PinkyPiggu

When Omasake Burger was launched two years ago at The Grandstand, it garnered many positive reviews and some even described it as possibly the best burger in Singapore. My first taste of it was indeed delicious, so when the burger joint recently opened its second branch in Orchard Road with the lure of a much more convenient location and new exclusive items, I thought "why not?" so, off I went.

Taking over the unit on Wisma Atria's level 1 where Thai café Coffee Stars by Dao used to be, this branch will perhaps also appeal to those looking for a quick casual meal in between shopping sprees, except that it can come up to quite a not-exactly-cheap amount for a supposedly quick casual meal of burger + fries + drink (we paid $30 for one set). But more often than not, I would think "what the heck! Just eat lah!", as long as it's justified by quality.

And quality is what Omaskase Burger prides themselves on. The beef patty for their burgers are made with 100% USDA choice-grade premium cuts (no fillers! phew!), specially grind, blend and hand-form to ensure freshness. "Omakase" means let the chef decide and entrusting the meal to him, but I like it that we can choose our preferred beef doneness for an optimized personal experience.

Prices start at $14.90 for a Omakase Cheeseburger (hand-grounded beef patty, toasted artisanal bun, melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato and secret Omakase sauce) and goes up to $19.50 for an Ultimate Cheeseburger (topped with Omakase uncured applewood smoked bacon, grilled onions and mushrooms).

Unique to the Wisma Atria outlet is the Beef Tallow Fries ($5.95/6.95) - French fries deep-fried in freshly rendered beef fat! Sounds so decadent and flavorful! But it's only available on Saturdays and Sundays (why? why? why?) so we didn't get to taste it during the weekday afternoon when my friends and I were there.

We did try the other exclusive item though; The so-called "Rolls-Royce of bacon" which was featured in their signature Applewood Smoked Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.90). The beef patty is topped with bacon that is said to be slow-smoked over applewood chips for a deep and complex aroma, ours came a tad overcooked resulting in a dry and hard texture. If the bacon is as superior as it's touted to be, this could be an unfortunate case of good ingredient wasted by poor execution.

Overall, the burger was still satisfactory good with its imported American cheese melted over the delectable beef patty and Omakase's secret sauce, also in most part attributed by the pillowy-soft bun which was an improvement level up from the previous version after 2 years of research. The size of the burger was just nice for me, though it's considerably small for what you would expect at its price. Might not be sufficient to satiate a hungry appetite.

Our side of Truffles Fries ($7.30/$8.30) was decent and the classic Root Beer Float ($5.80) served with Vanilla soft-serve ice cream is always a delight.

Okay, been there done that. On to the next better burger.

Omakase Burger
Website: http://www.omakaseburger.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OmakaseBurger

Outlets
Wisma Atria
Address: 435 Orchard Road, #01-02/03, Singapore 238877
Contact: +65 6737 3218
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-10pm / Full menu available from 11am daily / Kitchen is closed Mon-Thu 3-5pm, all other hours: desserts & drinks only

The Grandstand
Address: 200 Turf Club Road, #01-05, Bukit Timah, Singapore 287994
Contact: +65 6763 2698
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu Lunch 11.30am-3.30pm, Dinner 5pm-9.30pm / Fri-Sun All-Day 11am-10pm

Prices are inclusive of 7% GST. No service charge.

I remember The Hungry Cow's previous birthday so vividly as it was such a last minute affair which sent the league ditching their plans, and me on an extended mrt ride so that we can make it for a celebration. Thankfully this year, Cow made advanced plan... erm well, one day in advance to be exact lol! But it's only on the day itself when he told us to meet at Kok Sen Restaurant located along Keong Saik Street in Chinatown for dinner. Woohoo good choice! We heard many positive reviews about this popular old-school eatery which was established more than 50 years ago. It is said to serve one of the best Cantonese-style zhi char in Singapore.

(Read: NamNam Noodle Bar @ Raffles City ~ A Moo-licious Pho Night for the Cow's Birthday)

We can believe what has been said to be true as soon as we started digging into the luscious pot of Big Prawn Bee Hoon Soup ($15/$30/$45), one of Kok Sen's signature dishes. The broth was of thick and grainy texture, wonderfully robust with fresh crustacean flavor tinged with slight spiciness of sambal chilli. Hugely-sized prawns were sliced in half, making it convenient to eat though it wasn't de-shelled. Together with the smooth rice vermicelli, it was indeed a slurpilicous start!

The Big Prawn Hor Fun ($15/$30/$45) was another winner with its thick flat rice noodle's smokey wok hei aroma and delish starchy gravy laced with ribbons of raw egg.

One of the more unusual dish which you don't normally see at a zhi char place is the Claypot Yong Tau Fu ($13/$19/$26). Assorted pieces of homemade beancurd, eggplant, bell pepper stuffed with fish and prawn paste were serving bubbling hot in a utterly lip-smacking saltish braising sauce. Flavors were bold and tasty. I like!

We also ordered some home-style favorites like the soupy 3-Eggs Chinese Spinach ($11/$17). The stock was a tad watered-down and only came with preserved century egg and salted duck egg; we wondered where is the chicken egg to make up the egg trio typical of this dish. Strange as it may sound, the best thing were the whole cloves of garlic, cooked to addictive nuggets of delectable softness, sans the raw pungency smell. Still, we tried to scare Cow by joking that we should all eat the garlic and give Cow a garlicky birthday kiss each haha! :p

Fu Rong (Meat) Omelette ($8/$10) was another seemingly simple dish of fried eggs with char siew and onions, but executed to outstanding yumminess. It was a tad greasy, but amazingly not the repulsive kind of greasiness. I actually enjoyed it very much. BFF said, "they must have used some pork lard". Haha I wondered if he has guessed correctly.

Though the Prawn Paste Chicken ($12/$18/$24) was crispy with nice shrimpy aroma, I'm disappointed it used different parts of the chicken instead of the usual chicken wings. I will skip the chicken next time, but will definitely again go for the Bittergourd with Pork Rib ($13/$20/$26) which really captured my heart the moment I bite into it. Love the pork ribs which were tender and infused with the delicious bitter-sweetness of bittergourd and rich flavors of black bean sauce. Very memorable.

Be prepared to wait for a table, especially on weekends when it can get really crowded. The eating house doesn't seem to have a systematic queuing system in place, so don't hesitate in grabbing the servers' attention and make your request known to them as soon you've arrived .

We hanged around for 30 minutes, enduring the pain of growling tummies and mental torture of seeing other diners attacking their food, before we were offered a outside table behind the restaurant. It turned out to be a fantastic one! We indulged in our sumptuous spread leisurely without the pressure of having other waiting customers staring down at us haha! Thank God for the breezy evening too.

Dining under the stars doesn't need to be romantic all the time. It can be hearty, rustic with lots of merriment. What a thoroughly satisfying back alley dining experience at Kok Sen Restaurant. Definitely one of my favorite zhi char places now!

Kok Sen Restaurant
Address: 30-32 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089137
Contact: +65 6223 2005
Opening Hours: Daily 11.30am-10.30pm

Following our delicious dinner at Kok Sen Eating House, we decided we should chillax at a hipster café. Even though Cow has turned a year older, we are all still very young and... trying to be hip! lol!!! But we had no idea where we're heading to, as Cow just told the league to follow him. Only after some persistent asking, he then whispered to me, "we are going to Roosevelt's.""You are going to bring us to drink 'horsepiss'?!", I can't help but gave him this reaction haha. (There was quite a controversy sometime back when a local instagrammer commented that Roosevelt's coffee is worse than horsepiss).

Conveniently located at the ground level of Dorsett Residences right next to Outram Park mrt station, Roosevelt's is more of a diner and bar with an American influence, rather than a café, that offers all day dining as well as a wines, spirits and cocktails bar.

Its industrial chic decor may not be the most creative, but we were rather fascinated by the unique glass table which is supported on a geometric metal framework and has a racecar engine as its base. That's where we chose to sit, with a vintage orange Vespa 'parked' right next to us.

My cup of Latte ($4.80), brewed from a blend of Brazil, Ethiopia and Sumatra coffee beans, was rather thin and weak in body with an acidic aftertaste. Could be an acquired taste for most people I guessed, but BFF did find it "okay leh". (we have no idea how horsepiss taste like so there's no basis for comparison).

Though the coffee here might not have caught my fancy, there's always other choices of beverages such as the lusciously creamy Roosevelt's Salted Caramel Milkshake ($8), as well as tea, juices and smoothies to choose from, besides the alcoholic selection.

Roosevelt's dinner menu comprise mainly of salads, sides, burgers, mains and pastas. Popular all-day breakfast items such as Teddy's Big Breakfast ($23 - egg, pork sausage, bacon, mushroom, cherry tomato, toast) and Eggs Benedict ($16 - poached egg, smoked ham, hollandaise sauce, English muffins) are available till 6pm daily.

It's quite amazing we had tummy space for more food considering the heavy dinner we had indulged in earlier (maybe our mouths were just 'itchy' :p). The Truffles Fries ($10) was crispy and adequately perfumed with truffle oil, while the Fried Chicken Wings ($11) proved to be a delight as well with its golden-brown crunchy batter and meaty bite. It was seasoned in a blend of spices which proved to be very agreeable on the palate.

It's even more amazing that Cow can stomach almost an entire Teddy's Classic Bacon Cheese Burger ($20) all by himself! Okay lah, I did 'helped' him by tasting a minute portion. I would have preferred the beef patty to be juicier and the brioche bun a tad more toasted, but still, it's quite decent when coupled with crisp bacon and fresh lettuce. Not impressed, but not complaining either.

Though the Chocolate Banana Waffle ($12) lacked the ideal texture of a fluffy inner and crispy outer, the sweetness of caramelized bananas with strips of chocolatey goodness distracted us from the waffle's less-than-perfect execution.

Birthday must eat cake, so we ordered a rich and dense Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake ($8) for Cow. Roosevelt's does not provide candle so we suggested to place a tealight instead (can blow can already haha). Thanks to Roosevelt's for being accommodative and the pleasant service that evening.

Blessed Birthday, Leroy!

Roosevelt's Diner & Bar
Address: 331 New Bridge Road, #01-02 Dorsett Residences, Singapore 088764
Contact: +65 65383518
Website: http://roosevelts.com.sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rooseveltsdinerbar
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 8.30am-10pm / Fri 8.30am-12am / Sun 8am-10pm

Prices are not inclusive of 10% service charge.

British Hainan is exactly the type of restaurant most people would fall in love with the moment they rest their eyes on it (I did!!!). Looking almost like a museum filled with vintage collectibles from yesteryears, its irresistible charm further contributed to the rustic laidback allure of this quiet stretch of Carpmael Road within the Joo Chiat estate. Time seemed to have stopped and we were transported back to a bygone era while lazily enjoying our meal of traditional Hainanese Oxtail Stew (and many more). British favorites like Fish & Chips are also offered on the menu as part of a collaboration with home-grown British-inspired food label, Streets of London.

It's easy to go "ooh aah look at this! look at that!", feeling all nostalgic as we went around spotting retro items which we identified with our childhood days. Old television sets, fans, phones, clocks, typewriters and numerous paraphernalia dotted the entire restaurant in both the air-conditioned indoor and alfresco area. Very nice, but the CMI undomesticated me had a very practical question: "how to clean and keep all these dust-free huh?".

It turns out that the owner, Frederick Phua, has been an avid collector of these treasures for over 40 years, and as explained by his daughter, Vanessa: "My dad is the Chef Maintenance Officer; very experienced already!"

Dad Frederick and his wife, Jessie, are not the only contributors to this family business. In fact, Vanessa and her two siblings, Amelia and Clinton, have all left their jobs to focus on running the restaurant full-time. The Phua family had wanted to do something together and when the opportunity to realize their dream came, British Hainan is born. I think the unity of this family is pretty amazing, don't you think so too?

While the rest of the family members exercise their efforts in areas of serving, marketing and accounting, Amelia is the self-taught cook who helms the kitchen along with another chef. The menu features mainly western-fare with a good selection of starters such as the hearty Wild Mushroom Soup ($6) and ever-popular Truffles Fries ($10), along with mains like Bangers and Mash ($12.90), Dijon Mustard Pork Chop ($14.90), IPA Baby Back Ribs ($25.90) as well as pastas and pizzas.

Food are all prepared without any use of MSG and the variety certainly seems suitable for the wider audience. For instance, Fish and Chips ($13.90) is always a safe and pleasing choice when the fish fillet is fresh, wonderfully crispy on the outer and retains a moist inner. British Hainan does their beer-battered dory version competently well and it's generously portioned for its price. I liked it.

Of course we also had to try their signature Traditional Hainanese Oxtail Stew ($24.90) too. Well-executed to tenderness after hours of braising, the chunks of oxtail were infused with the rich flavors of beef and wine. Very appetite whetting! The gravy can do with less sweetness though, same goes for the Braised Lamb Shank ($28.90), which is another main dish of satisfying hearty portion completed with potatoes, carrots and bread.

IPA Chicken ($13.90) is dish which you must order at British Hainan because it's simply so so so tasty. The cut of boneless thigh was grilled to a perfectly tender bite, with bursts of aromatic charred flavor at the edges. Sauce was again a tad on the sweet side but it's more balanced here with the subtle beer taste of Indian Pale Ale. I will come back again just to eat this.

We almost missed the SOL Sambal Wings ($8 for 6 pieces) until my still-hungry tummy told me to look at the menu at the end of our meal (I had left the ordering earlier to my dining companions). The wings were an absolute delight! Juicy, superbly well-marinated with a comfortable level of spiciness evenly coating my favorite mid-joint part. Best, it came deliciously piping hot! Yummy!

British Hainan's coffee is brewed using beans from Toby's Estate. Vanessa was very kind to allow me a go at baristaring my own cup of Latte ($4.50) and patiently guided me through the whole process from pulling the espresso, to making the perfect foam and finally integration to create beautiful latte art.

Wah, it's very difficult! I tamped down too hard on the coffee grounds the first time, only getting it right on the second try. My hands were both shaking as I attempted to make the most basic heart design! Haha I failed big time, my latte belongs to the 'can still drink (it was slightly bitter) but no art to see' type. The cup you see below is made by Vanessa. Thank you, sifu!

Dining at British Hainan may not bring you to the extreme heights of gastronomic pleasures but there are dishes worth coming for such as the IPA Chicken and Sambal Wings. The sincere warmth and hospitality of the owners made us feel right at home and it is not something which can be emanated without a passionate heart for the business. Being humble also makes them open to our feedback and I believe improvement is something which we can expect next.

Overall, it was very enjoyable afternoon with unforgettable memories! :)

British Hainan
Address: 75 Carpmael Road, Singapore 429812
Contact: +65 6336 8122
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/British.Hainan
Opening Hours: Mon 11.30am-10pm / Wed-Sat 11.30am-10pm / Sun 6pm-10pm / Closed on Tue

Prices are nett with no service charge and GST.

Dining with a view is always pleasing, even more especially so when we're talking about the spectacular city scenery offered by Salt Grill & Sky Bar, which is perched up high on level 55 (said to be the highest point in Orchard Road) in the bustling ION Orchard mall. Opened by renowned Celebrity Chef Luke Mangan, our lunch experience at his restaurant was nothing short of what one would expect from a swanky fine-dining establishment - Quality food, impeccable service and excellent atmosphere.

I have my boss to thank for his brilliant venue selection. We felt like special guests, from the moment the concierge on ION level 4 guided us to the dedicated lift whisking us off to level 55, and as we walked through the awe-inspiring interior to our table right next to the full height window which runs almost the length of the entire restaurant.

Salt opened its doors with much fanfare in 2010 and has recently went through a renovation for an updated look. Floor is refreshed with a new lay of carpet, stunning light sculptures hanged sexily from the ceilings and the mezzanine floor now sees a brand new bar for the enjoyment of wines and cocktails. Want some privacy? The exclusive dining area on the 56th floor will provide you with that.

This is the perfect place you would bring your corporate clients to impress them, or your date for a romantic special night out. The contemporary and stylish setting makes it ideal for events and launches too. Hard to go wrong.

My recollection of my previous visit to Salt when it just opened was vague, except that the lighted-up view of the city was gorgeously breathtaking at night, and my 'supper' of desserts were delicious. Glad that this visit allowed me to properly try out the food menu. The kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Mathew Leighton who is based here, while Chef Luke Mangan makes visits to Singapore every few months.

Salt showcases Modern Australian Cuisine, which can be defined as a fusion of new ingredients and traditional techniques with the best ingredients available, brought by the inspiration of different cuisines. What we can expect is a variety of high quality fresh produce imported from Australia.

Prices are not as intimidating as I had imagined, with the Weekday Lunch Set starting from an affordable S$45++ and S$60++ for a 2-course or 3-course meal. There is a good selection for each course of entrée, main and dessert, featuring mostly signature dishes from the ala-carte menu. With the items being rotated monthly, there is always a reason to visit and revisit.

While my colleague verdicted his entrée of Salmon Tarte to be good, it was my other colleague's plate of Glass Sydney Crab Omelette which had me casting all the envious glances. I must knock myself in the head for not doing my 'homework' before coming, because the omelette is one of Salt's signature dishes which many has raved to be a delightfully soft and creamy creation filled with sweet crab meat and mushrooms in flavorful miso mustard broth. Okay, next time!

My choice of Parma Prosciutto did not come as a surprise, as I always have a soft spot for those thinly-sliced cured ham from the Parma region of Italy. Reputed to be the king of all cured meat, its luscious tone color and delectable saltish taste was undeniably satisfying and only needs a slight drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance it.

Main courses of Char-grilled Barramundi and Portuguese Baby Chicken soon followed. The plating was nothing overly fancy, just elegantly simple and visually appealing. When you see the plates being cleaned out, the taste of the food has already spoken for itself.

The grass-fed Beef Fillet with red wine sauce was on lean side, slightly overdone than my requested medium-rare, but the adequate tenderness and flavor of the meat gave it a redeeming bite. Served alongside with sauté spinach and a generous portion of eggplant sauce, it all added up to be pretty substantial.

There is the option to supplement the lunch set with sides such as Heirloom Tomato Salad ($14), Mashed Potato ($13) and of course we had to order the perennial favorite, Truffle Fries ($14). Scented in truffle oil and tossed with shavings of Parmesan cheese, these skinny fries are certainly addictive treats. I requested for Roast Mushrooms ($15) as well. Those little morsels of earthly aroma coupled with garlic butter always make great accompaniment to any meals.

Luke Mangan's Liquorice Parfait with Lime is the highly recommended signature dessert which is served not just in Salt Grill in Singapore, but also throughout all his restaurants in Australia and overseas. As we were concerned that it might taste 'cough syrupy' and not feeling very adventurous that afternoon, we decided on the refreshing Lemongrass Panna Cotta with char-grilled pineapple & ginger beer sorbet and Chocolate Delice with salted caramel, honeycomb & praline ice cream. Safe choices, but gratifying to the tastebuds nevertheless.

Within the short two hours we were dining there, we witnessed the changing of our unpredictable local weather from sunshine to the sudden sweep of dark clouds, and finally back to clear skies with the sea horizon in sight again.

My takeaway from this lunch was not just the delicious food and awesome company, but also a reminder to embrace the sunshine while it lasted. Gloomy skies may come but are just prelude to warm brightness that will eventually follow. Who knows, you might even get a beautiful rainbow! When God takes something away, what He's giving next will definitely be better. Looking forward to the new glorious chapter of life :)

Salt Grill & Sky Bar by Luke Mangan
Address: ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, #55-01 & #56-01, Singapore 238801
Contact: +65 6592 5118
Website: http://www.saltgrill.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaltGrillSkybar

Opening Hours (Mon-Sun)
Restaurant: Lunch 11.00am-2pm / Dinner (Thu-Sun) 6pm-10pm / Dinner (Fri & Sat) 6pm - 10.30pm
Sky Bar: 11am - 11.30pm
Brunch (Weekend): 11am-2pm / Afternoon Tea 2pm-6pm

Directions
Proceed to Level 4 of ION Orchard and look for the concierge desk. At the rear of the desk you will see a sign for Salt Grill & Sky Bar, see the receptionist and they will direct you to the dedicated lift for a ride to the restaurant.

Prices are subject to prevailing taxes and service charge.

The promise of authentic Taiwanese cuisine had us lured into the 5 Little Bears Taiwan Food and Beverages Restaurant at Far East Plaza! Serving popular delights such as Braised Pork Rice, Oyster Mee Sua, Deep-fried Chicken Chop and Homemade Wintermelon Tea, the food at this casual eatery certainly lived up to our expectations. This is now one of the best places I would go to in Singapore whenever I miss Taiwan's street food. "Very good!", or as how the Taiwanese would say it: "赞!"

5 Little Bears - 五只小熊, what an impossibly cutesy name for an establishment selling hearty street food (I would have thought it's a café). It turns out the the boss is fondly known as 大熊 (big bear) and has five kids, so that's how the eatery's name came about. Of course, we all know that Taiwan's national animal is the Formosan Black Bear.

Since relocating to Singapore from Taiwan 6 years ago, the boss and his wife have been missing the food from their homeland. Though Taiwanese cuisine is available locally, they found nothing close to the familiar taste they have grown up with. They decided to set up 5 Little Bears themselves after much disappointment.

With an aim to replicate the recipes and tastes as authentically as they can, several trips back to Taiwan were made to source for the appropriate sauces. Ingredients were imported wherever possible. Looks like the efforts paid off, as I was told by the boss that they do have quite a number of regulars who are Taiwanese. Their support are literally a nod of yes to the Taiwanese taste.

The Taichung Braised Pork Rice ($4.80) was indeed aromatic after being marinated and simmered for hours in premium Taiwan soy sauce. I find that the Taichung version wasn't as oily or heavily flavored as the ones I had in Taipei, but the little pieces of pork belly had the right balance of saltiness, sweetness, leanness and fattiness which was totally satisfying. Portion was undeniably generous, we couldn't even see the rice buried underneath! Love the QQ bouncy texture of slightly sticky short-grain rice and crunch of pickled vegetables. This is a highly comforting one-bowl dish which I would eat over and over again.

5 Little Bears'Taipei Oyster Vermicelli ($4.50) was notably different from the pig-intestines laden Ah Zong Mian Xian (阿宗麵線) version (which we must must must have whenever we visit Taipei), their mee sua came with plump oysters and tiny stripes of black fungus. The thin strands of rice vermicelli had a nice bite and was just as delectable with its slightly starchy broth and additional condiments of garlic, vinegar and chilli stirred in. We easily slurped up the whole bowl.

The Kaohsiung Beef Noodles ($8.50) was another slurpilicous treat which had us emptying the contents in its entirely from the bowl. Broth was rich and robust, beef chunks were braised to divine tenderness, flat noodles were enjoyably chewy. We agreed this can even rival some of the restaurants' version in terms of taste and win by the much-lower price-point.

A Taiwan dish that's new to us, yet with a tinge of familarity, was the Tainan Soup Noodles ($4.80). I nicknamed it as 'bak chor prawn mee' because of its prawn-based soup and topping of braised minced meat over yellow noodles. The Hsinchu Fried Rice Noodles Set ($5.90) with meat ball soup is also a dish which we don't usually see in Taiwan eateries here. Though not amazingly spectacular in culinary sense, both noodles dishes gave a deliciously rustic, homely taste. Worth trying if you like something different.

Deep-fried food are hazardous to my voice and waistline, but there is no way I can ever give up on them. Here, you will find all the perennial favorites like X-Large Chicken Chop ($4.80), Sesame Seed Crispy Chicken ($4), Crispy Shiitake Wedges ($3) and Sour Plum Sweet Potato ($3). I wonder if there will be chicken wings too someday :p

Perhaps the best way to minimize damage is to share the deep-fried goodness with friends. That's precisely the reason why the boss served the succulent chicken thigh cutlet neatly cut in long stripes to make sharing easier. In his words, he explained: "可以与朋友分享，更容易 share share". You can tell he's quite localized (at least in the Mandarin + English speaking way) already lol.

(In Taiwan, many vendors stand by their principle of not cutting the chicken cutlet to better retain its juiciness.)

We were quite surprised at ourselves by finishing the Eight Treasures Ice ($6) after all the savory food above. Brimming with 8 different type of ingredients including kidney bean, red bean, green bean, barley, yam ball, sweet potato ball, black pearl jelly and the unique addition of raisins, it's the signature dessert leh, how can leave without trying! It could be deemed expensive as it actually cost more than most of the rice and noodles main courses, but one serving is more than sufficient for 2-3 persons to share. Very refreshing!

Overall pricing is affordable. The prices stated are all nett with no service charge or GST, a set meal of main and drink goes from as little as $5.50. Considering that this is dining in the city with air-con comfort provided, food is of substantial portion and good quality, I wouldn't hesitate to say what 5 Little Bear has offered is absolutely good value-for-money.

Drawback might be that the eatery could have appeared to be a tad more costly than what it really is on the outside, deterring new customers who are on a meal budget from walking in. Shoppers looking for convenient snacks on-the-go might be unaware that behind those glass doors, popular items like chicken cutlet are ready to be deep-fried and ready for takeaway in a jiffy, much like those Taiwanese chain-food kiosks we see everywhere.

Next time if you're hungry, why not walk into 5 Little Bears and show them some support?

5 Little Bears (五只小熊) Taiwan Food and Beverages Restaurant
Address: 14 Scotts Road, #01-07 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213
Contact: +65 6836 5198
Website: http://www.5littlebears.com/
Opening Hours: Daily 11.30am - 9.30pm

Prices are nett with no service charge and GST.

Cafés, cafés, and more cafés, they're everywhere now! Still, the appeal of checking out new places have yet to cease for the time being, so here I am at Brew Maison. Situated at Alocassia Apartments along Bukit Timah Road, it is not the most convenient of location for yours truly, but the cosy feel of the café could prove to be the next popular place for nearby residents and SCGS students to chillax.

To sum up Brew Maison in one word - Pretty. From the pastel-color theme, turquoise blue walls, comfortable-looking white couches to the little pots of ~~artificial~~ eternal bloom on each table, it spells sweet girlishness all over. (But guys can still come here lah).

The café is said to be inspired by Japanese and Korean style, certainly not your usual industrial-chic kind of hipster hangout.

The influence of Japanese and Korean style is also spilled over to the menu offering, with the use of
Japanese flavored teriyaki sauce, as well as Korean bulgogi-style red sauce to complement the mains.

The drill is simple: select your main of chicken, pork, beef or fish with choice of rice, pasta, bread or wrap, followed by your preferred sauce. Add sides and snacks for a more substantial meal.

Our order of Pork ($8.20) came with thinly-sliced pork belly cooked in sweetish brown sauce sandwiched between ciabatta bread, while the side order of Tori Bites ($6) were crispy little homemade nuggets of minced chicken.

We thought the taste could be more polished and plating could do with more refinement, but these are areas which can be improved given time, as long as the kitchen is willing to invest in more effort.

As waffles are not available during the late afternoon we were there, and most of the supplied pastries such as cakes and muffins doesn't looked very enticing, we decided on the Banana Cake ($3) which is baked in-house. The slice we had was adequately moist and nicely flavored with banana. My friend said it reminded him of Bengawan Solo (he meant it in a not-so-bad way).

Admittedly, the most compelling reason for me to visit Brew Maison are the impossibly adorable 3D latte art. Oh look! There's a kitty in my (sweet potato) Goguma Latte ($4)! Meow~ Meow~

I also requested for Doraemon and Little Twin Stars designs for our Caffé Latte ($4) and Cappuccino ($4), which the talented 3D & cartoon latte artist gladly acceded to. Though the latte art has no added value in terms of taste to the coffee, it did contributed a little extra fun to the whole caffeine drinking experience, and could make your Instagram post generate more 'likes' and perhaps even new followers almost instantly.

We waited for 30 minutes for our cuppas to be ready, understandably so as each latte design needs to be carefully crafted. But the artist may not be in the café all the time, so it's advisable to check Brew Maison's facebook page for updates on the schedule. On other days, simple freepour designs are done by the baristas on duty.

Our coffee tasted decent, but can be bolder in body and aromatics. Once the novelty of cutesy latte art wears off, what will eventually draw a customer back would really depend on the level of substance a café has.

Brew Maison
Address: 383 Bukit Timah Road, #01-9B Alocassia Apartments, Singapore 259727
Contact: +65 6836 2948 / +65 6735 5068
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrewMaison
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-10pm / Sat-Sun 8am-10pm

Prices are nett with no service charge and GST.

Potato Head Folk could possibly be the hottest current talk of the town. Opened by the same people behind the wildly successful Potato Head Beach Club in Bali, this latest hangout in Singapore looks ready to mirror its popularity with gorgeous décor, hipster vibes and reasonably good food.

Housed within the iconic building at Keong Saik Road in the Chinatown district where Tong Ah Kopitiam used to be, it spans four levels of different themes which is said to be modeled after the intimate feel of a private house completed with a 'kitchen', 'living room', 'private studio' and 'rooftop garden'.

Level one is where Three Buns Bistro lies. The open kitchen offers us a glimpse of chefs at work and limited seats are available along the corridor. No service charge is imposed on this level if you chose to dine here or takeaway the food, but the heat would probably chase you up to Three Buns Restaurant, the air-conditioned 'living room' on level two.

We visited the restaurant barely a week after it opened and the repugnant smell of fresh paint was still in the air, but the vibrancy of the colorful interior soon took my attention away. Hand-painted murals of butterflies and flowers adorned the walls, figurines of pixyish-looking children and creatures dotted the brightly-lit space, and banner flags hanging from the ceiling adds a touch of conviviality to the whimsical atmosphere. Every corner turned is a beautiful instgrammable moment.

Grub is mainly burgers and sides, along with a host of beers, cocktails and lovingly homemade sodas. Any lamb - Rambo ($25), buttermilk fried chicken - Honky-Tonk ($19) or double prime beef patties - Four Floors ($28) burger for you?

Our choice of Three Bun's signature burger, Baby Huey ($20), looked somewhat small in size, but the 150g of freshly ground beef patty grilled to medium doneness combined with cheese, lettuce, pickles, spiced mayo and 'Notorious T.O.M Sauce' between artisan soft bun soon proved to be of quite a substantial portion for our easily satisfied appetite.

The basket of Wing-Its ($8) was competently crispy chicken wings heavily coated in a thick smokey BBQ sauce which left me feeling a tad surfeit after awhile. Naughty Fries ($9) was another indulgence of deep-fried potatoes in creamy spiced bearnaise sauce, hot beef chilli, crisp shallots, parmesan and sesame seeds. Though undeniably guilty of calories sin, it was an addictive treat which we thoroughly enjoyed.

With only two dessert selection of individual dessert pot in either Rich Chocolate ($6) or Zesty Lemon ($6), we decided to go for the former. The mix of dark and milk chocolate mousse was velvety smooth but my personal taste preference would be to have a higher percentage of dark chocolate in it. Too intensely rich for me after a heavy meal, I'm glad to have a dining companion who finished most of the whole cup off. He really liked the chocolate.

We did not venture up to the private Studio 1939 on level three, nor the Open-air Bar at the rooftop garden.

Service was friendly and the overall experience was good. A cool place worth checking out.

Potato Head Folk
Address: 36 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089143
Contact: +65 6327 1939
Website: http://www.ptthead.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PotatoHeadFolk
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 11am-12am / Closed on Mon

Prices are subjected to prevailing government taxes and service charge.

Two Wings, because one just isn't enough. Two Wings, because two is always better than one. But but but... this PinkyPiggu want to eat more than two wings, because it was so awesomely delicious! This is one of the best deep-fried chicken wings I've tasted in Singapore!

Salute at Blk 119 of Bukit Merah Lane (behind Alexandra Village Food Centre) could be the most un-local local coffeeshop in Singapore. Unlike the usual stalls selling local comfort food such as bak chor mee or chicken rice, we can only find western grub here. Home to Seasalt The Seafood Place, Immanuel French Kitchen and 面miàn by The Travelling C.O.W, as well as the popular DeBurg Burgers (until they moved out recently), the newest addition to the family (since 1st May 2014) is none other than Two Wings which specializes in chicken wings.

But the ply of chicken wings hawker trade is not exactly new to founder Jeremy Loh (seen in the above picture with his partner, Samantha, and yours truly). His granduncle was selling deep-fried wings in the Toa Payoh Lorong 5 food center since 1970s, and Jeremy would visit the stall often as a kid. Though Granduncle has long retired, he has unselfishly passed on the legacy of his special recipe to two members within the extended family.

Carona Fried Chicken Wing Rice was subsequently established, experienced a success boom in the 1980s, eventually suffered a franchise failure and has been long defunct. We were told that the current owner of Victor Famous Fried Chicken Rice at Veerasamy Road used to run Carona Chicken and is one of the family members who has benefited under the tutelage of Jeremy's granduncle.

Jeremy, of course, is now the latest and youngest disciple of his granduncle. Starting off from a humble canteen stall at Kallang which he described as his 'training ground' for 6 months, not only has he learned the secrets and techniques of the original recipe from his granduncle, he has even further fine-tuned it to ensure his chicken wings captures the adoration of modern palates.

For instance, in his granduncle's days, the chicken wings used are of a smaller size, usually no more than 100 grams per wing. But we like it plump for a more satisfactory bite, so Jeremy specially sourced his bigger-sized wings from Brazil. Size does matter.

No expenses is spared to ensure ingredients used for seasoning and batter are of premium quality. A sesame oil supplier was trying to pitch his product to Jeremy but backed off once he got a whiff of what Jeremy is using, because he knew he can't match it.

Lest you start wondering if Jeremy will get too adventurous and deviated too much from granduncle's original recipe, I can imagine any evolvement can only be in a good way. Afterall, granduncle is already in his 80s, but still swings by often to ensure the chicken wings are of consistent quality and matches up to his standard.

The Chicken Wings ($8.50/4pcs, $12.50/6pcs, $24/12pcs) are freshly fried only upon order, so expect a slight wait, but what you'd be getting is nothing short of amazing. The first thing you'd noticed is the wings' beautiful golden brown exterior and nary any trace of oil can be seen on the wooden serving board.

Next comes the exciting part! A bite into the wings rewarded my mouth with hot crackling crispy skin, before filling it with fleshy, succulent meat. It was certainly well-marinated, but not over powering the natural taste of chicken. The best part was, the wings did not taste greasy at all. I just ate and ate with minimum feelings of calories guilt hehee. Super amazing, I must say!

But I do not agree with the so-called 'correct way' of eating chicken wings, which is to pull off the cartilage and bones before eating it boneless. The utmost enjoyment is to tear the skin apart with your teeth, slowly chew off the meat, gnaw every tiny bit left off the bones, and licking the juices off the fingers (mid-joints and tips are the best!). Not to be rushed, but slowly savoured. The chicken wings at Two Wings were more than finger-licking good.

Worth a special mention is the homemade chilli sauce. Much like the chicken rice style of chilli, it was zesty with aromatic notes of garlic, and epitomize the right level of consistency and spiciness level. The fabulous chicken wings dipped in this superb chilli made the most delightful pairing. It rekindled memories of my younger days when I enjoyed Carona Chicken so much.

To provide variety for his customers, Jeremy also offers other parts of the chicken such as Drumstick, Thigh, Breast ($9/2pcs, $12/3pcs), as well as Spring Chicken ($9.90/half, $15.90/whole) and Chicken Cutlet ($8), which all comes with 2 sides like the rustic-style homemade Chilled Mashed Potato Salad. Prices are noticeably higher than what you would pay for at a coffeeshop's western food stall, but the quality of food has proven to be comparatively higher too.

The unassuming looking chicken cutlet turned out to be a favourite among some of us at the table. We thought it to be boring and oh well, just another piece of chicken, but its coat of crunchy exterior revealed a most tender thigh within. Texture wise, it has hit all the right notes. Taste wise, it was indeed flavoursome.

If you come in a big group, I would also recommend getting the Finger Food Platter ($19.90) to share. Described by Jeremy as 'nibble heaven', it consists of 3 pcs Chicken + 9 pcs Chicken Strips + 6 pcs Spring Rolls + French Fries/Potato Wedges + Onion Rings + Cucumber & Carrot with dip.

Still not enough? Get Cheese Fries ($4.50) too! What's not to like about those addictive thickly-cut fries drizzled with cheese and mayonnaise? Decadently yummy!

Some of Jeremy's customers feedback to him that the chicken wings they had dabao (takeaway) back home remained crisp even after a few hours. Such pride you can tell from Jeremy when he told us this, but we still have to put it to test. Alas I returned home too late in the evening, but Catherine, another blogger who was also with us at lunch, shared on her instagram post that "the chicken skin stays crisp in humid weather even after three hours! Amazing batter!"

My craving for chicken wings can be satisfied but can never be satiated. And no need to guess too hard where I'd go for delicious wings now. To more chicken wings days at Two Wings! :D

Thanks to Uncle Smart who discovered and shared with us this amazing chicken wings stall, and Jeremy & Samantha for their warm hospitality.

Two Wings
Address: Blk 119 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-40, Singapore 151119
Contact: +65 9667 0368
Website: http://www.twowings.com.sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twowingsSG
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 12pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm / Closed on Mon

Sawadee Thai Cuisine may have moved into the shophouse unit at Tan Quee Lan Street (near Bugis Junction) only a few months ago, but this family-run restaurant has been serving up delicious Thai dishes at a Sembawang neighbourhood spot (opposite the popular Sembawang White Bee Hoon) for the last 15 years. Even though I stay in the northern part of Singapore, I'm happy that the current location is more centralized, making it easier for friends to meet up and enjoy a meal here together.

The look has gone much more upmarket and elegant, prices up a little but is still very affordable compared to other premium dining restaurants. What remains mostly the same is the repertoire of dishes that are cooked using home recipes handed down by the lady boss, which most of it has been fine-tuned over the years to suit local palates. I would describe the overall flavors as family and expatriates friendly, easily acceptable to majority of tastebuds.

It was a pleasant surprise to find Mieng Kham, Betel Leaf Wrap ($12/$18) on the menu, as it is seldom seen in most Thai restaurants here in Singapore. Though a traditional street snack in Thailand, my first taste of it was at an high-end restaurant in Bangkok. The unforgettable memory was rekindled in a flash!

The way to eat this appetizer is to put a bit of each condiment including dried shrimps, roasted peanuts, shredded coconut, lime, onion, ginger and chilli padi on a piece of betel leaf, topped it with the savory sauce, wrapped it up, send the entire parcel into the mouth and start chewing your way to happiness. Spicy, salty, sweet, zesty and crunchy all at once, the rapturous burst of combined flavors and textures is highly addictive. This is a must-try!

Another appetizer which is delightful to munch on is the Thai Rice Crackers Dip ($9/$14). The rice crackers is quite bland on its own but comes alive with a spread of minced chicken dip which was thick and creamy with an intense coconut milk flavor.

Served in a traditional clay plate, Sawadee's Thai Style Otah ($15) of delicious fish paste blended with coconut milk, Thai herbs and a hint of fish sauce was not only interesting in presentation, but enjoyable in taste. I liked its subtle spiciness and the firm, springy bite of the fish mousse.

Also to be expected on the menu are long time favorites such as spicy and sour Tom Yum Soup ($10/$15), Thai Green Curry ($12/$18), Phai Thai ($12/$18) and Pineapple Rice ($13/$18), as well as Crab Springrolls ($10/$15), deep-fried crispy rolls stuffed with crab meat and served with sweet chilli dipping sauce.

The Green Mango Salad ($10/$15) is thoughtfully prepared with both ripe and unripe mangoes, resulting in a refreshing pairing of contrasting textures. The sweetness and crunchiness was palatable but seasoning was somewhat muted. We wished for more boldness in the salad.

A dish which we all loved that evening was the Hearty Duck Curry ($15/$22). The vibrancy of its color was already very appetite inducing and even more so as we started digging in. Cooked in a delish gravy of chilli, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and coconut milk, the red curry with slices of roasted duck was further enhanced with the fruity sweetness of lychee and pineapple. Very lovely execution of a well-loved Thai dish.

The freshness of the Spicy Steamed Fish ($28) also had us finishing it to the bones. A whole sea bass is used, perfectly steamed to tenderness and just needed the classic Thai taste of spicy and sour sauce to accentuate its deliciousness.

My favorite dish of the evening turned out to be the plate of humble-looking Fried Fish Maw with Beansprouts ($12/$18). The fish maw was first cooked in chicken broth for a soft flavorful bite, before being stir-fried with eggs and beansprouts. It may sound like a simple dish, but the fluffiness and eggy aroma of the fish maw omelette paired with the crunchiness of beansprouts epitomized my idea of homely bliss on a plate. Definitely a must-order!

If you thought the chicken wings looked fat, it's only because it has been deboned and stuffed with chicken meat and shiitake mushrooms. Well-marinated with herb and spices, steamed to retain the juices and then deep-fried upon order, these Thai Stuffed Chicken Wings ($10/$15) were scrumptious little treats.

Sawadee's Olive Rice ($13/$18) came with chicken stripes and fried dried shrimps, a delectable rendition which garnered nods of approval from around the table.

A staple Thai dessert not to be missed is the Mango with Glutinous Rice ($6). Not only do we get the usual white sticky rice here, we also got the blueish-purple variant, colored from the natural hue of butterfly pea flowers. Other than mango, there was also the durian puree version which made my durian-loving dining companions rather happy.

Sawadee Thai cuisine is a casual restaurant with some unique offerings and superbly-executed dishes. Absolutely worth visiting!

Sawadee Thai Cuisine
Address: 9 Tan Quee Lan Street, #01-01, Singapore 188098
Contact: +65 6238 6833
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SawadeeCuisine
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm

The shutters may have gone down for Tian Kee & Co, a 54 years old provision shop nestled in one of Singapore's oldest estate Dakota Crescent, but in its place now is a café with an amazing old-school touch. Retaining much of the elements left by its predecessor, the converted space is certainly reminiscent of days gone by, and presents a whole new realm of idyllic charm which stands out among the many hipster cafés we have been hopping to recently.

Current owner Vincent (aka CK) and his wife resides in the neighborhood, and have often jogged passed the provision shop ran by previous owner Uncle Lim. Upon hearing that Uncle Lim decided to give up the shop and retire, Vincent wasted no time in making known his intentions of taking over.

His plan was to realize his wife's dream of opening a café called "Black Rose", but they decided to retain the shop's original name to preserve part of its rich heritage. Other than the iconic blue signboard which Uncle Lim left for them, many remnants of a bygone era can still be seen at Tian Kee.

I was almost tempted to hop onto the 20-cent dolphin kiddy ride (just kidding! lol) which is still operational. Rusty old spring-loaded metal gates fronted the entrance, and those foldable formica-top tables further added to the nostalgic feel. Behind the counter lies an old Milo tin which was used to stash away the money collected. Any one still remember these haw flake candies and Apollo chocolate wafers?

The classic 'kopitiam-style' cups are specially sourced, but the Latte ($5) which it contains brought us back to modern times. Coffee beans are from Dutch Colony.

For a cuppa with a difference, try the SNAG ($5.50), a lovely combination of espresso and steamed fresh milk sweetened with a dash of rose syrup. The iced version was particularly refreshing in this sweltering heat.

Muffins ($3.50), Cream Puffs ($1.50), as well as a good variety of cakes from Cat and the Fiddle are also available. We quite like the Yuan Yang Cheesecake ($6.50), a pastry interpretation of the traditional Hong Kong-style drink of espresso and milk tea. The soft and fluffy Japanese Cupcake ($3.50) makes another wonderful coffee time delight.

For a savory bite, Tian Kee serves up their Homemade Pies ($7.90) of tender chicken encased in flaky pastry with either Korean pepper paste or black pepper sauce. While my personal preference always welcome spicy food, I thought it would be good to include some non-spicy options for those who can't take the heat.

The current menu also includes rich roasted Pumpkin Soup ($7.90) and simple Mushroom Soup ($8.90) filled with hearty chopped mushrooms. More items are set to be introduced soon, what we can expect are All-Day-Breakfast selections, as well as Homemade Gelatos. It may sound crazy, but the setting of the café actually made me craved for a plate of fried bee hoon with luncheon meat haha.

It was quite breezy during the afternoon we were there, though there was no air-conditioning which made it felt like we've traveled back in time. Couldn't get any more old-school than this. Come and enjoy the relaxed, nostalgic vibes of Tian Kee before it gets too crowded.

Tian Kee & Co
Address: Blk 12 Dakota Crescent, #01-48, Singapore 390012
Contact: +65 9106 6616
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiankeedakotacrescent
Opening Hours: Tue-Thu 10am-7pm / Fri-Sun 10am-9pm / Closed on Mon

Singapore Food Festival (SFF) is back from 11 to 20 July 2014! Let's take "A Walk Down Memory Lane" and learn more about Singapore's rich food legacy while indulging in sumptuous treats at various locations around our island. Expect food trails, masterclasses, cooking challenge and even a roving food truck! Here's a closer look at the host of activities we can look forward to...

Singapore Chinese Dialect Heritage Feast
Date: 11 - 20 July 2014
Time: 11am - 11pm
Location: Chinatown Food Street, Smith Street
Pricing: Free admission, pay for purchases
Organized by: Chinatown Food Street

Kicking off the festival is the launch at Chinatown Food Street on 11 July. The street will be enlivened with iconic Chinatown characters from the past such as samsui women and coolies. Indulge in Chinese dialect dishes like Hakka Red Glutinous Wine Chicken, Hainanese Herbal Mutton Soup, Teochew Pig Trotter Jelly, Hokkein Kong Bak Pau, Cantonese Pig Trotter in Vinegar & Ginger, Teochew Yam Paste with Gingko Nuts, Hakka Yong Tau Foo, as well as Hakka Rickshaw Noodles, a flavorful bowl of stewed Hokkein yellow noodles in pork broth with minced meat and vegetables. Don't miss the opportunity to go on the Chinese Heritage Food Trail to discover more about each dish.

BBQ by the Beach
Date: 11, 12, 18 & 19 July 2014 (Fri & Sat)
Time: 6.30pm - 10.30pm
Location: Palawan Beach, Sentosa
Pricing: Adult $79-$99 / Child $29-$39 (age 3-10 yrs old)
Online Reservation: http://store.sentosa.com.sg/main/events
Organized by: Sentosa

Woohoo the first sand dining concept in Singapore! Created by renowned local sand sculptor, Joo Heng Tan, the specially sand sculpted tables and seats allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the beach environment as we feast on hearty barbequed seafood and meats which will be grilled using traditional Hawaiian underground pit known as the Ïmu". Must-try dishes include Barbeque Sambal Chilli Stingray, Baked King Prawns with spices wrapped in banana leaf, Grilled Beef Rump and Barbeque Whole Lamb. Expect great music, entertainment and heart-thumping fire twirling performances. Do catch the sunset while you're there. It's beautiful.

South East Sliders @ ION Orchard
Date: 11 - 20 July 2014
Time: 10am - 10pm
Location: ION Orchard, Level B3
Pricing: From $7

Helmed by Chef Damian D'Silva, South East Sliders will feature his radical take on familiar Singapore dishes, namely Lim Peh Slider - Beef Rendang shredded and stuffed into a pastry pocket together with caramelized onions, pickles, lettuce & Swiss chess and The Big D Slider - Chicken Debal with relish, lettuce, egg and smoked cheese in crisp & flaky pastry pocket. His concept is to preserve the heritage behind our ethnic food while innovating to make it appeal to the younger generation, but I say, the tastiness of the food is easily appreciated by all.

ION Orchard Local Food Trail
Date: 11 - 20 July 2014 (Mon to Fri only)
Time: 11am
Location: ION Orchard
Pricing: Free (pre-registration is needed)
Organized by: ION Orchard

The food trail sets out to bring together Singapore's most popular culinary treasures! Bak Kwa, Nyonya Kueh, Roti Prata, Teh Tarik, Kaya Toast, Chilli Crab, Chicken Rice, Bak Kut Teh are just some of the signature local delights you can expect to sample. This would be perfect for you if you're looking to experience varied cuisines in one place, while learning about the story behind Singapore's colorful food heritage. Participating establishments include Lim Chee Guan, Bengawan Solo, Punggol Nasi Padang, Killiney Café, Food Opera, Eu Yan Sang and Wang San Yang.

Suvai 2014
Date: 11 - 20 July 2014
Time: 6 - 11pm (17 Jul), 12noon - 11pm (18 - 20 Jul)
Location: In Little India, opposite Serangoon Plaza.
Pricing: $18 (All day pass and is inclusive of $10 Suvai dollars and access to master classes and hands-on classes). Free admission for children 12 and below.
Organized by: Indian Chefs and Culinary Association (Singapore)

Besides a variety of authentic Indian cuisine created by eight renowned chefs, we can look forward to activities including the International Chef Competition, Celebrity Masterclasses, Family Cooking Challenge, hands-on cooking classes, live band performances and fruit & vegetable carving demonstrations. Don't forget to relish in the signature dishes such as Grilled Roulade Prata - crispy prata stuffed with minced mutton, Trio of Assocrted Rice - a vegetarian dish is made up of 3 delicious variations of the Asian staple of lemon rice, yoghurt rice and sambar rice and Mutton Briyani - Marinated meat with spices cooked with basmati rice in a large pot.

Nyonya Mobile
Date: 12 - 17 July 2014
Time: Check SFF website for the updated schedule
Location: Various locations (Read Bridge, Orchard Road, Century Square, AMK Hub, Vivocity)
Pricing: Free
Organized by: Singapore Tourism Board

An event on wheels that aims to showcase the richness of Peranakan cuisine and heritage, this roving food truck will offer food tasting, interactive exhibits and live cooking demonstrations. Participating chefs and signature dishes from them which we can enjoy are Chef Kenny Chan - Chicken Pong Teh, Sambal Udang, Chef Nelson Li - Ayam Sioh and Chef Malcolm Lee (Candlenut) - Satay Trio, Buah Keluak Ice Cream, and Beef Buah Keluak, a Wagyu beef rib dish made with a thick and rich buah keluak gravy.

For more information on Singapore Food Festival 2014, please visit SFF Website.

Yet another new café! The Lokal, was only a few days old when we visited, but this sister outlet of Sarnies seemed to have gotten the winning formula executed well right from the start. Good coffee, sincere food, stylish décor, friendly service and incredible vibes! This hipster joint nestled at the corner ground unit of Goethe Institute Singapore at Neil Road (opposite The Pinnacle) certainly looked set to draw in the crowds. My friend displayed an instant liking to Lokal. "Very Aussie-feel", he said.

In Australia (and in Germany), "lokal" or "local" represents the closest and most convenient place near home, where locals gather often for food, drinks and company.

Helming the kitchen is Chef Darren Farr, who hails from Sydney and is one of the founding chefs of Tetsuya's in Sydney. His food is all about wholesome hearty fare using ingredients made from scratch. Salmon and mackerel are hot smoked in the premises over cherry woodchips, pancetta is cured in-house and is nitrite free. Even the butter, yogurt and ricotta are made on site, defining what I called "sincere" food (instead of simply using generic ingredients).

The lunch menu is limited to a few items of soup, salads and sandwiches, including a very substantial looking Veal Schnitzel Burger ($28) with red slaw, grilled pineapple, Emmenthal cheese, lettuce, anchovy mayo on a sesame seed bun, served with chunky chips.

Our order of Roasted Beef on Rye ($17) was absolutely a choice well-made! The combination of roasted beef slices, caramelised onions, watercress and grain mustard crème fraiche sandwiched between artisan rye bread by Nick Vina was delightful. Portion was manageable, and I especially love the sweet and savory notes of caramelised onions which always worked very well in satisfying my tastebuds.

On my wishlist: Hope some desserts will be introduced soon.

Lokal's coffee uses beans from Sarnie and comes out of a custom V3 Slayer espresso machine. Nothing to complain about the Latte ($5.50) which was smooth and well-balanced to my taste. The iced version (additional $1) was refreshing in this weather, and even come topped with latte art!

All in all, The Lokal is a lovely addition to the local café scene. We are spoilt with numerous choices nowadays, but The Lokal is one of the few with substance, and deserves a return visit anytime.

The Lokal
Address: 136 Neil Road, Singapore 088865 (opposite The Pinnacle)
Contact: +65 64239918
Website: http://www.thelokalsingapore.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelokalsingapore
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm (kitchen closes 3.30pm) / Sat-Sun 9am-4pm (All Day Brunch)

While I still haven't got over the exhilaration of the superbly delicious dining experience at Kimchi Korean Restaurant in Suntec City Mall, the boss (whom fellow blogger, Nat, described as devastatingly handsome) Haden Hee already has another ingenious idea up his sleeve. Said to be do-it-yourself (DIY) bibimbap in Singaporean way, it could very well revolutionize the way we've always enjoyed Korean food. Good things are meant to be shared: Find it at Kimchi Xpress within the Food Republic foodcourt at Shaw House (Lido Orchard).

(Read: Kimchi Korean Restaurant @ Suntec City Mall ~ Simply Delicious!)

The concept brilliantly marries the best of two cultures. Just like our local Chinese economic rice stall where a variety of cooked meat and vegetable are laid out, we just point and choose the dishes we want. The server will then heat up our selection together with choice of white rice or kimchi fried rice in a hot stone bowl.

Each bowl takes only a few minutes to be ready, perfect if you're looking for a quick meal during lunch hour or grabbing a bite before a movie.

Prices starts from $5.80 (3 vegetables + rice), $6.20 (1 vegetable + 1 meat + rice) and $7.80 (2 vegetables + 1 meat + rice), with the option of upgrading it to a set (with ginseng chicken soup and kimchi) or kimchi fried rice at an additional $1.

I had a hard time choosing what I wanted because gluttonous me wanted it all lol! Beef Bulgogi, Pork Bulgogi, Squid Bulgogi, Spicy Fried Chicken, Garlic Fried Chicken, Japchae, Stir-fried Kimchi with Tuna, Potato, White Radish, Egg, Zucchini are among the dishes you'd salivate over.

If the DIY bibimbap idea sounds good, the taste is even better. We love the medley of garlic fried chicken, squid bulgogi, soft scrambled eggs and white rice mixed with generous douse of bibimjang (spicy bibimbap chilli paste). The sizzling hot stone bowl kept the food warm and gave a crusted rice layer at the bottom which added notes of crispiness to the overall texture. Very nice!

The beef bulgogi suffered from the fate of being a tad overdone after being 'cooked' twice, but was still a comforting pairing with kimchi fried rice. I was halfway through it when I looked at Nat and said, "I wish I can add a raw egg to it!" That would make it near perfect, don't you think so too?

I must say I absolutely adore this DIY bibimbap concept. What we get is customized piping hot delicious Korean food at foodcourt prices with quick service. Presentation was visually appealing and portion was hearty. My guess is that those customers at Kimchi Xpress have the same thoughts too. The perpetual queue has already spoken for itself.

Kimchi Xpress might just give the other conventional Korean food stalls a run for their money.

Kimchi Xpress
Address: 350 Orchard Road, Shaw House Basement (inside Food Republic), Singapore 238868
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimchisuntec
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-10pm

PinkyPiggu is a finalist for Singapore Blog Awards 2014 ~ BEST FOOD BLOG!

Organised by omy.sg, Singapore Press Holdings' leading bilingual news and entertainment portal, the Singapore Blog Awards honour independent content producers who create and curate content that make for fun, informative, and insightful reads (source: Singapore Blog Awards 2014).

Hello everyone,

PinkyPiggu couldn't be more happy than to be a finalist for Singapore Blog Awards 2014 ~ BEST FOOD BLOG!

It has been almost two years of sharing my dining experiences on this platform and what keeps me going is the passion I have for photography, blogging and of course... eating! lol!

To you my dear readers who are with me on this blessed food journey, I'd like to say a very big "THANK YOU!".

Please continue to support this humble blog by visiting often, and casting a vote, one vote each day for PinkyPiggu, by following the simple steps below:-

♥ Visit the Singapore Blog Awards 2014 website:http://sgblogawards.omy.sg/

♥ Click on Editors’/Judges’ Choice

♥ Decide whether you want to participate in the Lucky Voters’ Contest

♥ Scroll down to the BEST FOOD BLOG category

♥ Vote for PinkyPiggu! :D

Your vote will make up 30% of the judging criteria.

Voting period has already started from now till 31st July 2014, 3pm.

Thank you!!! :D

With Love,
Nicole Poi

It has been many many years since I had a meal at Thai Village Restaurant, and the food is still as good!

Thai Village Restaurant (泰国村酒楼) is no stranger to the local culinary scene, having served consistently good quality Thai-Teochew Cuisine in Singapore for the last two decades since 1991. The move from their old premises at Kallang Leisure Park saw them now helming a simply decorated yet elegant space at Singapore Indoor Stadium, with much of the regulars still following them faithfully for their many tried and trusted delicious dishes. Besides the 3 outlets in Singapore (Indoor Stadium, Goodwood Park Hotel and Jurong), their presence is also successfully established overseas in China, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Synonymous with serving shark's fin soup back in their early days, Thai Village's Shark's Fin with Crab Meat ($65/$98/$130) is still perceived to be a delicacy today among fans who love its rich flavorful broth and premium caudal (tail) fins used. Issues on sustainability has greatly lessen the demand for this dish and impacted the business, but Thai Village has much much more than this to offer. Really.

For instance, the one dish that would draw me back to Thai Village again and again would be their Baked Crabs with Vermicelli ($36/$54/$72). It was exactly how I remembered it, the translucent threads of mung bean vermicelli absorbed the ambrosial braising sauce and sweetness of the Sri Lanka crabs exceedingly well, and was beautifully cooked to a perfect springy bite. Pairing it with the green chilli which is finely minced to a spicy dip propelled it to another addictive dimension. Shiok lah!

Most dishes such as Baked Thai-style Cod Fish ($30/$45/$60) and Braised Duck Web ($20) are served in the same mini-pot they're cooked in to better retain the heat and ensure minimum loss of flavors. You can see that the cod fish was prepared with a medley of garlic, ginger, spring onions, dark sauce for that delicate aroma, gently enveloping each smooth creamy mouthfeel of the fatty fish.

We almost did not order the duck web, but decided to give it a try since it's highly recommended as one of their specialties. Not much of a looker when served, but its lip-smacking taste and texture soon blown all of us at the table away. Sucking each bit of the luscious brown soft gelatinous skin off its bones was a total joy, I imagined getting my daily dose of collagen from this dish already. Beautiful! (both the dish and me! Haha!!!)

Besides perennial favorites such as Basil Sauce Prawns ($20/$30/$40), Salt Baked Chicken Drumsticks ($16/$24/$32) and Deep Fried Beancurd with Breadcrumbs ($12/$18/$24), Thai Village has also recently introduced premium beef which is getting increasingly popular, to the menu. Our platter of Wagyu Beef ($88/$132/$176) with mushrooms was stir-fried to an enjoyable doneness, fatty and still wonderfully juicy to bite.

For you who find a meal incomplete without a carbs dish, the Seafood Fried Rice ($16/$24/$32) and Abalone Rice ($33) will serve to fill in this void. While the fried rice came with generous chunks of seafood such as prawns, crab meat and crab roe, it was the abalone rice that reached the epitome of simple yet luxurious bliss with indulgent slices of Argentina abalone and plump Shiitake mushrooms in a sweet-savory gravy over fragrant white rice. I called it the 'atas mui fan' (upgraded version of local zhi char dish of ingredients cooked in gravy over rice). Totally delish!

All the desserts we had were ordinary, yet executed to extra-ordinariness! The Mango Pudding ($4) used only fresh mangoes, the real taste is evident in every spoonful (none of that fake essence flavour). Yam Paste with Ginko Nuts ($5), a classic Teochew dessert, also won us over with its smooth texture and yam flavour, even without the traditional use of lard for enhancement. Double-boiled Hashima ($12) was a great refreshing end to it all.

Prices may be a tad on the higher end but I guess the premium ingredients used put a justification on that. Besides, all the dishes we tried were very good, non-gimmicky and down-to-earth, which really allowed the quality to shine through. Definitely worth a visit especially during special gatherings and family celebrations.

Thai Village Restaurant
Website: http://www.thaivillagerestaurant.com.sg/

Outlets
Singapore Indoor Stadium
Address: 2 Stadium Walk, #01-02/03 Singapore Indoor Stadium (Carpark L), Singapore 397691
Contact: +65 6440 2292
Opening Hours: Daily 11.30am-2.30pm & 6.00pm-10.00pm

Goodwood Park
Address: 22 Scotts Road, Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore 228221
Contact: +65 6440 8251
Opening Hours: Daily 11.30am-2.30pm & 6.00pm-10.00pm

Jurong
Address:19 Yung Ho Road, Singapore 618592
Contact: +65 6268 3885
Opening Hours: Daily 11.30am-2.30pm & 6.00pm-10.00pm

All prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing GST.

It's kinda rare to see level 5 of Orchard Central buzzing with a healthy crowd. We were all there for something which is not so healthy to our waistlines, but fulfilled our need for a mid-afternoon snack. I'm talking about Spanish Doughnuts, The Original Churros from Melbourne which recently made its foray into Singapore. Their churros are reputed to be highly popular for their freshly-fried deliciousness!

Churros are essentially deep-fried dough, not unlike doughnuts but in elongated form. To be honest, though I enjoy a churro now and then, I'm not really a die-hard fan. (deep-fried + dough = carbs calories hell). But when I was enticed with all those yummy-looking Premium Churros ($4.30 for 1pc / $12 for 3pcs / $21.60 for 6pcs) selection in the display counter, I succumbed to temptation.

Strawberry & Cream, Chocolate Bombon, Cheesecake Bombon, Triple Chocolate, Crème Brûlée, Black Forest, Coconut Bombon and Hazelnut Dream are the premium churros flavors you can expect.

It's a refreshing change to be eating chilled and heavily-coated fancified version of churros, but I still prefer the traditional hot ones. Simplicity wins this time (or ok lah, you can call me old-fashioned).

My heart stayed with our order of Choco Churrito's ($9.90 for 1 conical serving) which came with a trio of white, milk and dark chocolate sauce.

The churros were decidedly light and crisp with a gentle dust of sugar. Enjoyable enough on its own, but I love dipping the warm fritter into the dark chocolate sauce (the other two were too sweet for my liking) which made the goodness even better.

The slight wait was worth it as the churros were freshly fried upon order. Knowing that it's cooked in cholesterol free canola oil and no preservatives or artificial colourings are added kind of lessen the calories guilt too.

When dips could get too messy if you're looking for something to go, Churro Hot Filler's ($3.60 for 1pc) already filled with jam, custard, chocolate, caramel or hazelnut might be a more convenient choice.

I thought certain improvements to operational details can be made for an overall more comfortable experience. How about providing trays, plates and water for dine-in customers? Please us in little ways, chances of us returning for more of these delectable treats will resultingly be higher.

Spanish Doughnuts Singapore
Address: 181 Orchard Road, #05-51/52 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
Website: http://www.spanishdoughnuts.com.sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spanishdoughnuts
Opening Hours: Daily 11am-10pm

The Fat Cat is a casual bistro situated at Jalan Riang (Serangoon) for a couple of years before moving into their current premises at Holland Village. The change of location did not see much change in their menu, which offers not just 1, but 3 different cuisines under the same roof. Thai Yai (Thai), Masala Mantra (North Indian) and The French Onion (Western). Wow! No wonder the cat got fat! :p

But as what the two co-owners of Fat Cat (both are born in year of tiger) thought: "Being fat is a sign of prosperity". Good in an excusable way haha. Let's get ready to indulge in all that Fat Cat has to offer.

Each distinct cuisine is helmed by a dedicated head chef to ensure quality of the dishes served matches up to standards of their professional expectations. This '3-in-1' dining concept has worked well in Fat Cat's years of operations and found favor among regulars who appreciate the diverse variety they can enjoy within the convenience of one venue.

I will unreservedly give praise to Fat Cat's rendition of Mantra Wings ($10) from their North India menu. Served piping hot, these scrumptious delights were well-marinated with Indian herbs, and deep-fried to a wonderful crunch that totally satisfied the chicken wing lover in me.

The North India menu also feature the bestseller Ajwaini Fish Tikka ($14), fish fillet which is marinated with fresh herbs and spices, before being baked in the tandoor (clay oven) till tender, as well as perennial favorites such as Aloo Gobi ($8), a dish of potato and cauliflower flavored with the aroma of Indian spices, and Saag Paneer ($14), cottage cheese served in thick spinach gravy.

The Chicken Masala ($11) of diced chicken pieces cooked with fresh tomatoes and onions in thick gravy, was another classic dish which was generally well-liked by my dining companions, though I would prefer it to have a higher degree of spiciness. Nevertheless, it went well with servings of Garlic Naan ($3) which came freshly baked from the heat of the tandoor oven. It turned out to be one of the best dish of the evening.

We also tried several items from the Thai menu which was decidedly agreeable on most of our palates, but I thought flavors can generally be bolder. For instance, I find the Prawns Tom Yum Soup ($14) a tad lacking in spiciness and sourness, two characteristics which would give the dish more definition. But that's my personal preference, this rendition might be suitable for those who prefer a milder taste.

The Mango Salad ($12) which came with julienned green mangoes and pieces of lightly-fried baby snapper was quite an appetizing starter in its refreshing chili, palm sugar and lime dressing. Panang Beef Curry ($14), coconut-based curry of beef with yellow pumpkin and coriander and Pineapple Rice ($12) with river prawns, Chinese sausage, honey pineapple, raisins and chicken floss would be good choices of main course for a more substantial meal.

The Western menu throws up tried and trusted dishes such as Mushroom Soup ($5), Hot Pot Clams ($12), Sea Bass ($18), and Lamb Shank ($22). Pizzas ($17 - $22) and Pastas ($15 - $18) are also included in the menu which makes the overall selection very well-rounded. Definitely family-friendly too as kids portions are available upon request for certain items.

To be able to sample different cuisines without the hassle of moving from restaurant to restaurant is indeed Fat Cat's best selling point. Great for group gatherings, as chances are there will be something on the menu to suit everyone. I think the problem you'd faced is the temptation of ordering more than you intended (haha, it's a happy problem!). Wash it all down with some beer, wine or cocktail. I would also save some space for a scoop of Movenpick ice cream :p

The Fat Cat is also available for private event bookings with customized menu at a minimum spending and venue rental fee.

The Fat Cat Bistro
Address: Holland Village, 17D Lorong Liput, Singapore 277731
Contact: +65 6465 1107
Website: http://www.thefatcat.com.sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefatcatbistro
Opening Hours: Tue-Thu & Sun12pm-2.30pm & 5.30pm-11.30pm / Fri & Sat 12pm-2.30pm & 5.30pm-12.30am / Closed on Mon

Prices are subject to service charge and prevailing taxes.

When I first walked passed The Assembly Ground café at The Cathay after an evening of shopping at Orchard Road, I thought it to be a new branch of the popular Assembly Coffee at Evans Road. The confusion was cleared when it was later explained to me that the café is actually an extension of the adjoining The Assembly Store - a men lifestyle store carrying labels such as Benjamin Barker. I've since went back to the café a couple of times, drawn by its great ambience and good coffee. Definitely a place that is worth return visits.

Started by founders, Damien Tan and Nelson Yap (whom you see in the picture above), the idea of adding a café arm to the business was conceptualized after they took over the space vacated by Gramophone (a CD store). They considered the area too enormous to solely house a retail outfit, hence The Assembly Ground café was established as a place for customers, friends and loved ones to gather over good coffee and food.

However, the food & beverage industry is not entirely new to both of them. Nelson has previously managed a café in Melbourne, and I was told that Damien had culinary training in Europe and can make a mean kick-ass pizza.

They wanted to bring a piece of their student days in Melbourne back to Singapore, which pretty much explains the laid-back Aussie vibes you feel when you step into the café. And mind you, those bicycles hanging on the walls are not just decorative items you repetitively see in a lot of hipster-wannabe-cafés. It's a throwback to memorable times when they would cycle in their Melbourne neighbourhood for groceries shopping. (Oh, if you happen to wanna buy a bicycle, The Assembly Store sells them too)

Tables are well-spaced apart for decent conversations, but I really can't appreciate the designer Grafunkt steel chairs which left undesirable 'holey' designs on the back of my thighs (I was wearing shorts), though guy friends did find it rather ergonomically comfortable.

Having a team of experienced kitchen staff has assured the food at Assembly Ground to be of certain quality standards. The menu did not surprise much with its usual offerings of breakfast, all-day brunch, salads and sandwiches alongside a small selection of pizzas and pastas, including the very enjoyable Beef Chili Fettucine ($16). Al-dente strands of pasta coated with lip-smacking braised beef and topped with shavings of parmesan. Totally hearty and satisfying.

Even though the dishes which I've tried did not excel in terms of creativity, it undoubtedly surpassed many run-of-mills versions out there. For instance, The Assembly Brunch ($19.50) may looked like an ordinary combination, but almost every item was faultlessly executed.

I especially love the premium wiener sausage - delightfully juicy with a firm bite. The creaminess of scrambled eggs, earthy flavors of sautéed mushrooms, aromatic streaky bacon, grilled cherry tomatoes that burst with sweetness, it all came together so beautifully. Most of all, I appreciate the potato gratin which the kitchen took laborious and time-consuming efforts to make from scratch. So lovely in its buttery softness! The only thing I didn't like was the paltry looking thin toast, otherwise, this is my idea of a perfect brunch platter.

I wish the same 'homemade' efforts can be considered for their baked goods which are sourced from various suppliers. Though the selection of cakes, tarts and cupcakes is considered varied, the quality is really a hit or miss. The overwhelming hard, dry and sweetness of the Earl Grey Citrus Pound Cake ($4.50) had my friend receding in disappointment after one bite, but the Green Tea Matcha Tart ($6.50) and Raspberry Chocolate Tart ($6.50) we tried on another occasion wasn't too bad.

The Assembly Ground uses beans from two popular roasters, the more heavy bodied & nutty flavoured 22 Martin blend from Common Man Coffee and the slightly acidic & fruity Four Chairs blend by Nylon Coffee, for their brew. Nelson and his barista will actually take a thoughtful effort to pair our coffee with the food we've ordered, unless our preference is requested during ordering.

Prices starts at $3.50 for a single shot of Espresso and $5 for a Latte, Flat White & Capuccino. The iced milk drinks all comes with a scoop of ice cream! What a lovely touch especially in this sweltering hot weather, my friend kept throwing envious glances at my Iced Mocha ($6.50) lol.

Service was efficient and friendly. What I love most about The Assembly Ground is the relaxed, unpretentious vibes it exudes. Even though it's located within a shopping mall, it effortlessly brought us away from the bustling feel of the city. Definitely my choice of café when I need a cuppa in town!

The Assembly Ground
Address: The Cathay, 2 Handy Road #01-21, Singapore 229233
Contact: +65 6733 3375
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Assembly-Ground/746424518712396
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-10pm / Closed on Mon / Kitchen opens from 12pm-3pm & 6pm-9pm

Prices stated are inclusive of GST. No service charge.

No website. No facebook page. Only an Instagram account which says "many will seek but not all shall find". Whale & Cloud could possibly be the most secretive café in Singapore.

However, if the place is not without its merits, favorable words will soon find its way around. We soon descended upon the elusive Whale & Cloud one early Saturday morning. The café may be secretive but hey hey, it's a secret no longer!

Getting to Whale & Cloud felt like an adventure itself. The entrance is actually behind the row of shophouses at Niven Road. Best way would be to first locate Rex cinema (nearest mrt station: NE7 Little India), get across the road, and then walk straight down the back alley.

There is no proper signage to indicate the café's existence, but the heavy metal blue door is not that difficult to spot. If you see the word "OPEN" displayed on the side wall, be happy because it opens only once a week on Saturdays, and yay, you've come at the right time! But to avoid any disappointment, do check their Instagram account for the most updated opening day/hour.

Next step: Knock and the door shall be opened!

And woohoo, the door opened to one of the most charming cafés I've ever been to for quite awhile!

The café is really tiny and accommodates only two small corner tables and a row of nostalgic cinema seats, but the glass ceiling bathed the whole place in natural daylight and cast any claustrophobic worries out of the way. As I sat on my chair and looked up to the sky, I thought "it would be so lovely if raindrops start falling now." The sense of serenity fell and had me escaped into surreality for a moment.

We all really really really love the cosy intimate space. It felt so much like being in the backyard of a friend's house, gathering together for some coffee and snacks. Only drawback is that I find it more suitable for small groups of 2-3pax, any larger might find problems in sitting arrangements.

Operated by 3 owners who hold full-time jobs, we do appreciate that they had chosen to invest their weekend time and energy to bring us this charming hidden gem. Their affable demeanor puts us at ease the moment we stepped into the café.

One of them literally always had her back turned on us! Lol! Not in a bad way definitely, because she's actually the barista and putting her focus on creating the best cuppa inside her little enclave.

Whale & Cloud does not have a specific brew, various coffee beans are specially procured by the owners during their trips overseas. The blends are always changing so be in anticipation for this element of surprise whenever you visit.

What is served on my day of visit was the Sightglass' Owl's Howl Espresso blend from San Francisco. Though presented very plainly in a paper cup, the enjoyment level of my coffee with added milk was no less. Its robust body and slightly bitter aftertaste was a truly caffeine kick to start my morning.

Every order of coffee is complemented by some colorful old-school iced gem biscuits. Cakes are also available for a heavier bite, with selections from Kisses Bakery displayed in the center table. I wish home-baked goods can be offered to complete this unique café experience though.

Some of us might asked, "café open once a week can make money meh?". Well my guess is that the owners are in this for fulfillment of their passion and dream rather than monetary gains. They do not charge for the coffee, it's up to us to tip any amount which we deemed fit. For cakes, it's reasonable $5 a slice across the board.

Admittedly, it's not the coffee or cakes that would draw me back again, but the genuine warmth of the place which gives it a magical allure.

We have seek and have found Whale & Cloud. Will you be the next to seek it too?

Whale & Cloud鲸舆雲
Address: 48 Niven Road, Singapore
Instagram: http://instagram.com/whalencloud
Opening Hours: 9am-4pm Saturdays only (do check their Instagram account for the most updated opening hours)

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