Bev C - Cafe & Fashion Retail Store (Malaysia, Johor Bahru)

Lemon Tea Ice Cube Drink and House Special Espresso Ice Cube Drink with Chocolate and Milk

Singapore and Malaysia are closely linked to each other in many aspects, even food. Just like how the number of cafes have emerged in Singapore in recent years, the number of cafes in Malaysia and Johor Bahru have also increased. One such cafe with a unique concept is Bev C.

Bev C is located around 15 minutes walk away from the the causeway / City Square. It stands out among the other cafes because of its unique concept and design. It is both a cafe and fashion retail store!

Bev C is uniquely design. From its appearance, it would not be a sweeping statement to say that a tremendous thoughts and effort had been placed into its design. It is suitable photo shoot, be it OOT (Outfit Of the Day), selfie or welfie.

Looks at these pictures.

There is even a cozy corner with a bed! How cool is that!

House Special Espresso Ice Cube Drink with Chocolate and Milk RM 12.90

As for their drinks, they are not only thirst quencher, but also Instagram worthy and unique. Most patrons will come here for their ice cubes drinks which are one of the must tries at this cafe due to its unique concept. The concept is not to use (normal) ice cubes which dilutes the drink. Hence, for this House Special Espresso Ice Cube Drink with Chocolate and Milk RM 12.90, it came with Espresso ice cubes!! Cold milk is then poured into the glass filled with  espresso ice cubes and chocolate.

Lemon Tea Ice Cube Drink RM 12.90

Another popular drink that is enjoy by patrons from all walks of life is the Lemon Tea Ice Cube Drink RM 12.90.

Lemon Tea Ice Cube Drink RM 12.90

Yes, you saw this correctly, there are lemon tea ice cubes. It is so refreshing and perfect for this scorching weather!

White Chocolate Truffle Pie RM 13.90

The White Chocolate Truffle Pie RM 13.90 is one of their best sellers at this cafe. Very forgiving in terms of taste and not overly sweet. The truffle flavour was on the faint end though.

To me, Bev C stands out more as a cafe compared to a clothing retail store. With its unique design and menu, it is bound to attract even more attention from both sides of the causeway although it is located along the same alley with many other cafes. Great place to chill out at! 

Bev C - Cafe & Fashion Retail Store (Malaysia, Johor Bahru)
54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee 
80000 Johor Bahru
Tel: 07 221 3530
Opening Hours: Tue to Thur, Sun 11am - 8pm 
                         Fri to Sat 11am - 10pm 
                         Closed on Monday
Website

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Curry Cafe at Canberra Community Club (Sembawang)

Curry Cafe located at Canberra Community Club, a 10 minutes walk from Sembawang MRT station is a small humble family run cafe. If some of you have found the name familiar, its because they were previously located at the basement of The Central (Clark Quay).

Teh C Siew Dai $1 each

The Teh C Siew Dai was strong, fragrant, not bitter and not too sweet. Priced at $1 each, it was cheaper when compared to the likes of Breadtalk, Yakun or Killiney. The addition, it was wonderfully executed as a whole and came in a way bigger cup. 

Fried Chicken Wings $1.50 each

The Fried Chicken Wings ($1.50 each) was quite decent (though not a die die must try).

Fried Rice $3.50

Fried Rice $3.50

The Fried Rice $3.50 was fried with chicken hot dog, mixed beans, carrots, egg and spring onions. This dish was delicious. Although there was no wok-hei, it was tasty and had great consistency. Moreover, it was not oily. A simple dish which reminds me of home comfort food.

Curry Chicken $3.50 with French Loaf $0.50

We ordered the Curry Chicken $3.50 with French Loaf $0.50. I was impressed that the French Loaf was toasted prior to serving such that it was served warm and the exterior was crisp (the little things that matter).

Curry Chicken $3.50

One cannot not order the Curry Chicken $3.50 at Curry Cafe! After all, the Curry Chicken is their signature dish! The Curry Chicken hit all the right note in terms of taste. Fragrant, spicy and it was so delectable that we actually polish off all the curry. Terrific! The icing on the cake was that even the chicken was cooked perfectly - folk tender. The potatoes did not disappoint too (I suspect they had cooked the chicken in the curry and then take it out so that it was not overcooked. Likewise for the potatoes too). The Chicken Curry is one of the best I have tasted, they certainly did a good job blending all spices and chilli powder together and cooking this curry. This is a must try over at Curry Cafe! We liked it so much that we ordered another Curry Chicken to pack back home for dinner!

Curry Cafe is a hidden gem with lots of potential. The food was good and value for money. The downside is that its a small cafe with around 20 seats. We visited on Saturday during lunch hours and the cafe was full. Do note that it is self service. After ordering and making the payment. You can go back and take seat. However, you would need to collect the food from the counter once your food is ready (they will call you). I will be back for more! For those staying in the North, this is one place to consider to satisfy your makan / curry cravings.

Curry Cafe at Canberra Community Club (Sembawang) 
2 Sembawang Crescent
​#01-03 Canberra Community Club
Singapore 757632
Tel: 6966 0832 
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 9am - 9pm
                        Sat & Sun 8am - 8pm
                        Public Holiday 8am - 5pm
Website
Facebook 

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Nana's Green Tea (Plaza Singapura)

Nana's Green Tea first started off as the Japanese version of Starbucks in Jiyugaoka, Japan. It all began when the owner (a Japanese man) was worried that the culture of drinking tea would be overtaken by coffee. Hence, he started Nana's Green Tea and concentrated on Japanese green tea and Japanese Food. Nana's Green Tea has many outlets in Japan. Besides Japan, they have also expanded to China, Hong Kong and even Singapore. 

Nana's Green Tea opened its first outlet in Singapore at Plaza Singapura (directly above Dhoby Ghaut MRTStation).

The design of the restaurant was unique. Each table was be 'surrounded' by either wooden or metal mesh rectangle frames providing customers with their own private yet cozy dining area. 

Week Day Set Lunch

Nana's Green Tea current has a Week Day Set Lunch promotion from 11am to 230pm on weekdays. With the promotion, customers can order any main course and a beverage below $8.00 for only $13.90! In my opinion, this lunch promotion is a real steal considering the prices of the main courses and beverages. Hence, I have went back more on more than four occasions during weekday lunch. 

The photos below are a summary of what I ate over several occasions. For reference, I will show the ala carte prices. 

Matcha Soft Cream Latte (cold) $8

Judging from the name (i.e. Nana's Green Tea), I knew that I had to try their Green Tea (Matcha). I ordered the Matcha Soft Cream Latte (cold) $8 which was topped with soft serve vanilla ice cream. It was initially very bitter at first. The magic starts when the ice cream melted resulting in a perfect harmony with the green tea. More creamy, sweeter and yet retained the distinctive green tea fragrance and bitterness.

Thin Matcha Green Tea Float (cold) $8

The Thin Matcha Green Tea Float (cold) $8 was topped with green tea ice cream was served without milk and sugar. Instead, sugar syrup was given. Personally, I preferred the Matcha Soft Cream Latte.

Hoji Kuromitsu Latte (cold) $8

Hoji Kuromitsu Latte $8 could be served hot or cold. I ordered the cold version. This drink is a type of Japanese green tea. The difference is that it is roasted in a porcelain pot over charcoal resulting in its colour and a caramelised taste. As I had not tried this before, I decided to try this. I did not like the taste of it. I will stick to the green tea instead. 

Azuki Latte (hot) $7

Azuki Latte $7 could be served hot or cold. The Azuki (red beans) was boiled with sugar and then blended with milk. Despite its dull appearance, it was quite addictive. The hot one was a tad too sweet. I preferred the cold version better as the ice helped lessen the sweetness level. 

Unagi Mabushi Don $16.80

The Unagi Mabushi Don $16.80 consisting of grilled soy marinated eel served with Japanese rice and topped with sesame, nori (seaweed) and spring onion was the most expensive main course. It was served with a bowl of miso soup. Their miso soup was quite good! 

Unagi Mabushi Don $16.80

Unagi Mabushi Don was easily one of the best main course in Nana's Green Tea. The grilled eel was so delectable and soft that it provided a melt in the mouth sensation. With the juices from the soy marinated eel drizzled over the rice along with the toppings, the rice was so savoury and addictive. 

Salmon and Maguro Don $15.80

The Salmon and Maguro Don $15.80 was also served with a bowl of miso soup and special sesame oil. It comprised of soy marinated tuna and salmon served over Japanese rice topped with sesame, nori, pickled ginger, spring onion, daikon sprout and mayonnaise sauce. 

Salmon and Maguro Don $15.80

Drizzle the special sesame oil over this dish to enhance the taste further. Although there was a generous serving of salmon and maguro (tuna), it was a pity that they were not fresh.

Sukiyaki Udon $14.80

Sukiyaki Udon $14.80 was served with sliced beef, toufu, mushroom, leek, poached egg and udon. The poached egg was decently executed and the egg yolk was still runny. Overall, it was a decent bowl of udon, but more ingredients could have been given. 

Sukiyaki Don $14.80

Sukiyaki Don $14.80 was similar to the Sukiyaki Udon, instead of Udon, it was served with Don (rice). 

Sukiyaki Don $14.80

We preferred the Sukiyaki Udon as the beef slices in the Sukiyaki Don was harder and saltier. 

Gyu Shabu Goma Dare Udon $15.80

The Gyu Shabu Goma Dare Udon $15.80 was beautifully presented. It consisted of beef slices, tomato, corn, cucumber, lettuce, spring onion, daikon sprout with cold udon. The difference ingredients provided different textures (crunchy, hard, soft) and flavours to this dish. It was exciting going through this dish at the initial stage. However, towards the end, I got jelak (tired) of eating this dish. 

Locomoko Don $15.80

Locomoko Don $15.80 comprised of beef patty, tomato, broccoli, lettuce, poached egg and Japanese rice. The tomato sauce which was added over the beef patty was just too spicy for our liking. It overwhelmed the other flavours. What a pity. 

Although there was hits and misses, the Week Day Set Lunch promotion made it so much more affordable having a meal at Nana's Green Tea! 

Nana's Green Tea (Plaza Singapura)
#03-80/82 The Atrium@Orchard
Plaza Singapura 
68 Orchard Road  
Singapore 238839
Tel: 6684 4312 
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm

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Mango Tango at Siam Square (Thailand, Bangkok)

Mango Tango is a small dessert shop which specialises in mango desserts (pudding, beverage, ice cream and the Thai classic Mango Stick Rice) tucked away at a corner of Siam Square Soi 5. If you are a fan of Mango or Mango Sticky Rice, look no further. Mango Tango serves the best Mango Sticky Rice! Coming from someone who does not fancy having Mango in Singapore, I think even I can be surprised at myself sometimes. Mango Tango also serves other desserts such as Kiwi, Strawberry, Watermelon and Apple, but the bulk of it's offerings are about Mango. Even if you are someone who does not fancy Mango, it is advisable to give Mango Tango a try.  

Mango Tango

Mango Tango is located next to Hotel Novotel, and is opposite two well-known restaurants; Som Tam Nua (Winner of CNNGo Best Eats in 2010) and Ban Khun Mae! In the above photo, Ban Khun Mae is just across the road. All you need to do is to cross the zebra crossing as shown in the reflection of the photo and that's Ban Khun Mae. 

Som Tam Nua

Som Tam Nua is even nearer, literally 5 seconds away (directly oppsoite Mango Tango - separated by the walkway).

Mango Tango at Siam Square is a tiny with a seating capacity of less than 20. As such, they have several seats outside where customers can sit while queuing. The good news is that the turnover is fast. 

The environment and decoration in Mango Tango is all about mangoes. In Mango Tango, the king of fruits is Durian Mango! 

Menu

Mango Tango's Menu with its prices stated clearly was in the shape of a Mango! 

Mango Fruit Swing 55 Baht (S$2.30)

The Mango Fruit Swing 55 Baht (S$2.30) was refreshing. It was full of rich in (mango) flavour. It was not diluted. The freshness of the mango and the smoothness of this drink transformed something ordinary into something extra-ordinary!

Mango Sticky Rice 2 Fresh Mango 120 Baht (S$5)

Mango Sticky Rice 2 Fresh Mango 120 Baht (S$5)

Mango Sticky Rice 2 Fresh Mango 120 Baht (S$5) consisted of two Mangoes with two scoops of Sticky (glutinous) Rice in the middle. It was obvious that they had taken numerous efforts in the presentation style of this dessert. The two scoops of Sticky Rice were served on banana leave while the two Mangoes were presented in such a unique way that they reminded me of the Esplanade.

The Sticky Rice was superbly executed. The rice was warm, soft, moist and aromatic. The perfectly concocted coconut milk drizzled over the sticky rice made a whole world of difference to the taste. It was so good that it can be eaten alone! Brilliant! The Mangoes were top notch too. Fresh, soft, smooth and sweet without any of the fibrous flesh. Irresitable! This is the best Mango Sticky Rice I have ever had!

Mango Tango + Extra Sticky Rice 145 Baht (S$6.05)

The Mango Tango + Extra Sticky Rice 145 Baht (S$6.05) consisted of Mango, Sticky Rice, Mango Pudding and Mango ice cream. The Mango and Sticky Rice stole the limelight from the other items.

Mango Tango is a die die must try! Their Mango Sticky Rice is the best we had and its worth every single Dollar baht!

Besides Siam Square, Mango Tango can be found at three other locations:
1) JJ Market (Chatuchak Weekend Market): Section 3, door 26th close to Soi 42/3
2) K-Village: B116, 1st floor
3) Chiangmai: Nimmanhaemin Soi 11

Next to this Mango Tango outlet is another gem. This no frills shop with no signboard did not have a name and sold just snacks in takeaway boxes.

Their products include such a pandan kuih, sticky rice, pancake, pancake roll and egg cake which are freshly made on the spot.

If you are attempting to read the words, its upside down =P

The takeaway box.

The Pandan Kuih (Kueh) was very good (ho chiak)! It was sweet and rich in pandan flavour. Texture wise, it was soft and chewy on one side while the other side had a cake/sponge like texture.We also ordered the Sticky Rice Cake, which looked like pancakes. Among the two, the Pandan Kuih was our favourite.

Mango Tango at Siam Square (Thailand, Bangkok)

Siam Square Soi 5

Rama 1 Road

Patumwan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Tel: 66 8161 95504

Opening Hours: 12pm to 10pm

Website

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Black Canyon Coffee at Indra Square (Thailand, Bangkok)

Black Canyon Coffee is a well-known Thai restaurant chain incorporated in 1993 in Thailand. The restaurant chain specialises in more than just coffee. Besides offering a variety of coffee such as espresso, cappuccino, mocha and latte, Black Canyon Coffee also serves food (ranging from Thai to Western cuisines), sandwiches, desserts (ice cream) and other drinks.

Today, Black Canyon Coffee is a leading global coffee and foods restaurant chain with more than 240 branches in Thailand. In Thailand, it is the largest operator and serves more than one million cups of coffee annually. In addition, it has 45 branches in 8 countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma, United Arab Emirates, Cambodia, Laos and Philippines). In Singapore, Black Canyon Coffee is located at Fusionopolis at Connexis Tower. 

Black Canyon Coffee is virtually everywhere in Bangkok, in nearly every shopping malls. Everywhere you go, you are likely to see it. We visited its outlet at Indra Square, which is near our hotel; Baiyoke Boutique Hotel for breakfast. Black Canyon Coffee at Indra Square is located just next to KFC and is open 24 hours daily!

Hot Mocha 70 Baht (S$2.92)

At Black Canyon Coffee, one cannot leave this place without trying their coffee. Its tagline is "Black Canyon Coffee: A drink from paradise... avaliable on Earth".

The Hot Mocha 70 Baht (S$2.92) a classic chocolaty espresso with hot milk was served with alphabet shaped biscuits.

Cappuccino 70 Baht (S$2.92)

The Cappuccino 70 Baht (S$2.92) was also served with alphabet shaped biscuits.

Mocha Choc Chip Frappe 80 Baht (S$3.33)

The Mocha Choc Chip Frappe 80 Baht (S$3.33) was one our favourite. It was sweet with a distinctive coffee aroma and flavour and the chocolate chips made it so addictive and at the same time gave a different texture.

Ham and Cheese Supreme Sandwich 95 Baht (S$3.96)

As this was for breakfast, we ordered some sandwiches to share. The Ham and Cheese Supreme Sandwich 95 Baht (S$3.96) was served with fries. It was a pretty decent sandwich which was hard to go wrong as long as the ingredients were fresh. The sandwich was also toasted slightly such that it had a crisp exterior while the interior was soft and warm. I thought that they executed this sandwich well, even thought it seems to be something simple. The fries were ordinary.

American Club Sandwich 125 Baht (S$5.21)

We also ordered an American Club Sandwich 125 Baht (S$5.21) which was recommended on the menu to share. This sandwich was also served with fries.

American Club Sandwich 125 Baht (S$5.21)

The American Club Sandwich was not bad too. The vegetables (i.e. lettuce and tomatoes) used were fresh! This maybe quite a mouthful for some as there's 3 layers of bread in it.

Thai Style Fried Noodle with Prawn (Pad Thai) 97 Baht (S$4.04)

The staff highly recommended the Thai Style Fried Noodle with Prawn (Pad Thai) 97 Baht (S$4.04). Black Canyon Coffee was the winner of the Pad Thai World Championship back in 2009.

To be frank, the Phad Thai was disappointing. We had high expectations for this dish. The Phad Thai was too sweet and tangy, tasted as if too much tomato sauce or ketchup was added. We all agreed that it was not our cup of tea.

Stir Fried Noodles with Chicken (Kua Gai) 78 Baht (S$3.25)

The Stir Fried Noodles with Chicken (Kua Gai) 78 Baht (S$3.25) fared much better. The kway teow (wide flat rice noodles) was well fried, each piece was tasty and had a slight smokey aroma.

Well, as this is a restaurant chain, the prices charged for the food is considered reasonable. Food wise although the Phad Thai was disappointing, the rest of the food were decent. This may not be a die die must try restaurant, but its certainly worth a try if you do not know what to go for and would like to avoid street food.

We also visited Black Canyon Coffee located at the basement of Platinum Fashion Mall. If you need a break from all the shopping or caffeine, you know where to go.

Left to right: Blackpuccino Frappe 75 Baht (S$3.13), Black Canyon Frappe 75 Baht (S$3.13) 

We ordered Blackpuccino Frappe 75 Baht (S$3.13) and Black Canyon Frappe 75 Baht (S$3.13) and had them in takeaway cups so that we could drink and shop!

Ordering the Blackpuccino Frappe was a big mistake as it had a strong bitter after taste. On the other hand, the Black Canyon Frappe was a hit among us. It was refreshing. The aroma and richness of the coffee was unmistakable and had us longing for more of it.

Having tried their coffee on two occasions, I can now understand why they have so many outlets in Thailand! 

Black Canyon Coffee at Indra Square (Thailand, Bangkok)
1st floor of Indra Square (next to KFC)
120/126, Ratchaprarop Road
Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 686 0118
Open Hours: Daily 24 Hours
Website

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