Transition from a trashy-chic chicken palace to a dark, mysterious basement just a few steps away. Look out for the symbol of an upside-down crown overlapping a rectangle, and descend the stairs to this cool, intimate space. While the menu features a small selection of drinks that changes randomly, you get a distinct sense of balance between thoughtfulness and boundless imagination. Expect to be intrigued with creations such as the Snow ($25) — tea-infused sake with yuzu, yoghurt and white chocolate — or The Egg ($25), a salty-sweet combination of salted egg yolk, caramel, star anise, and torched hay. For something really wacky, Man vs Pig ($25) should do the trick, with Jamon de Bellota, rock melon, red wine vinegar, and distilled hazelnut. This is the kind of place for those looking for a novel experience, while still being able to relax and enjoy a good conversation with friends at the same time.
Sweat out your killer week over an exciting, fragrant, spicy Sichuan meal of signature Chong Qing Grilled Fish with your friends or colleagues. Ordering the fish is a three-step process. First, choose your fish ($30), preferably the sea bass. Next, most crucially, is the flavour base — recommended are Spicy Numbing for the daredevils, Spicy Fragrant for spice-lovers, or Pickled Cabbage for chilli-wimps (i.e. a non-spicy option). Then, choose additional toppings such as enoki mushrooms and fried beancurd skin. Don't miss out on their tasty side dishes such as Pig’s Ears ($6.80) and Crispy Imperial Duck ($15)! Wash all this goodness down with a cooling homemade sour plum drink, and you'll be all set for dessert at the next spot.
Enter this wacky Palace of Thai Chicken, opened by the good people behind the darn tasty Artichoke, and expect a night of ridiculous, kitschy fun. The space is unapologetically crazy (in the best way possible), with silly signages, graffiti, mismatched everything, and all-around eccentric street vibes. Go straight for the Happiness Meal ($95) for two (its actually enough for three) — Mama Coleslow, Som Tum, Nugget Talay, Umami Corn, Fried Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Sticky Rice, and a dessert assortment. Look out especially for the corn, it is barbecued, slathered with sriracha mayo, then rolled in shrimp floss. Wut. Be sure to treat your BBQ Chicken with some extra love by smearing on a little more chili tamarind sauce. Save some space for the three desserts that come with this meal, especially those golden, icing sugar-dusted Thai Donuts, which will get you dunking non-stop into that kaya (!) dipping sauce. As promised, you will be satisfried long time.
After an indulgent dinner at Park Bench Deli, another beer might not be the answer for you and your friends, but the Ju Hua cocktail ($14) at Wanton certainly is. Open till 1am on Fridays, this might sound like an unlikely spot to get your drink on (since it really is a noodle bar), but seriously, you need to get your bum here. Spiked with vodka and served in a metal pot, this ice-cold chrysanthemum tea strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and an alcoholic punch. The best part is drinking from these little tea cups, of which five are filled to the brim with one pot. Order one pot at a time, this way you'll have ice cold drinks throughout the night! Have some fun sipping on these cool babies as you digest, and thank the stars it's Friday.
Deconstructed desserts are usually associated with fine(r)-dining, but Lola's now offers a small variety of plated desserts. Ranging from just $7 to $10, these lovely treats taste as good as they look! Go for the beautifully caramelised French Toast ($9) or the Odd Fellow ($7), a refreshing combination of zippy passion fruit curd and basil ice cream.
Tucked away on the second floor of Tanjong Pagar Plaza, this homely little Thai dessert café decked out in wood and Thai-themed ornaments is a lovely spot to relax with a sweet treat. It serves a wide variety of sweets like the classic Mango Sticky Rice ($6.00), but it is the unique gems like the Jasmine Jelly ($4.50) that you should really try. This humble-looking jelly sits atop shaved ice, and other condiments such as red ruby and tapioca pearls, providing a chewy bite against the soft, yielding jelly. For a light tea-time snack, go for their steamed bread served with a variety of dips, such as the Steamed Bread with Durian dip ($5) — the potent flavour of the fruit is carried by a creamy, smooth spread that really is quite irresistible.
In the Dhoby Ghaut/Bras Basah area and in the mood for quality steak without breaking the bank? Look no further than The BetterField! You get to enjoy 200g of exquisite Black Angus steak for just $21.
If you're hungry and in the Duxton area, head straight for this messy, brimming plate of Big Prawn Hor Fun ($16, good for 3-4). The rich gravy is full of umami, super prawn-y, and just a tiny bit spicy. The prawns are, well, big and so very succulent — well worth the price and the wait and you'll want to bring anyone you know here.
This Mexican grocer may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of tacos, but if you’re in the area, you should absolutely pop by! Priced at $10 for three pork or chicken tacos ($12 for bistec), these babies come fully loaded with rice, refried beans and lotsa pulled meat doused in lip-smacking sauce — so flavourful it’ll be like a Cinco de Mayo party in your mouth!
Been having nothing but porridge for my last three meals. I really just want something NASTY to dig into. Something uber salty and spicy and just tasty, like this plate of spaghetti swimming in a piquant tom yum cream sauce, with tiny clams, prawns and a mussel.
There is a 1 for 1 weekday lunch promotion at Oriole Capitol currently so these mains came affordably at $9.25 each! Sadly the pleasing price tag was the only great thing, the drool worthy description of the Cubano sandwich was deceiving. The actual sandwich had overly toasted panini, tough and dry pork filling. Thank God for the oriole spiced fries to fill the tummy after the wasted dry panini. The salad filling in the sandwich had an addition of parsley that some might not fancy.
Hidden behind a tailor, The Library has become a not-so-hidden speak easy bar over here in Singapore. Grab the password from its Facebook page, just look at the circled texts on its posts. Sold by its novelty, I finally visited this secret place and had a glass of Piscotheque. A very much tropical drink, the Piscotheque tastes overwhelmingly of passion fruit and pineapple. And if you are wondering, no, the bartenders have not scrimped on the alcohol.
