food Archives - Page 2 of 16

Chen’s Mapo Tofu Opens Second outlet at Star Vista

March 22, 2021maybeline

By Alex

If you are a CBD dweller, the name Chen’s Mapo Tofu shouldn’t be too foreign for you. Established as a fuss-free dining option with an outstanding quality of its unique fusion of Szechwan cuisine with Japanese influences, this Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery 2nd outlet at Star Vista brings a strikingly contemporary cosy ambience with stylish elements of wood and marble meeting Chen’s trademark red and yellow.

The new launch is marked by a return of the brand’s well-loved menu with signature Mapo Tofu and popular favourites such as Dan Dan Mien, Miso, Nasu Don and Kaisen Katayaki. The Kaisen Katayaki is basically elevated ee-mian bathed in savoury seafood sauce and holds fresh seafood. It’s a crunchy flavour bomb definitely worth the carbs.

If you are old enough to recall, Chef Chen Kenichi starred in e Japanese Iron Chef series. With mains starting from $10.80, wats not to love?
Some of my favourites includes the Mapo Don (not as spicy as it looks), Kurozu Buta Don and Spicy Szechuan Dumplings. It goes down with rice very well.

And yes the Szechuan Popcorn chicken. Nothing goes as satisfying well-seasoned and crunchy and these popcorn chicken.

For the latest information on promotions, please visit Mapo Tofu official social media platform at @chensmapotofu.

Chen’s Mapo Tofu
1 Vista Exchange Green, #02-08, S138617
Opening Hours: 11am to 10pm, daily
Facebook and Instagram: @chensmapotofu #ChensStarVista

Pork Free Yakiniku-Go offers Quality Meal Sets from $9.80

March 2, 2021maybeline

Pork Free Yakiniku-Go offers Quality Meal Sets from .80

By Alex

If you are a fan of yakiniku (Japanese grill), then Yakiniku-Go could be your next ideal destination. The 75th RE&S Enterprise outlet provides a cosy and casual dining experience for individuals, couples and even large group of friends, so you won’t encounter a tight situation where people have to squeeze in constrained space. And best of all, the electric grills produce no smoke, so there’s none of that lingering BBQ odour after meal.

Pork won’t be missed as there’s a huge repertoire of meats specially curated by the Japanese head chefs. The selection includes Gyutan (beef tongue), Karubi, Ribeye, Kainomi (chuck short rib), Angus Ribeye Steak and more, so beef lovers have a lot to ponder what to order. The ordering process at the restaurant is fuss-free and contactless, simply scan the QR code with mobile device to order.

My favourite is the Wagyu Tokujou Karubi (50g), its evenly marbled and has a perfect balance of fat and lean meat. It is a cut of meat taken from the 1st to 6th short ribs, its very rich in flavour with a tender bite. Cannot decide what to order? Yakiniku-Go has a few sets to make your decision making abit easier. Sets like the Manzoku Platter ($17.80), the signature Yakiniku-Go Set ($15.80) which boasts 3 types of beef cuts, and the Wagyu Tokujou Karubi Set ($26.80), which comes with 100gm of exquisite wagyu chuck short ribs.

There’s also a DIY Niku Sushi Set ($6.80) so you can get creative and make your own sushi – just grill the meat, lay it atop the vinegared rice and wrap with seaweed. Garnish with kimchi, spring onion and sesame.

33 Sengkang West Ave, The Seletar Mall, #01-49/50/51/52/53, S797653

Opening Hours: Mon- Sun. 11am – 10pm

Instagram and Facebook: Yakinikugo.sg

Yakiniku-Go

33 Sengkang West Ave, The Seletar Mall, #01-49/50/51/52/53, S797653

Opening Hours: Mon- Sun. 11am – 10pm

Instagram and Facebook: Yakinikugo.sg

Lo Hei in Charming Festive Domes @ Capitol Singapore

February 18, 2021maybeline

By Alex

If you are looking for an unforgettable lo-hei experience this CNY, you can consider doing it in a Dome just outside the atrium of The Capitol Kempinski Hotel. Yes it’s an outdoor picnic in ultra-lux and comfort.

These air-conditioned bubble domes provide a safe and intimate space for friends and families alike, while serving as the perfect backdrop for photos. To get these domes, simply order any prosperity Yu Sheng set from either The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, Famouse Treasure or HolyCreab via springfair.capitolsingapore.com to enjoy Lohei @ The Domes in an intimate setup for two hours for free with your family and friends.

Also, with good experience good food must not be forsaken. Pick a wide selection of Lunar New Year dishes and goodies, from traditional Chinese set meals at 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, Famous Treasure and HolyCrab to exquisite German-Chinese and Italian-Chinese fusion set menus from Frieda Restaurant and La Scala Ristorante respectively. We have sampled the Bak Kwa Frittata from La Scala Ristorante, Chicken Cheese Sausage Hot Dog Roll from Broadway American Diner, and Pork Belly from Frieda Restaurant. They are simply amazing and so easy to popped into mouth.

For dessert, this Mandarin Orange Choux (an orange Blossom Cream) from Berthold Delikatessen is creamy with a sweet tangy explosion, absolutely a delight.

Festive Promotions Enjoy a 10% discount at restaurants managed by The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore. The promotion is valid from 22 Jan to 26 Feb 2021.

Capitol Singapore, Outdoor Plaza

Date & Time: 22 Jan – 26 Feb 2021, 12pm – 10pm

Simply order a Yu Sheng set from either The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, Famous Treasure or HolyCrab and lohei @ The Domes in an intimate setup for 2 hours with family and friends

Reservation: springfair.capitolsingapore.com

Lohei @ The Capitol Singapore

Capitol Singapore, Outdoor Plaza

Date & Time: 22 Jan – 26 Feb 2021, 12pm – 10pm

Simply order a Yu Sheng set from either The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, Famous Treasure or HolyCrab and lohei @ The Domes in an intimate setup for 2 hours with family and friends

Reservation: springfair.capitolsingapore.com

Hutong Unveils New Menu with Szechuan BBQ Skewers from $1

December 15, 2020maybeline

Here’s something you can share it with 3 other friends, or 4 to make it merrier. Hutong, a restaurant situated at Clarke Quay known to dole out Northern Chinese cuisines, features a brand-new menu with tantalizing Szechuan BBQ skewers. The new menu comprises over 40 varieties of Szechuan appetisers and BBQ skewers, from meat to seafood and vegetables.

One noteworthy mention is that these skewers are marinated with a special inhouse blend consisting of salt, white pepper powder, cooking wine and cumin powder. Then another special blend of spices are sprinkled atop the skwer before serving to give it a very unique, flavourful taste. Oh, and don’t be worried that the skewers might get cold, as they are served over a griller instead of on plates.

Be spoilt for choices with offerings including chicken meat, pig intestine, pig stomach, premium beef cube, mutton leg meat, squid and fresh prawns. While indulging the meat from land and sea, do also remember to temper your palate with vegetables like oyster mushrooms, broccoli and romaine lettuce. I particularly loved the special chili oil and can pepper oil to add another depth of flavour to the grills.

Must try-offerings include the Fresh Oyster and Premium Half Shell Scallops, which are grilled together with the restaurant’s house-made chili paste. Accompany tat with a bowl of rice or the hot and sour rice noodles to further whets the appetite with its interplay of flavours.

One interesting mention is the Mala Xiao Long Xia with Maotai. A generous amount of baby crawfish is stir-fried with a blend of aromatic mala spices. Before serving, a shot of Maotai is drizzled over the dish for a dramatic flambee presentation. I love the juiciness and succulent crawfish, but do remember to wear the plastic gloves and make sure you don’t wear white when eating this! (deshelling might result in collateral damage).

You can enjoy other Katrina Group restaurants along Clarke Quay like the Japanese bar Tomo Izakaya, Thai restaurant RENNThai and Mexican bar Muchos.

Hutong

3D River Valley Road, #01-07 Block D, Singapore 179023 Reservation: 6337 0144 Operating hours: Tue – Sun, 5pm to 11pm | Mon closed

Facebook @hutongrestaurant

hutong.com.sg

Tsuta Unveils Its Biggest Menu Revamp Yet

November 11, 2020maybeline

Author: Alexius Chua

If you are fans of Tsuta, you should pay attention.
The world’s first Michelin-starred ramen unveiled its biggest menu revamp with 80% new items. It premieres Tsuta’s first Crab Soba, R.H.C.P Mazesoba plus new sides to boot.
The star of the menu – Crab Soba with Premium Char Siu and Crab Shell ($23.80) is pleasing to the eye and satisfy our stomachs. The Japanese snow crab has been lightly seasoned and torched flame, imparting the chunks of snowy white meat a fresh, flavourful oceanic taste. There’s also tender Iberico pork belly and Kurobuta pork loin, all layered on top of the umami-filled broth for the picking. It’s pure land and sea delight.

The R.H.C.P Mazesoba ($11.80) is one of Chef Yuki’s new dishes and a tribute to his favourite band – Red Hot Chili Peppers. It takes on Japanese favourite, hamburg but made with mazesoba where al-dente thick chewy noodles, drenched in house-made tomato sauce, are served with minced beef and house-made cheese sauce. While it tastes more like a tomato-based spaghetti than a burger to us, its still quite an interesting dish with robust flavours.

For long-time fans of their soba don’t fret yet, Tsuta has reintroduced the old classics – the Shoyu and Shio Soba. The Shoyu Soba with Char Siu ($16) is further enhanced with addition of a piquant balsamic black truffle sauce, giving it a full-bodied yet delicate taste. While existing menu are overhauled, Chef Yuki Onishi’s commitment that every bowl of ramen is served with 0 MSG and no artificial flavourings remain unchanged.

Chef Yuki also made a personal rendition on all-time favourite classic Chinese dishes with the likes of Soboro Meshi ($6) or mala lu rou fan, and Teriyaki Chicken Bao (1 piece at $2.80 or 3 pieces at $6.80). These kong bak pau slider is so easy to bite into, the juicy teriyaki chicken thigh meat is so tender and flavourful, sandwiched in a soft and fluffy bun. It can just be a meal by itself.

Tsuta Instagram Story Filter Contest
Stand a chance to win a $50 voucher from 29 October till 15 November! Use Tsuta’s filters and tag @tsutasingapore to submit your most creative entries. 5 winners will be selected at the end of the contest.

Tsuta @ Funan Mall
109 North Bridge Road, #01-04, Singapore 179105
Operating Hours: Daily, 11am to 9pm (last order 8.30pm)
Website: tsuta.com
Facebook and Instagram: @TsutaSingapore

Authentic Peranakan Cuisine by Chef Philip Chia @ The Real Peranakan

October 27, 2020maybeline

Author: Alexius Chua

The Real Peranakan, which opened two outlets on July and August 2020 at Hillcrest and Kim Yam, is likely to attract families longing for this nostalgic taste of Straits Chinese cuisine. Especially those who grew up eating Peranakan dishes and longing for some authentic taste, they will be tastefully persuaded by the culinary of Celebrity Chef Philip Chia – a true blue Peranakan and an indisputable authority on Peranakan Cuisine – who has brought traditional favourites and long-lost recipes back to the table.

The soul-nourishing Hee Peow Soup ($16.80), which consists of fish maw, collagen-rich broth filled with handmade prawn ball, pork ball and fish ball using Chef Philip’s grandma’s age-old recipe. It needs 6 hours of preparation and simmering, so remember to pre-order 3 days in advance to snag this homely, belly-warming soup.

Next dish is the Ayam Buah Keluak ($19.80). For those who don’t take Buah Keluak nut, this might not be appealing to you, but for me the bitter sweetness and creamy earthiness tastes truly unique and special, like eating dark chocolate. It’s an ingredient you shouldn’t cook by yourself because its said to contain hydrogen cyanide that is deadly if not treated properly.

The Sambal Udang Belimbing (seasonal) ($26.80) is my favourite in this menu. Featuring the star fruit ‘Belimbing’ that is used to grow in abundance, its tarty and refreshing flavour complents perfectly with the rich lemak taste of coconut milk and with Chef Philip secret recipe. The prawns are very fresh and comes with a bite too.

The Babi Pong The ($22) is an old recipe passed down 5 gens and which requires 3-4 hours of labour in the kitchen. What resulted is a flavourful melt-in-the-mouth pork slices with added spiciness from the green chili.

For dessert we have a platter of homely kuehs, which is colourful for the eyes and delightful in stomach. It’s a sticky sweet ending to the gastronomic journey, and here’s 1 sweet promotion for you.

Official Opening Special: Get 1 Free Man Course with any Purchase of 4 Main Courses
• Promotion is from 21 Oct to 20 Nov 2020, while stock last
• Available for dine in only, not takeaways allowed
• Availale from 11.30am – 9.30pm (last order0
• Not redeemable with any other discounts or promotions
• Not applicable for breakfast items
• No splitting of bill is allowed
• Not valid on eve of public holidays and public holidays

The Real Peranakan
73 Hillcrest Road, Singapore 288945
Operating hours: Tue-Sun, 7.30am – 10pm (last order 9.30pm)
Facebook: @TheRealPeranakan
Instagram: @TheRealPeranakan
Website: therealperanakan.com

Hot Stones offer Japanese Steakhouse Dining Experience

October 11, 2020maybeline

Author: Alexius Chua

Are you into hot stone cooking? Located at River Valley, Hot Stones is the first restaurant in Singapore to offer cooking over volcanic stone slabs since 1992, and has revamped its dining concept to offer a Japanese steakhouse dining experience. The sizzling Yakiniku hands-on dining experience is indeed a feast for both the eyes and taste buds
But why hot stones? It is said that this cooking method help seal in the natural juices of the meat or seafood, further amp up the flavour and taste.

Combining the best of both worlds, the Surf & Turf for 2 ($108) is a medley of king prawns, salmon, US scallops, Australian wagyu and US striploin. The beef is surprisingly juicy and tender once cooked, and with alluring smell to arrest your senses. For the seafood, it is fresh and tasty but you need abit of handiwork on the prawns. The best part is since this is a DIY cooking concept, you can cook the meat to your preferred doneness and seafood to the preferred charring.

Each set comes with complete with five choices of appetisers, carbs and desserts per diner. The delectable options include cold shrimp tofu, mushroom soup, garlic rice and matcha cheesecake.
It’s perfect for couples on date nights or for small party of friends to catch up and bond over good food.

Apart from the specially curated sets, you can savour appetisers such as the melt in the mouth Aburi Wagyu Beef ($14), which has MS7 to 8 beef topped with sliced onions, wakame, Steamed Shrimp Momotaro ($8), Japanese Curry Mussels ($14), Sake Steamed Mussels ($14), Spicy Garlic Miso Mussels ($14) and Garlic Butter Mussels ($14).

If you like your meat accompanied with carb such as rice, you can look at Hot Stones luxurious bowls of donburi such as the Australia MS7-8 Wagyu Striploin Don ($38), Honey Miso Salmon Don ($28), and Teriyaki Chicken Don ($22). Its very atas looking.

End it off with a intoxicating yet refreshing Cherry Blossom Martini ($16) – a sweet concoction made with vodka, sake and grapefruit juice. Or with the more citrusy Shojito ($16) which is a mix of shochu, lime and mint leaf.

Promotion
Enjoy 50% off its 2nd set menu from 1 – 31 Oct 2020. T&Cs applies.

Hot Stones
3D River Valley Road #01-06 Block D, Singapore 179023
Operating hours: Mondays to Sundays, 12pm to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm
Facebook: @hotstones.sg
Instagram: @creativeeateries
Website: hotstones.com.sg

New Beauty in The Pot outlet @ NEX, with Flaming Moutai Surprise

October 4, 2020maybeline

Author: Alexius Chua

If you are living in the North East, you are in hotpot luck. Beauty in the Pot opens its newest outlet at NEX, boasting a magical unicorn wonderland theme with swirls of purple and shimmering silver. Sitting here for awhile indeed lifts up our spirits with that pleasant cheer, or isit due to the ‘Moutai’ enhanced broth taken into effect?

In celebration of its 7^th outlet, the restaurant offers Flaming Moutai Herbal Drunken Chicken Broth (single at $22++, twin pots at $12++) at the new outlet for a limited time only.

Created to commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China, there will be a short performance where the waitstaff lights the ladle filled with the prized liquor before pouring it into the boiling broth for that Insta-worthy firing moment. The Moutai enhances the savouriness, soy sauce-like flavour to the herbal broth. We’ve asked, additional ladle of that prized liquor will be $5.50.

There’s also a suite of premium hotpot ingredients for the picking. All the varieties of balls, pastes, and dumplings are handmade. At just $4 per person, enjoy free-flow selection of fresh fruits, appetisers, and more than 20 condiments or recommended sauces.

Some of the must-try items here are:
Signature Homemade Fish Tofu ($2.40/ piece)
Fried Beancurd Skin ($5.40/ half; $10.80/ full)
Soft Bone Pork Meatballs ($5.40/ half portion; $10.80/ full)

If you want a bit of theatrics, the Ebiko Prawn Paste ($18.90) has that airy, dry ice effect when presented, similar to those atas cocktails. The waitstaff will slice in front of you and pour it into the hotpot with deft hands. Shaped out of the 100% prawn meat, texturally the ebiko lends a nice juicy crunch.

Following the unicorn theme, a unicorn pushcart will serve complimentary swirly ice cream to diners exclusively available at the NEX outlet. One spoonful transports me instantaneously to kindergarten times. Yes its that childhood ice cream taste everyone would remember.

Capping off the meal is the yuzu dessert drink. Its light, refreshing and citrusy, really helps to cleanse the palate after a heavy yet satisfying hotpot meal.

• Those celebrating birthdays at Beauty in The Pot from 17 Oct 2020 onwards will receive a special gift, while stocks last (Hint: it’s a large present!)
• Exclusive goodie bags comprising a specially design pink canvas bag, a jar of house-made crispy nuts, cotton candy, a $30 dining voucher and more items will be distributed from 10 Oct onwards. While stocks last

Beauty in The Pot @ NEX
Serangoon NEX, #02-01
Daily 11.30am to 3am (last order at 2.15am)
Tel: 6805 8172
Website: www.paradisegp.com

Fremantle Seafood Market Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Whole Lobsters at 50% off

September 20, 2020maybeline

Author: Alexius Chua

Here’s a place you can make yourself (or your taste buds) feel like dining in Perth seafood harbour without shrinking your wallet too much.
Fremantle Seafood Market celebrates its 10th anniversary this September with an irresistible promotion – live whole lobster at 50% off! From 10 Sep to 11 October 2020, you can enjoy it 2 ways – Whole Lobster Thermidor (U.P. $82) or the Whole Lobster Mornay (U.P. $82). Limited to one redemption per table.
Tried the Thermidor lobster and find the meat is fresh with mushroom creaminess and cheesiness. The 50% off is simply a steal!

Inspired by the vibrant dining scene of Perth’s port city, Fremantle, Fremantle Seafood Market restaurant brings a plethora of seafood dishes from mussels to barramundi, oysters to lobsters, with a waterfront dining to boot.
The feast begins with an Oyster Challenge ($26) – Canadian oysters served with 3 curated sauces – verde, pomelo and Bloody Mary. For me the pomelo and Bloody Mary really enhances the oceanic taste of the oyster with a lingering citrusy sweetness.

Next is the Classic White Wine Clams ($14). From the picture you can tell that the restaurant didn’t go budget with the clams. The yellowish soup is rich and flavourful too. Served with garlic bread as a tasty dip to soak off the creamy soup.

The Signature Fremantle Snow Crab Cakes ($16) is a dish I adore. Its crispy exterior contrasts with the soft and fluffy inner. The amount of whitish crab meat per patty is generous and satisfying to bite into. Served with mixed salad and cayenne aioli.

While fish & chips dish are dime a dozen in Singapore, this Barramundi Fish and Chips ($18) features fish fillet coated with Australia’s Two Birds Brewing sunset ale beer batter, deep-fried to golden perfection. What’s more interesting is the accompanying duck fat fries (+$8 to upgrade from normal French fries to duck fat fries), it gives a subtly nicer, more rounded aroma than normal fries.

The last dish is a show stopper, and a dish to summarize what Fremantle Seafood Market truly is. The Fremantle Hot Seafood Platter ($76) is a glorious medley of crispy soft-shell crab, grilled barramundi fillet, white wine mussels, Rockefeller baked oyster, grilled garlic butter king prawn and baked Chilean scallop.
It got everything that everyone fancies, and its good for 2 to 3 pax. If you want to treat your special guest or a date with loved ones, this might be it.

Fremantle Seafood Market
3E River Valley Road, #01-05, Singapore 179024
Operating hours: Mon-Sun, 12-3pm (last order: 2.45pm), 5-10pm (last order: 9.45pm)
Facebook: @FremantleSeafoodMarket
Instagram: @creativeeateries
Website: fremantleseafoodmarket.com.sg

Butter Bean – modern version of Toast Box, opens 2nd outlet in VivoCity

September 13, 2020maybeline

Author: Alexius Chua

A creative concept by BreadTalk Group that serves contemporary Nanyang coffee-based drinks and opened-face toasts, Butter Beam unveils a 2nd outlet at VivoCity. It boasts a larger space than its Funan store with seating capacity of 70 (50 with current social distancing measure). This includes an alfresco patio that is perfect for a laid-back breezy afternoon.

The coffees are made from Arabica and Robusta beans, coated with a layer of caramelised sugar before roasting (Torrefacto method). They are ground in small batches when required, and brewed to the effect of Kopi-O Kosong Gao for that intense and full-bodied concentrate.
This forms the foundation of all coffee-based beverages at Butter Bean. Theyalso served specialty local and international beverages like hand-shaken teas and fruit drinks – all affordably priced at $3.50 and below.

Some examples are
GM Kopi BBliss (my favourite)
Lychee Orange Tea
BB Rose

The classic toasts are re-imagined at Butter Bean. From $2 onward per toast, each of the 8 options presents a different topping on an inch-thick Butter Bean signature butter loaf, which are baked fresh on the premises daily. The loaf is made with a proprietary recipe with pure New Zealand butter and Japanese flour. The toasts are further toasted on a flat iron grill to give a delightful crisp edge and soft and fluffy interior.

The bread by itself tastes light and milky like those Hokkaido bread. At an additional $3, you can choose your choice of toast as a set that includes two eggs – traditional half-boiled or Hanjuku-style with molten center, and a regular cup of hot Nanyang-brewed Kopi or Tea.
For a satisfying and fuller meal, you can opt for sandwiches, which uses the same milky bread.

Some examples are
PB & J
Say Cheese (my favourite)
Sandwiches
BBF Battered Fried Fish
C.F.C Crispy Fried Chicken (my favourite)

Besides kopi and toasts, Butter Bean also curates four mains to whet your appetite. Top up $2.20 to enjoy the mains as a set, served with choice of iced Kopi or Teh.
Some examples are
Curry On Sunshine (my favourite)
Hey You Hae Mee

Promotions
From 14 – 17 September, receive free metal straw and brush set with purchase of any two specialty drinks. Set will be included with order upon collection of drinks. Limited to the first 50 redemption per day. Specialty drinks include BBrulee Kopi/ Teh Latte, G.M. Kopi/ Teh BBliss, BB Rose, Lychee Orange Tea and Lim Aiyu.

Butter Bean @ VivoCity
1 HarbourFront Walk
#01-207, Singapore 098585
8am to 9pm (Sun – Thu)
8am to 10pm (Fri, Sat and PH)
Facebook/ Instagram: @butterbeansg