food Archives | MoneyDigest.sg

Beat Your Sweet Tooth & Boost Your Budget

Let me tell you about my friend. Whenever he spots a bag of chocolates, it’s game over. The entire bag disappears before you can say “kueh lapis.” Sound familiar?

I get it, because I’m no stranger to sweet cravings myself, especially with my PCOS condition making the sugar monster roar louder. For those who don’t know, PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal disorder in women that can cause irregular periods, weight gain, and often increases cravings for sugary foods.

But here’s the truth: sweets can burn a hole in your wallet faster than you can swipe your EZ-Link card. Eating out and buying a lot of sugary treats add up quickly. And don’t forget the real cost, like diabetes and dental bills that sneak up on you later. So yeah, we’ve got to tame that sweet tooth before it bites back.

WHY ARE WE HOOKED ON SUGAR?

Sugar is basically the OG comfort food. From the moment we’re born, our taste buds are wired to love sweet stuff. Dr. Christine Gerbstadt shares that carbs trigger serotonin, the brain’s happy chemical. Plus, sugar releases endorphins that calm us down, giving that natural feel-good buzz.

But before you reach for another packet of gummy worms, remember: not all carbs are created equal. Whole grains, fruits, and veggies give you the sweetness plus fiber and nutrients.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

HOW TO BEAT YOUR SUGAR CRAVINGS

#1: GIVE YOURSELF A TINY TREAT

Going cold turkey on sweets is tough. So allow yourself a small indulgence, maybe a mini cookie or a fun-size chocolate bar. No small packs? Share with a friend!

#2: SWAP FOR DARK CHOCOLATE

If you’re craving chocolate, reach for dark chocolate instead of those sugar-loaded bars. Dark chocolate packs antioxidants called polyphenols that are actually good for your heart and brain and has way less sugar than milk chocolate. Win-win!

#3: MOVE YOUR BODY

Next time sugar cravings hit, try taking a brisk walk around the block or go out to your nearby kopitiam for a quick change of scenery. Distracting your brain can help kick the craving!

#4: STOCK UP ON FRUITS & NUTS

Keep handy snacks like juicy papaya, sweet mango slices, nuts, seeds, or dried fruits ready. They satisfy your sweet tooth and give you fiber and nutrients without the sugar crash.

#5: KNOW THE DIFFERENCE OF CRAVING & HUNGER

When you think you’re hungry, ask yourself, “If an apple was the only thing available, would I eat it?” If the answer is no, it’s probably just a craving. Try waiting 20 minutes. Chances are, the urge will pass. If not, it’s okay to treat yourself mindfully!

#6: EMBRACE THE YOGURT’S POWER

Yogurt is not just yummy, it’s packed with protein and calcium that help keep hunger and blood sugar in check. Just pick plain, no-sugar-added yogurt with live cultures to get the best benefits.

#7: CHEW SUGAR-FREE GUM

Chewing gum or sucking on mints with zero sugar can trick your brain and keep cravings at bay. Bonus: chewing sugar-free gum can even help protect your teeth from cavities.

#8: BUILD A BALANCED PLATE

Instead of obsessing over cutting sugar, focus on filling your meals with protein, healthy fats, and fibre-rich veggies. When your tummy feels full and nourished, those sugar cravings don’t stand a chance.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

So next time you’re eyeing that box of pain au chocolat at the bakery or tempted by kaya toast at your favorite hawker stall, remember controlling your sweet tooth means more money in your wallet and better health down the road.

Sources: 1,2 , & 3

6 Delicious and Budget-Friendly Makan Spots in JB

Johor Bahru, Malaysia (JB) is a popular destination for Singaporeans looking for a quick getaway filled with delicious food. With its diverse culinary scene and hidden gems, here are 6 must-visit makan spots in JB that you should try!

#1: IT ROO CAFE

For mouthwatering Western cuisine, It Roo Cafe is the place to be. Located in JB’s historic city center, it has been serving the best chicken chop since 1961. Crowd favorites include It Roo Fried Rice (RM9.90 / SGD 3.00), Fish and Chips (RM18.50 / SGD 5.50), and the customizable Hailam Mee (RM9.90 / SGD 3.00).

Image Credits: IT Roo Cafe via fb.com

Location: 17, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

#2: ONN KITCHEN

Famous for its fluffy Roti Canai (RM1.50 / SGD 0.45), Onn Kitchen offers a self-service gravy station where you can choose your favorite curries. Go for the Lontong (RM8 / SGD 2.40) and Nasi Lemak with Fried Egg (RM5 / SGD 1.50) for a true taste of Malaysian cuisine.

Location: 29A, Jalan Tarom, Kampung Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

#3: RESTORAN KACANG POOL HAJI

At Restoran Kacang Pool Haji, you can enjoy one of the best kacang pool in JB. This dish features seasoned fava beans topped with a fried egg, served with toast for dipping. Try the Kacang Pool (RM7 / SGD 2.10) alongside Nasi Ambang (RM7 / SGD 2.10) or Nasi Lemak (RM2 / SGD 0.60) for a hearty breakfast.

Location: Jalan Sabar, Taman Dato Onn, 80350 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

#4: YUMMY NASI LEMAK HOUSE

As its name suggests, Yummy Nasi Lemak House specializes at nasi lemak. Have a bite of the Nasi Lemak Basic Set (RM10.50 / SGD 3.10) for its delicious sambal and coconut rice, or go for the Nasi Lemak Ayam Berempah Set (RM14.50 / SGD 4.30) for a generous piece of spice-fried chicken.

Location: 104, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

#5: TONG GUAN NYONYA KOPITIAM

For authentic local cuisine, visit Tong Guan Nyonya Kopitiam. Don’t miss the Nyonya Mee Siam with Fish Otak (from RM14.90 / SGD 4.50) and the indulgent Nasi Lemak Seafood Special (RM24.60 / SGD 7.40). To calm your body, you may eat the hot Three Eggs Porridge (RM13 / SGD 3.90).

Location: 14, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

#6: PACHEM THAI FOOD

I recently visited Thailand, where my favorite dishes are Mango Sticky Rice and Pad Thai—both of which are simply delicious. To satisfy my cravings, Pachem Thai Food is a must-visit for Thai food lovers, offering dishes like Mango Sticky Rice (around RM12/SGD 4) and Tom Yum Soup (around RM20/SGD 6.50).

Location: 2, Jalan Dedap 15, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Image Credits: facebook.com/pachemthaifood

With these 6 spots, your food adventure in JB will be both tasty and budget-friendly. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: The prices listed in this article were accurate at the time of writing, but they may change as restaurants or eateries update their pricing.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

The Fascinating Story Behind Michelin Stars & Singapore’s Best Michelin Eateries

Who would have thought that one of the world’s most prestigious restaurant rating systems began with… tires? You read that right!

As my father-in-law casually mentioned during a family hangout, Michelin Stars were originally part of a guidebook aimed at helping early car owners find reliable spots along their journeys. His revelation piqued my curiosity, leading me down an intriguing culinary rabbit hole. I began by learning about Michelin’s history and searching for other Michelin-starred restaurants in Singapore.

THE ORIGIN STORY

The Michelin Star rating system, known today for honoring culinary excellence, has a surprising origin tied to the automotive industry. In 1900, André and Édouard Michelin, founders of the Michelin tire company, launched the Michelin Guide. Their goal? To encourage more people to drive and use their tires. The guide provided essential travel information, such as maps, gas stations, mechanics, and most notably, hotel and restaurant recommendations.

As the guide evolved, so did its culinary focus. By 1926, it began awarding stars to recognize the quality of food at various establishments. A single star indicated “a very good restaurant,” and by 1931, a three-star system was introduced to reward the best of the best. Today, Michelin Stars are synonymous with the pinnacle of fine dining, with restaurants worldwide vying for recognition.

MECHANICS OF MICHELIN STARS

Michelin inspectors remain anonymous, visiting selected restaurants multiple times throughout the year. They assess various aspects, including food quality, creativity, consistency, and presentation. Restaurants can receive up to three stars:

1 Star – Very good restaurant in its category
2 Stars – Excellent cooking, worth a detour
3 Stars – Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey

In addition to the famed stars, the Michelin Guide also includes the Bib Gourmand award, celebrating high-quality food at reasonable prices, and the Michelin Green Star, honoring sustainability efforts.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

MICHELIN STARS IN SINGAPORE

The Lion City’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide in 2016 marked a new era for our culinary scene. At the time, Singapore became the first country in Southeast Asia to have Michelin-starred restaurants and stalls, a milestone that firmly established the country as a gastronomic hub. From hawkers to fine dining, our eclectic food culture became a hotspot for Michelin-starred cuisine.

On that note, below are Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand recommendations you must try today.

1. Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle (1 Star, Crawford Lane)
A Michelin-starred hawker stall, renowned since 2016 for its flavorful and comforting bak chor mee.

2. Meta (2 Stars, Chinatown)
Headed by Chef Sun Kim, Meta blends French techniques with Asian influences. Signature dishes include steamed Jeju abalone and Korean-inspired courses.

3. Candlenut (1 Star, Tanglin)
As the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut offers a contemporary twist on traditional Straits-Chinese dishes.

4. Alma by Juan Amador (1 Star, Orchard)
Offering a fusion of Spanish-European cuisine with Asian influences, Alma’s tasting menus highlight exquisite ingredients such as Arctic char and caviar.

5. Thevar (2 Stars, Chinatown)
Chef Thevar’s creative take on South Asian cuisine is heavily inspired by his Penang roots, offering an Indian fusion tasting menu in a modern setting.

6. Les Amis (3 Stars, Orchard)
A pinnacle of French fine dining, Les Amis is known for its impeccable service and classic dishes, offering a truly sophisticated experience.

7. Art di Daniele Sperindio (1 Star, City Hall)
This elegant Italian dining establishment focuses on Ligurian roots, presenting thoughtfully curated tasting menus that blend tradition with innovation.

8. Born (1 Star, Tanjong Pagar)
Chef Zor Tan fuses French and Chinese gastronomy, creating an unforgettable nine-course dining experience with flavors that cross borders.

9. Araya (1 Star, Tanjong Pagar)
Specializing in South American cuisine, Araya highlights native crops like corn and Chilean berries, paired with Japanese proteins for a fusion of flavors.

10. Bedok Chwee Kueh (Bib Gourmand Winner, Bedok Interchange)
It is well-known for serving steamed rice cakes topped with savory preserved radish, a beloved local dish.

Image Credits: danielfooddiary.com

With such a dynamic food scene, it’s no wonder Singapore continues to rise as a gastronomic hotspot. Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or simply love trying new dishes, these Michelin-recommended restaurants are sure to impress!

Sources: 1, 2 & 3

[50% OFF PROMO] Nong Geng Ji, Largest Hunan Restaurant Chain, Celebrates Grand Opening With Up to 50% off At Their 1st Overseas Outlet In Singapore!

Nong Geng Ji, largest Hunan restaurant chain with over 100 stores in China, will be celebrating the opening of their first overseas outlet in Singapore with a bang! Come 21^st October 2023, head on down to Collyer Quay Centre for some spicy and tasty Hunan cuisine at up to 50% off food bill*.

Known for drawing long queues, the restaurant serves signature Hunan dishes such as their bestseller Stir-Fried Pork with Abalone and Chilli, which has since sold more than 700,000 servings since their launch in June last year. Enjoy a wide range of local Hunan favourites that is best complemented with rice! Here at Nong Geng Ji, you can order their Wuchang Steamed Rice with Sweet Potato and Red Dates, where a whole piping hot rice cooker pot full of rice is served to your table so you can have plentiful rice to go with the savoury dishes!

Nong Geng Ji’s full opening promo details are as follows:

21 to 23 October: 50% off
24 to 26 October: 40% off
27, 28 & 30 October: 30% off

*50% off food bill only. Alcohol and beverages not included.

Nong Geng Ji Singapore

Address: 16 Collyer Quay #01-01/02 Collyer Quay Centre Singapore 049318

Tel: 6322 4887

Operating hours during opening promotion period:

Daily: 11am to 2.30pm; 4.30pm to 9.30pm (30 minutes before last order)

Socials

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Xiao Hong Shu: @nonggengjisg

Hashtags: #NongGengJiSG #NGJSG

How to Spend Less on Food

We spend a chunk of our paycheck on food. If you tally up every dollar you spend on food, including groceries, takeout, and dining out, you might be surprised at the total.

No need to feel ashamed!

We all need to eat, and food expenses can really add up, especially when grocery prices hit record highs and continue to rise. To help you reduce those unnecessary expenses in the future, we’ve compiled some of our best money-saving tips.

#1: MAKE A CUSTOM FOOD BUDGET

Taking the time to create a food budget will give you a clear understanding of your actual food expenses and reveal shopping patterns that could lead to potential savings. Your ideal food budget should be tailored to your specific dietary needs and the number of people you’re cooking for, whether that’s a family or just yourself.

To get started, keep track of your grocery spending for a few weeks. Save your receipts, use a budgeting app, or simply jot everything down on an Excel Sheet. Gradually, you’ll gain insights into your spending habits, such as your typical purchases, preferred shopping days, and average spending per trip. This valuable information will enable you to make informed decisions about buying in bulk or opting for more affordable store-brand items over name-brand products.

#2: EMBRACE DRY GOODS

One effective way to slash your grocery bill is to always have affordable staples on hand for quick and easy meals. Items like legumes, rice, pasta, and beans are low-cost and can prevent you from relying on pricier, less healthy alternatives.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The beauty of dry goods lies not only in their affordability but also in their longer shelf life. Unlike perishable items, they won’t go bad quickly, allowing you to stock up and plan meals well in advance. This will curb the temptation to buy expensive last-minute options when you know you already have your next few meals covered.

#3: UTILIZE THE FREEZER

Maximize the potential of your freezer to save money on groceries. Consider doing a freezer clear-out to make room for various frozen food items that can last up to 6 months.

Here are some freezer-friendly ideas to get you started: frozen fish, frozen veggies, frozen fruits, and frozen chicken.

Additionally, many fresh foods freeze well, such as bread, meat, chicken, hard cheeses, milk, and spinach. An excellent tip is to cook a whole frozen chicken or chicken pieces, which is a cost-effective way to enjoy meat.

#4: OPT FOR MEAT ALTERNATIVES

Another smart approach to cutting down on grocery expenses is to reduce meat consumption. Incorporate at least 1-2 meatless days into your weekly meal plan and explore other protein sources.

Great alternatives to meat include:

– Canned fish
– Eggs
– Lentils
– Chickpeas
– Tofu

Image Credits: unsplash.com

These options are not only budget-friendly but also nutritious and easy to prepare. Embracing various protein sources will add diversity to your meals and bring down your overall grocery costs, especially if meat is a regular part of your shopping list.

#5: SAVE MONEY WITH VEGGIES

When trying to save money, consider growing pricier vegetables, like tomatoes and melons, or cultivating large quantities of regularly consumed veggies. Some cost-effective vegetables to consider are beans, beets, onions, spinach, broccoli, peppers, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, and peas.

By incorporating these money-saving strategies into your food shopping routine, you’ll be well on your way to reducing expenses and enjoying more savings in the long run.

Bon appétit and happy savings!

Sources:1 & 2

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