Iskina Cebu Singapore

Specialized in serving lechon, Iskina Cebu Singapore is a must visit culinary destination for those who fell in love with this chargrilled pork dish. Previously located at Jing Ya Yuan Eating House, a coffee shop across Paya Lebar MRT station, Iskina Cebu now has its new home on Ayer Rajah Crescent.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The best place in Singapore to have lechon: Through Iskina Cebu, lechon (chargrilled pork) is introduced to Singaporeans and the home-sick Filipinos. As they say “take bite or take that flight” because without this Filipino eatery, people will have to fly to Cebu, Philippines in order to feast on an authentic crispy lechon. To have the dish at its best, lechon lovers should arrive in the place at 12:30 on weekends or 17:30 on weekdays when the roasted pig is just ready after 5 hours spun over the charcoal fire.
• Watch the grillers as they roast a pig: Definitely this is not something vegetarians would want to see. But if you are a fan of pork-based dishes, seeing how the pigs are being grilled over a hot charcoal pit could be found fascinating. You can just imagine the juiciness in the meat as the flavourful marinade is being brushed all over the pig’s body for 5 hours of roasting!
• Crunchy pork skin and tender meat: The best thing about Cebu roasted pork is the crunchiness and juiciness you can get from every bite. The marinade stays intact in the meat so don’t be surprised why the meat tastes heavenly. But some may not like the saltiness of the lechon so be sure to dip it into a sauce made of garlic, vinegar, spices, and herbs and pair your meal with a can of soda.
• Lechon de Cebu set at S$10: Diners may choose to go with a la carte order (S$40 per kilogram) or set meal (S$10). Served with a bowl of white rice, the lechon set meal is generous enough to make its fans satisfied.

MENU: The menu has a la carte and set meal options but it is limited to a small variety of roasted pigs and chickens. The crowd’s favorites are the spicy belly lechon and Lechon de Cebu which are known for their ‘porkiness’ and crispy skin. A small set meal is available for solo diners at S$6 to S$10, while the lechon for sharing (1 to 1.5kg) is good for 2 to 3 persons. Whole-pig orders are also available pre-order.

ATMOSPHERE: Iskina Cebu Singapore has a festive mood with its traditional “banderitas” (banners) motif which will remind diners of Lechon Festival in Cebu. The restaurant is spacious enough to accommodate a flock of customers during early dinner on weekdays, but on weekends it is best to come over to the eatery 30 minutes before the lechon is ready by 12:30 to get the best seats.

RECOMMENDED DISHES:

• Lechen de Cebu
• Liempo
• Spicy Bellychon
• Inasal na Manok (Roasted Chicken)

NOTE: Online orders are available via the Iskina Cebu website

Mang Kiko’s Lechon (Closed)

Mang Kiko’s Lechon offers some of the most authentic Filipino lechon in Singapore at a very affordable price. The place was started by Ernesto ‘JUN’ Flores, who was passionate about bringing the real taste of spit-roasted Filipino food to Singapore. Mang Kiko’s Lechon has now two outlets in the city.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Very small menu but it works really well: The menu of Mang Kiko’s features only three dishes – Roasted Chicken, Roasted Pork Belly and Pork Barbeque. Available in both set meal and a la carte, these three delicious viands are good enough to knock roasted meat lovers out.
• One of the best Roasted Pork Belly (leimpo) and Roasted Chicken (lechon manok) in Singapore at S$6: The set meal (S$6), covering complementary rice, free flowing Sinigang soup and a generous portion of Roasted Pork Belly or Roasted Chicken is the bestseller at any Mang Kiko’s outlet. Such crispy skin and fat with meaty flavour just melts in your mouth.
• Filipino Spit-style rotisserie grill for that real taste: The juicy chunks of pork belly or chicken are spun and roasted over a charcoal flame right at the store. Turning brown, crisp and perfectly charred.

Atmosphere
Mang Kiko’s at Lau Pat Sat is a little stall in a beautiful Victorian style building built in 1890’s. There are hordes of other food stalls as well and the place is buzzing with people, especially around lunch time.

Recommended Dishes
– Roasted Chicken and Pork Combo
– Roasted Pork Belly (Lechon Leimpo)
– Roasted Chicken (Lechon Manok)
– Pork Barbeque on Stick

Average Price/Pax: S$10

Kabayan Filipino Restaurant

Homey, warm, loud and cheap. Kabayan Filipino Restaurant is reminiscent of the typical carinderia (fast-food) in the Philippines. There’s a wide selection of usual dishes; from appetizers, mains, to desserts, all of which have decent taste and presentation. It is not surprising to see lots of Filipinos flock in here during weekends, so many that the restaurant tends to have a very loud environment. But this could also mean one thing; Kabayan serves good Filipino food.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Turo-turo (Self-service) restaurant: Head straight to the counter and point out which dishes you’d like to order. Sounds familiar, right? While this type of service isn’t truly unique, this is how most Filipinos roll in food courts and eateries so there is some sense of homey ambiance in the restaurant.
• Dishes have strong flavour: Kabayan has experienced chefs at the helm in order to guarantee consistent Filipino taste in their dishes. Neither balanced nor smooth, the dishes have an intense flavour (garlicky, sour, sweet) and apparent texture which may not favour the palate or lifestyle of everyone. This is why it is advisable to pair your meal with a cup of rice, dessert, or vegetable side dishes.
• Filipino breakfast favourites: Missing the fried rice, sunny side up egg, and meat combination for breakfast? Kabayan has got them all covered. Order TapSiLog (Tapa, Siningang, Itlog), one of the restaurant’s best-sellers. It is also served with slices of tomato and cucumber and pickled papaya salad.
• Cheaper prices: As the name itself implies, Kabayan (fellow countryman) is a restaurant for the “masses”, with price ranges anywhere between S$5 and S$10 for a meal set. Both on-the-budget foodies and the thrifty ones will find this restaurant a great choice for lunch or dinner.
• Offers catering service: A competitive catering service for your special occasions, Kabayan is more than ready to make any Filipino dish you’d ask for. Service includes dining ware and delivery/pick-up at restaurant.
• Offers catering service: A competitive catering service for your special occasions, Kabayan is more than ready to make any Filipino dish you’d ask for. Service includes dining ware and delivery/pick-up at restaurant.

MENU: Kabayan has a comprehensive menu of Filipino viands available all-day. There are about 30 dishes prepared daily plus appetizers, desserts, and drinks. Customers can just pick amongst the dishes displayed on the counter and then take it from there. A traditional serving of rice, two viands, and a bottle of soft drink is the typical combination here.

RECOMMENDED DISHES:

• Pork Sinigang (Pork in tamarind soup)
• Lumpiang Shanghai (Fried spring rolls)
• BBQ Rice Meal
• Turon (Banana spring roll)
• Custard Cake with Jackfruit Toppings
• Menudo
• Lechon Kawali with Mang Tomas Sauce
• Crispy Pata (pork knuckles)
• Leche Flan

ATMOSPHERE: While the atmosphere is friendly, the loud, chatting voices might distract a person who prefers the quiet and relaxing ambiance. If you’re a Filipino missing some interaction with fellow countrymen, then Kabayan is the right place to go. A cable TV is also available in the restaurant so everybody could watch GMA-Filipino channels.

NOTES:

• Kabayan Filipino Restaurant gets really busy during weekends.
• Reservations are highly recommended.

Gerry’s Grill

Gerry’s Grill will bring Filipinos closer to home. From the restaurant ambiance to its menu, everything is inspired by casual Filipino cuisine and hospitality. With two locations, Gerry’s Grill Singapore is aimed at catering to as many diners as possible who are looking for affordable Filipino food.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Grilled dishes marinated in traditional Filipino spices: Even back in the Philippines, Gerry’s Grill is widely known for its grilled pork and seafood. You wouldn’t probably leave the restaurant without having a taste on their Pork BBQ which is dressed in thick sweet and spicy sauce. Grilled Squid is soft and chewy to the mouth, you won’t have a hard time eating it the same with the Pork Liempo. Typical Filipino condiments are available so make sure to mix your own toyo-mansi (Soy sauce and Philippine lemon) sauce.
• Superb a la carte menu: If you crave Filipino viand more than noodles and vegetables, Gerry’s Grill has Sisig, Grilled Chicken, Pork BBQ, Kare-Kareng Baka (Beef Stew with Peanut Butter), and the Chicken & Pork Adobo on ala carte. But a Filipino food dining experience wouldn’t be complete without rice, so a variety of rice (steamed, adobo, or garlic) is also available for less than S$2.
• Pinaputok na Cream Dory: Price starts at S$11.95, this unique Filipino dish is a sure winner for Singaporeans and the Pinoys. The dory fish is wrapped and steamed in fresh banana leaves so it tastes scrumptious and looks healthy; a must for the health-conscious. To add flavour, fish is also topped with onion, leeks, and tomatoes.
• Esplanade branch is open ‘til 2AM: Late diners may grab a quick dinner at Gerry’s Grill Esplanade. It is also perfect for those who might want to cap off their day with a few drinks.

MENU: The menu is small but it is enough to satisfy your cravings for popular Filipino dishes. There are a la carte and meal set options for those who are flying-solo and dining in group. Grilled dishes like Chicken Kebab, BBQ, Liempo, and Pusit are the mains of this restaurant, plus the Halo-Halo dessert on the side. For drinkers, there’s Kilawin, Crispy Pata, and Pork Sisig to accompany your beers and liqueurs.

RECOMMENDED DISHES:

• Sinigang (Pork/Milk Fish in Tamarind Soup)
• Grilled Chicken
• Beef Caldereta (Beef stew)
• Pansit Bihon (Noodle variant)
• Bulanglang (Mixed Vegetables)
• Halo-Halo (Snow ball with mixed fruits and sweets)

ATMOSPHERE: The welcoming presence of two Philippine flags lets you know that you’re going to embark on a journey through authentic Filipino cuisine. Wooden chairs, tables, and indoor plants will remind you of a local grill restaurant by the roadside. Tables are set up in four to six-seaters so both small and large groups of people can make themselves comfortable.

NOTES:

• The restaurant gets cramped during dinner time.
• Guests may book an early reservation.

ALL GERRY’S GRILL’S LOCATIONS
@ Starhub Centre
Address: 51 Cuppage Road, #01-12 Starhub Centre
Tel: (65) 67201412
Opening hours: Daily 12:00 to 22:00

@ Esplanade Mall
Address: 8 Raffles Avenue, Esplanade Mall, Makansutra Glutton Bay
Tel: (65) 97280426
Opening hours: Daily 17:00 to 2:00

Les Bouchons @ Ann Siang Road

If you are looking to grab some fantastic Parisian style steak frites in Singapore, Les Bouchons is your destination. This little steak house serves authentic French cuisine with no fuss and frill.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• French style restaurant serving great steak at around S$40: When it comes to serving perfect steak and fries at this price range, Les Bouchons simply shines. With a good selection of cuts – ribeye, sirloin, filet or cote de boeuf – and affordable pricing, it is a must visit place for steak lovers.
• Grilled Rib Eye Steak with Vigneron Butter: Ribeye, topped with garlic and herb infused butter, is a surefire hit in Les Bouchons. Perfectly charred steak unveiling the succulent flesh inside is simply superb.
• All mains served with free flowing crispy fries and bowls of fresh salad: People love this just because the French fries are so good. The free flowing basket of those hot crispy fries always makes diners satisfy with their French-style steak meal.
• Burgundy Escargots with Garlic Butter: Served in a wrought iron skillet, it comes submerged in butter perfectly imbued with garlic and parsley. Absolutely divine!
• Reasonably priced, extensive wine list: What a better way to enjoy your classic French fare than a remarkable choice of full-bodied wines and champagnes. The good news is that wines at this bistro are wallet-friendly.

MENU: The simple menu is listed on a one-page card where the theme is steak served with crunchy salad and free flowing fries. Along with some amazing French-style starters and desserts, there is a weekend specialty, Couscous Royal. The restaurant’s menu also offers an extensive selection of wines.

RECOMMENDED DISHES

• Grilled Ribeye Steak With Vigneron Butter
• Grilled Sirloin Steak with Fries
• Escargots with Garlic Butter
• Jumbo Prawns
• Couscous Royal
• Creme Brulee
• Peach Melba

ATMOSPHERE: The décor is reminiscent of French bistro, complete with vintage posters and dim lights. It has a casual and cozy ambiance to enjoy leisure meals with lively chatter. There are six tables placed inside while around four tables are arranged outdoors.

LOCATION: Les Bouchons is located on the Ann Siang Road, along Club Street in the heart of Chinatown.

PRICES

• Entrées: S$18++
• Main: S$38.80++

NOTE: Reservation is highly recommended.

Burnt Ends

Tucked in the heart of Chinatown, Burnt Ends is a modern Australian barbeque restaurant and bar offering casual dining. Savouring the contemporary style chargrilled dishes, sitting at the counter table, and overlooking the famous custom-built wood fired oven and grills, it is the way foodies enjoy their meal here.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• David Pynt and team tossing grilled delights: The Australian born renowned chef, David Pynt, along with his impressive lineup, is out there for a most personalized experience, assessing choices and recommending dishes.
• Onglet, onion and bone marrow steals the show: It is perfectly seared hanger steak with pink juicy insides. Served with sliced bone marrow and a rich burnt onion sauce, it is a real delight.
• Pulled Pork Sanger: Almost no one leaves this place without devouring melt-in-your-mouth pork, stacked between the oven-toasted brioches and flecked with sesame seeds. The pork is slow roasted for 10 hours, gently pulled and tossed with tangy chipotle aioli, pickled jalapenos and cole slaw.
• Exciting small plate concept for an adventurous soul: Burnt Ends makes for a very delightful culinary expedition with small-plates concept. You can feast on ingeniously crafted delicacies without paying for a whopping big a la carte meal.
• Featured on Zagat’s 2014 “10 hottest restaurants in the world” list: Co-owned by chef Andre Chiang and hoteliers Mavis Oei and Loh Lik Peng, Burnt Ends is forever packed for serving some awesome grilled creations.

MENU: Burnt Ends has a new menu every day with a fine selection of signature and popular dishes, divided into starters, mains and desserts. A specially designed menu (starting from S$100) at the chef’s table is good for large gatherings. The restaurant offers a selection of fine Australian wines, craft beers and cocktails.

MUST TRIES

• Burnt Ends Sangar
• Onglet, Onion and Bone Marrow
• Smoked Quail Eggs with Caviar
• The Kingfish dish
• Grilled Norwegian King Crab
• Whole Red Snapper
• Squid, Bacon and Scallions
• Leeks with Hazelnuts and Brown Butter
• Jacob’s Ladder
• Oven-roasted Banana with Caramel Ice Cream
• Wild Hibiscus, Smoked Ice Cream and Ginger

ATMOSPHERE: Even though a smoky whiff dominates the place, it is nicely ventilated. Overhanging charcoal-hued pendant lamps make the atmosphere spot-on. There is a burned rain-tree-wood counter with a seating capacity of 18. A 6-seater chef’s table is tucked at the far end.

LOCATION: Burnt Ends is situated on the Teck Lim Road on Chinatown.

AVERAGE PRICE/PAX: S$70

NOTE: To dine on the chef’s table, a minimum spend of S$100 per head is required.

New Ubin Seafood

Sounds like a traditional seafood restaurant? It is of course that but it is much more. If you are looking for some outstanding and affordable steak in Singapore, this is your place. Don’t be surprised. New Ubin Seafood, a kampong-style Zi Char restaurant, is famous for serving a fusion of local and international classics with a true blue Singaporean twist.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Fabulous US Angus Rib-Eye Steak: New Ubin Seafood is famous for serving incredible and perfectly charred rib eye steak, complete with potato wedges, caramelized onions, mustard and ketch up. The succulent steak is cubed and served on a wooden board so that one can easily pick up with chopsticks.
• “Out of this world” beef fried rice: This dish is only available with the rib eye steak order. Extremely fragrant fried rice, made clay pot style, is cooked with trimmed beef fat and charred ends from the steak. Nevertheless, this sinfully rich dish holds its own distinct place and is a great crowd-puller.
• Fusion of world cuisines for a thrilling culinary experience: A Zi char place serving steak with fried rice? And foie gras satay? New Ubin Seafood ingeniously blends signature dishes from Western and Eastern cuisines with a brilliant Singaporean twist.
• Interesting, affordable set menus that can be customized to preferences: You will be spoilt for choices with an amazing selection of set meals. Meant for both big and small groups, they include some of the most loved and popular dishes from their wide-ranging menu.
• 2+1 deal with crab dishes: Who doesn’t love deals? And coming with delectable crab dishes such as chilli, pepper, garlic and butter crabs, it is simply awesome.

MENU: The extensive menu at New Ubin Seafood goes beyond typical Zi Char dishes and fresh seafood. The diversity reflects in their succulent US Ribeye steaks, crispy German pork knuckles and satays along with a dizzying array of seafood such as crabs, squids, lobsters and prawns. Some good desserts and reasonably priced wine make the menu complete.

MUST TRIES

• Rib-Eye Beef with Fried Rice
• Crispy Pork Knuckle
• Chilli Crab
• Butter Cream Crab
• Salted Egg Squid
• Prawns with Wasabi Mayonnaise
• Boss style Bee Hoon
• Mee Goreng
• BBQ Spare Ribs

AVERAGE PRICE/PAX: S$35

Pepper Steakhouse & Bistro

Fans of Australian and New Zealand beef steaks might want to take a seat and eat at Pepper Steakhouse & Bistro. This family restaurant offers both grass-fed and grain-fed beef steaks along with a free-flow of fries at reasonable prices.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Steaks are predominantly grass-fed from New Zealand: Grass-fed steaks like ‘Savannah’ Angus beef, Wakanui, and Wagyu are sourced from New Zealand, while the grain-fed Harvey prime beef and grass-fed Cow Boy Steak are from Australia. Being grass-fed steaks, the mouth-watering beefy flavour comes out naturally once grilled medium-rare and seasoned with salt & pepper. So this could be a win-win situation for the adventurous steak lovers who want to save on money without sacrificing food quality and experience.
• Steaks for sharing: Available in mid-range price, a group of 2 to 3 may feast on an 850g Australia Lamb Rack Bone-in (S$118), 800g/1,300g AU Tomahawk beef with Crushed Green Pepper Corn (S$98/S$158), or the 700g AU Grass-fed Cow Boy Steak with Crushed Pink Pepper Corn (S$78). Whichever you choose, any of these steaks are served with turnip & mustard gratin & garlic sautéed spinach as well as beer batter onion rings. Definitely for the robust foodie!
• Lots of steak sauces to choose from: These sauces are complimentary so don’t be shy to choose one; such as Béarnaise Sauce, Red Wine Sauce, Tasmanian Bush Pepper Sauce, Horseradish Cream, Mustard Sauce, Diane Sauce, or the Hollandaise Sauce.
• A 3-course lunch meal for less than S$20: Order the set lunch menu and that’s all you need for the whole afternoon. It comes with a good variety of mains such as tender pork loin, lamb stew, and a serving of soup, and is definitely perfect for family diners. For a cheap price, the quality of food is worth it.
• Family friendly dining room: Located at the Great World City, Pepper Steakhouse & Bistro is in a quite secluded residential and commercial complex. Unsurprisingly, the restaurant is mainly visited by families so the dining set-up had to be arranged for small and large groups of people. This place could be a great spot for families.

MENU: Being a steakhouse & bistro, the restaurant does offer breakfast, brunch, and steak dinner. You can start your day heavy with Big Breakfast (S$18) or with Grilled sirloin steak (S$24). For dinner, a group of 2 to 3 persons may share over a 1,300g of steak. If you want to keep the meat all by yourself, there’s a variety of signature steaks and mains. A mix of classic and Oriental starters is also available for the vegetarians and meat lovers. The restaurant’s dessert menu can excite your palate, too.

OTHER RECOMMENDED DISHES

• Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni Pasta
• Crab Cake
• Eggs Benedict
• Prawn & Truffle Linguine
• Chocolate Lava Cake
• Tiramisu
• Legendary Sticky Date Pudding

ATMOSPHERE: Pepper Steakhouse & Bistro looks very American-esque with its wooden wall panels, tables, and leather chairs. The black-white-red scheme and modern lighting fixtures give off a very warm atmosphere. The restaurant is spacious enough to accommodate at least 55 diners. Overall, a mixture of classic-modern steakhouse and bistro, indeed.

AVERAGE PRICE/PAX: S$60

The Market Grill

Ask the hipsters where you can find the best steak in Singapore without bankrupting yourself, and expect to hear The Market Grill as they say it. With high-grade steaks, accompanied by traditional sides, this casual dining restaurant can give value for your money. But Market Grill’s steaks are not alone in attracting the hungry crowd, as the restaurant is also famous for offering lobsters and burgers, making it a favorite haunt of many locals.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Stay classy with the premium cuts or low profile with the high-low cuts: Premium cuts such as the US prime ribeye, Wagyu Chuck Rib, and Black Angus Prime Beef Rib cost around S$72 to S$158, all of which are served in copious amounts to serve 2 to 3 diners. Meanwhile, high-low cuts like the Beef Cheek, Wagyu Rump as well as the ever-best-selling Black Angus Beef and Bavette win the hearts of many for their reasonable price tags that range anywhere between S$39 and S$58.
• Steaks are chargrilled to perfection: Steaks like Black Angus and Beef Bavette came from cows grain-fed for 200-400 days and have gone through dry-aging, so the meat tastes flavourful naturally. And by means of charcoal grilling, the meat’s juices and tenderness are sealed in so that all the goodness will burst in your mouth.
• 500g Lobster-rific dishes for the lobster fans: Harvested from Maine and Boston, the lobsters at the Market Grill are served fresh, sweet, and hot, meaning you get to choose which one would you like to be cooked. If you like this idea, choose amongst the Whole Lobster (S$45), Lobster Roll (S$45), and the Teres Major & Lobster (S$125).
• One of the best burgers in town: Big, fat and juicy. Does sound perfect for an ideal burger, right? At The Market Grill, guests may find delight in a wide selection of meaty burgers. If you like cod fish as patty on your burger, then choose CW Cod Fish (S$28), but if you’re after the salty bleu cheese topped on bacon and beef patty, then CW Bleu Cheese burger (S$25) is an unforgettable option.
• Exotic food selection: Pig’s ear, ox’s tongue? Sounds strange but thankfully, when you have a great chef in the kitchen, there’s no point in wasting away these delectable parts.

MENU: At The Market Grill, diners are provided with a decent size menu. You may either go on a full-blown course meal (i.e. appetizer, main course, and desserts) or just grab a heavy burger snack. For main course, besides steak, meat eaters can always get other meaty goodness such as pork chop and lamb meat.

MUST TRIES

• US Prime Ribeye
• Bavette
• CW Bleu Cheese Burger
• CW Cod Fish
• CW Portobello Burger
• Lobster Roll
• Whole Lobster
• Onion Matchsticks
• Charcuterie Connoisseur Board
• Cod Croquettes
• Rum Banana Pocket

ATMOSPHERE: The Market Grill has a chic industrial interior design so there is a kitchen bar where you can see Chef Colin West do what he does best. The place looks warm, fresh and trendy which appeals to the eyes of the hipsters.

AVERAGE PRICE/PAX: S$50

NOTES

• Restaurant gets jam-packed during lunch breaks and weekends.
• No reservations. First come first serve.

Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse

Serious steak lovers whose palate favours the charcoal-grilled meat will surely dub Bistecca Tuscan as one of the best steakhouses in Singapore. Expect the best grillers in town to be working behind the restaurant’s kitchen preparing that juicy, sumptuous, and finely chopped steaks for you. However, make sure your pockets are deep enough to dine in this upscale restaurant.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Steak is seasoned and cooked in traditional Tuscan style: Lovers of Italian food would get this; steak is seasoned with salt and pepper and then cooked over charcoal fire. This leaves the meat perfectly charred outside and medium-rare inside, which is a bit different from other styles of steak found in Singapore.
• Bistecca Fiorentina: No doubt, the real crowd puller of Bistecca Tuscan is its signature Bistecca Fiorentina (S$188). Fans of steak can never resist the lure of deliciously thick cuts of Wagyu F1 T-bone steak (1.1kg). Served with asparagus and onion, Bistecca Fiorentina is generous enough to feed 2 to 3 meat eaters.
• Beautiful selection of antipasti: Need something tasty to whet your appetite before indulging in the real treat of the meal? This Italian restaurant offers diners a wide range of flavorful, fresh antipasti to start with.
• Warm and pleasant ambiance: Bistecca lives up to its Italian image with its interior décor and architecture derived from the classic Tuscan house designs. A small patio welcomes the guests, while the warm, woody dining area comes as a big surprise for a rather plain facade.

MENU: The menu is small, but there is still enough space for antipasti, pasta, carne e pesce, and contorni to shine besides the traditional Tuscan steak. Guests may also choose the degustation set meal to sample five of the best dishes the restaurant has to offer.

RECOMMENDED DISHES

• Shiga Ohmigyu Wagyu A5 Steak
• Fiorentina T-bone Steak
• Pumpkin Ravioli
• Burrata
• Risotto al Tartufo
• Ravioli di Zucca
• Grass-fed Australian Black Angus
• Tortellini di Angello
• Patate
• Piatto di Salumi

ATMOSPHERE: Inside the restaurant, the subdued lighting and wood flooring give-off a very warm and inviting vibe. Each dining table is spaced out evenly so customers won’t feel cramped in a small space. The walls are adorned with paintings, most of which are deers and cows so it would really make you feel like dining in a hunter’s cabin.

AVERAGE PRICE/PAX: S$150 – S$200

NOTES

• Alfresco dining is available.
• Booking an early reservation is recommended.

Fat Cow

Fat Cow, a traditional Japanese steakhouse, is unarguably one of the most exclusive steakhouses in Singapore. Serving an exquisite range of Japanese Wagyu beef cooked in a variety of styles, Fat Cow is a must visit destination for steak lovers.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• One of the best places to have Wagyu steak in Singapore: Fat Cow is the top place to go if you want to devour the most succulent and high quality Japanese Wagyu beef. The restaurant famously sources its Wagyu from different regions of Japan to offer most amazing textures and flavours to tantalize your taste buds. Choose Saga Grade A3 for its tender and juicy bite, Ohmi Grade A4 Ribeye for its uniform marble or an extraordinary Iwate Grade A5 Ribeye for that melt in mouth experience and intense flavour.
• Gourmet lunch set at unbeatable price: Fancy a top class meal in this upscale restaurant? Don’t let the expensive a la carte menu hold you back. Just go ahead with Fat Cow lunch set, which allow diners to choose the main from a list consisting of 8 items priced from $25 to $48. Each set includes chawanmushi, salad, miso soup and dessert.
• Omakase experience: Feeling adventurous? There is Butcher’s Selection that displays different and the most unusual cuts of Japanese Wagyu daily. Leave it to the chef to choose the freshest cuts, cooking styles and his own sauces for a thrilling dining experience.
• Stunning interiors reminiscent of traditional Japanese steakhouse: High ceilings with dangling wooden sculptures give this place a dramatic feel. The wooden elements weave beautifully with shimmering bronze creating a relaxing, cozy environment full of warmth and radiance. The elegant design reflects the Japanese “Wabi-Sabi” concept where the beauty lies in the simplicity.
• Open Kitchen to see the magic unfolding: Sweeping glass walls leads to the open kitchen where you can see the skilled chefs working passionately with the finest ingredients to give you a world-class steak experience.

MENU: Besides the beautiful selection of Japanese Wagyu cuts, Fat Cow has an enticing range of cold and hot appetizers. The restaurant also serves superb sashimi, sushi, pork and a delicious assortment of vegetable side dishes. Seasonal offerings like monkfish liver, prawns, lobster, truffle chawanmushi and matsutake king mushrooms gives the menu that extra edge.

WINE LIST AND COCKTAIL CREATIONS

• Extensive wine list with excellent Italian, Spanish wines and Japanese sake, umeshu and Japanese whisky. Macallan Amber is their signature malt whisky.
• The Japanese style cocktails blends eastern and western ingredients to toss out incredibly creative concoctions. Some of the signature blends are Fat Sour, Dramble and Shiso Kir.

RECOMMENDED DISHES

• Fat Cow Donburi
• Foie Gras and Wagyu Donburi
• Charcoal Grilled Wagyu with Onsen Egg and Shiro Negi
• A5 Wagyu Steak
• Fat Rice
• Trio of Maguro
• Grilled Gamba Carabineros
• Wagyu Ox Tendon and Foie Gras
• Zucchini Blossom Tempura
• Gyu-Niku Dashi Zosui
• Tai Carpaccio with Black Truffle
• Warabi Mochi
• Red Bean Obanyaki

AVERAGE PRICE/PAX: S$160 – S$200

NOTE: Reservation is highly recommended.

The 5 Best Homemade Ice Cream in Singapore

Our Singaporeans love ice cream. If not, why a myriad of ice cream parlours, both local and international brands, are out there. And when hipsters keep hunting for best homegrown ice creams in town, there must be a reason. Yes, those local shops invite ice cream lovers to celebrate all the classic, exotic and creative flavours at very reasonable prices.

Most of the Singaporean ice cream shops are away from the city centre. Fortunately, we still have Tom’s Palette and Merely Ice Cream in town to easily have an ice cream fix. When you have ample time or wish to try something new, make your way to Udders at Upper Thomson or The Daily Scoop at Chip Bee Garden or Creamier at Toa Payoh. They are all worth a try. Yes, because they are the best handcrafted ice cream in Singapore.

Visiting those sweet lands, you may get confused by so many options. Don’t worry! The friendly staff at those shops can read your mind. They will offer you free, unlimited tasting to help you choose the flavours that please your taste buds.

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Tom’s Palette Review

A treasure trove of some of the most amazing and exciting flavours, Tom’s Palette is a local ice-cream parlour serving fresh, delectable, homemade ice-creams since 2005. This gem is tucked among a throng of restaurants in the Shaw Towers building on Beach Road, Singapore and is run by an enthusiastic husband – wife team.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Unique, exotic flavours with interesting ingredients: If you like your ice cream in exotic and whacky flavours, this is your place to go adventurous. They use all kinds of interesting ingredients to create crazy, scrumptious flavours that simply rock. Besides the regular flavours, innovative and off-beat creations such as mango sticky rice, green tea, durian, salted egg, tropical cocktail and Luo Han capture the true creative spirit of Tom’s Palette.
• New flavour every month: This parlour unveil one new flavour of ice cream every month. Innovation? It is the name of the game here.
• More than one flavor in your cup: When you order ice cream from Tom’s Palette, regardless of the cup size, you can combine two flavours in one cup. By this way you will never get bored of eating only one flavour in one go.
• Learn the trade secrets: Fascinated by all these flavours and want to learn few tips and tricks? They conduct weekly ice-cream making lessons.

MENU: Tom’s Palettes has an amazing array of more than 90 flavours of ice-cream. With ice-cream as the mainstays, this parlour also serves freshly baked waffles along with a delicious range of sorbets made from chocolate, red wine and white wine.

WELL-LOVED FLAVOURS

• Salted caramel cheesecake: A delightfully smooth-textures ice-cream with a light cheesecake flavour.
• Salted Egg Yolk: This unique flavor is sought out by many. It has just the right mix of savoury and sweet flavours in every spoonful. It sounds weird but the taste grows on you.
• Granny’s Favourite: This ice cream will take you back to your childhood treats. The delectable chocolate and malt ice cream has large chunks of eggless cookie dough. It is mouth wateringly luscious.

OTHER MUST TRIES

• Melt & Sizzle
• Honey & Cinnamon
• Apple Pie
• Rum & Raisin
• Sea Salt Caramel
• Triple Coconut

ATMOSPHERE: This spacious place is always bustling with energy. Exciting range of ice-creams brings out the child in you and this excitement is simply visible in the friendly staff, ice cream-lovers and usual patrons – making Tom’s Palette a cheerful place to indulge your sweet tooth.

LOCATION: It is conveniently located within a five minutes’ walk from City Hall or Bugis.

PRICES

• Small: S$3.40
• Medium: S$4.20
• Large: S$5.20

Udders Review

An ice cream parlour for adults. This is how Udders is typically characterized by Singaporeans. Who wouldn’t agree with that when the shop’s best sellers are mostly mixed with liqueurs such as rum, bourbon, cognac, and whiskey? Truly, a delight in the taste buds of drinkers who also happen to have a sweet tooth. But don’t get this wrong, Udders is still a family-friendly ice cream shop with their other must-try selections like the classic Snickers Mars Honeycomb Vanilla, Hazel’s Nuts, and the famous Mao Shan Wang Durian for the connoisseurs.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Dazzling selection of liqueur ice creams: With approximately 10 delicious liqueur flavours, Udders makes alcohol fans fall in love from head to toe. Any doubt? Let the Rum Rum Raisin, Tira-miss-u or Bailey’s & Bourbon tell you how wonderful the experience is.
• Late-night ice cream destinations: Having a late-night craving for dessert? Udders is your choice. Its five outlets are all open till midnight at weekend. But what if one wants to have late-night ice cream no matter what day it is? Visit Udders at Upper Thomson. The team is there to serve you every day from 12:00 to 01:00 or 02:00.
• Voting for the potential flavours: You may doodle or write on the parlour’s large chalkboard, if that’s what you mean by having fun. You’re even allowed to write down your own flavour suggestions to Udders team. Do it! And let people vote for your creative ideas.
• Fun workshop with ice cream buffet: If you want to know the secrets of ice cream making and experience something new, the Udders team offers a workshop that comes with a sumptuous all-you-can-eat buffet. The instructor is even fun to work with so you’ll have a great time.

WELL-LOVED FLAVOURS

• Mao Shan Wang Durian: This flavour smells pungent yet sweet with durian as the predominant ingredient. Adventurous tasters are encouraged to have their hands on this one.
• Snickers Mars Honeycomb Vanilla: The name itself screams perfection. Served with chunks of Mars and Snickers and is supposed to hit you with vanilla scent and balanced sweetness of honey from every bite.
• Bailey’s & Bourbon:A premium ice cream flavour that is bound to satisfy your cravings for Bailey’s Irish cream and Bourbon.

MENU: At Udders, you can pick amongst liqueur, Asian-inspired, and cosmopolitan flavours. Liqueurs are the best sellers in this shop, which is good news for those who love mixing alcoholic drinks with sweets. Overall, Udders has a comprehensive menu with the addition of waffles, coffee, tea, and chocolate drinks to the list.

MUST TRIES

• Chocolatey Kit Kat
• Strawberry Fields
• Hazel’s Nuts
• Mari Kita
• Rum Rum Raisin
• Butterscotch Whiskey
• Tira-Miss-U

PRICES

• Classic single/double: S$3.50/S$5.80
• Premium single/double: S$4.20/S$7.10
• Connoisseur single/double: S$5.40/S$8.90

ALL LOCATIONS
On Upper Thomson Road
Address: 246D Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574370
Tell: (65) 6452 0803
Opening hours:

• Sun to Thu: 12:00 – 01:00
• Fri, Sat & eve of PH: 12:00 – 02:00

@ Siglap
Address: 87 Upper East Coast Road, S455223
Tel: (65) 6448 8732
Opening hours:

• Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 – 23:00
• Friday to Saturday: 12:00 – 01:00

@ Novena
Address: 155 Thomson Road, S307608
Tel: (65) 6254 6629
Opening hours:

• Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 – 23:00
• Friday to Saturday: 12:00 – 01:00

@ Bukit Timah
Address: 17 Lorong Kilat, #01-08 Kilat Court, S598139
Tel: (65) 6466 1055
Opening hours:

• Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 – 23:00
• Friday to Saturday: 12:00 – 00:00

@ Timbre+
Address: 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent #01-22, S139957
Tel: +65 6252 8871
Opening hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 12:00 to 22:30
• Friday to Saturday: 12:00 to 23:00

@ Toa Payoh
Address: 430 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, OrangeTee Building #01-01A, S319402
Tel: +65 6252 6311
Opening hours: Daily 11:00 – 22:30

Creamier Review

Nestled amongst an array of residential buildings along Toa Payoh HBD is Creamier, a casual coffee and ice cream shop. Creamier is distinctly known for its premium sorbets, waffles, and ice cream flavours. The team develops and uses its own recipes to bring delightful surprises to your palate, making the café as good as ever before.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Waffles, waffles, waffles: Their waffles are so good that if you had to choose (which is better) between your mom’s pancakes and Creamier’s waffles, you would probably choose the latter. The waffles, and by that most customers do mean the Belgian waffle with ice cream, are crispy on the outside while soft and chewy on the inside.
• Quiet location: Creamier is located at a peaceful neighbourhood compared to its rivals. Its quietness drifts your thoughts away from the hustle and bustle of the city and perhaps, lets you reminisce your childhood memories about dessert places.

MENU: Creamier has a wholesome menu for kids, waffle lovers, coffee and tea drinkers, and adventurous foodies. Creamier also offers customised ice cream cakes which is available pre-order.

WELL-LOVED FLAVOURS

• Sea-salt Gula Melaka: The sea-salt ingredient is harvested freshly from England so expect saltiness in the flavour but the sweetness and fragrance of pure palm sugar will surprise you.
• Roasted Pistachio: Smooth and creamy, this selection is loaded with roasted pistachio nuts from Italy. It is most commonly paired with waffles.
• Richest Dark Chocolate Ferrero: Mixed with roasted hazelnuts, alcohol, and dark chocolate, this ice cream flavour might appeal to the taste of chocolatiers and simple chocolate lovers.

OTHER MUST TRIES

• Earl Grey Lavender
• Summer Strawberries
• Tahitian Vanilla
• Black Forest
• White Peach Chardonnay

PRICES

• Waffle: S$6 + S$2.50 for one scoop of ice cream
• Single/Double ice cream: S$3/S$5 + S$0.80 per scoop of premium flavour
• Coffee: S$3.50 to S$6.50 + S$1 per extra shot
• Tea: S$4.50

ATMOSPHERE: Creamier’s interior looks lovely with the hanged art works. Being a small coffee and ice cream shop, Creamier could hardly accommodate customers during its peak hours; lunch and dinner time. Customers have to settle for alfresco dining whenever the café gets jam-packed.

The Daily Scoop at Chip Bee Gardens Review

If you are craving for some really delicious, home-made ice-cream, The Daily Scoop is your place. Tucked around the vibrant, cosmopolitan Holland Village, their luscious ice-creams are hand-churned to create wonderful flavours from succulent fruits and finest ingredients. The ice-creams are made fresh daily and at times you might be lucky enough to see a delectable batch whipped right in front of you.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Delightfully great waffles: While unique, exciting ice-cream flavours are the biggest crowd pullers, the place is also famous for its fragrant waffles that are warm and crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Pressed freshly for that extra crunch, the waffles here are so exceptional that you can have them on their own.
• Amazingly good brownies to go with ice cream: Besides the waffles, that are served by many local ice-cream shops, what gives this place an edge are the warm, crumbly brownies topped by cool scoops of flavoursome ice-creams. Sounds divine? Yes, it is.
• Great dessert options in the vicinity: Chip Bee Gardens have some really amazing dining options, making The Daily Scoop a natural choice for people who want to enjoy the mouth-watering, refreshing frozen desserts after their scrumptious meals.
• Sensitivity to customer’s needs: Whether it is the tank of free-flowing iced water, friendly staff helping you find the right flavor with unlimited sampling or high chairs to accommodate babies, The Daily Scoop take care of the smallest details and focus not only on serving an assortment of unique flavours but also on making the customers feel special.

MENU: There are 40 amazing varieties of ice-creams ranging from regular chocolate, vanilla and fruity sorbets to more creative Mao Shan Wang Durian and Cha Earl Grey. What’s more, you can also ask them to blend your favourite flavour into a rich milkshake that is just as delicious as the ice-creams are.

WELL-LOVED FLAVOURS

• Salted Mister Brown: This ice-cream is a dreamy blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Concocted from brown sugar, sea salt and crunchy brownie chunks, the salty caramel in this creation perfectly complements the sweet freshness, making it an all-time favourite.
• Lychee Martini: An amazing fruity flavor that has fresh lychee juice mixed with vodka. This refreshing ice-cream is one of the most popular choice in this ice-cream café.
• Surprising Coconut: An incredibly smooth delight that has real chunks of tender coconut flesh. A creative blend of fresh coconut water and flavourful ice-cream, it tastes a little piquant at first but soon tantalize the taste buds and leave you crave for the next refreshing mouthful.

OTHER MUST TRIES

• Simply Chocolate
• Mao Shan Wang Durian
• Cha Earl Grey
• Cherry Brandy
• Kookie Monster
• Nutty Macadamia
• Maple Crisp
• Strawberry Shortcake

ATMOSPHERE: The place has a simple seating arrangement with minimal décor. When it becomes too crowded, people often go outside and sit on the picnic benches along Jalan Merah Saga to enjoy their scoops along with the beautiful view out there.

PRICES

• Single Scoop: S$3.50
• Double Scoop: S$5.00
• Waffles: S$5.00

Merely Ice Cream Review

Serving fresh, natural and handcrafted ice-cream, there is nothing that can be called ‘merely’ about this ice-cream hang-out. The home-made ice-creams are made from natural ingredients such as fresh fruits, nuts, and herbs, and are free from any chemical additives or artificial flavours. And the flavours are so delectable and wholesome in their own right that ice-creams here are served without any artificial sauces or additional toppings.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Central location: While many local ice cream parlours are settled down in the neighbourhood, Merely Ice Cream is conveniently located in Sunshine Plaza, a shopping mall in the central area of the city, making this very accessible to visit and enjoy awesome ice-creams. It is also a popular hang-out destination for the art students from nearby NAFA & Lasalle institutes.
• Ever changing flavours: The makers love to experiment and come up with unique, exciting flavours all the time. Check their Facebook page and you will find the flavours changing almost daily. You will be greeted with amazing, new flavours every time you visit this place.
• French custard style ice-creams: Ice-creams are created using egg yolks as a natural emulsifier. Though it makes the ice-creams melt faster than usual but that only means no stabilizers are added. People just love the natural way these cool delights are churned with thick, smooth creaminess without any icy texture.

MENU: Merely Ice-cream parlour serves a cool array of natural, fresh ice-cream flavours. While ice-creams are primarily what attract the sweet delight lovers here, it is also famous for its warm, crispy waffles and crunchy cones that simply adds to the delightful experience.

WELL-LOVED FLAVOURS

• Salted Butterscotch: This ice-cream is a perfect blend of rich brown butter, brown sugar, sea salt, balsamic vinegar and graham pie crust. The result is an incredibly sweet-savoury ice-cream where sea salt dreamily balances the sweet taste and the nutty flavour of the brown butter. The crunch of digestive biscuits complements this lusciously smooth ice-cream that simply melts in the mouth.
• Red Velvet Cake: It has a base of creamy, sour-sweet cheese that is loaded with ice cream with freshly baked red velvet cake chunks mixed into it. Red Velvet Cake upside down? It is exactly that. This creative concoction brings a refreshing tangy touch to the sweetness of ice-cream. With every mouthful bursting with amazing flavours, it is without a doubt one of the most popular creation at Merely.
• Gula Pandan: This rich, creamy delight is made up of palm sugar and coconut milk. Each spoonful reveals hearty chunks of pandan cake and makes it one of the sough-after flavour.

OTHER MUST TRIES

• Coconut
• Madagascar Vanilla
• Rum & Raisin
• Bailey’s Coffee
• Oreo Milk
• Horlicks Panda
• Breakfast Cereal

ATMOSPHERE: Merely Ice-cream is a small but really cute place with simple interiors, minimal décor and friendly staff. The wooden furniture adds a rustic feel to the atmosphere and with some amazing cartoons sketched on their walls, it comes across as a very artsy, colourful sort of place to chill-out. Customers draw interesting sketches and doodles that are used as table décor. You will mostly find the place buzzing with young, energetic crowd looking forward to enjoy awesome ice-creams.

LOCATION: It is located in Sunshine Plaza opposite Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) campus.

PRICES

• Single Scoop: S$3.30
• Double Scoop: S$5.60
• Triple Scoop: S$7.90

SKIRT Restaurant @ W Hotel Singapore

Nestled at the lush and luxurious Sentosa Cove inside Sentosa island, SKIRT Restaurant at W Hotel Singapore is a true steakhouse. Top-of-the-line meat, imported from Argentina, Australia and USA, are cooked to perfection, making all steak lovers satisfied. Pondering over the name? Well, it comes from a unique cut of meat called the skirt steak, used traditionally in Latin American grilling.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• An impressive beef selection: Whether it is Blackmore 9+ Wagyu, Tajima Crossbred Wagyu and Cape Grim Angus from Australia, Black Angus from Creekstone Farms, USA or Donald Russell Irish Aberdeen Angus from Argentina, the dining experience at Skirt is always remarkable with its amazingly luscious steaks.
• Famous Parrilla grill: A striking open kitchen shows off the chef’s culinary craftsmanship with centrally-placed Parilla grill. The occasional burst of flames from the grill guarantees a perfectly charred steaks with mind-blowing smoky flavours.
• Special glass-cased aging cabinets: Step into Skirt, your eyes would be attracted by the aging cabinets displaying choicest cuts of beef alongside specialty cuts of milk-fed lamb, saltbush lamb and venison. It is where the legend begins. Yes, the dry aging guarantees that your meat will full of flavours.
• Unbelievable array of condiments: The steaks here are served with seven condiments and three kinds of mustard that enhance the flavours of the restaurant’s already out-of-the world steaks. There are also six different types of salt, each adding a special touch to the meat dishes.

MENU: At Skirt, the premium beef from Parilla Land takes the centre stage. Non-steak options like seafood and poultry dishes are also available. Diners can definitely find ascrumptious selection of salads, starters and desserts on its menu.

RECOMMENDED DISHES

• Blackmore Australian Full Blood 9+ Wagyu Skirt Steak
• Seared Giant Scallops with Dashi and Apple
• Skirt Steak Sandwich
• Braised Duck Leg
• Split and Peppered King Prawns
• Cinnamon Poached Maine Lobster
• Braised Dorper Lamb Leg
• Sautéed Portobello Mushroom
• Torched Honey Meringue
• Warm Venezuelan Chocolate Mud Cake

ATMOSPHERE: SKIRT’s contemporary setting with beautiful scroll lightings, horn chandeliers, and modern leather sofa seats creates a classy and warm environment for a comfortable fine dining experience. The restaurant also offers outdoor dining area with lush surroundings and Sentosa island views.

PRICES

• Average price/pax: S$100
• Starter dishes cost from S$15++
• Side dishes cost from S$10++
• Steak dishes cost from S$62++ to S$208++
• Blackmore Australian Full Blood Wagyu Skirt Steak: S$68++
• Black Angus Australian MS5+ Bone-in Striploin Steak: S$104++
• Hereford Grass Fed Ireland Tenderloin Steak: S$62++
• Skirt Blackmore Wagyu Open Burger: S$30++
• Set menus are available from $60++ per person

DRESS CODE: Smart casual. No shorts, bermudas, open shoes and slippers.

NOTES

• Reservation is highly recommended.
• Diner has to pay S$4 to S$6 per car to access Sentosa island.
• Free parking at the hotel car park
• Only children above 8 years of age, accompanied by an adult, are allowed.

The 5 Best Chinese Hot Pot in Singapore

Steamboat often goes hand-in-hand with cold weather. But in Singapore, who care? We have this hot food at anytime of the day, and any season of the year. Just because we love good food.

For common choice, people opt Bugis or Chinatown for an all-you-can-eat steamboat experience. But for a more special occasion or a more premium taste, where can we go to have our craving satisfied?

The posh steamboat concept, introduced by Imperial Treasure Group, turns out as an ideal culinary destination in this case. Its luxurious ingredients and stylish settings are the best companions to make your moments memorable.

If it is a weekly gathering with friends, Hai Di Lao Hot Pot, The Magic Of ChongQing Hot Pot and Gou Fu Steamboat are where you can indulge in delicious steamboat food without worrying about the wallets.

Nan Hwa Chong Fish Head Steamboat Corner is listed for you to celebrate something tasty with a strong connection to all the goodness of the old days.

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The 5 Best Affordable Yu Sheng in Singapore

Created by four master chefs in 1964, Yu Sheng is now proudly recognized as one of the signature dishes of Singapore, served on Chinese New Year festival. No one can deny that the best places to have Yu Sheng are upmarket restaurants, but dining at those restaurants is often costly.

So where can we enjoy this colourful salad without worrying about the wallets? The answer is in this list. The 5 recommended restaurant chains, which are very popular in Singapore, offer a variety of delicious Yu Sheng dishes at affordable prices.

Imperial Treasure Steamboat Restaurant

Whether it is a family reunion, a birthday party, a business lunch, or a late-night meal, Imperial Treasure Steamboat Restaurant has you covered.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Classy steamboat: Imperial Treasure has pushed the boundaries of the traditional way of having steamboat. At Imperial Treasure Steamboat Restaurant, hotpot is taken to a new level by adding premium ingredients, a posh setting, and good services to the dining experience. It means now people can celebrate special occasions with a steamboat meal.
• Luxurious menu items lives in harmony with affordable ones: In the restaurant’s comprehensive menu, there is space to celebrate the premium ingredients like Wagyu Beef, Australian Abalone, and Boston Lobster as well as room for the more affordable items like Kurobuta Pork Belly, Lamb Shoulder, Fresh Chicken, and Handmade Balls. The menu is designed to suit different tastes and budgets.
• Set meals: Set menus are available, starting from S$88++ for two persons, and S$168++ for four persons. The quality of the foods and the stylish environment make the experience the finest steamboat indulgence.
• Central location: The two outlets of Imperial Treasure Steamboat Restaurant are located at ION Orchard and TripleOne Somerset, making it an conveniently gathering point for everyone or a fashionable venue for meal after shopping.

SOUP BASES: From the popular soup bases like Sichuan Spicy and Healthy Chicken Soup to the unique ones like Parsley & Century Egg Soup and Seaweed & Kelp Soup, there are ten types of soup to choose from. Among those, Drunken Chicken Soup, and Parsley & Century Egg Soup stand out as the favorite choices of diners.

SAUCE: A tray containing twelve glasses of condiments and sauces such as chopped garlic, green and red chills, spring onions, peanut sauce, and plum sauce is presented on each table for diners to use. Note that the sauce is charged at two dollars per pax.

MENU: Imperial Treasure Steamboat Restaurant’s menu offers both a la carte hotpot and cooked food options. While the hotpot covers a wide range of high-quality ingredients, the cooked food category showcases the finest dishes that the Imperial Treasure Group has to offer.

MUST TRIES:

• Geoduck
• Sliced Pork
• Sliced Beef
• Prawn/ Cuttlefish/ Pork Balls
• Frozen Tofu
• Handmade Cuttlefish Noodles
• Shrimp Dumplings

AVERAGE PRICE/PAX: S$55

ALL IMPERIAL TREASURE STEAMBOAT’S LOCATION
@ ION Orchard
Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #04-09/10 ION Orchard, S238801
Tel: (65) 6636 9339
Opening hours: Daily 11:00 – 15:00; 18:00 – 23:00

@ Great World City
Address: Great World City #01-37, Kim Seng Promenade Singapore 237994
Tel: (65) 6235 6008
Opening hours: Daily 11:00 – 15:00; 18:00 – 23:00

Guo Fu Steamboat

Wallet-friendly is the best word to sum up the hotpot service offered at Guo Fu Steamboat. Let the authentic beef hotpot from Northeast China satisfies your craving.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Individual hotpot concept: Unlike most of the hot pot places that offer a big soup pot for sharing among diners in a group, Guo Fu Steamboat invites people to experience the individual hot pot concept which promote the hygiene and personal preference towards the soup.
• Affordable prices for the whole experience: The steamboat experience at Guo Fu is a pleasing mix of having fresh and good quality foods with a decent variety in a comfortable environment and paying very reasonable prices. At the lowest range of the hot pot price spectrum, what this steamboat place offers to diners are much better than its counterparts at the same category.

SOUP BASES: There are ten types of soup on offer. The soup bases are charged separately at different prices, ranging between S$3 and S$7 for individual pots, and S$9 and S$23 for the twin-flavour pots which can be shared among a group of four.

MENU: The restaurant offers diners three dining options – set meal, a la carte buffet, and a la carte. For those who have limited dining time, the set meal with price range from S$13.90 to S$17.90 is a good option. The a la carte buffet has the options spreading from fresh ingredients to cooked dishes like Xiao Long Bao and Shallot Pancake. A selection of desserts with choices of Pumpkin Puree, Pumpkin Cake, Fried Banana Fritter, and Fresh Fruits is also included in the buffet.

ATMOSPHERE: Located at China Square Central, Guo Fu Steamboat features a spacious and cool dining room. It is a clean and comfortable environment for enjoying hot pot.

PRICES

• Weekday lunch buffet: S$21.90++
• Weekday dinner buffet: S$23.90++
• Weekend lunch buffet: S$21.90++
• Weekend dinner buffet: S$25.90++

The Magic Of ChongQing Hot Pot

Strongly survived for more than twenty years, The Magic Of ChongQing Hot Pot satisfies steamboat lovers with good quality foods and pleasant service at inexpensive prices. This restaurant offers diners two steamboat dining experiences, buffet and a la carte. Whether you are a small eater or want to have premium ingredients like abalone for your hot pot, the a la carte option may suit you best.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• One of the first hot pot restaurants introducing mala soup to Singaporean diners: Come into Singapore’s food scene since 1994, The Magic Of ChongQing Hot Pot with its addictive mala soup keeps the locals coming back time and time again.
• Wide variety of steamboat ingredients: Whether diners go with the a la carte buffet or a la carte option, the ingredient choices are plentiful. With around hundred of high quality menu items, this hot pot place will take you on a delicious Sichuan culinary journey.
• The restaurant is serious about giving diners a true Sichuan hot pot experience: Having the super spicy Sichuan soup may make one’s tounge numb and body sweat. This restaurant emphasizes on three steps to maintain the pleasure from the beginning to the end – taste sweet and savoury titbits served in between the meals to clean and refresh the palate, dip the cooked hot pot ingredients into the restaurant’s special sauce to enhance the flavours, and enjoy Eight Treasures Tea to reduce the heat and restore the yin yang balance.

SOUP BASES
There are four types of soup for buffet option – Ma La Tang, Faithful Chicken Broth, Preserved Vegetable Soup, and Herbal Chicken Soup. Among those, Ma La Tang and Faithful Chicken Broth are highly recommended.

For a la carte options, the choice of hot pot soup goes up to six with some offers cannot be found elsewhere – Herbal Chicken Soup, Fish Head & Preserved Vegetable Soup, Black Chicken Soup, Nutritious Herbal Soup With Black Chicken, Nutritious Turtle Herbal Soup, and Nutritious Herbal With Frog Leg Broth.

ATMOSPHERE: The Magic Of ChongQing Hot Pot features a Chinese home-style ambience, set by the simple wooden tables and chairs, faux stucco walls, red lanterns, and oriental ornaments. With ample space between tables, the environment is comfortable for a hot pot place.

AVERAGE PRICE/PAX
Weekday lunch buffet: S$23.90++
Weekday dinner buffet: S$33.90++
Weekend lunch buffet: S$25.90++
Weekend dinner buffet: S$35.90++

Nan Hwa Chong Fish Head Steamboat Corner

For those who enjoy fish, Nan Hwa Chong Fish Head Steamboat Corner should be added to the must try list. At this eatery, fish is presented in style of steamboat with choices of Grouper, Pomfret, Song fish, and Red Snapper.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Charcoal style steamboat: It has been the way making Nan Hwa Chong’s fish soup alluring since 1927. The heat from the burning charcoal makes you sweat, but it also makes your soup great.
• Classic Teochew fish soup: Nan Hwa Chong is specialized in fish hotpot so the best way to experience it all is enjoying the rich and sweet fish soup with all the good companions like mushrooms, fried yam, chye sim, white cabbage, spring onion, and beancurd. Added no milk, the fish soup is pure just like the way it is in a traditional Teochew version.

MENU: Besides fish steamboat, Nan Hwa Chong also offers a selection of home-style Chinese dishes like Oyster Omelette, Prawn Roll, Prawn Paste Chicken Wing, and Braised Intestine. Among those, Jing Du Pork Rib and Special Homemade Beancurd are featured menu items.

ATMOSPHERE: Located in an old shophouse at the corner of North Bridge Road and Jalan Sultan, Nan Hwa Chong has a typical coffee shop setting and a bustling atmosphere. The use of charcoal adds smoke and extra heat to the dining area downstairs. With air conditioners, the upstairs of the restaurant is a more comfortable dining room.

AVERAGE PRICE/PAX: S$20

NOTE: Long waiting time at peak hours should be expected.

Hai Di Lao Hot Pot

What makes Hai Di Lao Hot Pot become a steamboat attraction shortly after coming into Singapore’s food scene? It must be the beautiful overall experience that the place gives to diners.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Pampering service: While waiting for the table, diners are served with free flow of drinks, fruits and snacks, and even free manicure service. Children are provided an entertainment area to have some fun. While eating, you and your belongings are also protected from the smell and splashes. The attentive staff always make sure that your hotpot experience is comfortable.
• Fiery mala soup base: Hai Di Lao is one of the best places to have mala hotpot in Singapore. The delicious soup comes with different spicy levels, the mild one gives diners a good kick while the spicy one is strong enough to set people’s tongues in fire.
• Huge selection of sauces: Delicious sauces add more flavours for a steamboat experience. With more than twenty types of condiments and sauces at the self-served seasoning bar, diners have more chances to create different mixtures of sauces. Be noted that an amount of four dollars is charged per pax for the dip.
• Noodle dance: Order homemade noodles to have a noodle master performed an interesting dance in front of your table. The little show is entertaining to watch and the noodles are yummy to taste.
• Open till 06:00 everyday: Located at Clarke Quay and open till 06:00, Hai Di Lao is an ideal place to recharge energy after clubbing.

SOUP BASE: Sichuan Spicy, Tomato Soup, Seafood, Chicken Soup, Mushroom Soup, and Local Laksa are on offer. Diners can have a two-in-one experience by choosing double flavours. Want to know the standouts? No doubt, they are Sichuan Spicy and Chicken Soup.

MENU: The ala carte menu of Hai Di Lao offers a fresh and high-quality selection of meats, seafood, fish & meat balls, soybean products, vegetables, mushrooms, and noodles. But the best part of this menu is its flexibility, allowing diners to order foods in half-portions to sample a little bit of everything.

MUST TRIES

• Pork Belly Slices
• Black Pork
• US Beef Slices
• Hai Di Lao Style Beef
• Hai Di Lao Style Fresh Tripe
• Tender Chicken
• Crispy Meat
• House Made Noodles

LOOK AND FEEL: This hot pot place has a warm and fashionable interior. Accommodating up to 252 customers, the spacious Hai Di Lao makes diners comfortable with ample space between tables.

AVERAGE PRICE/PAX: S$45

NOTES

• A waiting time of one to two hours should be expected
• Reservation for dinner is not allowed, but request for a queue number can be done by phone.

Singapore Expats Classifieds

SingaporeExpats.com is one of the leading web portals in Singapore, drawing a lot of users daily, especially people from Singapore expat community. Website services include forum discussing, property listing, online dating, and classified advertising. Although the classified ads service is free, you need to register a free account in order to place Ads and contact Seller.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Users need to register a free account in order to place Ads and contact seller
• Posting classified Ads is free for all categories except category “Share Flat, Room For Rent”, which cost S$8.00 per Ad
• Free uploading up to 5 images

RATES FOR PROMOTING ADS

• Highlight Ad: Your Ad will be highlighted to stand out from Ad listing pages. Rate is S$5.00, only one time charge.
• Sticky Ad: Your Ad will be displayed at the top of Ad listing pages. Rate is S$150.00 per month.
• Feature Ad: Your Ad will be featured as “Featured Ads” on its Classifieds homepage and all category pages. Rate is S$200.00 per month.

Locanto Singapore

Locanto is a worldwide classified ads network, founded in 2006. The company has local classifieds sites in over 50 countries, offering services in approximately 1600 cities. Since its establishment in Singapore in 2007, Locanto has always been improving its technology and services to provide solutions for all user’s buying and selling needs.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Users can view sellers’ phone number, or email sellers via contact form, without having an account
• Users need to have an account to post Ads. Account registration is free
• Free posting classified Ads. Free uploading up to 10 images
• Similar to Craigslist, Locanto also offers category “Personals”, which allows users to find or place dating related classified ads
• Providing a very useful location-based search function, allowing users to find nearby services/products
• Locanto Singapore’s mobile app is available on both Apple App Store and Google Play Store

RATES FOR PROMOTING ADS

• Top Ad: Your Ad will be marked with “Top” icon and listed at top positions of the Ad’s category page. Rate is S$7.95 for 1 week, or S$15.90 for 2 weeks.
• Gallery Ad: Your Ad will be highlighted with gallery images and prominently displayed on the right side of the Ad’s category page. Rate is S$9.95 for 1 week, or S$19.90 for 2 weeks.
• Premium Ad: Your Ad will be displayed with an attractive yellow background. And all distracting advertising banners and links will not be shown on your Ad page. Rate is S$3.95 for 1 week, or S$7.90 for 2 weeks.

Gumtree Singapore (Closed)

Gumtree Singapore is the largest and most popular classified ads website in Singapore. It has won the title of “Singapore’ Number One free classified site” for providing excellent online classified ads services, connecting hundreds of thousands of buyers and sellers every month.

Besides Singapore, Gumtree’s group of classified websites are widely used in many other countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Poland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Users can view sellers’ phone number, or email sellers via Gumtree contact form, without having an account
• Users can post Ads without having an account
• Free posting classified Ads
• Free uploading up to 10 images
• Friendly user-interface website, posting Ads and searching Ads functions are easy to be used
• Gumtree Singapore’s mobile app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices, is very useful and convenient for mobile users

RATES FOR PROMOTING ADS

• Highlight Ad: Your Ad will be highlighted to stand out from Ad listing pages. Rate is S$1.99 for 7 days.
• Top Ad: Your Ad will be displayed on rotation at the top of category pages. Rate is S$12.50 for 7 days, S$35 for 31 days.
• Urgent Ad: Your Ad will be marked with an eye-catching “urgent” icon to attract more buyers. The Ad will also be displayed in a special “Urgent Ads only” filter. Rate is S$5.99 for 7 days. If your Ad belongs to categories “Cars & Vehicles” or “Electronics”, rate is S$9.99 for 7 days.
• Homepage Gallery: Your Ad will be featured as “Hot Items” on the Gumtree homepage and be seen by thousands of people every day. Rate is S$20.00 for 7 days.

Craigslist Singapore Review: Is It Worth It?

Established in 1996, Craigslist is renowned as one of the oldest classified portals in the world, providing online classified ads services for more than 700 cities in 70 countries, including Singapore. Craigslist’s website interface is extremely simple yet effective, new users often know how to use the website within seconds. Another great point about Craigslist is that its website always loads faster than its counterparts.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Users can view sellers’ phone number, or email sellers via contact form, without having an account.
• Users can post Ads without having an account.
• Free posting classified Ads.
• Free uploading up to 24 images.
• Besides common categories, Craigslist provides a special category “Personals”, which allows users to find or place dating related classified ads.

NOTES

• Craigslist website has an old-time look & feel that normally surprises first-time users.
• Craigslist does not offer Ad-promoting services.

The 5 Best Cheap Indian Restaurants in Singapore

Little India is well known as a food paradise for fans of Indian cuisine. Take a walk along Race Course Road, you will know how plentiful the options are.

Vast in quantity and small in price, those Indian restaurants are the good friends of tired travelers who need something tasty to ease the hunger or a bustling atmosphere to get inspirations for the next trip.

Affordable Indian restaurants can also be found in other areas. If you are around the Central Business District of Singapore, visit Tandoori Corner for a quick lunch or dinner. To have meal in a more tranquil setting, take a cab to Dempsey Hill and enjoy Indian food in a colonial open house.

Continue reading to get more useful information about the best affordable Indian restaurants in Singapore.

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