#FoodHoppingSG : Cyclists' Heaven - Wheeler's Yard

Wheeler's Yard

Having a bf who loves cycling (probably more than me), this is like a heaven to him, okay to me as well that he can admire bicycles while I sip coffee. Perfect day for us!

It is at a strategic location where cyclists can cycle around the industrial area and rest at this place for a cup of coffee. The exterior looks like its a warehouse until you enter by its side door. This concept is similar to Chye Seng Huat Hardware store. Can not judge thing by their appearance, indeed.

There is limited parking space within the forecourt. Drivers, you may proceed to the nearest car park which is probably 5 minutes away. Also, the location is quite inaccessible for those people who do not drive or cycle. The owner probably wants to cater for cyclists only..........

It is functioning as both bicycle atelier and cafe. 

Interior

Wide selection of expensive urban bicycles

I suppose the waiter ride this to serve customers?

The back of the warehouse opens up to a park connector where cyclists dismount and push into the cafe. Clever, huh?

Coney dog ($13.90) and Hum bao bao ($20.90)

Espresso with milk ($5.00)

The quality of food does not justify for this kind of prices. I personally believe the hype is for its dual identities - bike shop cum cafe. However, I quite like the chillax atmosphere there. It is a great place to hang out with friends for the whole day.

Also, their proudest host party was that Burberry held gig at their cafe. This definitely beat all their competitors off the table. 

Wheeler's Yard

Address: Toa Payoh 28 Lor Ampas Singapore 328781

Opening hours: 

Mon: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm 

Wed - Sat: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm 

Sun: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm

Tel: +65 6254 9128

#FoodHoppingSG - Sinpopo BRAND 新泡泡甜品小吃

Sinpopo BRAND 新泡泡甜品小吃 - #OldSchool

Old people love to say "想当年... 想当年..."

Bright red sliding gates, metal biscuit tins and a fat screen TV set assembled at the entrance. Upon entering, I was swamped with songs and after songs of Chinese oldies music from a bygone times, for instance the unforgettable Teresa Teng's folk songs. Old music discs and vintage posters on the walls together with flimsy tables and uncomfortable wooden stools are the typical setup 60s-style of coffeeshop.

This #oldschool concept cafe is opened by the owners of Awfully Chocolate.

It is very hard to find such a #oldschool cafes in such a modernized city. This is definitely a big draw to boys, girls, olds and youngs. You might be sitting beside a family of three-generations or elderly couples reminiscing about their "想当年" or a group of friends talking about their childhoods.

Awfully chocolate owners really captured the hearts of all ages. #GoodBusinessIdea

Of course, they offer local signature dishes such as nasi lemak, john roti, ngoh hiang and many others. Customers just have to click their choices on the menu paper and pass to the waiter. While waiting, I rambled around the shop and surprised to find that they are so detailed enough that all their equipment are so #oldschool as well! Like their coffee maker jars, cups and ice crusher.

Fake bird nest drink - my favorite pasar malam drink lol

Lo Gai Yik (marinated chicken rice) and chicken curry rice - $8.90 each. 

Black carrot cake (actually quite nice)

Ais Bor (ice ball) -$3.90

Given the name, their main attraction is their desserts which I totally agree even though I only tried their ais bor. You think it is only a ice ball drenched with coconut milk and coloured syrup but you will be surprised to see ice kacang ingredients (like red beans, attap seeds and lychee jelly balls) inside the ice ball.

This is a place where can go for ambience but maybe not for their food. I don't mind going back for desserts though. 

Having local desserts in a classic settings and listening oldies folk songs is a new unfounded pleasure!

Sinpopo BRAND 新泡泡甜品小吃

Address: 458 Joo Chiat Road Singapore 427671

Sun - Thu: 12:00 - 22:00 

Fri - Sat: and Eve of PH 12:00 - 00:00 

Closed: Monday

Website: http://www.sinpopo.com/

#FoodHoppingSG - Kombi Rocks Diner

Kombi Rocks - The same old brand new diner

"I am a vintage lover"

I came across this vintage diner place when I was googling interesting theme cafe in Singapore. Immediately, I bookmarked the address and checked the diner out on the very next day.

Very hard to miss the diner due to its prominent location - just opposite Serangoon stadium and first shop to see when you turn in to the small alley.

Now then I know, Kombi is the name for this hippie van (above), the second model manufactured by Volkswagen. The owner must be a Kombi lover so much that to name the diner "Kombi Rocks". There are only 18 Kombi in Singapore and the owner already have 3-4 in hand already or maybe more. 

Imagine riding this hippie van for a road trip, the road trip is already off with a great start! But, a little expensive to rent for just a road trip... 

Kombi Rocks Diner is the revamped look for Koon Kee Restaurant which started in 1971 The main cuisine are Thai & Chinese dishes which have passed down three generations.

I feel like I was instantly flashback to the 80s when I stepped into the diner. The setting is retro 80s where it has retro coffee tables, old vintage posters, barber chairs, old fans and even vintage refrigerator! I wonder if they are using the vintage refrigerator or just for show.

It was not crowded on a Sunday afternoon but I bet the diner will be packed in the night as it has the relaxing atmosphere for chilling.

These vintage toys, guitars and props are available for rental or sale as well. Personal favourite - Vespa.

Seafood Hor Fun ($6) - Mee Goreng ($6)

Black Sesame Icecream ($5) - Honey Green Tea ($3)

The seafood hor fun was only so-so but the mee goreng was as good as recommended by other websites. It was not oily at all and the taste was very local. Black sesame ice cream was not bad as well. Heard from the waitress that the ice cream was suitable for diabetic people too. 

Their Kombi and other vintage cars available for rental as well. Mostly are for wedding event or photoshoot. The prices are on their website. 

Dont be alarm to see many people taking selfies there. It is a perfect place for vintage themed photoshoot. I guess the waitresses and waiters are immune to it. 

This definitely worth a second visit. I hope more themed cafés set up in Singapore.

Kombi Rocks Diner

Web: http://www.kombirocks.com/

Address: 66 Yio Chu Kang Road, Singapore 545568

Tel: +65 9008 6918

Opening hours: Monday – Thursday: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm 

Friday – Sunday: 12pm – 11pm

Nearest MRT station: Serangoon station
Parking is available in the sports stadium carpark opposite the diner

Korea - Seoul : Cafes Hopping in Seoul

Korea trip Oct 2013

Cafes hopping is one of the IN things to do in Korea! They have so many interesting cafes to go to. Do you see real sheeps in the cafe before? Been to a Korea-TV-show-filmed-cafe? Cutest cafe ever? A place that you and your pets can enjoy together?

Yays to own time own target from now on! Waking up 5 or 6 every morning for 7 days straight is crazy for a holiday!

Let's roll..!

1) Miss Lee Cafe

If you are a loyal follower of the Korean reality TV show "We Got Married", you will know and should visit this Miss Lee Cafe. In season II, couple "YongSeo" (Yonghwa of CN Blue and SeoHyun of Girls’ Generation) filmed in Miss Lee Cafe. The cafe is full of their pictures too.

(source: http://missleecafe.com/) 

We went to the Myeongdong branch as it is very near to our hotel (Savoy Hotel, 5 minutes walk from Myeongdong train station). It is located towards the end of the shopping area. You can ask those student volunteers within Myeongdong shopping street for direction. It is also next to A Twosome Place - a dessert cafe which I will introduce later.

Miss Lee cafe occupies the whole level 2 and 3. The wooden exterior really stands out from the other buildings. 

Saw many students heading in too.

Whole cafe is plastered with little notes. 

Over thousands of wishes hanging on the tree/walls/everywhere. One of them is "I wan be RICH". lol

Miss Lee Cafe is very famous for this metal-container-lunch-box which is called as Bibimbap (6,000 won). The concept is inspired by the Korean children brought metal containers with rice, seaweed, kimchi, fried egg and sausages for their lunch during the old days.

What you will need to do is: stir mix the ingredients first then close the metal container and begin to show off your shaking skill.

Before and after shot.

Okay lah.. its just a korean kimchi rice lor...lol anyway the food variety is quite limited too. 

So what's next??

Miss Lee Cafe

Address: Star Miss Lee Cafe Season 3 Myeongdong Seoul Jung-gu 199-12 Floor

Nearest train station: Myeongdong station line 4, exit 5, 6 or 7

Other branches:

Season 1 by Miss Lee Cafe in Insadong Seoul Jongno-gu, 2nd Floor Gwanhun 144

Nearest train station: Anguk station line 3, exit 6

Star Miss Lee Cafe Daehakro Season 2: 1-74 Dongsoong dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 1st floor

Nearest train station: Hyehwa station line 4, exit 1 

2) A Twosome Place

This cafe is highly recommended by my friend. A Twosome Place is a European style dessert cafe that offers wide selection of cakes and premium beverages. Sounds like an atas (high class) cafe.

Myeongdong branch is just beside Miss Lee Cafe. It is located just above Olive Young. We spent around 10 minutes finding the way up to second floor where the cafe is located. We went up the staircases both beside Olive Young but turned out it linked to other shops. The correct way up is to take the staircase in Olive Young store. HELLO, Twosome Place, please put big big sign outside okay.....

Grapefruit cheese mousse (5,300 won)

Tiramisu (5,300 won)

Verdict: Both cakes are good. Grapefruit cheese mousse - a unique flavour that can not find in Singapore. Tiramisu - is the kind of tiramisu that I like. Not too wet, not too dry, just nice, plus a thick layer of cocoa powder on the top layer. 

A Twosome Place

Address: same building as Miss Lee Cafe in Myeongdong

Nearest train station: Myeongdong station line 4, exit 5, 6 or 7

3) Thanks Nature Cafe

Dogs or cats cafe are too mainstream. Korea has a cafe where you can enjoy a cup of coffee in the company of SHEEPS!

Thanks Nature Cafe, also known as Sheep Cafe, located near to Hongik University. Hence, you can expect to see many students there. OH, "We Got Married" also filmed in this cafe as well.

Sheep decoration everywhere

Sheeps are free to roam around the cafe. omg so cute lah!

A mummy still put her boy in the barn to play with sheeps. This shows how friendly the sheeps are. Okay I start to like sheeps already~

Mocha (5,000 won)

Ice Cream Waffle (7,000 won)

Though sheeps is the main attraction for me to check this cafe out, I quite love their mocha there. 

Thanks Nature Cafe

Address: 121, B1F Prugio, 486, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea

Nearest train station: Hongik University Station line 2, exit 9

Direction: Walk upstreet towards Hongik University. Find "Cafe Cantata" on your left and Thanks Nature Cafe is just at the basement floor.

Opening hours: 11am to 11pm

4) Homestead Cafe

I passed by this cafe alot of times at different locations. Hence, bf and I decided to try their food since they have sooo many branches in Seoul. #ShouldTasteGoodRightSinceSoManyBranches?

I have a conclusion that Koreans are crazy over coffee. I see cafes everywhere. Other than kimchi, their second love is coffee. #Isayone lol

This is the branch near Anguk station.

its like Starbucks in SG

Green Tea Cookie Waffle (12,000 won)

Actually we were quite full from the previous meal and this was our high tea. Bf still managed to finish the waffles because it was so damn good. It was crispy outside, soft inside. With chocolate and honey sauce plus his favourite green tea ice cream *slurp*

Homestead Coffee Cafe

Nearest train station: Anguk station line 3, exit 1

5) BAU House

My camera battery died on me before I reached BAU House. Probably because we reached there quite late already.. 

Only drinks are served there probably because they afraid the fur will drop into the food lol. Anyway, dogs lovers go there and play with dogs right? Nobody would want to have a main course there and chill. 

Most of the dogs there were brought by their owners so dogs can interact with one another.

If you have no dogs, just walk in, sit down, order a drink and play with other people's dogs.

Singapore should have open more pets cafe! I would want to bring my snowy there and cold stare/bark at other dogs or maybe the owners lol #justkidding 

BAU House

Address: 394-44 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Je-il Building, rear entrance, 1st floor)

Opening hours: 1:30pm – 11:00pm weekdays, 12:30pm – 11:00pm weekends

Nearest train station: Hapjeong Station line 2, exit 3 or 4

Direction: Make a U-turn after exit 3 or 4, turn in to alley next to a black shiny building. Walk for 1 minutes and you will see the cafe on your right.

6) Capi Capi Loom Loom (Rilakkuma Cafe)

Everybody! Here's the Rilakkuma Cafe I have been wanting to go since last year~

For the benefits of those who do not know what is rilakkuma, its a japanese character produced by San-X. According to wikipedia, true to his name, he enjoys relaxing and his favorite things include sleeping, lying around, watching television, listening to music and soaking in hot springs. Just like me ^.^

Two long stretch of rilakkuma products. So cute how to resist??

I want to buy one giant rilakkuma bear and put on my bed. Oh wait, then where do I sleep?

It is really a very cosy cafe. I can spend all day there lazing just like rilakkuma. This is truly my favourite cafe in Korea =D I would want to go back again next time~

Green tea latte and cheesecake. The latte is so-so but the cheesecake is surprisingly nice. 

Capi Capi Loom Loom (Rilakkuma Cafe)

Nearest train station: Sungshin Women's University Station line 4, exit 1

Direction: Turn right into the alley before KB bank and walk straight until you see a cross junction. Turn left and keep right. The cafe is on your right. 

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, this is a MUST TRY in Korea! Banana milk!! Go to any 7-11 store and buy it! If I'm not wrong, it is priced at 1,100 won. No regret trying. Out of 10 days in Korea, I drank for 4 or 5 days. #kiasusingaporean

Back to Korea - Jeju : Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) + Seongeup Folk Village
Back to Korea - Jeju : Cheonjeyeon Falls + Jusangjeolli Cliff + Teddy Bear Museum
Back to Korea - Jeju : Mysterious Road + Yongduam Rock
Back to Korea - Namiseom Island
Back to Korea - Mount Sorak (Seoraksan)
Back to Korea - Seoul : Making Kimchi + Everland