Souperstar @ Eastpoint Mall - Modern Popiah with a Twist

When our friend, Wayne told us that there is a stall in Eastpoint Mall selling fusion popiah, it alerted our food rada and we purposely made a trip down to the far Eastern side of Singapore to check out Souperstar at Eastpoint Mall. The folk behind Souperstar is non other than the 2nd generation of Fortune Food which specialized in popiah skins and kueh pie tee since 2004. The business has since grown from a small hawker stall at Geylang Bahru hawker centre, to a wholesale and home delivery business.

Sesame Chicken 4/5

Creating the new fusion popiahs is Wei Ting and Wei Ling who has grown up with the business, Using what they known best, the popiah skin, they are introducing Singaporean to the new age popiah with a twist. I would prefer to call it the new Singapore Wrap.

Sweet Thai Chicken Popiah 3.8/5

Instead of the usual shredded turnip, the popiah is replaced with salad greens. The Sesame Chicken Popiah ($3.80) comes with slices of roasted chicken, cherry tomatoes, coral lettuce and white sesame sauce. It is like having a bowl of salad but in a wrap form. If you prefer something that is more intense in flavour, then the Sweet Thai Chicken Popiah ($3.80) is an option. It comes with roasted chicken, fresh mango, cilantro, coral lettuce, sweet Thai chilli mayonnaise.

Seafood with Mayo Popiah 3.8/5

For seafood lover, there is the Seafood Wasabi Mayo ($4.10). Wrapped in the thin popiah skin are fresh shrimps, season tuna, crab stick, wakame seaweed, coral lettuce and light wasabi mayonnaise. These fusion popiah is actually bigger than your tradition popiah with generous stuffing. Having one is enough to fill you up. .

Traditional Popiah 4.2/5

While we may progress in food, we also cannot forget the tradition. Hence, on top of the three fusion popiahs. Souperstar also sells the Traditional Popiah ($2.50). I noted that the tradition popiah did not use bean sprout but replaced with cucumber instead. I like the used of the cucumber giving it a more crunchy and refreshing bite.

Besides the popiah, Souperstar also offers a selection of hearty soups and stew with rice and bread. After eating all the popiahs, I was already too stuffed to try the other items. Anyway my main reason is to try the fusion popiah and I have accomplished the mission. Not only is it yummy, it is healthy too. Thumbs up to the new Singapore Wrap.


Souperstar
Eastpoint Mall
3 Simei Street 6
#B1-K6
Singapore 528833
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Simei (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 930om

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

CaffeBene @ Vivocity

CaffeBene, the largest coffee chain in Korea, has finally made its way to our sunny island. Pretty close to the coast, up at Level 2 of Vivocity. If you have been to one in Korea, you would have noticed a difference in terms of its interior. Instead of adopting the woody furnishing design as used in Korea, the local owners chose to use the latest industrial chic design while keeping some of the key original elements such as the wooden frames of the seats, a feature wall and a planter. So what I see is almost akin to a hipster café, but with a soft touch and a warm feel of Caffebene.

When I was in Korea, I was quite fascinated by the selection of lattes in different cafes, such as sweet potato, red bean etc. Caffebene's offering is just as wholesome, of which Misugaru ($6.90) is one that I have not seen - a multigrain latte. Not only it sounds nutritious, it tastes just as hearty! I can see why it’s a popular choice for breakfast among the Koreans. Since Caffebene is a coffee house, trying their coffee is a must, at least for me. I had their Macchiato ($4.90 double shot). Although it is slightly acidic, I appreciate its full body. At least, it is a lot better than some of the major coffee chains here (you should know who).

Caramel Cinnamon 3/5

Garlic & Cheese 3.5/5

Their Korean desserts are quite straight forward - Honey thick toasts, bingsu as well as waffles. For their Honey thick toasts, we tried both Caramel Cinnamon ($12.90) and Garlic & Cheese ($13.90). Our preference for the sweet and savoury taste of the latter is unanimous. That explains why it was also the first to go despite the amount of food we ordered.

Green Tea Tower Bingsu 3.8/5

The Green Tea Tower Bingsu didn’t disappoint us at all. Despite the sinfully looking whipped cream atop, the overall taste is actually very light, thanks to their in-house gelato, which is made less sweet to suit the locals’ taste buds. Do give their gelatos a try. I sampled both the Yogurt and Cream cheese flavours. Both are refreshing and finished off without leaving the usual sugary aftertaste which I got from most of the Italian gelatos we have in the market.

Tiramisu Waffle 3.8/5

For waffles, do ask for their walnut base, which is the same price as their regular base. We tried the recommended Tiramisu Waffle ($10.90). The combination of the cold, airy ice cream with the buttery nutty waffle is simple yet extremely delightful.

Chicken Avocado 3/5

Besides desserts, salads and wraps are available. Their Chicken Avocado ($9.90) is quite delectable, probably due to its tangy dressing. However, for the price tag, a more generous serving will be more enticing.

Comparing to its counterparts, Caffebene may not have very complex desserts which some may prefer, I do enjoy their simplicity. The quality of their coffees is also notable. The desserts offered also balances with its selection of coffees and other beverages, which is important for Caffebene to be seen as a coffee house, and not a dessert shop. To celebrate the grand opening of its first outlet in Singapore, there are some good promotions going on, hence don’t miss it!

Photograph and written 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.


CaffeBene
VivoCity
1 HarbourFront Walk
#02-150
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 66351778
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: HarbourFront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 2. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Squash @ The Central (Clarke Quay)

Located at the basement of The Central Clarke Quay is Squash, a new juice and salad bar founded by Mr Allan Foo. Holding a Curtin university degree in finance and marketing, Mr Allan Foo used to work in the banking industry and in real estate investment. The late nights and busy schedule has taken a toll of his health. Through the benefits of juices and micro-nutrients, he managed to restore his own health. Hence he decided to leave the corporate world and opened Squash, inspired to help others to get back in health with his delicious and nutritious food and drink offering.

Cold Pressed Juices 4.2/5

The main products at Squash is their Cold Pressed Juices that ranges from $6.90 to $9.90. Cold pressed juice is sort of a drinking trend lately even though the price is much higher compared to normal fruit juice extracted from juicers. It is understand that the cold pressed method retains more nutrients of the fruit or vegetables. It is also understand that the owner will be introducing a cold pressed juice cleansing programme in the very near future. If you are not a person that is too adventurous in taste, my advice is to avoid the vegetable cold pressed juices.

Noodle/Pasta Salad 3.5/5

Squash is not just a juices bar. Adjacent to it is a salad bar where one can mix and match their own salad preference or combination. The salad starts from $5.90 with a base (mesclun greens, noodles salad etc) and choice of 2 standard toppings and 1 dressings. Additional cost applies for premium toppings and dressings.

Thai Prawn Salad 4/5

Chicken Bulgogi Salad 3.5/5

A unique twist to the normal salad bar is the interesting introduction of Asian flavours into the salad. The exotic additions such as Thai Prawn and Chicken Bulgogi gives a new take in eating greens.

Ultimate Rojak Salad 4/5

A very bold attempt is the Ultimate Rojak Salad. The used of rojak dressing in your greens is a local twist to the hawker favourite, rojak. Dried cuttlefish and caramelized pineapple are also added to the salad. Sounds crazy but it kind of work.

Wrap 3/5

If you need something more substantial, you can add $2 to make your salad into a wrap.

Salad Yu Sheng 3/5

With the lunar new year just around the corner, Squash has also introduced the Salad Yu Sheng. Tossed to a healthy new year ahead, with this interpretation of the yu sheng.

Overall the highlight at Squash still has to be their cold pressed juices. The salad is an additional bonus for people who wants to eat healthy. Unfortunately eating healthy does not come cheap but at least at Squash the salad is quite substantial for the amount you are paying for.


Squash
The Central
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#B1-26
Singapore 059817
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SquashTheJuicePlace
Nearest MRT: Clark Quay

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am - 9pm
Sun: 10am - 6pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit F. Journey time about 2 minute. [Map]

Foodology Fresh @ URA Centre

Healthy food and beverage concepts are indeed sprouting, especially in the CBD area. Foodology Fresh nestled in the ground floor of URA Centre is one of the latest to offer such meals to the health conscious crowd. They have just launched their revamped menu with mains starting from $7 onwards  that comes with choices of Salads, Sandwiches and Wraps. Their ordering style differs slightly from the rest in which you can take directly from the shelf, even for soups. After which you pay at the cashier. Something that I find quite enjoyable.

photo credit: Foodology Fresh

Smoked Duck Breast Salad 4.2/5

If you are somebody who are quite choosy on your greens, their salads will be right for you. I like the way Foodology play with textures and taste profiles of the different ingredients in their salads. Take their Smoked Duck Breast Salad ($8.50) which is one of my favourites. The Smoked Duck had been cubed so you don't get too much of the smoky and salty flavour in one mouthful. Putting the arrays of ingredients together gave a burst of texture and flavours. Fresh Mescluns, chunky beetroots, soft sweet potatoes, creamy cheese, smokey duck breast and sweet crunchy walnuts.

photo credit: Foodology Fresh

Roasted Chicken, Grape & Apricot Salad 4.2/5

I would also recommend their Roasted Chicken, Grape & Apricot Salad ($8.50) with White Wine Vinaigrette. I took a spoonful of all the ingredients, arugula, chicken, grapes and apricot together. I got the arugula's sharp herbaceous taste , the juicy chicken with a tinge of spices, the sweetness of the grapes and the tanginess of the apricot. I like how the fruits elements zest up the overall flavours which is quite refreshing.

Quinoa Salad 3.5/5

If you want something more grainy, you may want to try either the Brown Rice & Promegranate Salad or Quinoa Salad. I often have brown rice at home so to me the Quinoa Salad ($8.50) is more interesting. Both use ingredients that come with a bit of crunch and with sweet, tangy and savoury ingredients all pooled together, I find them pretty fun to eat and equally delectable.

photo credit: Foodology Fresh

Smoked Salmon & Avocado Wrap 3.8/5

There is variety of wraps of the shelf for you to choose from. I took my all-time favorite, Smoked Salmon & Avocado Wrap ($8.80). It didn't disappoint me. Though I find the wrap slightly too thick, the generous filling makes up for it. The sweet tangy honey Dijon mustard makes it really refreshing especially so when I had it straight from the chiller. I prefer this much more to their Roasted Chicken & Avocado Sandwich ($7) as I find the latter's taste slightly bland. But given the amount of chicken and avocado, I find it quite value for money.

Mushroom Soup 3.8/5

 For every Salad, Wrap or Sandwich you order, you can just top up $3 for an additional soup, muffin, or a Quiche. There are three soups to choose from, in which I had the Mushroom Soup ($5.80). I have always like mushroom soup but I find most either too creamy or too watery. Theirs is definitely one of the better ones which I have tried. The soup was loaded with mushrooms with the right amount of cream.

Spinach & Mushroom Quiche 3/5

I tried their Spinach & Mushroom Quiche ($5.80). I would prefer one with a much thicker filling, but it is still acceptable. It wasn't too creamy and has a good portion of spinach and mushroom.

photo credit: Foodology Fresh

Summerberry Yoghurt Tart 4/5

They also offer a variety of desserts and surprisingly good, considering their mains are salads and wraps. Summerberry Yoghurt Tart. I find this a perfect closing to tonight's dinner. It has a firm texture, and yet it melts readily in my mouth. The biscuit base gave it a good crunch. Almost like a non-bake cheesecake, but it is much lighter and refreshing.

Amidst the competition, I feel Foodology Fresh stands out in its own way. Its creative use of ingredients have made salads more exciting to the taste buds. It also offers delivery service around the Chinatown area. So if you happen to work at that area and rushing for time, you may want to do away with your usual delivery menu and engage their service for a change.

Written and Photography 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. 


[CLOSED]
Foodology Fresh
URA Centre
45 Maxwell Road
#01-02
Singapore 069118
Tel: +65 62239274
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodologyfresh
Website: http://www.foodologyfresh.sg/
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to Maxwell Road. Turn right and walk down Maxwell Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

L'Espresso @ Goodwood Park Hotel

I was quite surprise to know that L'Espresso is established as early as 1968. L'Espresso is well known for its elegant teatime pursuits, especially their English Afternoon Tea buffet with a dazzling assortment of dainty sandwiches, salads, savouries, pastries, desserts, chocolate fountain and of course English traditional English scones.

New to the Afternoon Tea buffet is the antipasti such as the German Black Forest ham and Rosette salami. There is even Duck Rillette to go with the fresh bread.

The dainty sandwiches and wraps were really good. My favourite was the wrap and foie gras. I could easily have a couple of these in one serving.

Yes known for their scones this is not to be missed. There were three different types of scones in my visit. I decided to give the blueberry scone a try. What is even more appealing is the variety of condiments to go with the scones. I took a couple of jams but what I adore most is the fresh raspberry condiments.

There are even fried food in the Afternoon Tea buffet spread. Fried food is a favourite among Singaporean and children which definitely is a welcome addition to afternoon tea. A must try is the chicken karaage which was really delicious.

There are even more hot food in the buffet spread such as the smoked salmon with herbs and breadcrumbs crust, and braised kurobuta pork with hungarian sweet paprika and brioche. This is turning out to be a lunch feast instead of afternoon tea. Well, I am not complaining, I appreciate the huge varieties and selections.

Of course in every buffet spread we must have the dessert section. Perfect to go with a cup of the TWG tea selections is the various of cakes.

There was even a chocolate corner. The chocolate corner has a chocolate fountain for the seasonal fruit skewers and marshmallows, chocolate mousse, Dulcey chocolate brownie, chocolate crunchy hazelnut dome as well as assorted pralines and truffles

The Afternoon Tea buffet is priced at $45 per adult, $22.50 per child which includes two serving of coffee and tea from a selection of premium coffee and TWG tea.


L'Espresso
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301743
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodwoodParkHotel
Website: http://www.goodwoodparkhotel.com/default-en.html
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

English Afternoon Tea:
Mon-Thu: 2pm - 530pm
Fri-Sun & PH: 12pm - 230pm, 3pm - 530pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Saladworks @ JEM

I remembered when I was trying to eat healthy back then, the most difficult part is actually the accessibility to eatery offering healthy food. Sad to say there are not many such healthy outlets in Singapore. However I am also seeing a growing trend of such outlets springing out at different corners of Singapore such as The Lawn, Sumo Salad and SaladStop. One such eateries is Saladworks at JEM. Saladworks is the first and largest fresh salad franchise in the US. Saladworks at JEM is the first outlet outside the States. Fresh, made to order salad and designed to be under 500 calories, this is a healthy heaven.

Autumn Harvest with Avocado Dressing 3.5/5

A healthy kick start to the meal is the Autumn Harvest Salad with Avocado Dressing ($11.50). Fresh greens of romanine and iceberg paired with a mix of turkey ham, craisins, grilled corn, carrots, sunflower seeds and apple slices. The house made avocado dressing was creamy and sweet giving the greens a good boost in flavours.

Turkey Melt Panini 4/5

If you need your carbo, then you should not miss the toasty Turkey Melt Panini ($10.50). Sandwiched with sliced turkey, bacon, cheddar cheese with rustic thousand island dressing. Patron has a choice of either sourdough or focaccia bread. A very flavourful combination.

Fire Roasted Cabo Jack Wrap 4.5/5

For a delightful bite, a must try at Saladworks is the Fire Roasted Cabo Jack Wrap ($9.90). This wrap totally won me over with its special mix of creamy sesame sauce and vinaigrette. I actually raised an eyebrow when I tasted the sauce. Isn't it a US salad franchise chain? Why is their a sesame in the sauce? A check with the owner explained that he created the sauce himself to suit the local palate.

Chicken Carvery Sandwich  3.5/5

Many people has the misconception that eating healthy means that you won't be full. Well it actually not true. For a meal that is more substantial, one can try the Chicken Carvery Sandwich ($14.70) that comes with either BBQ Chicken/Lemon Chicken, grilled red peppers, spicy mustard and mayo sandwiched between ciabatta bread. It also comes with either a choice of rice or salad on the side.

Chef Signature Salad 3.8/5

For those that needs protein in their meal, you can satisfy your need at Saladworks too. They offer a choices of chicken, salmon and beef in their menu. In my visit, I tried the Chef Signature Salad ($15.90) that is served with a beef steak on a bed of salad. While I enjoyed the beef steak, the salad was a bit soggy with the over drenched sauce. The salad also came with a lot of onions which was a bit overpowering for me as I am not a big fan of them.

Healthy eating does not mean it has to be boring and tasteless. The different offering at Saladworks will not only ensure one has a a healthy diet but also leave one feeling satisfied and content. I am glad that I have another option to go to for a good healthy meal.


Saladworks
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#02-19
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 67346504
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Saladworks.SG
Website: http://www.saladworks.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (NS Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 10pm

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

The Tiramisu Hero @ Tyrwhitt Road

I first tried the tiramisu from The Tiramisu Hero during my visit to The Lawn at AXA Tower. It was then I got to know about The Tiramisu Hero which is co-owned by fellow blogger SIXPEGS and the cafe is at Jalan Besar. I got the opportunity to visit the cafe during a photoshoot with Maureen for Pickat and I got to check out their savoury offering besides their popular tiramisu.

The whimsical cafe even set aside little retail corners around the cafe selling many lovely items. The owners really have eyes for beauty item.

Cafe Latte 4/5

My Cafe Latte ($5.50) at The Tiramisu Hero is pretty good. First tick off from my requisite of a good cafe that I will return.

Ham and Cheese Wrap 4.2/5

Rolled with ham and cheese melted in a warm toasty wrap and finished with the chef's secret sauce, the Ham and Cheese Wrap ($9.80) was surprising very tasty with all the ingredients working in harmony.

Truffle Eggs Bacon Roll 4.2/5

The Truffle Eggs Bacon Roll ($10.5) was pretty interesting with its presentation. The fluffy scrambled eggs were wrapped in crispy bacon hence the circular shape. A little surprise await us as we cut through it with creamy egg yolk oozing out

Chefchef Curry Baked Rice 3/5

Baked in chicken curry, the Chefchef Curry Baked Rice ($12.50) with an option to add cheese ($2) was both fragrant and cheesy.

Baked Cheese Chicken 4/5

The Baked Cheese Chicken ($19) is served with portobello mushroom and garden vegetables. The oven baked boneless chicken was fork tender and the cheese accentuated the flavour.

Bangers with Mac & Cheese 3.5/5

A traditional British dish of an assortment of gourment sausages, the Bangers ($15) comes with a choice of either choice of Mashed potatoes or Mac & Cheese. A simple but yet comforting and hearty dish.

Waffle Woo with Strawberries 3.5/5

The Waffle ($7) is of the more crispy type with the choice of toppings at an additional cost. We went for the strawberry topping ($2). Pretty decent waffle to end the meal on a sweet note.

I am glad that I got to visit The Tiramisu Hero Cafe. Besides their signature tiramisu, the offering of their savoury items is pretty good too. With a brightly lit interior, the casual and spacious cafe is definitely worth visiting and chilling out over a cuppa.


Tiramisu Hero
121 Tyrwhitt Road
Singapore 207548
Tel: +65 62925271
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTiramisuHero
Website: http://thetiramisuhero.com
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to V Hotel Lavender. Walk down to the end of Horne Road. Turn left onto Tyrwitt Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]