Ming Kee Chicken Rice

"A plate costs only S$2.50. The chicken skin is often removed, so you don’t have to worry about high cholesterol.” — Richest Chia See Thian, housing agent

WHEN housing agent Richest Chia See Thian, 52, moved into Bishan 15 years ago, one of his best discoveries was a “healthy” chicken rice stall in his neighbourhood that serves skinless chicken, with a smile. Not a common site in hawker centres!

Mr Chia, a father of two sons studying in Sec 3 next year, says his passion is “always striving very hard to make my customers happy in whatever things that I do. My company, HSR International, always taught us to go for the best.

He has been an 88DB.com member since August, 2007, and is one of the lucky winners in our recent “I Recommend” contest, to which he contributed this entry. He won a $30 Isetan voucher, which he says he is giving to his wife.

One of Mr Chia’s hobbies is photography, and he took the photos that appear here with his Sony Ericsson k810i camera phone, “which serves me well”. Other things he does on his free time: “karaoke…and admiring beautiful things like flowers and girls.”

How long he's been going to this stall:
For the last 15 years, since I moved into Bishan.

How he discovered it:
One weekend when there was an unusually large crowd queueing to buy chicken rice from the stall. People just wait patiently for their turn and they never complain even though the waiting time can be very long, especially on Saturday and Sunday evenings. It’s because it’s cheap and good.

Why he likes it:
They offer the best and freshest chicken rice at an affordable price, which is cooked fresh every lunch and dinner. A plate costs only S$2.50. The chicken skin is often removed, so you don’t have to worry about high cholesterol.

Anyone he wants to commend:
All the uncles and aunties who work diligently and with a smile at the stall. They never get angry no matter how busy they are. They also work for very long hours.

What time is it best to go there:
The best time to buy is at 10 am everyday, because then the chicken is fresh and tender and tastes very nice. On Tuesdays, they are closed.

Anything else good to order:
Vegetables.

Where is it located:
Ming Kee Bugis Street Chicken Rice Stall is at Blk 511, Bishan Street 13, at the 24-hour Kim San Leng Food Centre.

View original article for Ming Kee Chicken Rice review.

Settlers Café

“The staff there are friendly, and they'll be glad to help you if you're stuck with your board game.”
— Hilda Cheng, student

WHERE other establishments have football or billiard tables as come-on for its customers, Settlers Café offers board games. One of the reasons why people flock to restaurants and cafes such as Settlers (which has been open since 2003), is that "it is like having a gathering at someone's home without the hassle of cleaning up the place,” declares its website.

“Our objective is to let people be aware of board games as a fun form of creative socialising that promotes bonding and learning,” it says. “Our vision is to see board games becoming popular again as a form of recreation.”

It certainly has won a fan in Hilda Cheng, a 15-year-old student whose hobbies include singing, online shopping and hanging out with her friends. An 88DB.com member since October this year, joined our “I Recommend” contest (which ended last month) and entered Settlers Café as her recommendation.

“They offer Western cuisine, finger foods and so much more that you'll be spoilt for choice. They provide really delicious meals and, while you're enjoying your meal, you could even play a board game,” she says. “The staff there explains how to play the game you have chosen very clearly and helps you get started. Some examples of the games are Snorta, Cash and Guns, Cashflow and Pit.”

Hilda tells us more...

How did you discover it?
My mum actually told me about it, and I’ve gone there twice already.

How would you describe it?
Settlers Café is a warm and cosy place for relaxing. It is the perfect place to stimulate or relax the mind.

How good is the service?
The staff is friendly, and they'll be glad to help you if you're stuck with your board game.

What time is the best time to go there?
You need to reserve a table first, so there isn't any particular “best time of the day” to go there. I always order fish-and-chips, it's my favourite, and English breakfast tea, also my favourite drink, really.

How to enjoy a day or a night out there?
Just be yourself, as the cafe is suited for relaxing.

Settlers Café’ has three branches in the island, all of which are open until late night.
Reservation is a must. We recommend sending your reservation via SMS.

Central Outlet
39, North Canal Road,
Singapore 059295
SMS: 8234-5215

HollandV Outlet
Blk 15 Holland Drive
#02-98 Singapore 271015
SMS: 8234-5216

Katong Outlet
107 East Coast Road
Singapore 428799
SMS: 8234-521

View original article for Settlers Café.

Discover Chiropractic Clinic

“I would like to recommend this wonderful clinic to as many people who need spinal treatment not by drug, painkiller or surgery.”
— Adeline Chua

One evening, Adeline Chua, 52, felt an intense and sudden excruciating sharp pain running from her right hipbone down to her knee. “I had to struggle out of the bath tub and the pain left me out of breath, sweating and motionless,” she remembers.

She was brought to a hospital where she was given painkiller and warded for three days. “I couldn’t sleep because the pain was there permanently. The hospital kept prescribing painkillers to me and I lost weight, sleep, and energy,” she remembers. “Worst of all, I was told by the doctor to go home and to resort to surgery if the pain didn’t go away.”

Adeline, who has been an 88DB.com member since June, 2007, went home after getting her MRI results, which revealed disalignment of her vertebrae caused by bone degeneration.

“I was in pain for 24 days at home, could not move or walk, and I had to buy a wheelchair at the time of discharge from hospital and a walking frame to enable me to move at home,” she says.

It was then that a friend recommended Discover Chiropractic Clinic to Adeline, who is one of the lucky winners in our “I Recommend” contest that ended on 30 November. She won a $50 Isetan voucher for the entry below.

What sets it apart from the rest:
“This wonderful chiropractic clinic does not recommend painkillers or any other drugs, and consider surgery only as a last resort. They heal patients by gentle and precise treatment of the spinal column and you get instant results.”

What convinced her to try it:
“I had tried various Eastern physicians for treatment, but there were no visible results. Finally a friend recommended a chiropractor to me. I was curious after reading their articles on non-drug and -surgery recovery.

Exactly how good is their service:
“By my second session of chiropractic care, my pain had subsided and I could walk some distance. Gary Tho, the Australian chiropractic doctor who attended to me, is very gentle and attentive to his patients and gives a lot of encouragement, reminding us that our minds can also help in the healing process. By my eight session, I was able to walk with less pain and I was so glad that I did not have to rely on my wheel chair and walking frame anymore.”

Piece of advice:
“It's regrettable that many people do not know about chiropractic care and I would like to take this opportunity to recommend this wonderful chiropractic clinic to as many people who needed chiropractic treatment not by drug nor painkiller nor surgery.”

Where you can find them:
165 Tanjong Pagar Road, #04-16A The Amara Professional Centre, Singapore, Tel: 6238 7276 (book through Kelly).

View original article on Discover Chiropractic Clinic.

Summer Salon

"Stylists at Summer Salons scrutinise give haircuts that best suits you, based on your face shape and features."
- Adeline Chong, Graphic Designer

A SELF-DECLARED perfectionist, 20something Adeline knows exactly what she wants when it comes to good haircuts, and that’s why she’s been going to the hip and trendy Summer Salon for a decade now. Interview by Mavis Ang

What sets it apart from the others:
“They have a very relaxing interior, and the branch at Pandan Valley condominium has a small backyard with water features that overlooks an open field. It’s an excellent touch, as customers doing hair colouring and perming can take a stroll while waiting for the treatment to finish.”

Exactly how good is their service:
“Stylists there will scrutinise your face shape and features, then advise you on what hairstyle best suits you. It's not an easy thing for me to put my trust in a hairdresser, but when I finally did, I wasn't disappointed.”

Piece of advice:
“Definitely call for an appointment if you're planning on getting a haircut after office hours and on weekends.” As their services are on the pricey side, get a senior hairdresser only if you want an elaborate haircut. A junior staff will do if all you need is a trim and tidy-up.

Sets you back by:
“A simple wash and cut cost around $35-50 depending on your gender and hair length.”

She likes it so much that:
Adeline’s been going to Summer Salon since her primary school days, and would go back every now and then when she wants a particular hairstyle that she wouldn’t trust other salons with.

Where you can find them:
Summer Salon has four branches in the island, including Adeline’s recommendation, located in Pandan Valley. The newest outlet, photographed here, is called Color Bar and located at Holland Village just above Cold Rock Ice Creamery. “They have re-branded pretty well, with a sleeker shop design and a wide range of hair-colouring services,” shares Adeline.

Location:
Summer Salon
2 Pandan Valley
Tel. 6468 6800

Color Bar (by Summer Salon)
24C Lorong Mambong
Holland Village
Tel. No. 6468 6468
Open from 11am to 8pm (Mondays to Saturdays), and from 11am to 7pm (Sundays)

Other branches:
Marine Parade Central (Tel: 6344 1136)
Siglap (Tel: 6441 1136)

View original article on Summer Salon.

Joe Fishing Tackle

“The staff of Joe Fishing Tackle always strive to understand your needs before recommending products.”
—Bobby Ang Meng Kong, Security Supervisor

Fishing enthusiast Bobby Ang has been angling in Singapore and Malaysia’s waters for 30 years. Whether he’s fishing in deep sea or farm ponds, Ang believes in using the right gear suitable to each venue. As he goes fishing almost every weekend, he restocks regularly, and knows exactly where to get the best service: Joe Fishing Tackle along Beach Road.

What sets it apart from others:
“Beach Road has many shops selling fishing gear, but Joe Fishing Tackle is the best because they always ask where I’m going to fish, so they can help recommend the right equipment. Its owner, Joe, is always very friendly and willing to talk about his products.”

Sets you back by:
“Average spinning reels with two ball bearings cost about $15, which is pretty cheap! As the prices of reels are based on the number of ball bearings they have, those with three ball bearings are sold at $65 there.”

He likes it so much that:
He visits Joe Fishing Tackle twice a month, replenishing his stock of lures, baits, and wires.

Find out where you can visit Joe Fishing Tackle.

Hair Plus Studio

Who swears by it: Priyadhershini Balraju, uniSIM student

PRIYA DHERSHINI BALRAJU’S short wavy hair is always in need of a monthly fix, and can easily look disastrous if badly cut. “Especially when my hair is a little out of shape, it curls this way and that, and that annoys me immensely. So I need a good hairdresser to tame it,” she says. “I always go back to Hair Plus Studio at Far East Plaza because my professional hairdresser, Teen, always knows what kind of hairdo I want.” Interview by Mavis Ang.

What sets teen apart from the rest:
“Teen’s service is also very consistent, and she often recommends useful hair products suitable for my hair type.”

Sets you back by:
At least $32 on weekends, prices are higher for longer hair.

She likes it so much that:
Having patronised Hair Plus Studio for a year, Priya’s realised that the staff there are always friendly to all customers. “The place gives me this ever-welcoming feeling, so I will always go back to them.”

Where is it located:
Hair Plus Studio is one of many hair salons in 88DB’s Beauty & Wellness list.

Nutri-ForeFronT

Who swears by it: Sal Selamat-Sim, Writer

Writer Sal Selamat-Sim, 22, has made visits to the gym a regular habit (he goes three times a week), and that’s how he learned to appreciate the benefits of sports nutrition supplements. He goes online for his stash — but he’s discovered that online shopping isn’t always a cold, faceless transaction. That’s why he recommends Nutri-ForeFronT. Interview by Mavis Ang

What sets it apart from the others:
“Even though I usually order my protein supplements through Nutri-ForeFronT’s website, they have professional trainers (“agents”) who deliver goods right at my doorstep. Allan Lau is my preferred agent because he would also advise me on my diet and work out routine,” says Sal.

Exactly how good their service is:
Excellent after-sales programme. Their agents would go as far to send an email, SMS, or phone you to ask whether the products you’ve been using are working. “This regular personal customer careis useful because they’d advise on the range of products which cater to your body type.”

Sets you back by:
A beginner’s package that includes membership, a starter pack containing protein and Creatine supplements cost around $140, and you get a free delivery with every $100 spent.

He likes it so much that:
“They offer good prices for all the products, and so far, I found that these products are really quite effective!” says Sal. So he usually stocks up his supplements monthly, and has been doing so for half a year already.

Where you can find them:
Since 2000, Nutri-ForeFronT has been providing personalised services most online shops lack. So visit their website right here on 88DB.com’s listings to find out more.

View original article on Nutri-ForeFronT.

Ice Cold Beer

Who swears by it: Shayne Koh, Flight Attendant.

For 24 year old flight attendant Shayne Koh, finding time to catch up with friends is nearly impossible, so when she’s in town, she goes to just one place. “Ice Cold Beer [ Located in a converted shophouse off Orchard Road ] is definitely a place to chill and have crazy times with my friends because you need not lower your noise level even if you're laughing or talking at the top of your voice,” Shayne said. Interview by Mavis Ang
What sets it apart from other:
“Ice Cold Beer comes in a very embracing package. From the friendly staff and sociable crowd, to drinking in a vintage place along with groovy music, it’s an ideal place to unwind with my best girlfriends.”

Sets you back by:
Happy Hours are from 5pm - 9pm every night, and beers go from the usual price of $14 per pint, to a good $7!

Piece of advice:
It’s a MUST to call for reservations as it gets very packed when night falls. “You wouldn’t want to wait for seats while looking at people enjoying their mugs of beers, right?” Shayne says. Reservation of outdoor seats starts only after 7pm, and anytime for the indoor ones.

She likes it so much that:
Whenever she’s in town between flights, Shayne would head down to Ice Cold Beer on Fridays with either her colleagues or friends.

Where is it located:
Ice Cold Beer’s one-of-a-kind tank chillers guarantee your brew (they offer more than 50 types!) is quick-chilled in 5 minutes. Meantime, watch live sports action on the plasma, play pool or darts, or get your tummy filled with their famous hot dogs. Ice Cold Beer is located at 9, Emerald Hill Road.

View original article of this review for Ice Cold Beer.

Yanqing’s Shanghai Kitchen

Who swears by it: Jonathan Chia, Full-time National Serviceman

Great food and pretty waitresses at this Shanghainese restaurant scored well against Jonathan Chia’s checklist for a great eatery. “When I was in China, everything I ate made my stomach extremely upset. So it’s quite surprising that I actually love the food at this restaurant,” Jonathan commented. He also fell in love with its modern Oriental décor, and the pretty waitresses, of course. Interview by Mavis Ang.

What sets their dishes apart from the rest:
Unlike fish soups served at other Chinese restaurants, the Huang Yu (yellow fish) Soup here is very clear, not oily, and the fish’s sweetness is very distinct in the soup.”

Sets you back by:
At least $30 for their popular dishes. Like most Chinese restaurants, the size and prices of dishes vary depending on the number of people on the table.

Why he likes it so much:
When asked about the service at Yanqing’s Shanghai Kitchen, Jonathan’s reply: “Prompt, polite and sexy.”

Where is it located:
Opened by former Chinese TV presenter, Shanghai-born Wang Yanqing, Yanqing’s Shanghai Restaurant has established one more branch since it first opened two years ago. Hop on to Yanqing’s restaurant listing to find out more about this recommended dining place.

View original article for Yanqing’s Shanghai Kitchen.