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I can’t believe I ate two bowls of noodles in one sitting – They were that good!
0 comments Posted by Justin D. Pereira at 10:20 AM
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!
Wild Turtle Soup – Seriously, that’s the shop’s name
0 comments Posted by Justin D. Pereira at 9:20 AM
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)
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
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
0 comments Posted by Justin D. Pereira at 11:09 PM
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
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.
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.
