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2022 Decathlon Run 7km and 5km race report

Sports Events

Shaun

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Saturday, May 28, 2022

2022 Decathlon Run 7km and 5km race report

The 2022 Decathlon Run is a sport running event held in Singapore over two event segments comprising of a 5km and a 7km run. Decathlon Singapore touts their hybrid virtual and physical run allowing you to get active anytime and anywhere. This is supported by a community of fellow fitness enthusiasts cheering you on. How did it go? Let’s run the Decathlon hybrid running event.

Today's running event at the Decathlon Kallang flagship store — Today’s running event at the Decathlon Kallang flagship store.

With the pandemic nearing an end, we start to see various running events popping around town. Last year, notable stale events such as the Army Half Marathon and even the Singapore Marathon we participated before going virtual.

The 2022 Decathlon Run 7km route along the scenic Singapore Marina bay.

5km anytime virtual run

The first event segment is a 5km Virtual Run. You can do at your own time anywhere for a one-month period from 2nd May to 26 May. All you got to do is clock 5km at one sitting with only one go. Also, supporting your virtual run is a mobile app which tracks, logs your run and provide “entertainment” on your run via audio. Let’s see the 5km run in more detail.

My RaceGate 5km run intro screen and display during your 5km virtual run.

Before you start your run, you need to download the MyRaceGate app. It is available on both the Apple app store and Google play store. Here, you start off by setting up and identifying yourself to the app by entering your email address and your unique runner code. The code is provided to you via email upon successful registration prior to the start of the running event.

The MyRaceGate app

Moreover, the MyRaceGate app is a proprietary one and a special-purpose one. It is pretty much made for virtual running events like the Decathlon run. Hence, you can’t use it as a regular fitness tracker nor can you pair it with other Apps like Garmin, Apple Fitness+ or Google Fit. Notably, the App is also used by other running events such as the Metasprint Series. After the one-time setup and downloading the event-unique audio files, the app would then take you through a series of menus before zooming to your location on the on-screen app.

The app has a range of pre-recorded messages voiced by Power 98 DJ, Jeremy Ratnam and a running assistant called Amy. Jeremy Ratnam voice will be played at pre-defined distances in your run. He talks about facts and annoyingly, share advertorials about Decathlon initiatives. Also, Amy is the robotic voice which plays the more boring metric-related dialogue like distance covered and completion status. Notably, you are encouraged to wear an audio headset for the best experience, though there is no background music played. Hence, you might want to pack some tunes on your phone for your run.

Completion page after finishing your 7km run.

Moreover, wrapping up on accuracy, I found the in-phone distance measurement rather accurate, up to 10%. When running alongside with my trusty Garmin GPS watch, I was able clock the 5km run within 5%. Of course, this is also dependent on the GPS and base station accuracy of your phone.

7km run at Kallang Decathlon

7km run starting screen and route tracked via GPS and mobile network.

Furthermore, the second element of the 2022 Decathlon Run 7km segment is a physical event but conducted virtually. The longer 7km run sees you through several sights along the Kallang basin passing by the Sports hub, Benjamin Sheares bridge, Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the bay.

Running towards to the Marina bay from the Kallang Basin.

Also, this second segment of the running event spans a 3-day weekend event from 27- 29 May, with the first day today and runs over the weekend. Also, the route is a scenic one which sees you along the Geylang Park connector. Additionally, like the 5km before, the conduct of the 7km sub-virtual run is also one of “own time own target”.

Running route at the Decathlon lab Kallang store.

Moreover, you start the 7km Physical Run at Decathlon Singapore Lab Kallang. The starting point sits beside the outdoor basketball court in front of the Kallang store. The court is large enough for groups and a place to do your warm ups too.

Team Nila volunteers

On connector!

Ready to go!

During my run, there were 2 event marshals stationed here to guide runners and event queries. In addition, you can find a map of the run on stands sitting by the start point.

The race start line at Kallang Decathlon, you can't miss it — The race start line at Kallang Decathlon, you can’t miss it!

Geylang River

Moreover, you start off running crossing a road bridge serving Mountbatten road along the Geylang River. The river runs east west into the Kallang basin and Singapore River. Past the road bridge, you start your race proper over to the Kallang park connector network towards Tanjong Rhu Promenade and U-turning at the Gardens by the Bay East Gardens.

Also, you can find marshals volunteers supporting the event. You can spot them dressed in Sport Singapore purple Team Nila attire which is highly recognisable. You can find them at the critical U-turn at the midpoint of Gardens by the bay east and the finishing point at the Geylang River Park connector opposite the Decathlon store.

The views of the route running along the Singapore sports hub and indoor stadium in-view.

Furthermore, run commentary is voiced by Jeremy Ratnam similarly like on the 5km run. This time he touches on the fact and sights along your run through pre-recorded audio. The audio are played at specific distance intervals of the 7km running route.

Tanjong Rhu Pier and lookout tower, outdoor and in the indoor stadium in the Kallang sports hub.

It narrates on landmarks like the Sports hub stadium, sports initiatives, Formula 1 at the marina bay and Gardens by the bay. And cheekily weaving in promotional adverts into the voice commentary.

At the Gardens by the bay East where the U-turn point is, with views of the Downtown and the Marina Bay.

2022 Decathlon Run- A riverside scenic run

Additionally, your run sees you running by the Singapore Sports hub, (where we caught Monster trucks previously) the indoor stadium and passing under the iconic Benjamin shares bridge. Notably, past the Sheares bridge, you conclude the U-turn point at the Marina bay district by the Gardens by the Bay East Gardens. Here you can see the Super trees, Gardens conservatories and Formula 1 pit building across the reservoir.

The 7km running route under Benjamin Sheares bridge towards the Marina Bay area.

Notably, you can see Army Open House 2022 across the marina reservoir. There are various military hardware displays and event tents which occupies the Formula 1 put building over its 3-day event over this weekend.

The on-going 2022 Army open house held over the weekend at the Formula 1 pit building area.

The run now backtracks all the way back to the Decathlon Kallang store with the finishing line stopping at the park connector just before the Mountbatten road bridge. Notably, the store has free public toilet and shower facilities you can use after your run.

The 7km run finishing line back at the Geylang River park connector route near the Decathlon Kallang store.

Post run entitlements

Thereafter, you can collect your post-run runner entitlements right away at the Kallang store by showing the counter staff your completion screen on the MyRaceGate app. Finisher entitlements here includes a refreshing pack of orange or coconut water drink, a finisher pin, and (rather oddly) a sachet of spin detergent.

The Finisher gear and shirt collected after your run at the Kallange Decathlon store.

Also, you also can collect your optional dry-fit finisher tee purchased during your race registration. Sizing-wise the finisher’s tee is similar to Decathlon’s running apparel. Wrapping up your gifts is a $20 Decathlon E-voucher. It is activated 7 days post-run completion valid until 31 December 2022.

2022 Decathlon run participant entitlement and gifts, coconut water, pin, tee and you got that right, detergent.

All in all, that wraps up the 2022 Decathlon Run for both the 7km and 5km segments. The run was well-executed with good support, seamless registration and a scenic route to boot. We could see such hybrid running events being more mainstream now. As much as I enjoy large running event, there is charm to be able to do the run at your own time without the crowds. Definitely looking forward to next year’s race.

Coco Peranakan vegetarian restaurant

Asian

Shaun

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Thursday, May 26, 2022

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Coco vegetarian Peranakan cuisine is a small cosy peranakan restaurant offering affordable Nyonya style vegetarian cuisine in the convenience of a downtown mall in Marina Square Mall. Let’s have the joint a dinner dine-in today.

On cultures, the Peranakan are known for their rich cross-culture foods. They are often popularised as a fusion and melting pot of multiple cultures all in one. Also, the interior of the restaurant walls reflects this sentiment too with walls decked with some classic murals of streets wallpapers.

A Peranakan vegetarian potpourri with a spread of favorites on my dine-in, such as claypot Laska.

The Peranakan restaurant is tucked on the upper 2nd floor of within Marina square mall. Notably, the restaurant opened on Aug 2019, just before the pandemic lockdown measures struck. Also, the restaurant staff are very friendly, and your dishes are promptly served upon ordering. Let’s tuck in.

What’s on the menu

Furthermore, what sets this veggie restaurant apart from other typical vegetarian establishments are their specialisation in Peranakan Nonya cuisine offerings. Examples includes Pongteh vegetarian chicken, rendang turmeric rice, Nyona curry veggie chicken ($15.90), and Bak Kut Teh. Also, Coco vegetarian prides themselves of not using egg, garlic, or onion in their dishes.

Nyona Yong Tau Foo ($12.90) served on a plate and flavored with a dousing of sweet sauce.

Having said that, their menu offerings revolve about vegetarian of local favourites. Recommended dishes includes Singapore Laksa, Nyona Yong tau foo and a rather cool blue Nasi lemak ($12.90). Moreover, Coco vegetarian a-la-carte selections are best paired with rice as a hearty Asian-style meal itself. Also, a good way to enjoy dining here at Coco is the order the variety of dishes to share as a group. It is tad like a sampler of each Nonya dish.

Local favourites

A recommendation be their Singapore Laska ($12.90). It is a nice “replica” to the Singaporean staple we come to love. Also, their laska gravy is tad on the thicker and chunky side which could be a hit or miss with patrons. Still, you can taste traces of which adds texture into the rather rich and creamy sauce. This is without overwhelming the flavour of the accompanying noodles and condiments such as mock tau pok and beancurd.

Singapore Laska is a recommended favorite ($12.90).

Moreover, another enjoyable dish is their Nonya Yong Tau Foo, served bubbling in a claypot bowl. Also, it is one of their lighter offerings and best paired with a bowl of rice. Additionally, their Satay bee hoon ($12.90) is one of the more authentic offerings which tastes like the real thing. The noodles a fried well with accompanying mock “squid” toppings which has a texture more like chicken, despite being largely off soya products.

Satay bee hoon ($12.90) is a nice touch, with the peanut sauce being sweet without being too oily.

Furthermore, other interesting dishes be the Nasi lemak ($12.90), served with blue-coloured steamed butterfly pea flower coconut rice. The butterfly pea flower rice is interesting touch also known in it’s Malay name Nasi Kerabu. The Otah has a nice burnt Otah flavor without feeling oily.

Nasi Lemak ($12.90), tad one of the more interesting but less-filling dishes. The blue rice is a nice touch.

Affordable Great tasty, in moderation

Additionally, do expect to pay a premium for Peranakan foods. However, the offerings here at Coco are surprisingly affordable ,with great quality without breaking the bank. The dishes are also prepared well with good presentation. Also, prices are affordable too at under the $13 range for a dish. It is tad a more down to earth and a more reasonably-priced and affordable version of the offerings at competing restaurants like Violet Oon for instance.

The interior of Coco Peranakan vegetarian with a home feel.

Moreover, the dishes here are tasty-rich, probably tad too rich to my liking for frequent consumption. Also, I would beg to differ if you leave the restaurant full with the impression of a healthy meal just because it is vegetarian. Having said that, Coco vegetarian dishes are flavourful, but I would find it hard pressed to see myself dining here often. A once in a while Nonya meal be good, but still it could be out of personal preferences for eating healthier.

The restaurant serves a cooling tea compliments the other spicy meal offerings.

Wrapping up, do note that the store does closes early at 830pm, with last evening orders by 8pm. This is considerably much earlier than most stores here in Marina Square which typically opens till 930pm and some even up to 10pm like Astons salad and steak here.

All in all, Coco Peranakan vegetarian restaurant is a great place if you desire to have a taste as close to authentic Singaporean food staples, but vegetarian. I found Coco offerings are well prepared and of good quality. One of the more affordable offerings for vegetarian Nonya cuisines in Singapore without breaking the bank. Just not something I would eat everyday.

Verdict:

~~Must Go!~~ | Actually pretty Good | ~~Worth Trying~~ | ~~Shortlist Optionally~~ | ~~Should Avoid~~

Makan Place Locality Map

Coco Peranakan vegetarian restaurant
Marina Square, 6 Raffles Blvd, #03- 130A,
Singapore 039594
Opening Hours: 11am–3pm, 5–9pm
Closed on Tuesdays.

Weird but True Cloud forest Gardens by the Bay

Places

Shaun

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Monday, May 23, 2022

1

Weird but True Cloud forest Gardens by the Bay

National Geographic “Weird but true” is a permanent addition to the Cloud forest conservatory at the Singapore Gardens by the bay. It is a children-themed learning exhibition with a botanical and horticulture theme of the gardens. Let’s check it out with a walkthrough.

Welcome to the Weird but True exhibition Cloud forest Gardens by the Bay.

Furthermore, “Weird but true” it is tad a throwback to the true or fiction likes of Ripley’s believe it or not. Led by the National Geographic kids and is synonymous with their published range of children books on the similar topic.

Overview of the Weird but True exhibition which now resides at the crystal mountain event space at the Cloud forest Gardens by the Bay.

Moreover, the permanent educational exhibition sits in the events area in the Crystal Mountain at the Level 4 inside the main structure of the Cloud Forest building. Notably, the conservatory mimics the cool highland tropical climates of the South-Asian regions, like Indonesia and Malaysia. Also, you do need to pay the regular cloud forest conservatory entrance to enter this sector.

Welcome to the cloud forest with a spectacular misting going on.

Bizarre facts of nature

You enter and start the exhibition via entering a gateway comprising of 4 lit rectangles resembling the national geographic logo. It plunges you into the fascinating worlds of the plant and animal kingdom in latest “Weird but True” exhibition. The exhibits revolve about starting from a bizarre fact of nature.

Though the Golden arches at the entrance of the exhibition sector.

Moreover, the exhibits have a teaching vibe to it. It seeks to entertain you as well as to educate. The displays here are tad like a curation of the plant exhibits similarly seen within the cloud forest secret garden section in the building’s basement.

Additionally, interestingly, going with the botanical and horticulture theme of the gardens, you can find on display curated selection of carnivorous plants. Such as Pitcher plans and Venus fly traps native to South East Asia here. Also, you can also find similarly these plants at the roof top Lost World section of the building. Also, here, you can find a variety of various orchid species.

Carnivorous plants section housed in open enclosures. Such as this Pitcher plant enclosure.

The Nat Geo displays allows you to wander through the exhibition set at your own time. This is all within the lush tropics of Cloud Forest, while discovering incredible fun facts. Packed with visually stunning photos and colourful graphics, it’s going to be a wild ride like no other.

A great place for kids

Furthermore, it teaches about facts of the human body and the environment. Examples include humans blinking 14,000 times a day, and half the world’s population living in places which never snows. It is tad like a mini science center learning area.

On the ground with several interactive and kid-friendly areas with educational facts.

Moreover, the galleries in the nutshell has an open concept and is free roaming, allowing you to explore the various exhibits in no particular order.

Facts sheets

Points of interest

Exploring

Additionally, the grounds previously house the precious gems exhibit Starlight. The heart of the mountain is permanent exhibition space, housing the “underground jewels”, a Paleobiology display. Here, you can find a variety of harvested stalactite, lime stone and crystal bodies. These are typically found in tropical underground caves are showcased here.

Also, the floor here leads onto the tree top walkway. The walkway is connected via this tree top level forest canopy walk encircling the outer perimeter of the cloud forest. Strangely, the smoothing ambient music during the misting process does not seem to be playing on my visit.

Smaller stalagmites exhibit

The stalactites displays now take a more backstage role on the 4th floor galleries now.

Furthermore, the 4^th floor Crystal Mountain open space here used to house a stalactite and stalagmites exhibit. The stalactites are an icicle-shaped formation that hangs from the ceiling of a cave. These natural features were naturally produced by precipitation of minerals. Form from slow dripping of limestone imbued water from natural cave ceilings. Also, there are rows of stalagmites columns now re-arranged on the outer perimeter of the exhibition space. This is presumably to make way for this Nat Geo “Weird but true” permanent addition.

Kids focus

Venus flytraps

Orchids

Also, following down into the cloud forest basement is a a familiar route through educational spaces touching on global warming. This includes info graphics as well as the 1.5 degree short film before leading out into the basement secret garden to complete your journey.

All in all, National Geographic “Weird but true” is a nice refresh to the now dated Crystal Mountain space. The stalactite had been around for almost 10 years. Do check out the National Geographic kids exhibition when you are at the Cloud forest at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.

Soon Heng Lor Mee Beo Crescent Market

Asian

Shaun

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Sunday, May 22, 2022

0

Soon Heng lor mee is a small family-run hawker store tucked in the rustic old neighbourhood of Beo Crescent. They are situtaed near the lower delta neighborhood for over 60 years since 1962. The craft passed on through at least 3 generations serving it’s iconic starchy noodle dish. The dish is topped with sliced pork doused with their signature thick scratchy thick black sauce (lor). Lets check them out with a lunch dine-in.

Soon Heng Lor Mee at Beo Crescent, a classic family-run establishment over the decades — Soon Heng Lor Mee at Beo Crescent. It is a classic family-run establishment over the decades.

Furthermore, the Lor Mee store is primarily a lunch place, opening in the mornings and closing mid-afternoon. The store specialises and serve only one dish- Lor mee. Also, I found Soon Heng Lor Mee is also affordable for the offerings. Also, it is pleasing to know in times of post-pandemic inflation, the Lor Mee is still affordably priced at $3 per bowl. Here, you have a choice of $3 for small bowl and $4 for large bowl. Bumping and upsizing your meal gives you additional toppings as well as more noodles.

The Lor mee store front at Beo Crescent market — Song Heng Lor mee store front at Beo Crescent market in southern Singapore.

Tasteful Lor Mee

Additionally, on ingredients, your Lor Mee is served with slices of fish cake, beansprouts and a small side of chilli at your choosing. A trademark item are toppings of sprinkles what the store called “fried crispy bits”. It is a hearty for a small lunch, but probably not filling enough for dinner. Moreover, the portions are comparable to that of the Ang Mo Kio Lor Mee and Laska we checked out sometime back.

Soon Heng's Lor Mee in $3 and $4 portions — Soon Heng’s Lor Mee in $3 (left) and $4 (right) portions.

Furthermore, the Lor (black) gravy sauce is tasty without being overwhelming so that it enguffs the taste of the noodles. The sauce is not too thick which flows easily over your noodles. It is also not so saltish which would appeal to those looking to control their salt intake.

Though lacking in portions

However, you do get what you pay for. The portions for the $3 bowl are not exactly plentiful. Also, the $3 asking price does not include an egg or even fried wanton present. Notably, this typically comes served as staples with your Lor Mee dish.

Soon Heng Lor Mee Lor is flavorful without being too saltish. Though the lack of staple ingredients such as eggs is a let down — The Lor is flavorful without being too saltish. Though the lack of staple ingredients such as eggs is a let down.

The exclusion of Lor Mee store offering like fried wanton, ngoh hiang is fine. But I found it disappointing of Song Heng’s exclusion an egg in the standard dish, or even half of it. It is quite a let-down on what would otherwise be a more compelling and wholesome offering.

The dish with additional egg with $1 extra, totaling $4 for an otherwise basic dish — The $3 dish with an additional egg costing $1 extra, totaling $4 for an otherwise basic dish.

However, to make up for that, you have the option to add additional ingredients at $1 extra for braised pork, hard-boiled Egg or additional fried crispy bits. It could be cost-cutting (stagflation) move. On the contrary, it could be better if their base dish price be raised to $3.50 a bowl with all the ingredients of what makes a Lor Mee dish.

Soon Heng Lor Mee with noodle and beehoon mix — Soon Heng Lor Mee with the option of yellow noodle and beehoon mix.

All in all, Soon Heng lor mee is a tried and tested hawker standing the test of time. However, the lack of staple Lor Mee ingredients was a let-down, which otherwise would give it top marks. It is recommended to avoid the smallest bowl or go for the dish with add-ons. I would recommend additional condiments such as an egg to get the full experience on what would otherwise be a stripped-down dish.

Still, the quality of dish is great of the offerings. All a good way worth trying for your Lor Mee fix and to support the old hawker businesses you love. Check them out at Beo Crescent market and hawker center.

Verdict:

~~Must Go!~~ | ~~Actually pretty Good~~ | Worth Trying | ~~Shortlist Optionally~~ | ~~Should Avoid~~

Soon Heng Lor Mee Locality Map

Beo Crescent Market
Unit #1-84 38A Beo Crescent,
Singapore 169982
Opening Hours: 6:30am- 2pm daily.
Closed on every Friday.

Apple Store Marina Bay Sands Exploration

Places

Shaun

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Sunday, May 15, 2022

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Apple Store Marina Bay Sands Exploration

The Apple flagship store at Marina Bay Sands is an iconic retail store in the Sands shopping district by the Singapore Marina Bay downtown and waterfront. It is known for its iconic design seemingly looking like a floating space ship rising from the water. Let’s pay the place a visit today.

The Apple Store Marina Bay Sands front at the Shoppe at Marina Bay Sands — The Apple Store front at the Shoppe at Marina Bay Sands.

Second official Singapore Apple Store

Furthermore, the store main entrance enters from the 2nd basement of the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) mall shoppes area. An inconspicuous black rectangular sign with an apple greets you at the store basement 2 entrance. Notably apple operated Apple stores are a relatively new thing in Singapore. Compared to the west, the first apple store in Singapore only opened 6 years back in 2017 with their first branch at Orchard road Knightsbridge.

Also, previously, Apple products were sold through authorised Singapore resellers like epicenter and nubox. They were hit badly in sales when the official stores opened. Since then, Apple had opened a second store right in the heart of the downtown district here, and with interesting design flair too.

The Apple Store Marina Bay Sands basement walkway from the entrance with products taking center stage — The store basement walkway from the entrance with products taking center stage.

Moreover, the basement floor starts with a long walkway with displays situated lengthwise. The centre piece are apple trademarked large light-coloured wooden tables which houses their iPhone and iPad products. Also, the walls are home to accessories and minor products such as a display for Apple music, Apple TV as well as a selection of third party headphones like beats on top of their Apple earbuds lines of personal audio products.

Cases

iPad

3rd party

Entering the Apple Store sphere

The cavernous dome and center piece of the Apple Store Marina Bay Sands — The cavernous dome and center piece of the Sands Apple store.

Having said that, the iconic of this Apple store at MBS is the store’s “floating” dome. Built into the marina bay reservoir itself, it gives the illusion of the stall sitting on top of the waterline of marina bay.

The MBS apple store by the Marina bay with exterior walkway entrance.

Notably this reservoir is known to host events such as Singapore new year countdown, boat tours and races as well as amusement carnivals on top of the National day parade on the nearby floating platform. It is a busy water body nonetheless.

Going up

Looking up

Dome greenery

Also, moving onto the end of the walkway are two escalators which brings you up to the highlight of the stall. Notable apple has a stake and say in the design of each flagship Apple store in every country. They tend to be situated in upmarket shopping alleys with high pedestrian traffic. Notably, other examples include Apple’s first apple store at New York 5th Avenue with their iconic glass box, and the cylinder Apple store at Chong Qing China. Interestingly, both stores are large and are notably situated underground.

Airtag

Apple watch

iPhone

An iconic floating sphere

Moreover, the other apple store in Singapore, the Knightsbridge Apple store has a Marble Spiral staircase as its highlight, albeit, in a more conservative architecture. Also, in comparison, the “floating ball” is the highlight feature piece here at the Marina Bay.

They have computers here, yes, of the iMac kind in the Apple Store Marina Bay Sands — They have computers here, yes, of the iMac kind.

Designed by architecture studio Foster + Partners, the sphere is built as an island completely surrounded by and seemingly floating on water. Additionally, the structure itself is an add-on the Sands shopping broadwalk. It is built alongside the Moshe Safdie designed Marina Bay.

Exterior walkway broad walk connected to the mall's ground floor — Exterior walkway broad walk connected to the mall’s ground floor.

Additionally, you can also enter the store up here at ground level via connecting walkways outside the sphere. It offers great views of the Marina bay and downtown area.

View of the Marina Bay reservoir from the store broad walk bridge.

Also, the broadwalk links to the Sands Bay side riverside walk which is a popular events area and jogging path. You do get some nice views of the marina bay reservoir from here and the light show with plays at 8pm daily on the dot.

Lightshow

Marina bay

Accessories

However, I found the Apple store tad over engineered. I was expecting the Sphere area to be bigger with multiple floors to best make use of the available space, but I can guess it would spoil the clean vast aesthetics the brand is known for. Also, looking around, the other notable such island here is the Louis Vuitton store with their more rectangular shaped boutique building on the eastern side of the water broadwalk.

Apple Store Marina Bay Sands view of the Marina bay reflected behind the store screen — View of the Marina bay reflected behind the store screen.

Apple Today

Additionally, the dome is home to displays of the Apple watch, accessories, iMac and a duplicate section of iPhones. There is also a Genius bar and many apple Geniuses professionals who roam about the store offering assistance you can chat about your Apple product, or to figure out the best troubleshooting solutions. Also, if you need help, they will be delighted to tend to you, complete with a mobile Point-of-sale if you ever need to buy anything.

Learning

Apple music

Store

Furthermore, the sphere is also home to a Today at Apple sector. Here, you can pick-up and learn from their free classes. Examples include computer coding, essential photo skills, portraiture experimentation. Also, anyone in-store can sit down in front of the large LED screen to learn, create and be inspired in hands-on sessions.

All in all, the flagship apple store is a nice addition to what an otherwise boring and monotonous Singapore shopping scene. A landmark and statement in itself other than an Apple store and a shining sphere on the Singapore Marina Bay.

Kim Korean BBQ Shabu Shabu

Shaun

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Sunday, May 8, 2022

0

Kim Korean BBQ is a casual Shabu Shabu and Korean grill buffet restaurant great for small groups. The establishment serves a variety of Korean and somewhat Japanese-inspired selection of meats, vegetables and fried foods. Let’s dine in with their dinner selections today.

Welcome to Kim Korean BBQ Shabu Shabu at their Ang Mo Kio hub branch.

A dual cooking experience

Furthermore, can’t decide between a hotpot or grill? Kim Korean BBQ is not just a table BBQ but also a hotpot Shabu place. This is unlike most Korean BBQ places we visited using only grills. The hotpot option probably an answer to the Mala hotpot craze popularized by Hai Di Lao in Singapore. Interestingly, Kim Korean BBQ is also part of the Kingdom Food Group, the same chain which operates Goro Goro steamboat buffet at Centerpoint Orchard.

A spread, can't decide between a Korean BBQ or a shabu shabu, why not both — A spread, can’t decide between a Korean BBQ or a shabu shabu, why not both?

With cooking options of both a grill and soup pot, it does gives you the flexibility of choice. You can have your meats and ingredients stewed or grilled on a hot plate. Also, the restaurant ambience is busy, and is cramped with tightly packed seats back to back. Also, each table has a ventilation tube to exhaust hot gases and smoke from your BBQ.

Moreover, it is also interesting to be able to cook your meats in 2 ways. With the broth being the healthier option to the grilled alternative. Broth choices includes Mushroom, Ginseng and Kimchi Jigae. I recommend their Korean ginseng soup stock. It is herbal and balances out the BBQ offerings.

BBQ meat offerings

Furthermore, your meats are ordered using and order sheet, where staff will promptly serve your ingredients to your table.

A hearty grill of bacon and chicken simmering on an electric grill at Kim Korean BBQ Shabu Shabu — A hearty grill of bacon and chicken simmering on an electric grill.

Additionally, you indicate your order via an order sheet which you pass to service staff for processing and picking. There is no claimed limit to the number of submissions you can make though, you can indicate portion quantities in each order sheet. I can guess the serving arrangement now is largely due to the pandemic restrictions of reducing common touch points of buffet surfaces.

Soup broth

Meats

Beef

On the menu are a selection of meats. Key staples revolve meat and seafood. Selections includes Blackpepper Chicken, Beef Bulgogo, Spicy Volcano Chicken and Pork Belly. Recommendations include their steaks, chicken. They are well-marinated is great tasting and you can’t go wrong trying them.

A busy grill, you can load up quite abit, after all, its a buffet at Kim Korean BBQ Shabu Shabu — A busy grill, you can load up quite abit, after all, its a buffet at Kim Korean.

Moreover, when grilling, you are recommended to sautéed garlic your hotplate with garlic and flavoured with onions. Also, I recommend having beef slices mixed with bacon strips, they are best paired with a selection set of sauces served on saucers. Also, your grill has protected with grill paper which not only reduces burning if your foods, but also makes replacement more hygienic and cleaner too.

Cooked food and Condiments of the trade

In addition, I would recommend pairing your meal with noodles as a staple, it makes for a rather hearty meal. Other carbohydrate options here include Tanghoon and Instant noodle cake. Though I would recommend the Udon for a hearty Japanese style shabu. These are best paired with Quail eggs, White clams, and a Korean-style Yong Tau Foo mix of Tofu, Tau pok, Luncheon meat (very Korean indeed), Mushrooms and Raw egg.

A hearty broth of clear soup, a perfect complement to your fried food at Kim Korean BBQ Shabu Shabu — A hearty broth of clear soup, a perfect complement to your fried food here at Kim Korean.

Moreover, available too are a fried selection of fries and Korean chicken wings, and popcorn chicken which are notable favourites. Other cooked food includes Cheese tofu, pasta, Lobster balls and Korean pancakes. Also, vegetables options include Fresh lettuce, Broccoli, Xiao Bai Cai, Enoki, corn and Shimeji Mushroom. I would recommend having Edamame by the side.

The organised but rather cramped dining area at Kim Korean BBQ Shabu Shabu.

Wrapping-up is a dessert selection of fruits including Watermelon, Jelly Sago, and occasionally, Pandan Coconut Milk Dessert. These secondary offerings. Lastly, price-wise, the buffet sets you back $28.90 for adults on weekday dinner and $29.90 on Friday and weekends. You get the most value for weekday lunch at $18.90/pax making it very attractive for students.

All in all, I’m Kim Korean BBQ Shabu Shabu does not disappoint in offering reasonable value for the offerings, albeit with a small selection. Definitely one for a casual Korean social meal.

Verdict:

~~Must Go!~~ | Actually pretty Good | ~~Worth Trying~~ | ~~Shortlist Optionally~~ | ~~Should Avoid~~

Makan Place Locality Map

Opening Hours:

Future World Art Science Museum Marina Bay Sands

Museums

Shaun

-

Saturday, May 7, 2022

3

Future World Art Science Museum Marina Bay Sands

Fancy creating art for the digital realm or play hands-on games via virtual mixed reality great for children? The Future World Exhibition at the Marina Bay Sands Art science museum is one such interactive one. It utilises a mix of animated video projection to create an immersive experience.

The front entrance of the Future World exhibition at Art Science Museum.

Notably, the permanent exhibition is created in collab with art collective teamLab. Furthermore, the exhibits through four key narratives in a logical fashion. Also, it comprises of the “City in A Garden”, “Sanctuary”, “Park” and wrapping up with “Space”. The exhibit touts as a place where Art Meets Science.

A digital flora City Garden

Starting off, you enter into a dark space with animated plants and flowers. A highlight of this “City in A Garden” are interactive ceiling projection visual segments which illuminates the small welcome room with floor to ceiling projection of growing plants and blooming flowers.

Welcome greenery City in A Garden room at the entrance of the gallery.

It mimics a digital garden, and when paired with ambient perfume does make for a pleasant flora experience.

Projections

Animations

Slide

Moreover, leading on is the “Sanctuary” and “Park galleries. Here, you find a playground slide which animates as you go down it. It is friendly for both kids and adults. Additionally, the gallery is more of an interactive one than one of learning. It is great for families and kids allows you to interact with various audio-visual elements.

Future World Art Science Museum interactive screens tables and motion wall — Interactive screens tables and motion wall.

Also, there is a small side cave home to a few interactive tables and a motion wall. You can drag and move objects around the animated projection table to perform various tasks and objectives.

Play tables

Got cube?

Sanctuary

Additionally, an interesting section is a “traffic room”. It is a kid-friendly activity room complete with soft walls and props. You can move a set of blocks in the enclosed to connect traffic blocks depicted by animation arrows. Also, these allow you to interact and create traffic links on your placed blocks to move the virtual animated traffic around the room.

The traffic room where you can arrange blocks to redirect traffic at Future World Art Science Museum — The traffic room where you can arrange blocks to redirect traffic.

The Virtual Aquarium and Sketch Town

The impressive sketch town area with live projection screens and crayon tables in view Future World Art Science Museum — The impressive sketch town area with live projection screens and crayon tables in view.

Furthermore, the highlight of the exhibit here is a vast animated Sketch Town video wall spanning almost 2 stories tall. The first of them here is a virtual aquarium housing a myriad of hand-coloured marine creatures.

The animated aquarium wall with a sea of patron coloured crayon artworks Future World Art Science Museum — The animated aquarium wall with a sea of patron coloured crayon artworks.

You can get your creations onto the digital board by colouring and scanning them in. Here, you can find rows of work tables with crayons and A4 drawing templates of marine animals, such as marlins, seahorses and jellyfishes you can doodle on.

Aquarium tables

Busy colourng

Artworks

Additionally, the galleries flow through a logical sequence through large dark passageways which leads on to the next. Also, you can find a chill “Sanctuary” artwork room with floor to ceiling projection screens and a second animated screen area housing a city.

Interestingly, after a scan and upload, your coloured creations will soon find their way into the large screen doing their thing. Whether its swimming in the aquarium or commuting around in the city. Also, for the city wall, if you coloured a truck, you can find it chugging along the road.

Sketch town tables

Canyon room

Sketch town wall

Moreover, if you uploaded a coloured aircraft, like a UFO or jet plane, it will take to the skies on-screen. Colour a house and it will pop up in the digital city-town as a new property. Also, occasionally, a bad dragon will come and “invade” the town, where the planes and residents will spring into action to defend the menace.

Scanner machines

Moving blocks

Pink balls

Play elements and nature wall

Future World Art Science Museum colourful lit play balls at center stage in the sketch town gallery — Colourful lit play balls at center stage in the sketch town gallery.

Wrapping up the play elements here is a centrally located play area filled with large glowing balls. Moreover, the large glowing balls here tad resemble giant Swiss gym balls. Moreover, the lights are synced to the lights mounted on the ceiling too. Also, it brings about a colour palette similar on the ground and the ceiling.

Nature wall

Space

LED strands

Moreover, other interactive elements also include a virtual hopscotch course. Here, you can first design your hopscotch course using a screen by the course, and run through your course via projection on the ground.

Design your course

Jumping

Colured balls

Additionally, encompassing the exit wall here is a tranquil nature wall. Also, it does bear a similar resemblance to the Story of the forest Rotunda at the Singapore National Museum, with similar wall projection animation featuring animals and the forest.

Future World Art Science Museum closing nature wall towards the end of the exhibition — The closing nature wall towards the end of the exhibition.

Crystal forest Space

Wrapping up the future world exhibition is a crystal forest called “Space”. It is a short walk through a wall of LED light strips and mirrors. Also, it gives you an illusion and impression of an endless space. It is quite a photo opportunity piece. The exhibition ends from here and exits out to the museum basement atrium area.

Future World Art Science Space exhibition with it's crystal wall like look made with LED strips — Space exhibition with it’s crystal wall like look made with LED strips.

Wrapping up Future World Art Science Museum

All in all, you are good for Future World at Art Science Museum for about 2 hours tops. Most of the exhibits are interactive and engages you which bodes well with kids. It is not a big exhibit in terms of content, but one which immerse yourself in a breath-taking world of art, science, magic all under one roof and through a collection of digital interactive installations. Great for a day out in the museum.

Buckminster Fuller Radical Curiosity Singapore

Museums

Shaun

-

Sunday, April 24, 2022

0

Buckminster Fuller Radical Curiosity Singapore

Radical Curiosity: In the Orbit of Buckminster Fuller is a temporary exhibition at the Singapore Art Science museum focused on the life’s work on the life work of the investigator, inventor and visionary. Let’s go through a gallery journey at the Marina Bay Sands Resort with an exhibition walkthrough.

Exhibit galleries Buckminster Fuller Radical Curiosity at Art science Museum.

Furthermore, the galleries flow through a journey and universe of Buckminster Fuller. At its core, the exhibition is a learning one. It covers the various inventions, thoughts and initiatives of the inventor of its time. Also, Fuller has worked across multiple disciplines. This includes art, architecture, design, engineering, metaphysics, mathematics and education.

Exhibit entrance

Starting timeline

Design revolution

A learning gallery

Moreover, you start off with a large timeline wall covering the various milestones in Fuller’s life. Buckminster Fuller lived from 1885 to 1983. Also, notable ones include major disruptions in human history like 2 world wars which Fuller lived through, and perpetual third world war.

Vast galleries

Blueprints

Concepts

Also, the galleries follow through in a circular clockwise manner following the layout of the galleries in the art science museum upper third floor galleries. Notably, these galleries are usually used to host small and photographic exhibitions. The galleries here lead on to covering serval posters and theories he developed which goes into shaping the modern buildings of today.

Re-imagining architecture

The spacious galleries like this activity area in a Geodesic dome.

Fuller’s collaborates with some of the 20th century’s major creators, thinkers, architects and artists has continued to inspire contemporary innovations across multiple disciplines. Also, Fuller’s thinking and inventions was ahead of his time, and one which aged well to today.

Various structural shapes of Geodesic Domes, allowing for vast interiors without columns.

Also, he devised a way to combine design and science with a mission to change the world. His architecture inventions include free standing truss structures which fuller is known for.

Suspended platonic solid vertices, like cuboctahedron and square fixtures.

Structure gallery

Jigger-bug

Bucky ball

Additionally, Fuller touts of his ideas have undergoing a process of emergence by emergency. Necessity is the mother of inventions when they are needed badly enough. Somehow we do take such structures for granted today, not knowing much of the origins of the designs.

The steel Dymaxion concept house, allowing for efficient living.

Some examples includes a novel circular house called the Dymaxion house made out of steel which is like a throwback from the cartoon Jetsons.

Dymaxion house

Neighborhoods

Word from the man

Moreover, the galleries allow you to have a hands-on of Fuller’s various structure inventions. At the rear of the gallery are small activity areas where you can construct your own mini truss structures. Also, this is done using the various tools and stationary provided. Other interesting items here includes a wall of toys. Such as a which is a tiny ball when folded and unfolds into an impressive large sphere. It does bring about the understanding of the term “bucky ball” and how it came about.

Activity area

Box of tools

Toys

Mapping the world

Furthermore, interestingly, Buckminster Fuller had worked tirelessly to create “passenger-caretakers” in what he called “our spaceship Earth”. It is an ideology that all human beings were passengers on Spaceship Earth. Like occupants and crew of a large ship, the people onboard had to work together in order to keep the planet functioning properly.

Globe Visualisation

Mapping the world

Ending notes

Additionally, Fuller was driven by his vision to have our planet work in cooperation at 100% capacity for 100% of the population without causing harm. Also, during his lifetime, Fuller foresaw the many global crises humanity. Also, a small minor section is fuller interpretation of the world map as a polygon instead of the usual round globe we are familiar with. An ingenious idea indeed. The advantage of the polygon world map by fuller is that when unfolded and laid flat, it retains the relative scale between continents and countries.

Fuller's teachings and conferences towards the closing gallery — Fuller’s teachings and conferences towards the closing gallery.

This allows for a direct country to country comparison of surface area of continents, which would otherwise be skewed by traditional round globes. Also, the section closes off with a dark projection room showcasing an animation of various population assessment of fuller’s polygon map.

Ending Thought Pyramid

A closing exhibition with a pyramid of thoughts of the inventor and a wall inviting you to pen your thoughts and views of the future.

Wrapping up, the exhibition ends with a wall inviting you to pen your thoughts and views of the future. You can do this via small postcards which you can draw using the provided tables and marker sets. Also, the section touches on the various struggles Fuller had through though periods of his life, including depression and even a low points of life contemplating suicide. But he pulled through and kept inventing. The galleries are co-produced with Fundación Telefónica, Madrid. Rosa Pera and José Luis de Vicente are guest curators of the exhibits.

Video elements

Kreb cycle illustrations

Art science sketches

All in all, you be good for Radical Curiosity: In the Orbit of Buckminster Fuller exhibit for about and hour and a half tops. The galleries are not large, but allows you to journey through the universe of inventor and visionary who worked across multiple disciplines including art, science, architecture and design. Entry to the ArtScience Museum exhibition costs $18 for adults with a 3% points rebate if you are a Marina bay Sands member. Also, it be recommended to bundle your visit with another museum gallery of interest for more value, like the Future World permanent exhibition for instance. Great for a half day out at the Singapore Marina bay.

Uncle Penyet Ayam Penyet

Asian

Shaun

-

Saturday, April 23, 2022

0

Uncle Penyet’s Ayam Penyet is a heartland Ayam Penyet franchise found in multiple locations around Singapore serving authentic incarnations of the Malay favorite and staple dish. The chain has a number of stores all around Singapore. With branches at Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, Upper Serangoon and Bukit Merah.

The full works of Ayam Penyet with Bakso soup ($9.50).

Go for their Ayam Penyet

Their menu offerings has quite a variety, with over 14 options including Nasi Lemak and Curry chicken . I would recommend their Crispy fried Ayam Penyet, as your main dish selection or when undecided, you can’t go wrong with it. Also, I would recommend garnishing your rice with light dousings of curry sauce.

Ayam Penyet set $6.80. The chicken is really crispy.

Origins of the Penyet

Furthermore, Uncle Penyet is directly translated to “smashed chicken” in the Malay language. Also, this makes the chicken easier to eat with the traditional way of eating with bare hands and fingers.

Uncle Penyet Ayam Penyet store front and menu options.

Additionally, the Ayam Penyet dish originated derived from the city of Surabaya in East Java, Indonesia. So, it got its name from sambal tempe penyet.

Great quality ayam

I found the Ayam penyet priced at $6.50 is on the high side for hawker-coffee shop Ayam penyet. It typically costs under the $5 range. Also, comparatively, $6.50 for a base dish is the price you expect to pay for similar offerings in air-conditioned mall food courts.

Still, Uncle penyet makes up for this with great consistent food quality, which give a consolation and makes the higher than normal asking price more justifiable.

A wholesome meal

The chicken is crispy fried chicken thigh. It is served with cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices. They are crunchy and rather fresh. I found their chicken leg also pretty generous in size. The portions is sizable indeed. Also, you get a fried Tofu piece as an additional condiment included in your meal.

In addition, the fried tempe is also pressed into a dish of sambal. Moreover, this serving process separates the chicken meat from the bone, as part of a “deboning process” as well as allowing you to break up the crispy coat of batter into separate pieces for consumption. The dish is fine, but it’s richness is not something I would eat everyday.

Great for all levels

Moreover, fret not if you cannot tolerate spicy food. The dish itself is not spicy where the spiciness level can be controlled but varying your side chilli and curry levels. Furthermore, interestingly, your dine-in meal is served in disposable paper cardboard bowls for your main course and soup bowls. The bowls are even printed in colour livery.

Cardboard bowl

Bakso Beefball soup

Sambal chilli

Speaking of the chilli. An essential item in Ayam penyet is the sambal chilli. I found their chilli thick, consistent yet sweet without being overly spicy. Of course if you so wish, you can simply add more for a more fiery dining experience.

Other menu options

Also, on top of their regular Ayam penyet, you also have selections of crispy dory fish fillet set ($6.80) and fried duck (Nasi Bedek Penyet duck), and cheaper fried prawn ($5.80 Nasi Udang Penyet prawn) too.

Additionally, if you are hungry and want something more filling, you can option to have your Ayam Penyet served with a side bowl of beef meatballs ($8.50 set). Also, the soup is clear and provides a good accompaniment.

All in all, Uncle Penyet offerings are true to what a modern take of a traditional Ayam Penyet would be, with their signature crispy smashed chicken thigh. But still, it won’t be something I would eat everyday, but great for days where you would just love to pamper yourself. Check them out in various locations all around Singapore.

Verdict:

~~Must Go!~~ | ~~Actually pretty Good~~ | Worth Trying | ~~Shortlist Optionally~~ | ~~Should Avoid~~

Uncle Penyet Ayam Penyet Locality Map

116 Bukit Merah View,
Kimly Coffeeshop, Unit #01-253
Singapore 151116.
Opening Hours: 7:30am to 8:30pm daily

Ninja Chirashi Japanese Dons

Japanese

Shaun

-

Sunday, April 17, 2022

0

Ninja Chirashi is a heartland Japanese Don café restaurant tucked in a Tampines HDB estate. They serve rather brilliant, tasty and value for money Japanese Salmon and Tuna rice bowls. Lets have a dine-in today.

Ninja Chirashi offerings are incredibly value for money, lets see what's on offer — Ninja Chirashi offerings are incredibly value for money, lets see what’s on offer.

The cafe restaurant offers both outdoor and air-conditioned indoor seating. The interior is small but otherwise not cramped in terms of spacing. The largest table can accommodate groups of 6. The store occupies two units of a HDB void deck residential area. Also, the ambience is generally chill and quiet. A reflection of this secluded neighbourhood of the east. Notably, the stretch here at Tampines Street 81 is also known for its selection of ice cream dessert stores and late night prata shops.

Ninja Chirashi Store front at Tampines Street 81.

Moreover, Ninja Chirashi menu options are simple. Essentially your dish is served with your fish on a bed of Japanese sticky rice. Additionally, the rice is standard Japanese rice and nothing much to scream home about. There are 3 Chirashi and 6 Don dishes to choose from.

Go for their affordable Chirashi bowls

A typical regular single meal which served one would set you back an affordable $10. While their more premium selection dish costs $20. Menu recommendations include their staple Ninja Chirashi bowl ($10.50), it is available in Truffle and Spicy variants. Also, the bowl sizes are small but very compact, packed full of Chirashi goodness. Chirashi means “scattered” (散らし), so chirashi sushi literally means ‘scattered sushi’.

Standard Chirashi Ninja garnished with Truffle ($12.50). Their signature Chirashi don with salmon and tuna cubes.

Additionally, their Salmon Dons ($11.50) is great for a single serving. And by nature of Japanese Don bowl, they do fill you up rather satisfyingly in portions. Also, the salmon and tuna chunks at fresh. Your salmon are served as slices. While your tuna are chopped in mini cubes.

Salmon Don $11.50 Fresh salmon slices with vinegar rice.

In comparison, a small salmon Chirashi dish in Sushi Tei with similar quality would set you back at least twice the price per bowl. Other miscellaneous dishes include their Unagi don ($17.50), and fried chicken Tori Karage Don ($10.90). It is a crispy fried chicken don coated with mustard sauce. Also, you can make your rice dish a set meal by adding $4 to $6 to your meal.

Moreover, the tuna chunks are thick and crunchy, it has a texture similar to, but not to the extent of premium tuna which melts in your mouth. The salmon slices are neatly sliced but with their less than pristine patchy flesh is notably on the lower quality of raw edible sushi. Still the offerings are adequate for the price.

Interior

Grille salmon

Nice sauce

Ninja Lord for the hungry

Furthermore, if you are hungry, a recommendation be Ninja Chirashi’s Ninja Lord don. It is a mega dish filled with fresh seafood and at $21.90 does cost about twice a typical standard don offering here.

The Ninja Chirashi’s Ninja Lord don Mega bowl ($21.90).

Moreover, your Ninja Lord dish is served with Scallops and generous spoonful of Mentaiko fish roe with neatly packed fresh prawns arranged in the edge of your bowl. For the large premium dish, your ingredient items are paid out neatly in a circular manner. It is so as to exhibit or showcase the dish offerings. Also, each dish is served with a side of wasabi for seasoning and taste. Dark soya sauce is available as a table side if needed. It is a joyful delight.

The fish roe with the Ninja Lord is super fresh!

All in all, I find it hard pressed to find another Chirashi establishment offering similar quality at this price. I would recommend Ninja Chirashi as a must-go option if you are in for quality yet affordable fix of salmon and tuna Chirashi dishes

Verdict:

~~Must Go!~~ | Actually pretty Good | ~~Worth Trying~~ | ~~Shortlist Optionally~~ | ~~Should Avoid~~

Ninja Chirashi Locality Map

824 Tampines Street 81, #01-36,
Singapore 520824
Open 11.30- 2pm spilt shift 6pm- 9.30pm
Up to 10pm on Friday and weekends.

Super Dario lasagne City Square mall

European

Shaun

-

Saturday, April 16, 2022

0

Fancy authentic Italian lasagne prepared by an Italian chef? Super Dario is one such outlet in central Singapore at City Square mall. Let’s check them out with a dinner dine in.

Authentic Italian-run lasagna restaurant

Furthermore, Super Dario is an Italian-run lasagna restaurant. They had been around before the pandemic serving authentic affordable lasagne. Also, on the menu is a selection of 14 lasagne options with 4 of them being vegetarian friendly choices.

Moreover, the dish to go for here would be their regular beef lasagna ($10.90). This meaty, starchy and cheesy dish has become a savory staple in kitchens around the world.

Super Dario Beef with extra cheese ($11.90).

Portion wise, each plate lasagne is small, presumably tailored small enough for Asian portions. Abliet, one much smaller you get from typical Italian restaurants. A typical wait time is a approximately short 10 minutes from when you placed your order.

Furthermore, Super Dario offers lasagna by tray or by plate portions. Notably, the lasagna is thin, but not the satisfying deep dish variants, like those we previously had at John’s pizzas at Alexandra central mall. Also, every lasagna should have a minimum of three layers.

Moreover, if the base Lasagne is not cheesy enough, a stronger “extra” cheese toppings on your plate lasagna would set you back $1.90 a pop.

Luigi Extra Chicken and with extra Pecorino cheese ($11.90).

However, their lasagne is not the best tasting pasta, but it adequate. I found their chicken lasagna dish tad too wet for my liking. Also, the lasagne is a shallow single meat layer type, with your beef packed between layers of lasagna layers. I found the meat tender, but does not fill your dish complete. It could do more with more meat fillings.

Super Dario lasagne has a single layer of meat fillings , which is tad thin.

Still, I found the portions at most adequate for Asian-sized servings at least. Going back to lasagna by the tray, you do have the option to order an entire tray freshly made on order. A tray is good for at least 5- 6 servings and is great for groups. The store does online orders and takeaway boxes for parties if needed.

A fun environment

Moreover, there is a mix of counter and tabled seating within. The Lasagne store is a small and cozy one. However, the store does have very limited seating and would have trouble seating large groups exceeding 5 pax.

Menu

Dessert section

Cozy store

Also, the store has a rather fun setting and ambience. Interestingly, the restaurant has a wall of artwork drawn on paper serviette.

Interestingly, the Lasagne cafe menu items are named closely after Mario characters from the Nintendo Super Mario series. Which are also Italian plumbers and love Italian food.

Here you have Dario lasagne for beef, Pixel ($14.90) for lamb and Luigi ($10.90) for chicken, which are also common valid Italian names which put them safe to IP infringement.

Other menu items

Additionally, other mains includes cafe sandwich items such as focaccia stuffed toasted bred sandwiches ($7), making the cafe great for lunch or tea breaks.

Also, besides their specialty lasagna, is an offering of Margarita thin crust pizzas ($11.90) which is good as a side with your lasagna. You have a 7 selections of toppings costing $2 a pop. They are served pre-cut in 4 slices totaling 200g. Also, I had their truffle add-on and it is loaded with generous servings of truffle, you could smell it off the table. It does not disappoint.

Margarita thin crust pizzas ($11.90), the Pizza is great for sharing.

Moreover, topping up the menu is a selection of dessert cakes and drinks. This includes hot and cold drinks as well as ice blended coffee. There is also Tiramisu and Ice-cream. Prices is a standard $5.60. Additionally, there is no GST or serve charge.

All in all, for under $12 a pop, Super Dario lasagne at City Square mall offers one of the more affordable authentic Italian dining options without breaking the bank. It is ideal for students and diners on a budget. If you do not mind the smaller and thinner portions. Check them out on the 4th floor of the City Square for your lasagne fix, or maybe do some Japanese fast retail shopping at City’s Square’s Don Don Donki supermarket too.

Verdict:

~~Must Go!~~ | ~~Actually pretty Good~~ | Worth Trying | ~~Shortlist Optionally~~ | ~~Should Avoid~~

Super Dario Lasagne Locality Map

City Square Mall, #04-17
17 Kitchener Road (Opposite Daiso),
Singapore 208539
Opening Hours: 11am- 9:15pm Opens daily.

Ah keat chicken rice Bukit merah

Asian

Shaun

-

Saturday, April 9, 2022

0

Ah keat chicken rice store specialising in white Hainanese chicken rice. The uniquely Singaporean dish is a staple is hawker culture and local favourite.

Furthermore, the chicken rice store is tucked in in an NEA hawker at Block 163 Bukit Merah central. You might remember it as the hawker center home to the popular Day and Night Char kuay teow and Nam Heng chicken rice we visited previously.

The store front of Ah keat chicken rice at Bukit Merah Central.

Also, you might also remember the hawker center as one of the first few center which trial the now defunct $1 deposit tray return service.

A simple menu

In addition, Ah keat chicken rice menu offerings are rather simple with two dishes, namely chicken porridge and chicken rice. The latter of course being the store’s main staple offerings.

Chicken rice simple but effective chicken rice dish. — A simple but effective chicken rice dish.

Moreover, Ah keat chicken rice only offers white chicken variant. This is typical of traditional Hainanese and chicken porridge.

Generous servings of white chicken on your rice.

Additional dish topping such as an Osen egg and chicken gizzard costs you an additional dollar while a side of vegetables set you back at least $2.

Chicken rice dish with sides of chicken gizzards — Your dish with sides of chicken gizzards.

Also, your dish is accompanied with a bowl of clear chicken stock soup and goes well with garlic chilli sauce. The sauce is a must have with any chicken rice.

Really silky white chicken

Moreover, the store specializes in white-meat chicken. Otherwise known a “Bai chicken”. The white chicken is dunked in ice cold water after cooking. This causes the skin to crystallize into a white, somewhat clear soft and silky skin.

Ah keat white chicken has skin which crystallizes into a white, somewhat clear soft and silky skin — The white chicken has skin which crystallizes into a white, somewhat clear soft and silky skin.

Also, the chicken rice is light, without being too overwhelming, though it could do better with more flavor and served warm.

Additionally, the chicken meat is rather tender and large piece rather chunky too. Also, prices starts at $4 per plate and prepared on order. However, their chicken is not boneless. It would be better it is, as it would offer a better value proposition to the competition like the Nam kee chicken rice also located at the same hawker center.

A lunch place

However, the store closes early by 1.30pm each day. In fact though not obvious, the store is pretty much a morning breakfast place.

Also, if you are keen on alternative good white chicken rice, Ah keat tad reminds me of the white Hainanese chicken rice we previously had at Hainan story restaurant at hotel boss, with similar crystal white skin, abiet at a much higher price.

All in all, Ah keat chicken rice offers a greta value proposition to what is already a rather crowded chicken rice segment. Still they offer keeping to tradition.

Verdict:

~~Must Go!~~ | ~~Actually pretty Good~~ | Worth Trying | ~~Shortlist Optionally~~ | ~~Should Avoid~~

Ah keat chicken rice Locality Map

163 Bukit Merah Central, #02-35,
Singapore 150163
Opening Hours: 9:30am- 3pm.
Closed Saturdays.

Welcome to Shaunchng.comDocumenting the world, one post at a time

Welcome to Shaunchng.comDocumenting the world, one post at a time

Shaunchng.comDocumenting the world, one post at a time

5km anytime virtual run

The MyRaceGate app

7km run at Kallang Decathlon

Geylang River

2022 Decathlon Run- A riverside scenic run

Post run entitlements

What’s on the menu

Local favourites

Affordable Great tasty, in moderation

Verdict:

Makan Place Locality Map

Bizarre facts of nature

A great place for kids

Smaller stalagmites exhibit

Tasteful Lor Mee

Though lacking in portions

Verdict:

Soon Heng Lor Mee Locality Map

Second official Singapore Apple Store

Entering the Apple Store sphere

An iconic floating sphere

Apple Today

A dual cooking experience

BBQ meat offerings

Cooked food and Condiments of the trade

Verdict:

Makan Place Locality Map

A digital flora City Garden

The Virtual Aquarium and Sketch Town

Play elements and nature wall

Crystal forest Space

Wrapping up Future World Art Science Museum

A learning gallery

Re-imagining architecture

Mapping the world

Ending Thought Pyramid

Go for their Ayam Penyet

Origins of the Penyet

Great quality ayam

A wholesome meal

Great for all levels

Other menu options

Verdict:

Uncle Penyet Ayam Penyet Locality Map

Go for their affordable Chirashi bowls

Ninja Lord for the hungry

Verdict:

Ninja Chirashi Locality Map

Authentic Italian-run lasagna restaurant

A fun environment

Other menu items

Verdict:

Super Dario Lasagne Locality Map

A simple menu

Really silky white chicken

A lunch place

Verdict:

Ah keat chicken rice Locality Map

Singapore Places

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