Merry Christmas 2023

 

Wishing our readers a Blessed Christmas!!!

Celebrate this Festive Season with luckin coffee [ADVERTORIAL]

Celebrate this festive season with new creations from luckin coffee. Just landed at this little red dot, the Big Cheese Latte is a blockbuster product by luckin coffee, that sold over 6.59 million cups in the first week after its launch in the Chinese market.

The Big Cheese Latte is made using Classic New Zealand Cream Cheese, delivering the lovely flavour of cream cheese, reminiscent of the flavour of cheesecake. Compared to the classic latte, you can expect a more impactful boost in aroma that will elevate your coffee experience. What a way to enjoy this festive period.

Big Cheese Latte Christmas

For cheese lovers, I suggest you take a quick sip of the milky cream cheese before you stir your Big Cheese Latte. I got the solid cheese flavour right from the first sip. Once I stirred it, the creaminess blended with the coffee. While the cheese flavour was hidden after it was stirred, it surprisingly popped up again at the end.

Big Cheese Latte Iced

Completing the line-up for this year's Christmas series are Toffee Hazelnut Latte, Creme Brulee Latte and Merry Cocoa Christmas.

Toffee Hazelnut Latte is inspired by the traditional Christmas flavour. The toffee hazelnut flavour combined with roasted nut aroma blended nicely with coffee and milk fragrances. The flavour and aroma of this creation will wake up the Christmas spirit in you.

Toffee Hazelnut Latte

Creme Brulee Latte is based on the classic Christmas desserts, French Creme Brulee and Caramel Pudding. The silky-smooth latte texture is infused with the sweet aroma of caramelised pudding. It's like having those lovely Christmas desserts in your drink.

Creme Brulee Latte

While the Toffee and Creme Brulee have a similar flavour base, the blend of hazelnut flavour and stronger espresso intensity really stood out in the Toffee Hazelnut Latte. The Creme Brulee is milder and creamier, so it all comes down to individual preference.

Toffee Hazelnut Latte

Creme Brulee Latte

Merry Cocoa Christmas. luckin coffee’s chocolate infused milk guarantees you the creamy cocoa flavour in every sip of this concoction. Nothing represents Christmas more than a chocolate drink.

Merry Cocoa Christmas

The non-coffee drink in the Christmas Series. There is an option with or without whipped cream. I highly recommend the whipped cream for the iced version. The cream helps to enhance the flavour of the chocolate.

Merry Cocoa Christmas

In the spirit of giving, luckin coffee brings you the festive cheer with luck in Christmas promotion. From 15th - 29th December, indulge in luckin coffee’s Coconut Crush Series with your loved ones through “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” for the Coconut Latte, Coconut Velvet Latte and Iced Minty Coconut Latte.

luckin coffee

luckin coffee

luckin coffee

To enhance your luckin coffee experience, don’t forget to join their luckin coffee Membership, launched on 13th November 2023. It is designed to express luckin coffee’s gratitude to their valued customers with a world of countless rewards and surprises, including vouchers, surprise gifts and complimentary coffee bean upgrades.

Not a luckin coffee user yet? Not to worry, just download luckin coffee’s official mobile app and you can enjoy the first drink for just $0.99. This will give you a passport to the rewarding world of luckin coffee.

Well, what are you waiting for? Lets celebrate this festive season with luckin coffee!!

luckin coffee is available at Ngee Ann City, Marina Square, Guoco Tower, Aperia Mall, Tampines 1, CityLink, i12 Katong, Chinatown Point, Jewel Changi Airport, Robinson Road, Collyer Quay, One Raffles Place Tower 2, ESR BizPark @ Changi, Marina One, Wood Square, Westgate Tower, Westgate, New Tech Park, Harbourfront Tower One, Century Square, Galaxis, Royal Group Building, Waterway Point, 313@Somerset. More outlets coming up THIS DECEMBER.

This message is brought to you by luckin coffee.

Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress [PRODUCT REVIEW]

Sleep is the most important part of our body’s rejuvenation system. Therefore, choosing the right mattress to get that solid and undisturbed good night’s rest is of the utmost importance. We want to wake up refreshed and rejuvenated, instead of going through your day like a zombie.

Two years ago, my Mother-in-Law bought Origin Hybrid Mattress, recommended by her sister. She was very happy with that purchase and she still uses the mattress today. With her chronic back pain, she had not once complained and slept very well. When the invitation came to do a product review Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress, I did not hesitate to accept the offer.

How & Where to Buy.

I ordered the Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress the same way as other customers purchase a product from Origin. Go to https://originmattress.com.sg/, choose the mattress and size that you want, choose any add-ons (if needed) and add to cart plus. Don’t forget to tick on the Mattress Disposal Service (if needed). The check-out process is seamless, just like when you do your other online shopping, key in your details, choose the delivery timing and make the payment. Once they process my order, I receive an email with the order confirmation.

Most people will ask, are you sure that buying a mattress online is a good idea? Especially mattress is a very subjective matter and you might want to try and feel it before you purchase. But not to worry, you can experience Origin products before you purchase by visiting Origin showroom at Ravago, 36 Kaki Bukit Place, #01-01 Singapore 416214. It is open daily from 11.00 – 17.00.

To ease your mind further, every purchase of Origin Mattress comes with 120 Night Trial + 100% Money Back Guarantee and Free Return & Delivery. Yup, you get up to 120 nights from the date of the delivery to try out the mattress and return the product if you are not satisfied with the product. 120 nights is sufficient for you to test and adjust to the new mattress, and make the final decision. The best part, if you decide to return the mattress, there is no question asked and you get 100% Money Back Guarantee.

The Delivery

The Delivery

The delivery person come at the allocated time, between 1 to 6 pm. He brought up the mattress, packed in the Origin Blue Colour Box. I was quite surprised at how the king-size Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress rolled into a quarter size and fit into the blue box.

Usually, the delivery person will unpack the mattress and set it up for you. In my case, I decided to do the unpacking myself, as I need to take some photos and videos. Once he brought the mattress to my room, he helped me to clear my old mattress. Since he is on his own, I helped him in rolling the old mattress for removal.

Ready to Unpack

The Product - Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress

Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress is the first luxury mattress specially designed for sleepers with chronic back and joint conditions. It is equipped with Origin LumbarCloudTM Pillowtop for therapeutic support & pressure relief.

Highlights of the Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress:

· Premium 35cm mattress; Designed in Germany for world class quality

· Up to 3000 springs for optimal spinal alignment

· Origin LumbarRelief™ for full-body recovery and relief

· ComfortPlus™ Titanium Springs for extra back support

· Graphite Foam, 10x more cooling than memory foam

· Won 20+ International Awards and Luxury Mattress of the Year 2023 in UK and Australia

· It comes with 15-year warranty

Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress – King, 183 x 190 x 35cm (63kg)

The Unboxing and Testing

Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress – King, 183 x 190 x 35cm (63kg). My first impression when I try to carry the box on my own, it is very HEAVY!! LD and I have to put our muscles into it when we carry the box onto the bed frame. We then removed the blue box, aligned the mattress and cut through the 2 layers of plastic. Once we cut the second plastic, the Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress starts to expand.

Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress rolled

Once the Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress is unpacked, we have to let it settle for a few hours. We slept on it for the first night, and with the knowledge that the mattress had not fully expanded and settled. The feeling for the 1st night is the Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress feels comfortable, but the edge feels a bit soft. It took us a while before we could catch a good night’s sleep for the night. The firmness level for the first night is 7 of 10.

Day 1 - Straight After Unpacking

Day 1 - Straight After Unpacking

Fourteen days later, we have experienced the full benefit of Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress. The mattress provided our bodies with the support they needed, adjusting to our body shape. No matter which positions we slept in, it felt very comfortable and supported. So far, we have been waking up refreshed and without any backache and body ache.

Day 15 - Expanded and Settled

LD also enjoys her sleep and she has not been complaining when I twist and turn at night. She always told me she got woken up when I turned like a sea lion, now she doesn’t feel the big wave when I do my big turn at night.

Day 15 - Expanded and Settled

Another benefit that I found from Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress is that the temperature of the mattress is cooler. I can tell the difference as my pillow feels warmer compared to the mattress. The firmness level of the mattress has become 8 of 10.

Day 15 - Expanded and Settled

CBK Verdict: I am glad that I chose the Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress. It provided us with comfortable sleep and wake up rejuvenated without any ache. Exceptional!! For those looking to buy a Luxury Mattress, go and check out Origin Mattress. The quality and price are just outstanding. Cheers!!

If you decided to make a purchase at Origin, here is $25 discount code: CHUBBYKOALA89

Thank you very much Origin for sending us the Origin LumbarCloudTM Mattress

Origin Mattress

Showroom:

Ravago, 36 Kaki Bukit Place

#01—01 Singapore 416214

Opening Hours: Daily 11.00 – 17.00

T: +65 6864 9634

W: https://originmattress.com.sg/

F: https://www.facebook.com/originsleep

IG: @Originmattress

Niu Dian Bugis Junction – Braised Pork Belly and Yakiniku Pork [MEDIA INVITE]

Niu Dian, Michelin Bib Gourmand Taiwanese Beef Noodles has opened their 3rd outlet in Singapore. It is located in at Bugis Junction and they have officially launched their new curated dishes, that has NO BEEF.

Niu Dian @ Bugis Junction

These new creations will feature in-house made braised and yakiniku sauces, meticulously prepared following time-honoured Taiwanese recipe. The latest additions are Braised Pork Belly Rice Bowl, Braised Pork Belly Noodles, and Yakiniku Pork Pearl Rice Bowl.

Salted Vegetable &
Beef Bone Marrow Chilli Oil

Yakiniku Pork Pearl Rice Bowl ($15.90) – served with a bowl of soup. The grilled pork sits on the bed Taiwanese pearl rice, bask in yakiniku sauce and soft scrambled egg. I can taste the fatty texture in the juicy pork meat. The yakiniku sauce is sweet and pack with umami flavour, complimented by the scrambled eggs and chopped onions. The sesame seeds and furikake sprinkle on top add a pleasant aroma and different flavour to the rice bowl.

Yakiniku Pork Pearl Rice Bowl 

Braised Pork Belly Noodles ($16.90) – dry version, served with braised egg, blanched vegetables and salted vegetable. This signature noodle is silky and bouncy, coated with the pork braising sauce. The pork belly is fork tender and infused with braising sauce like traditional Taiwanese “Lu Rou Fan”. The taste of the Taiwanese braising sauce is subtle compare to Singaporean braised pork belly. LD adds the chilli sauce in the noodle and she said it brought up the flavour.

Braised Pork Belly Noodles 

For the side dishes, we have Cold Century Egg Tofu with Bonito Flakes ($5.90) and Braised Beancurd ($3.90). Served cold, the tofu is soft and silky, topped with century egg, covered with sweet brown gravy and loads of shaved bonito. The overall dish is just creamy, refreshing finished off with umami flavour from the gravy and bonito.

Cold Century Egg Tofu with Bonito Flakes

The braised beancurd supposed to be serve warm. This time the braised beancurd was served at room temperature. Kind of missing the traditional smoky flavour that usually found in Taiwan.

Braised Beancurd

For the drink, we ordered the Lime & Sour Plum Green Tea with Aiyu Jelly ($5.70) and Lychee Mint Black Tea ($5.70). Both teas complemented our meal nicely. The Lime & Sour Plum balance the “jelakness” from the meal. While the Lychee Mint offer a refreshing end to the meal.

Lime & Sour Plum Green Tea with Aiyu Jelly 

Lychee Mint Black Tea 

Overall, the new dishes provided beef alternative for the diners. Initially, only Black Sesame Sauce Noodles were available. Now, diners can choose from more options like Braised Pork Belly Pearl Rice Bowl, Braised Pork Belly Noodles, and Yakiniku Pork Noodles. Cheers!!

Part of Dining Area

Thank you very much Protegie and Niu Dian Beef Noodles for the invitation.

For the full review of Niu Dian Beef Noodle (Click Here) and Niu Dian Beef Rice Bowl (Click Here)

Food & Drink: 8/10

Value: 7/10

Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)

Ambiance: 7/10

Budget per Person: $11 - $25; $26 - $50

Niu Dian @Bugis Junction

200 Victoria Street

#02-50, Bugis Juntion

Singapore 188021

W: https://linktr.ee/niudiansg

F: www.facebook.com/niudiansg/

IG: @niudiansg

OH:

Sun – Thu: 11.00– 21.30

Fri & Sat: 11.00 – 22.00 (LO 21.30)

Menu available from the website.

ChuHuang - Hong Kong Royal Chicken

What is Hong Kong Royal Chicken (Gui Fei Chicken)? I first saw it in Hong Kong / Chinese ancient martial art show. The chicken is usually served during a big celebration or the last meal for prisoners on the death sentence. The glistening yellow colour is very attractive and they all eat it with gusto. So, on my first visit to Hong Kong, it was on my “Must Eat List”. The HK Royal Chicken is very easy to find in Hong Kong as most of the Roast shops or Cha Chan Teng will have it. I like the bouncy texture of the skin, succulent meat and the strong flavour of the chicken, combine it with ginger and spring onion mix, it is just yummy.

Since Hong Kong is no longer on our itinerary, I always keep a lookout for Gui Fei Chicken in Malaysia and Singapore. Once ChuHuang Hong Kong Royal Chicken (“ChuHuang”) came to my attention, I planned to visit them and it come to fruition in 2023.

ChuHuang Hong Kong Royal Chicken

ChuHuang is located on the first floor of People’s Park Centre, facing Ya Kun. The set-up is similar to most Cha Chan Teng, Cashier in front, dining area and the kitchen at the back. You can clearly see the Hong Kong Royal Chicken hanging from the display window near the kitchen. The SOP here is to find a seat, check out the menu, place your order at the counter and make payment first.

The Chickens on Display

Hong Kong Royal Chicken ($19.50 half, $38 whole). So far, I only managed to order half chicken, as my makan kakis are limited in the afternoon. When the Royal Chicken arrives at your table, the yellow colour (from turmeric and galanga powder) of the skin will just catch your attention.

Hong Kong Royal Chicken (Gui Fei Chicken) - Half

The skin is smooth, silky and bouncy. The meat is tender, with a nice chewiness and packed with chicken flavour. The thigh meat is more succulent, while the breast meat is tender but not dry. Unlike our regular chicken rice that uses broiler chicken, ChuHuang uses Kampong Chicken from Southern Malaysia with 120-days growth cycle. This explains why the chicken is so tasty.

Hong Kong Royal Chicken (Gui Fei Chicken) - Half

The rice ($1) is fragrant, tasty and not sticky. However, it is not as fragrant and robust compared to the top chicken rice shops in Singapore. The ginger-scallion mix is a must-have, as it elevates the flavour of the chicken. Since I do not try the Chilli sauce, I can’t comment on it.

The Rice

Each of the diners will be served chicken soup. It is from the broth that boils the chicken, so you can expect a robust chicken soup.

Our Order

Hong Kong Soy Sauce Chicken ($12.50, lower part). Cooked in Soy Sauce mix, the chicken is juicy, succulent and infused with the soy sauce. The skin is smooth and carries a stronger soy sauce flavour. I feel the chicken is a bit overcooked thus it is not as tender, I like to see the bone a bit reddish and will also translate to juicier chicken meat.

Hong Kong Soy Sauce Chicken - Lower Half

Trio Treasure Combo ($5). Giblets, soy sauce egg and tofu. It is a good companion for your rice. The beancurd is the traditional firm type and the exterior is coated with soy sauce concoction. The giblets are crunchy, while the egg is firm and tasty.

Trio Treasure Combo

Bean Sprout ($6). The beansprout is crunchy, topped with crispy fried garlic and bask with soy sauce. It is tasty and refreshing.

Bean Sprout

Giant Grouper Soup ($10.90). Clean and robust broth, filled with firm, slightly chewy and bouncy grouper.

Giant Grouper Soup

The décor is simple and fuss-free. Tables and Chairs (Stools) bring back the nostalgic feel of a traditional tea house. Most of the space on the wall is filled with photos of the dishes and photos of Chef Wu Hai Feng with celebrities and international leaders. Service is friendly and helpful.

Menu

Overall, ChuHuang satisfy my cravings for Hong Kong Royal Chicken. It is unique, tasty and flavourful. I have not had a chance to try other dishes, I will be aiming for the noodles, braised chicken feet and prawn roll next time. Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 7.5/10

Value: 7.5/10

Service: 7/10

Ambiance: 6.5/10

Budget per Person: $11 - $25

ChuHuang Hong Kong Royal Chicken

厨皇香港贵妃鸡

101 Upper Cross Street.

#01-05L, People’s Park Centre

Singapore 058357

T: +65 6532 0380

F: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063968653511

OH: Daily, 11.00 – 20.00

SEORAE – Hangari Dry-Aged Meat [MEDIA INVITE]

SEORAE Korean Charcoal BBQ is conceptualized in Seorae village, South Korea by Chef Chul Park, a person that believes positive perfectionism. SEORAE has grown into a leading Korean BBQ chain and cemented its reputation as a pork rare-cut specialist, with 300 outlets established globally, and 6 of them are in Singapore.

SEORAE @ Plaza Singapura

This time, SEORAE introduced Hangari Dry-Aged Series, Singapore’s first ever meat fermented in Hangari pot. Inspired by the fermentation method of Korea staples like gochujang and kimchi, Chef Chul Park and his team developed the recipe consist of a secret blend of 3-essence, and aged the Duroc Chestnut Pork Belly (Samgyeobsal) in a traditional Korean Hangari. It is then stored in 3ºC to complete the fermentation process, resulting in the perfect texture of pork belly.

Dipping Sauces

Banchan 

Hangari Dry-Aged Pork Belly ($32, 200g) is served in Hangari pot, comes with a special sauce and a card that explain about this Signature collection. Due to the fermentation process, the pork must be grilled in medium heat, instead of the high heat as it will easily burn. When cooking this pork belly, our host grilled them closer to the edge of the grill plate instead of in the middle.

Hangari Dry-Aged Pork Belly 

When I bite into it, the pork belly just slowly melts in my mouth. The fermentation process also breaks down the tissue in the meat part, as I chew on it effortlessly. #Porkgasm moments! For the second piece, I dipped it in the special sauce, that is made with kimchi and bean paste. It is sweet, earthy and compliments the pork belly perfectly. A perfect pairing.

Hangari Dry-Aged Pork Belly 

Next is the SEORAE Iberico Rare-Cut Tasting Platter ($68, 350gram). This platter feature selection of Iberico Black Pork Cuts from Spain, consist of: Abanico, Rib Finger, Skirt Meat, Jowl and Pork Tongue.

SEORAE Iberico Rare-Cut Tasting Platter 

Abanico (part that wrap the ribs from the outside). It is very tasty and the texture is like a leaner part of the meat.

Rib Finger. Chewy, meaty and juicy. For those who like ribs, this is the most enjoyable part.

Pork Jowl. LD favourite part. Crispy externally, juicy and bursting with fats internally. #Porkgasm.

Pork Tongue. First time we try this at Korean BBQ. I usually have it braised. The pork tongue is sliced thinly and butterflied. The texture is crunchy with a bit of chewiness in it. It is a bit porky for our taste buds, so it is better to be accompanied with the dipping sauce or with the kimchi. For my case, I dipped it with Hangari Dry-Aged Pork Belly special sauce.

Pork Tongue

Skirt Meat. It is juicy and tender. With the marbling on the meat, it tastes like Iberico pork chop.

We ended the meal with Mul-Naengmyeon ($14.90). Traditional cold noodles, served with a cold icy and sour broth. The cold noodle is nicely cooked, thin and chewy. The cucumber and radish gave a crunchy texture to the dish. Meanwhile, the sourish and icy broth is just perfect to end the bbq. It helps to cut the “jelakness” (overwhelming oily taste) from the bbq and bring refreshing taste / palate cleanser. The portion at SEORAE is also very generous, LD and I have trouble trying to finish the bowl of noodle.

Mul-Naengmyeon 

Overall, we both enjoy the Hangari Dry-Aged Pork Belly and SEORAE Iberico Rare-Cut Tasting Platter. The Hangari Dry-Aged Pork Belly will be a hit with the customers and it will definitely become SEORAE signature dish. For the SEORAE Iberico Rare-Cut Tasting Platter, it will be suitable for the more adventurous customers. Geonbae!! Cheers!!

Part of Dining Area

Thank you very much Protegie and SEORAE Team for the invitation.

Food & Drink: 8.5/10

Value: 7.5/10

Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)

Ambiance: 7.5/10

Budget per Person: $51 - $80

Seorae @Plaza Singapura

68 Orchard Road

#02-01, Plaza Singapura

Singapore 238839

T: +65 9181 2709

W: https://www.seorae.com.sg/

F: https://www.facebook.com/seoraesg

IG: @Seoraesg

OH: Daily 11.30 – 22.00

Menu & Information on other locations are available online.