One of Johor Bahru’s biggest draws is nostalgia. Our mission objectives may be hunting cheap-and-good food and massages, but the yearning for a simpler, happier past still hums in the subconscious. It’s a blessing for Singaporeans that older sibling Malaysia next door is a window to “the way we were”. There isn’t the sort of … Read more
Blue Bottle Coffee is coming to Singapore. The stylish Californian cafe chain currently has outlets worldwide. In Asia, you can find a branch only in Japan, Hong Kong, China and Korea… and soon, the brand’s first Southeast Asia shop on our shores. But don’t expect a cafe or freshly-brewed cuppas, yet. The upcoming store that is … Read more
Vasun’s ‘Smoked’ Keema Ramyeon (Serves 2) Ingredients: 3 tablespoons vegetable oil1 inch cassia stick2 green cardamom pods2 cloves1 medium onion, minced3 cloves garlic, minced1 green chilli, thinly sliced1 inch ginger, minced1-2 tablespoons curry powder2 packets instant noodle seasoning150g minced meat50g firm tofu, cut into small cubesSmall charcoal piece1 teaspoon ghee 2 packets dry ramyeon noodles2 fried … Read more
“See lah, the regular bowl is better,” remarked our dining companion. We see the point; there’s a mix of ingredients in the regular laksa, like puffy laksa gravy-soaked tau pok, strips of springy fishcake and crunchy beansprouts, which makes a good balance. So unless you can tahan the metallic taste of a lot of blood cockles, we … Read more
As ice cream pushcarts became a dying trade, Ng’s sales gradually dwindled over the years. He earned a few hundred dollars a month selling ice cream, and lived alone in a one-room rental flat in Geylang Bahru. When his income took a huge hit during the Circuit Breaker when everyone stayed home, netizens rallied to … Read more
“WE’RE ALMOST THERE” Thanks to Mr Lim’s wilful adherence to tradition, Balmoral Bakery has no shortage of regulars who grew up with the brand and who have no qualms travelling across the island for a taste of the good old days. “Some customers are even older than I am, and I’ve known them for decades. … Read more
The restaurant always had its detractors, often for the price of its nasi lemak. Its signature Ayam Goreng Berempah, which includes spiced fried chicken thigh with coconut rice, fried egg, fried ikan bilis, peanuts, cucumber and sambal, has gone from S$12.80 in 2016 to S$21 in 2023. Last week, the price was dropped to S$18 … Read more
FROM POCKY AND PRETZ TO ALMOND MILK With its rich history spanning over a century, nostalgia has quite an important factor in Glico’s success. “If we provide a good occasion for our consumer, that would become a good memory,” said Nagahisa. “And a good memory would encourage people to buy Pocky.” But as they’ve shown … Read more
In the first month, there were no customers, in spite of the red gingham tablecloths laid out in expectation. Even the neighbouring hawker aunties felt sorry for him and his partner. But the two young chefs were willing to go the extra mile, even re-opening the stall after it closed for a single diner. Saveur … Read more
Though the soup recipe remains untouched, Mr Ng has made changes to keep up with evolving tastes and customer demand. Previously, his father only sold pork ribs, pig tail and rice, but now the extensive menu includes different cuts of meat. The most coveted is the premium loin rib, also known as long gu (“dragon … Read more
