March 2015

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DEALS
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2014
187/03/
inside
CALENDAR p2
Food events galore including Savour,
Café Asia and Singapore Cocktail Week
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BUFFET BOUNTY p16
5 Thai mookata under $50 nett and 20
family-friendly hotel spreads
DESTINATION: HILLVIEW p20
The hills are alive in Upper Bukit Timah
with fresh eateries and old faves
A platter
of galician
octopus, $18
nett!
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bu $10
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PI(E) DAY p25
How many pies do you know?
p6
ADVERTORIAL
Drinking
in the joy
Life is complete when you have good friends, good beer and
good food. At these four hangouts, whether you’re in the
city or escaping it, a pint of Kronenbourg pairs perfectly
with the cuisine as you toast to The French Way of Life.
Kakis Bistro and Bar
In a verdant space off Changi Village, you’ll find a respite at Kakis Bistro,
where they even grow and harvest some of their own greens. Prawn aglio
olio is the firm favourite here, with shredded home grown kaffir lime leaves
lending more zestiness that goes nicely with the subtle citrus notes of the
Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc. The al fresco concept even plays host to live
band The Passerby on weekends, making it more convivial to stay and
shoot the breezes with your own kakis. 289 Farnborough Road.
Tel: 6214 2956. www.kakis.sg
The Rustic Bistro
Rustic is the name, comfort is its aim. Chef Eddy Wan has combined his
passion for casual and unpretentious food to bring you modern-inspired
western cuisine in an eclectic and welcoming bistro. Their signature
beef burger and truffled fries are an ideal match for the light malty aroma
of the Blanc, while the pork belly pasta with a 63°C egg, slow cooked
salmon and braised beef cheeks are even more refreshing after the
flowery hops of the lager. 21 China Street, Far East Square.
Tel: 6438 6508. www.facebook.com/theRUSTICBistro
Lime House
Sport your French cobalt-blue bottle of Blanc as you ‘lime’ (meaning:
hang out) with friends at Singapore’s first Caribbean restaurant, located
in a restored shophouse in the heart of Chinatown. The restaurantlounge space offers a real taste of the Caribbean islands created by
Trinidadian chef Hasan DeFour. Nosh on baby back ribs glazed with
in-house Trinidad BBQ sauce, and Jamaican jerk chicken, perfect spiced
foods for the bubbly, citrusy beer with a hint of sweet orange peel.
2 Jiak Chuan Road. Tel: 6222 3130. www.limehouse.asia
Lime Deli
Step into this deli and be transported into a tropical oasis whisking you
to the Caribbean islands. The sister outlet of Lime House offers the
convenience of grab-and-go as well as dining in with a great range of
classics such as Trinidadian roti wraps and Jamaican patties. For those
quick lunches, Kronenbourg’s light alcohol content at 5%
gives you a refreshing buzz while ensuring you’ll be back to
work in a wink. 51 Telok Ayer Street. Tel: 6226 7530.
www.facebook.com/limedelisingapore
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1
23/2/15
Country6:27
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MCI (P) 187/03/2014
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Japanese Makan & Drinks Place
Networking & Sake Tasting Party
with a Guest Appearance by Chef Eric Teo!
DATE :
TIME :
FEE :
@wlee76
9th March, 2015 (Mon)
07:00PM
SGD 88.00 (inc. GST)
Limited to 10 persons ONLY!!
@4u_n8
OPEN:
MON-SAT 11:00AM-11:00PM　18 #01-01 Mohamed Sultan Road 238967 Tel: +65 6733 4794
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ippincafebarms18
E-mail: [email protected]
c a l e n dA r :
m a r c h
sunday
1
monday
tuesday
AMOY STREET
FOOD CENTRE
REOPENS
FROM $43 |
10AM-8PM | CITY
SQUARE MALL
This 10.5km trail
follows the former
KTM rail line from
Tanjong Pagar Rail Station to the old Bukit Timah Rail
Station with scenic nature on all sides. Check out
what to eat at the finish line, on page 20.
www.greencorridorrun.com.sg
10
12
KPO CHIVAS
NIGHT
SINGAPORE
COCKTAIL
WEEK
FROM $14 | 7-14 MAR
Signature cocktails from almost 30 participating bars
is a dream come true for connoisseurs. Get close
and personal with some of the best bartenders both
locally and globally and attend workshops that teach
you how to make your own bubbly wonder.
singaporecocktailweek.com.sg
16
GOODWOOD
PARK DURIAN
FIESTA
16 MAR–2 AUG |
GOODWOOD PARK
HOTEL
The annual durian craze
starts once more at
Goodwood Park with six
new creations lined up this year. Taking the spiky
crown is the Mao Shan Wang Horn which is a play on
popular cream horns, now filled with creamy durian
pulp. festivepromotions.goodwoodparkhotel.com
FROM $25 | 14-22 MAR
The bi-annual week is
back with the theme
of “Something Old,
Something New—A
Modern Take on Comfort
Favourites”. Fastest
fingers book in advance!
www.diningcity.sg/
FREE | 19-21 MAR |
MARINA BAY SANDS,
HALL E
The international coffee
and tea industry expo
returns for the third time,
corresponding with the rise of cafés in Singapore.
Also check out Sweets & Bakes Asia 2015 at the
same venue for the latest bakery innovations. Not
only for hipsters.
www.cafeasia.com.sg
25
26
FROM $60 | 26-29 MAR | F1 PIT
BUILDING
Back in its 4th edition, Savour
offers over 50 signature dishes
from local and visiting chefs, along
with exhibits, workshops and a
gourmet market. Look out for fave
chefs Alvin Leung and Emmanuel
Stroobant!
www.savour.sg
25-26 MAR | 11AM8PM | TOTT STORE
Satisfy all your culinary
needs at Asia’s largest
kitchen store while you
browse through other
stalls offering fashion
and home decorations.
More stalls can be found
on level two.
www.theexpatfairs.com
NATIONAL
CHIFFON
CAKE DAY
30
EXPAT FAIR
31
coming
up in
april
Easter, 5 April
World Street Food
Congress, 8-12 April
World Gourmet
Summit, 14-25 April
13-15 MAR | BOAT
QUAY
Gear up for three days
of music and concerts
while bars offer up Irish
inspired fare, leading up
to the annual parade on
15 March.
www.facebook.com/
stpatsdaySG
19
22
29
$450 NETT | 1 KILLINEY
ROAD
A platter of KPO’s
signature wagyu beef
cubes, and pork and
veal cheese sausage
slathered in Chivas sauce
is served complimentary
with every purchase of
two bottles of Chivas 18.
imaginings.com.sg/
13
ST PATRICK’S
DAY STREET
FESTIVAL
18
SINGAPORE
RESTAURANT
WEEK
25
SAVOUR
4
4
saturday
7
SATURDAY
SOCIAL BBQ
FREE | FROM 4PM |
TIMBRE @ GILLMAN
Come dressed for the
occasion for this St
Patrick’s Day edition,
as baby back ribs and
chargrilled duck burgers
sizzle on the BBQ while
the little ones invade
wading pools and bouncy
castles. www.facebook.
com/SatSocialBBQ
4 MAR | 10AM-3PM | IPPIN CAFÉ BAR
Stop by this trendy Japanese café for some
tantalising nosh, and browse through accessories,
aprons for kids, luncheon mats and bags during
this special pop up event. Catch retail brands such
as Phu-hiep, Benda..benda, Moody Mo and ChiC
selling their unique wares right here. orrs.exblog.
jp/23679456/
8
GREEN
CORRIDOR
RUN
FREE | 1-6PM | ZOUK
The ice cream man
returns, along with cup
corn and kueh tutu in
this Pasar Malam edition.
Local merchandise is
also available for sale;
however they all come
with a special Zouk twist.
www.zoukclub.com/
fleaandeasy/
wednesdaythursday friday
IPPIN POP-UP STORE
After a three-month hiatus,
the popular food centre
finally reopens, with
improved ventilation and
better sanitation. Now to
find out if Amoy stalwarts
Yuan Chin Famous Lor
Mee and Amoy Fried
Kway Teow are still there.
15
ZOUK FLEA &
EASY
2 01 5
CAFÉ ASIA
27
THE TINY
ROASTER
14
PI DAY
March 14=3.14, you see?
Check out Last BiTES p.25
for more on pi(es)!
21
GELATO
INTERNATIONAL
FREE | 20-22 MAR |
MARINA BAY SANDS
CONVENTION CENTRE
Be dazzled by the best in
the world as they showcase
their creations in the
competition narrowed down
to just 16 flavours from Asia
Pacific.
www.gelatoworldtour.com
$80 | 8PM | 612
CLEMENTI WEST
STREET 1
Take a session to learn
the art of brewing with
advanced techniques such as the Kalita Wave, Bee
House Dripper and the Chemex in this advanced
techniques workshop, part of the ‘Learn to Brew at
Home’ series. If unsure, go for the basic techniques
lessons instead.
www.thetinyroaster.com
Maka
# b e s t 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!
Congratulations
to February winners
who correctly guessed the restaurant as
Carnivore (BBQ restaurant) at their 3rd and
latest outlet, Grandstand (surrounded by
greenery): Ngion Lee Sa and Suzanna Lim.
The BiTES team look forward to
meeting you on 10 March!
Dream HIGH
Dimmable windows and a
simulated cabin sky are just some
of the cool perks on Scoot’s new
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Here,
Justina Tan shares her experience
on board its inaugural flight from
Singapore to Perth.
Scoot’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner airplane
made its inaugural flight from Singapore to Perth
on 5 February 2015, and we had the chance of
tagging along for the ride. This marks the beginning
of the airline’s transition from its current Boeing
777-200 fleet to a new fleet of 20 Dreamliners that
will be rolling out over the next few years.
Scoot is touting the size of the new aircraft
as one of its benefits: wider aisles, a more
spacious cabin, and larger seats and windows.
In addition, the overhead compartments on the
787-9 are the roomiest in the industry. Designed to
MARCH: 5 readers
stand to win SET DINNER
FOR TWO
This month, we head west for a Japanese
restaurant that prepares their signature
Soo Gyu Don with premium A4 beef from
Kagoshima, Japan. Give us your best guess
between 1-16 March to dine at the
restaurant on 7 April with us!
To enter, email us between 1-16 March to
[email protected] with the following:
Name:
Contact number:
Address:
Guess name of restaurant:
Guess the location:
BiTES reserves the right to publicise the
winners’ names and pictures in print and online.
By entering the contest, you grant us a nonexclusive, royalty-free license to publish publicity
photos and video in any format without limitation.
Participants to ensure they can dine on 7 April at
the restaurant. More details at
www.bites.com.sg/promotions/contests
accommodate a variety of carry-on lugguages, each
bin is big enough for every passenger to stow a bag
above.
You might also notice the small touches. In place
of physical shades on the windows are high-tech
electronically controlled ones that can be dimmed
and brightened at the press of a button. To create a
soothing ambience for passengers, the cabin ceiling
is illuminated by energy-efficient LED lights—the
brightness and colour can be adjusted by cabin crew
to simulate daylight or a beautiful nighttime sky.
If you can’t do without your electronic devices, rest
assured that both ScootBiz and Economy seats on the
Boeing 787-9 come with in-seat power. While this is
included in ScootBiz, you’ll be charged per use ($5-8)
in Economy.
Besides being fitted with Rolls-Royce’s
powerful Trent 1000 engine, the Dreamliner also
utilises advanced technologies to create a more
comfortable ride. Featuring the same technology
used in hospital operating rooms, the aircraft has a
gaseous filtration system that removes contaminants,
including offensive odours, and reduces symptoms
such as throat irritation. The cabin has an improved
climate control system that enables higher humidity
than other commercial jetliners, thereby reducing
symptoms of dryness. To create a conducive
environment for rest, the engines have been
specially designed to produce lesser noise both
inside and outside the cabin, making the airplane a
more peaceful space.
Scoot flies to Perth six times a week. Find out
more at flyscoot.com.
3
n e w s
b i t e s
Food fests
Savour returns for its fourth year with a well-loved
format of restaurants, gourmet market and master
classes. Indulge in the best talents Singapore has to
offer as well as an impressive line-up of foreign chefs,
who will be serving over 50 signature dishes to visitors.
Take part in activities such as master classes where
you learn from Michelin starred chefs and get down to
recreating your favourite foods. In addition, check out
the gourmet market where exclusive products such as
Japanese white strawberries are available, while also
appreciating the expanded selection of wines and sake.
From $55. 26-29 March 2015. F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic
Boulevard. www.savour.sg
instant cauliflower mash (US$10.90 or about S$15/four
servings) in garlic, herbs and sea salt or wasabi and
chives. To prepare each 60-calorie serving, boil 120ml
of water and add three tablespoons of the dehydrated
product to it. Shipping's free.
heavenly
chocolate
dome
st patrick’s
day 2014
#HASHTAG
Happenings
What’s trending on social media. (P.S.
Like us! @bitessg on Instagram and
BitesSingapore on Facebook)
#MealsWithMyParents by A
Call To Care. The campaign’s
helmed by four NTU undergrads
who worked with 16 cafes like
SPRMRKT, Holqa Cafe and The
Quarters to push the social media
movement through selfies and discounts. Check out
their digital exhibition at library@Orchard till 31 Mar.
acalltocare.com
Calling #creativesghomecooks! Take part in the
monthly-themed cooking challenge and nominate
your friends on Instagram to follow suit. The fun
initiative is to encourage Singaporeans to cook
more at home. thesilverchef.blogspot.sg/2015/01/
creativesghomecooks-monthly-cooking.html
On the day when green runs rampant, expect
a celebration like no other with pipe bands from St
Patrick’s School playing in the streets and Gaelic Lions
GAA players giving classes on Ireland’s national sport:
Gaelic Football. Enjoy the food trail at this year’s 10th
annual St Patrick’s Day Parade, as bars showcase
their take on Irish fare like the Irish lamb stew with
Monster Green lager ($38) at RedDot Brewhouse. Molly
Malone’s being the original Irish pub in Singapore will
serve up their famous Guinness battered fish with chips
($10 nett) over at BQ Bar, while concocting some drinks
like The Rusty Gael ($15 nett) and The Shot Toddy ($10
nett) over their counters. 13-15 March, Boat Quay.
www.facebook.com/stpatsdaySG
The elegance of this pastry shop covered in white
and gold stands out in stark contrast to the surrounding
neighbourhood. Les Delices pairs their cakes and
choux pastries such as the Heavenly Chocolate Dome
($10.90) and Earl Gray Choux ($5.90) with premium
Chinese teas to bring out even more flavour. The
pastry chef trained in France and these delicacies
that are often inspired by personal events have been
painstakingly created to suit the local palate. #01-14 333
Kreta Ayer Road. Tel: 6536 8087
flame flat
iron steak
New on the scene
If you're cutting carbs
and need a Paleo option,
check out Spinacas
(www.spinacas.com), or
spinach in Spanish, for
healthy and speedy salad
deliveries. Protein options
include Moroccan spiced
chicken and BBQ pulled
pork, while vegetarians
can choose the sesame
tofu patties and ratatouille
(from $11, min. $30/
order, limited locations
for delivery). Also check
out Zero Cuisine’s
(www.zerocuisine.com)
4
pizza
fabbrica
Bar watch
With a band (Fri-Sun & PH) playing at the only live music
venue on Siloso beach, enjoy Sand Bar’s fruity mojitos
as you immerse yourself in the rhythmic waves and feel
the sand between your toes. Head next door to Flame,
Singapore’s first beach rotisserie, where they serve
up their signature Flat Iron Steak and wood-fired oven
Support the #MotherandChildProject
through buys such as a fishball mee
pouch by @gracesmiths on www.
batch.sg. The local
social enterprise
helps low income
and single mothers
by providing them
home-based sewing contract work under the label.
www.motherandchildproject.com
#growgreatnessSG
with #fnnmagnolia and
#magnoliaFSC. Protect the
earth with F&N Magnolia’s new
Forest Stewardship Council
(FSC) milk cartons—made with
paperboard from responsibly
managed forests and other
controlled sources. Go a step
further by recycling your carton
as a planter. Upload your snaps
on Instagram with the hashtags
and you could win a 3D2N
family staycation at the ecofriendly Sentosa Siloso Beach
Resort. Till 31 Mar. www.fb.com/
MagnoliaSG
pizzas to dine in or take away for a picnic on the beach.
52 Siloso Beach Walk. Tel: 6631 8938
The new player in the Italian food scene, Pizza
Fabbrica focuses on primarily Italian artisanal beer. Pair
these with the food from the open kitchen, helmed by
Italian chef Matteo Boifava. Some highlights include
thick caramel-ish 32 Via dei Birra and the light and
refreshing Fabbrica della birra Perugia. A copper woodfired oven takes centerstage in the kitchen, churning out
traditional pizzas with a playful twist. A vegetarian menu
is also available, in which its namesake Pizza Fabbrica
will cause you to reconsider the herbivore route. 69/70
Bussorah Street. Tel: 6291 0434
10 best sandwich
lunches
The perennial dilemma: a seemingly infinite slew of
cafe openings and finite stomach space. But fret not as
we bring you the lowdown on the best of the wonder
‘wiches around the island.
Hyde & Co. (785 North
Bridge Road. Tel: 9369
4369)
Sub-lime: Lady Hyde
($12.90), a spruced-up
version of the Croque
Madame with the
addition of pineapple
slices.
Sub-lime: Truffle house baked baguette ($17),
homemade pastry crowned with truffle mushroom
ragout, a hard-boiled egg and fresh greens.
Club Meatballs (#01-35 China Square Central, 20
Cross Street. Tel: 6222 8660)
Sub-lime: The Spaniard ($9.50), featuring wagyu beef
meatballs, sobrassada, blue cheese, green chillies and
roasted onions in a wrap. Top up $1 for a ciabatta bun
instead.
korean
“fried”
chicken
Boufé Boutique Café (#01-01 Phoenix Park, 308
Tanglin Road. Tel: 67347656)
Marco Marco (23 Circular Road. Tel: 6820 0119)
Sub-lime: The Milan ($12), a piquant pack of prosciutto
crudo, brie, truffle oil and arugula.
Moc Quan (#01-23 UE Square, 81 Clemenceau
Avenue. Tel: 6736 0123)
Sub-lime: Banh Mi Thit ($6.50), fresh crisp baguette
with homemade pork paté, Vietnamese sausage and
crunchy greens.
Sacha & Sons (#03-02 Mandarin Gallery, 333A
Orchard Road. Tel: 6735 6961)
Sub-lime: Grilled Reuben with pastrami (from $18),
hearty servings of meat dressed with Swiss cheese,
sauerkraut and Russian dressing.
The Lab SG (#01-01, 1 Jalan Pisang. Tel: 6299 5681)
Sub-lime: The Lab Chick ($10.90), Cwajun grilled
chicken with mesclun salad on sourdough, a straight-up
NOLA import that’s easy on the palate.
marco
marco
The Daily Press (#01-561, 126 Toa Payoh Lorong 1.
Tel: 6258 0167)
Sub-lime: It’s a tie between the house-cured salmon
($15) and the Korean “Fried” Chicken ($12). The
former’s got subtle smokey tones and hidden walnut
crumble crunches, while the latter is an Asian spin with
tangy kimchi and a juicy sous-vide-then-baked chicken
cutlet to match.
The Hangar (25 Arab Street. Tel: 6291 0127)
Sub-lime: Lotus Crockeroot ($10), a vegetarian option
featuring lotus root croquettes and an invigorating mint
chutney.
Le Halo (#01-162, Block 4 Jalan Bukit Ho Swee. Tel:
9736 8087)
Sub-lime: Otak Egg ($8.50), featuring a thick ‘patty’ of
Muar otak with a sunny side up egg on toast.
For advertising enquiries
please contact us at:
6848 6868 / 6848 6860
[email protected]
5
s m a r t
b u y s
u n d e r
$ 10
$ 10 0
Value buys
Silicone ice ball
maker mould
Make professional looking
ice balls with this ice ball
mould. Besides making
your drinks look prettier,
the ice sphere dilutes less
quickly, ensuring your
drinks stay cold without
too much unwanted water.
Available in green, orange
and white. $6.90 from
www.sosoon.com.sg
Flush with red notes after Chinese New Year? Here’s
how to put them to good use, and even get some
change back. We went hunting for stuff you actually
need, at less than what you thought you’d pay.
By Timothy Lam, Photography by Benjamin Soh
Shotglass
Bargain hunters have
long known about Hock
Siong, the karang guni
in a warehouse. You’ll
find furniture, bedding
and kitchenware
galore—sometimes
used, sometimes brand
new. Lucky us—we
stumbled across this
unopened set of fine
champagne shot
glasses. Do note that
many items are one-off,
so be prepared to go
treasure hunting. $9
from Hock Siong, 153
Kampong Ampat.
Tel: 6281 8338
Letterpress wooden letter
Stand these up to personalise your desk, or hang them up and spell
out your name just as we did here at BiTES. These sturdy letters
are also easily decorated, making great gifts for friends and family.
Smaller Micro wooden letters are also available at $3.50 each.
$5.95 each, $13 for three from Typo, #01-53 Bugis Junction,
201 Victoria Street. Tel: 6337 3101
t h a i
6
e x p r e s s
a d
Mi Power Bank
5200mAh
Who says you need
to pay over $50
for this necessary
phone accessory?
The portable battery
fits easily into your
pocket—at just 5.5cm
wide, it's only as large
as your business card
and has enough juice
to charge an iPhone
5S… twice.
$8.99 from www.
mi.com/sg/
mipowerbank
Air plant
The cactus has met its match,
with the air plant claiming top
spot in the low maintenance
department. This plant with
no need for soil and
just minimal watering
comes in various
shapes and sizes
like this ‘Cotton
Candy’ variant, and
can be grown in a
pretty bauble.
$9.80 from Big Box,
1 Venture Avenue.
Tel: 6801 6688
Earthen
pot in
cherry
blossom
pink
Sakura season
will soon be upon
Japan, so celebrate with this
surprise find. This pretty
claypot sports a cheery
blush, and measures 15cm
across. Use it over an
open flame, as induction
cookers, microwaves
and ovens are not
recommended.
$2 each from Daiso, #B2-02
Chinatown Point, 133 New
Bridge Road. Tel: 6702 0042
JANSJÖ LED
USB lamp
Need a light? We're
talking about this USB
lamp that you plug
into your laptop for
maximum portability.
The lamp arm is easily
adjustable and the
warm-white LED would
last you about 20,000
hours. Available in
wine red or turquoise
and copper.
$5.90 each from
IKEA Tampines, 60
Tampines North Drive
2. Tel: 6786 6868
Cookbooks
Find good books at a
fraction of the cost at
this shop dealing in used
books. Sell off your old
pageturners or trade
them for gems such as
Le Cordon Bleu Home
Collection: Christmas,
one of our faves for its
professional pictures and
clear instructions.
$4.90 from Evernew Book
Store, #01-07 Bras Basah
Complex, 231 Bain Street.
Tel: 6338 1753
7
chijmes special
Dining at the
Grand Dame
On-Yasai
The shabu-shabu restaurant's CHIJMES
outpost is its first foray out of Japan, where
it has 330 outlets. Literally meaning boiled,
or warm, vegetables, “on-yasai” also
symbolises the brand’s service promise
paired with a wide variety of quality meats,
fresh vegetables and appetisers. Choose
from six types of broths, which include the
Secret sukiyaki soup that’s perfect for beef;
or the mild soya milk soup, best enjoyed
with ponzu sauce. Buffet courses start at
$29.90 for four types of meat: pork belly,
pork collar, chicken thigh, chicken tsumire
(hotpot meatballs); in addition to vegetables,
appetisers, pot dishes and dessert. #0103/04. Tel: 6336 4002. www.on-yasai.com.sg
soya products are a great source of amino
acids, iron, calcium and other micronutrients. The menu also features other items
which support health and beauty from within
such as ‘Bishoku-nabe’, a special hotpot
brimming with the goodness of collagen.
For tipples out of the ordinary, go for the
signature frozen Calpis Kirin beer or a
lycopene-packed tomato sour. #01-05-06.
Tel: 6337 5188.
www.shirokiya.com.sg/en/index.html
Lunch deal: Receive a stamp
for every set lunch purchase and
redeem a FREE set lunch with six
stamps.
Valid now till 31 Dec 2015
Lunch deal: Set lunch with
dessert at $18.80++ onwards.
Valid daily 11.30am-2.30pm
Tonkatsu & Sake Bar
TONZAEMON by Ma Maison
Shirokiya
We find ourselves pining for Shirokiya's
specialty homemade tofu, because the
Fondly referred to as the grand old dame (she
turns 160 years young this year) and known for
her iconic Anglo-French Gothic chapel, CHIJMES
is brimming with F&B options. Stroll through the
courtyard, reminiscent of an elegant European
garden; and within the charming cloistered walls
you'll find dining establishments perfect for casual,
chirpy gatherings or to wine and dine your date.
BiTES uncovers some lunch gems for leisurely AND
business OCCASIONS.
The pork cutlets to beat are at Tonzaemon.
Juicy and flavourful, the top-grade rosu
(loin) and hire (fillet) breaded beauties first
undergo a highly-developed signature meatageing and marinating process before being
perfectly coated in panko, deep-fried and
served, piping hot, to your table. Choose
also from a wide variety of appetisers and
other katsu (cutlet) items. Opt to pair your
meal with an exquisite selection of sake from
the special sake bar, shochu and wines.
#01-09. Tel: 6338 5907. www.ma-maison.
co.jp/shop/tonzaemon/index.php
premium outlet which features a prime
selection of all-day dining menus—not
available at other branches. Only using
quality and fresh ingredients, each dish is
chock-full of local flavour with a modern and
creative twist. #01-10.
Tel: 6336 1046. www.toastbox.com.sg
Toast Box
Paprika & Cumin
Pop into
this familiar
coffeeshop-styled
café for a cup of
traditional Nanyang
kopi and kaya toast
during the sluggish
late afternoon, or
a hearty lunch or
dinner. CHIJMES
houses their first
This Mediterranean bistro scores Brownie
points for being eco-friendly and serving
a healthy selection of mostly-grilled dishes
such as Mediterranean chicken kebabs and
tournedos Rossini (steak) with an abundance
of fresh greens and fruits. Nimble noses will
have a field of a time here: herbs and spices
are an integral part of the décor, and over
238 wine labels luxuriate on wine racks,
calling to be popped open and sniffed.
#01-15/16. Tel: 6883 2294. www.pnc.sg
Lunch deal: Three's a Lunch
Party! Enjoy a complimentary
Big Plate with two ordered
(complimentary Big Plate will be the
same or lowest value).
Valid now till 31 Mar 2015,
Mon-Thu 12pm-3pm
Privé
Lunch deal: Three delightful
selections for your indulgence:
Value Lunch ($16++), Executive
Lunch ($21++), Premium Lunch
($28++).
Valid now till 31 Mar 2015,
Mon-Fri 12pm-4pm
Like an old friend, Privé’s dishes are
approachable and make for fantastic
company. Try the award-winning eggs
benedict & fluffy pancakes for brunch,
or hearty favourites such as Wagyu beef
burgers, grilled meats, stone-baked pizzas
and delectable desserts. Unwind with your
buddies at the lively al fresco bar which
gives a shaded view of CHIJMES’ lush
greenery in the day or an expanse of starry
sky at night. #01-33. Tel: 6776 0777.
www.privechijmes.com.sg
EL MERO MERO
“The go-to guy" (that's what "el mero mero"
means in the local lingo) for contemporary
Mexican cuisine with housemade salsas
and sauces. For lunch, nosh on Vuelve a la
Vida, an appetiser comprising seafood, clam
tomato cocktail and avocado; and Tacos al
Pastor, a rustic kurobuta pork paired with
pineapple, onion, coriander and corn tortilla.
For the adventurous, try the guacamole,
served in a stone mortar with a side of
roasted crickets for crunch; or their grilled
octopus. Handpicked tequilas, mezcales and
Hispanic wines also available. #01-20.
Tel: 6337 1377. www.elmeromero.sg
Harry’s
No need to wait till dusk before you step
into this bar. Lunch in this chic and casual
setting is a communal affair with burgers,
flatbreads, pulled pork sandwiches, wings
and some hops to go along—guaranteed
to strengthen office camaraderie. We also
recommend the Harry’s Premium Lager,
a light and crisp ale with floral notes from
gently toasted malt barley and fine hops.
#01-14. Tel: 6337 0618. harrys.com.sg
Lunch deal: Weekday sandwich
& salad / soup combo ($18).
Includes sandwich of the day plus
choice of salad or soup of the day.
Valid now till 31 Dec 2015,
Mon-Fri 11.30am-5pm
Lunch deal: Complimentary
dessert with every two-course set
lunch ordered at $28++ (regular
price: $32++). Dine-in only;
minimum two pax. Not valid in
conjunction with other promotions
and discounts.
Valid now till 31 Mar 2015,
Mon-Fri 12pm-2pm
Applebee’s
Applebee’s Singapore spot is but the tip
of the iceberg for this popular American
casual dining chain with over 2,000 outlets
in 19 countries. You’re in good hands in this
all-encompassing, convivial diner which
specialises in mainstream U.S. fare like
Shrimp Trio, steak Freshcado and threecheese chicken penne. Keep your eyes
peeled for Kids Menu, Lunch Combo and
Happy Hour promos. #01-31. Tel: 6694 4341
Lunch deal: Choose any two
dishes from the menu to create
your favourite combo! Comes with
free soft drink or brewed iced tea.
Valid till 31 Mar 2015,
Mon-Fri 12pm-4pm
That's not all! check out these
other lunch spots at chijmes:
LEI Garden restaurant, Prime
Gyu-Kaku, Ikkousha Ramen, Tatsu,
Dimbulah coffee and carnivore
brazilian churrascaria.
Continue your dining experience in the evening at: Oyster Bar & Dining Wharf, Giardino Pizza Bar & Grill, Highlander, Bobby's, Berlin and Irish Times.
CHIJMES is located at 30 Victoria Street Singapore 187996. Tel: 6337 7810. www.chijmes.com.sg
c o v e r
s t o r y
$ave to $pend
from value lunch sets at atas places to free condiments, We’ve crossed the island to
uncover our favourite restaurants without corkage charges, and a hotel buffet
that offerS a discount as high as the heels you wear. For the
ravenous ones among us, take your talents to a food challenge.
ALL THESE AND MORE, TO STRETCH YOUR DOLLAR AS FAR AS IT CAN GO!
By Meredith Woo
Greenhouse’s Stiletto Tuesdays
TE
BI
Good Evenings
Baskin-Robbins’ 1-for-1
Pink Wednesday
Ladies AND gentlemen, if you love ice
cream, strive to wear pink on hump-day.
This will net you a free Junior Scoop
for every Value Scoop purchase at
the 31 Flavours chain—and we don’t
mean just showing them your tongue.
baskinrobbins.com.sg
Ah Hoi’s Kitchen "12
AT 12" Nasi Padang
Syun
ES
Here's a great deal with an
amazing view: hit up this
French-inspired bar at
glass penthouse Fifty
Raffles Place, or 50RP, for
1-for-1 tipples (Mon: Moet
Imperial Brut, Tue: Heineken
ES BITES BITE
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For more set lunch deals, check out
our CHIJMES special feature on P.8
10
pints, Thu: sangria) and $1 oysters
(Wed). On Fridays, the ladies get a free
Garden Pimm's till 7pm, and Saturdays
are reserved for a stuff-your-face-silly
oyster and beer buffet ($68, till 8pm).
#45-01 Singapore Land Tower, 50
Raffles Place. Tel: 6221 9555
Angie’s Oyster and Champagne
Bar’s 1-for-1 Promos
ES
BIT
Visit chef Hal Yamashita's
swanky Resorts World
Sentosa restaurant for
lunch. No, we're not
crazy. Sets start at $18
for a vegetable sushi
roll, served with Kansaistyle udon, steamed egg
custard with dashi sauce,
and green salad with yuzu
ginger dressing. Festive
Walk, 8 Sentosa Gateway.
Tel: 6577 6688
watching the section like a hawk. Same
goes for the roast items at Cold Storage
(www.coldstorage.com.sg)—if you’re
lucky you might score a whole pork
knuckle at half price. For the next day’s
breakfast buys, head to Crystal Jade
My Bread (www.crystaljade.com), for 20
percent off buns, pastries and dim sum,
and up to 40 percent off whole cakes
(from as early at 7pm at The Central
outlet); and if you’re near 313 Somerset,
drop by Marché (www.marcherestaurants.com) just before closing time
(varies daily) to nab one-for-one items at
the takeaway counter.
ES
IT
Ah Hoi gets our vote for
most unbelievable value.
Just $12 nett per person
(till April, Mon-Fri from
12pm) for 12 refillable
nasi padang dishes which
include tahu telur, nangka
masak lemak and ayam
penyet—with rice, soup
and a drink. P.S the 12th
person dines free. Hotel
Jen Tanglin Singapore,
1A Cuscaden Road. Tel:
6831 4373
It’s after 8.30pm and you’re hungry. Go
to the supermarket, we say. The sushi,
sashimi and bento sets at Meidi-Ya
(#B1-50 Liang Court Shopping Centre,
177 River Valley Road) and Isetan (www.
isetan.com.sg) often bear 50 percent
discount stickers—but you better be
quick, because other shoppers are
BI
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If you prefer to totter in killer five-inch
heels rather than sport Hello Kitty
colours, make a date with your chicas for
a Tuesday dinner buffet at Greenhouse
(till 24 March; U.P. $72, 6.30-10.30pm).
Discount starts at 10 percent off for 1-1.9
inches of heel and up to 50 percent for
five inches or more. After feasting on
lip-smacking seafood paella, suckling
pig, seafood on ice and dessert, do
remember to support your fellow stiltwearing girlfriend. Strictly women only.
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7
Raffles Avenue. Tel: 6434 5288
For $9.50++, this
Japanese-style hotpot
restaurant serves up freeflow veg and sides along
with three trays of meat,
with two soup bases.
Valid for lunch Mon-Thu
at eight of their outlets
island-wide.
suki-ya.com.sg
100g Korean
Charcoal BBQ
What we like: free-flow
banchan (side dishes)
and cold tea. 100g has
both, plus 15 percent
off during lunch—just
like paying nett prices.
Savour kimchi stew ($10),
or nourishing ginseng
chicken ($11), prepared by
a Korean chef. 93 Amoy
Street. Tel: 6220 7176
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Roadhouse’s 1kg Terminator
though—the meal is only free if you beat the fastest timing
(oh no!).
Are you a fire-breather instead? Try Southwest
Tavern’s Spaghetti from Hell (southwesttavern.com.sg).
Finish the flaming mass (level 18) in 10 minutes and win
two towers of Heineken Draught Beer or a $100 dining
voucher. It's so hot you need to sign an indemnity form
and be in the pink of health before they’ll even let you
near it.
So hungry you think you could eat a cow? Mow down a
1kg Wagyu beef burger (worth $58) in 20 minutes (A.K.A.
the Terminator Challenge) and you eat for free plus have
your name on the Wall of Fame. No kick? Opt for the
spicy Red Hot Terminator burger (worth $60) and you
could win an additional $20 voucher. 13 Dempsey Road.
Tel: 6476 2922
ROADHOUSE
SOUTHWEST
TAVERN
SPUDS &
APRONS
You Must Be Crazy
Oh? You’ve done the above without a hitch? Try the
60-minute The Beast Burger Challenge (thebeast.sg), a
seven-pounder (3.2kg) monstrosity of fried chicken, pork,
coleslaw and a humongous beef patty in between two
large buttered buns, AND a bucket (big enough to be a
main) of sweet potato fries.
So you're a speedy Gonzales, huh? Go for Little
Hiro's Eternal Glory Challenge (www.hirobbq.com)
of eight patties and 500g of fried potato. One catch
Spuds & Aprons’ Mountain of Happiness
For ice cream fiends only. You have 15 minutes to swallow
16 scoops of Häagen-Dazs (worth $58) in chocolate,
vanilla, strawberry, rum & raisin, green tea, mango and
raspberry. Don’t forget the toppings: nuts, cherries,
chocolate chips and wafers—same thing, succeed and
it’s free, plus receive a special apron and your name on
the wall of fame. Warning: serious brain freeze ahead.
Level 2 Faber Peak, 109 Mount Faber Road.
Tel: 6377 9688
LITTLE HIRO
11
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The BiTES team loves our ramen, here’s
why: a basket of eat-all-you-want hardboiled eggs is placed on the table,
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Other *free* extras
medz
bistro
& bar
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freeb
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ES
Welcome
back, Barossa
Esplanade!
The newlyrenovated bar
celebrates with
the launch of an
barossa
exclusive Ladies
Champagne Cocktail Night (Thu, $6
cocktails). But we're gonna be all-inclusive
and tell you about their Happy Hour free
Angus beef sliders (Mon-Fri 6-8pm)—just
buy a selected tipple from the menu
and you can (m)eat all you want! #01-11
Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue.
Tel: 6534 5188. www.barossa.com.sg
alongside free-flow beansprouts
and condiments. Check out
B IT E S B
Keisuke’s various outlets
ES
ITE
T
I
S
B
(keisuke.sg), Hakata
BI
S
Ikkousha (www.
T
E
ikkousha.com/enabout), and Ramen
Bar Suzuki (fb.
com/Ramen.Bar.
Suzuki0525) for
protein power-ups.
If you want to
literally sit pretty
while waiting, get
a free manicure at
TE
China hotpot chain
S
Hai Di Lao, in addition
BI
B IT
S
E
E
to free snacks, drinks and
S BI
TES BIT
other entertainment. We’re
also partial to the free chocolate
‘lipstick’ and bottled in-house tomato
sauce from SKIRT at W Singapore –
Sentosa Cove, soup “free-fills” from
for free (Tue-Fri with every main course
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh and Soup Guru,
order) at The Marmalade Pantry
while kids aged 12 and under eat lunch
at The Stables.
SETIB
Barossa
Happy Hour
Free Angus
Beef Sliders
Perk #1: Coffee's free with any breakfast
order (Mon-Fri 8-11am). Try the
laugenbrotchen with pork bierschinken
and red cheddar cheese ($12.90)—it's
fluffy German brot with a heaping of ham
and cheese. Perk #2: Get 50 percent
off takeaways from the display counter
(till 31 Mar)—so help yourself to the
viennoiseries (mini croissants) in pork ham
and cheese (U.P. $3.90) or homemade
cured salmon (U.P. $3.90). #01-01 Clifford
Centre, 24 Raffles Place. Tel: 6536 1917
TIB
MEDZS Bistro & Bar
SE
c o v e r
buy a bottle of house wine per BYOB. For tze char
aficionados, New Ubin Seafood (ubinseafood.com) is
also known for steak and fried rice made from the meat’s
drippings. Free corkage for duty-paid wine and liquor
(strictly no beer, you’ll have to buy that there). Or venture
to Cafe de Hong Kong (#01-01 Eastpac Building, 586
Balestier Road) for bamboo charcoal tofu, nam yu (red
fermented beancurd) chicken and HK milk tea. On top
of no corkage charges, both places provide proper
stemware for your treasured vino.
da Paolo
bistrobar
or basa fish with wedges ($12 each) and indie Milagro
Spanish Restaurant (#08-06/07 Orchard Central, 181
Orchard Road) for slow-cooked Galician octopus ($17)
and an ice-cold Kronenbourg.
Nett Prices
Bring Your Own Booze
What you see is what you pay. At Peperoni Pizzeria
(peperoni.com.sg), have a modest nine-inch pizza (15
varieties) at $19 or go for the XXL 21-inch (feeds 4-6 pax)
at $50—wait for it—nett. For dishes like benedict quinoa
($16) or a chicken avocado sandwich ($13.80), hit up the
newly-opened East Manhattan Bakery Café (#01-03,
19 Lor Kilat). Add on a slice of cake for $4.50. Other
worthy nett mentions include dog-friendly bistro Torte
(96 Waterloo Street) for daily staples like roast chicken leg
Stake-out steakhouse Bedrock Bar & Grill (bedrock.
com.sg) on Mondays to have corkage waived up to
your fourth bottle ($50/bot for fifth bottle onwards)—just
order a main course each to enjoy the offer. Or if you
prefer crabs with your carbs, Jumbo Seafood allows
you one bottle corkage-free (subsequently $10/wine,
$20/liquor). We’ve also heard that Da Paolo BistroBar
(www.dapaolo.com.sg) goes the middle route by
compromising—corkage is 1-for-1, which means you
HSBC special
Find your
gourmet match
Salon Gourmet 2015 in partnership with HSBC cards kicks off its year-long
gourmet festival this March with fine culinary events. BITES helps you
discover flavours and wines to your taste
At Salon Gourmet 2015, more than 12 culinary events range
from indulgent wine and spirits pairing dinners, sophisticated
evening soirees to informative cooking demonstrations. The
headliners include two Michelin-starred guest masterchefs
Jean-Yves Leuranguer (Paris) and Ronan Kervarrec (Nice),
the first at Raffles Grill and the latter at Clifford. The
venues too, are stars in their own rights—sky-high Stellar
at 1-Altitude, black-and-white bungalow Scotts 27, and
heritage shophouse Buyan, among some of the eye-catching
restaurants.
How then to make the most of your dining experiences?
We bite into the schedule to see the interesting themes
presented. Plus, there's no better time to be an HSBC
cardholder: exclusively for cardmembers, enjoy 15% savings
on dining promotions and 20% off monthly dinners at
selected leading European restaurants all year round.
Le Bihan, Martin Satow, Victor Caballe Molina and Gottfried
Shuetzenberger’s turn to strut their stuff. 7-8 Mar; 10am,
12pm, 2pm, 4pm. ToTT Cooking Studio, 896 Dunearn Road.
bam!
If you love:
buyan
russian
restaurant
Home cooking
tott
On 7 and 8 Mar,
head over to ToTT
for Flavours of
Europe Culinary
Workshops, where
eight of Singapore’s
top European chefs
will help make
you a better chef
through an hour-long
demonstration. On
Saturday, you’ll find
chefs Lorenz Hoja,
Stephane Istel, JeanPhillipe Patruno and
tott
Christopher Millar at the helm. On Sunday, it’s chefs
Damien
with a twist. Check out items such as cold capellini with soft
shell crab paired with Cepa 21, a Tinto Fino grape with a
candied black fruit nose and sweet rounded palate. 4 Mar,
8.30pm. Bam! Tapas-Sake Bar, 38 Tras Street.
A Gastronomic Journey Through Ribera Del Duero
now awaits, with the wines of Grupo Vega Sicilia, one of the
most sought after classic labels. Chef Ng Wei Han will be
presenting signature favourites such as suckling pig confit
Cocktails
Rustic Russian Flavours brings together culture and
cuisine in authentic and exciting ways. The six-course menu,
comprising authentic dishes from Russia and the former
Soviet Union, will be paired with specially created Snow
Leopard vodka cocktails for a night of spirited fun. 11 Mar,
7pm. BUYAN Russian Restaurant & Caviar Bar, 9 Duxton Hill.
Spanish food and wine
The fiesta continues with two events at famous tapas bars.
Modern Spanish Cuisines is presented with the wines of
Emilio Moro from Ribera Del Duero, in the most innovative
way as Bam!’s chef Pepe Moncayo prepares Catalan dishes
visit
la
taperia
Look to Alsace for the ancient Roman vineyards of
Domaines Schlumberger wines, and be dazzled by
their fine Riesling and Grand Cru Pinot Gris, among six of
their best wines served over an exceptional dinner. Chef
Stephane Istel takes his inspiration from Heirloom Recipes
From Alsace for one night only, where he will be serving up
Alsatian tarte flambee, seafood choucroute, and mom’s apple
pie with milk ice cream. 25 Mar, 7pm. Bar-Roque Grill, #01-00
Amara Hotel, 165 Tanjong Pagar.
barroque
Turn to Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape for this
family-run winery’s stellar blends of fruity, silky red Grenache,
Syrah and Mouvedre. Chefs Jean Philippe Patruna from UNA
and Chritopher Millar from Stellar at 1-Altitude will dazzle you
with dish pairings such as octopus, tomato and garlic stew
from the former, and guinea fowl stew from the latter, drawing
on their European and Australian heritage. 12 Mar, 7pm. Stellar
at 1-Altitude, Level 62 1 Raffles Place.
Absinthe
with calanda peach, caramelised onion and sherry vinegar,
paired with Macon 2010 from Rioja—elegant, balanced and
medium bodied Tempranillo. 28 Mar, 7pm. La Taperia, #0210/11 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road.
Exploring French wine regions
stellar at
1-altitude
Dining with the stars
Be star-struck as Salon Gourmet’s highlight event features
the Culinary Stars of Europe dinner, with the impeccable
wines of Domaine Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). This is
your chance to catch, for the first time, the signature dishes
from chefs Julien Bompard, Damien Le Bihan, Victor Cabelle
Molina, Martin Satow and Gottfried Scheutzenberger, each
featuring one course. The wines are no less stellar, coming
from a classified first growth label known the world over.
27 Mar, 7pm. Grand Residence, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10
Scotts Road.
For more information, please visit www.salon-gourmet.com.sg
or call 6319 4038.
From Burgundy comes the wines of Domaine Fernand
Et Laurent Pillot, a father-and-son team that cultivates
grapes with traditional Burgundian practices such as barrel
fermentation for whites. You’ll be enjoying six of their wines
paired with chef Nicolas Reynard’s Classic French Journey
cuisine such as lobster bisque with lobster ravioli, and panfried foie gras at this convivial shophouse space. 19 Mar,
7pm. Absinthe, 72 Boat Quay.
Exclusively for HSBC credit and debit cardholders
20% off
Salon Goumet Events
15% off
International Guest Chef
Menus & Dining Promotions
FoodPanda.Sg
Exclusively for HSBC credit and debit cardholders:
25% off
total bill with a minimum order of S$25
Offer is valid till 31 March 2015. Enter first 6 digits of Card No. followed by HSBC25 Visit www.hsbc.com.sg/dining for more dining privileges.
b u f f e t
b o u n t y
Wish you had a reliable buffet resource available to guide
you to the best all-you-can-eat spots? Buffet Bounty is
your go-to resource on buffets for all budgets, tastes and
locations. Take the whole family out for one of our 20
hotel buffets pick, or get hot and steamy with affordable
Thai mookata. Then footsie along with SG Food on Foot,
blogger Derrick Tan, to find out where your next feast
is going to be. Log on to www.bites.com.sg for these
buffets and more!
Bites guide:
Price guide (nett)
$
wallet-friendly (below $50)
$$ just can’t resist a splurge ($50-100)
$$$ a special occasion ($100-150)
$$$$ indulgence galore (above $150)
Certified halal
Does not serve pork or lard
Kid-friendly facilities
Veg-friendly
20
family
friendly
hotel
buffets
21 on Rajah [ ]
Days Hotel Singapore at Zhongshan Park, 1 Jalan Rajah.
Tel: 6808 6847
Retreat from the weekend crowd at this brunch buffet
($39++, Sat-Sun & PH 12-3pm). There is a carving station
serving up prime ribs, ‘live’ eggs station and waffle &
pancake station to keep the restaurant lively, not forgetting
their signature slow braised lamb shank. Children eat at
half the price and even have a supervised kids’ activity
corner on Sunday.
HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY:
◆ 10% off total bill
flavours at
zhongshan
park
6.30-9.30pm). Dig into Hainanese lamb stew and satay
before ending it off with Nyonya pastries and ice cream.
Children are charged $12++.
Orchid Café [ ]
Level 3 Orchid Hotel, 1 Tras Link. Tel: 6818 6818
Food that warms your soul is what you’ll find here at this
humble buffet ($23.80++, daily 6-10pm) that serves local
fare with European alternatives. Teochew porridge, pig’s
trotters, soups and pastas are available at this homely
café that is quick to attend to your children’s needs with
high chairs and special cutlery.
10 at
claymore
brizo
restaurant
[$$]
10 at Claymore
Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel, 10 Claymore Road.
Tel: 6831 6686
Entice your family with petite gourmet delights for high
tea (daily 2-5pm: $42++, Mon-Fri; $52++, Sat-Sun) as
homemade macaroons and parma ham melons are
served in their elegant three-tiered stands. Their famous
Peddlers char kway teow and Penang prawn noodles
are also prepared a la minute. Children aged 5-12 dine
at half price.
21 on rajah
Bar and Billiard Room
Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Road. Tel: 6412 1816
Dress up to dine at ‘The Connoisseur’s Haven’, with
European fare such as tiger prawns, ratatouille, pilaf rice
and Basquaise vegetables served at this spread ($55++
adult, $27.50++ child, Thu-Sat 11.30am-2pm; $78++
adult, $39++ child, Thu-Sat 7-10pm). Smart casual dress
code is expected.
HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY:
◆ 20% off total bill
Brizo Restaurant
Level 1 Park Hotel Clarke Quay, 1 Unity Street.
Tel: 6593 8855
Catch a crab feast like no other with more than 26
seafood and crab creations offered at this buffet ($60++
adult, $30++ child, Thu-Sun 6.30-10.30pm). Salted
egg, golden fragrance, creamy butter are some of the
variations these crabs have been prepared in. Top up
$40++ to enjoy free flow champagne, wine and beer.
Bayview Café
Bayview Hotel Singapore, 30 Bencoolen Street.
Tel: 6550 9516
Enjoy local perennial favourites such as mee siam, mee
rebus, laksa and prawn noodles at the DIY station in this
local Asian styled buffet ($16.80++, daily 12-2.30pm &
visit
In partnership with
cafÉ
mosaic
Kintamani Indonesian Restaurant [ ]
Furama RiverFront Singapore, 405 Havelock Road.
Tel: 6739 6463
Find comfort in the halal Indonesian buffet ($48++
(adult) $16++ (child), daily 12-2.30pm; $50++ (adult)
$20++ (child), daily 6-10pm) with chefs preparing both
traditional Indonesian fare as well as a modern fusion
spin on the cuisine. Try the signature sayur lodeh
(coconut vegetable stew) and beef rendang, and if
you’re lucky, you might catch the sop buntut (oxtail
soup).
HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY:
◆ 1-for-1 buffets
Pete’s Place
Grand Hyatt Singapore Hotel, 10 Scotts Road.
Tel: 6738 1234
Canadian lobsters, chicken cacciatore, eight stations
of Italian cuisine with their famous wood fired pizzas
and signature desserts await those who feast at this
Sunday brunch buffet ($58++ (adult) $29++ (child),
11.30am-2.30pm). Top up $24++ for free flow Villa Sandi
prosecco extra dry, Italian red and white tipple and
Campari cocktails. Children aged 6 and below dine
for free.
kintamani
indonesian
restaurant
Café Mosaic [ ]
Carlton Hotel Singapore, 76 Bras Basah Road.
Tel: 6311 8195
Let the children be entertained by cupcake decoration
classes and balloon sculpting (12.30-2.30pm) as you sip
a cup of tea at this high tea buffet ($48++ adult, $24++
child, Sat-Sun 12-4pm). Dig into a menu that appeals
to both young and old with items such as seafood
cottage pie, baked salmon in puff pastry and seafood
assortments. Children under 5 dine for free.
Feast@East Buffet Restaurant
Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel, 50 East Coast Road.
Tel: 6340 5665
Indulge in the Singapore laksa as well as other
Peranakan delights at this heritage buffet (daily: $52++
(adult) $26++ (child), 12-2.30pm; $55++ (adult) $28++
(child), 6-10pm). Durian connoisseurs will swoon at the
sight of the famous durian paste available every day and
children below 5 can eat for free.
Indulge at Park
Level 1 Grand Park City Hall, 10 Coleman Street.
Tel: 6432 5888
Let the waterfall in the backdrop soothe you as you take
in the food at this Sunday brunch buffet ($55++, 123pm), which includes BBQ meats that are usually only
available during the Fri-Sat dinner buffet. Their signature
durian pengat, usually only served during dinner, will
also be available. Children aged 6-12 dine at half price.
melt~
the
world
cafÉ
[$$$]
Melt~The World Café
Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 5 Raffles Avenue.
Tel: 6885 3500
Gather the family to enjoy their favourite molluscs
and crustaceans during this buffet ($82++, Sun-Wed
6.30-9.30pm). Take note that oysters are featured on
Sunday and Tuesday, crabs on Monday, and lobsters
on Wednesday. From Thursday to Saturday, an outdoor
barbecue grill ($88++, 6.30-9.30pm) will serve up Maine
lobster, wagyu tenderloin, and even whole suckling pig
in the rotisserie.
HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY:
◆ 15% off food bill
Atmosphere by the sea [ ]
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort, 101 Siloso Road.
Tel: 6371 1966/6275 0100
Ice cream sundae bar will be their battle cry as the
children charge towards their own buffet line-up
with magic shows and balloon sculpting on the side.
Meanwhile, adults indulge in a seafood tower ($128++,
Sun 12-3pm) of fresh prawns, Alaskan king crab legs
and lobsters. One child dines for free with every paying
adult, and additional children are charged $28++ each.
pete’s
place
Oscar’s
Conrad Centennial Singapore, 2 Temasek Boulevard.
Tel: 6432 7481
Let the children create their very own vegetable
masterpiece at the largest Caesar salad station in
town, with live carving stations and an outdoor noodle
bar in this buffet (12-2.30pm: $59++ Mon-Sat, $80++
Sun; 6-10pm: $69++ Sun-Thu, $80++ Fri-Sat). Try their
signature homemade waffles with ice cream in this
restaurant that is open around the clock. Children dine
at half price.
HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY:
◆ 15% off food bill
Days Hotel Singapore At Zhongshan Park - 21 on Rajah
Exclusively for HSBC credit and debit cardholders:
10% off total bill
Offer is valid till 31 December 2015. For more dining privileges visit, www.hsbc.com.sg/dining
b u f f e t
b o u n t y
Blogger Hot Seat
dolce
vita
We go toe-to-toe with Derrick Tan of SG Food on Foot at the Siam Square Mookata buffet.
The down-to-earth aviation specialist tells us about his favourite MRT stop amid chuckles
and meaty conversation.
Services via the Ultimate Hawker Fest 2014, together
with Miss Tam Chiak and The Silver Chef.
ULTIMATE COMFORT FOOD: Sungei Road Laksa,
make it two bowls. (From Lavender MRT, walk
through the HDB flats for about 10 minutes.)
DON’T OFFER HIM: “I don’t eat a lot of carbs,
‘cause I find they make me very fat (chuckles). I cut
these to maintain my weight.” Also nay for food that’s
too exotic.
WHO: Derrick Tan
(www.sgfoodonfoot.com)
BLOGGING SINCE: 2010. The concept arose while
dating his then-girlfriend (married last year)—they’d
travel home via the MRT: “Which station to go? What
food is there for our dinner?” His special skill: great
sense of direction.
WITH MORE MRT STATIONS OPENING… “That’s
the beauty of it. I’m even hoping for the MRT line to
be extended to Malaysia.” He updates previous blog
entries with alternative routes, and visits nearby eateries
prior to station openings.
THE MOST HAPPENING LINE: The North-East Line
(NEL). “It covers Hougang, Serangoon, VivoCity,
Outram, Chinatown and Little India—it’s a multicultural
line. Punggol is also up-and-coming.” Favourite station
is Farrer Park for its mix of interesting cultures: old
heritage along Kitchener Road like Hillman Restaurant
and a vegetarian restaurant with great-grandmotheresque curios, staples like scissors-cut curry rice, bak kut
teh and PUTIEN restaurant, and trendy eats like Grub
Noodle Bar, Old Hen Coffee Bar and Hungry Heroes.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: The northern part of
Downtown Line for Bukit Timah (1Q 2016). “Most
drive there now, but the MRT stops will make it really
accessible.”
WHAT ABOUT THE FARE HIKE? “I have to top up
more often, but it’s part and parcel of my travel costs,
as blogging is still a passion and it’s part of my three
meals. I actually have a car at home, but that’s more for
my property agent wife. I enjoy taking public transport,
as you can think through things and sit back and enjoy. I
even saw an uncle doing tai chi on the train.”
HELPING OTHERS: Raised funds for Touch Community
THE
BUFFET: Siam Square
Mookata at #01-309, 134 Jurong
Gateway Road ($29 nett per person, daily
12pm-11pm)
TIME OF VISIT: 8 February, 12pm
INITIAL DOUBTS: “When the concept of mookata
was introduced, I wondered how people could eat
like that. I couldn’t accept the pork lard dripping into
the soup and making it oily. Slowly I accepted it, and
now find the soup aromatic.”
STRATEGY: Go low-carb, pick the meats and
seafood. Start with the meat, then when the soup is
more flavourful, add in the seafood and the fish/meat
balls. “Actually, those contain flour and fill you up
too.” Focus on protein, and try not to drink so much
water.
BEST DISH: The black pepper beef was nicely
marinated with a peppery kick. Interesting items
were the Fuzhou fishballs while the fish ‘pasta’ which
had a nice springy texture.
THE SAUCES: The spiciest sauce is “Wah, shiok ah!
Maybe can ask if they sell it.” The mildest is sweet,
very kiddy, and the medium one is more Thai.
NOT ON HIS MIND: “I like innards like liver (didn’t
order), but I will be more cautious with new dining
companions. Usually I go through the menu for
unique items.”
SHOULDN’T HAVE ORDERED: The veggies were
too shredded but you “can’t blame them due to the
mookata ‘moat’ size.” The chicken was too fatty and
sliced too small but tasted OK.
MOST MEMORABLE: The non-stick pan.
HOW MANY BiTES? Taste: 3.8/5 Value for money:
4.2/5 Service/Ambience: 3.5/5 Cleanliness: 4/5
Clifford
The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay.
Tel: 6597 5288
Enjoy the stunning waterfront view from the 10-metrehigh floor-to-ceiling windows as you tuck into seafood
such as crabs and meats from the carving station at this
buffet ($98++ (adult) $54++ (child), Sat-Sun 12-3pm).
Fork out another $30++ to enjoy champagne and wines.
HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY:
◆ 15% off Saturday brunch
Dolce Vita
Mandarin Oriental, 5 Raffles Avenue. Tel: 6885 3500
Spoil the family with this decadent brunch buffet
($118++, Sat-Sun 12-3pm) that embraces Italian
cuisine, offering up Fine de Claire oysters, wild forest
mushroom soup with white truffle foam and homemade
linguine. Children aged 4-11 pay $70++ and will love
the indulgent dessert buffet while the adults can top
up $50++ for free flow Ruinart R de Ruinart Brut NV
champagne.
HSBC CARDHOLDERS ENJOY:
◆ 15% off food bill
LIME
PARKROYAL on Pickering, Singapore, 3 Upper
Pickering Street. Tel: 6809 8899
Step into this revamped Sunday brunch buffet ($98++
adult, $49++ child, Sun 12-3pm) and savour pan-seared
foie gras with caramelised apple flambé au cognac,
homemade ravioli with lobster served with grated
parmigiano and reggiano. Children under 6 dine for
free, for adults: top up $40++ for free flow champagne.
Swissotel Merchant Court - Ellenborough Market Café
Exclusively for HSBC credit and debit cardholders:
1 dines free
with every three paying adults for lunch and dinner
buffet and Hi-Tea
Offer is valid till 31 December 2015. Hi-Tea only available only on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. Visit www.hsbc.com.sg/dining for more dining privileges.
In partnership with
5
thai mookata
buffets
under $50
for free. You have two hours to get through this buffet
(Mon-Thu $25.90+, Fri-Sun, eve of PH & PH $28.90+)
which boasts a selection of Thai-style pork collar,
Chinese-style pork belly, tom yum chicken thigh, pork
lard—yum, seafood and vegetables. Premium items
like scallop, oyster and beverages not included, while
wastage’s charged at $5/100g. Daily 6pm-5.30am, 9
Townshend Road. Tel: 8686 9990 / Sun-Thu 4.30pm11pm, Fri-Sat & PH 4.30pm-2am 244R Upper Thomson
Road. Tel: 8588 9990
kin
mookata
NETT
At night, the industrial park canteen transforms into a
bustling mookata hangout ($22 nett, min. two to dine;
daily 5pm-12am). If you can’t decide to have sesame
chicken, squid or Thai fish cake, you can opt for the “a
little of everything” option on the checkbox chit. Add
on some watermelon ($2.90) and VIZZ’s unique sauce
($5)—but whatever you do, don’t waste food (charged
at $5/100g). Techplace 1, 4011 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10
(opp. Blk 401). Tel: 8655 6555
Happy Mookata
Huay Kwang Thai
Kitchen
Measure your tot because those below 1m dine
oneninety
With five branches islandwide, this Thai-owned
mookata stall is on a roll ($29 nett, daily 5pm-12am).
Go for the succulent tiger king prawns direct from
Thailand, teriyaki pork neck, their signature chilli sauce,
and sometimes shishamo and green noodles. If you’re
craving for a lunchtime fix, head to their air-conditioned
Jurong East branch (#01-309, 134 Jurong Gateway
Road. Tel: 8247 0444; daily 12pm-11pm). Main outlet at
#01-14, 22A Havelock Road. Tel: 8119 6664.
www.fb.com/SiamSquareMookata
VIZZ Delights
They come and go; here are five
lesser-known but worthy Thai
BBQ finds you can eat your fill at.
Follow your nose to Golden Mile Tower where
you’ll find hungry mookata fans deftly flipping their
meats on a gas-powered brass-domed hotplate
near the entrance to the carpark ($25.90 nett, daily
6pm-3am). Opt for best-sellers grilled chicken
and grilled pork, and fried-upon-order popcorn
chicken and Thai fish cake. Drinks not included.
#01-55D Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Road.
Tel: 8113 0774 (Tex)/9380 9028 (Leon)
Siam Square MooKaTa
Kin Mookata
If you’re in the Telok Kurau area, zip over to Kin Mookata
($25 nett, daily 5-9pm). Meat lovers, you’ll swoon over
their garlic pork collar, garlic pork belly, minced pork,
pork liver and pork lard. Choose also from seafood,
chicken, beef, veg, quail eggs and tung hoon. They
score brownie points with us for still using an authentic
charcoal mookata, having housemade sauce, and
being an awardee of a Fine Culinary Skills certification.
Opposite 271 Joo Chiat Place. Tel: 9068 1638
One-Ninety [ ]
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, 190 Orchard Boulevard.
Tel: 6831 7250
A kiddie wonderland awaits the little ones with balloon
sculpting and activities such as face painting in addition
to their very own special mini buffet, free for kids
under five. Grown ups feast ($72++, Sun 11.45am3pm) on main courses such as Rangers Valley Wagyu
accompanied by a charcuterie station with freshly
shaved truffles. Optional add-ons that start from $50++
will see you enjoying free flow prosecco or champagne.
TRIPLE THREE [ ]
Level 5 Mandarin Orchard Singapore, 333 Orchard
Road. Tel: 6831 6288
Swing by on Sunday for a family brunch
($98++, 12noon-2.30pm). Adults feast on sumptuous
seafood on ice—oysters, Boston baby lobsters, scallops
vizz
delights
and Alaska snow crab legs; kids will love the special
play area. Help yourself to pan-fried duck liver with
brioche bread and raspberry vinegar sauce, and
seasonal chef specials prepared à la minute.
[$$$$]
Edge [ ]
Pan Pacific Singapore, Marina Square, 7 Raffles
Boulevard. Tel: 6826 8240
With a dedicated kids corner that screens cartoons,
parents can kick back and enjoy the four-hour buffet
($178++ (adult) $59++ (child), Sun 12-4pm). Free flow
champagne and wine goes down smoothly with the
nosh served at seven live food kitchens such as Boston
lobsters, artisanal cheese and raclette. Children under
the age of 6 dine for free.
California Pizza Kitchen
For HSBC credit and debit cardholders:
S$10
dining voucher with every S$50 spent
Offer is valid till 31 December 2015. Voucher is valid for use on next visit. Maximum of S$20 dining vouchers are given for each visit.
Visit www.hsbc.com.sg/dining for more dining privileges.
d e s t i n a t i o n
d i n i n g
H ILLVIE
The hills are alive
W cam
hillv2
H ILL
VIE W
lin k
Look no further for nature’s therapeutic calmness. Former industrial area Hillview
along Upper Bukit Timah is flanked by slopes of rolling greenery, making for
scenic nature trails even as new malls and eats spring up to cater to condodwellers. BiTES breathes in the green while taking in old and new eats.
By Timothy Lam, Photography Benjamin Soh
H ILL
VIE W
HillV2
H ILL
VIE W
(4 Hillview Rise)
D
H ILL
VIE W
LA
N
BA
TU
NI
LA
M
hillview
HUM
E AV
E
Kewalram
Hillview
Canteen
L am
Industrial
BuildinSoon
HIL
LV
IE
W
AV
E
JA
Black Angus Steakhouse (#01-06/07)
Black Angus Steakhouse takes extra pride in their meats,
with the assurance that their USDA choice beef are aged
21 days or more. Their signature prime ribs start from
$45.90++ for a half pound cut, and beef sliders ($18.90++)
are good for starters. Mon-Sun 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-11pm.
Tel: 6710 7137
DEAN & DELUCA (#01-01)
The one stop destination for fine food, explore their
wide selections of cakes such as their signature DEAN
& DELUCA original cheesecake ($38), as you browse
through gourmet delights that include smoked fish &
speciality food and infused olive oils. Mon-Thu 1-am10pm, Fri 10am-10.30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-10pm.
R OA
AVE
Nestled within the prime estates of Upper Bukit Timah, this mixed-used
development set in an al fresco format boasts prime lifestyle outlets
such as Spa by Traditional Javanese Massage Hut (#02-18) and Epi
Treatz (#02-14). Browse for your favourite tipple at Wine Connection
Bistro (#02-05/06) to pair with a meal at iO Italian Osteria (#02-01).
Kinsa Sushi (#02-02)
Step into this Japanese restaurant boasting Singapore’s first
levitating sushi belt. Indulge in premium items at a fraction of
the cost such as their Soo Gyu Don ($24.80++) which uses A4
grade beef from Kagoshima paired with an onsen egg, or their
fresh fish selection where you pick out your own seafood and
decide on its preparation method for no extra cost. Prices vary
according to fish. Mon-Thu 11.30am-3pm, 5.30-10pm; Fri-Sun
& PH 11.30am-10pm. Tel: 6710 7278
Dean &
DEluca
RIS E
g
kinsa
sushi
p
Burgerup Classix (#01-11)
Gourmet burgers at fast food prices are a
welcomed treat anytime. Customise your own
burgs at the signature full self-ordering system,
and chomp your way through. At this locally
born brand, chicken burger sets start from
$7.65 while beef and fish burger sets go for
$8.55. Daily 11am-10pm.
Around HillView
burgerup
classix
Hillview MRT and Community Club
Come 2016, witness the change The Downtown Line will
bring to the Hillview area, drastically reducing the time taken
to travel to the city and bringing greater access into this quiet
neighbourhood. The new Community Club planned to be
situated near HillV2 will also help to foster community activities
and amenities.
rail
corridor
Getting around
Don’t miss the shuttle service from Bukit Gombak MRT to
HillV2 for quick and free transport. If you are feeling healthier
and more sporty, venture a walk down the park connector from
Bukit Batok Nature Reserve that leads past HillV2 to Dairy Farm
Nature Reserve and enjoy the view of the quarries in the area.
Continue on to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for a quiet walk in
the rainforest.
Rail Corridor
Walk along railway tracks that are still preserved in certain
sections of this trail with the magnificent truss bridge next
to Rail Mall still spanning across the road for picturesque
moments and spend time surrounded by nature, birdwatching
and even catching glimpses of the notorious monkeys of
Bukit Timah.
20
DAIRY FARM crescent
Rail Mall
(380 Upper Bukit Timah Road)
FA
DAIRY
R M RO
Two rows of single-storey shophouses make up this shopping arcade of
sorts that gets its name from the antiquated railway line that runs right
alongside it. It services the residents nearby with 24-hour eateries, a
gourmet deli and supermarket.
AD
RK A
CARPA
The Coffee Bean & Tea leaf
Hide away from the heat in this cozy little space with a book or two
and sip on some premium brews (White Chocolate Dream Latte)
and rare loose-leaf teas that the company is known for. Their ice
blended drinks (The Original Mocha Ice Blended Drink) are not to
be missed in sunny Singapore.
praisehaven
family
store thrift
JLN ASAS
JLN TEKAD
JLN ASAS
JLN UJ I
JI
J LN U
Praisehaven Family Thrift Store
(500 Upper Bukit Timah Road)
Thrift shopping every day of the week? We’re in! The retail arm
of the not-for-profit organisation Salvation Army processes and
retails donated items of good condition to help those in need. Get
Macbook 15” retina display covers at a mere $10, or furniture and
paintings at a fraction of the cost in this iconic ship-like building.
Weekdays 10am-6pm, weekends 10am-9pm. Tel: 6349 5312
Blooie’s Roadhouse
Kick back and enjoy an icy beer while surrounded by the
eclectic design of a North American roadhouse. Try the
BlooiE’s special portobello cheese burger ($19.90++), or
their signature BBQ beer butt chicken ($38.80++) which is
CH
D
OA
Sunny Choice
Give health a chance when you stop by award winning Sunny
Choice, a vegetarian café as well as a mini supermarket for all things
healthy and organic. Gobble up local Hakka health food Thunder Tea
rice ($8.50 nett) or go for a Korean original, bibimbap ($8.50 nett)
and have vegetarian sushi ($7 nett) on the side whilst shopping for a
healthier option. Wed-Mon 10am-9pm. Tel: 6892 2383
timah
bu kit
nature
reserve
blooie's
roadhouse
JLN UJI
CH
IA E
R
NG
PORE
S ING A Y
Q UA R R
IM
ME
UPP
ER
BU
E
AV
T
KIT
HU
R
AH
O
AD
T TI MAH RO
AS
IA ENG ROAD
UPPER BUKI
rail mall
AD
JLN AS
RESTAURANT HOME
Let Iron Chef Thailand winner Tan Yong Hua tantalise your
tastebuds with exquisite Chinese cuisine such as Peking duck
($48++ half, $88++ full) roasted with lychee wood in a custom
oven and braised vermicelli with pork knuckles ($24++) which
are braised daily for five hours. Daily 12-3pm, 6-11pm. Tel: 6465
1698
a whole chicken marinated and cooked upright on a full can of beer,
one day advanced order is required. Sun-Thu 11.30-1.30am, Fri-Sat
11.30-3am. Tel: 6766 1588
lam soon
industrial
building
Industrial Eats
Dairy Farm nature park
A 63-hectare area that once supplied Singapore with locally
produced fresh milk has been converted to a nature park that links
up to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. An old cowshed converted into
the Wallace Education Centre provides exhibits to learn about
changing landscapes and conducts research studies.
Though surrounded by condominiums and landed
properties as far as the eye can see, the BiTES team
uncovered two elusive, humble eateries hidden away
for workers in the area. If you’re craving simple hawker
favourites for lunch, then these are the best options
within walking distance.
Lam Soon Industrial Building
(63 Hillview Avenue, level 6)
Ascend to the carpark on level 6, turn right and head
to the innermost corner, and you will be greeted by a
hidden canteen with four stalls surrounded by greenery
from the cliffside it faces. Savour mee rebus ($2.50)
or mixed vegetable rice (from $2.20) in the hidden
tranquility of an industrial building. Mon-Fri 7am-2pm
Kewalram Hillview Canteen
(120 Hillview Avenue, level 7)
Take a walk through long windy corridors paired with
vintage designs and bygone technology and arrive at
a homely cafeteria right at the top of the building. Free
soup of the day is available with local offerings of ayam
penyet ($3.50), mee goreng ($3) or even fish and chips
($4). No pork and lard used. Mon-Fri 7am-4pm.
Nature Reserves
kewalram
hillview
canteen
Singapore
Quarry
Keep a lookout for
local woodland birds
and try identifying
the flora in the
underbrush during
this 20-minute hike
that leads to the
stunning backdrop
of a granite quarry
surrounded by a lake.
Admire the wetland
habitat from the
viewing platform and
bask in the tranquility
of nature.
singapore
quarry
21
s u p e r m a r k e t
s l e u t h
One-pot pastas
On days when even pasta seems too hard to make, here’s the laziest way to
get dinner ready: throw your ingredients into a pot and let it cook itself.
Whether you like it meaty, vegetarian or even Thai, pair the results with a
fizzy Italian fruit soda to spruce up a reinvented meal at home.
By June Lee, Photography Benjamin Soh
B i T E S PAID FOR OUR OWN GROCERIES AT FAIRPRICE; SANPELLEGRINO SODA
FROM SELECT PREMIUM RETAILERS AND SUPERMARKETS
Linguine
cut in half
Thai
style
Spring
onion and
coriander
Carrots
and red
bell
pepper,
sliced into
sticks
Sliced
young
ginger
Crabsticks
or fishballs
Lime
slices,
add after
cooking
Canned
straw
mushrooms
Chicken
broth
or water
Dollop of
peanut
butter
Roasted salted
peanuts, chopped
+
22
PAIR WITH:
Sanpellegrino Pompelmo
(grapefruit) makes a good match for the tangy
peanut, lime and ginger base of this pasta. The
16% fruit juice content in this can (more than
the glass version) of Sicilian grapefruit has a
bittersweet and zesty flavour to complete the
Thai-inspired meal.
Garnish with more
chopped peanuts and
coriander after cooking
PASTA TIPS
• Cut fresh vegetables to roughly the same size to standardise their cooking time.
• Wash pasta before cooking to remove extra starch, which can make the dish mushy.
• Submerge pasta with just enough water to cover, add more later if needed. Too
much will result in a soggy dish.
• Stir your dish at least 3-4 times, to ensure the ingredients are mixed together while
cooking down. The dish should cook down into a dry pasta with saucy gravy.
• Cooking times vary from 10-15 minutes depending on amount of ingredients.
Sausage
+ tomato
Pasta
such as
fusilli
Chicken
broth or
water
sliced
onion
and
garlic
quartered
tomatoes
or tinned
tomato
+
PAIR WITH:
Cheese sausage
or any kind of meat
Sanpellegrino
Chinotto has
a really unique,
bittersweet and sharp
taste. Chinotto is a
kind of Sicilian orange
which is made into a
quintessential Italian
drink the colour of amber, and which
matches perfectly with robust, hearty
Italian cuisine such as a classic pasta with
sausage and chilli.
chilli powder
to your taste
Garnish with grated
Parmesan after cooking.
Veg
Pasta such
as penne
Vegetarian broth
or water
+
PAIR WITH:
Zucchini,
chopped
Sanpellegrino
Limonata is
bursting with ripe lemon
flavours, the most thirstquenching of the trio we
tried. Its fresh, tart and
sweet taste worked very
well with the mellow
zucchini and peas,
enhancing the creamy and cheesy pasta
with the lift that it needed.
Peas, canned
or frozen
Snow peas
Sliced button
mushrooms
Stir in cream once
pasta is removed from
the heat, then stir
through with grated
Parmesan.
23
t h e
d r i n k
t a n k
A happier hour
Don’t brave the sleaze just to get cheap drinks, as BiTES rounds up 10 top hot spots to bring
you greater value for your dollar.
By Timothy Lam
Acid Bar ➽
Loof ➽
Peranakan Place, 180
Orchard Road.
Tel: 6738 8828
Opening hours: SunThu 5pm-2am, Fri-Sat &
Eve of PH 5pm-3am
Happy hour:
Daily till 9pm
The deal: $6++ house
pour liquors, $9.90
nett martini (selected
flavours)
Cheap drinks in the
heart of Orchard are getting rarer than the Peranakan
architecture and ornaments in this colonial-styled
arcade that houses the acoustic energy of Acid Bar.
Going strong since 2003.
#03-07 Odeon
Towers, 331 North
Bridge Road.
Tel: 9773 9304
Opening hours:
Mon-Thu 5pm-1am,
Fri-Sat 5pm-3am
Happy hour: $5++
5-5.59pm; $6++
6-6.59pm; $7++
7-7.59pm
The deal: House
pours only. Includes
beers, wines and spirits. Ending work early just
got even better with the view from this rooftop bar
complementing the beverages that go nicely with
signature bites such as the crispy whitebait or Ramly
burger.
Café Iguana ➽
#01-03 Riverside point,
30 Merchant Road.
Tel: 6236 1275
Opening hours:
Mon-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri
& Eve of PH 4pm-3am,
Sat 12pm-3am, Sun
12pm-1am
Happy hour: SatSun–$5.50, 11am-3pm;
$7.50, 3-6pm; $9.50,
6-8pm
The deal: Draft beer and Margaritas
Authenticity of the 100% blue Agave used in tequilas
will delight any Mexican as you enjoy the progressive
happy hour that includes the Iguana lager & Steam
beer, specially crafted by Brewerkz.
Five Izakaya
Bar ➽
16 Collyer Quay #0105B. Tel: 6536 8955
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 12pm-12am
Happy hour:
$5++ daily, all-day
The deal: Red & white
wine, Asahi draught,
sake, shochu, Choya,
house spirits
Five’s the name of the
game here with no rushing for those coveted few hours
of wallet-friendly drinks. Live music sweetens the deal.
24
Standing
Sushi Bar ➽
#01-03 Singapore Art
Museum, 8 Queen
Street. Tel: 6333 1335
Opening hours: Daily
12-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm
Happy hour:
Daily, 6-10pm
The deal: $2++ sake,
$5++ beer, wine, hot
sake, and umeshu
A different bargain everyday on the fresh sushi available
is overshadowed by the tipple on offer with sake going
at $2 per glass and $5 for a hot flask.
TAPS ➽
27 Smith Street.
Tel: 6225 7354
Opening hours:
Daily 4pm-1am
Happy/Taps hour:
4-8pm
The deal: Beers from
$4.50 nett, wines and
spirits from $10 nett
Cool off after feasting
at Chinatown’s hawker
street in this threestorey watering hole
with different themes at each level. Staying true to its
name, there are 10 beer taps on every floor.
Grandma’s ➽
#B1-42/43 Paragon,
290 Orchard Road.
Tel: 6737 7931
Opening hours:
11.30am-10pm
Happy hour:
Daily, all-day
The deal: $4.80++
Tiger & Kirin beer,
$6.90++ Erdinger
Nothing soothes the
soul more than a home cooked meal and an ice cold
beer. It doesn’t get any cheaper in the city.
BeerFest
(BREWERY) ➽
4 Rochester Park.
Tel: 9722 7446
Opening hours: MonThu 5-11pm, Fri 5pm1am, Sat 11am-1am, Sun
11am-11pm
Happy hour: Tue-Fri
5-8pm; Sat-Sun 12-8pm
The deal: $6.50++
(mug), $8++ (pint)
Fresh brews made in
this colonial black and white bungalow are a steal with
varieties such as Amber Sun and Greenpiece available
among six special brews.
Barraka ➽
#01-18/29 11 Unity
Street. Tel: 6737 9130
Opening hours: MonThu 5pm-1am, Fri 5pm2am, Sat noon-2am, Sun
noon-1am
Happy hour: All-day
The deal: Wines from
$7 nett
Everyone knows Wine
Connection, but in our
books, Barraka offers wine deals that are just as good.
Fill your glasses with their sparkling Cava Brut Do, or the
sweeter Rosado Do (rose wine). Bottles start from $39.
Club Kyo ➽
#B1-02 Keck Seng
Tower, 133 Cecil Street.
Tel: 8299 8735
Opening hours:
Wed-Thu 9pm-4am, Fri
9pm-3.30am, Sat 11pm4.30am
Happy hour: Fri 9pm-12am
The deal: $5 nett house pour spirits and half pint
draught beers
Art and dance music meet in the confines of a former
bank. The drinks deals reward those who stay till late.
es
it
last
Life of pie
The world celebrates Pi Day (π) on 14
March, and what better way than to
tuck into some delicious circumferences
right here in Singapore.
By Meredith Wu
ANCIENT
PIES
The galette,
or a rustic
French pie
made without a
dish, appeared
as early as
9500BC. A
recipe for the
humble chicken
pie was also
written on
a tablet
(not the
iPad variety)
before
2000BC.
U.K.
Cottage or shepherd’s
pie was the “poor
people’s” pie in the 18th
and 19th centuries. We
guess that’s why they’re
naked (no pastry)
and the meat (usually
beef or mutton) hides
under a bed of mashed
potatoes.
b
FRANCE
Doesn’t rhyme with “twitch”. The
Quiche Lorraine (pronounced keesh), or savoury open-faced
custard pie, is proof that
everyone loves bacon
and cheese.
X’MAS PIE
What exactly
is in a mince
pie? If you’re
looking for
meat, move
along. Usually sold
during Christmas, these are
made with spiced dried fruits
and sometimes brandy; no meat
but sometimes lard. What a
confusing pie.
FAST FOOD PIE
What? There’s such a thing as a fried
pie? Yes, just think of the ones from
McDonald’s or Burger King.
U.S.A
The Mississippi mud pie oozes
chocolate-y goodness from crust
to filling. Not the kind your kid
makes in the garden.
THE ‘BIG
APPLE’ PIE
New Yorkers often
refer to pizza as pie.
It’s also referenced
in Dean Martin’s 1953
hit song That’s Amore,
and was used as
early as 1944 in The
New York Times. The
debate’s still ongoing,
but for sure if you
order a pie here, you’ll
rarely get a pizza!
AUSTRALIA/
NEW ZEALAND
Respect meat
pies. They're
national icons
and regularly
paid homage
to. Countrywide contests,
awards, and even
outrage when
an Australian
pie company was
bought over by
the Americans
(it's back on home
soil now).
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