Quantcast
Channel: DanielFoodDiary.com
Viewing all 4501 articles
Browse latest View live

Halcyon & Crane – Brunch With Sichuan Influences At Orchard Paragon. Expect Gong Bao Eggs Ben And Spicy Beef Capellini

$
0
0

With the Mala trend making small waves in Singapore, it is about time we experience brunch and modern European food with some Sichuan influence.

Halcyon & Crane located at Orchard Paragon, looks like it is off to a promising start, especially when it is led by the same team behind Birds Of A Feather at Amoy Street (realised it as I recognised the same bartender in both places.)

Talking about brunch and cafes, quite a number of my foodie friends have previously commented that the café scene in Singapore has become “stagnant”.

I have a similar observation, and reckon it is largely due to new cafes doing the same-old-same-old of eggs ben with waffles ensemble; or other simply ‘importing’ foreign ideas without a clear understanding of the local customer.

The name “Halcyon & Crane” is based on new birds – the halcyon (or kingfisher) which represents serenity in Greek mythology; and crane which is a symbol of longevity in the East.

While you may expect Chinese dishes to be heavier and richer, the kitchen team tried to present more healthful dishes with the addition of grains, light salads and soups, while keeping flavours authentic.

Recommended dishes include the Beetroot & Seafood Risotto ($32) with a touch of spice from pickled chilli; Baby Chicken Roulade ($32) of spring chicken marinated with honey fish sauce, five-spice powder and Sichuan pepper; Specialty Beef & Tomato Braised Rice ($28) doused in a rich broth concocted with Angus brisket, spices and herbs over 16 hours; and Chicken & Mushroom Capellini ($23), a nourishing soup of chicken and bamboo mushrooms with quality vermicelli noodles imported from Sichuan.

Friends also did comment that prices are on the higher side (in fact about 20-30% higher than what they would be willing to pay normally), and so would be careful about ordering more.

I was most intrigued by the King’s Chicken Hash Benedict ($21), because “gong bao chicken”.

The dish consisted of English muffins topped with gong bao chicken, sous-vide egg and cheddar cheese.

There were some components that I liked, namely the mildly spiced gong bao chicken with a fragrant aroma while it was steaming hot; and the accompaniment of spiced potatoes which was inspired by a “tu dou” street snack in Chengdu.

The house-made English muffins were also soft and nicely grilled, especially tasty when it absorbed some of the gong bao sauce.

While the cheddar cheese added that layer (possibly to look like Hollandaise sauce) that made the dish more photogenic (oh well, instagrammable is like a bad-word now), I felt it was redundant and didn’t add much in terms of flavours. But that’s me.

Also, I was somewhat disappointed with a sous-vide egg rather than a poached egg for an eggs benedict item, because you do not get the fuller, firmer, thicker set whites.

I also ordered a H&C Big Breakfast ($24) and enjoyed the addition of “Sichuan-style pancakes” with the addition of fried minced pork and chopped long beans.

However, I thought there would be more kick (or oriental elements) in one or two more of the components, and the “Sichuan Sausage” was anything but spicy.

When I read “high quality ice cubes” on the menu, I was intrigued enough to order the Iced Americano. Turns out that the cube is made of distilled water (and I am sure baristas would have something to say about this, but I shall just leave it here).

Other than coffee, Halcyon & Crane also features an innovative take on cocktails.

Located in the middle of fashion boutiques, this could be the place to take a break and enjoy food within a chic and serene pavilion. The food can even be more adventurous and bold with a punch – I think “tai-tais” should be able to take more kicks.

Halcyon & Crane
The Paragon #03-09, 290 Orchard Road Singapore 238859 (Orchard MRT)
Tel: +65 9727 5121
Opening Hours: 9am – 10 pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Arteastiq Boutique Tea House (Mandarin Gallery)
Merci Marcel (Club Street)
Wine & Chef (Keong Saik Road)
DC Super Heroes Café (Takashimaya)
P.S Café (Raffles City)

* 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 Halcyon & Crane – Brunch With Sichuan Influences At Orchard Paragon. Expect Gong Bao Eggs Ben And Spicy Beef Capellini appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.


Kohaku Tendon 天丼琥珀 – 1st Ever Hokkaido Autumn Tendon with Cheese in Singapore, Beautiful & Delicious

$
0
0

When I first wrote about Kohaku Tendon at Suntec City during an anonymous visit, I commented that it was a “strong, worthy Tendon competitor”, and would give others a run for their money.

Little did I expect long queues to form right after that, and Kohaku Tendon has obviously gone places – with 4 outlets in Singapore (Suntec City, Boat Quay, Chinatown Point, Changi Airport’s SORA), and branches in Malaysia (Lot 10 Kuala Lumpur), Taiwan (Taipei 101) and The Philippines (Uptown Mall Manila).


(Click PLAY for highlights of Kohaku Tendon’s Hokkaido Autumn Tendon with Cheese.)

The reason for its success is perhaps ‘simple’ – with using well-chosen fresh ingredients fried into ethereal crispy tempura, piled on fluffy Hokkaido rice.

Even with a relatively long queue and support, the tendon (short for “tempura donburi”) restaurant does not rest on its laurels as well.

They periodically introduce NEW seasonal tendons to pique interests, such as the autumn special of the first-ever Hokkaido Autumn Tendon with Cheese in Singapore.

This newly introduced bowl itself is like a work of art, showcasing many “Autumn” ingredients, maple leaves and topped with chrysanthemum flowers.

Here are 10 things about Kohaku Tendon that makes it work:

1. Fresh Ingredients
Kohaku Tendon’s signature bowl includes a line-up of ingredients from fresh black tiger prawn, dory fish, chicken rice, crab stick, green beans, shitake, young corn and pumpkin coated in a favourful tempura batter cooked to a light crisp.

2. Fluffy Hokkaido Nanatsuboshi White Rice
Kohaku Tendon uses Nanatsuboshi rice imported from Hokkaido – one of the top 2 rice from Hokkaido awarded Grade A in flavour.

The reason why the rice is of higher quality is due to the clear Hokkaido waters, abundance of clean air, long summer days and skilled Japanese farmers.

The rice is cultivated using a special method that uses 70 per cent less chemical as compared to the traditional method, then locally milled in Singapore to ensure freshness.

So compared to normal rice, the Nanatsuboshi rice is fluffy, with natural sweetness and adequate moistness, with complements the tempura pieces and absorbs the sauces well.

3. Multi-Grain Rice
Other than the Hokkaido white rice, you can also choose to have “Japanese 16 Multi-Grain Rice” at no additional cost.

The rice used contains 16 types of grains and seeds such as red beans, black rice, red sorghum, barnyard millet, red rice, and other mixed grains, for a healthier, nutrient and fibre-rich bowl.

4. Tendon + Udon
Do you not know there is an udon option?

(I am guilty for not ordering this, but I will make sure it happens the next time. Look out here for updates.)

5. High Grade Oil
The tempura pieces are fried in a blend of high-grade sesame oil and cooking oil.

6. Special Cooking Technology
Kohaku utilizes a special cooking technology that ensures the oil is kept clean and fresh even after repeated frying.

7. Special Tendon Sauce
The tempura pieces are drenched with Kohaku Tendon’s special tendon sauce, which comes in both spicy and non-spicy options.

The velvety original sauce has a sweeter take, while I generally prefer the spicy version with a slight kick.

8. Seasonal Tendon Flavours
While Singapore does not experience the four seasons per se, Kohaku Tendon periodically introduces periodic tendons to keep regular diners excited about new (and limited) offerings; and also incorporate seasonal ingredients into the rice bowls.

What they have previously offered include Yuzu Salmon and Mushrooms Tendon (last autumn); Ocean Gems Tendon “Umi” with King Crab Stick (last winter); Sakura Tendon with soft shell crab and mentai mayo sauce (spring); Natsumi Special Tendon with unagi (summer); and the current Hokkaido Autumn Seasonal Tendon with Cheese.

9. New Hokkaido Autumn Seasonal Tendon with Cheese
A bowl comprising of a medley of Autumn ingredients prepared tempura style, such as maple leaf, sweet potato, shiitake mushroom, enoki mushroom and chestnut.

It is even garnished with the aromatic chrysanthemum flowers, representing the fallen leaves, which gives it a certain beauty and allure.

The star is the Hokkaido Autumn Salmon with two pieces of salmon sandwiched with a layer of Hokkaido cheese – thick, moist and tender.

My favourite part is the renkon chips of lotus root fried, which adds that layer of crunch.

10. Pickled Yuzu Radish
Few may talk about the sides, but I feel that the accompanying complimentary pickles to help to whet the appetite and bring out the flavours of the main better.

This radish has the refreshing taste of Yuzu citrus and a crunchy texture which is light and refreshing.

The New Hokkaido Autumn Seasonal Tendon with Cheese goes at only $17++, available from now to 16th December 2018 at all Kohaku Tendon outlets.

Kohaku Tendon – Suntec City
Eat At Seven, 3 Temasek Boulevard #03-311 Suntec City Mall Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6333 4386
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 4:00pm Last Order 3:30pm, 5:00pm – 10:00pm Last Order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Kohaku Tendon – Chinatown Point
133 New Bridge Road #02-34 Singapore 059413
Tel: +65 6443 4355
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 4:00pm Last Order 3:30pm, 5:00pm – 10:00pm Last Order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Kohaku Tendon at Boat Quay
64 Circular Rd, #01-01 Singapore 049418
Tel: +65 6221 8311
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 4pm; 5pm – 10pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat, Sun

Kohaku Tendon within SORA Japan Gourmet Hall
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, 60 Airport Boulevard #036-058/059 Singapore 819643
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Kohaku Tendon.

The post Kohaku Tendon 天丼琥珀 – 1st Ever Hokkaido Autumn Tendon with Cheese in Singapore, Beautiful & Delicious appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Lewis & Carroll Flower Market – One Of Jakarta’s Best Teahouses, Beautiful Place With Tea Omakase

$
0
0

[Jakarta] What do you get if you combine tea and flowers in a cafe? Probably a very pretty and fragrant place.

Lewis & Carroll Flower Market is an artisanal tea house focusing on hand crafted teas and tea blends.

By Clive Staples Lewis and Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (therefore the name Lewis & Carroll), their previous outlet managed to steal the limelight from other tea shops and cafes in the city, despite the landscape of rapidly growing coffee shops.

The second branch of Lewis & Carroll Flower Market is located inside Grand Indonesia East Mall, with a flower market theme.

Not only they do serve tea here, there is a wide selection of seasonal imported flowers which you can purchase. The interior is spacious, clean, white and bright, with that cozy and homely vibes.

One thing interesting about Lewis & Carrol was the sample tea leaves “tubes” that they would bring to your table, in which customers would be encouragd to smell and choose the from different varieties of the tea leaves.

I ordered the Tea Omakase (IDR 80k, SGD8.00) as the waiter suggested. Yes, an omakase dedicated for tea.

This set consists of seasonal five different tea flavors, served cold. During my visit, I was served Houjicha (green tea), Island Cordial (mango, pineapple), Red Ruby Skies (elderberries, hibiscus), Happy Summer Day (peach, mint), and Snow Owl (silver needle white tea).

My personal favourite was the Snow Owl, a blend of bergamon, indonesian sencha, mate, and rose petals.

Food wise, expect mains from Truffle Egg Benedict, Bakmi Ayam Kampoeng, Linguine Fedora, Grilled Dory Sambal Matah, Crusted Chicken, to the interesting drink of Gula Melaka Matcha Latte.

The Truffle Fries (IDR 50k, SGD5.00) was pretty average, and nothing really special.

The L&C Tiger Prawn Fried Rice (IDR 85k, SGD8.50) is probably one of the best in town, served with a side of sambal matah, wonton and acar.

Not to mention the giant (US-like) portion, the tiger prawns were juicy and fresh; rice fried perfectly so much so that you could smell the wok-hei-ness.

The L&C Sambal Matah Grilled Chicken Breast (IDR 95k, SGD9.50) was nicely grilled and juicy, served with pretty spicy sambal matah.

It was weird to see salad served with rice, but it could be an Indonesian-thing?

The Bakmi Ayam Kampoeng (IDR 85k, SGD8.50) was surprisingly better than expected.

It is not quite common to find good tasting “street foods” in cafes and somehow they managed to ‘nail’ those flavours. The noodle was tasty, meatballs fresh, chicken and mushroom chunks generous in portion.

As for the Linguine Fedora (IDR 95k, SGD9.50), the pasta was cooked al dente with delicious texture of the creamy tomato sauce.

The Earl Grey Ice Cream (IDR 45k, SGD4.50) was one of the best version I ever tasted, and thankfully not too sweet.

The earl grey flavor really came out fragrantly, yet the ice cream still tasted light.

If you wish to “upgrade” your plain scoop of earl grey ice cream, then opt for the Earl Grey Creme Affogato (IDR 65k, SGD6.50) – hot earl grey tea served with cold earl grey ice cream.

The Mascarpone Cheesecake (IDR 65k, SGD 6.50) came with three different toppings – Toblerone, Chesse and Belgian chocolate.

I much preferred the Nutella French Toast with Ice Cream (IDR 55k, SGD 5.50). Though it might have looked simple and plain, this dessert had crispy and soft brioche, along with tasty Nutella to Chai flavored ice cream.

I could see why Lewis & Carroll keep thriving. This is a combination of their bright interior, fresh differentiating concept, above-average food with good portions. I think I will become a regular customer.

Lewis and Carroll Flower Market
Grand Indonesia East Mall, UG Jl. M H Thamrin, Jakarta Pusat 10230
Tel: +6221 2358 1375
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Lewis and Carroll Flower Market

Other Related Entries
Ropang Plus Plus (Jakarta)
Lucky Cat Coffee & Kitchen (Pasar Festival No. 1, Jakarta)
Benedict (Grand Indonesia, Jakarta)
Devon Cafe (Jakarta)
Maple And Oak (Menteng, Jakarta)

Click HERE for other JAKARTA Food Entries

* Written by DFD͛s Jakarta Food Correspondent Wilson Wangsawinata @iknowhowtoeat who loves exploring NEW food places in both Indonesia and Singapore. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Lewis & Carroll Flower Market – One Of Jakarta’s Best Teahouses, Beautiful Place With Tea Omakase appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Dumpling Darlings – Dumpling Specialty Restaurant With $5 Noodles, At Amoy Street

$
0
0

I first came across Dumpling Darlings at Artbox, and the owner June then casually said they were looking at opening a shop. I made a promise then, ”I will come.”

So Dumpling Darlings the shop has finally launched, located at 44 Amoy Street (a short walk away from Amoy Street Food Centre, diagonally opposite Chengdu Restaurant.)

When I visited anonymously, and opened the door, she was right there. Turns out that this concept is by the team behind Lola’s Café.

The menu is straight-forward, serving dumplings and noodles, and I reckon this would be quite popular with the CBD crowd for its food and price-point.

The Dumplings are made in house (they better be), including interesting flavours such as Spicy Sichuan, Veggie Mandu, Momo Curry, Fried Pierogi and Smoked Duck Dumplings.

Priced at $7 or $8 for a set of 5 dumplings. If you come in a group, get a “Dumpling Party” set of 15 assorted flavours at $20.

The fillings used are drawn by inspiration from cultures across the world. For example, the Fried Pierogi is an Eastern European inspired dumpling packed with truffle potato, smoked bacon and cheese.

The Spicy Sichuan is available in a pan-fried or boiled version which is similar to the classic “Hong You Chao Shou” (Sichuan Red Oil Wontons).

The Original Dumplings were filled with minced pork collar and napa cabbage, to be dipped with julienned ginger and black vinegar.

It arrived looking slightly charred. The good point was that component of crisp and smokiness; on the other hand some parts could taste mildly bitter.

I enjoy the moist fillings, though would have personally preferred them to have more meat, bursting with juices.

So to me, it was actually the noodles that I would come back for.

Made fresh daily with three ingredients of flour, eggs and salt, there were just three bowls to choose from – Miso Mushroom, Braised Pork and Sichuan Pork.

The price-point was friendly, at $5 or $6 (for those with meats). An egg cost an additional $1.50.

While “Sichuan” would imply a certain level of fieriness, I would say the spiciness level is at a 1-2 on a scale of 10.

Their noodles cut fresh had a chewy springy bite, nicely dry-tossed in a flavourful sauce, with just that tad of spiciness. The generous amount of shallots provided that fragrance and light crunch.

The Iced Shaken Teas of Longan Osmanthus Pu-Er, Grapefruit Thyme Strawberry and Salted Plum Wolfberry make a worthy and refreshing complement to the ‘heaty’ food.

Dumpling Darlings
44 Amoy Street Singapore 069870
Tel: +65 8223 9249
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 3pm Last Orders 2.30pm (Mon – Fri),
6pm – 10:30pm Last Order 10:30pm (Mon – Thurs), 6pm – 2am Last Order 1am (Fri – Sat), Closed Sun

Other Related Entries
Chengdu Restaurant (Amoy Street)
Zui Hong Lou (Club Street)
Myo Restobar (Oxley Towers)
Chen’s Mapo Tofu (Downtown Gallery)
Nanjing Impressions (Plaza Sing)

* 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 Dumpling Darlings – Dumpling Specialty Restaurant With $5 Noodles, At Amoy Street appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Apartment Coffee – Beautiful White Cafe That Makes You Feel Like Home, At Lavender Street

$
0
0

There are “Apartment Coffee” shops in Ho Chi Minh, New Zealand and Tokyo, though this new café in Singapore has no relation with the rest of them.

This specialty coffee place at Lavender Street is called “Apartment” because the owner wanted to create the vibes of inviting people home, to have chats with coffee lovers at the counter seats, and for them to feel welcomed.

Thus, you will also find little corners such as the cosy seats where you can have more intimate conversations.

I thought that the barista looked familiar, then realised he is Qing He previously from The Glasshouse at CHIJMES. (My sources had other things to say about the departure, but I shall leave it there.)

A former Singapore Brewers Cup champion, you could tell that he has a lot of fans (or friends) when his new shop was fully packed on Day 1 of operations.

He calls them by name, strikes conversations with them, and thus you understand better why this place is called “Apartment”. (I returned again to get more empty shots of the space.)

I think a lot of instagrammers will start heading here, because the café fulfills many requirements needed for those ‘mood’ and ‘got-feel’ shots – natural daylight, white space, Scandinavian furniture, locally-designed ceramic cups. (Takes coffee shot, OOTD, brighten, insert seemingly-profound quote.)

The menu is straight-forward, offering Single Origins ($4 – $7), a Blend of Colombia El Mirador ($4.50), and three non-coffee beverages of Green Tea, Oolong Tea, and Hot Chocolate ($5.50 – $7.50).

I was recommended the Colombia La Falda ($6.50), a single origin with notes of plum, redcurrant and grapefruit. It was indeed a well-balanced, refreshing cup with that obvious fruitiness that ade a good perk-me-up.

The Colombia El Mirador ($4.50) made into Latte was a delicious cup of joe with lush mouthfeel, with notes of berry-sweetness.

The Jalan Besar area has always been known for its good coffee places – Chye Seng Huat is one of them.

I think Apartment Coffee would certainly pack in the crowds during opening days. However, I would recommend coming early in the morning or off-peak if you want to feel that tranquillity.

Apartment Coffee
161 Lavender Street #01-12 Singapore 338750
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Sun), Closed Wed

Other Related Entries
The Glasshouse (CHIJMES)
Omotesando Koffee (Downtown Gallery)
Bearded Bella (Craig Road)
Wakey Wakey (Concourse)
Our Second Home (Holland Village)

* 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 Apartment Coffee – Beautiful White Cafe That Makes You Feel Like Home, At Lavender Street appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

10 NEW Restaurants Singapore October 2018 – $10 Beef Bowl At Orchard, $5 Noodles At Amoy, $20 Uni Pasta

$
0
0

There are a couple of hawker stall turned restaurants in this month’s new opening.

The young hawkers at Roast Paradise Old Airport Road has collaborated with Class 95 DJs The Muttons to open Fook Kin 福劲 at Killiney Road; Gyu Nami from Amoy Street Food Centre has opened a shop at Orchard Road; and Ah Ter Fish Ball noodles, also from Amoy has opened a noodle bar at Lorong Telok.

Hope to see more success stories like this coming up. In the meantime, enjoy this month’s list of 10 NEW Restaurants Singapore October 2018

PocoLoco – Novena
Royal Square @ Novena, 103 Irrrawaddy Road #02-08 Singapore 329566
Tel: +65 8699 6664
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 3:00pm Last Order 2:30pm, 6:00pm – 10:00pm Last Order 9:30pm Daily
Reservation Online

Authentic, Inexpensive Pasta Found At Novena
PocoLoco has always been known for serving authentic-tasting Italian pasta at pocket-friendly prices. Its newest outlet is located right at Novena though, but may not be visible from street level, at Level 2 of Royal Square.

The menu at Novena Royal Square outlet is a combination of signature favourites, chef’s specials from the other branches – with a focus on Hokkaido sea urchin. It is also more pasta-focused.

There are a couple of new Uni dishes in the menu, the key featured pasta being the Tagliolini with fresh Hokkaido sea urchin cooked pepperoncino style ($20).

When you mix the sea urchin into the pasta, you get that rich, buttery and ‘sea-taste’ in the mix.

Perhaps that is why there is “pepperoncino” within, the dish itself is not very spicy for diners to better savour the original flavours of the sea urchin. PocoLoco (Novena Royal Square)

Fook Kin 福劲
111 Killiney Road, Singapore 239553
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Class 95 DJs The Muttons Open A Roast Pork Restaurant
The Muttons – famous Class 95 DJs Justin Ang and Vernon A, have opened a Roast Meat Restaurant at Killiney Road in collaboration with Roast Paradise. Roast Paradise currently have stalls at Old Airport Road Food Centre and Ang Mo Kio. Young hawkerpreneurs must support.

They are known for Specialty Roast, with items such as Caramelised Char Siew ($6.80, $17, $34), Golden Crackling Siew Yoke ($6.80, $17, $34), and Roast Duck ($12, $16, $26, $50).

The Caramelised Char Siew is KL-style and uses a top grade of pork, charcoal-fired roasted, with a good balance of both meat and fat. It is not the style you typically get from your wanton mee, in fact, I seldom see this version sold in Singapore.

Some would like that the outer layer was quite sweet and charred, and because there was a good proportion of fats, it did have a melt-in-the-mouth effect. I don’t mind having this again, but I can imagine diners wanting a meatier cut. Fook Kin 福劲 (Killiney Road)

Beef Sukiyaki Don Keisuke
11 Kee Seng Street, #01-01 Onze, Singapore 089218 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Value-For-Money Quality Beef Bowls
Keisuke does it again, this time with a Beef Sukiyaki Don concept.

The menu is straight forward, with the offering of Beef Sukiyaki Don ($13.90) or Kiwami Wagyu Sukiyaki Don ($29.90). You can top up beef at $10 and $25 respectively.

This is when you deliberate between the cheaper US Prime Beef option, or indulge in Yonezawa Beef A4.

There will be a dedicated chef who cooks the food in front of you. They wear white jackets and ties, which reminds me of those in the higher end tempura shops in Japan.

The marbling of the Wagyu beef was superb for its price, the slices meaty and slightly fatty and could down your throat.

While some diners may frown at “sukiyaki” items because they tend to be too sweet-savoury, the balance was just right for this bowl. Beef Sukiyaki Don Keisuke (Kee Seng Street)

Gyu Nami – Orchard
Orchard Gateway B2-06 277 Orchard Road, 238858
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

$10 Wagyu Beef Bowl From Amoy, Now Found At Orchard Gateway
The stall known to sell $10 Wagyu Beef Bowls at Amoy Street Food Centre, has opened a shop in the heart of Orchard Road.

The Signature Wagyu Roast Beef Don is still sold at $10, however there is also a large option at $13. You can top up $2 to make is a set with miso soup and mochi.

The roasted wagyu beef slices continued to be both soft and tender, all reasonably large slices with that beautiful pinkiness on the surface.

The accompanying sous vide egg and creamy yogurt sauce helped ease the dryness, and added that element of stickiness (otherwise could have been a tad dry). Gyu Nami (Orchard Gateway)

Genki Sushi – Bishan Junction 8
9 Bishan Place, #01-22/30, Junction 8, Singapore 579837
Tel: +65 6816 2151
Opening hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Larger “Dai Man Zoku” Sushi Pieces, And NEW Bishan Junction 8 Outlet
There are 6 Genki Sushi outlets in Singapore, including Orchard Central, Chinatown Point, Bugis+, Waterway Point, Takashimaya, and the newest at Bishan Juntion 8.

The one thing that got me rather intrigued in the launch of Dai Man Zoku (大満足) unique to Genki Sushi, which implies “maximum satisfaction”.

These are actually sushi pieces which are approximately 1.5 times bigger than the regular sized sushi.

And the good news is, the price is still inexpensive at $1.90 per piece.

Siam Square Mookata
Building 3 Punggol Point #02-01, The Punggol Settlement Singapore 329566
Opening Hours: 4pm – 3am (Mon – Sun)

Inexpensive Thai Mookata Restaurant Opens At Punggol
Having Thai Mookata with a waterfront view seems like a wonderful idea.

This would also be great news to friends staying at the Punggol area, as Siam Square Mookata has just opened a new outlet at The Punggol Settlement.

Prices are considered reasonable and affordable, with a plate of ingredients priced between $2 to $3 per plate.

You can order the a la carte small plates for easy portioning and sharing. Some of the more popular items include Pork Belly, Sliced Beef, Pork Neck, Smoked Duck, Shishamo, and Clams.

Every store would have certain “exclusive” items. For the Punggol outlet, you can look forward to the Cheese Roll ($4.00) of cheese sticks wrapped within bacon rolls; and Truffle Corn or Mushroom ($4.00). Siam Square Mookata (Punggol Settlement)

East Bistro 东小馆
1 Maju Ave, #02-01, myVillage @ Serangoon Gardens, Singapore 556679

One of the latest addition to East Bistro, this is for those who are craving for Cantonese and Teochew dishes, wholesome zhi-char style food and a variety of dim sum.

The Chinese restaurant is helmed by acclaimed head Chef Tony Wong, who spearheaded well-known Michelin-starred Cantonese Restaurant Lei Garden.

The dishes are created through three main criteria – freshness, fragrance and flavour. Recommended items include the unique Crispy Rice with Crab in Superior Soup ($55), Salted Garoupa Slices ($36, $54, $72), Signature Baked Chicken with Salt ($20, $40), “Waxed Meat Claypot Rice” (seasonal price), and an intriguing Sweet and Sour Pork on Ice ($18, $27, $36).

For dim sum, go for the “Mushroom” Char Siew Bao, Egg Yolk Custard Croissant, Rice Rolls with Prawns, Chilled Mango Sago Cream with Pomelo – served with a generous amount of freshly cut pomelo and mango for that sweet pleasure.

Dumpling Darlings
44 Amoy Street Singapore 069870
Tel: +65 8223 9249
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 3pm Last Orders 2.30pm (Mon – Fri),
6pm – 10:30pm Last Order 10:30pm (Mon – Thurs), 6pm – 2am Last Order 1am (Fri – Sat), Closed Sun

Dumpling Specialty Restaurant At Amoy Street
The Dumplings are made in house,n cluding interesting flavours such as Spicy Sichuan, Veggie Mandu, Momo Curry, Fried Pierogi and Smoked Duck Dumplings.

Priced at $7 or $8 for a set of 5 dumplings. If you come in a group, get a “Dumpling Party” set of 15 assorted flavours at $20.

The fillings used are drawn by inspiration from cultures across the world. For example, the Fried Pierogi is an Eastern European inspired dumpling packed with truffle potato, smoked bacon and cheese.

The Spicy Sichuan is available in a pan-fried or boiled version which is similar to the classic “Hong You Chao Shou” (Sichuan Red Oil Wontons).
Dumpling Darlings (Amoy Street)

Ah Ter Teochew Fishball Noodle Bar
5 Lor Telok Singapore 049018
Opening Hours: 7am – 1am (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Famous Amoy Street Food Centre BCM Stall Opens Restaurant Near Boat Quay
The stall which I go to occasionally at Amoy Street Food Centre Hawker selling fish ball and minced pork noodles, has opened a full-fledged shop at Lorong Telok (near Boat Quay).

The shop serves up value-for-money meals of Fishball Bak Chor Mee ($6, $8), Whole Abalone & Seafood Soup ($15), and sides of Fishballs ($5), Fishcakes ($5) and Marinated Wings ($5).

Just slightly more than the hawker centre pricing, but you get air-conditioned space and comfortable seats. OLS NEED AIRCON.

The sauce has a good mix of home-made chilli, just a slight notch of vinegar, and sweetness coming from ketchup – which I liked. Somehow, there is that right balance. But I can imagine some people who would think it is not “vinegary” enough. Ah Ter Teochew Fishball Noodle Bar (Lor Telok)

Baek Jung Korean Restaurant & Bar
72 Telok Ayer Street 01-01, Singapore 048460
Tel: +65 8264 0364
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 11:00pm (Mon –Fri), 3:00pm – 11:00pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

While this is an under-the-radar Korean restaurant, its food is actually quite authentic and has been attracting the Korean community in Singapore.

The selling point: Baek Jung is the only restaurant in Singapore that serves traditional bulgogi. They marinate meats with their signature sauce and grill with charcoal to enhance that smokey smell onto the meats such as pork belly, pork collar and quality beef.

Plus, price remain affordable, with dishes ranging between $13 to $30.

Go for the Seok Seol Bulgogi in which the meats are marinated for at least a day, and the Army Stew which came with quite tasty and soft spam – one of the better ones I tried in Singapore.

Other Related Entries
10 New Cafes In October 2018
10 New Cafes In September 2018
10 NEW Restaurants In Singapore August 2018
10 NEW Cafés In Singapore August 2018
12 NEW Cafés In Singapore June 2018
10 NEW Cafés In Singapore May 2018
10 NEW Restaurants Singapore March 2018
10 NEW Cafés In Singapore March 2018
14 NEW Cafés In Singapore February 2018
10 NEW Restaurants Singapore February 2018
12 NEW Cafés In Singapore January 2018
10 NEW Restaurants Singapore January 2018

* Compiled by Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary and Nicholas Tan @stormscape. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post 10 NEW Restaurants Singapore October 2018 – $10 Beef Bowl At Orchard, $5 Noodles At Amoy, $20 Uni Pasta appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Honbo – One Of Hong Kong’s Best Burgers, For American-style Beef and Vegan Burgers At Wan Chai

$
0
0

[Hong Kong] When you have been to Hong Kong a number of times, you start to explore beyond the regular ‘staples’ and hunt for some international “street food”, such as burgers.

Some of Hong Kong’s best burger places include The Butcher’s Club (which was once listed in the Michelin Street Food guide), Beef & Liberty, Burger Joys, The Big Bite, and the famous Shake Shack.

A name that constantly comes out in the “Best Burgers In Hong Kong” guide is Honbo Burger.

There are some food places in Hong Kong that mostly the locals know about, and they are constantly filled.

Honbo is known among burger aficionados for their juicy burgers made using quality USDA meat. True enough, it was packed when I visited a weekday afternoon.

Because the place is small and slightly cramped, it is not a place to have long chats, but more an eat-and-go. However, vibes are energetic and vibrant, and it seems to be a favourite among officer workers nearby.

Honbo which means “burger” in Cantonese, terms itself as a “grassroots burger restaurant” which stays connected to that is local farmers, brewers and artisans.

Staying true to its brand identify, the signature Potato Milk Bun is baked “just 15 minutes away” and vegetables harvested free from Yuen Long.

For its lunch set, offerings included the Classic Burger (HKD108), Cheese Burger (HKD118), Vegan Burger (HKD108), Honbo Special (HK118) and Chicken Burger (HK108), which comes with a side and drink.

That is SGD19 (USD13.80) to SGD20.80 (USD15).

I ordered the Honbo Burger, a double patty beef with cheese, pickles, onion and house sauce. No frills.

True enough, this was just a simple, darn-good burger – soft as pillow bun, with juicy meaty patty sandwiched in between.

I had many Sweet Potato Fries in my life, but somehow these were just wickedly delicious.

Just a solid good burger. Can give some of the big boys a run of their money.

Honbo Burger
G/F New Sun House, 6-7 Sun Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong (Admiralty Exit F)
Tel: +852 2567 8970
Opening Hours: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps

Other Related Entries
8 Must-Have International Street Food In Hong Kong
Shake Shack (Central, Hong Kong)

The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2018
You can now experience also experience Honbo Burger at the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2018, held from 25 to 28 October (Thursday to Sunday).

Extending its reach from Central Harbourfront Event Space to Tamar Park, the venue size for this year’s Festival will be 20% larger than last year’s. There will be about 450 booths serving fine wines and exquisite food, over 10% more than last year.

The key event highlights is the “10-Michelin-starred Dinner” at the “Tasting Room”, where Five international Michelin-starred chefs will jointly present a highly anticipated wine pairing banquet with eight courses, fusing Chinese, Thai and French elements.

In addition, good news for Singapore travellers who are flying to Hong Kong via Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific.

You are able to register for the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival to receive a special pass. The pass will include complimentary entry, four wine tokens, two food tokens, and a tenth anniversary limited edition wine glass. More information here: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/plan-your-trip/vacation-packages/sg-wnd2018.jsp

For details of the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, please head over to the HKTB website:
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/winedinefestival

*This entry is brought to you in partnership with Hong Kong Tourism Board.

The post Honbo – One Of Hong Kong’s Best Burgers, For American-style Beef and Vegan Burgers At Wan Chai appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Taste Of Taiwan – Actor Chen Shu Cheng Opens Taiwanese Stall Serving $4.50 Lu Rou Fan At Ang Mo Kio

$
0
0

MediaCorp actors seem to be moving into the food business, perhaps it seems like a more profitable business these days.

After Teochew City along MacPherson Road, veteran actor Chen Shucheng has opened a Taiwanese food stall Taste of Taiwan at Ang Mo Kio.

It is found at the popular S11 kopitiam at Ang Mo Kio, which also houses other reasonably famous stalls, such as Rasa Sayang Western food, Mala Hotpot and Prawn Mee from Penang Delights.

The stall serves up a couple of sets such as Passion Fruit Sweet and Sour Pork, Grilled Salmon Fish Fillet, Pan Seared Beef Sirloin, and Grilled Lemongrass Chicken, priced at $6.80 and $9.90.

I would imagine that nearby residents would find this ‘pricey’ to make it a regular meal, and would order the ala carte item of Miso Lu Rou Fan which was at a more inexpensive $4.50. (Also because the deep fryer was not working properly, I was advised to get this instead.)

The portion was huge for its price, included with a braised egg, kimchi, soup and tangy green chilli sauce.

The pork belly braised with Japanese red miso paste was savoury and tender, without too much fatty parts so that you do not feel so jelak having it.

The shorter grained pearl rice was fluffy and not too sticky.

However, there could be too much rice in proportion to the meat and sauce, so I found it hard to finish the bowl. The egg also lacked in flavours and could also be braised for a longer period of time. Overall, a worthy bowl of Lu Rou Fan that is value for its money.

Taste for Taiwan
Blk 711 S11 Coffeeshop Stall 12, Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, Singapore 560711
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 9.30pm (Fri, Sat)

Other Related Entries
The Salted Plum (Circular Road)
Chu Tang Singapore 初堂 (Duo Galleria)
Liang Sandwich Bar Singapore (Vivocity)
Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks
Eat 3 Bowls (Crawford Lane)

* 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 Taste Of Taiwan – Actor Chen Shu Cheng Opens Taiwanese Stall Serving $4.50 Lu Rou Fan At Ang Mo Kio appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.


London Michelin Guide 2019 The Full List – Restaurant Gordon Ramsay Retains 3 Stars, Core by Clare Smyth Receives 2 Stars

$
0
0

London’s Michelin Guide has announced the awarded restaurants for 2019.

The head-liner is Core by Clare Smyth, which went straight to two stars despite the restaurant being a relatively new opening. The Notting Hill fine dining restaurant is Chef Clare Smyth’s first solo restaurant, and she is known as the former head chef at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.

The Kitchen Table featuring a 19-seat U-shaped table around a cooking station, went to two-stars from the previous one.

There are 6 new 1-starred restaurants, and they include:
– Brat located at Shoreditch, which has strong Basque influences on the menu with food cooked with open wood fire grill.
– Ikoyi in St. James’s which showcases dishes with modern twist on West African flavours.
– The Hide London, a restaurant and bar by Hedonism Wines and Ollie Dabbous, which provides a view of the Green Park.
– Leroy at 18 Phipp Street, Shoreditch is opened by the owners of Michelin Starred restaurant Ellory.
– Roganic which uses foraged ingredients to create ethereal Modern British food.
– Sabor founded by Nieves Barragan and José Etura, Sabor, which focuses on Spanish flavours.

Michelin Guide London 2019 – The Full List

Three stars – Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
The Araki

Two stars – Excellent cooking, worth a detour
Claude Bosi at Bibendum
Core by Clare Smyth new
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Greenhouse
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
Kitchen Table at Bubble Dogs new
Ledbury
Le Gavroche
Sketch (The Lecture Room & Library)
Umu

One star – High quality cooking, worth a stop
A Wong
Alyn Williams at The Westbury
Amaya
Ametsa
Angler
Aquavit
Barrafina
Benares
Bonhams
Brat new
Chez Bruce
City Social
Clove Club
Club Gascon
Céleste
Dining Room at the Goring
Elystan Street
Fera at Claridge’s
Five Fields
Galvin at Windows
Galvin La Chapelle
Gymkhana
Hakkasan Hanway Place
Hakkasan Mayfair
Hedone
Hide new
Ikoyi new
Kai
Kitchen W8
La Dame de Pic
La Trompette
Leroy new
Locanda Locatelli
Lyle’s
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Murano
Pied à Terre
Pollen Street Social
Portland
Pétrus
Ritz Restaurant
River Café
Roganic new
Sabor new
Seven Park Place
Social Eating House
St John
Story
Texture
The Glasshouse
The Harwood Arms
The Ninth
Trinity
Trishna
Veeraswamy
Vineet Bhatia
Yauatcha Soho

The post London Michelin Guide 2019 The Full List – Restaurant Gordon Ramsay Retains 3 Stars, Core by Clare Smyth Receives 2 Stars appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Galettes – Unique Crepe Café Found At Ang Mo Kio, Serving Crepe Suzette And Crepe Cakes

$
0
0

Once in a while, you get a hipster café that appears in the happening Ang Mo Kio neighbourhood. And finally, not just the usual eggs ben and waffles.

Galettes located at Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 (with Pine Garden as its neighbour) specialises in making crepes – the thin, flat French-style pancakes. (Just so that everyone is on the same page, “crepe” is typically pronounced ending with the “ape” sound, not “creep” or “crap”.)

(A galette is basically a savoury crepe.)

The creperie serves up a comprehensive menu resolving around the French crepe, with sweet and savoury creations, and crepe cakes.

They don’t just buy or source their crepes from elsewhere. You can see their service staff make their crepe cakes LAYER by LAYER – and that is likely to take hours.

Effort.

On the savoury end, options include the All Day Breakfast ($14), and Funghi & Cheese ($10), while sweet crapes offered are the Crepe Suzette ($12.50) and Cherry Jubilee ($12.50) with flambeed dark cherries.

The Crepe Suzette features Galettes signature sauce, orange slices, flambeed in Cointreau for a finishing touch, served with a scoop of Vanilla Gelato to balance out the acidity.

As I was feeling kind of full, I had the Crepe Cake instead ($6.50) with flavours of Crème Brulee, Dark Chocolate, Lemon and Strawberry.

The cake was on the lighter end and not too sweet, with beautiful thin layers. I am comparing this with the other familiar brand, and I wished that the cream could have been smoother and more delicate.

While the café serves up a small repertoire of bites such as Paprika Fries ($6.50), Spam Fries ($8) and Sweet Potato Fries ($7), I thought that the Har Cheong Kai Wings ($8 for 6 pieces) were note-worthy with that distinct prawn paste taste, and juicy, well-marinated meat.

They should continue exploring the savoury end since this is their strength.

Coffee is sourced from micro-roasters Sarnies, with an Espresso at $3 and Latte at $4.50.

Crepe desserts are typically something you find in fancier establishments with a much higher price tag. Happiness is finding this in the neighbourhood at a much affordable price point.

Galettes
529 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 #01-2365, Singapore 560529
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Sun), Closed Wed

Other Related Entrie
The Workbench Bistro (Ang Mo Kio)
Foxhole Café (Hougang)
Châteraisé Singapore (Toa Payoh)
Baby Moo Creamery (Toa Payoh)
Thus Coffee (Jalan Kuras)

* 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 Galettes – Unique Crepe Café Found At Ang Mo Kio, Serving Crepe Suzette And Crepe Cakes appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Bread Createur – Quality Artisanal Bakes From A Humble Cafe At Upper Bukit Timah

$
0
0

There is a part of me who would love to provide support for new cafes, who are perhaps not that active in the marketing aspect.

This brought me to The Hillford, a mixed-development at Jalan Jurong Kechil (Upper Bukit Timah). Even if it is that far, I made two trips down to Bread Createur – though the first time the café was unfortunately closed for a private event.

Not every indie bakery café has the luck of The Bakery By Woodlands Sourdough, whose bakes has received positive response and reviews.

But I do think Bread Createur has what it takes, if they can keep up with their quality.

The small shop offers a wide selection of freshly baked bread and pastries, prepared using quality ingredients.

It looked like a family-owned place, with personable service. Except that the space could be a bit cramped.

Some of their recommended include the Kougin Amann ($3.30) which uses brown sugar; Chocolate Almond Banana ($4.50) which has the fruit blended into pain aux chocolate – thus quite special; Traditional Baguette ($3.20) with starter cultivated in-house; and Sourdough ($3.50) with tangy texture.

The Almond Croissant ($4.50) had a lovely buttery layer, with nutty sweet fillings.

As for the Charcoal Bacon & Cheese ($5.50), it had quite a likable, doughy-chewy texture with creamy, savoury fillings.

I would say the quality of the bakes here are fresher and better than even some well-established brands. However, I do feel that Bread Createur can afford to create a couple of breads that are more uncommon – different from the rest and unique to their brand.

Bread Createur
182 Jalan Jurong Kechil, The Hillford, #01-51, Singapore 596152
Tel: +65 9179 5804
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 8:pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Lowe’f (Queen Street)
Nouveau Cafe (Hong Leong Building)
Graze by The Backyard Bakers (West Coast)
Keong Saik Bakery (Keong Saik Road)
Mother Dough Bakery (North Bridge Road)

* 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 Bread Createur – Quality Artisanal Bakes From A Humble Cafe At Upper Bukit Timah appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice – Bangkok’s “Michelin” Chicken Rice Coming To Singapore, At NEX

$
0
0

[NEW] Thailand’s Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam, a Michelin Bib Gourmand award winner, will open its doors in Singapore’s NEX shopping mall later this month, as Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice, giving Singaporeans a taste of the Thai-style Hainanese chicken rice.

Established in 1960 as a food stall specialising in Hainanese chicken rice in the Pratunam district of Bangkok, Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam quickly gained popularity among tourists.

At the brand’s first overseas outlet, Singaporeans can expect to taste chicken and rice dishes, soups, their signature braised pork, and their homemade chilli sauce. There are also vegetables, tofu, and fish side dish options, as well as desserts.

To ensure the authenticity of the cuisine, all kitchen staff were trained by Go-Ang founder Mr. Sombat Pruekpaiboon at the original restaurant in Bangkok. Mr. Sombat Pruekpaiboon is also assisting with the launch of the Singaporean venue to ensure that customers here receive the authentic Go-Ang dining experience.

Go-Ang is managed by The Minor Food Group Singapore, the restaurant group behind Xin Wang Hong Kong Café and ThaiExpress.

All right. Here’s my personal take: People like Go-Ang for a couple of reasons, one of them is that it is CHEAP, I mean 40 Baht cheap. That is less than SGD2.

So when it arrives to Singapore, the price-point must be comfortable enough.

Also, Singapore is THE land of Hainanese chicken rice, and Go-Ang’s style is very similar to many others here. If quality is not maintained well, comparisons will come quick and perhaps merciless. We love to use the word “over-rated”, and if expectations are not met, we will see that word very often again.

[Review of Bangkok Branch] Located right in the heart of Pratunam District, Bangkok’s shopping haven, the chicken rice eatery is a 5-minute walk from the Platinum Fashion Mall or The Berkeley Hotel.

You will find it along the lane Petchaburi Soi 30. Once you are in the vicinity, you can easily spot the place since it should have a long line of customers queuing, and staff in pink-coloured uniforms serving or doing crowd-control.

I queued for about 15 minutes or so, joined by largely Japanese and Singaporean tourists. After having a plate, I understand why Singaporeans would queue for a dish they could easily get at home.

The dining area is like a typical coffeeshop, with stainless steel tables and plastic stools. It does not have air conditioning but only ceiling fans.

It might get too warm inside the place, especially if the place is packed with diners.

Anyway, wear light going there (then go Platinum Mall for some shopping).

Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice has been around for more than 40 years, and offers Khao Man Gai (ข้าวมันไก่), a Thai version of chicken rice that originated in Hainan, China.

Some consider the Thai-style chicken rice less oily than the Singapore version.

A plate of the Hainanese Chicken Rice is priced at an affordable 40 baht. That is SGD1.65.

Coming from a Singaporean, the quality of this chicken rice wins several of the average stalls here. Even if I want to pay double the price, I may not be able to find such quality.

The serving good for 1 person, consists of a small cup of rice topped with slices of poached chicken, served with a garnish of cucumber slices, a side soup of chicken broth, and small bowl of the black sauce.

The Khao Man Gai (or Khao Mun Gai) is best enjoyed with this sweetish-soy sauce provided, drizzled moderately over the chicken if you find it too plain.

You can also dip your chicken in the black sauce made with soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, ginger, and chopped bird’s eye chillies, appetising when mixed with rice.

I thought that while the chicken meat was more or less average, the rice was flavourful, fluffy, and not too oily.

To impart flavour and aroma to the rice, the grains were cooked in chicken broth and chicken fat. Yums.

If you would like to order the chicken and rice separately, there is chicken good for 1 person (60THB, SGD$2.48), 2 persons (90THB, SGD$3.71), 3 persons (120THB, SGD$4.96), 4 persons (150THB, SGD$6.12), half chicken (350THB, SGD$14.46) or whole chicken (700THB, SGD$28.92).

Aside from Chicken Rice, other recommended dishes are the Chinese Spring Roll (40THB, SGD$1.65), Grapaow Pla (Dried Fish Maw Soup) (50THB, SGD$2.06), and the Pork/Chicken Satay (10 pieces for 60THB, SGD$2.48). The Chicken Bone Soup is also favoured by many customers.

Boiled chicken gizzards and livers are also popular, and eaten with soy sauce. A small plate costs 60THB (SGD$2.48) and a large plate costs twice as much.

Fans of their Hainan Chicken Rice Sauce can buy a bottle for 100THB (SGD$4.13). Buy 5 bottles and you get 1 free!

Even if you arrive early, the place can get packed so be ready to wait for a table. You may have to queue for 15-30 minutes before you get a table.

The place is located near the market, so the streets are crowded. It is best to get to the stall by tuk-tuk so you can avoid traffic jams during peak hours.

Go Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice
Poonam Market, 960-962, Phetchaburi Road, Soi 30, Pratunam, Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 81 779 7255
Opening Hours: 5:30am – 3:00pm, 5:00pm-3:00am Daily
Google Maps – Go Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice

Other Related Entries
Boon Tong Kiat (Thong Lor, Bangkok)
Thip Samai Pad Thai (Mahachai Road, Bangkok)
Raan Jay Fai (Mahachai Road, Bangkok)
Bamee Gua (Khwaeng Lumphini, Bangkok)
Polo Chicken (Khwaeng Lumphin, Bangkok)

Click HERE for other BANGKOK Food Entries

* 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 Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice – Bangkok’s “Michelin” Chicken Rice Coming To Singapore, At NEX appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Menya Kokoro – Japan’s Most Popular Mazesoba Chain Has Arrived In Singapore At Suntec City. Go For The Spicy Noodles

$
0
0

Japan’s most popular and largest restaurant Mazesoba chain Menya Kokoro has arrived in Singapore, opening its first outlet at Suntec City Mall Level 3.

The first shop you see once you get to Eat At Seven.

The Japanese dry ramen brand has opened 27 outlets worldwide within a short number of years, including Japan, Indonesia, Spain, Thailand and Vancouver, and looks set to expand further.

The local store in Singapore is helmed by the founder Chef Takuma Ishikawa himself, who trained under the originator creators of Mazesoba, and once won the Best Mazesoba Award in Japan.

Therefore, you will be assured of the ‘Japanese-quality’.

With all that said, I won’t be surprised if some people may not know what “Mazesoba” is.

Singaporeans are typically fond of their tonkotsu-style ramen, and some may still be unfamiliar with Mazesoba. A friend described this as ”Japanese Bak Chor Mee”. He is not that wrong either.

Mazesoba, literally translated as “mixed noodles” is a type of broth-less ramen, particularly popular during the hotter summer months.

So even though there is “soba” in its name, the dish is technically “ramen”.

To me, the appeal in the noodles is about the mixture of all toppings and sauces. Even though there are many ingredients and so much going on, when all are mixed together, they create this complex but blended flavour with satisfying mouthfeel.

The five types of Mazesoba on Singapore’s menu range from the original Tokyo Maze-Soba, Cheese Maze-Soba, Curry Maze-Soba, Spicy Maze-Soba and Vegan-Maze-Soba, together with some Singapore-exclusive creations.

Here are some of the recommended items from Menya Kokoro Singapore:

Tokyo Maze-Soba ($10.80++)
This is the original flavour, made with the same secret recipe as Japan.

There is something about the noodles that is different. They are made using fibrous whole-wheat flour and purified water, said to be softer and more suitable for use in noodle-making. Accordingly, Singapore’s water is too ‘hard’, and using softer water helps the taste of the noodles to stay truer to its flavour.

One interesting thing I also noted that the noodles are cooked for a relatively extended time, at precisely 8 mins 40 seconds.

This is because the noodles are thicker (perhaps just slightly thinner than udon), and needs to be cooked that long to create that chewy texture.

Each bowl has a lot of ‘liao’ and contains up to 12 ingredients, which includes minced meat sauce, ground saba fish, nori (seaweed), green onions, chives, bamboo shoots, fragrant chopped garlic and poached egg. You can also include Japanese-style slow-braised chashu at an additional $2.50.

Give the bowl a good mix and toss before consumption.

The most appealing part is the richly favoured minced meat sauce, slow-cooked Japanese-style with a secret recipe. This may remind some of ”Zha Jiang Noodles” with a hint of spice, with a good deal of crunch coming from the chopped vegetables.

Each Maze-Soba comes with a free small bowl of mushroom kombu-based soup (tasty!) and oimeshi – a small portion of Japanese rice you can add to the remaining sauce.

Spicy Maze-Soba ($11.80++)
Personally, this is my favourite bowl, but the spiciness is likely to divide people. Some of us shared this bowl – a couple enjoyed the kick, the shiokness which result in some sweat to break out.

There were others who thought this might have been too fiery for their liking.

And here I am, asking them to add more of those spicy oil. When the spices and meat sauce coat the noodles, the sensation was like having a good-old bowl of comforting Mapo-Tofu.

Melting Cheese Maze-Soba ($12.80++)
This is the Tokyo Maze-Soba with a layer of cheese, then torched for that smokiness.

I wasn’t that sure if the cheese really added that significant difference in terms of taste. It’s a ‘good-to-have’ but not a must-must.

Vegan Maze-Soba ($11.80++)
A vegan bowl that comes with a colourful medley of fresh vegetables such as corn, tomatoes, and shredded cucumber. The ‘meat’ you see is made of soy, and the girls in the group found this refreshing.

Maze-Don and Curry Maze-Don ($13.80++) – Singapore Exclusives
The Singapore exclusives uses 100% Japanese rice instead of noodles, and topped with Maze-Soba toppings.

Special rice flown straight in from Hokkaido and Niigata is used, polished only upon order to preserve the aroma. Known as the “King of Japanese Rice”, the fluffy short-grained rice is compatible with stronger and richer flavours like the Maze-Soba toppings.

Some people may find the typical Curry Donburi ‘boring’, so this version includes both succulent grilled chicken AND the minced meat sauce for fuller flavours.

A range of side dishes is also available on the menu, such as Gyoza ($4.80), Agadashi Tofu ($4.80), Lemon Chilli French Fries ($3.80), Truffle Fries ($3.80), Chicken Karaage ($4.80), Chashu Platter ($5.80) and Edamame ($4.80).

Chicken Wings ($4.80++)
Recommended are the Chicken Wings done Nagoya-style. That means the wings are deep-fried without batter to a crisp finish, basted with sweet-savoury sauce and coated with sesame seeds.

Addictive coating with juicy meat.

Chicken Karaage ($4.80++ for 4 pieces)
I described these as “chicken balls”. These are not the typical frozen then deep-fried type, but made from fresh chicken chunks marinated and rolled to a ball, then deep-fried.

Therefore, they are larger than usual and sufficiently moist.

Takoyaki ($4.80++)
The popular Osaka style street food comes with delicately thin crisp exterior, and soft creamy batter within those little round balls, drizzled with Japanese mayo and topped with bonito flakes.

Menya Kokoro
3 Temasek Boulevard # 03-313 Suntec City Mall Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6235 3386
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/menyakokorosg/

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Menya Kokoro.

The post Menya Kokoro – Japan’s Most Popular Mazesoba Chain Has Arrived In Singapore At Suntec City. Go For The Spicy Noodles appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Hollin Singapore – Different Flavoured Pearls Every Day, New Bubble Tea Shop At Suntec City

$
0
0

Looks like the bubble tea trend is back in Singapore.

In Suntec City alone, there are already ParTea, Bobii Frutii, TP-Tea 茶湯會, and now Hollin 赫里.

And these brands are all popular with the ‘office ladies’ – just check out the queue during lunchtime, and I chuckle when my OLs friends say they are on diet, eat their salads, and then buy bubble tea back to work. (How like that?)

Hollin, which in Hokkien means ”Good to drink” specialises in freshly made pearls. There will be special flavoured pearls that change on a daily basis.

Other than the Honey White Pearl which is the fixed flavour, you can expect Matcha Pearls on Mondays, Cocoa on Tuesdays, Coconut on Wednesdays, Coffee on Thursdays, Peanut on Fridays, Black Sesame on Saturdays and Rock Salt on Sundays.

So if you happen to be craving for a particular flavour, you HAVE TO head down on that day.

Pearls are priced at an additional $0.70 for both Medium and Large cups.

There are 3 different categories of drinks on their menu: Fruit Tea ($2.20 – $4.90), Tea Latte ($3.20 – $5.20) and Rock Salt Macchiato ($3.20 – $5.20), with varied options for sugar level (0, 25, 50, 70, 100%) and ice (Hot, Ice, No Ice).

As I went on a Tuesday, I had the recommended HOLLIN Black Tea Latte ($3.20) with Cocoa pearls (additional $0.70).

Compared to my favourite brands, I thought that while the tea was refreshing with smooth milk, however the tea fragrance could have been more pronounced.

The best part was indeed its pearls, with that special chocolately taste and chewy bite. It was as though after every sip, you get that little chocolate surprise.

Hollin 赫里 – Suntec City
Suntec City East Wing, #02-605 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983

Hollin 赫里 – Toa Payoh
Blk 190 Toa Payoh Central #01-538 (Opp HDB Hub), Singapore 310190
Opening Hours: 12pm – 8pm (Mon-Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/HollinSG/

Other Related Entries
True Boss 醋頭家 (Northpoint City)
PlayMade by 丸作 (Tampines)
Gong Cha (SingPost Centre)
Bobii Frutii (The Clementi Mall)
Teafolio (Tampines)

* 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 Hollin Singapore – Different Flavoured Pearls Every Day, New Bubble Tea Shop At Suntec City appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Jiu-Wu Beef Noodles 玖五牛肉麵 – Famous Authentic Taiwanese Beef Noodles Shop Loved By Hong Kong Celebrities Like GEM, At Wan Chai

$
0
0

If you have been to the Da-an distract of Taipei, you might have come across this famous Taiwanese Beef Noodles shop Jiu-Wu Beef Noodles 玖五牛肉麵.

The brand has been brought into Hong Kong by Laurinda Ho – daughter of billionaire Stanley Ho (She has been described as “shockingly gorgeous” and you may just spot her while having your Taiwanese fare).

Actually, I did see her. But we clueless diners were clearly more focused on the food. Sorry about that, Laurinda!

The wall of the restaurant is peppered with framed photos of cheery Hong Kong celebrities having their bowl of beef noodles, and that includes GEM, Alex Fong, Kenny Bee and a couple of young artiste I failed to recognize (Sorry, too long never watch TVB.) Sammi Cheng also showed her support on IG and gave her thumbs up.

Jiu-Wu’s signature Beef Noodles comes with options of three different broths – braised, tomato, spicy; along with a dry version.

A bowl starts from HKD78 (SGD13.75), while the recommend 3-in-1 Beef Noodles with meat, tendon and honeycomb trip is priced at HKD95 (SGD16.70).

To maintain its authenticity, Jiu-Wu uses premium beef and the precious cuts from the shank meat, while its noodles are made with precise specifications by a noodle factory in Hong Kong to maintain the QQ texture.

The noodles are said to have a ”gua tang” effect, in which the soup would envelop the strand of noodles.

The winning element is really in its soup base, made cooking the beef bones for eight hours with the addition of herbs and other secret ingredients. I found it mellow, flavourful and not overly salty.

It was quite close to some of the brands I had in Taiwan, except that some diners would prefer a more robust and stronger tasting soup base.

Other than that, you can also look forward to side dishes of Braised Beef – prepared using a secret sauce recipe from Jiu-Wu family so that the meat remains tender and stronger in flavour; and Cold Noodles mixed with butter oil, fresh cucumber, and sesame sauce from a century old store in Taiwan.

The Rice Bowls also come recommended, with Fried Pork Chop with Braised Pork Rice (HKD78), Braised Pork Rice with Fried Pork Floss (HKD64), and Taiwanese Sausage and Braised Pork Sauce with Rice (HKD68) – similar to the familiar Lu Rou Fan.

If you come in a group, I would suggest sharing some of the Braised Beef or Pork, especially the tendon which is tender and deliciously soft.

Jiu-Wu Beef Noodles 玖五牛肉麵
G/F, Golden Jubilee House, 399 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai Hong Kong (Causeway Bay MTR, Exit C)
銅鑼灣駱克道399號金禧大廈地舖
Tel: +852 2892 0320
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 11pm (Mon – Thurs), 11:30am – 12am (Fri – Sat), 12pm – 11pm (Sun)

Other Related Entries
8 Must-Have International Street Food In Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2018
You can now experience also experience Honbo Burger at the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2018, held from 25 to 28 October (Thursday to Sunday).

Extending its reach from Central Harbourfront Event Space to Tamar Park, the venue size for this year’s Festival will be 20% larger than last year’s. There will be about 450 booths serving fine wines and exquisite food, over 10% more than last year.

The key event highlights is the “10-Michelin-starred Dinner” at the “Tasting Room”, where Five international Michelin-starred chefs will jointly present a highly anticipated wine pairing banquet with eight courses, fusing Chinese, Thai and French elements.

In addition, good news for Singapore travellers who are flying to Hong Kong via Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific.

You are able to register for the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival to receive a special pass. The pass will include complimentary entry, four wine tokens, two food tokens, and a tenth anniversary limited edition wine glass. More information here: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/plan-your-trip/vacation-packages/sg-wnd2018.jsp

For details of the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, please head over to the HKTB website:
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/winedinefestival

*This entry is brought to you in partnership with Hong Kong Tourism Board.

The post Jiu-Wu Beef Noodles 玖五牛肉麵 – Famous Authentic Taiwanese Beef Noodles Shop Loved By Hong Kong Celebrities Like GEM, At Wan Chai appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.


Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe – Fabulously Pink Cafe In Seoul, Dine By The Indoor Pool With Cotton Candy Ice Cream

$
0
0

[Seoul] The Seoul coffee shop game is as strong as it ever was, and with the constant emergence of new, perfectly instagrammable places to hang out, this scene is going nowhere fast.

The fabulously pretty-in-pink Stylenanda Pink Pool 스타일난다 핑크풀카페 is one of the hippest places to enjoy an iced latte right now.

Fashionistas and aspiring Instagram influencers headed to the Korean capital should mark this place high on their café-hopping bucket list.

Decorated in perfectly delicate pink shades, the Pink Pool Cafe is a slice of girly paradise. (While you are here, the other popular pink café is Zapangi 자판기, also known as the pink vending machine café.)

Situated in both Seoul’s hip Hongdae and Myeongdong district, the premises have a dual function – as a cafe selling picture perfect sweet treats, and as a makeup and fashion store.

What better way to spend an afternoon? Stylenanda is one of South Korea’s leading chic fashion brands and their style and branding is evident throughout every part of the decor.

Trendsetters and coffee lovers can enjoy a drink and a snack from the cafes extensive menu. The Pink Pool Café serves up a pretty menu of drinks from Shakes, Tea, Ade, to “Diet” drinks of Real Tomato Juice, Lemon Detox Water, Coconut Juice and Burdock Tea (6500 Won – 7000 Won, SGD7.90 – 8.50) for the health-conscious, considered slightly above the usual café pricing.

Hot chocolates, green tea lattes, and a diverse range of coffees are available to warm you up on those cold Seoul winter days.

Those heading to have something on their Instagram would order the Cotton Candy Ice Cream, Coffee or Slush (9000 Won, SGD10.90) which are eccentrically decorated huge puffs of cotton candy made for photo purposes.

If you are not sure what exactly you want to sample, the servers can make suggestions, or show examples of their wonderfully innovative menu on their ipad which is a nice touch.

The interior of the cafe is not huge, but there are so many different settings and the spot is so photogenic that you could nab enough photo captures here to fill your Instagram feed for the next six months.

Enjoy sitting indoors by the poolside with a cotton candy ball bigger than your head while tapping your feet to the latest K-pop tunes, or relax on one of the bright pink recliners on the sixth floor rooftop.

The interiors are minimal yet chic and stylish.

The pastel pink and blue tiles make you feel as though you are in a fabulously feminine swimming club and the swimming signs and lockers add fun touches to the atmosphere.

Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe 핑크풀카페 – Hongdae
335-21, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
서울시 마포구 서교동 335-21
Tel: 070-7663-6909
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe 핑크풀카페 – Myeongdong
66-2, Chungmuro 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울시 중구 충무로2가 66-2
Tel: 02-752-4546
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entrie
Zapangi 자판기 (Mapo-gu, Seoul)
CAFE 연남동 239-20 (Hongdae, Seoul)
One In A Million (Itaewon, Seoul)
C. Through Cafe 씨스루 (Itaewon, Seoul)
Anthracite Coffee Roasters (Itaewon, Seoul)

* Written by DFD’s Seoul Correspondent Melissa Douglas. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe – Fabulously Pink Cafe In Seoul, Dine By The Indoor Pool With Cotton Candy Ice Cream appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

12 Brown Sugar Milk Tea In Singapore 🐸 x 🥛 – From Tiger Sugar, R&B Tea, KOI, To MuYoo

$
0
0

Funny again how food trends take a while to reach Singapore. In the meantime, you will start seeing a lot of bubble tea shops here selling “Brown Sugar Bubble Milk”, coining it the “latest trend in Taiwan”.

Eh… but some bubble tea shops in Taiwan have been selling it for YEARS.

If you need a recommendation, the most famous shop there for this drink should be Chen San Ding 陳三鼎青蛙鮮奶.

The trend also probably came from Hong Kong, with Tiger Sugar, The Alley, Jenjudan 珍煮丹, Milksha, and XingFuTang 幸福堂 creating ‘boba milk’ war at Causeway Bay, with youths willing to queue up to an hour for a cup.

The Brown Sugar Bubble Milk is also called “青蛙撞奶” (🐸 x 🥛), literally meaning “frogs knocking on milk”, as the boba pearls supposedly look like frog eggs.

So I did a poll of sorts on my Instagram Stories for recommendations, and these are the following that came up. Here are 10 Brown Sugar Milk Tea in Singapore, with 2 ‘bonus’ ones: (Oh yes, before HPB hunts me down, do take these in moderation, yah?)

R&B 巡茶 Outlets
Marina Bay Sands, #B2-50 Canal Level (at Rasapura Masters) Singapore 018972
Marina Square @ Cookhouse, 6 Raffles Boulevard #04-101/102 Singapore 039594
Toa Payoh, 470 Toa Payoh Lorong 6 Singapore 310470
Singapore Polytechnic, Foodcourt 4 AeroHub (AE106) Singapore 139651
Oasis Terraces, 681 Punggol Drive #B1-03 Singapore 820681

R&B 巡茶, more commonly known as R&B Tea, serves up Brown Sugar Boba Milk with Cheese Brûlée (Marina Bay Sands pricing Regular $5.80, Large $6.50. Other outlets Regular $4.80).

A cup would include pearls cooked in brown sugar, poured in with chilled milk, topped with cream cheese then torched.

It is also coated with brown sugar glaze that looks like the stripes of a tiger. Thus, they gave this drink the name “老虎出巡” – which literally means “a tiger taking its journey”.

There is no ‘correct’ way to drink this, but a recommended method is to take a sip of the pearls first, to appreciate the softness and chewiness. Cooked for more than 3 hours with an in-house, recipe these are actually some of the best boba I had in recent times.

You would notice that the bottom of the cups is actually warm as you hold it, so there is some thrill in the contrast of hot and cold temperatures.

That is not all, there is a layer of smooth and savoury cheese cream on top, sprinkled with brown sugar bits then torched, for a layer of caramelized crust. R&B 巡茶 (Marina Bay Sands)

MuYoo+
Bedok Mall, 311 New Upper Changi Road, #01-94 (Bedok MRT)
Opening Hours: 9am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
www.facebook.com/MuYooSG

Not every store serves the boba pearls warm, but MuYoo+ does.

There are three recommended ways to have this “Dirty Drink”. First, you suck up the brown sugar cooked pearls from the straw, and experience the warm, chewy sensation.

Then, you take a sip of the milk and enjoy the contrast of hot-boba and cold-milk.

After which, you mix it all up and relish the milk with the caramel-like sweetness.

The brown sugar drink here hits the right notes, but I personally wished that the cup was bigger so that there would be a higher drink to boba ratio. MuYoo+ (Bedok Mall)

KOI Thé Singapore
48 Branches. Brown Sugar Series currently only available at Seletar Mall, Boon Lay MRT, Tampines MRT, Ang Mo Kio MRT, Takashimaya S.C

KOI has also launched a Brown Sugar series, called “Okinawa-style” available only at limited outlets such as Ang Mo Kio MRT and Takashimaya basement.

Ordered via an electronic kiosk, you can choose your ice, sugar level, and bubble portion for the Brown Sugar Fresh Milk ($4.70).

KOI uses golden pearls instead of the usual tapioca pearls, which are translucent yellow, moderately smaller, soft yet with a bouncy bite.

Sugar levels are only available at 100% or 70%. Even though I chose the ‘lowest’ at 70%, I wished it was just a tad less sweet. But I must say that the drink overall was smooth and rather pleasurable.

SuperTea
9 Raffles Boulevard, Millenia Walk #01-75, Singapore 039596
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm Daily

SuperTea is slightly off the radar, possibly because it has only one store at Millenia Walk. Few also know it is sister company with R&B 巡茶.

The Brown Sugar Boba Milk features caramelised pearls simmered in brown sugar imported from Taiwan, added to chilled fresh milk.

The brown sugar at the bottom would be what you would describe as ”gao gao” thick, which has that obvious rich flavour which would send thrills.

Eat 3 Bowls 呷三碗 福利社
Blk 462 Crawford Lane #01-161 Singapore 190462
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

The only non-bubble tea shop in this list.

While Eat 3 Bowls 呷三碗 is famed for its Lu Rou Fan and Taiwanese Mee Sua, another new find was the Brown Sugar Pearls with Fresh Milk ($3.80). A plus point is that the café has a Taiwanese classroom setting, so got-the-feels.

Enjoyed the chewy sweet pearls, and the cup was overall not too sweet. The drink was actually not bad, and not just there to accompany the food. Eat 3 Bowls (Crawford Lane)

Kurotaki Chabann 黑泷太郎
180 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218442
Opening Hours: 10am – 2:30pm, 3:30pm – 7:30pm, 8:30pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
(Another branch at Citylink Mall)

Founded in the south of China in 2014, the Kurotaki Chabann chain has several hundred branches in China itself, and offers a wide range of beverages. However, it is not as “hot” in Singapore, possibly due location (I had it after Bak Kut Teh) and lack of marketing and awareness.

It is famed for tea infused with Taiwanese brown sugar, made using “ancient sugar-making technology”.

The two signature drinks are the Brown Sugar Milk with Pearl ($3.90) and Brown Sugar Jelly Milk Tea ($3.50).

The brown sugar here did feel ‘legit’, with a pleasant, caramelised lingering taste.

True Boss 醋頭家 Singapore
Northpoint City B2-134, 1 Northpoint Drive, Singapore 768019 (Yishun MRT)
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm
https://www.facebook.com/TrueBoss.SG

True Boss 醋頭家 is the first fruit vinegar specialty tea shop in Singapore, a brand which hails from Taiwan.
The popular chain store which originated from Tainan specialises in fruit vinegar, bubble tea, fruit smoothies and vinegar yogurt.

So for something non-vinegary, GET the Brown Sugar Bubble Milk ($4.40, $5.40) in which the brown sugar used is specially imported from Taiwan.

For that lovely deep caramelized flavour and smooth milk.

Hey Long Cha 黑龍茶
Changi City Point #01-K11, 5 Changi Business Park Central 1, Singapore 486038
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

(Also available at Century Square)

Taiwan Oolong Tea franchise chain Hey Long Cha 黑龍茶has arrived in Singapore, said to offer tea that is “natural, pure, and healthy”.

Their Signature Bubble Milk Tea ($3.50, $4.80) contains boba pearls cooked in brown sugar, which will impart that distinct sweetness.

Compared to other tea brands I am more familiar with, I would rank this somewhere in the middle. It is actually not bad and under-rated, though I wished there was more “oomph” in the drink.


(Photo credit: Nicholas Tan @stormscape)

LiHo
Various branches in Singapore

LiHo continues to introduce weird flavours to stay ahead of the game.

Their two earlier creations include Brown Sugar Pearl Fresh Milk which combines warm brown sugar Pearls with cold fresh milk; while the Brown Sugar Pearls Fresh Milk Party features peanuts, Oreo cookies and cream cheese. CREAM CHEESE.

There was also the Salted Egg Lava Brown Sugar Pearl Fresh Milk, which I didn’t touch. (Calorie-watch, so was it worth it?)

The LiHo team also recommended stirring the drink a total of 8 times to enjoy the lightly flavoured brown sugar fresh milk by shaking it up 8 times. The marketing team deserves a big clap.

Bobii Frutii Singapore – Suntec City
Suntec City Mall #02-375/376 West Wing, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/bobii.sg

Bobii Frutti (with Nat Ho as one of the local co-owners), has a Brown Sugar specialty drink called “Childhood Memory” ($4.80). (I don’t recall having that much brown sugar as a child though).

While they are proud of their muah-chee like texture for their bobii, I found them way too soft without that pleasurable chew or bite.

The brown sugar here was more subdued, not as rich and strong as one would expect. Good for those who prefer a more mellow take. Bobii Frutii (The Clementi Mall)

TaiGai @ NEX
NEX Serangoon, #B2-34, Singapore 556083 (Opposite BreadTalk)
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

[Not available yet] Instead of the usual black boba pearls, TaiGai offers translucent golden-yellow tapioca pearls with their milk tea. These pearls are somewhat smaller with a springier bite.

A special feature of the drink is the “Beary Cute” cup with the bear-ear lid.

Note: The Beary Cute series was only available during opening phase, and it is understood that the Brown Sugar series is not available yet. Maybe next time. TaiGai 台盖 (NEX)

Tiger Sugar Singapore
Capitol Piazza

(Photo credit: Tiger Sugar Singapore)

[Coming soon] This is Tiger Sugar first outlet in South East Asia.

Despite opening quite recently in November 2017, Tiger Sugar has already garnered a large fanbase from Taiwan to Hong Kong. Many are willing to queue up even before the shop opens.

The Tiger Sugar name comes from the ‘tiger stripes’ formed when the dark brown sugar syrup interacts with the thick milk in the cup.

However, the ‘tiger stripes’ will fully dissolve within three minutes and consumers are urged to act fast if they want to take pictures.

Other Related Entries
10 Best Fruit Tea In Singapore
10 Must-Try Bubble Teas In Taipei
12 Refreshing Cold Brews In Singapore
10 Foamy Milk Tea & Macchiato Drinks In Singapore
10 Best Matcha Latte In Singapore

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights.

The post 12 Brown Sugar Milk Tea In Singapore 🐸 x 🥛 – From Tiger Sugar, R&B Tea, KOI, To MuYoo appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Birdy’s – NEW Brunch & Dinner Cafe At Upper Thomson, With Delicious Scrambled Eggs And Truffle Fries

$
0
0

It is fair enough to say there is no lack of reasonable coffee and brunch places at the Upper Thomson stretch, and you get the notable names from Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters, One Man Coffee To Columbus Coffee Co.

For new entrants to stand out, they got to have the special-something.

Birdy’s is a newly-opened neighbourhood kitchen and bar at 215F Upper Thomson, which serves up breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, wines, craft beers and everything in between.

The strange name of “Birdy’s” comes from a fictional character who is peckish is all day, and the shop’s objective is to provide quality without the frills.

Therefore in terms of décor, you probably won’t use the word “insta-worthy” to describe, but the vibes did remind me of some of Australia’s cafés.

Its menu is divided into Day and Night, with the evening menu comprising of recommended dishes such as Charred Cauliflower “Steak” ($15) with semidried tomatoes, chives and hazelnut beurre noisette; Slow Cooked Pork ($25) of 12 hours braised pork belly in kecap manis, served with duck fat potato.

I went to try its Day-time menu, twice. (Friend would know it is not usual for me to go to the same café twice within a week, even a year.)

Faced with a list of items, the signatures include Duck Confit Hash ($18) of pulled duck confit with pimiento peppers, onions, potatoes, poached egg and greens; Breakfast Sanga ($14) included with bacon, fried egg, emmental cheese, house made beetroot pickles and brioche; and Overnight Oats ($11) with rolled oats, chia seeds, soy, banana, berry compote and pistachios.

Something I need to emphasize: The brioche and sour dough used are from the Michelin starred and Asia’s 50 Best RestaurantsBurnt Ends.

Another thing I noted is most of the brunch items are priced below $20, at a range I am more comfortable at.

The rather shy bespectacled waiter mentioned I should try the Eggs On Toast ($9), even though this item didn’t ‘pop-out’ immediately as I glanced through the menu. I went along with his suggestion and didn’t regret it.

Not many cafes (even restaurants) in Singapore do the ‘simple’ Scrambled Eggs well, but Birdy’s got it just right in terms of the consistency, creaminess and fluffiness. If there is a “Top 10 Scrambled Eggs” list in Singapore, I would put the item I had on that guide.

However comparatively, the Forest Mushroom Omelette ($14) didn’t wow me as much in terms of the egg-prepartion, and I thought it lacked of the lightness and puffiness one would expect.

With that said, I enjoyed the mixture of button and black trumpet mushrooms which gave it that earthy fragrance and crunch.

Feeling peckish, I ordered Truffle Parmesan Fries ($12) and finished the entire bowl all by myself.

With no intention to offend either parties, that aroma and light crisp reminded me of P.S Café’s in the good-old days.

Coffee is from Common Man Coffee Roasters; and service was prompt and friendly as the service staff came rather frequently (in local context) to check how the different customers were doing.

Here I am wondering, if I would head down a third time. Maybe, before it gets crowded.

Birdy’s
215F Upper Thomson Road Singapore 574349
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm (Mon, Wed, Thurs), 10am – 12am (Fri), 8am – 12am (Sat), 8am – 4pm (Sun)

Other Related Entries
Columbus Coffee Co. (Upper Thomson)
Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters (Upper Thomson)
Thus Coffee (Jalan Kuras)

* 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 Birdy’s – NEW Brunch & Dinner Cafe At Upper Thomson, With Delicious Scrambled Eggs And Truffle Fries appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

10 Must-Try Congee In Singapore – From Ah Chiang’s Porridge, Sin Heng Kee, To Zhen Zhen

$
0
0


It must be the gradually-cool weather in Singapore that made me crave for some good-old comforting congee.

Congee, called ”chog” in Cantonese, is a Chinese rice porridge dish added with ingredients such as meat, fish, eggs, peanuts and even seafood.

While there are many variations such as the Teochew muay, this food guide will focus on the thicker Cantonese style.

A smooth, delicious bowl of congee is the perfect food that warms the belly. Here are 10 places in Singapore where you can relish some of the best congee around:

Zhen Zhen Porridge 真真粥品
Maxwell Road Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur Street #01-54, Singapore 069184
Opening Hours: 5:30am – 2:30pm (Wed – Mon), Closed Tues

There are several stalls famous for congee at Chinatown and Maxwell Food Centre, such as Tiong Shian Porridge Centre and Hoe Kee Porridge, but many have a soft spot for Zhen Zhen Porridge.

However, the waiting time was a bit longer than I would have liked. As mid-morning is their rush hour, you may want to get there a bit early.

The queue was not entirely the reason for the wait, as the aunties inside took a painstakingly long time to cut up the ingredients and get orders.

Choose between Fish Porridge, Chicken Porridge, Sliced Fish with Shredded Chicken and Century Egg, Century Egg and Chicken, and Fish Belly Porridge ($3, $4, $5).

The congee was warm and pleasant with thick and dense rice grains cooked to a perfect consistency. Every spoonful was full of delicious ingredients like meat, chicken, and century egg along with other peripherals of spring onion, shallots and chopped preserved vegetables.

It is easily one of the better congees around Singapore with its smooth texture and varied constituents.

Note: While there are stated opening hours, Zhen Zhen Porridge may close as and when.

Sin Heng Kee
Blk 685 Hougang Street 61, Singapore 530685
Tel: +65 9118 1569
Opening Hours: 7am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

When I did a poll on the most recommend congee in Singapore on IG Stories, Sin Heng Kee easily came up tops.

Sin Heng Kee takes up an entire coffeeshop at Hougang Street 61, and has another branch at Yishun Junction 8. The place is always swarming with people and its best to go in early.

They serve extremely thick concoction, which is the result of hours and hours of boiling to right consistency.

The recommended bowl is the Signature Porridge ($5) which includes a mixture of pig’s organs, pork slices and meat balls; while you can also order the Century Egg with Lean Meat, Sliced Fish or Triple Egg Porridge ($4, $4.50).

The congee itself could be a bit bland to some, but the texture was nicely-creamy when mixed with yolk. The best parts were the minced pork and mixed organs which were tenderly-soft. I would have liked the bowl better if I didn’t feel that thirsty after the meal.

You can also get fried dough fritter ($0.80) with the congee. However, it comes in a plastic bag and unfortunately soggy. Most regulars who bothers to, would go to the opposite kopitiam to ta-bao freshly-fried ones, and the shop seems to allow that.

Ah Chiang’s Porridge (Tiong Poh Road)
65 Tiong Poh Road (Tiong Bahru), Singapore 160065
Tel: +65 6557 0084
Opening Hours: 6am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

Ah Chiang’s Porridge at Tiong Bahru (not the Toa Payoh branch) has been my regular favourite since the good-old days, though I must say they used to be better – say 2-3 years back when there was visibility more ingredients.

The shop is run on the principles of a healthy, hearty meal at an affordable price.

The setup is quite simple and minimalistic with the porridge shop, opening at 6am and serving simmering hot fresh porridge. Each bowl of porridge is prepared post ordering, so be prepared to wait around 10 to 15 minutes.

The congee is essentially Cantonese style and combines other ingredients like pork, seafood, chicken, vegetables, or century egg. Usually my favourite would be the Mixed Pork Organs with Meatballs.

While it may look simple and plain, it has a creamy consistency with fresh ingredients. Add some soy sauce, pepper and cut chilies, and you have got yourself a delightful bowl. Tip: There are some side dishes of Fried Wantons and Dou-Miao which you can get.

Xian Ji Porridge
57 Eng Hoon Street (Tiong Bahru), Singapore 160057
Opening Hours: 7am – 1pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

This is quite an under-rated congee stall, though it is frequently sold out early in the morning (even though closing time states noon.)

It is run by two sisters who work tirelessly, stirring the pot several hours before the opening hours to get the rice grains to a perfect smooth and creamy consistency.

A bowl ($7) with an egg (additional $1) contains chunks of fresh pork meat, minced meat balls and small intestines, generous portions of chopped vegetables (watercress), and some pepper and soy sauce.

Flavourful, full of ingredients, and extremely comforting.

Mui Kee Congee Singapore 妹記生滾粥品
Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road, #01-12. Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 67372422
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30am – 3pm Last Order 2.30pm, Dinner 6pm – 10pm Last Order 9:30pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Known for its Cantonese style congee, Mui Kee Congee 妹記生滾粥品 from Hong Kong) has opened a permanent space at Shaw Centre under the Les Amis Group.

The classic range of congee includes Sliced Parrot Fish Belly, Homemade Pork Meatballs, Pig’s Innards (livers and intestine), Sliced Beef and Pork with Century Egg priced at $7.80 onwards.

Premium range of congee such as Alaskan Crab Legs, Hokkaido Scallops and Braised Abalone are also available at $16 – $20.

The congee is said to be prepared from scratch, following a five-hour-long process in which the raw rice grains are first mixed with mashed century eggs, which help to break down the grains.

Pork bones and fish stock are then added and the mixture is stirred every 5-10 minutes, for 5 hours for a luxuriously creamy end product. The vanishing tradition of cooking in copper pots is also kept alive here.

This seemed to be more watery than the Hong Kong version.

Yin Ji 银记肠粉店
Far East Square 133 Amoy Street #01-01 Singapore 048775
Tel: +65 6443 3875
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm (Mon – Fri), 11am – 8pm (Sat), Closed Sun

Yin Ji 银记肠粉店 which originated in Guangzhou in the 50s, has set up its Singapore flagship at Far East Square.

Congee choices include the ‘all-in-one’ Boat ($6.50), Sliced Fish ($7.00), Sliced Pork ($6.00), Sliced Pork and Liver ($7.00), Sliced Tender Bee ($7.00) , Century Egg & Pork ($6.50) and Vegan ($4.00).

The texture of the Congee was very close to what I would find in a reasonably good Cantonese restaurant in Singapore – slightly sticky, with rice broken into smooth consistency.

It was not as out-of-this-world as some of the great Hong Kong ones I tried, but if you are craving for this particular style, it would be a good bet. The bowl was topped with sliced egg, spring onions and peanut which added some crunch.

Some may find this overall slightly to the bland side, and reach out to some soy sauce. But I have the feeling people who work at Raffles Place are more health-conscious, and won’t mind something plainer for lunch.

Ri Ji Porridge
269B Queen Street, Singapore 182269 (Bugis MRT)
Phone: +65 9815 8230
Opening Hours: 7am – 7pm (Mon – Sun)

This congee stalls goes back to 1976. It was first started by Mr. Wong, and the family recipe has been passed down since then with innovations and improvements to bring its regular patrons the best-selling Cantonese porridge in the area.

The business is small and robust with the servers working tirelessly to make the most palatable and rich congee. According to Dr Leslie Tay from ieatishootipost.sg, the porridge is cooked via a steaming process.

Varieties available here include Pork Congee ($3), Fish Congee ($3.50), Cuttlefish and Peanut Congee ($3.50), and Century Egg Congee.

Although the congee looked simple, and possibly one of the ‘plainest’ I had (in this list), the consistency was smooth and slippery, and didn’t feel jelak (rich) finishing the entire bowl.

While you are here, not to be missed is also the Chee Cheong Fun ($2).

Chai Chee Pork Porridge
85 Bedok North Street 4, #01-210 Fengshan Market and Food Centre, Singapore 460085
Tel: +65 96720521
Opening Hours: 5pm – 2am (Mon – Sun)

Chai Chee Pork Porridge is one of those stalls that you would usually find people queuing at the 85 Fengshan Market.

In fact, they are so popular that they have 2 stalls – one which they open in the day, and the other at night till late. The earlier stall becomes a preparation stall for the night stall.

The Pork Porridge ($3.50) was cooked until it is thick and smooth with an almost gluey texture filled with yummy minced pork and lean pork meat, topped with you tiao and spring onions. Such a bowl of happiness.

Li Fang Porridge 丽芳粥品
270 Queen Street, #01-78, Singapore 180270 (Bugis MRT)
Tel: +65 9634 8383
Opening Hours: 7am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Li Fang Porridge has a number of shops around Singapore. The main outlet is at Queen Street Albert Centre, with other branches at 20 Ghim Moh Road, ABC Market, 115 Bukit Merah View, 407 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, 293 Yishun Ring Road, 207 New Upper Changi Road and 208D New Upper Changi Road.

They have a number of seafood-based choices, such as Seafood Congee ($20 – no typo), La La Congee ($5), Mixed Scallop Congee ($5.50), Prawn Congee ($5), Sliced Fish with Cuttlefish Congee ($4.50).

I chose the standard Lean Meat with Century Egg ($3.50), and appealed with its richer taste and creamy texture.

However, of all the bowls of congee I had in this list this bowl left me with the greatest thirst.

Congee 88
127 Lor 1 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310127
Tel: +65 9475 2678
Opening Hours: 7am – 3pm (Tues – Sat), 7am – 2pm (Sun)

88 粥品 (88 Zhou Pin) at Toa Payoh serves up a familiar yummilious taste of Hong Kong styled congee, the quality kind that you would find along the roads of Nathan Lane. On a fine breakfast outing, the single bowl relieved my cravings for Kowloon street food.

What’s Congee without the good old familiar youtiao? The dough stick was freshly deep-fried on the spot and served one long stick on top of the bowl in its entirety.

Some of the recommended Congee included the Meat Ball & Century Egg, Prawn Ball and Meat Ball & Intestine Congee where the meatballs were home-made with a secret recipe.

If you wonder why you could get hotel quality food in a hawker centre, that was because Chef Au worked in Westin Hotel, Raffles Hotel and Hong Kong’s Shangri-La before he moved up to set up his own stall.

Other Related Entries
Maxwell Food Centre Food Guide
Amoy Street Food Centre Hawker Guide
Zion Riverside Food Centre Hawker Guide
Hong Lim Food Centre Hawker Guide
Tanjong Pagar Food Centre Hawker Guide
ABC Brickworks Food Centre Hawker Guide
Alexandra Village Food Centre Hawker Guide

* 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 10 Must-Try Congee In Singapore – From Ah Chiang’s Porridge, Sin Heng Kee, To Zhen Zhen appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Chirashi King Kong – Inexpensive Japanese Donburi With Truffle-Infused Rice, At Millenia Walk

$
0
0

One would expect a Japanese eatery selling donburi to have a certain “look”, but Chirashi King Kong at Millenia Walk got more adventurous with neon lights, camo prints and Be@rbricks decorations.

I didn’t quite mind it, it feels young and energetic, which provides some contrast to the other more corporate-targetted cafes and restaurants at Millenia Walk.

This is Chirashi King Kong’s 2nd shop, the first being a more humble and obscure shop at the 2nd level of Tanjong Pagar Block 1.

Prices still remain affordable for office workers, with most of the items priced between $10.90 and $14.90.

With that said, there are a number of shops selling similar food in the vicinity, such as Teppei Syokudo and Rakuzen.

Popular choices at this small eatery include the Unagi Truffle ($12.90), Barachirashi ($14.90), Salmon Mentaiko ($10.90), Assorted Fish ($14.90) and Scallop Saikyoyaki ($12.90).

There is also the recommended King Kong Bowl ($15.90) which is primary topped with Toro – with both sliced and minced versions of the fatty tuna in the same bowl, Negitoro, and Ikura.

But the star is truly the Truffled Mentaiko Rice beath, fluffy with the right amount of seasoning, and that whiff of truffle oil without being overpowering.

I also ordered a Sashimi Salad ($9.90) included with diced salmon, tuna and swordfish sashimi, and generous serving of flying fish roe for its price. It was a straight-forward, standard bowl, though there is a little part of me who wished there was more to fill fuller.

Just a little suggestion: Since they are called “Chirashi King Kong”, perhaps they can really explore a bigger portion and sized bowl. I think people are willing to pay slightly more for good quality fish.

Chirashi King Kong
Millenia Walk 9 Raffles Boulevard #02-17 Singapore 039596

Other Related Entries
Monster Curry (Downtown Gallery)
Yuzutei (Pasir Panjang)
Genki Sushi (Junction 8)
Kei Kaisendon (Novena Square)
Umi Nami (Holland Village)

* 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 Chirashi King Kong – Inexpensive Japanese Donburi With Truffle-Infused Rice, At Millenia Walk appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Viewing all 4501 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images