Food Reviews Archives - TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal Created by locals, we share things to do in and out of Singapore. Mon, 26 Jun 2023 02:23:58 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://thesmartlocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/cropped-favicon-1-32x32.jpg Food Reviews Archives - TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal 32 32 180791093 We Try & Review Popular Southeast Asian “National” Beer In The Pursuit Of Hoppiness https://thesmartlocal.com/read/southeast-asian-beer/ Sun, 25 Jun 2023 02:00:01 +0000 https://thesmartlocal.com/?p=296850 #5 reminds us of chilling at beach clubs in Bali and can be found at a specific bar here in Singapore. 

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Southeast Asian beer brands

There are so many ways to learn more about a country – whether through art, music, or talking to the locals. My favourite way is by tasting what they deem as their “national” drink, especially when it comes to Southeast Asian beers. Each country has a beer that’s distinct, either brewed with local ingredients or made to pair well with the cuisine. 

For those who haven’t had the chance to travel to most of our neighbouring countries – same, neither have I. However, my colleague and I managed to source these beers in Singapore, and have taken it upon ourselves to do a taste test. Here’s what we have to say about these Southeast Asian beers.


How we reviewed the beers


Before we get into it, let’s break down exactly the factors we’ll be looking at that made these beers their national representatives. Taste is a no-brainer here – is it bitter, wheaty, smooth, or sweet? We’ll also be suggesting some snacks and food that go well with ‘em.

Next, you gotta consider the price if you don’t want your wallet to toh with you – we’ll be looking at the costs in their home countries. And of course, the alcohol percentage is one of the more important factors, ‘cause you don’t want something too light or too strong. 


1. Singapore: Tiger Beer


tiger can

We have to start out with Tiger, our beloved locally-brewed concoction that you’ll find in just about any supermarket or mama shop. 

Say what you want, but it’s the drink of choice across generations of Singaporeans. You’ll see them at millennial’s and Gen Z’s house parties, and on kopitiam tables where uncles are catching up with their buddies over a drink. Not to mention, the alcohol content is also decent at 5%.

There are different flavours and types of beers from Tiger with varying levels of alcohol by volume, or ABV, if you’re looking for something stronger or weaker. Tiger Crystal has 4.6% ABV, Tiger Radler has 2% ABV, and Tiger Soju Infused Larger has 5.5% ABV. But for this taste test we’re going with Tiger Original, the one most of us are familiar with. 

southeast asian beer - tiger poured

Price: ~$2.95

Alcohol content: 5%

Taste: It starts off with a hint of bitterness and a wheaty taste, which eventually mellows out, leaving a slightly sweet aftertaste. We think it’s decently smooth for beer. Its light flavour profile means it pairs well with fried or spicy food like wings, satay, or local favourite sambal stingray.

Although its alcohol content is quite standard, you can barely taste it. New drinkers might make the mistake of overdrinking if they think this has a lower alcohol content than other drinks. That said, remember to pace yourself. 

Value for money: Buying in bulk makes it more worth it – at ~$2.60 a can. But it’s still affordable even at $2.95, especially when you’re enjoying greasy or spicy grub.

Where to buy: Available at most local supermarkets and minimarts 


2. Thailand: Chang


southeast asian beer - chang can

Frequent travellers to Thailand would have definitely come across a can of Chang beer when making a trip to the convenience store. It’s one of the 3 most common beers in Thailand – even the 2 elephants on the can make it obvious that it’s a Thai beer. While Singha and Leo are also popular choices for Thai locals, we decided to stick with Chang since it’s the easiest to find here.

Lucky for you, vacationers just back from the Land of Smiles can still savour this local drink of choice, as Chang is readily available at supermarkets here such as NTUC FairPrice.

chang poured

Price: ~S$2.60 in Singapore | ฿30-฿35 (~S$1.16-S$1.36) in Thailand 

Alcohol content: 5%

Taste: Chang has a slight sweetness with hints of barley and malt. It’s light-bodied, making for an easy and smooth drink. We think this would pair well with fried and spicy food. No surprises then that it’ll go well with Thai favourites such as pad Thai, Thai green curry, or tom yum soup.

The beer also has good froth retention, which is quite refreshing. The sweetness is enhanced after you’ve had a bite of food, although I could only test this theory with a packet of fried peanuts. The alcohol taste is more prominent here, which some tend to favour as they enjoy the bitterness over the taste of barley and malt.

Value for money: Of course, you can’t beat the price in Thailand – and that’s probably why it’s so popular with the locals there. However, even for its price in Singapore, it’s still a very affordable beer.

Where to buy: NTUC FairPrice, Deliverylah, Shopee, Lazada


3. Laos: Beerlao White Lager


southeast asian beer - beerlao can

Now, we’re taking our beer adventure to Laos – with the popular Beerlao. They’ve really put the essence of Laos in the beer since it’s brewed from locally-grown rice. 

Beerlao is a bit trickier to find in Singapore, although there are a number of bars that serve it for a higher price. You’ll still be able to find it at speciality beer importers such as Euro Link Wines & Spirits. But since it’s not a particularly popular brand, expect to pay a premium if you want to get your hands on one.

beerlao poured

Price: ~S$4.60 in Singapore | ₭7,000 (~S$0.52) in Laos

Alcohol content: 5%

Taste: One of the closest in taste to European lagers, Beerlao has a decently strong body where the prominent flavours of rice can be picked up. We found it fairly sweet and very smooth, making it a refreshing drink to beat the heat. You can barely taste the alcohol, which can be dangerous as you might drink too fast.

Beerlao goes well with salty and spicy food but holds well on its own. Finding Lao cuisine may be tough in Singapore, but a spicy mango salad or a bahn mi would match the strong body and the sweetness of the beer well.

Value for money: It’s definitely quite costly if you’re planning on buying it in Singapore,  considering it’s only  ₭7000 (~S$0.52) in Vientiane, Laos. But, it has a distinct enough flavour that fans might consider buying it here after having it in Laos.

Where to buy: Euro Link Wines & Spirits 

Euro Link Wines & Spirits
Address: 85 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310085
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 2.30pm-6pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 6255 7271


4. Vietnam: Saigon


Think of Vietnam and its variety of street food might come to mind. Banh mi, pho, ban xeo, and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) are just the tip of the iceberg of what you can find. We can’t think of a better drink to pair street food with than with Saigon, the most popular beer in Vietnam.

saigon can

Saigon has other variations like the Bia Saigon Export, which has a 4.9% ABV, and Bia Saigon Gold, which has a 5% ABV, that are stronger. But for this experiment, we decided to go with the local’s choice of Bia Saigon Special, which has the lowest alcohol content on the list at 4.3%.

southeast asian beer - saigon poured

Price: ~S$4.50 in Singapore | 15000₫ (~S$0.86) in Vietnam

Alcohol content: 4.3%

Taste: This beer has a noticeable bitterness with a light body, and there are rather strong notes of wheat or barley. I wouldn’t consider it a smooth drink, but those who enjoy bitter beers like pale ales would probably enjoy Saigon more. 

There’s a lingering bitter aftertaste due to its hoppiness, which was not enjoyable to me. It has good froth retention and didn’t fall flat, even after being left out for a good 10 minutes – making it a great choice for those who would rather nurse their beers than just chug them right away.

The bitter taste of Saigon would go well with common bar snacks like roasted peanuts that have a higher salt content. Those feeling more adventurous can pair it with grilled meat or seafood, which we think really cuts the bitterness down. 

Value for money: At $4.50/can in Singapore, Saigon will not be my first choice of beer, when there are stronger ones at lower prices available. But if you find yourself in Vietnam on a hot day, it’s definitely the go-to choice – considering it costs ~S$0.86 there. 

Where to buy: NTUC FairPrice (bottled), Alcohol Delivery, Lazada


5. Indonesia: Bintang


southeast asian beer - bintang can

Bali, anyone? Bintang is another beer that you’ll definitely come across at restaurants, convenience stores and beach clubs all over Bali. Just like its name, which means “star” in Bahasa, the locals have deemed it the star of beers in Indonesia.

It does well in washing down spicy local Indonesian delights like an ayam penyet or a few sticks of sate padang, which is the Indonesian variant of Singapore’s satay – served with a spicy yellow sauce. 

Bintang is not easily found here, save at some bars and restaurants. Alternatively, you can get them imported online from sites like Lazada.

bintang poured

Price: ~S$3.80 in Singapore | 18,000 – 25,000 IDR (~S$1.62-$2.25) in Bali

Alcohol content: 4.7%

Taste: Bintang has fruity and sweet flavours come through after an initial bitter kick, which makes it a very smooth and refreshing drink. There is an overall lingering bitter aftertaste that does make it less enjoyable, but it’s easily masked if you’re drinking it with saltier foods such as chips and cured meats. 

Value for money: Even at $3.80/can in Singapore, I think the price is reasonable for a refreshing drink on a hot day, especially if you’re a fan of its fruity taste.

Where to buy: Lazada (bottle), Ice-Cold Beer 

Ice-Cold Beer 
Address: 9 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229293
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 3pm-2am | Fri 3pm-3am | Sat 2pm-3am | Sun 2pm-2am
Contact: 6735 9929 | Ice-Cold Beer bar website


6. Philippines: San Miguel


san miguel can

Ask any of the Kuyas (big brother) and Ate-Ate (big sister) in the Philippines what beer to drink and they’ll likely point you to San Miguel Pale Pilsen.

While the Redhorse counterpart is stronger, the Pilsen variation is cheaper. It’s also considered a “starter” beer for locals who just turned legal, since it’s not that strong for them and is readily available all over the Philippines. Since 4.7% isn’t that strong to them, starting off with the Pale Pilsen might be a good idea for an introduction to Filipino beer.

Thanks to the sizeable Filipino community in Singapore, San Miguel can be easily found at your local supermarket or the minimarts in Lucky Plaza. 

southeast asian beer - san miguel poured

Price: ~S$4 in Singapore |  ₱47-54 (~S$1.13-1.30) in the Philippines 

Alcohol content: 5%

Taste: Take a whiff of the beer and you’ll get a strong, pleasant wheat smell that is reminiscent of bread. That being said, the beer is light and easy on the tongue, although it is slightly bitter. The malt and wheat notes come through after and linger quite a bit, which rounds out the taste of the beer nicely. This beer also has good froth retention and carbonation levels.

Locals would suggest pairing a cold pint of San Miguel with some crispy pork belly, fried spring rolls or sisig – a stewed, fried pig head and liver dish. If the local Filipino cuisine doesn’t sound like something you’d enjoy, any fried and spicy dishes would go well with the beer as well.

Value for money: $4/can is reasonable for an imported beer in Singapore and it is worth the splurge for a well-balanced beer, if you want to try something different from the regular ones you’ll find in supermarkets.

Where to buy: NTUC FairPrice, Lazada (bottle), Cold Storage (bottle), Cellarbration

Local pride for these Southeast Asian beer brands

It’s easy to see why these Southeast Asian beers are popular in their home countries. Just like Singapore, these SEA regions are just as hot and their respective local beers are exactly what’s needed to beat the heat. They also pair well with their local cuisine which is important for a beer to become a staple.

Once you’ve tried these beers, it might be time to schedule a trip to Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, or the Philippines soon to experience the beers like the locals in their homeland. 

For more drinking-related content check out;


Photography by Liu Xing Ying.

The post We Try & Review Popular Southeast Asian “National” Beer In The Pursuit Of Hoppiness appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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Plucked.sg Is A New Local Snack Brand With Freeze-Dried Fruits For Healthy Munching  https://thesmartlocal.com/read/plucked-sg-freeze-dried-fruits/ Fri, 14 Apr 2023 02:00:31 +0000 https://thesmartlocal.com/?p=256759 Snack on freeze-dried durians from Plucked.sg for a healthy mid-day munch. Strawberries and bananas are available as well.

The post Plucked.sg Is A New Local Snack Brand With Freeze-Dried Fruits For Healthy Munching  appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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Plucked.sg freeze-dried durian

Fellow durian fans, you may well know the woes of craving the king of fruits once the durian season ends. Roadside durian vendors dwindle to dust and till the next year, we’ve got hardly any avenue to satiate those mao shan wang cravings. 

Since we can’t always have them fresh, you may find freeze-dried durians a nifty alternative. Local brand Plucked.sg offers bite-sized durian “crisps” to tide you through the rest of the year. Plucked also carries 2 other flavours – banana and strawberry – making them a good snacking alternative for office pantries. You’ll never have to worry about fruits expiring in the fridge again. 


Guilt-free freeze-dried durians to snack on while working 


plucked.sg freeze dried fruits

Things that taste good are sometimes not the best for health, and things that are good for health? Well, you know the rest of this story. Plucked breaks the conundrum with preservative-free, freeze-dried durians that you can bite into without worrying about your daily sodium or sugar intake.

Consider these babies the cream of the crop; their durians are handpicked from the source and processed without any added preservatives, additives, or added sugar. We were surprised at how sweet it was since everything is au naturale.

After undergoing a lengthy but gentle drying process, they have zero stickiness, offer a light crunch, and have a barely detectable odour. Popping them into your bag to enjoy as a work or study snack is as easy as pie, all without drawing too much attention to that distinct durian smell. 

freeze-dried durians

Each packet comes with 20g of crunchy durian bits and will be available at $3.80 in supermarkets and good retail stores soon. For now, you can buy directly online at Plucked.sg.


Banana & strawberry flavours also available


plucked.sg freeze dried fruits

Now, the population either loves or hates durian and if you happen to fall into the latter camp, Plucked also has freeze-dried Strawberry ($3.20) and Banana ($3.20) fruits to munch on all day. 

plucked.sg freeze dried fruits
These also have no added preservatives or sugar.

freeze-dried strawberries

For those who haven’t tried freeze-dried snacks before, the highlight’s in the bite. The strawberries are slightly sweet, mildly sour, and extremely satisfying to bite into, though the bananas come up top with 10/10 cronch

freeze-dried bananas

With all 3 snacks being vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free, they make the perfect gift snack for just about anyone. You can also crumble it up to use as a topping for your breakfast granola, or homemade acai if you’re feeling particularly bougie.

freeze-dried durians


Stock your pantry with healthy freeze-dried snacks from Plucked.sg


It never hurts for snacks to be on the healthier end of the spectrum. Try the freeze-dried fruits from Plucked.sg for an easy desk-side snack to reach for whenever you need a quick perk-me-up during the day.

plucked.sg
Image credit: Plucked.sg

While individual packets will be sold at roadshows and later in retail stores, you can buy these sinless snacks in bulk from $20 for 7 packets directly from their online store.

plucked.sg freeze dried fruits
Image credit: Plucked.sg

Look out for their special bundles – prices are going at a discount of 10% off for 7 packs and 15% off for 28 packs. 

Get healthy freeze-dried fruit snacks from Plucked.sg


This post was brought to you by Plucked.sg.
Photography by Melvin Mak.
Article originally published on 23rd September 2022. Last updated on 14th April 2023.

The post Plucked.sg Is A New Local Snack Brand With Freeze-Dried Fruits For Healthy Munching  appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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This Duxton Hill Cafe Has A Romantic Stargazing-Themed Pop Up Dinner For A Starry-Eyed Valentine’s Day https://thesmartlocal.com/read/the-secret-patio-valentines-day/ Mon, 31 Jan 2022 07:22:36 +0000 https://thesmartlocal.com/?p=225557 Look no further than The Secret Patio's stargazing-themed dinner this Valentine's Day for a romantic date night.

The post This Duxton Hill Cafe Has A Romantic Stargazing-Themed Pop Up Dinner For A Starry-Eyed Valentine’s Day appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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The Secret Patio Valentine’s Day pop-up

Like all couples, you’re probably trying to find some way to one-up last year’s Valentine’s Day with your SO. But say you’ve already checked off the various date night-worthy restaurants or Googled romantic hotels in Singapore, only to find that most of them are already fully booked. Well, The Secret Patio has got you covered with a new stargazing-themed date night that’s bound to leave your boo swooning over you. 

We headed down to check out this cosy pop-up dining experience happening at Duxton Hill from 4th – 6th and 11th -14th February 2022. Tickets are still available!


Pop-up dinner experience with teepee tents & “stargazing”


The Secret Patio - Valentine’s Day - teepee tents

Planning the perfect date night can be tough. On one hand, you’re trying to find something new and exciting and on the other, it has to be something that’s enjoyable for the both of you. If teepee huts and fairy lights are right up your alley, you may want to make a booking at The Secret Patio’s Indoor Planetarium Campfire Night

duxton hill

Unless you’ve been to The Secret Patio’s Garden Party last year, you may be surprised as we were to find the stargazing-themed event inconspicuously hidden at the second floor of a shophouse, beyond an unassuming glass doorway.

the secret patio

Heading in, we found large arched windows, high ceilings and romantic teepee tents lined up along the windows where you can snuggle up with your boo over dinner. There are also regular seats if you prefer the usual table-and-chair set-up. 

The Secret Patio - Valentine’s Day - teepee tents

Depending on what time you arrive, you’ll be in for a slightly different experience. At the 6.30PM dinner slot, enjoy your meal with the golden hour’s sunlight flooding in through the windows. 

There’ll be galaxy projections throughout the evening, but at 8.30PM, you’ll get the full “stargazing” experience – that’s when you’ll find the light-ups are the most scintillating.

the secret patio - planetarium event

Wowing your date will be the least of your worries with glimmering stars and mystical galaxies projected onto the ceiling to amp up the charm factor. These projections dance around the ceiling too, creating an otherworldly ambience. Vibe check, pass.

The Secret Patio - Valentine’s Day


Four-course meals, alcoholic s’more cocktails & DIY salt baths 


The Secret Patio - Valentine’s Day

The great news is that The Secret Patio is no stranger to hosting events and has an in-house kitchen from which you can expect good food that’s on par with the ambience. 

There are different menus available over the two weekends:

  • 4th – 6th February A la carte menu with starters from $10 and mains from $18 (+ $28/pax entry fee)
  • 11th – 14th February – Four-course meal from $148/pax

nachos

The Campfire Nachos ($18) from the a la carte selection was a crowd favourite for our table and comes topped with ground beef, onion, jalapenos and melted cheddar cheese. It isn’t spicy – take it from someone who orders non-spicy mala – so you can rest assured no one will be sweating through their best ‘fits. 

The Secret Patio - Valentine’s Day - Steak

In their four-course Valentine’s Day menu, find a Smoked Tomato Bisque entree, Roasted Brie starter and main courses with options including Beef Short Rib, which comes with a side of cauliflower puree and pickled vegetables. This was another winner for us, with smoky flavours and tender bite-sized slices that won’t leave anyone gnawing unglamourously.

s'mores

Special occasions always have a place for cocktails. At The Secret Patio, sip on unique mixes such as S‘mores ($22) as you enjoy date night. The spiced rum and chocolate milk mix comes topped with chilli flakes and a melty toasted marshmallow. 

The Secret Patio - Valentine’s Day - DIY bath salts
The salts are sourced from Australia.

“Stargazing” and dinner aside, couples can also craft their own bottle of bath salts at the DIY station. This comes complimentary, so be sure to head on over and mix and match your exfoliating scrub in a cute cork bottle to enjoy a spa night at home.

The Secret Patio - Valentine’s Day

You can also dedicate songs to your other half by adding a song to their open Spotify playlist via the provided QR code. 


An “out of this world” dinner at The Secret Patio


The Secret Patio - romantic restaurants singapore

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean expensive presents or surprise staycations. Sometimes all it takes is some quality time and good conversations with your loved one over a meal. Enjoy a unique dinner over at The Secret Patio where you can have a cosy date night “under the stars”. 

And, if you do decide that you’re up for the real deal after, check out our article on the best spots in Singapore for stargazing

Date:  4th – 6th & 11-14th February 2022
Time: Two sessions daily at 6.30PM & 8.30PM
Venue: 10A Duxton Hill, Singapore 089594
Telephone:
9486 2743

The Secret Patio website 

For more Valentine’s Day date ideas:


Photography by Kezia Tan.

The post This Duxton Hill Cafe Has A Romantic Stargazing-Themed Pop Up Dinner For A Starry-Eyed Valentine’s Day appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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We Tried SIA’s New Home Delivery Menu, With 10 First & Business Class Options https://thesmartlocal.com/read/siahome-meal-delivery-review/ Wed, 07 Oct 2020 10:36:00 +0000 https://thesmartlocal.com/?p=156050 The new SIA@HOME brings First Class and Business Class experiences to your doorstep with international menus, caviar and wine - at a price.

The post We Tried SIA’s New Home Delivery Menu, With 10 First & Business Class Options appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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SIA@Home meal delivery review

For someone who has never ventured beyond the mysterious Business Class curtains, I’ve only dreamt of sipping on bottomless champagne and tucking into luxurious lobster mains and caviar while cruising 40,000 feet in the air. 

Even in non-COVID times, flying Business or even First Class is a pipe dream for most of us – but SIA@HOME is bringing a little taste of that world-class experience to your doorstep.

Starting from $288, SIA@HOME is an experience for two that costs a mere fraction of the thousands of dollars you’d spend on a premium flight ticket

As good a deal as it might seem to get a taste of luxury, it’s still an eye-watering price to pay for what seems to be mainly a food delivery service. So when I got the chance to sample these exclusive packages at SIA’s catering facility, I was equally eager and sceptical: could these be the taste of the luxe lifestyle we all covet? Or would it just be another overpriced gimmick?

Check out our other articles on home delivery services:


Travel the world with five international menus


Australian, Japanese and Indian menu items
From left to right: Seared Barramundi from the Australian menu, Japanese kaiseki and Indian non-vegetarian set.
Image credit: SIA

The SIA@HOME packages come with a choice of five international menus:

    1. Classic French
    2. Japanese Kyoto-style kaiseki
    3. Modern Australian
    4. Indian vegetarian
    5. Indian non-vegetarian

Each menu will be offered in Business Class and First Class versions and served as three courses – appetiser, mains and dessert. Both also include a bottle of French wine, highly-rated Satay and amenity kits. For the extra money, the First Class package allows you to upgrade your menu and wine list, serving it alongside SIA’s signature Oscietra Caviar.

French First Class menu package
An example of the full spread when you get when you order the French First Class menu by Chef Georges Blanc
Image credit: SIA

But while these meals might be perfect for your atas dining needs, the catch is that tableware isn’t provided and you’ll have to reheat the precooked meals and plate them on your own.

If you want their 22-piece tableware set as a keepsake, you can upgrade from the baseline Business Class Wine and Dine ($288) package to the Business Class All-Inclusive ($388) package to get in on the custom Narumi-made set. 

The First Class Wine and Dine ($448) set can be elevated to the Champagne and Dine ($568), and paired with First Class tableware ($688) made by Lalique. 

SIA@Home meal delivery review - book the chef to get your meals prepared and plated for you
You can Book the Cook for a chef to come to your doorstep to prep and plate your food perfectly

But you could go the full distance with the $888 First Class All-Inclusive Experience that bundles it all: three-course meal, caviar, wine, champagne, 22-piece First Class dining set, three amenity kits and two Lalique sleeper suits to sleep off the food baby. SIA’s Book the Chef is also available for those who want the added luxury of private dining.


SIA@HOME food review


SIA@Home meal delivery review - packaged meals below shown plated above
Each course is packaged the same way cabin crew would receive it – frozen in foil packets for easy reheating. 

Though pre-cooked and frozen, the SIA@HOME packages are definitely not your everyday supermarket microwave dinner. After all, this is exactly the same type of meals that would be served to passengers forking out thousands of dollars on SIA’s top-tier tickets. 

In order to be prepped and plated to exacting standards in cramped galleys by cabin crew 40,000 feet in the air, SIA’s panel of international chefs pore over the tiniest details of each course. 

SIA@Home meal delivery review - the indian menu prepackaged
Each component is individually packaged to keep them fresh during the reheating process

Put simply, you’ll have no issues achieving a meal worthy of being served in First Class. To help you, each SIA@HOME package will come with video instructions for reheating and plating, all of which only require a handful of steps.


Japanese menu – seasonal ingredients in a traditional, multi-course kaiseki


I got to try the traditional kaiseki set of eight main courses – an all-round feast for the senses which featured seasonal Autumn items like crabmeat, salmon, braised beef and premium Matsutake mushrooms. 

It’s served as a barrage of small, yet intricately-prepared items, and this meal easily surpassed the top Japanese restaurants I’ve ever patronised. Unforgettable picks would include the Sakizuke – a thin strip of radish wrapped around a core of umami-packed crab meat, and Yakimono – creamy scorched sea urchin atop a juicy baked prawn.

Fun fact: According to international aviation guidelines, sashimi isn’t allowed to be served on flights – as an alternative, raw fish is usually seared, brined or cured to meet this requirement.

SIA@Home meal delivery review - kaiseki set
The Yakimono course includes Baked Prawn with Sea Urchin, Chicken Thigh with Spring Onion and Ginger Crust, and a Slow-Dried Cherry Tomato.

Worth it score: 5/5
Highlight: While the sea urchin easily won my affection with its briny goodness and velvety texture, tiny elements like the perfectly-balanced sweetness of the Slow-Dried Cherry Tomato and the textured herb crust of the chicken best demonstrated the attention to detail.


First Class Indian vegetarian menu – 6 curries & condiments paired with rice & bread


SIA@Home meal delivery review - the Indian menu
Served on flights to India, celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s meal is highly rated for its authenticity and attention to detail. Paneer Tulsi Malai is the second condiment clockwise, Tadka Moong Dal the fourth.

If you’re like me, Indian cuisine will probably conjure visions of a feast of rice and flatbreads served up with rich curries. The vegetarian First Class Shahi Thali menu, which translates into “a royal spread of delicacies”, elevates this familiar experience with an assortment of six curries, pickles and condiments for you to pair with basmati rice and paratha flatbread.

Big hits were the Paneer Tulsi Malai – a silky cottage cheese seasoned with fragrant basil seasoning, and Tadka Moong Dal – a luscious dal curry made from mung beans that were perfectly broken down without being too mushy. 

SIA@Home meal delivery review - appetisers from French, Australian and Indian menus
Left to right: the appetisers from the French, Australian and Indian menus.

Worth it score: 4/5
Highlight: The Coconut-Ginger Pancake with Lemongrass Infused Prawn appetiser from the non-vegetarian menu is a complex popiah-like creation with a curious mix of mango, tomato and coriander chutney in the filling.


French First Class menu – melt-in-your-mouth beef and poached lobster


SIA@Home meal delivery review - beef short rib
Navarin of Beef Short Rib from the First Class Menu

Classic French dining has been around for a while, and SIA keeps things fresh with their Singapore-Paris menus. Even if you’ve had your fair share of French dining elsewhere, renowned chef Georges Blanc’s menu will take your tastebuds to the next level with some premium ingredients coming straight from his very own poultry farms. 

The French First Class menu offers a lobster starter, and features a diverse selection of mains such as beef short rib, chicken breast and halibut. I went with the extremely tender beef short rib, prepped as a ragout stewed alongside a medley of vegetables. The short rib was a delightful melt-in-your-mouth situation, well complemented with a complex beef pan sauce.

It is classic French cooking at its finest, but that also means that many dishes are prepared quite traditionally. Though delicious, the textures, cooking methods and ingredients weren’t much of a surprise.

Worth it score: 3/5
Highlight: The tender stewed beef will be one of the popular choices alongside the poached lobster starter – which features fresh fleshy hunks paired with crunchy peas and beans. 


Australian First Class menu – tender duck confit and roasted lobster bisque


SIA@Home meal delivery review - the australian menu with duck confit and pork sausage cassoulet
Confit Duck Leg with Pork Sausage Cassoulet

Apart from all-day brunch with eggs Benedict or avocado on toast, I’ve frankly no idea what Australian cuisine is. But after this opportunity to sample SIA’s Australian menu, I think I’ve got a better idea of what Aussie fine dining is all about – marrying the best elements of European cooking for a unique take.

Case in point: the rich Beef Consomme – basically bougie Western beef essence – was served up with corned Wagyu beef and bone marrow for an extra hit of smokiness and richness.

SIA@Home meal delivery review - the desserts
Left to right: White Pumpkin Rice Cake Pudding from the Indian menu, Mango Lime Mint Cheesecake from the French, and Eclair from the Australian one.

Worth it score: 4/5
Highlight: Beef consomme aside, the Eclair had a buttery, crumbly shell that paired well with the delicate morello cherry and chocolate ganache filling within.


Complete your meal with Caviar and Signature Satay canapes


SIA@Home meal delivery review - the oscietra caviar on a blini
Accompany the Oscietra caviar with chives, egg, creme fraiche or a spritz of lemon juice.

For someone who’s only seen those mounds of black roe perched forbiddenly on gourmet supermarket shelves, it was quite the experience to use the mother-of-pearl spoon to heap it onto a blini – a mini pancake. Between two luxurious tubs of caviar and a menu upgrade, it’s easy to see how the extra cost of a First Class meal might be well-justified.

But available in all packages is SIA’s signature Satay. Meticulously prepared on actual charcoal grills, it’s incredibly juicy, flavourful and tender – these coveted skewers are rapidly snapped up by passengers whenever they are made available on the menu. 

SIA@Home meal delivery review - impossible meat satay by SIA
SIA’s new Impossible Satay will be served as part of the First Class Indian vegetarian menu


Get in on Business and First Class exclusives


No First or Business Class experience is complete without an amenity kit. Business Class purchases will score you a pair of SIA’s newly-debuted Penhaligon’s amenity kits which contain a bottle of hand lotion, facial mist and lip balm. 

Lalique and Penhaligon's amenity kits
The First Class Lalique amenity kit (left) and the Business Class Penhaligon’s amenity kit.
Image credit: SIA

First Class customers can expect two Lalique amenity kits, each contained in a sleek black cosmetics case with a candle, scented soap, lip balm and body lotion from the French luxury brand’s Neroli range. Snag the top-tier First Class All-Inclusive Experience (from $838) for Lalique sleeper suits and slippers to lounge comfortably and nurse your food baby postmeal. 

It’s no argument that SIA’s tableware is highly sought after – we’ve all heard stories of SIA-engraved teaspoons and even drink glasses being dapao-ed off flights! In fact, more than 70% of First Class orders within the first day were for packages that included tableware – it’s clear that it’s one of the main draws of the SIA@HOME experience.

First class tableware set
SIA’s 22-piece First Class tableware set
Image credit: SIA

If you’re just keen on the keepsakes and would like to give the meals a pass, the SIA First Class Signatures ($328) set for two includes amenity kits, caviar, satay and a bottle of First Class champagne – already worthwhile, but even more so when you consider the five-digit cost of a premium flight. 


Is SIA@HOME worth it?


Those looking for steals and the greatest deals, this is probably not for you. As hard as I tried to convince myself otherwise, it’s hard to part with hundreds of dollars for what is essentially a posh pre-cooked bento that you have to reheat and plate yourself. 

But after 50 years as Singapore’s national carrier, SIA holds a special place in most Singaporeans’ hearts – even for a lifelong Economy passenger like myself.

For the money, you’re getting a world-class wining and dining experience just like you would in Business or First Class, one that’s jam-packed with nostalgia and attention to detail. That’s something frequent fliers, those celebrating special occasions, and proud Singaporeans with spare change will appreciate. 

As for me? I’m just trying to save up for my next Economy flight.

Find out more about SIA@HOME

 

Check out our other articles on travel experiences in Singapore:


Disclosure: This review was of a media-exclusive tasting session, but all opinions expressed here are the author’s own.

The post We Tried SIA’s New Home Delivery Menu, With 10 First & Business Class Options appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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Hai Chi Jia Noodles Review – We Rank All Flavours From Suan La Fen To La La From Best To Worst https://thesmartlocal.com/read/hai-chi-jia/ Wed, 01 Jul 2020 04:31:49 +0000 https://thesmartlocal.com/?p=139445 With dry, seafood and spicy options to choose from, here's the ultimate Hai Chi Jia review to help you decide between Suan La Fen, Hua Jia Fen & Guo Ba Fen.

The post Hai Chi Jia Noodles Review – We Rank All Flavours From Suan La Fen To La La From Best To Worst appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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Hai Chi Jia instant noodles review

Even at around $3 a pop, everyone seems to be giving a rave review for Hai Chi Jia instant noodles. Bearing a grinning, bowl-cut veteran Hong Kong actor Bobby Yip, these instantly-recognisable little cardboard cups seem to have taken over social media by storm.

While everyone knows Hai Chi Jia best for their Suan La Fen (sour spicy vermicelli), they’ve got a range of options, including dry noodles, and versions with clams and crispy rice crackers. To help you get the most bang for your buck, here’s the ultimate Hai Chi Jia instant noodles review, ranked by spiciness and worth-the-hype levels so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Check out our other articles on fast meals at home:


5. Shun Xin Xiao Mian – Chongqing-style flat noodles


Hai Chi Jia - Shun Xin Xiao Mian Chongqing noodles

According to Hai Chi Jia’s website, Shun Xin Xiao Mian (顺心小面) is a Chongqing-style creation with flat, springier noodles that have more of a bite. However, even at the minimum recommended cook time of 3 minutes, the thin, flat noodles weren’t as QQ as I expected them to be. 

This did make for silky noodles that were easy to eat, but the more supple, al dente glass noodles of the other Hai Chi Jia flavours definitely made more of an impression. Flavour-wise, the mala broth was remarkably rich and beefy – tasting just like the Chongqing version that uses oil made from rendered beef fat.

Hai Chi Jia Review - Shun Xin Xiao Mian ingredients

Spice level: 4/5. The beefy stock and creamy sesame paste balance out the spice levels rather well.
Worth the hype: 2/5. Though the soup is flavour-packed, the noodles turned out rather mushy even when cooked under the specified time.


4. Ma Jiang Mian Pi – sesame sauce dry mian pi noodles


Hai Chi Jia - Ma Jiang Mianpi dry noodles

The only flavour on this list that doesn’t come in the iconic cardboard box, Ma Jiang Mian Pi (麻酱面皮) is a riff off a traditional dish: sesame peanut paste noodles. Despite its simplicity, the incredibly supple and bouncy wide mian pi noodles are the star of the show.

That’s especially true when you assemble Ma Jiang Mian Pi from its 6 condiment packets containing chilli oil, vinegar, veggies (with added sesame seeds and bean curd skins), sesame-peanut paste, preserved vegetables, and fried peanuts for crunch. Unlike the other flavours on this list, Ma Jiang Mian Pi is served dry, and comes with wide, flat sweet potato noodles that do a fantastic job when it comes to chilli oil delivery.


Ma Jiang Mian Pi comes in a large tub that makes it easy for you to toss the ingredients together

Pro tip: To achieve an authentic mian pi experience, Hai Chi Jia recommends that you add fine cucumber strips and sliced sausage.

Spice level: 3/5. The noodles are equally sweet, savoury and spicy.
Worth the hype: 3/5. The deceptively simple Ma Jiang Mian Pi made one of the strongest impressions on this list, but isn’t exactly unique.


3. Jiao Ma Guo Ba Fen – with added rice crackers


Hai Chi Jia Review - Jiao Ma Guo Ba Fen rice cracker noodles

Where Shun Xing Xiao Mian is beefy, Jiao Ma Guo Ba Fen (椒麻锅巴粉) is… chickeny. Mixing the 5 packets of condiments (seasoning powder, dehydrated vegetables, chilli oil, sesame paste and rice crackers), you’ll be greeted with an uncanny KFC-like aroma.

Fried chicken-lovers would be glad to know that the broth tastes as rich as it smells, although spice-lovers might be left a little wanting. The least spicy of the lot, Jiao Ma Guo Ba Fen would definitely appeal to those who prep tissues and a cold drink when grabbing a xiao la (less spicy) stir-fry at their ma la xiang guo joint.

Hai Chi Jia Review - Jiao Ma Guo Ba Fen rice cracker noodles

To top it off is a small pack of rice puff crackers for you to dunk into the piping hot broth. You’ll definitely want to fully immerse these bad boys – they don’t pack much flavour themselves, but do a great job at holding their crisp.

Spiciness: 2/5. Perfect for those who struggle with spice who want to get in on the Hai Chi Jia action.
Worth the hype: 4/5. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill chicken-flavoured spicy noodles – it’s rich, fragrant and pretty complex in taste.


2. Suan La Fen – sour-spicy noodles


Hai Chi Jia Review - Suan La Fen

The flavour that took Singapore by storm, Hai Chi Jia’s best-selling Suan La Fen (酸辣粉) might have been the product that shot the 2-year old company to fame. Suan La Fen roughly translates as “sour-spicy noodles”, but Hai Chi Jia’s rendition creates a distinct mala-like numbing sensation compared to traditional suan la fen

Like the other flavours on this list, Suan La Fen comes with 6 packets of condiments, containing: seasoning powder, dried vegetables, black vinegar, fragrant fried peanuts and chilli paste and chilli oil. That’s definitely more packets than most instant noodles, but glance at the list of contents and you’ll be astounded by 49 different ingredients.

Hai Chi Jia Review - Suan La Fen ingredients and condiment packets

While the numbing Sichuan peppers in the seasoning hit you first, there’s also a very distinct, refreshing sourness imparted by a generous packet of high-quality fragrant black vinegar. The peanuts and dried vegetables add an enjoyable crunch, while the sweet potato cellophane noodles excel at absorbing the oils and flavours – expect to see glistening, hot-red strands.

Pro tip: Love mala, but can’t handle the heat? Hold back on the chilli oil to keep spice levels in check – true instant noodle connoisseurs know that.

Spice level: 5/5. It’s the spiciest and the most numbing of the 5, so even though most Singaporeans might be able to handle the heat, they might find it too numbing.
Worth the hype: 4/5. The real star of the show is the silky-smooth glass noodles, though tasting its clear and refreshing sour mala broth immediately explained the hype around it.


1. Hua Jia Fen – la la clams


Hai Chi Jia Review - Hua Jia Fen with la la clams

It’s almost unfair to the other options on this list – Hai Chi Jia’s Hua Jia Fen (花甲粉) packs actual clams, with its name roughly translated as “Venus clam noodles”. 

Also containing 6 packs of condiments in the box, Hua Jia Fen swaps the vinegar, chilli paste and fried peanut packets for clams, enoki mushrooms, and sesame paste instead. This results in a less aggressive mala flavour, instead creating a much creamier, nuttier and garlickier broth that pairs exceptionally well with the clams.

The $3 price tag for cup noodles seems steep for most of us who expect just powdered broth and tasteless noodles. Though the taste of Hai Chi Jia’s other noodle options easily matches their price, Hua Jia Fen might very well give the most bang for your buck. With the enoki mushrooms and clams dished atop the noodles, it wouldn’t look out of place served at a respectable restaurant for twice or thrice the price.

Spiciness: 3/5. It’s not very spicy, but quite heavy on the garlic.
Worth the hype: 5/5. Unless you’re a garlic-hater, the rich broth of the Hua Jia Fen will be an instant hit for most. The mushroom and clam toppings are another huge plus.


Hai Chi Jia instant noodles review


With up to 6 condiment packets and nearly 50 ingredients apiece, these spicy, savoury noodles by Hua Chi Jia aren’t your typical cup noodles. For their price, you get to enjoy quality and complexity even for a quick and easy snack to prep for supper when hunger pangs strike. 

For more articles on instant noodles:


Photography by Pichan Cruz

The post Hai Chi Jia Noodles Review – We Rank All Flavours From Suan La Fen To La La From Best To Worst appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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KFC Has A New Waffle Double Down That Brings The “Chicken & Waffles” Combo To Level 99 https://thesmartlocal.com/read/kfc-waffle-double-down/ Thu, 05 Sep 2019 08:58:02 +0000 https://thesmartlocal.com/?p=95639 KFC's Double Down is back but with a sweet upgrade - Belgian waffles drizzled with a unique maple mayo sauce in between 2 Original Recipe chicken fillets.

The post KFC Has A New Waffle Double Down That Brings The “Chicken & Waffles” Combo To Level 99 appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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KFC’s new Waffle Double Down

KFC waffle double down - flatlay with maple mayo and belgian waffle

This September, KFC is bringing back their glorious all-meat, no-buns Double Down Burger, but this time, it’s all about the classic pairing of fried chicken and waffles. They’re certainly doing it right, with a savoury maple mayo and brioche Belgian waffle. Here’s why we’ll be heading down to one of our favourite fast-food joints ASAP: 


Chicken and waffles at KFC


KFC waffle double down - close up

The new Waffle Original Recipe Double Down is a take on KFC’s classic Double Down, but with a crisp Belgian waffle in the middle. As usual, the “burger” is made from 2 Original Recipe chicken fillets. The waffle is slathered with a unique maple mayo – offering both sweet and salty flavours in one hearty bite.

We particularly enjoyed the creaminess of the mayo, especially when paired with the Belgian waffle. Add tender chicken fillets on both sides and we’ve got a new KFC favourite right here. 

KFC waffle double down - meal

The Waffle Double Down is priced at $6.95 a la carte and $8.95 for a combo meal – which comes with fries and a regular Pepsi Black. If particularly peckish, you can opt for the Double Down Box Meal ($10.95) for an additional piece of chicken and whipped potato. 


KFC’s Waffle Original Recipe Double Down


KFC waffle double down - person eating the meal

Chicken and waffles sure is a winning combo and KFC’s Waffle Double Down is an upgrade you won’t want to miss. It’s available for a limited time only – definitely worth breaking your #EatClean diet. 

You can join KFC at their Facebook Live Taste Test on 6th September 2019 (12.30PM) at KFC Plaza Singapura. It’s limited to the first 50 participants so may the odds be forever in your favour these hunger games.

Find out more about KFC’s Waffle Double Down here


This post was brought to you by KFC Singapore.
Photography by Sharlene Lau.

The post KFC Has A New Waffle Double Down That Brings The “Chicken & Waffles” Combo To Level 99 appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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PUTIEN’s Handmade Mooncakes Come In Flavours Like Yam & Sweet Potato With Salted Egg Yolk https://thesmartlocal.com/read/putien-mooncakes-2019/ Tue, 27 Aug 2019 02:01:25 +0000 https://thesmartlocal.com/?p=94147 Putien has traditional Teochew mooncakes in flavours like yam and sweet potato - they have less sugar and no preservatives!

The post PUTIEN’s Handmade Mooncakes Come In Flavours Like Yam & Sweet Potato With Salted Egg Yolk appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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PUTIEN’s teochew mooncakes 

Putien mooncakes

With a full moon looming over our heads and paper lanterns glowing bright, we’ve been eagerly awaiting the Mid-Autumn Festival. But look around – a new generation of mooncakes has taken over, with durian fillings and alcohol-infused mooncakes selling fast. 

Yet, once the novelty wears thin, we can’t help but fondly reminisce about traditional mooncakes of yesteryear. We wouldn’t have to any longer, with PUTIEN’s Madam Leng Handmade Mooncakes – traditional Teochew mooncakes with no preservatives whatsoever. 


Yam and sweet potato mooncakes 


Putien mooncakes

There’s a rich story behind PUTIEN’s mooncakes. These handmade Teochew mooncakes were originally created by Madam Leng just for her colleagues – she’s been part of the PUTIEN team since the very start. Her mooncakes are traditionally Teochew with old-school fillings like yam and purple sweet potato, all enveloped in a deep-fried flaky crust.  

Putien mooncakes - yamThe Yam Mooncake is made with premium taro from Thailand.

Choose from 2 fillings: Yam and Purple Sweet Potato. The generous amount of silky smooth filling pairs perfectly with the crust –  which has been perfected by Madam Leng just the way we like it: with many flaky layers. While these mooncakes are subtly sweet, thanks to the natural sweetness of the yam and sweet potato, they have less sugar compared to others. 

There aren’t any preservatives or additives either!

Putien mooncakes - sweet potatoIt’s made from purple sweet potato imported from Japan!

You can also enjoy these mooncakes with a salted egg yolk. They’re best eaten within 3 days and taste delightful if heated up – almost as if it was freshly prepared! 


Madam Leng handmade mooncakes


Putien mooncakes

Most of us head to PUTIEN for its fine Fujian food – classic Chinese fare like stir-fried yam and fresh seafood. But their mooncakes are a standout, with the Madam Leng range having that extra somethin’ somethin’. No doubt, it’s the old-school flavours of yam and purple sweet potato and flaky crust that have us craving more. 

Putien mooncakes - yam & sweet potato

From 5th August – 13th September 2019, get ready for the Mid-Autumn Festival with PUTIEN’s yam and sweet potato mooncakes. You can get a Single Mooncake ($14, $16 with yolk), a Box of 2 ($28, $32 with yolk), or a  Box of 4 ($52, $58 with yolk) by pre-ordering or visiting any of the 13 PUTIEN outlets. You can also mix and match flavours if you purchase a Box of 4 ($55).

Find out more about PUTIEN’s Madam Leng handmade mooncakes here


This post was brought to you by PUTIEN.
Photography by John Lim. 

The post PUTIEN’s Handmade Mooncakes Come In Flavours Like Yam & Sweet Potato With Salted Egg Yolk appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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Tan Yu Famous Grilled Fish Opens 2nd Store At Westgate With 12 Savoury & Spicy Flavours Worth The Queue https://thesmartlocal.com/read/tan-yu-westgate/ Mon, 19 Aug 2019 01:33:23 +0000 https://thesmartlocal.com/?p=92002 Tan Yu's new store at Westgate Mall offers famous grilled fish - you can choose from 12 flavours like green pepper and Chongqing beancurd!

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Tan Yu famous grilled fish

Tan Yu grilled fish

At most traditional Chinese dinners, there’s one constant besides a bowl of white rice – that’ll be a large platter of fresh seafood. Squid, abalone, crab – we like it all, but one of our favourites is undoubtedly grilled fish. While you can find this dish at any zi char stall, Tan Yu takes it one step further with 12 new savoury and spicy flavours

From Chongqing spice to green pepper, here’s why we thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Tan Yu:  


12 flavours of grilled fish


Grilled fish with green pepper

1 order of grilled fish is approximately 1.2KG – more than enough for 3 people to share!

Grilled fish with soy sauce is a true classic, but when at Tan Yu, there’s a variety of other savoury flavours to salivate over. We’re eyeing the Grilled Fish with Green Pepper (from $42.90) it’s the most popular choice in Tan Yu and rightfully so since it comes with a generous scattering of spicy green peppers. 

There’s also a mix of peppercorns atop for some mala numbing action. 

Tan Yu - Grilled fish with green pepper

You can choose the type of fish: Limbo, QingJiang, or Sea Bass. It all depends on your preferences – Limbo is as tender as it gets, Qiang Jiang is slightly firmer, and Sea Bass has a meatier texture. But for us, we went straight for the Limbo since we like our fish delicate and somewhat flaky.

Tan Yu - Chongqing Bean Curd Grilled Fish

Don’t worry about the fish drying up either – you can easily ask the staff to top up with a flavourful pork broth. 

Another solid choice is the Chongqing Bean Curd Grilled Fish (from $43.90). It’s entirely covered by a massive mountain of red chilli, which almost looks menacing for your tastebuds. Thankfully, the chilli is deceptively vibrant – it’s spicy, but not overpoweringly so. It also helps that there’s a silky-smooth layer of beancurd below to help cut the spice. 

Tan Yu - Chongqing grilled fish

There’s also a good mix of sides to choose from. For variety, the Golden Combination ($12.90) comes with enoki mushrooms, crabsticks, potatoes, and lotus roots. All ingredients are cooked under the fish so they’ll be seeping with the savoury goodness of the gravy. 

Tan Yu - bbq skewers

It’s also worth trying their barbecue skewers, with sticks of unusual bites like Grilled Honey Toast ($1.90) and Roasted Bullfrog ($3.90). Other more conventional skewers include Grilled Mushrooms ($1.90) and Grilled Shrimps ($4.90/2 pieces)

Tan Yu also offers a range of cold dishes like Chongqing Cold Noodles with Chicken Slices ($8.90).


Tan Yu’s grilled fish in Singapore


Eating at Tan Yu grilled fish

It’s a whole lot easier for Westies to satiate their grilled fish cravings now!

With over 200 outlets in China, Tan Yu is one of the more popular grilled fish restaurants out there – of course we’re going to try it since they’ve just opened their second outlet in Westgate Mall. With 12 savoury and spicy flavours and a range of cooking styles, you can choose from a selection of grilled fish dishes. 

Tan Yu at Westgate Mall

If it’s anything like their first opening at 313@somerset, there’s bound to be a mighty long queue so head down during non-peak dining times to get a seat fast. You can also make a reservation at 6509 8887 (313@somerset) or 6250 6656 (Westgate Mall) if you want to cut the line – book at least one week in advance for weekend reservations! 

Head down from 19th August – 20th August 2019 to get 32% off* or 21st August -23rd August 2019 to get 22% off*

*T&Cs apply.

Find out more about Tan Yu’s new Westgate Mall outlet here

Tan Yu (Westgate Mall)
Address: 3 Gateway Drive, #B1-01/02 Westgate, Singapore 608532
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30AM-10PM
Telephone: 6250 6656


This post was brought to you by Tan Yu.
Photography by Pepita Wauran 

The post Tan Yu Famous Grilled Fish Opens 2nd Store At Westgate With 12 Savoury & Spicy Flavours Worth The Queue appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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First Look: Subway’s New Homestyle BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Flatbreads, Wraps & Salads https://thesmartlocal.com/read/subway-homestyle-bbq-chicken/ Tue, 13 Aug 2019 02:53:30 +0000 https://thesmartlocal.com/?p=92643 Subway recently launched a variety of limited edition Homestyle BBQ Chicken offerings. Here's our taste test verdict!

The post First Look: Subway’s New Homestyle BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Flatbreads, Wraps & Salads appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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Subway Homestyle BBQ Chicken

SUBWAY HOMESTYLE BBQ

If you live by the “variety is the spice of life” mantra, Subway would be right up your alley with its endless flavour combinations. From the protein fillings and topping assortments right down to the type of sauce and bread to hold it all together, you’re able to customise your meal to your exact liking. 

The newest kid on the block is a tender and flavour-packed Homestyle BBQ Chicken, available in the form of a wrap, flatbread, salad and of course, the good ol’ sub sandwich.

subway homestyle bbq

Introducing the star of the show: a sizeable heap of well-marinated chicken, hand-pulled and coated in a delectable BBQ sauce. I’m admittedly quite the meat fiend, so I was mighty pleased to see that there was a balanced mix between lean slivers and hefty chunks of chicken.  

subway homestyle bbq marinade

While the BBQ marinade undoubtedly yields a notable zing, be warned that it might not strike a chord with folks who aren’t a fan of sweet and savoury flavour mixes. 

subway homestyle bbq cheese

Inject an ooey-gooey burst of savouriness with your choice of cheese – creamy slices of Swiss or sharp grated cheddar. You can also top-up $0.60 for double cheese on a 6-inch sub, $1.20 if it’s a footlong.

subway homestyle bbq vegetables

The veggie station is where I load up on accompaniments to make the meal more nutritious. Aside from the added dose of vitamins, a medley of fresh vegetables also lends each bite a nice crunch. 

Tip: Opt for the tangy jalapenos for a kick of spice you won’t find from regular chilli sauces.

subway homestyle bbq sauce

Last but not least, a drizzle or two from Subway’s wide range of sauces. Did you know you can go for multiple different sauces for each order? All the more flavour concoctions to experiment with!

Their signatures include honey mustard, ranch, sweet onion and my personal favourite – chipotle southwest; nice and creamy with slight levels of heat! 

subway homestyle bbq bread

Subway sandwiches are made with freshly baked loaves, responsible for the heavenly aroma wafting in the air whenever we’re in the vicinity of an outlet.

subway homestyle bbq flatbread

To try something new, go for the Homestyle BBQ Chicken in the style of a flatbread.

subway homestyle bbq avocado

P.S – splurge on a top-up of avocado ($1 per scoop) to instantly elevate your meal with a smooth, creamy and earthy taste. The abundance of antioxidants found in avocados translates to major skin benefits too. 

subway homestyle bbq wrap

We also gave the Subway wrap a shot, and it was like sinking our teeth into an explosive mish-mash of flavours and textures.

subway homestyle bbq wrap roll

Encased in a thin but nonetheless tasty tortilla, the compact treat is ideal for enjoying on-the-go, without the worry of precious fillings spilling out. 

subway homestyle bbq salad

Those craving for something less carb-heavy can enjoy the succulent goodness of Subway’s Homestyle BBQ Chicken within a refreshing salad

If you’re used to scarfing down mesclun mixtures and spinach leaves, the lettuce-heavy salad might not be as substantial a base. But don’t forget, you can also jazz this up with cheese and whichever combination of sauces your heart desires as the salad dressing.

subway homestyle bbq lays chips snacks

Complete your meal with a combo to enjoy two yummy cookies or a packet of snacks, as well as a drink to wash it all down. 

subway homestyle bbq cookiesSweet treats to cap off a satisfying meal – choose from nutty or fruity to good ol’ choco-loaded.

Subway Homestyle BBQ Chicken Singapore Soda FountiainThe soda fountain has myriad options, including vanilla Coke, cherry Sprite and sparkling orange Dasani.


Subway Singapore – Homestyle BBQ Chicken


Prices for the Subway Homestyle BBQ Chicken are as follows:

Sub: $7.50 6-inch ala carte, $8.50 6-inch combo, $12.70 footlong ala carte
Flatbread: $7.90 6-inch ala carte, $8.90 6-inch combo, $8.30 footlong ala carte
Wrap: $7.90 ala carte, $8.90 combo
Salad: $9.30 ala carte , $10.30 combo
Double meat: $2.90 6-inch, $5.80 footlong

Available for a limited time only, head down to your nearest Subway outlet to grab a bite of their newly launched Homestyle BBQ Chicken offerings while they last.

Stay up-to-date on the latest Subway happenings here

 

Subway Singapore
Full list of outlets here


This post was brought to you by Subway.
Photography by Tan Wen Lin

The post First Look: Subway’s New Homestyle BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Flatbreads, Wraps & Salads appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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Toast Box’s New Cake Rolls Come In Local Flavours Like Kopi Gao & Kaya Coconut This National Day 2019 https://thesmartlocal.com/read/toast-box-dbs-2019/ Wed, 24 Jul 2019 08:20:11 +0000 https://thesmartlocal.com/?p=89423 These new cake rolls from Toast Box come in local flavours like kopi gao and kaya coconut. DBS Cardmembers also get $0.54 off till 24th Aug 2019!

The post Toast Box’s New Cake Rolls Come In Local Flavours Like Kopi Gao & Kaya Coconut This National Day 2019 appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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Toast Box’s new cake rolls

Image adapted from: Toast Box

There’s no better way to get us out of our morning funk than a steaming hot kopi and crisp kaya toast. Toast Box is undeniably one of our go-to joints – if not for the fragrant coffee, then for their range of savoury and sweet bites.

This National Day, they’re offering a twist on their classic roll cakes with 2 new local flavours: Kopi Gao Gao Roll and Kaya Coco Roll. From 24th July – 31st August 2019, head down to any Toast Box outlet to try their Roll Cake Slice.

P.S. DBS/POSB Cardmembers also get $0.54 savings in celebration of Singapore’s 54th birthday.


Kopi Gao Gao Roll


Kopi gao gao roll

This history of the humble kopi goes back a long way in Singapore: kopi-O, kopi Peng, kopi-O Kosong – there’s an entire slew of kopi variations out there. But one of our absolute favourites? Kopi gao, for its thick and rich brew.

Kopi gao gao roll

It even comes with a scattering of ground coffee beans
Image credit: Toast Box

Toast Box’s Kopi Gao Gao Roll ($2.20)* is a solid rendition in cake form, with coffee custard cream rolled in a light coffee sponge. When paired with a cup of kopi, you’ll get a double whammy of coffee – both in flavour and for the caffeine fix.

*Price varies at MBS and RWS stores.


Kaya Coco Roll


kaya coco roll

Kaya is an old-school flavour enjoyed by many and Toast Box knows exactly this, with their offering of the new Kaya Coco Roll ($2.20)*. This light pandan sponge comes with generous layers of kaya filling along with desiccated coconut and a hint of gula melaka.

*Price varies at MBS and RWS stores.

kaya coco roll

Image credit: Toast Box

The cake is a soft pandan sponge that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of kaya – it’s almost like an ondeh ondeh but as a cake roll.


New Toast Box cake rolls for National Day 2019


Toast Box cake rolls

This National Day, Toast Box is celebrating Singapore’s 54th birthday with 2 familiar flavours – Kopi Gao Gao Roll and Kaya Coco RollAs they say, “Let The Good Times Roll” with these locally-inspired rolls that are available from 24th July – 31st August 2019.

All DBS/POSB Cardmembers can also get $0.54 off* the Roll Cake Slice with a medium cup of  hot kopi/teh (U.P. $4.30)^ at all Toast Box outlets.

*Promo is available from 25th July – 24th August 2019.
^Price varies at MBS and RWS stores.

Find out more about DBS’ promotion for Toast Box here

 

*Terms and conditions apply.


This post was brought to you by DBS.
Photography by Maverick Chua.

The post Toast Box’s New Cake Rolls Come In Local Flavours Like Kopi Gao & Kaya Coconut This National Day 2019 appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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