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.

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

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

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.

Tonight's dinner consists of dishes very common in my family. My own creation of Pork Meatballs. I chanced upon this inspiration with my own liking for both meatballs and tofu - and what do you get when you mix two of the loveliest ingredients together? Tofu Crumble Meatballs.

 

This is my own speciality with the filling being nice and juicy, while the skin remains nice and firm. Interested in whipping this dish up for your family and friends as an appetizing party snack or a main dish? Here's the recipe :

 

Tofu Crumble Meatballs

 

- 250grams Minced Meat (Pork)

- 1 piece 150grams Egg Tofu

- 1 egg

- 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce

- Ground White Pepper

- 5 tablespoons fresh milk

- 1 teaspoon of white sesame oil

- 1 sprig Spring Onions, sliced finely

- Salt

- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch

- Cooking Oil

 

1. Place the Minced Meat in a bowl, rub with the pinch of salt and rinse the salt off with water. Dispose of water thereafter.

2. Mash the egg tofu into crumbly pieces using a fork and put it in with the Minced Meat.

3. Add in the egg, light soy sauce, 2 dash Ground White Pepper, the milk, sesame oil and the spring onions.

4. Mix thoroughly with a fork. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt for taste.

5. Meanwhile, heat pan and drizzle with cooking oil - quantity enough for frying (approximately 4 tablespoons)

6. After mixing, add in the 2 tablespoons of Cornstarch and mix again.

7. Form meatball shapes using 1 tablespoon of filling each.

8. Fry the meatballs in oil - adding oil if there isn't enough.

9. Cook each side for approximately 3-4 minutes - browning the meatballs. While cooking, cover pan with lid.

10. Serve hot!

 

Chef's note : I added milk in this meatball recipe to create a nice soft texture on the inside of the meatballs. This came about after experimenting with various liquids and milk tended to soften the meat. Otherwise, the meatballs will turn out dry and rough. If you like a very smooth filling, add about another 2 tablespoons of milk. However, don't add too much milk as it will make the mix watery and difficult to handle.

 

Sembawang MRT Station Ananas Cafe Sambal Sotong

 

Apart from my serving of meatballs, mum came home with Sambal Sotong from Ananas, Cafe located at the Sembawang MRT Station. I don't know how often they serve it but if they do, you should try it once in a while.

 

I found the sotong (cured squid) crunchy and sweet and the rempah (mixed spiced paste) was hearty and tasty, though I must add that it is a bit too salty for my own liking. If you don't mind the added saltiness, the dish itself is very good, so head down if you feel like it - it goes very well with plain rice.

 

Price : $3.00

Rating : 3/5

Dish Name : Sambal Sotong (the stall varies the dishes as it is a Nasi Padang stall, so this dish is only available at times)

Venue : Ananas Cafe (Located at Sembawang MRT Station)

 

Simple Stir-fry Beijing Cabbage

 

I love my vegetables, and I insist on them at almost every meal. Decidedly since I already had two meat dishes on the menu, I checked what I had in the fridge and found the nice head of Beijing Cabbage. Using only half of it, it was quickly chopped and with two clove garlic (smashed and chopped), the dish was created with a stir fry of the garlic, vegetables, oyster sauce and a dash of pepper.

 

Now its your turn to try!

Till then =)

White chicken wings with rice

The grainy luster of the chicken rice is the first sight which many Singaporeans will look forward to. Coupled with the aromatic fragrance that is coming out from the rice as well, it is enough to make any person's mouth to water.

Today's lunch takeaway was Chicken Rice from the Lee Kwang Kee Stall at the Kopitiam Food Court in Sun Plaza, Sembawang. I ordered instead of the usual breast meat serving, two pieces of white chicken wings instead. (influenced by my mum)

Each grain of the rice could be clearly seen with the shiny goodness of the chicken oil cooked with it. The bite was firm and gives off a taste which leaves you wanting for more.

The chicken wing pieces was tender and not dry, with the skin being very smooth and soft. Even without the skin, the white chicken is just as delicious. A standard ladle of the light sauce with sesame oil is drizzled over the chicken for that extra kick.

Another offering from the stall is the Fish Otah-Otah (grilled spiced fish paste in banana leaves). Pair this dish with the chicken rice, and they both go well even better. Though, one thing to note is that you should ask the stall holder to grill the Otah-Otah again for you, as they usually prepare it in the morning which tends to leave the serving cold. 

 

Fish Otah-Otah

However, perhaps this stall's Achilles Heel is their chilli sauce, which could be better. The grade of the chicken rice is not determined by the chicken or the rice alone, the chilli sauce which goes along with it must be good as well. While there is a strong chilli taste in this particular sauce, the mix is a bit thin and not tasty enough. Perhaps it could be better if there was a slight modification to the recipe. 

 

Lee Kwang Kee's chilli sauce

In overall, the chicken rice from Lee Kwang Kee can be considered above average for its good tasty chicken and the rice. A value for money meal at an average of about $4.00-$5.00.

Rating : 3/5

Stall Name : Lee Kwang Kee Chicken Rice

Venue : Sun Plaza Kopitiam Food Court (Next to Sembawang MRT Station)

 

Golden Honey Pineapples - Yum!

Looking for a healthy dessert to complete your meal of chicken rice? Try the Honey Pineapples available at the Fruit Stall located near the entrance of the Sun Plaza Kopitiam Food Court. The pineapples available there are usually very sweet and juicy, and priced at 90cents per slice, it is a deal well worth it.

If you are the type who loves even more juice and sweetness, try the sliced Sarawak pineapples (those in semi-circle shapes) as well!

Eight Immortals Vegetarian Food

Today's lunch review is from the Eight Immortals Vegetarian Food stall located in Sun Plaza (Sembawang) Kopitiam Food Court. Since its early days when the shopping center first started, this stall was always there, at the same little corner next to the Fishball Noodle Stall.

I had takeaway from the stall which cost me $3.30 for three types of side dishes plus white rice. If you happen to be there in the morning till about early afternoon, you might just be able to catch their Fried Beehoon which is sumptuous and sells out quite fast.

There is a wide variety of dishes though those laden with sauces can be a tad too salty for my palate. Highlights would probably include the Tomato Fried You Tiao (Dough Sticks), Fried Beancurrd Skin and the Deep Fried Beancurd (Tau Kwa) with Mayonnaise.

 

However, my usual comment about Economical foodstalls is that the dishes are usually served at room temperature and not hot - but that is simply the food court business for you. So, just remember to ask for some gravy to add a little heat to your food.

 

In conclusion, this stall is worthy patronizing once in a while if you want to avoid the meats or if you are looking for a vegetarian stall with a wide variety of dishes.

Rating : 3/5

Venue : Kopitiam, Sun Plaza Food Court (3rd level). Next to Sembawang MRT Station.

Name of Stall : Eight Immortals Vegetarian

Crystal Jade Palace
391 Orchard Road
#04-19 Ngee Ann City (Takashimaya Shopping Centre)
Tel: 6735 2388

Rating : 3/5

• Big dumpling - Very very chewy. Stuffed with chicken (and it had small pieces of bones in it).
• Medium Dumpling - Green Split Bean paste (tau suan for the locals) plus some meat and salted egg yolk.
• Small Dumpling (red string) - Mixed Rice Dumpling with some meat.

If you really like to look at what's inside, enlarge the last photo

Venue : East Coast Park Food Village (Near East Coast Lagoon)
Date Reviewed : 24th May 2008

Review Rating : 3/5

Well, yesterday at East Coast Park, after the sandcastle building expedition, the remaining councillors went for dinner at the East Coast Park Food Village for dinner. Intrigue by the long queue at Hwa Kee Roasted Meat Stall, I stood in line for 15 minutes to order the Wanton Noodles priced affordably at $4 for a mid-size serving with fried dumplings and sliced char siew (roasted and braised pork in sweet red sauce).

Hungry by the time I ordered and got to my seat, I tried the noodles first. It was springy and not too rubbery, cooked to perfection I must say. The fried dumplings were not too bad, however the char siew did not go well with my palate. I found it a tad too dry even though the ladled more sauce on it initially. The clear soup that came along with it was savoury and tasty.

Nonetheless, if you are those who go for Wanton noodles, you might want to try this dish at East Coast Park. Though its not really something to spring for if you are staying in the West.