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Little Caesars Pizza Funan

European

Shaun

-

Sunday, April 18, 2021

Little Caesars Pizza is an American dine-in and takeaway pizza restaurant. They have a branch located at the ground floor of Funan the IT mall. I had heard a fair bit of their trademarked cheesy pizza to pop down for a try. Let’s see what’s on offer.

Apparently the first little Caesar opened in Garden little Michigan on 1959, before becoming and international; chain in 1969. Also, the pizza scene since then had gotten a fair bit more crowded, with Dominos and Pizza hut being the main players and Canadian 2 for 1 being a household staple for full-on-the-cheap. Hence Little Caesars have plenty to differentiate themselves from the competition.

The ordering counter at Little Caesars Funan — The ordering counter at Little Caesars Pizza Funan.

A cozy pizza joint

Being a pizza joint. The outlet offers both dine-in and takeaway options. A typical dine-in at Little Caesars Pizza Funan is usually involves packing into a rather small dining area, which is made smaller given the covid-19 safe-distancing measures. Still it does not put a dent on the demand for pizzas here.

Spread of pizzas — The spread of a Duo meal.

In addition, Little Caesars touts that their 12 inch pizzas are made with 100% mozzarella and muenster cheese topped with sauce form vine-ripened tomatoes. Also, their pizza dough is made in-house everyday. Also, 12 inch is a good size and enough for at least 2 pax for a filling dinner.

Little Caesars pepperoni Pizza — You can’t go wrong with plain ‘ol pepperoni!

Additionally, a large pizza starts from $7, and up to $13 each for a regular premium topping range, such as Meat treat (like meat lovers), Supreme, Hawaiian and veggie. Their $7 range comprises of tried and tested pepperoni and cheese basic pizza. Also, adding $4.50 makes and regular pizza into a stuffed crust. Notably, this puts Little Casears at a price range about half that Canadian and Dominos pizzas, which typically has 2 pizzas in the $20 range. This reduces the competition’s 2-for-1 selling point.

Little Caesars Hawaiian pizza — Hawaiian pizza is a favorite staple and pizza classic served here at Little Caesars

I had a go at their Caesar’s Duo meal, which could feed about 3-4 pax a go. It comprises of two large pizzas and cheese bread side. There is also an alternative option for drinks and bread sticks instead of cheese bread. Cheese bread served in a small side box. It is tad like a basic pizza without any added toppings.

Thick, chewy, cheesy

Moreover, I found their take on the traditional Hawaiian pizza is a rather good one. The crust is thick, chewy and fluffy. A delight if chewy thick crusts are much to your liking. Their pizzas are loaded with cheese.

Little Caesars are really cheesy, in a good way — Little Caesars Pizza are really cheesy, in a good way!

Additionally, menu selections include Party packs at $65 for groups over 6 pax and Pair meals starting from $20 to $35. Their duo combo set you back $20 with a large specialty Pizza, and a large Classic pizza, wrapping it up with a choice of sides (e.g. drumlets or garlic bread) and 1.5l drink. Also, peculiar are square pizzas and their slices and stix, which is technically a hybrid Frankenstein pizza with multiple flavour parts in one.

Peculiar pizza bread, tad like a very cheesy toast bread, best eaten as a side.

Moreover, it is interesting to note that Funan is not their only branch here. The joint has 5 branches all about Singapore with this including outlets at Holland village, Junction nine, Singpost center at Tampiness and Thompson, with commendably free island wide delivery.

2 large and cheesy bread box size for comparison.

All in all, Little Caesars Pizza branch at Funan IT mall is a good refreshing welcome in the rather crowded pizza market. It is refreshing in its own way. Good value and great tasting freshly-made large pizzas which is definitely able to fill anyone up in a jiffy, American-style.

Verdict:

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

Little Caesars Pizza Funan Locality Map

Funan Mall, 107 North Bridge Rd, #01-18,
Singapore 179105
Opening Hours: 11am– 10pm daily

Human x Nature: Environmental Histories of Singapore

Events

Shaun

-

Sunday, April 11, 2021

2

Human x Nature: Environmental Histories of Singapore is a new nature documentation exhibition held at the National Library Building Singapore. Located in the Bugis district, let’s take a glimpse into the historical state and fauna which was once Singapore before the country’s rapid urbanisation.

Here, this exhibition explores our relationships with the natural world from cultural understandings and scientific study. Moreover, this ranges from commercial to urban land use, as well as conservation and restoration. Also, the exhibition comprises of 3 main sectors. You enter the exhibit through an introductory passageway which leads into the various sectors.

Library lobby

Going up!

Exhibition entrance

Furthermore, the sector here is largest focused on plantations in Singapore suited at the center of the gallery. Also, you might remember this gallery space where we last visited the Malay manuscript exhibition a couple of years back.

Human x Nature Exhibition pamphlet, welcome to the exhibiton!

Botany displays

Plantation specimens and seeds, sealed in frames.

In addition, the exhibition features a dazzling array of natural history books, botanical prints, plantation photographs and maps from the early days of Singapore. Also on display are several historical geographical maps.

Early plantation maps, with much of the district names still used in Singapore today.

Notably, these maps frame the location of early Singapore plantations. It was in the era when land is still used for agriculture on the sleepy fishing island.

The galleries

Plantation life

Botany sketches

Natural environment of yesteryears

Moreover, Human x Nature beckons you to learn about Singapore’s natural environment through various books, botany drawings and wildlife records. Additionally, it tells of the stories and way of life of the yesteryears. It brings about the fauna we know and experience today. Also, you can also find evidence of colonialization efforts in greening the country and as well as the initiatives during the Japanese occupation.

Japanese occupation letter

In a time of war

Central botany gallery

Henceforth, what we see in Singapore today is the result of a long history of initiatives state here. This involves knowledge gathering, plantation agriculture and attempts at rehabilitation. Moreover, notably, the collections here are on-loan from the National Library, the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and National Archives. Also, the herbarium here is also on loan from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

General exhibits in the main central gallery.

Additionally, you can find early documented drawings of fungi, which would otherwise be difficult to preserved in Singapore’s climate. Also, you can also find documentation of Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower. In addition, there are also touch points on nutmeg and rubber plantations are agriculture staples of the yesteryear.

Hand Fungi paintings used to document fungi mushrooms, which were impossible to preserve given technologies then.

Moreover, it is worth noting Singapore in the early days have huge rubber plantations in the region. Those mentioned in particular are those owned and managed by Lim Nee Soon, which Yishun is named after.

Human x Nature Sungei buloh nature park opening materials — Sungei buloh nature park opening materials.

Furthermore, these displays comprise of a mix of in-wall sealed, as well as table top displays. Also, these are all sealed in glass enclosures in a dimly lit environment to reduce UV degradation of the artefacts.

Marine creatures

Got otter?

Golden (monkey) cushion

Taxidermy specimens

In addition are small displays of animal specimens native to the South East Asian region. The exhibits also introduce you to Singapore’s early natural animal world.

Historical records

Butterflies

Marine creatures and turtles

Also told are how they shaped the different ways local, colonial, and migrant communities lived within and transformed the natural landscape and animal habitats we see in Singapore today.

Got Tiger?

Malayan tigers were a nuisance for early plantations, sadly given loss of their natural habitat where they start attacking plantation workers — Malayan tigers were a nuisance for early plantations. Also, sadly given natural habitat loss, where they start attacking plantation workers.

Furthermore, the tiger sector greets you with a roar. Here, motion-sensor activated speakers which plays an artificial roar each time you enter this sector. Also, it leads from the plantation gallery into ^2nd half of the exhibits. The tiger sector also touches on accounts of tiger attacks in plantations and its witch hunt.

Also, on top of the Tiger sector, you can find some preserved taxidermy specimens of local native animal species. Examples includes otters, monkey, horn bills and even a Malaysian mouse deer.

Animal wildlife documentation and native preserved specimens.

Moreover, these natural history specimens are on-loan from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. Sadly, much of these animals are sadly, extinct in the natural habitat in Singapore. This is due to the rapid loss of habitat from urbanisation.

One to check out on your spare time

Also, the exhibit is an interactive one too. Here, there are audio-visual elements featuring video, sound clips and a section which you can borrow related NLB books too.

Press to hear

Interactive exhibits

Audio visual

All in all, if you have spare time in the Singapore bugis central district, the exhibition Human x Nature: Environmental Histories of Singapore is a neat way to spend about an hour to learn about Singapore’s nature journey. Also on what goes into modelling after our changing natural landscapes.

Closing exhibits

Last gallery

NLB books

Also, the exhibition on my visit is largely not crowded and you can explore the displays at your own time. Human x Nature is located on Level 10, Gallery, National Library Building. Wrapping up, the temporary exhibition runs from 9 April to 26 September 2021. It is open daily from 10am- 9pm and is free to all visitors.

1.30 dim sum

Asian

Shaun

-

Saturday, April 10, 2021

0

1.30 dim sum is a late night supper place selling dim sum all day. The establishment is named after the standard rate prices for each of their Dim Sum items. Notably, one other popular eatery we know of flat rates would be the Sushi express we visited previously at $1.50 per plate.

The 1.30 dim sum spread for a late night supper.

At it’s core, $1.30 dim sum is a 24 hour dim sum place with several branches all over Singapore. Today we are going to check out their branch at Ang Mo Kio for a late night supper dine-in.

Welcome to 1.30 dim sum — Welcome to the store front of 1.30 dim sum!

Moreover, starting off on the menu is a selection of pau buns. Also, these white steamed buns are staple of Chinese dim sum.

Ordering board

Storefront

Big pao

Try their coffee pao

Notable interesting paus here includes their coffee pao (2 pieces per serving). It has a brown outer surface with a sweet creamy coffee paste filling. On top of this, you get your regular selections of meat baos (big pao), chicken paos and pork paos, on top of red bean favourites.

Coffee buns is pretty unique and a recommended item here at 1.30 dim sum.

However, their paos (steamed buns) are best ordered earlier in the day as most of them would be quite soggy by night fall. Additionally, in typical hawker fashion, you pay at the counter after ordering and digital payments such as grab pay are accepted.

Wrapped dumplings goodness

1.30 dim sum1.30 dim sum spinach dumplings — 1.30 dim sum spinach dumplings

Dumplings are next on the list and one ought to pay more attention to. These are typically wrapped in dough skin, tad like a wanton and steamed in circular bamboo trays. These dim sum are what you should go for. Each tray comes with 3 dim sum items for the flat $1.30 price each, translating to about 40 cents per piece.

Their shrimp dumplings are not bad. The skin is nice and firm and the fillings are tasty and not lacking in size.

Furthermore, next up on their menu is you can’t go wrong ordering siew mai with xiao long bao. Also, if you see hungry, filling options includes rice staple such as century egg porridge and steamed glutinous rice (Lo Mai Gai). Otherwise their large pao is a good alternative for the hungry.

1.30 dim sum siew mai, a pork staple in every dim sum offering. — 1.30 dim sum siew mai, a meat staple in every dim sum offering.

In addition, their dumplings are firm, with filling flavorful. Even the wraps are done well and hold their contents without breaking. Also, while you are at it, do try their carrot cake. $1.30 gets you two slices which you can split to feed 4. Also, It is not uncommon to see steady crowds streaming in even after midnight. The place can get pretty buzzing till late and is a good alternate to late-night prata.

Glutinous rice

Shrimp dumplings

Carrot cake

All in all, $1.30 Dim Sum offers a rare affordable quality staple which is otherwise something hard to come by these days. The store being open 24 hours is a great plus point, catering to the hungry late-night crowds for their supper fix, coupled with a low price to boot.

Verdict:

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

$1.30 Dim Sum Locality Map

Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, Block 555,
Singapore 560555
Opening Hours: 24 hours

Exploring Don Don Donki Harbourfront

Places

Shaun

-

Sunday, April 4, 2021

3

In our places exploration for today, let’s check out the Don Don Donki at Harbourfront. The Don Don Donki chain in Singapore had gone on a rapid expansion at multiple locations. They had recently opened up a new branch here in the south. Let’s check out Don Don Donki at harbourfront central mall.

Donki in a cruise center

Notably, the establishment is located in Harbourfront sitting just above the Singapore cruise center. The entrance to the establishment is tucked away and accessible via a pair of escalators bringing you in and out of the establishment. There is also a secondary entrance from the rooftop of Vivocity- Harbourfront linkway.

Store entrance

Vegetables

Fruits

Unlike like the Jurong JEM branch we visited previously, the entire establishment is located on a single floor here at the top of the mall. It sits on the larger upper floors of the cruise center. Also, the store layout follows a very predictable layout synonymous with the Donki branches here in Singapore.

A supermarket (food) Donki

You ride a set of escalators brining into the actual establishment entrance. Here, you start off by entering a mix, household and food section at the entrance.

Moreover, you get the usual bells and whistles of food offerings in the supermarket section. Also, being situated in a commercial area means this supermarket caters to a large lunch crowd. You can see it with lines of ready to eat meals which the Japanese are known for packed under heated counters. They offer great value for the food offered.

Shabu Shabu selections

Ichiran Ramen noodles

Ramen and frozen food

Also, we had seen the evolution of the supermarket chain over the years, with the inclusion of more food items instead of what is typically offered in a Japanese Don Don Donki, or what it is called Don Quijote in Japan like the one we visited in Shibuya and Osaka last year.

Frozen food

Sweet potatoes

Sweet snacks

Additionally, here, you can find a section of rice meals (dons) partied with teriyaki, unagi (Eel) or just plain old sushi platters. Notably, there is also a sizable takoyaki (octopus balls) selection with bowls comprising of various Tako balls.

Pikachu noodles

Hot Food

Ready meals

A $1.99 section

Presumably to take on the likes of the $2 Daiso discount store, few rows of shelves here at the harbourfront branch are devoted to a sub $2 section. These comprise of mainly household products such as kitchen utensils and cleaning products.

This is unlike the one we saw at 100am mall or JEM in the Jurong East area, where it spans two floors served by an escalator in the middle of the store. Also notably this Harbourfront branch does not have a food court. Neither do they have a drunk drunk donki bar area like the one we saw at Central and City Square mall at Farrer park.

Drunk Drunk Donki are a small liquor bar section typically found adjacent to their food court. We saw the first few supermarket bars at the Clark Quay central branch, before we see the concept being expanded to their original Orchard branch in a mid-life refresh.

Tea sector

Got booze

Liquor section

Speaking of booze, this branch also sells liquor, booze, with premium Suntory selections sold behind glass. Notably this branch lacks a dedicated toy section.

Store bargain corners

Face mask

That’s all Donki!

All in all, there is no stopping the penguin invasion. This branch here at Harbourfornt is one of the many to come, with Suntec City and Downtown east in Pasir Ris being the upcoming branches coming on the line-up.

Other Donki branches we explored

Wooftopia Pet Cafe

Fusion

Shaun

-

Saturday, April 3, 2021

0

If doggy pet cafes are your thing, there is one western fusion restaurant in central Singapore worth checking out. At its heart, Wooftopia Pet Cafe is a dog cafe, specifically one targeted to dogs. The pet café is tucked in a quiet row of stores on the entrance row of the Grandstand.

Dine in at Wooftopia is a pet café — Dine in at Wooftopia pet café!

Additionally, the grandstand is otherwise previously known as Turf city, where the sprawling retail and commercial complex is residing on what was the main building of the old Singapore turf club.

Moreover, the restaurant dining areas are spick and span with easy to clean concrete flooring and pet-friendly furniture for your pooch to roam about freely. Also, there are water dispensers and bowls for your pets.

Great fusion selections

Burgers are a main draw here at Wooftopia Pet Cafe and gets a recommendation.

Furthermore, offerings on the menu includes 2 burger options. Recommendations includes their Wootopia chicken burger ($19). It is their Signature double patty grilled chicken burger. It is served with Roma tomatoes, caramelized onions, smokey BBQ on brioche buns.

Wooftopia chicken burger ($19). You get two fillets between toasted buns.

With sides of vege garden salad and fries!

Additionally, their Cheesy Beef burger, also priced at $19. It comes with melted cheese. Both burgers comes doused with melted cheese over your patties and topped with lettuce and tomatoes.

Wooftopia cheese burger ($19) — Wooftopia Cheesy Beef burger ($19).

Moreover, their fish and chips ($17) are also one worth trying here at Wooftopia Pet Café. Though the fish and chip fillets are not as gigantic as Smith’s Fish and chips, it is priced considerably cheaper.

Wootopia fish and chips are not bad for the price offerings. A great value. — Their fish and chips ($17) are not bad for the price offerings. A great value.

Your fish batter tightly pack your fish and not airy. It has an excellent batter to fish ratio and is well cooked. Your main courses are served with sides of fries and a garden salad. The salad is great, fresh and crunchy. They are doused with vinegar for taste. Their fires are one of the less appealing areas, they are tad thin and dry to my liking.

Wrapping up their mains are a selection of pasta, which offers a sizable selection of 8 choices. This ranges from Agilo e Olio to Creamy curry pasta, Bolognese and Carbonara. Prices typically ranges from $16 to $19 per plate, not inclusive of 10% service charge.

A place for your pet

Wooftopia Pet Cafe is a pet cafe which sure puts your pooch feel like at home.

Moreover, pet menus starts from crafting your base meat selection, such as chicken, pork, beef or salmon. You can add in additional vegetables sizes from broccoli, carrots, potatoes or blue berry. Toppings such as garnish sauces and powder are optional. A typical pet’s meal costs about $6.

A pawsome Instagramable sofa photo spots in the cafe.

The dine-in area is quiet and chill, with walls lined with art portraits of dogs. Interestingly, during my visit.In addition, there is also an instagramable sofa where you can take pictures of your dog. The restaurant has a gantry gate at the entrance to prevent your dogs from running out from the restaurant into the streets. Also, there is a small giftshop sections selling an assortment of pet maintenance merchandise, such as brushes and care-kits.

Photo booth

Interior seating areas

Cafe Store

Also, notably, on my visit, I was the only customer on my dine-in on a Friday evening. It’s the best in terms of undivided service attention, though questionable is the survivablity of the establishment. The cash counter has a small selection of cakes, such as rainbow, chocolate and paired with coffee.

Wooftopia Pet Cafe main counter, deli counter and shop.

All in all, if you desire a nice quiet place to dine-in in the central Bukit Timah area with your pet in-tow, I am hard pressed to find any other perfect place than Wootopia Pet Café. The pet-friendly and safe environment with a great menu to boot make its one to go for with your pooch.

Verdict:

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

Wootopia Pet Cafe Locality Map

200 Turf Club Rd,
Unit #01-29,
Singapore 287994
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9pm
Closed on Tuesdays

Intel Driver Bay NUC 11 Compute Element

Computers

Shaun

-

Sunday, March 21, 2021

0

Looking back, we last saw the Intel NUC 9 compute, code named “Ghost/Quartz Canyon” last year. It was a revolutionary product at its launch, building on the Intel NUC tried and tested layout. New for this year is Intel Driver Bay NUC 11 Compute Element. Here is what we know about it so far.

Driver Bay- an incremental CPU and spec refresh

In a nutshell, the compute card unit is sized like a graphics processing unit (GPU) and interfacing with a proprietary daughter board via a PCI-E 16x bus slot. Moreover, this is the first time Intel is doing a refresh of the compute card series.

From the news leaked by chiphell, the 11th iteration see a bump in specs on this similar layout. Currently, what is on offer is a processor refresh from 9th-gen CPUs to the 11th-gen, meaning that we can see the compute card upgrade following an upgrade path of two-CPU generation cycles (Skipping the 10th-gen) per computer card cycle refresh.

An early release of Chiphell points to an 11th gen refresh with a new exterior card design.

On offer are a myriad of 11th-gen “H” series processors from i5 all the way up to an i9-11980HK. The current two other known CPUs in the line-up are the i7-11800H (8 Core, 16 threads), and the i5-11400H (6 Core, 12 threads).

Building on new-gen Tiger Lake H-Series CPUs

Furthermore, the H-series CPUs are performance laptop-class CPUs are primarily used in compact mini PCs. It has an edge over less powerful ultrabook “U” CPUs given a higher wattage, TDU thanks to beefier cooling, such as larger fans and heat sinks which would be unpractical to squeeze into a laptop form factor. Also applying it to a desktop form factor removes allows Intel to respectively raise the wattage ceiling to 45W (boosting to 65W) over the U-series 15-25W CPU equivalents.

Hence, this translate to better system performance. Last year the 9th-gen NUC extreme “Ghost/Quartz Canyons” topped out with the 8-core Xeon 2286M, it is nearly identical in specs (boost CPU clock speed, 8 core and 16 threads ) to the range topping i9-9980HK in the compute element range, with the exception of the lack of ECC RAM support.

Moreover, the new compute element have a different external card casing design (different cooler design) as a differentiating factor but still retains the similar 2x so-dimm and M.2 slots on the computer card. Allowing you a maximum of 64GB (2x32GB) Ram but with support of higher-clocked 3200MHz RAM. Though I would love to see support for 128GB of RAM via 4x on-board so-dimm slots.

Notably, there are no word on whether an 11th-gen Xeon CPU offered in the range at the time of writing to replace the Xeon 2286M on last-gen Quartz Canyon NUC9VXQNX3. Neither is there word yet on a refresh on the external chassis design to able to accommodate GPUs larger than 8-inches in length.

All in all, other than that, the offering are similar of what to expect as an upgrade from the previous gen compute card. that’s missing is information on pricing and a release date. Stay tuned!

Here are the new specs and connectivity in a nutshell:

Intel NUC 11 Extreme Compute Element (Driver Bay) Specs

Intel 11th Generation Gen Tiger Lake-H 45W CPU Options (10nm SuperFin Process)
i9-11980HK (8 Core, 16 threads, max 5.0 GHz clock)- Replacing the NUC9i9QNB.
i7-11800H (8 Core, 16 threads)- Replacing the NUC9i7QNB.
i5-11400H (6 Core, 12 threads)- Replacing the NUC9i5QNB.
Xe Graphics Engine supporting 3 x 4K displays (Intec IJHO Graphics)
Dual channel DDR4-3200 SO-DlMMs, 1.2V. (64GB max via 2 DIMM slots)
3 x M.2 key M slots supporting Gen x4 NVMe/AHCl or SATA3 SSDs
RAID-0/1 and Intel Optane Capable
HDMI 2.0b connector
2 x Thunderbolt- 4 ports
6 USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A connectors
2 x USB 3.1 headers. 2 USB 2.0 headers
Intel 2.5G (i225-LM) and/or 10Gb rear I/O ethernet ports
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX210 x Gbps Bluetooth v5, dual internal antennas
7.1 multichannel digital audio (via HDMI/DisplayPort)
Three-year Warranty

Dessert bowl durian Serangoon

Asian

Shaun

-

Saturday, March 20, 2021

0

Dessert bowl is a dedicated dessert store serving up premium selections in Serangoon gardens. As the name suggests it is a dessert place, little do you know is that they are known for their trademarked durian desserts. Let’s see what’s on offer.

It is situated on the second floor of a shop house unit, across the Village mall where the Simple burgers joint we visited previously. When entering the store for the first time, you be treated to an assortment of model murals. Moreover, the entrance of the store is decked with dioramas of Hong Kong streets, with focus on hawker trade.

One can guess that this is part of a hobby collection which the store owners wishes to proudly display in his store. Also, it is worth noting that the only relation these dioramas have with the establishment is possibly to that of the hawker trade.

Dessert bowl

Hawker dioramas

Interesting detail

Durian Mousse staple

The scent of Durian permeates through the air. It tad a welcome to what beckons ahead. The store offers a choice of ice-based desserts. They thing to go for here would be their Durian Mousse ($5), which comes topped with a scoop of real durian flesh.

Moreover, the durian dessert is available all year round. The fresh fruit is harvested and then chilled or frozen, depending on the season, which ensures Dessert Bowl is never without a constant supply of D24 durian flesh all year round. If you crave durian and ice cream as a post-meal dessert, it is as good as it can get.

Dessert bowl durian with real durian. If you crave durian and ice cream as a post-meal dessert, it is as good as it can get.

Furthermore, your dessert is typically served on a bed of finely crushed ice. It is not “bingsu fine” but the ice offered still finer than that offered by your typical run-of-the-mill dessert place made with crude ice grinder machines.

Red bean ice cream, also served on a bed of crushed ice.

Other nice selections includes their Dessert Bowl’s Mango with ice. Also, the strong Durian Mousse does make any other dessert you have pretty much tasteless. Hence it is advisable to try any other sweet desserts before you go for the durians.

Menu choices, though most would just go for variations of their Durian desserts.

Avoid Dessert bowl on peak supper periods

Moreover, interestingly the store durian pudding is what always draws patrons to the outlet. It is notably always rather crowded late nights especially during supper time when diners are typically done with dinner. Here, queues can snake upwards of an hour wait for a dine in. Which is quite alot to ask for just for desserts.

Dessert bowl can be rather packed on supper times. A let down by large crowds and bad crowd management.

After all, the establishment at its core is a post-meal dessert place serving a variety of chilled ice deserts. However, at their Serangoon outlet, long queues are often a let-down and the store will start turning dine-in away half an hour into closing time. Crowds are exceptionally bad during Fridays and weekends from 9pm onwards. So it is recommended to head there earlier or in the afternoons.

All in all, I would recommend to shortlist Dessert bowl. Their concept and quality of their desserts are fine at an affordable price point. But I find it is let down by large crowds and bad crowd management which diminishes the dining experience or queuing up over an hour just for desserts.

Verdict:

~~Must Go!~~ | ~~Actually pretty Good~~ | ~~Worth Trying~~ | Shortlist Optionally | ~~Should Avoid~~
Dessert bowl Locality Map
80A Serangoon Garden Way,
Singapore 555976
Opening hours: 3pm – 10.30pm
Extended opening hours till 11.30pm on Friday to Sunday.

AnimeJapan 2021 online!

Events

Shaun

-

Monday, March 15, 2021

0

AnimeJapan 2021 online touts itself to be one of the biggest anime events in the world. They are back this year again with a digital format. Given venue and travelling restrictions with the coronavirus affect global travel, the event this year is online. The event is held over the weekend from March 27 (Sat) to March 28 (Sun) 2021

The event comprises of showcase of anime works, stage shows, and anime news presented by the exhibitors online. Notably, in place of a physical event, AnimeJapan 2021 has gone global as an online event this year, broadcasted via video streams to seven countries and regions. This includes US, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. Moreover, this is the first time the event is streamed and made available outside of Japan.

Whats on offer in AnimeJapan 2021

Moreover, AnimeJapan official ambassador for this year’s event is Japanese musician, and actor Takanori Nishikawa. The show have on offer are online live streaming on 45 programs of the latest anime information from AJ Stages/AJ Studio.

Also, this year’s AnimeJapan is an online event over 2 full days from 9am to 6pm (Japan time). Additionally, the event shows are delivered directly via the internet to your location at your own time. Moreover, on-demand streaming is also available, with special English commentary channels introducing programs from AJ Stages live!

Do note that being a Japanese event, some shows are only in Japanese. English translation and subtitles might not be available on some shows.

How to attend

Attending is via online registration to purchase online tickets. The tickets will be available on AnimeJapan’s official website from 13:00 JST, March 1 (Mon), 2021. Single day tickets on 27th or 28th March (Sat or Sunday) costs 3,200 JPY. A 2 Days Ticket cost 6,100 JPY in total.

Moreover, you can catch the scheduled 45 programs streamed from AJ Stages & AJ Studio. Also, you can also have access to additional streams from the exhibitor booths and other online contents. Also, do check back the site on latest updates and schedules on coverage of one of the world’s biggest anime events in Japan.

Burgers at Citrus By The Pool Woodlands

Fusion

Shaun

-

Sunday, March 14, 2021

0

Citrus By The Pool Woodlands is a chill halal western dine-in restaurant in Woodlands, Singapore. The establishment offers a selection of Western and Italian dishes and is tucked within the Woodlands sports and swimming complex compound.

Citrus By The Pool Woodlands offers a good selection of western fusion at a good prices, lets check them out tonight — Citrus By The Pool offers a good selection of western fusion at a good prices, lets check them out tonight!

Interestingly, the restaurant is after all located by the pool, hence the “By the pool” name. It is a Singapore sports council operated sports complex and swimming pool. Transport-wise, the restaurant is within walking distance from Woodlands MRT and Marsiling mall.

Store front

Citrus Entrance

Food counters

Also, EPS parking right at the compound at a wallet-friendly $1.20/hr. Also, seating here is offered in a combination of tabled and booth seating which seats groups up to 4-5 in size. The place accept reservations.

The interior dining area of Citrus By The Pool. It can get rather packed on dinner time.

Great burgers on a budget

Citrus By The Pool Boss burger ($14.90). It is essentially a satay sauce beef burger, with tad a spicy taste — Boss burger ($14.90). It is essentially a satay sauce beef burger, with tad a spicy taste.

At its core, Critus by the pool is a burger joint offering meals on a budget. The main highlight dish here is their burgers. You have a selection of 6 burgers to choose from. It comprises of 2 beef burgers, 2 chicken and a veggie and fish burger selection. I was not able to try their pasta options during my visit. So I be touching on mainly on their burgers this time round.

Da burger Bomb is an extremely value for money option for what you get at the $12.90 price point.

Burger recommendations includes their staple menu options, such as Da burger Bomb ($12.90). It is a large chicken burger topped with a fried egg and juicy patties. Strangely my Bomb chicken burger is served with sliced cheese, think kraft sliced processed cheese. This makes it look tad odd, not to mention make the burger look like a school tuckshop burger.

Boss satay burger

Simple cheese burger

Served with thick fries

Burger bossing around

Also, their main beef burger goes by the “Boss” name. Their Boss burger comes with satay sauce, which is a nice touch for a local flavour on the burger. Moreover, an item exclusive on their digital menu is their cheese burger ($14.90). It is a single patty beef burger similar to the Boss burger, though the names seems to be different on their physical and digital menu, which adds to the confusion when ordering.

You can't get more simple than a cheese burger at Citrus By The Pool. It is a single patty beef burger found only on their digital menu — You can’t get more simple than a cheese burger ($14.90). It is a single patty beef burger found only on their digital menu.

In addition to their Cheese burger, I would also recommend their Shiok Burger chicken burger ($12.99). Their beef patties are great, they crumble and have a hint of being hand-made on site. Additionally, your burgers are served on standard off-the shelf burger sesame-topped bread buns, not too bad and a tried-and-tested recipe. They are lightly toasted and all topped with lettuce and sliced tomatoes.

Additional burgers but less popular options includes Fat prawn ($16.99), Thai fish ($15.99), and a Veggie Wrap. Their Bomb and Cheese burgers gets my recommendations for incredible value, something I would not recommend others if they were to cost over the $20 range. But Critus restaurant $12.90 burger prices (inclusive with fries) does make it a very value and compelling menu offering hard to recommend.

A great price point

Still, Citrus managed to pull off similar quality beef burgers here at a fraction of the cost (About $5 cheaper per burger). This puts Citrus By The Pool in a very good price point for the offerings. $12.90 and $14.90 for your burgers with a side of fries.

Hence, this puts Citrus By The Pool Woodlands in a similar market burger segment such as Wolf burgers and Fatburgers (another Halal burger joint).

However, though Citrus burgers are not premium wood or flame-grilled like the other burger joints we visited at Social Outcast, they still offer good value. Though, notably, their quality of the burgers are not behind the offerings of Fatboys burgers and Jewel’s Shake shack.

Moreover, notably, their menu offerings are similar to that of old habits hipster cafe we visited previously at SAFRA Mt Faber, in a setting is tad similar to the Kampung @ BM located by a swimming pool. Wrapping up their mains are a selection of pasta, which offers a sizable selection comprising of local favorites, such as Tom yum seafood pasta and Salted Egg seafood pasta, both priced at $12.90. Also, their more premium Seafood Aglio Olio sets you back $14.50. Western dishes range from grilled free-range chicken ($14.90) to more premium Beef Ribeye steak ($21.90).

Try their milkshakes

Also, you can’t get any more American then finishing up your burgers with one of their in-house milkshakes. Their ice-cream is airy, one to expect of ice cream priced in their range, think walls or street side uncle ice-cream. They are served with either an Oreo or a wafer chocolate biscuit with your milkshake in-tow. Notably, their ice cream al-la-carte costs $2.10 a pop.

Oreo shake

The spread

Great burgers

Notably, I particularly liked their E-ordering system. Here, you scan a QR code on your phone to place your order phone. What is special is that it syncs the order across multiple devices, so your entire table see the orders on everyone’s phone. Service is generally fast and friendly, with the exception of pushy staff always asking you multiple times during your dine-in to give the outlet a Google review.

All in all, I found their burgers great for the price. They are not outstanding burgers, but not shabby either with a chill ambience to boot.

Verdict:

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

Citrus By The Pool Woodlands Locality Map

3 Woodlands Street
13 Woodlands Swimming Complex,
Singapore 738600
Opening Hours: 11:30am–10:30pm

Din Tai Fung

Asian

Shaun

-

Saturday, March 13, 2021

1

Din Tai Fung is quite a household name in Singapore. It is quite an upmarket-looking dine-in restaurant specializing in Huaiyang cuisine. The establishment has a Taiwanese origin, relying much on heavy restaurant franchising to bring their speciality to the masses.

Xiao long baos are the staple menu offerings in every Din Tai Fung restaurant.

Moreover, history has it that Huaiyang cuisine is one of the Four Great Traditions in Chinese cuisine. Notably, it is derived from the main china native cooking styles from lower reaches of the Huai and Yangtze rivers. Also, Din Tai Fung‘s first restaurant is located on Xinyi Road in Taipei. Moreover, it is worth noting that Din Tai Fung buns grew so popular that the store stopped selling it altogether. Instead, they reorganised their business and became a full-fledged Chinese restaurant from 1972.

Since then, the chain had rapidly expanded to locations around Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, China and Singapore. They are managed by Taster Food Pte Ltd. Notably, we saw one at the Tapiei 101 on our trip to Taipei too. Additionally, I had dined at Din Tai Fung on a couple of occasions, but hadn’t had much the effort to write about my take on their offerings.

Kitchen

Menu

Dining areas

Also considering that their restaurants are always jammed packed with people. Based on the typical diner’s profile, Din Tai Fung mainly targets mainly the middle-class, offering quality food without breaking the bank.

A Traditional Chinese meal for the masses

Furthermore, interiors in Din Tai Fungs are traditional yet decked with a modern touch for the masses. Their interiors are usually lined with wooden panel with a general bright setting. Modern and more space-optimised western style booth seats takes the place of more traditional round tables. Also, this allows the restaurant to take in a large number of customers for a higher customer turnover. No wonder, it is not uncommon to see long snaking queues are most Din Tai Fungs in Singapore.

Food of the trade

Offerings revolves their chain’s favourite dishes, such as their Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao and rice dishes, such as their fried rice. At every restaurant, their Xiao long baos are made to order. Also, you can see them being made at every restaurant behind glass panes with their kitchen viewable from the entrance.

Fried rice

Yusheng specials

Prawn dumplings

In addition, a typical meal affair here revolves recommendations from a full menu selection of Dim sum, including paos, as well as Oriental staples, such as Noodle soups and short grain premium rice bowls.

If fried foods are your fancy, Din Tai Fung fried fritters, a Crispy Golden Prawn Pancake is one to go for. They are fried to crispy brown and is flavorful.

Try their fried rice

Also, you can’t go wrong trying their fried rice topped with sliced fried pork cutlet, and their fried fritters- a Crispy Golden Prawn Pancake. There is just a tad of quality which pleases the senses.

Pork cutlet fired rice. An improvement of a regular staple and heavy enough for a meal on its own.

Also, more soupy dishes includes their Herbal chicken soup with noodles, Sweet and sour soup. Their main dish would of course be their Dim Sum. Recommendation here includes their Steamed Shrimp & Pork Shao-mai, Siew mai.

Sweet and sour soup dish is great for sharing.

Also, their Dumplings in chilli oil are best paired with your noodles and rice dishes as an accompaniment.

Noodle soup

Chicken soup

Oil dumplings

All in all, Din Tai Fung is not tad, with great service and a rather down to earth price too boot. Prices are tad higher than your regular Dim Sum restaurant, but it does make up for it with a great quality of food, despite the relatively small portions. No wonder Singaporeans can’t get enough of it.

Verdict:

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

Din Tai Fung Makan Place Locality Map

Multiple branches around Singapore
The Centrepoint
176 Orchard Rd, #02-55 The Centrepoint,
Singapore 238843
Opening Hours: Daily 11:30am–9pm

Pink Fish Changi Jewel

European

Shaun

-

Sunday, March 7, 2021

0

Pink Fish a casual fast food chain serving rather great quality European staple dishes in the heart of Singapore’s international airport. The establishment is located on the first basement of Changi Airport Jewel mall we visited previously on its opening day. Notably, it sits beside the HSBC rain vortex “flushing bowl”, and a floor above the popular A&W restaurant we dined at a year ago.

Pink Fish Changi Jewel at the basement of Changi Airport Jewel mall — Pink Fish at the basement of Changi Airport Jewel mall. You can’t miss it!

Moreover, Pink Fish puts your head around the concept of healthy fast food. Unlike Subway sandwiches offerings, I am glad to report that the claim of healthy food here is indeed the case here.

Pink Fish Changi Jewel offers european fast food served fresh from the counter, made to order — It European fast food served fresh from the counter, made to order.

Having said that, in typical fast-food style, you place you orders on a counter where they are made to order and served to you at your table. Additionally, service is fast and prompt and your dishes are served within 10 minutes tops for a table of 4.

A must for salmon lovers

Furthermore, on Pink Fish menu is a selection of burgers and rice dishes, with Salmon being their focal point. Also, their selling point are their fresh Salmon, served mainstream as a staple, it does changes the way you think about salmon as an exotic food.

You dishes at pink fish changi jewel are served on small neat metal trays with sustainable cutlery — You dishes are served on small neat metal trays with sustainable cutlery.

Moreover, Pink Fish finds it Norwegian roots as one being hemmed by Geir Skeie. He is the founder and award-winning Chef. Notably, the establishment international flavors are inspired by Skeie’s overseas trips.

Burger choices

Starting up are their less Norwegian selections. On burger selections, recommendations includes their American BBQ burger and the Singaporean Burger. All burgers comes with a 100% Norwegian grilled salmon patty and starts at $9.90.

Pink Fish American BBQ burger — American BBQ burger from $9.90.

Additionally, recommendations includes their American burger loaded with pickles, colesaw, onion cheddar and BBQ sauce. Also, conventional choices also includes their Black Pepper burger topped with black pepper sauce, and mango salsa.

Your burgers are served with chips (not fries) and a soft drink.

I found the salmon patties being the best selling point of the burgers. The rest of it however, is pretty much plain vanilla sliced cheese and lettuce slices. At least the ingredients are fresh.

A local twist

Moreover, there are local takes on their European dishes too, like spicy sauces, and the Singaporean burger is loaded with Sambal slaw, pickled onion, cucumber and salted egg. It is quite a mix. Their burgers are plain, neat and cleanly packed. It has quite a sterile feel to it, though the sliced cheese (instead of melted cheddar) does cheapen the burgers tad bit.

Singaporean burger ($9.90) loaded with Sambal slaw, pickled onion, cucumber and salted egg.

Also, in pure European fashion, where environment and sustainability is key. All dishes and cutlery are paper-based composable. Thankfully, they are not flimsy or difficult to use. Additionally, the fish is from a responsibly farmed source and creatively presented in salads, wraps, burgers, and soups.

Additionally, Pink Fish dining tables are fitted with power outlets. Dedicated seating is available across of the store kitchen with a mix of tabled, booth and high table seating. Notably, Wi-Fi is readily available on its premises.

European “Cai fun”

Additionally, if you love Japanese Salmon Sashimi, a recommendation would be their rice bowls or “Poke”. They are essentially what I like to call European “Cai fun”- a hawker rice staple here in Singapore typically served with a choice of meat and vegetable servings on a bed of rice. Here, your Norweigan “Cai fun” is served in three sizes starting at $10.90 for small, $14.90 for medium and up to $18.90 for the largest.

Japanese Poke $18.90 in large size serving portions.

Also, the same can be called for “cai fun” here at Pink Fish too. Your salmon (meats) are served with sides of greens (salad and beans) sitting over a bed of sticky rice. Also, your dish is also garnished with generous servings of condiments.

I find their rice bowls the better (and more filling) option to their burgers. You get nice fresh servings of salmon cubes infused with sauce. They are really chewy and fresh. It is a joy to consume. But whether you find them best paired with peas or bite sized cucumbers is tad bit of a personal preference. It was odd to me at first, but it offers a rather clean and neat offering which is not bad in taste too.

An Asian offering with a Norwegian take

Moreover, selections includes their Japanese Sashimi Poke, which is like a teriyaki rice set served with ginger edamane and flavored with wasabi and mayonnaise. Also, their Hawaiian Poke takes you on a more tropical offering with Crispy greens, avocado, sesame, chili mayonnaise and mango hot sauce. Lastly, the Mala Poke is a take on local hotpot craze, served with osen egg, bean curd, peas and mala sauce. It is the most spiciest (not spicy) meal on the menu. It has a tangy take, though does take away the taste of the Salmon.

Mala Poke $14.90 in medium size, with beancurd, vegetables and osen egg. — Mala Poke ($14.90) in medium size, with beancurds, vegetables and osen egg.

Lastly, topping up their menu offerings is a Nordic Creamy stew, tad like an ABC stew with celery, carrot, fennel favored with oranges. As well as a classic salad for our vegetarian folks. Additionally, you can make your meal a combo for $4 extra with potato chips and a soft drink. Though I would had preferred actually french fries in place of chips.

In addition, on my visit on a weekday. The dining areas were largely empty, so there are no issues finding a seating area. Also, the area is vast and open, overlooking the HSBC vortex fountain bowl.

All in all, Pink Fish at Changi Jewel is not bad a place in eastern Singapore offering quality Norwegian delicacies and bringing the otherwise premium Salmon staple dish to a more accessible mainstream offering, with a chill and quiet dining area to boot. Definitely one of your shortlist in Changi Jewel.

Verdict:

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

Pink Fish Changi Jewel Locality Map

Changi Airport, Jewel Mall
#B1-261/262
Opening Hours: 11:00AM – 10:00pm daily
Earlier 10:00am opening on Fri, Sat & Eve of PH:

TG Bistro at ORTO

Western

Shaun

-

Saturday, March 6, 2021

0

TG Bistro (Taste Garden) and bar is a western Asian fusion restaurant located at ORTO in the Yishun district. The establishment offers French, Western & Local Cuisine and is a Halal certified restaurant.

The establishment is located just off the main lobby drop off at ORTO Yishun. Let’s check out what the eatery have in store.

Welcome to ORTO

ORTO Map

A Fusion restaurant

TG Bistro touts to indulge you in a wide variety of fusion cuisines via a menu mix of Asian and western dishes. I would focus on the western selection. Choices of three burgers. There are notably also chef favourites, such as pizzas and pastas available the menu which I wasn’t able to try on my visit.

TG Bistro restaurant serves a variety of western choices, like this Chicken teriyaki burger — The restaurant serves a variety of western choices, like this Chicken teriyaki burger.

Try their burgers

Recommended dishes here includes their range of burgers. Their Teriyaki Chicken burger ($15.90) is a grilled chicken burger served a long bread, cheese and egg in Teriyaki sauce. It is paired with waffle chips and a small fresh salad side. The salads and chips are fresh and the bread are lightly toasted which adds a crunch.

Chicken burger is essentially a chicken chop patty tucked between sandwich buns, served with waffle fries and salad — Teriyaki Chicken burger ($15.90) is essentially a chicken chop patty tucked between sandwich buns, served with waffle fries and salad.

Grilled Chicken chop steak with waffle fries ($15.90). Their food quality and price point positions TG Bistro on-par with the offerings at Tenderbest and Collins western grille resturants, but with lower quality offerings than Astons and iSteaks.

TG Bistro Chicken chop served with waffle fries and salad — Chicken steak with Mushroom sauce ($15.90) served with waffle fries and salad.

Moreover, their fish and chips ($16.90) as another worthy contender. The batter is light and thin and comes topped with heaps of fries. In addition to their western menu is coupled with a selection of Asian delights such as those you can find a traditional Asian mamak place.

However, their baked rice is not as fantastic as the rest of the menu. Though their seafood baked rice with special sauce ($13.50) comes with generous serving of squid. But tad an underwhelming dish would be the baked rice.

Seafood baked rice

Sharing Platter

Restaurant Ambience

Ok but not fantastic

Moreover, for big platters, I would recommend their combo platter ($35) and are great for sharing in groups. On offer is a platter of wings, cheese balls, squid rings and topped with fries. Their squid rings are crispy and fresh. Combo platter, do take caution when biting into the cream my cheese balls. It is a viable alternative to pizza for sharing.

TG Bistro Sharing platter ($35). It is a potpourri of fried goodness — Sharing platter ($35). It is a potpourri of fried goodness.

Additionally, service is relatively prompt and responsive. Your food also comes out pretty quickly, within 15 minutes from ordering.

Disappointingly, tap water is not served and you are charged for bottled water. Tad a company policy to make a quick buck or two out of you in a bar which serves alcohol. For the record, restaurants serving alcohol in England and Wales are legally required to give customers free tap water by law. Interesting to note this is not applicable in Singapore.

The ORTO concept

TG bar offers both indoor air-conditioned indoor and outdoor seating. The latter gives you views of an outdoor lake which is also a fishing pond. Also, ORTO at its core is a collection of multiple eateries in one private estate. It is tad like the northern version of Gillman barracks, minus the art galleries and free parking.

Lastly, free parking is offered in the ORTO establishment, comprising of a mix of recreational businesses. Having said that it is quite impossible to find parking lots here and it can be packed till late. Thankfully, ORTO is connected via a short walk from Khatib MRT station about 400m away.

All in all, dining at TG Bistro is not great, though does not disappoint, does not scream out as a “must-go”. Still it is a great place for the lakeside ambience and affordable meal prices. It would be one worth trying if you are around the block.

Verdict:

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

TG Bistro at ORTO Locality Map

Unit #01-02/03
81 Lor Chencharu,
Singapore 769198
Opening Hours: 11am- 11:30pm

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

A cozy pizza joint

Thick, chewy, cheesy

Verdict:

Little Caesars Pizza Funan Locality Map

Botany displays

Natural environment of yesteryears

Taxidermy specimens

Got Tiger?

One to check out on your spare time

Try their coffee pao

Wrapped dumplings goodness

Verdict:

$1.30 Dim Sum Locality Map

Donki in a cruise center

A supermarket (food) Donki

A $1.99 section

Other Donki branches we explored

Great fusion selections

A place for your pet

Verdict:

Wootopia Pet Cafe Locality Map

Driver Bay- an incremental CPU and spec refresh

Building on new-gen Tiger Lake H-Series CPUs

Intel NUC 11 Extreme Compute Element (Driver Bay) Specs

Durian Mousse staple

Avoid Dessert bowl on peak supper periods

Verdict:

Whats on offer in AnimeJapan 2021

How to attend

Great burgers on a budget

Burger bossing around

A great price point

Try their milkshakes

Verdict:

Citrus By The Pool Woodlands Locality Map

A Traditional Chinese meal for the masses

Food of the trade

Try their fried rice

Verdict:

Din Tai Fung Makan Place Locality Map

A must for salmon lovers

Burger choices

A local twist

European “Cai fun”

An Asian offering with a Norwegian take

Verdict:

Pink Fish Changi Jewel Locality Map

A Fusion restaurant

Try their burgers

Ok but not fantastic

The ORTO concept

Verdict:

TG Bistro at ORTO Locality Map

Singapore Places

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