Showing posts with label Lor Bak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lor Bak. Show all posts

Friday, September 5, 2025

Pacific Emporium @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Peranakan Afternoon Tea, Celebrating The Rich and Vibrant Flavours of Singapore's Heritage

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In honour of SG60, Pacific Emporium at Pan Pacific Singapore has rolled out a Peranakan Afternoon Tea experience, celebrating the rich and vibrant flavours of Singapore's heritage.

Those with a good appetite will be pleased to know that the Weekend Afternoon Tea menu is served buffet-style and features live stations where chefs prepare dishes fresh to order. The spread offers traditional Peranakan classic dishes as well as a beautiful selection of sweets.

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Welcome Drink- Nyonya Bloom

Our afternoon tea experience started with the Nyonya Bloom, a welcome drink that combined peach and passionfruit with the fragrance of pandan and a hint of gula melaka. It was a sweet and refreshing drink for the afternoon. We also got to choose two other beverages from a selection of TWG teas or Lavazza coffee.

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Peranakan Rojak with Beetroot Pie Tee

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Nyonya “Kerabu” with Baby Abalone

We then headed over to put together some light bites to start. The Peranakan Rojak with Beetroot Pie Tee stood out with its vibrant red shell and tangy-sweet flavours. At the same time, the Nyonya "Kerabu" with Baby Abalone offered a refreshing mix of herbs and spices, with the tender baby abalone for a touch of indulgence. The shells for both were nice and crispy!

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Mackerel Mousseline in Soft Charcoal Bun

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“Bakwa” and Meat Floss Double Decker

Instead of the typical finger sandwiches often seen at afternoon tea, they have Mackerel Mousseline in a Soft Charcoal Bun, as well as a playful "Bakwa" and Meat Floss Double Decker, both offering distinctly local flavours. These were presented in a pull-out drawer as part of the buffet format, though they would have been more enjoyable if warmed up, as the bakkwa was slightly tough when served at room temperature.

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Nyonya Laksa

One of my favourite dishes at local-themed afternoon teas is always laksa, and the Nyonya Laksa from the Live Station did not disappoint. It was easily the best dish of the afternoon for me, thanks to its rich, thick, and flavourful gravy. You can choose toppings of shrimp, beansprouts, quail eggs, and fish puffs. I enjoyed this so much that I had multiple bowls, a perk of the buffet-style service.

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Babi Pongteh

The Babi Pongteh with Blue Pea Rice and Achar was also quite enjoyable. The pork was soft and tender, and the rice had a lovely, subtle fragrance. The accompanying achar added a nice crunch to the dish.

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Five Spice “Lor Bak”

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Peranakan Stuffed Chicken Wing, Crispy Lobster Popiah

There were three other savoury bites, the Five Spice “Lor Bak”, the Peranakan stuffed Chicken Wing in Inche Kabin style, and the Crispy Lobster Popiah with tamarind-pineapple gravy. These unfortunately did not appeal to me, as I found them a bit dry with a slightly processed mouthfeel.

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Bananas Foster

Moving on to the sweets, the Bananas Foster live station is a highlight of this buffet experience. Watching the bananas being sautéed in butter and brown sugar adds a touch of theatre to the experience. The warm, caramelised bananas and crepes are served with your choice of whipped cream, chocolate sauce, mango compote, vanilla ice cream, or raspberry passionfruit sorbet. Very delicious and indeed decadent!

You will want to leave some stomach space to sample all the pretty cakes on display. The cakes were well done, and I enjoyed all of them.

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Strawberry Shortcake

The Strawberry Shortcake was lovely and light, with fresh strawberries layered between soft vanilla sponge, Speculoos crumble, and Madagascan vanilla Chantilly. Each bite felt like eating a delicate cloud.

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Hukambi Salted Caramel Tart

The Hukambi Salted Caramel Tart was equally delightful, featuring a luscious blend of sea salt caramel and Hukambi milk chocolate cream nestled in a crisp, buttery tart shell. It's slightly on the sweet side due to the caramel, but still very enjoyable.

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Fish Tank

The Fish Tank immediately catches your eye, with vibrant blue pea jelly resting atop a matcha financier, finished with a light and zesty yuzu whipped ganache. A highly photogenic cake!

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Passion Fruit Pistachio Bar

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Hazelnut Praline Puff Choux

The Passion Fruit Pistachio Bar features a vibrant, tangy passion fruit mousse atop a pistachio sponge and crunchy base, offering a refreshing balance of tart, sweet, and nutty flavours in every bite. The Hazelnut Praline Puff Choux, meanwhile, is light and airy, filled with a rich, velvety hazelnut praline custard that melts in your mouth.

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Golden Sultana and Classic Scones

Golden Sultana and Classic Scones are served to the table, presented in a cloth wrap to keep them nice and warm. They are accompanied by orange marmalade, strawberry jam, and rich English clotted cream. A must-have at any afternoon tea experience.

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The Peranakan Afternoon Tea will be served daily from 2 August to 16 November 2025, with two seatings available: 1:00pm to 3:00pm (First seating) and 4:00pm to 6:00pm (Second seating).

On weekends, the afternoon tea is presented buffet-style with live stations and is priced at $68++ per person, or $88++ per person with a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne. For children aged 6 to 12, it is priced at $34++. On weekdays, the afternoon tea is served at the table and is priced at $58++ per person, or $78++ per person including a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pacific Emporium
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 1
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
1st Seating: 1-3pm
2nd Seating: 4-6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Pacific Emporium @ Pan Pacific Singapore – Local Inspired Afternoon Tea, Where the Flavours of Singapore are Elevated to an Art

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Are you looking for a delightful mid-day retreat? The Local-Inspired Afternoon Tea at Pacific Emporium might be just what you need. Set in the elegant lobby of Pan Pacific Singapore, this experience invites you to relax in charming floating pods. Enjoy a tranquil afternoon while savouring a selection of teas, coffees, or even a glass of champagne, accompanied by an array of delectable sweet and savoury bites.

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We recommend beginning with the savoury items and then moving on to sweet treats, alternating between the two for a balanced experience. Explore a twist on beloved Southeast Asian cuisine with dishes such as Singapore Chilli Crab Meat in Egg Custard with Mini Bun, Hai Tien Lo's Salted Egg Yolk Yam Puff, and Penang Crispy Pork Lobak with Five Spices wrapped in Bean Curd Skin.

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Penang Crispy Pork Lobak with Five Spices wrapped in Bean Curd Skin 3.5/5

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Singapore Chilli Crab Meat in Egg Custard with Mini Bun 3.5/5

While the chilli crab meat sauce was well-balanced with a satisfying mix of sweetness and spice, the egg custard at the bottom lacked flavour. Additionally, it was challenging to combine all the elements into a single, cohesive bite.

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Baba Ghanoush Avocado Tart 3/5

Originally, this item was served on a baguette, but customer feedback indicated that the baguette was too hard, leading to a switch to a tart shell. Unfortunately, the tart shell overshadowed the filling, which was relatively mild in flavour. As a result, the taste of the tart shell dominated, leaving the intended flavours of the filling barely noticeable.

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Crabmeat on Melon 3.8/5

We also sampled an additional item from the savoury tier - Crabmeat on Melon Stick, elegantly topped with ikura. This dish offered a refreshing twist on the classic Italian Prosciutto e Melone, featuring sweet crabmeat paired with juicy melon for a delightful and visually appealing presentation.

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Keyaki’s Wagyu Beef Sando 4/5

Our standout of the day was undoubtedly the Keyaki's Wagyu Beef Sando. This dish features a generous slab of exquisitely seasoned wagyu beef, nestled between two slices of perfectly toasted bread. The wagyu was tender and richly flavourful, complemented by the crispy, golden-brown toast that added a satisfying crunch.

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Moving on to the sweets, we were presented with a selection of picture-perfect treats featuring local flair, including Mango Pomelo Sablé, Coconut Bandung with Chendol, and more. While there were a few hits and misses among the offerings, the overall experience was delightful and made for a charming afternoon tea.

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Coconut Bandung with Chendol 3/5

Encased in a chocolate shell was the Coconut Bandung cream, topped with chendol and desiccated coconut. We had high hopes for this treat, but unfortunately, the flavours did not shine through as expected. The predominant taste was of the chocolate shell, overshadowing the subtle coconut and bandung elements.

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Mango Pomelo Sablé 3.8/5

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Hazelnut Crunchy Dark Choc 4/5

Our favourite of the sweets was the Hazelnut Crunchy Dark Chocolate. This treat struck a perfect balance, not overly sweet, and packed with robust hazelnut flavour in every bite. The dark chocolate provided a rich, slightly bitter contrast that complemented the crunchy texture and nutty essence.

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Apple Yuzu Citrus 3.5/5

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Raspberry Sakura Red Velvet 2.8/5, Pulut Hitam Brûlée Mousse 3/5

Two of the sweet items are available only from Monday to Friday. The Raspberry Sakura Red Velvet didn't quite suit our palate, but the Pulut Hitam Brûlée Mousse was a delightful twist on a familiar local dessert. The mousse combined the classic flavours of pulut hitam with a creamy brûlée texture, offering a refreshing and inventive take on a beloved favourite.

Floating Pods

There are Local Experience Live Stations if you come on the weekends, where you get to try out five tantalising local delights of Prawn Noodle Soup with Fresh Tiger Prawn, Water Spinach, and Sliced Pork, Penang Tangy Assam Laksa, Wok Hei Char Kway Teow with Pacific Crab Meat, Local Fruit Rojak, and D24 Durian Crêpe.

Champagne 1

For just an additional $20, you can elevate your afternoon tea experience with a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne, enhancing your tea or coffee with a touch of luxury.

We've also heard that the menu will be updated around October, so be sure to check their website for the latest offerings and updates.

Mondays to Fridays $68 per person | Includes a pot of TWG tea or a cup of Lavazza coffee $88 per person | Includes a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne in addition to a pot of TWG tea or a cup of Lavazza coffee

Saturdays and Sundays (with Live Stations) $78 per person | Includes a pot of TWG tea or a cup of Lavazza coffee $98 per person | Includes a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne in addition to a pot of TWG tea or a cup of Lavazza coffee

Two daily seatings from 1pm to 3pm (1st seating) and 4pm to 6pm (2nd seating).

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pacific Emporium
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 1
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
1st Seating: 1-3pm
2nd Seating: 4-6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, September 12, 2022

Penang Hawkers' Fare @ York Hotel - Brings Back The Best Of Penang Street Food

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York Hotel's Penang Hawkers' Fare, the long-standing promotion at White Rose Cafe, returns from 2 September to 18 September 2022. The hawkers from Penang make a return to delight diners with their speciality. During the promotion, patrons can watch the hawkers in action and feast on Penang hawker food to their hearts' content.

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Penang Char Kway Teow 4.2/5

One of the most popular stalls for the past editions is the Penang Char Kway Teow, which always spots a long queue. The fragrant plate of wok-fried rice noodles is packed with wok-hei. Besides the delicious plate of noodles, be entertained by the eye-catching lady hawker's move when she swings into dancing twist frying the char kway teow.

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Oyster Omelette 4/5

Crispy on the outside and gooey inside is the Oyster Omelette, best enjoyed with the tangy, spicy chilli sauce.

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Lor Bak 3.8/5

Great for sharing are the Lor Bak, Cuttlefish Kang Kong and Rojak. On the Lor Bak platter, you will get five-spice meat rolls, prawn fritters, and deep-fried bean curd served with homemade chilli sauce and a thick soy-based sauce.

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Cuttlefish Kang Kong 4.2/5

Not many places offer the Cuttlefish Kang Kong anymore. It is probably a dish that is foreign to the new generation too. The crunchy cuttlefish and water convolvulus are matched with a sweet and slightly spicy sauce and quality prawn paste and peanuts.

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Penang Rojak 4.2/5

Tossed in a savoury, sweet and fragrant prawn paste is the Penang Rojak, topped with peanuts. Unlike the local rojak, the Penang version is more fruity and refreshing with ingredients such as cucumber, jambu, guava, jicama and pineapple.

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Penang Laksa 4.8/5

There are Penang Laksa, Prawn Mee and Kway Teow Soup for the noodle dishes. All these three noodle dishes are a must-try. The Penang Laksa's tangy tamarind fish-based broth is packed with depth and robust flavours. Add some prawn paste to the laksa to elevate the whole taste profile to a new height. I have not eaten such a delicious bowl of noodles for a long while.

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Prawn Mee 4.5/5

The Prawn Mee is another excellent choice too. The bowl of noodles is packed with a comforting and robust stock that has been laboriously boiled for hours, comprising prawn heads, shells and pork ribs.

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Kway Teow Soup 4.5/5

For something lighter, go for the Kway Teow Soup. The smooth flat rice noodle comes in a light yet refreshing soup with fish balls, fish cake and shredded chicken. A dry version is also available.

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Roti Canai 4.8/5

Another favourite item is the Roti Canai. The prata is crispy on the exterior and fluffy inside. It comes with a choice of either dhal curry or chicken curry. What is even more unique is the pairing of sambal chilli, which is not commonly appreciated this way in Singapore.

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Ice Ball Kacang 3.5/5

Bringing back the childhood is the Ice Ball Kacang to wrap up the dinner on a sweet note.

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Ban Chang Kueh 4.5/5

The Ban Chang Kueh is not to be missed too. The crispy pancake shell is folded into half with a spoonful of margarine, ground peanuts and sugar. Crispy on the edges while chewy inside.

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Penang Hawkers’ Fare Lucky Draw
By dining at the Penang Hawkers’ Fare, diners stand to win attractive prizes from York Hotel Singapore:

First prize: A two-night weekend stay in a Premier Room inclusive of buffet breakfast and a S$100 dining voucher
Second prize: A one-night weekend stay in a Deluxe Room inclusive of a S$50 dining voucher
Third prize: ‘Treasured Flavours of Singapore’ à la carte Buffet Lunch at White Rose Café for five persons

The Penang Hawkers' Fare is available for lunch and dinner from 2 September to 18 September 2022. The menu includes an unlimited flow of coffee, tea, Calamansi drink, and Bandung.

Time:
- 12 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. (Lunch)
- 6.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. (Dinner)

Price:
- S$38* per adult, S$23* per child below 12 years of age, Mondays to Thursdays
- S$42* per adult, S$27* per child below 12 years of age, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
*Prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Note: This is an invited tasting.


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the carpark. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, November 14, 2020

Top 10 Home Based Businesses (HBB) That Are Worth Ordering

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COVID-19 pandemic has affected many people's livelihood. Instead of waiting for the best for the world to turn better, many people have taken a brave and significant step forward to change and adapt to the new norm. This sees the birth of many Home Based Business (HBB), putting their baking and cooking skills to good use, supplementing some incomes for the family.

I have the chance to try a couple of these home-based businesses during this period, and here is a list of my top 10 home-based business that is worth ordering and trying.


A Sweet Mess


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A Sweet Mess caught my attention for their Rainbow Ondeh Ondeh. They are soft and chewy, with oozing gula melaka in it. Importantly, it is not using those syrup type. She actually bought the gula melaka in a block, hand grate them and cook them. Their Banana Cake, Pandan Gula Melaka Cupcake, and Basque Burnt Cheese Cake received many raving reviews too.

Order via DM on Instagram @asweetmesssg


Any Hao Bao


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To keep her parents occupied during circuit breaker, Francesca started AnyHaoBao for her parents to share their love of cooking. My favourite is their homecooked herbal chicken and achar. You get a whole chicken, cooked to tender. The herbal taste is relatively mild, so it should be acceptable to children. Interestingly it comes with two hard-boiled eggs. They also made Kong Bak Pau, but this is seasonal.

Order via DM on Instagram @anyhaobao


Edibles Bake Shop


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My close friends will know that I am not really into dessert, hence for Edibles Bake Shop to make it my list, it has definitely won me over. The cupcakes are not overly sweet, well balanced and most importantly, very delicious. Serene is a very talented baker and does check out her beautiful cake. She can also customise cakes for that special occasion.

Order via http://www.ediblesbakeshop.net
Instagram @ediblesbakeshop


Hei Piah Family


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The hardest-hit industry during the pandemic is the aviation sector. During this period, pilots and cabin crews are all grounded. Laura, an SQ cabin crew and her fashion designer husband, started Hei Piah Family to share her mother-in-law Prawn Fritter recipe. I tried their prawn fritter and fell in love. It is crispy on the outside and pillowy inside.

Order via WhatsApp +65 86964568
Instagram @heipiahfamily


Lady Boss Soy Sauce Chicken


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Lady Boss Soy Sauce Chicken is a home base business started by Sandra Sim. She is one of the owners of Sum Yi Tai. Before I tried the soy sauce chicken, I have already heard my raving reviews. When I finally get to taste it, I was really impressed. Well marinated and infused with the fragrant soy sauce, the chicken was also tender and juicy. Not forgetting that super power chilli sauce that comes with it.

Order via https://www.ladybosschicken.com


Lor Bak Mama


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Lor Bak Mama is started by Christine Yue, who has zero income when she has to closed her nail salons during the circuit breaker. Encouraged by her family and closed friends who have tried her lor bak, I am glad that I can get to savour this delicious braised pork belly that is cooked until melt in the mouth, absorbing the braising sauce that is packed with robustness.

Order via take.sg/s/6586680788
Instagram @lorbakmama


No Name Bake Store


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I have tried many home bakers' bakes during this period, and I really like the pastry box from No Name Bake Store. For $30, you get 4 different pieces of cakes. There are Kaya Butter Roll, Blueberry Hill, Brownie Cheesecake and Chocolate Hazel Royal. For the upcoming festive seasons, it is rolling up a new pastry box. Do keep a lookout.

Order via online form
Instagram @nonamebakestore.sg


Noni Home Made Cooking


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Noni caught my eyes for offering authentic Indonesia food. I tried both their Nasi Lemak and Nasi Liwet. I personally love the Nasi Liwet as this is my first time have aromatic rice with anchovies wrapped with banana leaves, cooked over the fire. It even comes with a whole grilled chicken leg and tofu. 

Order via Instagram DM or WhatsApp +6594464249
Instagram @noni.sg


Slab Some Ribs


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Affected by the pandemic, Elaine, a sales manager for a local airline has been on furlough, and on a good month may get to work up to two days a week. With the inconsistent workdays and significant financial impact, she started Slab Some Ribs to supplement her income. I have known many home-based businesses but selling pork ribs probably is the first. What's more she has an interesting flavour like Kicap Manis. I heard she is introducing a new Korean flavour for the upcoming festive season.

Order via take.sg/s/6596942060
Instagram @slabsomeribs


Two Bake Boys


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Another home-based business started by an SQ cabin crew is Two Bake Boys. There are a lot of home bakers during this period and mostly focus on bakes such as brownies, cookies and burnt cheesecakes. Two Bake Boys is different, it is probably the first HBB that offers Authentic Thai Tea Crepe Cake. Currently, it has already expanded its menu with new flavours such as Matcha, Strawberry and Tiramisu.

Order via https://www.twobakeboys.com
Instagram @twobakeboys