Review: Taiwan's most popular fried chicken! 好大哦

Hot-Star large fried chicken has arrived! (okay, long ago)
But, its only recently that I got to try it, I'm slowwww
If you've been to Taipei's Shilin Night market, you've known that Hao Da Da has a long queue....
I remembered when I was there in 2011, I queued for this piece of chicken in the COLD WINTER.
TBH, I thought it tasted so so lor.

Went to the one at Ion Orchard.

 Super big!

Back then in Taipei, I shared the chicken fillet with my bro.
In Singapore, I shared it with my bf.
I think its just too big for myself to finish.
Anyway, I have to say that the chicken fillet was just normal.
Sure it's huge, sure the meat was not bad, but the real taste comes from the seasoning!
In fact the crispy skin didn't taste nice when I ate the part without seasoning!
-___-
The bits of bones also made it hard to messy to eat too.
Try it if you havent, but remember to drink lots of water after that :)

Review: Canele

Nothing beats sitting in a restaurant of cafe, chilling and chatting.

Was at Plaza Sing, and decided to head to the extension side for a walk.
Impromptu tea break at Canele.
Awesome dining location.
I highly recommend this place.

No classic iced chocolate, so we settled for: chestnut latte

chestnut latte: sweet

YUMS!!!

looks like a good deal!

this is taken by a dslr. 

If I've more time and the money, I'd like to relax and chill in different cafes, enjoying my drink and meals.
Sometimes Singapore gets so boring, you dont know what to do.
Canele is a good solution for you.
Rather price-friendly too.
And the triple choc cheesecake, was heavenly, and its best shared with someone (unless you really really love cakes)
I can't gobble the whole cake down cause it gets over empowering on your tastebud.
Eat things in moderation :)
Till then.

Review: Chiso Zanmai

Its the CHRISTMAS WEEK!
Went to one of the cheapest Japanese buffet in town.
Chiso Zanmai is located at the Central, Clarke Quay.
Its weekday lunch cost $14.99++; free flow drinks cost $1.99++ per pax.
Sashimi are not served during weekday lunch.
Did not make a reservation, and was seated near the buffet serving area.

Not a bad seating, because you can easily take food, but I really prefer sitting by the window where the sunlight is.
Lunch buffet starts at 12pm-3pm, and I made my way slightly around 12pm.
By then, there was quite a long queue

matcha tofu - not bad

the visuals of the desserts table enticed me, BUT, the tastes did not

logcakes anyone?

didn't get to try the mochi :X

cha soba

mocha

i dont like the vanilla ice cream. by the time i took it to my table, it became like this.

I was full, but it wasn't a fantastic buffet meal.
But, considering the price I paid, it was a good enough meal with more variety than what an ala-carte meal can offer.
You may wish to check out Chiso Zanmai during the xmas season!

6 Eu Tong Sen Street  #02-17 Central @ Clarke Quay, Singapore 059817
6221 3177

Christmas with Coach

I used to think Coach bags are for aunties.
The C designs did not appeal to me at all.
But, the videos by Michelle Phan changed my mind about Coach.



I just got hooked on Coach bags T.T
Look at how pretty the Cherry-coloured Legacy Archival Top Zip Satchel is!!
It looks practical for the amount of stuffs I need to put it.
There's even a mini purse at the side for you to put your coins.
I always believe that a good design is one that serves the need of the consumer.
The compartments in the bags are good for the items that ladies these days carry around!

Coach has just came out with the Holiday Collection.
I love how they've transformed themselves with the colourful bags and items.
At least this is fit for girls and women alike!

$398 USD

I like how the prices are rather befitting for a student like me.
But, it's only this cheap if I live in the US :(
the same bags sold in Singapore are like double the prices in US -.-

Review: Ichiban Sushi @ Clementi Mall

Had a really full meal at Ichiban Sushi today.
Thanks for the free meal :P

Ichiban Sushi offers many combinations of Japanese food.
It ranges from bentos, to set meals, to sushi on conveyor belt.

affordable prices

ordered the clam & veggies soup set, which comes with chawanmushi, terriyaki chicken on the rice, SASHIMI!!, and watermelons
I highly recommend the sashimi!
It was soooo good - the thickness was just nice (rather generous i must say), and the texture was really smooth.
I don't really like eating raw food, because my stomach is not strong enough
but when I tried the sashimi my eyes lighted up hahaha
Possibly one of the best sashimi I've eaten lor!
I dipped a piece into the hot soup to cook it, and it was fantastic as well.
Yumz, good choice to go into Ichiban Sushi :)
The chawanmushi was average I guess, but the rice with the terriyaki sauce was above average.
Costs around $20 inclusive of GST.

All in all, a good dining location if you happen to be in Clementi!
Thumbs up!

Review: Kim Dae Mun Korean Cuisine

Looking for cheap Korean food in Singapore?

You've came to the right page. 

Kim Dae Mun Korean Cuisine serves affordable korean cuisines.

But take note, this is not set in a restaurant or a standalone stall.

It's hidden in a foodcourt, right in town.

Don't say I never intro good lobangs :D

I've been here quite a number of times.

Mostly when I crave for Korean food.

And with its affordable price and decent food, it's not a bad choice.

Prices are around the range of $6-8

My saba fish set costs only $6.50

WHERE TO FIND?

No GST somemore lor!

The Saba Fish has a crispy skin and is soft in its flesh.

Too bad I couldn't finish it because the fish was just too big for me!

The set comes with a soup and rice.

100 Orchard Road Concorde Hotel Level 1 Food Court

This is a place for those on a budget!

Review: Prata and Ci Gusta!

Headed for the Commonwealth Prata again.
Blogged about it in the previous post
Love the curry there - spicy and delicious.
But bad for my stomach -.-
Anyway, an egg prata is a must order there!
Costs $1.50 (expensive a not?)

hehe, ate a mouth before taking a photo. i'm so sorry.

Ordered the teh tarik too :) which was not bad.

the curry that is the bomb!

meh, this mee goreng wasn't nice (N)

If you're looking for a non-crowded prata place, you know where to go!

Al Falah Food Corner in Block 75, Commonwealth Drive

After prata, we headed to IKEA.
Wanted to buy a mattress protector, but I can't decide on my own.
I don't usually buy furniture without my parents in tow.
(because they'll tell me which is good, or bad; and of course pay for it :X)

Saw the hungrygowhere reviews about an ice cream store in Anchorpoint, which was opposite IKEA Alexandra.

ci gusta! stands for “We Like It!” in Italian and is synonymous with authentic Italian artisan desserts made with premium ingredients. This dessert franchise from Italy offers more than 10 flavours of gelato that are highly customisable with toppings and fresh fruits.

Apparently it's a franchise store from Italy.

Looked at the flavours they've to offer below!

Seriously, I wished I'd brought my compact camera everywhere I go.
But I'm just too lazy.
All the photos in this post are taken by my HTC camera.
Some shots look decent, but some are not - LIKE THE ONE BELOW :(

Wanted to capture what I ordered -.- but what's with the lines GAHHH

I love the Chocolate Brownie Fudge, but the peach mango was just so-so.

$3.90 for 2 flavours. 

I guess this is kinda worth, given that they gave us quite a generous amount.
There wasn't much people in the outlet when we were there, at around 8+pm.

I'm not exactly fascinated by the flavours they offer.
Me thinks that some flavours (like the salted caramel, berries sorbet) didn't taste well on my tastebuds.
I still prefer my icecream at Tom's Palette.
Anyone?

A guide on gifts for boy(-)friends

Christmas is around the corner, so so is new year, your monthsary, anniversary, bf/guyfriend's birthday blah blah.
I figure now's a good time to talk about what to give them!
This list is non-exhaustive, neither does this apply to ALL guys.
Just giving some inspiration, in case you don't know what to give!
Of course, set a budget for yourself, so you'd know what to source first!

PS: This is not a sponsored post!

• Tees

I think this is a really practical gift, but only if you know what kind of style he likes! (Plus know his size la)

For example, what kind of designs does he like on his tee? I can't guarantee I can choose a design that my bf likes. Sometimes his choice of design amazes me (childish!), but hey, if he likes it, so be it! In fact, childish designs may look cute on him XD

My bf bought a lot of tees from bkk, and I really think the designs are good - so are the qualities.

If you're looking for tees in Singapore, I suggest heading to Praise at Bugis Junction. 

• Watches

Find out what kind of watches he likes - digital? analog? square-shaped? round-based?

Why not buy a design that he does not have, yet you know it'll suit him?

I used to like guys who wears stainless steel analog watches. Now, leather straps works better for me.

I think nice watches adds masculinity to men hahahah

Here are some designs that I think look nice (on my bf :P)

You may want to head over to Zalora.sg to take a look, insert your budget and let them work out what is good.

ARBUTUS 401.30 SGD

ARBUTUS 481.50 SGD

• Shoes

I hate men who wears slippers (warning to bf). I mean there's so many different kinds of shoes, why must you wear that? Other shoes are comfortable too, like the loafers! Its easy to slip in and slip out of it, just like slippers. So, no excuse ah! I won't mind my bf wearing slippers, if he chose a more decent pair (not an ahpek looking Aldo shoe LOL)

We walked around BKK looking for men loafers but they quote ridiculous prices - 1000baht++; that's like $40++

I'd rather he buy it in Singapore! At least you can hunt the seller down and tell them if your shoes spoilt!

Here're some loafers choices from Zalora.sg

Suede Mocassin Loafers with Tie 55.30 SGD

Sneakers, slip ons are cool too

wakai slip on shoes: $30++

• Bags

Another functional item that they'll appreciate! 

If you bf/guy friend is studying, buy a backpack! I'd love to get a backpack for my bf, but I think a working bag is a better choice for him.

For backpacks, I suggest Herschel Little America Mid-Volume

It's roomy and fully-padded to protect items and gadgets.

159.00 SGD

Consider getting a laptop bag for him too.

The Anderson Macbook pro 15 looks good don't you think so?

Its flexible, durable, shock absorbing, and recyclable

Anderson Macbook pro 15 89.00 SGD

 Another alternative would be the messenger bag.

I've found this Converse messenger bag, selling for less than $50.

I LOVE RED. LOL, not sure about other men 

Converse Basic Heritage Messenger Bag 49.90 SGD

If you don't feel like splurging, why not DIY your gifts?

You can make a card with hama beads, or bake a cake, or write a letter.

I'm sure he'll appreciate it :)

After all, every occasions should be joyous.

Have fun buying, making and unleash your creativity!