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Delicious And Affordable Places For Korean Barbecue In Singapore

Who does not love the flavorful goodness of the Korean BBQ? I, for one, go crazy for this cultural trend.

Luckily for us, we can satisfy our appetite without having to travel to Korea.

1. DAESSIKSIN

Do me a favor and close your eyes. Imagine that you are strolling with your friends in the lively streets of Hongdae, Korea. You are hunting for a casual dining experience that will satisfy your appetite for marinated meat. As you open your eyes, you realize that you are still situated in Singapore. Fortunately for you, there is a place where you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ dining experience. This place is none other than Daessiksin BBQ Buffet.

Image Credits: facebook.com/daessiksin

Daessiksin is under the wings of the Singaporean restaurant chain – Ministry of Food. It offers about 10 types of meat with varying taste. Some may be overly marinated, while others seek to boost the meat’s character. It is best to try it all before getting a significant amount to consume.

The buffet price starts from S$14.90++ per person.

Location: 277 Orchard Road, #03-17 Orchard Gateway, Singapore 238858

2. SSIKKEK BBQ

Meat lovers with a tight budget, let us unite! Students adore devouring the generously marinated meats at Ssikkek BBQ. Guests are welcomed with deep trays of fresh pork, beef, and chicken. Side dishes (e.g., kimchi, potato salad, and seaweed soup) and condiments are also available to even out your meal. You can reap all these with a little over S$14.

Image Credits: facebook.com/ssikkekbbq

What you can expect to have at Ssikkek is your ability to cook the meat to suit your desired quality. Simply, you are your own chef! The friendly staff is willing to help you shall you need assistance. The only downside to this place is its relatively long queues.

Location: United Square, 101 Thomson Road, #B1-15/16/17 Singapore 307591

3. 2D1N SOJU BANG

2D1N Soju Bang Korean Restaurant holds a special as it was the very place that introduced me to the wonders of Korean BBQ. My friends and I had a spontaneous trip to Tanjong Pagar one day. As expected, it took as about an hour to queue for a table. Waiting was fine with us because chairs were provided outside.

2D1N marries reasonable prices with authentic Korean flavors. This is not a place for lavish side dishes and condiments as it is primarily focused on various well-marinated meat. Aside from the meat, the staff is incredibly attentive. Both the tables and the aluminum sheets are quickly cleared in order to cater to the diners’ needs.

Image Credits: https://www.facebook.com/182625808419372/photos/a.1329308733751068.1073741826.182625808419372/1407579632590644/?type=3&theater

Image Credits: https://facebook.com

You can get free-flowing meats, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and drinks for approximately S$20 per person. It is not a bad deal if you ask me.

Location: 44/46 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088467

May this guide aid your journey to locating the best Korean BBQ in town! 🙂

How To Celebrate Valentine’s Day Without Spending Too Much

Valentine’s Day is one of the most expensive “holidays” in Singapore.

But, it does not have to be!

You can always celebrate love without breaking the bank.

ELICITING GENUINE EXCITEMENT

One of the best ways to start a date is by handing over a sweet letter that will elicit genuine excitement. Crafting your own Valentine’s Day card costs practically nothing! Simply use the art materials that are available in your own home. Pouring your heart and soul into written words is more personal than signing your initials into a mass-produced holiday card.

Apply your personal skills to your homemade cards to boost its quality. Consider these scenarios:

a. An illustrator may draw the image of his or her significant other.
b. A digital enthusiast may animate a romantic message and send it via email.
c. If you like to bake, you may place the card on the top of a delicious box of cookies.
d. If you like to blog, you can create a beautiful post for your lover.

These things are more likely to be treasured than the items bought at the store.

FUELING THE ARTISTIC CLIMAX

Appreciating the arts is often perceived as something exclusive to affluent individuals. Purchasing concert tickets at Esplanade can be costly! Not to mention, purchasing art at galleries can cost thousands of dollars. Fortunately, locals and permanent residents have the option to hop around several museums for FREE!

Build up on the excitement by taking your beloved on a “not so typical” date at our very own Singapore Art Museum. This innovative museum houses a great collection of contemporary Southeast Asian art ranging from sculptures and paintings to installation art and moving media. They regularly collaborate with the leading international museums to cover both the local and international art practices.

Your date will be amazed with its current exhibition entitled: Singapore Biennale 2016: An Atlas of Mirrors.

LEAVING A LASTING IMPRESSION

Close your lovely day with a hearty dinner. Going to a restaurant on Valentine’s Day takes guts as you need to brave the waves of people and to make early reservations. Save money and avoid stress by preparing a romantic meal in the comfort of your own space.

Great recipes are available at Epicurious, AllRecipes.com, and RasaMalaysia.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If your budget does not allow you to celebrate on February 14 itself then, consider choosing an alternative day. It will not only be cheaper, but it will also be less crowded. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you spent the gift of love with your partner.

Sources: 1 & 2

Welcome The Auspicious Chinese New Year By Spending Less

According to a recent survey by United Overseas Bank (UOB), Singaporeans are planning to minimize their overall spending for the Chinese New Year (CNY).

It is interesting to read that 3 in 4 people intend to use their red packets to grow their savings. Furthermore, the participants’ budget for the joyful event is S$2,503 on average. This number is 11% lower than last year’s intended budget of S$2,805. Just take a gander at this info-graphic:

Image Credits: http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/articles/2017/01/13/uob_cny_2017_infographic_12jan_fa_2-3.jpg

Image Credits: straitstimes.com

To help your wallet and your cause, here are some tips to lower your CNY spending:

GO LIGHT ON SNACKS

The vibrant festivities of the CNY will not be complete without the delectable snacks. You may notice that that homemade snacks are all the rage these days.

Many small-time retailers had to hire helpers in order to satisfy the demand for these special snacks. The act of labeling a snack as “homemade” can increase its worth by approximately 25%. For instance, a fifteen-dollar box of sweet almond cookies will cost S$18 or S$20 instead. The meticolous process poured into homemade snacks make it generally acceptable to charge more.

Reminder: Set a fixed budget for your snacks. Focus on amplifying the quality of your party rather than the food.

GET RID OF THE BAD MOJO

Sales are everywhere! Instead of spending your hard-earned money on shopping, put your unused energy into good use. Get rid of the unpleasant mojo from the years past by employing something similar to “spring cleaning”. Tidy up your entire home thoroughly with your family. It is important to keep your broom, vacuum, and mop before the CNY too.

Remember: Superstition dictates that whatever you do during the CNY season will characterize how you will live through the following 12 months. This is why you must keep your home and finances in order. For instance, you must avoid borrowing money in the first two weeks of 2017.

ALLOCATE FUNDS FOR ANG BAO

Red packet or Ang Bao will grace the country once more to mark the first day of the CNY. It exudes “good luck” and is supposed to ward off the evil spirits. The red packet contains as low as S$2 and as high as S$200 on average.

Married couples are usually the ones to distribute the red packets to single people. Now, let us discuss how much money shall be put inside. A red packet containing a minimum of S$2 to S$20 is appropriate to give for children, while it ranges from about S$8 to S$88 for parents. You may give the same amount of money to your friends or colleagues’ children as you did with your own children.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Reminder: Innocent children are likely to misplace the red packets. Give the money directly to the parents instead.

Sources: 1, 2 &,3

Chinese New Year Deals That You Do Not Want To Skip

Chinese New Year 2017 (CNY) is merely 8 days away. Abundant food, bright decorations, family reunions, and little red packets will grace Singapore once more.

Here are some of the exciting deals that you do not want to miss:

REWARDING DINING EXPERIENCE

Singaporean families generally usher the Chinese New Year with the warm presence of each other. Gatherings and reunions occur from the first until the second day of the CNY. This is why your dining expenses may be overwhelming. Fortunately, Standard Chartered Bank has your back!

Standard Chartered lets you savor a hearty feast with the “2017 Chinese New Year Dining Cashback Promotion”. Enjoy 15% cashback when you charge your registered credit card from now until February 28, 2017 (T&Cs apply).

HARMONIOUS FAMILY GATHERINGS

Speaking of the eating dynamics, CNY festivities will not be complete without the perfect Yu Sheng. Yu Sheng or Prosperity Toss consists of raw fish strips fused with shredded veggies and varied sauces. Its traditionally consumed during CNY in Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Celebrate the promising “Year of The Rooster” in a true Blue Lotus style by taking advantage of its communal-style set menus. Families and companies are welcome to try the Harmony (about S$68/person), Prosperity (about S$88/person), and Longevity (S$108/person). Each set begins with the Tea-Smoked Norwegian Salmon Yu Sheng. It will be followed by other dishes that were crafted by the highly acclaimed Owner and Chef Ricky Ng. Reserve a spot by calling +65 6339 0880.

ONE-STOP SHOP FOR THE ESSENTIALS

Dreaming about getting your supply of delectable goodies and festive decorations in one spot? Turn your last-minute fantasy into reality by hopping to the “TANGS Chinese New Year Fair” at the VivoCity Central Court.

Feast your eyes and taste buds as you travel through the busy ailes. Maximize your wallet’s capacity by participating in the “Festive Lucky Draw” for a chance to win attractive prizes. Almost all of the shops inside the mall are currently having their CNY promotions as well.

LUCKY YEAR OF THE ROOSTER

Sentosa boasts a goldmine of exciting activities and picturesque landscapes. It holds a special place in my heart as I visited the island during special occasions. Why shall CNY be any different? For starters, they are rewarding selected individuals.

Image Credits: facebook.com/sentosaofficial

Locals and Permanent Residents born in the Rooster Year shall rejoice! Simply present your IC at the Sentosa Station redemption booth from this Saturday to Sunday to reap free Island Admission Ticket and Singapore Cable Car Sky Pass. You can enjoy these rewards between January 28 to 30, 2017 (T&Cs apply).

How Frugal People Can Save On Home Improvements

Many people dream of reinventing their nests to blissfully usher the New Year. Whether you intend to make DIY projects or something massive, you will need more money and consideration.

On that note, here are four tips to help you save as much of your hard earned cash as you possibly can:

WHY WALLPAPER MAY NOT DO THE TRICK

Owing to its unique geographical location near the equator, Singapore experiences a tropical climate characterized with high humidity and abundant rainfall. It is not advisable to decorate your walls with wallpaper as the distinct climate can make it discolored or curled up.

Bestowing your walls with wallpaper is not only expensive, but it can also face the risk of discontinuation of products. You will have to endure the sight of inconsistent patterns or the hefty cost of redoing your entire flat. Prevent this from happening by opting for painting instead.

PLAN YOUR BUDGET IN ADVANCE

Planning ahead can be a lifesaver! Just imagine a driver who ignored the steps of adjusting the side mirrors, locking the doors, and fastening the seat belt. Accidents occur everyday and you must not take the risk. It may seem rehearsed or limiting at first glance. But, you will reap its benefits soon after.

Know what renovations you desire to make. Getting a LED mirror might be more cost effective than buying a separate light to pair with your mirror. Prevent going beyond what you can realistically afford by researching the costs of the materials and labor. Shop around the physical and virtual stores if you have to! Lastly, add a cushion of at least 20% to your intended spending. Say you want to repaint your walls for S$2,000. Be prepared to spend about S$2,400 as additional costs may rise.

SHOP DURING SALES AND CLEARANCES

Frequent your local home improvement, hardware, and home decor stores as much as possible. Expect that your first couple of trips can be overwhelming. You may not find significant bargains right away! Do not give up just yet.

Take your time to review the prices of the materials or products that you intend to buy and compare these with the online retailers. For instance, Horme Hardware has an ongoing “Chinese New Year Promotion” until January 18, 2017. Shoppers will be rewarded with free delivery.

NEGOTIATE WITH THE CONTRACTORS

Before committing to a team of contractors, negotiate well to earn the best deal. Avoid partnering with contractors who offer insanely low prices for their services. You may end up hiring a different contractor to fix the flaws of your previous contractor. Follow your common sense! It may know when things are getting “too shady”.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Collect at least three quotations from reputable contractors in Singapore. Then, discuss about the probable discounts that can compete with the raging market.

Sources: 1 & 2

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