Shake Shack @ Jewel Changi Airport Singapore - First Southeast Asia Outlet With Exclusive Items

The long wait is over as Shake Shack opens its door at Jewel Changi Airport Singapore, the first in Southeast Asia. The queue also has significant shorten since its opening back on 17 April 2019.

Same as the other outlets around the world, Shake Shack Singapore's menu will feature their signature items such as the ShackBurger, Shack-cago Dog, classic crinkle-cut fries, craft beer, wine and frozen custard ice cream.

Shake Shack Singapore has also introduced exclusive items such as the Pandan Shake and unique local flavoured frozen custard ice cream (Jewela Melaka, It Takes Two to Mango and Shack Attack).

Classic Crinkle-Cut Fries

What is so special about the Classic Crinkle-Cut Fries? The grooves and cuts on the fries actually give it a crispier texture while allowing it to pick up more of the ketchup and cheese sauce. Shake Shack actually took this off their menu but was not well received. In the end, they have to bring it back.

ShackBurger

If you are a first-timer at Shake Shack, then the ShackBurger is a must-order. The cheeseburger comes with soft pillowy potato buns that are sandwiched with tender, juicy US Angus beef patty that has been grilled to a nice medium. It also comes with lettuce, tomato and a savoury secret ShackSauce that bind the whole burger together.

Shroom Burger

For the vegetarian, there is there Shroom Burger. Even the non-vegetarian me loves it too. The burger comes with crisp-fried portobello mushroom filled with melted Colby Cheese, Monterey Kack and Tilsite Cheese, topped with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce.

Comparing notes with fellow foodie friends that have tried Shack Shake overseas, we felt that the burgers here tasted better. We are surprised!

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shake Shack
Jewel Changi Airport Singapore
78 Airport Boulevard
#02-256
Singapore 819666
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Website
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to the link bridge to Jewel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Si Chuan Dou Hua @ PARKROYAL On Beach Road - Vegetables Without Borders, Vegetarian Promotion

For a limited period from 1 June to 31 July 2018, Si Chuan Dou Hua has brought back its vegetarian promotion. This is the 4th year it is running the vegetarian promotion. This year, "Vegetables without Borders" sees the collaboration of Executive Chef Zeng Feng (Si Chuan Dou Hua, Singapore) with guest Chef Sean Hsueh (Yang Ming Spring Green Kitchen, Taipei), guest chefs Minoru Yazaki and Takao Inouse (Si Chuan Dou Hua, Tokyo), that showcases a meatless menu with dishes that have influences of Sichuan, Taiwanese and Japanese cuisines.

Quad Platter 3.5/5

We started with a platter of small bites which kind of giving us a glimpse of the culinary skill of the chefs behind the vegetarian menu. Clockwise from the bottom of the picture, we have the Steamed Dumpling with Chinese Cabbage, Peanut Sphere accompanied with Black Sesame Sauce, Celtuce with Sesame Oil, and Spicy and Sour Sichuan Clear Noodles. My favourite is the clear noodles, though tasteless, the aromatic, spicy sauce simply elevated the whole enjoyment.

Double-boiled Bird's Nest in Pear Vessel 3/5

The Double-boiled Bird's Nest in Pear Vessel made an dramatic entry with the dry ice effect. The amount of bird's nest is very generous. Though the pear is supposed to infused the bird's nest with its sweetness, I find the execution on the bland side.

Fresh Bamboo Shoot with Tea Salt 4.5/5

The highlight is the fresh Bamboo Shoot directly imported from Ping Dong, Taiwan. To showcase the natural sweetness of the fresh bamboo shoot, guest Chef Sean Hsueh prepared it with a simple boil and served it with homemade tea salt. This is my first time having fresh bamboo shoot, what stood out is the crunchy texture and it tasted like sweet corn.

Monkey Head Mushrooms with Black Pepper Sauce served on Japanese Magnolia Leaf 4.5/5

Another dish on the menu that we all enjoyed is the Monkey Head Mushrooms with Black Pepper Sauce served on Japanese Magnolia Leaf. The monkey head mushroom takes 3 days of preparation. It is soaked in Chinese herb for a day, spent another day drying and then more Chinese herb for another day. It is served like a beef steak on Japanese magnolia leaf, drenched with black pepper sauce. I would prefer the sauce to be more peppery though. On the other hand, I adore the texture of the monkey head mushroom, it has that delightful texture that is like Tau Pok.

Mount Emei Konjac with Stir-fried Honshimeji Mushrooms 4/5

Mount Emei Konjac with Stir-fried Honshimeji Mushrooms features an interesting ingredient that I have not tried before, the snow-preserved konjac from Mount Emei. It has a delectable crunchy texture and this is paired with honshimeji mushrooms, capsicums and asparagus.

Poached Japanese Pearl Rice with Taiwanese Oolong Tea and Matsutake 4.5/5

Bi-coloured Sichuan Chilled Noodles 3/5

For the set menu, diners can choose between the Poached Japanese Pearl Rice with Taiwanese Oolong Tea and Matsutake, and Bi-coloured Sichuan Chilled Noodles. I prefer the poach rice for the different taste profiles, enhanced by the fragrant oolong tea and matsutak mushroom. The chilled noodles on the other hand was a bit bland and one dimensional. I thought maybe the addition of some minced mushroom will help to elevate the dish.

Double-boiled Snow Lotus Seeds 3.5/5

Ending the set menu is the Double-boiled Snow Lotus Seeds served warm. Naturally sweetened by the red dates, while the peach gum provides the contrast in texture. However I would prefer the peach gum to be crunchier.

Vegetables without Borders
TOP of UOB Plaza: $78 and $98 per pax*
PARKROYAL on Beach Road: $68 and $78 per pax*
*Minimum of two to dine. UOB Cardmembers enjoy 15% saving on all set menus.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 65055724
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Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards The Plaza at Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

HANS IM GLÜCK @ Republic Plaza - Fairy Tale-like German Burger Chain Opens 2nd Outlet In Singapore

With birch tree trunks stemming from floor to ceiling, the foresty ambience within HANS IM GLUCK at Republic Plaza might have you slightly fuzzled initially. While this might be your first time 'dining-in-the-woods', some might have already experienced this before when its first outlet opened in Orchard months ago. Combining gourmet burger concept with German draft beers, cocktail mixology and seasonal offerings, this double-storey flagship burgergrill is HANS IM GLUCK's latest outlet in the CBD. Originated from Munich, it specialises not just in beef and chicken but vegan and vegetarian as well. All the sauces used are vegan and on each table, there is a Allergen booklet which you can refer to. That probably makes it the most thoughtful burger place ever.

Geissbock 3.5/5

Alsdann 3/5

The burger patties here are made using 100% premium grain-fed beef, balanced with 20% fats. What can be a little disappointing is that although they belong to the Gourmet Burger category, all patties adhered to a well-done standard, which I find them somewhat dry and too flat, almost like a sandwich. That said, the variety of interesting combination makes up for it, such as pairing the patty with grilled pear, mild blue cheese sauce and walnut Alsdann ($17), or feta cheese, bacon and fig jam Geissbock ($17). In fact, most of them sound really yummy to me, especially the sharp, gooey, savoury and sweet combination. I prefer Geissbock to the latter, as it offers a lot more dimensions in terms of flavors. Alsdann falls short a little as I was expecting the grilled pear to be a lot sweeter to be up against the blue cheese but it turned out to be rather bland.

Klassik 3.5/5

All burgers can be double up with an extra patty at $4, and each come with a choice of a sourdough bun, multigrain bun or naked. What I appreciate is how the buns remain fluffy and pleasingly dry, unlike some which are be really soggy and greasy with butter. If you are having yours naked, perhaps it's good ask for less dressing as mine was soaked in sauce. Well, if everything is too much, just head for the mother of all burgers Klassik ($14)!

Fabelhafter 3/5

I had my first ever vegan burger Fabelhafter - Wheat patty with avocado cream, orange-mustard sauce & herby garden salad. Though i'm still skeptical about vegan alternative, especially on how it attains that meaty texture, the tender and nicely seasoned wheat patty lifted that thought away for a while.

The lunch specials here are quite worthwhile, considering the top up of $5 gets you a free side, coffee or tea, and a thirst quencher. The chunky 1 pfund Fritten - One pound of hans im glück steak fries and crusty Ringelrein - Beer-battered onion rings leave quite an impression, but their 1 pfund Susskartoffel Fritten - One pound of sweet potato fries is really what I will crave for. Each strip is sweet and starchy, with lovely crisp edges. Their version of Krautknolle (traditional german white cabbage salad) is more refreshing than the usual, with its crunchy chopped cabbage and potato dressing.

For the evening crowd, top up $15 to get a side order and a cocktail. My citrusy Lebemann (Bourbon, apricot brandy, pineapple, passion fruit, lemon & sugar) was great with all the meats and fried food. If that's too sweet for you, German Draft Beers are always available.

Do take some time to read the Hans im Gluck fairy tale in the menu. It talks about being present in the moment, like how you should enjoy the food! Spot the animals and other forest elements, and observe how the synchronized lighting that mimics the changes from day to night when you visit at different hours of the day.

Tuesdays at Hans Im Gluck is ladies night promotion exclusive to the raffles place outlet entitles all ladies to free-flow cocktails from 530pm to 8pm.

Words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


HANS IM GLUCK
Republic Plaza
9 Raffles Place
Singapore 048619
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 12 mignight
Fri-Sun: 11am - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

San Yuan Vegetarian @ West Coast Market Square - My Favourite Vegetarian Beehoon Near Home

A very popular vegetarian stall near my home is San Yuan Vegetarian at West Coast Market Square Food Centre. A long queue is always spotted at the stall whenever I visit the food centre in the weekend for breakfast.

Vegetarian Beehoon 4.2/5

The stall sells a variety of items such as vegetarian Kway Chap, Nasi Lemak, Laksa and Lor Mee. However my favourite item at the stall is their Vegetarian Beehoon ($3). If you order the standard vegetarian beehoon, it comes with some stir fried french beans, fried beancurd and vegetarian char siew. For my recent visit, I decided to add a tofu for an extra $2.

Whenever you order the vegetarian beehoon, the staff will ask whether you want to have the sauce drenched over the noodles. I prefer to have the sauce so that the noodle is not dry. However my wife finds the sauce too gooey and she doesn't like it.

Some of my friends commented that three dollars for a plate of vegetarian beehoon at San Yuan Vegetarian is rather expensive. I have not done a survey to compare the prices with other vegetarian stalls. What do you think? Is it expensive?


San Yuan Vegetarian
West Coast Market Square
Blk 726 Clementi West Street 2
#01-149
Singapore 120726
Tel: +65 67759083
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Thu-Tue: 7am - 2pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Hans Im Gluck @ Orchard Road - A Fairy Tale-like German Burger Chain Opens In Singapore

Situated in the heart of Orchard Road is Hans Im Gluck, an established German Burger Grill and Bar from Munich which has launched 49 outlets across Europe and hereby marking Singapore as the franchise’s 50th outlet globally. Originating from a wonderful story of Hans Im Gluck which is meant to teach readers the true origin of happiness, diners will be instantly transported to an enchanting dining experience akin to dining in a whimsical fairy tale forest with its carefully curated interiors - the lush greenery and floor to ceiling birch tree trunks sprouting in between tables to create a green haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Burgers are their forte. The casual gourmet burger restaurant specialises in an extensive selection of quality European gastro burgers - with over 30 beef and chicken burgers served alongside salads, as well as vegetarian and vegan burgers to cater to those with dietary restrictions. Also, the restaurant brings in its own range of housemade sauces, as well as multi-grain and sourdough buns, which come frozen from Germany and are made exclusively for the chain, in order to ensure consistency and quality. I liked how all burgers come with an option for customers to choose their choice of bread from Sourdough, Multigrain or go Naked, which basically translates into a bun-less burger, perfect for those on a carb-free diet.

1 PFUND SUSSKARTOFFEL-FRITTEN 4.5/5

The 1 PFUND SUSSKARTOFFEL-FRITTEN ($9) comes in a generously portioned sweet potato fries which boasts a crispy exterior, with a sweet potato fragrance within its soft airy insides. Though good on its own, pair them with the different sauces available and you will finish all one pound of these addictive sweet potato goodness in no time.

HANS IM GLUCK 4.2/5

The HANS IM GLUCK ($17) features a beef burger which comes with parmesan cheese, parma ham, rocket leaves and balsamic glaze. The subtle sweetness from the balsamic glaze complemented the savouriness of the other ingredients quite well, while the beef patty leans towards the tougher side as they only do their beef well-done. Furthermore, the restaurant opts for fresh Australian beef, which averages at 20 per cent fat-to-meat ratio. This explains why the patty lack the juiciness one usually expect for their burgers.

KLASSIK 4/5

Another beef burger from their menu, the KLASSIK ($14) claimed as the 'mother of all burgers', also came with a nicely seasoned beef patty, as well as the standard set of toppings such as fresh lettuce, red onions, sun-ripened tomatoes and their signature HANS IM GLÜCK sauce. Boasting a good balance of flavour and texture, their rendition of European beef burgers are generally less greasy and more healthy than the American-style burgers.

VOGELWILD 3.8/5

The VOGELWILD ($14) features a grilled chicken breast burger with sour cream chive sauce and crispy fried onions. A healthier option as grilled chicken breast is used, the meat was a tad dry on its own. However, the dressings provided a creamy tanginess which lends a refreshing flavour to the burger in between bites.

ABENDROT 4/5

One of the vegetarian burger options from the menu, the ABENDROT ($15) comes with parmesan cheese, grilled vegetable tartare & rocket leaves. Crunchy and flavourful, this meatless option is still satisfying as the rich flavour of the grilled vegetable tartare works wonderfully on the palate.

JUGLANS 4/5

Their Vegan options are no less impressive with the JUGLANS ($15) which comes with cranberries, sprouts and walnuts. The vegan patty has a nice crispness on the exterior while the interior retains a succulent texture. Its accompaniments provide a good balance of flavour to the vegan burger.

HENNE 4/5

The HENNE ($15) is a grilled chicken breast burger which comes with avocado cream, sprouts, orange and mustard sauce. However, with the option to go naked (without burger buns), the dish resembles a salad. It may look like a mess of leafy greens, yet it fares notchers higher than the regular salad bowls with its luscious avocado cream and mustard sauce adding a zesty kick to the entire dish. Fresh and yet retaining a nice crunchy texture, it is no less satisfying than the regular burgers and perfect for those on a carb-free diet.

OMAS GEHEIMNIS 4.5/5

End the meal on a sweet note with their selection of desserts, such as the OMAS GEHEIMNIS ($12) which features warm molten chocolate cake served with vanilla ice cream & whipped cream. The soft moist molten cake oozes intensely rich chocolate lava upon breaking it open. The classic combination of the warm chocolate and cold ice cream never goes wrong, and is well executed in this case.

WOHLERGEHEN 4/5

The WOHLERGEHEN ($10) comes in a pile of mini Crepes drizzled with warm chocolate and served with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. The dish also came with some walnuts to add a crunchy texture to the soft mini crepes and creamy ice cream.

BESTER 4.2/5

The BESTER ($12) features warm glazed apple tart served with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. The apple tart leans towards the sour side with a subtle sweetness while the creamy vanilla ice cream on the side provides a good complement to the apple tart, with the addition of whipped cream for a lighter finish.

Hans Im Gluck presents a whole new slew of wholesome burgers which is of both quality and nutritious value, defying the common perception of unhealthy burgers that we get mostly from fast-food restaurants. Owner Mrs Hirschberger says: "European burgers are healthy and nutritious. Our burgers are different from fast food. We want to offer gourmet burgers in a restaurant setting as proper sit-down meals." As a one-stop burger place to cater to different dietary preferences, it elevates its variety of handcrafted burgers into an exciting and healthy meal – with virtually unlimited options and something special for everyone.

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hans Im Glück
362 Orchard Road
Singapore 238887
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 12midnigh
Fri-Sat: 11am - 1am

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the underpass too Shaw House. Walk to ground level. Turn right onto Orchard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Lotus Kitchen @ Chinatown Point - Creative Vegetarian Dishes That Will Even Convert A Carnivore

Chinatown Point welcomes a new vegetarian restaurant - Lotus Kitchen located right at the main entrance on level 1. The new vegetarian restaurant is the spinoff of the famous Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant at Quality Hotel. Diners can find new creations as well as some of the best selling mainstays from predecessor.

Signature Lion's Mane Mushroom Pan Fried Dumpling 4/5

Taro Mee Sua Cake 4.2/5

Have you ever try Vegetarian dim sum? You can savour these delights at Lotus Kitchen such as the Signature Lion's Mane Mushroom Pan Fried Dumpling ($8.80) and Taro Mee Sua Cake ($6.80). The pan fried dumping is stuffed with crunchy lion's mane mushroom and water chestnuts. For the best of both world is the taro mee sua cake where you get to enjoy the fragrant taro complemented by the mee sua encased in a crisp batter.

Signature Double-boiled Herbal Tian Ma Soup 4/5

A nourishing offering on the menu is the Signature Double-boiled Herbal Tian Ma Soup ($8.80). It is understand the tian ma herb used in the the soup has liver-calming and neuroprotective some benefits. The soup is steamed and brewed with 10 different herbs and premium quality pearl mushrooms.

Signature Crispy Summer Wrap with Passionfruit 4.2/5

The Signature Crispy Summer Wrap with Passionfruit ($35.80) is your vegetarian version of Peking duck. The crispy soya slices coated with special batter is your substitution of the duck meat.  This is eaten the same way as Peking duck, wrapped it with the pancake sheet together with stripes of cucumber, carrot and passionfruit. Not to forget to dip some of the homemade sweet bean paste sauce to complete the whole enjoyment.

Signature Homemade Satay 4/5

The Signature Homemade Satay ($15.80) shows me how spices can be incorporated into vegetarian cuisine. Lotus kitchen has cleverly marinated soya slices with more than 10 different spices to create their version of the local satay. It also comes with homemade satay sauce which went very well with the satay.

Spicy Grilled Oat Slices in Hotplate 4.5/5

If you like spicy food, you will find the house blended chilli sauce laid over the Spicy Grilled Oat Slices in Hotplate ($18.80) setting you on fire. It is damn shiok. The dish is made using oats, soya and seaweed. It not only look like a fish but taste almost like it too. This is really a close rendition of the sambal fish.

Braised Mushroom in Hot Pot 4.8/5

One of the crowd favourite is the Braised Mushroom in Hot Pot ($18.80). It comes with lion's mane mushroom, shitake mushroom and bamboo shoots stir fried with chilli, ginger and basil leaves. It resembles the popular 3 cup chicken, except that the chicken is replaced with crunchy mushrooms and bamboo shoots.

Signature Stir Fried Laksa 4.2/5

I was initially sceptical about the Signature Stir Fried Laksa ($9.80) but I was wrong. The flavours were spot on, doing justice to one of the local's favourite street food. My only complain is the used of seaweed instead of laksa leaf. I find the balance of the dish distorted by the seaweed flavour.

Pumpkin Paste with Purple Rice 2.8/5

The dish that I least like is the Pumpkin Paste with Purple Rice ($6.80). I could not traced the pumpkin flavour but just sweetness over sweetness. The pumpkin paste needs to be more distinct.

Lotus Yam Paste with Purple Rice 4.5/5

A dessert not to be missed on the menu is the Lotus Yam Paste with Purple Rice ($6.80). The yam paste comes with purple rice mixture and gingko nuts. Somehow I felt like I was served the traditional Teochew yam paste together with a bowl of red bean soup, in a different way. It is like having 2 different desserts on a plate.

I have to say I am very impress with the vegetarian dishes at Lotus Kitchen. Especially on the creativity behind the dishes. It definitely changes my perspective on vegetarian cuisine. Vegetarian food is not just about deep fried flour items and greens.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Lotus Kitchen
Chinatown Point
133 New Bridge Road
#01-01/02
Singapore 059413
Tel: +65 65381068
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]