#FoodHoppingSG - 1942 Alfresco @ Changi & War Museum

1942 Alfresco @ Changi    #ThePastBackToLife

I am always very psyched about going to a themed restaurant. The exterior of a restaurant definitely is a big point of attraction to earn my money. I came across this restaurant on facebook (someone reposted and appeared on my feed) and I am quite surprised that Singapore actually has such an interesting restaurant with history themed. I believe the owner of this restaurant survived the World War II.

This place is inaccessible without a car as it is located very deep in the Changi area opposite to Selarang Camp. It is situation next to Changi Airport where planes can be easily be heard or seen.

I googled the direction using its postal code 499550 but it led me to a wrong direction. We only managed to find the place by using "30 Cosford Road". Do not be another blur sotong like me.

The selling point is that this is only private war themed museum restaurant in Singapore and also seated in such a historically rich location where Changi was the site of Prisoner of war (POW) camp during World War II. Using this to the restaurant's advantage, it gives customers a chance to embrace the feeling of travelling back in time to the Japanese occupation period.

This is the interior of the restaurant. Do you see a man in blue top? I think he is the owner of this restaurant and he is super friendly. He told us to feel free to take down the weapons hanging on the wall, pose with them and take photo. He even took down one of the swords from the wall that he claimed it was one of the props in Lord of the Rings. #haolian

Wild mushroom soup (S$6) and pan-fried scallop pink snapper (S$22)

The prices do not justify for the quality. #nothingspecial 

We continued to explore the alfresco area after our lunch. 

Sandbags scattered around the alfresco dining area accompanied by machine gun, missiles and a very-simplified-version of missile launcher.

This is one of the rare chance we can enjoy playing with the restaurant's prop probably because nobody was there to judge us.

War museum next to the alfresco area. 

I went in alone. There was a speaker playing the noises of the aircraft flying across, the sound of the bombs exploding and voices of the Japanese soldiers. These indeed gave me a chilling shiver down my spine.

Tons of World War II related items on displays, even the mannequin are wearing soldiers' uniform.

Storyboards standing at the very edge of the premises..

enlarge and read if you are interested...

I would say this place is suitable for people with cars or live nearby (ok probably not) and for history buff / enthusiasts. I hope more and more themed cafes or restaurants start appearing in Singapore ^.^

1942 Alfresco @ Changi & War Museum

Web: http://pitstopfoods.com.sg/

Payment mode: Cash only

Opening Hours: 11:00 am - 12:00 am (closed on Monday)

30 Cosford Road, Singapore 499550 

Tel: 6542 4492

How to go by public transport: 

1) Board Bus No.2 from Tanah Merah MRT (85091). Alight 17 stops later. 

2) Board Bus No. 29 from Tampines Interchange (750059). Alight 14 stops later.

#FoodHoppingSG : Cyclists' Heaven - Wheeler's Yard

Wheeler's Yard

Having a bf who loves cycling (probably more than me), this is like a heaven to him, okay to me as well that he can admire bicycles while I sip coffee. Perfect day for us!

It is at a strategic location where cyclists can cycle around the industrial area and rest at this place for a cup of coffee. The exterior looks like its a warehouse until you enter by its side door. This concept is similar to Chye Seng Huat Hardware store. Can not judge thing by their appearance, indeed.

There is limited parking space within the forecourt. Drivers, you may proceed to the nearest car park which is probably 5 minutes away. Also, the location is quite inaccessible for those people who do not drive or cycle. The owner probably wants to cater for cyclists only..........

It is functioning as both bicycle atelier and cafe. 

Interior

Wide selection of expensive urban bicycles

I suppose the waiter ride this to serve customers?

The back of the warehouse opens up to a park connector where cyclists dismount and push into the cafe. Clever, huh?

Coney dog ($13.90) and Hum bao bao ($20.90)

Espresso with milk ($5.00)

The quality of food does not justify for this kind of prices. I personally believe the hype is for its dual identities - bike shop cum cafe. However, I quite like the chillax atmosphere there. It is a great place to hang out with friends for the whole day.

Also, their proudest host party was that Burberry held gig at their cafe. This definitely beat all their competitors off the table. 

Wheeler's Yard

Address: Toa Payoh 28 Lor Ampas Singapore 328781

Opening hours: 

Mon: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm 

Wed - Sat: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm 

Sun: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm

Tel: +65 6254 9128

#FoodHoppingSG - Sinpopo BRAND 新泡泡甜品小吃

Sinpopo BRAND 新泡泡甜品小吃 - #OldSchool

Old people love to say "想当年... 想当年..."

Bright red sliding gates, metal biscuit tins and a fat screen TV set assembled at the entrance. Upon entering, I was swamped with songs and after songs of Chinese oldies music from a bygone times, for instance the unforgettable Teresa Teng's folk songs. Old music discs and vintage posters on the walls together with flimsy tables and uncomfortable wooden stools are the typical setup 60s-style of coffeeshop.

This #oldschool concept cafe is opened by the owners of Awfully Chocolate.

It is very hard to find such a #oldschool cafes in such a modernized city. This is definitely a big draw to boys, girls, olds and youngs. You might be sitting beside a family of three-generations or elderly couples reminiscing about their "想当年" or a group of friends talking about their childhoods.

Awfully chocolate owners really captured the hearts of all ages. #GoodBusinessIdea

Of course, they offer local signature dishes such as nasi lemak, john roti, ngoh hiang and many others. Customers just have to click their choices on the menu paper and pass to the waiter. While waiting, I rambled around the shop and surprised to find that they are so detailed enough that all their equipment are so #oldschool as well! Like their coffee maker jars, cups and ice crusher.

Fake bird nest drink - my favorite pasar malam drink lol

Lo Gai Yik (marinated chicken rice) and chicken curry rice - $8.90 each. 

Black carrot cake (actually quite nice)

Ais Bor (ice ball) -$3.90

Given the name, their main attraction is their desserts which I totally agree even though I only tried their ais bor. You think it is only a ice ball drenched with coconut milk and coloured syrup but you will be surprised to see ice kacang ingredients (like red beans, attap seeds and lychee jelly balls) inside the ice ball.

This is a place where can go for ambience but maybe not for their food. I don't mind going back for desserts though. 

Having local desserts in a classic settings and listening oldies folk songs is a new unfounded pleasure!

Sinpopo BRAND 新泡泡甜品小吃

Address: 458 Joo Chiat Road Singapore 427671

Sun - Thu: 12:00 - 22:00 

Fri - Sat: and Eve of PH 12:00 - 00:00 

Closed: Monday

Website: http://www.sinpopo.com/