Author Archives: Crystal Wee

Auntie Anne’s: Addicted to Pretzels

Pretzels.

At first it just tastes great, and you want it more and more.

At last it still tastes great so you buy some more.

Auntie Anne’s has been in Singapore for several years and although the hype about their pretzels is becoming less and less obvious, I believe that they still sell the best pretzels in Singapore. Pretzels are getting out of food trends as the years go by but people still love to have them as a snack, here and there.

The best way to eat pretzels would be with your hands. Don’t hesitate, they will be twice as yummy.

The Almond Pretzel was sweet, and it tastes equally good with or without the caramel dipping sauce given.
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The Parmesan Cheese Pretzel, on the other hand, was much softer and fluffier than the almond pretzel. You can taste a few traces of cheese but it would definitely be better if the cheese could taste a much more distinct, cheesier taste.
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Besides that, their pretzel dogs are signature too. Their baked goods are pretty fresh, the ones you get would be just or if not, a little time out from the oven.

I got a shock when I found out that pretzels are actually high in calories. You mean the few flavoured pieces of dough could add up to so much?! But heck that, it won’t stop me from munching on pretzels. A price of around $3 and more for just a pretzel may seem a little daunting to pay, but it’s worth it.

Suntec City

5 Temasek Boulevard

Suntec City Mall #02-82

Singapore 38985

Other outlets include the ones at Plaza Singapura, Great World City, Parkway Parade and Tampines Mall.
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Olio Cafe: Splurting chocolate

It was a casual day and so I thought I would step inside this casual looking place for lunch. Perhaps the ambience seemed a little plain and the food looks normal but there’s no reason to underrate it. What I liked most was its value-for-money quantity but not overlooking so much of quality.

The Classic Roast Chicken Sandwich ($12.50) was nothing too much to rave about, but it’s huge portion did shock me a little. The surprising thing was the dish was made sweet: the chutneys in the sandwiches. I didn’t really know if it actually made the sandwich more or less fulfilling but I wouldn’t say that I did not enjoy it. Alongside the two huge sandwiches are a serving of sweet potato fries which were – – – sweet. This time, I felt that the sweeter fries went well with the sandwiches, somehow chosen deliberately for this purpose. Worth it or not – depends if you prefer quantity or quality.
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The cakes and pies on display at the glass counter at the cashier looked ordinary, I was contemplating if I should do away with a sweet ending to my meal, when I saw the name of the Olio Sizzling Brownie ($6.80) in the menu. Looking up, there was a poster picture of it hung on a side wall. And so I made my decision. I got a little surprised when a plate of sizzling and fizzling sounds arrived at my table. A hot plate of bubbling chocolate sauce and a centrepiece of a brownie laid before me. The brownie was great, a harder chocolate layer on the top with peanuts, the second layer full of freezing vanilla ice cream and the last layer a moist and soft sponge cake. With so much chocolate sauce given, I could not resist but finish it clean. A reminder to myself: not to be too eager and burn my tongue with sizzling chocolate sauce again.
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I was happy to realise that Olio Cafe has takeaway and delivery options as well, so next time I’m out of home-cooked or hawker food and tired of fast food, I know where to head to.

180 Kitchener Road

City Square Mall #03-39/40

Singapore 208539

No. 1 Sengkang Square

Compasspoint Shopping Centre #01-14/15

Singapore 545078

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Barracks Cafe @ House Dempsey

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Dempsey Hill. The heaven of food districts. On my very first visit to the prestigious food centre, I had to start off with a bang. So I headed to a well-liked and review place, House. Dempsey House consists of a beauty emporium, a Camp Bar for drinks at night, and the more renowned cafe, Barracks. It was formerly an army barracks, hence its name.

I was curious as to why a chinese red bean bun ($2.50) would be doing on its menu with a recommended sign next to it. Curiosity gave food to the cat. I thought mini red bean buns were the best buns of all, but this extra large one rivalled it. It’s softness was the winning factor.
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After my first experience of trying truffle shoe-string fries ($11), I can say they are a million times better than normal fries with salt. For 11 bucks of the same portion at McDonalds’, you might say that it is a rip-off, but not until you try it for yourself. White truffle oil does great things.

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The Red Snappper ($28) would be recommended if you’re going for something light but substantial. The clams give the broth a herbal taste which is not overbearing. You will be surprised to find green noodles underneath the fish, and the delicious clams are definitely a huge bonus for lovers.

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A main feature of Barracks would be their signature skinny pizzas. It was difficult to make up my mind with so many flavors available, but I ended up with the Mozzarella Bolognese Pizza ($25) being a fan of mozzarella AND bolognese. Despite being a 9 inch pizza, it was nearly barely enough for 2-3 eaters. What I like most about it was the well matched combination of mozzarella, greens and bolognese sauce. The sauce might have gone better with pasta but it didn’t matter anymore. Everything comes together as a piece of good thing.

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Desserts oh desserts! I must say that if you come all the way to Barracks without trying the desserts, then save the trip. In fact, now I’m starting to claim that it’s all about the desserts at Barracks. People claim that Barracks has the best Strawberry Shortcake ($9.50) in Singapore, which I certainly believe so now. The strawberries in the cake are not left just as they are but they are much more melted and softer. As I am not that accustomed to eating strawberries, I usually avoid strawberry cakes, but these were made such that it was perfect for me. Alongside it comes with a small glass of not milk but warm vanilla bean sauce – pour it all over the cake and tuck it into your mouth.

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The Warm Banana Salted Caramel Cake ($7) blew me away as well. It’s unique appearance appealed to my senses, I loved how warm and soft the bananas and cake was. After you uncover the cubes of bananas, you find a pool of caramel in the middle of the cake. It’s like finding gold. And yes, those are popcorns.

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It was certainly one of my best meals so far. I see myself coming back and I have this *evil* temptation to aim and try everything encompassed in the desserts menu.

8D Dempsey Road

Singapore 249672

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Infographic by HackCollege: We Love Ramen

Thanks HackCollege.com for promoting this infographic to me, I certainly found it well-designed and interesting!
We Love Ramen Infographic
Created by: Hack College

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, Singapore ArtScience Museum

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When you first step into the exhibition, you will be handed a ‘boarding pass’. The back side holds the information and facts of a real passenger who has gone on board the Titanic back then. Near the end of the exhibition, there is a board indicating the names of all survivors and non-survivors, and so you can find out whether your identity has lived on. Being a first-class female passenger, she had survived.

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Throughout the exhibition, I was filled with a sense of awe, pity and tragedy. Some artifacts were retrieved from the bottom of the sea nearly 70 years after the sinkage of the Titanic, while others were begotten from the survivors themselves. From mechanical items such as screws and technical systems in the ship to pieces of clothings and personal items, the artifacts seemed timeless.

I also remembered vividly the environment of the cabin corridors, upper deck and the Grand Staircase that weren’t real but depicted and made such that it mirrors those areas of the ship. The first class cabin corridors were a touch of grandeur, making the Titanic seem like a “floating hotel”. That said, the first class passengers were one of the richest group of people at that time, with tickets costing a few hundred thousands of dollars in today’s context. First class cabins also came with their own toilets in them, whereas public bathrooms were provided for second and third class cabins to share. But, it was not considered a terrible thing as they only bathed once a week in those times. First class passengers also had the privileges of a gymnasium and better quality materials of cutlery and tableware.

It was a tragedy that the “unsinkable” ship as people called it, faced its icy death on 15 April 1912. Many stories were told. A priest stayed on board to help the many others, a woman only wanting to stay behind with her husband, a mother and child who were separated by lifeboats. There were mishaps, the number of lifeboats could only bring about a third of the passengers to safety. The unfortunate victims mostly perished from hypothermia than drowning – the ocean was freezing. Within minutes, their lives were gone.

The news was unforgettable. From the awe of the massive structure, to the breathtaking insights, to the saddening incident, I believe everybody finds an interest in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on its maiden voyage, so this experience will be a one to remember.

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Cedele Bakery & Restaurant

Realising that a new Cedele outlet has just opened near my place, I just have to check out the food there. I love the ambience there at Greenwich V, the seats beside the glass panels entitle you to a green view outside, and currently the restaurant over there has not too many patrons.

I must commend Cedele that both bakery and all-day dining items are as good as each other, even though it started out as a bakery. The pastas were served looking as delectable as they can be, although it took some time to come. Cedele also boasts some salads, mains, and worthy cakes.

The Rose Laksa Pasta ($16.90) was an excellent fusion dish. It tasted similar to a bolognese or arrabiata sauce, and I especially love the pieces of shredded curry chicken in it. It held a generous serving of ingredients which did not affect the overall taste negatively at all, especially the garlic and shallot flakes. All I can say was, it was better than a bowl of laksa, and better than a plate of spaghetti.

 
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The Black Pepper Crab Pasta ($16.90) was even spicier than the rose laksa, and I would definitely recommend to try their seafood dishes such as this for fans of such. I would describe it’s taste to be very crabby.

 
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Often, I would opt for the most popular dessert at a cafe or restaurant, so there was no way I can resist their Carrot Walnut Cake ($6 per slice). Firstly, the cake was incredibly sweet, and topped with a cream cheese which complements well with the cake. Secondly, it was moist. Thirdly, everything fits well. Fits perfect in your mouth too.

 
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At the same time, you can check out selections of pastries, buns, croissants and more from the bakery to buy them home. Other outlets include the ones at Ngee Ann City, Raffles City Shopping Centre and many other chains across the island.

Cedele

Greenwich V #02-14

1 Seletar Road

Singapore 807011

Malaysian Food Street at Resorts World Sentosa

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Since the day of its opening, the Malaysian Food Street at the high-end Resorts World Sentosa has been making big waves in the media, especially a couple of months back. There were loads of advertising on it and there seemed to be popularity on the fact that skillful chefs are behind the scenes. That brought me to travel to the island. I was astounded by the fairly long queue outside (there was a limit to the number of people that could be in the food street), but I’m sure the crowd would have died down a little by now.

The Chee Cheong Fun, appearing a lighter shade of sweet sauce of the ones we would have at a local hawker stall, made me hesitate if I should even try it. However, it was as good as or probably even better than hawkers’. It definitely had a sweeter tinge to it.

 
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It is almost impossible to find traditional Chicken Rice Balls in Singapore nowadays. I’ve always been a fan of chicken rice, and even more so of chicken rice balls. Sadly, those of standard are disappearing. The ones here were competent but the flavor was not strong enough in the rice balls. (from Malacca Chicken Rice Ball)

 
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I wouldn’t recommend the Nasi Lemak from Kampung Nasi Lemak here, it was common and nothing much to rave about.

 
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Fung Wung Confectionery has got to be one of my favorite stalls over here. The Baked Chicken Pau had a nice crust with fresh and warm chicken filling with a little sweet paste that suited the chicken.

 
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Their signature would be their Egg Tarts. I had to queue again after some time to get them as they were sold out like hot cakes. The verdict: very crisp crust, a good, mild egg custard that was simple yet can get you hooked. Takeaway option is available as well!

 
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Note that some food will probably be sold out if you arrive late in the night. By the end of evening, some stalls would have stopped operating, so it’s advisable to go early! The trick is to buy from the stalls with the longest queues, they’re one of the better stuffs around. Overall I find that the malaysian food here was of standard, yet some stalls fall short of my expectations.

Other stalls at the food street include

Heun Kee Claypot Chicken Rice
KL Jalan Alor Hokkien Mee
Penang Ah Long Lor Bak
Penang Ah Mei Hokkien Prawn Mee
Penang Hai Beng Hainan Lor Mee
Penang Lim Brothers’ Char Kway Teow
Petaling Street Famous Porridge
Ampang Yong Tau Foo
Klang Bak Kut Teh
KL Wanton Mee
Penang Cuttlefish Kang Kong
Roti Canai and Nasi Briyani
Petaling Jaya Dim Sum & Drinks
Desserts

Resorts World Sentosa

The Bull Ring

 
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Ambush: European Restaurant

Ambush, located in the casual Junction 8, is a casual European restaurant serving comfort food.

A great deal I found out was that the food was priced quite affordably of a restaurant yet the food does not disappoint much. It’s hard to find such better places in heartland malls already. Yet it gets easily overlooked for common wanderers around the area.

Ambush offers such a promotional set lunch! For just $9.90, you can opt from a few main courses with the soup of the day and an ice-cold soda. Even a mediocre plate of pasta would cost around the same amount at a casual dining location.

Baby Scallop Linguine – The creamy base of the pasta was mild and would appeal more to light eaters of creamy pasta, plus the linguine had a silken texture for great mouthfeel.
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I thought the Crispy Chicken Aglio Olio ($11.50) sounded good on the menu. Crispy chicken with pasta? Definitely. Even though the chicken was a little overcooked, it was served in a generous portion together with filling aglio olio. I loved how the aglio olio had a distinct garlic taste which was not overwhelming but added a certain spice to the dish altogether.

 
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The desserts only extended to a few options but nonetheless I had to savor one. The Souffle ($8.80) was an explosion. The more than warm molten chocolate cake burned my tongue while the freezing vanilla scoop of vanilla ice-cream attempted to soothe it. My conclusion was that the cake was indeed too hot, it should be warm instead. Still, the chocolate was rich and more molten than fluid.
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 Overall, it was a good, comfy, more restaurant-like ambience while tucked in an area further from the noise of the junctions of pedestrians and passers-by.
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9 Bishan Place

Junction 8 #02-20/20/27

Singapore 579837

Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant

An airy, relaxing place with the high ceilings, comfy sofa chairs and an option for al fresco of the harbourfront view by the sea. By night, Brotzeit never sleeps. It only becomes a socializing field for the happy to drink and celebrate with signature pork knuckles.
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Breaded Chicken Fillet ($10.50): Nothing too bad, and nothing too special. They were delectable, hot appetizers to start with, going especially well with mustard.

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Brotzeit’s menu would consist mainly of German sausages so we opted for Pork Cheese Sausages ($18.50). The sausages were not too overwhelming as the ones from street stalls and definitely not of dryness. In fact, I would be proud to say that these are currently the best sausages I’ve tried. The fusion of smoked pork and warm, melted cheese in your mouth would be like….. like. Moreover, the accompanying potato salad and veggies on the plate were as good but not outshining the lead.

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With cheese being one of my favorites as well, I decided to opt for the Cheese Spatzel ($19.50). A few mouthfuls proved it had a chewy and cheesy feel. The one thing I like about Brotzeit is their relatively large portion sizes (which also means prices that are higher). I guess that’s how much Germans eat? Inferring from how they drink beer during Oktoberfest. However, to finish this plate of just cheese and nothing but cheese would be quite impossible, unless you’re a cheesy person (No pun intended). So I would say I loved it for the few mouthfuls for the wholesome feeling of cheese, but nothing more than that.

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Ah, Emperor Pancakes ($12.50)! These were as good as they look. They are more fluffy than the usual pancakes and hence softer in texture. The visual appeal it sent out simply made it seem at its best. Too plain to be eaten just like that? The pancakes are rum and raisin flavored. Plus, the simple bowl of plum sauce gives them a little sour yet enriching taste. Either way, they taste great. I did not know that pieces of pancakes would ever look as appetising as the whole pancakes themselves until this. Now, why can’t I have this for breakfast everyday?

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Oh yes, if you happen to go with some friends, do not forget to try their most famous Pork Knuckles. They are legendary, and require at least 3 persons to finish it. Do not underestimate it’s appearance.

VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk
#01-149/151
Singapore 098585

Oh Neul Han Jeom Korean BBQ Restaurant

The joy of Korean Barbecue with friends and families! It seems like a perfect get-together meal with a large group of companions and kins, either close or distant, the smell and fun of cooking the food will bond all. Read: This was my first time having Korean BBQ. I have never liked the idea of having smokey smells infused into my clothes and hair….nor understanding why more Singaporeans nowadays are liking Korean BBQ more and more, but a gathering with friends at such a meal changed things.
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The unadventurous me dare not try the entire platter of side dishes, after I put an unknown item in my mouth and it turned out horrid.

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Pork jowl meat (Hangjungsal) ($18) 

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That is the fun of barbecueing! Barbecueing is certainly a joyous thing. You get the satisfaction as though you’ve cooked the meats yourself!

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Pork skirt meat (Galmaegisal) ($18). I preferred the pork skirt meat to jowl meat due to it’s tenderness. The jowl meat, on the other hand, had a certain toughness to it.

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Maggie noodles never gets too old. The stew with ham, sausage, kimchi, tofu and ramen (Budae Jjigae) ($35) (additional $5 for additional ramen) turned out pretty well, the ramen being tasty when it gets soft and soggy. The Kimchi soup was well-prepared too, and I loved it’s spiciness which wasn’t too fiery.

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Other than those above, Oh Neul Han Jeom Korean BBQ Restaurant also serves a selection of types of beef to choose to barbecue. They also have a lunch set menu where a la carte dishes are available.

All the dishes were shared between the 4 of us and in all, it was about $20 per pax. Which is a price worthwhile to pay, considering that I left the place feeling very full and there was enough portion of meat to go round. In fact, we did not manage to finish everything! The items may seem like a small portion when served on the table but do not just judge it like that!

Tucked in a street of shop houses at Telok Ayer, this restaurant might be difficult to find for the unfamiliar. Despite all, I find it’s ambience to be cosy with yellow lights and a divider which hosts an area for a greater group of people to have a mini private gathering over there. The restaurant is almost filled with customers as well. Service from the staff proved friendly. In my opinion, this place should receive a bigger rating.

177 Telok Ayer Street

Singapore 069625