Hokkaido Fair @ Tampines Mall

Hokkaido is Japan's largest prefecture, and second largest island. Home to good food, and even the beer brand "Sapporo", which is named after Hokkaido's capital, Sapporo, this prefecture is known for its cool summers and icy winters.

... No, this is not a beer advertisement. Neither am I giving a history talk on Japan's largest prefecture.

Hokkaido Fair @ Tampines Mall

An event organised by Isetan, the Hokkaido Fair comes to town yearly around June - July, bringing a taste of Hokkaido to this small country of Singapore with a range of exotic authentic Japanese cuisine. As it is nearer to school, I would always attend the one held at Tampines Mall (how to get to Tampines Mall: http://www.tampinesmall.com.sg/find.htm).

The size of the crowd at the fair is suffocating, queues are unimaginably long, and movement from stall to stall is limited and slow. But when you take your first bite into the wonders sold at the fair, nearly everything is worth it.

The staff selling the food and goods are easy to communicate with as they are mostly Singaporean. What is fascinating to watch are the chefs preparing and cooking the food you eat. That's right, they are Japanese. So they cook and fluff with traditional Japanese skills.

Variety of fresh food found are mostly what Hokkaido is famous for: seafood. From fresh fish to huge king crabs, the prices you see would probably frighten you if it is your first time seeing them (imagine a king crab costing about a few hundred Singapore dollars?).

Interesting goods available (some):

• Products made from peppermint oil (candy, skin rubs)
• Sushi and bentos
• Pastry (puffs, cheese cakes)
• Hokkaido Ice Cream
• Takoyaki
• Japanese desserts
• Ramen
• Korokke (curry, pumpkin, etc)
• Snacks (chocolates, candy, crackers)

This is a definite must see for those avid explorers of good Japanese food. I like that the food tastes better than what you may find in Singapore. The prices are not too outrageous (outrageous is an understatement in terms of the crabs), and the quality of the food is certainly there.

After reading an article written about this Hokkaido Fair (http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/printfriendly/0,4139,135584,00.html), I'm amazed to say I really did miss out by not having tried the ramen there yet. I was trying to avoid filling my hunger tank with just one type of food. Oh well, looks like I will have to try again in 7 months...

Have you seen or heard of any other Japanese food fairs around Singapore?

Enjoy your visit to the next Hokkaido Fair if you have the chance to do so!

Atmosphere at Hokkaido Fair (Tampines Mall)

Rice cakes (rice filling with different coatings) sold at $2 each

More traditional Japanese desserts

From left to right (top to bottom): Ohagi rice cake with Kinako (soybean) powder, potato manju, Sakura Mochi (the leaf was edible!), Ohagi rice cake with Anko (red bean), and Miso Mochi (yes, it was salty...)

Peppermint Candy (the candy is the shape of a leaf)

Curry Korokke (filling is potato and curry)

DAISO Japan -- Always $2

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I am an adventurer on a journey. A journey to expose hidden Japan in Singapore. To begin, I set off from a place rather well-known to quite a number of people.

Daiso @ Plaza Singapura

Daiso, also known as a 100 yen or one-coin shop, offers a wide range of about 90,000 products; from kitchen utensils and tableware, to daily necessities and stationery. There are currently three stores located in Singapore; the biggest with the widest range of products - IMM (Jurong East), second largest - VivoCity (Harbourfront), and Plaza Singapura (Dhoby Ghaut), with an upcoming store at Sembawang.

In my opinion, this is a must-visit location for everyone interested in Japanese goods or culture. What better place is there to get items like Japanese tea cups, bowls and chopsticks, Japanese paper fan, Japanese drinks and snacks, and various other Japanese-related products? Everything for just $2?

Affordable and wide-ranged, Daiso caters to the needs of customers not just Singaporeans, but Japanese as well. That would be evidence enough if one doubts the quality of the goods sold. They may not be perfect or the best, but some items are definitely worth more than $2 in my opinion.

Commenting on someone's suggestion to get Japanese tableware from Daiso (http://www.expatsingapore.com/forum/index.php?topic=4717.0), I agree that the Japanese tableware is a good buy. However, I would strongly recommend against buying the metal tableware sold. From my personal experience, a metal plate I bought produced rust just after one wash. Yes, $2. But buy what you think sounds right.

The drinks section in Daiso (Plaza Singapura). These sell for 2 drinks for $2.

Some links to see what others think of Daiso (Singapore):

Colours City: Daiso Singapore: http://ciyoucolorscity.blogspot.com/2008/07/daiso-singapore.html

Daiso @ IMM: http://www.yebber.com/review/daiso/

Daiso @ VivoCity: http://www.yebber.com/review/daiso-vivocity/

Daiso @ Plaza Singapura: http://www.yebber.com/review/daiso-plaza-singapura/

Enjoy your visit at Daiso. I leave behind me a couple of pictures of some things I have bought from Daiso.

A Japanese tea cup with rabbit patterns (many other patterns available).

A black gift box (for $2!), a folding fan, and... something for exercising?

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