SINGAPORE AIRLINES BUSINESS CLASS EXPERIENCE!

Hello everyone! If you follow my Instagram them you should know that I just got back from my latest trip which was Singapore and I couldn't wait to blog about so many stuff that I experienced in Singapore, it's almost like...mandatory because they're informative and you're gonna love it!

Recently, I got quite a few questions regarding to the business class and first class flights. In my life, I've been flying regularly with SQ but probably 6-7 times in total that I flew business class. For me, business class is mandatory for long haul flights, trust me, all those extra money you spent on a good comfort is such a worthy investment. This time I am going to be blogging about my experience flying business with Singapore Airlines.

First of all I am going to tell you here why you should fly business or first (as long as you can afford it).
1. COMFORT

The comfort issue is like a general-kept secret, it's clearly valid that the business class seats are more (or way more) comfortable comparing to the economy class. I happened to fly business again on my current Australia trip that I am experiencing and since I flew SQ, I need to fly to Singapore, waited for the transit time then continue the flight, in total I could be on the plane for almost 9 hours and I really do need that comfort, especially after being exhausted and a little mood swing. Personally, I couldn't sleep while sitting down, unless I am very tired but eventually waking up to a sore and tired neck, one of the advantages of flying business class for long haul flights is that (thank goodness) the seats could be transformed into your own personal bed...and I have more stories to share on the upcoming post!

2. FASTER IMMIGRATION

If you don't like waiting (like I do) then having your own immigration line on a more convenient venue just couldn't be better, especially when your schedule's quite tight or for some reasons you happen to be late.

3. UPGRADED SERVICE

Not saying that the economy class service is terrible or means nothing but they just have the standard,  I mean, you're getting what you paid for, and me talking about the food and beverage service. Aside from that, just for the information, the first and business class passengers are given the access to board first so that you won't have to worry while pacing with the luggage and cabins.

4. LOVE YOURSELF
It's not about the social class, I don't really care about that, I care more about my own comfort which then leads to personal health, love yourself darling. Business class flights are not only a lifestyle, it's an option.

Since I am flying business class to Singapore from Jakarta which means a short flight, I got the 2-2-2 seating and the plane's just slightly smaller than the one I used to fly to Australia (make sure you get the single seating because you're going to have more space for yourself and more on that on the upcoming post).

Asked the friendly cabin crews for a photo and look at that, an ad campaign material already.

Champagne to kick things off. They're using the high quality champagne as you can tell from the champagne "stamps" left on the glass as you carefully shake the glass. The cabin crews usually come to you and ask if you want champagne or other options (ex: juices) but since I want to have the champagne and for photo purposes too (since it's VERY business), I went with the champagne! SQ's business class ticket has this blue header while the economy's green and the first class is maroon.

This headphone amplifies the music nicely!

The meal menu should be somewhere at the cabinet (printed on a blue paper) and the meal in business class are usually set menus, so you're going to have appetizer, main course and dessert but all served on the same time, on a tray and presented beautifully (I consider this beautiful for inflight service). You're going to have your folded table covered in white table clothing first before the tray. The menu could be various but for business class, it should be the mix between western and asian menus and you can only choose . I was in the mood for seafood so I ended up ordering poached salmon with potatoes and greens. The poached salmon was unbelievably good, just perfectly cooked with tender meat, that silky and pink inner and seasoned as nice as well! I highly recommend this if you happen to find this on the menu on your flight. Till then, good luck!

But don't forget that they have this "book the cook" menu on their website you can pre-order your meal how you want it. It's classy but flexible enough just how I love it!

Right behind the inflight service, there will also be another cabin crew holding the bread basket and you could choose your own breads as much as you want (but don't forget to be ashamed at certain points). I went with the garlic butter bread and the dessert was bread pudding. The butter was fragrant, proper cheesy just how I like it and had this strong garlic-ish flavor to it while the bread pudding was sweet and kinda clean my palate a bit. Right after your meal, you're going to be asked if you want some tea or coffee and unexpectedly, their coffee wasn't bad at all, I honestly quite liked it.

The most mandatory shot of the whole entry!

Truth be told, I wasn't setting any high expectations for the food, just because it's in flight meal that's being reheated but I was very impressed with the quality that they're bringing, food was fresh and delightful along with the awesome five-star service. So far everything's indeed on board and I had no complaints along the way. Thank you Singapore Airlines and crew for the awesome flight!

I don't always flight business class, that's what needs to be underlined but as long as I can afford it and with all the reasons mentioned above, I will try my best to book myself one, it's mandatory.

I'll share more pictures and stories from my other business class flights, but till then, follow me on Instagram for the daily updates! Thanks for reading. Ciao!

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HONG TANG Grand Indonesia

The Taiwanese dessert scene in Jakarta hasn't going down in any minute, and Hong Tang is the big player in the game. I don't think it's necessary for me to talk about this mega brand as it's clearly, and I mean clearly... the most popular in the range, and in a range of just 1,5 years (after officially turning to Hong Tang), they have outlets spread all over the J-town and welcoming its newest outlet in Grand Indonesia! If you think it's too far for you to go to PIK, Central Park or even SMS just for some bowls of desserts, here comes the one in GI, just smart smart move!

Located just next to ChaTime at the 3rd floor of east mall area, this particular outlet's slightly smaller than their usual outlet, but they have "outdoor" seating, in total, approximately 40 people could fit the whole venue. There's nothing new and currently no promotion (at least when I went there) and nearly everything was just the same, just different location.

I finally found something that's WAY BETTER than the #28 I usually order, I'm kinda tired of the #28 but don't want to explore until my fellow foodie Eddy told me to order #38 with extra Dou Hua (soft beancurd) and Mochi and boy I got hooked! It was more joyous and yet delicious than #28 and I mean it, the thing is you just have to mix everything before you have a scoop and it was a true delight and MUST ONLY USE VANILLA ICE CREAM! Loving the scent of the mochi along with the sweet flavor from the Soya ice and a little texture play from the Do Hua and its flavor just balance out everything! Must must order!

If you're still into the Taiwanese dessert and (still) a fan of Hong Tang, then this is something you shouldn't miss. Please do me a favor when you come here, order the freaking #38!

HONG TANG

Grand Indonesia East Mall 3rd fl.

Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1

Jakarta Pusat 10310

Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM

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Map for Grand Indonesia

Bankara Ramen Jakarta

This one I nearly lose hope because I have been waiting for it to OPEN and the fact that they're finally opening was beyond joy! It's said to be opening in Lotte Shopping Avenue in December 2013 but it didn't open, I went back in January praying it would open but again, it didn't. I poured my heart out on February waiting for it to be opened at least on the effin Valentine's day, expectedly enough, didn't open... until I eventually got tired and hung my heart and cheated on other ramens, until finally on the late April (or early May - didn't know), it served its first bowl and not until late May that I got the chance to actually try them!

Never knew I could be so obsessed with ramen FML. No, seriously there's something about how most of the times they set the store half-done almost half of the year that got probably not only me, but everyone who passed by wondering...then hopes faded *sigh*. This Tokyo-based ramen is now making its expansion in J-town and ready to serve you what they got! Originally they have few international stores spread in cities like Tokyo, KL and Bangkok and I am personally glad every time I see new ramen houses opening in Jakarta, even though honestly, most of the times I presume the taste is not going to be much different than the rest.

Didn't take any interior pictures on my visit, was STARVING and beside so crowded on the weekend, but what I could tell you is that it was not exactly spacious and they got major wood material applied on the whole outlet to live up the Japanese ambiance.

Buta Gyoza
IDR 33k
The gyoza skin had good consistency, just the right thickness and the golden crisp color on the surface, but I must say that overall, the flavor was just okay, the filling was fresh tho, but I didn't find this to be anything special, guessing they're lacking on the basic seasoning like the salt and the garlic flavor was a little strong! Woof!

Kakuni Tonkotsu Ramen
IDR 95k
Okay, to be completely honest, I was so freaking scared of this! Just look at the amount of pork fats all over the broth, I think most people would agree that this is not a completely healthy feast but still, it's one hell of a feast! The creamy broth was actually very tasty and that savoriness of the pork bone was very delicate and I kinda liked the noodle's texture, for me it's chewy enough. One portion of this consist of a slice of chasiu, I didn't find the chasiu to be the most tender and it was a thin cut, but on the other hand, the pork chunk was HUGE! (photo below) and tender, tasty, nicely seasoned and this one's an exception because I love the juicy pork fat :).

I was going to say that I spent more calories separating the fat from the broth rather than eating it but it would sound completely hyperbolic. I was not sure if it's the fat or the pork chunk that made one portion to be a little pricier.

Order one Cold Ocha (IDR 12k) to accompany the lunch!

Will I come back? Well I would love to go back and try their versions of Tonkotsu ramen because they were running out of stock back then (was my first choice actually), simply wondering if their version of Tonkotsu could whip the asses of the already existing ramen houses or the opposite *smirk*. In a nutshell, if you are a hardcore ramen lover and wanna get adventurous with it, then Bankara is certainly not a wrong choice! Blend yourself with the variety, what's good about their ramen is that they serve what I never really see in other ramen houses and in a way, it was a good one but as I am typing this I keep on looking at the fats on the broth -.-. Ok gotta sign off now! Ciao!

Bankara Ramen
Ciputra World-Lotte Shopping Avenue 3rd fl.
Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav. 3-5
Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan 12940
021 - 2951 9966
Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM

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Map for Bankara Ramen Jakarta

Festival Jajanan Bango 2014

Bet this particular event needs no more introduction, it's like one of the most famous and happening culinary events in Indonesia and has been around the scene for years since 2005. I came to their event last year in Gelora Bung Karno and it was super packed with people and of course...delicious treats!

Whenever I travel, I feel like I am good enough in showing how beautiful a country is and this post got me excited because this time I am showing you the beauty of my own beloved country, INDONESIA! Specifically on its culinary scene! Now this you have to emphasize.

Okay, to be completely honest, my family has been a consumer of Bango for a long long time, it's just that the branding and of course the quality stick with me and family, it's just the perfect soysauce to make "Semur" or "Nasi Goreng" (fried rice) or possibly everything!

This year, Festival Jajanan Bango 2014 was held in Parkir Timur Senayan and of course, this was an event worth coming and sweatingfor, just when the gate opened at 9AM sharp, people have been queueing the whole time just like the scene when you’re watching those fanatics with their favorite idols, only this time, at least they didn’t sleep over on the road. This year happened to be no exception, it was super duper crowded! Let’s put it this way, when will you have the chance to try a lot of delicious Indonesian food with friendly prices if not here? I barely spent A LOT! Everything was just delicious... cheap but definitely doesn’t cheesy.

Nuff yakking! PHOTOS!

Uh-maze-ment! Impressed by people's creativity to turn something that's supposed to be useless to a complete useful! Let's all go green!

...and they were honestly not bad.

My favorites must the "Sunlight" umbrella and "Kecap Bango" luggage.

I went to this event exactly few hours after I landed to Jakarta from London, was a long flight, and I happen to re-learn something, Jakarta was so freaking humid my man! I barely even sweat in the UK, but somehow I kinda miss the sun but after loads of people packing the whole area, I almost felt like I wanted to faint!

directory board

Main stage, this show was supported with live performances from local celebs and traditional acts!

There were around 65 booths ready to serve you the best of Indonesia’s authentic feast heritage from western to eastern part of Indonesia, well that’s actually their theme of this year and what’s the point of coming without actually trying? Such a waste.

From the western part of Indonesia, you’ll find famous names like: Mie Aceh Sabang, Sate Padang Ajo Ramon (like CRAZY GOOD fyi), Soto Padang Hayuda and Martabak Kubang Hayuda. From the central part of Indonesia, you’ll find Tengkleng Klewer Ibu Edi Solo, Sate Jamur Cak Oney Yogyakarta, Sate Klatak Mak Adi Yogyakarta, Nasi Pindang Pak Ndut Semarang, Oseng-Oseng Mercon Ibu Narti Yogyakarta, Mie Kocok Mas Edy Cirebon, Tahu Tek Telor Cek Kahar Surabaya, Lontong Balap Pak Gendut Surabaya, Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih Jakarta, Nasi Ulam Misjaya, Nasi Uduk Ayam Goreng Haji Saman Jakarta, Soto Tangkar Haji Achmad Mochtar Jakarta, Bubur Ase “Bang Lopi” Betawi, Bebek Kaleyo (SO GOOD, didn’t try it here but tried it straight at their outlet), Gudeg Asli Jogja & Ayam Goreng Kalasan Ibu Laminten (also another bomb!), and last but definitely not least, from the eastern part of Indonesia, you’ll find names like Sop Konro Depot Makassar, Ikan Parape Tradisional Nenek Moyang, Soto Taliwang Bersaudara, Ayam Bakar Taliwang Bersaudara, Ayam Bakar Bali Qui, and Dapur Mama Thia (owned by Indonesian celebrity Cynthia Lamusu). Okay, lots of choices causing me dilema, which ones did I happen to choose? Wanted to try everything but I have limited space of tummy!!! Here they were...

Tahu Tek Telor Cek Kahar Surabaya

IDR 20k

Why I chose this? Well simply because I am such a craze when it comes to Tahu Telor! (egg and soya beancurd). Something that’s actually very simple, kind of easy to do it at home and of course with cheap ingredients! History said that this particular brand already made its way to fame and fortune since 1960 and has been one of the most famous local brand for Tahu Telor in Surabaya. Presentation and flavor wise. LOVE IT! If you haven’t had Tahu Telor before, well technically inside you’ll find slices of rice cakes, soya beancurd, fried potato and all mixed together with egg and pan fried. SO GOOD! Everything was cooked perfectly, the eggs were crunchy without being over-burnt and the soya beancurds were so smooth, what makes everything better was the peanut sauce and the crunchy crackers (so bloody Indonesian).  This was a 20k worth spent!

Soto Kudus Pak Kauman

IDR 20k

Soto is one kind of Indonesian food served with soup (could be chicken or beef) and each area has their own way of presentation. This one happened to be one of my personal favorites, the broth was so fragrant and tasty! I just learned that apparently they served chicken’s liver with Soto Kudus, talk about knowledge being expanded! If you demand rice + soup, this could be a great choice because most Soto Kudus do have rice inside the soto... in a nutshell, another 20k worth spending!

For every purchase of food or desserts here, you'll get one coupon worth one pocket of Bango soysauce pouch size, kind of good deal actually, and for every five collected, you can redeem with one shot at photobooth with printed photo to take home. 

Nasi Campur Bali

IDR 20k
I was expecting more about this particular dish because I actually found this a little dry and plain, but one thing I did love that totally kicks off the whole thing was their Sambal Matah, seriously one of the yummiest Sambal Matah, if they could gave a little something-something to the overall flavor, this could be really good.

Risol Setan Tanah Abang

IDR 10k
As in for the snacks/appetizer, this one is certainly a must try! I LOVE THIS ONE, this one was again...very simple but the flavor was just oozing especially that light nut sauce dressed all over the Risol, as for the filling, you'll find minced chicken, potato and carrot. Best part? For only a freaking 10k you'll get three pieces, so risolable! (not even a word).

Es Duren Teh Iteung

IDR 12k

Usually anything with durian could be pretty expensive but this one for IDR 12k, I got two big chunks of Durian and I kinda like the soup, very light with durian flavor infused and guessing a little coconut milk. Recommended.

I really don't understand why some people don't like durian, probably just as confusing as why I don't like cheese.

The wafer was made from banana and you could have it as much as you want!

Es Teh Sari Wangi

IDR 3k ONLY!

Needs to description!

And some others...

Tahu Petis Yudhistira, wanted to try this but the long queue scene got me tired already, this was probably the one with the longest freaking queue, it’s amazing how people were so commited with soya beancurds LOL.

Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih Jakarta
I have eaten this before and this was pretty decent, the overall flavor was tasty and the mutton was given pretty generously, maybe I was just lucky.

I ordered around 5 courses plus one dessert and guess what? I only spent less than a freaking IDR 100k! Cheap as hell! Tummy's happy too!

EATANDTREATS GUIDE TO FESTIVAL JAJANAN BANGO 2014!
Ladies and gentlemen, it's important that you read the following list of eatandtreats guide to Festival Jajanan Bango 2014!
- Dress for comfort
Trust me, there is NO point of showing up looking all dolled up, you'll probably ended up having melting flesh and fading makeup, because the venue was outdoor and totally humid, so dress for comfort and if you want to put on some make up then put a natural light one, this suggestion came from my sister who happened to visit the event on the same day.

- Bring an umbrella
Again for the same reason, HUMIDITY! If you bother about your fair skin then I guess you should bring one, bringing the umbrella is to also prevent you from the pouring rain, just in case.

- Prepare cash
Cash is THE ONLY payment method here so before heading to the event, make sure you have some cash with you.

- Bring your camera
This may not the must do, but it's never wrong to document potentially happy moments :D.

Well I hope that this event will be held each and every single year and I suggested that they created it for a few days instead of "one day event", just because I am a living witness of how people were so excited for this kind of event! Indonesian food may not be the most photogenic out there but flavor wise, I am pretty sure that they will lie on the “top notch”, if not... “the best” lists. It’s just that if people care so much about Indonesian food getting recognized and deserve a recognition, they do need a lot of support, especially from the Jakartan themselves.

It’s an everyday proof that western themed restaurants are dominating the scene right now, step your feet at PIK or Senopati or Panglima Polim of wherever that is the so-called hotspot right now, and you’ll see French restaurants, Western restaurants, Italian restaurants, dessert places, I wouldn’t lie saying that I don’t like them, I love them for some reasons, but also for some reasons, those Indonesian food deserve a worldwide recognition!

What I am doing right here might just be the tip of the iceberg (in a good way), but I am happy to put on this effort!

In case you miss the event in Jakarta and you happen to be in these cities, here's to another chance for you to join the crowd! *cheers*.

MAKASSAR // 24 May 2014 – Fort Rotterdam

&

MEDAN // 7 June 2014 – Lapangan Benteng

Thank you Kecap Bango for creating such event, that’s very... genius of you!

...and hereby, yours truly want to declare...

I AM INDONESIAN AND I FREAKING LOVE INDONESIAN FOOD!

Check out their Website, Facebook Page and Twitter Page for more info!

STAY HUNGRY AND DON'T WASTE YOUR TUMMY WITH BAD FOOD!

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