J2K3 | Food & Creativity Meet the Web!

Change of Website Address

2009-06-27T01:16:00.001-07:00

Hi all,

if you have been trying to access www.j2k3.com, you will find that you are unable to do so since this morning.

It seems that an error has occured so I have changed the website name to www.j2k3blogs.com.

Do visit the site at www.j2k3blogs.com and give your support!

Thank you.

Justin

Shifting of Blog To New Website Name

2009-05-28T06:12:00.001-07:00

Yo Yo Yo.

I am glad to announce that this blog is shifting over to www.j2k3.com

New content will be updated there frequently and this site will remain as an archive.

So get all your latest food reviews at www.j2k3.com . Don’t forget to suggest where I should go next!

Heard of the Crispy Sandwich?

2009-05-16T08:03:00.001-07:00

Chilli Crab Sandwich

Everyone has heard of Subway with their sandwiches, but Max Sandwich Grill & Creamery is probably the newest kid on the block that deserves a rousing attention. Namely, their specialties lie in three areas: Sandwiches, Coffee, and (N)Ice Cream. The (N) stands for Nitrogen which is used to “freeze” the ice cream on the spot! However, it is their sandwiches which must be given the due respect today.

I believe its the first time that a bite into a sandwich, a surprising “crunch” could be heard – and no, it is not my teeth breaking, but more of the ULTRA Crispiness of the grilled bread.

The chilli crab variant was simply delish! Well spiced, with a hint of sweetness. I feel that it is authentic as chilli crab could get in a sandwich.

Believe me, this is something that anyone should try out if they have that sudden urge for a sandwich. Pair the filling with the ULTRA Crispy sandwich and what you have is something almost a match made in heaven.

Price for Chilli Crab Sandwich : $9.50

Katong Girl Sandwich

Katong Girl Sandwich reminds one of a traditional, heritage bite. Laden with fresh prawns, broccoli and laksa cheese, this sandwich would satisfy seafood lovers. My only thought for this sandwich is that whatever laksa spices that went into it, more should be added. I could only taste a hint of the laksa goodness and I believe a spicier version would definitely appeal to more.

Price for Katong Girl Sandwich : $9.50

Freshly Roasted Coffee Promised To You Everyday

Max Sandwich Grill & Creamery is definitely a place for one to sit back and take that well deserved break from all the shopping in Tampines One. A comfortable setting with great bites, don’t forget to check it out when you visit!

Max Sandwich Grill & Creamery
B1-K1
Tampines One

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A Heartwarming Banana Pie Tale

2009-05-10T01:54:00.001-07:00

I was never a fan of pastries. I didn’t enjoy the sweetness of the dessert and especially the crust where if I had to eat it, I would only finish the filling. While at Katong Shopping Centre, a strong aroma eluded the entire basement level. It was those fragrances that once you smell it, you know you want it. It was a pleasant surprise that it was actually the baking of Fresh Banana Pies in the oven of Dona Manis Cake Shop.

It was temptation without words and the fact that there were people buying boxes of the pies led me to tell myself that I must buy a slice.

My first bite – a sudden tug at my heart. The delicate sweetness of the banana and the gritty coconut dusted crust contrasted each other.

My second bite – I just felt like crying.

Somehow, the pie reminded me of the very scene where our forefathers worked through sweat and tears to bring us to what we are today. Somehow, each bite simply brought back the memories of home.

There was a certain tenderness, and yet at the same time you could feel the loving work placed in by the old bakers. It was a pastry like I never had before.

Sadly, the shopping centre is already old. And I do not know how long it can last for. It does not seem like this homely tradition will carry on, once the leaves of time fade away.

Price per slice of Banana Pie : $2.00

Dona Manis Cake Shop

Katong Shopping Centre, 865 Mountbatten Road #B1-93

Tel : 6440 7688. Closed on Sundays.

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I can’t believe I ate two bowls of noodles in one sitting – They were that good!

2009-04-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

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Traditional Ta Mee ( Minced Meat Noodles )

Honestly, how difficult is it to settle for one meal?

I arranged to meet my Kakis ( not the colour Khaki ) at 1230 to go for lunch, and we ended up circling almost all the shopping centres in the whole of the Sembawang/ Yishun district. I wanted cheap and good food, in an air-conditioned place, the other friend Kermy (that’s not his real name as it has been stripped to protect his identity) wanted just cheap food. The other other friend, Xiao Ma Yi (its a guy) already had his lunch and was simply distracted by the inflow of messages from his beloved – so he didn’t matter.

After almost settling for Aston’s Specialties, Nasi Biryani, we left almost immediately for Chong Pang. Don’t ask me why, but that’s what you get with a bunch of indecisive guys plonked together. And as any fairy tale would go. Lo and Behold, we found the perfect source infront of us at Chong Pang – Minced Meat Noodles, found almost anywhere in a Singaporean food court. How ironic….

However, what really attracted us was the certificate from Makansutra’s K.F. Seetoh (the premier Singapore food critic) which rated this Noodle Stall a shocking 2.5/3 chopsticks (that’s his grading style, mine are simply ticks). Well it had to be good.

True enough, and based on impartial decisions, the taste test passed well for this stall and its Ta Mee. Simply,

The noodles were an easy bite away (you didn’t have to struggle while trying to look elegant)
There was a decent amount of liao for an order of $3
For the traditionalists, there is also Fried Lard (mmmm…)
Finally, there was the hint of vinegar in the dish, which gave that extra kick to the savoury feel of the noodles and meat.

I believe the only confusing thing for any would be visitor is the coffeeshop sign which proudly blares “BRAS BASAH FOOD COURT” – Now what would that be doing in Yishun? A franchise maybe?

Price for Traditional Ta Mee : $3/4
Shop is near 7-Eleven

Malaysia’s Pontian Wanton Noodles

Now as if the Mee Pok wasn’t enough, I had to drag the guys along to go settle for the Pontian Wanton Noodles located at Chong Pang Market. They have never eaten this even though this stall has been here for some time. I too discovered this little gem only last year. Its as though we were trapped in some force field to only patronise the other side of the Market.

The first distinctive factor of the Pontian Wanton Noodles is the Noodles itself. Noticeably, the noodles are broader and they have a firmer texture. There is also a use of a thicker sauce for the dish whereas the more popular Cantonese version would be light sauce. Naturally, with thicker noodles, there would be more bite in each chopstick full and it may not be something all would enjoy. Still, it is delicious and a unique difference from your normal Wanton Noodles.

These are the go getters! Extremely CRISPY Fried Wantons.

Ah, but it is actually the Fried Wantons that leave diners satisfied and left with the want for more. Once again, its not your normal fried wanton, as the shocking difference is the Wanton Skin used. I suspect its Filo pastry, but who knows? Once deep fried, that crunch is a real CRUNCH. Not the ones you usually encounter that leave a soggy aftertaste. Deep it with the mayonnaise provided and mmm, you got yourself addicted. Obviously, pair the wanton with the noodles, you will get Wanton Noodles. And for $2.50 per bowl of standard serving, I say why not? It will leave your eyes wide open on the first bite and hungry for more.

Price for Malaysia Pontian Wanton Noodles : $2.50/3
Price for A Dozen Fried Wantons : $2.50
Located in Chong Pang Market

Just within one meal, I had two main courses. I believe I am going to turn myself into a food craze personality. But then again, I am hungry… Till then, with the Next Post about the Popular Peranakan Inn at Katong!

Nasi Biryani Dum Mutton – Burp!

2009-04-11T06:53:00.001-07:00

Nasi Biryani Dum Mutton

My venture into the Biryani territory has never been adventurous. So far, my most distinct memory of a good biryani would be the one at Shami Banana Leaf Delights located at Northpoint, Yishun. Now, what would Biryani Dum Mutton mean? I hardly think its your typical biryani found at the local coffeeshop, but from what I discovered, it is actually biryani with the mutton meat cooked inside. Just imagine, the flavoursome juices of the meat flowing through the fragrant basmanti rice. Mmmmm!

Generous portions of surprisingly soft mutton pieces!

Lovingly, the mutton meat in the Biryani was tender, leaving a wonderful hearty feeling in each bite. If you prefer chicken over mutton, there is always the Nasi Biryani Dum Ayam, although they don’t cook it together with the rice. The biryani was not overly laden with spices and herbs. Instead, each spoonful of the rice was just right with a hint of saffron in it. The generous Achar (pickled vegetables) was also an ideal compliment to the meal.

Still, where are my papadums and cashew nuts (more often than accompanied in the rice)?

Price for Nasi Biryani Dum Mutton - $5.00

Teh Cino – Your local milk tea latte

Tahu Goreng – Its been a long time my friend!

For too long have I not eaten Tahu Goreng, and for too long have I been looking for Tahu Telor. The discovery of this dish at Teh Tarik Makan House was more of a sudden craving to eat tofu in spicy sauce. Yes, craving. This serving was very generous in the peanut sauce, and while it was not too thick or salty, the moderate tinge of spiciness will be able to give anyone a good kick (not in the shins, mind you.)

Beansprouts for those who love it, are given by the large handful. And for those tofu fanatics out there who insist that Tahu Goreng must have a tahu which is soft on the inside, this is the palce to get it. I insist that when you come here to eat your Nasi Biryani, get the Tahu Goreng and add some vegetables (its made of soy remember) into your diet.

Price for Tahu Goreng - $2.50

Teh Tarik Makan House is rather easy to find. If you head down to Marsiling and towards the polyclinic, you can easily spot the restaurant (though i prefer to call it a coffeehouse) across the street. I believe this place will satisfy your glut for that spice in your life if you are in the neighbourhood.

Address : Woodlands Street 31, opposite Woodlands Polyclinic

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Wild Turtle Soup – Seriously, that’s the shop’s name

2009-04-04T09:20:00.001-07:00

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Turtle Eggs – That’s a lot of yolk.

Honestly, I can’t comprehend the fact that in the past 2 months, my family has visited the same restaurant/shop/little shop/cafe for at 3 times just to savour the house’s Herbal Turtle Soup. And what’s more convenient is that the shop is just a stone’s throw away from my house in little Singapore.

The little abode of Wild Turtle Soup strikes anyone looking across the street with its obvious red signage and it is hard to miss. Just situated across Sembawang Shopping Centre, I believe anyone would find it easily.

Herbal Turtle Soup – Herby, Nourishing, Soft, Tender, Delicious.

These days, its getting harder and tougher to find Turtle Soup in Singapore. And that’s not to mention good quality Turtle Soup. So I must say that this shop serves up one of the best so far. If I am not wrong, my distant memory recalls another shop somewhere in Hong Lim Complex Hawker Centre but that is so long ago (precisely proving my point of this particular scarcity in the nation)

Straight to the point, the Herbal Turtle Soup is savoury with a decent amount of turtle pieces served. There is a strong herbal flavour and it could do with a dash of pepper. The meat is not overcooked and the best parts come from the jelly like cartilages, so grab them when no one is looking. What’s best is that once you run out of soup, you can ask for refills (though I never ask more than once, don’t want anyone to think I am a glutton, even though my stomach longs for it so)

Price for Herbal Turtle Soup (Medium) - $24.00 Rating – 4/5

Turtle Eggs – the ones in the shell and cost $1 per piece!

My family was lucky today as the almost invaluable turtle eggs were being sold today. A somewhat rare commodity as not every turtle bears the “gold”. However, today’s serving was rather disappointing as the egg yolk was hard and tough on the inside. A too obvious sign that they were overcooked. Feedback was duly given of course but it will still be a good idea to remind them again if you visit. No point wasting such jewels.

Price for Yellow Eggs (Medium Serving) - $6.00

Price for White Eggs - $1.00 per piece

Traditional Yam Rice

Ok, for gosh’s sake if you really want to enjoy the Turtle Soup meal, order the Yam Rice. Unless you are

On a diet
Unable to consume yams, prawns or garlic
Really a lover of white rice and cannot live a day without a grain of it in the mouth.

If you think you can eat 2 bowls, ask for 2 bowls in advance. I had a little trouble the other day when they ran out of Yam rice and had to struggle incoherently with my chopsticks to dip into the plain old white rice.

Ngoh Hiang – Deep fried stuffed beancurd skins – Now these are GOOD!

Ok Ok, I discovered another gem amongst the rocks for this dish. The Ngoh Hiang served here are handmade, crisply fried and served excellent with a saucer of plum sweet sauce. These are the true go-getters and bound to vanish almost instantly. Crispy on the outside, soft and juicy on the inside. Yummy!

Price for Ngoh Hiang (Small) - $6.90 Rating - 4.5/5

I seriously don’t need to explain this to you, do I?

King of Chilli Chop Fish Head – Do not ask me why this is the name.

Last but not least item on review today is the KING OF CHILLI CHOP FISH HEAD. A peculiar name, yet strangely suiting towards the dish. Song He Fish Head is served up in a wild mix of chilli, olives, salted soy beans, herbs and more stuff which I cannot name. The fish is steamed without it being too soft nor too tough and the savoury sauce gives that wonderful kick to each taste.

If you think you would enjoy this, go ahead and get one. I know I loved it.

Price of King of Chilli Chop Fish Head - $10.00 Rating – 3.5/5

Another random flower I took a shot of.

Well to sum things up, for a family of 3, we spent an amount of $72.44 but that’s also considering the fact that we are big eaters. So be prepared to shell out (no pun intended on the tortoise) a bit of cash, but hey it should definitely be cheaper than visiting some high end cantonese restaurant down orchard road.

A lovely place for some good ol’ home cooked food and turtle soup. Now where else can I find Turtle Soup in Singapore?

Wild Turtle Soup , Opposite Sembawang Shopping Centre. Address : 20 Jalan Tampang

The lost, the deluded, the befuddled

2009-03-28T04:02:00.001-07:00

Our attachments in this world
Can we truly bear to let go?
Like the missing pages from the torn book,
And the willow shedding its tears

Each life around is purposeful
Yet each life around vanishes so easily
How the children wail
How the dogs lament.

What day of age is it today
That mankind's memory of
Time and honour is lost.

What can be done?
Oh how the dogs cry!

Excellent Roti Prata and Thosai in the North!

2009-03-07T18:54:00.001-08:00

Butter and Sugar Thosai

Honestly, I have lived in the Northern part of Singapore for almost 10 years and never once did I discover and savour the excellent Roti Pratas and Thosais served at D’ Rubinah Restaurant.

Well, my conquest to discovery was nothing but a mere chance that after a magnificent dinner at Aston’s Specialties, I wanted to have dessert which was cheap yet good. Looking past the all popular Japanese Sweet Shop “Ministry of Food”, and the usual Kopitiam, my buddies and I went scouting the area around Sembawang Shopping Centre.

I don’t know how much we can eat but that sudden urge for Roti Pratas started to emerge. I have often noticed D’ Rubinah Restaurant and I do know they serve Pratas and Thosais, but never did I imagine it would be that good and almost comparable to the masters of the dish located in Little India and various parts of Singapore.

The order of Butter and Sugar Thosai proved that pancakes do go well with Indian spices and dips, Asian Style. I particularly enjoyed the crispy portions of the Thosai and once the butter and sugar kicked in, together with the all savoury Dahl, mmmm – Fabulous.

Butter and Sugar Thosai : $1.50 per pc Rating : 4/5

Paper Thosai – Extremely Crispy and Fragrant

Now the Paper Thosai and its cousin the Roti Tissue are perhaps some of the more newly created varieties. Once again, I have noticed the emergence of these two types of servings but I have yet to try them out until now (Gawd…what have I been missing out in life!).

So for me, the freshman at trying out Paper Thosai and Roti Tissue, I must say both of them were very good. Perhaps I merely bought it out of sheer fancy, but it is without doubt bound to raise a solid discussion over the table on how one could use them as Party Hats – only edible.

The Paper Thosai is just like any other ordinary Thosai except with it being very very very very crispy. Did I say “very” 4 or 5 times? I don’t know how other places serve it but for my first time, this is one dish that deserves a 4 out of 5.

Paper Thosai : $2.50 Rating : 4/5

Roti Tissue – Sweet, Crispy, Delectable

Roti Tissue, as the name suggest is made from Tissues. Just joking. But the normal prata dough (or maybe it is even some sort of secret recipe) has been stretch to its limits that it is almost translucent. Without doubt it is crispy, but the more surprising factor comes from the sweet drizzle of honey/corn syrup all over it.

Once again pair it with your dish of fish curry and I am sure you are bound to say, “Sugar and Spice is Everything Nice”

Roti Tissue : $2.50 Rating : 3.5/5

Freshly Made Garlic Naan

I seldom go after ~~Nuns~~ Naans as the ones I have found (maybe I am just unlucky) are usually premade and cold. What impressed me for the Garlic Naan served here is that the moment the dish arrived at our table, the fragrant whiff of warm garlic tingled our noses.

The presentation of the Naan being toasted a lovely brown only served to make my mouth water even more! Mmmmm, I am tingling with excitement!

However, I must add that the dips accompanied are not really spicy enough – so please, a little more spice in my life? Please?

Garlic Naan : $2.50 Rating : 3.5/5

Milo Dinosaur – Rawr!

Now come on, which journey to your local coffeeshop will be complete without the traditional Milo Dinosaur. For all out there who are still living in the Dinosaur era or have yet to discover this little concoction, Milo Dinosaur is as the name suggest Milo (a chocolate drink) served iced and with Milo Powder heaped generously on the top.

Hmmm, but I do wonder why my Milo Dinosaur had that little hint of ginger sweetness…

All in all, D Rubinah Restaurant is certainly one place you won’t want to miss out if you are in the Northern/Sembawang Area. I know there are the more famous ones such as Prata King and its competitors located around the Thomson Area, but hey if you have the craving for good Indian food, why not try out D Rubinah’s

Nearest Landmark : Sembawang Shopping Centre. Restaurant is located next to Caltex Petrol Station.

Aston’s Specialties – Good Western Stuff, Lovely Prices

2009-02-21T23:09:00.001-08:00

Grillworks Chicken – Hickory BBQ

Good Western dining at value for money prices, located in a comfortable air-conditioned restaurant with quality service and hygiene is perhaps what Aston’s Specialties can be summed up to be.

So far, I have tried the Grillworks Chicken dishes, Fisherman’s Pride, and a couple of Hot/Cold Side Dishes. And I must say I was rather impressed.

A major plus point of the chicken is that the pieces are juicy, tender, leaving a savoury taste in your mouth. Drizzled generously with the sauce provided, it almost seems like a match made in heaven. What’s best is that if you think you are one of the few who simply must lather the meat with overflowing saucy goodness, simply request for more sauce.

Grillworks Chicken – Black Pepper with side servings of Coleslaw and Mashed Potatoes

For most of the Grillworks Chicken dishes, the only difference is the sauces poured on it. To me, I found the Black Pepper variant a little sweet but that is without saying its spiciness is just right. The Hickory BBQ sauce was not really fantastic but if you yearn for that good old fashioned smoky taste, the Hickory BBQ Chicken might just be the one for you.

Black Pepper/ Hickory BBQ Chicken : $6.50 Rating : 4/5

Crispy Fried Fish – I must say this is very good!

Surprise Surprise! Despite the restaurant being an almost all meat paradise, the Crispy Fried Fish (their version of the popular and traditional Fish and Chips) is just as good. I particularly enjoyed the nicely crumbed crust which gave that extra crunch in each bite. What’s more exciting is that after you get through the first bite, the sweetness of the fish flows into your mouth.

By all means, that is a perfect combination whipped up by the chef.

Crispy Fried Fish : $7.20 Rating : 4/5

Well for each set you order, you will be able to choose 2 side dishes. So far, I have tried the Coleslaw, mashed potato, french fries and the baked potato. But to what I feel, if you go there, try their coleslaw. Each bite gives that lovely crunch ( a sign of fresh vegetables ) and it is also not overly creamy. There is also another side dish by the name of Tasty Rice. Hmmm, I wonder how tasty it really is.

There is definitely more to try at Astons Specialties, and so far I have been impressed. If the chicken and fish dishes are already at that standard, will it be the same for their Steaks and Chops? Well, till my wallet is full again, Aston’s just wait for me.

For more information visit : www.astons.com.sg

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Wan Chai Hong Kong Teahouse, Value for Money

2009-01-25T01:21:00.001-08:00

Butterfly pollinating flower – A beauty in a standstill

Today is the eve of the Lunar New Year and like any true blue Singaporean, my mum went for a last dash to secure some more flowers to decorate my grandma’s house. Well at the flower garden, or rather the pasar malam flower shop lookalike, I noticed plenty of butterflies flying around in a sort of flying manner. The feeling that one gets is almost inspirational and obviously I had to retain a snapshot of such memorable moments.

And as you can see from above, I managed to take a shot of a butterfly pollinating a particular flower. How nature seemingly pauses for the moment in time – truly remarkable.

Enough about nature, I think the more fun part about this post is about the Hong Kong delights I discovered at the Wan Chai Hong Kong Teahouse at the newly opened Sembawang Shopping Centre.

Boiled dumplings in soy and chilli oil

I tried out a variety of dishes and some of which I must recommend are the Boiled dumplings in soy and chilli oil, Braised beef brisket and tendon and the Deep fried eggplant with pork floss.

The boiled dumplings in soy and chilli oil proved to be a favourite of mine. I enjoyed the richness and freshness of the filling within and with the chilli oil smothered generously over the tender dumpling skin, it was the zenith in every bite.

Price : $6.80 for 5 pieces Rating : 4/5

Braised Beef Brisket and Tendon

Its not everyday that one would come across a shop selling braised beef brisket, but this particular one I sampled at Wan Chai was close to marvelous. Now I chose the phrase ‘close to marvelous’ is not because the dish did not hit the spot,but I found the broth to be a tad too salty. Other than that, the serving was generous and plentiful.

For the price of $9.80, and couple it with a bowl of white rice, yummy!

Rating : 4/5 Price : $9.80

Deep Fried Eggplant with Pork Floss

Unique creation on the alert! For you eggplant lovers, you will enjoy this tasty serving of mouthwatering eggplant in a crispy skin with delectable pork floss drizzled all over.

However being a simple dish priced at $6.00 is perhaps in my opinion a little too expensive. But considering the fact that most vegetable dishes at restaurants are $$$, this variant might just be another alternative for you.

Price : $6.00 Rating : 3.5/5

With about 4 other outlets scattered across Singapore, Wan Chai Hong Kong Teahouse might just be the next upcoming quick casual Chinese dining for the younger and young at heart generation. There are more delicacies offered such as the more popular Baked Cheese Rice/noodles (but which in my own opinion deserve better treatment from the chef) Other than that, Wan Chai Hong Kong Teahouse is definitely an establishment I will return to every now and then for affordable Chinese/Cantonese cuisine.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2008-12-25T07:20:00.000-08:00

A Merry Christmas to all readers! May this day be one of special occasion for you and your loved ones.

We had a buffet Christmas dinner at Orchard Park Hotel and at the same time celebrated my mum's birthday. I wouldn't say that the buffet spread at the hotel was fantastic, but the ambience was warm and comfortable, and to be with your loved ones on this special occasion, I think that is more than enough.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Christmas lights along Orchard Road

A Little Peek at Liang Court (the former Diamaru)

2008-12-24T04:17:00.001-08:00

King Crab Bento - It tastes like crab. Fresh Crab!

First and foremost, it has been an extremely loooong time since I last posted and I apologize. Been away doing my National Service, so I can only post stuff when I am back home. This post was supposed to be up about a month ago but no worries, all the stuff here except the King Crab Bento (seasonal food fairs only) will be available at Liang Court. Oooooo...I'm craving for Japanese curry again...O.O

I must say that the Japanese King Crab Bento Set came with a high price to pay for. I believe I paid for its food, its airport fare, its water...etc etc.

Texture of the meat was a little tough (as compared to the fresh King Crabs you get in Japan), but the serving is quite generous as expected of its price.

I enjoyed the sweetness of the meat and the ocean taste lingering in my mouth. If you are a crab lover just coming out of the closet, this might just be what you are looking for. Rating 3.5/5 *Note : This dish is sold seasonally

Generous portions with a sweet aftertaste in the mouth.

Japanese Curry. Excellent!

Japanese curry has never appealed to me in name. I always thought that curry was always done best the traditional way and honestly after my first taste test, mmmmm =)

The curry was smooth and not grainy, almost like a thick gravy. It was a little spicy, a little sweet and a little tangy, all deliciously fused together. From $10.80 onwards, you can try out different kinds of Japanese curry served with different kinds of meat and styles. An enormous amount of meat for the meat lover, and once served with Japanese rice, you are good to go.

Rating 4/5

Liang Court is the way to go for Japanese stuff (served exquisitely at its basement level). There were a couple of restaurants which caught my eye and I will definitely go back to finish my hungry assignment. Till then.

Have cravings for Satay Bee Hoon?

2008-11-20T04:01:00.001-08:00

Damn, its been a very long time since I tried some fantastic Satay Beehoon. It seems to me that stalls that once whipped up this dish with such skill and fineness is slowly disappearing.

I was rather surprised at the finding of a satay beehoon stall when my friend Jason brought me after badminton to lunch at the nearby coffeeshop at Block 848, amidst the Khatib Heartlands.

I ordered the $4.00 (large) version of the dish and considering the price, they were very very generous in their servings.

The first and foremost importance of the Satay Bee Hoon is without doubt the satay sauce. Remember the sweet somewhat spicy brown peanut sauce that you use to dib your satay in? Well its the same one. This dish is truly a marvelous concoction by the creator.

Now this particular satay beehoon has its peanut gravy nice and thick. With it being a little on the sweet side. It was a sauce that really left you craving for more. *I literally scooped every last bit off the plate.

The serving of squid, cockles and chicken meat was also very generous for $4.00. Together with the nice and soft bee hoon, and coupled with the peanut sauce, oh they were like a match made in heaven.

Craving for more? Or do you know where to find outstanding satay bee hoon around Singapore? Leave a comment!

Block 848 Coffeeshop
Khatib Heartlands
Rating : 4/5

By the way, if you want to try some excellent popiah which is soft yet crunchy on the inside, check it out at the same coffeeshop as well!

Tickle your tastebuds at Sheraton Towers

2008-11-14T21:52:00.001-08:00

It's not everyday that you will be able to chance upon a unique restaurant or bar that serves fantastic food (unless you are the sort who really goes and hunt them down). And I was rather thrilled finding a fantastic buffet in an almost obscure part of Newton.

Just a 3 minutes walk from Newton MRT Station, my family and I went to Sheraton Towers open concept styled restaurant for lunch.

You have to admit that not every restaurant comes with a waterfall embracing the scenery. The beautifully landscaped garden really does wonders by creating a soothing ambience.

I went for this buffet 2 weeks ago but only have time to put them up now because of my examinations. So I can't really remember all the names of the dishes (though I try), but I guess I should really allow the pictures to speak for themselves as much as possible.

Skewered Teriyaki Chicken

Ahh this was good. I enjoyed the smooth and tender chicken glazed with the teriyaki sauce on it. Served with pickled radish by the side, YUMMY!

Fantastic Roast Beef

Now, its not everyday you come across a giant slab of roast beef all waiting to be carved, don't you?

Ask the chef for at least 2 servings when you order this. The meat has been perfectly roasted on the outside creating that all too good crispy brown texture for you to savour.

Though my only gripe about this dish was that it should have roasted a little longer. It was too rare for my liking, but then again that is a personal preference.

Left - Soba Noodles served with Eel and topped with salmon eggs

Right - Fresh prawns, quail egg with a garnish of black caviar

Now this is what I rave about at this buffet! The appetizers are superior!

I literally had about 4-5 servings of the appetizers. They are very well presented and each one its a unique creation in its own right. It's not your everyday fare at a buffet.

P.S I relished the prawns served nice and whole. *Craving for more....*

Salmon Appetizer served with fruit

Roast Duck served with jellyfish

Serving of Fresh Sashimi from the counter

Ok, this is like the standard fare for all buffets in Singapore. (*At least to the ones I've been to and excluding Carnivore [ meat buffet ], vegetarian buffets...etc. etc.)

I presume most Singaporeans would grade the quality of a buffet by the quality of the sashimi served. If that were the case, I would give this place a 3.5/5 based on sashimi alone.

Maybe I am particularly biased because while they serve the usual Salmon, Tuna, and swordfish, they also serve the Sweet Prawns(Amaebi) which I so deliciously savour.

However, I would have expected a wider range of sashimi and their sushi selection was not actually fantastic. Hmmm, I think this is one area for improvement for them. Oh I so dream of the days when I was in Himawari Japanese Restaurant for that fantastic Sashimi buffet.

Creamy Seafood Pasta

Number one on my list! I am easily satisfied when pasta is around, especially good pasta. But my more discerning buffet lovers will all go like "OH MY GOSH, YOU DO NOT, EAT PASTA AT ANY BUFFET. IT FILLS YOU UP! GO FOR THE EXPENSIVE STUFF"

Haha, well that being true, I will stick to my sashimi (expensive) and caviar (expensive) more often, but I still want my pasta!

The creamy seafood pasta was well...creamy and the best part was that each morsel gave you that cheesy sensation in your mouth. Mmmmm, that lovely kick to the dish!

Mini Chicken Pies - Burpp.

Vietnamese Beef Noodles

Another surprising fare at the buffet. It's ok if you love noodles, and the broth was nicely done. However, I feel that if they really want to serve Vietnamese food, serve more! Not just one little noodle counter enshrined in some far away place hidden next to the cashier.

A perfect little Christmasy Picture. Ring any bells to you?

Are these desserts enough to tempt you?

While nearly every buffet will have the standard fare of tiramisu, chocolate cake, chocolate fondue, I particularly enjoyed the fresh serving of cocktail desserts.

There was ice jelly, even little cups with jelly and berries inside sprinkled with silver icing powder (left). I thought that the dessert section was really there to impress, though it would be better if they served berries alone as a fruit.

I believe that would be a fine way to end such a delectable buffet experience and at a price for approximately $30++ per person, fabulous!

Ambience Rating : 4/5

Food Rating : 4/5

Overall Rating : 4/5

This buffet is the Weekend High Tea Buffet served on Sundays 12pm - 4pm

For reservations and enquiries on price please call +65 6839-5621

The Dining Room
Sheraton Towers Singapore Hotel
Thirty-Nine Scotts Road

Recipe : Tamarind Prawns with Squid and Petai Beans plus a cool and unique dessert!

2008-10-18T13:50:00.001-07:00

Tamarind (Asam) Prawns with Squid and Petai Beans

Yesterday, my mum wanted to have lunch cooked by me and she pointed excitedly at the recipe of Tamarind Prawns found in this Malay cookbook. It particularly intrigued me as I have never cooked Malay cuisine before and judging from the recipe it was fairly simple.

Now one thing to note that Malay dishes are commonly believed to be fattening (maybe it is so), but I believe that has mainly to do with the coconut milk frequently added in a number of their curry and spice dishes. The Tamarind Prawns dish is by far what I believe to be almost all natural ingredients using natural herbs and spices. A very interesting concoction to whip up.

Left - Herbs and Spices ; Right - Mr. Squid

I went to the market and of course, couldn't resist adding more ingredients and shaping the recipe to my taste. I bought a squid and Petai beans as part of my now unique creation. (Of course some of you may have cooked this way before, but its always good to experiment without reference from anything. Intuition I always say=)

Left - Petai Beans ; Right - Prawns

After cooking the dish, I very much enjoyed the sourness of the tamarind, plus the fresh seafood taste of the prawns and squid all mixed together in one fine gravy. The addition of the petai beans added that unique taste (though not all may like it because it resembles...er...ah hum...flatulence) Serve it hot with steamed white rice, and I believe a satisfying, quick and easy lunch is made =) Yummy.

Interested in serving this to your guests and family?

Recipe : Tamarind Prawns with Squid and Petai Beans

Ingredients

300grams prawns. (Shelled or whole, up to you. But keep the heads please if you shell them)
20grams ginger
3 cloves garlic
1 stalk of lemon grass (serai)
2 pieces bird's eye chilli (chilli padi)
3 tablespoons of tamarind paste
1 medium sized red onion
1 squid, cleaned and sliced.
1 tablespoon sugar
salt to taste
water
Tumeric (Kunyit) Powder (optional)

If you shelled the prawns, keep the heads and with 1 cup of water, place them in a frying pan to make the stock. Remove prawn heads and keep the liquid left.
Mix half cup water with the tamarind paste to create the tamarind juice. Note you might want to use your fingers to press out the juice from the flesh. Once done, remove the tamarind seeds and keep the flesh and juice.
Slice ginger, garlic, lemon grass, chilli and red onion. Add to a blender and top it with 1 tablespoon of water. Blend till fine to form a spice paste.
Heat 2 tablespoons cooking oil in pan. Stir fry the spice paste till fragrant. Be careful not to burn the paste. Add in the tamarind juice and flesh. Stir fry for 1 minute.
If you have the prawn stock, add it now, otherwise Add in 1/2 cup of water. Let the tamarind gravy simmer a little.
Add in the tumeric powder.
Now add in the petai beans and squid. Cook for about 3 minutes. Add in the sugar.
Once you are certain you are happy with the consistency of the gravy and the saltiness, stir in the prawns. Cover and leave to simmer for 1 minute. Top the gravy with more water if needed or simmer for a less watery gravy.
Serve hot with steamed white rice. Enjoy.

Voila you have now created Tamarind Prawns with Squid and Petai Beans!

Steamed Coconut with Milk and Egg White

I chanced upon this interesting dessert at the Crystal Jade Restaurant. It had to be good otherwise my family and I wouldn't have gone back to eat it twice. The dessert is perhaps a remarkable idea by the chef and all credit goes to him or her, but I simply had to recreate the dish at home.

I have to admit that it didn't turn out restaurant style but I have got most of the recipe for this dessert down to pat. The texture of this dish served hot is very smooth, almost fine. Couple that together with the sweetness of the coconut and the softness of the egg white, mmmmm...I am sure you can imagine that savoury taste.

Click the link below for the recipe!

Its very easy to prepare and serve your guests and definitely a step away from the traditional fruits and jelly.

Steamed Coconut served with Milk and Egg Whites

1 coconut
1 egg white
1/4 cup of milk
1 teaspoon of sugar

Prepare steamer. Make sure your coconut can fit into the steamer.
Drain the coconut juice into a bowl. Keep the whole husk.
In the bowl, add in the egg white, milk and sugar. With a whisk or fork, beat the mix until everything is like..well mixed.
Pour back the mix into the coconut husk and steam for 45 minutes. Serve hot!

Have fun cooking!

My Quest For Hakka Delicacies. Any Recommendations?

2008-10-16T06:47:00.001-07:00

Hakka Abacus Seeds

I always felt that Hakka cuisine tended to be more on the healthy side haha judging by the lack of 'taste' I tasted in this particular food court's dish, I thought even more so too.

Well, the Hakka Abacus Seeds (looks like the abacus seeds from a real abacus, hence the name) is said to bring about fortune and prosperity. I expected the dish to be crunchy and savoury with a little meat inside, but lo and behold it was soft and mushy. The chopped olives (I presume) added a tinge of savoury flavour to the seeds but apart from that, it was ok for me.

Hakka Eight Treasures

Now, as supposedly one of the main highlights of the traditional cuisine, the Hakka Eight Treasures really stands for its name in simplicity. Nothing too elaborate but the delicate natural flavour of the food. There is a meatball, beancurd with meat stuffing, mushroom with stuffing, bean sauce and a fried beancurd skin.

Still, I am looking for true authentic Hakka food, so any good place to recommend?

Deep down, my stomach is grumbling for the taste of tradition.

Delectable Cuisine from Asia Grand's Dining Room

2008-10-12T06:37:00.001-07:00

My maternal grandma's birthday was celebrated about two weeks ago on the 28th of September and the family went to Asia Grand Restaurant to partake in her joyous feast. Located at Odeon Towers, just opposite the Raffles Hotel, Asia Grand supposedly offers some of the best Peking Duck you have ever tasted. Not surprisingly, with all regards to its rich name and grandeur that exudes from it, it is a dining room of top-notch service leaving you at ease and at comfort.

Chinese Character "Shou" signifying longevity for my Grandma.

As in tradition for Chinese Birthdays, red eggs is a dish of significant importance and not to be missed especially for the seniors. (My second aunt made them, looks good eh=). Steamed lotus longevity buns - a sign of longevity (did you guess from the name?) were also served upon our request at the birthday banquet. And I must agree, they were tasty as well.

Left - Red Eggs. Right - Steamed Lotus Longevity Buns

The main highlight of the dinner is arguably the Peking Duck. Presented Crispy Golden Brown, the duck looked like it worth any long wait. I particularly like the way Peking Duck is eaten. The crisp skin, garnished with a teaspoon full of gravy, sprinkled with some light garnish and then wrapped in a beautiful yellow pancake. It is a dish of simple, royal delight.

Asia Grand's Peking Duck I must say presents itself very well. Nothing beats settling down to dinner with a light and crispy dish. The thin layer of fat just under the skin complements with the smooth texture of the pancake and by placing everything on the prawn cracker served, ahhh what delight.

Rating for Peking Duck : 4.5/5

Winter Melon Soup with Seafood

An inspiring melon soup with a loving seafood stock served in the melon husk itself.

The broth was deliciously hearty and very heartwarming such that it leaves a sense of satisfaction after each sip. Somehow, it just reminds you of the soup Grandma always makes.

Serving size was very generous too with a handsome offering of fresh seafood in it.

A definite must try if you ever visit Asia Grand.

Rating for : 4.5/5

Steamed Live Prawns with Garlic

The steamed live prawns with garlic is the sweetest seafood dish I have tried. No no, its not the sugar but rather the authentic freshness of the prawns itself that gives rise to its aromatic taste.

Tantalizing and fragrant, the garlic sprinkled generously on each half piece of prawn added remarkably well to the juiciness of the shellfish.

Though I did find the light sauce broth a tad too salty for my liking, but overall an excellent dish if you would like to marvel in seafood freshness.
Rating for : 4/5

Apart from all the traditional dishes served, I was particularly impressed by the Green Tea Braised Egg Tofu. It was enjoyable biting through the soft pieces while savouring the refreshing light taste of Green Tea. The light braised sauce that was ladled over it also served to add to the flavour of the tofu, bringing out the simplicity yet exquisiteness of the dish. Three Cheers for this dish!

Rating for Green Tea Braised Egg Tofu : 4.5/5

The Chicken, symbolism of the dragon and the phoenix and the coming together of families. Perhaps the most common dish in the entire dinner, yet still lovingly prepared with a roasted skin and tender meat. The taro chips at the side did not disappoint as well :)

Rating for Roasted Chicken : 3.5/5

In Chinese customs, noodles are a symbol of longevity. They are usually served long and whole without it being cut up. Remember that Peking Duck from before? Well, it was cut up and the meat deliciously whipped up with the noodles. Eat a bowl of Longevity Noodles and live a long life for the future.

Rating for Longevity Noodles with Shredded Duck Meat : 3/5

Grandma's banquet doesn't end here though. There were other dishes such as fish, mushroom and dessert being served, which I did not feature. Still, Asia Grand Restaurant provides some of the better quality Asian Cuisine around and with its not too expensive price, it certainly is a nice place to visit occasionally with your family.

Rating for Service : 4/5

Overall Rating for Asia Grand Restaurant : 4/5

No. 331, North Bridge Road. #01-02 Odeon Towers, Singapore 188720. Tel : 68870010 & Fax : 68870020

Wait! That Zaru Soba is Out of Place at Whampoa.

2008-09-27T09:48:00.001-07:00

Zaru Soba - Shokudo

Pit stop at Shokudo - Raffles Shopping Centre. I had the Zaru Soba for a snack. Ok while this may not seem like a snack to you, it was still a snack. I particularly love to eat cold Japanese noodles. They seem so soft and glittery and with the light sauce dip just complementing the refreshing bite. Burp Burp Burp, but for $6.50, I reckoned they could have given slightly more noodles though I must agree that that serving of wasabi at the side add a fiery fire to my tastebuds.

Price : $6.50

Rating for Zaru Soba at Shokudo : 4/5

What a beautiful skyline...as we waited and waited for the bus to arrive.

Well for dinner, we got lost. Trust me, when I say we got lost, we got lost. My mum, grandaunt, aunt, cousin, uncle and I wanted to head to Whampoa to check out my Uncle's (another uncle) new home. We took Bus Service 124 but ended up going to Orchard. (It was the other way...just imagine that) And I am not saying that the bus service was especially efficient. We had to wait approximately 45 minutes in total for the buses and went traversing all about Singapore. Talk about Singapore being a small country and getting lost, just imagine this was some gigantic island...

Well the journey to Whampoa was not a disappointment as there herein lies the famed Whampoa Food Centre. There have been so much buzz about this place that I really had to go there and check the food out (Even though it was more of a "coincidence" setting really)

Somehow the Hokkien Mee (specifically Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee) attracted a very long queue. And I must agree while I was queuing up for Ruby's Popiah (see below), a man walked past me with a plate of that particular hokkien mee and my head turned to follow the waft of fragrance.

The Hokkien Mee was heavily charred to a perfect mix (often with the "clack clack" sound of the ladle hitting the wok, much like a true master) and the toppings of prawns, squid and egg wasn't too skimpy. Perhaps the one true outstanding taste of this dish is really the fried chilli. It really added that extra zing to each morsel. Still I reckoned it would be better with a scatter of Fried Pork Fat...please ??

Price : $3

Rating for Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee : 4/5

I mentioned earlier about queuing at Ruby's Popiah and honestly the only thing that attracted me to this dimly lit stall was really the queue that snaked from it. Come on, who in the world would queue for Popiah unless it was really good. I had to bet my tastebuds on it and for $1.20 per piece, well it was worth the wait.

Apparently the sole factor which really stood out for Ruby's Popiah is the ingredients which was wrapped in it. There was a good mix of the standard ingredients (turnip, sprouts, chinese lettuce, chopped omellete) plus Lap Chiong (chinese sausages), hard boiled egg and Pork Fat (I presume its pork fat because that was what it looked like. Wrap all these up in the Popiah skin and with a smattering of black sauce and chilli, it was ready to go.

I really enjoyed each bite. It was a good blend of flavours and with neither ingredient being too strong. The best part came when the crunch of the Pork Fat erupted in my mouth and I had to go "ooooh" Excellent Excellent.

Price : $1.20

Rating for Ruby's Popiah : 4.5/5

My cousin Jeremy, and I had chicken wings and Chinese rojak for dessert. Though the real highlight here is the Chicken Wings which were oh so tenderly barbecued. I cannot say much about chicken wings except that these are crispy on the outside, with all the chicken fat smothered about, with the meat succulent and tender on the inside. The drizzle of lime juice and the dip of spicy chilli with the chicken simply tickled my tastebuds even more.

I have nothing to say, except that these are really good. If you are ever going to Whampoa, you should honestly try these BBQed Chicken Wings. O LALA =)

Price : $1.10 per Wing

Rating for BBQ Chicken Wings : 4.5/5

Note : I can't really tell you the stall name as I am not especially good in traditional chinese characters, but you can see how the stall looks like from below.

Overall Comments

I entered Whampoa lost and in despair because of the wrong bus ride but left the food centre stuffed to the max. The 3 stalls above are really must tries if you ever go to the Whampoa food centre (though the Zaru Soba is just as good=). Simple yet delicious ( deliciously priced ) dishes, that is sure to satisfy that stomach growl of yours.

Nature's Purple Passion

2008-09-20T07:13:00.001-07:00

Now who knew I would have a cube of amethyst lying around the house. This purple passion is truly a work of art from Nature and through the dextrous craftsmanship of a skilled messier, a beautiful cuboid is hewed right off the rock.

Its very unique how this striking piece of amethyst is able to give off a glow when seen in the sunlight (look above) - As though within the gemstone itself there was a light bulb shining its way out. Such a wonder.

Historically believed by the Ancient Greeks and Romans as a jewel that prevents harm and intoxication, it was much sought after by the nobles. Furthermore, the stone itself represents understanding, knowledge, and philosophy.

However, this purple beauty is found in various hues as well. There are amethyst in brown, yellow, red and even pink. Just imagine a string of amethyst in different colours but all cut similarly. It would be almost like a glittering rainbow of mystical wonder.

For all you February babies out there, this is the gemstone that represents your month. A jewel with its extravagance in violet.

An exquisite collection from my mum's humble treasure cove.

More Please! Sir? Sir?

2008-09-15T03:27:00.001-07:00

Fried Hokkien Mee with topping of luscious Pork Fat

Down the road from Block 921 at Yishun Bus Interchange, I found another coffeeshop which had more hustle and bustle than even a school canteen at lunch time. It was a quaint little shoppe located around the bend and a particular sign board caught my eye.

One of the stall's signboard (though it might not have been very obvious) said 921 Yishun Fried Hokkien Mee. See the link? Two 921 Hokkien Mee stalls at two different coffeeshops. Well which is better?

This serving of Hokkien Mee was quite generous in noodle portion and each spoonfull (or chopstick full) carried an air of a heavy seafood stock. Still, I think that for the price of $4.00 they should have given a little more toppings and ingredients, like the sliced pork belly which was all but there.

The chilli though red hot in colour, proved to be inadequate with the quality of the dish. It was somewhat too strong in its prawn paste smell and tasted a little like chilli from the bottle.

Therefore in comparison with this version of Fried Hokkien Mee and the one located at Block 921, it seems that the latter wins this dish hands down. Though it would not hurt to try out different styles of cooking.

Price : $3.50/$4.00

Rating for Fried Hokkien Mee : 3.5/5

Hainanese (Debone) Chicken Rice

The coffeeshop's serving of one of Singapore's most Singaporean Dishes - Hainanese Chicken Rice attracted a queue. In Singaporean terms, anything with a queue must be good.

I ordered the $3.50 serving of the Boneless Chicken Rice to find out what was so good about this stall's speciality. The chicken was served mostly without its skin (excellent for you health junkies) though the ladle of light sauce and sesame oil was a little too heavy for my liking. The meat was soft and a little juicy and pair this with the serving of warm chicken rice, it was good!

I particularly enjoyed their rice. It was grainy but not too hard with each grain being a little oily from the chicken fat. Also it was not overpoweringly fragrant and provided a delicate complement to the meat.

The chilli sauce provided is something I really enjoyed. I presume it was blended from Chilli Padi so even a little dip of it on the meat made the bite fiery hot. For all you spice haters, beware!

Arguably this is one of the better Hainanese Chicken Rice I have eaten though it would be better if they were to go a little easy on the light sauce. It is not the best so far where in the lights of Yet Con along Purvis Street but for a neighbourhood whipping up of the dish and with it boneless, it is deal definitely value for money.

Now I know why there was a queue.

Price : $2.50/3.50

Rating for Hainanese Chicken Rice : 4/5

Dim Sum in a Coffeeshop? Who could have guessed!

Singapore Favourite Foods - Chinese Rojak

Almost every other coffeeshop has a stall selling Chinese Rojak with its crispy You Tiao, tau pok, turnip, cucumber, dried squid all mixed in a big bowl of prawn paste with chopped nuts.

Today's Chinese Rojak called for the addition of Century Eggs - Duck eggs covered in mud and buried underground for 100 days till its ferments. Yummy! The acquired taste of the century eggs is definitely a strong ally with the sweet taste of the prawn paste and couple that with a slice or two of the crispy you tiao, oh my gosh, you are in heaven!

While the prawn paste that coats this Rojak isn't too strong, the chef was a little heavy handed with his use of sugar, so I didn't really enjoy the sweeter version of this popular Singaporean Dish. Now if they threw in a tau pok or two, this would really make a dish value for your money.

Price : $3.00 + $1.20 (century egg)

Rating for Chinese Rojak : 3.5/5

Comments

If you really are craving for an above average value for money deal at a coffeeshop at the Yishun vicinity, you might just want to pop by at this neighbourhood coffeeshop. While it does not serve the food like those in restaurants and posh cafes, it still bodes strongly of the local flavour and you might just be surprised at what dish you could really enjoy!

Location : Yishun 81 Food Court. Near Yishun Bus Interchange.

Ajisen Ramen : Shiok Shiok Mee Japanese Style

2008-09-14T03:16:00.001-07:00

A La Carte Side Dish - Fried Cuttlefish

Ajisen Ramen opened a new outlet at Causeway Point and I must say that it certainly is very popular with the crowd. Perhaps its just the yellowish, perfectly rounded strands of noodles that attract or maybe its just the trend to eat there. Experience at the new store was not entirely comfortable, with a slightly lower then expected service from the crew. There was hardly a person at the entrance to guide us to our seats and when there was finally one, it was more of a "here's your seat" and immediately thereafter left.

Now this is good! Crispy yet easy to savour. The fried cuttlefish meat was not too tough like all the other deep fried cuttlefish you might have encountered. And while this would have been better with a sprinkle of salt, it is good enough to complement the ramen.

Rating for Fried Cuttlefish : 4/5

Spicy Cuttlefish Ramen (Dry) - Chef's Recommendation and Mine too!

Still while service may not be up to expectations, the food is arguably good though I have to admit it is a little too pricey for a bowl of noodles with toppings that could have been a little more generous with.

Nonetheless, I particularly enjoyed the Spicy Cuttlefish Ramen (Dry) which tasted almost similar to a bowl of noodles with chilli paste. The slices of pork topping was tender and with fat that was almost the standard of 'melt in your mouth' but the cuttlefish is perhaps a little too small to even notice it being there once you mix everything up. The noodles were good with a fine texture that was not too chewy or too easily broken. This is one dish I recommend! However do ask for more chilli if you want that extra spice.

Set meal price : $14.80

Rating for Spicy Cuttlefish Ramen (Dry) : 4/5

Seafood Ramen

The Seafood Ramen is not a dish that deserves alot to be shout about. It was average in taste and quality with the stock hinting a tad of MSG (I'm not sure, but thats what I felt how it tasted). An OK dish but I have no idea how it is one of the most popular dishes available.

Set meal price : $13.80

Rating for Seafood Ramen : 2.5/5

Pumpkin Croquette

A savoury and tasty dish with a generous mashed pumpkin filling that has been deep fried to a crispy golden brown. Slightly sweet though it could be improved by draining the excess oil on the surface of the croquette. It literally glitters in the light.

Rating for Pumpkin Croquette : 3/5

Overall Conclusion and Feel

Ajisen Ramen certainly lives up to its standards of serving some of the better ramens around. There is a wide selection and variety though I have to admit it is a little over the top in its price for a simple meal of noodles. There are commendable dishes like the spicy cuttlefish ramen which is definitely a must try if you visit the outlet but it will definitely be a more memorable visit with better service standards from the crew.

Jewel of the Orient

2008-09-13T04:24:00.001-07:00

The marvelous Jadeite, a tender beauty of nature with a history of ages old. In times past, Jadeite or commonly known as Jade has been considered to protect a person from harm and to bring him good luck. It is also thought of as a stone with healing properties and was frequently used in Chinese alchemy and medicine.

Jade, considered as the stone of heaven, was once a symbol of rank and nobility in Ancient China where it was heavily appreciated. The gem, with its lustrous shine, is found in a wide spectrum of colours and is also varied with its translucency from opaque to glass. The most precious of Jadeites are the rare few which bode an imperial green colour with a glossy surface and an exquisite translucent interior.

I think Jade is one of the most fascinating gemstones. It exudes a pleasant calmness and gives a cool feeling to the touch. A sense of serenity which perhaps no other jewel can fulfill.

Every piece is unique and no two similar stones can be found. Each has its own beauty, colour and character. Artistically crafted by man, created beautifully by Nature where creation tells its own story and journey.

The precious love of my Mum's humble treasure cove....

Recipe : Shitake Mushrooms, Garlic Sprouts with Melted Cheese...drool

2008-09-10T22:23:00.001-07:00

I seem to always have that craving for Burger King! Especially that Mushroom Swiss Double. So exceptionally delicious. That beefy patty topped with the oh my goodness mushrooms and melted cheese. One of the best comfort foods in the world.

Well I tried (I say again..I tried) to duplicate that fabulous topping but with what ingredients I had. Let's say..I looked in to the refrigerator and I found Garlic Sprouts (to scare vampires away?), 1 packet of Fresh Shitake Mushrooms, oh yeah and lots of cheese (the cheap processed kind sold in slices, not something like Fetta, Cottage, Mozerralla which are like $$$ to a student)

Its a good effort and I particularly enjoyed the soft mushrooms and the salty taste of that melted goodness. Though one thing for sure, I didn't really enjoy the garlic sprouts (~~I became scared that I would scare vampires away~~ I just didn't enjoy it)

Wanna try this recipe out?

Shitake Mushrooms, Garlic Sprouts with Melted Cheese

1 pack Fresh Mushrooms ( or 10-12 pieces)
2 stalks of garlic sprout
2 slices of processed cheese
salt
pepper
1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce
1 tablespoon of Oil or Butter
2 tablespoons of water

Slices the mushrooms and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over them.
Cut the garlic sprout into smaller pieces. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of oil or butter (preferably) in the pan.
Stir fry the garlic sprout. Once garlic sprouts are slightly soft, add in the mushrooms and oyster sauce. Stir fry till slightly dry, add in about 2 tablespoons of water. Give or take 2 minutes for mushrooms to be cooked and become soft.
Once mushrooms are nice and soft, add in the slices of cheese in the pan. Turn heat to small. Slowly use your ladle and mix the cheese and mushrooms together. The cheese should melt on its own. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
Serve =)

You could be like me and serve that fabulous ~~experiment~~ dish with fresh Cod, tomatoes and some corn. Yummy. Burp. I think I can open my own Burger outlet =)

P.S Before I go, I have to say this, last night I chanced upon a trade secret, a very old recipe, by using a certain something to coat my fish and deep frying it. LOL, obviously it may not be a trade secret but it certainly is an old way of doing it, but not many are doing so these days...Till then=)

Botak Jones Luncheon Again..-.-!

2008-09-06T07:50:00.001-07:00

Rosemary Lamb Chops - er I didn't taste any Rosemary..?

Today's lunch outing had me travel all the way to ~~Woodgrave~~ Woodgrove for Botak Jones! Yes yes. the place is rather silent with the main hustle and bustle being in the Fairprice Outlet there, but to go all the way to some outskirts in Woodlands (I exaggerated a teeny weeny bit), its plain ridiculous!

The Botak Jones outlet at Woodgrove is rather new having been established only a couple of months back. Placed prominently in the residential Kopitiam, I could hardly miss the banners hailing the presence of Botak Jones (O Mighty One!)

Rosemary Lamb Chops was up on the menu for me today, and I must say that I am not very impressed by it. For $12.00, 200grams worth of Lamb Chops and 2 side dishes, it was not entirely a value for money dish.

It is true that you get premium meat, but sincerely while I admit it is juicier, there is a stark difference in taste for my regular Lamb Chops at the coffeeshop, which do taste better at a more value for money price.

A delicate portion which is average and pricey

Still, while I may not appreciate the quality of meat entirely, the dish does have its good points. It was juicy, tender and topped with a generous serving of white mushroom sauce.

The two side dishes (I chose Potato Salad and Mexican Rice) were average in texture and quality, with nothing spectacular. But if you are a fan for potatoes and egg all mixed in one, you might enjoy the eggy potato side dish =) I reckoned a sprinkle of salt could have been drizzled over the Mexican Rice for more flavour.

I presumed that while they called it "Rosemary Lamb Chops" I would find more obvious portions of Rosemary cooked with the Lamb, but somehow the fragrance of the herb disappeared. Nonetheless, there was this little drop ( about 2 spoonfulls ) of green sauce at the side of the lamb chops which I eventually guessed it to be the Rosemary sauce. A tad too sour for my liking which for me did not complement the flavour and tenderness of the meat.

In Overall, the Rosemary Lamb Chops at Botak Jones Woodgrove Outlet, while not entirely a huge disappointment, still ranks some points in the quality and presentation department. If you are a hardcore fan for Lamb, you might just want to go Baaaa....

Price : $12.00 (200g serving) with 2 side dishes of your own choice.

Rating for Rosemary Lamb Chops : 2/5

Botak Jones Woodgrove Outlet (located at the Kopitiam, opposite St. Anthony's Church). Get there with Bus 912 from Woodlands Interchange

Can't get enough of the Botak Burger...topped with Shitake Mushrooms!

Ah hahaha ... I couldn't get enough of the Botak Burger! I had to order it again with Shitake Mushrooms topping! Yum Yum. Now this you must try! Tender and juicy, with fragrant mushrooms to top - ahhh heaven =)

I have a confession - My new found love - THE CHEMPEDAK! I'M going NUTS over it. Juicy, sweet, so much like the jackfruit and the durian - almost like a crossbreed. Burp...going to buy more ... hehe ...

A slight randomness of my own ;)

Till then.

I must be mad about Chempedak.

Ampang Yong Tau Foo - Sedap?

2008-09-05T01:22:00.001-07:00

This is honestly my first time trying Ampang Yong Tau Foo. Sure, I have eaten the normal Yong Tau Foo served dry or in a soup with noodles. However, Ampang Yong Tau Foo is slightly more different than being your ordinary Yong Tau Foo.

The dish originated from a street called Jalan Ampang in Malaysia where there are 3 stalls selling a similar style of this Yong Tau Foo. Hence the name "Ampang".

What struck me first is that the Ampang Yong Tau Foo comes served in a plate rather then a bowl, and while the variety of ingredients is standard fare, the largest differentiating factor is perhaps the dish is topped with a ladle of heavy mushroom sauce.

I particularly enjoyed the meal as the Mushroom sauce really made the mark. While the normal variant would have red sweet sauce and chilli sauce all mixed together with the Yong Tau Foo, it was really interesting having a hearty mushroom bite. The yellow noodles that came along had a drizzle of black sweet sauce which I must say was a clever way for presentation and taste in what would otherwise be a very dry accompaniment.

While Ampang Yong Tau Foo is nothing fantastic, it still is a healthy dish (if you don't eat much of the sauce and order all veggies) which will delight many. Well, what separates this Yong Tau Foo from the 'traditional', perhaps its the mushroom sauce and the way it is served. Apart from that, not much of a difference.

I had mine at Causeway Point Food Junction.

Location : Sungei Wang Am Pang Yong Tau Foo, Food Junction, Causeway Point

Price : $0.50 per piece of Yong Tau Foo (min. 7 pieces)

Rating for this stall : 3.5/5

Snow flakes so pretty...

2008-09-01T18:35:00.001-07:00

There is always something about Snowskin mooncakes that rivet my attention. The idea of a soft and chewy skin coupled with the sugary goodness on the inside is as delicate as the dew on a blade of grass. I think that in our modern era, the snowskin mooncake is definitely a way of having traditions keep up with the younger generations.

This particular pure white snowskin mooncake hails from the famed Raffles Hotel. Packaged in an elegant box featuring a chinese lady in her traditional attire on the cover, the box alone is exudes the moments of time coming to a stand still.

Inside the box, one would find a second layer of wrapping, that of the baking paper emblazoned with "Original Raffles Hotel Mooncake" - leaving me to wonder if there are fake raffles lying around!

Still, I was impressed with the neatly arranged snowskin mooncakes in the box. Each had their own little 'apartment' in the golden tray. Well, it had to be golden else it wouldn't be from Raffles Hotel, would it?

Perhaps the real deal comes from tasting the mooncake itself, regardless of how well packaged the traditional goodie comes in. I found the snowskin mooncake to be soft but not too mushy. There was a delicate balance between the sweetness of the 'skin' and the filling.

As part of a new creation, the snowskin mooncake came with a white chocolate ball filled with liquor. The chocolate simply melts in the mouth while the alcohol slowly oozes out onto your tongue, leaving you in sheer ecstasy. It was a memorable experience.

Now, at this standard, quality and texture, its no wonder these snowskin mooncakes are from Raffles Hotel. Any less, and it would not be fit of the name.

Customs and Traditions : The Mooncake Festival (Mid-Autumn Festival)

2008-08-30T22:59:00.001-07:00

The Mooncake festival traditionally takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month in the Chinese Calendar. To celebrate the harvest from the summer traditionally , farmers had the festival on this day when the moon was the fullest and the brightest, thus marking the end of the season.

It is one of the two most important events in the Chinese Calendar, with the other being the Lunar New Year. Family members will come together for a day of reunion and eat moon cakes and pomelos together.

In Singapore, one might also be able to catch children in the parks and gardens walking around with their brightly lit lanterns (whether battery powered or the traditional candle, they are still lanterns..how I miss mine)

This year the Mid Autumn festival will fall on the 14th of September and there will be beautiful lightings and scenery at the Chinese Gardens.

The mooncakes you see displayed in this post are made by my Aunty Florence. Her pastry is firm and crispy while the filling is not too sweet. These mini versions of the standard sized mooncakes are to me more enjoyable as it does not leave you with a memory of over-indulgence (Though I can finish a few at a time=)

Hainanese Pork Chops...Are You Hungry?

2008-08-30T22:56:00.001-07:00

Hainan 2nd Streeet Coffeehouse Speciality - Hainanese Pork Chops!

Nothing beats having a perfectly deep-fried, crumb coated, crispy yet tender Pork Chops tantalizing your palate! The Hainanese Pork Chops is very different from what you see at Western stalls, with their version being deep fried compared to the Westerns who grill theirs.

Hainan 2nd Street Coffeehouse is one of the many more prominent Hainanese Coffeehouses and restaurants situated along Purvis street. While arguably not as famous as Chin Chin or Yet Con, it is still a fighter in the Hainanese food scene.

The Hainanese Pork Chops of 2nd Street is possibly better than Chin Chin's. There is a crispy exterior with a firm bite through the meat inside. Furthermore, each piece is tasty and succulent.

If you visit 2nd Street, you have to try their Pork Chops. I went there specially for it and it left me satisfied.

Price : $9 (Medium Serving)

Rating for Hainanese Pork Chops : 4/5

As standard fare, I ordered the Hainanese Chicken. It was rather average and nothing to boast about. The meat was tender and soft, with the skin not being too sticky or chewy. There was a fare amount of soy sauce and sesame oil drizzled on the poultry, but comparatively, I prefered Yet Con's Chicken, whose skin is so yellow it will possibly remind you of the good old days.

Rating for Hainanese Chicken : 3/5

The chilli sauce at 2nd Street is a must try for Hainanese Chilli fans. There's a saying that goes

"If the sauce is good enough, you can even eat it alone with rice"

I have to agree. Wallop huge servings of 2nd Street's chilli with their Chicken rice, add a meat or two, and you have a mouthful of ....burp..

Hainanese Mutton Soup - Herby and Excellent

I particularly enjoyed the Hainanese Mutton Soup served at 2nd Street. The broth was strong, clear and tasty, while the portions of liao (ingredients) were generous. Comparatively better than the one I tasted at Mooi Chin (at Golden Landmark Hotel), but in the mutton selection department, 2nd Street's choice is sub-par to the one at Mooi Chin whose meat is oh so tender and soft.

Price : $8 (Medium Serving)

Rating for Hainanese Mutton Soup : 4/5

Conclusion

Hainan 2nd Street Coffeehouse is just one of the many Hainanese food establishments located along Purvis Street. With so many, it is inevitable that comparisons will be made across board. However, 2nd Street does not disappoint and is an excellent coffeehouse to visit for your above average Hainanese fare.

Venue :

Hainan 2nd Street Coffeehouse
16 Purvis Street
Near the National Library at City Hall
Contact : 6333 3550
Open Daily from 7am to 10pm

Hidden Hainanese Cuisine - Do you know that it is even there?

2008-08-23T10:10:00.001-07:00

Mooi Chin's Hainanese Chicken - Gratifying and Sumptuous

Not too far from the busy urban streets of Bugis lies an almost deserted shopping centre whose heyday was in the 80's. Golden Landmark Shopping Complex, with at most slightly more than half its shops open at any time, surprisingly boasts an authentic Hainanese Cuisine Restaurant located in the Golden Landmark Hotel adjacent to it.

The chicken can be summed up in one word - good. It was not too dry like the ones usually found in hawker centres and coffeeshops nor was it too rough. I enjoyed the wholesome texture of each piece of meat with the light soy sauce mixed with sesame oil being a perfect compliment to the overall taste. Together, the meat seemingly just slides down your throat.

Hainanese Chicken Rice - Fragrant, though it came to me as a tad dry.

While there is good chicken, there ought to be good rice. I found the Chicken Rice fragrant but apart from which it was a little too dry and grainy. It would have been better for a softer variety of rice to be cooked. Somehow, if there was better rice, there would have been a better rating.

Price : $12.00

Overall Rating for Hainanese Chicken and Hainanese Chicken Rice : 4/5

The two sauces served (Chicken Rice Condiments on the left, whatever not Sambal Chilli on the right) is perhaps a must for the meal. Arguably, the chicken went well with the spicy looking red chilli sauce which turned out to be quite sweet and not blazingly hot. It might be an idea to mix the Chilli, Ginger and Sweet Black Sauce all up for that savoury taste,

Also, the Sambal Chilli is perhaps one of the freshest which I have seen in a restaurant setting. The chilli is not too hot and with the squeezed lime, the tangy taste really added flavour to the dishes. I must comment that the spices used in Mooi Chin's have been toned down (obviously...) for the foreigners and tourists visiting the establishment. So you might want to ask for that Sambal Kang Kong of yours to be spiced up!

Sambal Kang Kong

The Sambal Kang Kong was perhaps a disappointment for my tastebuds. Though it was nice and crunchy with the occasional spice in it, I felt that the chefs have been slightly too skimpy in the sambal. It was a dish that really needed more hotness for that kick in it. Once again, ask for more sambal when you order (I learnt that to my disappointment)

Price : $10.00

Rating for Sambal Kang Kong : 2.5/5

Hainanese Mutton Soup - The mutton simply melts in the mouth!

Its not everyday you are able to come across Hainanese Mutton Soup. This particular one at Mooi Chin's is in a class on its own. Served generously with a wide variety of mutton meat and tendons, bamboo shoots, black wood ear mushroom and beancurd skin, in addition to that herb infused broth, this soup aims to please. The meat was tender and the fat (yes fat...stop running from it) simply melted in the mouth. Pair this with the Sambal Chilli provided and it will taste exceptionally great! One point to note is that this soup won't leave you sweltering with perspiration as I suspect that they (once again) reduced the quantity of herbs used to suit the tastebuds of the foreigners.

Price : $12.00

Rating for Hainanese Mutton Soup : 4.5/5

Sambal Deep Fried Fish Fillet - An Definite Award Winner!

Now this is what I call fantastic! Crispy on the outside, fresh, tender and cotton smooth on the inside, with an absolutely delicious fried sambal chilli topping to boot - the Sambal Deep Fried Fish Fillet is perhaps what you can call a gift from the heavens. Each bite leaves you with a tantalizing desire for that next piece of fishy goodness and by gosh, this may turn you into a Sambal Fishatarian. (if there was ever such a word)

Price : $10.00 per piece of Fish Fillet

Rating for Sambal Deep Fried Fish Fillet : 4.5/5

Yam Paste ("Orh Nee") with Pumpkin

Hidden below the whitish goodness (I suspect Coconut milk) lies the purplish Yam Paste with smooth Pumpkin mix in it. This is by far one of the better Yam Pastes I have tasted and after such a heavy meal, what more to end it with a heavy dessert. I particularly enjoyed the white 'cream' on top which presented the otherwise rather plain looking Yam Paste in a different light. The pumpkin added is also something new to me and was a great compliment to the yam. Not too sweet with a gratifying feel at the end. One Word again - Delicious!

Price : $4.00

Rating for Yam Paste with Pumpkin : 4/5

Overall Conclusion

Mooi Chin is by far one of the most authentic Hainanese Restaurants I have been to. Originally from Purvis Street (a haven for Hainanese Cuisine), this establishment has a significant history to its name. The dishes served while not always at the top of its class, still provide that warm, home cooked goodness of Hainanese food in comfort. You might also want to try some of its other Authentic Dishes such as the Hainanese Pork Chops.

Thinking of throwing a dinner party for that grandma of yours? Mooi Chin might just be the place to go for the enjoyment of everyone! Just take note that the dishes have been toned down for tastebuds more than ours.

Mooi Chin Place Pte Ltd (Hainanese Cuisine Specialist)

Situated at Golden Landmark Hotel

390 Victoria Street, #03-12A, Singapore 188061. Adjacent to Golden Landmark Shopping Complex.

Tel : 6392 1600 Fax : 6392 2633

The 'Durian' who was not the Durian - The Chempedak

2008-08-21T06:45:00.001-07:00

The Chempedak Fruit - looks similar to the Jackfruit, smells like the Durian, but it is the Chempedak!

Who can ever forget the 'ugly' looking fruit that resembles a hybrid of mixed species. Even if you might not have seen it, you could almost certainly recognise its distinctive waft of 'Durian and Jackfruit' mixed together at the market. Some might even consider almost gas-like, so take cover!

Chempedek Fruits are distinctive in their silky smooth skin and extremely fragrant aroma akin to that of the durian and jackfruit combined.

It was a real surprise for me when I first cut the fruit up. I seldom ate Chempedak (wonders why...hmmm...) let alone cutting it up. To be honest, I was almost shocked. Instead of finding it arranged like the durian (I expected that), the fruit was instead hidden in fiborous spaces. Almost like 'Lets find the Chempedak' game.

Move over Jackfruit, Chempedek rules the day!

Still, the fruit was creamy and silky to the touch and while not as crunchy as the jackfruit or even extremely creamy like the durian, the Chempedak is unique in its own right. I particularly enjoyed the fragrance which exuded from it and the cool feeling as it goes down after that lovely chew.

Tip : You might want to boil the seeds thereafter for a hearty snack!

Fantastic Economical Mixed Rice! Who said they were cheap stuff?

2008-08-21T06:21:00.001-07:00

Mixed Selection of Stewed Belly Pork, Crispy Chicken Chop, Prawn Paste Chicken, Vegetables and Rice - Cost ? Only $4.20

With today's rising cost of inflation, its getting increasingly more difficult to find excellent food with generous portions at reasonable prices. My journey to Admiralty today gave me the opportunity to chance upon this excellent Economical Mixed Rice Stall in the Admiralty Food Court.

These Mixed Rice is perhaps best at what they are known for - Economical. However, don't misjudge this sumptuous home-cooked goodies that are arguably some of the more tasty servings around. This particular stall at Admiralty whips up a slew of excellent dishes (I last counted over 16) and I am sure there would be something you ought to be craving for.

Popular Poultry - The Chicken Chop

I couldn't resist and went for 3 types of meat (The Chicken Chop, Prawn Paste Chicken, Stewed Pork Belly) and 1 Vegetable. At a cost of only $4.20 and with generous portions, an excellent deal!

The chicken chop emanated a crispy golden brown shine that only called for it be eaten and the prawn paste chicken was almost heavenly sitting with the rest of its buddies in the tray. I particularly enjoyed the chicken chop that was crispy and yet not too dry. A definite choice for kiddies (Not to say that I am a kid..ahum...)

Their Prawn Paste Chicken was above average but not to excellent as the bones of the chicken were rather shattered so every now and then I had to be a little more careful in my every bite.

One big thumbs up for the Stewed Pork Belly which while slightly salty for some, had generous cuttings where you could actually chew the meat. An excellent pair with the plain rice.

Very Well Done - Vegetables are not overcooked. You can literally see it shine!

Of course, how could any meal not come complete with vegetables. One commendation to the stall which should be given by the National Vegetables Board of Fine Cooking (if there ever was one) is the simple yet not overcook vegetable dishes. I sense wide smiles for vegetable lovers!

Unfortunately I did not manage to catch their popular Asam Fish dish today, which to what I heard from others, has just the right amount of sourness with the fish proving tender to the bite.

Rating for Mixed Economical Rice at Admiralty Food Court : 4/5

How to get there : Take the train to Admiralty MRT Station. Proceed to the food court in the shopping complex next to the station on the 2nd floor.

Make Your Own Tofu Day

2008-08-16T23:24:00.001-07:00

Deliciously made Home Cooked Tofu - Technology from Japan

Its not everyday you would want to make your own tofu. There is alot of processes involved such as making the soya milk first and then boiling it to separate the curd and then...just a lot of processes. Well, my Uncle who resides in Japan brought back this little cool steampot of his that simply made tofu in just a few steps.

It was rather amazing. You simply measured out approximately 250ml of soya milk (bought from the supermarket of course) and then add in hot water. Mix in their packet of liquid coagulant, and then leave to cook over in this little pot (pictured above) over a flame.

A rather fast and easy process for all you tofu lovers. Still, I think I didn't cook it long enough as it turned out a bit tauhuay (soya beancurd) like. I enjoyed it especially with the salt provided. What an adventure! Your own tofu!

Romance of the Three Salts.

Burpp..That was some damn good Chilli Crab

2008-08-15T22:50:00.000-07:00

Ahhh Chilli Crab - A dish that Singapore can truly be proud of. That sweet, sour and spicy sauce drizzled lavishly over the crustacean is arguably finger licking good. The really good ones will leave you satisfied with just the sauce, while the best boast tender sweet flesh of the crab plus the magnificent orange red crab roe. \

Today Chilli Crab review is once again from the trusty coffeeshop downstairs. Sometimes the best chilli crabs come from the neighbourhood shops and not the likes of big seafood restaurants. Nonetheless I still fawn over Jumbo Seafood's Chilli Crab. Their crabs are just so big...

Well, the Chilli Crab from Block 313 Sembawang Vista Coffeeshop is considerably one of the better chilli crabs in the north in my perspective. Not too sweet or spicy, it is a dish that can be enjoyed be kids. The crabs used today were from Vietnam and cost a reasonably price of $28/kg.

What I liked about today's Chilli Crab is the hard to disappoint crab roe. Crunchy and refreshing, I reckoned that is the most favoured part of Singaporeans. The meat however was not entirely sweet, but once paired with the sauce, it is almost to die for!

Rating for Chilli Crab : 3.5/5

You might want to consider having the chilli crab with their seafood fried rice. Offering a generous portion of filling and fragrant rice fried to golden brown goodness, simply ladle the chilli crab sauce on it and you are good to go!

I so hope to go back to Jumbo's and check out the crab there again!

Till then!

Check out The New Paper on Tuesday for a review on Ju Shin Jung Samegaetang

2008-08-13T08:01:00.001-07:00

Hi All! Do check out the New Paper next Tuesday (19th July) for the review on a newly established Korean Restaurant : Ju Shin Jung Samegaetang. I can't say much here, but the place is definitely an eye-opener to cuisine from the Far East.

Haha, the article is Table For 4, and do catch yours truly as one of the guests! Till then =)

Oei Pie Kia! Kua Si Mi?

2008-08-08T05:44:00.001-07:00

Pielicious - Jackfruit and Dragonfruit Pie Kia

Pie Kia - the new kid on the block in the world of pie & pastry shops. While the name sounds akin to that of the Hokkien term "Pai Kia" (Gangster), don't be fooled by the play on the name, as this is seriously one outlet not to be messed with =)

The stall features a wide array of common pies like mushroom chicken and beef to the more creative specialities such as the Jackfruit and Dragonfruit pie. It is a treat to see something fresh on the block apart from the traditional homely outlets of Polar Express Cafe.

Get up close and personal with this fruity pie

The Jackfruit and Dragonfruit pie is just as the name suggest, simply jackfruit and dragonfruit. I won't say that its entirely fantastic as its just sweetened fruit toppings on a square piece of puff pastry.

Still, it may be that I am just not a fan of fruit pies, though I would still prefer more toppings and perhaps some filling to go along with it. Other than that, a simple sweet pastry that is nothing to extraordinary to rave about.

Rating for Jackfruit and Dragonfruit Pie Kia : 2.5/5

Lookie lookie - The Black Pepper Chicken

When it comes to me, I really have to favour meat pies over any other variants. I just can't resist that delectable savoury meat filling that stands in compliment to the crispy crusty puff pastry.

Black Pepper Chicken Pie - Not too hot, but good!

The Black Pepper Chicken Pie proves its worth to be one item not to miss on the menu. Its filling is well mixed, tasty and savoury, though it only came with a tinge of black pepper heat. A meat pie that you might call for seconds!

However, it would be best if there really was a little bit more meat in the filling. I practically tasted potatoes and mushrooms.

Rating for Black Pepper Chicken Pie : 3.5/5

The Beef Pie

I reckon that this must be the most popular on the menu, if I were to base the number of pies left for each variety. This was the last beef pie. Shaped a little taller than the Black Pepper Chicken Pie, I expected much from it.

Beef Pie - A stew in one.

If you are a fan of beef stews, you might want to try out this selection. There is a generous amount of filling for a pie this size, but the taste leaves much to be desired. The filling tasted rather bland, and it was not creamy or 'firm' enough.

Though, tf I were the chef, perhaps I would provide little cubes of beef, together with diced tomatoes, potatoes, mushrooms and carrots together with an ample amount of thick gravy as filling for the pie. Perhaps you might to consider that Pie Kia?

However, it is not a pie that leaves one to feel disappointed. Though you will still be eating 60% puff pastry, 40% meat filling.

Rating : 3/5

Golden Brown? Call me the mushroom chicken!

The last pie review today...awww. I believe for me the mushroom chicken pie was one of the best pies out of the 4 reviewed.

The filling was savoury, creamy and tasty. It leaves a lingering taste of goodness in your mouth and makes you crave for even more. I don't know how they did it, but this is really good. The taste is slightly sweet and with the pastry crust, this pie proves to be the best out of the 4.

Rating for Mushroom Chicken Pie : 4/5

Overall Comments :

Pie Kia is an excellent pastry shop to visit if you are those who have the craving for pies. While it is not comparable to the traditional western pie shops in Europe where they are famed for mouthwatering juicy meat and savoury pies, Pie Kia provides an excellent tea time snack.

Average Cost of a pie : $1.50 - $4.00 (Depending on type chosen)

Outlet : Ang Mo Kio Hub, Next to Ang Mo Kio MRT Station

Local Foodie Introduction : Indian Rojak

2008-08-07T04:15:00.001-07:00

A myriad of goodness - The Indian Rojak

One local delight that anyone venturous tourist in Singapore must try is the local variant of the Indian Rojak. This is different from the Chinese Rojak which is mostly crispy goodies like taupok (fried tofu puffs), youtiao (fried dough sticks), vegetables and fruits and the slick black prawn paste (Click Here For A Recommended Chinese Rojak Stall)

However, the Indian Rojak is in a different category on its own. With a wide variety of ingredients for anyone to choose from, you get to pick your favourite and once its all chopped up, it comes served with an extremely savoury red peanut sauce. The sauce is much like the one that comes with Satay (skewed meat on sticks).

The dish above had fried potatoes, onions, green chillies, red squid, cucumber, fried tofu. When I was slightly younger I remember eating those with century egg, ginger, fishballs, etc. etc. Basically, as the name Rojak suggests, it is a dish made from almost anything that goes well with the peanut sauce.

Any recommendations of where to go for the best rojak? Do leave comments!

Botak Jones Visit 2! - Mildly Impressed. But hope is in sight.

2008-08-06T07:27:00.001-07:00

Cajun Chicken - Cheesy, spicy and tender!

I finally grabbed the chance to go out and eat again, after all that visiting and studying at home. Today's highlight is definitely Botak Jones once again. In my previous post, I mentioned about the Botak Burger (Click here to see post), and gave my two thumbs up. The dish of Cajun Chicken as you see in the picture above is another favourite which you must try!

The slab of poultry is finely marinated with red peppery spices (Warning: spicy chicken ahead.) and cooked to tender juiciness. It is served topped with a generous serving of melted cheese (Oh My Gosh) and the sweet sour spicy Cajun sauce. Each bite of the chicken meat was not too chewy and neither was it too dry. However, their portion of chicken meat is rather large, so you might want to share it with a friend and try another dish as well!

The entire Cajun Chicken Meal - $6.50

Priced at an affordable $6.50, the meal also comes with 2 side dishes. I chose the coleslaw and the mashed potatoes.

The mashed potatoes are simply to die for. Well, at least that is my perspective. What you get is not those smooth blended insta-mix mashed potatoes, but real chunky bits in it topped with cheese and baked to a crispy golden brown.

I would have ordered more, but I had cheese fries and that deserved some space in my stomach!

Rating for Cajun Chicken : 3.5/5

Opinions : It would be an astounding dish if there was slightly more taste in the meat, and the spices slightly toned down. Other then that, a fantastic meal.

Cheese Fries (600grams) - $9.00

Cheese Fries - the name alone is enough to make any hungry person's mouth water. One could imagine the smooth, warm goodness of melted cheese together with savoury fries tingling your tastebuds and satisfying your innermost desires.

However, my opinion of the cheese fries served at the Ang Mo Kio Outlet did not meet my expectations. I don't know about what others think, but I felt that the fries were fried for too long (thus it became too crispy and dried), there was no generous serving of melted cheese, the fries were not salty enough and I paid $9.00!

Other than that, if the outlet were to improve on the above mentioned, I believe many more would order the cheese fries. Botak Jones, maybe you would like to take a feather out of KFC's cheese fries notebook and see why it is so successful with students and the general population.

Rating : 2.5/5

Overall : If you are craving for Western food, authentic ones that is, you might want to consider Botak Jones. However, do go for the better ones recommended such as the Botak Burger and perhaps the Cajun chicken. Other than that, the outlets still do serve better food than most neighbourhood Western Food.

Local Delights Rule The Day

2008-07-26T09:10:00.001-07:00

Wanton Noodles with Char Siew

Don't ask me why, but I just had to put more food up from the coffeeshop near my house. It's not to say that they are not good, these dishes are worth trying out, but maybe its just a coincidence that they are found in a nice suburb area called Sembawang.

Fried Carrot Cake with Black Sauce

One thing I like about Singaporean dishes is that they just seem so tasty. Well, that is a relative concept but its still foods like this that will make it a home away from home. The wanton mee, light and springy to the bite, and the Chai Tao Kueh (Fried Carrot Cake) crisp and sweet. I especially love the black sauce version. Sweet and slightly spicy, its an all time favourite.

To all Singaporeans overseas, what is your fondest dish of home?

Feeling the urge to try the dishes in the picture? Check out the coffeeshop at Block 313, Sembawang Vista. The Roast Duck there is fantastic as well. Check Out The Review!

Yet Con Hainanese Coffeeshop - Tradition in its own right!

2008-07-26T08:35:00.001-07:00

Hainanese Chicken - This is really good!

To find Hainanese Chicken Rice across Singapore is quite easy these days. What you need to find now are those that really stand out. After trying the likes of those heavily soaked in sesame oil and light soy sauce, perhaps it is time to revert back to the original flavour of home cooked Hainanese Chicken.

Now, Yet Con Hainanese Coffeeshop might be familiar to the older generation but this is my first time visiting this place. It was extremely crowded and a bit of a squeeze but it really felt like I was back in the good old days (minus the air conditioning).

Their Hainanese Chicken stands out particularly for its simple taste. There is no heavy sauces ladled over the meat, but just good kampung chicken with its yellow skin. Each piece was smooth to the bite and not tough and dry. You could actually feel the juice and moisture of the meat.

Rating for Hainanese Chicken : 4/5

Fabulous Roast Pork - Smoky and breahtaking

Roast Pork is one common dish found in food courts and kopitiams, and they all have that standard salty taste. However, Yet Con's roast pork is slightly different.

The first bite exuded that smoky flavour of the meat which is entirely unique and the interestingly enough, the meat was drizzled with dark sweet sauce. I don't know how many of you would like this, but for me, this is a dish two thumbs up!

Rating for Roast Pork : 4/5

Overall, Yet Con Hainanese Coffeeshop is a unique outlet to visit for that traditional home cooked Hainanese food. Forget about all those additives like MSG, this is the real deal!

For a group of 6 people, expect to spend an average of $80 depending on what you order. Ambience was ok for a coffee shop but apart from all that, the feel of a genuine walk back into the past was there.

Overall Rating for Yet Con Hainanese Coffeeshop : 3.5/5

Yet Con Hainanese Coffeeshop.
Purvis Street.
(Near the National Library and Bugis MRT Station)

I'm sorry if I made you feel like eating this roast duck. You really must!

2008-07-22T06:47:00.001-07:00

Look at that shine on that Roast Duck! Guilty Pleasures...

This is the second review that I am doing for the Roast Duck Rice stall at the Block 313 Coffee Shop in Sembawang Vista. My first review for it (Click here to see the review) where I gave the Roast Duck a 3.5/5 was rather average, but after passing by their stall so many times, I finally noticed that the shine on their Roast Duck is fantastic.

To really enjoy the quality (and quantity of servings) of the duck, I really recommend that you at least go for half a duck. Of course, share it with your family and friends or it will really be a guilty pleasure.

The good part of their Roast Duck is perhaps the meaty parts with that delectable glimmering brown skin on the top. You simply have to dip the meat in the duck juices, and enjoy the full flavour of goodness bursting in your mouth. Don't soak the meat in the juices though as it can get a little too salty.

Pair the roast duck with their chilli and sweet sauce, and I am sure it will arguably be a meal to please anyone's palate. Rice serving is still a little skimpy but if you feel slightly ravenous in appetite that day, perhaps you might want to call for two portions of rice - and make it the chicken rice at that!

Every dish comes loaded with pickled vegetables - a well deserved compliment to the meal itself.

For $9.00, you can get half a roast duck and for $16.00, you can get the whole bird. In today's rising prices and cost of living, I think this might be one of the cheapest yet excellent foods in Singapore.

I'm really sorry if I made you feel like eating this roast duck. Enjoy!

Rating for Roast Duck : 4.5/5

Location : Coffeeshop at Block 313, Sembawang Vista

Spring Chicken Fiesta Collection

2008-07-20T08:28:00.001-07:00

Welcome distinguished guests to the annual Spring Chicken Fiesta Apparel Collection! *Loud tempo music plays in the background* Our designer for this season is none other then Monsieur Chicken Roosterik himself, critically acclaimed Chicken Design Specialist by Chicken's Vogue International.

Today Monsieur Roosterik will unveil two of his hot and fabulous creations. So Hens and Roosters, please put your wings together for The Roosterik SPRING Collection!

Aren't I HOT!

Mademoiselle Henrita is wearing a glazed golden embroidery on her feathers, laced lavishly with sparkling crystals. The dress is complete with a three-hued ensemble skirt with magnificent reddish brown, rich teal and oceanific blue!

The Golden Egg

A perfect outfit for all hens who are ready to lay their eggs! Note how the shine of the outfit goes well with the glow of a "just-given-birth-to-an-egg" hen.

The fashion designer

We are not complete without seeing Monsieur Roosterik's other work and this outfit will be brought out by the designer himself! This Spring Collection comes complete with the suit for the charming and hunky rooster. Note how the shine of the feathers really stand out, and with even more jewels, this outfit will certainly be a dazzle in delight.

Roosterik and Henrita make their chickenific appearance....*squawk*

Now, lets one again welcome the two models on stage! *Squawk squawk squawk*

*Cheers, Camera flashes, loud tempo music.....*

We hope you have enjoyed today's fashion show of The Roosterik SPRING Collection. Outfits are a limited collection, so place your order today!

The Time We Shared..The Joy We Have Spread

2008-07-19T19:51:00.001-07:00

As the water flows,

It lives, it breathes,

And it remembers.

In the 2 years of our time

Coming as different chimes.

The hours we shared

The joy we spread

From one another’s smile

AJ our second home

With sounds of laughter

and the taste of tears

We made it until now.

Where we started as buds

To become a majestic rose.

A rising sun over the oceans

As we journey on.

Things may have changed,

and it will change for sure.

But what will always remain the same

Are the moments of magic

Which we had as one AJ.

To always care for each other,

Wherever we are,

Whatever we do,

In the spirit of

Non Mihi Solum

We choose our own style of democracy!

2008-07-17T09:57:00.001-07:00

Reading today's papers, I came across the article commentary about Singapore's High Commissioner to Britain, Mr Teo's, rebuttal against The Guardian's John Kampfner's article about "The New Authoritarianism" (See full article here)

Mr. Teo's rebuttal (See the rebuttal) titled "The Singapore Model" emphasizes strongly that while liberal democracy will work for the West, in Asia, it is a different situation altogether.

I agree with Kampfner's view that in Singapore, we are "willing to hand over several of [our] freedoms in return for prosperity or security." Certain issues like the freedom to openly make a public statement about anything has been given up for the freedom of responsible speaking, and even to hold a protest, one will even need a permit from the authorities and it must be conducted indoors. However, my contention is that what is so wrong about wanting to achieve prosperity or security for oneself, for the family and for the entire nation?

We must understand the context in which Singapore is placed in. The Republic is not a nation like those in the West. We have our own cultural values, our own systems of traditions and even our own taste and preferences. Hence, why should it be that when the nation is not following the liberal western style of democracy will it be that the government is termed Authoritarian? We have merely adapted democracy to meet our needs as a multi-racial society living in a multi cultural Asia.

Certain commentaries to Mr. Teo's article sparked concerns that while Singapore has opened itself up to the world, we are a nation that has been rejecting its influence. I feel that there must be a clear line to be drawn when it comes to governance and globalization. Globalization while the benefits are many, also bring about the system of cultural erosion as generally the Western values (such as free democracy) are imposed upon societies. However, when it comes to governance, much more is required than being dependent on the influence one's government receives across the border. It is of grave importance that the government that is in power is able to be in sync with that of its own people, and not to the ideals of foreigners.

Human Rights Groups have criticised Singapore for failing to allow total rights to its people and even Kampfner argues that "this system is morally corrupted by politicians and civil servants who want more money and power- to dictate the terms to the ordinary citizens." Nonetheless, if the Human Rights Group wish to champion about a person's rights and that the Singapore's system of governance have failed to accommodate it, I would like to question on the very right of humans to choose what they want - and in this case, for their style of governance. If the government have ignored human rights for the trade off of better prosperity and security for the nation, who is then the Rights Groups that champion for their cause when they are attacking their very own concept of Rights itself by labelling this nation as Authoritarian? I myself believe that a person is given a right to choose, and I will choose for the best of my interest and by so far, this government in Singapore has done that in their own style.

Yet still, I agree that Singapore's style of governance does have its flaws, but it is a truth universally known that there is no such thing as a perfect governance or even a perfect style of governance. Governance of a country is rather more an evolutionary process each day where it is created based on the context the country is placed in rather than the success stories of the West. China and Russia may have sent envoys and officials here to learn Singapore's own success story, but ultimately it is up to them on how they wish to adapt it best for their own society.

There is no one size fits all solution, and it will be inaccurate to label that Liberal Western Democracy is suitable for the whole world, where so many of us are so different in our cultural and traditions. Will it then come to a time when this system of democracy or in that sense any form of government be imposed onto the entire world itself such that we all will then become mere blueprints from a single government style?

The Right to choose is a basic concept. You have advocated for rights, so we choose our 'authoritarian' style of governance. It is what works best for us after all.

Happy Birthday 17/07

2008-07-17T07:34:00.001-07:00

Blackforest (looks like Whiteforest though) cake from Bengawan Solo

Happy Birthday 17/07! One year has passed by so fast and we are soon ending our school term.

It seems like we are one of the few (maybe even only) class that does class birthdays each year. This class spirit that we have is what really binds us all together and I am very delighted to be with you guys =) We have been through so much, like Service Learning, Sandcastle Building and even today's Dinner escapade at some unknown restaurant at Upper Thomson. Till then, all the best for our future endeavours!

You light up my life ( or rather...cake)

Oh yeah the cake was quite delicious. Blackforest from Bengawan Solo. Nice and creamy with fruits on top and in between the layers of cake, I suspect that its either grapes or glazed cherries that have been laid to rest there. Hearty cake for the occasion!

Let's all have Dragon Eyes for dessert!

2008-07-17T07:16:00.001-07:00

Longan - Also known as Dragon Eyes ( if you translate it literally from chinese)

Sweet, juicy and crunchy. Those little balls of white fruit pack a mean punch in whetting your appetite for even more of their species. The Longan is a seasonal tropical fruit that has a full bodied flavour of sweetness and the crunchiness from each bite leaves you sweet and hearty aftertaste in your mouth.

I bought the Longan around the same time as the Durian extravaganza (Click here for the article) which I had a week ago. Keep it for a few days and you will really taste the sweetness. Oh my, I keep wanting for more. Munch Munch.

General Market Price : 3kg for $10

We do not have any Eskimos..We Have Icekimo!

2008-07-17T07:03:00.001-07:00

Double Serving of Luscious Snickers Ice Cream (top) and D24 Ice Cream (bottom)

After tonight's class dinner at the Hong Kong Street Restaurant at Upper Thomson Road (which was not very good), the group of us went to Icekimo located around the bend of the restaurant itself.

From the looks of it, the journey to this Ice Cream Shoppe is a little bit extravagant as it is quite far. (unless you are some sort of die-hard Ice Cream fanatic aiming to try out every single Ice Cream shop in Singapore)

Double serving of Wild Strawberry (top) and the D24 Durian again (bottom) - the durian is very popular.

Still, Icekimo serves up over 10 types of flavours with locals variants such as Teh-tarik (pulled tea), Milo, and even the D24 Durian which Singaporeans love so much. For me, it would be considered a quaint little outlet located in the suburbs. There is a limited number of seats and it is generally crowded at times.

Their ice cream is hand made with reduced sugar and fat and the texture reminds you of that lovely little taste that grandma used to have in her own recipe of ice cream. A little gritty because of the icy grains here and there, it is not entirely smooth and may not appeal to those who love silky smooth sumptuous smooth ice cream. (Did I say smooth twice or thrice?)

I must rave about their durian. You can actually taste the durian fibre in it and the sweetness is just right. Not too sweet like those Potong Ice Creams you see in the supermarket.

If you are ever in the vicinity or simply craving for that home made ice cream, you might want to try out Icekimo. Rated 2/3 by Makansutra (the ever popular food critic television programme by K.C. Seetoh), it was a visit well worth it. Especially in Singapore's sweltering heat.

Rating for Icekimo : 4/5

Location : 8 Sin Ming Road #01-03 (see pictures above for full map and address)

Inspire

2008-07-16T08:35:00.001-07:00

I wrote this little speech and presented it to my secondary school when I was in secondary 2. Hope you enjoy it and be inspired =)

Reflect on all the great leaders in the world, how did they become so successful in their lives ? How did they make people believe them ? Were they inspired and have they inspired others. Inspiration can be found in everyone. The only mystery to many is how do we unlock it. Life is an ever ongoing cycle of inspiration. You inspire me, I inspire others, they inspire everyone.

Quoting an example from Martin Luther King Jr. Spurred by the racial discrimination between ‘ blacks ‘ and ‘ whites ‘ in America, he was thus inspired and motivated to become mobilized in the movement of civil rights and racial equality. His most recognized words were “ I have a dream… “ This short phrase alone was his way of inspiring others. If we instill in ourselves this inspiration, we too can succeed in life, just like Mr King did.

Never be fearful in thinking that inspiring others is an impossible task. Everyone has this ability to inspire others. Without your knowing, you may have inspired others. If you have an inspiration, go for it. That inspiration would then be your source of motivation. Never listen to those who try to belittle you. They may laugh and ridicule, jeering about you going to inspire others. Although you are only one person, and the world may seem impossible, you can try with the person next to you. Start small and work your way. When you inspire others, you are the world to them

You've haven't Himawari, if you haven't been to Himawari.

2008-07-12T09:51:00.001-07:00

Sashimi Extravaganza 1 - Tuna (back), squid (front right), salmon (front left)

I discovered this nifty little restaurant a couple of months ago while surfing the net for quality Japanese Buffet restaurants in Singapore. I have never heard of Himawari Japanese Restaurants amidst the popular and established ones like Sakae Sushi, Ichiban Sushi, Hanabi, etc. etc. In fact, I am decided to put my heart into action and finally present to everyone the best Japanese buffet restaurant I have been to so far. (It's my 4th time there, including today)

Himwari serves up A-La-Carte Japanese Buffet at affordable prices for a quality and satisfying meal throughout the entire week. I have only been to the Neil Road branch (there is another at SAFRA Mount Faber) but it seems to me like a home away from home.

The ambience is very cosy and relaxing with Japanese music being played in the background over the in-house audio system. But enough of the ambience! I am sure the food is what we are all here about still=)

You'd really want to read the whole article, click the link below to read the whole post about this excellent quality restaurant

The Sashimi

The sashimi served at Himawari boasts excellent quality and freshness. Though the pieces are sliced a tad too thick for that perfect mark, each piece actually gives that melt-in-the-mouth feeling. My biggest applause goes to the Ika Sashimi (squid) which is served up nice and translucent. [see Sashimi Extravaganza 1 for the Ika Sashimi]

Sashimi Extravaganza 2 - Salmon (front left), octopus (front right), Sword fish (center), tuna (back right), salmon (back left)

I have discovered that the more translucent that Ika Sashimi is, the fresher the dish. Judging from what I have eaten at the well-established Japanese buffet restaurants elsewhere, this is the freshest I have tasted so far. Each bite proved to be crunchy and sweet, with a smooth aftertaste.

The salmon (sake), tuna (maguro) and octopus (tako) sashimi are also of commendable praise. Quality is sincerely not compromised in the restaurant and I believe you have to try it to believe it =)

Rating : 4.5/5

Shabu Shabu - Beef Slices

Shabu-Shabu

Also included in the A-La-Carte buffet menu is the Shabu-shabu (Japanese hotpot). My general preference of the meat for the hotpot is the thinly sliced beef slices. Once again, freshness of the beef is guaranteed. You can actually see the lovely red colour of the meat!

Shabu Shabu - Before cooking

The hotpot comes with a wide variety of vegetables plus the slightly sweet and salty stock. Combined with the beef slices, they make up one excellent soup that is healthier and yet appetizing.

Shabu-Shabu - Ready to eat! Oh My Gosh, look at that beef!

It doesn't take long for the vegetables to get cooked and for the beef it takes even lesser time than that. I believe I placed the meat in for approximately 2 minutes and its ready to eat.

The beef was another melt-in-the-mouth winner and it complimented the base very well.

As a dip, the Shabu-Shabu comes with chilli and soy sauce. I'm wondering where the 3rd sauce went. Can't remember it but it tasted something like yellow bean paste.

Rating : 4/5

Wakame (Seaweed)

Appetizers

There are 3 different kinds of appetizers at Himwari. Namely, wakame (seaweed), hotate (scallop), and kimuchi (kimchi: Japanese name for the Korean preserved vegetables)

My recommendation would be to try the Wakame and the Hotate. The seaweed provided to be nice and crunchy and not too salty like those available outside.

The Hotate (Scallop)

The scallop too is equally as delicious, with the slices going very well as a snack between the main courses of the meal. *I reckon that my mum had actually ordered the hotate 4 times in one of my visits!*

Rating : 4.5/5

Agedashi Tofu - One of the oldest and most well known dishes in Japan

The Agedashi Tofu

I particular enjoy the Agedashi tofu available at Himawari. The silken firm tofu is cut into blocks and thereafter deep-fried with a light batter coating. There is another version of the Agedashi tofu and that version is coated entirely with a thicker batter and deep-fried to a golden brown colour.

However, this agedashi tofu (as you see above) is light and crispy on the outside with the broth surrounding it not too salty. Just right =)

Rating : 4.5/5

Left - Ebi (Prawn) Tempura, Right - Yasai (Vegetable) Tempura

Tempura

Available at Himwari as per standard of Japanese restaurants is the Tempura. Himawari's take of the Japanese style of deep frying resonates very well with whatever filling they use.

I must applaud the person behind the Tempura batter at Himawari as when served up, the coating is light, fluffy and crispy - with no overpowering taste or texture. You actually get to enjoy the stuff inside with the tempura acting as an excellent companion to it.

Kisu (White Fish) Tempura

The Kisu Tempura is a rare dish I have yet to encounter in other Japanese restaurants. The white fish is lightly flavoured with no unique taste such as the salmon or tuna. However, when this fish is paired with Himawari's tempura batter, it leaves you with the desire to take the second bite.

If I am not wrong, my family also buys this fish at the market (but it is seldom available). A rare dish that you must order!

Rating : 4/5

Gindara (Cod Fish) Teriyaki

Gindara Teriyaki

Another dish seldom seen elsewhere on buffet menus is the Teriyaki Cod Fish. Cod has and always will be expensive. Prized for their smoothness and cotton like texture, cod is perhaps one of the most premium fish available in the market.

Now you must be thinking how will a buffet earn when they offer cod! *They surely must have some reason...but let's not dwell on that* Rather, enjoy the serving of cod like you have never before.

The fish is wonderfully glazed with Teriyaki sauce, though it can be a bit too salty if you are not used to it. Prefer a lighter variant? Ask for less sauce!

Rating : 4/5

Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab

Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab

Oh my gosh, doesn't the list end with all these premium stuff? No!

The soft shell crab is excellent. That is my comment! Crispy and yet not coated with some heavy batter, you get to enjoy the crab in its entirety. Dip it with the light sauce that comes with it, and you are almost sent to Nirvana!

Rating : 4/5

Creamy Corn Croquette

Creamy Corn Croquette

My last dish for today's visit was the Creamy Corn Croquette. I don't know how any deep fried dish can get any better than this. It is simply creamy, with that hint of corn sweetness, deep fried to perfection. If not it classified as a deep fried dish, I would label it as a dessert!

Rating : 4.5/5

Mr. Yoichi Nakaoka - director of Himawari (right) with one of his young chefs at Neil Road's branch

In overall, a visit to Himawari with a small party will be an extremely pleasant affair. You get to enjoy the cosiness together with excellent service and quality food. It's no wonder that the restaurant was awarded the Wine and Dine 2007 Award last year. The food featured on this blog is just some of the premium stuff I recommend you to go for. There are many many more which even I have yet to discover. So don't forget to check the rest of the menu out=)

Now and then, Mr. Yoichi will come out and even ask his customers on feedback for the food. An act rarely done in Singaporean restaurants.

The dining area at Himawari's Neil Road Branch

Intending to visit Himawari? You won't be dissapointed =)

I'll be back! (for my 5th, 6th, 7th,.......visit)

Overall Rating : 4.5/5

SAFRA Mount Faber

2 Telok Blangah Way #01-10 Safra Mount Faber Singapore 098803

(Junction of Henderson Road and Telok Blangah Way)

Business Hour: (Monday - Friday) 1130 - 1500, 1730 - 2200, (Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays) 1130 - 2200

Telephone: 62787778 Fax: 62760680

Neil Road Branch

114 Neil Road Singapore 088852

Business Hour: (Monday - Friday) 1130 - 1500, 1800 - 2230, (Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays) 1130 - 2230

Telephone: 64380925 Fax: 64380926

How to get there to the Neil Road Branch by train?

Take the MRT train to Outram Park station, walk towards the Police Cantonment Complex and head towards Chinatown Plaza. The restaurant is just opposite Chinatown plaza.

Durian Fiesta @ Four Seasons Durians Cafe

2008-07-12T07:41:00.001-07:00

Mao Shan Huang - Really the King of Durians

The Mao Shan Huang, priced at a steep value of $20 per kg is certainly no durian to be trifled with. It's exterior of the durian meat has a thin flesh which breaks easily once in the mouth, only to reveal a bitter sweet creamy filling.

The "King" is extremely fragrant and it perhaps exudes the most durian aroma out of the three varieties. Each bite gives a refreshing aftertaste that leaves you tantalizing for more. However, for its price at $20 per kg (my 1 durian of Mao Shan Huang cost me $48!), it is ideal more for hardcore durian lovers and adventurers or when you have struck the lottery!

Price : $20 per kg

Rating : 4.5/5

Hong Xia - Red Prawn

The Red Prawn (Hong Xia) is perhaps highly sought after because of its slightly reddish flesh. In the picture the reddish colour is not clearly seen.q At a price of $12 per kg, it is still expensive as mine cost me $27 for 1 durian.

With a generally creamier texture than the Mao Shan Huang, and no hint of a bitter aftertaste, this could probably be the durian kids will love. After the first bite or so, it tends to lose its uniqueness and stands out only a little because of its sweet taste.

Price : $12 per kg

Rating : 3.5/5

The D24

The D24 is slightly wetter in texture with the flesh being slightly sweeter than the Red Prawn. Certain harvests will also bear a slightly alcoholic taste and perhaps that is what makes this variety one of the most popular durians in Singapore. Bitterness of the flesh is masked mostly by the sweet taste.

Priced at $10 per durian or 3 for $20, it is something most people will go for in an excellent balance of taste and value.

Price : $10 per durian or $20 for three durians

Rating : 4/5

The taste test - from left : Hong Xia, Mao Shan Huang, D24

My trip to the Four Seasons Durians Cafe cost me about $80 for 3 durians. If you are a hardcore durian enthusiast or simply the adventurous sort with a slightly thicker than average wallet, you might want to try this place out.

Other than that, it would probably be better if you just stick to the neighbourhood durian sellers as there is really not much of a difference between taste. Except perhaps for the notion of value and guarantee of a good durian at the cafe itself. But maybe, I am just the adventurous sort who loves buying 3 for $10 durians or even 50 cents for 1 and hope Lady Luck has granted me with a superior quality durian =)

Yet again, bow down to the King of Fruits! - The Durian.

Overall Rating For The Four Seasons Durians Cafe : 3.5/5

Venue : No. 212A Joo Chiat Place (off Still Road)

Contact : 6342 0277

Note : You might want to take public transport there as the place is packed with cars that have "stopped for the moment" by the side of the road.

Shokudo hits the spot!

2008-07-11T20:34:00.001-07:00

Look at that Beef!

How can anyone not want that Beef? Thinly sliced and freshly prepared, the beef is the real deal of the The Sliced Beef Udon at Shokudo.

I have been to Shokudo for a couple of times and they are always bogged down by an extremely extremely extremely............long queue. The restaurant boasts a "hawker style" concept where restaurateurs go in with a restaurant issued "debit" card of $100 to buy the food. Once inside, there are authentic and unique stalls to choose from ranging from traditional Japanese food to the more creative Western infusion of it.

The Sliced Beef Udon

One way to beat the queue is to order takeaway from the restaurant. That's how my mum did it and all the dishes you see in this article are takeaways. (So the bowls and plates are not part of the concept)

Still, The Sliced Beef Udon which my mum ordered remained as tasty as ever. The beef was nice and soft, not overly chewy, and each bite would leave you craving for more. The udon (Japanese noodles) itself were not over cooked and had the nice springy texture to it. Both meat and noodles complimented well with the broth which gave a memorable feeling, though the broth can be a tad too salty for some. But I like it that way=)

Price For The Sliced Beef Udon : $6.80

Rating For The Sliced Beef Udon : 4/5

Crispy Skin of the Grilled Saba (Pickled radish not included =)

The Grilled Saba with Salt is perhaps another highlight of the restaurant and perhaps any other Japanese food. To me, I think that this is one authentic dish simply served in all its natural glory. No added sauces or anything, its just the fish grilled with salt.

Since this is takeaway, the fish loses some points on its crispiness on the way home, but the meat remained tender as ever. If you eat it there, prepare to enjoy nature's best - Japanese style.

Price for The Grilled Saba with Salt : $5.80

Rating for The Grilled Saba with Salt : 4.5/5

The Kani Seafood Omelette Rice

A new addition for me is The Kani (Crabmeat) Seafood Omelette Rice. I have seen this style of serving fried rice is other restaurants, where the rice is wrapped in a nice bag made of Omelette.

Shokudo's variant of the dish had a good serving of mayonnaise on it with some herbs. The rice itself was nice and light, with that hint of curry powder in it if I am not wrong. While it's concept of the dish is nothing unusual, the excellent addition of some spices (I still insist its curry powder) into the rice mix itself, boosted the dish up to a 3.5/5

Price for The Kani (Crabmeat) Seafood Omu Rice : $8.80

Rating for The Kani Seafood Omu Rice : 3.5/5

Looking for Authentic Japanese Food and its fusion variants, perhaps you might want to try Shokudo. In its hawker like ambience, it brings an entirely new feel to the idea of restaurant dining.

Restaurant Name : Shokudo

Location : #B1-44E Raffles City. Take the train to City Hall MRT Station and enter Raffles City Shopping Centre. The restaurant is in the extended section of the basement in the shopping centre.

Syukou Rakuyu Saki Ika (Dried Cuttlefish Pieces) from Japan

I don't know what has come over my mum to buy these little bits of dried cuttlefish pieces (which has an overly pungent smell) from Jasons Marketplace. She told me she had been "eyeing" this for quite some time and finally gave in to temptation!

Not really a big fan of dried cuttlefish, I still took the dare to taste it and surprisingly it wasn't that bad after all. The pieces were slightly sweet and salty, albeit a bit chewy (but that's ok) and it really left me wanting more.

*I told myself to stop at a few pieces, but went on eating and eating, until my mum snatched the packet back from me. hmph.*

Quite a good snack, though for the price, it leaves one to faint.

Price for 1 packet (200g) : $14.15

Pomelo...The Pink

I've shown you all the pomelo in my earlier post (Click here to see the post) and this is the Pink variety. While the white one was slightly soury sweet, the pink breed of the pomelo presented us with a nice, sweet and juicy flesh. It tasted almost like honey, but if you want to buy only the pink pomelos, you would have to ask the fruit seller for its expertise. (It's just luck that the pink pomelo appeared=)

Price for 1 pomelo : $5.50

Available at : JASONS MARKET PLACE. Raffles City Shopping Centre Basement 1.

The Double Botak Burger...faints

2008-07-11T01:46:00.001-07:00

Ppppppre.....senting The Double Botak Burger from Botak Jones!

On the first hearing of the name Botak Jones, many Singaporeans uninitiated in the foodie world will go "Whaaaa...?"

Botak Jones, the critically acclaimed joint of "restaurants" that serve all traditional American food in ..... coffeeshops. I would believe the marketing strategy to sell in coffeeshops by bringing down authentic Western food at great servings (extremely great) and quite affordable prices is a success.

This is my 2nd time to Botak Jones and this time round I had the Double Botak Burger topped with 2 slices of cheddar cheese on each patty while further topped with garlic buttered Shitake mushrooms. Is that heaven or what?

Look at that cheese melt...

Their portions are generally very large. The Double Botak Burger had patties each weighing about 150g (well at least that is what their pamphlets states and I would find it difficult not to believe it. Just take a look at that serving in the picture!)

Generally The Double Botak Burger is quite good albeit a little too filling for the average Singaporean. (You might want to consider sharing it). The meat patties were well grilled with it being juicy on top of the delectable beef aroma. The Garlic Butter Shitake Mushroom toppings which I added ($2.00) exuded the lovely buttery aroma and had that unique and delicious garlic taste.

Mamma mia!

In overall, The Double Botak Burger is approximately 70% meat with the rest being the veggies and buns. Oh yeah, the buns are different from those found in the usual fast food chains, so you might want to try them out. It tastes great together.

The set came with a serving of their speciality fries and coleslaw. Not too bad though I would have preferred slightly saltier fries.

Craving for that burger right now? An outlet might just be in your vicinity =)

Price for The Double Botak Burger Set : $11.50

+ cheese : $1.00 per patty (2 slices)

+ Garlic Butter Shitake Mushrooms : $2.00 (1 serving)

Total Price : $15.50

Rating for The Double Botak Burger : 4/5

Venues : There are a number of outlets, so click the link to access their website for the details. (Click Here To Find A Botak Jones Outlet Nearest To You!)

Where East Meets West. Oriental Fried Rice with Savoury Mince Mix - Sauteed Rice Fusion

2008-07-09T11:08:00.001-07:00

Sauteed Rice Fusion topped with Fragrant Slices of Chinese Pork Sausages

It's been a very long time since I made my last Fried Rice. I think it has been almost 3 months and I don't know why I suddenly had the craving for it. When it comes to Fried Rice, I always look for the "pang" (fragrance) that exudes from the good mix of ingredients and the rice. Truth to be told, I love mine with that little bit of butter for that buttery smell. Butter and rice just goes very well together (think Pepper Lunch =)

My version of the Traditional Fried Rice (i.e Yang Chow Fried Rice, Salted Fish Fried Rice, etc. etc. etc.) is a mix of a slightly westernised minced meat sauteed together with Garlic Butter Rice. It's an experiment and a creation so you might want to try it out (Read the entire post for recipe)

The dish itself gives off a slight buttery aroma the rice tasted quite good with combination of minced meat and chinese pork sausages. I would even say a perfect blend of flavours - a very heartwarming and satisfying dish to make.

If you whip up this dish, perhaps you would like to try adding some light vegetables by the side to ease the oil (*shudder shudder*) content of the Fried Rice itself. I am ok with it but perhaps some health foodie would love to see more vegetables in the dish itself. An additional tidbit for myself (see the yellow twistie looking snacks coated with green flakes - sound disgusting but is actually quite delicious) I threw in (*think literally) some Nori Hineri Norisuke (Wasabi Wheat Cracker) for a little spice..and to burn my tongue =). Bought it in Jason's Marketplace at Raffles Shopping Centre.

Editor's note : I have no idea why this post has so many (brackets) in between the sentences. Forgive me but I have to elaborate. =)

Sauteed Rice Fusion

Sauteed Rice Fusion

For the Savoury Mince

250g Minced Meat (pork, chicken or beef)
1 medium red onion, sliced
salt
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
ground white pepper
1 tablespoon butter

1	Melt butter in pan. Stir fry onions till golden brown.
2	Add in the minced meat and use the spatula to break the meat into tiny pieces while cooking.
3	Add the light soy sauce, 2 dash ground white pepper and salt to taste.
4	Pour in 1/4 cup of water and leave to simmer. Set aside.

For the Fried Rice

Savoury Mince (see above)
Approximately 5 servings of cooked white long grain rice. (estimate from 3 cups of uncooked white rice)
5 cloves of garlic, minced
1 chinese pork sausage, sliced
4 garlic sprouts, chopped
1 omelette, sliced
2 sprigs of spring onion, chopped
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
ground white pepper
2 tablespoons butter
salt
1 tablespoon oil

1	Heat oil in pan. Stir fry the garlic and chinese pork sausages till slightly brown.
2	Add in the cooked white rice and quickly mix the garlic, sausages and rice together. Add in savoury mince and sautee the rice.
3	After about a minute, add in the garlic sprouts, omelette, butter, a few dashes of ground white pepper and the light soy sauce. Mix well. Be careful to not let the bottom get burnt.
4	Add salt to taste and stir in the garlic sprouts and spring onions. Serve.

Chef's note : It will be good if you had a wok to cook this dish in so you can properly toss the rice in the air to separate the rice while cooking, creating a more satisfying dish. Grainy rice will be preferred (not the ones that stick to each other like Japanese short grain Sushi rice)

The Pomelo

Today's exotic fruit presents us with the Thai Pomelo. Native to Southeast Asia, it is also known as the Chinese grapefruit. I usually love pomelo when they are nice and sweet but the one for tonight's dinner was ugh...soury sweet.

Still, pomelo's are great when Lunar New Year comes about as there are an abundance of them. It's great when tossed with Yu Sheng (Raw Fish Salad) - giving that wonderful fruity taste.

Sweet sour juicy flesh of the pomelo(I sound like a vampire...)

It is hard to argue that the pomelo is not a fruit to be adored. My mum usually leaves the peeled skin of the pomelo out to dry in the sun and create a natural "air freshener". Quite ingenious for the man / woman who discovered this method.

If you ever come across the pomelo and have yet to try it, take the first step. And perhaps you can eat the fruit pip by pip. I think that will take forever =)

Ant : "I lead a bug's life."

2008-07-07T07:30:00.001-07:00

A rare shot of nature in action

Can you spot the ant? Or rather two ants? I took this snappy picture on the way home from today's badminton game and didn't realise of two of nature's inhabitants scampering about the flower which my shot was focused on. A bonus! I got 3 for the shot of 1. (I have specially uploaded this shot in a large format, so click the picture to spot the ants)

The ants reminded me about a little motivational inspirational thingy which I conducted for my secondary school juniors. I got the concept from the National Community Leadership Institute (NACLI) Camp which I went in secondary two. Ants are amazing creatures, they work hard all the time, they think winter all summer and they never quit!

Check out the entire post for more about The Ant Philosophy.

Cool eh? Feel free to share this little bit of motivation with your family and friends.

And don't forget to think like an ant!

The Prawn Gala

2008-07-06T04:45:00.001-07:00

The Prawn Gala served in Royal Albert's Old Country Rose Platter

After my little extravaganza with my grandmother (See the previous post or click here), I was left with nothing but 10 dollars in my pocket (sob sob). "Ring Ring", there went my phone (sorry for the gaudy ringtone, but if I didn't put 'Ring, Ring' would you have known its a phone?) and I was tasked with a simple all too easy plan to set up lunch for mum. The only catch, I had 10 dollars left.

Nothing too elaborate though, that's what I thought, just cook her favourite - restaurant style. So I went ahead to buy prawns, salted eggs, garlic sprouts, giant Thai lime. Approximately 8 dollars worth of ingredients. (Yeah I have 2 dollars left to pay for the booking of Badminton Courts tomorrow!) It really is amazing how the dollar can be stretched when there are stuff on offer. For eg. The Prawns were sold at 99cents per 100g (I chose about 20 pieces, about $3.00++)

Golden Pieces of Salted Egg Yolk drizzled like snow flakes (or rather hailstones because of the size) on the prawns!

This is one dish that is extremely high high high high in calories, fat and everything. But that is what makes it so good.

I won't be revealing the recipe here (it's my trade secret) - hehehehehe..for the future.

Today's creation included an extra dip made from a wondrous mix of butter, garlic sprouts, garlic, onion, mini peppers, salted egg, salt, sugar, lime, and more stuff which tasted very well with rice. Well that's what my mum said after she started eating it with rice instead of prawns with the rice.

For the prawns itself, I garnished it with more pieces of salted egg yolk (ones that were soaked in a spa like atmosphere though the hot liquid is butter) and the zest from the Thai big lime. Nice mix, I must add.

If you have eaten salted egg yolk prawns in a good Chinese restaurant before, this is perhaps what you can imagine about my dish. Though there is that thing about the extra kick from the dip =)

My mum enjoyed this dish [For less then 8 dollars] at her six star restaurant at home. I believe you will too when you make your own version of the fabulous creation =)

For dessert, you might want to pair it off with dragonfruit (like what I did) since they are in season and it is necessary to wash down all those goodness.

Let learn more about the dragonfruit (Click here)

Local Delights. Prized Winners!

2008-07-06T03:33:00.001-07:00

Century Egg with Meatball Porridge

I had a date with Mama Helen today for lunch, somewhere in a lone,secluded corner of Yishun Ring Road. (Oh for crying out loud...she's my grandma. Don't think otherwise and we had lunch across the Church)

We dined in finery (Singapore style) at the local coffee shop in a sumptuous serving of porridge. Mmmmm. What's unique about this local delight is that it embodies the best of home cooked food. I have tried porridge in many places but it is always the one at this stall that reminds me of the warmth and sincerity of home itself.

The porridge is smooth, thick and tasty, plus garnished generously with You Tiao (Fried Dough Sticks), Fried Shallots and a dash of spring onions. My serving was brimming with bits of Century Egg (100 days old egg buried in the ground..or was it mud?) and meaty goodness.

It's a wonder that for so much it could cost so little - at $2.50 only!

Rating for Century Egg with Meatball Porridge : 4.5/5

Blissful Food City Pte Ltd
-Porridge
Yishun Ring Road (Opposite The Church Of Our Lady - Star of the Sea)

Fried Hokkien Mee

My Grandma and I had a little adventure of our own today. We journeyed to the fragrance of Fried Hokkien Mee which we could smell a mile away. (Okay I am exaggerating, but it is that good or we wouldn't have a second Lunch after the porridge)

This is one stall that I must recommend to you Noodle Lovers. The Fried Hokkien Mee at Yishun Central is one of the best in the northern part of Singapore. The noodles are smooth and springy, and not too watery. There is a delicate balance in the amount of rich stock used and the fragrance of the noodles itself.

Oh My Gosh, Look at the luscious and crispy Pork Fat!

Fried Pork Fat (Health Advocates will scream in fear) is what truly sets this Fried Hokkien Noodles apart from the rest. Once the lovely bits of fat are topped on the noodles, each mouthful has that extra crunch with it. The fat literally melts in your mouth and keeps you wanting for more.

This may not be the healthiest of dishes, but for that goodness so similar to what was found in the past, its definitely a-okay to indulge in it once in a while.

Rating for Fried Hokkien Mee : 4.5/5

Block 921, Yishun Central 1. Across the Yishun Bus Interchange

Fried Oyster Omelette Anyone?

2008-07-05T10:04:00.001-07:00

The recently renovated Ang Mo Kio Central Hawker Center is an avenue of foodie goodies for the food lover. In the very beginnings of the blog, I put up a review of an excellent western food stall (Read Review : Vincent's Western Food) and just three stalls down the row, there is another excellent stall selling Fried Oyster Omelette (Hor luack ) ... er I think that is how its spelt.

The oyster omelette was fragrant and crispy ( a A++ for that =) and they were very generous in their servings of oysters. Priced at $4/$5, the dish is rather reasonable and value for money, considering that this is top grade hor-luack.

Mmmm Fried Oyster Omelette...Crispy to the bite!

My only concern was the chili sauce that accompanied it. I am used to eating Fried Oyster Omelette with a very sour chili sauce that had bits of chili in it (perhaps the example of authenticity..I'm not sure). This chili was found to be a tad watery and not sour enough. So perhaps you could ask for another lime if you prefer yours with a little more kick.

Nonetheless, an excellent dish at an affordable price.

Rating for Fried Oyster Omelette : 4/5

Stall : Fried Carrot Cake . Fried Oyster Omelette

Venue : Ang Mo Kio Central Hawker Center

Heavenly Radiance

2008-07-05T08:54:00.001-07:00

The rays of white,

all glimmer and bright,

shines its way past

the clouds of night.

A dawn has begun

and death is too dark

till the cycle of day

starts once again.

The shadow covered trees,

with the globe of white

stand hand in hand

like the very form

of Yin & Yang.

Warmth and richness,

fuse with nature

as the light above

shines down to love.

Come what may to

night again, and there

goes the power of might.

Till time itself repeats life again,

shining its eternal beam of delight,

once more,

forever more.

Note : I snapped this shot on my way to school today at about 0745. Its rare to see the glow of nature from the high heavens itself. I love this moment of beauty, don't you?

The Polka Dot Dragon

2008-07-04T08:21:00.001-07:00

The Dragonfruit

Roar! Here comes the dragon!

Oh wait...its not really a dragon, its a fruit. Honestly I have no idea why this is called a dragonfruit. Does it look like a dragon? No it doesn't. The outside is fiery red while the insides is soft and mushy with black seeds all over. Still that does not look like a dragon. Hmmm. I wonder how a dragon tastes like?

The dragon fruit is also known as the Pitaya (and is the fruit of the Hylocereus cactus and yes...dragonfruit grows on cacti ), it is usually found very sweet and delectable. And do you know ? The dragonfruit flower only blooms at night. Way cool.

It is also said that the fruit can be made into juice or wine (bahh i'm drunk)!

Rich in Vitamins (especially C), phosphorous and calcium, this is one fruit that is very good for your health. Oh yeah, I bought these at a way affordable price of 5 dragonfruits for $2.15.

Try it out, and perhaps you can start making your very own Dragonfruit wine. =)

Yeah! I won

2008-07-01T09:03:00.001-07:00

Haha, I just received an email from the National Day Parade Committee informing me that my entry for their Blog Battle Competition on What does the Singapore Spirit mean to you, has won one of the top three prizes. I will be receiving a Samsung E250 Handphone and my entry will be featured on the NDP website.

Quite cool, haha.

If you want to take a look at the winning entry, hit the link below :

Read Winning Entry!

Hokkaido Curry Bun. Oishi!

2008-06-29T06:49:00.001-07:00

The Hokkaido Curry Bun. Crispy on the outside, sweet and spicy on the inside.

I chanced upon the Hokkaido fair located at Isetan Supermarket(the basement of Shaw House) in Orchard and it was one very, very crowded event. Singaporeans must be mad for Japanese stuff. The supermarket was holding a food fair hailed from the famous place of Hokkaido in Japan and Hokkaido goodies were up for sale.

There were so many Japanese dishes being freshly made that the whole place smelled deliciously Japanese, though I must add that the price for the goodies were rather above average. Definitely for the well heeled customer. Still, some things were affordable and what caught my attention was the Hokkaido Curry Bun. It looked remarkably tasty from the view I was seeing it from. Furthermore, it cost an affordable $2.80.

While the price is a bit on the steep side for a bun. This is my first time and I couldn't resist. I wasn't disappointed.

The bun was crispy on the outside and flaked with bits of sugar and other crispy stuff. ( cereal I presume) The filling was generous with Japanese curry which was a beautiful mix of sweet and spice. Now Japanese curry is different from the normal curry you get at the Prata store as theirs are generally sweeter and less spicier.

The curry and the crispy skin of the bun went well hand in hand together. I must give my rave reviews about it! Still, it would have been good if the bun was served hot or at least warm.

Nonetheless, for you my little Hokkaido Curry Bun, you get a well deserved 4.5/5

Rating for Hokkaido Curry Bun : 4.5/5

Venue : Isetan Supermarket ( basement level of Shaw House ) Orchard Road. Directly opposite Borders.

Note : The Hokkaido Fair is only for a limited period of time. So grab the chance to visit it while its still there =)

Food, Food and More Food! Yum =)

2008-06-28T10:40:00.001-07:00

Roast Duck Rice @ Sembawang Vista Block 313 Coffee Shop

To find good quality Roast Duck Rice, sometimes you need not go to the restaurants like Crystal Jade. Sometimes they can be found in the nearby coffee shop down in the very heartlands themselves. There is one of mention in Sembawang and its the Roast Duck, Pork, Char Siew, Chicken (etc etc) stall in the Block 313 Coffee Shop near Sembawang Vista.

While the price is fairly reasonable ($3.00) for a roasted duck rice at first sight, the portion which they give is ahem...a bit small. Nonetheless, the meat itself is succulent and tender, while the skin is crispy to the bite. However, they were a bit skimpy on the sauce (I bet you have to ask for more) and the chili sauce is fantastically hot!

I honestly never did try the roast duck rice here as I have always eaten the chicken rice (whose portions are still relatively small). Still, their chicken rice (as in the rice) is fragrant and oily to the right extent. Perhaps if you are there to check it out, order both to fill you up =)

Roasted Duck Rice Rating : 3.5/5 (if only their portions were bigger)

Cheese Pancake..mmm Crispy

To end off the meal, you might want to try the crispy pancakes freshly made. Available in a wide variety of flavours, there will definitely be one to please your tastebuds. Served piping hot with the filling nice and smooth (especially cheese), its a great way to say "mmmmm....I love it=)" Very affordable too for the basic peanut pancake is 80 cents and the cheese version is $1.10.

Cheese Pancake Rating : 4.5/5

Teh Bing (peng, ping, beng, anything....)

I just had to put this random picture and post up. LOL. This was my first time trying out Teh Bing (Iced Milk Tea), and it was quite nice and flavoursome, though the cold tea left a tealike bitter aftertaste (duh..its tea). Very refreshing too!

Venue for the three dishes above : Coffeeshop at Block 313, Sembawang Vista

Fresh USA Cherries and Vietnam Fried Lotus Seeds

Today I met my Aunty Eng and she passed me some goodies. To be more specific, they were small and round, some were yellow, some were purplish red. Guess?

Cherries and Fried Lotus Seeds! Honest, if you didn't get that question right, I wonder how you didn't know? LOL

Anyway, its my first time trying Fried Lotus Seeds from Vietnam. (Hmmm...this post seem to be full of First Times. Must be an adventure.) My aunt's friend just came back from Vietnam and my aunt passed some of the local goodies which she requested from her friend to purchase for me to try. Really, the seeds were extremely delicious. (I couldn't stop eating them on the way home. I had to tell myself, "Justin, save some for the photos later...")

Golden Yellow Fried Lotus Seeds from Vietnam! MUST MUST MUST TRY!!

The fried seeds tasted sweet, and there was the familiar jackfruit taste and smell to it. It almost tasted like the boiled seed of the jackfruit which itself has a nice and nutty flavour. The lotus seeds were crunchy and like any nut - dry.

I never realised that lotus seeds could actually be fried and then eaten like so, I always thought they were meant for soups. Now that's an eye opener. (something like a can opener, just that this is meant for eyes..)

USA Cherries - Sour Sweet and Juicy!

"Squirt. Squirt Squirt" - A wide grin, only to reveal red stained teeth. (I'm exaggerating. Hehe.) But that expression sums up to pure juiciness of these cherries. My aunt bought them fresh by the kilogram, and its really rare to come across cherries this BIG AND HUMOUNGOUS AND FRESH AND JUICY AND SOUR SWEET in Singapore. Ahhh, what I would do for a temperate climate.

Anyway, if you ever go the USA, you have to try their cherries. Oh yeah, perhaps you can buy some back for me =) Hehe.

Justin, Over and Out!

Ye Old Country Beef Stew

2008-06-28T00:05:00.001-07:00

Ye Old Country Beef Stew served in Royal Albert's Old Country Rose Platter

In my culinary books, Ye Old Country Beef Stew is my favourite. The recipe was once called Island Beef Stew, but I improved on it by adding certain more spices and herbs, and cheese and butter for that added fragrance and taste. Yum!

Whipping up beef stew is actually very simple. And the best thing about stews is that different tastes from the ingredients fuse together to form a fantastic dish that warms the soul. Hmmm I wonder if stew would be considered soul food? I know Hot Chocolate is one.

When choosing beef for stews, its best if you get those sold specifically for stews. Or else you could always get the Shin area and if there are pieces with a little fat on it, it will be perfect. The fat will literally melt in your mouth when stewed. Mmmmmm=)

Look at that beef! =)=)=)

A simple beef stew recipe is all you need to entertain and delight your guests and family. One lovable dish with lots of love in it, that is the most important ingredient of all.

Ye Old Country Beef Stew

800grams of beef stew cubes or the shin area, sliced to bite size pieces
3 carrots, chopped
4 pieces shitake mushrooms, sliced
1 300g can tomato puree
1 300g can of button mushrooms, drained of liquid or 10 pieces large white button mushrooms, sliced
4 Granola Potatoes, cubed or quatered
4 pieces of Star Anise
2 Cinnamon Quills
2 teaspoon whole white pepper or 4 dashes of ground white pepper
5 tomatoes, quartered
1 Medium red onion, sliced
2 pieces dried bay leaves or 3 pieces fresh bay leaves
2 slices processed cheese or 2 tablespoons of cream cheese
1 tablespoon salted butter
salt
cooking oil
water
2 tablespoons dark sweet sauce (kecap manis)
2 tablespoons light soy sauce

Ok the hard part of preparing the ingredients is over, the rest is very simple.

Pour the tomato puree over the beef and leave aside for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large stew pot, heat about 3 tablespoons of cooking oil. Stir fry the sliced onions until fragrant or slightly browned.
Place in the beef and tomato puree into the pot and fry for another 5 minutes.
Add in the carrots, both types of mushrooms, cinnamon quills, pepper, tomatoes, bay leaves and star anise. Leave to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Add in 1 litre of water and cover the pot.
Once half the water content has evaporated, add in the cheese and butter. Stir to melt the cheese and butter into the mix. Thereafter, add in the potatoes.
Finally, add in the dark sweet sauce and light soy sauce. Leave to simmer for another 20 minutes. Add salt to taste.
Serve hot with bread or rice!

Chef's note :

If you find the gravy too watery, try adding a little cornstarch water to thicken it up.
If you like more meat in the stew, I would recommend adding back bacon bone. About 400grams will do. This will add even more to the flavour of the stew and if you do add in the back bones, don't add any more salt and reduce the light soy sauce to 1 tablespoon.
The best thing about stews is you can always add more ingredient or substitute other ingredients to create your own special recipe. Try to experiment a bit and good luck =)

2 drumsticks, 2 wings, 2 thighs = 1 chicken. Oh wait, I forget about the rest...

2008-06-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

=====The Content Below Is Yet To Be Rated. Viewer Discretionary is Advised====

Act 1 Scene 1

A moldy stage centers the scene with the director's chair empty and J2K3 standing on the stage. No one was present.

Sound effects : Howling wind created by a fan on full blast.

Props required : A bag of leaves ready for J2K3 to throw in the air and imagine is Autumn in a later scene.

J2K3 : The time was about 12 noon. I woke up - devoid of food and the pangs of lunch growled menacingly at me. No exam papers, no need to go to school, nobody at home - all out, I was all alone....

Highly Professional Director and Producer [also J2K3 =) ] : CUT! You need to put more life in your acting. No no no no no, more passion, more action, more richness...

J2K3 : I can't do it! Aaargh. I really have not eaten lunch yet! I am going to cook something..." *grumble grumble*

Storms off to some kitchen in another movie set

Director : Wait! I'm hungry too.

To be continued...

===========================================

Steamed Chicken Tenders

J2K3 ruffles through, I mean searches the refrigerator only to find 1 chopped chicken, 5 shitake mushrooms, 1 piece of ginger with a label "25g" on it, 1 bottle of sesame oil, and salt encrusted dangerously on a platter.

J2K3 : What am I going to cook with this? Hmmmmm...

Rubs belly and head and suddenly a spark of inspiration fluttered into the kitchen. Note: The spark is made up from a bag containing fireflies.

=========================Scene Ends=====================

My Steamed Chicken Tenders is what you can consider a deviation from the popular mushroom steamed chicken usually served in Hong Kong Dim Sum outlets. Decidedly, I thought about what to add and in actual fact, there were not much ingredients to the dish. Well, that's what I thought about so the real recipe of those in Dim Sum stores might be different.

Anyway, anything that is steamed is a healthier alternative to cooking the standard way like deep frying or even frying (Of course there are other ways like broiling, boiling, grilling, tossed, etc. etc. etc.). So when chicken is steamed, what you get is succulent and tender meat, unlike those at popular fast food chains which tend to be a bit dry and tough.

If you like to whip this simple yet healthy dish up for lunch or dinner, it wont take you more than 45 minutes in total. =) Quick and easy!

Steamed Chicken Tender

1 medium sized chicken, chopped
5 Shitake mushrooms, sliced
1 25g ginger, finely sliced
1 chilli padi, chopped
3 tablespoons of sesame oil
1 teaspoon of salt

Mix all the ingredients together. Steam for 40 minutes.
Serve hot with rice.

Ang Moh VS Local Snack! DING DING.

2008-06-25T11:46:00.001-07:00

Somewhere in Singapore...

"Yo Man! Wanna eat sum Pretzels?" (Offers a bag, with signs of infinity [the pretzels] sticking out)

"Mai La! Jia Goreng Pisang....Ho Jia leh." (Gives two thumbs up and a shiny white smile)

*For the uninitiated in the Dialects, it means : Don't want! Eat Fried Banana Fritters...Nice to eat =)

Editor's Note : I apologize for the amount of Singlish even in the translation. It was done so in order to preserve the integrity of the sentence.

The Pretzel. Don't they look like a familiar mathematical symbol? (Hint: its the sign of infinity)

The pretzel could be considered my all time favourite snack if not for the price. At $2.30 per piece from Auntie Anne's, its not a snack one can enjoy every day, especially for students like me - who live on a budget in today's standard of living. (Ok ok..better not go into Economics and all that stuff about inflation, demand and supply)

Anyway, the pretzel is basically one long strip of dough, nicely formed into the symbol of 8 and then baked to golden goodness. I generally prefer the plain ones from Auntie Anne's and not those with the toppings and garnishes as I enjoy tasting the pastry itself. Furthermore, those with little "gold toppings" (any garnishes are considered like gold toppings because of the increased price), it will set you back another 50 cents or so.

From a Russel Peter's Comedy Sketch :

"50 cents alot of money! You save 50 cents here, you save 50 cents there. Then you go to the dollar store. At the dollar store you buy something else!"

Well, since they state that its "SIMPLY NUTRITIOUS, SIMPLY DELICIOUS" one can hardly argue for the price. LOL. Nonetheless, to what I know, the only Pretzel store I ever come across is the one located in Takashimaya Shopping Center (Orchard). Interested in trying out an Ang Moh snack? Go find Auntie Anne's!

I love Auntie Anne's Pretzels...but that price...

Rating : 4/5

Location : Basement Level 2, Takashimaya Shopping Center, Orchard. Stall is located at the entrance of the food court near the fountain.

Goreng Pisang Ni Hao Ma?

Comparatively with this local Asian goody which costs about $2.00 for 4-5 pieces, this is relatively cheaper. The Goreng Pisang - Silky yellow fruit bathed in "white pearl milk" and later soaked in Rejuvenating Golden Oil. Ahhh the goodness. (hint hint...sense the sarcasm please)

Still, despite all its oily goodness, the Goreng Pisang (Fried Banana Fritters), remains an all time Singaporean favourite - and also my mum's. I seldom eat Goreng Pisang but when I come across those that look really good (especially the ones at certain Pasar Malams [Night Markets]), will I be tempted to devour them. Hehehe...

The ones pictured above were bought at Ananas Cafe at $2.00 for 4 pieces. Grab them while they are hot, though there are better ones around.

Rating : 2.5/5

Location : Ananas Cafe. Located at Sembawang MRT Station

Ding Ding! The WINNER of this round is Mr. Pretzel!

Local Goodies, Delights & Home Made Extravaganza!

2008-06-23T10:53:00.001-07:00

As a wise man once said (I don't know who..but I'm sure someone said it) : "Food is found everywhere. Even more so are the delicious food." - let's take it as if I coined this phrase up myself..hehe.

But it is a statement which I feel the most for. Being the school holidays (ok it was over yesterday), chances are galore in encountering tantalizing food and dishes. Even more so in an Asian community that has been thoroughly westernised to some extent, it is the discovery of home made local fare.

I remember the friendship I always had with the Petai (stink bean). It is an acquired taste I must agree. The smell (oh the glorious smell) of human exhaust galore. (You must think by now that I am a sadist). Nonetheless, I stand by this acquired taste of mine - I truly love Petai.

The Stink Bean (Petai) in their pods.

Its very rare to come about Petai in their pods in Singapore. I only found them in the supermarkets sold in well packaged packets and sometimes there were even little worms (oh so cute) squiggling about them. However, my trip to the market at Admiralty (Read Related Post : Fruity Frenzy) a couple of days back, and led by my dad's keen sense of smell and sight, we found the Petai in their pods. Fresh as ever!

Note the shine! Too bad you can't smell them =)

Its one thing to discover Petai and another issue to purchase them packed at the supermarket. Apparently Petai fresh from the pod is silky smooth and very lustrous. Those prepackaged are wrinkled and sometimes spoilt (oh well, that is business for you).

Steamed Prawns with Petai in Sambal Sotong.

Well, remember the post about Sambal Sotong at Ananas Cafe (Read Related Post : Swedish Meatballs...I am not!)? My mum decided that for lunch yesterday that we should steam the prawns, steam the sambal sotong that was bought and then scatter the Petai as garnish - to make a new dish on its own. Ooo...but what a lovely creation.

Petai goes very well with Malay food and the sambal sotong flavours the bean very well. Together with the prawns and the gravy acting as an excellent dip, you get a dish that I believe is not found anywhere.

Home Made Stuffed You Tiao (Dough Sticks)

Here's another good one. Stuffed You Tiao has been popular in recent years. While the traditional plain You Tiao is dipped in coffee, this version is stuffed with meat and seafood filling and dipped in mayonnaise. My Uncle Ben created this fresh (he bought the You Tiao half cooked though) for my little cousin's birthday dinner.

Crunchy and Crispy (ooo Alliteration) and with a savoury filling, it was a delight at the table - finished in minutes!

Vinegar Pig Trotters (Turkah)

Ok. I am not in confinement (cannot and never will be. I am a guy for gosh's sake) and neither is any of my close relatives, but Uncle Chuan Beng still created this and shared with the family. This is a dish usually consumed by ladies during their confinement period to expel wind (it works literally because of all that ginger in the dozens). Folks believe by expelling the wind, chances of aching bones in later years will lessen after pregnancy. (I hope I got my facts right).

Still, Vinegar Turkah is one of my all time favourites. With braised peanuts and pork fat galore, it is sinful in its own right. My paternal grandmother once made them, and I went crazy - drinking the vinegar sauce as though it were water.

Braised Turkah - ultra sinful

Since we are on the subject of Pig's Trotters. Let me introduce to you a recent discovery at Admiralty Food Court. (The one on the second floor opposite the Admiralty MRT Station)

Hidden at the end of the aisle, at the far back of the establishment (its like the outskirts of the desert), there lie a herbal stall selling herbal dishes. (duh)

Dad bought this Braised Turkah for about $6.00 and it was served with Yam rice. Its so rare to get Braised Pig's Trotters in all its glory, where the cook masterfully sliced the side to expose the fat, the flesh and all the juicy goodness. (The picture speaks more than I do)

If you are a fan of Turkah, you will want to try this dish out! Available only on selected days. Best hawker food!

Rating : 4.5/5

Venue : Herbal Soup Stall. Admiralty Food Court (2nd floor). Opposite Admiralty MRT Station.

Traditional Local Delight - Glutinous Rice with mushrooms and peanuts

I have always encountered this in one way or another at local snack shops, but my friend Anthony has the privileged of the best (to what I have eaten) made for him. I was at his house studying with another friend and his mum served us Glutinous Rice with mushrooms and freshly toasted peanuts for lunch. Mmmm... =) You should try this local delight at the nearby coffeeshop. Its one of those little dishes you can never get tired of.

My my, I have typed so much. Well let's stop here for now. Will be back soon!

Oh yeah, if you want to check out more posts, you can use the categories menu to the left, the main menu on the top or the search box at the top left. Till then =)

Brunch Buffet @ Bird's Nest Cafe & Bar

2008-06-21T08:37:00.001-07:00

Dim Sum Delicacies Galore @ The Bird's Nest Cafe & Bar

Mum recommended me this place after having her lunch there a couple of days back, and so I thought why don't we try it today since they are having their Brunch Buffet (1130 - 1700) on the Weekends and Public Holidays.

The walk to the cafe was not too far from Somerset MRT station (next to Centrepoint), and rather convenient (though it is hidden from street view).

My first step into the cafe gave me a very cozy atmosphere. The manager, Sammy, attended to us with his warm and polite gestures. We were immediately served with a unique appetizer : Organic Bittergourds with honey dip.

Organic Bittergourds (very thinly sliced...)

The bittergourds did not taste very bitter on its own and paired very well with the honey. Crisp and refreshing, it whetted my appetite for what was to come.

Ambience : 4/5

Service : 4/5

Now to the real deal. Buffets always had the tendencies of keeping the quality below par as a way of keeping costs low. However, the food (especially the dim sums and desserts) served in this cafe, proved to be excellent. I was impressed with almost all the dim sums (the steamed ones were the best), with their silky smooth texture and crunchy savoury filling.

Serving of Steamed Siew Mai, Ha Kao, and Steamed Jiu Cai Dumpling

Top of my recommendation if you visit this place is to try out their Steamed Siew Mai (pork and shrimp dumpling). Nice and big, the filling was very well done with the prawn pieces so fresh, you could actually taste the ocean. The Siew Mai was garnished with a drop of prawn eggs and bird's nest. A nice compliment to the overall dish.

Steamed Siew Mai Rating : 4.5 /5

The Ha Kao (prawn dumpling) was nice and tender, and it proved an equally appetizing dumpling. Though my only gripe would be that it lacked a little more juice in it for that absolute punch. The Steamed Jiu Cai (Vegetables) Dumpling was quite good with a firm texture that did not have the vegetables falling out. Good quality, excellent dim sum as starters.

Ha Kao Rating : 4/5

Steamed Jiu Cai Dumpling Rating : 3.5 /5

Oolala...Steamed Seafood Beancurd

Now this is a unique creation from the world of Dim Sum. Sliced Egg Tofu (beancurd) topped with seafood mix and steamed to perfection. The crunchy seafood and the soft tofu were miles apart in texture but brought very well together in this fine dish. The sweet and savoury sauce in which it was soaked in (ok not really soaked...but rather placed in) added that lovely hint of sweetness as you bit into the dim sum.

Steamed Seafood Beancurd Rating : 4.5/5

Double Boiled Soup of the Day : Corn with Pork Ribs Soup

What is the first thing most Singaporeans will avoid when it comes to buffets? That is soups!

Soups make you full and you usually won't have enough space in your belly for that dish to maximise your money. But this is one special I won't want you missing. (For the hard core buffet goers..you can share 1 serving with everyone..that way it is still a win-win solution)

The clear soup of Corn with Pork Ribs was refreshing and tasty. It was very well prepared and each sip leaves you wanting for more. There is a generous serving of Pork Ribs (which were soft and tender), slices of corn, red dates, and the little herby crunchy flat thingy that are found in Cheng Tengs. It was herbal soup at its finest.

Double Boiled Soup of the Day Rating : 4.5/5

For the uninitiated, Cheng Tengs are a local herbal dessert and not a place, or a collective noun. When I say collective noun, it can mean a flock of birds (flock is a collective noun). So the crunchy flat thingy that are found in Cheng Tengs are not a collective noun...Get the joke?

Penang Laksa

Penang Laksa is a rare commodity at a Dim Sum Buffet, but this is another dish that is not to be missed. The gravy was excellent with it being thick and sour (asam...mmmm=) The noodles were not overcooked and the garnish of mint leaves went very well with the sourness. Must try.

Penang Laksa Rating : 4/5

Fried Sweet Potato Cake

Now this is one dim sum I don't usually see at High Tea. When I ordered this, I thought it would be sliced Sweet Potato and fried. Never did I expect Sweet Potato Cake to be this soft and jelly like. Very good actually, and with the spiciness (a tad spicy I must add) , it actually startled me when I had the first bite. Nonetheless, a unique and excellent dish, though I must say it is still a little too spicy for my liking.

Fried Sweet Potato Cake Rating : 4.5/5

Nonya Style Spicy Noodles - Belachan Lovers, come and get it!

My first reaction with this serving was "ho hum...nothing too fantastic" Well that was my reaction until I found the sambal belachan (chilli prawn sauce) carefully hidden under all that topping. Once you mix the sambal belachan into the noodles and topping, you obtain an excellent gravy base and noodles that are very very very tasty. It's like your own chemistry experiment where you get a new product once you mix the reactants (which in this case are the sambal belachan and all the rest of the dish)

Nonya Style Spicy Noodles Rating : 4/5

The Buffet Desserts (some of them). Milo Chocolate Mousse(left), Oreo Cheesecake (front), Mango Mousse (right) and another Cheesecake at the back which I cannot remember the name. Wow that's a long name.

These little 4 tartlets, mini pastries, mini cakes, whatever you call them are very good. Hand made and prepared by chef pâtissier Belinda, they were fine edible artworks ("Ahhh! Who will eat ART!" : screams the hard core art enthusiasts ). Each one of those delicacies were not too sweet, and they simply melted in the mouth. I think I ate more than 6 of them!

The Mini Desserts (I conned this cumulative name as these were found in the buffet servings) Rating : 4.5/5

The Final Send Off to an Excellent Meal : Chilled Mango Sago with Pomelo and Bird's Nest

The name sounds ordinary (apart from the Bird's Nest) but the serving was extraordinary. It was Mango Sago, with 'frog eggs' ( that's what the dessert aunty at the Kopitiam calls them but its not frog eggs..duh) and a beautiful serving of Mango Ice Cream. The pomelo bits paired the sweetness of the mango very well with its delectable crunch, bitter sweet taste, and they were in generous portions. A fantastic way to end the meal! Oh, how could I forget the fresh mango in it as well. Mmmmm...I had 2 servings =)

Chilled Mango Sago with Pomelo and Bird's Nest : 4.5/5

Conclusion

What I have shared with all of you are only some of the highlights which this cafe's Brunch Buffet has to offer. There were other delicacies which you should take up the challenge and explore as this is one buffet not to be missed. Priced reasonably at $18.80++(adult) and $11.80++(child), I believe this is one of the more value for money buffets around. They also have an A-la-Carte menu which I have yet to try (But my mum did, and she says its excellent), but for the Brunch Buffet at this restaurant, I give a rating of 4.5/5.

Overall Rating : 4.5/5

Eat All You Can - Weekend High Tea Brunch (Every Sat, Sun, and Public Holidays)

Price :

Adult - $18.80++
Child (below 10) - $11.80++

Address : 160 Orchard Road Orchard Point #01-13 (beside OCBC Bank) (Orchard point is next to Centrepoint)

Contact : 6836 6218

Commentary on "No culture in kitschy Chinatown" - The Straits Times June 19 2008

2008-06-19T10:54:00.001-07:00

Stephanie Yap's article succinctly sums up the cultural value and heritage in which Singapore carries as an entire country.

She raises the interesting point that in the heart of Chinatown "stands Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, Sri Mariamman Temple", right next to it is Jamae Mosque and in Telok Ayer there is the "Al-Abrar Mosque and [the] Thian Hock Keng" Chinese Temple being close neighbours.

The view of any society's mixed heritage in a country would have been thought by the existence of distinct cultural villages. (With Chinatown being the most common) However, when it comes to the real culture (especially in Singapore), one need not go to a heritage sites in order to see how different ethnic groups in Singapore maintain their traditions.

In Singapore, we are a nation that is as diverse as any culture - even though there is the majority of the Chinese. While a country's culture would have been considered by the majority of the people living in it, I must beg to differ to that concept. How a nation's society lives and exist is hardly the same to what you obtain in another nation. The majority of Singapore may be Chinese, but we are infused with the values of each race, such that coexistence and friendship can take place.

Essentially, because of the different walks of life in which many Singaporeans come from, we have created our own distinct Singaporean culture.

Perhaps when I go to another country, I would take note of the uniqueness in which that country has to offer. And perhaps to my interest, how different races has adapted to the values and traditions of the entire society as a whole.

I remember reading an article from the newspaper about how cultural sites have slowly (or even expeditiously) become tourist traps. The notion that a country's ethnic society and community is unique and interesting is often dangled as a tempting carrot for many tourists to want and view "how" the people live. Nonetheless, sites in which tourist groups visit are often plagued by countless of souvenir shops for the tourists and hardly any real living being observed.

While we look back at our past, perhaps that was the era in which real and distinct culture actually existed in groups of people located in community.

Recall the past in which Singapore had even more cultural uniqueness - The laundrymen in Dhobi Ghaut, the trishaws bustling about the roads, the crowded Singapore river. If by any extent, that was culture in its very essence.

However, perhaps in our globalized world of today, we have reach a stage in which our cultures are slowly becoming less apparent as distinct ways of living. Even though we cannot expect much for culture to spring back to life in a community with the re-emergence or creation of a cultural village, perhaps what anyone could do if they want to experience the culture of a city is to interact with the citizens themselves.

It is the people that make up the life of the city, and it is the people who make up the identity of a nation. From my perspective, to know a ethnic culture, mingle in the heartlands and the real villages. To get a gift, go to the gift shop.

Twin Crescents - A fish tale

2008-06-19T08:30:00.001-07:00

My creation and adaptation of the Hainanese Steamed Pomfret - Twin Crescents

I have always been intrigued with the concept of steaming my food. If you realised, my previous dish "Golden Treasures" was also created by steaming. I have reckoned that by steaming the food, you retain the natural goodness of the ingredients itself and with garnish as light as possible, you are able to add a hint of delicate flavour.

Today's dinner saw me thinking up a new recipe of steamed pomfrets. Mum told me that my maternal grandfather (ah kong) had always cooked steamed pomfrets with lots of ginger, pickled mustard leaves and a sprinkle of wolfberries. I remember vaguely (when I was very small) that that dish was somewhat unique. Perhaps it was because my grandfather cooked it in some special way - I don't know. (Heard that he placed some sort of ceramic spoon under the fish...hmmm must try that one day. I wonder why?)

Twin Crescents Garnished with Pickled Daikon and Spring Onions

My version however is an adaptation of how my grandfather used to cook the pomfrets. I substituted the mustard leaves for sweet pickled Japanese radish (Daikon) and added more wolfberries. Oh yeah, I also added a piece of chilli.

What turned out after 35 minutes of steaming was a pair of delicate pomfrets with a sweet-spicy (due to the ginger) soup base. Each bite of pomfret flesh had a touch of ginger aroma. To any extent, it was a very light and satisfying dish.

I paired the pomfrets for dinner with some porridge. Nothing much and nothing out of the ordinary - just simple white porridge and a little garnish of chopped Pickled Daikon and spring onions.

Look at 'zis' (heavy French accent) - its a zimple porridge.

Nothing beats having a simple porridge for dinner. Like the old cliched saying goes : A sumptuous breakfast, A filling lunch, A light dinner.

A good breakaway from any daily fare of rich food. I am so excited to share with you this recipe for your way to good health!

Twin Crescents

1 piece 30 gram old ginger, sliced.
3 teaspoons of wolfberries
1 chilli
2 pomfrets, cleaned (small)
salt
2 slices Pickled Daikon (Japanese Radish)

Wash the pomfrets with salt on both the inside and outside. Meanwhile, prepare steamer and ensure water is boiling.
Rub a pinch of salt in the stomach area of each pomfret. Sprinkle another pinch of salt over the fish.
Place a teaspoon of wolfberries inside the stomach area of each pomfret, followed by a few slices of ginger.
Scatter the remaining slices of ginger and wolfberries over the fish.
Steam fish for 35 minutes over high heat.
Garnish. Serve hot with rice or porridge. Enjoy!

The Carambola Fruit - Commonly known as the Starfruit.

The starfruit is one of the most common fruits sold in Singapore. Grown ubiquitously throughout Asia, it is commonly enjoyed on its own, or with a little salt. And when its yellow, its very sweet and drippingly juicy.

In its green state, there is the refreshing sour taste which is very energetic. Relish the goodness.

Golden Treasures

2008-06-18T11:03:00.001-07:00

Previously in my post on Bougainvilleas , I mentioned about showing all of you my latest creation. Its a recipe that revolves around steamed bananas, and when I was experimenting with it - I must say I was very impressed with the amount of sugar water that came out.

Golden Treasures is my latest creation of an all-natural health dessert. Absolute nothing else but fruits were used in the creation. Heres the recipe to amaze your friends :

Golden Treasures

2 Pisang Mas (Small Bananas. Choose the ones that are smaller and sweet, there are the slightly larger versions but they wont be as sugary)
1 teaspoon of dried wolfberries
1 teaspoon of dried red dates
1 teaspoon of raisins

Heat up steamer - ensure that the water is boiling.
Place bananas in a bowl and scatter the dried fruits and raisins on top.
Steam for 20 minutes.
Serve Hot

That's it. It's simple isn't it? =) Enjoy this steamed bananas recipe.

Fruity Frenzy

2008-06-18T09:36:00.001-07:00

Tis the season for tropical fruits again. While there has always been the standard fare of mangoes, persimmons, apples, oranges, it was really startling to notice rambutans. (Seemed like the year has passed so fast)

Rambutans - the hairy fruit that is shocking red with white flesh and a great big seed in the center.

Everyone...meet 'Hairy' the Rambutan

I bought this bunch of rambutans at the Admiralty wet market, but while they were nice and big and round, they were not very juicy. I must admit that while the flesh had the 'glow' (you can see it from the picture), I have eaten better.

To best describe the rambutan, it tastes sweet - almost sugary, but I seem to have this habit of always encountering the husk of the seed together with the fruit in my mouth.

If it were a hot sunny afternoon, I could probably finish the whole bunch in one sitting.

This is no soursop - its a Custard Apple

And what do you know? I Found Custard Apples at the market as well. Its like one of the rarest fruits of the season. Okay...not really rare but whenever I chance upon some custard apples they were always small and unripe. Well, my stars must be shining on me - there were ripe custard apples on sale - and they were huge too!

My name is Custard Apple a.k.a Bull's heart a.k.a Bullock's heart.....nothing more, what were you expecting?

Now, the custard apple looks almost exactly like a soursop. The same white flesh, the same black seeds - though as the name of a soursop states - its sour, while the custard apple is nothing but sweet. Its also known as the Sweetsop in some countries.

(Ha! and when I exclaimed that it was a soursop at the market [ it slipped my mind ], the lao ban niang screamed : "NOOOOO! Its custard apple. Soursop I don't sell. The other shop got sell". The similarity of the species justifies my error)

I think almost anyone will enjoy the custard apple; they taste just like custard apples (...-.-...). The moment you slice them open, you are embraced with the heavenly "pang" (smell..I mean aroma).

Love the fruit, love getting the seeds out one by one before eating, but my only gripe about this fruit is how the skin is oh so easily stuck together with the flesh if you really scrape the shell. Oh well, this is how nature made them.

Okay...as promised, up next is my new recipe for bananas =)

Rojak, Rojak!

2008-06-16T06:49:00.001-07:00

Chinese Rojak with Taupok, Cuttlefish and all the crunchy peanuts...

Rojak, Rojak! The unique and savoury blend of You Tiao (fried dough rolls), Pineapple, Mango, Cucumber, Beansprouts, Lotus Flower, Turnip, dried cuttlefish, taupok (dried beancurd stuffed with beansprouts and cucumber), fluffed in traditional prawn paste. Perhaps this is to be more commonly known as the Chinese Rojak and not the Indian Rojak (which is entirely different, though they are both rojaks).

To clarify things a little, "Rojak" is a Malay word for Mixed. More specifically in this case, it is mixed food or dishes put together and to produce another dish. The Chinese Rojak is the local variant of the Rojak family, with fans who love the almost strong smelling prawn paste.

I found an excellent stall selling Chinese Rojak at the Food Republic located at Wisma Atria in Orchard. The standard rojak ($4.00) plus additional dried cutttlefish($2.00), mango($1.00) and Taupok ($1.00) cost a grand total of $8.00. Not the usual price for a Rojak like those found in the heartlands, but at this price, it was enough for two people - which wasn't so bad.

The Chinese Rojak at Food Republic, Wisma Atria

Price aside, the mix of the various ingredients provided an excellent combination of taste. There was the crunchiness of the youtiao and the toasted Tau Pok, the tasty dried cuttlefish and prawn paste, the refreshing bite from the fruits . The serving is quite large and very filling.

Nonetheless, I found the sauce a little too spicy (my fault as I asked for chilli but how was I too know it will be that spicy), so it had me clamouring for a drink after the first few bites. So for the Rojak adventurers out there, be forewarned of the spiciness available at this stall.

Have the craving for Rojak? You might want to give the Rojak stall located at Food Republic, Wisma Atria a try =)

Rating : 4/5

Stall Name : Rojak

Venue : Food Republic Food Court, top level, Wisma Atria (located beside Orchard MRT Station)

Auntie! Kopi-C Siew Tai!

2008-06-16T05:24:00.001-07:00

Haha, this thought came across my mind this morning as I was having breakfast at the local coffee shop. In this particular world of ours, I believe that there are few, if not Singapore is the only country who has unique beverages made from everyday drinks.

This is not to say that there are no foreign countrys with their local drinks, but from a Singaporean perspective, I simply find it unique that for 4 types of beverages, we have so many varieties in total! And what's best about ordering the local tea or coffee at the coffee shop is that the drink aunty or uncle will wail in their loud voices :

"KOPI-O, LIANG BEI!" - Two cups of coffee without sugar.

Sometimes, it will be in the dialect they are familiar in, and boy when each time the drink aunty or uncle wails, will memories of the past strike a chord in me. I believe that this unique aspect of Singaporean culture is not obvious to many but the sound of good old nostalgia is still struck. While each day, we embrace fusion delights such as the Singapore Sling, or even more commonly soft drinks and other beverages, have we momentarily forgotten the roots of our beginnings? Well, as the generation moves on, perhaps its just an unavoidable fact of transition from the phase of warm and tender drinks to that of the fizzy era.

Nonetheless, I won't say that this feature of Singapore will become lost, but rather more subdued in nature. Still, it will be an interesting quirk while lifting a smile on the faces who remember the past.

And what are the common 4 beverages found in almost any coffee shop? Try guessing without reading on...lol

They are...

-Kopi ( Coffee )

-Teh (Tea)

-Milo (Chocolate Drink by Nestle)

-Horlicks (Malt Drink)

Here is a list of the common top 4 beverages, with the varieties and what they actually mean.

*Traditional Name*	*What does it mean?*
Kopi-O	Plain Black Coffee no sugar
Teh-O	Plain Tea no sugar
Milo-O	Milo with no sugar
Horlick(s)-O	Horlicks with no sugar
Teh	Milk Tea
Milo	Milo
Horlick(s)	Horlick
Kopi-C	Thick Black Coffee with sugar
Teh-C	Thick Tea with sugar
Kopi-C Siew Tai	Light Coffee with less sugar
Teh-C Siew Tai	Light Tea with less sugar
Kopi-O peng	Plain Black Coffee
Kopi peng	Iced Coffee
Teh peng	Iced Milk Tea
Teh- Ahlia	Tea with ginger
Teh-Tarik	Pulled Tea

and the list goes on....

Time for Tea, we are having Royal Muffins today!

2008-06-14T07:25:00.001-07:00

The Banana Muffin

Singapore is currently in a Muffin craze. With muffin shops popping up almost everywhere. Even the papers did a little article (ok large article) about muffins. Well to go with the flow, perhaps for those of you who are craving for a little nuts on your muffins, maybe you should try the ones at The Singapore Marriott Hotel Pastry Shop.

For today's afternoon tea at home, I had the Banana muffin (drizzled with Walnuts) and the Apple & Cinnamon muffin (plastered with Almond Slices).

The Apple & Cinnamon Muffin

The nuts add a lovely crunch to the sponginess of the muffins. The muffins by themselves were found not to be too dry or too wet, it was perfectly moist. Usually, the muffins sold at the bakeries would be too dry for my liking and would leave my throat high and parch.

The Marriott's muffins were found to be better, though I must say that the taste could have been slightly sweeter.

Nonetheless, having Marriott's muffins for tea is an excellent afternoon snack...(If you don't mind the calories)

Tea served in Royal Albert's 1920 | Spring Meadow Design

Certainly a refreshing Royal Tea(Lipton though...not Earl Gray) . Muffins?

Price $2.90 each

Rating : 4/5

Stall Name : Singapore Marriott Hotel, Pastry Shop

Venue : Above Tang's Marketplace (direct route from Orchard MRT Station), Hotel Lobby Lounge

Honey Chicken Leg - Anyone?

2008-06-14T06:58:00.001-07:00

Yummy Yummy Yummy! Imagine the full heartiness of the chicken in each bite. Glazed with the most shocking sweet of honey on the crisp and firm skin. It's a mouth-watering delight at first sight.

I stumbled on this stall (though I have always walked past many times) when the Honey Chicken Leg called out to me in their most lustrous glory.

One of Singapore's Best Hawker Food - Honey Chicken Leg

The meat was oh so tender...and each mouthful, you could literally taste the sweetness and juiciness of the chicken. The honey was of the right consistency and it enhanced the flavour to an even greater height.

For all you chicken lovers out there, I think its about time you tried out the Honey Chicken Leg at BBQ Express located at Tang's Marketplace.

BBQ Express also offers a wide range of other tantalizing dishes

I will keep this short and sweet as I believe trying it out for yourselves is the best review anyone can give. Honey Chicken Leg, you deserve a cool 4.5 out of 5.

Rating : 4.5/5

Dish Name : Honey Chicken Leg

Cost : $4.00 per pc

Stall Name : BBQ Express

Venue : Tang's Marketplace (Direct walk from Orchard MRT Station)

J2K3 | Food & Creativity Meet the Web!

Change of Website Address

Shifting of Blog To New Website Name

Heard of the Crispy Sandwich?

A Heartwarming Banana Pie Tale

I can’t believe I ate two bowls of noodles in one sitting – They were that good!

Nasi Biryani Dum Mutton – Burp!

Wild Turtle Soup – Seriously, that’s the shop’s name

The lost, the deluded, the befuddled

Excellent Roti Prata and Thosai in the North!

Aston’s Specialties – Good Western Stuff, Lovely Prices

Wan Chai Hong Kong Teahouse, Value for Money

Merry Christmas Everyone!

A Little Peek at Liang Court (the former Diamaru)

Have cravings for Satay Bee Hoon?

Tickle your tastebuds at Sheraton Towers

Recipe : Tamarind Prawns with Squid and Petai Beans plus a cool and unique dessert!

My Quest For Hakka Delicacies. Any Recommendations?

Delectable Cuisine from Asia Grand's Dining Room

Wait! That Zaru Soba is Out of Place at Whampoa.

Nature's Purple Passion

More Please! Sir? Sir?

Ajisen Ramen : Shiok Shiok Mee Japanese Style

Jewel of the Orient

Recipe : Shitake Mushrooms, Garlic Sprouts with Melted Cheese...drool

Botak Jones Luncheon Again..-.-!

Ampang Yong Tau Foo - Sedap?

Snow flakes so pretty...

Customs and Traditions : The Mooncake Festival (Mid-Autumn Festival)

Hainanese Pork Chops...Are You Hungry?

Hidden Hainanese Cuisine - Do you know that it is even there?

The 'Durian' who was not the Durian - The Chempedak

Fantastic Economical Mixed Rice! Who said they were cheap stuff?

Make Your Own Tofu Day

Burpp..That was some damn good Chilli Crab

Check out The New Paper on Tuesday for a review on Ju Shin Jung Samegaetang

Oei Pie Kia! Kua Si Mi?

Local Foodie Introduction : Indian Rojak

Botak Jones Visit 2! - Mildly Impressed. But hope is in sight.

Local Delights Rule The Day

Yet Con Hainanese Coffeeshop - Tradition in its own right!

I'm sorry if I made you feel like eating this roast duck. You really must!

Spring Chicken Fiesta Collection

The Time We Shared..The Joy We Have Spread

We choose our own style of democracy!

Happy Birthday 17/07

Let's all have Dragon Eyes for dessert!

We do not have any Eskimos..We Have Icekimo!

Inspire

You've haven't Himawari, if you haven't been to Himawari.

Durian Fiesta @ Four Seasons Durians Cafe

Shokudo hits the spot!

The Double Botak Burger...*faints*

Where East Meets West. Oriental Fried Rice with Savoury Mince Mix - Sauteed Rice Fusion

Ant : "I lead a bug's life."

The Prawn Gala

Local Delights. Prized Winners!

Fried Oyster Omelette Anyone?

Heavenly Radiance

The Polka Dot Dragon

Yeah! I won

Hokkaido Curry Bun. Oishi!

Food, Food and More Food! Yum =)

Ye Old Country Beef Stew

2 drumsticks, 2 wings, 2 thighs = 1 chicken. Oh wait, I forget about the rest...

Ang Moh VS Local Snack! DING DING.

Local Goodies, Delights & Home Made Extravaganza!

Brunch Buffet @ Bird's Nest Cafe & Bar

Commentary on "No culture in kitschy Chinatown" - The Straits Times June 19 2008

Twin Crescents - A fish tale

Golden Treasures

Fruity Frenzy

Rojak, Rojak!

Auntie! Kopi-C Siew Tai!

Time for Tea, we are having Royal Muffins today!

Honey Chicken Leg - Anyone?

The Double Botak Burger...faints