Welcome to Da Bao Diaries, a column dedicated to what Time Out Singapore's editors are eating and drinking at home. Da bao is a Singaporean colloquialism derived from Mandarin that refers to having a meal to go instead of dining in at an establishment.
With the dining out ban in full swing, the team at Time Out Singapore is bringing Da Bao Diaries back. This week, sample an array of Asian-inspired creations – from the Japanese-influenced treats from Jypsy to fusion burgers glazed with tongue-tingling mala spices.
Jypsy
Let the flavours of Japan come to you via Jypsy’s delivery and take-out menu. The food comes inspired by the Land of the Rising Sun, sprinkled with local touches to make for hearty creations that feel familiar yet novel. The Udon Goreng ($20.88) is a prime example: the noodle dish, reminiscent of mie goreng, comes with chewy strands coated in homemade chunky chilli oil and spice-scented sauce. Slices of charred char siu on the side make for a smokey accompaniment. Other convenient one-bowl meals feature katsu curry rice with Kagoshima pork cutlet ($23.02), fried rice cooked with wagyu beef drippings ($28.37), and more.
Or try the Jypsy Cali ($18.74), its take on the usual California roll. Besides the requisite avocado and cucumber, pickled crab is also stuffed within to lend brine and brightness, alongside red yuzu pepper and a sprinkling of shirasu or dried sakura shrimp. Choose to swap seafood with fillings of Japanese eggplant and roasted peppers in a vegetarian Smokey Nasu ($13.39).
And after savouring the boldly flavoured mains, the smooth, jiggly tofu cheesecake ($11.25) perfumed with yuzu will provide the tartness and sweetness needed to refresh the palette.
Minimum order None
Delivery fee $20, free for orders above $50
Order here jypsy.oddle.me/en_SG
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
For days when you’re craving a juicy stack, the gourmet creations from Sofitel Singapore City Centre will satisfy. There are two options to choose from: The French Burger ($29.90) is a luxurious take on the classic dish; wagyu beef patty comes with a delightful pink centre (despite the travel distance), and comes layered with green peppercorn sauce, smoked Comte cheese, and sautéed white button mushrooms. Thick-cut fries, with truffle-scented mayonnaise, helps complete this meal.
Mala Szechuan Burger ($29.90) packs gentle heat. Roasted corn-fed chicken thigh comes dripping in mala sauce, while the unusual addition of sautéed bok choy adds crunch to each bite. On the side, spice-coated fries are served with Sichuan mayonnaise.
Not in the mood for burgers? The hotel’s delivery site brings together a mix of flavours of the East and West, which means you can sample deep-fried frog legs ($28) and lobster Hokkien noodles ($34) with eggs Benedict ($12) and risotto ($35) in a single sitting.
Minimum order $50
Delivery fee $10
Order here sofitelsingaporecitycentre.oddle.me/en_SG