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28 May 2017

Machida Shoten, the Number 1 Lekei Ramen Resturant in Japan

Machida Shoten Lekei Ramen

I got excited upon hearing that Machida Shoten already has 43 outlets all over Japan after it was founded in Jan 2008 and Singapore's outlet being the first that was out of Japan! 

A series of new dishes was unveiled, made only exclusive to Singapore's outlet. I wasn't surprised when I found that some of these dishes had Chinese influences, probably to adapt to the local palette.

The Burdock Tempura (S$7.80) came about as a perfect snack for itchy-mouths while waiting for mains to arrive. Thinly sliced, perfectly crispy yet not excessively oily.

Cha-Shu Croquette (S$6.00) was one of the dishes that has Chinese influence. In fact it was seasoned meatballs that was tender and moist, deep fried till a brown crust was formed. Popping these Croquettes into my mouth would be an easy task, but not stopping at 1.

Garden Salad (S$9.00) would be a perfect option for health enthusiasts since the vegetables hardly undergone much heat, remaining kind of raw. Drenched it with the homemade curry dressing as well as the non-oily oba leaf vinegar for a flavourful finish! Loving the sliced deep fried lotus root as well!

The Seasoned Iberico Spareribs (S$14.00) that was boiled till easily fall-of-the-bone, seasoned with Machida Shoten's original sweet soy sauce reminded me of another Chinese zi char dish. The light sweetness yet not overpowering the meat was unbelievably tasty.

Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice (S$10.00) would be an option for rice lovers if they prefer rice over ramen. Close resemblence to sambal fried rice, probably also due to it reddish hues, it was prepared with about 12 different ingredients. Try their Homemade Shrimp Gyoza (S$9.80 / 5 pcs) if you would want more seafood intake.

Machida Shoten has a reputation for its 'iekei' ramen, meaning 'home' in Japanese. It evokes a sense of warmth and homliness from its offerings. The highlights for that day would probably be either one of the 3 bowls of ramen since my table of foodies have distributed views.

The chef's recommendation mentioned was Shoyu Tonkotsu (S$14). It was a combination of soya sauce and pork bone broth. Miso Tonkotsu Ramen (S$14) was actually my personal favourite as the broth was tonkotsu based with a blend of red and white miso. I loved the crunch from all those corns as well as a piece of butter that added kick to the already thick and robust broth. The Garden Veggie Ramen (S$15) had a close resemblance to the Garden Salad. Its broth was the lightest among the 3 since it was made with from just vegetables.

 I also bet the ladies would find the chef an eye-candy!
Thank you Brandcellar for the invite.

Japan Food Town
435 Orchard Road
#04-40 Wisma Atria Shopping Centre
Singapore 238877

Burdock Tempura (S$7.80)

Cha-Shu Croquette (S$6.00)

Garden Salad (S$9.00)

Seasoned Iberico Spareribs (S$14.00)

Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice (S$10.00)

18 May 2017

Papa Poika, a English-inspired Male Barbershop at Paragon, Orchard



Papa Poika is a brand new English-inspired Male Barbershop at Paragon, under the renowned Japanese Komars Group that also brought in EC House, Ramen Champion, LA Barbershop and more.

Everyone knows the meaning of Papa, which is 'father' while Poika means 'son' in Finnish. This barbershop lies an interesting concept behind its name. It is a shop where both father and son could enjoy a bonding session while having a haircut since the mother and daughter would be busy shopping around Paragon, Orchard. (Note: Daughters could also have their hair cut here.)

I had the privilege to enjoy a haircut by the gentleman who handled my hair with precision while my friend Kenny had his done by another stylist. Basically all the hairstylists at Papa Poika had over 10 years of experience in both adults and kids haircut. Expect a personal and cosy experience as well since at any one time, the shop only attends to three adults and a kid in regards to the type of services from Precision Haircut (S$44), to Full Beard Shave (S$32) or the less commonly heard of Ear Cleaning (S$23), that uses a series of special tools without any infliction of pain.

The type of hairstyles would lean towards the 'manly' / musculine kind since Papa Poika's concept of making their customers looking like a refined gentleman after its services imply. Even the shampoo used had a hint of musculinity from its minty aeroma which could rinse off your wax/gel from your hair in a single wash. For normal shampoos, usually it would be best to rinse twice to thoroughly cleanse your hair. 

Check out those unique wash basins that are located in front, as well as a lego wall with a huge ''tree'' where kids would keep themselves entertertain while their dads have thier haircut in peace.

FREE handmade lollipop for every Prince Dry Cut (kids's haircut 0-12 years old) & FREE hand towel for every Precision Haircut. While stocks last!

Thanks Kenny for jioing me along for this! You may also want to check out his blog post here.

Papa Poika

Papa Poika

Papa Poika

Papa Poika

Papa Poika

Papa Poika

Papa Poika

Address: 290 Orchard Road #05-30A Paragon
               Singapore 238859
Operating Hours : 11am-8.30pm
Contact: +65 6235 4312 

11 May 2017

Dessert Story launches Taiwan's famous peanut candy ice cream roll

Dessert Story

I was so thrilled upon hearing that I could once again savour Taiwan's famous peanut candy ice cream roll without the hassle of travelling to Taiwan! The last time I tried and fell in love with this simple yet unique dessert was about 5 years back.

Looking just like a popiah but in dessert form, the staff would start the preparation by shaving from the huge block of caramelised peanut candy which was directly imported from Taiwan. Speaking about authenticity, even the wooden shaving blocks used to shave were from Taiwan!

With the addition of coriander leaves that some people might be skeptical of at first, ended up proving to be an aromatic lifter to the overall flavor and taste. Last but not least to be added would be the 3 scoops of either the refreshing coconut ice cream or the oriental yam ice cream. (S$3.50 for single flavor and S$3.90 for a mixed flavor of coconut and yam) 

Anyway, besides the peanut candy ice cream roll, Dessert Story would also have 2 new offerings available on its menu. The duo ice flavors consisting of mango and coconut or the strawberry and yogurt. Both being finely textured and refreshing, perfect thirst quencher I would say. 

Do check out the video to view how this yummy dessert is prepared! The dessert would only be available till the end of May.




Dessert Story

Dessert Story

Taiwan's famous peanut candy ice cream roll

Mango and coconut duo ice

strawberry yogurt duo ice

3 May 2017

DBS PayLah! Palooza - Singapore’s first QR code payment-led bazaar


Speaking of digitisation where technology plays a part in contributing to the convenience factor in our daily life, DBS has done it again! Ever since the launch of DBS FasTrack, an app to reduce the long waiting lines of participating brands, DBS will be collaborating with the organisers of Artbox once again for the first ever QR Code flea market! The event is jointly organised with SCAPE in support of Singapore’s Smart Nation drive.

You read it right, you go cashless since you can basically scan and pay for everything at the event via QR code with DBS PayLah! Just make sure you have PayLah! downloaded into your mobile device before you head down.

Here are some of the outlets you might expect at DBS PayLah! Palooza:


Fay Terrarium


I could not take my eyes off these cute little terrariums by Fay Terrarium! From simple and minimalist designs that is suitable for office environment to cute or romantic ones that could be used as a home decoration. They do workshops as well!!

93ArtMarket

From a series of customisable crayons such such this spaceship form Starwars to artistic hand-painted coasters to 100% cotton t-shirt hand dyed using the Shibori technique, also known as the tie and dye technique. 93ArtMarket's products definitely do attract eyeballs.



Pine43


Pine43 is an ongoing collective project across New York and Singapore to inspire artful living. Despite the limited range of products, Pine43's bags are minimalist yet classy, mainly in monochrome-nude colours. I definitely would never ever place my groceries into any of these bags.



Sotnwable


Doodles or graphical art? These creations are usually in limited quantity since no 2 drawings could exactly be the same! From notebooks to posters to cards, the designs ranges from cute to abstract to graffiti-looking.



Minimalyst

As its name suggest, Minimalyst's fashion accessories revolve around affordable yet stylish designs. From earrings to bracelets to necklaces that comes in designs that could easily match any of your outfits any day, anytime.



DopeTactics



The goal of the company is to bring life to the clothes you wear and to make you stand out from the rest. The inspiration of their designs are mainly street wear style where clothes are more trendy and rugged.


BarangShop

A whole lot of supplies as well as leather craft goods ranging from wallets to sandals to key rings. Not only does BarangShop sells handcrafted products, they conduct leather craft workshops as well. Not only that, DIY motorised toys kits are also available!


WildButterco


The owner's idea of Wild Butter Co. is to bring back the origins of nut and peanut butters where it has substantial amount of health benefits. They stick to using quality ingredients and natural sweeteners.
I would love to spread my loaf with a thick serving of their matcha spread!!



Imageenation

Imageenation is a lifestyle design community aimed at showcasing the artistic talent of the Asia Pacific. They carry a huge variety of products from different brands that cater to both the young and old, from handmade bibs to facial masks.


ThreeOneTwoFive


Started off as a hobby making elastic bracelets out of pony beads and now involving other materials such as raw gemstones and precious metals. ThreeOneTwoFive's jewelleries are on of a kind and the owner hopes to turn the business into a social enterprise which offers opportunities for women to better their lives.



Bw Apparel


Bw Apparel meant “Black White Apparel” in short. It was chosen because the founders wanted to emphasise on the idea of contrast which is the state of being strikingly different from something of close association.

 https://bw-apparel.com/

KelseyLabel


Flaunt your curves with an attitude as you dress in KelseyLabel's Label. You are spoilt for choice due to a range of dresses, tops, bottoms, jumpsuits as well as outerwear, perfect for casual, office wear of even to attend parties.


 APinkShade

Shop your way through a series of bags and dresses that would be available for sale!



ShamlessSG


Every product has a background and story as to how they come upon it or source it in their travels. A range of gemstones and crystals bracelets and rings are design as they believe in each properties such as physical and emotional healing, etc. 



RisottoChips


A perfect snack that is still uncommon yet? Or probably a perfect snack to go with beer on a TGIF night as you spend your time lazing around?



After I spend my time painshakingly compiling all the tenants that would be displaying their products at DBS PayLah! Palooza, would you be heading over?? If yes, check out the details below!!

Event: DBS PayLah! Palooza, jointly organised with SCAPE
Date: 5 to 7 May 2017
Time: 1pm to 9pm
Venue: SCAPE Playspace

Download PayLah! now and enter promo code “PAYLAH505” and get S$5 to spend at the event!

Do hashtag #dbspaylah #dbspaylahpalooza #paylahpalooza when you visit!

(Image Credits: All images are from each respective web pages or social media platform.)