MOOD FOR FOOD

Step aside Lava Cakes, LAVA COOKIES are the new IN Thing with Creamery Boutique Ice Creams, originating from Bangkok, now opening their first outlet in Singapore earlier this year along the Jalan Besar cafe area. If you've noticed, lava cookies are beginning to become a thing with other cafes adopting this similar concept in recent months.

My first experience with Lava Cookies was last year at Kooks Creamery and I thought it was a really interesting concept. If you love cookie dough and all that lava flowy dessert stuff, the lava cookies at Creamery Boutique will surely impress you!

Dhoby Ghaut is one of the most popular hangout spots in town, especially among youngsters. This comes at no surprise as there are a couple of schools within the vicinity (SMU, SOTA, Kaplan...). Being located at the end of Orchard Road, Dhoby Ghaut boasts endless food options of various cuisines and price ranges. Often, deciding where to eat can be a huge headache! Here's a list of the good and more affordable food options around this area of town!

1. AL-JILANI RESTAURANT 


Prata has become Singaporeans' typical supper option. Why? Well, simply because it's so good and simple! AND many of these prata joints operate until late at night with many opening for 24 hours a day!
Al-Jilani Restaurant is an Indian eatery located along Bencoolen Street and it opens all 24 hours a day! The prata here is decent (wouldn't consider it great in my opinion but some might disagree- would prefer slightly crispier prata) but the curry's one of the better one's I've tried in recent times! A good amount of chicken meat in the curry to my delight. Other popular dishes include their Briyani, Roti John, and Mee Goreng.
Again, not one of the best prata options in Singapore but being located in town and operating 24-hours makes it very popular especially among youngsters who don't ever go home early. 


Address: 127 Bencoolen St, 189637
Open 24 Hours

2. CURIOUS PALETTE



Opened by the same people from Stranger's Reunion around 2 years ago, Curious Palette has gained so much popularity since then. They not only serve great cafe food but also have an excellent ambience as well. 

Curious Palette has an all day Brunch menu from 9am-6pm featuring unique dishes such as their Soft Shell Crab Burger ($19.80). 
They have a separate dinner menu from 6pm onwards.

To be honest, most people visit Curious Palette to try out their highly raved about Ricotta Hotcakes ($14.90) that come in either Berry, Peach & Raisin, or Bacon flavour. Verdict? Very yummy and portion is huge! Also looks exactly like what you see on Instagram. 

Riding on the salted egg hype, Curious Palette also recently launched a new side dish- Salted Egg Wings ($12.90). I thought that it was actually pretty well done, so salted egg fans can give it a try!


Address: 64 Prinsep Street, 188667
Phone: 6238 1068
Open Daily: 9am-10pm, Sat: 9am-12am (Closed on Tuesdays)


3. HOSHINO COFFEE


7. RAYZ BISTRO


You might not have noticed but another new restaurant has popped up along Selegie Road last year!
Rayz Bistro is a Halal Restaurant that serves Western food as well as a whole range of very unique desserts. The whole atmosphere of the place is pretty atas-y, when you take a look at their prices it'll probably make sense as well.
Dishes include Fish and Chips ($15), Chilli Crab Pasta ($26), and Rib Eye Steak ($35).

I first noticed the place because it's located right opposite the popular Rochor Beancurd dessert place where most of us frequent.
Rayz has a really prominent dessert counter facing the road displaying their ice ream and cakes. On my first visit to Rayz, I got to try their Cake In A Cup ($5.90) as well as Gelato Ice Cream (single scoop $3, double scoop $4.80, triple scoop $6.50). They recently launched a new flavour: Salted Egg Ice Cream!!

To be honest, the food's pretty pricey and I haven't really heard many good reviews about it, BUT their Gelato Ice Cream here is really good! A quality 8/10 at least and a must-try ice cream place around the area. I was surprised at the quality as the price per scoop here is considerably cheap.
Their new salted egg flavour was also really interesting because it tasted a little savoury yet a little sweet, throwing you into a mini confusion whether you're appreciating the taste. You could be adventurous and just give it a try!


Address: 100 Selegie Road, 188308
Phone: 6352 6651
Open Sunday-Thurs: 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-12am (Closed on Mondays)


8. ROCHOR BEANCURD HOUSE



Rochor Beancurd- Best Tauhuay in Singapore? That's debatable, but it'll always be my number 1 Tauhauy supper place! Thank God for the multiple outlets available around the island, with others located along Upp Thomson Road, Balestier, and Geylang.

With most malls and cafes closing before midnight, Rochor Beancurd opens till 1am on most days and I'm glad to say that the standard of their snacks and drinks have been maintained over the years! One thing that hasn't changed as well is the weekend crowd, especially at night. Almost impossible to get a table.

Still, really thankful we have such good and cheap options here in Singapore.


Address: 2 Short St, 188211
Phone: 6334 1138
Open: Mon-Thurs: 11am-1am
           Friday: 11am-3am
           Saturday: 12pm-3am
           Sunday: 12pm-1am


9. SING HO HAINAN CHICKEN RICE