Latest news with #Thai-style
The Sun
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Popular Ipoh food vendor defends RM35 Khao Mok chicken rice pricing following online criticism
A Malaysian man recently criticised a popular food vendor based in Ipoh, Perak, for allegedly charging exorbitant prices for a Thai-style chicken and rice dish. The vendor, Dania Sedek, previously went viral in 2023 for selling an omelette dish priced at RM13. Sharing his frustration on Threads, the man urged local businesses to stop 'normalising' inflated prices for what is essentially a simple dish. In a screenshot attached to the post, the Khao Mok-style chicken with rice, served with sauce and toppings, was priced at RM35 — labelled as the 'tour price'. 'Yes, you can say I'm not the target market. If one cannot afford it, then don't buy it,' he wrote. He also warned that other vendors may follow suit and increase their prices, encouraged by the support and hype such businesses receive. On TikTok, Dania received pushback over the pricing, with the comments echoing similar sentiments as the man. Dania has since responded to these comments in another TikTok post, justifying the expensive pricing by stating the use of good quality ingredients, hygienic food preparation and fair wages for her staff. She further explained that her establishment does not 'mark up' costs at a whim and only prices her food following the actual value she and her team have 'worked on'. 'We understand that not everyone will agree but we are confident that once customers taste the food themselves, looking at several aspects, InsyaAllah, they will understand why,' she concluded the TikTok video.
What's On
a day ago
- What's On
31 of the best summer staycation offers in the UAE
Staycation in the UAE are endless and now that the summer is heating up, there are unlimited staycation offers to choose from whether you want ultra-luxury, or a fun break with the kids. Address Dubai Mall, Dubai Stay in the city's beating heart at Address Dubai Mall. Guests receive 10% off the best available rate, two complimentary tickets to an Emaar attraction (like Dubai Aquarium or Skyview Observatory), and access to a Burj Khalifa-facing pool. Offer valid until end of September. Location: Address Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai Dates: Until September 30, 2025 Offer: 10% off + 2 attraction tickets + pool access Rates from: Dhs1,189 Contact: (0)4 245 8888 | @addressdubaimall Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort Set on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Anantara The Palm offers a luxurious island-inspired escape with overwater villas, lagoon-access rooms, award-winning dining, and a serene Thai-style spa. With the summer staycation offer, Exclusive GCC & UAE Resident Special , guests enjoy up to 25% off rooms and villas, daily breakfast, and discounts across dining, spa, and activities. Location: Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Dates: June to September 2025 Offer: Up to 25% off rooms + breakfast + resort-wide discounts Contact: (0)4 567 8999 | @anantaradubai Anantara World Islands, Dubai Escape to a private island paradise at Anantara World Islands with 40% off best available rates, optional daily breakfast, and a resort credit of up to Dhs750. Choose from ocean-view suites or villas with private pools. Location: Anantara World Islands Resort, Dubai Dates: Summer 2025 Offer: 40% off + breakfast + up to Dhs750 credit Rates from: Dhs1,300 Contact: (0)4 567 8777 | @anantaraworldislandsdubai Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal Choose between two icons. UAE residents get 25% off at Atlantis The Palm or 20% off at Atlantis The Royal, with unlimited access to Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers. Location: Atlantis Resorts, Palm Jumeirah Dates: Summer 2025 Offer: Up to 25% off + unlimited attraction access Rates from: Dhs1,225 Contact: @atlantisthepalm | @atlantistheroyal Bab Al Shams, Dubai Set in the heart of the golden Al Marmoom desert, Bab Al Shams is a timeless retreat blending heritage with luxury. This summer, enjoy 25% off rooms and suites or 20% off villas, with a gourmet breakfast buffet at Zala, a Dhs250 resort credit for spa and leisure activities, plus complimentary falconry and camel rides. Location: Bab Al Shams, Al Marmoom Desert, Dubai Dates: Summer 2025 Offer: Up to 25% off and 30% off dining, plus Dhs250 daily resort credit Rates from: Dhs900 Contact: (0)4 809 6100 | @babalshamshotel FIVE LUXE, JBR Whether you're after a buzzing pool scene, a private sky villa for sky-high pool parties, or an action-packed playcation, your perfect Dubai stay awaits at FIVE LUXE. Book direct and enjoy a complimentary night with Pay 3, Stay 4 , plus exclusive summer perks designed for longer, more luxurious escapes. Location: FIVE LUXE, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Dates: Now until end of summer 2025 Offer: Pay 3, Stay 4, early check-in/late check-out and 20% off spa treatments Contact: (0)4 275 9999 | @fiveluxejbr Grand Hyatt Dubai Unwrap a dreamy city escape this summer at Grand Hyatt Dubai. GCC Residents and Nationals can enjoy an exclusive staycation with 20% off room rates, 20% off dining at selected restaurants, and 20% off selected spa treatments. Start each day with a complimentary buffet breakfast and make the most of a luxurious getaway in the heart of the city. Booking Code: GCC20 Location: Grand Hyatt Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai Dates: Valid all summer for GCC Residents & Nationals Offer: 20% off rooms, dining & spa and breakfast included Contact: (0)4 317 1234 | @grandhyattdubai Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City Turn your summer into a story worth sharing with Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City's Stay Longer & Save More offer. Book a 5-night stay and enjoy 2 complimentary nights, plus daily breakfast for the whole family. Located in the heart of the city, this urban escape includes exclusive perks like beach access, discounted La Perle show tickets, 10% off dining, 25% off Silk Spa treatments, and fun for the kids with a club and outdoor pools. Location: Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Dates: June to September 2025 Offer: Book 5 nights, get 2 free + breakfast + resort-wide discounts & experiences Contact: (o)4 437 3333 | @hiltondubaiahc Hilton Dubai The Palm Soak up sun and luxury at Hilton Dubai The Palm with early check-in at 11am, Dhs200 F&B credit, breakfast, late check-out at 4pm, and 20% off dining and spa. Book by September 26 for stays until September 27. Location: Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah Dates: Until September 27, 2025 Offer: Dhs200 F&B credit, early/late check-in, 20% off dining and spa Rates from: Dhs650 Contact: (0)4 230 0000 | @hiltondubaipalm Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights Step into a thoughtfully curated city escape with Creekside Nights at Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights. This summer, UAE residents can enjoy a relaxing stay with complimentary amenities, daily buffet breakfast at Sufra, and a three-course dinner at the lively La Tablita Mexican restaurant. Make the most of your stay with early check-in from 10 AMor late check-out until 3pm, subject to availability. Promo code: StayC Location: Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, Dubai Healthcare City Dates: June to September 2025 Offer: Breakfast + three-course dinner + welcome amenities + flexible check-in/out Contact: (0)4 553 1234 | @hyattregencydubaicreek JA The Resort, Dubai Go big on your family break with the JAcation offer at JA The Resort. Get up to 30% off stays, 20% off dining, 20% off spa and activities, and complimentary stays for kids. Early check-in and late check-out subject to availability. Location: JA The Resort, Jebel Ali, Dubai Dates: Summer 2025 Offer: Up to 30% off stays, 20% off dining, 20% off spa, kids stay free and resort-wide discounts Rates from: Dhs440 Contact: (0)4 814 5555 | @jatheresort NH Collection Dubai The Palm Turn your family break into a playful summer escape at NH Collection Dubai The Palm. With the Summer Playcation offer, guests enjoy private beach access, daily buffet breakfast and dinner at Maiora, and fun-filled afternoons at the View 180 rooftop pool. Kids are in for a treat with unlimited complimentary ice cream served daily from 2 to 3pm, while adults can unwind with a Dhs100 spa voucher. Upon arrival, spin the wheel for a chance to win exclusive surprises, and enjoy thoughtful in-room welcome amenities. Families also get access to the Kids' Club and Premium Lounge, with scheduled activities running from 10am to 6pm daily—making it the perfect staycation for every member of the family. Location: NH Collection Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah Dates: Until August 31, 2025 Offer: Daily breakfast, Dhs100 spa voucher Rates: Starting from Dhs555 Contact: (0)4 549 7777 | @nhcollectiondubaithepalm One&Only The Palm, Dubai Indulge in a luxurious summer retreat with Dhs500 resort credit for suite bookings and Dhs1,000 for villas. Extras include complimentary child stays, complimentary sundowners, and daily waterpark access. See the offer here. Location: One&Only The Palm, Palm Jumeirah Dates: Summer 2025 Offer: Credit + child perks + daily waterpark access Suite rates from: Dhs3,510 Contact: (0)4 440 1010 | @oothepalm SIRO, One Za'abeel, Dubai Located in the iconic One Za'abeel development, SIRO is Dubai's first fitness and recovery hotel, offering a sleek, wellness-focused urban escape and they now have some summer staycation offers. With the GCC Urban Retreat package, residents of any Gulf country get 20% off the best available room rate and dining across One Za'abeel, plus unlimited access to the Garden pool and all SIRO workout classes. Location: SIRO, One Za'abeel, Dubai Dates: Ongoing (GCC resident offer) Offer: 20% off rooms and dining + pool and class access Contact: (0)4 666 4444 | @siroonezaabeel SLS Dubai Check into a sleek skyscraper escape at SLS Dubai with a stay in a signature king room, a 60-minute massage for two at Ciel Spa, and access to the sky pool Privilege and thermal areas. Offer available until September 30. Location: SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, Business Bay Dates: Until September 30, 2025 Offer: Room + spa treatment for two + pool & wellness access Rates from: Dhs1,499 Contact: (0)4 607 0757 | @slsdubai Th8 Palm, Dubai Enjoy one of Palm Jumeirah's best-value staycations with Th8's Dhs888 deal. Includes a suite upgrade, dinner at Envy, a welcome cocktail, breakfast, and late check-out at 8pm. Kids under 12 stay and dine free. Location: Th8 Palm, Palm Jumeirah Dates: Summer 2025 Offer: Suite upgrade + dinner + late check-out + kids free Rates from: Dhs888 Contact: (0)4 525 8888 | @th8palm The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai Set along the Dubai Canal in Business Bay, The Lana blends timeless elegance with contemporary design as part of the prestigious Dorchester Collection. This summer, UAE residents can book the Elevate Your Summer package with a guaranteed double upgrade and daily breakfast. Rates start from Dhs1,500. Location: The Lana, Marasi Bay, Business Bay, Dubai Dates: Until September 30 Offer: Double upgrade + daily breakfast Contact: (0)4 540 8888 | @thelanadubai Vida Hotels & Resorts – Dubai UAE residents, it's time to turn up the summer vibes with up to 35% off stays at select Vida Hotels & Resorts across Dubai. Enjoy daily breakfast, free stays for kids under 12, and early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability). Whether you're after beachfront bliss, skyline views, or a city escape, Vida brings laid-back luxury with a side of Insta-worthy design. Location: Vida Hotels & Resorts, Dubai Dates: Until September 30, 2025 Offer: Up to 35% off stays + breakfast + kids stay free + flexible check-in/out Contact: W Dubai – The Palm The summer staycation offer at W Dubai – The Palm includes a guaranteed upgrade to a fabulous room, daily breakfast at LIV, and Dhs100 credit per night for food and drinks. Access to Wet Deck, Fit Gym, and the private beach included. Location: W Dubai – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah Dates: Until August 31, 2025 Offer: Room upgrade + breakfast + F&B credit Rates from: Dhs754 Contact: (0) 4 245 5555 | @wdubaipalm Summer Staycation Offers in Abu Dhabi Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa If you're looking for a really good summer staycation offer in the UAE, specifically Abu Dhabi, Al Wathba is a really good choice. Nestled among Abu Dhabi's sweeping dunes, Al Wathba offers a secluded desert escape infused with Arabian charm. This summer, choose from two seasonal all-inclusive offers: the Ultimate All-Inclusive Escape with unlimited drinks, all-day snacks, and adventure activities, or the All-Inclusive Desert Retreat featuring full-board dining and select beverages. Both packages include spa and fitness access, with kids under 12 staying and dining for free. Location: Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi Dates: 1 May – 30 September 2025 Offer: Two all-inclusive packages with dining, drinks, activities, and spa access Contact: (0)2 204 4444 | @alwathbahotel Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat Tucked away along Abu Dhabi's coast, Anantara Santorini offers a serene, adults-only escape inspired by the Greek isles. With the Santorini Couple's Serenity package, couples can enjoy sea-view luxury, wellness breakfasts, private yoga, and signature spa experiences designed for total relaxation. Location: Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat, Abu Dhabi Dates: June to December 15 2025 Offer: Two-night wellness stay with spa treatments, yoga, and breakfast Contact: (0)2 817 0000 | Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Book a two-night stay with half board dining and receive theme park tickets for any Yas Island attraction. Includes pool access and views from one of Abu Dhabi's most iconic towers. Book here. Location: Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Dates: Summer 2025 Offer: 2-night stay with half board and Yas theme park tickets Rates from: Dhs1,926 (for two nights) Contact: (0)2 811 5555 | @conradetihadtowers Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Make it a family getaway to remember with the Kids Go Free package. Stay for two adults and up to two children, and enjoy complimentary theme park access for kids under 12—choose from Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World, or Warner Bros. World. Children also dine free on the same meal plan as parents. Perfectly located by Yas Bay Waterfront for non-stop adventure. Location: Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Yas Bay Waterfront Dates: Until 30 September 2025 Offer: Kids Go Free – free theme park access & meals for kids under 12 Rates: Starting from Dhs1,425 Contact: (0)2 208 6888 | @hiltonabudhabiyasisland Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Experience the stunning white sands of Saadiyat Island at the luxury hotel Jumeirah Saadiyat Island. UAE residents can experience a break for 25% off the flexible night rate. This offer is until July 31 so enjoy it while it lasts. Location: Jumeirah Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi Dates: Until July 31 Offer: 25% off flexible rate for GCC residents Contact: (0)2 811 4555 | @jumeirahsaadiyatisland Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi A summer staycation includes breakfast, a room upgrade, late check-out, a complimentary poolside drink, and 20% off food and drinks. For UAE residents only. Location: Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi, Al Marina Dates: Summer 2025 Offer: Upgrade, 20% off dining, a complimentary poolside drink Rates from: Dhs699 Contact: (0)2 498 0000 | @rixosmarinaabudhabi Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi Stay in style with one-night in a luxe room or suite, buffet breakfast, and Dhs800 dining credit to enjoy the resort's fine restaurants. Available until September 30. View the offer and book here. Location: Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi Dates: Until September 30, 2025 Offer: Breakfast and Dhs800 dining credit Rates from: Dhs1,160 Contact: (0)2 509 8888 | @shangrilaabudhabi The Abu Dhabi EDITION Enjoy a design-forward escape with the Edition Escape, which includes a three-course dinner at Alba Terrace, overnight stay, and breakfast at Market at EDITION. Location: The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina Dates: Summer 2025 Offer: Dinner, overnight stay and breakfast Rates from: Dhs735 Contact: (0)2 208 0000 | @abudhabiedition The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Unwind in elegance this summer at the breezy beachfront sanctuary of The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. Enjoy a luxurious stay in modern guest rooms with a daily buffet breakfast for two adults and up to two children at Olea. Plus, indulge in 24-hour butler service – a signature St. Regis experience. Location: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island Dates: Ongoing Offer: Summer stay with daily buffet breakfast & signature butler service Rates: Starting from Dhs1,170 Contact: (0) 2 498 8888 | @stregissaadiyatisland Summer Staycation Offers in the Northern Emirates Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah Enjoy an all-inclusive escape on the east coast with an ocean view room, three meals a day, and selected beverages. Use booking code D60. Location: Le Méridien Al Aqah, Dibba Road Dates: Summer 2025 Offer: All-inclusive package with ocean view Rates from: Dhs1,275 Contact: (0)9 244 9000 | @lemeridienalaqah The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert This summer, retreat to the heart of Ras Al Khaimah's desert and unwind in your own private Pool Villa. Wake up to a gourmet breakfast at Kaheela restaurant and enjoy Dhs500 resort credit per stay – perfect for indulgent dining, spa treatments, or unique resort experiences. Whether you're looking for romantic seclusion or a serene family escape, this is a luxurious getaway you won't forget. Location: The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert Dates: Stays until September 15, 2025 Offer: Private villa stay with breakfast and Dhs500 resort credit Rates: From Dhs2,810 per night Contact: (0)7 206 7777 | @ritzcarltonalwadidesert The Cove Rotana Resort – Ras Al Khaimah Make your summer last longer with The Cove Rotana Resort's Extended Summer Escape . Book a 2-night stay and receive the third night free, giving you more time to enjoy the resort's 600m private beach, infinity pools, lush gardens, and charming Nubian-inspired architecture. Indulge in Mediterranean flavors at Basilico, unwind at the adults-only Laguna Pool, and let the little ones enjoy splash pools and water slides. The perfect Ras Al Khaimah retreat to relax, recharge, and reconnect. Location: The Cove Rotana Resort, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Salem Road Dates: Until September 2025 Offer: Book 2 nights, get 1 night free + beach, dining & family activities Contact: (0)7 206 6000 | @thecoverotanaresort Images: Provided/Website/Archive
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Food Picks: Home Feaast Nan Yang Kopitiam brings Ipoh flavours to Chinatown
Find out what's new on ST website and app. SINGAPORE – Head to Home Feaast Nan Yang Kopitiam in Chinatown for a taste of Ipoh. The air-conditioned eatery – which seats 50 indoors and 24 outdoors – may have an oddly spelt name, but its Signature Moonlight Hor Fun ($8.90+) makes it worth a visit. The dish features thick rice noodles fried to order in a savoury, glossy gravy, topped with a raw yolk, pork lard croutons, crunchy Hong Kong chye sim, and a trio of proteins: two prawns, sliced toman fish and lean hind-leg pork. It arrives with unmistakable wok hei – smoky, silky and satisfying in every bite. Signature Moonlight Hor Fun at Home Feaast Nan Yang Kopitiam. ST PHOTO: HEDY KHOO Opened in February in a shophouse along Sago Street, Home Feaast Nan Yang Kopitiam blends Ipoh flavours with zi char-style cooking, led by head chef Alan Loh, 42, who hails from Ipoh. The Giant Curry Noodles ($18.90+) lives up to its name with a mountain of toppings: char siew, roast pork, lala, cockles, scallops on the half shell, prawns, sotong and tau kee. Diners can choose from yellow noodles, kway teow, bee hoon or mee kia (additional $1). The curry – made in-house from nine ingredients including galangal and lemongrass – is rich and complex, its creaminess balanced by a mix of coconut and evaporated milk. The curry is flavourful, but the use of frozen seafood such as scallops, sotong and lala dilutes its impact. The portion is overwhelming for one, and is better suited for sharing. Simpler versions such as the Roast Pork Curry Noodles ($9.90+) or the Two Combo Curry Noodles (char siew and roast pork, $13.90+) may offer better value. Home Feaast Nan Yang Kopitiam's Giant Curry noodles comes with a mountain of toppings that includes char siew, cockles and prawns. ST PHOTO: HEDY KHOO A new addition is the Thai-style Tom Yum Fish Chop Tossed Rice Vermicelli ($10.90+). Thick bee hoon is tossed in a housemade tom yum paste and topped with torch ginger flower, woodear mushroom, bangkwang, carrot and fried peanuts, and served with a crispy dory fillet. Despite its vibrant ingredients, the dish feels flat – simply spicy, dry, and lacking cohesion. Thai-style Tom Yum Fish Chop Tossed Rice Vermicelli Noodles at Home Feaast Nan Yang Kopitiam. ST PHOTO: HEDY KHOO What redeems the meal is the Home Feaast Egg Tart ($5.20 for two). The Portuguese-style tart features a croissant-like shell that is crisp and airy, encasing a smooth, wobbly custard of egg, milk and sugar – with a texture reminiscent of chawanmushi. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore July BTO launch to have over 4,600 balance flats, 2 BTO projects with under than 3-year wait Singapore Baby died after mum took abortion pills and gave birth in toilet; coroner records an open verdict Singapore Acute psychiatry services to be expanded across all healthcare clusters: MOH Singapore Alleged Toa Payoh cat killer and abuser handed new charge of torturing sixth cat Singapore 'Kpods broke our marriage, shattered our children': Woman on husband's vape addiction Singapore Asia-Pacific will need over 230k new pilots, 250k aircraft maintenance technicians by 2042: ICAO chief Business Tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter Kuok Hui Kwong appointed CEO of Shangri-La Asia Life National Gallery's revamped Singapore gallery spotlights more women and minority artists The Home Feaast Egg Tarts have a crisp shell encasing a smooth, wobbly custard. ST PHOTO: HEDY KHOO While the eatery also touts its Classic White Coffee ($3.50+, cold), brewed from Ipoh-imported beans, it disappoints. The drink is astringent and lacks the signature smoothness of Ipoh's white coffee. This is likely due to the addition of black coffee to the blend – a tweak perhaps meant to cater to local preferences for a stronger brew. For a more refreshing sip, go for the Ambarella Sour Plum Juice ($3.80+). Made from buah long long and sour plum, it is freshly blended with minimal syrup and no added water – tart, punchy and well-balanced. The Ambarella Sour Plum Juice is tart, punch and well-balanced. ST PHOTO: HEDY KHOO Where: 6 Sago Street MRT: Maxwell Open: 10am to 9pm (Mondays to Fridays), 8am to 9pm (Saturdays and Sundays) Tel: 8796-3827 More on this topic Food Picks: Cantonese-style chicken steals the show at The Teochew Kitchenette @ Keong Saik
Vancouver Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Where Ottawa locals go for the best ice cream
Independent ice cream parlours in Ottawa have always been a little scrappy. It can be hard to compete with chain-scale soft serve when your product starts with raw fruit or local dairy. But the payoff is in the scoops. Some of the city's most interesting frozen treats this summer come from small-batch gelato counters, dessert shops working on custom-rolled orders, a frozen custard specialist and a one-man operation that makes wacky flavours with names like 'Pray To The God of Skinny Punks' (that's actually rhubarb peach bacon jam ice cream). At two locations in Little Italy, you can get gelato from a young expert who spent four years making ice cream in Italy before returning to open her family-run business. In Britannia, a microcreamery draws its all-natural flavours from ingredients made in-house, like a cashew base for the vegan peanut butter and brownie mix-ins that share kitchen space with a sister café. Other spots champion Thai-style rolled ice cream and might lean into South Asian flavours. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Whether you're walking off a slice of pizza or hunting down mango sorbet on a hot day, here is where Ottawans are satisfying their ice cream cravings, and why that plain supermarket tub stuff may not cut it anymore. 273 Britannia Rd., ; 1004 Wellington St. W., Opened in 2016, just a couple of minutes away from Mud Lake Conservation Area and Britannia Bay, the family-run Beachconers Microcreamery is a west-end magnet for cyclists and Britannia Beach-goers, especially given its idyllic front patio stocked with Adirondack chairs. The ice creams, in constant rotation, are all-natural, devoid of artificial flavours and colours, stabilizers or emulsifiers. As needed, they're also made with fresh herbs (like in the real mint chocolate chip or lime basil smash and strawberry flavours) and baked goods made in the Lipsett family's adjoining business, the Britannia Coffeehouse (as in the S'Mores in the chocolate caramel S'Mores flavour). The Beachconers has made hundreds of flavours over the years, and its showcase, which holds about a dozen regular flavours and two vegan options, constantly changes. Love and Electric, which opened on Wellington Street West in June 2024 and is open again this summer, is a Beachconers' pop-up. It features flavours different than those at its parent location, where all the ice cream is made. 'It keeps people guessing,' says Beachconers' ice-cream maker Paxton Lipsett. 3763 Carp Rd., Opened more than a dozen years ago by the owners of the Cheshire Cat Pub up the road, the popular Carp Creamery recently changed hands. But its ice cream remains the same commendable product, made in-house daily featuring local ingredients. The daily selection includes 16 flavours of ice cream for scooping, while more than 40 flavours are available to take home in one-litre tubs. The well-shaded picnic tables beside the creamery are perfect for ice cream consumption. One item that you'll see here that's not found elsewhere is an ice cream taco. No, it's not spicy and no, there's no meat or salsa. But its waffle cone has been shaped to resemble a taco shell before being filled with soft-serve ice cream that is then glazed and then topped with sprinkles. It certainly is fun to eat. 5510 Canotek Rd., Unit 4, Small-batch ice cream maker Chris Levesque of Chris's Ice Cream on Canotek Road has been churning dense, rich ice cream since 2019. From his east-end shop, he sells $7 half-pints that he calls 'super-premium,' meaning that very little air is incorporated into it. His ice cream is also 'American-style,' which means it is made of just milk, cream and sugar, without the usual custard base. Levesque opts for flavours that strike notes from his childhood, like ice creams made with Jos Louis or Ah Caramel cakes. He's also made Moon Mist, a tri-colour ice cream popular in Atlantic Canada that smashes together blue bubble gum, purple grape, and yellow banana flavours. A more adult concoction for Mother's Day was Mommy's Time Out, a sangria sorbet made with pinot grigio, mangoes, strawberries, and pineapple. His super-rich, vegan chocolate sorbet is notably delicious. 'I had one customer who asked me if I put crack in it,' Levesque says. 492 Rochester St., 806 March Rd., Unit 1, 344 Preston St., Soon after she graduated high school in Ottawa, Nina Agostini made an extended trip to Italy. For four years she specialized in making ice cream, and eventually she became the head gelato maker and general manager at Menchetti in Perugia. Fortunately for Ottawa, Agostini returned home and in 2019, she and her brother Cesare opened Farinella on Rochester Street to showcase Cesare's Roman-style pizzas and Nina's gelato. You can taste Nina's gelato-making cred in the super -fresh ice cream found in the Farinella showcase. Beyond the staples, such vibrant flavours as Rhone Valley apricot, Sicilian lemon, Indonesian coconut or sumptuous fior de latte appeal. The Farinella ice cream empire has been growing, with the opening in May 2021 of the Kanata location on March Road, where pizza and ice cream are served, and the spring 2024 launch of Farinella Snack Bar on Preston Street, which is an gelato-only joint. 1398 Highgate Rd., Ice Flame, which opened in the fall of 2023, is one of nine franchise locations in Ontario and Alberta and part of the boom of South Asian eateries in Ottawa's west end. Here, prepared-to-order Thai-style rolled ice cream rules, made by mixing a cream-based liquid base and crushed toppings on a super-cold metal slab. The ingredients are brusquely mixed, flattened into a thin panel and then rolled into tubes of ice cream that stand up vertically in their cups. In addition to Western favourites like Swiss chocolate and Oreo rolled ice cream, you can choose Indian flavours like gulab jamun, made with spongy milk-solid balls, and rasmalai, made with paneer balls. Cashew and fig-rolled ice cream is a winner. 2200 Carling Ave., Kawartha Dairy's ice cream is easily found at selected Ottawa grocery stores. But the Bobcaygeon, Ont.-based company, which was launched almost 90 years ago, recently opened a drive-through (and walk-in) location on Carling Avenue near Woodroffe Avenue, in a location that previously had been built to be a Tim Hortons and later was a cannabis shop. Now, you can get much healthier options such as a 'death by chocolate' milkshake made with chocolate milk. 71 George St., and 1626 Stittsville Main St, Stittsville, Lois 'n' Frima's has been making ice cream in Ottawa since 1986, though the ByWard Market location runs more like a walk-up counter than a parlour. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., it's a quick stop for people who know what they want. Most customers are already digging in before they've cleared the sidewalk. A sign in the window lists a dozen hard ice cream flavours and soft serve in vanilla, chocolate or twist. Scoops of 'Nanaimo bar' are a personal favourite and taste like the dessert squares, with layered chocolate ice cream, yellow custard and pieces of coconut and chocolate — something like a Canadian version of cookie dough. Apple pie is reverse a la mode, lightly cinnamon-y with small pieces of fruit and pie crust. S'mores is closer to a marshmallow ripple than anything toasted. A small cone or bowl comes in at $6, while regular cones are priced at $7.50 and waffles at $8.50. Portions are large, the pace is fast, and the cones are packed right to the edge with little room for drips. 102 Fairmont Ave., At The Merry Dairy in Hintonburg, the specialty is frozen custard-based ice cream, made with just three ingredients: cream, egg yolks and vanilla. Founder Marlene Haley came to love the stuff after sampling it at the Dairy Godfather in Virginia. Determined to bring that style of ice cream to Ottawa, she took a course at the Frozen Dessert Institute in St. Louis, Missouri, consulted 'The Ice Cream Bloke' from Australia, spent months researching the right equipment and finally invested on a former cake delivery van she found in Pennsylvania. The Merry Dairy ice cream truck debuted in 2012, and its brick-and-mortar location on Fairmount Avenue opened in 2017. 'It's all about the mouth feel,' Haley has told the Citizen. 'It's creamier and denser. There's just something different about it.' The classic flavour for frozen custard is vanilla and while some serve it from a dispenser, like soft ice cream, purists insist that it must be scooped. It's served at a much higher temperature than regular ice cream and must be made fresh just hours before serving, not frozen solid and stored like ice cream. You can take home pints of Haley's ice cream — up to 20 flavours from chocolate to hibiscus passionfruit to pina colada to hibiscus passionfruit might be available — for $10 each. But many of the people lining up on a warm summer night will enjoy their scoops ASAP, lingering outside the store. 1130 Wellington St. W Unit 1, Launched in 2015, Liz Mok's much-admired ice cream business quickly won a broad following for its unique, small-batch, Asian-themed frozen treats. But Moo Shu is a recent arrival in Hintonburg , having moved there in the fall of 2024 after outgrowing its original Centretown location. Intriguing varieties such as Hong Kong milk tea, White Rabbit (inspired by the Chinese candy of the same name), black sesame and dalgona (Korean sponge toffee) and coffee must be tasted to be believed. Ever the innovator, Mok has also created flavours such as Blueberry, Ricotta & Basil, Chèvre & Cherry Fig Chutney and Salted Honey & Crostini. Her strawberry ice cream is marvelous, overcoming the high water content of those tasty berries to create a confection from local fruit that's absolutely fresh and natural. A two-scoop serving is $7.50, a three-scoop serving is $9.75, while a one-pint tub goes for $15. Mok's justly revered ice cream bars, which are $8.50 each and come in flavours such as Vietnamese coffee and brownie or durian and brown sugar blondie, are as architecturally sound as they are tasty, avoiding the common failing of ice cream bars, namely structural integrity failures that see melty ice cream squished out of the embrace of the biscuits after a forceful chew. 200 Preston St., 613-233-2104, Joe Calabro's venerable Preston Street bakery has been selling gelato since year one — 1979 — making Pasticceria Gelateria Italiana the pioneer of Italy's great gift to frozen dessert lovers in Ottawa. At first, the shop sold just 12 flavours, and health inspectors told Calabro that he couldn't use a traditional spatula to serve his gelato and had to use a scoop instead. Now, the store serves 24 types of gelato, with pistachio as its top-seller, along with six kinds of sorbet. Single scoops are $7.95, doubles are $9.95 and triples are $11.95. You can enjoy your gelato in the cafe or on its shaded terrace overlooking Preston Street. Made fresh daily and served year-round, Calabro's gelato is half-way between ice milk and ice cream, with a consistency that's smoother and softer than regular North American ice cream. His gelato is light (about four to six per cent butter fat content compared to the 10 per cent or more in most ice cream) and it bursts with natural flavour. 55 Murray St., After most ByWard Market dessert counters have wiped their trays, Piccolo Grande stays open and busy right up until 10 p.m. On warm nights, benches out front fill with couples sharing scoops and kids dripping sorbet down their wrists under the dragon lamp posts that frame the pedestrian strip. The gelateria, which has operated out of the historic, stone-walled location since 1987, makes Italian-style ice cream on site in small rotating batches, behind a doorway with a sign reading 'gelato factory.' The flavour list rotates through standards like bacio and stracciatella, and surprises like honeyed saffron French vanilla streaked with threads of the spice, chocolate orange or creamy pomegranate, more soft than tart. Dairy-free fruit flavours stay close to their ingredients without artificial sweetness. Popular options like grapefruit and pumpkin cycle depending on what's in season. Staff are quick to offer a sample before the question comes up. Small scoops start at two for $6.29. A regular single runs $7.79, with regular doubles at $8.99. Piccolo pulls its coffee from Gatineau roaster Brown Bag, and regulars will often pair a scoop with espresso. The affogato, priced at $9.99, is made to order and perfectly acceptable as a second dessert. Inside Ten Toes Coffee House, 837 Somerset St. W., Flavours don't get more zany than the madcap creations that spring from Tim Alleway's imagination. Who else but the small-batch, limited- edition ice cream wizard behind Sadie Bean's Ice Cream could come up with yuzu vanilla bean ice cream with peanut chili crisp caramel and beer nuts, black forest doughnut ice cream with mocha cherry fudge and chocolate bits, and butter tart ice cream with brown sugar cream cheese streusel and dulce de leche? Then there are the names for his different flavours, which add another layer of 'say-what?' to his $11, one-pint tubs. 'Regular human' is brown-buttered wild blueberry pistachio ice cream. 'Pray to the God of Skinny Punks' is rhubarb peach bacon jam ice cream. 'Chef's Kiss (With Tongue)' is chocolate banana amaretto dragonfruit ice cream and 'Oh My God We're Having A Fire Sale' is roasted honey sesame cream cheese ice cream. Maybe all of this is a little too odd for you. Fine. Alleway's built up a cult following nonetheless, and since he makes new flavours each week, he's made several hundred different creamy confections so far. They're available at the Ten Toes Coffee location in Chinatown, and you need to consult the Sadie Bean's Instagram page to see what's available and when they drop. Warning: As quirky as they are, they tend to go fast. 2121 Carling Ave., Unit 3 (inside Carlingwood Mall), Saffron Rolled Ice Cream and Desserts, which opened in late 2023 in Carlingwood Mall, serves Western and Persian flavours of made-to-order rolled ice cream. Revelations here included the saffron special (saffron, pistachio, rosewater and rose petal), shir yakh (vanilla, cardamom and pistachio), and spicy mango (vanilla, mango and cayenne pepper). An intriguing discovery here was saffron ice cream in fresh carrot juice, which is about as Iranian as a root beer float is North American. 1103 Bank St., 101 York St., 111 Main St. E., Merrickville, After training as a gelato chef at Carpigiano Gelato University in Bologna, Italy, Ottawa native Tammy Giuliani opened her first Stella Luna location in Old Ottawa South in 2011. The deep, dark chocolate gelato here is hard not to love, made from a Venetian recipe that dates back a century. In May 2014, Giuliani was a finalist in the Gelato World Tour competition held in Austin, Texas, where she served her signature flavour: rich chocolate, dark rum and wild cherry. The business has had multiple locations over the years, and been embroiled in controversies. In February 2022, Giuliani and her businesses faced a backlash after her name was found on a hacked list of donors to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation in Ottawa. A year later, the Hintonburg location, which later closed , was criticized following a dispute that saw neighbouring business Sharpfle Waffle forced to re-locate over lease details. For more smart picks and offbeat stories from around the city, subscribe to Out of Office , our weekly newsletter on local arts, food and things to do.
The Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- The Wire
EHV International Brings Fireback to Mumbai
Mumbai, 14th July 2025 — Following the opening of Fireback in Goa last year, EHV International - the company behind genre-defining concepts like Indian Accent, Comorin, HOSA and Chor Bizarre - now brings its authentic Thai restaurant and bar to the heart of Mumbai at Nilaya Anthology, Lower Parel. Named after Thailand's striking national bird — the Siamese Fireback — the restaurant is a tribute to the theatrics and fire-grilled boldness that define traditional Thai kitchens. At its helm is legendary Chef David Thompson, widely regarded as one of the world's foremost authorities on Thai cuisine. As Culinary Director of Fireback, Chef Thompson brings authenticity to shaping a menu that could well be seen in a leading restaurant in Bangkok. Chef David Thompson says, 'What an exciting prospect. We are looking forward to making Fireback fly in Mumbai and across India.' Rohit Khattar, Founder Chairman EHV International says, 'In 1999 in New Delhi, we opened what was perhaps India's first pan Asian restaurant, 'Oriental Octopus'. I always nurtured the desire to open an authentic, approachable Thai restaurant. Enter Chef David Thompson, whose cuisine I have always admired. Our accomplished team of chefs led by Brand Chef Kaustubh Haldipur were extensively trained in Bangkok by David. Our mixologist extraordinaire, Varun Sharma, too travelled through Asia to create an ideal cocktail list. We hope Mumbai enjoys Fireback, which, like Comorin, has the incredibly beautiful Nilaya Anthology as its abode.' From smokey wok-fried stir-fries and charred skewers to fiercely spiced jungle curries and refined classics, Fireback's menu is a study in contrast: sharp heat, soft herbs, bold ferments, and grilled intensity. The menu is structured to reflect the organic rhythm of Thai cooking — dishes are served in the order they are prepared, arriving hot from the grill or wok to be shared, savoured, and explored. The experience begins with bold, textural small plates like the Miang Kham, a betel leaf bundle layered with pomelo, toasted coconut and roasted peanuts, and the Mushroom larb, a northern Thai-style herb salad tossed with toasted rice powder and chilli. The Pineapple som tam, a sweet-sour reimagination of papaya salad with tamarind, palm sugar and peanuts, delivers both familiarity and surprise. Seafood- forward dishes like the Scallop salad — delicately spiced and bright with grated coconut and lemongrass — and the Crispy squid, finished with golden garlic and crushed black peppercorns, showcase a balance of clean, aromatic flavours with intense hits of umami. From the Josper grill that is centre stage emerge many fiery grills — the Banana leaf wrapped sea bass, marinated in dried red curry and coconut cream, with aromatic kaffir lime leaves sealing in the heat. The Lamb chop gorlae, a southern Thai-style grilled lamb served with crispy shallots and ajad pickle, is smokey, juicy, and bold. For something plant-forward, the Pumpkin and sweet potato, glazed in gorlae sauce and fire-grilled, is surprisingly rich in depth and texture. Larger plates include signature curries like the Massaman curry, with pumpkin, coriander seeds and peanuts — warm, spiced, and nostalgic, and the uncompromising Jungle curry of grilled pork, featuring house-made chilli paste, turmeric and deep-fried shallots. The Red curry with soft-shell crab, fragrant with ginger and lime leaves, offers a moment of richness and indulgence. For comfort and contrast, the Classic Thai omelette and Crab fried rice deliver familiarity, each elevated with restraint and technical finesse. Complementing the kitchen is an equally thoughtful beverage program crafted by EHV International's Head of Bars, Varun Sharma. Rooted in Thai ingredients and inventive technique, highlights include the Thai Spiced Diablo, made with tequila, fresh tomato water, a house Thai spice mix, and finished with a wasabi foam; and the Tom Yum Highball, with gin, guava and lemongrass cordial, kaffir lime, and sparkling water. The Mango Rice offers a playful take on Thailand's iconic dessert, blending rum with mango and rice cordial, while the Galangal brings depth with whisky, pickled galangal brine, and honey. From smokey and complex drinks like the Lapsang Old Fashioned to crisp and refreshing pours like the Lemongrass — a mix of mezcal, lemongrass, coconut, and carbonated water — the cocktail menu is designed to surprise and delight. Kevin Rodrigues, Head of Wines, EHV International, has curated a list of aromatic, fruit-forward wines with a hint of sweetness — ideal for balancing the spice and complexity of Thai cuisine. A wide selection of wines by the glass encourages guests to explore and discover pairings that elevate every bite. The interiors and exteriors have been designed by London's Russell Sage Studio, under the direction of EHV's Director Design, Rashmi Khattar. Architectural services are provided by Incubis Consultants (India). The design is a perfect fusion of tradition and modernity. Fireback restaurant embodies the warmth, energy and authenticity of Thai culture, reimagined through a sustainable and modern lens. The space blends in a grounded material palette with clean aesthetics and subtle oriental gestures. You are welcomed with a striking ceiling light feature suspended in gentle curves creates a wave like canopy that runs the length of the dining area casting a soft glow on the ceiling paster finish. The interior design of the space feels very exciting, energetic, cool and confident. Simple design with unfussy playful moments that connect displaying the mix of easy warmth and dash of urban chic - unfussy like the menu. Fireback Mumbai Location: Entrance through Comorin at Nilaya Anthology, Mumbai Opening Date: 14th July 2025 Reservations: 91 022 35387627 Instagram: @firebackrestaurant About EHV ( EHV International is a pioneering hospitality company that creates and manages industry-leading restaurant concepts, including Indian Accent, Comorin, Hosa, Fireback and Chor Bizarre. (Disclaimer: The above content is a press release and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
