Tag Archives: Singapore

Mar 7

Hediard

G had a craving for a croque-madame and suggested that we eat at Hediard, a cafe and fine foods boutique that feels unabashedly old world with its dark interior and reserved upscale decor.  It was already 2pm by the time we sat down, and the lunch rush (if there was one) was well over.  Other than the Asian bohemian contently sipping coffee by the windowsill, the place was completely ours.  While an empty resto-cafe could have been a warning sign that the food wasn’t up to the standard of the prices charged (the food was great),  at least the ambiance was worth it so far.

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Mar 4

Kazu Sumi-yaki

We recently ate at Kazu Sumi-yaki with our favorite foodie cousins, S & L, and were pleasantly surprised that while the crowds have gotten bigger, the overall quality was still worth the wait and the price.  For grilled meat-on-a-stick cravings, this is still the place to go in Singapore.  Located in sketchy Cuppage plaza (home to waaay too many karaoke/hostess bars), Kazu has been serving up skewered meat for over a decade, but unlike some other once-notable restaurants, the chef/owner can still be seen daily, grilling away in the kitchen.

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Feb 28

Yakiniku Yazawa

Yakiniku Yazawa is a guilty pleasure that we secretly indulge in every few months.  It’s always the same ritual, a tacit nod of approval from the wife, followed by the anticipatory drive over to Mohammed Sultan, with a hurried stroll into the best yakiniku restaurant on the island.  Spur of the moment visits have become harder as the place is now much more popular than when we first visited almost a year ago.  Even on weekdays, reservations are highly recommended.  But a bit of advance planning is worth it for the consistent quality A5 Japanese wagyu.

The Yazawa company in Japan is a wholesaler of beef as well as restaurant operator.  They are known for serving high quality beef at affordable prices, and their first foray in Singapore is no exception.  The A5 grade wagyu  is flown in weekly, chilled, never frozen, which allows diners to enjoy authentic Japanese beef that is almost comparable to what you might eat in Japan.   The selection of cuts changes daily as the beef is brought in whole pieces and sliced here.  The friendly and helpful staff can help you select a good variety for your grilling delight.

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Feb 24

Help Wanted: Bahasa-speaking Mary Poppins

In many countries (such as Singapore), a domestic helper is vey much an integral part of the middle class family.  They frequently work 7 days a week cooking, cleaning, and doubling as nannies.  In fact, it’s not uncommon to have young children be just as attached to their caretaker maid as to mum and dad.  For most, this arrangement works- families gain valuable time to well… do stuff, and the employed helpers earn significantly more (10x +) here than in their native countries.

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