Jjamppong 짬뽕 is a Korean-Chinese noodle dish in spicy seafood or pork broth usually flavoured with gochutgaru chilli powder.

It is typically served in Korean-Chinese restaurants known for “Junghwa Yori” 中華料理 alongside Jajangmyeon and Tangsuyuk.

There seems to be more restaurants serving up Jjamppong in Singapore, including a full specialty eatery Nipong Naepong at JEM.

Some history: The dish is derived from the Shandong-style of “Chao Ma Mian”, while its name is from “chanpon” – a Japanese Chinese noodle dish.

Here are 6 places to get your Jjamppong Fix in Singapore:

Nipong Naepong
JEM #01-16, 50 Jurong Gateway Road, Singapore 608549 (Jurong East MRT)
Tel: +65 6262 4078
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Last order 9.30pm (Mon – Fri); 11am – 11pm, Last order 10.30pm (Sat – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/NipongNaepongSingapore

Nipong Naepong which loosely translates to “your ppong, my ppong”, is Singapore’s first “ppong” specialty restaurant.

Classic Jjamppong, Vongole Jjamppong, Alfredo-Jjamppong, Thai Jjamppong, Tomato Jjamppong, and even Salad Jjamppong… you get this dish transformed in 9 different renditions inspired by flavours from around the world.

Their Cha Ppong ($15.80) is the Classic Jjamppong noodles, a bowl which came loaded with fried cabbage, mussels, squid, prawn, and quail eggs.

There are two levels of spiciness you can choose from. I went for the Level 1, and liked that there was already this fiery kick in the piping hot broth, yet not over.

The soup was actually quite addictive, of richly flavoured seafood broth, balanced with the sweetness of the broth.

Cooked in high heat, it imparted some wok-hei and drinking the deep-spicy soup could result in some tissue-worth of head sweat. Quite shiok, I must say. Nipong Naepong (JEM)

Twins Korean Restaurant
7 Craig Rd Singapore 089667 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Tel: +65 6221 5205
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:00pm, 5:00pm – 12:00am (Mon – Sat), 5:00pm – 11:00pm (Sun)Twins Restaurant (Craig Road)

Hong Jjajang 홍짜장
Tel: +65 6909 5171
93 Tanjong Pagar Road Singapore 088514
Opening Hours: 12pm – 11pm

Hong Jjajang 홍짜장 which signature dishes include Jajangmyeon has arrived at 93 Tanjong Pagar (next to Hokkaido Izakaya).

To make things easier, I ordered a Jajangmyun, Jjamppong and Tangsuyuk set ($42) at Hong Jjajang. Considering the portion, this is considered value for its money (Plus there was free steamed egg during opening specials.)

The Jjamppong was my favourite, because the soup base was fiery hot and addictive, brimming with flavours of seafood.

On a scale on 1 to 10, I would say it was around 6-7 in terms of spiciness. Not enough for you to break out in big sweat, but sufficient for you to feel the kick and reach for more water. Hong Jjajang 홍짜장 (Tanjong Pagar Road)

Tae Woo Ban Jum
Clarke Quay Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen St, Singapore 059817
Tel: +65 6224 8284
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

I was told by my friend (a few of them) NOT to blog about this place, and so even the food photo was blurry. So I never did, till now (sorry my friend). He calls this “Clarke Quay Central’s best hidden secret”.
Tae Woo Ban Jum is commonly occupied by Koreans, known to provide an authentic taste. My other Korean friend said it was “just as good as back home”.

I had the Jjamjjamyeon ($18 lunch special) which serves up a bowl of Black Bean Sauce Noodles and Seafood Noodles with Hot Red Pepper Soup. Otherwise, you can also order the Sam Sun Jjamppong ($15) served with rice or noodles.

Slightly on the expensive side, what worked was its savoury and robust seafood stock.

O.BBa Jjajang
77 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088484
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 7am (Mon-Sat), 11.30am – 2am (Sun)

Apart from the Jjajangmyeon ($12), the Jjamppong ($13) is another top favourite dish in this Chinese-Korean restaurant.

However, there is no Jjamjjamyeon here (half-Jjajangmyeon, half Jjamppong) on the menu though, for people who cannot decide which to get.

The seafood is first fried with the vegetables before putting everything into the soup with the noodles.

The Jjamppong ($13) paled in comparison to the Jjajangmyeon ($12) as the soup was a tad watered down, unable to bring out the freshness of the seafood. O.BBa Jjajang (Tanjong Pagar Road)

DaeJon House
Havelock II, 2 Havelock Road, #01-03, Singapore 059763
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/Daejonhouse/

DaeJon House serves up Beef Jjamppong. Topped with vegetables, a huge prawn and beef slices were added onto the QQ, springy handmade Korean noodles, soaked in beef-bones broth.

What I liked: The pieces of beef were thinly sliced, tender and thus easy to chew. Daejon House (Havelock II Mall)

I preferred the spicy version with a non-overwhelming kick, compared to the non-spicy version with a saltier broth with a conspicuous meaty savour.

Other Related Entries
Nipong Naepong (JEM)
Twins Restaurant (Craig Road)
Hong Jjajang 홍짜장 (Tanjong Pagar Road)
O.BBa Jjajang (Tanjong Pagar Road)
Daejon House (Havelock II Mall)

* Compiled by Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary and Nicholas Tan @stormscape.

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[London] This snugly proportioned café located a stone’s throw away from Regent’s Street is unmistakably a shrine unto caffeine and the provision of quality coffee.

Entering into Workshop Coffee is very much like entering a workshop indeed: a focused, pristine, with a demure space that clings to memory.

As you walk past the heavy door that keeps out the cold, an impressive piece in itself, you are greeted warmly not only by bubbly and infectiously upbeat baristas but also by a side showcase of fresh cakes, pastries and bread.

What with it being coffee bar, you soon find yourself sipping your cup of single origin filter coffee, espresso or other winning brews, shoulder to shoulder with people who are particularly enthused by a good cup of coffee.

It is an ambience conditioned by the intoxicating effluvia of the warm drink in its several preparations, an absorbed or familiar environment for both regulars and newcomers.

Beyond the bar is a small room with miniscule coffee tables, comfortable sofas and small colourfully tiled bar for those who prefer to stand. It seemed to encourage the kind of social interaction that occurs during coffee drinking.

I ordered an espresso, a Gitesi (£2.60, SGD4.87) from the Karongi region of Rwanda, deliciously almost honeysweet, with a subtle ginger burn alongside a slice of fluffy banana bread (£3.00).

But I must say I was thoroughly tempted by the chocolatey Bulega (£2.60, SGD4.87) from Ethiopia that I have had before, or even the Colombian featured Finca Tamana (£3.00, SGD5.62) which was citrusy and bright.

Individuals often have this misconception that only connoisseurs can appreciate good coffee, but I have to say that I strongly disagree.

Coffee is not exclusive, it is inclusive, and you do not have to have an exceptional palate to taste the difference between good and bad brews.

Workshop Coffee knows its stuff and are consciously in the business of celebrating coffee.

Coffee lovers and doubters alike should visit this bar if only to have their views reinforced or pleasurably changed.

Workshop Coffee
80 Mortimer St, Marylebone, London W1W 7FE
Opening Hours: 7:00am – 7:00pm (Mon-Fri), 9:00am – 6:00pm (Sat- Sun)
https://workshopcoffee.com/
Google Maps – Workshop Coffee Co.

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Click HERE for other LONDON Food Entries

* Written by DFD’s London Food Correspondent Leander Dias SaltyCritic. Leander Dias was born and raised in Dubai, a burgeoning city with diverse food culture. Since moving to London to read for his English MA at UCL, he has utterly immersed himself in the local food scene, writing extensively about everything he eats everywhere he goes. Additional photos by by Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Anyone still remember the days of the “Flying Noodles”?

The once-trending #foodporn shot with the noodles “hanging” from a pair of floating chopsticks, as if one had walked into a trick eye museum.

Yes, that’s from Hana Restaurant located at The Forum Galleria along Orchard Road under the same parent company as Benjamin Browns.

Benjamin Browns was the first in Singapore sensationalise various social media platforms with their “Over The Top” Shakes 3 years ago.

The café has recently introduced “overflowing” bubble tea in toasts and “dirty” matcha latte.

Fast forward one and a half years after the “Flying Noodles” took off (pun not intended), aesthetically and “Instagrammable” food trends continue at Hana Restaurant.

This time, these overflowing Nissin Cup Noodles.

Initially, I thought I was in a Cup Noodles Museum, with flavours such as Lobster Nissin Tom Yum Noodles ($22), Chicken Nissin Laksa Noodles ($18) and Chili Crab Nissin Noodles ($18).

Using the instant noodles that comes with the Nissin cups, the noodles are first cooked before stir frying with the respective sauce such as Tom Yum, Laksa and Chili Crab.

A sunny side up is then added, followed by the respective meat such as Lobster with tom yum, Chicken with laksa and chili crab.

My favourite was the Lobster Nissin Tom Yum Noodles ($22) with a balanced sour and spiciness kick coupled with springy instant noodles.

Instead of the “wet” version in cup noodles, the stir fried instant noodles is served as a “dry” version with a fair amount of lobster meat in it.

If you are up for some hands-on experience as a scientist, the “Alchemist” series with dripping Cha Soba/ Unagi Rice/ Some are available at $18 each.

Or if you had previously missed out on the “Flying Noodles” series, the Flying Cha Soba ($18), Flying Salted Egg Udon ($18), Truffle Some ($20) and Chili Crab Somen ($25) are still available.

Hana Restaurant
Forum Galleria, #01-17, 583 Orchard Road, Singapore 238884 (10 min walk on Orchard MRT)
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm (Mon-Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/HANARest

* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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While Unadon, Chirashidon and Gyudon all enjoy different levels of popularity in Singapore, Buta Don seems to be under the radar.

I previously enjoyed Butahage at Liang Court, which offered tender and juicy grilled pork from Hokkaido Tokachi with a secret sauce of over 80 years of history. However, standard seems to have dropped of late.

Tokachi Tontaro which specialises in Buta Don, has opened by both Plaza Singapura and OUE Downtown Gallery.

It features bowls of grilled pork cooked in a Hokkaido speciality tare sauce and served atop premium Hokkaido Yumepirika rice.

Tokachi is an area in Japan known for its pig farming and Butadon restaurants – all with characteristic flavours and toppings.

I have tried Tokachi Tontaro twice at Plaza Singapura, though I won’t say I was exactly bowled over.

Available are the Premium Butadon ($22.80, $25.80) which uses Japanese Kagoshima Pork; or Regular Butadon ($11.80, $13.80, $16.80) which is topped with American pork coated in a signature tare sauce.

The regular version offers you other flavours of Spicy Tomato and Miso Butadon.

You can customise the serving of rice, tare sauce, size of meat slices, to the amount of spring onions and black pepper.

The Regular Butadon ($13.80) was an acceptable bowl, and as straight-forward as it gets – 5 slices of grilled pork on rice.

There wasn’t anything really bad about it, but lacked that special something that kept me excited when I first tried Butahage.

My main reservation was that the pork slices looked pale in appearance (in Hokkien, we call it ”pek pek”), and suggested they were not smoky, charred or grilled enough.

Fair enough, the pieces were tender; but were lacking in the juiciness and succulence one would expect.

Not bad, not fantastic. It was the same during a 2nd visit, as I thought of giving a chance. With that said, perhaps Downtown Gallery may offer a better version.

Tokachi Tontaro – Downtown Gallery
6A Shenton Way Downtown Gallery #03-20 Singapore 068815
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Tokachi Tontaro – Plaza Singapura
Plaza Singapura #06-12 68 Orchard Road Singapore 238839

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Kogane Yama (Bugis Junction)
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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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While crowds have been queuing outside unagi restaurants such as Man Man and Unagiya Ichinoji for their Hitsumabushi bowls, Chirashi King Kong will be able to provide a more ‘budget’ option.

Chirashi King Kong is a hole-in-the-wall Japanese Donburi eatery located on the second floor of Tanjong Pagar Plaza.

With its affordable pricing, it won’t be long before office executives head over for inexpensive lunch and takeaways.

Its Bara Chirashi ($13.90) bowl comes topped with of diced salmon, tuna and swordfish sashimi, served on Japanese rice, added with a mixture of truffle oil and flying fish roe.

Other bowls include Salmon ($7.90, $9.90), Tuna ($9.90, $11.90), Salmon Mentaiko ($9.90), Swordfish ($10.90, $13.90), to the attractively-priced Japanese Curry Rice ($6.90).

The eatery is fuss-free and casual, looks like a one-man operation with limited counter seats and some tables outside… kopi-tiam style.

I ordered the Unagi Truffle Rice Box ($11.90) which was served in an easy takeaway box, and a pre-packed utensil kit of chopsticks, spoon, serviettes and toothpick. Nice.

The sea eel was soft and tender, coated with an appetising sticky sweet sauce.

What I enjoyed was the fluffy rice mixture, with just the right amount of seasoning that didn’t tip on being salty, and there was just that whiff of truffle oil without being overpowering.

Will be back to try their other stuff.

Chirashi King Kong
2 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, Blk 1, Singapore 082002 (Tanjong Pagar MRT Station)
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 7:00pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

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Kogane Yama (Bugis Junction)
Rakki Bowl (Beach Road)
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Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant (Duo Gallery)
Tendon Kohaku (Chinatown Point)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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While Hong Kong has Tai Cheong Bakery and Honolulu Café, Singapore’s most famous egg tarts makers should be Tong Heng.

The egg tart and Chinese pastry shop has recently undergone a rebranding exercise, and opened to a newly revamped space and a sit-down café area.

More “atas” (upmarket) now!

Gone is the part traditional part kopitiam like setting. I think it is a much-needed and welcomed change, as colourful boxes of bright yellow, pinkish-red and baby blue line the wall.

The display of neat rows of Egg Tarts and Mooncakes were attractive, as curious tourists stepped in to escape the heat and ended up leaving with takeaway boxes.

What’s not changed is the famed Tong Heng Egg Tarts in the signature diamond shape, still continued to be rolled and molded by hands.

Thus, you would find every piece slightly different. That is the charm compared to those made uniform by machines.

Prices are up by 20 cents, but still acceptable in today’s economic climate.

The original “Dan-Ta” ($1.90) is indeed one of the best in Singapore, with crumbly and buttery pastry, and the wobbly smooth egg custard filling which melts in the mouth.

If you would like something different, try the Coconut Egg Tart ($2.10) topped with shredded fresh coconut, which adds that fibrous texture and faint fragrance.

Other popular pastries here include Chinese Cake with Red Bean Paste, Barbecued Pork Crisp, Chicken Curry Crisp (which is like a mini curry puff – I like), Pork Bun, Wife Pastry aka Lo Po Bing, Red Bean Paste Pastry to Mini Mooncakes.

Coincidentally, my friends and I recently had a hotpot meal at Chinatown and was desperately looking for a Chinese dessert shop. Surprisingly, there were not many, at least those which opened late enough.

Tong Heng also serves up varied Chinese desserts of White Fungus Soup, Black Sesame Dessert, Walnut Paste, Red Bean Soup, and Ginger Steamed Egg, priced between $3.60 to $4.50.

I was recommended the Longan Orange Soup ($3.50) by the auntie, as I was flushing from the hot weather outside. ”This is cooling de.”

While I thought it was slightly on the sweet side, I enjoyed the addition of ginger which had that spicy, soul-warming touch.

Now, if only they can extend their opening hours.

Tong Heng
285 South Bridge Road Singapore 058833
Tel: +65 6223 3649
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Last Baking Round 8:45pm)

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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“Elyon” (pronounced el-yon) refers to the “most high”, used in many poetic passages especially in the book of Psalms, and is also the name of this NEW café.

This used to be called Elyon Cakes serving pastries, muffins and other home-made dishes such as Mee Siam and Nonya Laksa, but is now under a new partnership (with Steadfast Coffee which operates as a mobile cart).

It is located at Bukit Merah Lane, a short walk away from Alexandra Village Food Centre.

Elyon Café focuses on ice cream, serving a scoop for $5, $5.50 or $6 depending on the flavours you get.

The recommended are those categorized as “supreme” – in flavours of Black White Sesame Twist, Pistachio and Durian.

On a typical day I would have gone straight for the Pistachio, but was intrigued enough to find out what surprises the Twist would bring.

Other offerings included Strawberry Cheesecake, Cookie & Cream, Mint After Eight, Banana Walnut, Hazelnut Crunch, Mango and Matcha.

I ordered the Twist and Elyon Heaven Belgian Choco on a Waffle ($6 – $7.50, additional scoop at $3.50).

The waffle came crisp-thin, unlike those thick, fluffy Belgian waffles served in most Singapore cafes.

It had the effect of jogging my memory of the old-school ones served in the neighbourhood, those that would entice you with the kaya-aroma as you walk past.

The Twist could remind you of the Hong Kong style dessert of Black and White Sesame paste – rich and creamy, though slightly on the sweet side.

The Elyon Heaven Belgian Choco had a wonderful mouthfeel, with chocolate pieces within for varied texture.

While slightly on the expensive side, I thought that the scoops were huge and ingredients used were of good quality.

Coffee beans are supplied from Upside Down Coffee Alternatives and Prodigal Roasters. They are seasonal blends, and you probably get something different the next time you head over.

Do take note of the opening times. I had to make sure I finished work super early and rushed down before the cafe close. Hope they will be able to extend opening hours in time to come.

Elyon Café
126 Bukit Merah Lane 1 Singapore 150126
Tel: +65 6274 7422
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 3pm (Sat), Closed Sun

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Love it or hate it. Insane or instagrammable. What is your first reaction when you hear of “CORIANDER Hotpot”?

COCA Restaurants known for Thai-style ‘Suki’ Steamboat, have introduced an “Over The Top Coriander Hotpot” which will make you go green.

Diners get a mountain of fresh coriander leaves topped on a specially concocted rich chicken broth.

Are you the type that would request for frequent top-ups of coriander (or cilantro) in a steamboat restaurant; or would pick out any forms of greens accidentally found in your bak chor mee?

If you are the former, then you should quickly gather a group of friends for this.

A bit of history on COCA Restaurants: It is founded in Bangkok, Thailand way back in the 1950s, and is now known to be an international chain of Thai suki steamboat restaurants.

The name “COCA” was derived from the Chinese word “ke-kou” meaning “appetising”.

COCA Restaurant actually first opened its doors in Singapore in the 1987 – it has been that long, considered one of the ‘pioneer’ steamboat restaurants in the country.

Steamboat wasn’t that fancy back then, and it was just known for serving quality meats, freshest seafood and “in-season” vegetables which would add those natural flavours to the base broth.

It has currently 3 branches at Ngee Ann City Level 4, Leisure Park Kallang Level 2, and Resorts World Sentosa.

COCA Restaurants Coriander Hotpot
Have you considered why you need more Coriander in your life?

The leaves are known to be particularly rich in Vitamin A, C and K, is the “perfect antioxidant”, reduce high blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, help the digestive system, and em…is a natural body perfume, good for people with B.O.

Holy.

Okay, to be really honest, I was initially skeptical and went ”What?” when the service staff carried the tray with a mountain of coriander leaves and plate of spring onions over.

All these into the pot of chicken broth.

The combination of crunchy leaves, soft cooked meat and meatballs, and flavourful broth actually worked very well and made a nutrition-packed meal.

My friend said it reminded me of a tasty Yong Tau Foo soup, and I had to agree.

Some people may worry there would be this sharp, bitter taste, but there was none of that.

The other draw was the aroma of boiled coriander, like refreshing lime-like flavour, which lingered for a while.

On retrospect, I might not have topped up the pot with the entire hill of leaves, but choose to cook them slowly so that the texture would stay fresh and crisp.

The Coriander is available as a top up of $5 per POT for the buffet ($2.50 for half a pot), or $12 for Ala Carte orders.

COCA Restaurants House Special Steamboat
If coriander is really not your thing, worry not as there is the COCA House Special Steamboat.

The Premium Buffet which includes unlimited bamboo lobsters, scallops, black mussels, and more with drinks and dessert of the day.

As for the Ala-Carte Steamboat option, there are choices of Double Boiled Treasure Soup ($12), Tom Yum Soup ($12) and Healthy Chicken Collagen Soup ($18).

The recommended would be the “Yuan-Yang” Double Boiled Treasure with Tom Yum Soup ($15).

Add in some of the thinly sliced meats from Pork Collar ($13.50), US Striploin ($23), Lamb ($15) to Australian Wagyu ($38).

Apart from the standard steamboat fare, take your pick from COCA’s House Specialties, such as the original “Fish Glue” ($10) – mackerel fish paste on the plate, Fortune Fish Paste ($9), House Special Dumplings ($10), along with an endless array of à la carte Thai delicacies.

My to-go-for would be the House Special Shrimp Paste ($11) and Cuttlefish Paste ($9) which would be scrapped from the tube down into the soup.

When cooked, the pieces would have this bouncy springy texture, along with sweet freshness of seafood.

In addition, there is the famous home-made COCA dipping sauce, concocted in 1957 by the founder’s wife, Mrs Patama.

The COCA sauce was sweet, spicy, rich, and savoury, with that distinct Thai flavour.

I find it best to go with ingredients lighter in taste, such as chicken fillet, fish fillet and the local fish balls.

COCA Restaurants Revamped Ala-Carte Menu
Initially, I had the idea that COCA was just a steamboat restaurant, till I saw the ala carte dishes in the menu. (They recently had a revamp, and would feature more items in time to come.)

On its menu are classic Thai staples such as Seafood Tom Yum Soup ($15), Pineapple Rice ($15), Tang Hoon Prawn ($22), Pad Thai – cooked Pattaya style with a coating of egg ($15), Thai Style Kang Kong ($13) and Yum Woon Sen ($14.50) – spicy silver noodle salad with seafood.

If you think Lobster with Butter is so yesterday, the dish to get would be the Fried Lobster in Salted Egg ($30) – of deep-fried lobster coated in rich crumbly yolks of salted eggs.

I say, suck the lobster shell then eat the meat, to enjoy the sweet, grainy, golden yellow coating.

Not to be missed are the Deep Fried Prawn Paste ($9 for 3, $14.50 for 6) which are essentially handmade prawn rings deep-fried till golden brown; and Roast Meat Combo ($18), especially the Roast Pork Crackling with a crunchy outer layer that reminded me of the suckling pig.

Don’t forget about the tangy Thai dipping sauce.

Steamboat Buffet Pricing
Premium Lunch Buffet
$49++ per adult, $20++ per child

Premium Dinner Buffet
$66++ per adult, $25++ per child (Mon – Fri)
$68++ per adult, $25++ per child (Sat, Sun, Eve PH, PH)

Lunch (11:15am – 4pm)
$28++ per adult, $20++ per child, $22++ for senior, $20++ per student
(Senior citizen and student promotion only valid for lunch from Mondays to Fridays, excluding Public Holidays)

Dinner (5pm – 10pm)
$43.80++ per adult, $25++ per child (Mon – Fri)
$46.80++ per adult, $25++ per child (Sat, Sun, Eve PH, PH)

COCA X DFD Promotion*
Quote ”COCADFD” to enjoy
– *30% discount total food bill, Mon to Fri 2pm – 5pm
– *10% discount total food bill, any other timing

*Terms & Conditions
– Before prevailing taxes, beverages not included.
– Applicable by reservation only and not to be used in conjunction with other promotion
– Valid till 30 Jun 2018, Excluding eve of PH, PH & Mothers’/Fathers’ Day.

COCA Restaurant – Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road #04-23 Ngee Ann City Singapore 238872 (Orchard MRT)
Tel: +65 67347887
Opening Hours: 11.15am – 10.30pm (Mon – Sun)

COCA Restaurant – Leisure Park Kallang
5 Stadium Walk #02-01 Leisure Park Kallang Singapore 397693 (Stadium MRT)
Tel: +65 62413833
Opening Hours: 11.15am – 10.30pm (Mon – Sun)

COCA Restaurant – Resorts World Sentosa
26 Sentosa Gateway #01-215/216 Resorts World Sentosa Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 66592133
Opening Hours: 11.15am – 10.30pm (Mon – Sun)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CocaRestaurants
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocasingapore

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with COCA Restaurants.

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It is fair enough to say I am a fan of some of Chef Teppei Yamashita’s concept, from the earliest Teppei Japanese Restaurant (gosh, wrote it in 2012) to the more recent Man Man Unagi Restaurant.

There is thus, a certain expectation for Men-Men Tei, his first ramen eatery located at the basement of Marina One.

The shop is helmed by Chef Yoshihiko Watanabe, who drains the water from the noodles quite dramatically with a loud “Hey-sho!” (or something like that). It makes you anticipate more for what is to come.

Men-Men Tei is a no-fuss rather cramped eatery that should fit no more than 15. You eat and you go. This is the CBD.

The signature is the Special Tonkotsu Ramen ($15.80), comprising of 12-hour cooked pork bone soup, pork shoulder char siew, noodles supplied from Kanezin, and Ajitama egg.

Two interesting ramen in the menu include Creamy Sardine Ramen ($12) – a combination of dried baby sardine stock and tonkotsu soup; and Red Snapper Ramen ($15) – made from Kagawa red snapper’s extracted stock.

Although a local magazine reviewed that there would be Lobster Tonkotsu and Mazesoba in their preview, they were perhaps left out in the end.

I noted something amiss when the two customers seated next to me, just took some bites and a couple of sips of the soup, and left with their bowls three quarters untouched. Both of them. Four out of the five pieces of char siew stayed afloat right there. Hmm…

My order became the Red Snapper Ramen ($15) as the cashier heard wrongly (and also saw the wrong pointing in the menu).

The bowl arrived looking very ‘healthy’ – a piece of fish across, pale-looking noodles and clear soup.

To be honest, slightly disappointing, and it had to do largely with the noodles – perhaps too soggy and lacking of that springy bite.

The broth cooked with Japanese red snapper bones in salted water, lacked depth. Egg could have been more runny. All right, at least the fish was fresh-tasting.

Teppei’s restaurants typically open to a certain level of fanfare. Men-Men Tei however, is unfortunately not very satisfying. Sorry Teppei-san.

Men-Men Tei
Marina One #B2-28, The Heart, 5 Straits View Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 6282 7280

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Men-Men Tei – Teppei’s Ramen Restaurant With Red Snapper Ramen, At Marina One appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

“Dirty” Swiss Roll?

This is essentially Ah Mah Homemade Cake’s new creation – a Design-Your-Own Blanket Castella Roll.

(Click PLAY to watch the making of the “Dirty” Swiss Roll.)

Remember the Taiwanese-style Castella Cakes that were all the rage?

Curious onlookers would watch cakes being baked, flipped and turned, while being enticed by the aromatic egg fragrance.

Ah Mah Homemade Cake is now the largest Castella Cake chain in Singapore. To be honest, I didn’t know they already have 14 branches… and counting.

You can find their outlets at malls such as Tiong Bahru Plaza, Plaza Singapura, VivoCity, City Square Mall, Seletar Mall to JCube.

There is a branch at Changi Airport Terminal 3 as well. Didn’t realise till I walked to the side nearer to Crown Plaza Hotel.

Checked: It is possible to ta-bao a Castella Cake over to a nearby country, but it should be consumed very soon.

Design Your Own Blanket Castella Roll
This is said to be Asia’s first ever, the version 2.0 of the Castella Cake. Each is priced inexpensively at $2.50 for one, $6.90 for box of three.

The new product looks like a Swiss Roll, made with the same ingredients used for the base of Ah Mah’s Castella Cakes.

Prepared purely with milk, eggs, and quality flour. No added water, preservative, colouring or even butter; and also contains less sugar.

Similarly, the Rolls are made and baked daily in-store, to ensure quality and freshness.

The cake bases come in three different flavours: Rich Chocolate; Fragrant Pandan and Earthy Sesame.

Mix and match them with different spreads and toppings such as rushed nuts, roasted mixed sesame, chocolate rice, coconut flakes and crispy crêpes. There is a small additional charge depending on the toppings you pick.

As for the spreads, there are four to choose from: Kaya Coconut, Crunchy Choco, Luscious Cream Cheese and Classic Strawberry.

After trying a couple of combinations, these are my recommendations: the Rich Chocolate Roll with Chocolate Spread; Pandan Roll with Kaya Coconut; and Earthy Sesame with Cream Cheese.

Sesame with Kaya, or Pandan with Cream Cheese can work well too.

My favourite of the lot is Pandan Roll with Kaya Coconut, topped with shredded coconut flakes.

The Blanket Castella Roll had a spongy-soft and fluffy texture, with recognisable fragrance of pandan. Good to know that pandan used is extracted from real leaves and not from artificial essence, thus the Roll is paler green in colour.

The desiccated coconut added a pleasant bite and complemented well with the sweet kaya, in which the entire combination reminded me of Ondeh Ondeh. (If there is Gula Melaka, life would have been complete.)

Premium Choco Roll aka “Dirty” Swiss Roll
The Premium Choco Roll ($3.20) is a version that contains added ingredients – crushed peanuts and crispy flakes made from thin, sweetened crêpes wrapped within, then dusted with rich cocoa powder to finish.

The fillings within reminded me of love letters (from CNY) which added a enjoyable crunch through the soft sponge cake, while the powder could cause that “dirty” effect on your lips and teeth.

“Dirty Bread” or “Zang Zang Bao” has been the latest trending food item in Singapore, in which the face would be chocolate-stained after consuming the pastry.

This is for the chocolate lovers, as you can savour the sweet-bitter flavours of the powder, smooth spread and the spongy roll.

Do not forget about the selfie.

Ah Mah Castella Cakes
Soft, spongy Castella Cakes inspired by those made in Danshui Taiwan. The flavours that were first introduced in Singapore are the Original ($8) and Cheese ($11), and the latest additions include family-favourites of Kopi Siu Dai ($11), Sunny Orange ($11) and Rocky Chocolate ($13).

To date, Ah Mah Homemade Cake has sold over 800,000 Castella Cakes in Singapore. A million to come?

Ah Mah Homemade Cake Outlets
– Waterway Point: 83 Punggol Central, Waterway Point #B1-K6 , Singapore 828761
– Changi Airport: Terminal 3 Changi Airport, Level 2, Public Area (besides Watson)
– Compass One: Compass One, #B1-42, 1 Sengkang Square, Singapore 545078
– Lot One: Lot One, #B1-K06, 21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4, Singapore 689812
– City Square Mall: 180 Kitchener Road #B2-K7 City Square Mall, Singapore 208539
– Tiong Bahru Plaza: 302 Tiong Bahru Road, #B1-K4 Tiong Bahru Plaza, Singapore 168732
– Seletar Mall: 33 Seng Kang West Avenue, #B1-K12 The Seletar Mall, Singapore 797653
– White Sands: 1 Pasir Ris Central Street 3 #B1-K14 White Sands, Singapore 518457
– Plaza Singapura: Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, #B2-45, Singapore 238839
– Bedok Mall: Bedok Mall, 311 New Upper Changi Road, #B2-K12, Singapore 467360
– Paya Lebar Square: Paya Lebar Square, 60 Paya Lebar Road, #B1-46, Singapore 409051
– JCube, Jurong: JCube, No.2 Jurong East Central 1, #B1-K12, Singapore 609731
– VivoCity: VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #B2-K7, Singapore 098585
– Bukit Panjang Plaza: Bukit Panjang Plaza, 1 Jelebu Road, #01-18, Singapore 677743

Tel: +65 6325 4508 / +65 8133 8508
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm Daily
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iloveahmahsg/

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Ah Mah Homemade Cake.

The post Ah Mah Homemade Cake – NEW “Dirty Swiss Roll” And Design Your Own Blanket Castella Roll appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

[New Delhi] The newest offering from the Olive Group is a petite café that is housed adjacent to the iconic Olive Bar and Kitchen at One Style Mile in New Delhi.

The Grammar Room is a welcoming and comfortable space that forms its own identity by being quirky and presenting mouth-watering food in a stylish yet casual setting.

Literally the baby of the “house” that A. D. Singh and team has built, The Grammar Room gets the backing of the Olive brand name along with that initial push into the big bad competitive culinary world.

However, it manages to tap into the zeitgeist of the ever-changing food industry with its innovative seasonal menu and the aura that it aims to generate by focusing on good food.

Summery, pretty, inviting… were some of the words that ran through my head upon entering the restaurant.

Even with limited area, there was a sense of openness to the café that was attractive.

The little patio on the outside that overlooks the forest is guaranteed to be in demand especially during the cool winter months.

Then there is the menu which is limited to just one page, full of options that appeal to the healthy and those that love to indulge.

The Grammar Room is an all-day restaurant that juggles multiple personalities. From being the hippest breakfast place in the city to an artisanal coffeeshop, it is a great place to have the perfect lazy lunch or after-work drinks with friends.

The interiors of the The Grammar Room are cosy, homely, and simply alluring.

Large windows let in ample light from both sides and there is a conscious attempt to make the surroundings green with potted plants on tables and as part of the décor.

Quirky is the name of the game and it oozes in this restaurant.

Books next to tables, board games to play with, colouring books, and walls adorned with modern art, there are conversation starters stacked all around.

However, the food at The Grammar Room was a combination of hits and misses.

The Shroom Melt (Rs 475, SGD9.50) and Basic Brekkie (Rs 325, SGD6.50) both lacked seasoning and would go a long way if there were homemade sauces or chutneys on offer to flavour up some of these dishes.

The Coconut Cold Brew (Rs 250, SGD5.00) was the least impressive as it was basically caffeinated water with no real coconut taste.

And that was where the negatives end because the Make Some Egg Room (Rs 450, SGD9.00) was truly delicious with beautiful flavours and a variety eggy textures in the form of coddled eggs, friend poached eggs that had a soft centre, and a tamagoyaki omelette.

The highlight of the entire meal was Curry Up Bowl (Rs 650, SGD13.00) that consisted of Udon noodles in yellow curry complimented by colourful vegetables, nuts, and the crunchiest chicken karaage.

The service at The Grammar Room is to the point, unintrusive, and they seem happy to go off the menu to accommodate personal preference.

The unhurriedness that looms in the atmosphere is infectious.

Whether it is the food that is made fresh and thus takes a little time to arrive or the ease with which one can spend a good couple of hours here, The Grammar Room is a place you want to visit when time is your friend.

I would like to think The Grammar Room is a work in progress. It is ballsy enough to have a limited menu and plays around with food in a modern and experimental fashion.

However, for a place that serves breakfast, it opens a tad late at 10:00am and I am still not sure how well this food menu would work for dinner.

The Grammar Room understands the psyche of the city. People will flock here to eat, but also to be seen.

The real challenge though is to impress them as Delhi loves its food and can be quite vocal and choosy about it.

With minor tweaking in terms of seasoning and a slightly increase in quantities I believe The Grammar Room can be a frontrunner in the café-restaurant scene of the country.

The Grammar Room, New Delhi
One Style Mile, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
Tel: 081302 88558
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 11:30pm (Wed-Mon), Closed Tues
https://www.facebook.com/thegrammarroomdelhi
Google Maps

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* Written by DFD’s India Correspondent @tickereatstheworld. Raghav is a travel and food writer who enjoys the thrill of discovering new places and writing about them. When he is not working, he can be found driving around his two kids from one birthday party to another.

The post The Grammar Room, New Delhi – Talk Of The Town With Modern Comfort Food, At One Style Mile appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Situated in one of the shophouses along 28 Wilkie Road is Twenty Eight Cafe, named after its location.

While its exterior has European vibes, the interior is an elegant, minimalist-inspired space that can accommodate up to 60 diners.

Tall ceiling, hanging bespoke lighting, green leafy plants with wooden furniture, definitely sounds like an “Instamgram-worthy” cafe for #ootd shots.

At a first glance, their menu offers a small selection of food items (about 12 in total) that is commonly found in all other cafes, with a slightly higher price tag though.

Some of the offerings include Egg Benedict ($18.90) which is pricey (for students around) and not that common these days, Common Breakfast ($22.90), French Toast ($16.90), Pasta ($14.90 – $19.90), Salad ($14.90) and Coffee ($4.50 – $6.50).

As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm. Interesting dishes such as Berrilicious Pancakes ($15.90) and French Toast ($16.90) are only available till 11.30am daily.

From 11.30am onwards, the pastry selection on the menu is replaced by Finger Food such as Truffle Fries ($12.90) and Luncheon Fries ($12.90).

I had the Cold Truffle Pasta ($19.90), a dish made of angel hair pasta, truffle oil and kombu.

The first few mouthfuls of al dente pasta was cold and refreshing with distinct smell from the truffle oil.

The taste could get a little boring halfway throughout the dish as there was minimal ingredients used, with not much variations in texture.

The ordinary looking Indian Churros ($4.90) was actually the highlight.

Instead of the usual dough used in Spanish churros, prata (Indian flatbread) was rolled into long shapes before deep frying and coating it with cinnamon sugar.

With a crispy texture on the outside, light and airy texture on the itself, it was quite an addictive dish on its own.

Espresso-based drinks such as Latte and Flat White are priced at $5.90 whereas mocha is charged at $6.50, approximately half a dollar more than most other cafes.

Using a blend of coffee beans from Bali and Sumatra and roasted in Australia, the Flat White was full-bodied, smooth and on the acidic side.

The spacious space and ambience is conducive for an afternoon tea, and I saw many students hanging out there on a weekday afternoon.

Apart from the slightly steeper pricing, the standard of food is not bad and I look forward to more varieties in the future.

Twenty Eight Cafe
28 Wilkie Road, Singapore 228051
Opening Hours: 7.30am – 5pm (Mon-Fri), 8.30am – 6pm (Sat-Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/TwentyEightCafe/

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* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Twenty Eight Cafe – Cafe Serving “Indian Churros” And Berrilicious Pancakes. #InteriorGoals At Wilkie Road appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

The newly-opened Oporto is a fast-food chain from Australia specialising in Portuguese flame grilled chicken.

Boasting over 150 stores in Australia, Oporto was first opened in Bondi Beach, Sydney back in 1986.

Its first branch in Singapore is nestled at the corner of Holland Piazza, which used to be the old Holland Road Shopping Mall – affectionately known as the Windmill Building. Ah, nostalgia.

Interested to see how this Australian foray would fare against Nandos, perhaps its most obvious ‘competitor’.

Considering how the Holland Village enclave tends to get crowded during the weekend nights, Oporto should be a welcome addition to the neighbourhood.

If you do not want to queue for the restaurants in the area, there is now an alternative: just dabao some flame-grilled chicken and dine under the stars with your friends at the mini-park by the MRT exit.

Just make sure not to leave behind any litter.

The 30-seater restaurant has a good variety of seating arrangements, including a six-seater communal table, counter seats facing outwards for people-watching and even a few counter seats outside.

The Flame-Grilled Portuguese Chicken here comes marinated with either the Original Chili or Lemon & Herb sauce in quarter, half and whole chicken portions ($6.90, $11.90 and $21.90 respectively).

Diners have the option to choose between breast-and-wing or thigh-and-drumstick portions.

Unlike at Nandos, there is no customising your level of spiciness here at Oporto.

Other items include the Bondi Burger ($5.90 single patty, $2 per additional patty), Chicken Taça Bowl ($9.90) and Chicken Rappa ($7.90).

There is a decent variety of sides available, such as White Rice, Spicy Rice, Chips, Crunchy Slaw and Grilled Corn which can be coupled with a drink to complement your mains ($2.50 – 1 reg side & drink, $3.50 – 1 large side & drink).

Sauces such Garlic, BBQ and Mayo are chargeable at an additional $0.50 per tub.

The Original Chili 1/4 Grilled Chicken Set Meal ($9.40) had grilled chicken which was well-marinated with its savouriness permeated into the meat.

The spicy chicken breast was glazed with a delectable chili sauce, packing just enough of a kick for a chili-lover like myself.

I also appreciated the grill marks which lent a hint of smokiness to every bite. Overall, great flavours.

However, I cannot extend the same praise for its texture, which was unfortunately a tad too dry.

Not sure if the chicken was simply overcooked, or pre-grilled and left in a warmer which might have dried it out.

The fries were decent. I liked how they came in a slightly thicker cut so there was a contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft starchy interior.

The Lemon & Herb 1/4 Grilled Chicken ($6.90) had marinade which was on point, with savoury and tangy notes lingering after each bite.

Bursting with flavour, the skin was a joy to eat. A great alternative to those who cannot handle their chilli.

However, it was plagued by the same issue of being a little dry – which was more surprising this time considering it was the thigh and drumstick portion.

Teething problems, perhaps?

The Oprego Burger Set Meal ($8.40) was my least favourite dish of the day.

While the chicken patty was rather sizeable and came with a delightful sweet and savoury sauce, it tasted mostly of breast meat and too dry – again.

The side of Spicy Rice was a shame because while I really liked the initial hit of herbs and spices with every mouthful, but what was left after the punch faded away was under-seasoned rice.

Overall, Oporto’s competitive price points and delicious sauces do make it a worthy rival to Nandos.

It is a fast-food option that you can try considering its uniqueness in Singapore. And when you do, I recommend heading straight for the flame grilled chicken and skip the burgers.

Oporto
No. 3 Lorong Liput, #01-01 Holland Piazza, Singapore 277739
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm (Daily)

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* Written by Simon Koh, who believes that a great meal is truly a incredible thing. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Oporto – Famous Australian Flame Grilled Portuguese Chicken Chain Opens In Singapore, At Holland Village appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Tanjong Rhu Wanton Mee 金记丹戎禺云吞面 at 4A Jalan Batu is known for its old-school style wanton noodles, enjoying long queues especially after being featured in a number of TV shows and media reports.

There appears to be a number of branches (or franchises) around, from Blk 266B Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Blk 722 Clementi West Street 2, and West Coast Plaza Level 2 food court.

I spotted one across Bugis Junction at Wisma Alsagoff building, where Blanco Beef Noodle used to be. (This shop space has changed concepts quite a number of times, from my recollection Hong Kong desserts, Thai mookata… )

It is not all the time you can find inexpensive food around this area – other than at the kopitiams which can be hotter, so a $4.50 plate of Wanton Noodles is a welcomed change.

Other items on the menu included Dumpling Noodles ($5.50), Fried Chicken Wing Noodles ($4.50), Curry Chicken with Rice ($6.50) and Fried Chicken Wings ($5.90).

Before I go, we should acknowledge that there are different schools of Wanton Noodles in Singapore – some Malaysian style with more use of black sauce; Thai Bak Mee Moo Daeng which emphasizes on the use of pork lard and minimal seasonal; or soupy Hong Kong Wonton Noodles.

Tanjong Rhu’s version reminded me of those I used to have in the old kopitiam – thin egg noodles, not too much seasoning and came alive with the mix of chilli sauce and lard oil, while the rest of the ingredients were just less impressive.

The draw was the springy noodles with a firm bite. If you prefer your noodles to be softer or chewier, then this won’t be your preference.

The soup was comparatively peppery – not bad.

As for the Dumpling Noodles ($5.50), the deep fried dumplings came packed with ingredients of minced pork, shrimps and black fungus for a light crunch.

I have read varying reviews of Tanjong Rhu Wanton Mee, and it seems like consistency varies from place to place.

Some people may go “nothing special”, but there is a particular draw of this style of noodles, which reminded me of simpler days of life as a child.

Tanjong Rhu Wanton Mee 金记丹戎禺云吞面 – North Bridge Road
520 North Bridge Road, #01-01, Singapore 188742 (Opposite Bugis Junction)

Tanjong Rhu Wanton Mee 金记丹戎禺云吞面 – Original Branch
4A Jln Batu, Singapore 432004 Jln Batu, Singapore 432004
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 2:30pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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[New Delhi] “Tian” in Chinese means heaven and that is exactly where Chef Vikramajit Roy takes you with his food inspired from far-off regions of Asia.

Open only for dinner service on all days with the addition of lunch on Sunday, the restaurant has gained popularity by word of mouth.

The food that is extraordinary in terms of looks, ingredients, presentation, and of course is pleasing to the palate.

Tian – Asian Cuisine Studio is another feather in the cap of ITC Maurya that houses greats like BukharaBukhara and Dum Pukt, two of the most popular restaurants in New Delhi for decades.

Moving away from traditional Indian cuisine, Tian takes on a more modern look at Asian food that originates from Korea, Japan, China, and other South East Asian countries.

While Tian might not attract the conventional Delhi crowd that prefers North Indian food, the fact that it has grown in popularity means that this experiment with food has clicked somewhere with the psyche of the locals.

Tian is a special place and even though it is elite, due to its location, the food offers a flavour profile that is as complex and unique as it is simple in appearance.

The heart of the restaurant though is Chef Vikramjit Roy.

I have had the pleasure of interacting with him a little and, in a world full of celebrity chefs who are fighting for space on our TVs, he remains humble, down to earth, with a strong focus on his passion for food.

Simple, eager to receive feedback, approachable, and friendly, Vikramjit Roy’s creativity comes across in his food that at times plays with the mind, but in the end satisfies the hungry soul.

This simplicity that the chef exhibits spills over into everything that he does.

Whether it is the plating that is at times minimalist or the decor of the restaurant, the focus is always on the food, more so on the ingredients and taste.

The interiors of Tian boast rich colours, primarily gold, albeit in subtle tones that are pleasing to the eyes and don’t come across as too gaudy.

Comfortable seating, a well-stocked bar that stays true to the theme of the restaurant by concocting incomparable drinks, and beautiful panoramic views add to the ambience of a fine dining experience.

In addition to this, Tian also has the option of alfresco dining that can be the perfect setting for a romantic dinner.

Keeping up the latest trends and also acknowledging the fine art of cooking, the menu at Tian highlights produce compliments the experimental nuances of the dishes.

Tian has an a-la-carte menu that has a mixture of modern fusion and comfort food, but it is the tasting menu where the chef truly shines with his razzmatazz.

The three tasting menus at Tian are called Trailers (Rs 2500, 3500, 5000, SGD50.50, 70.50, 101.00) and they are usually the best way to get a feel of the place.

The tasting menu had quite a few fun surprises like the Fish and Corn that came hanging from a Bonsai tree.

The Pork Belly Taco with a little sauce pump jetting out of it on a piece of newspaper was delicious beyond words.

It takes a certain confidence in the food for a chef of a fine dining restaurant in one of the most exclusive hotels of the country to present food in this back to the basics manner.

The drama though that day was thanks to the Hickory Smoked Scallop Micro Sponge that had chocolate sand, miniature condiments, and a smoky glass cloche housing a black sponge which revealed a perfectly cooked scallop on the inside.

I am the type of person who loves little touches. The idea of lifting the cloche, smelling the hickory smoked sponge, and picking through everything that is on the plate.

However, an almost burnt aftertaste made this my least favourite dish of the day.

It does take some time to get used to the flavours on the table. The mind plays tricks because often the food looks one thing and tastes something completely different.

One of my favourite bites was the Crab Rice Bun Burger that came with seaweed salt and with the addition of sweet potato chips in a nori cone transported me to the seaside for a minute.

The tasting peaks with the dessert that highlights the joy of sharing and eating together with the chef’s speciality Eat Off Your Table.

Picture a chocolate vase being filled with exquisite ingredients like pineapple vanilla compote, white chocolate with matcha, freeze dried fruits, mango and passion fruit coulis and then dropped from above so it breaks and makes a mishmash of everything that can be scrapped off and eaten by everyone.

Some of the other signature and popular dishes at Tian include the Scallops and Truffle Pizza (Rs 1095, SGD22.10), Purity of Earth Mushroom Soup (Rs 475, SGD9.50) and Tian’s Soft-Shell Crab (Rs 1750, SGD35.25).

The service at Tian is impeccable. The front of house remains well connected with the kitchen at all times who are then abreast with the whims and wishes of the guests.

One of the most important factors about molecular gastronomy is keeping the magic of food alive when it arrives on the table and the service staff works tirelessly as being the well-informed intermediaries between the chef and the diners.

While the chef is responsible for creating the drama, the bells and whistles that make avant-guard cooking so popular, it is the staff that has to execute it and this pressure is handled rather well by everyone at Tian.

For someone who enjoys to eat out with the family and as often is the case, fine-dining restaurants have strict rules about children, I am happy to see that Tian allows everyone over the age of 10.

Tian is exclusive, it is expensive, yet it remains unpretentious and that for me is the biggest draw.

Eating at Tian is an evening full of wonders. The food is never what it looks, but the tastes are reminiscent of classics and regional childhood favourites.

A perfect location to celebrate that special occasion, Tian for me though is a food lovers dream come true.

Tian – Asian Cuisine Studio, New Delhi
ITC Maurya, Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Tel: 011 4621 5152
Opening Hours: 7:00pm – 11:30pm (All Days), 12:30pm-2:45pm (Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/ITCMauryaNewDelhi
Google Maps – Tian – Asian Cuisine Studio

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* Written by DFD’s India Correspondent @tickereatstheworld. Raghav is a travel and food writer who enjoys the thrill of discovering new places and writing about them. When he is not working, he can be found driving around his two kids from one birthday party to another.

The post Tian Asian Cuisine Studio, New Delhi – Asian Classics Get Modern Molecular Treatment, At ITC Maurya appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Da Shi Jia Big Prawn Mee 大食家大大大虾面 which has opened since early this year, got into the foodie limelight when hotelier and restauranteur Loh Lik Peng sang praises of its “very rich stock studded liberally with fried lard”

That prompted other food bloggers and instagrammer such as Dr Leslie Tay of @ieatishootipost fame to try the eatert located at Killiney Road, and commented on its very tasty Penang style soup and use of very good sea prawns.

Seems like the secret is out of the bag.

I actually ate at Da Shi Jia for quite a number of times, but never really talked about it.

There are a few reasons why. To be honest, it wasn’t that impressive when it first started out.

Even when I jio-ed friends from HungryGoWhere to try (as their office is just across the road from the eatery), they were more than half-hearted and gave similar feedback.

But Da Shi Jia gradually improved over time.

The other is, the best dish there is not really the Big Prawn Noodles, but the Wok-Fried Big Prawn White Bee Hoon ($16.80).

Not many diners seem to order that, because it is located on a more inconspicuous part of the menu, and also pricier than rest of the items.

Side dishes include Salted Egg Chicken ($5.80) and Shrimp Prawn Roll ($5.80).

Opened by 2nd generation ‘hawkers’, the owner’s father operates a zhi char chain, which explains the strength of the wok-fried dishes.

The Prawn Noodles are priced at $5.80, $9.80, and $13.80. The difference is with the size of the prawns.

You get a choice of yellow noodles, bee hoon and kway teow. I would typically order the dry bee hoon, tossed in an appetizing black sauce. Add some of the cut-chill for added shiok-ness.

Initially, I thought that the broth was slightly ‘weak’ and not as robust, say as compared to the stall at Zion Riverside Food Centre, but the soup base got richer and more flavourful over time.

The dish I would recommend would be the Wok-Fried Big Prawn White Bee Hoon ($16.80) which combines firm bee hoon, umami-rich prawn stock, and wok-hei.

There is a special drink that no other people had talked about, which is the Fresh Green Apple Juice with Sour Plum ($3.80) – a refreshing thirst quencher with sweet and sour flavours.

Da Shi Jia 大食家大大大虾面
89 Killiney Road Singapore 239534
Tel: +65 6732 1085
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 10:00pm

Other Related Entries
Kok Sen Restaurant (Keong Siak)
Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles (Beach Road)
Original Orchard Emerald Beef Noodles (Holland)
House Of Beehoon 米粉之家 (Bishan)
Broth Noodle Bar (Bukit Ho Swee)

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Gyudon 牛丼 which literally means beef donburi, is a Japanese dish consisting of a bowl of rice topped with beef.

There are various versions available in Singapore, some cooked with simmered onions in a mildly sweet sauce; beef slices piled like a mini-mountain; or with grilled beef pieces typically added with a soft poached egg.

I didn’t use to be a beef-bowl person, and was probably happy with Yoshinoya (Yes, I know.)

As my need for protein increases (because I am working out to lose weight), plus various players are churning out inexpensive, hearty bowls of Beef Donburi, I started to pay attention and tried quite a number of them.

The appeal is that its both comforting and nutritious with ingredients such as beef, eggs and onions. Some have gotten more experimental and it is not difficult to find more luxe ingredients such as truffle and foie gras added.

Here are some of the 12 Best Gyudon in Singapore:

Sushi Murasaki
9 Raffles Boulevard, #02-08, Millenia Walk, 039569
Tel: +65 6341 9668
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Sushi Murasaki at Millenia Walk is known for its omakase dining concept and seasonal fish freshly-flown directly from Japan’s famous Tsukiji Fish Market.

But look out for THIS. Yes, this. A Premium Wagyu Don ($85) that spells indulgence, sumptuousness and savour all at the same time.

The Donburi includes Kagoshima Wagyu Beef, WITH buttery foie gras, uni, ikura, black truffle, onsen egg and further drizzled with truffle soy sauce.

Every spoonful, you are consuming something luxe.

Fat Cow
Camden Medical Centre #01-01/02, 1 Orchard Boulevard Singapore 248649
Opening Hours: Lunch 12pm – 3pm (Mon – Sun); Dinner 6pm – 10:30pm (Sun – Thurs), 6pm – 11pm (Fri, Sat)
Reserve Online Now – Fat Cow

Interesting. The word “Fat” in Fat Cow stands for luxury and indulgence, and is also a play on the word “Fatt” which in Mandarin dialect means prosperity. The Japanese restaurant is known to serve handpicked selection of the finest Wagyu from reputable farms around the world.

The Fatcow Premium Donburi is one of its signature items, also at a premium price of $98 – of sliced wagyu steak on rice, uni, caviar, foie gras and onsen egg.

The buttery foie gras which melted in the mouth was surprisingly the best part; I did wish that the steak pieces could be tenderer – for the price paid.

The Butcher’s Kitchen
Suntec City Mall Towers 1 & 2 (North Wing) #02-472 Singapore 038989
Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 9pm, Last order 8:30pm (Mon – Fri)
11am – 9pm Last order 8:30pm (Sat – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/thebutcherskitchensg

The Butcher’s Flaming Hokkaido Beef Bowl ($23.90) incorporates premium beef imported from Hokkaido, in which the meat is first cut to thin slices, then neatly stacked over the Japanese grain rice like a mini-mountain.

The rice is mixed with furikake for that added savouriness and zing.

Hokkaido beef is used due to its tender and juicy quality, corresponding with suitable amount of fats for an enjoyable bite.

At first I thought the dousing and flaming with the Cognac seemed a tad gimmicky (though I admit it is quite instagrammable), but it added this touch of caramelization, smokiness and subtle complex alcoholic taste.

Although the bowl was topped with an egg and two types of signature sauces (which they won’t reveal what), the beef slices were flavourful enough to savour on their own. The Butcher’s Kitchen (Suntec City)

Sandaime Bunji
9 Raffles Boulevard #01-14/15, Millenia Walk Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 6333 1516
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:00pm, 5:00pm – 11:00pm (Mon – Fri), 11:30am – 11:00pm (Sat), 11:30am – 9:00pm (Sun)

Sandaime Bunji established in Tokyo Ginza, is an 80 year old family business known for making Kamaboko — a fish cake snack.

What really caught my attention was the Wagyu Round Roast Beef Set ($24.90), which came in a towering bowl with slices stacked above rice.

The portion is generous with 250 grams of beef, tasty and tasty, worth every bit of its price.

Hint: It is even more affordable during lunch time at $19.90! Sandaime Bunji (Millenia Walk)

Kabuke
200A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068638 (Telok Ayer MRT Station)
Tel: +65 8822 5525
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30am – 2:00pm (Mon – Fri)
Dinner 5:00pm – 11:00pm (Mon – Fri), 5:00pm – 12:00am (Fri – Sat), Closed Sun

Kabuke is a 50-seater Sake gastrobar, so named as it combines the art of kabuki and the wonders of Japanese Sake.

I was pleasantly surprised with the Gyudon ($15), which contained grain-fed striploin topped with onsen egg and garlic chips.

Some other Gyudon I tried elsewhere tasted like beef on rice with some sauce, and that was it.

These beef slices had succulent flavour and enough tenderness, made more pleasurable with addition of truffle shoyu which added that tinge of saltiness with subtle aroma. Kabuke (Telok Ayer)

Rakki Bowl
41 Beach Rd (within Candour Coffee), Singapore 189680 (Bugis MRT Station)
Tel: +65 8818 8198
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 9:30pm Daily

The Signature Truffle Wagyu Don ($12.90, $21.90) is a steal for its portion. For those who get a high from the scent of truffle oil (may it be real or not), you would get yours satisfied from this bowl.

There was a strong smoked garlicky aroma in the midst as well, one of those bowls that worked on the scent element.

I was also pleasantly surprised with the amount and quality of beef used, for that price – thinly sliced, meaty yet tender, in a good meal to rice ratio.

Niigata Koshihikari rice is used, and therefore you could taste that the rice is of better quality and fluffier. Rakki Bowl (Beach Road)

Kinsa Sushi
4 Hillview Rise HillV2 #02-02 Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 67107278
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm -10pm (Mon-Thurs), 11:30am – 10pm (Fri-Sun, PH)
Reserve Online Now

The Wagyu Don ($24.80) which contained pan fried wagyu beef on rice and miso soup, was prepared using A4 Grade Wagyu from Kagoshima Japan. Co-owner Shannon Wong illustrated that it was “fine dining quality beef, heartland price”

Not exaggerating, this was one of the best beef bowl I had.

The glistering slices were luxurious with their marbling, perfectly cut, tender and flavourful that would leave traces of happiness in your mouth and belly. Kinsa Sushi (HillV2)

The Sushi Bar Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road #05-34/35 Ngee Ann City Singapore 238873 (Orchard MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:45pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/thesushibar.sg

Humble and popular Japanese outlet The Sushi Bar from Far East Plaza has a fuller-fledged restaurant at Ngee Ann City.

It is not uncommon to see long queues outside the Far East Plaza branches both weekday and weekends, with a line of people waiting mainly for their coveted bowl of Chirashi Don and Salmon Aburi Roll.

The Wagyu Don ($34.90) was not mind-blowing in taste, thought it needed more sauce or something, but certainly could hold its own with generous portion of beef and a sprinkling of enjoyable fried garlic. The Sushi Bar (Ngee Ann City)

Waa Cow
Shaw Foundation Alumni House, 11 Kent Ridge Drive, Singapore 119244 (Kent Ridge MRT)
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 4.30pm (Mon-Fri), Closed Sat, Sun
https://www.facebook.com/waacowsg

Offering a variety of Japanese rice bowls and udon, the recommended ones were the Signature Wagyu Beef Rice Bowl ($9.90 for petite/ $17.90 for standard) and the Aburi Bara Chirashi Bowl ($16.90 for standard).

The Signature Wagyu Beef Rice Bowl ($17.90) arrived with strips of wagyu beef sous-vide and seared to a pinkish hue with a tender texture. Oishii!

A 62°C egg set on top of the Japanese short grain rice with soy-based beef sauce reminded me of a bowl of “mui fan” (wet cooked rice). Perhaps there’s too much zhup (sauce) in the rice. Waa Cow (Kent Ridge Drive)

Sun with Moon Japanese Dining & Café
501 Orchard Road, #03-15 Wheelock Place, 03-15/16/17, 238880
Tel: +65 6733 6636
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

The Japanese fare created by Executive Chef Toshio Sawai offered here is quite extensive, from Sun Original Kamameshi, Bento sets, Kobachi, Sushi, Sashimi, Washoku combinations, to Steak dishes.

The donburi sets at Sun with Moon Japanese Dining & Café have been popular among lunch-goers, and you can expect Unagi Don ($23.80), Tendon ($23.80) and Buta Don ($22.80) – pan-fried sliced pork served on rice.

I would recommend the Roast Beef Don Set ($25.80) of sliced sous-vide tender roast beef served on Japanese rice with special sauce, mayonnaise, and topped off with a soft boiled egg.

The portion is generous and makes for a satisfying meal.

Nuevo Café
115 Eunos Ave 3 #01-01 Singapore 409839 (Paya Lebar MRT)
Tel: +65 9632 6045
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 10:00pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/NuevoCafeSG

For those working around Paya Lebar who needs a protein fix or a fuss-free meal, you can go for the Yakiniku Beef Striploin ($8.50) at Nuevo Café.

Served during lunch and dinner times, you get grilled beef striploin on a bed of Japanese rice, topped with pickles and sous vide egg, sprinkled with sesame seeds and roasted nori.

The beef used for the Gyudon was grilled quickly and cut thin, giving the pieces a layer of even char and tenderness. I do think they could up slightly on the sauce element, or provide a dip as an option.

On Weekends, they serve the beef bowl as well, but using the ribeye cut instead.

Ryori by Sushiro
301 Upper Thomson Road, #01-113F Thomson Plaza, Singapore 574408 (Near Marymount MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:45am – 2:15pm, 5:45pm – 9:15pm (Tue – Sun)>

Sushiro has opened a Ryori by Sushiro, which is more focused on Gyuniku Donburi.

I opted for the Tokyo Gyuniku Don ($12). When I first tasted a few spoonfuls, I felt the meats were juicy enough. Compared to the usual donburis which are typically drier, their version was more soupy.

The bowl was also overloaded with onions and rice, and I wished that they mixed in more beef instead. Ryori by Sushiro (Thomson Plaza)

Other Related Entries
12 Best Tendon In Singapore
12 Japanese Restaurants & Cafes At Suntec City
11 Best Japanese Restaurants At Millenia Walk
12 Best Sushi Rolls In Singapore
20 Matcha Desserts In Singapore

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After Atlas Coffeehouse at Bukit Timah and Lunar Coffee Brewers Downtown Gallery which serve Comos cold brews, I did wonder if the 3rd concept would be once again “universe” inspired.

You can say somewhat.

Columbus Coffee Co. is newly launched at 220 Upper Thomson Road (next to French Toast Language Centre), likely to give cafes in the vicinity such as Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters a run for its money.

Go through the door at the side with a logo figure of famed explorer Christopher Columbus.

Décor of the space is no-fuss industrial chic, minimally decorated with some plants and golden fixtures, an inviting space with some natural daylight.

The only thing that I might not have liked as much was it was very echo-y, and sounds of frequent dropping spoons and forks did disrupt some dining peace.

This set-up seems suitable for small families and groups to dine at, with a menu that feel familiar and is wide-ranging enough, more than just the usual standard café fare.

There are no so-called recommended items, but some dishes that appealed included Mushrooms on Sourdough ($14), Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($14.50), Mussels with Coconut Lemongrass & Ale ($17), Heart Meatballs On Toast ($18), Brown Butter Sardine Crumb Pasta ($18), to sweets of Butterscotch Banana Pancake ($18.50), Peanut Butter & Berries ($14) and Earl Grey Caramel Waffle ($12.50)

As it just rained, I was craving for something warm and comforting. The Summer Chicken Stew ($18) seemed like an obvious choice.

This dish had a slight Asian-take as it reminded me of a home-cooked meal with roasted potatoes and carrots, except that the gravy was not as creamy as I imagined.

The chicken thigh was both succulent and meaty, and you might just find yourself wiping the gravy clean with the sourdough.

The Breakfast Strawberry Maple Pancake ($16) did not disappoint as well, with contrasting crisp edges and fluffy interior. Great that it was not too sweet, uplifting from the sourness of the strawberry compote.

If you need more sweetness, drizzle some maple syrup over.

I am also a fan of both the cold brews of The Milky Way ($7) – white cold brew coffee; and Matcha Warrior ($7). Eh, why no “universe” name for the matcha?

The beans used are their house blend of Brazilian and Guatemalan coffees, custom-roasted by 2 Degrees North Coffee Co.

The blend of these 2 origins was complementary due to its pack of comforting flavours – chocolates, nuts and caramel.

The Milky Way was smooth, creamy, slightly sweetened with the taste of coffee still following through in each sip.

Very coincidentally, co-owner Daphne was also brewing my V60, which my friend recognised from Assembly Coffee days. (She didn’t seem to recognise me at all even though we have met several times – I suppose this is good news for a food blogger for anonymity.)

We were in luck because she prepared coffee with such flair and style. And was reminded she also manages three cafes very well, like a ship captain on a successful expedition.

Columbus Coffee Co.
220 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574352
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Atlas Coffeehouse (Duke’s Road)
Lunar Coffee Brewers (Downtown Gallery)
Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters (Upper Thomson)
Bearded Bella (Craig Road)
Wakey Wakey (Concourse)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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With more drama than the Star Awards, ENG’s Wantan Noodle has reopened again at its current location of 287 Tanjong Katong Road.

That is when you realise there is ANOTHER Eng’s Char Siew Wantan Mee which will open soon, just across the road at 248 Tanjong Katong Road.

Apparently, there was a dispute between the family members with business partners.

I first tried the wanton noodles many years again at Dunman Food Centre, at that time helmed by the late founder Mr Ng Ba Eng.

The noodles were known for its springy noodle, and more for the fiery hot chilli sauce which caused many to break out in sweat (and that hot sensation in the throat for some).

The reopened eatery appears to be owned by the previous business. During a weekend visit at the new ENG’s, business was brisk but the wait wasn’t too long at about 15 minutes.
One thing I need to mention, service had become loads better than before.

The servers were polite enough to apologize to customers that they had to share tables, and asked if I needed more pork lard in the bowl.

During my last few visits, people were a lot grouchier.

The Wanton Mee was sold at prices of $4.50 and $5.50.

The $5.50 portion was sizable with many pieces of small dumplings hidden beneath the noodles. However, if you just want a light meal and enjoy more of the seasoning, the $4.50 bowl will do.

Perhaps it is psychologic, the noodles have gotten slightly fatter and seasoning tastier – not as bland as my last visit.

The chilli sauce has toned down quite a bit in terms of its spiciness from the good-old-days in Dunman, and I would recommend just adding a small serving as it could distract from the eggy taste of the noodles.

Customers also order side dishes of Boiled Wantan ($3, $5), Fried Wantan ($3, $5) and Oyster Sauce Vegetable ($3, $5) which are probably just excuses to have more of the chilli sauce.

Happy to see a local Wanton Mee shop enjoy roaring business. Now, when is my Kok Kee coming back?

ENG’s Wantan Noodles
287 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437070
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Nam Seng Noodle House (Far East Square)
Tanjong Rhu Wanton Mee (North Bridge Road)
One Bowl Man (Marina Bay Link Mall)
88 Hong Kong Roast (Tyrwhitt Road)
Broth Noodle Bar (Bukit Ho Swee)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post ENG’s Wantan Noodle – Springy Noodles With Power Chilli Sauce, Reopens At Tanjong Katong Road appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

[London] Unless you are specifically searching for Milkbar, and have been tracking your progress on a map, you are more likely to have found this tiny café nestled in interminable streets of Soho by making a wrong turn.

This place is not flamboyant or conspicuous and does not portray itself as part of the eccentric café scene in London, but instead seems a destination for simplicity and calm.

Do not make the mistake of thinking this café is related to the celebrated Momofoku Milkbar in New York – they have completely different feels to them.

Much like its more popular sister café Flat White, Milkbar is affectionately antipodean with great vibes, a wonderfully relaxing soundtrack and a selection of treats from you to sample.

They also serve coffee from the same award-winning producer, Drop Coffee, experts in the field that are Swedish in origin.

The Milkbar interior contributes to the tranquil ambiance.

There are warm hanging bulbs that add to the cave-like cosiness, a few pieces of art upon the walls, wood furniture, and colourful patterned seats by a small coffee table at the window.

There are posters too behind the counter and coffee machines , that give the place a colourful and vibrant exuberance.

Friendly staff ply their trade to the beat of pretty music, recommending pastries and confections that do not find themselves on most traditional café menus.

I was beguiled by the vegan pistachio cake (£3.00, SGD5.54), a small oval of moist pistachio sponge dotted with poppy seeds and topped with a pleasingly sweet icing.

Though I do not often indulge in cakes beyond the occasional piece of chocolate gateau, I could not help but order another one of these to sate my craving.

To drink I got my usual flat white (£3.00, SGD5.54). I am a huge fan of the cup at their sister café and they do it just as well at Milkbar, subtly rich and pertinently warm, perfect with something sweet.

It is worth noting that their espressos, hand-poured filters and their drip filter cold-brews are also rather delicious here.

When it comes to their coffee you do not need to be a coffee aficionado to enjoy a cup in such an unpretentious atmosphere.

Just come and let Milkbar treat you well with great coffee, nice tunes and lovely people.

Milkbar Soho
3 Bateman St, Soho, London W1D 4AG
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 5:30pm (Mon – Fri), 9:30am – 6:00pm (Sat – Sun)
www.milkbarsoho.co.uk/
Google Maps – Milkbar Soho

Other Related Entries
Workshop Coffee (Marylebone, London)
Flat White (Soho, London)
Monmouth Coffee Company (Covent Garden, London)
The Attendant (Fitzrovia, London)
Chin Chin Labs (Camden Lock Place, London)

Click HERE for other LONDON Food Entries

* Written by DFD’s London Food Correspondent Leander Dias SaltyCritic. Leander Dias was born and raised in Dubai, a burgeoning city with diverse food culture. Since moving to London to read for his English MA at UCL, he has utterly immersed himself in the local food scene, writing extensively about everything he eats everywhere he goes. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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