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New York-style pizzas are known to be large, wide, thin, doughy and hand-tossed. You can eat them folded, unlike the Italian pizza al taglio. They are usually sold by the slice, while “pie” would mean the entire pizza. I have never been to New York, but I will make it there. “Start spreading the news…”

For a slice of New York style pizza, you can make your way to Tony’s Pizza, opened at the junction shop between River Valley Road and Zion Road. That is stretch of favourite supper hunts, where late night goers search for prata at Spize, chicken rice at Boon Tong Kee and Teochew Cuisine. (Competitor Peperoni Pizzeria is a 5 minute walk away.)

Not to be confused with another Tony’s Pizza in America, this Tony’s Pizza Singapore is co-partnered by Tony Varvara of Elegante Pizza in Brooklyn. Check out his biceps, and imaginging him hand-tossing the dough. Woh. Too bad he is not here most of the time.

In true New York style, pizzas are sold with or without topping. Those without toppings are referred to as ‘plain’ or cheese’ slices.

My heart stopped a beat when I saw the cost of a plain cheese slice – $6.50, probably making this one of the priciest slice around. Perhaps blame it on River Valley and its prime land. The price for an 18” Cheese Pie is at $42.

The toppings, at $1 extra, include Pepperoni, Roast Chicken, Salami, Ham, Chicken Cutlet, Mushroom, Bell Pepper, Onion, Spinach and Pineapple. The toppings are generous, plus not many pizza shops in Singapore allow personalised toppings by the slice.

My customised pizza with spinach and egg makes one fine treat.

In terms of taste and texture, the greatest differences I can point out is Tony’s Pizza slices are very cheesy and aromatic. The crust needs some getting used to, marginally thick and doughy for my liking. I did not succeed much in my attempt to fold the slice and eat it authentic NY style as grease got into my way.

While I can’t vouch for its authenticity, reviews online seem divided though slanted towards positive, from “the closest pizza I have had to New York style pizza full stop”, “the pizza turned out to be pretty good and was worth the wait”, to “not authentic”.

Overall a filling satisfying slice. Now, my well-travelled friends, tell me if this tastes authentic NY or not.

Tony’s Pizza Giveaway
Tony’s Pizza will be giving away 5 large 18” pizzas to 5 blessed Daniel’s Food Diary readers.

All you need to do is to
Step 1: LIKES the FaceBook pages of Daniel’s Food Diary & Tony’s Pizza Singapore
Step 2: Share this post on Facebook
Step 3: Leave a comment at the end of the blogspot to why you love Tony’s Pizza (Ends 16th Jan 2013)

Tony’s Pizza
397 River Valley Road (Junction of Zion Road and River Valley Road), Tel: +65 6777 4992 (677 PIZZA)
Open: 11am to 11pm daily

Other Pizza Entries
The Manhattan Pizza Co (Orchard Central)
Pezzo Pizza (Woodlands)
Spizza (East Coast)
Peperoni Pizzeria (Zion Road)
Skinny Pizza (Raffles City)

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[Tokyo, Japan] This is kind of love at first taste. It was December’s winter in Tokyo, where I found your teeth chattering, and going around searching for warmth. Strangely, I was not looking for ramen and the likes, but soup. Real good comforting soup.

Then I found Soup Stock Tokyo. And every time I went back to Tokyo, I make it a point to have two cups each visit.

Yes two cups. Unlike most other conventional soup kiosks and restaurants, Soup Stock Tokyo offers a Half-and-Half soups with gohan (rice) or bread at 900 yen (SGD$10.90).

They come in stylish contemporary white mug-shaped bowls, presented with a wooden tray for an earthy feeling.

There is something about these Japanese shops. You just feel a sense of happiness, peace, and calmness where dining there. Even though Shinjuku is the buzzling commercial district where people dine and go, everything is so clean, white and organised. The décor also reminds me of Café Muji, the place you watch the Tokyoites go by.

My recommendations? The Tokyo Borsh and Hokkaido Crab Bisque.

Compared to Eastern European’s borsh soups which are typically rustic and thick, Soup Stock Tokyo’s still does it the old-fashioned way with caramelized onions and brown tender beef, but with a brighter lighter soupier touch.

The Hokkaido Crab Bisque is the classic soup to dip your breads in, thick and creamy with the unique seafood twang. You can try just holding the cup with both hands, taking graceful sips, and counting your blessings.

The other popular soup choices are Hokkaido Pumpkin Potage, Van Gogh’s Onion Soup, Italian Tomato Minestrone, Tomato Stew with Chicken and Vegetable and Prawn French Curry.

There are 60 branches in Tokyo, and 1 in Singapore at Asia Square Tower 2. I wished so much to have it in Singapore. When it finally came, I was afraid it would lose its magic away. We will find out.

Soup Stock Tokyo
Shinjuku, Lumine 2 shopping mall, 1F. 3-38-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tel: 03-3342-6066
Opening Hours: 8am-11pm Daily

Singapore: Asia Square Tower 2, #02-05 12 Marina View Singapore 018961, Tel: +65 6844 9639
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 9:00pm (Mon-Fri), 10:00am – 2:00pm (Sat), Closed Sun

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Someone name me the 5 Best Chinese restaurant in Singapore. Interestingly, nobody really compiled such a list, and it should never be judged based on their dim sum lunch alone. Would Shang Palace be in that classification somewhere?

Being the main Chinese restaurant of one of Singapore’s top hotel Shangri-la, Shang Palace has a glorious history of 42 years. If ginger and wine get better as it age, then Shang Palace can be a testimonial of providing exquisite Chinese cuisine for close to half a century.

Shang Palace’s take on Cantonese cuisine has hints of Shanghainese and Szechuan influence, with some plating taking a more European style of interpretation.

Interior is moderately grand (would be more majestic if there are taller ceilings), with décor based on the theme of floral and Chinese garden.

My only main experience with Chinese food at Shangri-la is with the wedding banquets of richer friends, though I was told the food served at the banquets and the restaurant is radically different.

Masterchef Steven Ng recently launched a new à la carte menu – the highlights include Braised Baby Abalone and Pork Belly ($28), Stewed Lobster Noodle with Young Ginger and Onion ($38 per person) and Master Chef Roasted Lamb Shoulder ($98 per whole).

Our table was served 8 dishes, and amusingly, all of us had a different favourite. I liked about 5 dishes, not because the other half or so were not enjoyable, but the sentiment of ‘I had this before’.

The Lamb Shoulder was exceptional, partly charred, wasn’t the melt-in-your-mouth type but with enough bite and tenderness which is perfectly delightful to eat on its own.

I find some of the best Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong (and sadly none of the restaurants in Singapore come close in terms of the entire package). The Stewed Lobster Noodle had that modern-meets-Cantonese take, with a combination of rich luxurious lobster meeting homely simple ‘shen mian’ which vaguely reminds me of that. (Interestingly, RubbishEatRubbishGrow feels the same way.)

Shang Palace offers an almost outstanding Cantonese meal match with professional service. I have few complains. Perhaps it just needs a few distinct star dishes to confirm it as the best amongst the best.

Shang Palace
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore Tower Wing, Lobby Level, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
Opening Hours: Lunch 12pm – 2.30pm Dinner 6pm – 10.30pm (Mon-Fri); 10.30am to 3pm (Sat, Sun, & PH)

Other Chinese Restaurant Entries
Imperial Treasure Shanghai (Ngee Ann City)
LÈ Restaurant and Asian Tapas Bar (Suntec)
Majestic Restaurant (Bukit Pasoh)
Crystal Jade Pristine (Scotts Square)
Old Hong Kong Legend (Raffles City)

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When I found out another Japanese restaurant in town is selling collagen hotpot, it became a dive down to Cuppage Terrace. The question in my mind: Could this be better than Bijin Nabe? The things you do for beauty, I mean food.

Shirokiya 白木屋, one of Japan’s oldest companies and restaurant chain is finally here in Singapore, claiming to have menu to support health and beauty from the inside of the body.

The vibes of the restaurant feels authentically Japanese, wooden furniture with white hanging lanterns, the restaurant on a higher level with narrow walkway, reminding me of one of those at Ueno. Dining feels private, as tables are separated by dividers.

Finally, some staff shouting a chorus of “irrashaimase” correctly, and not “irra-something-se” in some other ‘Japanese’ restaurants. A few tables were occupied by middle-aged Japanese men in short-sleeved shirts ordering grills and beer. A few more ticks in the boxes.

Their menu offers a wide spectrum the usual Japanese cuisine with a healthy slant, from Sashimi (7 kinds for $59.80), Charcoal-grilled Kurobuta Pork ($23.80), Freshly made Hot Tofu with 3 kinds of Salt ($7.80) and Fresh Yuba beancurd skin ($9.80).

The Bisyoku Nabe ($38.80) is the highlight of its menu, a healthy and beauty hotpot served in special chicken and collagen stock. The pot comes with ingredients such as raw prawns, chicken parts, tofu, mushrooms, leeks and vegetables, suitable for 2-3 to share.

The thrill of the collagen hotpot is to add this lump of white pudding-like collagen into the pot, watching it melt into the chicken stock. There is also a bowl of grated yam to add in the middle of the meal.

Unlike Tsukada Nojo’s Bijin Nabe, there isn’t the somewhat dramatic fanfare of step-by-step procedure. Basically, the service staff just left the pot there and walked away. The soup also does not pack a punch, good on its own, but somewhat forgettable.

The greater disappointment was the supposedly recommended Charcoal-grilled Chicken ($13.80), sprinkled with Okinawan natural solar salt and grilled with charcoal. It arrived in a hot plate that was not hot. The chicken was ordinary tasting and lukewarm, perhaps because they needed to send it from the ground floor’s kitchen up.

As a fan of Japanese cuisine, Shirokiya is one of the rare cases where I am more partial to the concept and setting than the food. They possibly need some time to fine tune their operations.

Shirokiya
43 & 43A Cuppage Road, Cuppage Terrace, Singapore 229463 (8-10 min walk from Somerset MRT), Tel: +65 6732 8588
Opening Hours: Restaurant 5pm – 2am, Bar 3pm – 2am

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[Hong Kong] Dining at Lung King Heen 龍景軒 makes me feel like an imperial concubine being bestowed an osmanthus cake by the emperor. The anticipation runs higher than the actual dining, the overall feeling being light, unsatisfied, and craving for more.

Lung King Heen at Four Seasons Hotel is the world’s first Chinese restaurant and the only Cantonese restaurant in Hong Kong awarded the coveted maximum of 3 Michelin stars. Does it deserve all full 3 stars?

Its Executive Chef Chan Yan Tak came out of retirement and is the only Chinese chef awarded those 3 stars.

Of course I was beaming with excitement. I went straight for my reservation from the airport express with a luggage in hand. They were almost fully booked lunch and dinner 1-2 months ahead.

With a name that means “view of the dragon”, it almost feels that you are walking into a palace with an open dining hall offering a panorama of the Victoria Harbour. While other high end Hong Kong restaurants also offer stunning views, Lung King Heen feels more open and inviting. The clientele is generally well-dressed, but you would not feel intimidated.

The Chef Tasting Menu would set you back by HK$1560 (HK$2160 with wine pairings) with extravagant indulgence such as the Lung King Heen Appetiser Combination, comprising of Crispy Suckling Pig, Barbecued Pork with Honey, Roast Goose with Plum Sauce, and Simmered King Prawn in Champagne Sauce.

I had the Ala Carte and the Chef’s Signature Appetiser Selection (HK$180) where you can mix and match 4 items. Not all the items were 3-star great, but the Barbecued Suckling Pig and Barbecued Pork with Honey stood out, world class roast meats that would melt away in your mouth. The other 2 items, were passable and not memorable.

The ‘wow’ dish was the Superior Pottage with Shredded Chicken (HK$290), every mouthful with so much depth in flavours that I would recommend you eat this with your eyes closed. Imagine rich, thick, slippery broth that glides down your throat, with taste so complex and umami.

The Lung King Heen Lobster Fried Rice with Seafood (HK$320) is another typical Cantonese ‘rich man’ dish, seemingly simple yet brilliantly executed. The true test of fried rice is when every grain is separate, still covered with flavour, not overly oily and abounding with wok hei.

Service was exceptional, professional and personal. Armed with a DSLR, I gained more attention that the usual guests, and the wait staff even offered me photography tips. (Where some service staff at other restaurants might roll their disrespecting eyes.)

Of course there were some parts of the meal that would make you wonder if Lung King Heen is 3-star worthy, because there are some 2 and 3 starred restaurants I tried where every single thing on the table tasted heavenly. I am not a Michelin star inspector but based on some of the dishes, the quality felt 2-star.

With that said, Lung King Heen is one of those restaurants that made me feel extremely proud of Chinese food, and proud to be Chinese. You wish there are more of such restaurants that would put oriental dishes on the world map because it deserves so much more recognition.

Oh yes, I had osmanthus jelly on the petit fours, and is truly fit for the royalty.

Lung King Heen 龍景軒
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Podium 4, 8 Finance Street, Central, Tel: +852 3196 8888
Reservations 1-2 months ahead required. www.fourseasons.com
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 2:30 pm; 6pm – 10:30 pm

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[Hong Kong] 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana is the only Italian restaurant outside of Italy to have received 3 Michelin stars – that mean it serves exceptional cuisine, and worth a special journey.

It is ranked Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant at Number 6, and also the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2013. Quite a feat considering it opened only in January 2013. While I have yet to try all of Hong Kong’s 3-star restaurants, the food may have left a deeper impression than L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon and to a smaller extent Lung King Heen.

I had the privilege to meet Chef Umberto Bombana, unofficially known as the best Italian chef in Asia, a jovial friendly person who is very willing to share about his experiences.

His pride and joy 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana has a classy modern décor, with an elegant main dining room which can seat 55, along with two other private dining rooms. Looking around, there was a 50-50 expat versus local Asian clientele, mostly coming very well-dressed, waiting in anticipation to savour this meal of the year.

I was too. All eyes on the degustation menu at HK$1230 per person (additional HK$780 for wine pairing).

Both mains were exceptional – a Colorado Rack of Lamb with Artichoke Puree, Black Olive and Lamb Jus, or the choice of a Tajima Short Rib and Beef Tenderloin with red wine and plum sauce, whipped potato on side.

There wasn’t anything deliberately fanciful about both dishes. No, there was not any special catch or secret ingredient (I guess). If you want to recipe of the Tajima Ribs, they have made them available online.

But when you slowly let the fork-tender meat linger in your mouth, you may wonder about that explosion of taste, that fatty yet lean texture, and the meat that seems familiar yet you know you never had it this good.

Chef’s plan was probably for diners to appreciate the meats as it is, and it is the skilled preparation and using the freshest high quality ingredient – in this case Tajima 500 days grain fed beef.

My personal favourite dish came from outside the degustation menu though, a Veal Chop (HK$450) presented Milanese style. This looks deceptively simple, like a pork chop or schnitzel deep fried in homemade breadcrumbs.

The huge but supremely thin piece is sliced right beside the table. Usually we say let the sight or taste do the talking, for this case, the sound of the crackling batter that went ‘crunch’ as it is sliced would give a good indication at how superbly crisp yet tenderly moist this piece is.

For most fine dining restaurants, I say go for the degustation menu. However, 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana offers many some dishes on the ala carte menu (such as the hand-made pasta dishes) that are worth trying and were easily more satisfying than some of those in the degustation menu.

Our only disappointment was the seafood dishes, especially the Line Caught Sea Bass (HK$300).

Many of the Michelin star restaurant restaurants I been to may give the impression of decorative, innovative, seeking to impress by taste though many by sight. Conversely, 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana has none of those fancy happenings, but back to what modern classic Italian food should be. A superb experience.

8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana
Shop 202, 2/F, Alexandra House, 5-17 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
中環德輔道中5-17號歷山大廈2樓202號舖
Reservation: Tel: +852 2537 8859 Fax: +852 2537 8895, info@ottoemezzobombana.com
Opening Hours: 12:00p – 10:00pm (Mon-Sat, Closed on Sun)

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BALIThai closed and Indobox opened at the same location of Ion Orchard, a prime corner spot at Level 3 of Ion Orchard. Both are operated by the same Katrina Holdings who also owns Bayang, RennThai, Streats hong kong café, Honguo, Hutong and Muchos Mexican Bar & Restaurant.

The problem with IndoBox (and its predecessor BALIThai) is the lack of publicity. Nobody has really heard or cared about it. Actually, the rest of the other restaurants suffer that same fate, and in this day and age where competition is so high, marketing cannot be ignored.

That is why on a weekend night when neighbours Watami, Nara Thai are having long queues, you can easily walk into IndoBox and get a seat.

Without being overly fussy, food is not too bad. And I was having a craving for Indonesian food after just coming back from Jakarta.

The cosy looking IndoBox offers a range of Indonesian goodies, from Tahu Telor, Ayam Goreng, Sate Madura, Nasi Kuning, Soto Ayam, Sayur Lodeh, and Ayam Panggang. Prices are rather friendly, mostly below $10 per dish, considering this is prime land shopping mall.

The recommended dish should be the Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng set ($12.80), with coconut rice and fried crispy chicken drumstick beef rendang, fried ikan billis, fried peanut, fried egg, and sambal. Both the meats were reasonably tasty (truly I wasn’t expecting much) and make a hearty meal. If the rice was more fragrant, this dish would have scored easily with customers.

One of the true tests of an Indonesian restaurant is the Sate, and IndoBox’s Sate Madura ($9.50 for 6 sticks of skewered chicken/beef) was the best dish of the day with evenly grilled succulent meats (some sate often end up too dry) with lick worthy sauces. Though I questioned why it would arrive in a ‘hot plate’, which wasn’t really even warm.

The traditional Soto Betawi ($9.80) of beef soup with rice cake and vermicelli was just weird. The beef was overly tough and soup not authentic or appetizing enough.

IndoBox has a welcoming environment offering a variety of Indonesian dishes. Unfortunately it lands up being another one of those average restaurants. A more distinct style and signature dishes would be needed for the casual shoppers to walk in and dine.

Indobox
Ion Orchard #B3-24, 2 Orchard Turn Singapore 238801 (Orchard MRT) Tel: +65 6509 8600
Opening Hours 11am – 10pm Daily

Branch: JEM, 50 Jurong Gateway Road #03-22 Singapore 608549 Tel: +65 6734 7369

Other Indonesian Restaurant Entries
The Moluccas Rooms (Marina Bay Sands)
Bayang (Clarke Quay)

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There is this Auntie who loves to shove our mouths with pineapple tarts every Chinese New Year, “This is the best pineapple tart in Singapore, you know. Must eat okay?” Most of the time it ends up as a calorie waster. How do you politely tell her you had better?

Because my take is: If you want to have a pineapple tart, save it for the very best.

For course everyone has their desired best brand. DanielFoodDiary.com has rounded up 8 different personal favourite brands (8 is so prosperous-sounding) – originating from Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and even Indonesia – coming in all shapes and sizes from balls, cakes to tarts.

Le Café Pineapple Golf Balls (Available at 264 Middle Road)

Some food reviewers claimed that “they are the best pineapple tarts” and “the king of pineapple tarts”. These tarts from Le Cafe Confectionery & Pastry, better known as ‘golf balls’, are big, fat and huge – almost the size of a ping pong. If you like your tarts buttery and crumbly, you would fall in love with this. Their balls are heavily packed with home-made pineapple jam which are all manufactured in-house. (Read: Le Café Confectionery Middle Road)

Crystal Jade Bolo Pineapple Tarts (Available at Crystal Jade My Bread AMK Hub, Ngee Ann City, Holland Village, Toa Payoh HDB Hub, Bugis Junction, Suntec City, Yew Tee Point, Causeway Point, Heartland Mall, International Plaza etc)

The very creative Crystal Jade My Bread has R&Ded ingenious pineapple ‘bolo’ tarts ($19.80 for pack of 16). Imagine the bolo bun in a bite-sized tart, with the same crumbly goodness, centered with delicious pineapple jam. It is just amazing how the entire texture of the tart feels exactly like the ‘bolo’ bun, except it is much smaller. Having the best of both worlds, this tart is almost unbelievable and extremely addictive. (Read: Crystal Jade My Bread Bolo Tarts)

Mei Xin Goods of Desire Mahjong Pineapple Tiled Tarts (Available at Goods of Desire Clarke Quay and Takashimaya Basement 2)

This box is for Mahjong Addicts, a collaboration between Hong Kong’s Mei Xin Fine Goods and quirky Goods of Desire G.O.D. The mahjong tiles ($38 for 16 pieces) come in a metal box with a padlock (somewhere to lock your ang bao money) with rectangular buttery pineapple tarts individually wrapped in boxes of ‘Fa Cai’ and ‘Hong Zhong’. Mei Xin is already known for their almond cookies and egg rolls, and this will add to becoming THE best-seller.

Rasa Sayang Pineapple Balls (Available at Takashimaya Basement 2, Novena Square and Raffles Exchange)

Big is not always better, and small can have its beauty. Rasa Sayang’s pineapple balls ($18) has a circumference of a 10 cent coin, makes a good ‘pop’ without filling overly guilty. The risk, you may just ‘pop’ ten pieces at a go. These are 100% handmade in their confectionary in Jakarta, following a Dutch inspired recipe using Holland butter for the crust. The butter fragrance does make you feel like you are having kueh lapis at times.

Kele Cake’s Pineapple Tarts (Available at Jurong Point, Causeway Point, AMK Hub, Parkway Parade, and factory at 15 Jalan Tepong, Jurong Food Hub #06-16 Singapore 619336)

Kele Cakes & Cookies’ Pineapple Tarts shot into fame when they won the ‘Best-Tasting Pineapple Tarts’ out of 100 entries in a search conducted by a local mall. They are a family business which has been around for almost 30 years, with the current recipe tweaked through years of experimentation and feedback. Kele has a balanced touch on the tarts – pastry not too hard or crumbly, with generous portion of pineapple jam without tilting to overly sweet or sour. It is yes, just nice.

SunnyHills Pineapple Cakes (Available at Raffles Hotel)

Though there are many Taiwanese branded pineapple cakes in Singapore, SunnyHills ($25 for box of 10) takes the lead for its quality. I have tried many Taiwanese pineapple cakes. But these made with Nantou’s indigenous pineapples, New Zealand butter, Japanese gourmet flour, and plump-yolked eggs where the chickens listen to classical music, are buttery fragrant and pleasant tasting. The jam has a mellow sweetness without being overpowering. (Read: SunnyHills Singapore Raffles Hotel)

Sweet Musings Taiwanese Pineapple Cakes (Available at Star Vista)

You won’t miss this huge machinery at this shop with chefs at work, churning out goodies which show that the Taiwanese delights are not imported, but made fresh within the store at Star Vista. Sweet Musings sells Taiwanese pineapple cakes ($22.50 for box of 10 pieces) made in-house. The ‘Lao Ban Niang’ Erica Wang says that she uses only high quality imported ingredients, such as gluten-free ‘super-light’ flour from Taiwan to achieve the texture she wants. The pineapple jam is slightly bitter, not as sweet as the other brands, good for those who likes a lighter touch. (Read: Sweet Musings The Star Vista)

Amethyst Pineapple Cheese Tarts (Available Blk 524A Jelapang Road #02-04 Greenridge Shopping Centre. Tangs Market Basement 1, Takashimaya Square Basement 2, Raffles XChange)

Amethyst Pastry & Cakes claim that they are the first to create the popular cheese pineapple tarts. Of course there are many copycats but few can compare to the original. The cheese on the outer layer adds a tinge of saltiness which makes a fine blend with the sweetness of the fillings. While the pineapple filling may slightly too jam-my and sweet, they got the crust and size right.

The focus of this pineapple tarts series is on commercial brands where you can still get access to. I attest that sometimes the best ones, at home-made by the grannies with love back in the kitchen.

Tell me which is your favourite pineapple tarts, and why. So that I may just buy a box for Auntie and tell her, this is THE BEST.

Other 5 Best Entries
Singapore’s Old School Cake Shops from the 60s
5 Best Liu Sha Bao aka Golden Custard Buns in Singapore
5 Best Hotel International Buffets In Singapore
5 Favourite Zi Char Places in Singapore
5 Best Korean Fried Chicken in Singapore

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[Hong Kong] Some of the cars parked outside this Michelin starred restaurant may dazzle, and I have seen car plate numbers of 3, 18, 8, 688 of gigantic Rolls-Royce with the super-rich ‘fu-tai’ stepping out to have their regular dim sum.

Fook Lam Moon 福臨門 is known to be a popular Chinese restaurant for the rich and famous, with a status of being the ‘Cafeteria for the Wealthy’. Dining here makes you feel auspicious with a name meaning ‘fortune and blessings arriving at your doorsteps’.

Both Fook Lam Moon restaurants at Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui are awarded one Michelin star in the 2014 guide, with this original flagship restaurant also gaining a spot at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. I personally prefer the Tsim Sha Tsui branch as it feels more spacious and less intimidating.

While the regulars come for their specialties such as Barbecued Suckling Pig (need to pre-order), Double-Boiled Chicken stuffed with Bird’s Nest, Stuffed Baked Crab, Sauteed Fresh Lobster in Fook Lam Moon Stock, Braised Dried Abalone, and Double Boiled Bird’s Nest with Coconut Milk. These dishes cost a 4-figure (HK dollar) sum.

Fortunately, their signature Crispy Chicken (HK$210) is still ‘affordable’ without a big burst in the wallet.

Fook Lam Moon’s chicken is un-doubly one of the best Chicken style roasts I ever had, with such paper-thin crispy skin, enveloping lustrously juicy meat marinated in a homemade sauce. The chicken, exclusively breed in a farm, is soft and full of flavours. Cooking style is meticulous, prepared by pouring oil continuously over the poultry.

The regular dim sum is pricier than the usual restaurants, with each basket or dish costing between HK$50-$60. That is close to SGD$10 for say 4 siew mai. There were some hits and misses. Misses meaning the quality is still there, but not for the price we are paying.

Other some other dim sum restaurants which may go all-out to be fanciful and creative, Fook Lam Moon mainly serves the traditional interpretations the old-school way.

The Salted Custard Liu Sha Bao (HK$50) was astonishing – it spills and it thrills with its fluffy skin and golden flowing fillings.

The other dim sum that surprises is the Deep Fried Beancurd Skin with Prawns (HK$60). Simply said, crisp outer layer with fresh fillings.

Tables are unfortunately too close, that you can almost hear what the lady in mint coat next table is saying. I tried reserving online and via email which went unanswered, and finally got my hotel to make the booking.

The restaurant interior is golden lavish yet not over the top, service excellent and unobtrusive. After all, they are serving some of the most powerful people in Hong Kong.

Fook Lam Moon (福臨門)
Shop 3, G/F, Newman House 35-45 Johnston Road, Wanchai Hong Kong Tel: (+852) 2866 0663
53-59 Kimberley Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon Tsim Sha Tsui MTR, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2366 0286
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30am-3pm (Mon-Sat), 11am-3pm (Sun). Dinner 6-11pm Daily

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There are some places in Singapore worth traveling for, in this case, to the far east for a ‘designer bistro’ called Table Manners.

The outdoor seating area of Table Manners is set in the garden at The Oasis at Changi City Point, within a pavilion overlooking real flora and fake fauna, with a sentence across the wall which says “It is impolite to text at the dinner table unless you are sharing TM’s food on Facebook.”

That’s it. A restaurant with scenery and a sense of humour. Without the need to try too hard.

On the inside, the first thing you may notice at Table Manners is their tables – elongated in a zigzag manner which kind of reminds you of a school canteen. This bistro which is suitable for communal dining, wins top score in design and wit.

The food looks simple in appearance, but packs a punch. The truffle capellini with bull’s eye organic egg ($19.00) doesn’t look appetizing, and when tossed together looks like a mess of grey. But when it gets into your mouth, with a slimy texture is all delicious, with a touch of fragrance.

Some of the other recommended mains are the Seafood & Chicken Jambalaya ($18.00), with mussels, prawns, pork sausage and mid joint wings with pilaf rice in a mild spicy sauce.

The King’s Burger ($20.00), as the name suggests, is a mega portion with tasty fillings of bacon, onion relish, gherkins, cheddar cheese yes, a gorgeous sunny egg.

Coffee served at Table Manners is by Papa Palheta, and tea from Tea Forte. The designer cocktails by Bar Stories such as the strawberry shortcake cocktail reminded us of a Korean pop princess, all pretty and sweet.

The only Table Manners I recommend you should take note is, get your good friends to share the food here. They deserve it.

Table Manners Giveaway
Table Manners at Changi City Point Oasis will be giving away 5 x $30 vouchers to 5 blessed Daniel’s Food Diary readers.

All you need to do is to
Step 1: LIKES the FaceBook pages of Daniel’s Food Diary
Step 2: Share this post on Facebook
Step 3: Leave a comment at the end of the blogspot to complete the sentence “Table Manners is/are…” (Be Creative! Ends 28th Jan 2013)

Table Manners
#01-69 Changi City Point The Oasis, 5 Changi Business Park Central 1 Singapore 66047669 (Expo MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 12:00am Daily

*This entry is brought to you by Changi City Point.

The post Table Manners – Restaurant With Good Food, Scenery and Humour + Voucher Giveaways! appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

[Tokyo, Japan] First ramen shop that I rushed to when I went back Tokyo? Ippudo 博多一風堂. The choice was quite obvious because I have always been a fan of Hakata style ramen – the thin, non-curly straight paler yellow noodles, basked in rich milky tonkotsu pork bone broth.

An Ippudo ramen in Tokyo cost about 750 Japanese Yen, who works out to be $9.10. Having that in Singapore’s Mandarin Gallery would set you back double or more than price, and yet not as good.

Compared to the Singapore branches which have an upscale sleek New Yorkish interior and presentation, the branch I visited at Ebisu Tokyo is a return to the conventional old-fashioned ramen shop with a sit-down counter of rustic wooden finishing, attracting families and the occasional solo businessman. Ah yes, they have an English menu.

Ippudo 博多一風堂 was so named because the founder Shigemi Kawahara wanted to “blow wind” over the “dark clouds of the Kyushu ramen industry”, eventually reinventing the traditional style of Hakata ramen in 1985. He eventually won the “TV Champion Ramen Chef” 3 times consecutively between 1995 and 98.

With over 65 stores in Japan, Ippudo has successfully put itself on the world map gaining popularity in major cities of New York, Sydney, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Shanghai.

As a fan, I personally think its 3 factors of the winning formula is in thin yet firm straight noodles, retaining the bite even if it is soaked in the broth for some time; the creamy yet not too heavy and oily pork broth, and its very clean and minimalist presentation.

If you like the most basic flavour, get the ‘white’ Shiromaru Classic (750 Yen) or Special (1050 Yen) which comes with chashu, bean sprouts, scallions, tamago egg, tree mushrooms and wanton. My personal preference is the ‘red’ Akamaru (800 Yen or 1100 Yen for special) which has a more intense and memorable soup base.

The Hakata Gyoza (210 Yen) makes an excellent accompaniment, about a third smaller in size than the usual dumplings, still crispy and very juicy and moist on the inside, best eaten hot (in cool autumn Ebisu Tokyo.)

I have tried a few Japanese ramen in Tokyo. The truth is Ippudo did not blow me away, comparatively.

I should add that while the version at Tokyo is definitely better than Singapore’s, the taste is not too far off (compared to other brands where the Tokyo branches are loads and loads better it’s like two completely different tastes). It shows that Ippudo tries its best to maintain consistency no matter where they go.

Ippudo 博多一風堂 Ebisu
1-3-12 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, ハイネス恵比寿 Tokyo, Japan (along Meiji-dori towards Hiroo, past the post office) Tel: +81 3-5420-2225
Opening Hours: 11:00am-3:00am (Mon-Thurs), 11:00am-4:00am (Fri-Sat), 11:00am-2:00am (Sun)

The post Ippudo 博多一風堂 – The Tokyo Ramen Experience Is Really Quite Different appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

The visit to Tart Blanc reminded me of the first time I been to K-ki. I wasn’t expecting much initially. Both are small patisserie-cafes, two-person operation selling mainly sweet treats. But when you take your first bite of their product, you know they mean serious business.

Tart Blanc at Millenia Walk has tarts as their focus, along with sandwiches, pitas, homemade cookies and flavoured teas. The clinical white washed interior, dainty setting and small cosy place makes it a place to hang out for your afternoon teas.

Like an excited child in a toyshop (and it was after a heavy lunch), I was busy scanning through all their gorgeous tarts, from Lemon Blackberry Tart ($7), Pistachio Chocolate Tart ($7.50), Saffron Poached Pear ($7.50) to Pumpkin Crack Tart ($7.50). I would highly recommend the Banana Chocolate Silk Tart ($7.00).

The tarts may look deceptively simple and just pretty at a glance, pricey for a small 7cm item, and oh, the base was somewhat tough to cut through.

But every spoonful was a different relishing experience. It wasn’t an explosion of sorts, so just allow your taste buds to slowly slowly delight in the layered taste.

Each tart is made of 5 different layers. Take. your. time. to eat it.

For example, the Blueberry Lavender Chocolate Tart is made with blueberry mousse and homemade blueberry jam, and towards the centre a lavender honey soaked joconde with lavender infused chocolate ganache where the lavender would kick it subtlety with become overpowering.

The tarts may not make you scream “This is the best tarts I ever eaten”, as there are some parts that need fine-tuning like the base, but enough to may you say “This is one very good tart.”

I like to support the underdogs. The owners are self-taught sisters (one been to a pastry school) who were inspired by their very own mother. Their love for pastries definitely surfaces through their tart, where you taste that every single one is made with passion and dedication.

* Millenia Walk has a “Order 3 and 1 Dine Free” promotion for many dining outlets till 29th Jan, applicable on weekdays after 6pm. Enjoy 1 free tart with every 3 tarts purchased at Tart Blanc.

Tart Blanc
#01-102 Millenia Walk Singapore 039596 Tel: +65 6238 7893
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 9:30pm Daily
info@tartblanc.com www.facebook.com/tartblanc

* This entry is brought to you by Millenia Walk.

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The recent case of Anton Casey has gained much attention on local social media platforms and some international news sites, further highlighting that what is ranted on seemingly personal (internet) space, may not be so any more.

What is worrying is not just the protagonist per se (he is wrong definitely), but the amount of online rants that followed, some of which are terribly fiery and crude.

While most of the comments are directed at his actions, many were directed towards his wife, his child and the foreign community as a whole.

Many of these comments are vulgar, unrefined and insulting. His wife is the centre of many stereotypical beauty queen ‘jokes’, from SPG typecasts to ugly name-calling – from the ‘b’, ‘p’ to ‘w’ words. All these came from people without knowing who she really is.

I felt more for the child, who is just a minor. Regardless of how he looks or behaves, having other grown-up adults calling him ‘retarded’, an ‘idiot’ or ‘devil’s child’ on the online sphere is not doing him any good. Neither does it reflect well on the ones who made those comments, many whom I believe are educated adults and parents themselves.

Why have some of us turned into ugly netizens?

Online rants may create a sense of short-term ‘entertainment’, or instant gratification from reading and engaging with other online users who feel the same way.

The downside? There are studies which show that those who frequent rant-sites may express their anger offline as well.

A lot of our kids and youths are spending lots of time online, everything they can access online will influence them one way or another. There is little doubt that impressionistic youths will pick up how the general populace feels about certain matters.

If one is to read negative, rude comments on STOMP, Facebook, YouTube and every other form of social media which is filled with expletives, who’s to say that what they read online won’t frame their mindset somehow?

It is extremely easy to say the Internet is to blame. But who are those using the Internet?

I hope this ‘Anton Casey’ case is a reminder to us, that we should always think twice (or thrice) before we decide to insult others online.

Because anger only begets anger.

The post The Anton Casey Case – Time to Think Before We Type, Because Anger Begets Anger appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Hong Shi Yi 鸿食艺 is a hidden spot on the 2nd level of Millenia Walk that few people know about. Yet it is such a peculiarly interesting fun. Is it new? Not exactly as it has been around for a year.

This ‘food artistry’ serves quality Chinese cuisine with a modern twist, along with an Gallery 798 art studio at the side where customers can pick up their brushes for art jamming.

To sum up, it is a dim sum, Chinese cuisines, tea pairing, hotpot buffet and art jamming place all rolled into one.

The décor is elegantly contemporary, flanked each side by modern white and red furniture, with bird cages hanging from the ceiling. The clean spacious white look reminds me of some of the more progressive dim sum restaurants in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Melbourne.

Some of the popular dishes you would find are the Chongqing specialty fish slice with preserved vegetable in superior stock ($22.90), stewed pork belly ($16.90), and hand-pulled lamian ($4.90-$9.90).

The fish slice dish was excellent – fresh fish, matched with handmade Sichuan style ‘fen tiao’ drenched in a tasty somewhat fiery stock. For the faint hearted, the soup base is probably less than a tenth in terms of spiciness than what you have in China. Upon taking my first shred of the flat translucent noodles, I thought “Woh, this tastes like what I had in Chengdu, minus the oil minus the spiciness.”

Dan Dan Mian in general remains a mystery to me. I tried so many versions that I can’t tell which is authentic anymore. But Hong Shi Yi’s version in a mild spicy but thick peanut sesame sauce soup ticks almost all the box, except that the noodles could be slightly more QQ.

I kind of wondered why Liu Sha Bao ($4.90) would appear in a menu I initially thought was serving primary Northern Chinese food. The 3 buns arrived… in silver colours!

The power of adding black sesame into the skin dough. Pretty I must say. Though the custard salted egg can be more flow-ey. Dim Sum overall, not their greatest strength.

Hong Shi Yi’s steamboat buffet (Weekdays 2pm onwards) with specialty soup bases is attractive, costing only $23.90++ per adult with free flow of Shanghainese style Xiao Long Bao and steam pork dumplings. Soup bases include Chinese Parsley with Preserved Egg, Tomato, Pork Bone, Vegetarian and Sichuan Spicy.

Yes, free flow Xiao Long Bao. Bi-combination soup available for a minimum of 4 pax. Isn’t this an extremely good deal?

Millenia Walk is now offering a ‘Buy 3 Get 1 Free’ dining promotion at 13 participating restaurants. Round up a party of 4, order for 3 and 1 will dine free. At Hong Shi Yi, you can enjoy one free bowl of la mian for every 3 purchased. Valid for weekday after 6pm, till 29 January.

Hong Shi Yi, Food Artistry 鸿食艺
#02-19/20 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard (Promenade MRT), Tel: +65 63335116 (restaurant), +65 6333 5117 (art gallery)
Opening Hours: 11:00am-10:00pm Daily

* This entry is brought to you by Millenia Walk

The post Hong Shi Yi, Food Artistry – For Dim Sum, Chinese Cuisine, Art Jamming & Hotpot Buffet appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Lavaedge does not have the most advantageous spot. It is the fourth and last restaurant if you walk in through The Oasis at Changi City Point, and does feel invariably far.

However give it a chance and you would find this tranquil atmosphere surrounded by greens. Choose to eat at the open area, which feels serene enough to take away the blues from work – you almost feel you are not in this country.

The inside is casual Western restaurant bar vibes, underscored with red and black furniture pieces for a more energetic mood.

This restaurant bar in the east has quite an extensive menu, with offerings that would be suitable for lunches and post-work indulgences.

For the nearby office workers, set lunch is pretty reasonable at $9.90 with a soup/salad with main course, and $13.90 for with the higher-priced mains with beverage. The popular choice is the P & C Combo, which consists of frilled pork loin and BBQ chicken served with steak house fries and mesclun.

Portion of its food is huge as well, such as the BBQ babyback pork ribs ($22.80) with grilled corn, coleslaw and steakhouse fries on the side, elevated in taste with a specialty homemade sauce.

My favourite dish was a Crabmeat Linguine ($16.80) cooked in white wine spicy pink sauce. Some other similar versions I had would be stingy with the seafood, or even worse, replace crabmeat with crabsticks. The sauce is not overly clumpy or sweet, evenly coating the pasta on every bite.

I also had a monthly special, a Mentai Salmon with Miso Cod Fish ($38.90) where two fishes of different cooking methods are combined on a single one – a reflection of a combination between the Western and Asian (Japanese and Chinese) styles of cooking.

This is personal preference, and I would have much preferred either one, say the Miso Cod Fish served on pasta.

When I think of the word ‘Lavaedge’, I think of ‘Lavacake’. Their signature dessert, a warm chocolate lava cake ($10.80) makes an appropriate finish to the meal with its agreeable bittersweet touch, though may not be the best version around.

While Lavaedge may not have found a strong edge in terms of food choice (you can’t get a sense of what they are strong in), most of the dishes I tried were above average tasty – quality in between the casual and mid-tier restaurants. The scenic environment, cozy interiors, and affordable promotional pricing gives it an additional edge.

Lavaedge Giveaway
Lavaedge at Changi City Point Oasis will be giving away 3 x $25 vouchers to 3 blessed Daniel’s Food Diary readers.

Lavaedge
#01-72/73 The Oasis at Changi City Point, 5 Changi Business Park Central 1 (Expo MRT), Tel: +65 6636 3226
Opening Hours: Mon-Wed 11:30 – 22:30, Thurs-Fri 11:30-23:30, Sat-Sun 11:30-22:30

*This entry is brought to you by Changi City Point.

The post Lavaedge – Relaxing Escapade at The Oasis + Vouchers Giveaway appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

It warms my heart to know that Singaporeans are doing their part to help those in need and less unfortunate than them. Last year, a “Chope Food for the Needy – Suspended Food Revolution” movement was inspired by the global “suspended coffee” initiative and started their own at Singapore’s hawker centres.

People would just need to approach hawker stalls and pay for the food in advance. These hawkers would then give this food out to needy people when they seek them.

Foodfare’s Rice Garden started their own spin on the “Chope for Food” movement, by using food vouchers.

I was curious and went down to Chinatown Smith Street’s Rice Garden to see how this works, and was surprised to see that they were already selling ‘chai peng’ at a rather reasonable price – 1 meat with 2 side vegetables and rice for $2.50. The portions were quite generous.

Concession Card holders (eg students and NS servicemen) and NTUC Union members can get the Fried Chicken or Fish Cutlet sets at only $1.99.

If you have a spirit of giving, you can purchase food vouchers from the stall, and give these vouchers out to needy people nearby or through a welfare organization.

The uncle at the stall said that you can see poor people in the Chinatown area, and there are good Samaritans who purchase these food vouchers for people who may need them – the uncles sleeping on cardboard boxes, the granny collecting old cans and newspapers, the cleaners in the vicinity… there are many around.

How the “Chope For Food” works
Step 1: Purchase a $2.50 set meal voucher for $1.99 (the difference will be co-funded by Foodfare)
Step 2: Give the voucher to the needy (for example if you see them in the vicinity of the hawker centre)
Step 3: Or purchase vouchers on the behalf of the organization you belong to (Email: rgvouchers@foodfare.com.sg for orders exceeding 20 pieces)
Step 4: These beneficiaries can then redeem the vouchers are any Rice Garden outlet

The dishes at Rice Garden change very regularly with a daily special, and the needy can redeem some of their popular food of braised pork, soy sauce chicken, curry chicken, and vegetables such as fried ladies finger and tofu.

There are 10 Rice Gardens in Singapore (Aljunied, Jalan Besar, Commonwealth Crescent, Chinatown, Market Street, Bendemeer, Tiong Bahru, ABC Market, Old Airport Road, Taman Jurong) so if you happen to pass by one and want to your part to help, your $1.99 could mean a satisfying and filling meal to another.

It may seem like a small step, but at least it is something to help the needy and low wage workers like the humble cleaners. Hopefully this initiative, together with the rising of their pay to at least $1000 monthly from this September (20% higher than today’s median) via the Progressive Wage Model that NTUC leaders like Lim Swee Say have been campaigning for, can benefit them in every little way.

Everybody deserves a job with decent wages, just as everyone deserves a good meal.

Foodfare Rice Garden
Chinatown, Blk 335 Smith Street, Singapore 050335 Stall #02-96
Opening Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm
Website: www.foodfare.com.sg/rg-locations.html

Email: rgvouchers@foodfare.com.sg

Other Rice Gardens: Aljunied Ave 2 Blk 117 #01-35, 290 Jalan Besar #01-06, 31 Commonwealth Crescent #80, Market Street Golden Shoe Carpark #03-18, Blk 29 Bendemeer Road #01-40, Tiong Bahru Market #02-38, ABC Marke #01-103, Old Airport Road Food Centre #01-150, Taman Jurong Food Centr #03-123

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There are many reasons to love Basilico, the Italian Restaurant at Regent Singapore. How many restaurants in Singapore can claim that they serve Italian cuisine buffet? And also with quality food and service. (Read 5 Best Hotel International Buffets In Singapore)

While some other buffet restaurants may be buzzling with energy and people, or adopt a classy approach to impress with champagne and seafood, Basilico Restaurant kind of combines the bests of both world. (Read: Summer Palace at Regent Singapore)

Its buffet selection may not be the hugest, and certainly not the kind where it is overwhelming with lobsters and prawns, but its dessert counter is one the best in Singapore. You may see many zooming right, straight to the cannoli, torta, caprese, crema bruciata, tartellette limone and six flavours of homemade gelato. Every piece (and scoop) delicate and notable.

The lunch buffet （$50++ weekday, $58++ Sat, $92++ Sun) offers a mix of Italian cuisine – to the likes of carpaccio, smoked salmon, smoked duck breast, beef medallion – pizzas, pasta, and a section with safe-predictable Asian delights, mainly to cater to the diverse customer range and hotel guests.

Basilico’s dinner ($82++, $112++ with 2 glass pairing) is presented semi-buffet style where you have a choice of a main course, with all-you-can-eat Italian antipasti and dessert. Price is on the high side though.

As I get older, I tend to skew to such buffets – because I can sit down proper and for long (don’t have to go back and forth the counter so often), eat less but worthy food beautifully plated prepared ala carte.

In addition, Basilico’s buffet reflects a “Savour the Seasons” menu that changes quarterly to reflect the time of the year, with procured produce brought across Italy.

For the mains, there were some exceptional dishes, an aromatic Risotto ai Porcini cooked in Gaia Barbaresco Wine Reduction, tenderly evenly grilled Agnello Sardo spring Lamb Chops appropriately paired with violet potato puree, and a skin crackling slow-roasted La Porchetta Suckling Pig.

The dish that wins it all of me was the La Sfera al Pistacchio, a spheres hand-painted ball, looking suspiciously like what you would hang on a Christmas tree. While it becomes a mess of green when you cut it open, my mind literally went ‘frozen’ when I took that first bite, creamy and sensational.

Basilico is the kind of buffet restaurant you would bring a dinner date, emphasizing on quality over quantity.

Basilico
Level 2, The Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Raod, Tel: +65 6725 3232
Opening Hours
Breakfast: 6:30am – 10:30am (Mon – Sat); 7:00am – 10:30am (Sun)
Lunch: 12 noon – 2:30pm (Mon – Sat); 12 noon – 3pm (Sun)
Dinner: 6:30pm – 10:00pm

Other Buffet Entries
5 Best Hotel International Buffets In Singapore
The Kitchen Table (W Hotel)
Lime (PARKROYAL on Pickering)
Café 2000 (M Hotel)
Aquamarine (Marina Mandarin)

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PappaRich is quite big in Malaysia, with over 50 branches. You do see the restaurants around. The situation in Singapore is slightly different with four outlets at Star Vista, Parkway Parade, Suntec City and Westgate. Plus, people get confused between PappaRich with PappaMia, PappaSan and Pappa2, which are incidentally from a Hong Kong establishment.

To set things straight, PappaRich is a Malaysian grown brand, known for their signatures of Nasi Lemak, Chicken Rice, Assam Laksa, Prawn Mee, Horfun and drinks.

The owner is a successful businessman Rich Tan (seriously, the power of positive thinking in your name) currently in his late 40s, who is said to have travelled across Malaysia to get the very best street fare in his restaurant. He has done really well.

Case in point, one of PappaRich’s recommended dish in the Hainanese Steamed Bread with Kaya ($3.90) and Half-Boiled Eggs ($2.90). The bread is made according to a traditional recipe by a baker who came from Hainan province.

Well, Rich loved the bread so much, he bought the factory. Yes that is where that soft and fluffy bread you may not have thought twice about came from.

Two of my favourite dishes from PappaRich are the Super Rich Combo ($16.90) and Pappa Curry Laksa ($9.90), which I consider to be my occasional indulgence.

The former is similar to a Nasi Briyani combo, made with Basmati rice with braised beef, sweet and spicy squid, potato, hard boiled egg, lady finger and papadum. To top it up, a particularly crispy fried chicken drumstick that gives a crackling noise as you cut the skin apart to reveal juicy meat.

Papparich Curry Laksa is quite different from the usual versions. The gravy is somewhat thicker and richer, made with 10 different spices, with a saltier than spicy tinge to it. The fish-stuffed foo chok soaked in the coconut curry makes guilty pleasure, but one has to keep reminding myself to stop finishing up the gravy!

The desserts and drinks such as the Cendol and Longan Milk Honey are quite tasty, just that the price range of $3-$6 for a cup may make you think twice, considering it may cost the same up north.

Psychologically, it does feel a bit pricey to pay that much more for ‘street food’. But the comfortable spacious restaurant setting with some delicious Malaysian fare should make up for it.

PappaRich Giveaway
PappaRich at Suntec City will be giving away 10 x $20 vouchers to 10 blessed Daniel’s Food Diary readers.

All you need to do is to
Step 1: LIKES the FaceBook pages of Daniel’s Food Diary
Step 2: Share this post on Facebook
Step 3: Leave a comment to name one of your favourite dishes from PappaRich
(Ends 11 Feb 2014)

Papparich
Suntec City Mall
#02-386, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983 , Tel: +65 6532 3323
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm Daily
Other branches: Star Vista #01-43, Parkway Parade #01-17A, Westgate #03-06

The post PappaRich – Malaysian Street Fare In Restaurant Setting + Vouchers Giveaway appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

A romantic dinner could mean a home-cooked meal together, or dining at your favourite hawker centre. To some, even Sushi Tei is not enough (okay, maybe you didn’t get the joke.)

Friends ask me for “most romantic restaurants recommendations” all the time, for birthdays, special dates and anniversaries. I think twice before dropping a name of a restaurant – I don’t want to spoil such an occasion for them. “What if the food sucks and she is not accepting the proposal?!”

Here are 5 of the most romantic restaurants in Singapore (I know there are many many more), since every one’s idea of romance is quite different. That’s why they say Men are from Mars.

JAAN
2 Stamford Road, Level 70, Equinox complex, Swissotel the Stamford, Singapore 178882 (City Hall MRT), Tel: +65 9199 9008
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2pm (Lunch Mon-Sat), 7pm – 10pm (Dinner Daily except PH)

Dine In The Clouds
There are many restaurants found at high stories with scenic views in Singapore, but how many can claim that they are one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Located on the 70th floor of Swissotel The Stamford, Jaan will give you breath-taking view of the Singapore skyline facing the Marina Bay district, and you would somehow spend some time gazing across with a fall-in-love feeling. The cuisine by Chef de Cuisine Julien Royer is imaginative and exceptional. 5 course degustation dinner menu with 48 hours confit Tajima Beef Short Ribs is recommended (198++, $298 with wine pairing). (Read: Jaan at Swissotel the Stamford)

After date: Dance at Equinox next door, or walk to the Merlion or Esplanade area for more photo-taking.

Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora
S.E.A Aquarium, Marine Life Park,22 Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore 098269, Tel:+65 6577 6869
Operating Hours: 11.00am till 10.30pm (Mon-Sun)

Dine By The Waters
Ocean Restaurant by celebrity Iron Chef Cat Cora is likely to be one of the most beautiful and magical in Singapore, located right inside the S.E.A Aquarium at Sentosa. You dine with thousands of marine life right beside you, with the Ocean Gallery – the world’s largest aquarium viewing panel. Some of the food was so so, but price still reasonable ($55++ for 3 course set lunch). My favourite dish was the Sakura Shrimp Risotto with Morel Mushroom-Black Truffle Butter Ikura ($28 ala carte). There was a smooth balanced blend of textures, from the creamy risotto with the lightly fried crispy sakura shrimps. (Read: Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora)

After date: Propose by the fishes, or go for round 2 at the Universal Studios. Getting out of the carpark can be a challenge for the unfocused though.

Halia Restaurant
1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens (enter from Tyersall Avenue off Holland Road), Tel: +65 8444 1148
Opening Hours: Lunch – Mondays to Fridays, 12 noon to 5pm (set-lunch only till 2pm); Dinner – Daily, 630pm to 11pm

Dine In The Gardens
This is literally a restaurant in the garden – and within Singapore’s most iconic Botanic Gardens. “Halia” drew its name from the Ginger Garden nearby, and is indeed a scenic get-away place for that relaxing brunch or romantic dinner in earthy greenery. Some of Halia’s signatures include are the Roasted Rack of Lamb in Javanese spice, Paperbag baked Chilean Seabass, and Sauteed Risotto Soja. If you come on the second and last Sunday on the month, it will be the perfect date with live jazz performances serenading during your dinner. (Read: Halia at Botanic Gardens)

After date: A slow stroll by the Botanic Garden, take a seat and watch the stars (if any).

Pete’s Place
Hyatt Hotel 10-12 Scotts Road Singapore 228211 (Orchard MRT) Tel No: +65 6732 1234
Opening Hours: 12:00 noon – 2:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Dine Under The Ground
For those who prefer something more nostalgic, Pete’s Place has been around since 1973. That is 41 years! You may have never discovered its existence even if you been to Hyatt Hotel, because it is located on the basement with only a staircase leading to the Italian restaurant. Pete’s Place specialises in authentic Italian cuisine from homemade pastas to wood-fired oven pizzas, just like how it started four decades ago. You would get a similar sense of homeliness from the old-school décor, lively atmosphere, and impeccable friendly service from some of the older staff who has been working here since its beginning. (Read: Pete’s Place Hyatt Hotel)

After date: A movie date at Shaw Lido right opposite, unless she (or he) wants to shop at Tangs.

NOX Dine In The Dark
269, Beach Road, Singapore 199546, Tel: +65 6298 0708, enquiries@noxdineinthedark.com Opening Hours: 6pm till late Daily

Dine In The Dark
Yes, you dine in pitch black. That means Bye Bye to your mobile phones (no facebooking or instagramming “Hey, I am having a date!”). You do not need to bother much about colour coordinating your entire getup, just make sure you smell good and talk sense. NOX-Dine in the Dark is housed in a shophouse at Beach Road, and you will be guided by specially trained blind and visually impaired servers. Part of the fun of dining in the dark is not knowing what you are eating and challenging your palate by trying to guess the ingredients in the dishes. This is the dinner that would make you talk to each other.

After date: Continue talking about the food and experience, or get your senses bombarded with a walk to Arab Street.

Other Romantic Restaurants
Brasserie Les Saveurs (St Regis)
One of the top on my list for French cuisine. Dining at St Regis Singapore’s signature restaurant Brasserie Les Saveurs makes you feel like you are in Europe – chandeliers on high ceilings, grand-looking furniture, luxurious decors and a musical fountain just outside the windows.

The Clan Restaurant (Bt Pasoh)
Nestled in the conservation area of Bukit Pasoh, quite an elaborate menu of contemporary east-meets-west fusion cuisine, modern European dishes with Asian touches. The 6 course degustation dinner menu is at $65.80++ which is a steal for its quality.

Clifford (Fullerton Bay Hotel)
Clifford has a European inspired décor, a 10 metre high ceiling and windows overlooking the sparkling waterfront of Marina Bay. Simply splendid for romantic dinner dates.

Waku Ghin (Marina Bay Sands)
Definitely one of Singapore’s top restaurant. I had one Japanese chef cooking just for 4 persons, live. The 10-course degustation menu has two seatings, one at 6pm and the other 8:30pm, with a very hefty price tag of $400++ per person.

Ezoca (Quayside Isle)
Located at Sentosa Cove, the traditional sukiya style interior of Ezoca featuring imported red cedar is elegance and exemplified, simple yet bringing out a dignified zen Japanese feel. The restaurant was extremely beautfiful.

Tip for new daters: Don’t pick the most expensive restaurant or one that is likely to close for your first date / first Valentine’s Day dinner. Because THAT is the place you are likely to go again and again.

Which is the Most Romantic Restaurant for you in Singapore?

Other 5 Best Entries
5 Best Hotel International Buffets In Singapore
5 Best Singapore’s Old School Cake Shops from the 60s
5 Best Liu Sha Bao aka Golden Custard Buns in Singapore
5 Old Chinese Restaurants in Singapore
5 Favourite Zi Char Places in Singapore

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A pity Asia Square is located slightly off for me. I tend to avoid Raffles Place, but it has become one of the hottest lunch spot for CBD workers. With the opening up of Tower 2, its Food Garden has welcomed 8 new tenants, some of which has set food in Singapore for the first time.

A delight for fans. Soup Stock Tokyo from Japan and Guzman y Gomez from Australia have opened their first-ever overseas outlets in the Asia Square Food Garden.

You can also find other international and local names – Ippudo Ramen Express (I wonder how many would know that), Artisan Boulangerie Co., La Cantine by Bruno Ménard, Marché Mövenpick, Tatsu Sushi, 180˚ Rotisserie, Chaitime, House of Noodle, Makan Padang and P.L.T. Sandwiches. Many of which are not the usual suspects you would see in other food courts.

Here are 5 new F&B outlets you can look forward to at Asia Square.

180˚ Rotisserie
Local celebrity chef Eric Teo would be a familiar face if you watch Channel 8’s food programmes. He has teamed up with the people behind the popular Wheat Baumkuchen to helm this rotisserie shop. Their roasted sakura chicken with their own in-house sauce (try the Chicken Old Bay) is tender-licious and juicy, giving other established chicken brands a run for their money. A set with quarter chicken and grilled vegetables is at an affordable $9.80.

Soup Stock Tokyo
My favourite soup shop from Japan has opened its first overseas outlet at Singapore. Wow. Finally, another soup place (and not just Soup Spoon). The popular order is the half-and-half where you can two different soups in a set with bread or rice. Some of my personal recommendations are the Hokkaido Crab Bisque, Tokyo Borsch, and Hokkaido Pumpkin Potage. However, at $14.00 per set, this is considered pricey (to me) for just having soup for lunch. And it is more expensive than Tokyo! (Read: Soup Stock Tokyo)

Guzman y Gomez
Strange than Mexican food generally do not do well in Singapore, but Guzman y Gomez has been attracting a steady queue since its opening last year. Try the Burrito with Grilled Chicken in GYG’s Guerrero marinade with Pico de Gallo salsa and Roasted Tomato Salsa. The Corn Chip serves as a light snack (to munch in office) and I looooove the Guacamole sauce.

Tatsu Sushi & Teppenyaki
If you think Food Garden is just another food court, well, they are actually some restaurants housed within. One of which is Tatsu Sushi & Teppenyaki, a combination of two concepts, originally from CHIJMES. Their raw fish is air-flown from Japan 4 times a week to ensure utmost freshness. Both the Crayfish in Yuzukosho Mayo and Beef in Foie Gras Sauce are simply oishii. Watching a teppanyaki ‘performance’ also makes lunch more entertaining.

Tao Seafood Asia
I couldn’t imagine that there could be a seafood restaurant hidden within here, but yes. And it is the first ever outlet of Tao. Enjoy some of the typical zi char fare, or chilli and pepper crab. If you are rushing for the next meeting, a shelled Chilli Crab Claw with deep fried Mantou ($18) is available, though I wished it was more succulent. The sauce is not too spicy, and slants towards being sweet and ketchup-y.

Asia Square Food Garden
Asia Square Tower 1 and Tower 2, Level 2 8 Marina View, Singapore 018960
Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (closed weekends and public holidays)

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