DanielFoodDiary.com

[SEOUL, KOREA] General impressions of food in Seoul may have been restricted to street food, and the likes of barbecue, Korean fried chicken, ginseng chicken and bibimbap.

With the Michelin Guide reaching Seoul, the dining scene may be shaken a little, with travellers knowing more options from the fine dining arena. (Also Read: Singapore Michelin Bib Gourmand Guide 2016 – 34 Eateries That Make The Cut)

24 restaurants in Seoul are awarded stars in the inaugural guide, with Gaon in Gangam and La Yeon at The Shilla Hotel. (Read: Review of La Yeon)

May be comforting to know that instead of a European restaurant (or more precisely a French restaurant), 2 Korean restaurants have taken the top honours.

Gaon operated by Korean ceramics group GwangJuYo is a traditional Korean restaurant serving high-end, elegant cuisine, while La Yeon takes a contemporary approach to Korean cuisine.

3 Michelin stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey
Gaon (Korean)
La Yeon (Korean)

2 Michelin stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour
Gotgan (Korean)
Kwon Sook Soo (Korean)
Pierre Gagnaire (French Contemporary)

1 Michelin star: A very good restaurant in its category
Alla Prima (Innovative)
Balwoo Gongyang (Temple Cuisine)
Bicena (Korean)
Bo Reum Soei (Barbecue)
Dining in Space (French Contemporary)
Hamo (Korean)
Jin Jin (Chnese)
Jungsik (Korean Contemporary)
Kojima (Sushi)
Kuenkiwajip (Gejang)
L’Amitié (French)
Mingles (Korean Contemporary)
Poom (Korean)
Ristorante Eo (Italian Contemporary)
Soigné (Innovative)
Twenty Four Seasons (Korean Contemporary)
Votre Maison (French Contemporary)
Yu Yuan (Chinese)
Zero Complex (Innovative)

The post Michelin Guide Seoul – Best Restaurants In Seoul Korea Are Gaon and La Yeon appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

[NEW] Try your hands at making your own Okonomiyaki?

Ajiya is a DIY, customisable Okonomiyaki restaurant at Bukit Timah (Jalan Jurong Kechil, somewhere near Lor Kilat) where you can try your hands at making your own okonomiyaki and saucing it according to your creativity.

The last I had Okonomiyaki お好み焼き was in the streets of Osaka. (Miss it so much. Bring me back.)

It is a Japanese savoury pancake containing a variety of ingredients such as cabbage, pork belly, octopus, squid, shrimps, vegetables and cheese.

This would be typically topped with Okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, aonori (seaweed) and bonito flakes.

The name is derived from the word “okonomi”, meaning “how you like” or “what you like”, while “yaki” means “grill”

At Ajiya, customers get to sit around a teppan counter, cook and flip their own Okonomiyaki. However, you can always request for the more experienced service staff to do so.

Price is at $11 to $14.

It was interactive, engaging to watch food prepared right in front of you, and the children were obviously quite intrigued.

Taste wise, I liked the light crunch of the cabbage, and the fillings weren’t till starchy. I did wish that the outer layer had more crisp.

Other offerings include signature items are Century Egg Kani Tofu – Surimi crabmeat combined with Japanese silken tofu topped with a homemade century egg sauce ($6), Shio Koji Tori Karaage ($12), Scallop Mentai ($13) and Homemade Gyoza ($6 for 5).

Ajiya Okonomiyaki Restaurant
104 Jalan Jurong Kechil, Singapore 598603 (Junction of Jln Jurong Kechil & Toh Yi Drive, Beauty World MRT Station Downtown Line)
Tel: +65 6463 3461
Opening Hours: Lunch 12pm – 3pm Last Order 2:30pm, Dinner 5:30pm – 10pm last Order 9:30pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

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[NEW] What kind of a restaurant would call itself “Little Bastard”?

Something quirky, something funny? Little Bastard calls itself “Singapore’s FIRST ADULTS ONLY dessert shop kitchen and bar”.

The exact location is *A SECRET*.

This is according to its website, ”If you are looking for the Little Bastard, know that he is said to hide out at The Refinery Singapore along 115 King George’s Ave, above a secret stairwell and is only allowed to play after dark. “

That would kind of mean
1) It is at 115 King George’s Ave
2) Near/within/above/behind The Refinery Singapore
3) Opens 6pm onwards (closes at 12am)

I won’t share any more, as it would probably spoil the ‘fun’ of searching.

The menu is printed “WTF”, which means “Where’s The Food” (yeah, right), serving sharing items such as Swee Kueh ($12++), You He ($14++ grilled squid), Bone & Marrow ($18++), Pok Pok ($15++ fried chicken bites), and Beef Tartare ($20++).

Signatures include Duck Confit Penyet ($20++), Kaeng Phet Mu ($24++, 14 Hour Sous Vide Iberico Pork Collar with Thai Red Curry), Shadow Leg ($24) and Duroc Pork LuRouFan ($18++).

I started with the Pok Pok ($15++) which were like popcorn chicken seasoned in this addictive sweet-spicy-tangy-limey sauce that must have had such addictive secret ingredient added.

SO GOOD. Could not stop having them. But considered very expensive for its portion.

The One Night In Tom Yum ($20++) contained cold Japanese Inaniwa udon with crab meat poured over with Tom Yum Consommé.

Most of us would typically have Tom Yum hot, very hot.

Having it cold was a bolt of refreshness, and some coconut milk added at the base of the bowl provided an appetising thrill. Something not quite what I ever had before.

However, by the time I had the main which was a 12 Hours Lemongrass Slow Grilled Chicken Thigh ($24++), I wondered “How come everything tasted almost the same?”

My friend commented if Little Bastard was a ‘one-trick pony’, which kept reusing the same winning Thai-Thai formula in all their food.

Warning: The Cheng Teng is $18++ and alcoholic.

Let me know if you manage, or bother to search for it.

Little Bastard
115 King George’s Avenue Singapore 208561
Tel: +65 8459 9893
Opening Hours: 6pm – 12am (Tues – Sat)

The post Little Bastard – “Singapore’s First Adults Only Dessert Shop” With A SECRET Location appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Michelin has unveiled the latest 2017 edition of its Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau, recognising 9 newly starred restaurants in Hong Kong and 3 in Macau.

There are six 3-star restaurants in Hong Kong. No change from the year before. So predictable, yah?

The guide features a total of 238 restaurants, including 80 starred restaurants – 61 in Hong Kong and 19 Macau – along with 75 Bib Gourmand-rated eateries.

Leading the line-up of new two-starred restaurants in Hong Kong is Kashiwaya in Central, which went straight to two star status exactly a year after its Nov 2015 opening.

The Japanese kaiseki restaurant is the first overseas outpost of Japanese chef Hideaki Matsuo, who also owns three-Michelin-starred Kashiwaya in Osaka.

NEW 2-star Michelin restaurant Ta Vie has Japanese influences, and is located at Hong Kong Central.

Also making its debut in the two-star category is innovative restaurant Ta Vie helmed by Japanese chef Hideaki Sato, who fuses Japanese and French techniques to bring the best out of Asian produce.

The restaurant was elevated from its one star ranking in the 2016 edition. (Had a meal there – quite exceptional.)

I also noticed that the 1-Star Category description has been changed from “A very good restaurant in its category” to “High quality cooking, worth a stop!” Hmmm….

Hong Kong Michelin Starred Restaurants 2017

Famous signature “Xiao Long Bao” from Bo Innovation.

Michelin Stars (Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey)
– 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA (Italian)
– Bo Innovation (Innovative)
– L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (French Contemporary)
– Lung King Heen (Cantonese)
– Sushi Shikon (Sushi)
– Tang Court (Cantonese)

Ryu Gin is the Hong Kong outlet to the famed Japanese restaurant RyuGin.

Two Michelin Stars (Excellent cuisine, worth a detour)
– Amber (French Contemporary)
– Caprice (French)
– Duddell’s (Cantonese)
– Forum (Cantonese)
– Kashiwaya (Japanese) NEW Entry
– Ming Court (Cantonese)
– Pierre (French Contemporary)
– Ryu Gin (Japanese)
– Shang Palace (Cantonese)
– Summer Palace (Cantonese)
– Sun Tung Lok Tsim Sha Tsui (Cantonese)
– Ta Vie (Innovative) NEW Entry
– Tin Lung Heen (Cantonese)
– Yan Toh Heen (Cantonese)

Kam’s Roast Goose at Wan Chai which will open an outlet in Singapore.

Ho Hung Kee – One star Michelin wanton noodle restaurant

One Michelin Star (High quality cooking, worth a stop!)
– Ah Yat Harbour View Restaurant
– Akrame
– Beefbar NEW Entry
– CIAK – In The Kitchen
– Epure NEW Entry
– Fu Ho Restaurant Tsim Sha Tsui
– Golden Valley
– Guo Fu Lou
– Ho Hung Kee
– Jardin de Jade
– Kam’s Roast Goose
– Lei Garden Kwun Tong
– Lei Garden Mong Kok
– Lei Garden North Point
– Loaf On
– Man Wah
– Mandarin Grill + Bar
– MIC Kitchen
– ON Dining
– Pang’s Kitchen
– Peking Garden
– Qi Wan Chai
– Sai Kung Sing Kee
– Seasons by Olivier E.
– Serge et le Phoque
– Spring Moon NEW Entry
– Sushi Tokami NEW Entry
– Sushi Wadatsumi
– Tate Dining Room & Bar
– Tim Ho Wan North Point
– Tim Ho Wan Sham Shui Po
– Tosca
– VEA NEW Entry
– Wagyu Kaiseki Den
– Wagyu Takumi
– Yat Lok
– Yat Tung Heen Jordon NEW Entry
– Yè Shanghai (TST)
– Zhejiang Heen

Hong Kong Michelin Bib Gourmand 2017

Ah Chun Shandong Dumpling
Ancient Moon
Ba Yi
Bombay Dreams
Brass Spoon (new)
Café Hunan (Western district)
Chan Kan Kee Chiu Chow (Sheung Wan)
Chili Club
Chuen Cheung Kui (Mong Kok)
CIAK – All Day Italian (new)
Congee and Noodle Shop
Din Tai Fung (Causeway Bay)
Din Tai Fung (Silvercord)
Dragon Inn
Fu Sing (Causeway Bay)
Fu Sing (Wan Chai)
Fung Shing (Mong Kok)
Good Hope Noodle (Fa Yuen Street)
Ho To Tai
Kau Kee
Kung Tak Lam (Causeway Bay)
Kwan Kee Bamboo Noodles (Cheung Sha Wan)
Lan Yuen Chee Koon
Lin Heung Kui
Liu Yuan Pavilion (new)
Lucky Indonesia
Mask of Sichuen & Beijing
May’s Sawaddee Thailand
Megan’s Kitchen
New Shanghai
Nishiki
Po Kee
Putien (Causeway Bay)
Qĭao Cuisine
Ramen Jo (Causeway Bay)
Restoran Indonesia 1968
Sabah (Wan Chai)
Sang Kee
Ser Wong Fun
She Wong Yee
Shek Kee Kitchen
Shugetsu Ramen (Central)
Shugetsu Ramen (Quarry Bay)
Sing Kee (new)
Sister Wah (Tin Hau)
Siu Shun Village Cuisine (Kowloon Bay)
Snow Garden
Sun Yuen Hing Kee
Tai Wing Wah
Tai Woo (Causeway Bay)
Takeya
Tasty (IFC)
Thai Chiu (Sham Shui Po)
Tim Ho Wan (Tai Kwok Tsui)
Tsim Chai Kee (Wellington Street)
Tulsi (North Point)
Wang Fu (Central)
Wing Lai Yuen
Wing Wah
Wonton Master
Yau Yuen Siu Tsui
Yue Kee
Yun Yan
Yue Kee
Yun Yan

The post Hong Kong Michelin Guide 2017 – 80 Starred Restaurants, 61 In Hong Kong and 19 In Macau appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

[NEW] Japanese food halls and clusters are the IN thing in Singapore, with Itadakimasu opening up at Level 3 of 100AM Mall Tanjong Pagar.

The anticipated date of the main opening is 1st of December, Thursday, with restaurants already opening up in phases.

There are already Japan Food Town at Wisma Atria, Japan Foods Garden at Shaw Centre, Emporium Shokuhin at Marina Square, and Eat at Seven at Suntec City.

Malls such as Millenia Walk and Jurong Point have also carved out Japanese restaurant ‘streets’

“Itadakimasu!” That would loosely mean “Let’s eat!” “Itadakimasu”, often used as a phrase just before a meal.

The multi-restaurant concept will presents a variety of Japanese cuisines such as ramen, shabu shabu, soba, sushi, tonkatsu and yakiniku, with each restaurant having an individual shopfront.

Here are the Japanese restaurants you can expect at Itadakimasu Singapore:

Shabu Shabu GYU JIN,
Renowned for its quality cuts of beef and flavourful hotpot.

Nadai Fujisoba NI HACHI
Longstanding soba restaurant that will be importing high quality buckwheat from Japan to create fresh noodles daily.

Numazu Uogashizushi
One of the few sushi restaurants to have coveted auction rights in Numazu fish market located at Numazu Port, for premium quality seafood that will be flown to Singapore directly from the market.

Ramen Keisuke Tori King
Ramen Keisuke Tori King known for its chicken thigh ramen, has expanded its menu. Other than a “soup upgrade”, meaning the broth is supposedly more flavourful, new additions include Tsukemen ($14.90), Clear Soup option ($13.00), Tan Tan Mien ($13.90), Ultra Rich Tan Tan Mien ($14.90), and Maze Soba ($12.90).

Saboten
Tonkatsu family style restaurant which serves Japanese fried food from pork, salmon and oysters. The tonkatsu sauce is said to be made from a secret family recipe that uses fresh cabbage.

Yakiniku Heijoen
Japanese Wagyu BBQ specialist , with over 24 outlets in Tokyo alone. Famous for their beef, such as the Black Hair Wagyu beef.

YAYOI
Interpretations of meals of steamed rice served with mains and side dishes (teishoku).

Itadakimasu
100 Tras Street, 100 AM, #03-10 to 15 and #03-K1, Singapore 079027
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Daily (From 1st Dec 2016)

The post Itadakimasu Singapore – 7 Japanese Restaurants Under One Roof At 100AM Tanjong Pagar appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

[NEW] Some of the new cafes and restaurants in Singapore can be described as “pattern more than badminton”.

You may not quite imagine this garden meets traditional Chinese teahouse interior restaurant serving Sichuan cuisine AND cocktails, nestled (pardon the pun) at Amoy Street.

Called Birds Of A Feather. In Singapore, anything also can.

This is an all-day dining, cafe and bar near the CBD at Amoy Street. The interior reminded me of a Chinese poetry or calligraphy house, somewhat in the likes of Du Fu Thatched Cottage at Chengdu.

Except this is also very contemporary and hipster.

The concept did take inspiration from Chengdu, which is said to have parks, cafes and tea houses on every city street corner. (Should I make a visit back again?)

Birds Of A Feather is owned by the owners of Good Wood Coffee – a café chain at Chengdu.

The offerings are contemporary Western cuisine with a pronounced Sichuan influence, including lighter options such as Roasted Chicken & Avocado Salad with Szechuan pepper, Charcoal Roasted Romaine Lettuce with Fried Tofu Cheese Ball and Sesame dressing.

Or the intriguing sounding Tofu Burger with Mapo Meat Sauce ($22), Oriental Bolagnaise ($20) of angel hair pasta, pork ragout, onsen tamago which is interpreted from Cha Jiang Mian, and Birds Signature Burger ($30) of charcoal grilled beef patty, foie gras, cheddar, carmelised onion, with a chilli soy tapenade inspired by Szechuan Dou Pan Jiang.

Okay, slightly on the expensive side.

I had the Find The Chicken in The Chiliies ($16). Actually, they should just call the dish as it is, “La Zi Ji” – marinated deep fried chicken pieces stir fried with Sichuan chilli peppers.

NOT as spicy and ‘mala’ as those in Chengdu, but this would be enough for your chopsticks to keep reaching out, addictive with that faint kick of spiciness to trigger your taste buds.

The Crispy Pork Trotter in a Bag ($12 for 5 pieces) was a fun snack where the fatty meats would be shaken like “shake shake fries” with a salty, tad spicy powder.

Good on the first bite, too fatty for me otherwise (sorry, really watching cholesterol levels.)

Birds Of A Feather is a fun, not so predictable place, and the multitude of greenery adds a level of calmness (ironically in a bar). Can possibly get some colleagues and friends to, well, flock there together.

Birds Of A Feather
113 Amoy Street Singapore 069935
Tel: +65 6221 7449
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm Daily

The post Birds Of A Feather – Hipster Sichuan Food In A Restaurant Of Greenery appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

[NEW] High-end Paragon Mall has quite a new food outlets, one of them is Amiral Atelier, a cakes and chocolate cafe.

The name “Amiral Atelier” may not stick that obviously or have easy recall, but it represents the street where the Pastry Chef Sae lived during her days in Paris.

“Amiral” pays ode to where her journey began, and now continues half way around the world.

Some may not know Amiral Aterlier is under the Dulcet and Studio (Liang Court). Also owned by Tampopo Restaurant.

Yeah, that pork katsu place.

The Japanese-French inspired café offers cakes, tarts, eclairs and choux, with a small selection of beverages such as black coffee, cold brew tea and matcha tea.

Expect the likes of Fig Éclair ($7.50), Vanilla Rum Slice, Gateau de Voyage Chocolate ($9.50), Chocolate Mousse Cake with Coffee and Caramel ($8.50), and Matcha Brownie.

To be honest, I have visited the café 3 times, to the extent that my friend would ask “Why do you go back so many times if the first time failed?”

I just wanted to give a chance because I liked the space, and the staff was warm and sincere.

The Matcha Brownie ($6.50) I had was HARD and dry, not to the extent of rock-hard, but the fork couldn’t even go through easily. I asked for a knife in the end, and that still took me a while to cut through.

The Fig Éclair, scoring high in terms of aesthetics and an interesting tangy-fig cream in the middle. However, the choux dough was dry and not exactly appetising for a pastry-specialty place.

Considering that the cakes are freshly made in house, I suspect that it had to do with the refrigeration and temperature of the display counter.

Their Chocolate Bon Bons were delicately delicious though. Would have wanted to love this place more. Hope they iron out their weaknesses soon.

Amiral Atelier
Paragon Shopping Centre B1-25 Singapore
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

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[NEW OPENING] Ash & Char is a gastrobar at McCallum Street, diagonally opposite Amoy Street Food Centre, specialising in Modern Asian cuisine.

The name is derived from the techniques applied to the cooking, mostly charring and grilling.

It is sister restaurant to Rise and Grind at Bt Timah.

(Photo credit: @shauneeie)

Some of the recommended dishes include The Vegan ($14++), a grain bowl consisting of freekah, charred sugar snap peas, white miso hummus, pickled beetroot, roasted cauliflower, crispy kale, garnished with mixed seeds; and Tom Yum Seafood Pasta ($19++) which features linguine in creamy tomyum sauce, accompanied by a mix of mussels and squids, topped with grilled prawns.

For meat lovers, you can go for the Tamarind Wings ($12) crispy wings with a sticky tamarind glaze, topped with fried Thai basil ($12++), or Hanger Steak ($21++) 150g of grain fed Angus beef, served with charred baby romaine, burnt lemon dressing, and pickled jalapeño puree to flavour.

The bar provides a selection of in-house cocktails like the Elderflower Fuss (Gin, Elderflower Liquer, Pink Grapefruit Juice, Blue Curacao), and Pestle & Mortar, their take on the classic Mojito, mixed with blackberry, and rosemary infused blueberries and rum.

Ash and Char
21 McCallum Street #01-03/04, The Clift, Singapore 069047 (Tanjong Pagar Green Line & Telok Ayer Blue Line)
Tel: +659132888
Opening Hours: 11am –11pm (Mon – Thurs), 11am – 12am (Fri), 5pm – 10pm (Sat), Closed Sun

The post Ash & Char – Charred and Smoked Food In A Modern Diner appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

[REVIEW] Another restaurant filled with greenery and herb planters… like why are there so many places going GREEN of late (whether real or fake)… Anyway, Basil Thai Kitchen has opened at Paragon basement 1, Orchard Road.

Its first outlet is at Kallang Wave Mall.

The tai-tais shopping around the mall should like the hua-hua cao-cao, meaning lush greenery of the restaurant, good to keep the mood calm (after stressful shopping and fussing over kids), and taking lao-chio wefies.

Basil Thai Kitchen is under the same parent-company of ThaiExpress chain of restaurants and Yentafo Kruengsonge at Orchard Cineleisure.

But let’s not let this colour the impressions of this eatery.

Headed by Iron Chef Thailand, Chumpol Jangprai, the restaurant serves up familiar Thai staples such as Phad Thai Seafood ($11.90), Tom Yum Soup with Mushrooms ($8.90), Basil & Chill Chicken Rice ($11.90), Green Curry Chicken ($11.90) and Pineapple Fried Rice ($11.90).

It also aims to showcase lesser-known Thai delicacies from various parts of Thailand to highlight interesting provincial dishes.

I had the Fresh Prawn Omelette ($8.90), unfortunately this didn’t work well, making me long for Thailand even more.

The entire dish was fried dry till you couldn’t enjoy the fluffiness of the egg, and ingredients of prawns were insignificant.

My friend ask why the Signature Basil Chicken Wings ($8.90) looked that pek pek which meant pale, but I thought it was not too bad. Maybe they just badly needed a tan. Just kidding.

They were of a different style. Not exactly superiorly crisp, but at least the inside was moist and flavourfully marinated. (Reminder: Greyhound Café famous for wings opening at a stone throw away.)

If you are looking for more authentic and spicy Green Curry Chicken ($11.90), you may not find it here. But I found that it was a decent rendition catered to a more mass market, still creamy with chunks of chicken.

Considering this is Paragon Orchard, price point is still friendly. I seriously may prefer this place more than ThaiExpress. Does this make sense?

Basil Thai Kitchen
Paragon #B1-45/46, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 6836 8417
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Daily

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[NEW. REVIEW] The mention of a garden themed café nestled (pardon the pun again) away along Neil Road, offering brunch and desserts, may remind you of Epiphyte.

Except, no. This is THE Botanist, which happens to be just across the road. Incidentally, new ice cream café Apiary is a few shops away.

Coincidence much.

Botanist is run by the same team behind Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters, Alchemist and Knockhouse Supply Co, so people would come with a certain expectation, especially for their coffee.

I love Pacamara by the way.

For seating areas, the garden part has a more outdoorsy, relaxing vibes, though it can be rather warm.

While the indoor area has aircon, it is more cramped and you may smell like the kitchen upon coming out.

The Botanist offers brunch classics of Baked Egg ($19), French Toast ($18), Maple Pancake ($18), Breakfast Platter ($23), Croque Madame ($18), Corn Fritters ($18) and Corned Beef Hash ($19).

The brunch food are probably Aussie-Melbourne inspired, with an item or two reminding us of Hash Specialty Coffee at Hardware Street down under.

I enjoyed the Baked Egg, one of the more decent versions I had of late – warm (as compared to lukewarm), filled with chorizo iberico, bacon and feta cheese, with a tangy-zing from the tomato relish, accompanied by a variety of toasted slices.

If you fancy a heartier meal, there are options of Tagliatelle Carbonara ($18), Seafood Aglio Olio ($23), Salmon & Egg ($23), Slow Coked Beef Cheek ($24) and Beef Burger ($20).

One of the only other options (other than Maple Pancake) was the French Toast ($18).

While it boasted of crisp-meets-fluffy fried brioche, it might be overwhelming in the berries compartment. Could do better if something could balance that off.

The coffee, exclusively roasted in-house, can be described as a comforting cup – bold, low acidity, with sweet, chocolate undertones.

The Botanist
74 Neil Road Singapore 088839 (Outram Park)
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm (Tues – Sun)
Last drink order: 5.30pm
Last food order: 5pm

* Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Town Restaurant at The Fullerton Hotel boasts of a fantastic view of the Singapore River, offering choices of buffet lunches, seafood buffet dinners, Sunday brunches, and Weekday Power Lunch Specials.

[Check out the UnionPay Promotion at the end of the post. Enjoy a complimentary bottle of house pour wine with every 4 paying guests for daily buffet dinner with UnionPay card.]

Stepping in, you would realise there are two mini-floors of food which provides a spread of both local and international flavours.

You can choose to sit indoors decorated in the classic “Fullerton Hotel” European look and comfort, or dine alfresco to enjoy some breeze and view, especially during night time.

While Town Restaurant serves International cuisine with a focus on local, Japanese and Italian, I propose that you should try some of these “Local Signatures”.

Top on my list is the Town Laksa, with rice vermicelli cooked with prawns, quail eggs, beancurd puff in a moderately spicy coconut gravy base. (Available both in the buffet and ala carte.)

I thought almost every component that went inside were tasty, including the slices of fishcake. The accompanying aromatic gravy was thick, flavourful and packed a light punch.

The Fullerton’s Hainanese Chicken Rice was ranked top on their recommendations, alongside Cantonese-style roast meats and crispy pork belly.

Though I thought the rice could have been more fragrant.

Other stand-outs include Nasi Goreng, Bak Kut Teh, Fish Curry and Char Kway Teow, available on rotational basis.

If you come from Mondays to Wednesdays, and Saturdays, there is ocean fresh seafood available, with the option of barbecued items like grilled lobsters and sausages for the buffet dinner.

Some may think that Town Restaurant is just a buffet place, but they do offer ala carte dishes.

The newly introduced Weekend Power Lunch Specials will be suitable for those on a search for corporate lunches with ‘upmarket-local’, pasta or Japanese food.

You can choose to tuck into a bowl of steaming Town Laksa, Bak Chor Mee, Aburi Kaisen Chirashi Don of cuts of premium seafood and raw fish, or Make-Your-Own-Pasta lunch with choice of seasonal ingredients (All $26++ each).

Surprisingly, the Bak Chor Mee was quite on-point.

Typically, I would only consume this local delicacy at the hawker centres, but I may consider having this again at Town Restaurant.

The mee pok (flat egg noodles) was cooked al dente and springy, evenly tossed in a sauce of vinegar and chilli.

All the elements worked together well, even the slices of pork liver that had that tender bite without the peculiar aftertaste.

While Town Restaurant is not the kind of buffet restaurant that displays endless colourful spreads and spreads of food to activate your salivary glands, I appreciate getting some quality dishes.

Great ambience, a decent spread at a fair price point.

Buffet Pricings
Mon-Fri
International Lunch Buffet (12:30pm-2:30pm): $56++ per adult, $28++ per child

Mon-Tues, Sun
Heritage Buffet with International Selections (6:30pm-10:30pm): $56++ per adult, $28++ per child

Mon-Wed, Sat
BBQ International Buffet with Heritage Food (6:30pm-10:30pm): $89++ per adult, $44++ per child (both include BBQ: sirloin, veal, sausage & prawn & 2 hours’ free flow of Tiger Beer & Singapore Sling)
Seafood International Buffet with Heritage Food (6:30pm-10:30pm): $69++ per adult, $34++ per child

Sat, PH
Singapore High Tea Buffet (12pm-3:30pm): $36++ per adult, $18++ per child

Sunday
Champagne Brunch (12pm-3:30pm): $158++ per adult (free flow champagne), $110++ per adult (w/o alcohol). $55++ per child

Town Restaurant
The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178
Tel: +65 6877 8911
+65 6877 8912
Opening Hours: 6:30am – 10:30pm
Email: town@fullertonhotel.com

UnionPay Card Promotion:
Enjoy a complimentary bottle of house pour wine with every 4 paying guests for daily buffet dinner with UnionPay card (Card number starting with 62).

Terms & Conditions:
– Offer is valid up to a maximum of 8 diners.
– Offer is not valid on eve of and on public holidays, including 15 days of Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, Easter Weekend, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, F1 Weekend and Thanksgiving Day, and may include other blackout dates determined by the merchant, unless stated otherwise.
– Prior dining reservation is required and subject to availability. Please quote “UnionPay” upon reservation.
– Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions, offers, privileges, discounts, vouchers, loyalty programmes and privilege card.
– The Hotel reserves the right to amend any terms and conditions without prior notice.

UnionPay offers a wide range of privileges and benefits to cardholders wherever they go, in over 160 countries and regions. In Singapore, UnionPay cards are issued by Bank of China (BOC), DBS Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and United Overseas Bank (UOB) and are accepted at over 80 percent of merchants across F&B, shopping, entertainment, petrol and travel categories. Some of the widely-recognised merchants include ION Orchard, Shaw Theatres, SPC, Sheng Siong, Kinokuniya, Tangs, Watsons and Cold Storage. Selected UnionPay cards are also enabled with QuickPass, which enables cardholders to pay with a simple tap-and-go motion at outlets such as Doutor Coffee, Hockhua and SaladStop! outlets islandwide.

To enjoy all the exciting F&B privileges at Town Restaurant, Aquamarine and more, apply for a UnionPay card today!

*This post is brought to you in partnership with UnionPay.

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Talk about Hokkaido, and the images of fresh seafood, the best dairy products, exquisite confectionaries, and Sapporo ramen will surface.

Good news, Hokkaido is coming to you.

Hello Hokkaido! is the first-ever 10-day festival celebrating Hokkaido’s finest food and culture at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) , and will be held from 18 (Fri) to 27 November (Sun), 11am to 10pm.

Admission is FREE!

Here are 8 Other Good Reasons To Visit This HOKKAIDO Festival At RWS:

Feast at authentic Yatai Stalls (Location: B1 Forum)
Yatai is a small, mobile food stall in Japan which typically sells street food such as ramen and snacks.

There will be over 20 food and retails stalls which may make you feel like you are in Hokkaido again.

If you are craving for some authentic Hokkaido yatai street fare, look out for stalls such as Hokkaido Santouka ramen and Ohara Farm’s melon flavoured soft ice cream. The Yatai Street will also feature Hokkaido’s most sought-after produce and delicacies such as premium seafood air-flown from the fishery town of Esashi, fat-rich salmon from Teshio in Northern Hokkaido.

The Yatai Stalls available include:
– Sapparo Lion, for Hokkaido-origin beer
– Ohara Farm, for Hokkaido soft ice cream
– Snaffle’s, for Hokkaido cheese cakes
– Soup Curry Okushiba Syoten, popular Sapporo Soup Curry (heard in Japan you need to wait more than an hour for this, will be looking forward!)
– Ninjamen, for ramen that can be cooked in a Ninja art box
– Teshio Town, popular for seafood dishes such as Teshio Salmon
– Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, for pork cheek Tonkotsu Ramen
– Hokkaido Izakaya, for Roast Wagyu Beef Rice Don
– Shiroi Kobito, one of Hokkaido’s best known and hottest selling snacks since 1976
– Esashi Seafood Trading, which provides a variety of seafood produce
– Bentoss Obento, for Japanese bento lunch boxes

Shop at retail stalls
You can find unique Japanese handmade crafts, natural healthcare and skincare products for sale, such as the InEarth famed horse oil beauty creams, as well as some of Japan’s best cake rolls and creamy cheese cakes from Flanders.

Exclusive to this event is an Ainu Traditional Hand Crafts stall.

The indigenous Ainu native people have lived in Hokkaido for centuries, and .are known to make many everyday items inspired from for using materials of their surroundings. It is a rare opportunity to see traditional embroidery and handicrafts, kimono and clothing accessories made from fabric with traditional Ainu patterns.

Savour exquisite cuisine
In addition to that, it’s not just Hokkaido’s street food, celebrity and Michelin chefs from Resorts World Sentosa will incorporate luxurious seafood ingredients, into a specially created menu during this limited period.

These ingredients include uni (sea urchin), kani (crab), hotate (scallop) and ikura (salmon roe) fresh from the pristine waters of Hokkaido.

These culinary creations will be available both a la carte and in specially curated set menus with prices starting from $22++ for a la carte orders and S$68++ per person for a 3-course menu.

Delight in the Crab Bash (Location: B1 Forum, and various RWS celebrity restaurants)
Hokkaido is known for its sweet, succulent crabs, and you do not have to fly over to Japan to try them now.

The Esashi Yatai stall will be offering four types of freshly imported crabs, namely King Crab, Snow Crab, Blue King Crab and Hairy Crab.

Pick and have the chef cook it before your eyes.

You can head over to various celebrity chef restaurants at Resorts World Sentosa, and try these fresh crab-inspired dishes fine-dining style.

Highlights include
– Zuwai kani shabu shabu at Syun helmed by Kobe-born Chef Hal Yamashita
– Snow Crab Cannelloni at Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora
– Homemade Tagliolini with Blue King Crab in Light Tomato Cream Sauce, Orange Crumble and Chili Oil Pearls at Fratelli
– Hokkaido Alaska Crab Steamed in Chinese Wine with Egg White and Vermicelli at one Michelin starred Forest.

Drink at the Sake Bar (Location: Resorts World Convention Centre, B1)
With an extensive range of sake and wines flown in from Hokkaido, The Sake Bar will serve an impressive range of sake and wine.

Expect sake from award winning, world class breweries – Kitano Homare and Nippon Seishu, the pioneer of sake production in Hokkaido and world-famous for their Chitose-Tsuru sakes.

Look out for award-winning wines from Hakodate Wine, especially the fruit wines which are made using Western methods but formulated and refined for Japanese tastes; and Grande Polaire with quality vintages made from grapes harvested in Hokkaido.

Participate in Sake Social Event (19 & 26 Nov, 3 – 6pm):
A sake sommelier will be around to talk to guests and share more about the Hokkaido sake breweries and also to teach/help them to pair their yatai food to the most appropriate sake

Be entertained with musical acts from Hokkaido (Location: B1 Forum)
Three musical acts will be specially flown in from Hokkaido, and they have been handpicked by the Hokkaido Government to perform at this festival.

Look out for female pop singer Ayano Mashiro, five-member girl band Milcs Honmono from Sapporo and champion shamisen (traditional Japanese lute) player Niya.

Performance dates*:
18 – 20 Nov (Fri – Sun): Ayano Mashiro & Milcs Honmono
25 – 27 Nov (Fri – Sun): Niya
* Timings to be updated

Attractive packages at the Travel Fair (Weekends only, Location: Resorts World Convention Centre, Aquarius function rooms 1-4)
If you are ALREADY thinking of heading down to Hokkaido, there will be special tour packages available, offered by leading travel agents.

Get discounts with ski-learning packages from $1483 or go on an ice breaker cruise and experience Winter Lights with packages starting from $3788 before taxes and surcharges.

So, Hello Hokkaido! Admission is FREE!

Purchases are to be made using credits. There is an Early Bird Special: Get bonus credits when you purchase from now till 17 November.

Find out more at www.rwsentosa.com/hellohokkaido

Hello Hokkaido!
Forum / Resorts World Convention Centre, Aquarius 1-4 (Travel Fair)
Date: 18 – 27 Nov 2016 (Fri – Sun)
Travel Fair is open on weekends only (18 – 20 Nov, 25 – 27 Nov, 11am – 8pm)
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm

* This post is brought to you in partnership with Resorts World Sentosa.

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[MACAU] If you haven’t considered Macau for a foodie culinary trip, perhaps it is time to.

The 2017 Michelin Guide features a total of 19 starred restaurants from Macau, where the top honours continue to go to Robuchon au Dôme and The Eight. (Read: Hong Kong Michelin Guide 2017)

Chinese eatery Feng Wei Ju and Japanese restaurant Mizumi, climbed up one rung to the two-star category.

The former specialises in Chuan-Xiang cuisine, a spice-heavy cuisine from the regions of Sichuan and Hunan and one of the eight major cuisines of China, while the latter is helmed by three renowned Japanese chefs and flies in fresh produce from Japan daily.

Three new one-starred restaurants include Lai Heen, Pearl Dragon and Ying.

Three Michelin Stars (Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey)
Robuchon au Dôme (French Contemporary)
The Eight (Chinese)

Jade Dragon 譽瓏軒 is one of the world’s best Chinese restaurant.
Two Michelin Stars (Excellent cuisine, worth a detour)
Feng Wei Ju (Hunanese and Sichuan) NEW Entry
Golden Flower (Chinese)
Jade Dragon (Cantonese)
Mizumi (Japanese) NEW Entry
The Tasting Room (French Contemporary)

The Tasting Room at City Of Dreams is helmed by Chef Guillaume Galliot.

One Michelin Star (High quality cooking, worth a stop)
King (Cantonese)
Lai Heen (Cantonese) NEW Entry
8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo (Italian)
Pearl Dragon (Cantonese) NEW Entry
Shinji (Sushi)
Terrazza (Italian)
The Golden Peacock (Indian)
The Kitchen (Steakhouse)
Tim’s Kitchen (Cantonese)
Wing Lei (Cantonese)
Ying (Cantonese) NEW Entry
Zi Yat Heen (Cantonese)

Bib Gourmand
A Lorcha
Café Leon
Castiço
Chan Seng Kei
Cheong Kei
Din Tai Fung (COD)
Hou Kong Chi Kei
IFT Educational Restaurant
Lou Kei (Fai Chi Kei)
Luk Kei Noodle
Tou Tou Koi
Xin – NEW Entry

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[REVIEW] The Coconut Club got into the foodie limelight recently with their $12.80 Nasi Lemak, served at the hipster district of Ann Siang Hill.

$12.80 Nasi Lemak.

Ex and gimmicky, or real good stuff? I am all for the local delicacies moving into restaurants, bistros and cafes.

In fact, this can be a way our humble hawker food can be elevated up, and perhaps attract more young ‘hawkerpreneurs’ to enter the tough and challenging industry.

Just like say, Singapore’s very own Michelin Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle which gone from hawker to restaurant. Hopefully, many more to come.

If we want a cheaper version, there is always the hawker centres. For convenience, there is Crave and Qiji. Of course, some say the best rendition of Nasi Lemak will be at home. But that is the very beauty of Singapore.

Of course, there will always be some who complain Nasi Lemak for $12.80 (nett) in a restaurant is expensive, but emmm… Baked Riced with ham at $12.80 is cheap.

The Coconut Club was packed to the brim during a weekend visit. (Okay, didn’t help they are only opened limited hours per day.)

They specialise in serving up plates of fragrant Nasi Lemak ($12.80), coupled with traditional local sides such as charcoal-grilled Otak Otak ($8.50), Ikan Goreng (market price) and Cendol ($3.80).

Prices are inclusive of GST and service charge. That is a bonus.

Here is what’s so special about the rice: Old crop Thai Jasmine Rice is used. Coconuts are from one specific plantation in Sabak Bernam, and type is called the MAWA (The Malaysian West African strain).

This coconut milk is squeezed in-house, and has a creamier, richer texture.

The verdict: The rice was lovely and fluffy, with that undemanding aroma that didn’t overwhelm. I don’t always finish my Nasi Lemak rice as it could be both oily and heavy.

This – I cleaned out. It was sedap in an understated sort of way.

The chicken was the other tasty element, rubbed with lemongrass, galangal and turmeric, carrying with it Asian flavours rather than just a generic fried chicken. The bad: could not stop eating the skin.

The Cendol ($3.80) was a creamy, milky version, and didn’t stinge on adding good gula melaka. The ‘cannot-have’ if you are watching your cholesterol levels.

Would be happier if it was a bigger portion with beans added. Personal preference.

The fellow customers I talked to came from various backgrounds. Two aunties longed to eat for a good plate of Nasi Lemak, some brought their children here because they never had Nasi Lemak is their lives.

Good food like Nasi Lemak, brings people together. The Coconut ‘Club’, is an appropriate name indeed.

The Coconut Club
NO. 6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069787 (Chinatown MRT)
Tel: +65 6635 2999
Opening Hours: 11 am – 3 pm (Tues – Sat)

* Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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[REVIEW] Candlenut Singapore is possibly the world’s 1st and only Michelin-starred Peranakan Restaurant.

The restaurant helmed by Chef Malcolm Lee has moved from New Bridge Road to COMO Dempsey.

Gone was the space with simple, bare furnishing. This new place is designed by world-renowned architect and designer, Paola Navone, and boosts of a classy-type of
al fresco dining area, and an eight-seat private room.

Though Michelin supposedly DOESN’T award restaurants based on interior, this Candlenut looks more contemporary and posh, closer to the layman’s impression of a “Michelin-starred restaurant”.

Reservations have been said to be very full. So much so that when I called to make a booking, the staff on the other side mentioned, “Sorry Sir, reservations are coming in like a tsunami.” . Yes, Tsunami.

Favourites from Candlenut’s signature Peranakan Ah-ma-kase dinner tasting menu – including the Red Lion Snapper Fillet with Black Green Mango Sambal and Ginger Flower ($28), and the King Tiger Prawn with Fresh Chilli Sambal and Charred Garlic Chives ($32) – are now available on the a la carte menu.

Diners can choose from more than 40 appetisers, mains and desserts from the a la carte menu for lunch and dinner, including Homemade Kueh Pie Tee ($12), Buah Keluak Wagyu Beef Short Ribs ($36).

For those who prefer to leave it to the chef, there’s an option for a 10-course tasting menu for dinner at $78.

The server Dexter (who is actually also a chef) gave a few candid recommendations.

I brought a few friends for lunch. One was a Peranakan, the other a fussy (maybe choosey is a better word) eater and VERY particular about food.

So I held my breath to wait for the verdict of the Babi Pongteh…

”It’s actually not bad…”

Okay, moment of relief. Seriously. I enjoyed the Babi Pongteh, a stewed pork with fermented beans dish.

The pork was melt-in-your-mouth soft, coated with delicious preserved soy beans gravy. Though it would have been on the ‘sweetish’ side.

The Ayam Buah Keluak ($20), which printed on the menu is called “Braised Local Chicken with Peranakan Signature Black Nut Sambal”, is done in classic “Malcolm Lee” style.

The ‘black gold’ fillings of the buah beluak (black nuts) are only extracted after they are soaked for a minimum of 5 days.

My other friend was wondering, ”Where’s the Buah Keluak?”

The chicken pieces were instead coated with thick, black, unique tasting buah keluak that was lip-smacking good. However, to some others who have NEVER tried this before, it could taste… repulsive?

The nuts were chosen to be left out of the dish. We figured it would be a ‘cleaner’ way to eat without needing the actual digging, but felt it lost a bit of the authenticity, fun and ‘interaction’ with the food.

The other of my favourite was the Blue Swimmer Crab Curry, otherwise called Yellow Coconut Curry of Crab ($28).

It is cooked using blue swimmer crab meat, inspired by the classic prawn nanas dish, with the gravy contains an exciting and appetizing myriad of flavours of sweet, tanginess (from the lime?), and light spiciness.

Some of the other items we tried – Shellfish Bisque (good), Bakwan Kepiting Soup (okay, not exceptional), Kueh Pie Tee (better ones around), and Buah Keluak Ice Cream (expensive at $15, try it if you must, because it is somewhat spicy).

Some Peranakan purists may lament at the lack of authenticity, and food slanted to a more modern taste. Flavours are not as strong or robust as what granny would cook at home.

However, I do Candlenut hits a sweet spot in balancing traditional Peranakan fare with some modern way of cooking and presentation. A worthy recommendation for foreign friends and corporate partners.

Candlenut
Block 17A Dempsey Road Singapore 239676
Tel: 1800 3042 288
Opening Hours: Lunch 12:00pm – 2:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Dinner 6pm – 9pm (Sun – Thurs), 6pm – 10:30pm (Fri, Sat, eve of PH)

* Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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[TAIPEI, TAIWAN] For those unfamiliar with the café scene in Taipei, it has considered to blossom with many hipster cafes sprouting away from the city centre.

Nothing to stop us serial café hoppers to make a trek to Fujin Tree 353 Café 富錦樹咖啡.

Fujin Street 富錦街 located at Minsheng Community 民生社區 is lined with trees, and better known as Fujin Tree Street 富錦樹街.

It is suitable for a short stroll, filled with cafes, design shops and boutiques, well… belonging to the Fujin Tree Group.

The first glaring thing when you Google Fujin Tree 353 Café will be its location, near Songshan Airport Station, far north in Taipei.

However, do not be put off if you have decided that this café is one gem of a find.

Here’s some direction: Getting out of Songshan Airport Station, you have to head south east, on occasions just by the roadside. This will take you past a couple industrial factories, a military outpost until you reach Fujin Street. Estimated a 15 minutes’ walk (if you do not stop for seflies).

Turn into the street and after 300m, you should land onto the front of Fujin Tree 353 Café.

My first impression of Fujin Tree Café was its leafy and shadowy exterior that made for a great flaylay of food (Sorry, instagrammer talk).

Every part of the cafe had been carefully designed, and attention was paid to details.

Otherwise, just sip on some Okinawan coffee while people watching. FYI, café owner Berg Wu is the Barista Champion of Taiwan in 2014.

Like the typical indie cafes in Taipei, the average artisan coffee costs around TWD 150-200 (SGD$6.65 – SGD$8.90).

There is a variety of Espresso based coffee, Pourover Coffee, Tea, Varlhona Chocolate beverages.

Selection of food is limited though. You can choose from a Pork Ham with Coby Jack Cheese and Salad Sandwich (TWD190, SGD$8.40), or Salami with Coby and Salami with Coby Jack Cheese and Salad (TWD190, SGD$8.40).

Popular dessert choices would be the Castella (TWD190, SGD$8.40) and Tiramisu (TWD220, SGD$9.80).

I ordered a Mocha and Caramel Latte (TWD170 each, SGD$7.50). Both cuppas were well brewed, probably one of the better cuppas ones I had in Taipei.

The Green Tea Roll Cake (TWD170, SGD$7.50) is a must-have for desserts. Made using Morihan Kyoto Uji Matcha powder known for its premium grade quality, it was both moist and airy.

While the sandwich was only decent, the meal certainly ended on a good note.

Fujin Tree 353 Cafe by simple kaffa is that place to sit outdoor, sip your coffee while people-watching.

It may take much effort to travel and walk to this part of Taipei, but this burgeoning hipster neighbourhood will surprise, and pull you back soon rather than later.

The ambience is nothing quite like the ordinary.

Fujin Tree 353 Cafe by simple kaffa 富錦樹353咖啡
富錦店台北市松山區富錦街353號
353 Fujin Street, Taipei (Songshan Airport Station)
Tel: +886 2 2749 5225
Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/fujintree353cafe
Google Maps

* Written by Guest Writer @Shauneeie, edited by @DanielFoodDiary Looking for the best places to eat? Let @Shauneeie help you.

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[REVIEW] Got duck, no goose?

This was probably the first reactions when people learnt that the famed Michelin-starred Kam’s Roast Goose from Hong Kong is opening without its signature product.

That is because their goose supplies from China cannot be imported in Singapore due to AVA regulations.

Therefore, the restaurant at Pacific Plaza near Orchard, is simply called “Kam’s Roast”. (They are neighbours with Tsuta Ramen Singapore by the way.

Kam’s Roast Goose from Hong Kong was awarded the Michelin star for 3 consecutive years.

What was notable was it was given a star, within a few months of opening.

Just so you know: Kam’s Roast Goose is founded by Hardy Kam, the 3rd generation of the founder of the famed Yung Kee Goose, who wanted to continue with his family legacy.

The Singapore branch is the first outside of Hong Kong, and second in the world. Could be a case of impeccable timing for its opening. The Michelin inspectors are said to be making their rounds this period. (We will wait and see.)

With careful supervision from the original roster of Hong Kong chefs, the Singapore team will aim achieve the same quality and standards expected of the dishes.

These are some of the signature dishes you can expect from Kam’s Roast:

Roast Duck ($16.80 for ¼ upper, $19.80 for ¼ lower, $29.80 for half, $55 for whole)
There is a saying called, which literally translates to “No fish, prawn also good”. Does this apply to, “No goose, duck also good”?

I do think there is a big difference between geese and ducks. The first time I had their goose was a “WOW”; the first time I had their duck here was a “Well, okay.”

It was not bad, still meaty yet tender, but it probably needed the plum sauce to elevate the taste.

‘Toro’ Char Siu ($22.80)
So compared to the above, I was most impressed with the ‘Toro’ Char Siu’.

This is made with premium pork belly, seasoned with a *secret* marinate, in which the recipe is handed down by Hardy Kam’s father, Mr Kinsen Kam Kwan Sing, who was the second-generation owner-chef at the famed Yung Kee.

Each slice of char siu contained these alternating layers of meat with fats.

Place a piece into your mouth, and let those fatty juicy oil take a burst within, or rub them along to experience the full immersion of flavours before swallowing down.

BBQ Pork ($14.80)
The BBQ Pork, priced very much more affordable, would use those looking for a leaner, meatier, perhaps ‘healthier’ bite.

This had a suitable amount of char, not so much that you would feel ‘carcinogic’.

While I didn’t think it was as life-changing was the above, still very much better than the average Cantonese style roast you get from restaurants here.

Wonton Noodles ($9.80)
Exclusively available in Singapore.

In terms of Hong Kong style Wonton Noodles, definitely one of the best I have had in Singapore.
Springy, al dente, firm bite, thin and long, tasty sauce at the bottom. Must have this again soon.

The noodles are said to be air flown from Hong Kong daily on Singapore Airlines (WAH).

While it is a pity that we won’t be able to savour Kam’s signature roast goose here, I think they managed to hit the right spot with their other roast meat dishes.

A taste of Hong Kong without having to fly there.

Wait a minute, how about their super delicious Century Eggs? Did I NOT see it on the menu? Hmmm……

Kam’s Roast Singapore
9 Scotts Road, #01-04/05/06/07 Singapore 228210
Tel: +65 6836 7788
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 10pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

* Kam’s Roast Singapore will officially open this Saturday at 1pm. Daniel’s Food Diary will update this entry again.

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[JAKARTA, INDONESIA] Red Velvet cakes may seem so passé, but since my Indonesian friends are still raving about this BEST (the one and only) Red Velvet Cake in Jakarta.

Union Deli is still the first on their minds.

A total of 3 outlets can be found in Jakarta at Plaza Senayan (Western and Asian cuisine), Pondok Indah (American cuisine with cocktails) and at Grand Indonesia (Desserts and small bites) respectively.

Frankly speaking, I wasn’t really keen initially at the idea of going all out just for a Red Velvet Cake (considering the traffic condition in Jakarta), but I just had to try it since it was a consensus among many Indonesian friends.

And I wasn’t disappointed.

The menu at Union Deli showcased Sandwiches (IDR 80,000 – 125,000, SG$8.70 – 13.50), Pasta (IDR 95,000 – 125,000, SG$10.30 – 13.50) and Mains (IDR 120,000 – 295,000, SG$13 – 32).

However, we were there just for their Red Velvet desserts (because there was one on every single table, not kidding).

The specialty dessert items included Red Velvet Cake (IDR 60,000, SG$6.50), Red Velvet Pie (IDR 55,000, SG$6) and Red Velvet Sundae (IDR 55,000, SG$6), crafted by Chef Karen Carlotta.

The slice of Red Velvet Cake (IDR 60,000, SG$6.50) came with chilled cream cheese in between the 4 even layers, topped with caramel nut crumbles.

The texture of the cake was so soft and moist that it sliced easily with a fork whereas taste-wise, there was a distinct and non-overpowering chocolatey taste.

Sedap nia! We couldn’t stop after the first mouth with an interesting difference in contrast between the moist cake and the crunchy caramel nut crumbles, which was a genius touch to the combination.

It is not just any Red Velvet Cake, it is THE Red Velvet Cake, the best we had so far.

Just when we thought that The Red Velvet Cake was impressive, the Red Velvet Pie also known as a Tart (IDR 55,000, SG$6) threw us off our seats.

With more chilled cream cheese added compared to the Red Velvet Cake and the same red velvet and caramel nut crumble toppings, the cold, refreshing and milky taste of the cream cheese made it less jelak (aka rich and overpowering).

No more awkward last piece on the plate, because we wiped everything clean, even the crumbles.

If I were to make the choice to brave the legendary Jakarta traffic to get a slice of the Red Velvet Cake and Pie, I would do so again.

No regrets.

Union Deli
Central Department Store GF, Grand Indonesia Shopping Town, East Mall
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1, Jakarta Pusat 10310
https://web.facebook.com/UNIONJAKARTA/?fref=ts&_rdr
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon-Sun)

* Written by Daniel’s Food Diary Cafe Correspondent Nicholas Tan @stormscape. Visit his instagram for all things [NEW].

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[NEW] Famous Hong Kong food brands are descending in Singapore. There is Kam’s Roast at Pacific Plaza, Honolulu Café Singapore at Centrepoint, and Tai Cheong Bakery has officially opened a NEW Cha Chaan Teng eatery at 31 Lorong Liput Holland Village.

Unlike the outlet at Ngee Ann City, this will be a 60-seater sit-down eatery.

Tai Cheong Bakery Singapore will serve its signature at Egg Tart, famed for its crumbly cookie-like shell, buttery fragrance, and smooth wobbly egg custard.

Other items include Chicken Pie 皇牌雞批 ($2.80 each); golden-brown shortcrust pastry packed with creamy diced chicken and mushroom, Cocktail Bun 港式雞尾包 ($1.80 each); shredded coconut and butter snuggled in a pillowy bread roll, Char Siew Bolo Bun 叉烧菠萝包 ($2.20 each), Sponge Cup Cake 紙包蛋糕 ($1.50 each) and Butter Egg Rolls 港式牛油峰巢蛋卷 ($15 per box).

Exclusive items to look forward to include a Durian and Cheese tart, just sold at this outlet.

There will be other typical Hong Kong cha chaan teng dishes such as Scrambled Egg Toast Stack ($6.50), French Toast ($6.50) and Macaroni Soup ($8.50) available too.

Look out here for updates!

Tai Cheong Bakery
31 Lorong Liput Singapore 277742
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 110pm (Sun – Thurs), 8:30am – 1am (Fri , Sat, Eve PH)

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[REVIEW] “I hope it wasn’t too difficult to come in here,”, said owner and co-founder Chef Ernie Lim apologetically, as if it was a common occurrence for any visitor of his.

Pulse Patisserie, located within The Interlace, is one of the few shops that has been incorporated into the futuristic condo’s design.

At the moment, the security level is likened to what Ernie would describe to be “the equivalent of Trump Tower”. If you intending to drive, be prepared to be questioned by the security guard about your purpose and duration of your visit.

To be fair, the security guards were probably just doing their job. Perhaps some residents did complain about the heavy influx of visitors, and could not find their favourite parking lots in the evening.

The reward for clearing customs would be the simple yet elegantly decorated cafe with a mix of plants and display shelves filled with their generous offerings.

A display shelf that stood out housed a myriad of beautifully carved candles in the shape of figurines, perfect for use in birthday celebrations.

Pulse Patisserie is famous for their 6 different dessert capsules ($8.50 each, $16 for two, $37.5 for five), which was created with the intention to “let people have their cake and eat it anywhere, anytime”.

The Strawberry Bavarois / Basil Konnyaku is their way of using fresh cinnamon basil plant (grown just outside the shop) and herbs to complement strawberries in this dessert. A favourite for those who want to eat a little “cleaner”.

The Dulche de Leche / Cream Cheese Mousse was inspired when Chef Aika of Pulse Patisserie was working under Mexican Chef Carolina in the US.

It involves the slow toasting of milk until it achieves a creamy caramel taste.

However, the group of us agreed that our favourite had to be the Espresso Creme Brulee / 66% Nyangbo Chocolates.

The single origin pure Ghana (chocolate) lends a round chocolate warmth in your mouth which gradually develops into a soft and sweet spiciness finish. The flavour is further enhanced when paired with an acidic yet sweet espresso, that you may want to have one all to yourself.

The highlight of our visit has got to be their Salted Egg Yolk Choux Au Craquelin, aka salted egg yolk biscuit ($12 per half dozen, $35 per box of 20), which fuses the classic French pastry with the locals passion for salted egg yolk.

You could almost hear the angels sing when they were placed in front of us.

Each one of them came in bite size portions coated with an orange layer similar to that of Bo Lo Bao (Pineapple Buns). A small portion of liquid gold peeks out at the tip of the bun, signalling what is to come.

My recommendation is not to pry it open to check the insides (it did pass the ooze test, if you wanted to know), but to just pop the whole thing in your mouth, and let the salted egg yolk smother your tongue in awesomeness.

A must try for all salted egg yolk lovers out there.

It actually looked orange (and gold) enough to be a possible consideration for Chinese New Year treats!

Do check out Pulse Patisserie’s Facebook page before heading down as they shared that they are intending to move out soon. Or get those Salted Egg goodies from Deliveroo.

Pulse Patisserie
The interlace, 180 Depot Road #01-06 Singapore
Tel: +65 8339 4648
Opening Hours: 11am – 7pm (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri), 9am – 7pm (Sat), 9am – 5pm (Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/pg/pulsepatisserie

* By guest writer @soonnverysoon who feels food should should look good, taste good, feel (texture) good, and be eaten in a good place. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Pulse Patisserie – Their Salted Egg Yolk Choux Are Out Of This World appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.