DARLINGS, you know as well as I do that shopping is not so much a hobby as a full-body workout. And boy, does it work up a mean appetite in me.
What with all the traipsing between malls, lugging of shopping bags and elbowing my way through the shopper melee, I'm usually left teetering on my Manolos at the end, utterly famished.
Luckily I've sniffed out a few good places to grab a bite while on my shopping sprees. And I'm talking quality, healthy eats at a bargain, not the usual food court slop or soulless chain restaurant fare.
Whenever I head over to Tangs for my weekly dose of retail therapy, for instance, its gorgeous food hall in the basement always beckons to me with its bounteous offerings.
Make sure you grab the tofu salad ($5.80) at the sushi stall, which is deceptively simple but utterly delish. Crisp iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, silky soft cubes of tofu go perfectly with the creamy dressing (go easy on it to save calories though).
The stall also makes California and unagi handrolls ($1.80) on the spot — you can ask for more cucumber and less mayo.
Something that's definitely worth the calories are the crepes and soups at Saybons (B2-32 Plaza Singapura).
Nestled in handy eat-on-the-go packaging, the savoury crepes are simply divine. Nibble on the ham, cheese and mushroom one ($5.80) or treat yourself to the fragrant seafood bisque ($3.90 for a regular cup).
If you prefer a proper sit-down lunch, try Bakerzin (02-09 Paragon) where a weekday set lunch deal is currently going at $16.80++. This includes a soup, your choice from a limited range of scrumptious mains, and a drink.
Those hankering after some authentic nosh from Nippon should check out one of my fave haunts, Nanbantei (05-132 Far East Plaza).
Its signature lunch yakitori bento sets at $12.50++, which comes with five different types of well-grilled juicy yakitori, always sends me into a rapture.
Beyond Orchard Road, there's a whole host of good eats that can be found at fashionistas' hunting grounds.
Haji Lane, for example, has fresh Middle Eastern salads, dips and kebabs at Al-Tazzag Egyptian Restaurant (24 Haji Lane) and Deli Moroccan (30 Bussorah Street) — all at prices that won't bust your wallet.
And what's better than a frozen treat after a hard day's work at the malls? Bugis Junction has a Yami Yogurt outlet in its basement, while Raffles City has Yoguru.
Dragonfruit and pomegranate yogurt with granola and fresh blueberries at about $6 for a large helping — can anyone say delicieux?