Almost a Year In The Wild: HBBs Are Living Their Best Lives
It’s been nearly a year since the Circuit Breaker rolled out, and the Home‑Based Business (HBB) scene has exploded into a buzzing hive of entrepreneurs.
“Back to normal” feels like a myth now—HBBs are here to stay, and the self‑starters are riding that uncertain wave with gusto.
With the Chinese New Year coming up, here’s the inside scoop on what’s cooking and trending in our community.
Word of Wisdom
- Check blackout dates and any extra surcharges. They tend to pop up during holidays.
- Expect a bit of chaos. Late deliveries, occasional wrong orders, and slower replies are part of the festive rhythm.
- Show kindness. Many sellers are solo and juggling day jobs; a supportive tone goes a long way.
Remember, the HBB crowd is small‑scale yet mighty—so keep the vibes friendly and keep cheering on the brave souls behind every shop.
Superbloom
Meet Sylvia Ramlal: The Jellied Flower Queen
Sylvia once sold gadgets—now she’s selling edible blossoms. After a successful stint as a sales director, her kitchen became a laboratory of colorful imagination. What started as a playful hobby—hand‑making the most intricate jelly flowers—has blossomed into a thriving biz called Superbloom.
What’s Inside Each Konjac Cake?
- Peonies, Koi, and more: Sylvia colors each konjac base to mimic petal‑soft petals, fins, even letters for that personal touch.
- Natural & artificial flavors: You can request the real stuff like dragonfruit or raspberry, or go wild with synthetic fun flavors such as lychee, strawberry, longan or apple.
Time‑Crunch Sweetness
It takes about three whole hours to craft one cake. That’s why only a handful appear every day—think of it as a limited‑edition confectionary pop‑up.
How to Snag Your Slice
- Pre‑orders are open. But remember, they went sold out on Feb 8‑12—so act fast.
- Mini set pricing: Starting at $48 for a bundle of six mini cakes.
- Order details: Just DM “Superbloom” and your sweet, colorful creation is on its way.
Picture this—tiny jelly blossoms dancing in your mouth, each one a story in itself. Don’t miss out; Sylvia’s kitchen is a magic factory, and her cakes are the limited‑edition treasures that keep turning heads!
Molten Brown
Nanette Zehnder’s Gooey Brownies Are the Sweetest News Since Sweet Tooth
Picture this: a single mother turning cookie‑monster dreams into bite‑size masterpieces, one sticky brownie at a time. Nanette Zehnder, the mastermind behind the Mosaic Art School, has gone from racking up foccacia and cookies to reigning supreme with her signature brownies that melt faster than your heart on a first‑date.
Why These Brownies Are a Big Deal
- Imported Premium Perfection: French butter + Valrhona chocolate = the dream team of flavors.
- A Flavor Party: Himalayan salt, Black Forest, Oreo, Jamaican rum & raisin – every bite feels like a surprise party for your palate.
- The Golden Ticket: Six thick, luscious squares a box starts at $42. (Taste the top‑tier, no waiting rooms!)
- Orange You Glad?: Sunny orange brownies with a splash of Grand Marnier – perfect for festive vibes and celebrating Chinese New Year.
Order, Baby!
Ready to taste the gooey goodness? Whip out your phone and dial +65 9070 4443 (aka the Molten Brown hotline) and make your order. Your cravings are just a ring away.
Fork It
Fork It N’ Fun: Jo Henson’s Rise From Headhunter to Cake Hero
By day, Jo Henson was busy pulling resumes and pulling deals—by night, she was whipping up treats that had even her friend circles in a sweet frenzy. A small baking gig for a handful of pals turned into a full‑time flavor factory when a town full of strangers started showing up with box tops ready to drop the cash.
From Head Hunting to Dough Hunting
What started as a hobby to keep the portfolio warm grew into a mouth‑watering side hustle. Friends called it “Fork It” because they’d fork a plate, not just an offer.
The Crash That Wasn’t a Crash
With orders pouring in, the website spiked so hard it actually crashed—good thing for a brand that wanted to be a persistent “tide‑through” rather than a one‑time kitchen.
Keeping It Light
They always say juggling the “fun” factor keeps the ovens roaring. Even during a pandemic, they’re cooking up smiles.
New Year Sweetness
- Tiok ToTo – the orange‑semolina cake (~$68 for a 6‑inch slice). Fresh navel oranges, a splash of Cointreau for the zest, and glittering Valrhona gold chocolate dust give it that extra sparkle.
- Dong Dong Chiang Fa Cai Tart – a roselle custard with soju jelly for a splash of excitement (~$58).
Every cake comes with a special “toto ticket” that feels like a sweet secret.
Get Your Slice
Pre‑orders are open. Pick it up yourself or let them deliver from Thursday to Saturday. Order online here (no hyperlinks, just the words, because we’re all about that real‑life click).
Berry Bar
Berry Bar’s Strawberry Extravaganza
Picture this: Belle – a 25‑year‑old culinary maestro – found herself in the kitchen during a power outage. While most of us were scrambling to keep the lights on, she was turning humble strawberries into edible works of art.
What Makes Bella’s Strawberries a Must‑Try
- Freshness on a Daily Basis – 18 boxes of the finest ripe strawberries from the USA, Australia, and Korea arrive at her doorstep every morning.
- Snowy White Chocolate & Regal Red & Gold – For 2024, each strawberry is coated in silky white chocolate and splashed with shimmering red and gold, a nod to wealth and prosperity.
- Edible Charmers – Think koi fish and lucky cats—sweet little charms that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
- Starting Price: $68 for a bundle of 12 large, luscious berries.
- Free Daily Delivery – except on February 12‑13, when a $10 delivery fee (or a self‑collection surcharge) is applied.
Want to Try One?
Just slide a direct message to Berry Bar on Instagram, and your strawberry adventure begins!
The Bearded Baker
The Bearded Baker: Your New Brown‑Butter Croissant Crush
Meet Lucien Ee, the cheeky culinary wizard behind The Bearded Baker. After honing his chops in a top‑rated kitchen, he launched his own pastry haven to keep the dough rolling in the cash register.
Why You’ll Love These Croissants
- Manicured Milk‑Blended Croissant au Beurre Noisette – $5
Picture a perfectly flaky roll turned golden with a buttery, nutty crunch. A must‑try for every croissant fan. - Cheesy Pain aux Parmeggiano with Camembert – $6
This melt‑in‑your-mouth delight is a cheese lover’s dream. - Lunar New Year Special: Shio Kombu Croissant with Crispy Chicken Floss – $6
Asian flavors meet pastry magic—think a nostalgic childhood treat with a modern twist.
Delivery & Pickup Options
Fly to your kitchen? Islandwide delivery comes at just $10 per spot—easy, painless, and absolutely worth it. If you’re local, swing by Outram Park and grab your goodies for free at the self‑pickup counter.
How to Order
Just slide into The Bearded Baker’s DMs and place your pre‑order. They’ll have your croissants ready to roll—literally!
So, what are you waiting for? Get your croissant fix today from the man who’s making brown butter the new black.
Umami Boy
Chef Will Chng: Turning Home Kitchens Into Flavor Frontiers
With a fancy chef’s hat on and a passion for sizzling dishes, Will Chng discovered that the best culinary playground is right in your kitchen—minus the sky‑high rent and the payroll drudge. After sharpening his chops in Taiwanese kitchens, the owner of HBB decided it was time to share his secret sauce with the world.
Enter The “Umami Boy” Collection
His flagship line, the Umami Boy mala sauce, is a pantry hero that can turn a plain stir‑fry into a party in a pinch. It’s versatile, aromatic, and—most importantly—cheap enough for a student budget.
New Releases for the Flavor-Addicted
- 100% Plant‑Based Mala – A green powerhouse with an extra punch of aroma.
- Umami‑Rich Sichuan Sesame Peanut Sauce – A clever twist built on the original mala base, marrying earthy chili with nutty sweetness.
All of these come in handy sizes so you can keep the good times rolling, no matter how large your dinner crew is.
Special Deals to Try Them All
- Buy the two new sauces + Umami XO for just $48.
- Pair Carrot Cake (650g) with Umami XO in a bundle perfect for the reunion dinner table – also for $48.
Act fast—pre‑orders close before the sauces vanish from the shelves. Don’t leave your taste buds waiting!
Order Now
Wanna fry it, blend it, or just sprinkle it? Contact Umami Boy on WhatsApp at +65 9241 7528 and secure your culinary adventure today.
Jelebu Dry Laksa
RenèE Tang Eyrn’s Flavor-Fueled Journey from Kitchen to Pop-Up
From the Treadmills of Le Binchotan to the Aroma‑Loaded Aseana
When RenèE stepped back from her sizzling station at Le Binchotan, she didn’t just quit a job—she traded the clatter of pans for a bold new culinary adventure. Now, at 27, she’s making a living (and a lot of happy taste buds) by creating a dry laksa that turns every spoonful into a mini‑escalation of heat and hope.
How RenèE Elevates Laksa Without Lifting a Spoon
- Soak the noodles so they’re tender yet stand firm.
- Simmer a thick, fragrant sauce: chili, turmeric, galangal, coconut milk, candlenut, and a secret dash of wild wonder.
- Finish with lobster for a touch of luxury that makes every bite feel like a carnival in your mouth.
The lobster finishes off the dish at $28 if you order a half, or $49 for the whole—because who says indulgence can’t be measured in numbers?
Pop-Up Magic at Bistro Aseana
RenèE’s current gig? Leading a pop‑up at Bistro Aseana, a place that’s all about premium seafood. If you’re looking for a sprinkle of culinary genius, this is the spot.
Additional Treats
- Aseana Prosperity Lo Hei – priced at $128, fits four to six guests; a virtual feast in one bowl of noodles.
- Birthday number 88 sets on sale, a nod to fortune. These include whole Boston lobster, aburi Hokkaido scallops, and ikura, all kissed with umeshu calamansi and rojak ginger flower.
Curious? Get your pre‑order in here—just don’t run out of appetites!
Drunk Food
When the Stress Sums, Ivan Chee Whips Up a Punchy Seafood Feast
As the market heats up and the rent rises, 31‑year‑old property agent Ivan Chee finds his sweet spot in a shell‑shocked kitchen. Since last July, his “Drunk Food” concept has become the talk of the town among local seafood lovers.
What’s in the Magic Kitchen?
- Abalone
- Topshell
- Scallops
- Pacific clams
- Seasoned jellyfish
Every bite is a punch full of flavours, thanks to the secret recipe handed down by Ivan’s mother‑in‑law. He’s the proud solo chef of this culinary coaster, but he offers four spice levels for those who crave a kick. Be ready – the red chilli and lime boost his plates like a fireworks show.
Lunar New Year: The Super‑Sized Platter
For the Lunar New Year, Ivan has cooked up a colossal spread for the bold and the bold‑he’ve‑got‑a‑bite: 20 scallops, 20 abalone, 20 pacific clams, and 240 g of seasoned jellyfish – all flying off the table for $268.
Pre‑order before 24 January to snag a 15 % discount. Keep in mind there’s a $15 surcharge on all Lunar New Year platter deliveries between 5 – 24 Feb 2021. Stocks are flying fast, so grab yours before the market closes.
Slide into WhatsApp Drunk Food at +65 8760 0131 to place your order. Don’t let the price drop on the table – Ivan’s plates are worth every splash!
Lee’s Kimchi
Nigel Lee’s Kimchi Reunion Stew: From Sky‑High Services to Home‑Brewed Taste
Once soaring the skies as a flight steward for a top‑tier airline, Nigel Lee found himself grounded by the pandemic in April 2020. With his wife by his side, the 30‑year‑old turned his love‑letter to food into a full‑blown culinary venture.
What Makes This Stew a Must‑Try
- Instant Magic – Throw the kit into a pot for just five minutes and voilà.
- Ready for 4‑6 Feeds – Each $70 kit is enough to share among friends or family.
- Freeze‑Friendly – Store the spice‑laden concoction for up to a month.
- Free Delivery – No extra cost, straight to your doorstep.
Ingredients You’ll Get
- 500g Kimchi Tub – The star, steeped in gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) and authentic fish sauce.
- Spicy seafood stock that’s the broth’s core.
- Sun‑shiny scallops, comforting luncheon meat, earthy mushrooms, chewy rice cakes and more.
Limited Availability
Don’t miss the exclusive run from February 11‑15 – after that, extra sets will appear only sporadically.
Ready to taste an adventure straight from Nigel’s kitchen? Browse the menu, pick a time that works, and enjoy a bowl of “Kimchi Reunion” steeped in unforgettable flavor.
Why It Works
- Time‑Saving – Ninjas of multitasking bring marketing, cooking, and delivery simultaneously.
- Authentic Korean Touch – A genuine Korean kimchi experience with the right spices.
- Social Media Ready – Snap a photo, tag, and share the excitement with others.
- Quality by the Core – Each ingredient is packed fresh, ready for easy cooking.
<pInvest in a bowl of joy and discover the story behind Nigel’s culinary journey.
