Nice But Overpriced

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 5
Ambience & Setting: 6
Food & Beverage: 8
Service: 6
Value for Money: 4
Spent about SGD $20 per person.





The oddly named Wet Market Zi Char is a relatively new Chinese Zi Char stall in the S11 coffeeshop in Ang Mo Kio. The locals staying around the area seem to go for the "classic" zi char dishes. But Wet Market Zi Char also offers modern, restaurant style dishes, with prices that match.

The casual coffeeshop ambience of Wet Market Zi Char offers a large floor space and ample seating, but the ambient temperature is a big factor. Warm days or wet days can be extermely uncomfortable to dine here.

Wet Market Zi Char staff are typically hurried / brusque, especially during peak dinner periods. I notice they tend to upsell, or push the more expensive dishes on the menu if you ask for recommendations. Not good.

The chef at Wet Market Zi Char has good skill, and dishes come out with wok hei (Breath of the wok) flavour. While tasty, I felt that the higher than average prices here make Wet Market Zi Char less value for money. I'll won't be dining here again.





The Nonya Style Sliced Fish (Red Grouper) (SGD $16) uses a good quality, fresh red grouper. The flesh is firm and slightly sweet, and the Nonya style sauce is similar to assam, with a sour tangy taste. Perfect gravy for pouring on rice! I also love the medley of fresh tomatoes and orka / ladies fingers. My only complaint is that there are too few slices of fish for the price.

Nonya Style Sliced Fish (Red Grouper)

The String Beans With Garlic (SGD $9) is fragrant with garlic, but has been slightly overcooked. While fresh, the texture isn't as crunchy as it should be, and it looks a little limp on the plate.

String Beans With Garlic

Probably among the most expensive tofu I've eaten, the Special Pi Pa Tofu (SGD $16) commands a high price for its use of fish maw and dried scallops as garnishings. While the tofu is nicely done with a crisp exterior and a soft, wobbly interior, the high price makes this dish terrible value for money.

Special Pi Pa Tofu

Owndays 2014, 2017, 2022
68 Orchard Road
#B1-05 Plaza Singapura
11am - 10pm Daily

313 Orchard Road
#B2-42 313@Somerset
11am - 10pm Daily

23 Serangoon Central
#B2-30 NEX
11am - 10pm Daily

311 New Upper Changi Road
#01-60 Bedok Mall
11am - 10pm Daily

1 Sengkang Square
#01-21 Compass One
11am - 10pm Daily

252 North Bridge Road
#B1-25 Raffles City
11am - 10pm Daily

1 Raffles Place
#03-02 One Raffles Place
11am - 9pm Mon - Sat, Closed Sun

201 Victoria Street
#03-03 Bugis+
11am - 10pm Daily

6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#01-55 The Central
11am - 10pm Daily

2 Jurong East Street 21
#01-11 IMM
11am - 10pm Daily

2 Orchard Turn
#B2-69 ION Orchard
10am - 10pm Daily

3 Temasek Boulevard
#02-465 Suntec City
10am - 10pm Daily

1 Jurong West Central 2
#01-24 Jurong Point
11am - 10pm Daily

2 Jurong East Central 1
#01-11 JCube
11am - 10pm Daily

1 Pasir Ris Central Street 3
#01-16 White Sands
11am - 10pm Daily

6 Raffles Boulevard
#02-21 Marina Square
12pm - 9pm Mon - Fri, 11am - 9pm Sat & Sun

1 HarbourFront Walk
#01-50A VivoCity
11am - 10pm Daily

83 Punggol Central
#01-58 Waterway Point
11am - 10pm Daily

302 Tiong Bahru Road
#01-117 Tiong Bahru Plaza
11am - 10pm Daily

3 Gateway Drive
#02-42 Westgate
11am - 10pm Daily

3155 Commonwealth Avenue West
#03-40 The Clementi Mall
11am - 10pm Daily

100 Tras Street
#01-02 100AM
11am - 10pm Daily

180 Kitchener Road
#02-14 City Square Mall
11am - 10pm Daily

https://www.owndays.com/sg/en/


Classy, Modern, Affordable Japanese Eyewear

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 9
Ambience & Setting: 9
Estimated Visiting Duration: 20 - 60 Minutes
Service: 9
Value for Money: 8
Spent about SGD $280 per person.


.....


Established by founder Shuji Tanaka in Tokyo, Kanto, Japan, in March 1989, Owndays is a well known and popular end-to-end optical retailer of eyewear. Owndays opened in Singapore in July 2013, and has quickly pulled in the crowds with its modern, open concept store, attractive displays, efficient and fast service, and wide range of eyewear designs.

Owndays is particularly reowned for their affordable all-in-one, fixed prices on eyewear frames that cost an average of SGD $150 - $300 per pair. Because Owndays manages the entire process from design, to manufacturing, to logistics, to sales, they are able to produce good quality eyewear frames at very affordable prices. Furthermore, Owndays only uses Japanese manufacturers, who work with the latest in optical technology, producing eyewear frames that are more durable, lightweight, comfortable, and fashionable.

Owndays has more than 1,500 designs in stock, spanning 18 brand names, including 7 house brands. Furthermore, they promise a short processing time of only 20 minutes, from the time you select your design, to the time you can collect it! I love the wide range of designs available, and if a design is out-of-stock, staff will help you check if it can be ordered in, provided it's still being manufactured.

The open, welcoming concept of Owndays means you can freely browse the many designs on display easily. Safe to say that Owndays is bringing an eyewear and optical revolution to Singapore!


.....

Model Owndays House OG2003 Black

Model Owndays Sports OW3008 Shagadelic

Model Butterfly Effect OE2402 Black & Red

Model AIR Ultem OT2030 Matte Gunmetal

Model Senichisaku Senichi2 Red Tortoise Shell

Model Swarovski Zirconia SWA2003A Smoke

Model K. Moriyama OB1017 Silver

.....


Update Aug-2017: Returned to Owndays for 2 new pairs of spectacles. Owndays has been doing very well, having expanded across the island. Ambience remains clean, bright, and inviting. Service is functional and polite, staff display good product knowledge on the various options, and will accomodate requests. However, it's difficult to attract their attention during peak periods. Prices have increased slightly, but still remain good value for money, as 2 pairs of spectacles retail for less than SGD $400, due to a promotion for 50% discount on the 2nd pair. Took about 10 days (7 working days) for my order to be ready, as I got transition lenses.

Owndays Order, August 2017

The AIR For Men AR2008-N Matt Red uses the material Grilamid TR-90, which is a lightweight, flexible, shock resistant material developed for medical purposes. The square frames with sharp corners look sleek, and the matt red colour makes it eye-catching.

AIR For Men AR2008-N Matt Red

The K. Moriyama KM1105 Silver Purple is a sleek, business suited frame, whose reflective properties draw the eye. This titanium half-rim frame looks minimalist, the lenses having been affixed with simple screws. Elegant and sophisticated, with a timeless charm.

K. Moriyama KM1105 Silver Purple

.....


Update Jun-2022: Having used the previous 2 pairs of spectacles for the last 5 years, I've now returned to Owndays for a fresh pair.

The Owndays AIR For Men AR2031T-1A C4 Matte Khaki Yellow (SGD $258) is square-framed with rimless side edges, exuding a sporty vibe. Made of light-weighted resin, the frame itself is light as a feather with a little flexibility, sitting easily for daily wear. The adjustable rubber nose pads with soft padding offer a comfortable grip, while the contrast of vibrant yellow against deep matte khaki creates a striking visual look. I got the Transitions light intelligent lenses, which are scratch resistant, anti-reflection, and dust-repellent. The lenses automatically adapt to changing light conditions quickly and seamlessly, while offering protection for your eyes against ultraviolet light and electronic blue light.

AIR For Men AR2031T-1A C4 Matte Khaki Yellow (SGD $258)

AIR For Men AR2031T-1A C4 Matte Khaki Yellow

AIR For Men AR2031T-1A C4 Matte Khaki Yellow

AIR For Men AR2031T-1A C4 Matte Khaki Yellow

.....

Turo Turo
6 Changi Business Park Avenue 1
#01-24 UE Bizhub East (North Tower)

https://www.facebook.com/turoturo.sg


Simple, Tasty Filipino Food In A Casual Setting

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 7
Ambience & Setting: 7
Food & Beverage: 7
Service: 8
Value for Money: 7
Spent about SGD $12 per person.





A casual and clean cafe serving authentic cuisine of the Philippines, Turo Turo is tucked away in the quiet Changi Business Park area, and mostly frequented by office workers during lunch. Boasting home cooked Filipino food that is tasty and affordable, Turo Turo The Pinoy Kitchen is a true hidden gem.

Ambience at Turo Turo is comfortable and casual, with distinct touches of decor from the Philippines. Model toys and other knick knacks that represent Filipino culture are spread throughout the interior, and the brightly lit signboard displaying the menu is a huge eye-catcher. Lighting within is moderate, though I felt the furniture was functional but not so comfortable.

Service at Turo Turo is very good. The usual Filipino courtesy and hospitality is evident, staff are friendly and welcoming, food is prepared and served quickly. Though Turo Turo looks like a self-service place, staff actually serve you tableside. Communication is acceptable, staff can converse well in English.

Food at Turo Turo is simple, authentic, rustic Filipino fare. Dishes have a good portion size, and prices are lower than normal for a cafe, costing an average of less than SGD $10 per person. Presentation of food is lacking, looking somewhat simple, but is tasty and hearty.





Little touches and symbols from the Philippines reflect the Filipino culture throughout the interior.

Turo Turo Counter

Turo Turo Seating 01

Turo Turo Seating 02

Turo Turo Souvenirs

Toy Bull Cart

Toy Jeepney

The Beer San Miguel is among the cheapest in Singapore, with a bottle costing an amazing low price of SGD $4.50!

Beer San Miguel 01

Beer San Miguel 02

Tapsilog (SGD $7) is a traditional Filipino dish that consists of cured beef (Tapa) grilled to perfection, garlic fried rice (Sinangag), and a fried egg (Itlog). The Tapsilog here is literal in its interpretation, those are the only items you're served. But the beef is still moist and very tasty, with good grill flavour and smokiness. The garlic fried rice is fragrant and each grain has a nice coating of flavour, although it looks plain.

Tapsilog 01

Tapsilog 02

The Tocino With Tomato And Salted Egg (SGD $8) features a cured pork bacon (Tocino) that has a sweet and tart flavour, and is less salty than regular bacon. Balanced by the freshness of the tomato and the saltiness of the salted egg, the Tocino With Tomato And Salted Egg is a comfort meal.

Tocino With Tomato And Salted Egg 01

Tocino With Tomato And Salted Egg 02

The Pork Sisig (SGD $9), simply put, is a hot plate with minced pork, diced onions, red and green chili, and a raw egg, cracked over just before serving. But this simple description doesn't do it justice. The Pork Sisig is one of the most flavourful Filipino dishes, with the meat being salty and savoury, perfect for pairing with rice. The onions lend a nice crunch for texture, while the chili lends a slight heat, waking the palate. And then comes the great debate: Will you break the egg yolk as it's cooking, letting the yummy yolk flow all over and coat everything, becoming a delicious scrambled egg style? Or will you leave it as it is, until it perfectly cooks to a sunny side up egg style? Regardless, the satisfying sizzling sound, and the fragrant savoury aroma that hits you... Perfect.

Pork Sisig 01

Pork Sisig 02

The Sinigang Na Bangus (SGD $8.80) is a huge stew pot of piping hot soup / broth, a signature Filipino favourite. The soup / broth is nicely sour and tangy, without being overly salty or too sour, and is very drinkable and comforting. Filled with some vegetables, including kai-lan / Chinese kale / Chinese broccoli, tomatoes, and onions, which are fresh, crunchy, juicy, and tasty. However, the bangus fish / milkfish, while deboned nicely, has that muddy, slimy taste that didn't appeal to me.

Sinigang Na Bangus 01

Sinigang Na Bangus 02

Sinigang Na Bangus 03

The Halo-Halo (SGD $4.50) is packed full of ingredients, and well worth ordering. The glass is stuffed with orange sweet potato, purple yam / taro / ube, nata de coco / coconut cubes, yellow sago balls, green jelly, red jelly, banana, then topped with shaved ice and corn ice cream. Full of flavour, incredibly tasty, though this version veers away from the traditional by also including cornflakes!

Halo-Halo 01

Halo-Halo 02

Deliver The Message

Team building activity, Deliver The Message.

Deliver The Message by Ivan Teh

.....

Quirky Breakfast Hipster Cafe

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 6
Ambience & Setting: 5
Food & Beverage: 8
Service: 6
Value for Money: 7
Spent about SGD $20 per person.





Joining the ranks of Hipster cafes is Drury Lane Cafe, named after the street in London where the Muffin Man (in the popular nursury rhyme) lives. Not surprisingly then, Drury Lane Cafe offers a variety of promising home baked muffins and pastries, ranging from classics to quirky twists. Drury Lane Cafe is also popular for its all day breakfast / brunch, and artisan coffee.

Ambience at Drury Lane Cafe differs depending on which level you dine in. The first floor is brightly lit by natural sunlight due to the glass panelled entrance, and the decor of coffee bags and wooden crates lend an air of ecological friendliness. But the smell of cooking in the poorly ventilated first floor means you'll walk away with smells on your clothing.

In contrast, the second floor of Drury Lane Cafe is spacious and well ventilated, perfect for cozy, intimate dining. However, the second floor is also dimly lit, almost dark in some areas, save for seats near the windows. Also, some parts are unclean and poorly maintained.

Service at Drury Lane Cafe is decent. Order at the cashier, but food will be served to you, especially if you're at the second floor. Staff are young, mostly students working part time, but friendly, chirpy, polite and helpful.

Food at Drury Lane Cafe revolves around London / Melbourne inspired all day breakfast / brunch, mostly western style items. Classics like the Big Breakfast or Baked Eggs make an appearance, but often with creative names (Cloud 9.4, Big 94, 94 Goes Green) derived from the Drury Lane Cafe address, 94 Tanjong Pagar Road.

Drury Lane Cafe has a small 'specials' menu, which feature 3 or 4 house breakfast creations. The specials menu is changed weekly, and seems to be a platform for the chef to experiment with different combination of breakfast ingredients.





Hipster touches lend a quirky atmosphere, but the dim interior upstairs is totally unsuitable for a breakfast place.

Drury Lane Cafe Seating

Coffee Bag Wall

Boxes And Table

Drury Lane Cafe Table Decor

Pay As You Wish Muffins! Pay as much, or as little as you wish! (Don't be stingy!) Their water is served in a bottle which reminds me of traditional Chinese medicine bottles...

Pay As You Wish Muffins

Water

The Mocha (SGD $4.50) and Latte (SGD $4.50) here are pretty good, above average in terms of taste. Well balanced strength, with a fragrant aroma, and a slightly thin body. But the Latte art is beautiful and well executed, though their range seems a bit limited.

Mocha

Latte 01

Latte 02

Decent Hot Chocolate (SGD $4.50), medium richness and thickness. Also love the chocolate art!

Hot Chocolate 01

Hot Chocolate 02

The simple and rustic Smoked Salmon With Mushroom Sandwich (SGD $8) features buttered and sauteed fresh button mushrooms. Glad it's not the canned variety. The smoked salmon seems to be from a packet though. Both pair well with the warm, crisp bread / toast.

Smoked Salmon With Mushroom Sandwich 01

Smoked Salmon With Mushroom Sandwich 02

Kaya Toast Eggs Benedict?! Why not? Singaporeans already eat runny soft boiled eggs with kaya toast, so why not pair runny poached eggs with kaya toast instead? The combination is so simple and common sense once you see it, it makes me wonder why no one else has ever tried it before!

The Kaya Toast Eggs Benedict (SGD $11) are a weekly special on the menu, and is not always available. The poached egg complements the sweetness of the kaya, and the crisp toast is perfect for soaking up the runny yolk. I didn't get the addition of the sliced processed cheese on top though, the taste is similar with or without it. Would be better if they used fresh cheese instead.

Kaya Toast Eggs Benedict 01

Kaya Toast Eggs Benedict 02

The Candy Bar Pie (SGD $5) is a decadent dessert pastry filled with peanut butter nougat and salted caramel on a graham cracker biscuit crumb crust and topped with chocolate glaze and a salted pretzel. Intensely sweet and nearly impossible to finish by oneself, this is better off shared.

Candy Bar Pie 01

Candy Bar Pie 02

Cracked the crust of the Salted Caramel Tart (SGD $5) and watched the sticky sweet caramel and chocolate topping ooze out... A slow, beautiful waterfall of sugary dessert goodness!

Salted Caramel Tart 01

Salted Caramel Tart 02

The Carrot Cake (SGD $6) has a soft, sponge cake texture, with rich cream cheese frosting, and bits of carrots within the cake that result in a flavourful and satisfiying dessert.

Carrot Cake