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Lessen the guilt of your Christmas Feasting p12
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7 HOTEL BUFFETS UNDER $70
2016 111/03/
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Once upon a Christmas
A uniquely Singaporean festive feast on page 8 ASIAN PERCIK TURKEY FROM HOTEL JEN tANGLIN
inside season of feasting p2
Festival deals and takeaways
HOT SEAT p5
Chef and co-founder Francis Chong of Long Jiang Classic Noodles & Congee
DESTINATION DINING p14
Head on over to Changi City Point for jolly gatherings with family and friends
dRINK TANK p16
Usher in the festive season with happy hour deals along Singapore River
w e l c o m e
Where to find your B i TES ? PICK US UP! Free at over 100 venues | BITE INTO US ONLINE www.bites.com.sg | Cafes & restaurants Bonta Italian Restaurant & Bar (District 10) • Brussels Sprouts - Robertson Quay • California Pizza Kitchen Forum • Emicakes @ Kovan • EN Grill and Bar • Farisya's Kitchen • Ginkhao Restaurant • Ginza Lion Beer Hall • Joe & Dough (Kallang) • K.Kook Korean & BBQ Buffet • Milagro Spanish Restaurant • Ootoya Japanese Restaurant • Oriole Coffee + Bar • Outback Steakhouse • Oyster Bar & Grill Wharf • Pu3 Restaurant • Ramen Champion • Roti Mum • Selfish Gene Cafe • Serenity Spanish Bar & Restaurant • Spinelli (all outlets) • Starbucks (all outlets) • tc c - The Connoisseur Concerto (all boutiques) • The Marmalade Pantry ION • Yellow Submarine (Toa Payoh) • ZEN Japanese Cuisine • 31 Bar & Kitchen Cooking Schools Cookyn Inc • The Eureka Cooking Lab Country & Private Clubs British Club • China Club • Club HDB • Ee Hoe Hean Millionaire Club • Hollandse Club • Keppel Club • Laguna National Golf & Country Club • NUSS - Kent Ridge Guild House • NUSS - Bukit Timah Guild House • NUSS - Suntec City Guild House • Orchid Country Club • Raffles Marina • Seletar Country Club • Sentosa Golf Club • Serangoon Gardens Country Club • Singapore Chinese Swimming Club • Singapore Cricket Club • Singapore Island Country Club • Tanah Merah Country Club • The American Club • The Swiss Club • Tower Club
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m a k a n
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Maka
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n FOLLOW US, GUESS AND WIN!
Each month, we’ll feature a fresh makan place for you to guess what/where it is. Correct answers will be entered in a draw to win a dining experience with us! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram/Facebook!
5 READERS STAND TO WIN A DINNER FOR 2
Located along Orchard Road, this halal-certified hotel restaurant comes with four colourful themed seating areas – the terrace, living room, state rooms and verandah – to give guests a different experience every visit. Expect everything from a teppanyaki live station, halal-certified cheeses, chilli crabs to a plethora of seafood on ice. The highlight of the dessert section is the chocolate fountain, where diners can dip waffles, fruits and marshmallows into for a delectable treat. Give us your best guess of the restaurant and its address from 1 to 21 December to dine on 10 January, 7pm! For full details and to enter, visit bites.com.sg/makanonbites.
B i T E S reserves the right to publicise winners’ names and pictures. By entering the contest, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to publish publicity photos and video in any format without limitation. Participants to ensure they can dine on 10 January at 7pm. More on www.bites.com.sg/makanonbites
Makan on BiTES Where: Sky22 at Courtyard by marriott singapore novena When: 10 November WHAT WE Ate: • Various salad greens • Quinoa • Curry chicken • Iberico pork • Feta, cheddar and brie
• Barley risotto • Seafood stew • Fish cooked in lemon sauce • Pork ribs • Carrot Cake
Our five winners and their partners smiling with satisfaction after a pampering yet healthy meal
The winning grain bowl, filled with greens and seafood
Using the colourful spread of vegetables, grains and meats to create their grain bowls
Sky22's signature Bubur Chacha, served with coconut ice cream, sago and housemade sweet potato balls
Our five winners and their partners took part in a heated battle to see who could make the prettiest grain bowl at Sky22. Using the array of greens, grains, cheeses and unlikely toppings of Hakka braised pork, curry chicken and seafood stew, two diners emerged victorious and won themselves each a serving of chef John Chye's signature dessert, a deconstructed Bubur chacha. Rounding off the wholesome dinner, they adjourned to Urbana, the Courtyard by Marriott’s rooftop bar, to enjoy the expansive Singapore skyline.
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one bowl. Not to mention a soft onsen egg that blends everything together and a side of homemade salted egg yolk sauce that’s made with curry leaves, salted duck egg yolk and evaporated milk. Available at all three Don Meijin outlets, including Ramen Champion and Changi Airport Terminal 3. #04-10 Bugis+, 201 Victoria Street. Tel: 6238 1011
season of feasting B BURGER
Walk into B Burger and you’ll spot brightly coloured popart palm trees, artsy murals, skateboards, Vans sneakers and 80s band paraphernalia decking the space. Food wise, their classic American burgers come with a Japanese twist (from $6.90-$11.90). Their signature classic B Burger features either a single or double juicy beef patties with daikon pickles, tomato, lettuce, cheese and a generous serving of secret B sauce. Try their Osaka corn dog and curry cheese burger too. Tasty sides include nacho soup or chicken wings with sriracha mayo ($3-$8). #01-01 Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Road. From the same company behind Atmosphere Bistro and Jin Ho Mia, comes Ramen Tenji. Located at The Seletar Mall, the eatery is decorated with many old-school posters to exude a Japan alleyway ramen store vibe. The signature tonkostu ramen ($14.90) broth offers a subtler flavour for the Singapore palate. Their black garlic tonkotsu ramen ($15.90) and red spicy tonkotsu ramen ($15.90) are must-tries for those who prefer a stronger taste. #01-28 The Seletar Mall, 33 Sengkang West Avenue. Tel: 6581 2190 Fancy some duck ramen? You’re in for a treat at Tsuta. Using only fresh duck with no added MSG, chef Yuki Onishi has created a rich flavoured broth infused with fresh duck oil. Slow-cooked for five hours, the kamo paitan soba soup version ($11) is worth a go. The kamo abura soba dry version ($10) features noodles marinated with premium shoyu and duck oil. Both dishes are topped with tender poached duck meat, baby leaves and crushed cashew nuts and yellow onion for an extra crunch factor. #01-01 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road. Tel: 6734 4886
Beanstro's traditional yuletide favourites make for a warm holiday meal with family and friends. For $68.80, you get a four-course meal which includes a starter—an Alaskan king crab and prawn salad and soup—roasted pumpkin chowder. Choose one of their three mains such as the Braised Lamb Shank, Turkey Corden Bleu or Pan-roasted Seabream Fillet. End your meal with a traditional log cake. #B2-20/20A The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue. Tel: 6688 7001 Pastry extraordinaire, OLLELLA, has opened their second branch at Takashimaya Food Hall offering a tempting array of Christmas treats such as gingerbread macarons and a trio of log cakes ($28) – Santa Belly (white chocolate mousse cake with strawberry gelée), Snowman (vanilla yuzu) and Reindeer (banana caramel). Their popular and colourful Chouquettes ($8.50/100g) are also be available in various flavours. #B208-4, Takashimaya B2 Food Hall, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road. Tel: 6291 4076 SERENITY
DON MEIJIN
NEW MENUS Can't get enough of salted egg yolk? Don Meijin offers a golden salted egg tendon ($16) that is a perfect combination of sweet and salty. You get many crispy fried items such as prawns, chicken fillet, green beans, sliced pumpkin, crabsticks and more in
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Add a Spanish twist to your Christmas dinner with Serenity Spanish Bar & Restaurant. Aside from their hearty seafood paella ($43) and Spanish chorizo pizza ($16.80), they offer a show-stopping signature suckling pig ($88/quarter; $$158/half; $288/whole). The tender and saporous meat lends it flavour from the generous marinade of sherry, white wine, herbs and olive oil. Enjoy the homely Catalan soup ($16.80), packed with beef, chicken, pork and beans in a savoury vegetable broth. Desserts include everyone's favourite —churros with hot chocolate ($9) and chocolate brownies ($9). Available for dining in, takeaway and delivery. #01-98/99, Vivocity, 1 Harbourfront Walk. Tel: 6376 8185 Hotel Jen Tanglin will satisfy the fussiest of eaters. The Fully Loaded festive takeaway ($198) comes in two styles – traditional and Asian. The former features a roasted turkey with mixed meat with apple & chestnut stuffing, braised Brussel sprouts
Terminal 4
At Changi Airport Terminal 4, you'll be wishing you're stuck in an airport like Tom Hanks in The Terminal. The shopping and dining experience in this transit hall is like no other. Here's our definitive guide on how to make every second count. 10 Airport Boulevard. Tel: 6595 6868 COCKTAIL BAR
HOTEL JEN TANGLIN
with bacon and more, along with giblet truffle, brown and cranberry sauces. As for the latter, the turkey is roasted, percik style (coconut and spices), with sides such as the Kerabu Prawn Mango Peanuts and Sri Lankan crab claws in Ah Hoi's Chilli Crab Sauce. It also comes with a chilled mango soup with pearl sago, pomelo, lime and gula malacca to round off the feast. 1A Cuscaden Road. Tel: 6738 2222
Pop over to the Cocktail Bar to ease you into a red-eye flight. An affable bartender can be found serving cocktails made with spirits available for purchase at DFS. Not only is it a great way to sample the liquor, you can also pick up a few tips and tricks for recreating the drinks back home. Venture in deeper and you'll find The Whiskey House. Perfect for whiskey beginners looking to expand their collection, the experts behind the bar are always ready to share more about their impressive selection of single malts and blends - in the
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sora japan gourmet hall
SEA & BLUE
TWG TEA BOUTIQUE
THE CRAFT COLLECTION
form of complimentary tastings. The Craft Collection ends the DFS adventure with a fizzy pint of craft beer, or a simple cocktail with a small batch spirit of your choice. Blipin ciders or gwei lo are available on draft right now, but we suggest giving Suntory's newly launched Japanese gin, Roku, a try. #01-12, #02-25, #02-57. The dramatic facade of an 11-metre tall tea wall within TWG Tea Boutique is impossible to miss. They offer an experiential tasting of their single-estate, fine harvest teas and exclusive blends at the first ever Tea Tasting Counter. Have a cup to go with their many tea-infused chocolate bonbons ($1.67/piece) and macaroons. #02-29. Tel: 6582 1837 Travelling with friends? Take a break at Tiger Den. An ice-cold pint of Tiger beer and a couple bites of local favourites such as chicken satay ($9/3 pieces or $16/6 pieces) or chilli crab bun sliders ($12) is sure to have you back on your feet. Order the Tiger Den Sharing Platter ($60), which features a selection of bar bites and a pitcher of Tiger Beer. #02-39. Quality dim sum can be found all day long at Yi Dian Xin by Imperial Treasure Group. We can't get enough of the adorable Deep-Fried Porcupine Bun with Red Bean Paste ($6.30/3 pieces) or their signature Steamed Salted-Egg Yolk Black Custard Bun ($5.70/3 pieces). Imperial Treasures Signature Noodles with pig's trotters, beef brisket, wanton and shrimp dumpling ($11.50) and Homemade Roasted Duck ($15) are also on the menu. #02-41. Tel: 62833282
Comfort food, at its best. Italian-Japanese restaurants are aplenty in Japan, for good reason. The flavours of each cuisine come together beautifully at Japoli Kitchen. The cooking style and herbs used in Italian cuisine is the missing puzzle to Japan's obsession with umami. Must-haves include the classic Bolognese pasta ($14), served with a rich, tomato sauce, and the crowd-pleasing Mentaiko Pizza ($15).
SORA Japan Gourmet Hall at Terminal 2 Following the success of Eat At Seven (Suntec City), All Nippon Airways presents another riveting collective of eateries at SORA Japan Gourmet Food Hall. To go with all that savouries, SORA Bar offers a creamy Hokkaido soft serve that will have you wishing for a ski holiday in Northern Japan. A selection of Japanese beers, sake and the usual suspects of Tiger Beer and Heineken are also available. Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, 60 Airport Boulevard #036-059/059. Tel: 6386 7005 japoli kitchen
Besides the already popular Kohaku Tendon, Kuro Maguro, Menya Takeichi and Tokyo Sundubu, the dining enclave will see the debut of Tsuruhashi Fugetsu and Japoli Kitchen. Do a quick search on the go-to place for okonomiyaki (Japanese grilled cabbage pancakes) in Dotonbouri, Osaka and Tsuruhashi Fugetsu pops up immediately. The brand has obviously found a fan in ANA, as it is served on their business and first class flights. The Mix Modan ($21) sets a new standard for okonomiyaki in Singapore. Skillful chefs magically transforms otherwise simple ingredients - cabbage, egg noodles, meat and seafood - into a mouth-watering centerpiece of Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise and dancing bonito flakes, served on a hotplate. The crisp, slightly charred, outer is a perfect contrast to the delicious mess of noodles, meat and sauce in the middle.
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H t Seat openings We go behind the scenes to find out the highlights and challenges of the latest F&B openings. By Jessica Chan
What makes Long Jiang Classic Noodles & Congee different from Long Jiang Chinos? Chinos continues to build a strong following for luxurious seafood dishes. Long Jiang Classic Noodles & Congee focuses on porridge. We use a traditional Chao San cuisine method where the raw rice grains are cooked for up to 30 minutes with seafood stock and dried scallops, before adding fresh seafood for that final touch of umami. Unlike the thick, creamy Cantonese-styled congee, the texture is silkier with a distinct aroma of freshly boiled rice. How did the late-night concept for Long Jiang Classic Noodles & Congee come about? Fellow chefs like me have a hard time finding a place to kick back and relax after work. Supper places in Singapore are rare, let alone one serving good, comfort food like us. Just the other night, we hosted over 40 people from the Society of Chinese Cuisine Chefs. It’s not uncommon to see some of Singapore’s more notable chefs here at night. It also serves to satisfy the crowd in Clarke Quay.
Who: Chef and co-founder Francis Chong, 46 What: Extravagant seafood noodles and congee dishes at Long Jiang Classic Noodles & Congee.
How did your many awards and accolades help shape your menu? My best experiences come from competing as
a team, especially when the theme and ingredients are a mystery. All my team and I could do was to spend the months honing our culinary skills and exploring new dishes. This translates over to the business side of things as we have been trained to use the ingredients we have on hand to create fantastic dishes, no matter what the guests ask for. Any dish the guest asks for? Aside from the main menu, I have my own repertoire of “specials". Regulars know it well, but anyone could just call in a day in advance to make special orders. We have a nourishing herbal Crocodile Soup that has proven rather popular. If I have the ingredients, I can cook any style of crab, lobster or prawns. I can do a smoked duck dish as well, where the skin is addictively crispy with succulent tender flesh. If you were described as a food, what dish would you be? The Signature Ocean Treasures Porridge. All I want is for diners to enjoy the comforting flavours we grew up and fell in love with, with utmost quality. What’s next for Long Jiang Jiang as a brand? My dream is to take the brand overseas! Long Jiang has what it takes to become a worldwide brand, and everyone should be able to enjoy these comforting flavours wherever they may be.
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Where will you be this festive season?
The greatest time of the year is best spent with family and friends. Take it up a notch with these exciting festivities happening all over town. By Rachel Lee THE PRUDENTIAL MARINA BAY CARNIVAL
ORCHARD ROAD
SILOSO BEACH COUNTDOWN PARTY 2017
The Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
Siloso beach countdown party 2017
Happening from 8 December, Marina Bay will play host to the biggest carnival in Singapore. There will be over 40 thrilling rides and games, live music performances, magic shows, special outdoor fitness sessions and Instagramworthy photo spots. Entry is free. Opens from 4-11pm daily till 1 April 2018. The Promontory at Marina Bay and Bayfront Event Space.
Singapore’s one and only beach countdown is happening at Siloso beach ($48—advance period, 1-30 Dec from events.pouchnation.com)! Welcome the new year with fireworks and 12 hours of unfettered fun with MC Rauzan, Ollie `Des, DJ Jenni-F, Caden and more. DJs spins and pump the best party music from dusk of 2017 to dawn of 2018. Opens from 6pm-6am on 31 December. Siloso Beach, Sentosa.
A magical Christmas along Orchard Road
Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay
The streets of Orchard Road are decorated to the theme of Endless Wonder. Immerse yourself in a whole
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world of lights and magic, visit pop-up stores from SK-II, Casio, HaagenDazs and the Christmas village at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza. The latter features a whole load of food, amusement rides and performances of Christmas classics. Not to be missed is the pyrotechnics display during the Christmas Countown Concert on 24 December. Orchard Road. 1-31 December, 6pm onwards daily.
Join in the Christmas fun at the biggest and most magical Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay
(1-7 Dec: $4 online, $6 at the gate. 8-14, 26 Dec: $6 online, $8 at the gate. 15-25 Dec: $8 online, $10 at the gate) where you’ll be able to enjoy the carnival attractions and brightly lit luminaire sculptures that hold over 250,000 multi-hued bulbs. Inside the Christmas Wonderland, dance under the stars at their first-ever outdoor skating rink. There will also be carnival rides, game stalls, festive markets and choral performances. Visit from 1-26 December, from 4-11pm daily. Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive.
Santa Run for Wishes 2017
Make-A-Wish Singapore foundation's mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions between the ages of 3 and 18. Sign up for Santa Run for Wishes 4th edition (adults: $42 onwards, children: $32 onwards, family package: $119 onwards and for a group of four adults: $135 onwards); both 2km and 5km trails will be packed with merchandise, prizes and activities. It ends with a huge carnival, where there will be balloon sculptures, boat paddling, clown sliders and more. Proceeds from the
Santa’s Workshop @ the South Pole
SANTA RUN FOR WISHES 2017
registration will go towards granting wishes of many more children. For more information: http://santarunforwishes.sg/ index.html 9 December, 7.30am-11am at The Promontory @ Marina Bay.
Picnic & Fireworks viewing at The Float Get a New Year countdown experience like no other at The Float. The floating platform will turn into a seating gallery and picnic area. Expect hourly firework displays throughout the night. There
is also a countdown market that will be staged on the F1 tracks with a whole lot of trinket and food vendors and other activities. You can get a quick bite or shop for craft works and accessories along with live busking performance and more. Simply purchase your tickets online through KLOOK to enjoy discounts ($5.50). There’s also early bird packages ($20 for 4) or you can buy it at the door ($8). 31 December, 5pm-1am. The Float @ Marina Bay.
Look out for a huge Christmas art market organised by The Local People. Themed Santa’s Workshop @ The South Pole, it takes place from 15-17 Dec at South Beach THE FLOAT Avenue. Savour tasty treats such as gelatos and baked goods from Simplicite, and Ariel’s Cookies in the basement plaza, and shop till you drop on the street level that offers locallydesigned products. Some of the items includes whisky gifts from Quaich Bar, organic products from Real Food and Christmas hampers from Caffe Vergnano 1882. While you’re there, check out their super-Instagrammable art wall backdrops, live music from local artists, a face-painting
booth, a public screening of Lulu The Movie at 7pm daily, carnival games and also LED balloon giveaways. For more information: https://southbeachavenue. com/happenings South Beach Avenue, 12-10pm daily, 15-17 December.
Festive celebrations at Club 5! Shimmy down and continue your merry-making at Club 5! For the month of December, enjoy unlimited servings of house pour drinks and bar snacks from 6pm to 10pm, priced at SGD75 per adult. For enquiries and reservations, speak with us at +65 6505 5699 or email dining.prsin@parkroyalhotels.com Prices are subject to service charge and Good and Services Tax (GST). Pricing varies for festive dates on 24 and 31 December 2017.
parkroyalhotels.com 7500 Beach Road, Singapore 199591 Tel: +65 6505 5699 dining.prsin@parkroyalhotels.com PARKROYAL.BeachRoad
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A uniquely Singaporean Christmas December is usually spent with family tucking into turkey and ham, but in multicultural Singapore, it is all about curries, buah keluak and kuehs. By Jessica Chan
Bryan Kishore,
owner and head bartender at Bee Bee’s As iconic as the stuffed turkeys and hams are during Christmas, we would rather dig into our favourite childhood dishes.
BEEF RENDANG
pERANAKAN kUEHS
Jill Sara,
entrepreneur Both Peranakan and Eurasian cultures are about food and gossip – the essentials of life!
Portuguese Eurasian-Peranakan
The festive spread at Jill Sara's household represents a delightful mix of cultures. There are Peranakan favourites such as chap chye, buah keluak and pong tauhu, as well as a hearty bowl of feng, a Portugese Eurasian spiced stew of pork and innards. The quintessential sugee cake (a semolina cake made with almonds and splashes of brandy) also makes an appearance, which is made by her aunt who had a career in baking extravagant wedding cakes. Add bubur chacha, mata Kuching (dried longan) and kueh kodok (fried banana dough balls) to the mix and you have a table groaning under the weight of such delectables.
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Indian Peranakan
An unlikely combination of cuisines comes together at Bryan Kishore’s humble abode every Christmas. A second-generation Indian Peranakan, his festive dinners are filled with dishes spanning South India (specifically Malayali), Singaporean Chinese and Peranakan traditions. Ngoh hiang is served with Buddha brand sweet sauce and sambal ikan bilis, while mutton masala is enjoyed alongside deep-fried spiced bittergourd and cabbage masak lemak. The food is prepared according to recipes passed down from Bryan’s paternal grandmother. All these deliciousness are washed down with jugs of Bryan's eggnog.
Eurasian
Charmaine Lim, Ph.D. Student
Hotpot has always been the feature of our family reunions. Every ingredient is picked based on each family member's favourite and sometimes we bring back outrageous ingredients from whichever country we had just returned home from. Each festive dinner ends in a wrestling match of chopsticks, for the last dumpling or mochi-stuffed fried tofu!
HOTPOT
The usual suspects of turkey and ham do make an appearance, but it is the devil's curry that Clinton Leicester looks forward to most at his family gatherings every Christmas. Incredibly spicy, the robust dish made with candlenuts and galangal is steeped in Eurasian Kristang tradition, and is often served with Shepherd’s pie, chicken curry and beef rendang at the Leicesters. Then again, nothing is off limits. Christmas is a big event for his family, with Clinton's aunts and uncles contributing to the feast with their signatures. As the night winds down, a homemade sugee cake takes the place of a log cake, as he and his cousins share stories and jokes over glasses of wine.
with mochi, meat and vegetables from Japan, chewy rice cakes from Korea, and plump pork dumplings, the latter which the family would spend all day making.
Clinton Leicester, Hokkien
Hotpots are perfect for the rainy season and Charmaine Lim’s family members are always found huddling over a boiling pot of chicken broth or Japanese-styled bone broth come Christmas Eve. It is more than just a typical spread of mushrooms, seafood and meats. With such a big family, the pot often gets filled up with various ingredients such as kinchaku, bite-size tofu pouches filled
account manager Nothing makes me more proud than to enjoy this international holiday with dishes I've eaten since young.
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b u f f e t
b o u n t y
Dig into these Christmas feasts instead of cooking a storm at home. From classic turkey dishes, honey-glazed hams to a huge spread of fresh and premium seafood on ice, nobody will blame you for taking seconds! By Rachel Lee and Jessica Chan
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HOLIDAY INN ATRIUM—ATRIUM RESTAURANT Expect an amazing spread of festive eats at Atrium Restaurant (lunch, Mon-Fri: $88++ for 1 adult with one-for-one offer, $35++ per child) where you’ll savour many highlights such as snow crab legs, fresh oysters, roast tom turkey marinated with fresh herbs & spices and chestnut stuffing in natural turkey jus and a flavourful HOLIDAY INN ATRIUM —ATRIUM RESTAURANT
Festive buffets to indulge under $70 NETT
baked Honey Glazed Gammon Ham with orange cinnamon sauce. Be sure to indulge in their wide array of desserts like Tiramisu, Christmas pudding and an extravagant chocolate fountain. Level 4, 317 Outram Road. Tel: 6731 7172
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT SINGAPORE NOVENA—SKY 22
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT SINGAPORE NOVENA—SKY 22 Have a Christmas feast at Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena's all-day dining restaurant. Located on the 22nd floor, Sky22 provides an amazing view of the Singapore's cityscape. Enjoy a variety of Christmas classics (lunch: $35++, dinner: $45++) such as Traditional Turkey with Sweet Chestnut Stuffing drizzled with cranberry sauce, Honey-Glazed Bone in Leg Ham topped with cinnamon pineapple sauce, and Lobster Bisque. For a sweet treat, indulge in some Brandied Fruit Cake, Christmas logcake and cookies. Level 22, 99 Irrawaddy Road. Tel: 6378 2040 CROWN PLAZA HOTEL—AZUR It is the most wonderful time of the year to enjoy a big feast and Azur has prepared a special spread (lunch, Mon-Sat: $55++ adult, $27.50++ child) to celebrate with your family. This year’s highlight includes gammon bone-in ham, black truffle roast Christmas turkey, crispy pork knuckle, freshly shucked oysters, seafood on ice and more. For the sweet-toothed, try traditional yule log cakes and an interesting mix of Christmas puddings with brandy sauce for that extra booze. Only available from 1-31 December. 75 Airport Blvd. Tel: 6823 5354 HOTEL INDIGO SINGAPORE KATONG—BABA CHEWS BAR AND EATERY Tuck into with Baba Chews Bar and Eatery’s Peranakan-styled festive weekend brunch ($48++
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adult/$24++ child) and enjoy up to over 35 items in the spread. The selection includes Turkey Roulade Lo Mai Kai—roulade of turkey breast with dried shrimps
PARK HOTEL ALEXANDRA—THE CARVERY Have a hearty feast at Park Hotel Alexandra. For the month of December, The Carvery presents a slew of Spanish-inspired Christmas buffet dishes (lunch, mon-fri: $45 adult, $25 child. Sat-sun: $48 adult, $28 child. Dinner, Mon-Thu: $58 adult, $32 child. Fri-Sun: $68 adult, $36 child). Look out for their three-metre long meat carving station, and delights such as Iberico Pork Belly Porchetta stuffed with chorizo and apple, spit-roasted chicken with orange and rosemary, Catalan Seafood Stew and Sukalki Beef Ragu. No dinner ends without desserts, of course, so indulge in their Turron Trifle—a vanilla sponge topped with hazelnut custard laced with cognac and triple sac. Level 7, 323 Alexandra Road. Tel: 6828 8880
HOTEL INDIGO SINGAPORE KATONG —BABA CHEWS BAR AND EATERY
and lap cheong stuffing, glazed with tangy calamansi soya sauce and a side of glutinous rice. Their Yakitori Panggang and Baba Chews style Nonya Laksa is not to be missed too. #01-01 Katong Square, 86 East Coast Road. Tel: 6723 2025
Bites guide: Price guide (nett) $ wallet-friendly (below $50) $$ just can’t resist a splurge ($50-100) $$$ a special occasion ($100-150) $$$$ indulgence galore (above $150)
RAMADA SINGAPORE AT ZHONGSHAN PARK— FLAVOURS AT ZHONGSHAN PARK Come here for a local-styled Christmas offering ($44++ onwards for one adult, $19++ onwards for one child) with a wide spread of scrumptious coastal-fresh
Certified halal Does not serve pork or lard Kid-friendly facilities Veg-friendly
seafood, brunch classics, hearty carved meats, sweet treats and more at Flavours at Zhongshan Park. Have some Christmas turkey doused in Asian seasonings and herbs or go for the Shredded Turkey and Green Papaya Salad, Turkey Kerabu Salad at the salad bar, or even a satsifying bowl Spicy Turkey Bak Kut Teh over at the soup station. Don't miss their Marmite Honey Glazed Gammon Ham and sweet decadent desserts such as Eggnog Crème Brulee and more. 16 Ah Hood Road. Tel: 6808 6846 PARK HOTEL ALEXANDRA—THE CARVERY
COPTHORNE KING'S HOTEL — PRINCESS TERRACE Touted as Singapore's best loved Penang buffet, Princess Terrace offers an enticing spread of Penang Laksa Nasi Ulam (steamed rice dish with various herbs), Assam Laksa and satays alongside roasted turkeys and honey baked hams. Guests can enjoy classics Christmas treats with various kuehs, including Seri Muka (steamed glutinous rice with pandan custard) and Apom Bokwa (steamed fermented rice cakes with gravy). Available from 15 to 30 December (lunch, Mon-Thu: $51.80++. Fri-Sun $53.80. Dinner, MonThu: $55.80. Fri-Sun: $58.80.) 403 Havelock Road. Tel: 6318 3168
COPTHORNE KING'S HOTEL — PRINCESS TERRACE
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How to Select & store
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wholegrains What's the best way to keep wholegrains fresh and full of nutrients? Here are 5 tips to make sure you get bang for your buck.
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Check that grains are well packaged and sealed tighty. Glass, plastic, aluminium canisters and zip-lock bags can be used.
Look out for the Higher in Wholegrains Healthier Choice Symbol while shopping for wholegrains. Wholegrains can be kept in air-tight containers in a cool, dry area for up to six months, or in the freezer for up to a year. $2 stores carry small air-tight mason jars.
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Now that you’ve got your grains all primed and ready, it’s time to make a delicious meal out of them.
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Wholegrain bread is best stored at room temperature in its original packaging, tightly closed. The refrigeratior will cause bread to lose moisture and become stale.
Buy packaged grain products with 'whole' stated as one of the first three items on the ingredients list. e.g. Whole wheat
Supermarket wholegrain finds for less than $6
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how to cook wholegrains
Giant Mixed Brown Rice ($5.95/2.5kg from Giant) Get your daily dose of fibre without discounting on taste by switching out your usual white rice for this mixed rice version.
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Chilli Brand Red Rice Vermicelli ($1.40 from NTUC FairPrice) This wholegrain bee hoon is great for noodle soup dishes as it's less likely to get soggy and is more springy in texture. Kang Kang Wholegrain Bee Tai Mak Noodles ($2.35 from NTUC FairPrice) Not only are they high in fibre, these noodles are lower in sodium and gluten free.
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Munchy's Oat Krunch Crackers with Organic Hazelnuts ($2.40 from Fairprice Finest) Made with oats and chunky hazelnuts, these high fibre snacks are as delicious as any cookie.
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Chef's Finest Ready Meal – Curry Fish with Red Rice ($4.90 from NTUC FairPrice) This healthier curry dish is complemented with nutritious red rice in a convenient ready-to-eat meal.
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To cook the grains more quickly, allow the grains to sit in some water for 30 minutes before cooking.
One of the easiest wholegrain to cook is oats. Simply add hot water to rolled oats and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes for a hearty breakfast. Grains soak up whatever flavours you throw in the cooking water. This is the best time to toss in a couple of aromatics, such as bay leaves, onions, shallots or garlic. Vegetable stock works just as well.
Medium- or long-grain brown rice have a similar texture and flavour to white rice, making it a good substitute. Rinse thoroughly and cook the rice as usual. Remember to leave the lid on for another 10 minutes, to allow the rice grains to absorb the moisture in the pot. When using wholemeal flour in pancakes, allow the batter to rest for 10 to 15 minutes to hydrate the coarser bran and germ in wholemeal flour for softer and more moist pancakes.
starting your wholegrain journey Combine wholegrains into your diet gradually. Start off with a mix of 20% brown and 80% white rice, and slowly increase the amount until you’re comfortable with a full bowl of wholegrains.
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5 Pair up wholegrains with your favourite flavours. For example, oats with blueberries make for an enjoyable wholegrain experience.
Use rolled oats or crushed, unsweetened wholegrain cereal as a coating for baked chicken or fish cutlets.
Popular snacks such as corn on the cob or corn cups are wholegrains! You can easily prepare them at home by steaming corn with some herbs for a delicious juicy treat.
Try sneaking wholegrains into your homemade desserts. Wholemeal flour can be readily bought from supermarkets. Whip up some wholemeal banana pancakes or make some parfaits with unsweetened wholemeal cereals. Wholesome and delicious!
Wholly Wholesome Christmas!
Forget turkey and baked ham, Christmas time is an excuse to whip up a Singapore style feast. Here are some ways to introduce a healthy dose of wholegrains without changing your diet too much.
festive meals with wholegrains
Fried brown rice with crab meat The hardier texture of brown rice is the perfect base for any fried rice dish. Fry it as you usually would, and serve it with sliced bird’s eye chillies in fish sauce.
WHOLEGRAIN NASI GORENG
Steamboat Tons of whole wheat and wholegrain options for noodles are readily available in your neighbourhood supermarkets! They taste exactly the same, with added fibre.
Aglio Olio with Whole Wheat Spaghetti Switch out the regular spaghetti for the wholemeal version. Remember to cook the wholemeal spaghetti for a little longer until al dente. Braised chicken brown rice bee hoon soup As the rainy season goes into full swing, we find comfort in a bowl of noodle soup. The brown rice or red cargo rice bee hoon is ideal for soaking up the flavoursome chicken broth.
Affordable wholegrain shops
Wholegrain nasi goreng Dress up your plain old nasi goreng with a mix of red and black rice. Not only do they make a pretty dish, they are packed full of nutrients, such as iron and fibre.
STEAMBOAT
Falmed Enterprise Easties can grab their supply of brown rice from this mom-and-pop store at Simei Plaza. Not only do they carry organic Thai Hom Mali brown rice, they also offer mixed brown and red brown rice. Each is packed with fibre, Vitamin E, iron and other nutrients. #01-116, Simei Plaza. Tel: 6260 4349
Mrs Free A neighbourhood purveyor of nutritious grains, Mrs Free offers organic, non-GMO black, red and green rice. These parboiled grains are high in iron, anti-oxidants and proteins and easy to cook. If you want to add colour to traditional fried rice, go for the green rice, which are brown rice grains infused with bamboo extract. 1003 Bukit Merah Central. Tel: 8388 4788
Multigrain bread, wholemeal wrap or chapati with chicken curry What’s more gratifying than dipping a freshly toasted loaf into a bowl of chicken curry? The added texture of nuts, seeds or grains will have you wondering why you didn’t make this switch earlier.
and snacks are also available. 55 Lorong 27 Gelyang. Tel: 6547 8438. #01-27, Block 58, 58 Seng Poh Road. Tel: 6227 3280. #01-312, 431 Clementi Avenue 3. Tel: 6778 0280 Gardenia Vending Machines Gardenia delivers freshly baked wholegrain loaves to its vending machines. They can be found in various locations, including housing estates, condominiums, corporations and instituitions. Tel: 6778 5666 The Sukha House Make the switch to the vibrant and healthier three colours brown rice at The Sukha House. Made of Hom Mali brown, brown and red brown rice grains, it comes packed with more anti-oxidants and fibre. Black glutinous rice is also available. #06-04B, Shun Li Industrial Complex, 705 Sims Drive. Tel: 6842 6795
YES NATURAL
FALMED ENTERPRISE
Yes Natural With shops at Geylang, Tiong Bahru and Clementi, Yes Natural is our go-to spot for all sorts of wholegrains. Not only do they have various unpolished rice, they carry the organic ten mixes grain rice from Hua Lien, Taiwan. Wholegrain noodles
WholeMEAL bread with eggs
In collaboration with Health Promotion Board
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d i n i n g
Deck the halls at Changi City Point The festive season is all about jolly gatherings with families and friends. We head on over to Changi City Point where a whole world of restaurants and hang-outs awaits. By Jessica Chan, Photography by Nazurah Rahim
BASEMENT 1 Peony Sense Using only natural whole fruits, the fruit juices, smoothies and floral teas at Peony Sense are jam-packed with nutrients. Take Charge ($4.50) is a refreshing blend of tropical fruits and chrysanthemum tea packed with antioxidants and vitamins, while the milky mixed berry smoothie, Lovely Barbara ($4.90) is perfect for those wanting a filling mid-day treat. Only available for takeaways. #B1-06. Shabu Sai This affordable shabu-shabu and sukiyaki restaurant chain has branches all over Singapore. It offers a bountiful array of sliced meats, vegetables and sauces. Keep a look out for their monthly special broth, which can be anything from Bak Kut Teh, Yuzu to Tonkotsu Laksa (starts from $14.99/ person). #B1-28/29. Tel: 6444 9569
Mmmm! Impress your dinner guests without breaking a sweat. Home cooks can stock up on gourmet cuts like the Australian Angus grain-fed short ribs ($35), or opt for their customisable BBQ sets ($88 to $320) and pre-made soups and sauces. #B1-23. Tel: 6604 9015 Wine Connection Singapore's leading chain of wine restaurants has a retail front, offering everything from an affordable Casa Defra Prosecco ($29), coveted vintages to unique spirits like the Poire William ($99), a pear brandy. #B1-17. Tel: 6694 8816
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WINE CONNECTION
Peony sense
wine Connection ATM
Pondok Kartika
ohana Poke wolf burgers mmmm! ootoya
Tunglok signatures
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shabu sai
moa Tiki new Zealand bar & grill
blvD
LEVEL 1 Wolf Burgers WOLF BURGERS From the people who brought you Carvers & Co. come Wolf Burgers. Of the seven burgers on their menu, we enjoyed The Wolf ($9.90) most. The classic combination of melted cheddar and caramelised onion is a match made in heaven with the additional bacon and sunny side-up ($5). Or, have the Grilled Lemongrass Chicken ($10.90), which comes with a generous slather of piquant Sriracha mayo. Desserts come in the form of milkshakes, including a nostalgic Horlicks Vanilla ($6), or the indulgent Smores Fries ($8). #01-43. Tel: 6902 0486 BLVD For a casual business meet up or a get-together with close friends, head on over to BLVD. This modern bistro offers everything from coffee for a mid-day recharge to beers and beechwood fired pizzas ($18 to $24) to unwind after work. Cheese boards and small plates aside, the classic Meatball Pomodoro pasta ($20) and Porketta Burger ($18) taste best with the wallet-friendly house pours and beers. #01-72/73. Tel: 6336 6855 Pondok Kartika Pondok Kartika is a no-frills eatery that serves Halal Indonesian fare. The usual suspects of Mee Bakso ($14.50) and Sop Buntut ($6) are there to satisfy, but it is the Ayam Panggang ($14.50), with its aromatic blend of lemongrass and ginger, that has us coming back for more. A kampong
WOLF BURGERS
OOTOYA
set meal ($9.90), with tahu tetur, sayur lodeh and sapi or beef rendang, is also available. #01-44. Tel: 6604 7467
Don ($17), which features a chicken cutlet drenched in a luscious gravy of eggs and dashi stock, #01-30/31. Tel: 6636 1228
Moa Tiki New Zealand Bar & Grill For a solid pint of New Zealand craft beer, go to Moa Tiki New Zealand Bar & Grill. We recommend the MOA beer samplers ($12), where guests can choose four beers from their selection of eight before committing to a full glass. Fish & Chips ($16.50) are great with the savoury Five Hops ($12/330ml), while desserts are best savoured alongside the creamy, mocha-like Imperial Stout ($12/330ml). #01-70/71. Tel: 6636 3353
Tunglok Signatures Cantonese, Shanghainese and Sichuan classics are all featured on the menu of TungLok Signatures. Parents and in-laws will love the dinner set menus, featuring abundant seafood and pork (starts from $248), but we prefer the dim sum, soup and seafood set ($88 for 4 persons), which includes two kinds of dim sum and a comforting steamed sea bass belly with minced garlic. #01-26/27. Tel: 6636 0606
Ootoya This perpetually packed restaurant has been serving weary office workers home-cooked Japanese fare for years. A favourite among locals and Japanese expats is the Charcoal Grilled Mackerel ($22.80/set), where the naturally oily fish is salted simply and left to soak up the inviting smoky flavours. Also available is the comforting Oyako
Ohana Poke Vibrant poke bowls aside, it is the Uahi Duck ($15) and spicy tuna rolls ($12) that has our attention. One features a toothsome black pepper sauce and onsen egg atop salad greens or brown rice, while the latter is an addictive combination of meaty tuna chunks with a potent spicy mayo. #01-20. Tel: 6538 3083
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TALAY THAI
Cheers, it's Christmas! Jump-start your festive celebrations along the iconic Singapore River with cLARKE qUAY's Happy hour deals. BY JESSICA CHAN
CHUPITOS SHOTS BAR
Chupitos Shots Bar
LEVEL UP
The party doesn’t start till you’ve had a row or three of Rudolph’s Nose shooters ($10/shot) at Chupitos Shots Bar. Like a creamy chocolate peppermint patty, this crazy concoction of Bailey’s Irish cream, peppermint and cacao white liquer is topped with a crown of whipped cream, pretzel bits and, of course, a bright red Maraschino cherry. Available from 22 to 25 December. Block B, #01-05. #01-02. Tel: 6333 5735
MCGETTIGAN'S
Master the art of handcrafted cocktails with McGettigan's experts, from now till 31 December. Each package ($50, $70 or $90/person) comes with Prosecco, assorted fruit and cheese platters and shooters on top of the cocktails. It will be held in a private space within the bar - perfect for parties! Block A, #01-01. Tel: 6837 0577
Hot Stones & Tongkang Riverboat Dining
Sizzle the night away with a Christmas Fizz ($16) against the lively backdrop of Singapore River at Hot Stones & Tongkang Riverboat Dining. Fresh and fruity, the festive mix of vodka orange, apple juice and grenadine syrup goes hand in hand with the plump Pacific scallops and slabs of Wagyu beef, cooked on volcanic Serpentine stones. The drink is available till 25 December. Block D, #01-06. Tel: 6333 4868
En Sakaba
Our go-to spot for a casual night out with drinks and tapas is none other than En Sakaba. Whether it's Japanese sake or whisky, they all pair amazingly with the Beef Truffle Carpaccio ($13), drizzled with an addictive
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HOOTERS
yuzu soy sauce, or a satisfying bowl of Foie Gras Yakiniku Onsen Tamago Don ($22). Bottoms up with a complimentary bottle of Shochikubai Mio Sparkling Sake (with minimum order of $80). Available till 25 December. Block D, #01-14. Tel: 6264 8698
LEVEL UP
Take a trip down memory lane with old-school arcade games at LEVEL UP. A wonderfully idle hangout with friends, the deliciously 80's bar is littered with consoles, like Bishi Bashi, Street Fighter and Time Crisis 3, and a fully fitted bar for beers, wines and punch bowls. Block A, #02-04. Tel: 6266 2276
Talay Thai
Spice up this season of joy with a Yule-Thai Holiday Fizz ($16), available till 25 December. Talay Thai adds a picante kick of ginger to the gin and cranberry juice mix. Not only is it refreshing, it goes well with the Nam Pla Prawn Ceviche ($16), one of their many Thai-inspired tapas. Block E, #01-05. Tel: 6337 1838
Fremantle Seafood Market
While a holiday to Perth may elude you this Christmas, you can still enjoy the sights, sounds and seafood of the city's famed harbour port at Singapore's own Fremantle Seafood Market. Slurp down oysters and dig into baked lobsters with a delightful Santa Claus Mopolitan ($16), a sweet and sour blend of orange, cranberries and vodka. The drink is available till 25 December. Block E, #01-06. Tel: 6337 1838
Hooters
The quintessential spot for wings, beers and the hottest staffers in town. Hooters entices with a happy hour promotion that may have you staggering out the door the morning after. Order two beers or house pour spirits of the same kind and get the third free, all while biting into a huge turkey drumstick ($33.90). Promotion is available on 24 and 25 December. Block D, #01-03. Tel: 6332 1090