Korean Food Pairings To Try In Singapore

Kim Dae Mun Korean Food, Singapore

As Korean cuisine evolves over time due to cultural trends and environmental changes, one thing remains the same. Food has always played a significant part in their national identity. In fact, there are over 200 varieties of their globally known Kimchi (김치).

Let us take a look at the unique Korean food pairings that you can try in Singapore.

#1: CHIMAEK

Kicking off this list is a classic food combo that dates back in the ’70s. Chimaek (치맥) is one of the most popular option when dining out or when ordering in. It is a slang that combines 치 [chi] from 치킨 [chikin] or fried chicken as well as 맥 [maek] from 맥주 [maekju] or beer. Sounds like the perfect comfort food, right?

Chimaek’s popularity peaked during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup when many Koreans went to bars to watch the games and eat fried chicken with beer. Singaporeans may enjoy this combo by ordering at Korean eateries such as 아띠식당Ahtti.

#2: ROASTED SWEET POTATOES WITH KIMCHI

Roasted sweet potatoes (고구마) are commonly eaten as a winter snack by children and adults alike. Start by roasting your sweet potatoes in an oven or an air fryer. Once you are done, you can pair it with Kimchi. Put a generous of Kimchi on a slice of your sweet potato before taking a bite.

Indulge in the fusion of sweet, spicy, and sour flavors! Find authentic Kimchi and Korean sweet potatoes in local Korean marts such as Chorok Market.

Related Article: Top Places For Authentic Jjajangmyeon In Singapore (From S$7)

#3: KOREAN BBQ AND SOJU

The rich aroma of freshly grilled Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) wrapped in lettuce and Kimchi is gloriously delicious. Add a shot of Soju to improve your experience. Soju goes well with Korean BBQ because it washes away the greasiness of the meats. This allows you to reach out for your next piece.

What are you waiting for? You can either eat at a Korean BBQ place such as the Korean Fusion BBQ restaurants or order at foodpanda.

#4: SUBAK-SOJU OR WATERMELON SOJU

As the name suggests, Subak-soju (수박소주) combines the freshness of a watermelon and the distinct taste of soju. Fresh watermelon soju was trending before flavored sojus graced the stores. This combination is perfect for people who are newly introduced to soju and are eager to try sweet alcoholic drinks.

A bottle of soju is available at FairPrice for as low as S$9.90.

Begin by removing the contents of the watermelon. Measure 4 cups of blended watermelon juice. Put this in a pitcher. Then, add equal parts of soju and mix it well. Pour this mixture into a “watermelon bowl” and add ice cubes. Serve it cold and enjoy!

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SAVE MORE ON PETROL! Get up to 21.15% fuel savings at Shell when you pay with UOB Credit Cards

From today, enjoy EVEN HIGHER fuel savings of up to 21.15%* at Shell with UOB Credit Cards! Here’s the quick lowdown of this fantastic collaboration:

  • UOB One Credit Cardmembers enjoy 17% instant fuel discount at Shell + up to 5% cashback*.
  • UOB Reserve Credit Cardmembers enjoy 17% instant fuel discount at Shell.
  • All other UOB Credit Cardmembers enjoy a 14% instant fuel discount at Shell.

Find out more below on how you can enjoy higher fuel savings at Shell with UOB Credit Cards!

Score Higher Upfront Savings

Holding a UOB Credit Card? Score even higher instant discounts at Shell! Cardmembers will be pleased to know that Shell and UOB Cards have increased their instant discount component to bring you even higher fuel savings as shown below.

Terms and Conditions Apply:

1 Up to 21.15% savings for UOB One Credit Card is calculated based on 5% upfront Shell station discount, 5% upfront Shell Escape discount, 7% UOB One Credit Card instant discount, and, if applicable, up to 5% UOB One Credit Card cashback.

2 Instant 17% discount for UOB Reserve Credit Card is calculated based on 5% upfront Shell station discount, 5% upfront Shell Escape discount and 7% instant discount for UOB Reserve Credit Card.

3 Instant 14% discount for other UOB Credit Cards is calculated based on 5% upfront Shell station discount, 5% upfront Shell Escape discount, 4% upfront discount for other UOB Cards.

4 Enjoy up to 5% cashback based on a spend of S$2,000 monthly for each qualifying quarter with min. 5 purchases monthly to earn the quarterly cash rebate of S$300. Visit uob.com.sg/one for full terms and conditions.

Valid Shell Escape Card must be presented to the cashier to enjoy the bank upfront discounts. Other terms and conditions apply. Visit uob.com.sg/fuelpowershell for more details.

Please note that there has been an update to the UOB SMART$ programme at Shell. Earning of UOB SMART$ at Shell has ceased and the last day of redemption of UOB SMART$ at Shell will end on 16 June 2021, 23:59.

As shown above, UOB One Credit Cardmembers  who pump at Shell can earn up to a whopping 21.15% discount as shown in the example above. This makes it one of the most enticing offer in the market today!

To earn the attractive cashback from your UOB One Credit Card, simply pick up your daily necessities available at the Shell Select stores. Shell Select are stocked with a variety of snacks and beverages along with other convenient items, all selected for the high quality to ensure that you get the best available. Refuel your car for the journey ahead and enjoy a pleasant and hassle-free customer experience at Shell Select!

Earn More Rewards With Shell Escape Loyalty Programme

To enjoy upfront savings, don’t forget to sign up for the Shell Escape Loyalty Programme card.

Simply pick up a Shell Escape Card and register for the Shell Escape Loyalty Programme online at your convenience. Once you have registered, you are on your way to earn Shell Escape points on your fuel purchases. Pump more at Shell today to accumulate more Shell Escape Points! Thereafter, treat yourself to a plethora of deserving rewards simply by redeeming your Shell Escape points.

Sign up For UOB One Credit Card Now

If you do not have a UOB One Credit Card, simply sign up for one so that you can immediately enjoy higher fuel savings at Shell! Remember to present your Shell Escape Card to boost your rewards at Shell further! Sign up now for a UOB One Credit Card today at https://www.uob.com.sg/onecards/apply-now.html

 

 

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Visit these places if you want to taste foods & beverages prepared by robots

Bionic Bar

Today (8 May) is the day where Singapore kickstarts its tighter COVID-19 measures in response to the pandemic.

Gathering limits of five, partial closure of indoor fitness centres, and crowd control in various public areas are some of the rules that bring us back to phase 2.

Folks who are treading cautiously and worried about the virus variants reported recently, how about placing your trust in robots to prepare your food? These are the places using robots as helping hands.

#1: Crown Coffee

 

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A post shared by Crown Digital (@crowndigital.io)

We will start the ball rolling with Crown Coffee’s robotic barista named Ella. If you want to get yourself a hot cup of coffee, pay Ella a visit at Plaza Singapura, at the level 1 atrium.

Crown Coffee’s robotic barista operates 24/7 to provide anyone in need of a quick coffee fix. After placing an order, you can eye the entire coffee-making process behind a transparent glass window. Say goodbye to long queues to get your cuppa since Ella can prepare up to 200 cups of coffee within an hour.

#2: M Social

Peeps planning a staycation at M Social Singapore along Robertson Quay, remember to give AUSCA a chance to serve you.

It operates out of Beast & Butterflies restaurant in M Social Singapore. From a chef-in-training to a promotion in 2018, AUSCA has whipped up a range of delicious egg types for guests over the years. Give it a go and let it impress you!

#3: Ratio Cafe & Lounge

 

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A post shared by Ratio Cafe & Lounge (@theratioinc)

To experience drinks made by the robotic barista arms at Ratio Cafe & Lounge, you will have to visit JustCo at Centrepoint, #05-06.

There are about 50 drinks on its menu for you to choose from. Whether it’s a classic brew or an unusual Tom Yum Martini, Ratio Cafe & Lounge has options for you. Grab a slice of cake, a hearty bowl of salad or even a delicious sandwich to go along with your drinks as you admire the precision of in-house robots at work.

#4: Royal Caribbean
Bionic Bar

Image Credits: royalcaribbean.com

The next time you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean, drop by for a drink at Bionic Bar. The robotic bartenders there are skilled mixologists that can create almost any combination you desire.

Pick from the menu of signature drinks or design your own if you’re feeling adventurous and ready for a new concoction to tickle your taste buds. While you’re at it, spot the electronic display boards for interesting stats about past orders.

#5: Tempura Tendon Tenya
Tenya Tendon Singapore

Image Credits: Tenya Singapore

Are you heading to town soon? You don’t want to miss out on a visit to Tempura Tendon Tenya at Orchard Central, #B1-01.

The Japanese chain restaurant is known for its patented automatic fryer, which can churn out consistently crispy tempura within just two minutes. With a S$10 note, you can enjoy its Mushroom Vegetables Tendon, Tenya Tendon, Kakiage Tendon, and Tori Tendon (priced from S$7.90 to S$9.90).

As a bonus, intelligent sensor-navigated robots will serve your piping hot food to you. Cute!

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7 Simple Yet Memorable Mother’s Day Activities

With the stricter COVID-19 measures in place, our typical Mother’s Day celebration may not be a viable option this year. Despite this, there are still plenty of ways to make your Mother’s Day special. After all, the best gift that you can give your mother is quality time.

What are you waiting for? Gather your loved ones to honor your Mother with these simple ideas!

#1: HOST A VIRTUAL GAME NIGHT

According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), people in Singapore are allowed to gather in groups of five and are allowed to receive five distinct visitors per day. Instead of inviting your beloved aunts and grandmothers tomorrow (May 9), consider hosting a virtual game night. Use websites such as My Free Bingo Cards and Lagged to play with your mother and your whole family.

#2: CREATE A PAMPER SESSION

Shower your mother with affection by scheduling a pamper session. Start by letting her sleep in. It may sound simple, but you are starting someone’s day on the right note. Ensure that you are keeping the room quiet and dark as she sleeps.

When she wakes up, surprise her with homecooked breakfast. Offer to refill her mug when she finishes her coffee. Preparing her breakfast will let her fully enjoy her downtime.

#3: PLAY A SCAVENGER HUNT

Take the entire family on an adventure by playing a scavenger hunt at home. Hide her favorite things such as a family portrait or her favorite sweater. Children may participate in this activity by hiding sweet notes within the space. This will help your mother collect wonderful moments throughout the day.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: SING YOUR HEARTS OUT

If your mother loves to sing, you can plan a Karaoke Night at home. It is alright if you do not have your own Karaoke system. You can just download free apps or search for sing-along videos on YouTube. Do not forget to prepare your mother’s favorite cocktails and snacks too!

#5: SPRUCE UP YOUR GARDEN

Much like many of you, my mother is fond of growing her own indoor garden. She is always enthusiastic whenever someone purchases a new plant for her. Get the whole family involved by planting seeds or by redecorating your mother’s garden.

Some flowers, such as marigolds, are fairly easy to maintain. In fact, marigolds are tolerant of heat and pests. Planting this will serve as a gift that keeps on giving!

#6: MAKE A SCRAPBOOK

Encapsulate your happy memories by making a scrapbook with your mother. Print photos from your phone or collect your favorite photographs from your old photo albums. You and your mother can work on your own scrapbook pages and bind these pages together when you are done.

#7: ENJOY A DO-IT-YOURSELF PIZZA PARTY

What better way to end the day than by making your own pizza? It is both an art and a science. You can either make your own pizza dough or purchase a pizza kit for as low as S$20.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Ultimately, it is a nice experience to add your favorite toppings on a pizza that you made yourself. Mommy gets first pick, of course.

From all of us at Money Digest, may you have a delightful Mother’s Day (May 9) celebration!

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You can now send money to Thailand instantly via PayNow

PayNow to Thailand main banner

The pandemic has seen a fluctuating curve in terms of recovery, and no one knows exactly when we can cross borders to visit our loved ones overseas.

Financially, it can be worrying too. Thanks to Singapore’s PayNow and Thailand’s PromptPay partnership, users can now transfer funds up to S$1,000 or THB25,000 daily across the two countries. All you need is just a mobile number.

Real-time payment systems linkage

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Bank of Thailand (BOT) shared that the transfers will be done in just minutes. This presents a much faster solution when compared to other cross-border remittance solutions.

Those who’ve sent money overseas before know that it takes up to two working days to complete a typical transfer process.

On our sunny island, the participating banks are the big names we know – DBS, UOB, and OCBC. In Thailand, there are four financial institutions – Bangkok Bank, Kasikornbank, Krung Thai Bank, and The Siam Commercial Bank.

What are the fees?
a woman holding onto an iPhone

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Convenience comes with a price to pay. But the MAS and BOT noted that the fees would be transparent and affordably priced. In addition, users will know the exact figure before proceeding with the transfers.

“Senders will also be able to view the applicable foreign exchange charges prior to sending their funds, with these rates benchmarked closely to prevailing market rates,” the central banks said.

ASEAN Payment Connectivity

As part of the ASEAN Payment Connectivity initiation two years ago, the PayNow-PromptPay collaboration has come into effect. This is in line with the overall aim to bring about more robust cross-border payment arrangements.

MAS managing director Ravi Menon mentioned that the PayNow-PromptPay linkage is only the beginning. Plans are in place to scale the system to involve other participants and even business transactions.

“MAS’ shared objective with BOT is to work with our ASEAN counterparts to expand this bilateral linkage into a network of linked retail payment systems across ASEAN,” Menon commented.

To that, UOB chief executive officer Wee Ee Cheong added that the PayNow-PromptPay linkage is a stepping stone to connect payment systems across ASEAN as we progress. This means that possibly more customers can transfer funds to their counterparts easily. They can also pay for goods and services within a few taps or clicks conveniently.

In fact, Thailand is already a step ahead with QR cross-border payment arrangements with other countries. This includes Laos, Japan, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

“This service by the MAS and the BOT will effectively address customers’ long standing pain points in the area of cross-border transfers and remittances including long transaction times and high costs,” said BOT governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput.

Not using PayNow? You might want to visit abs.org.sg/consumer-banking/pay-now for more information.

paynow-promptpay-linkage-infographic

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