Having had one too many chicken rice or vegetarian economic beehoon where I stay, when Phase 2 came about I decided to be a bit bougie when our friends could finally come over (while still observing the safe distancing rules!). Away from the usual pizza or fried chicken group party food, I recall this thing I came across on an episode of Food King for Kiap:
Segment Starts at 5:30
KiapTogether with Kiap
Kiap is the brainchild of The Slake Collective, who also run Slake located at Swan Lake Avenue (geddit?). On the menu are tacos and sammies (sandwiches) with an Asian twist. I’m not even going to call this FuSiOn FlAvOuRs because it’s straight-up a-to-the-z-n Asian!
So we went ahead to order their Taco Feast Bundle ($99) which came with 12 assorted tacos. While they don’t look big, they were pretty much as wide as your hand goes, so it fills you up pretty fast (most of us could only manage 2 at most).
The flavours themselves while familiar to all, had quite a delighful rendition. Kind of like your favourite National Day songs having a lofi-hiphop remix.
My personal favourites were the Filipino Pork Belly Sisig where you can get your babi goodness, Torikatsu Curry Chicken which packs some rich Japanese curry, and the Thai Basil Pork, which actually is really authentic!
Also paired with the set was some Har Cheong Kaarage and 2 packs of Mala Popcorn, which were quite the stars of their own right. Special stan to the popcorn as they were really the BOMB! They look to be only available to the Taco Feast Bundle so you know what you gotta do!
Order Together Amigo
You can order your fix of asian-flavoured tacos on their website here. Be sure to do it in advance to avoid disappointment.
Also don’t forget to look at their sandwiches. The last I saw, they even had a Roti John Sammie! Right now, they have the 55 NDP Taco Set ($55+) special. You Otter Kiap Together!
Remember the days of supermarkets running out of flour or eggs as the #CircuitBakers came by the hordes? Feels like forever but not too long ago at the same time.
At least with Phase 2 CB now you can put away the measuring cups and cake tins as HEYTEA Food Lab makes its debut in Singapore!
HEYTEA 喜茶Food Lab – A Delectable Pairing
China’s number 1 contemporary tea connoisseur, and the original inventor of Cheezo Tea, has made fresh additions to its menu with a straightforward, yet delectable selection of baked goods. If you think that bubble tea isn’t enough for the #dessertstomach, them pastries will definitely hit the spot. And they pair perfectly with HEYTEA’s well, tea!
HEYTEA Food Lab makes its debut with four entries, all baked to perfection. The Golden Croissant ($3.60) is a classic delight — flaky and golden on the outside but fluffy and soft on the inside, this toasty treat is sure to satisfy with its impeccable mouthfeel. For something just a little more bougie, opt for the Chocolate Croissant ($4.20), which features the same golden bake filled with decadent chocolate that oozes deliciousness with each bite.
HEYTEA Golden Croissant (L) and Chocolate Croissant (R)
Chocolate lovers will also enjoy the Double Chocolate Chip Cookie ($2.00), a soft and chewy classic that combines the best of dark and milk chocolate for the perfect balance. Meanwhile, the Butterscotch Chip Muffin ($3.20) is a new and unique spin on traditional comfort food, blending sweet and savoury in one light and buttery muffin.
Hey What You Waiting For!
With HEYTEA celebrating the reopening of its outlets islandwide in Singapore, customers can get their hands on HEYTEA Food Lab’s selection of freshly baked goods exclusively at the ION Orchard and Westgate outlets. Customers can also order via the HEYTEA GO mobile application (available for iOS), Foodpanda or the GrabFood mobile application, for self-collection at selected stores.
About The Place – HEYTEA
“INSPIRATION OF TEA” A Cup of HEYTEA Evokes Inspiration
Since 2012, the original creator of cheese tea, HEYTEA is driven by the aim of showcasing excellent tea offerings sourced from all over the world which has given the ancient culture of tea a new vitality. “A cup of tea, inspiring an inspiration” is a product of inspiration, an original product that wants to share the true taste of tea. HEYTEA is committed to rejuvenating the traditional tea culture and making high-quality tea products accessible to the masses. Today, the brand has over 100 stores in China, and its offerings have won both critical and public acclaim.
Outlet Address
(Note: HEYTEA Food Lab is ONLY available at the ION Orchard and Westgate outlets)
2 Orchard Turn, #B4-29 ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
10 Bayfront Ave, L1 73, Bay Level, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956
Stuck at home due to CB (Circuit Breaker) and miss having your famous chicken rice from Chatterbox? You can still do so now, as Chatterbox (together with Shisen Hanten by Chef Kentaro, the two Michelin-starred Szechwan restaurant) now offers takeaway pickups and delivery for select items! What’s more, enjoy 50% off for takeaways. I repeat. 50% OFF TAKEAWAY!
No dine in? No problem!
Each set of Mandarin Chicken Rice (U.P. $27) is served in a super exquisite box decorated with their green and gold colours, and the signature kuey png (chicken rice) packed neatly inside, ready for your consumption.
Other signatures like the Nasi Goreng Istimewa (U.P. $26) and Herbal Bak Kut Teh (U.P. $27) are also available. Add some side dishes in if you want. I tried out the Salted Egg Chicken Wing (U.P. $20) and they’re A W E S O M E.
I took the chicken wings out of the box and placed it on a plate for display, of course.
Bring The Flavours Home
Hungry? Order directly online now HERE. Recommend that you order slightly ahead so the kitchen can ensure the food comes out piping hot on collection.
Terms and conditions:
Available from 11am to 9pm daily
Order must be placed at least 30 minutes in advance
Payment must be made by cash or credit card
For more information, you can visit their website HERE.
For enquiries, please call +65 6831 6291 or email chatterbox.orchard@meritushotels.com.
With the advent of global burger joints in Singapore in the past year, there comes a discussion amongst burger fanatics over what constitutes the best meat-in-buns concoction – is it the glazed and juicy patty, seared to a perfect medium doneness? The fluffy, toasted buns? Or the entire presentation of a no-nonsense, clean burger?
Inspired by his love for steak and food in general (vibing with practically everyone), Alexandre Pini founded Burger Frites with dedication to quality and value-for-money.
Read Between The Buns
Burger Frites’ mantra is a no frills, no-nonsense approach to the age-old burger, yet with modern culinary finesse — using only the best U.S. Angus beef, artisanal brioche buns and hand-crafted french fries, it represents a good mince of old-school and new-school.
Situated in the quaint neighbourhood along Joo Chiat Road, the shophouse unit is dressed in a modern interior design of soothing teal colours and leather seats, giving you a taste of modernity to a traditional gastronomic experience.
Their menu is also considerably simple: Choose between 3 different type of patties (180g Angus Beef patty/Crispy Chicken/Breaded Brie Cheese), and choose the style of burger (plain single patty, cheese burger, bacon burger, or a combination of cheese bacon burger). Get your frites (fries in French) with cheese or not, and try out their signature milkshakes!
Prices start from $16 for a plain burger to $19 for a cheese bacon burger (add $8 for double patty).
Verdict
Sticking true to their motto of “Quality Food, Quality of Life”, you can certainly taste the uncompromising commitment to quality and fresh food, without reducing the authenticty of and over-complicating something straightforward like a burger; from the meat to the vegetables and even the sauces, it’s definitely worth the calories. Top tip, get the classic frites and enjoy their housemade sauces!
More Information
Burger Frites 340 Joo Chiat Road Singapore 427592 Opening Hours Tue – Fri 5pm to 11pm Sat – Sun (Inclu. PH) 12nn – 11pm Email: contact@burgerfrites.sg Facebook | Instagram (@burgerfrites)
We’ve been away for quite a while, and it’s only right we return by sharing some awesome Christmas treats!
This year, how about taking your mind away from preparing for the festive dinners, and still enjoy some quality selections from Mandarin Orchard Singapore? They’ve never been a hotel to shy away from festive treats and this year is no exception.
A Delectable Debut & More
It’s time to jio your friends and loved ones to a lavish feast of Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s Christmas roasts and other savoury delights. One newcomer this year is the Chicken Ballotine ($98, 2kg), which is oven-roasted and stuffed with buttery fois gras and generous shavings of black truffle (!!)
Other Christmas classics, such as the (one of our favourite) Premium Honey-glazed Gammon Ham (from $318), Roasted U.S. Turkey (from $228), and specials like the Roasted Australian Beef Prime Rib (from $428) and Braised Australian Lamb Shank with Port Wine ($88) are also available for your selection.
Watching the weighing scale? There’s also some guilt-free indulgence in their Baked Norwegian Salmon crusted with Scallop Mousseline and Mushroom Sauce ($188, 1.5kg). Moist and tender within and topped with a layer of scallop mousseline, the dish brings healthy goodness in every bite.
Sweet Tidings We Bring
No Christmas feast is complete with your exquisite sweet treats. Who’s up for some Yule Logs? We are! With FOUR types of Yule Logs ($80, 1kg) available to choose from, Yule be spoilt for choice with their intricate decorations.
Accompanying these are also a WIDE range of specialty desserts by Mandarin Orchard Singapore. From Festive Macarons ($12, 4pc) and Festive Pralines ($35, 12pc), an entire Gingerbread House ($38) and Gingerbread Figurine ($12), Fes- there’s too many to name! Let the pictures speak for themselves:
Bring The Merry Moments Home
Have a feast in the comfort of your own home. These tempting Christmas treats are now available till 31 December 2019.
Download their festive brochure here and the order form here.
Retail Collection: Coffee and Crust, Level 5 22 November to 31 December 2019 Open daily from 11am to 9pm
Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s Festive Counter, Level 1 6 to 31 December 2019 Open daily from 11am to 7pm
Read till the end for an exclusive discount code only for our readers!
Eatsy-ing Into Your lunch
Having lunch on a weekday, especially with your BFFs at work usually entails one of two (sometimes both) scenarios. One is the never-ending crowds as office gophers like myself simultaneously come out to forage for food. Even after you (finally) get your food after a long wait and finish your meal, someone will kena “arrow” (read: involuntarily assigned) to be on accountant duty and figure out exactly how much each person pays (top tip: the magic no. is 1.177 for including service and GST in Singapore).
One pretty good solution to that however, is using Eatsy, a collaborative mobile app that allows diners to not only order ahead, but also pay for their orders all in-app at their favourite local eateries and coffee shops.
You can just order the items you want through in-app e-menus, hit order and pay through the app, all at once! The venue will then prepare your food ahead of time, and you can simply arrive to piping hot delights without the wait (and you get to cut everyone’s queue with swag). Works for BOTH takeaway and dine-in services!
Emphasizing on the “collaborative” part of the app, Eatsy also allows your friends to ‘join’ your table if you are dining in. No more worry about splitting bill as you can set the payment mode to be “Let’s go dutch” and vola! No more headache about Linda arguing to round up to the nearest $0.10, or Clarence insisting on splitting the sides 4 ways because he only had 1 piece out of 10. Did I also say you can enjoy cashback from paying through this app?
1. Pick your restaurant 2. “Open” a table or join one by your friends 3. Order away!
4. Place your order 5. Remember your promo codes! 6. Split the bill/ treat yo homies
Dat sweet cashback the more you use!
More about Eatsy
Eatsy Technologies, the firm behind the dining app made up of a group of youthful and talented foodies, was founded in September 2017 by CEO Shaun Heng, who formerly worked in Corporate Development at RedMart. The collaborative order-ahead app aims to partner with the best and busiest quick service restaurants and cafes in Singapore to give them a competitive and technological edge to drive up profitability, and also provide a more personalized way to connect with their customers. Notable names in Eatsy’s current list of the merchants include crowd favourites – Tanuki Raw and Park Bench Deli. To date, Eatsy has also seen an impressive gross transaction value growth of 80% month-on-month!
Cr: Eatsy Technologies
“Imagine it is lunch time and you are helping to order take-away for your colleagues. With the app, you don’t have to jot down everyone’s orders and queue anymore. Just add your friends in the app – they “piggyback” onto your existing order and send it through. The restaurant will start preparing your orders, so just head downstairs for collection once it’s ready. This ‘collaborative ordering’ saves a lot of time for customers and drives incremental orders for merchants. Our mission is to make mobile ordering and payment the new way of life when dining out.”
Mr Shaun Heng, Founder and CEO of Eatsy Technologies.
Trying It Out @ Park Bench Deli
To try out the app first hand, we were hosted at Park Bench Deli (PBD), a hole in the wall in its own right along Telok Ayer Street. Inspired by the culture of no-frills sandwiches and subs from delis in North American cities and neighbourhoods, where white collars in fancy suits enjoying their deli-bought subs on a park bench are common sight.
Although the menu has slightly changed over the few years it has been in business, their focus is on bold sanwiches, made with swagger and lots of spunk. From sous-vide Fried Chicken dipped in buttermilk to Philly Cheesesteaks on hoagies, with hand-melted gruyere cheese whiz (my favourite), you can find something for yourself to chomp down while questioning life’s meaning. It certainly helped that Eatsy was so fuss free to use, so less playing footsy with the bill, and more eating!
I’ll be back with a bigger review soon 😉
More Information
Eatsy
For holeinthewall.sg readers, enjoy $5 off your first Eatsy order with the code “HITW5“. Valid till 31st July 2018! Not valid with other promo codes. Other Terms & Conditions in-app may apply.
Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s award-winning and pretty famous atas buffet restaurant, Triple Three, marks Independence Day in the United States of America with the return of The Great American Buffet!
Making Buffets Great Again
In what can arguably be regarded as one of the national hobbies of the USA, the buffet features both classic American favourites as well as some with a local twist, You’ll be spoilt for choice with the massive spread of premium meats, seafood, desserts, and a great variety of sides—all prepared with a dash of freedom!
RIght at the centre stage are grilled and roasted meats prepared to succulent perfection, such as the Smoked Barbecue Pork Ribs, the Oven Roasted USDA Prime Black Angus Ribeye, and the ever popular Smoked USDA Short Ribs which packs an intense smoky flavour from the special dry rub marinade.
Something else not to be missed is the Creole Gumbo, a rich stew from southern Louisiana, featuring rock lobster, mahi-mahi, scallops, clams, mussels, and browned sausages. This delicious medley of ingredients is cooked for hours in hearty stock requiring layer upon layer of flavours and spices.
Executive Sous Chef Sam Chin adds his own twist to the American classics in his rendition of the Lobster Roll, where toasted buttery brioche replaces the traditional white bread hotdog buns. Chef Sam also wants you to try his Gourmet Beef Sliders using premium Black Angus beef patties, caramelised onions and melted cheddar, sandwiched between two slices of toasted brioche (seems like we know his favourite choice of bread).
On top of all these delicious creations, there’s also several other American delights, in all fried and roasted (freedom) goodness!
Dear ladies and your dessert stomachs, you have not been forgotten! There’s also a wide range of desserts to let you fill up that second space. With a selection like the Apricot Almond Tart, the Vanilla Panna Cotta, and the Bourbon Pecan Pie, AND the traditional Apple Pie, Key Lime Pie, and Blueberry Cheesecake, you can be sure that you leave with delight.
Triple Three at Mandarin Orchard Singapore
Named after the location which the Mandarin Orchard Singapore sits on, Triple Three, with its iconic three 三 (Japanese/Chinese character for the number 3) logo, is a Japanese-inspired buffet restaurant that is known for an extensive international buffet selection. Apart from the the seasonal specials such as the above Great American Buffet, it’s also known for fresh seafood and other international delights such as Chinese and Indian cuisine.
Book Now And Be Free!
The Great American Buffet runs from 4th (Wednesday) to 15th July (Sunday) 2018, and is for dinner at 6:30pm to 10:00pm daily. So go get yourself some freedom before it’s gone!
Every Singaporean, heck even visitors and other residents here, have a special relationship with Old Chang Kee. From their iconic curry puffs (now called Curry O; us older folks just call it ‘curry pok’) to more than a dozen of other delights on sticks such as the sotong head, nuggets and fishballs, it was the de-facto place to get a snack when you have the munchies in between meals.
Old Chang Kee Coffee House @ Rex
More than 30 years after Old Chang Kee (OCK) boss Mr Han Keen Juan bought over the business from a unnamed Hainanese hawker back in 1986, the business finally had a Homecoming of sorts by taking over the entire coffee shop where their first ever OCK stall was along MacKenzie Road (junction of Niven Road). Mr Han recalls:
“I remember when there was not even sufficient space to stand on the inside of the shop to sell the curry puffs and I had to do it from the walkway. This very spot holds many memories for me and marks a full circle having grown Old Chang Kee the past 32 years to what it is today.” – Mr Han Keen Juan
Where It All Began
From a small corner stall in a coffee shop, Old Chang Kee Coffee House @ Rex now occupies the entire space that spans three shophouse units. Its old-school charm is jam-packed with lots of retro memorabilia like posters, chinaware and collectables!
From a humble stall to a central kitchen along Petain Road (I remember going past the area when I was a child and getting some olfactory satisfaction of curry puffs), and now having their own space at Woodlands, they ensure consistency to every single puff (pun intended) you take!
(Fun) Curry Times
Did you know that Old Chang Kee actually has a plethora of affiliated brands? You may be more familiar with Curry Times, their sit-down cafe brand, but there’s also Bun Times, and Dip ‘n’ Go, among others. At this coffee house, you get to enjoy signature delights from all these brands, some of which are exclusive to this store!
There’s the Flower Bread which consists of seven freshly baked, pull-apart buns. Nestled in the middle of the golden sesame-topped crust ‘flower’ is an enamel bowl filled with a choice of: Curry Chicken ($11.90); Chicken Stew ($11.90); or Beef Stew ($13.90). (we loved the curry chicken one best, no questions about that!) One good thing is, there’s FREE FLOW gravy, so no need to be shy when it comes to dipping!
Another menu exclusive is the Beef Stew Rice ($9.50) – a nod to Old Chang Kee’s Hainanese heritage. Served in a mess tin, it consists of rice topped with tender beef, radish and carrots redolent with the fragrance of spices. For a modern touch, diners can opt for the Baked Beef Stew Rice with Cheese ($10.90; we got this) which showcases melted cheese and a sprinkling of chopped parsley.
If you’ve been to Curry Times you’ll also be familiar with their wide selection of local delights, such as the Dry Laksa Goreng ($8.50), Hainanese Chap Chye ($6.20), and a Curry Times’ special, Nasi Lemak with Dry Curry Chicken ($8.90) with tender, minced chicken coated liberally in curry spices paired with aromatic coconut rice and sides of tangy ‘achar’, fish cake, sambal chilli, fried peanuts and anchovies. You can then end the meal with a piping bowl of Bubur Cha Cha ($5.00)!
And of course, who could forget their signature skewers and fritters! For the uninitiated, try their Curry’O ($1.50) – curry spiced potatoes, chicken and an egg slice stuffed and sealed within a flakey, buttery crust. Other favourites like the Sotong Head OnStik ($1.80); Crab Nuggets OnStik ($1.80); and Chicken Wings ($1.80) are also things that you cannot just walk away from every time you pass an Old Chang Kee stall.
Towards the end of the meal we even got a chance to meet an Old Chang Kee veteran, fondly known as Auntie Aljunied for having spent many years at a branch in the area. Some guests even got to try out folding their own curry puffs, although none could hold up to the nimble, decisive fingers of Auntie!
Bonus: Old Chang Kee has just opened in London! So if you want an escape from Fish & Chips, you know where to go!
More Information
Old Chang Kee Coffee House @ REX 19 – 23 Mackenzie Road #01-01 Singapore 228678
