7 Christmas Facts You'd Never Know

Christmas is around the corner, what better ways are there than to boost your Christmas knowledge with some things that you might never think of? Well, have you ever wondered what are the names of Santa's reindeer, or perhaps, what does the candy cane represents?

Here's 7 Christmas facts you'd never know (and to answer your burning questions):

1. Jesus Christ wasn't born on 25th December. In fact, there is no biblical evidence on the exact date of His birth. Before setting the current date to celebrate Christmas, several dates were proposed: January 2, March 21, March 25, April 18, April 19, May 20 (my birthday!), May 28, and November 20.

Source: here

Coffee: NOWHERE @ West Coast Plaza, Singapore

When Coffee: Nowhere came to occupy the huge, empty space left by Fish & Co during mid-2014, I was like "Hallelujah,  praise the good Lord, now we have more cafes in my vicinity". However, it was not until recently that we decided to have our lazy Saturday brunch at this Malaysia-based cafe. Their interior was spacious, with their kitchen and counter right in the middle. Unlike many cafes which discourage diners to chill and study there, Coffee: Nowhere have more than enough seats due to their spacious concept. But when all the seats are packed and you're the only one mugging on your lecture notes, be automatic a bit lah. By the way it is Coffee "Now Here", not Coffee "No where" hor. 

Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls

Second only to bacon, the smell of cinnamon bread baking in your oven is so damn irresistibly awesome. If you're tired of eating cinnamon rolls that are rock-hard on the outside, dry and tasteless on the inside, you should really try this awesome recipe by the kitchen goddess, Laura Vitale! Although the process may be slightly long and messy, the result is definitely worth the wait (and mess, well.. until your mum scolds you for making a mess). 

Platypus Kitchen @ Bugis, Singapore

Platypus Kitchen has been on my to-visit list since their opening in 2012, but for unknown reasons (perhaps due to being a broke uni student) I didn't visit them. While eateries selling western cuisine is aplenty, Platypus Kitchen distinguishes itself with its array of handmade pastas (apparently the largest selection in Singapore) and creative gourmet creations at reasonable prices. Besides Platypus Kitchen, the Platypus restaurant group owns several other eateries, which also focuses on modern cuisine with Mediterranean and Italian influences.

Loacker's 90th Anniversary: NEW Raspberry Yoghurt Flavour

Loacker needs no additional introduction. Their iconic Italian wafers packed inside familiar packaging designs have lined the shelves of local supermarkets for as long as limbeh could remember. Recently, my best bud, Fernando (with the silent "o") and I were honoured to be invited for the launch of Loacker's new flavour, and to savour Loacker-inspired desserts at Two Bakers, a quaint bakery-cafe located at Horne road. Check out our experience here:

Old Habits @ Telok Blangah Rise, Singapore

They said "old habits die hard". Indeed, this quaint cafe - located in the sleepy neighbourhood of Telok Blangah Rise - may possess just the habit of collecting treasures from the past. If you are a 90s (like limbeh) or 80s babies, or even earlier, get ready to be mesmerise by a deep sense of nostalgia. The first non-coloured gameboy, the legendary 好公民 textbook that everyone hates, SEGA saturn, old film rolls, and even the table are actually made from old sewing machines! Nostalgia game sibei strong sia. The cafe is the brainchild of Donovan and Selena, an extremely friendly couple who greeted and introduced us to the menu with great enthusiasm. Together with the retro decor, it seems like a winning combination, let's check out the food!

Bon Cafe @ Pattaya-Naklua Road, Thailand

Pad thai, green curry, tom yum goong..? If you're bored of eating these local food in Pattaya, why not head to Bon Cafe for some American-styled breakfast? Opened as a franchise by a Swiss businessman, Bon Cafe, which features al-fresco dining, has a large, lovely space decorated with glass table-tops and rattan chairs, and could seat more than 50 people. From our recent trip, customers are evidently Caucasian men in their late 50s, accompanied by their browner counterparts (aka Pattaya girlfriends). Oh ya, the location to this cafe is not a hassle as it is located at the main roads of North Pattaya, otherwise, ask the ang-mohs. I'm pretty sure Bon Cafe is their hot-spot for bringing their one-night dates for breakfast after a night of excitement. Do what? Watch movies la, you dirty-minded sia.

Recipe: Homemade White Sandwich Loaf

Bread is so fun to make, I swear. Before this, I thought I would need a bread maker to literally make a bread. But oh hell no, this recipe is so darn easy (even for a cooking noob) and requires only your good o' oven. The result? Simply amazing - a nice crusty exterior with a soft, fluffy centre. 

Health Guide: Protecting Yourself from the Haze

If you are still wondering why Singapore looks like a scene in the horror film - Silent Hill now, it is because of the haze. In Southeast Asia, particularly in the months between May and October annually, haze has become a serious and recurring problem due to forest fires. These fires are caused mainly by land clearing and “slash and burn” agricultural practices in Indonesia, particularly Sumatra and Kalimantan.

Singapore has experienced similar haze, the worst prior to the current one was in 1997, when the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) index peaked at 226.

Photo Courtesy from The Straits Times

I know, I know, no one likes the haze. Every piece of clothing, every item and every place smells like burnt otah (spicy fish cake), even my university orientation to Sentosa got cancelled because of the haze, which scores the highest in the PSI on that day itself. Now, instead of whining and complaining about how slow the governments from both sides are resolving the haze issue, it is time to be more resilent. Oh, regarding the more political matter, despite the what-seemed-to-be "unapologetic" Indonesia ministers, I am sure that our government is working on it, they are not magician that could make rain clouds appear to wash down the haze.

Buta God @ Bugis+, Singapore

Ramen Champion first opened its doors at Bugis+ in 2011, and has since garnered the attention of many ramen lovers as well as ramen chefs, who competing for the annual title of "Iron Chef". Amongst the six stalls which are currently helmed by professional chefs from different regions of Japan, is Buta God, or in English terms - God of Pork. Hence, it is not surprising that tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen is their speciality and comes in all types of variants, such as their Tonkotsu Truffle Ramen, Fuwa-Fuwa (Cloud) Ramen, and even, Tom Yum Cheese Ramen (I wonder how this would taste). Here's my virgin experience at Buta God. ITADAKIMASUUUUUUUUU.

7 MUST-VISIT Places in Pattaya, Thailand

Pattaya got things to see meh? That's what we thought before our trip in July 2015, but after that, our lives are changed forever. Okay, that's exaggeration but trust me, Pattaya is gorgeous and it's no wonder why many Caucasian men choose it as their top holiday spot. Well, besides for the company of Thai ladies, I'm sure. In the morning you can stroll along the long stretch of sandy beaches, while at night, there is the famous Walking Street or you could chill out at one of the many bars or cafes along the beach. Without further ado, here's a list of 10 places you must visit when you're in Pattaya!

Roast Coffee and Eatery Part II @ Thong Lor, Bangkok

And.. we are back to Roast! During our recent trip to Thailand, we decided to bring two new friends from Hong Kong to try out what they have to offer. Nothing much had changed since two years ago (probably their menu) on my last visit, Roast is still a gastronomical haven for both coffee and brunch lovers, serving a selection of tantalising international dishes and caffeine crafted by the hands of their seasoned barristas. Amidst their decorations of mostly rustic wood furniture, small pots of greenery, and artistic art pieces hanging from their high ceilings, lies the pride of Roast - a full fledged roast machine glistering in the colours of golden black.

SG50: Happy Birthday Singapore!

As the whole of Singapore usher its 50th jubilee year, it has really got me thinking that it is indeed a blessing to reside here in this shiny red dot. From a fishing kampong (village), Singapore has now evolved in a matter of just half of a century, to one of the world's most successful cities. Typical of a Singaporean, one might argue, ya la, Singapore laws are very strict, we kenna (got) fine for everything ah, CPF cannot take out ah, housing and COE (certificate of entitlement, for vehicles) so expensive ah, and why our "world-class" transport always break down especially when limbeh (modernly used as "I") is late for school or work. But did you once think that in some countries, they do not even have public transports and because their government bochup (do not care), rapes and murders happen commonly.

Image credit: behance.net

As a food blogger, of course food is something I thank for, every single day. Food is our common language. Right here in Singapore, we are blessed to have hawker centers and kopitiams - a one-stop convenience to house delicious treats from different cultures (thank you Singapore for multi-racialism), and at affordable prices too. Moreover, we have 24-hours eateries across the island. Even at 4am in the morning, we won't have to worry about getting hungry. Within a one, or perhaps two kilometer radius, confirm plus chop there's one stall opened throughout the night.

Singapore is known to be one of the safest country in the world (and one with very few/zero natural disasters). It is comforting to know that you don't have to be worry about your belongings and life all the time. Although it is not recommended, people use hand-phones, laptops, and other valuables to chope seats (Singapore's system of booking seats) too. I don't feel that strangers are gonna grab me at the back and gay-rape me or rob my few dollars. Coming home from abroad, I always feel safe. However, having said that, it doesn't mean there's zero crime here. It is, of course, always better to take good care of yourself and your possessions no matter where you are.

Definitely, there are more things to give thanks for - (generally) transparent government, clean and green initiatives, diverse multi-cultural scenes, accommodation that looks like lego-blocks, public facilities within walking distance from home and many more. Sometimes, I just felt that instead of complaining for what we do not have, we should appreciate what we have, because somewhere in the world right now, people are fighting wars, people are starving from a lack of food, people are being ostracized from their own societies, people are dying from diseases, and people are wishing for a life like yours.

P.S. I'm not a saint, I still complain like crazy some times. It's just a thought which I too, constantly remind myself.

Anyway, not to sound so somber.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE! I hope I can live long enough to celebrate your hundredth birthday. Here's to a better government, more awesome food, and a brighter future for Singapore. HUAT AH!

Recipe: Curry Chicken with Toast Box Asian Delights

To commemorate Singapore's 50th year, Toast Box has recently launched their Asian Delights ready-to-cook paste, which features the nation's all-time favourite: Curry Chicken, Mee Rebus, Mee Siam, and Laksa. 

These little packet of babies are good for 2-3 persons, and contain no artificial trans fats and coloring. The best thing is that only a little preparation is needed to whip up an impressive meal for your family and friends.

La Baguette @ Naklua-Pattaya, Thailand

Situated along Naklua road in Northern Pattaya, La Baguette is obviously a French-style (because they "la" almost everything) patisserie and cafe that serves top-notch brunch and desserts. We were there during one god-darn hot Saturday and was relieved to sink our asses down on the cushioned seats in the air-conditioned area. If you enjoy the heat of Pattaya or happened to be there when it's cooler, you could sit outside in their al-fresco dining area. With its delectable specialities they have to offer, it is not difficult to comprehend the crowd-size that mostly includes tourists and locals (from Bangkok).

La Baguette is opened in 1998 by Woodlands Group, which owns a number of restaurants and hotels, including La Ferme and Woodlands Hotel and Resort (located just beside La Baguette). I swear I wouldn't mind eating here everyday during my stay, it would probably take weeks to try out everything given their wide array of breads, crepes and other pastries. Oh, they sell some really cutesy sweets and cookies, which are really perfect for gifts. 

Food Tasting: Full of Crab @ East Coast Road, Singapore

I don't usually travel to the East all the way from the West, and when I do, it better be worthwhile, and Full of Crab is definitely one reason to head down. Located along the stretch of East Coast Road (opposite Holy Family Church), Full of Crab is a American-styled restaurant that whips up seafood in their signature sauces, such as the cajun and fully loaded sauce. Even idiots know that crabs are obviously the emphasis at Full of Crab, that's why they have Sri Lankan, Snow and King crabs served right here.

SabX2 Wanton Noodles @ Soi Petchburi 19, Bangkok

Arguably the most famous wanton noodle stall in Bangkok, SabX2 Wanton Noodles is nestled at Soi Petchburi 19 Pratunam market, just opposite Platinum Mall. If you can't find it, simply just ask anyone in the area, most probably they will point you in the right direction. Because, they are just famous, and because of this one reason, you better be prepared to queue up. We were there on a weekday morning at 10am, and it took about 15 minutes to order the food. But this is how the queue would look like if you come one hour later on a weekday. Oh, this is half the queue only.

Food Tasting: IPPIN Cafe bar @ Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore

Nestled along the stretch of Mohamed Sultan Road, IPPIN cafe bar serves unpretentious home-cooked Japanese meals along with imported teas and alcoholic drinks. The interior is cozy and home-styled with a touch of industrial design and simplicity, and even house a beautiful sake bar and kitchen. Besides meals, IPPIN is also a small, atas Japanese mama-shop, which you can get your Japanese essentials at one place. 

This cafe bar was first introduced to Singapore by Ayumi Fujishiro with the intentions of helping her father set up IPPIN in October 2014. We had a short chat with the lady herself, and was astonished to find that she actually speaks Singlish despite the short exposure. Uh uh siol, not bad sia.

Merry Men Kitchen and Bar @ River Valley, Singapore

Opened by four unlikely friends, who came from different career backgrounds (lawyer and physiotherapist? Wow.), the concept of their brainchild - Merry Men Kitchen and Bar is fairly simple, and that is to provide a platform for friends to gather, relax and unwind after a long day of work. Of course, the act of unwinding is not unwinding without good and affordable food, accompanied by a few jugs of good imported beer at the river-side. Sounds like a perfect place to hang out on a Friday night? It sure is. If you're there on a weekend morning or afternoon, do expect leng lui's jogging with their dogs, but obviously that is not the main focus. If you know what I mean.

Just the Place @ Punggol Settlement, Singapore

Punggol is a beautiful place, in fact, it is well-developed now (although a bit ulu la) as compared to other coastal areas such as the east coasts. Besides newly-built HDBs, Punggol now boasts several entertainment spots, like cycling/jogging tracks, prawning facilities and a hell lot of cafes and restaurants. We were there cycling one Sunday afternoon and we decided to pop by some of the cafes to try them out. Just the Place might be just the place you are looking for a quick break to have some bites, or simply just to chill the shit out on a hot weekend afternoon with some brunch... or well, beer on a Friday night. Albeit being just a year old, this cafe has already gathered a steady stream of followers.

"Our food is wholesome like German cooking with French finese and always served with the warm hospitality of the Italians."

Grin Affair @ Everton Park, Singapore

Tuck away under a HDB at Everton Park since 2011, Grin Affair serves their offerings in beautiful glass jars wrapped with recycling paper. It doesn't take a genius to guess that they are into the recycling initiative. This petite cafe is opened by Jody Ang, a self-taught baker whose love for handicraft blossomed into a profession. 

At Grin Affair, they encourage you to return the used jars, in return of freebies, like dried fruits or even more cakes! It's definitely a marketing strategy, but one that promotes the well-being of Mother Nature. Moreover, their creations are all made of natural ingredients and no artificial colouring and flavouring. For starters, go for their best sellers of mousse cake selection with various flavours, such as Hazelnut ($6.50) - gorgeous layers of soft sponge cake layered with crunchy crumbs and fresh cream. It doesn't look fancy, but does pack a bite full of textures and flavours.

Backstage Cafe @ Kallang Way, Singapore

Backstage Cafe is located at a industrial park in Kallang Way, somewhere between Kallang and Aljunied. Although it does sound slightly ulu, the ambience is beautifully crafted, accompanied by a spacious, industrial-style interior and high ceilings - definitely the kind of place where you can chill and watch the world goes by. One of the best things with cafes appearing in neighborhood locations is that people do not rush you. Ya know? Sometimes, you just wanna shout "kua simi kua?!"

+39 Gelato Bar @ Circular Road, Singapore

Nestled within the vibrant Circular Road, the newly opened +39 Gelato uses state-of-the-art gelato machines to craft up the most delicate desserts in their rustic and industrial-inspired bar. Of course, machines are one thing, these highly-skilled gelato chefs make their prized babies in-store on a daily basis, so you won't need to worry about stale, overnight gelato. Moreover, the natural and high-quality ingredients are sourced only from the best. It all sounded really exaggerated. Until you try them.

Food Tasting at Harry's Bar @ Boat Quay, Singapore

Today limbeh is introducing a new place for brunch in the CBD. Harry's bar, better known for its bar grubs and alcohol, has recently launched their breakfast and brunch menu (available from 8am to 10.30am daily). This is definitely good news for office workers who might want a switch from their usual kaya toasts and soft-boiled eggs at nearby kopitiams. If that is not a good reason to attract you, how about its location at boat quay with a 5-star view of the Singapore river matched with some river breeze on a hot day. Oh yeah.

Tonkatsu Bistro by Ma Maison @ Westgate, Singapore

Wassup bruh. Recently we visited Tonkatsu - a new venture from Ma Maison, which specialises in Japanese pork cutlet (duh). As we were ushered to our seats, the staff, like most authentic Japanese restaurants, echoed our arrival. The interior, which feature both outdoor and indoor seating, was beautifully decorated with wooden furniture and Japanese paintings. Simplicity at its best. 

Ricciotti Pizza Pasta Grill @ The Star Vista, Singapore

Nestled at a lovely corner at The Star Vista, Ricciotti Pizza Pasta Grill is a casual, home-style Italian restaurant that serves more-than-decent Italian cuisine  (duh). On top of their branches at China Square and Riverwalk, the outlet at Buona Vista features a contemporary setting with sleek wooden furniture and an Italian-inspired wall mural. There is also a nice alfresco dining place - a relaxing ambience for chilling out at night.

#RememberingLKY

As the nation comes together to mourn for our late Mr. Lee Kwan Yew, we would like to encourage our readers to remember this great man. 

With his foresight and his team of political leaders (not to mention the fellow Singaporeans), Singapore rose from a third-world kampong village to a first-world global trade-hub within 50 years. No doubt that it is a good 91 years fully spent, I wouldn't even dare to think that I would achieve half of what he did within my lifetime. Implementing the HDB plans to house the nation, developing the transport systems and urban landscape, while maintaining the infrastructure for both greenery and recreation, and on top of that, with the power to affect 5-million lives, were not simple tasks. 

Understanding that Singaporeans have this stereotype that we love to complain (especially the rising cost of living and MRT breakdowns), we should take another viewpoint instead. Will you rather live in a third-world country, where people do not even have the basic necessities, such as a roof over their heads and food to fill their bellies? Learn to give thanks people. Ultimately, whether you are supportive of LKY or not, there's one thing for sure - the Singapore we have today will not be the same without him.

"I have spent my life, so much of it, building up this country. There's nothing more that I need to do. At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore. What have I given up? My life."

Thank you for your contribution, Mr. Lee. 

Your legacy will be passed onto many generations.

Recipe: Making the Perfect Rosti

Do you know that rosti is the national dish of Swiss? The reason is simple - rosti is amazing stuff. You can eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's not exactly healthy, but it is delicious as hell, and super easy to make. If you are craving for Marche's rosti one fine day, tell you what, make it yourself.

Why leh? 

(1) A hell lot cheaper, and (2) a hell lot better. 2 reasons enough or not?

Supreme Pork Chop Rice (一品排骨饭) @ Beach Road, Singapore

Despite being constantly on the move, loyal customers never fail to track its location down within a short while. The reason is simple - reasonably-priced and good food. Moreover, it's location near the Bugis and City Hall area makes it a popular dining place for office workers. Recommendations from one of my dear friends led us here one weekday afternoon. Fortunately, it was not at all crowded at around 4pm. Besides the popular pork chop, this eatery specialises in fish fillets and other Taiwan-inspired dishes as well.

Griddy Gourmet Waffles @ Westgate, Singapore

Since Westgate opened its doors a few years ago, I have been frequenting Griddy Gourmet Waffles, a hidden gem specialising in waffles. Did you really think waffles are for desserts only? At Griddy, it's your standard Western cuisine. With a slight twist - just imagine having your burgers, with the burger buns replaced with savoury-sweet waffles. Ingenious.

Oh! For the wallet-conscious, their items are very, and really affordable. Most of their mains are priced around S$10 on average, plus you could add a few bucks to size up your meal with a drink and dessert waffle/chicken drumlets!

Recipe: Breakfast Scrambled Eggs Croissant

Weekends are coming! Spoil yourself with some really easy croissant paired with fluffy and luscious scrambled eggs, and some cheesy cheddar. Christmas mornings are over, but that doesn't excuse you from making this super awesome recipe. 

If you are adventurous enough to make your croissant from scratch, this beautiful recipe by Izy (from Top with Cinnamon) is highly recommended. Otherwise, you could simply just get any ready-made or store-bought croissants, which could save you A LOT of kitchen work. But well, you just don't get as much satisfaction with the final product.

Movie Review: Dragon Blade

I am a big fan of any movies starring Jackie Chan (not that I am a Chan too). His witty and delicate martial art moves, with a dose of humour, are always big selling points for this veteran actor. What if he was stripped of the humour, and put into an ancient looking garb? Well it's up for one to judge.

Nomsaurus gave Dragon Blade

This review MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.

Directed by Daniel Lee, the 127-minute movie features Chan, who played Huo An, commander of the peace protection squad of the historical Silk Road - a land divided among 36 countries. Before he knows it, his squad is caught in a turmoil  and power struggle between a runaway troop, lead by General Lucius (played by John Cusack) and the Roman empire, headed by a ridiculously evil consul, Tiberius (played by Adrien Brody).

Recipe: Broccoli and Razor Clams in Silky Egg White Sauce

Tearing your brains out just to figure what to cook for your New Year's lunch or dinner? Well, fret not because here's a simple recipe that one could whipped out no more than 15 minutes. 

This recipe is contributed by my dear mother, who turns simple ingredients into magic since I was born. We had this can of razor clams from New Moon, and she turned it into an awesome home-made dish, featuring florets of broccoli, chopped carrots and well, obviously, the clams. Boom!

Chinese New Year Do's and Don'ts

In a blink of an eye, or maybe two, Chinese New Year is here around the corner again! First things first - to all my dear readers, I wish you a Happy Lunar New Year 2015! To display my utmost gratification and how I appreciative I am, I made a picture of a goat holding Gong Xi Fa Cai for you.

Anyway! Do you know that Chinese believe that the start of the year is essential in deciding your luck for the rest of the year? Hence, there are some things you should and should not do during this period.

Provision Shop @ Everton Road, Singapore

We were on a cafe-hopping trip at Everton Park, where dozens of hidden gems reside, when we dropped by Provision Shop, a charming and humble cafe, furnished with trendy wooden furniture amidst a tinge of nostalgia - even the name of the cafe struck me with sentiments from my childhood days. They even used the milo tin for tips!

Movie Review - I Fine, Thank You, Love you

It's the end of my examinations, and that means work, work, and work to pay off my tuition fees. Ah, what a bother, but I will promise to update my beloved blog at least once a week now. Recently, I managed to watch the latest Thai romance-comedy on screen, named none other than "I Fine, Thank you, Love you" (pronounced with a Thai accent).

Nomsaurus gave I Fine, Thank You, Love you

This review MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.

Directed by Mez Tharaton, this movie is brilliant in many ways. It's hilarious, witty, yet encompasses a touching side of the story. Featuring Ice Preechaya Pongthananikorn, who starred in the highly-rated thai comedy - ATM, she played as Pleng, a English tutor for Gym (played by Sunny Suwanmethanon)'s ex-girlfriend Kaya (played by AV actress - Sora Aoi). When Kaya left Thailand to work in the United States, Gym wishes to join her there and reconcile with her, but first, he has to learn English from scratch. Pleng was blamed for Kaya's succession, and was coerced to tutor Gym.

Brotzeit @ Vivocity, Singapore

Happy new year, readers! It's been almost three weeks into the brand new year, yet I am still found myself half buried in my examinations. Nevertheless, here's one for any pork knuckle lover!

Brotzeit has been in Singapore for awhile, but only recently found myself having my virgin experience at this German bar and restaurant - which never fails to boast a snaking, long queue during dinner times. Now, I haven't been to the other outlets, but the Vivocity branch has a good combination of service and ambience amidst its "chillaxing" (if there's such a word) al-fresco dining.

Do you know that the expression "Brotzeit" translated to English is actually "bread-time"? What's a typical German meal without authentic Germany-imported alcohol? Choose among a wide range of alcoholic beverages, such as lager and weissbier, to accompany the traditional Bavarian cuisine, infused with a touch of modern Germany.