Italian cuisine is known throughout the world for its pasta, pizza, herbs, and tomato sauce. While Singapore, as a nation, had developed a deeper fondness for food – of all kinds. But the dilemma of the restaurant prices are always at sight.
Cheap does not always come with bad taste if you know the right places to look. That being said, here are 4 delicious yet affordable places to satisfy your hunger for Italian food…
A true-blooded Italian, Dario of Super Dario Lasagne, brought forth the first Cafe that showcases lasagna as their star. The menu is coupled with drinks, salads, and desserts of course. Their bountiful plates of homemade lasagna cost about S$7.8-11 while the set meal (i.e., including any lasagna, drink, and dessert) costs S$10.9 only (T&C apply).
And, if you are a student, grab the 20% off discount on any lasagna on Weekdays from 10:30 am (T&C apply). You can also order a tray to take home. Trust me, the food is worth coming back to!
Image Credits: instagram.com/annaloves29
Location: #04-17, City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539
From the makers of the exquisite French restaurant named Saveur, they bring you the Concetto by Saveur. Paraded by good reviews from Savuer, Concetto by Saveur did not disappoint. This is a restaurant that continues to bring artisan-cooking techniques to prepare high-end quality Italian cuisine for all.
Its reasonable prices will not only bring your bellies to bliss but also your wallets. Most of delectable meals range from S$5 to S$18, except for the Wagyu Tender that costs S$26.90. Concetto Pasta ($6.90) is one of their best-rated dishes.
Image Credits: Concetto Singapore via Facebook
Location: 2 Handy Road, The Cathay #01-11/12, Singapore 229233
From soup, pizza, pasta, baked rice, and bread – Saizeriya has it all for you. Because of its inexpensive prices ranging from S$4 to S$10, it has been the student’s favorite place to dine. They also incorporate a little of Asian and French cuisine into the mix. In fact they have French Escargot that the online reviews preferred most. It may possibly be the cheapest escargot you will find in Singapore restaurants.
Image Credits: Official Singapore Saizeriya via Facebook
Supply & Demand prides itself as a contemporary Italian and Southeast Asia bistro and bar. With its breezy rooftop bar at Esplanade Mall, it serves as a great place to enjoy a great Italian meal. You may also try their modern-take on Southeast Asian dishes from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Burma. Majority of the pastas, pizzas, and entrées are priced below S$20.
Here are doable and inexpensive ways to lead a healthier life…
1. PRACTICE BREATHING EXERCISES
Say you have a stressful day or you under slept, you do not have to go to the spa to loosen up the tension…spending 10 minutes or less in breathing exercises will help. Deep and controlled breathing keeps your mind and body at their optimal function, lowers your blood pressure, and improves your relaxation. Know about the 6 breathing exercises: Equal Breathing, Progressive Relaxation, Guided Visualization, Alternate Nostril Breathing, Skull Shining Breath, and Abdominal Breathing Techniquehere.
2. HAVE AN EXERCISE BUDDY
Research showed that those who work out with their partners were more likely to stick to the exercise program than those who were alone. Start your off-day with a 30-minute exercise with your partner or friend. Then, motivate each other to do your best. If possible, you can join an exercise group in your community.
3. CUT BACK ON COFFEE
Middle age and older women had lower risks for diabetes once they moderated their coffee consumption. So, have a cup of coffee without the add-ons (e.g., creamer or sugar).
Image Credits: Filippo Diotalevi via Flickr
4. REDUCE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Cardiovascular diseases are topping the list of morbidity in adults. Have no more than the recommended one drink a day because drinking alcohol on a regular basis has been linked to increased blood pressure. It also increases the calories that further lead to weight gain.
5. GO FOR GRAINS
After your physical activity, have a bowl of whole-grain cereal to lower the risk of heart failure. Whole grains have been scientifically proved to help reduce the chance of having high blood pressure.
6. SMART SNACKING
Be sure to have healthy bites such as a pack of nuts or cut fruits in your reach.
Image Credits: Arya Ziai via Flickr
This will not only prevent you from having a candy bar from the vending machine but also increase your energy to keep you boosted for the day. Also, it may help you cut back some weight because healthy snacking and drinking water in the afternoon can help you avoid overeating during dinner.
Tipping is a practice of gratitude and recognition to those who have provided you with excellent service. In Singapore, they automatically have service charges in restaurants but you can still leave about 5% for great service.
Not all countries welcome tipping. In fact, some parts of China and Japan may be offended when you give them tips. Before leaving your hotel, it is important to research on the country’s tipping practices. Here are 10 countries you can start with…
1. AUSTRALIA
Tipping of 10-15% of your bill is appreciated for waiters and waitresses especially those who are serving you from expensive restaurants. It is customary to tip the hotel bellman at least AU$1 per bag.
2. FRANCE
A service charge of 15% is always included in your restaurant or bar tab. So, typing beyond that is not a must. For taxi drivers, you may tip at least 1 Euro and the hotel bellman should get at least 1 Euro per bag.
3. GERMANY
Like France, a service charge is included but, you may leave at least 5-10% of tip for good service. At least 1 Euro should be left for the hotel’s bellman per bag and the hotel’s maid per day.
4. HONG KONG
Tipping is certainly acceptable in Hong Kong. Offer your bellman at least HK$2-3 per bag.
5. ARGENTINA
You may tip at least 10% in restaurants but, do not tip your taxi drivers. Your bellman should get at least 2 Pesos per bag.
6. SOUTH AFRICA
Tip at least 10% in restaurants and taxis for gratitude. Group tours should receive at least R 10/tour guide while private tours should receive R 50/guide for half-day tours and R 100/guide for whole day tours. Hotel maids should get R 50 per day while the hotel bellman should get about R 5 per bag.
7. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Consider at least 10% of tip for restaurants. Your bellman should get at least 5 Dirhams per bag.
8. UNITED STATES, CANADA, AND MEXICO
It is common to tip the person who assisted you with your baggage in the airport or the hotel with at least US$1 per bag. Bellman should receive about US$1 per bag too. And, the hotel maid should be tipped at least US$2-5 per day.
Image Credits: Tax Credits via Flickr
Since some hospitality workers are paid less, they will truly appreciate a tip. Tipping per day will not only be a gesture of gratitude but it will help you to receive continued shower of good service.
As we welcome Chinese New Year in a week, many of us are busy during this period to do our shopping for new clothes, food and house decos.
It is also the time when we have the perfect excuse to put on more calories with numerous steamboat dinners as well as snacking on the CNY goodies such as Bak Kwa and pineapple tarts!
Chinese’s culture is rich in traditions and superstitions and we are constantly looking for inspirations to boost our luck and prosperity.
So you want to be rich? Then eat these food during Chinese New Year to bring your luck, wealth and prosperity. (At least that’s what the Chinese think)
1. Tangerine (桔子)
Tangerine or Mandarin Oranges are often given in pairs during Chinese New Year. That’s because ju (桔) – sounds like luck (吉) and it looks like “gold” with its orange hue.
2. Raw Fish Salad (鱼生, Yusheng)
What’s Chinese New Year without lo hei? Lo Hei stands for 捞起 or Prosperity Toss and it comes with different types of shredded vegetables with raw fish slices. Raw fish slices were used because 鱼生 sounds like “rising abundance” and each of the other condiments has its own meaning in the dish. For example, deep fried flour crisps were added to symbolise 满地黄金 (Floor full of gold)
3. Long Noodles (长寿面)
(Image credit: weelicious.com)
Longevity Noodles are often served during birthday celebrations and during Lunar New Year. The noodles, as the name suggests, comes in long strands and this symbolize long life or longevity. Do not break the strands with your chopsticks or by biting them until you put them into your mouth to chew.
4. Chinese New Year Cake (Nian Gao, 年糕)
(Image credit: chinancient.com)
Nian gao is very popular during Chinese New Year as the Chinese words 年糕 sounds like 年高 which can be translated to 年年高升, which means “higher year” literally or a better year ahead – with better luck, wealth and improvement in career.
5. Pomelo (Yòu, 柚)
With its sheer size, pomelo is often used as a symbol of good luck. 柚 (yòu) sounds like 有 (yǒu) which means “to have” or 又 (yòu) which means “again”. It stands for continuous prosperity and abundance (again, and again)
6. Dumplings (Jiaozi, 饺子)
Dumplings can be eaten any other days but on Chinese New Year, it has its own meaning to the Chinese. It look like gold/siver ingots, a currency used in China long time ago. These delicious dumplings symbolise wealth on the table.
7. Lettuce Wraps
(Image credit: tastykitchen.com)
When you pronouce Lettuce in Cantonese, you get “Sang Choy” which means “rising fortune”. It is no wonder Chinese treat it as their “lucky food”. You can use minced chicken and even dried oysters in the wrap. Let your creativity flows through.
8. Pineapple tart (Feng Li Ta, 鳳梨酥)
(Image credit: maameemoomoo.com)
Pineapple stands for 鳳梨 (feng li) or 黃梨 (huang li) in chinese. It also means “Wong Lai” or “Ong Lai” which literally means “Prosperity Come”. Its sweet golden filling looks like “gold” which is an auspicious colour for the Chinese.
9. Spring rolls (chūnjuǎn, 春卷)
(Image credit: thatslife.com.au)
At first glance, what does spring rolls look like? (Hint: Think Colour & Shape) Right, if you haven’t guess it, it looks like slabs of gold bar with its golden brown colour after being deep fried.
10. Tray of togetherness (全 盒)
(Image credit: dukascopy.com)
You will always see this when you go visiting during Chinese New Year. Also known as the chuen hup, it packs an assortment of candies, chocolates, dried fruits, seeds and nuts in a presentable red octagonal box. It usually has 8 sections (‘8’ is an auspicious number for the Chinese) and each of the food items in each section has its own meaning – such as dried kumquats as prosperity and red melon seeds for happiness.
11. Dried Oysters with Black Moss (Ho Si Fat Choi)
(Image credit: nationaltimes.com.au)
Dried Oysters stands for Ho Si or “Good Business” and Black Moss stands for “Fat Choi” or 发财 which means “Strike Rich”. When paired together, it is amazingly delicious when braised and it would often leave you craving for more.
12. San Yang Kai Tai (Goat Stew, 三羊开泰)
(Image credit: janechongyc.hubpages.com)
With 2015 being a “Goat” year, many people find Lamb/Mutton dishes to be auspicious. The Chinese for “goat” (羊) is in a Chinese character for good luck (祥 xiáng). The character “泰” (tài) means lavish and grand.
13. Bamboo Shoots (zhú sǔn jiān, 竹笋尖)
(Image credit: arielleinchina.blogspot.com)
Bamboo shoots in Chinese stands for “Wishing everything to be well” and is often stir fry with mushrooms, black fungus or golden lily bubs.
What? Dragon and Phoenix? Do they even exist? Well, at least it did in Chinese’s folklore. The dragon and the phoenix have positive connotations and usually symbolizes grand and grace. Not surprisingly, the creativity of the Chinese has adapted it and uses lobster (龙虾)as the “Dragon” because of the first character “龙” and chicken meat as the “Phoenix” because of its resemblance as a golden rooster. As lobsters may not be accessible to some, some uses shrimps/prawns as an substitute ingredient.
15. Red Eggs (红鸡蛋)
(Image credit: tastespotting.com)
Usually eaten together with the longevity noodles during your Chinese Birthday, red dyed eggs can be auspicious to eat during Chinese New Year Eve with the colour red being an auspicious colour for the Chinese and it symbolises birth or a new start.
16. Pen Cai or Poon choi (盆菜) or Big Bowl Feast
(Image credit: thediningtable.sg)
This dish originate from Hong Kong as a Cantonese cuisine and it usually filled with an assortment of delicacies ranging from abalone, scallops, prawns, braised mushrooms and other vegetables. It was a dish served to the Emperor back in the Song Dynasty and it also signifies abundance and prosperity with its luxurious offerings.
17. Abalone (Bao yu, 鮑魚)
(Image credit: juzdeals.com)
Abalone makes a popular dish for Chinese New Year and is one of the higher priced food item in Chinese New Year. It can be eaten in many ways such as being braised with mushrooms and kailan or you can simply dip it into your steamboat! “Bao” stands for assurance and “yu” stands for surplus and eating them means an abundance of surplus or wealth.
18. Golden Lily Buds (金针)
(Image credit: springtomorrow.com)
Golden Lily Buds is often one of the ingredient found in vegetarian dishes such as the Nonya Chap Chye. Best eaten when stir-fried with black fungus, tang hoon, cabbage and/or black moss. The Chinese translation for lily buds is “golden needle” and you can understand why the Chinese loves them.
19. Fried Tofu
(Image credit: expatedna.com)
Just look at the colour and shape! Do i need to say more to describe these ‘gold bars’?
20. Rabbitfish (Pei Tor Hee, 蒸泥鯭)
(Image credit: blazinghotwok.com)
Rabbitfish are highly sought after during Chinese New Year. They breed during this period, so expect to see its stomach filled with roe which is a sign of prosperity and abundance to the Chinese. Price can go as high as $60-$120 per kg during this period.
21. Whole Fish (清蒸魚
(Image credit: taste.com.au)
It is believed to eat with the whole fish with the head and tail intact as it symbolizes a year begining’s to the end. Chinese word for fish (鱼) also sounds like abundance (余), so for this lunar new year, 祝你新年快乐, 年年有余! (Happy Chinese New Year, wishing you a year of surplus and abundance!)
*Don’t finish the entire fish, as it is believed that the unfinished portion represents the “surpluses” of the coming year.
22. Leeks (suàn, 蒜)
(Image credit: noobcook.com)
Leek is an auspicious food for Chinese New Year because the character “蒜” in its Chinese name (蒜苗/大蒜) sounds like calculating (“算”) in Mandarin, symbolizing wealth. While i’m no fan of this on other days, i will make this Chinese New Year an exception.
A vegetarian dish that is considered auspicious in Chinese New Year, traditionally enjoyed by Buddhists Monks. Buddhists believed that as a form of self-purification, one should maintain a vegetarian diet for the first five days of the new year. With more than ten ingredients, you will definitely taste some of the “auspicious” vegetables like fat choy and snow fungus.
They say that a quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. If you desire to impress your loved one without breaking the bank then brace yourself as I lay out the 3 Delicious Valentine’s Day Dining Places in Singapore That Are Under S$50…
Who would have thought that affordable yet scrumptious French cuisine exists in Singapore? Young chefs named Joshua and Dylan paved way for casual dining that serves renowned French dishes at reasonable prices.
Your special someone would definitely enjoy the simple ambiance and the taste of food that is raved all over the social media. One yelp.com user even wrote on that it was “90% as good as the dish served in Paris”.
Image Credits: saveur.sg
Delicately handmade “Duck Confit” and “Seafood Pasta with Tiger Prawn and Lumpfish Caviar” are crowd pleasers. Their main courses start from S$10 while their desserts are S$7 and up. Generally, the menu’s maximum price is S$30. Saveur has various locations around the country namely in: Ion Orchard, Far East Plaza, and Purvis Street.
If your partner is looking to try something different then feast your way to Haji Lane where Piedra Negra Restaurant is located. Piedra Negra is a Mexican restaurant with “hippy” vibe, cultural ensembles, and colorful graffiti walls. Much like Saveur, the menu generally is S$30 and under.
The restaurant takes up two units and specializes on Latin American cuisine. If you are an expat looking forward for a taste of home then try their amazing handmade Guacamole that is certified fresh.
Named after the late Queen of France, Antoinette boasts its interior beauty that is known for its Parisian style tea and pastries. Antoinette’s selection of lavish treated and handmade dishes will be perfect for celebrating your perfect date. It is established by the Sugar Daddy Group.
Image Credits: antoinette.com.sg
Take your girl friends on a Valentine’s day lunch for high tea and ladies’ luncheons that you all can enjoy. Food generally ranges from S$5 to S$30. Honorary dishes include the “Beef Bourguignon” and the “Gnocci Carbonara”. If you are a dessert lover then I suggest for you to try the “Antoinette”, a sinful serving of Earl Grey ice cream, raspberry jelly, and milk chocolate shards.
