Dal.komm Coffee, Korean Cafe Chain opens in Singapore

Popular Korean cafe chain dal.komm Coffee that has appeared in Korean drama, Descendants of the Sun is now officially opened in Singapore, at The Centrepoint. While the cafe appeared numerous times in the drama, fans of the show would have recognized the cafe scene where Song Joong Ki and Song Hye-kyo had coffee together.

Alter Ego, A Poke Theory's Second Concept @ Esplanade Waterfront

Alter Ego situated at Esplanade is the second concept of A Poke Theory on Boon Tat Street, here they will be serving Hawaiian poke bowls by day and bar grub by night. Located on Esplanade's waterfront to be exact, the urban chic and industrial style design cafe is definitely a great spot to chill and unwind over food and drinks.

Bakerzin’s White Christmas Takeaway Menu 2016

Christmas came early this year, with a spread of indulgence from Bakerzin. Available from 11 November 2016, you can enjoy a convenient yet sumptuous spread at home or at any Christmas Party. Bakerzin's take-home menu offers a variety of traditional savoury, sweet treats as well as festive feast packages. Everything comes conveniently packed.

Credit: Bakerzin

Kam's Roast, Hong Kong's Renowned Roast Restaurant Opens in Singapore

Kam's Roast, Hong Kong's renowned roast restaurant has finally make their first overseas debut here in Singapore, with more international brands arriving on our shores. Kam's Roast is now situated at Pacific Plaza where Tsuta, the first Michelin starred ramen eatery made it's international debut sometime earlier too.

Ramen Keisuke Tori King - Chicken Based Ramen @ 100AM

Many have known Tori King to serve ramen with chicken stock base that is topped with a large chicken thigh. In 2016, Tori King celebrate its 4th Anniversary with a new menu, featuring new dishes such as Clear Base Ramen, Tan Tan Mien, Tsukemen and Tori King Dry Noodle (Maze Soba), which is the first dry noodles by Ramen Keisuke.

Tsuta 蔦 - First Michelin Starred Ramen Eatery Opens in Singapore

Tsuta, the world's only Michelin starred ramen eatery has officially launched its first ever-overseas branch in Singapore. Founder, Chef Yuki Onishi started out with only one outlet in Tokyo, a small nine-seater establishment, which only serves 150 bowls of soba daily with the black truffle oil Shoyu Soba being its specialty.

Ninja Cut - Matcha Hotcake & Hearty Rice Bowls @ Seah Street

Sister outlet of Ninja Bowl, The Ninja Cut sets itself apart with a varied menu featuring hearty rice bowls and proteins such as roast ribeye, crackling pork belly, chicken, fillet of cod, seafood and all day brunch items. Making a splash on Seah Street, their latest concept served up dishes with stronger flavours and a more robust protein selection.

Montana Singapore @ PoMo

Following the success of serving up interesting waffles, Montana Singapore is now the re-branded diner of Montana Brew Bar, taking over the space located at the second level of Pomo. The re-branding also reflect a couple of refinement, a more extensive menu, coconut cold brew as well as freak cakes that are inspired from Freak shakes.

Mondo Mio, Authentic Italian Cuisine @ Robertson Quay

After being around in Singapore for more than a decade, Mondo Mio is no stranger in serving up hearty Italian cuisine along the river at Robertson Quay. To celebrate their 10 years, Mondo Mio has introduced a collection of off-the-menu specials on top of a freshly revamped menu, to showcase the flavours of Southern Italy.

Burp Kitchen & Bar, Western Cusine w Asian Twist @ Bedok Reservoir

Nestled in the lush surroundings of Bedok Reservoir, Burp Kitchen & Bar is a cosy little gastropub that serves up western cuisines with an Asian twist. Overlooking the scenic view of Bedok Reservoir Park, Burp is a great spot to unwind especially if you stay nearby, alongside with their affordable and extensive menu.

Stärker Music @ Zhongshan Park

Starker is definitely no stranger in the bar scene, serving award-winning fresh beer and comfort food. Starker Music is situated at Zhongshan Park, offering live band music as well as an extensive menu of bar bites and mains. If you enjoy a time of fresh beer and great music, then Starker Music is definitely the place for you.

Buttertrade: Cakes with Delivery in Singapore

The newly launched Buttertrade is like a dream come true for busy people like myself, it is an online marketplace for cakes from boutique bakeries in Singapore. It offers a variety of cakes from different bakeries - nicely categorized like local flavours, vegan, halal, gluten-free and even a section for four-legged furry friends.

Tensho by MOF - Japanese Tendon @ The Centrepoint

Yet another Tendon contender, Tensho (天勝) by the Ministry of Food (MOF) has recently opened a Japanese speciality tendon store at the basement of Centrepoint. In the midst of the Tendon hype and benchmark set by Ginza Itsuki and Kohaku, the arrival of Tensho makes tendon lovers comparing back to them.

Popbar Singapore - Popular Popsicles Brand From US @ Plaza Singapura

With it's first outlet in the US, the popular handcrafted gelato on a stick pop brand has now arrived in Singapore, offering popbars that are gluten free and made with all natural ingredients. There are a variety of flavours at Popbar ranging from popGelato, refreshing fruity taste of a popSorbetto or guilt-free options of a yogurtPop.

Costa269, Costa Coffee All-Day Brunch w Croffle @ Holland Village

Costa269 at Holland Village has recently unveiled it's all-day brunch menu featuring Croffle - it's the marriage of two most favorite breakfast items, croissant and waffle. They are available in both sweet and savoury options. Costa269 at Holland V is also the brand's first cafe style outlet with a hot kitchen, dishing out classic breakfast favorites.

Afternoon High Tea @ The Landing Point - The Fullerton Bay Hotel

Had several high tea options in mind but finally decided on The Landing Point at Fullerton Bay, to celebrate the birthday for a good friend of mine. No doubt the high tea presentation caught my attention, as well as the location where it allows you to dine with a gorgeous view, overlooking Marina Bay Sands. I could sit here all day. 

RICOLA Natural Relief - The Natural Way to Protect Your Throat

Given the recent haze and constant humid weather in Singapore, it's no surprise that most people get a cough or sore throat easily. Due to my massive schedule, I often have throat irritation and now with Ricola, the leading Swiss herb drop brand's natural relief, it has indeed help to soothe and maintain one's voice in optimal condition.

1460 Tteokbokki, Korean Street Food @ Cathay Cineleisure

As the name goes, 1460 Tteokbokki serve up a variety of tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes) flavours as well as other Korean street food like fried squid, meat skewers and more. From the same folks who run Joo Bar, 8 Korean BBQ and homemade rock candy artisan Sticky, this outlet brings you back to Korea with an array of Korean street snack.

Ellenborough Market Café, Peranakan Buffet @ Swissotel Merchant Court, Singapore

The Grand Dame of Peranakan cuisine returns bolder and better. Ellenborough Market Café at Swissotel Merchant Court is back with an expanded space, as well as refreshed dining halls - three dining zones updated in a heritage-meets-contemporary style. With that, it also offers an even wider international spread with action stations now.

Seoul Jjimdak - Korean Braised Chicken, City Square Mall Singapore

I have been a frequent visitor to City Square Mall (at Farrer Park MRT Station) due to the fact that I stay along NEL and the opening of Seoul Jjimdak adds on to my list of food around my hood. As the name goes, Seoul Jjimdak specializes in Jjimdak - also known as Korean braised chicken simmered in ganjang sauce together with vegetables. 

Tempura Kohaku, Edomae Tendon @ Eat at Seven, Suntec City

Eat At Seven's Kohaku 天ぷら琥珀 has finally arrived, making it the latest concept to complete the entire seven concepts. Kohaku introduces edomae tendon, together with a spicy rendition to cater to Singaporean's palates. For a bowl of comforting tendon, Kohaku is definitely a strong contender for tendon restaurant like Tendon Ginza Itsuki.

Fart Tartz Second Outlet @ Fook Hai Building, Chinatown

Home-grown cafe Fart Tartz has recently expanded to a second outlet, conveniently located in the heart of Chinatown at Fook Hai Building. Apart from their first branch in Expo, now we have a second alternative to enjoy Fart Tartz's extensive menu with a more centralised location. Yes, I'm talking about their signature grilled flatbread burgers.

Full Of Luck Club 福乐, Cantonese Cuisine @ Holland Village

The team behind award-winning Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant has recently introduce their latest contemporary concept, Full of Luck Club 福乐- a chic and casual Cantonese dining. Nestled in the heart of Holland Village, the new concept aims to reach out to a younger generation of food lovers who enjoy authentic and high quality Cantonese fare within a modern contemporary setting. I was stoked to find out more about this 'hipsterfied' Cantonese restaurant.

Kyushu Pancake, Popular Pancake Cafe From Japan @ Novena, Singapore

Kyushu Pancake, said to be the most popular pancake cafe in Japan has now arrived in Singapore. Nestled in the vicinity of Novena, the pancake cafe serve up various brunch items and desserts incorporating pancakes. The unique thing about the pancakes here is that they are made with 7 different grains that are grown in Kyushu.

House @ Dempsey, Refresh Menu with Vegetarian Options

Apart from being known for their vintage high tea buffet, House at Dempsey is also a charming location for having weekend brunch. And this time, House is back with a new menu including a few vegetarian options. The refreshed menu feature bites of savoury punctured with sweet, sour and spice with interesting dishes overall.

The Union of Crabs & Lobsters Buffet @ Spice Brasserie, PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road

Following the previous successful runs and countless sold-out nights for the crab buffet instalment, Spice Brasserie at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road now brings back a brand new crustacean feast - Crabs and Lobsters Buffet. With the existing crab affair, Executive Chef Low have added several types of lobsters to this new series.

GAAM Hotel, Cosy Boutique Hotel @ Pratunum, Bangkok

When it comes to accommodation in Bangkok, we just want it to be convenient and comfortable after all that shopping. We were recommended to stay at GAAM Hotel for it's affordable price and it is conveniently located in the heart of Pratunum area. However, the only complain is that it is a slight walk to the BTS station.

Love the warm hospitality that we received here, excellent service and the staff were pretty fluent in English too. They were always ready to assist you, from drawing out the direction map to getting a GrabCar for us. Honestly, the best service I could ever ask for despite the paying less than S$60 a night at GAAM.

Initially, I booked the wrong room type by mistake through a third party web and GAAM has no right to change it. But they were really determine and flexible to do it for me, so in the end I just need to top up the balance for my room upgrade in cash upon checking in.

I have to say the rooms were rather small for Thailand's standard and there weren't any stools or table to sit or eat in the room if you were to buy back street food. Fortunately, there were tables and chairs at the lobby so most of the nights, the four of us would just dine downstairs. There is also water cooler and trash bins, no hassle at all.

There were 4 types of rooms at GAAM - Asteroids Queen (No window though), Milky Way King, Aurora King/Twin and Galaxy King. If you don't mind not having any sunlight, the asteroids queen would do at S$47 per night. Otherwise, go for the other types of rooms. We stayed in the Aurora King which is slightly bigger and good enough for 2 adults. The total cost for 3 nights cost about S$168 for 2 pax, can I emphasize how cheap this is.

Small bathroom with rain shower, it is clean and equipped with the necessary toiletries. The only complain was after a shower, the entire floor will be wet. Otherwise, not a big issue for us.

Despite the room being small, it was no doubt cosy with everything you need. The best thing is the plugs in the room are in universal port so we do not need any universal adapter plug. The other best feature is having multiple USB charging port too, just right above the bed frame. Love the position of the air conditioner because it's facing directly the bed. We need this cool in Bangkok man.

Credit: Booking.com

If you don't mind the BTS being slightly far, I would recommend GAAM Hotel for a cosy and affordable stay. It wasn't a big issue for us because we Uber and GrabCar most of the time since there are the 4 of us. GAAM is about 5 mins walk away from platinum mall and pratunum market, other areas might be easier to just cab. 

The best thing for us is - the famous Thai milk tea cart is right outside GAAM. Just 20 baht, we had it everyday. Recommended - the Thai green milk tea!

*Booking a hotel is really easy these days, simply go to HotelCombined for more accommodations in Bangkok. Or GAAM Hotel if you find this location suitable for your trip.

GAAM Hotel

Phetchaburi 15 Alley

Ratchathewi

Bangkok 10400, Thailand

Nearest BTS: Phaya Thai BTS Skytrain (500m away)

Email: gaamhotel@gmail.com

http://www.gaamhotel.com/

Matchaya - All Things Matcha & Houjicha @ Icon Village

After operating their business online and appearing at various pop-up events for some time, home-grown brand Matchaya has now open it's physical store at Icon Village. The brand is founded by couple Kaelyn and Kevin, serve mainly Matcha & Houjicha desserts. However, the new store operates as a takeaway booth with a tiny standing area.

Steam Box - Hong Kong's Food Trend 'Steam Potting' @ Serangoon Gardens

Introducing Hong Kong's latest food trend 'Steam-potting' where ingredients are freshly steamed using high-speed steaming technology. Nestled in Serangoon Gardens, Steam Box is a brand-new steam hot pot specialist, embracing high-speed steaming. Savour a wide variety the healthy way, all dishes take two to six minutes to be cooked.

Torimaru, Collagen Chicken Ramen @ Ramen Champion

Torimaru is the latest brand that hits Ramen Champion, serving collagen-packed creamy chicken ramen also widely known as Tori Paitan Ramen. Competing against the other 6 brands where Tonkotsu Ramen is gaining the most popularity, Torimaru comes in differently with the highlight of their collagen broth.

Hello Kitty Orchid Garden @ Changi Airport T3, Singapore

Adding on the list of characters themed cafe such as Pompompurin and Pokemon, Singapore's very own Hello Kitty cafe is now situated at Changi Airport Terminal 3. The Hello Kitty Orchid Garden is not only Singapore's first themed cafe starring the iconic feline, but also the world's first 24-hour Hello Kitty cafe.

Weekend Dimsum & Champagne Brunch @ Crystal Jade Prestige

Spent one of my Sunday indulging in Crystal Jade's weekend brunch with the family. This brunch is a promotion in celebration of the upcoming Father's Day, this affair features a 10-course meal. To make things sweeter, you have the option to enjoy free flow exquisite Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label champagne.

Melbourne 2016 [Day 1/2] - Queen Victoria Market, Airbnb, Top Paddock, Graffiti Lane, Eureka Skydeck

Finally back on travelogues because times like this I miss traveling so here is my recent trip to Melbourne, also my first time to Australia. Bought my air ticket at a relatively good rate, S$770 from Qantas sale which includes 3 ways - Singapore to Melbourne, to Sydney and back to Sg. From 30th Dec to 12th Jan 2016, it's summer time.

On Lok Yun, Traditional Breakfast in Bangkok

I'm pretty sure this place is no stranger to many Singaporeans, On Lok Yun is a traditional eatery that has been around for more than 80 years. It is situated in the vicinity of Bangkok's Chinatown, serving traditional breakfast fare with a twist of Thai-style American. It's my second visit here and still loving their fluffy toast and kaya jam.

This traditional establishment reminds of our local eatery, Chin Mee Chin confectionery. Everything here is old and conventional, even the cabinets and tables. We stayed at Pratunum area during our trip and we uber to On Lok Yun for less than 80 baht. I arrived at 10am on both my visits and was pleasantly surprise to find no crowd in this charm.

Most of their customers are usually tourist so having an English menu is rather essential. The menu is pretty extensive for a typical traditional breakfast which includes toast, eggs and coffee. With description and prices all written on the menu sheet, ordering process at On Lok Yun is quick and easy.

What's breakfast in Thailand without having their cha yen right! This Iced Cha Yen (Milk Tea) 25฿ is rich and packed with flavour. If I could use a local term, I would say it's really 'gao'.

We actually ordered all the different toast on the menu except the one with strawberry jam which we finds it pretty normal. All the toast were really soft and fluffy while still retain that crispiness on the edges. The one I adore most is the bread with condensed milk! At 27฿, this sweet dish is my kind of breakfast.

Bread with butter and sugar 23฿

The French Toast comes in 2 sizes, the small and large at 35฿ and 70฿ respectively. We had the small one that is deep fried in a pool of egg, it was oily and felt like we were having omelette with bread stuffed instead.

The Kaya Bread 28฿  was one of the highlight for me too. The homemade egg custard (kaya) was fragrant and sweet, best when dipped with the plain buns. We also had the biggest all day breakfast 95฿ plate which comes with 2 eggs, bacon, ham, sausages and lup cheong (Chinese sausage).

On Lok Yun is a classic spot to start your first meal, serving inexpensive traditional breakfast fare. This gem now is usually filled with tourists and sometimes a couple of older Thai folks where they leisurely sip their coffee here. Moreover, it's rare to see such tradition dining places these days.

On Lok Yun

72 Charoen Krung Road

Talat Noi, Samphanthawong

Bangkok 10100

Opens daily: 530am - 4pm

Transport via Taxi (Tell driver beside the old siam plaza)

https://www.instagram.com/onlokyun/