Swag & Sizzle: Restaurant-quality hawker steak & atas Western mains by ex-L'Entrecôte chefs
A hawker stall as cool as its name, it's helmed by a duo of ex-L'Entrecôte chefs and dishes out fancy Western dishes you'd typically find in cafes and bistros. Think steak frites, brunch plates and chicken roulade… some stalls really do sell themselves.
Swag & Sizzle is nestled in an unassuming coffeeshop along Cantonment Road, in the quieter suburbs of Tanjong Pagar. A little off the beaten path, sure — but a trip that I was more than happy to make.
I dove straight for the main attraction: the Hanger Steak (S$21.90), served with balsamic-dressed salad and a side of Spiced Fries. Catching myself from drooling proved to be a real challenge. We eat with our eyes first, and this was one photogenic plate.
In case you're wondering how it stacks up against L'Entrecôte's, this one's priced at just a fraction of the restaurant's signature Trimmed Entrecôte Steak (S$48.80) — which, for the record, comes with free-flow fries. Still, Swag & Sizzle's single serving was nothing to scoff at. I couldn't help but pop a golden fry into my mouth while snapping away, and relished how crispy and piping hot it was.
The cook on my steak was a perfect medium rare. Just look at that beaut!
I was initially surprised by how much chew the meat had, though I later learnt that hanger is naturally a leaner, more textured cut. That in mind, I grew to appreciate its hefty, juicy bite and the tangy, herbaceous contrast rendered by its chimichurri companion.
S$21.90 may seem like a pretty penny to fork out at a coffeeshop, but this dish? Absolutely worth it in my books.
5dot7 Western: Coffeeshop stall with fancy $9 chicken cordon bleu & seafood risotto hidden in Hougang
The Chicken (S$11.90) was another dish that immediately caught my eye. a You don't often see this elegant French-style rolled chicken dish at coffeeshops — and honestly, not many restaurants offer it either. Needless to say, this was an easy next pick.
The plate featured 5 thick slices of roasted chicken, each rolled around a filling of spinach and wild mushrooms, then set atop a pool of creamy tomato sauce. A work of art, really — I can't begin to fathom the finesse required to roll something as delicate as chicken.
I approached this one carefully, starting with just the chicken before going in for a fuller chunk with the filling. The meat was well-seasoned but leaned a little dry on its own, though its flavours were livened up by the earthy spinach, juicy mushrooms and especially that sweet-savoury tomato sauce, which added a welcome hit of richness to each bite.
Accompanying the roulade was a side of Garlic Couscous, which I'd opted for in place of Spiced Fries this time. You know, for variety. It wasn't anything to write home about compared to its crispy counterpart, but I enjoyed its fluffiness and the just-right hint of garlic that kept things interesting.
I couldn't leave without trying something off Swag & Sizzle's all-day breakfast menu. Enter: the Croque Monsieur (S$6.90), my final dish of the day.
First impressions? I was genuinely impressed by the sheer size of this creation. As a die-hard cheese fan, you can bet I was thrilled to see the generous, golden-brown layer of melted cheese that blanketed the sandwich, too.
Toasted to a tee, the polka bread delivered a satisfying crunch, giving way to a soft, fluffy interior and an indulgent, ultra-cheesy filling. The ham within imparted savoury, slightly smoky notes, which were balanced by the milky richness of the Emmental and the velvety mornay sauce that tied everything together.
I'd only had croque monsieur once before, and it was entirely forgettable. I didn't think this one would steal the show, but it emerged as my favourite dish of the afternoon.
Restaurant-quality hawkers are my jam, and I couldn't be happier to call Swag & Sizzle a new addition to my roster.
If I could describe their offerings in one word, it'd be 'value-for-money'. I was thoroughly pleased by all 3 dishes I tried, and can confidently say that each punched above its price point — especially the show-stopping Hanger Steak and Croque Monsieur.
I'll definitely be back. Next time, I'm doubling down on their all-day breakfast menu… and probably roping in friends so I can steal bites off their plates, too.
Expected damage: S$6.90 – S$21.90 per pax
We tried Singapore's best-rated Western food stall
The post Swag & Sizzle: Restaurant-quality hawker steak & atas Western mains by ex-L'Entrecôte chefs appeared first on SETHLUI.com.
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Yahoo
10 hours ago
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10 restaurants & cafes in Singapore that accept CDC vouchers
If you haven't used the S$500 CDC vouchers that were disbursed in May, take the chance to do so over the upcoming National Day weekend. If you are a cafe hopper, you will be glad to know that many restaurants and cafes in Singapore accept CDC vouchers. Here is our list of 10 restaurants and cafes in town where you can spend your vouchers. 1. Geometry Cafe Geometry is a minimalist heartland café that has been specialising in handcrafted gelatos and desserts since 2016. All their in-house gelatos and desserts are prepared in the café. They perfect their consistency and texture with an emphasis on the right sweetness level. Their gelatos and desserts are painstakingly handcrafted with high-quality natural ingredients made from scratch, through a combination of botanical tea fusion, meticulously sourced cocoa, nuts and natural fruits, using the cafe's recipes and production techniques. Their Double Chocolate Gelato Pint (4-5 single scoops) (S$15.80) is a creamy and decadent dessert. It features a blend of dark chocolate gelato with semi-sweet chocolate morsels. The result is a smooth, intensely chocolatey experience with a caramelised note. Their Bing Bong Gelato Pint (4-5 single scoops) (S$13.80) tastes like Paddlepop, a popular childhood ice cream. Paddle Pop is a brand known for its kid-friendly frozen treats, often with colourful designs. They are made with dairy milk, providing a source of calcium. 95D Henderson Road, #01-01, Singapore 154095 Daily: 12pm – 10pm | | 2. Refuel Cafe & Bakery Refuel Cafe & Bakery is a friendly neighbourhood cafe that was first started at Bedok Reservoir. Great coffee and good food have always been our passion. Whether you are looking for a cup of coffee or some comfort food, they are always ready to fuel you up. If you are looking for breakfast, they serve the Bacon & Pancakes (S$14.50), a classic sweet and savoury combination. The salty, crispy bacon contrasts with the fluffy, sweet pancakes. Often drizzled with maple syrup, the dish offers a mix of textures and flavours. Alternatively, try their Croffle, Eggs & Avocado (S$16.50), which has a croissant baked in a waffle iron, topped with avocado and eggs, typically served poached or scrambled. It's a popular brunch item, combining the buttery, flaky layers of a croissant with the crispy texture of a waffle. The avocado and eggs add a savoury and satisfying smack to the meal. 744 Bedok Reservoir Road, Reservoir Village, #01-3029, Singapore 470744 +65 6448 0015 / +65 8653 2277 (WhatsApp) Daily: 9am – 9pm | | 3. Curry Cafe At Curry Cafe, customers are greeted by the aroma of brewed coffee, the smell of freshly cooked Curry and different varieties of Asian dishes. They provide value-for-money dishes. Their signature dish is their Curry Chicken (S$5, add on S$0.70 for Rice or Noodles), featuring chicken pieces simmered in an aromatic sauce with spices. The core of chicken curry involves cooking chicken with a blend of spices, often including turmeric, cumin and chilli peppers, alongside onions, tomatoes and other ingredients such as ginger and garlic. If you are unable to take the heat, cool down with their Chrysanthemum Tea (S$1.20), a fragrant, herbal tea made from the dried flowers of the chrysanthemum plant, known for its light, floral flavour and cooling, soothing properties. It's a popular beverage, particularly in East Asia. The drink is often enjoyed for its potential health impacts and refreshing taste. Admiralty Link, Jelutung Harbour Park, #01-13, Singapore 750482 +65 8688 3369 / +65 9164 0788 (WhatsApp) Tue to Fri: 9am – 9pm Sat & Sun: 8am – 8pm Closed on Mon | | 4. Drips Bakery Cafe Drips Bakery Cafe is a cafe in Singapore that serves delicious and high-quality pastries, particularly its fruit tarts and other baked goods. Customers often praise the cafe for the exceptional quality of its food and the warm, inviting atmosphere of its Tiong Bahru venue. Their Seasonal Fresh Fruit Tart (S$13.80) sees homemade custard infused with vanilla beans, topped with the freshest fruits of the day. As they only use the freshest fruits and berries available on the day, the actual product may differ slightly from the above picture. Their Fresh Yuzu Tart (S$11.80) features a crisp pastry crust with a bright, tangy yuzu curd. The yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit, provides a unique flavour profile that's a mix of lemon, grapefruit and mandarin orange, with a fragrant, floral aroma. The curd is smooth and creamy, offering a balance of sweet and sour notes that complement the buttery crust. 82 Tiong Poh Road, #01-05, Singapore 160082 +65 6222 0400 Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 10pm 71 Seng Poh Road, #01-37, Singapore 160071 +65 8733 6001 / +65 97668188 (WhatsApp) Daily: 8am – 6pm | | 5. Time Table Cafe Time Table Cafe is a family-oriented, simple cafe with down-to-earth service and food, serving affordable Western fare. Enjoy delicious desserts and freshly brewed coffee there. Their Pomodoro Spaghetti (S$7.50) is a simple yet classic Italian pasta dish known for its tomato flavour. It features spaghetti tossed in a sauce made using fresh tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil and red pepper flakes. The dish is distinguished by its light and fresh taste. Their Grilled Sea Bass Fillet (S$13.10) has a mild and slightly sweet flavour with a firm, flaky and buttery texture. The fish skin, when grilled, becomes crispy and adds a textural contrast to the tender flesh. It is a versatile fish that pairs well with a variety of flavours. Jurong West Street 41, Block 456, #01-726, Singapore 640456 +65 6566 5088 Mon to Fri: 11am – 11.30pm Sat & Sun: 8am – 11pm (Breakfast till 11am) | | Where to use S$300 CDC vouchers: 12 lesser-known places that accept them as payment 6. 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When cooked, the pepperoni meat often curls up and crisps at the edges. 26 Jalan Selaseh, Singapore 808445 +65 8842 9826 Tue to Thu: 11am – 10pm Fri: 11am – 11pm Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 11pm Closed on Mon | | 7. Rangooli Restaurant Rangooli Restaurant is a traditional North Indian joint nestled in the heart of the West Coast since the 1990s. On top of a serene and quiet ambience, the restaurant serves up authentic North Indian cuisine brought to you by their chefs who hail from Northern India. Their Tandoori Chicken (S$15.50 for Small & S$24.50 for Large) is a popular Indian dish with a vibrant colour and smoky flavour. Their chefs usually cook it in a cylindrical clay oven called a tandoor. They marinate the chicken in a mixture of yoghurt and spices, then cook it at high heat. This results in a tender, flavourful dish with a slightly charred exterior. 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Block 412, Bedok North Ave 2, #01-152, Singapore 460412 +65 6442 9398 / +65 6449 9358 Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 10pm | | THIS CAFE @ 326: Simple family-style HDB eatery with $5.50+ Western mains like aglio olio & crispy fish & chips The post 10 restaurants & cafes in Singapore that accept CDC vouchers appeared first on
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New York Times
3 days ago
- New York Times
Arsenal fans across continents: 3am kick-offs, church services, and Bergkamp DVDs
For UK-based fans, pre-season is when they get a taste of what it's like to be an international fan. This summer's tour to Singapore and Hong Kong has given British fans early afternoon kick-offs during the working week. Recent tours to the U.S. have been trickier, leaving them with the dilemma of whether sleep is really that important as kick-off times stretch into the early hours. Advertisement For Arsenal fans across the world, these considerations are weekly rather than annual. While the 60,000 who rock up to the Emirates Stadium every other week may be a visible example of fandom, Arsenal's impact goes way beyond that small pocket of north London. The club celebrate that with stadium artwork, including a collage of more than 150 international supporter clubs. But what is it like to be an international fan? The Athletic has spoken to five people, across five continents, to find out. There's probably no better place to start than time zones. Arsenal's most common kick-off time since 2020 has been at 4.30pm UK time on Sundays. That is Sky Sports' prime spot on 'Super Sunday'. Nathan Asi grew up in Auckland, New Zealand. They are 11 hours ahead of London in the winter and 12 in the summer. 'If you see a 10.30 kick-off time, you're blessed,' he tells The Athletic. 'Kick-offs are usually around 1.30-3am, so you just stay up the entire night. I either watch by myself or we go to a friend's house. 'When I'm hanging out with my friends, we all support different teams and wear our own kits.' Everyone has their own story on how they became a football fan, even if some are similar. Asi's friend group in Auckland is made up of a Manchester City fan who followed his dad's path, a West Ham fan whose favourite player was Mark Noble, and a Brighton & Hove Albion fan who wanted to root for an underdog. Without the geographic connection, the spark for Asi's support of Arsenal may be familiar for those who grew up in the late 1990s and early noughties. 'My dad is a big Ajax supporter and his favourite player growing up was Dennis Bergkamp,' he adds. 'When Bergkamp moved to Arsenal, he began following them, too. He had this DVD of all of Bergkamp's goals for Arsenal, so I grew up watching Bergkamp highlights over and over again from the age of four or five.' Elsewhere in the region, Arsenal Women have a strong Australian contingent, with Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, and Kyra Cooney-Cross. In fact, an Australian flag was in view from a local apartment when Arsenal Women had their Champions League-winning celebrations at the Emirates Stadium. Some love being shown for Australia from a nearby apartment — Art de Roché (@ArtdeRoche) May 26, 2025 When it was pointed out to Catley, she stopped the interview to take a picture of it, before saying: 'This time last year, we were playing in Melbourne and there were almost more Arsenal shirts in the crowd than for the Aussies. It's overwhelming and very special to be a part of.' Arsenal's ability to connect people in unexpected ways is just as strong on the opposite side of the globe. Supporter clubs under the umbrella of Arsenal America, founded in 2001, have helped build Arsenal's footprint Stateside. They have over 70 branches. Laurie Laker, Arsenal America's head of communications, was born in Taunton, Somerset. Arsenal runs through generations of the Laker family, with Laurie's uncle playing for the reserve teams in the 1960s and his grandfather collecting autographs from Herbert Chapman's teams from the 1930s. Advertisement He moved to the U.S. aged 11 in 2001, but football fell by the wayside. 'I kept in touch with it over chatrooms, but didn't get introduced to Arsenal America until I was in graduate school in New Hampshire in around 2013,' he tells The Athletic. 'I walked into the Boston Arsenal America pub and was confronted by about 70 people singing the same songs I'd known since I was a kid. I wondered 'Where's this been for the last 10 years?'. Since then, it's been one of the most important parts of my life.' Also a supporters club branch manager for Twin Cities Gooners (Minneapolis-St. Paul), part of Laker's role is to help organise matchday gatherings in Minneapolis. That will involve finding a reliable pub to show matches that can be open an hour or so ahead of kick-off. They average around 250-300 supporters in attendance for big matches, but that figure can drop for midweek matches when people are at work. Arsenal's earliest kick-off times (12.30pm UK time) could range from 5.30am to 7.30am depending on what coast you live on in the States. That's why Laker says: 'It's not about replicating the matchday experience that people get at the Emirates. 'The social element is really important in motivating you to get out of bed and essentially commute to a pub that could either be around the corner or half an hour away. It's about being in a space with people who are part of your community, but who you may not have met without that space. Sometimes they become lifelong friends.' That community aspect can manifest itself in many ways. Arsenal Kenya were founded in 2010 by Deno Alves and officially recognised by Arsenal in 2012. Their banners incorporate the Swahili phrase 'Hakuna Matata', which means 'No worries' in English and was popularised by the 1994 film The Lion King. They have 2o branches across the country's 47 counties, and some may be familiar with videos of the Nairobi group's church services where almost everyone attends in Arsenal gear. Rather than being church services specifically about Arsenal, they are normal Sunday services that may fall on the day of a game. Churches will be informed about the incoming sea of red shirts, but will also have their regular attendees. 'There are so many Arsenal fans it's like a takeover,' Alves tells The Athletic. 'Almost three-quarters of attendees will then be wearing Arsenal jerseys. That understandably makes headlines.' Advertisement While Nairobi is mostly Christian, other cities such as Mombasa have a Muslim majority, so some areas will have interdenominational services that incorporate multiple religions. The communities also help on a more personal level. Since its formation, Arsenal Kenya has built an emergency kitty for registered members who may be in need. That could help people who have accidents, need burials, or in more long-term ways. — Arsenal Kenya Supporters' Club (@ArsenalKenya_AK) February 13, 2025 'An actual example is a lady called Rose,' Alves says. 'In 2011, she used to come to our events and we noticed she appeared alone. She was an orphan, but was also having a baby of her own and was very sick. 'She passed away a few months later, leaving behind a newborn baby. We educated that child, took care of her bills, and now she's in high school. She's called Blessing and we had a charity tournament last August in her name. When she gets through university, it will go to another cause.' As was the case with Asi in New Zealand, players are still the ones who can transcend a club beyond their own borders. The influx of top African talents such as Kanu, Kolo Toure, Lauren and Emmanuel Adebayor helped Arsenal's presence grow on that particular continent around the turn of the century. In South America, the appreciation of players works slightly differently. Colleen Cheyenne Wilson is from east London. She regularly attended matches growing up, but has lived in Colombia for the past two years and works as a teacher. She tells The Athletic: 'This area loves Real Madrid. Even if I thought Arsenal would have a good chance against them in the Champions League, that wasn't the perception here. 'To not just beat them, but do it twice with the phenomenal performances of Declan Rice really changed the perception of Arsenal. Advertisement 'Bukayo Saka was the first player on people's lips when talking about modern Arsenal. I've not heard the word 'Rice' said so much since those games. I got so many texts saying 'Wow, Rice. What a player. I had no idea!'. That was culturally significant not just in Arsenal's history, but all over South America, and he probably doesn't even know it.' Champions League games are often the hardest to catch in South America. They take place during the working day, but luckily, a public holiday fell on the days when Arsenal faced Madrid. That did not mean Wilson felt more support for the club as the semi-final clashes with Paris Saint-Germain approached, however. 'They get really into the tribalism,' she says of her students. 'There are videos of me in my Arsenal shirt going around to terrorise all of them because they're huge Real Madrid fans. When it came to the PSG games, every day I came in they'd chant 'PSG! PSG!'. They even stuck PSG shirts all over the school. 'Tribalism is rooted here because football is life. Even off-licenses and malls have TVs only with football matches on.' That tribalism also works differently in Colombia compared with England. While members of supporters groups are die-hard, more casual fans will support their own Colombian team and maybe two European teams, such as Real Madrid and Manchester City. With that the case in Wilson's class, she had the perfect chance to get back at them when Arsenal thrashed City 5-1 in February. 'We'd been bantering throughout the year, so it was a bubbling pot,' she says. 'I thought, 'They're not going to want to see me if Arsenal win'. So I had a photo of Myles Lewis-Skelly doing the Haaland celebration hidden, and as soon as I turned on the projector, they all started screaming.' My students support City and today was the first day back… — colleenchey (@colleenchey) February 4, 2025 In some places, it is not always easy to find somewhere showing the game. The Athletic had first-hand experience of this out in Tokyo, Japan, back in November 2023. Pubs in the city centre, Shibuya, were showing Manchester City versus Liverpool, but not Brentford versus Arsenal immediately after. It was understandable. Arsenal were kicking off at 2am, so it was time to embark on an hour-long post-midnight walk to find Highbury — The Home of Beer in Shinjuku, where you were greeted with a simple question: What do you think of Tottenham? Around 10-15 people were inside at kick-off, when the pub transformed into more of a cinema. The shutters outside came down, the lights were turned off, and the TV volume shot up. The locals watching spoke Japanese between themselves for the majority of the game, other than the occasional 'Shoot!' or 'Go!' in English. Well, that was until about 4am. Advertisement The game was goalless until the 89th minute, when Bukayo Saka picked out Kai Havertz at the back post to win the game in the last minute. It was Havertz's second goal for Arsenal, and his first since a new chant had begun for him. The locals went straight into full English: 'Sixty million down the drain, Kai Havertz scores again!' It was 6am by the time The Athletic hit the pillows in Yokohama, but this is the experience of many international fans, not just of Arsenal. 'I tread both lines,' Laker says. 'You might never get to see this team play in the flesh, so you will pour everything into watching them at 5am with your mates at the pub. That becomes your Emirates Stadium. The idea that international fans are not proper fans is b*******. 'These are people just like me, they just happen to be born somewhere else. Being an international fan takes a hell of a lot of commitment, time, money and a lack of sleep. 'It's a very different experience but no less important.'
