Japanese restaurant Tampopo, which means dandelion in the native language, is famous for its extensive value-for-money menu of Hokkaido Ramen, Kyushuu Ramen and variations of its Black Pig Tonkatsu.

THE FOOD:

First came the Salmon Salad ($8.90) which had crisp summer greens doused with a sweet vinaigrette sauce and topped with fresh salmon. Definitely a great way to whet your appetite before the start of a big meal.

Next, what else would we order but for Tampopo's famed Shabu Shabu Ramen—Kyushu Ramen in pork-bone soup supposedly boiled over two days—and their Kurobuta (black pig), which is known for its sweet meat marbling? And so we did. The Black Pig Mini Shabu Set ($21.80), which took almost an hour to arrive, was gone within minutes. The slightly spicy set came generously sprinkled with spring onion and filled to the brim with noodles.

But while there were no complaints about the fat-rich pork or the thick broth accompanied with crunchy bamboo shoots, the noodles were rather disappointingly not springy. We also felt extremely thirsty after drinking much of the soup and immediately suspect MSG though that did not stop us from finishing up the flavourful broth.

For Kurobuto lovers, do try the Black Pork Fried Rice ($10.80)—it is sure to satisfy your craving for the much-coveted meat, or the Cheese Katsu set, a Japanese version of the Cordon Bleu. Find cheese oozing out of the tender pork, which comes well-coated in crumbs. The Western-inspired Katsu also comes accompanied with a wrench of lemon and a dollop of mustard.

With an additional $4, diners can complete their meal with rice and a side of a salad and a miso soup. But for us girls, the portions served at Tampopo were so filling that we unwillingly skipped the pretty desserts sadly staring back at us behind the display glass.

THE MOOD:

Despite opening a second branch in Orchard, business at the original branch at Liang Court is extremely brisk. At lunchtime on a weekday, we had to wait for about half hour before we were seated and pretty much another hour before food was served. However, upon entering the restaurant we were puzzled by some empty seats around us. The lunch crowd probably cleared out by the time we were seated and, after much agony, served.

The service was generally okay considering the crowd. However, we were somewhat disturbed by the number of Chinese servers in this Japanese restaurant. It was as if we were eating in a la mian (Chinese noodles) joint instead. Then again, ramen is disputed to have came from China before evolving to its Japanese variants...

On average, each of us spent less than $20 for an extremely filling meal. While its ramen might not be the best in Singapore, Tampopo's dishes are definitely value for money; we will be back for the desserts as well.

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I have been looking around for sometime as to where I might recommend my non-vegetarian friends for their meals. And I believe I have hit upon the best place for lovers of both Indian vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food. It is Muthiah Restaurant situated at No.11 Hindoo Road (right opposite Broadway Hotel along Serangoon Road).

FOOD:

Being a vegetarian, I went into it by chance one day when a close friend of mine insisted that I should try the fare there. He, of course, assured me that the thosais there, as with everything else, is nothing but the best.

To say that my friend was not off the mark is an understatement.

The thosais are indeed one of the best, if not the best, and they come at less than $2.00 a piece depending on the type of thosai one chooses. I dare say one will not be able to find anywhere else in Singapore that sells good thosais at this price. They are also much bigger and no less tastier than those served anywhere else here.

It is the same for meals, vegetarian or non vegetarian. The portions at Muthiah are large, the price is a steal and the food itself spicy, tasty. I have a chinese friend who after being introduced to the restaurant is forever raving mad about the masala mutton and chicken. Muthiah also offers chilli crabs for those fond of the fare. Needless to say he is now a regular patron of the Restaurant with his friends.

Their briyanis, available usually on Thursdays for lunch, is so popular that, I am informed, that an important personality makes it a point to order the briyani for lunch every week for himself and his company.

One tip, though, for those who are really fond of spicy stuff. The spicy gravy, which comes with a lot of chilli, onions and garlic, alongside meals, is available only from 12.00 pm onwards.

So if you are going there for the real thing you will have to wait till lunchtime. Still, it is well worth the wait.

Nestled deep in laid-back Kampong Glam is quaint little B Bakery with a great array of offerings including soups, salads, mains like pizza and pasta, as well as desserts such as cakes, and of course, freshly baked bread.

FOOD:

First came the Smoked Duck Salad with Pomegranate Dressing ($15) in extremely generous portions of mesclun salad tossed in pomegranate vinaigrette and given a refreshing take with fruits such as mango and orange. And topped with tender smoked duck, the salad is an interesting combination of both sweet and savoury.

Next, the Spaghetti Seafood Aglio Olio ($15) looks enticing with generously topped with clams and prawns, and sprinkled with cheese flakes. The angel hair pasta was al dente though I would much prefer it to be a tad more wet – touched up with a little more olive oil or chilli oil. Luckily for those like me with a preference for all things spicy, sliced red chilli will be gladly be served upon request.

There is something for the vegetarians as well. B Bakery's Hummus and Vegetables ($7) is a popular dish among regulars. It is also light on the palate and is great as a finger food to be shared among friends.

Now, for desserts, fans of sticky date puddings can get their fix here. B Bakery's Sticky Date Butterscotch Cake ($4) does not come accompanied with the usual vanilla ice cream or vanilla cream. Instead, yummy bits of almond are encrusted on B Bakery's rendition of sticky date cake, giving it a nice nutty bite.

Last but not the least, remember the nursery rhyme?: "Hot cross buns, hot cross buns, see how fast they go, see how fast they go!" Well, B Bakery's cinnamon buns sell out just the same. The pastry chef does only nine a day so if you really don't want to miss the sweet indulgence, do the Singaporean thing – pick up your phone and "chope" one of these hot buns with deliciously thick cinnamon fillings.

MOOD:

Visitors may choose between the air-conditioned indoors or al fresco, though I would recommend the al fresco area for some people watching as well as visually plan your shopping route after the meal to exercise off all that you have wolfed down in this little cafe.

The place is pretty small so you don't have to worry that the friendly staff might miss you. Iced water is served upon arrival and a big glass bottle is conveniently placed on each table for refills.

However, it would be near impossible to get seats when the lunch crowd, which consists of mainly regulars, floods in and it would be advisable to come in after 2pm. Nonetheless, with so many more sandwiches, cakes and bread to try out, we will definitely be back for more – especially with Beeconomic's deal today at $15 for $30 worth of B Bakery's goodies!

See www.FreshGrads.Sg for images of our food, and more lifestyle features!

Throughout my six-month stint in Shanghai, I remained a fervent fan of all Happy Lemon franchises despite cheaper alternatives and often found myself wishing one over to Singapore. My wish was granted this year.

Four-year-old bubble tea chain Happy Lemon, which specialises in Lemon-inspired drinks as its name suggests, has recently set up its first branch outside of China and Hong Kong at the basement of Ion.

THE FOOD:

Don't be surprised by various strange combinations such as its Lemon Mousse Spin series, "Rock salt cheese" series and even a Tea Latte with Pearl Sago and Puff Cream. For the adventurous coffee fiends, you might want to try out interesting coffee concoctions like its Grapefruit Black Coffee and Italian Blood Orange Black Coffee.

I naturally went for my favourite Yakult combination in Shanghai and ordered a Lemon Yakult drink. While some might find it strange, my taste buds are already accustomed to Yakult blended drinks. The tinge of lemon (real bits of the fruit) adds a much needed refreshing take after a heavy meal. Plus, Yakult is supposed to be good for digestion.

My companion had a hot Malt Tea Latte, which came highly recommended by his friend. The drink warmed us freezing people up and proved a delicious though filling option. Definitely one to have when feeling unreasonably hungry before a meal. You may also add pearls, jelly and other strange stuff into your drink.

The Rock Salt Cheese series, while not impressive enough for me to return for more, is not too bad either. I could hardly taste the rock salt despite being convinced by the counter staff that I have to drink from the cup to better savour this drink. I won't give the other choices in the series a try, but if you are going to, give yours a little swirl to taste the cheese bits at the bottom. There are three choices available in the Rock Salt Cheese series: Green Tea with Rock Salt and Cheese, Cocoa with Rock Salt and Cheese, and Coffee with Rock Salt and Cheese (Regular $3.50, Jumbo $4.50).

Prices range from $2.30 to $4.70, in addition the number and type of add-ons you go for.

THE MOOD:

Happy Lemon has the brightest, cheeriest bubbly tea corporate image as compared to Gong Cha and Koi. Service's fast and friendly. Upon ordering, you will be given a sweet little queue token in the form of the mascot Lemon Girl. I was happy to note that I was served within 10 minutes, a marked improvement from queues at Koi shops! But like most other bubble tea franchises, Happy Lemon does not provide seating.

In all, Happy Lemon does not top the list of bubble tea in Singapore for taste but shoppers around Ion will be glad for the healthier choice – this bright shop does not add preservatives or artificial additives to their drinks.

Throughout my six-month stint in Shanghai, I remained a fervent fan of all Happy Lemon franchises despite cheaper alternatives and often found myself wishing one over to Singapore. My wish was granted this year.

Four-year-old bubble tea chain Happy Lemon, which specialises in Lemon-inspired drinks as its name suggests, has recently set up its first branch outside of China and Hong Kong at the basement of Ion.

THE FOOD:

Don't be surprised by various strange combinations such as its Lemon Mousse Spin series, "Rock salt cheese" series and even a Tea Latte with Pearl Sago and Puff Cream. For the adventurous coffee fiends, you might want to try out interesting coffee concoctions like its Grapefruit Black Coffee and Italian Blood Orange Black Coffee.

I naturally went for my favourite Yakult combination in Shanghai and ordered a Lemon Yakult drink. While some might find it strange, my taste buds are already accustomed to Yakult blended drinks. The tinge of lemon (real bits of the fruit) adds a much needed refreshing take after a heavy meal. Plus, Yakult is supposed to be good for digestion.

My companion had a hot Malt Tea Latte, which came highly recommended by his friend. The drink warmed us freezing people up and proved a delicious though filling option. Definitely one to have when feeling unreasonably hungry before a meal. You may also add pearls, jelly and other strange stuff into your drink.

The Rock Salt Cheese series, while not impressive enough for me to return for more, is not too bad either. I could hardly taste the rock salt despite being convinced by the counter staff that I have to drink from the cup to better savour this drink. I won't give the other choices in the series a try, but if you are going to, give yours a little swirl to taste the cheese bits at the bottom. There are three choices available in the Rock Salt Cheese series: Green Tea with Rock Salt and Cheese, Cocoa with Rock Salt and Cheese, and Coffee with Rock Salt and Cheese (Regular $3.50, Jumbo $4.50).

Prices range from $2.30 to $4.70, in addition the number and type of add-ons you go for.

THE MOOD:

Happy Lemon has the brightest, cheeriest bubbly tea corporate image as compared to Gong Cha and Koi. Service's fast and friendly. Upon ordering, you will be given a sweet little queue token in the form of the mascot Lemon Girl. I was happy to note that I was served within 10 minutes, a marked improvement from queues at Koi shops! But like most other bubble tea franchises, Happy Lemon does not provide seating.

In all, Happy Lemon does not top the list of bubble tea in Singapore for taste but shoppers around Ion will be glad for the healthier choice – this bright shop does not add preservatives or artificial additives to their drinks.

Take a look at www.FreshGrads.Sg for our images for Happy Lemon, and enjoy our other lifestyle features.