Latest news with #Michelin-recognised
AsiaOne
a day ago
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
This revamped Raffles Place food court has Michelin-recognised and cult-favourite brands - here's what to try, Lifestyle News
While City Hall is no short of good food, you may want to prioritise a visit to this food court. The Food Place by Food Republic in Raffles City, which recently underwent renovations, is back with a bang. Amongst the 20 food stalls, there are a number of Michelin-recognised and cult-favourite brands like Smash by BurgerLabo, Li Xing Teochew Fishball Noodles, and the highly anticipated Mon Kee Cafe. I was invited to the media launch of The Food Place by Food Republic on Friday (July 11) - and I was raring to go as I was curious about the hype and wanted to taste test some of the options. Despite opening only a few days ago, the place was packed like sardines. So if you plan on having a meal here, do come early or during an off-peak time so you don't have to jostle with the crowd. The stall everyone has been raving about is Mon Kee Cafe, a brand that was brought to Singapore in collaboration with Ken Loon, the founder of The Naked Finn and BurgerLabo. I was told that Mon Kee Cafe's food was so popular that on some days, several of their menu items would be sold out by lunchtime. Thankfully, their award-winning Char Siew Scrambled Egg Rice with Homemade Sweet Soy Sauce ($10) was still available during my visit so I got to try it for myself. And I can see the hype — the scrambled egg which blanketed the rice was light, fluffy and creamy, just like the ones you would find in a Hong Kong diner. This was topped with a generous serving of roast pork. My only gripe is that the pork was on the leaner side but that is a personal preference — it still was really good pork. If pork isn't your thing, there is also the Beef Scrambled Egg Rice with Coriander and Homemade Sweet Soy Sauce ($9) option. When I was there, the Tomato Egg Fried Rice ($6.50), Macaroni with Sliced Ham in Cream of Chicken ($5) and Mon Kee Quartet Pineapple Bun Sandwich ($8) were not available but I was told that these will be back on the menu soon. Apart from Mon Kee Cafe, Ken has also brought Smash by BurgerLabo to The Food Place, another stall that many, including myself, were eager to patronise. I tried the double patty Smash Burger with Salted Fries ($16.80), which certainly lived up to the hype. To me, what makes or breaks a burger is the patty and Smash by BurgerLabo does a really solid one. Despite having been flattened — hence the term 'smash' — the patty was still pretty thick and sizeable. It was also oozing with juices and marinated well. The fries were excellent too — crisp and seasoned with just the right amount of salt. It was hard to just stop at one and before I knew it, I had already polished off half of the pile on my plate. Another brand many were looking forward to was Ju Xing Fish, a Michelin Bib Gourmand establishment which, like Mon Kee Cafe, hails from Hong Kong. Its stall at The Food Place is its first-ever express outlet and sells Ju Xing's Signature Sauerkraut Fish with Crunchy Grass Carp ($13.80), made from the exact same recipe as the original Ju Xing Home. Sauerkraut fish is one of my all-time favourite Chinese dishes, so I'm happy to report that the ones sold here are as good as the ones I've had in China. In fact, it tastes healthier. This is because Ju Xing's recipe features a lighter, less oily Sichuan-style broth that is made from boiling a whole chicken over a large fire. Another popular Hong Kong brand at The Food Place is Kam's Roast Express, a name that many Singaporeans would already be familiar with thanks to their main outlet at Jewel Changi Airport and express outlet at Ion Orchard's Food Opera. The food here was admittedly quite disappointing for me, especially since I've tried the food from not just the brand's Jewel Changi Airport and Ion Orchard branches, but also the original store in Hong Kong. I got the Five Treasure Rice ($17.90), which comes with roast duck, soya chicken, BBQ pork, red sausages and salted egg. I found all the meats pretty dry, with some cuts lacking seasoning. However, I may have just been unlucky with my serving and wouldn't mind patronising them once more to see if it was just a one-time incident. As a typical Singaporean who enjoys spending my free time in Malaysia, I love myself a mean plate of char kway teow. When I don't have time to cross the border, I think I will be satisfying my cravings with the Char Kway Teow with Big Prawn ($12.90) from Penang Jiak. True to its name, the dish came with three massive, meaty prawns. The dish also nailed the wok hey element and had a beautiful char. I'm a loyal fan of Li Xin Teochew Fishball Noodles and I always order the same thing — The Folk's Favourite Noodles with kway teow. So, I was admittedly a little hesitant to sample their new creation, the Sambal Mushroom Meat Dumpling Noodle ($7.80), which is exclusive to The Food Place outlet. Thankfully, I came out of my comfort zone to try it because I think this is my new favourite dish from Li Xin Teochew Fishball Noodles. The kway teow noodles were tossed in a sweet and spicy sambal sauce and garnished with mushrooms, pork lard and fishcakes. It also came with a bowl of soup and meat dumplings. Thick and chewy, the kway noodles soaked up all the sambal sauce so every bite was packed with flavour. I also loved the meat dumplings, which were stuffed with delicious filling. If I had to come back to The Food Place for just one dish, it would be this. Apart from all the food I've tried, there are also a mix of both local and international options that will leave diners spoilt for choice. For lighter meals, there are Koo Kee Yong Tow Foo Mee, King Grouper Fish Soup and Spinach Chef. If you prefer bolder Asian flavours, go for Kinzo Japanese Cuisine, Penang Jiak, Hankang Pocha Express, Piao Xiang Mala, Shanghai Gold Heritage Duck and Padang Lezat by Java Kitchen. Craving Western fare instead? Check out Wikedo Western and PepperGrill. There are also halal-certified picks like Fitra Chicken Rice and Go Teppan Go teppanyaki. Address: 252 North Bridge Road, #03-15/16/17 Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm melissateo@
Emirates Woman
04-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Emirates Woman
22 business lunches to book for a midday break in Dubai
Life by Sarah Joseph July 4, 2025 VIEW GALLERY/ 22 IMAGES Known for its vibrant dining scene, Dubai has a plethora of restaurants with a host of irresistible business lunches you simply can't miss. Designed for a luxe networking experience or even to take a break from the mundane routine of a 9 to 5, a business lunch is quick, convenient and fancy, making it the perfect meal to savour in the emirate. If you need to recharge those creativity levels and tuck into lunch outside the office or if you have to sign a business deal with a client, there are plenty of business lunches in Dubai to choose from. Quite often it's important to have a change of scenery during the day to switch off for an hour and simply laugh and unwind. Dubai is home to several Michelin-recognised spots in Dubai, Green star, and Bib Gourmand spots where the finest quality resides. Here are some options depending on the dress code of the company or industry: Business Formal A well-fitted pantsuit or skirt suit, blouse, and closed-toe pumps. Neutral or soft colors work well. Business Casual A blouse or tailored top with dress pants or a knee-length skirt, paired with flats or low-heeled shoes. Smart Casual A stylish blouse or dressy top with tailored pants or a midi skirt, complemented with low heels or chic flats. How to accessorise Keep accessories simple and tasteful. A watch or small jewelry is appropriate. If it's cooler, a light blazer or coat is a good choice. Neutral tones like white, beige, navy, and black tend to look more professional, but don't shy away from a pop of color if it's appropriate for the setting. Hence, with our hectic schedules and day-to-day meetings, trying out new spots can be a challenge, which is why several top-rated eateries in town offer set business lunch menus for the busy bees in the city. From LPM to Zuma, the city offers the best without breaking the bank. So, if you're looking for where to dine next, Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate guide of fine-dining restaurants in Dubai for an elegant midday meal. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @haileybieber @ana_elisa_
What's On
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
8 awesome things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: June 16 to 19
Need a midweek pick-me-up? Whether you're after fun, food, or a fresh experience, we've got you covered. Here's your ultimate guide to some exciting things to check out and do in Abu Dhabi this week. Monday, June 16 Sushi Mondays at Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori Missed Sushi Sunday? No worries. Grab your Monday fix at Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori and dive into a vibrant menu of expertly crafted sushi dishes. From delicate nigiri and bold maki rolls to signature specials that fuse Japanese technique with global flair. There's something to satisfy every craving. Whether you're a purist or an adventurous palate, Goldfish has your next sushi moment covered. Location: Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori, Marina Mall Operating hours: Daily 10am to 11pm Contact: (0 )2 665 6485 | @goldfishabudhabi Mondays made better at 19th Street Bar. Kick off your week with a laid-back happy hour featuring house beverages from just Dhs25. Whether you're unwinding after work or sneaking in a midday break, this Monday deal brings the perfect pour without the splurge all in the relaxed setting of the Abu Dhabi City Golf Club. Location: 19th Street Bar, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Operating hours: Mondays, 11am to 7pm Contact: (0)2 445 9600, @19thstreetresto Tuesday, June 17 New summer menu at Punjab Grill Dig into summer at Punjab Grill, where a Michelin-recognised dining experience gets a seasonal refresh. Their new four course summer menu, priced at Dhs350, delivers bold North Indian flavours with a refined twist and if you pre-book, you'll get it buy one, get one free. There are tempting extras too, like the must try lamb chops, available as a starter add on for just Dhs30. Elegant, flavourful, and full of surprises, this is summer dining done right. Location: Punjab Grill, The Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi Operating hours: Daily, 12pm to 11:45pm Contact: ( 0)50 668 3054, @punjabgrillabudhabi Rose Tuesdays for the ladies at Café Del Mar Rosé all day? Yes, please! Every Tuesday at Café del Mar, ladies can sip and soak up the sun with free-flowing house beverages for just Dhs120. From 12pm until sunset, this chic day to night experience offers endless pours and serious beachside vibes. Grab the girls, throw on your shades, and toast to midweek magic, rosé has never looked better. Location: Café del Mar, Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi Operating hours: Tuesdays, 12pm to sunset Contact: 050 402 2283, @cafedelmarabudhabi Wednesday, June 18 Splash at SeaWorld Make a splash at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi with a full day of marine-inspired adventure. Explore eight immersive realms, come face to face with over 100,000 animals, and enjoy world class rides, shows, and family attractions all under one massive roof. Single-day tickets are priced at Dhs375 and include access to everything the park has to offer. It's educational, thrilling, and perfect for a fun day out with the family. Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Operating hours: Daily, 10am to 6pm Contact: @seaworldabudhabi Wednesdays are for good vibes at Diablito At Diablito, Dhs100 gets you two hours of unlimited sparkling grape, Spanish mixed grape, and is a great way to catch up with friends. Think rooftop feels, seaside breeze, and that golden hour glow that makes everything taste better. Location: Diablito, Yas Marina, Yas Island Operating hours: Wednesdays, 6pm to 11pm Contact: (0)2 565 1175, @diablitoyasmarina Thursday, June 19 Take off on a ladies journey at Asia Asia Thursdays are for indulging, and this glam Yas Bay hotspot delivers just that. For Dhs225, ladies can enjoy three drink selections from house pours or signature cocktails alongside a three course set menu featuring favourites like California maki, shrimp tempura, soy marinated salmon, and Singaporean noodles. Dim lighting, waterfront views, and major Instagram appeal? Come hungry and camera ready. Location: Asia Asia, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island Operating hours: Thursdays, 6pm to 1am Contact: ( 0)4 423 8302, @asiaasiaabudhabi New in town: Krave lands in Abu Dhabi After winning over Dubai's clean-eating crowd, Krave has officially opened its first Abu Dhabi location, known for turning healthy food into a flavour packed experience, the new branch brings the brand's signature dishes from beetroot hummus toast and chipotle-lime fish tacos to wagyu burgers and skinny pancakes to the capital. Don't miss the limited-edition 'Blue Sky' smoothie, available exclusively at Al Qana. Location: Krave, The Bridge, Wellness Hub, Al Qana, Abu Dhabi Operating hours: Daily, 8am to 12am Contact: ( 0)4 550 9116, @eatkrave Images: Instagram and Unsplash
Time Out Dubai
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
House of Hype: Why everyone you know can't stop talking about it
You've done the malls. You've brunched. You've beach-clubbed. Now it's time for something wildly unexpected. Welcome to House of Hype – Dubai's coolest immersive experience and the newest mega-wonderland taking over Dubai Mall. Cancel your plans. We've got better ones. Spanning 100,000 square feet, this isn't your average attraction. It's a City of Dreams, packed with 18 mind-bending immersive worlds with over 100 epic experiences, each designed to blow your mind. What to expect? Dubbed Dubai's best-kept secret, step through the doors and you're teleported into a whole new world. One moment you're wandering through a glowing garden that seems to breathe with you… The next? You're exploring a robotic palace, stumbling upon a glowing garden, or dancing with a flash mob under alien flowers. This place doesn't play by the rules of reality. Snap-worthy? Absolutely. It's social media gold. There's so much to see, from the hidden chandelier room to the emoji walkway and the digital graffiti wall. Every corner at House of Hype is full of interesting little details, built to break your algorithm and light up your feed. From glitching realities and melting cities to secret portals and floating dreams. Surreal landscapes and surprise performances make it impossible not to stop and stare. Hungry? Food here is as Insta-worthy as it is delicious. Grab top-notch handrolls made by the Time Out Award-winning and Michelin-recognised chef Reif Othman. Or pick up delicious matcha lattes made with the best Japanese green tea at Eleven7 or try out wildly imaginative ice creams disguised as fried chicken at Al Faik. Shopping? Get ready to drop dirhams on limited edition fashion and must-have collectibles. If you're a 90s kid, you'll love the nostalgic display of old-school toys and gadgets like Furbies, Beanie Babies, Care Bears and My Little Pony figurines, all set to a soundtrack of iconic Y2K pop hits. The experience is designed for everyone, so whether you're here solo, with the whole fam or with your besties, there's heaps to see, eat, do and be blown away by. Pricing Single entry tickets: Dhs149 Squad pass: 4 tickets for Dhs449 Discover pass: House of Hype + AYA Universe Combo ticket for Dhs225 The experience is open between 10am and 10pm from Sunday to Thursday, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with the last entry an hour before close. How to get there? If you're reaching by cab, it's easily accessible from the Boulevard side near the Social Distrikt entrance. There's free parking near the Fountain Views side, or you can also park by the Dubai Ice Rink and Reel Cinemas. So, if you're looking to swap the same old for something strange, surprising and seriously fun, give House of Hype a go. You'll be talking about it long after you leave. Book tickets now: Catch them on TikTok and Instagram.
What's On
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
8 lovely things to do in Dubai this week: April 14 to 17
Things to do in Dubai this week: sorted… Looking for some things to do in Dubai this week? There's plenty, from a pocket-friendly business lunch to a yoga and pool day, a new art festival and more… Here are 8 fun things to do in Dubai this week Monday, April 14 When the moon hits your eye like a a big pizza pie Moon Slice, the UAE-grown pizzeria has opened its doors in Dubai Mall. Located at The District, the award-winning Moon Slice is known for its bold flavours, and artisan techniques. You can savour its signature 48-hour fermented dough and creative toppings with some unexpected flavour combinations. Slurp. Moon Slice, Dubai Mall, The District (near the ice rink), Downtown Dubai, @moonslicepizza The colour Blue It's art season in Dubai, and while the usual art festivals may already be in your calendar, take note of the all-new Bluewaters Art Festival. The nine-day art festival at Bluewaters Dubai is adding a splash of colour to the city's prominent waterfront destination, featuring over 20 awe-inspiring murals, interactive installations, live performances, and hands-on workshops. The festival will run from 4pm to midnight – so you don't have to worry about burning your skin. The last day to check it out is April 20, 2025. Read more here. Bluewaters Art Festival, Bluewaters Dubai, Dubai, until April 20, @BluewatersDubai Tuesday, April 15 Out of office Punjab Grill, the Michelin-recognised gem at Anantara Downtown Dubai has a deal that will be hard to say 'no' to – a sharing business lunch offering five-courses for just Dhs99. On the menu, there's samosa chaat, Punjabi chicken tikka, Raunakeen lamb seekh, butter chicken (which you can enjoy with rice or naans or roti) before you end with a sweet treat. Vegetarians, don't worry – there's options for you, too including palak paneer and kadhai paneer. Pair your meal with refreshing drinks starting from just Dhs25. This business lunch deal runs from Monday to Friday, from 12.30pm to 4pm until June end. Punjab Grill, Anantara Downtown Dubai, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Mon to Fri 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs99 business lunch. Tel: (0)50 194 1107. @punjabgrilldubai Life is all about balance Every Tuesday, you can put wellness first at African Queen. You will start with a one-hour yoga session, followed by a nutritious breakfast featuring Greek Yoghurt granola, avocado toast with poached eggs, and whole wheat pancakes. You will also get access to a luxurious sunbed where you can unwind by the serene J1 beach. This wholesome experience is yours for Dhs450. You can also enjoy just the yoga session and the breakfast for Dhs250 (deal available on Tuesday and Saturday). African Queen, J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, Dhs450 for yoga, breakfast and sunbed on Tuesday, Dhs250 yoga and breakfast on Tues and Sat. Tel: (0)4 570 5546. @africanqueen_dubai Wednesday, April 16 A Midweek Indulgence Nobu by the Beach at Atlantis the Royal has launched a new Wednesday offer which spells out indulgence. From 10am to 7pm, you can relax poolside in a sun lounger, with two drinks and a poolside platter featuring Nobu's delicious Japanese-Peruvian bites – all carefully curated by the chef. All yours for Dhs545. Do note, the venue is open to those above the age of 21. Nobu by the Beach, Atlantis the Royal, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, every Wed 10am to 7pm, Dhs545 per person. Tel: (0)4 426 1600. @nobubythebeach Cherry Blossom season in Dubai This April, you can experience a celebration of Hanami – Japan's cherished cherry blossom tradition at Sexy Fish Dubai. The venue is decked with stunning floral displays, and guests can get involved with exclusive culinary creations, artistic workshops, and expertly curated sake pairing. On April 16, art lovers can show off their creative skills with Kintsugi – the Japanese art of golden joinery, where broken ceramics are repaired with real gold. The two-hour session is led by expert artisans who will guide you in this ancient craft. It is priced at Dhs400. Sexy Fish Dubai, Innovation One, DIFC, Kintsugi workshop on April 16, Dhs400 per person. Tel: +971 (0) 4 381 9000, @sexyfish_dubai Thursday, April 17 Get your quiz on Have the brain that can retain information like a sponge? Round up your smartest mates and head to the city's latest quiz night at Icon Sports Bar. Expect a competitive night (friendly, of course) of brain-teasing trivia, wild physical challenges, amazing prizes (including tickets from our friends at the Laughter Factory) and a whole lot of laughs. The fun begins from 6pm. ICON Sports Bar, Radisson Blu Dubai Media City, Dubai Media City, Dubai, every Thurs, 6pm to 8pm. @iconbar_dubai A legend returns SKY2.0, Dubai's most legendary nightlife destination has reopened. Get ready for unforgettable nights, world-class entertainment and an electric atmosphere you know and love. On Thursdays, expect chart-topping hits, eclectic mixes, and immersive visuals. Ladies, the night is yours, and you will get two free drinks if you arrive before 1am. Sky2.0, Dubai Design District, ladies' night on Thursday, 10.30pm to 4am. Tel: (0)58 633 3633. @sky2.0dubai
