Odds are you only look at flight timings and price when booking your weekends away. But when two airlines come out even, how are you going to choose between them? Since this is Singapore, what better way than by picking your flight based on who has the best on-board grub? We sampled the food available on the Singapore-Bangkok route of four low-cost carriers, to see who came out on top.

AirAsia

Best for: Value-for-money meals

Typical menu items
Destination-specific—in this case, a good mix of local Singaporean fare like chicken rice ($5.90) and classic Thai dishes like basil fried chicken with rice ($5.80).

Specials
Expect seasonal items for festive periods like Hari Raya as well as locally-relevant products like made-in-Thailand banana chips ($2.30). 

What we tried

• Thai green curry chicken with rice (only available pre-booked, $5)
• Basil fried chicken with rice ($5.80)
• Mango sticky rice ($4.60)

Presentation
Standard aluminium cases—solid, but unremarkable.

What we liked
Much cheaper than the rest; generous portions; and a decent level of spice.

What we didn’t
Nothing, really.

Overall
It’s hard to argue with prices like that.

Rating
√√√√√

Tigerair

Best for: Great-tasting SEA dishes

Typical menu items
Singaporean and Southeast Asian signatures like mutton biryani ($12) and oriental chicken stew ($12). Plus a solitary Thai red vegetable curry ($12).

Specials
Only occasionally do they offer specials. The last one they had was during Christmas—a roast turkey with cranberry sauce. 

What we tried

• Hainanese chicken rice ($12)
• Nyonya chicken rice ($12)
• Nasi lemak ($12)
• Smoky chicken sandwich ($12)

Presentation
Comes in a plastic-sealed black container. It’s neatly arranged, at least.

What we liked
Umami-heavy, tender chicken in the nasi lemak; juicy meat in the chicken rice.

What we didn’t
Mushy rice; tough sandwich bread; spice overload with the Nyonya chicken rice.

Overall
They don’t scrimp on flavors; but you’re best sticking to the signature dishes.

Rating
√√√√

Jetstar

Best for: Damn good Indian creations

Typical menu items
A mix of local Singaporean choices, international options and Thai dishes. Don’t expect a wide range to choose from.

Specials
Festive season-dependent. During Songkran, there’ll be a pad thai dish on offer.

What we tried

• Chicken rice ($12)
• Udon noodles with shrimp ($12)
• Thai green vegetable curry ($12)
• Chicken tikka masala ($12)

Presentation
Neat, tidy and efficiently organized. Kind of like Singapore.

What we liked
The green vegetable curry and chicken rice were good; the chicken tikka masala even better.

What we didn’t
It was a hearty portion, but the udon noodles with shrimp lacked in flavor compared to the rest. 

Overall
Limiting their options does at least mean more attention to the ones they have. Go for Indian if you’re at all in the mood.

Rating
√√√

Scoot

Best for: Variety + healthy options

Typical menu items
Unless you’re pre-ordering your food (you have more local and international choices then), the focus is on Western favorites, although there’s also a Thai red curry with mixed brown rice ($12).

Specials
Not so much; though they did have turkey on offer at Christmas.

What we tried

• Beef bourguignon pasta stew ($12)
• Beef kway teow (only available pre-booked as a combo meal, $17)
• Tom yam fried rice (only available pre-booked as a combo meal, $21.99)
• Roast beef with caramelized onions wrap ($9)

Presentation
If they’re not covered with aluminium foil, they’re sealed with peel-off plastic. We struggled with the latter.

What we liked
The “healthier option” labelling is a nice touch; the beef bourguignon was ambitious but impressive.

What we didn’t
It’s pretty pricey (relatively speaking); and the noodles and rice were a bit limp.

Overall
Hard to fault the variety—especially if you pre-order—but we say pick their Western options over other items.

Rating
√√√

Assembly Coffee

Set up by two former baristas of Strangers' Reunion and Department of Caffeine, Assembly Coffee is part of the third wave coffee movement (that is, they focus on specialty coffee) and serves java made from beans by local roastery Liberty Coffee.

What's good: Latte and espresso aside (prices start from $3.50), try their salted caramel waffles ($11.50) and pulled pork sandwich ($14.90).

My Awesome Café

This super vintage-looking gem took over a former TCM clinic and its owners—a bunch of friends and entrepreneurs from different industries—did the right thing by keeping the old-school vibe in check with its rustic features and industrial-chic decor.

What's good: My Awesome Salad ($15), which comes with herb-marinated chicken, smoked salmon, duck rillettes, avocado, boiled egg, cheese and loads more. There's also the duck rillette sandwich ($14). Wash it all down with a latte ($4.50) or a "Mexican" coca cola ($5).

November8

This cozy little joint in the ever-changing Upper Thomson area (very quietly) opened late last year. Spacious, inviting, free Wi-Fi—it's a great spot to chill out at any day of the week.

What's good: Potato rosti ($16), complete with scrambled eggs, bacon and pork sausage. For drinks, order either a hazelnut latte ($5.50) or mocha ($5.50).

One Man Coffee

Another spot on Upper Thomson, One Man Coffee shares its space with Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar. They offer seasonal espresso blends and single-origin beans from Melbourne's Axil Coffee Roasters, as well as from local roasters. Food menu's pretty limited (about seven all-day breakfast items) but quality's solid. 

What's good: Brioche French toast with homemade berry compote and candied walnuts ($10). Pair it with a cup of mocha ($5.50).

Roosevelt's Diner & Bar

Café by day and diner and bar by night, this all-rounder in the Outram Park area has a pretty extensive menu, leaving you spoilt for choice. There's really all sorts on offer, from all-day breakfast and pasta to cocktails and coffee. 

What's good: Baby back ribs ($21), Teddy's 100% US beef burger ($20) and the salted caramel milkshake ($8).

Simply Eden

A takeaway joint serving up light bites like sandwiches, tarts, scones and other treats such as freshly baked bread, handmade chocolates and other desserts.

What's good: Red velvet muffins ($3.90), and their signature roast coffee (from $3.90)—a medium-roast blend of Sumatran, Guatemalan and Colombian.

Stirling Highway

Also part of the third wave coffee movement is Stirling Highway. Launched by a young couple, this outlet is all about freshly made grub, artisanal teas and simple, fuss-free dining—with a couple of pleasant twists here and there, of course.

What's good: Pulled pork pancakes served with Jack Daniel's maple syrup ($14). There's an array of gourmet teas to try as well—go for the ice wine tea (from $5.50) or the sakura cherry rose white tea (from $5.50).

Tolido's Espresso Nook

Run by Douglas Tan (who doubles up as head barista), the Melbourne-inspired café first opened at Singapore Science Centre before making its big move to Crawford Lane. You might find their cuppas too pretty to down though—Tan recently won third place in the Singapore Latte Art Competition, which was organized by Bettr Barista.

What's good: Rosti ($16.90), cereal bacon rolls ($9.80) and a regular latte ($5.50).   

Waffle Slayer

Sister to Strangers' Reunion and located right next door, this waffle specialist offers six sweet and two savory varieties (plus the occasional special, like the buttermilk waffles with chicken schnitzel) alongside the regular menu available over at Strangers' Reunion.

What's good: Red velvet buttermilk waffles ($14.90). Nuff' said.

WoodShed 204

The latest addition to Little India's Rangoon Road, WoodShed takes pride in its dessert and tea pairings. Currently, that's all you'll see on the menu (dessert and drinks), but note that their expanded food menu with brunch specials and finger food will start from mid-April.

What's good: Pair their red velvet cake ($6.90) with a passionfruit and apple tea ($5.90).

db Bistro Moderne

It's a little surprising that a French-American restaurant would offer a durian souffle with mangosteen sorbet ($15). But it's an impressive rendition. Tip: Some days, there's a special chocolate souffle available ($15). Try your luck and ask the staff if it's on offer for the day.

Laurent Bernard Chocolatier

Go for their chocolate souffle ($18), served with a shot of full cream milk and raspberry sorbet. Not in the mood for chocolate? There are other flavors available too: lemon, After Eight (chocolate mint!), cherry pistachio and Grand Marnier ($15 each).

Le Bistrot Du Sommelier

Not a common flavor, but this French eatery makes a mean coconut souffle ($24). Light, fluffy, and complete with bits of coconut strips.

Morton’s The Steakhouse

Osia

This is one unassuming contender, but chef de cuisine Douglas Tay puts out a very impressive macadamia souffle with praline, banana custard and sour cream ice cream ($34).

The White Rabbit

This one's for fans of vanilla and milk—their white chocolate souffle ($18) is made from Valrhona Opalys 33% White Chocolate. Good stuff.

Wooloomooloo Steakhouse

We're not sure what's up with steakhouses putting souffles on their menus, but Wooloomooloo also makes pretty solid treats that come in flavors like chocolate, raspberry, passionfruit and Grand Marnier ($24 each).

Late last year we organised a big bake-off, inviting home bakers to submit their best efforts to our Christmas Cupcake Challenge. We’ve only just recovered from tasting all the entries, and can finally announce the winner!

Home baker Ann Siau, 37, dropped off three treats for us—a gingerbread cupcake with cinnamon, a rum scented brown sugar cupcake with salted caramel frosting and core (the most challenging to make), and a chocolate cupcake with mint chocolate ganache. Siau tells us how she got started.

Congrats on winning the Cupcake Challenge! How do you feel?
I’m surprised and flattered at the same time, really. I don’t have much luck when it comes to these things. I didn’t dare tell anyone I’d won because I thought you guys had made a mistake!

What started your baking obsession?
Two things: KitchenAid appliances—which my husband got me—and watching celebrity chefs like Nigella Lawson on TV.

Any recipes you want to try?
I’ve been feeling nostalgic these days so I’m toying with the idea of making stuff that reminds me of my childhood, like gula melaka and kaya cupcakes.

Are there mistakes people make too often in the kitchen? Any tips to share?
Over-baking and over-beating. Cupcakes come out too dense and hard if left in the oven too long. Under-baking them isn’t as bad; at least they come out moist. Remove them from the oven two minutes before. Also, if you poke a toothpick through and it comes out completely clean, it’s already too dry.

Do you have plans to set up shop somewhere?
At the moment, no. Opportunity cost, soaring rental prices, competition is just insane—I think it’s just not feasible for me at the moment. I’m going to stick to what I’m doing.

See what Siau’s up to and follow her on her Facebook page for some kitchen inspiration.

Special thanks to our other finalists:
Brennagh Lee, Jade Foo, Corrine Tan, Tan Li Qin, Catherine Chua, Collette Height, Denise Low, Samantha Quek, Melody Harper and Kathleen Wong.

What can we expect from your Forlino Wine Dinner?
The theme for the wine dinner is “Italian Touches”. The menu will  be based on French and Italian culinary techniques, as my restaurant is located on the border of France and Italy.

What’s your cooking style like?
For me, cooking with fresh local products is something I love doing. I own a garden and it houses a variety of different vegetables, which I utilize when preparing dishes at Mirazur.

What are your beliefs in the kitchen?
I think we shouldn’t mask the natural flavor of good produce with heaps of different sauces and creams.

Any plans to set up shop in Singapore?
I appreciate Singapore a lot—I think it’s a beautiful place, full of energy, culture and a buzzing lifestyle. I’d be glad to perhaps open up a restaurant here. I don’t have any plans at the moment, but I’m very open to propositions.

Join chef Mauro Colagreco for dinner at Forlino on Tue, Apr 1 at 7pm as he prepares a seven course dinner (priced at $288) together with hosting chef Kentaro Torii.