for four
generations. It was originally located in Simon Road
Market. The Hokkien mee here uses thin bee hoon,
which better absorbs the tasty stock. Wed-Sun
10.30am-10pm
Hatter St. Bakehouse and Cafe
(#01-333, 212 Hougang Street 21)
This Alice in Wonderland themed cafe offers much more
than whimsy with its range of innovative sweet treats. Try their
Smoked Sawdust Pudding ($5); smooth, creamy pudding
topped with crumble. The pudding is smoked with wood
chips before serving, giving it a pleasing, smoky aroma. They
also do a delicious waffle with pandan ice cream and gula
melaka syrup ($9.50). The owner, Ash, insists that there's no
connection between his name and the fact that there are two
Pokéstops in the cafe. Daily 1pm-10pm. Tel: 6988 4591
nakhon
kitchen
Jforte Sportainment Centre
(50 Hougang Ave 1)
Taking over the old Kovan Superbowl, the
entertainment complex offers a bowling alley, cue hall
and a cafe with an extensive menu offering mains like
salmon mentaiko spaghetti ($9.50) in addition to the
usual snacks (from $1.50) and drinks. Daily 10am-1am.
Tel: 6289 2121
15
w o k
&
t a l k
Oishii, mee
Feeling dejected, homesick and hangry, Mr. Miyagi
gives up hope of finding happiness in Singapore….
By Katie Boon, Photography by Benjamin Soh
“It’s a kind of
Singapore ramen?”
“Haiz... I miss Japanese food! Eh? What is this
queue?
“Eh? There’s
another
stall at
Block 713?
Hmmm… I
wonder
what’s the
difference.”
“Mee pok?”
“the noodles are
so al dente. The
two meat balls
and slice of
abalone are a
great addition
to the dish
too. If only
they would
peel the
prawn…!”
oh my!
woah!
“It’s a 19-yearold Japanese
girl making
the noodles.
Her name is
Reina. She
whips it up as
passionately
as the ramen
chefs back
home.”
“The son is even more serious
when he cooks! I feel like I’m
back in Japan eating at a ramen
stall.”
“ Oh! It’s Mrs. Kuribara and
her 24-year-old son, Yuki!”
“Unlike at 710, there’s only one
prawn in my noodles, but I don’t
have to worry about peeling them.
The meat slices here are thicker
and there is more minced meat.
There are also tau geh and massive
pieces of lard.”
007
oiissshiiiii
"Here is more high-tech
than Blk 710. A buzzer is
given so you don’t have to
wait standing.”
address: 710 and 713 Clementi West Street 2. tel: 8742 1341
THE VerdicT
➔ THE VERDICT: Despite being more wellknown, Ah Hoe Mee Pok at Block 710 pales
in comparison to the stall at Block 713.
The noodles at Block 713 were more evenly
mixed with the sweet chilli sauce, black
vinegar and pork lard oil, giving the
bouncy noodles a slippery mouthfeel. The
ingredients differed between both stalls;
Block 710 mee pok had lesser minced meat
but more prawns, while Block 713 served
thicker slices of meat and one prawn only.
"let's
try!"
I’m going to miss this when I’m back in
Japan….OH WAIT, what is this I hear?
Mr. Kuribara is opening a store in
Narita soon?! Yay!”
The bill
➔ Ah Hoe Mee Pok, Block 710. $4 for Signature Mee Pok
➔ Ah Hoe Mee Pok Block 713. $4 for Signature Mee Pok
The score
Block 710:
➔ VALUE
Block 713:
➔ VALUE
➔ variety
➔ taste
➔ variety
➔ taste
Have a favourite hawker haunt? Talk to us at [[email protected]] *BiTES dined incognito and paid for our own meaL
16
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Over the moon for jellies
Enjoy this season of mooncakes with a lighter, more wobbly version that won’t MAKE YOU
PILE ON THE POUNDS. We create unexpected flavour combinations for jelly mooncakes with
easy-to-do fillings to satisfy all dessert lovers.
By Weets Goh, Photography by Benjamin Soh
B i T E S paid for our own groceries from Mustafa, Phoon Huat and Hock Hua Tonic
Note: For proportions,
follow instructions on the
agar-agar packet and
adjust the amount of liquid
accordingly. Sugar can be
added to taste.
For the apple
filling: Heat apple
juice and agar-agar
powder until the powder
dissolves, then pour
into a mould with the
diced apples. (Make
sure the mould has a
smaller diameter than
the mooncake mould).
diced apple
For the lavender skin: Steep
lavender in hot water for 20 mins,
remove lavender. Heat lavender water,
sugar, agar-agar powder and lemon
juice in a saucepan until everything
dissolves, remove from heat, add purple
food colouring and mix well without
introducing bubbles. Verdict: The floral taste
of the lavender goes
really well with the slightly
tart apple flavours, plus
it might help you sleep
better!
18
sugar
»
($6.60)
from
Phoon Huat
($1.00)
from Mustafa
dried lavender
flowers
($3.00 from hock
hua tonic)
lemon juice
Mooncake
mould
Agar-agar
powder
To
assemble
See side box
tinned
lychee
apple
juice
For the lychee
filling: Heat the
syrup for the tinned
lychee, water and
agar-agar powder
until the powder
dissolves, then
pour into a mould
with the diced
lychees. (Make
sure mould has a
smaller diameter
than the mooncake
mould).
avocado
coconut
milk
For the rose skin:
Heat the bandung
and agar-agar powder
in a saucepan until
everything dissolves,
remove from heat, and
add a small splash of
rosewater.
For the
avocado
filling: Melt
agar-agar
powder, sugar
and coconut milk
in a saucepan.
Add avocado
pieces and a
pinch of salt,
and blend until
smooth. Add
the mixture to
a mould that’s
smaller in
diameter than the
mooncake mould.
sugar
rose water
$1.20 from
mustafa
For the
coffee
skin: Heat the
freeze-dried
coffee, sugar and
agar-agar powder
in a saucepan
until everything
dissolves, remove
from heat.
canned
bandung
»
To
assemble
See side box
»
To assemble
See side box
Verdict: This already
classic combination
is inspired by Ispahan
from famed patissier
Pierre Hermes, so it’s a
winner!
Verdict: This might be the
strangest-sounding combination,
but the bitterness of the coffee
is rounded out really well by the
creamy avocado filling.
instant
coffee
»
To assemble: Pour the
mixture for the jelly skin into
the mooncake mould until it's
about 1/4 full and let it set.
Unmould the jelly filling, trim
to size (it should be slightly
smaller than the mooncake
mould) and place it in the
centre of the mooncake mould
that's 1/4 full, then fill up
the rest of the mould with
the jelly liquid for the skin. Chill
and serve when hardened.
t h e
d r i n k
t a n k
A pour
on the
way
what's not to love about online Wine
shopping? think speedy deliveries, friendly
wine notes and peer reviews to help you snag
the right bottle. cheers to that!
By Samantha Seah
Websites:
www.wanderwine.com*
Founded in May 2014 by wine enthusiast Alexis Lhoyer,
wanderwine wants to be your oenophile best friend. The
wines are a personal reflection of the tastes of three local
sommeliers (called tastemakers), Gerald Lu, Fazil and
Stephanie Rigourd, who make personal recommendations
for everyone from casual drinkers to connoisseurs.
Not sure what to look for? The personal sommelier
generates a list of choices based on your answers to six
simple questions. Can't find anything you like? Contact
them directly with your request and the sommeliers will
be happy to assist.
Delivery fee: Free delivery over $75, otherwise $16 for
delivery. Ships to locations all over Singapore.
How fast? Next day delivery if you order before 12am.
Delivery hours: Four timeslots: 10am-1pm, 12-3pm,
3-6pm and 6-10pm.
www.wine-family.com*
An online marketplace that hosts multiple vendors who
sell directly to the consumers. Also, with an integrated
social platform, Grapevine provides an enhanced buying
and consuming experience—basically to have fun!
Not sure what to look for? Just answer four simple
questions, and get a list of wines according to your input
selections and preferences.
Delivery fee: Free for any mix of over six bottles of
wines, otherwise $15 delivery charge. If you purchase
less than three bottles from one merchant, a small fee will
be charged to cover costs per merchant collection. One
bottle per merchant is charged at $6 and two bottles per
merchant at $4.
How fast? Express deliveries on the same day when you
order before 12pm. Orders after 12pm are delivered the
next day, except Sunday and public holidays.
Delivery hours: Wed and Sat, 2-6pm and 6-10pm.
P.S.: Sign up with Facebook and get an informative free
read—“Ten tiny chapters to get you started with wine”.
* Wanderwine and Wine Family will be merging into one
platform by the end of 2016.
www.ewineasia.com
A collaboration between Alfa International (1974) and
ewineasia.com (2004). They are one of Asia’s leading
wholesalers and online spirits and fine wine stores.
Wine selection: Meticulously categorised by country,
type, spirit and mixed cases. For an easier user
experience, shop by producer, style, grape variety,
vintage, price and region or a combination of any of these
attributes.
Delivery fee: Free delivery above $200. Standard
delivery $15; night, Sat and express delivery $30. Express
delivery gets sent out the next day after order is approved
before 11.30am. You’re able to track your order too!
How fast? Delivered two working days after order
confirmation for standard, night (after 6pm) and Sat
delivery.
Delivery hours: (standard and express deliveries) MonFri 9am-6pm, (night and Sat deliveries) after 6pm.
www.simplywine.com.sg
Individually picked out by the staff, each bottle is a
commitment to quality. Wines start from as cheap as $15
for a 750ml bottle of Italian red or white wine.
Wine selection: From 11 countries, 32 regions, 43 grape
types and in 13 styles.
Delivery fee: Free delivery with purchase above $75, or
else $6 delivery charge.
How fast? Within a day or by the next working day.
Delivery hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5.30pm. Specific delivery
timings can be arranged with advance notice of 72 hours.
Applications:
Epicurio (sg.epicurio.co)
A wine app that doubles as your handy notebook. The
wine community platform was developed by Clement
Hochart and friends, and launched in Singapore in
2014. Jot down and remember tasting notes on wines,
and follow friends or people of interest like bloggers or
experts. It’s more about trust and word of mouth than the
ratings.
Delivery fee: Free
delivery above $50,
or else $6 delivery
charge.
How fast? Same day delivery for most of their products
if ordered before 12pm.
Delivery hours: 10am-1pm, 2-4pm, 4-7pm, 7-10pm.
P.S.: Get easy access to your past reviews with just a
scan of the bottle label.
BottlesXO (bottlesxo.com)
BottlesXO combines the best of new technology and
Old World wine enjoyment. The three tech-savvy, wineloving founders have done the groundwork on picking 31
European wineries purchased directly from the producers
that meet their required quality and good ethics, which
is then available to the market via an application with
an easy user-interface, which aims to be your mobile
sommelier.
Delivery fee: Free delivery with no minimum order.
Operating in four cities including Singapore (Shanghai,
Suzhou and Hong Kong).
How fast? Aims to deliver under 60 mins
Delivery hours: Mon-Fri 2-10.30pm, Sat-Sun
10.30am-10.30pm.
19
k i t c h e n
p l a y g r o u n d
Cutting-edge
kitchen
For time-starved
executives
Have your very own
robotic sous chef
with sous-vide cooker
Mellow. The simple and
easy to use machine
comes with refrigeration
to keep food fresh for
hours and is controllable
with a smartphone,
allowing you to cook
even when you’re miles
away from the kitchen.
Cook smarter and faster
with an arsenal of nifty
kitchen devices—though
they cost more, they’re
a great investment in
the long term that will
elevate your food prep.
US$399 (early bird
discount) from
www.cookmellow.com
(additional shipping
rates via vPost apply)
By Katie Boon
For chefs with a small kitchen
Grill, stir-fry, roast, steam, braise, deep
fry, boil and keep your food warm with
Aztech's snazzy 8-in-1 multifunction
pressure cooker. The perfect spacesaving kitchen gadget if you are living in
a shoebox apartment.
$229 from Aztech Showroom,
31 Ubi Road 1. Tel: 6594 2288
For fresher food
Extend the lifespan of your perishable produce with Lacor
HOME Vacuum Pack Machine. The vacuum packaging
helps avoid oxidation by removing all the oxygen from the
sealed bag, keeping food fresh longer.
$151.70 from www.tottstore.com
For raw vegetarians
Chock-full of vitamins, enzymes and minerals,
sprouted seeds are a good addition to any diet.
Enjoy your own sprouted herb garden with spiffy
electronic sprouter Home to Nature. Great for
those without green thumbs, this self-watering
technology automatically pilots how and when
your seeds sprout.
US$179 (pre-order before November 2016) from
www.hometonature.com (additional US$29.90 for
shipping to Singapore)
For those with a strict diet
Track your calories, fat, protein and carbohydrates intake to
a tee and achieve a well balanced diet with SCiO. Created
to help those with diabetes and high cholesterol monitor
their diet, the innovative handheld molecular sensor uses
a near-infrared spectroscopy to read the chemical makeup of materials, giving you an accurate breakdown of
your produces' nutritional value. Bonus points: SCiO also
analyses medicine, plants and even fuel!
US$249 from www.consumerphysics.com
(additional US$35 for shipping to Singapore)
For meticulous
bakers
Precision is key when
it comes to baking.
Both a measuring
cup and digital
scale, Taylor
Precision Digital
Measuring
Cup seamlessly
converts flour,
sugar, milk, water
and oil from grams to
cups. It also has an LCD screen built into the handle
giving you an accurate and clear reading of your
measurements.
$32.95 from www.amazon.com
(additional $21.20 for shipping to Singapore)
20
For novice cooks
Love cooking but always
end up with burnt grub?
Pantelligent is just what
you need. Designed with a
built-in temperature sensor,
the smart pan monitors your
cooking and sends real-time
advice like when to flip, stir,
or add ingredients to the app
on your handphone. No more
overcooked food!
US$99 from www.pantelligent.
com (additional US$40 for
shipping to Singapore)
For the love of
butter
Say goodbye to off-theshelf butter sprays with
biēm Butter Sprayer.
The handheld gadget
melts the top layer of a
cold stick of butter and
transforms it into a light
liquid spray. Perfect for
greasing pans, grilling
and coating your bowl
of unsalted popcorn
during movie nights.
US$129 from
www.biemspray.com
(additional US$35 for
shipping to Singapore)
es
it
Fast
food
friends
We know our Big Mac
from our Whopper
and can hum every
marketing jingle
there is—but can you
name the face behind
the burgers and fast
food Chains?
By Katie Boon
b
t
las
Burger King
The Tudor-styled King mascot is best known for
his outrageous intents in ad campaigns devised
by agency CP+B, which include running through
an office building, and creepily sneaking up
on the unsuspecting in bed to deliver a burger.
These acts earned him the title of The Creepy
King; given to him by netizens.
A&W
Rooty, The Great Root Bear was first
introduced in 1974, before being replaced
by The Burger Family in the late 90s.
The cuddly Canadian bear, who is madly
in love with root beer, came out of
hibernation in late 2011 when the fastfood chain changed ownership. Now, if only
he'd come back to Singapore...
KFC
McDonald ’ s
Jollibee
Jollibee represents
the optimistic working
Filipinos who are always
happy despite being
busy—like bees. Dressed
like a waiter and
chef, the gloves he's
wearing are inspired
by Mickey Mouse and
friends.
Carl ’ s Jr.
The happy yellow
star from Carl’s
Jr is called Happy
Star—no points
for creativity
there. It really
does make us smile
though; his grin
is quite infectious. The iconic star initially
didn’t have a face till 1963; the chain first
opened in 1941.
Wendy ’ s
Did you know Melinda Lou Morse is her
actual name? Fourth daughter of
founder, Dave Thomas, Melinda was
nicknamed Wendy as she had trouble
pronouncing her name due to her
inability to enunciate Ls and Rs.
Psst...she's no longer rocking her
bright red locks.
Everyone’s
favourite clown
first donned a
McDonald's cup
over his nose and
had a tray for
a hat—looking
much sillier
than the clown
we love today.
In Thailand,
Ronald McDonald
is seen greeting
people with both hands pressed together (a
traditional greeting called wai) instead
of a wave.
images courtesy of dreamstime
Three in 10 US citizens
don’t know that the
official face of
KFC is none other
than the founder,
Colonel Harland
David Sanders.
(Yes, he isn't
the father
Christmas of
fried chicken.)
Dressed exactly
like the colonel,
the mascot is a
spitting image
of the Kentucky
businessman who
passed away in 1980.
21
Official Caterer at
CHIJMES
The Star Performing Arts Centre
Singapore Civil Service Club
•Wedding catering
•Cocktail reception
•Corporate events
•Private parties
Established in 2004, Shiok! Kitchen SK Catering is Halal-certified, and adheres to the
highest catering standards of both food and service - offering a vast selection of cuisines
ranging from Western gourmet dishes, Chinese cuisine to irresistible local delights.
Be it a simple office tea reception, mini buffet for 10 at home, an elaborate wedding
party or a large-scale corporate event, Shiok! Kitchen SK Catering guarantees to deliver
a delicious dining experience to remember.
21