Singapore Restaurant Tips by Strikinsmile

Saint Marc Cafe: Japanese Cafe & Dessert Place

A friend and I were just strolling after dinner when we chanced upon the then newly-opened Saint Marc Cafe in VivoCity. The cafe is bathed in warm hues and earth tones, mostly brown. Classy, modern and very much inviting.

There is a display rack by the entrance, showcasing the Japanese cafe's desserts (warm and cold) and few pastries. Of course, I got curious. Since my friend and I were up for dessert, I suggested we try one of those gorgeously prepared soft ice cream glasses, topped with fresh fruits, choco syrup and a minty leaf.

Boy are we surprised by the dessert! It's so good that it exceeded our expectations. We thought it would be just a simple vanilla soft ice cream and fruits but it's more! We loved it!

And it's one of the reasons why I brought my hubby to this place. And, like the first time I visited Saint Marc, my hubby loved it!

Favorite Dish: Their ice creams! I can't recall the names of the different flavours and, to be honest, I haven't really tried all of them. I believe I have tried most of them, enough for me to conclude that I love Saint Marc's ice cream sundaes.

They are not your usual sundae. Each tall glass gives you different flavours and textures. You have the soft ice cream, which is not too sweet, the fresh fruits (depending on what you order: strawberries, etc), jellies, choco syrup, soft cake at the bottom to balance the sweetness and crispy corn flakes, a good conclusion to the entire ice cream experience!

I have not tried the warm desserts yet. They have almost the same presentation as the ice creams but served in small bowls.

On my next visit, I shall try those. And their pastries and coffee, too!

Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-108 VivoCity

Comparison: about average

Directions: Take the North West line of the MRT (purple) going to Harbourfront. Alight at the very last stop, which is Harbourfront. Take the escalator up one level and make your way Saint Marc Cafe. It's a few steps away from Max Brenner.

Phone: +65-6222-2309

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Dessert

Website: http://saint-marc-sg.com/

Ayam Penyet Ria: Smashed Chicken or Beef, Anyone?

Ayam Penyet Ria is one of the best Indonesian restaurants that I've tried. I simply love the "ayam penyet" or smashed chicken, that I always order this whenever I make a trip there. It provides an authentic taste of Indonesia here in Singapore.

Favorite Dish: My all-time fave is the "ayam penyet" or the smashed chicken. It comes with rice, beancurd, soybean cake, some veggies that are really, really spicy. The chicken is tender, which is simply perfect with the dark sweet sauce, and the crispy bits simply add a texture in your mouth.

Address: #01-45 Lucky Plaza, Orchard Road

Comparison: about average

Directions: Take the MRT to Orchard Road. Proceed to Lucky Plaza (it's opposite Wheelock Place), ground floor.

Other Contact: http://www.ayampenyetria.com/loc

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.ayampenyetria.com/home.html

4 Fingers: Oh-So-Good Crispy Chicken

The crispy chicken, which comes in either hot or soya garlic flavour, will definitely rock your palate. Why? Because it's really good! An order of 6 pieces (3 wings, 3 drumlets) with fries and rice will keep you more than satisfied. You can order soya garlic, hot or a combination of both. Both flavours are so delicious.

Each piece is "hand painted" with the special sauce, so once you take a bite, wow! You're going to crave for more. Bring your family here or just order meals to go. Trust me, it's really good!

Favorite Dish: The crispy chicken. It's a good alternative to KFC, which I find tasteless (if it weren't for the chili sauce) here in Singapore (but I love the KFCs in Spain, Indonesia and the Philippines).

Address: B4-06A ION Orchard, Orchard Road, Singapore

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: Just proceed to B4 of this popular mall along Orchard Road.

Other Contact: http://twitter.com/gimme4fingers

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Fast Food

Long Beach Main Seafood Restaurant: Best Chilli Crab Ever!

It's situated along the peaceful yet energetic East Coast of Singapore. The overall look of the restaurant is Chinese, although not traditional, but the feel is there. What catches the eye is, upon entering the restaurant, huge aquariums of several sea creatures are lined up to greet the guests. These same tanks are "home" to the restaurant's main offering: seafood. It's fresh and there's simply a lot of choices!

Favorite Dish: Chilli crab is on top of my list! Served with bread, the sauce is just right. The sauce alone is perfect with rice, in fact. Once you taste the crab, you'll realise that one (crab) is not enough.

Address: 1018 East Coast Parkway

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: It's right next to Burger King.

Phone: (65) 6445 8833

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 5

Theme: Seafood

Maggie Thai: Thai-Chinese Delight

This review is long overdue. Maggie Thai Chinese Restaurant in Bugis tops my list. I can still remember my first week in Singapore, when two colleagues brought me here to sample authentic Thai and Chinese dishes in Singapore. We had Thai pineapple rice, black pepper beef and butter squid. Boy, it was a feast! We walked away with a big smile and bulging tummies. It's that good.

The "aunties" (waitresses, cashier) now regard me and my friends as "regulars". And why not? We always bring new friends there to have dinner, especially when we hear our tummies growling for good food. The place is not fancy. It's not even airconditioned. It can get hot in there, especially if you eat spicy food, but the almost homey atmosphere keeps you focused on your meal. Two thumbs up!

Favorite Dish: All-time faves: Thai pineapple rice, black pepper beef, butter squid, honey chicken. I ordered them when I first got here and guess what, I've been ordering them eversince!

Address: Liang Seah street

Comparison: about average

Directions: Take the MRT and alight at Bugis station. Head to Parco Bugis Junction's exit (near Swensen's and Mo's Burger) and head straight to Liang Seah street. You'll pass by a string of restaurants and clubs. Maggie Thai is the last restaurant.

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

ToastBox: Kaya Toast with a Twist

ToastBox serves the most delightful array of toasts in town. The local Kaya toast is given a new twist with different flavours! Chocolate, strawberry, peanut butter, orange and a lot more. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacks or dessert. Love them!

Favorite Dish: As a chocolate addict, my choice would be the chocolate Kaya toast. Huge toast cut into cubes, smothered in chocolatey goodness.

Address: 435 Orchard Road (S) 238877, Food Republic, Wisma

Comparison: about average

Directions: Orchard MRT station

Other Contact: marketing@wismaonline.com

Phone: (65) 6235 8177

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Coffeehouse

Superdog: European Hotdogs in Singapore

Craving for hotdogs? When in Singapore, Superdog is guaranteed to give you a satisfying hotdog meal paired with fries. No American hotdogs but European hotdogs that are tasty and yummy to the last bite. Pretty satisfying too. Don't miss it. Another interesting bit about Superdog is that the burger patties and hotdogs are never frozen. It's freshness guaranteed.

Favorite Dish: I'd go for chili cheese dog and chili cheese fries anytime.

Address: 1 Harbourfront Walkm VivoCity #B2-40-41, Singapore

Comparison: about average

Directions: It's next to Harbourfront MRT entrance.

Other Contact: info@superdog.com.sg

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.superdog.com.sg

Sizzler: Great Salad Bar, Chicken and Steak

What I like about this place besides the food is the efficient service. The serving crew welcomes guests with a big smile. This is where my colleagues and I usually hold big lunch dates because we love the food (specially the salad bar!). It's quite affordable, too. The restaurant is cozy and very much inviting. We all know Sizzler's lunch menu by heart. Whenever we hold farewell lunches, Sizzler is always one of the choices... and we usually end up enjoying our lunch here.I

Favorite Dish: I always (always!) order Spicy Chicken. It's a boneless chicken thigh made tasty with a special blend of spices. I also love the salad bar where I can whip up veggies, tuna, corn and peaches with thousand island dressing. Hmm!

Address: Sizzler Suntec, #B1-21/22 Suntec City Tower 2

Comparison: about average

Directions: City Hall MRT station

Other Contact: Sizzler Toa Payoh, #-02-516, Blk

Phone: (65) 63365866

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Steakhouse

Website: http://www.sizzler.com.sg

McDonald's McCafe: Nothing Fancy, Only Good Coffee

"Nothing fancy, only good coffee." This is an appropriate line for Ronald's McCafe. Of course, McDonald's is one of the world's well-known brands, it's an institution. When it opened its coffee shop, I was more than excited to try out their specialty coffees and cakes. In the Philippines, I used to enjoy hanging out at McCafe (the one in Greenbelt) because it's relaxing and intimate. Brown hues and warm colours are just delightful to the eyes. The coffee is one of the best.

Favorite Dish: I love the cappuccino. There's nothing like a hot cup of cappuccino before going to work.

Address: Wheelock, Orchard Road

Comparison: about average

Directions: Orchard MRT station

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 3

Theme: Coffeehouse

The Oriental Singapore: Must-Try Chinese Food

Every inch of The Oriental Singapore Hotel is Chinese, accented by interesting vases and the interiors are bathing in rich red shades. Nice and corporate. The first level, where the ballroom is, is where we sampled the hotel's delicious Chinese food. We were invited by the Singapore Press Holdings to usher in the Lunar New Year with a Yu Sheng lunch. It was great. I just missed the rice. :)

Favorite Dish: The crisp-fried roasted chicken (thai style) is one of the dishes that I liked. It would have been perfect with rice. The fresh steamed garoupa (traditional style) is nutritious. The hotel's Lunar New Year Petit Fours were great. These are tarts and cookies that are just right, not too sweet.

Address: 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square, Singapore 039797

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: It's near Marina Square (mall) and the Pan Pacific Hotel.

Other Contact: (65) 63399537 fax

Phone: (65) 63380066

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Chinese/Dim Sum

Website: http://www.mandarinoriental.com