Osaka Ohsho @ Westgate, Singapore

Boasting their fried dumpling speciality since 1969, Osaka Ohsho (which translates to "King of Gyoza in Osaka") is a destination for diners from all ways of life to savour their casual ambience and irresistible dumplings. Currently with more than 300 outlets worldwide, it has opened two right here locally at Raffles City and Westgate.

Most of their "Chipanese" (if there is a word for Japanese-Chinese fusion) dishes include, ramen, terriyaki and tempura set meals, complemented by their famous pan-fried dumplings. Do not be surprised if you found out that you are reading Mandarin off the menu, because most dishes are Chinese-inspired. As expected of the hi-tech Japanese, electronic menus are utilised to send orders to the kitchen directly, saving both manpower and time.

Hoshino Coffee @ Plaza Singapura, Singapore

Following Plaza Singapura's expansion, Hoshino Coffee has been boasting snaking long queues during meal-times, serving authentic Japanese cuisine, which includes their signature hand-dripped coffee and pancake souffles. Having recently been to Miam Miam, I would have to admit that there was an uncanny resemblance between the two, in terms of their offerings etc. I haven't had the former's main courses, so I shouldn't judge as much.

Nevertheless, if you had a chance to pass by Hoshino Coffee, I wouldn't be surprised if you got seduced by their eye-captivating artificial food display. Pancake Souffles, like I said, are one of their best-sellers - boasting a light, fluffy texture that it's sure to get any dessert-lover hooked on first bite. Prices are S$9.80 for one, and S$12.00 for the double (and, of course.. if you're in the right mind, you should get the latter for sharing). The pancake souffles are served with a dollop of cream and maple syrup. Preparation time takes 20 minutes, but as they always say.. Good things are worth the wait.

Compared to Miam Miam's rendition, Hoshino won hands-down.

MacDonald's Surprise Alarm

First of all, I would like to apologise for the lack of updates in this recent weeks as the bombardment of a never-ending assignment list, which includes essays, presentations, tutorials, and more essays. Perhaps, that was what they meant by the "university life". Nevertheless, I make it a point to check the blog's comments and requests (hopefully) on a daily basis, so, keep the comments or whatever rolling!

Secondly, recently I stumbled on this MacDonald's "Surprise Alarm" app from the Apple store, which features.. wait for it.. wait for it.. A FREEBIE (Singaporeans like this) whenever you set a daily alarm. Note that I say - daily, because Ronald MacDonald probably know how kiasu we are and has limit us to only one free gift per day. 

Nevertheless, this freebie comes in the form of treats, videos, music tracks and more. Don't ask me what's "and more", because so far, I have only gotten a free Kelly Clarkson song (which I have long ago obtained it by illegal means), kopi and hash brown (with any purchase = chey).

(above) Cool interface, huh? The skyline change in real-time every time you slide the ring.

(below) And.. This are the freebies I was mentioning:

For more information on how to get it and Terms & Conditions (which I know no one bothers to read after the first two words), visit their official page here:

https://www.mcdonalds.com.sg/surprisealarm/

Now don't say I never share good stuff hor.

Nadaman @ Shangri-la Hotel, Singapore

With a history since 1830s, the Nadaman group of restaurants has gained renowned reputation on their exceptional culinary arts, transforming the blessings of nature into food. It was a Sunday afternoon when we figured out that we really need to unwind from our busy schedules and what we needed was nothing less than to indulge in a good Japanese meal amidst the serenity. Well, it's high-time to pamper Mum also, so why not.

At Nadaman, signature dishes are meticulously crafted by their Japan-trained chef and like any other Japanese cuisine, presentation are of the highest regards. For value, have a go at their lunch set menus (S$45-75), which includes choices like tempura, wafu steak, unajyu and sashimi. For myself, the wafu steak set lunch (S$55) proved to be extremely satisfying, completed by a good combination of seasonal appetiser, steamed egg custard, salad, pickles, rice and miso soup.

Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (松发肉骨茶) @ New Bridge Road, Singapore

Think of Bak Kuh Teh and Song Fa might just appear in most people's head. This is not surprising at all, considering that their history of selling Teochew-style Bak Kut Teh was deep rooted since 1969. From a humble assistant in a Teochew stall, Mr Yeo Eng Song established the original Song Fa Bak Kut Teh at Victoria Street, and has since passed the duty to his son, Mr Yeo Hart Pong.

Today, snaking long queues never cease to disappear during meal times, while patrons from all walks of life filled the rustic halls that depict the yesteryear of Singapore. Besides their famous pork rib dishes, they offer a variety of braised treats, fish soup and other side dishes, like peanuts and vegetables that would enhance the diner's experience.

Dinosaurs: Dawn to Extinction @ Art-science Museum, Singapore

Step back in time and journey through 600 million years - to an ancient time when dinosaurs roamed the very Earth we are standing on. With hundreds of prehistoric collections, which exists in both forms of life-sized replicas and real fossils, dinosaur-lovers from all walks of life is bound to be intrigued by the many different exhibitions they have to offer. Some noteworthy fossils include one that is found in Argentina just a few months ago!

The title of the exhibition "Dawn to Extinction" pretty much gave a good summary of what you could expect - a journey through the prehistorical periods when the mighty creatures existed, namely the Precambrian, Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. With a dino-name like Nomsaurus, it's high time to visit some of my distant relatives.