Denpasar Shops

Some examples of the shops in Denpasar, whether along the streets or within the shopping malls.

Some notable ones include:
Bali Ratu Spa, an up-market spa in Denpasar that offers a wide range of treatments
District Club And Karaoke, among the most popular and extravagant clubs in Denpasar and Kuta
Harum, a confectionery that specialises in Indonesia style cakes like Kueh Lapis Legit
Periplus, among the largest chain of bookstores across Indonesia
Spex Symbol, a suggestively named chain of optical stores across Indonesia specialising in sunglasses







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BWB (Burger VS Wings + Bar) Tasting Session
181 Orchard Road
#11-03 Orchard Central

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 5.30pm - 10pm

https://www.facebook.com/BWBSingapore

This was an invited media review. I did not pay for the meal during the free hosted tasting session, but I did pay the standard price during subsequent visits.
Attended with representatives from HungryGoWhere, and Purple Taste.


Epic Food Fight In A Fun Atmosphere

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 9
Ambience & Setting: 9
Food & Beverage: 9
Service: 9
Value for Money: 8
Budget about SGD $35 ++ per person.





Operating under the Kitchen Language Group, the 3 week old BWB (Burger VS Wings + Bar) is a new concept restaurant where a constant food fight is taking place, in a metaphorical sense. The competition is between the chef specialising in burgers, and the chef specialising in chicken wings, but the true winner is the customer!

The ambience at BWB (Burger VS Wings + Bar) is designed to be a chill, relaxing place for groups. In tandem with its concept, BWB (Burger VS Wings + Bar) is designed to resemble a boxing ring, with boxing memorabilia such as punching bags, boxing gloves, and various championship fight posters. All this lends an element of fun to its casual atmosphere. Hues of brick, yellow, and metal lend a touch of industrial underground fight club vibe, but the comfortable (and varied) furniture, spacious layout, sufficient bright lighting, and well-sectioned areas including a private function room are well thought out and functional.










BWB (Burger VS Wings + Bar) also adds excitement to your dining experience by having unexpected promotions throughout the day. When a certain milestone is reached, such as number of orders, or a special date, the chefs will ring a bell in the kitchen, and a staff holding a promotional signboard will announce the special offer, which only lasts for a limited time, like 15 minutes, or only for the first 10 people.












Service at BWB (Burger VS Wings + Bar) is above average. Staff are observant and attentive, and food is served pretty quickly. Plates are cleared efficiently, and offers for drinks are made when your glass is near empty. I find staff to be rather professional, but as the restaurant is somewhat new, they have some slight trouble with menu knowledge, except for the more senior staff or the chefs. Fortunately, the menu has good descriptions of items, although I found myself wishing for pictures to accompany it.

A small buffet spread is available with every order of burger or wings, at a small add-on price of SGD $4.90 for lunch, or SGD $7.90 for dinner. The buffet includes several appetizers, soup, vegetables, and a selection of desserts. For a complete meal experience, I find this to be a rather good deal, as msot of the food is well prepared and tasty. Personally, I find the pastries and desserts to be especially good, those with a sweet tooth might want to consider it!

Onsen Tamago / Cold Sous Vide Egg In Ponzu Sauce

Grilled Vegetables Medley

Shepherd's Pie

Mini Pandan Swiss Roll

Cheesecake

Pate De Fruit

BWB (Burger VS Wings + Bar) offers 4 house cocktail recipes, all priced at SGD $14 each. While I'm not able to identify the base alcohol and mix of ingredients as I didn't try all of them, the BWBartini features lychees and the Exotic Breeze features tropical fruits like mango, strawberry and orange. The Hero features lime, while The Challenger is a spicy concoction with chili.

BWBartini

The Hero

The Challenger

Exotic Breeze

The Beer Stella Artois is available on tap, and during happy hours, goes for SGD $13 for 2 glasses.

Beer Stella Artois

I loved the sticky, creamy texture of peanut butter on the Tyson Peanut Butter Burger (SGD $21.90), which was evenly coated on the thick and juicy angus beef patty. The sunny side up egg, fresh arugula, smoky bacon and sharp melted cheddar rounded out the taste profile of this magnificanet burger. The burger bun itself was special, made from brioche and infused with a hint sun-dried tomatoes.

Tyson Peanut Butter Burger

I liked the fresh, large portion of breaded izumi fish fillet on the Pacific Izumi Fish Burger (SGD $15.80). Packed within the sun-dried tomato brioche burger buns along with a sunny side up egg, cucumber, arugula, bacon and tartar sauce, this is the perfect burger for the health conscious, or those looking for a lighter meal. I tried adding the honey mustard sauce from another dish, which I thought enhanced the overall taste.

Pacific Izumi Fish Burger

The BWB Classic Heavyweight Burger (SGD $19.90), with the classic burger ingredients of smoky bacon, fresh tomato and onions, a sunny side up egg, all packed with a tender, juicy angus beef patty, topped with savoury chili con carne and french mustard within a sesame brioche burger bun. Totally divine, I'm in burger heaven!

BWB Classic Heavyweight Burger

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, the Wagyu Beef Black Burger (SGD $28) was served. This montrosity of a burger has an excellent, well grilled and juicy wagyu beef patty, slathered with barbecue sauce, which shines through the toppings of avocado, tomatoes, rocket leaves, melted cheddar cheese and bacon. They even managed to stuff beer battered onion rings inside! The burger bun is unique as well, featuring a bamboo charcoal infused brioche, quite fragrant!

Wagyu Beef Black Burger

Not for the faint of heart, the spicy Hot Buffalo Wings (SGD $15.80) come coated in 3 levels of hot sauce; mild, medium, and suicide. We tried the medium level, and very nearly died from the spiciness of it... But it was so good! The chicken meat is juicy, tasty, and comes clean off the bone, a sign of excellent cooking. For the ultimate spicy challenge, try the Suicide Hot Buffalo Wings with house cocktail The Challenger.

Hot Buffalo Wings

The Cajun Barbecue Wings (SGD $15.80) features the same excellent chicken wings, only coated in a rich barbecue sauce with tart cajun spices. I loved the full mouth flavour of these, and the wings are generously coated with the barbecue sauce, yet not soggy or limp. Get messy with your hands!

Cajun Barbecue Wings

The Heavyweight Wings (SGD $14.50) is a tasty deep fried chicken lollipop recipe. With flavourful batter and a splash of lime, this makes a great bar snack with beer! It's also among the least messy chicken wings on the menu!

Heavyweight Wings

The Herbs Butter Injection Wings (SGD $16.90) feature a half stuffed chicken wing, and a standard chicken drumlet that is tender and juicy. The wings are fragrant, crisp, and very tasty! The meat within the stuffed wing seems to be minced pork, and the skin is golden with a satisfying crunch.

Herbs Butter Injection Wings

The unique Strawberry Habanero Wings (SGD $14.50) is served with chicken wings coated in a sticky sweet mix of strawberry jam and habanero chili. More sweet than spicy, the sauce works well with the savoury, juicy and moist wings, despite coming across more like a dessert. Very fragrant, the smell of the strawberries hits you the minute it arrives at the table.

Strawberry Habanero Wings

The ever popular Cheese Fries (SGD $3.80 add-on with purchase of burgers or wings) are served in a mini frying tray, with a generous topping of cheese, sour cream and spring onions.

Cheese Fries

The All-In-One Combo Fries (SGD $8.50) features a trio of root vegetables, cut into strips, then deep fried. With Yam Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, and regular Potato Fries, this is great for sharing as the basket portion is quite large.

All-In-One Combo Fries

Yam Fries

Sweet Potato Fries

Potato Fries

The undecided can go for the BWB Mini Burger Sampler (SGD $20.50) and Sampler Trio Wings (SGD $18), both showcasing a trio of burgers or wings. Also perfect for sharing!

BWB Mini Burger Sampler

Sampler Trio Wings

I felt it was a true pleasure to dine at BWB (Burger VS Wings + Bar). With the unexpected promotional surprises throughout the meal, a fun, casual atmosphere, friendly service and great food, all you need is good company to share it with. I will pay another visit here!

Ramen Champion
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#01-22 Great World City

201 Victoria Street
#04-10 Bugis+

65 Airport Boulevard
#B2-58 Changi Airport Terminal 3

http://www.ramenchampion.com.sg/


A Gathering Of Champions; Winner: The Customer

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Ambience & Setting: 7
Food & Beverage: 9
Service: 8
Value for Money: 9
Spent about SGD $22 per person.


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What makes a good ramen? The answer to this delicious question is varied, from the thickness of the noodle, to the type of broth, to the garnishings used. Ramen Champion attempt to answer this question, by scouring the regions of Japan, and gathering 13 individually outstanding chefs under the Ramen Champion umbrella, to battle it out with their signature ramen dishes.

Each of the 13 ramen brands are spread across all 3 of the Ramen Champion outlets in Bugis+, Great World City, and Changi Airport Terminal 3, and each outlet features some, but not all, of the 13 chefs ramen stalls. Ambience at each of the Ramen Champion outlets is similar, with dark wooden and teak colours scheme and furniture, and low lighting, with decor in traditional Japanese restaurant style.

Ramen Champion is self-service, where diners can choose which of the individual stalls to order from. Place your order, collect the buzzer, wait about 5 - 10 minutes, then collect your order when ready, payment only when leaving the premises; absolutely fuss free, and thus, no service charge! This competition for the title of Ramen Champion takes place throughout the year, with the stall selling the most bowls getting crowned Champion. Because Ramen Champion has outlets across the world, each country has a different Ramen Champion.

Each of the 13 ramen stalls hail from various regions in Japan, and usually offer the regional speciality, or inventive creations from the chef. Each stall features a menu that usually has 1 - 3 signature ramen dishes, along with several other side dishes and lesser items. The bewildering array of options at Ramen Champion means most diners usually gravitate towards the signature dishes from their favourite stalls.

In general, portions at Ramen Champion are usually quite generous and filling, with prices for an individual bowl of ramen costing an average of SGD $13 - $19. What I like about Ramen Champion is their use of premium, quality ingredients, which means you're assured a good bowl of ramen no matter which of the 13 chefs you choose.

The competition at Ramen Champion Singapore begins on 1st August each year, and runs all the way till 31st July the next year, when the results are tallied and the winner of is crowned. The competiton is currently into its 3rd year (01-Aug-2013 to 31-Jul-2014), having first commenced in 2001.


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There are a variety of drinks available at the drink counter, but these usually play second fiddle to the food. Look out for their happy hour specials!

Asahi Beer

Iced Yuzu

Iced Fuji Apple Berries

Sapporo Beer

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Chef: Masaki Yorozu of Gantetsu
Region: Sapporo City, Hokkaido Region




Signature Dish: Miso Ramen King Cha Shu Men
Broth: Miso | Noodle: Medium, Round, Curly
Garnish: Medium Pork Belly Cha Shu, Seasoned Egg, Seaweed, Spring Onion, Bean Sprouts, Bamboo Shoot, Black Fungus, Garlic



To win the ramen championship for 3 consecutive years is not easy. Even more remarkable, Gantetsu has managed to achieve this 3 time victory in the city considered to be the 'Ramen Capital' of Japan, and also the birthplace of Miso Ramen. Their signature Miso Ramen King Cha Shu Men (SGD $15) has a light but full-bodied broth, and their style of serving the ingredients on the side help to prevent soggyness. I also like that their meat is tender, well marinated and easy to chew. However, their seasoned egg tends to be slightly overdone.




Dish: Miso Ramen With Butter And Corn
Broth: Miso | Noodle: Medium, Round, Curly
Garnish: Medium Pork Belly Cha Shu, Seaweed, Spring Onion, Bean Sprouts, Black Fungus, Garlic, Corn, Butter



The Miso Ramen With Butter And Corn (SGD $13.50) from Gantetsu has a milky, flavourful broth with the addition of butter. The corn complements the crunchy texture of the black fungus, but the lone pork belly slice and lack of seasoned egg hurt this dish in terms of portion.




The nicely Grilled Teriyaki Hotate / Scallops from Gantetsu are fresh and meaty, paired well with the savoury sauce and fresh crunchy bean sprouts.

Gantetsu Sapporo Grilled Teriyaki Hotate

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Chef: Makoto Iwasaki of Bario
Region: Tokyo City, Kanto Region




Signature Dish: Ajitama Ramen
Broth: Tonkotsu And Shoyu Combination (Jiro Style) | Noodle: Thick, Broad, Curly
Garnish: Thick Pork Belly Cha Shu, Seasoned Egg, Bean Sprouts, Cabbage, Garlic, Chili



Bario proudly declares their ramen to be 'Made by Men, for Men'. Listed among the top 50 things to eat in the world, their signature Ajitama Ramen is served with a heaping mountain of crunchy bean sprouts, in a full-bodied, complex broth of pork, chicken and soy sauce, slow cooked over 12 hours. Flavour of the seasoned egg is strong, while retaining a soft texture, and the thickly sliced pork has generous amounts of fat. For added punch, they encourage adding heaping spoonfuls of garlic and chili. Their regular portion (SGD $13) is extremely generous, but those who want a challenge should order the large bowl. The chewy texture of the noodles may not appeal to some though.




Dish: Bario Ramen
Broth: Tonkotsu And Shoyu Combination (Jiro Style) | Noodle: Thick, Broad, Curly
Garnish: Thick Pork Belly Cha Shu, Bean Sprouts, Cabbage, Garlic, Chili



Think of the eponymous Bario Ramen (SGD $8) as a more manageable, downsized version of their signature dish. Essentially the same with somewhat lesser ingredients, it is still a filling and generous portioned dish in its own right. Featuring the signature chewy noodles and the thickly sliced pork belly cha shu, but lacking the seasoned egg, this is good for those who want a less extreme rendition from them.




The yummy Seasoned Egg from Bario is one of the few side dishes they offer. Tasty, and suitable for dunking in their soup!

Bario Tokyo Seasoned Egg

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Chef: Kosuke Yoshimura of Ikkousha
Region: Hakata-Ku City, Kyushu Region




Signature Dish: Special Ramen
Broth: Tonkotsu | Noodle: Thin, Round, Straight
Garnish: Thin Pork Belly Cha Shu, Seasoned Egg, Seaweed, Spring Onion, Black Fungus



For 2 consecutive years, Ikkousha has claimed the title of Ramen Champion Singapore, thanks to their signature Special Ramen (SGD $16.50). Their award winning broth is light, with a hint of sourness and spice, but rich, milky, and with full porky flavour. The seasoned egg is flavourful and beautifully done with a molten center, probably the best seasoned egg of all, while the soft, slender noodles goes down easily. The thinly sliced pork is still meaty enough to have some bite, and has a nice balance of fat and lean meat. However, some may find this dish to be too salty for their liking.




Dish: God Fire Ramen
Broth: Tonkotsu | Noodle: Thin, Round, Straight
Garnish: Medium Pork Belly Cha Shu, Seasoned Egg, Seaweed, Spring Onion, Black Fungus, Chili



The God Fire Ramen (SGD $13.50) from Ikkousha adds a level of spice to their signature dish, but otherwise, is similar in all other aspects. Those who like it hot may want to go for this, as the broth is quite spicy, and the burning heat builds throughout the meal!




I loved the perfectly pan-fried Gyoza from Ikkousha, that has a nice char on the exterior, skin which isn't too thick and won't break easily, and tightly packed pork filling that goes so well with the soy dipping sauce.

Ikkousha Hakata Gyoza

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Chef: Toshikazu Yoneda of Butaou
Region: Saitama City, Kanto Region




Signature Dish: Special Sukiyaki Ramen
Broth: Tonkotsu And Sukiyaki Combination | Noodle: Thin, Round, Curly
Garnish: Thick Pork Belly Cha Shu, Soft Boiled Egg, Seaweed, Spring Onion, Bamboo Shoot, Thin Pork Side Bacon



The signature Special Sukiyaki Ramen (SGD $16) from Butaou may anger ramen purists, because of its sweet taste profile instead of the usual salty umami taste of ramen, due to the addition of sukiyaki vegetable stock. I liked the slighty sweet taste of the soup, though I think it did get heavier and more cloying towards the end. I also liked that they have they most ingredients of any ramen here, the bowl is literally filled with pork!




I loved that the Chawanmushi Prawn from Butaou is perfectly steamed till the egg custard is soft and wobbly, with a fragrant aroma. There isn't much ingredients within though, only 1 beech / shimeji mushroom, 1 fresh prawn, and 1 ginko nut.

Butaou Saitama Chawanmushi Prawn

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Chef: Suzuki Takehiro of Riki
Region: Tokyo City, Kanto Region




Signature Dish: Nitamago Shoyu Ramen
Broth: Shoyu | Noodle: Thick, Broad, Curly
Garnish: Thick Pork Belly Cha Shu, Soft Boiled Egg, Bean Sprouts, Cabbage, Garlic, Chili



The signature Nitamago Shoyu Ramen (SGD $14) from Riki features the Tokyo style thick noodles, but the difference lies in their soft boiled egg, which sits wobbling in the center of the soup, rather than a seasoned egg. The soup isn't as potent with garlic or chili, and the portion is just enough for one person, without being too overwhelming. I noticed their pork cha shu is quite lean as well.




While I liked the semi firm texture of the Cod Fish Tofu from Riki, the taste was somewhat flat and lacking, being slightly more neutral in flavour. This was somewhat elevated by the sour pickles, but the dish is still below average overall.

Riki Tokyo Cod Fish Tofu With Pickles

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