Value Buy: Honey (or Honey Bee) Mango from Thailand

If you're in Singapore, now's the time to buy mangoes if you love them.

The fabulous Honey Mangoes or Honey Bee Mangoes from Thailand are going for really reasonable prices, under $0.90 per mango in 'buy 2' or 'buy 3' deals (my mum found a $1.35 for 2 deal in a supermarket recently, but that's probably exceptional).

The best thing about this variety is that the flesh is sweet and smooth (not fibrous). And they taste great even when they're still firm and mostly green. This mango turns yellower as it ripens.

Small wonder then that shoppers have been snapping these mangoes up!

Cafe Cartel After-9-pm half price cakes

I don't think I've mentioned this before but a few friends and I meet at Plaza Singapura quite often. And what do we do after dinner? Adjourn to Cafe Cartel, where they have a 50% discount on cakes after 9 pm. That works out to around $3 (inclusive of taxes, etc.) per slice. A comfy place to chat, at a price less than what you'd pay at a bakery. A good deal, really.

Daiso, $2 Shop that's a Fun Browse

First, a disclaimer. I don't work for Daiso. It's just that it's one of my favourite places to wander around here in Singapore.

Billed as "Japan's No 1 ranking livingware supplier", it's a fantastic place for picking up gifts and gift packaging, craft supplies, materials for d-i-y projects, gardening stuff, stationery, and all kinds of household items - crockery, cleaning materials, containers, etc.

All at $2 per item, which in most cases represent really good value, since the quality is acceptable to great. (The items certainly do not look cheap; they look like they should be worth much more than $2)

What I really like about Daiso also: they sell intriguing Japanese items. When I go there, I often pick up something, and wonder... what on earth is this for? (Can't help it, I'm a nerd at heart). The descriptions are often in Japanese, so it's another challenge trying to figure it out from the pictures. One time I was there, I learnt that, apparently, the Japanese make use of little picks for labelling their lunch. Cute.

Branches:
My favourite Daiso branch is the one at IMM Jurong - it' the largest one. But nearer to the centre of Singapore, you'll also find Daiso at VivoCity (good selection, but narrow aisles make shopping not as comfortable as the one at IMM) and Plaza Singapura (the smallest one).

Cheap-and-Good "Siew Mai" (chinese dumpling)

If you love Siew Mai, my family found a yummy version selling at the supermarket -- Sin Mui Heng Fish & Shrimp Siew Mai. My family finds it at least as good as the siew mai you can get the food court, and it costs you 70-80% less.

For the rest of my post, go here:

http://crookedturret.wordpress.com/2008/06/06/insingapore-cheap-and-good-siew-mai-chinese-dumpling/

Value Buy: Roti Prata (also called Roti Canai in Malaysia)

Finding trouble getting good Roti Prata these days? Or, if the roti prata is great, crisp and puffy, the curry that's served with it is diluted and substandard?

Just look to the supermarket.

My family likes the Spring Home Roti Paratha (SGD2.40 for a pack of 5). They're really easy to keep (stick it in the freezer until you're ready to eat it) and prepare (pan-fry from frozen). Tip: After frying, scrunch the roti prata for a softer texture.

Fairprice also has its own house brand roti prata. Doesn't taste as good as the ones by Spring Home, but still better than many roti prata you find these days. And they're even cheaper.

The only thing with buying these frozen packs is that you have to prepare the curry yourself. But the good news is: it's not difficult to make a curry. Browse the internet for simple curry recipes, and experiment until you find a version that you like.

You can also try eating roti prata with ice-cream (yum!) or fruits. And I enjoy roti prata with jam as well.