Desserts – Travel with KKday

Surprise Surprise, Taiwan Isn’t Only About Oyster Omelette and Braised Pork Rice

Who says you have to eat Taiwanese food in Taiwan? Instead of aiming the oyster mee sua, oyster omelette and braised pork rice in Shilin Night Market, go for a unique cultural experience with the other cuisines available in Taiwan to expand your horizons (and your taste buds)! What other food is there apart from the night market classics? KKday shows you food from other cultures enjoyed by Taiwanese!

1. BBQ

We know Singaporeans love our Korean BBQ but why have it in Singapore when you can stuff yourself with high quality meat from US or Australia as well as the freshest catch from the ocean from only NT$500 in Taiwan?

Hear the meat sizzling on the grill, the liquid of the oyster dripping on to the charcoal, watch that pork belly shrink to a size that fits your mouth and that prawn that just turned a bright red. My oh my, does anyone have a tissue to wipe my drool?

Bring a bunch of friends with you to enjoy this scrumptious Korean BBQ buffet — because of the intense competition, restaurants usually have many promotions like “one dines free with every four paying adult”.

2. Shabu Shabu

Which suaku Singaporean hasn’t heard of shabu shabu? Spicy Sichuan soup base for your Singaporean tastebuds or comforting Japanese kelp soup base? #firstworldproblems. Get the best of both world — Taiwan shabu shabu restaurants gives patrons a pot that allows you to feast on two types of soup base. Help yourself to as many servings of meat and vegetable as you can finish, who cares about dieting when you’re on a holiday!

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3. Sashimi

Would you take a look at that thick and shiny salmon?!

Taiwanese are known for their generosity so prepare to whet your palette as you witness the fresh, thick, huge and soft salmon stacked in front of you. We’re not talking about one or two pieces, we’re talking about many pieces and in Taiwan, they don’t even create a deep hole in your pocket!

4. Traditional Desserts

Forget macarons or English cakes that can be easily found in Singapore; green bean soup, tapioca balls, glutinous rice balls and brown sugar ice dessert are some of the must try desserts when you’re in Taiwan.

Did you know it costs more to eat a meagre shaved ice dessert in Taiwan compared to a HUGE bowl of traditional taro dumpling red bean soup with almond jelly and brown sugar? Now you do.

5. Cafe

Don’t be afraid to step in to that quaint little cafe you spy by Taiwan‘s roadside. Most cafes are equipped with extremely insta-worthy backgrounds for you to snag an #ootd or load up on your #foodporn images before heading back home.

>> 5 Dessert Cafes in Taiwan That will Complete Your Vacation

6. Celebrity-Opened Cafes / Movie Filming Sites

Other than food and night market, Taiwan is also famous for its movies and celebrities. What do Taiwanese stars Jay Chou, A-Mei and Shu Qi have in common? They are all cafe owners and Taiwan is littered with celebrity-opened cafes so you might just bump into your favourite stars while cafe-hopping!

If you’re thinking of heading to Korea for some authentic Korean BBQ or Japan for some lip-smacking sashimi, why not go somewhere a little closer to home to enjoy three types cuisines, all in one country? Besides, Taiwan is relatively gentler on your wallet compared to Korea and Japan, leaving you more moolah for a local experience in Taiwan.

Looking for more food to enjoy Taiwan? Let KKday‘s guide help you!

Let KKday give you a head start! This is how to quickly digest all the food you’ve just ingested:

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These 5 Dessert Cafes Will Complete Your Vacation in Taiwan!

If you have a sweet tooth and endless love for desserts, welcome to Taiwan — the country responsible for snow ice (aka shaved ice), the mother of all iced desserts, before bingsu took over Singapore by storm. Taipei is a vibrant city that accommodates both aspiring cafe owners and cafe lovers alike with no lack of cafes popping up in every corner. KKday picked out the 5 best dessert cafes that will complete your travel experience in Taiwan, whether you’re seeking a dessert to satisfy your craving, update your Instagram with insta-worthy desserts or simply looking for a place to chill with your travel buddies.

1. BW General Store

Matcha ice cream with azuki beans (bwgeneralstore)

Orange and cream chiffon cake (bwgeneralstore)

At first glance, BW General Store seemed like nothing rave-worthy with its plain and simple desserts. However, upon exploring further, we were pleasantly surprised to find the cafe selling quirky items like one of a kind handmade gifts, vintage tools for your everyday life or even Japanese albums handpicked by the owner.

The interior of BW General Store (bwgeneralstore)

The absence of exaggerated designs or furniture in this eccentric cafe provides its patrons with a sense of serenity in the hustle and bustle of city life in Taipei.

In line with its peculiar theme, there are some days when customers are allowed to dine in but on other days, you can only do takeaways. Be sure to check out BW General Store‘s Facebook page to prevent ruining your itinerary with a wasted trip.

Address: No. 35, Lane 194, Songjiang Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City

2. Flügel Studio: Delicious desserts with a great diversity

Flügel Studio is the “to-go” cafe for many dessert lovers and it’s easy to understand why once you’ve been there.

From pies to chiffon cakes, there’s a diverse range of desserts served at this cafe, but here’s the catch: whether a dessert is a hit or miss with your tastebuds, it’s virtually impossible to purchase the same dessert again because Flügel Studio has a new menu everyday! The menus are posted on their Facebook page daily to keep their fans in suspense.

Opening Hours: 1pm — 7pm
Address: No. 3, Lane 34, Section 1, Xinhai Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City

3. La Vie Friande

The owner of La Vie Friande uses her living room as dining area for its customers every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1pm — 3:30pm. Bookings have to be done beforehand and slots are opened every last Sunday of the month.

Although the concept of exclusive private-dining is still foreign in most Asia countries, La Vie Friande is evidently becoming increasingly popular with dining slots being completely wiped out within minutes.

Each dining session consists of six people and if you’re lucky enough to grab a slot, each dessert set costs NT500 (~SGD$22), consisting of three different desserts and tea. With no specific menu, your tastebuds are in for a surprise every visit you make to La Vie Friande.

The hospitable host and cosy environment allow diners to relax and feel right at home, making it perfect for Taiwanese after a long day of work or for homesick tourists. You can check out their Facebook or website for more information.

Address: No. 22, Huanhe Rd, Xindian District, New Taipei City

4. Wood White House

Wood White House rose in popularity shortly after its opening. Although they serve beverages and savoury items like quiche, Wood White House is mainly known for its variety of sweet pies that comes in an interesting mixture of flavours, winning the hearts of many diners.

The lemon matcha pie — one of Wood White House‘s most popular pies — is sour with a tinge of sweetness from its white chocolate decorations and has an underlying green tea taste, filling your mouth with an explosion of flavours.

If their pies aren’t enough reasons to visit Wood White House, you’ll be glad to know that they have free wifi and charging sockets provided with no service fee! (Now you know where to charge your phones after a day of playing Pokemon Go.)

You can check out their Facebook for more information.

Opening hours:
Monday – Thursdays: 12:00pm — 9:00pm
Fridays & Saturdays: 12:00pm — 10:00pm

Address: No. 8, Lane 226, Song Jiang Rd., Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taipei City 104

5. CHANTEZ Pâtisserie

Previously known as Project 25, the owner of this cafe took their dessert dreams to the next level after rebranding themselves as CHANTEZ Pâtisserie. In the past, there were limited seats as the cafe got more popular, and the snaking long queues have forced latecomers to get takeaways instead, even if they had wished to dine in.

After the renovation, CHANTEZ Pâtisserie is now more spacious and is capable of hosting more diners. They have also added new items into their menu after their reopening, attracting both returning and new customers.

Check out their Facebook for more information.

Address: No. 31, Section 3, Jinan Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City,

Looking for more desserts around the world?

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10 Things You Must Eat in Penghu

How can you not eat fresh seafood when you’re in Penghu? Famous for its beaches, you can catch a glimpse of newly-harvested seafood, ranging from oysters to fishes, in almost every stall. Pair that with a bowl of shaved ice (similar to our beloved ice kachang, but slightly more atas) in the summer heat and you have the perfect meal. Skip the 7-11 convenience stores when you’re exhausting yourself with exploring the island, KKday shows you 10 things you must eat in Penghu.

1. Cactus Slushie

Eh, cactus? How do the creative Taiwanese turn a prickly plant into this cactus slushie we grew to love, especially during summer? Even though Penghu is surrounded by the seas, it has limited water for drinking, allowing drought tolerant plants like cacti to thrive this island.

Top view of the Cactus Slushie (Bunkichi Chang)

Forced to be innovative with their limited resources, inhabitants of Penghu came up with cactus slushie. Don’t be turn off by how brightly coloured this drink is! No food colouring was added to the making of this delightful beverage — as the fruits of cacti are red, the slushie is naturally this colour as well. We promise it won’t prick you!

2. Marine Ranching

Surrounded by sea, it makes sense that Penghu‘s main source of livelihood comes from aquatic life. As fishing is time-consuming and sometimes dangerous, residents of Penghu started marine ranching as a means to breed marine life in an enclosed area for food.

Experience a buffet full of fresh oysters every turn you make or even better, join the locals on their marine ranch in Penghu!

3. Chicken Cutlet

Chicken cutlet stall along the streets of Penghu

Let’s be real here, Taiwan is becoming synonymous with fried chicken so how can you even think of leaving Penghu without first savouring their chicken cutlet?

Highly raved by Penghu residents, San Ge Fragrant Chicken Cutlet (三哥香鸡扒) uses only the freshest chicken marinated in a secret recipe. Try keeping your mouth from watering as the aroma of the fried chicken hits you — we dare you.

4. Sha Ai Zhuang Coffee Shop (傻爱庄餐厅)

Serving local dishes with a twist, Sha Ai Zhuang Coffee Shop (傻爱庄餐厅) was formerly home to Penghu‘s first democratic Mayor, although you won’t be able to tell so when its interior is filled with distinctive design features by its current owner.

Address: No. 14, Xinsheng Rd, Magong City, Penghu County, Taiwan 880
Operating hours: 10am to 12am

5. Shaved Ice Grass Jelly

Ugh, summer. Shaved ice grass jelly is one of the desserts you must have on your hands to combat the heat! Cooling yet affordable, this bowl of grass jelly topped with condense milk and generous servings of ingredients is all you need to keep you refreshed for your next activity in Penghu.

6. Ah Hua Spare Ribs Noodle (阿华排骨面)

Even though some people find the shop a little run down, we actually prefer it this way — don’t say we didn’t warn you about the oncoming waves of nostalgia that hit you as you walk through the doors of Ah Hua Spare Ribs Noodle (阿华排骨面). Recommended by the locals, the spare ribs glides down your throat effortless and the broth is memorable, to say the least. Slurp.

Address: No. 65, Ren’ai Rd, Magong City, Penghu County, Taiwan 880
Operating hours: 5:30pm to 12am

7. Chinese Almond Tea

Chinese almond tea with dough fritter (Francis)

Anyone remembers how JJ Lin introduced us the perfect match of soy milk and dough sticks through his aptly named song, 豆浆油条 (dòu jiang yóu tiáo)? Forget everything you know — youtiao is now best matched with Chinese almond tea! A combination not commonly found in Singapore, remember to soak up your youtiao in that almond tea or you might not get the chance to do it again back home.

8. Seafood

Err… You don’t say? With the huge variety of seafood they have, even if you eat seafood everyday of your holiday in Penghu, you’ll still be discovering new cuisine at the end of your trip.

If you’re an early riser, you can take a look at Penghu’s fish market from 6 to 7am to experience authentic fish trading. But who says only the early bird catches the worm? For those who just want to use this time off to sleep in, you can go for a night squid fishing experience in Penghu instead.

9. Brown Sugar Cake

Leaving Penghu with bags of souvenirs for your family and friends is absolutely unnecessary when there’s an abundance of soft and fluffy brown sugar cake all around the island. Don’t be fooled by it’s name — the sweetness of the brown sugar cakes is anything but overbearing.

10. Brunch+Backpacker (小岛家)

Like other parts of Taiwan, Penghu boasts a variety of cafes, second-hand bookstores and art spaces. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, this is your dream vacation! Sit back and enjoy your breakfast at a leisurely pace while stray (but tame) dogs greet you good morning.

If you only have time for one, KKday‘s favourite brunch cafe has got to be Brunch+Backpacker (小岛家) for its unique mixed of western and oriental breakfast.

Address: No. 8, Zhongshan Rd, Magong City, Penghu County, Taiwan 880
Operating hours: 9am to 4pm

Do you hear your stomach growing and craving for food in Penghu already? Don’t let your dreams be dreams, start packing today! If you’re a lazy planner, you should hop on a one day tour around Penghu island to make your life easy.

Looking for other things to do in Taiwan?

>> 8 New Food to Discover in Taiwan’s Shi-Da Night Market
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5 Instagrammable (and Tasty!) Food in New York City

Photo credit: The Bagel Store

Cameras first, our stomach second — this is a typical day in the life of an Instagrammer. Instagram addicts, you’re in luck today! KKday explores New York City for 5 Instagrammable food that taste as good as they look, absolutely none of those overhyped food that makes you question your life decisions.

1. Rainbow Bagel @ Bagel Store

Photo credit: Flickr/ The Bagel Store

It seems like our own version of rainbow bagel left our sunny shores now that Hari Raya is over and Geylang Serai Raya Bazaar has packed up and gone. But the craze is far from over with the entire world is still obsessing over the rainbow bagel store in Brooklyn. Stuffed with cotton candy and cream cheese between the rainbow cake, this rainbow bagel is, in fact, a work of art that’s too beautiful to be eaten.
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Address: The Bagel Store @ 349 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 7:00 – 17:00

2. Milkshake @ Black Tap

Photo credit: Black Tap

Milkshakes offered at Black Tap are not the typical ones you see on during your cafe-hopping trips. Elaborately decorated with candies, biscuits and snacks, these calorie-laden milkshakes here are not for those watching their diet! Popular flavours include The Cookie, Cotton Candy and Sweet N’ Salty.

Address: 529 Broome St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 11:30 – 00:00

3. 10Below Ice Cream

Photo credit: 10Below Ice cream

This eclectic place is god-sent for ice cream aficionados — New York’s first Thai-inspired ice cream rolls, 10Below Ice Cream is made on the spot hence, no preservatives or stabilisers are added!

With Thai ice cream stalls popping up everywhere in Singapore, why go all the way to the Big Apple for an Asian creation? What sets this store apart from the ones we have are the flavours offered, like Key Lime Pie, Matcha Made in Heaven and S’mores Galore.

Photo credit: 10Below Ice cream

Address: 10 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs: 11:00 – 22:00, Fri & Sat: 11:00 – 23:30, Sun: 11:00 – 22:00

4. Dough Doughnuts

Photo credit: Dough

Opened in December 2010, this establishment offers doughnuts of different kinds – yeast, doughka (twisted yeast loaves) and cake! Made in small batches daily to ensure optimum freshness, the brioche-type dough is then fried to perfection before it’s glazed in different colours. Not only does the glaze acts as a finishing touch, it also highlights the array of unique and gourmet flavours available. We recommend Hibiscus, one of the top favourites of many!

Address: 448 Lafayette Ave (at Franklin Ave) Brooklyn, NY 11205
Opening hours: 6:00 – 21:00, daily

5. Momofuku Milk Bar

Photo credit: Momofuku Milk

Famous for their compost cookies®, cereal milk™ ice cream and crack pie®, Momofuku Milk Bar, sister bakery of the Momofuku Restaurants, has six branches all over New York. One of the main highlights of this milk bar is their fruity cereal soft serve topped with cornflakes.

Address: 382 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn 11211
Opening hours: Mon to Wed: 9:00 – 23:00, Thurs to Sun: 9:00 – 00:00
For more branches, click here!

The City of Dreams makes food that you can only dream of eating. Check out these spots if you’re there to live out your dreams and fantasies!

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5 Food You Must Try At Least Once in Korea

First time to Korea and you have absolutely no idea what to eat apart from kimchi, bibimbap, Korean BBQ and tteokbukki? You’re in for a treat today — we’ll be sharing five food you have to try in Korea!

1. Macho Bulgogi

Just an hour and a half away from Seoul in Cheongju, Macho bulgogi is something we can totally binge on seven times a week without getting tired of it. Tried and tested.

Before digging in, you’ll be served with fishcake soup and a side of pickled radish as starters.

The rice is topped with kimchi, seaweed and a fry egg, and mixed like bibimbap. For sides, a stir fried chicken/pork with soy sauce paired with chewy rice cakes is a simple fare, but a satisfying one indeed.

2. Beef Gukbap

Located just beside Cheongju National University Hospital, Hanwoo Gamasot Gukbap is a comfort food you must try if you are within the area.

Sogogi gukbap, aka beef soup rice, is a spicy beef soup served with rice. It is a favourite amongst the locals, especially in traditional Korean markets. As boring as it may seem, this is the ultimate comfort food that would warm your body and soul, especially during winter.

The broth is cooked with beef bones for many hours; radish, spring onion and leek are added to give the soup a refreshing after taste. The traditional way of eating gukbap is to mix the rice into the soup, but if you prefer to not have your rice getting soggy, go ahead and enjoy it separately!

3. Jjimdak

Originated a long time ago in the Gyeongsangdo region, jjimdak is now altered to meet the taste of modern diners. The dish is prepared by mixing pre-cooked chicken marinated with Korean soy sauce, and vegetables with cellophane noodles, it is then simmered to perfection at high heat and served on a large plate that would cover nearly half the table.

If you’re curious about your chopsticks skills, this is a good time to put it to test. You will find the noodles slipping out of your chopsticks or falling out your mouth each time you try to capture it. A challenge I may say, but very worth it.

4. Korean Spicy Baby Back Ribs with Cheese

Be prepared to be overwhelmed by one of the hottest food in Korea — ribs with cheese!

You’d never think that they could come together as a perfect match, but they surely did. Melted cheese with the lightly spiced ribs, yum! As you dip the ribs in the pool of cheese, have a quick round of tug-o-war — stretch the cheese as far as you can before it decides to snap!

5. Bingsu

Popular in Singapore, and a hot favourite among the ladies in Korea, bingsu is a Korean shaved ice dessert with sweet toppings like fruits, condensed milk, fruit syrup or injeolmi powder.

You might think, why go to Korea for bingsu when it’s available here at home? For one, bingsu in Korea is definitely much more affordable and two, it’s so light and fluffy! The ice shavings are exceptionally flaky, refined, rich and milky, just like snowflakes! One serving of bingsu can feed two, so you may want to order one first instead of going straight for two.

If this is your first time to Korea, here are more guides for you!

>> 6 Beauty Products Under S$30 You Must Buy in Korea
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While you’re planning your trip, consider exploring the mysterious relationship between North and South Korea at the Korean Demilitarized Zone, taking yourself on a unforgettable Paragliding experience or going on a One Day Tour at famous filming site of ‘The Descendants of the Sun’ in Taebaek, Gangwon Province!

6 Insta-Worthy Eateries To Visit or You Haven’t Been to Macau

Macau is a blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures

Macau is usually known for their Portuguese egg tarts but it’s time to stop being mainstream – there’s so much more the city provides! The city, a blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, has many other underrated places waiting for you to check out. Uncover the delicious food that Macau has to offer; you haven’t been to Macau till you dine in these places!

#1 Cozinha Pinocchio

Corina Pinocchio in Bangkok (Flickr/ Kenji)

For kiasu people like us who want to experience the best of Macau, you mustn’t forget Corina Pinocchio. In fact, it should be at the top of your must-eat list! This traditional spot has been around for over 30 years and serves traditional Macanese cuisine. If you’re lost, just look out for a recognisable yellow building. Yes, this place is THAT classic!

A photo posted by Felicia 潤子 (@feliciarun) on Sep 4, 2015 at 7:12pm PDT

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Tip: Look for the graffiti wall round the corner to take your OOTD!

→ Address: 38 Largo dos Bombeiros, Vila de Taipa
→ Opening hours: 12:00 – 23:00
→ Telephone: +853 2882 7128

#2 Lord Stow’s Garden Cafe

Lord Stow's Garden Cafe serves excellent Portuguese egg tarts

Lord Stow’s Garden Cafe (Flickr/ T.CSH)

A favourite amongst both locals and tourists alike, Lord Stow’s Garden Cafe has been around since 1989. Their Portuguese egg tarts are not only a crowd-pleaser, it’s iconic to Macau. Serving a wide range of light snacks, this garden cafe is a great place to relax in and take your hipster Insta shots.

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Insta-worthiness: ★★★★☆
Living true to its name, Lord Stow’s Garden Cafe is filled with lovely decor, making the cafe look like a garden dream come true. Every corner of the cafe presents photo taking opportunities!

→ Address: G/F C Houston Court 21 Largo do Matadouro, Coloane Village, Macau
→ Opening hours: 0900 – 1600, 1730 – 2300 (Tues to Sun), 0900 – 1700 (Mon)
→ Telephone: +853 2888 1851

#3 Seng Cheong

Seng Cheong in Macau (Flickr/ JonathanSin)

If you’re too full from your food adventures and can only order one item from this popular Chinese restaurant in Macau, you must go for their crab porridge! The food served is a combination of Cantonese meets Macanese, a delightful twist for our taste buds. Even though there’s always a queue outside, their standards remains consistent.

Rua do Cunha, Vila da Taipa #Macau #RuadoCunha #Taipa #awesome_shots #master_shots #BestVacations #travel #winter #February #2016

A photo posted by @totchup on Feb 26, 2016 at 8:48am PST

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Okay, so this eatery itself isn’t very insta-worthy but this is the place to fill your stomach so that you can start think of more poses for your photo. Tip: go to the colourful picturesque streets nearby for your shots.

→ Address: 30 R. do Cunha, Macau
→ Opening hours: 12:00 – 00:00
→ Telephone: +853 2882 5323

#4 Robuchon au Dôme

Robuchon au Dôme offers a beautiful view of Macau

The interior of Robuchon au Dôme in Macau

Although on the pricier side, Robuchon au Dôme is the place to savour your food while enjoying the stunning view of Macau. Situated on the 43rd floor of Grand Lisboa Hotel, this French restaurant is one of the world’s 50 best restaurants! Treat yourself once in a while and indulge in this extravagant culinary feast.

A photo posted by DJ JO (@xgirl920) on Nov 15, 2015 at 10:45pm PST

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It’s the only Michelin three-star restaurant in Macau, what else can we say? Every shot anywhere in this restaurant is bound to make you look like a taitai!

→ Address: 43/F, Grand Lisboa (Go to the 39/F, then change elevator for the 43/F)
→ Opening hours: 12:00 – 14:30 (Lunch), 18:30 – 22:30 (Dinner)
→ Telephone: +853 8803 7878

#5 Tai Lei Loi Kei

Tai Lei Loi Kei is available in Singapore as well

Tai Lei Loi Kei in Macau Flickr/ Bryan

Although the franchise has reached our sunny shores (they are located in NEX if case you’re interested), nothing beats the authentic store! Established in 1968, Tai Lei Loi Kei is best known for their pork buns and they use only the freshest pork with little fat imported all the way from Brazil. There are a few variations of this, like polo (pineapple bun) or classic toasted bun. There’s no reason to miss this, especially if you are a meat lover!

A photo posted by Ivy #ivyslife (@ivys_life) on Jan 2, 2016 at 12:12am PST

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Soft and hot buns sandwiching the succulent pork cutlets, this shot is bound to leave your followers’ mouths watering!

→ Address: Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Macau
→ Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00
→ Telephone: +853 2882 7150

#6 Lemoncello Gelato

Lemoncello Gelato offers a variety of gelato flavours

Lemoncello Gelato in Macau

Located in a prime spot, between Senado Square and Ruins of St. Paul’s, Lemoncello Gelato offers a variety of flavours that’s bound to leave you spoilt for choice! You can find a variety of flavours like ginger, pink guava and of course, their signature LemonCello, a perfect spot for desserts or a midday pick-me-up if you’re craving for something cold.

A photo posted by carla b (@carldarl) on Mar 25, 2016 at 10:32pm PDT

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You can’t say your photography trip is complete without getting a shot of the rainbow coloured ice cream backagainst Macau’s backdrop. Anytime is a good time for ice cream!

→ Address: G/F, 11 Travessa da Sé (beside Lou Kau Mansion), Macau
→ Telephone: +853 2833 1570

Reminder: Don’t forget your to rent a portable WiFi device for use in Macau and Hong Kong or you won’t be able to upload the photos you took!

Guide to Classic Hong Kong Style Dessert

Mango Tofu Pudding at Honeymoon Dessert (Flickr/ Karendotcom127)

We all know Hong Kong is a food paradise, but did you know that it’s a dessert heaven too? KKday shows you the different desserts Hong Kong has to offer from the traditional to the hot and cold ones.

Mango Pomelo Dessert (Flickr/ liminchiu)

1. Every bowl of dessert has its own benefits

Longan and Egg Dessert known to deal with insomnia Flickr/ Pooi Wang Chan

Desserts are more than just random ingredients thrown and boiled together in a sugar syrup; they are made with specially selected seasonal ingredients that have properties beneficial for you! For instance, Red Bean Soup helps with blood circulation and enriches the blood.

2. Difference between hot and cold

Yin & Yang, Almond paste mixed with Sesame paste (Flickr/ Ray Yu)

Ever wondered why an exact same bowl of dessert with the same ingredients tastes differently when we consume the hot or cold version? That’s because of the differing level of sweetness in the hot and cold desserts. Hot desserts taste sweeter than the cold ones because the temperature of the dessert has a direct impact on our taste buds, affecting the level of sweetness.

3. Different types of sugar used

White Fungus Snow Pear Dessert (Flickr/ Alpha)

Different types of sugar are used for various desserts in Hong Kong. White sugar is one of the most commonly used sugar in their desserts. Each type of sugar has a distinct taste and colour which compliments and brings out the flavour. For instance, rock sugar is used in White Fungus Bird’s Nest, giving it a clear and colourless sugar syrup whereas brown sugar is used in Sweet Potato Dessert for the intense flavour and aroma.

Sweet Potato Dessert (Flickr/ Benan)

Desserts can cheer you up on a bad day and the best thing about desserts is that it can be eaten at any time of the day – as an afternoon snack, after meals or even supper! Have you had your dessert fix yet?

For more Hong Kong eats, check out our Cha Chaan Teng guide.

Looking for more Hong Kong eating guide?

>> Local experience in Hong Kong you can’t miss out on!

Don’t Miss Out These Experiences If You’re in Paris!

There is something about the French way of living that interests people. From the language to culture and even the way they take pride and celebrate the simple things in life. The city of lights has a sort of joie de vivre that people should learn from. Want to immerse yourself in that when you are in Paris? Read on for more!

Board a double decker bus and let the feast begin!

Sitting down for a 2.5 hour long French meal can be too time-consuming and tight for your schedule especially since there’s so much to see and do in Paris! Why not kill two birds with one stone at this glass-roofed mobile restaurant? You get to enjoy the view of the city’s monuments like the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower over a 4-course lunch or a 6-course dinner!

>> Paris Food Tour: Bustronomy Gourmet Tour of Paris

Pairing cheese and wine

Enjoy French Wines with Cheese (Felipe Benoit)

When in Paris, enjoy life the Parisian way – discover the different French wines and cheese pairings. Whether you are a novice or connoisseur, you can be sure you’ll walk away from the sommelier with new knowledge.

>> Wine and Cheese Tasting

Learn how to whip up French food

There’s no better way to learn the secrets and techniques of French cuisine than from a French Chef herself in a Parisian apartment! In the three-hour long course, you will learn how to make an entree, main course and dessert using fresh quality produce. Classes are kept small so book yourself a slot before it’s all filled!

>> Cooking Class with Chef Marthe

French macaron 101

Macarons are quite a challenge to master – a certain level of meticulousness and patience is needed to get the hang of it. Pick up this skill to recreate them yourself when your sweet tooth strikes again! Classes are kept small for a personalised experience and is conducted in a private apartment in Paris.

>> Macaron Class with Chef Frédéric

Chocolate tour by the bank

Sneak a peak into the premises of five of Paris‘s most celebrated master chocolatiers and understand the magic behind it through this afternoon walk. You get to sample those luxurious chocolate too – something chocoholics can’t miss out on!

>> Chocolate Walk on Paris’s Right Bank

For more experiences in France, check out KKday!

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Top 10 Food You Have To Eat in Sabah

Food Centre (Flickr/ Davidlohr Bueso)

Skip Penang and Malacca, and head to Sabah for the food instead. Like Singapore, Malaysia is a multi-racial country with many local delights from the different ethnic groups. Read on to discover the top 10 food you have to eat in Sabah!

#10 Bak Kut Teh

Hearty bowl of Bah Kut Teh (Flickr/ lumei)

It’s a must to eat bak kut teh when you are in Sabah. Don’t miss the popular Sin Kee Bak Kut Teh while you are there! The fragrance hits you the moment you walk in and for a good reason too – the pork ribs are simmered with herbs for over four hours! You can choose from pork ribs, pork balls, liver, kidney or even pork belly to go along with a bowl of white rice and soy sauce.

#9 Pork Noodles (Sang Nyuk Noodles)

Sang Nyuk Noodles (Flickr/ boo lee)

This iconic Sabah dish is basically thinly sliced pork cooked in a specially prepared pork bone broth. The pork noodles are served two ways – dry or soup, with the former being the more common option among patrons as they get to slurp up the noodles tossed in a dark sauce mixed with the meat slices, meatballs and offal.

#8 Beef Offal Noodles (Ngiu Chap)

Ngui Chap (Flickr/ ancorena)

A comfort food for many Sabahans, this bowl of Ngiu Chap, or more commonly known as beef offal noodles, is simmered with a unique blend of spices, white radish and beef bone for several hours before it is served. Kedai Cheng Wah is one of the places to go for a bowl of amazing beef offal noodles!

#7 Teahouse aka Coffee Shop

Teahouse in Sabah (Flickr/ ycchang)

Teahouse, or better known to Singaporeans as coffee shop, plays a huge part many Sabahans‘ lives. They gather there to watch a football game or catch up with friend to talk about anything under the sky. Food is something that cannot be missed out along with tea or coffee. They have traditional toast with butter and kaya just like the ones we have in Singapore.

#6 Roti Prata

Roti Prata (Flickr/ goosmurf)

Also a favourite amongst locals, roti prata is an Indian pancake eaten with curry. You will see one of these on each table when you walk into most stores. Do get a cup of teh tarik to go along with the prata as well!

#5 BBQ Stingray

BBQ Stingray (Flickr/ 水泳男)

Stingray is another must-eat in Sabah. Barbecued then served on a banana leaf with sambal chili and lime, this seafood is a dish you must order to experience Malaysia’s local cuisine.

#4 BBQ Chicken Wings

BBQ Chicken Wings (Flickr/ Johnathan Ooi)

What’s street food without barbecued chicken wings? Marinated with honey for three hours before being barbecued, this is a favourite for both adults and kids! If you’d like to recreate these barbecued wings at home, try marinating them in Marmite – it gives the meat a unique flavour.

#3 Secret Recipe Cakes

Cakes at Secret Recipe chain (Flickr/ Isriya Paireepairit)

Save some space in your stomach and head to well-known bakery chain in Malaysia, Secret Recipe, for cakes and other desserts! With the wide selection and unique flavours like Durian Cheesecake at Secret Recipe, you will be spoilt for choice.

#2 Coconut Pudding

Coconut Pudding (Flickr/ Kai Hendry)

Coconut pudding is one of the die-die-must-eat in Sabah. The city harvests a high number of coconuts daily hence, you can get freshly made coconut pudding in most places. You can easily pick up one of these refreshing treats well-loved by both locals and travellers along the street stores.

#1 Tropical Fruits

Tropical fruits stand (Flickr/ Lee)

If you love durians, you definitely can’t miss out on this when you are in Sabah! Expect other seasonal tropical fruits like rambutan and mangosteens and more! They are only in season from July to September so you must grab the chance to buy some if you are there during that period.

If you’re visiting Sabah, you may be interested in these too:
>> Authentic Sabah Cooking Class
>> Tropical Fruit Buffet
>> Sabah Delicacies Day Tour
>> Sabah Half Day Night Tour