Pay a fixed amount and eat all you can? Count me in, please! In our buffet-crazy country, you can find a vast array of buffet selections to suit all preferences and budgets. If you’re looking to dine with your Muslim friends or planning a company retreat with Muslim colleagues, look no further! This list will definitely come in handy for you. We have consolidated 9 halal-certified buffets and classified them according to their price tags to suit different budgets, ranging from the very affordable ones (as low as $18++) to more luxurious ones (above $83++).

So, are you ready for an eye-feast? Let’s begin!

For those who are on a tighter budget

1. Kublai Khan Mongolian BBQ

Possibly the only Halal Mongolian BBQ buffet restaurant in Singapore, Kublai Khan Mongolian BBQ is nestled in The Central at Clarke Quay. The restaurant is very spacious, with a high ceiling and an excellent view of the Singapore River and the shop houses in Clarke Quay.

The highlight of the buffet is undoubtedly the Mongolian BBQ selection, where you can pick your desired meats (chicken, beef or lamb), vegetables and sauces. Hand your selection over to the chef and let him do his magic. The chef will artistically stir-fry the meats and accompaniments over the blazing hot iron griddle with his 3 foot-long chopsticks. 

Apart from the Mongolian BBQ, Kublai Khan offers mainly Chinese cuisine, which we found to be a little bland. Hence, we found ourselves going back for the BBQ spread. Also, they do serve fresh seafood such as crayfish, prawns and scallops during dinner. 

Price

Lunch (Monday – Thursday)

Adult: S$18.00++, Child: S$12.00++, Student/Senior Citizen: S$17.00++

Dinner (Monday – Thursday)

Adult: S$29.00++, Child: S$16.80++, Student/Senior Citizen: S$24.80++

Lunch (Friday – Sunday & eve of/on Public Holiday)

Adult: S$20.00++, Child: S$14.00++, Student/Senior Citizen: S$19.00++

Dinner (Friday – Sunday & eve of/on Public Holiday)

Adult: S$30.80++, Child: S$17.80++, Student/Senior Citizen: S$26.80++

2.Makan-Makan

Situated at Punggol Ranch, Makan-Makan offers a hotpot-and-grill style of buffet. You can find marinated meats like tom yum chicken, black pepper beef and smoked duck. What surprised me was the assortment of seafood available – you can find crayfish, flower crabs, scallops, bamboo clams and more. That is really quite a spread considering its affordable price tag. There is also a sauce and condiment section where you can customize your own dips. Makan-Makan also has a cooked food section where they offer carbohydrate alternatives, as well as snacks like fried chicken wings and rojak.

Though it is situated at a location that may not be the most easily accessible, it is worth a try if you are looking for a very affordable halal buffet. Especially so, if you are a Punggol resident.

Price

Weekday (Tuesday – Friday)

Adult: S$26.00 nett

Weekend (Saturday, Sunday)

Adult: S$29.00 nett

3.Marina Bay BBQ Steamboat Buffet

Marina Bay BBQ Steamboat buffet is an open-air concept buffet stall located at Satay by the Bay, where you can bond with your family and friends over food while enjoying the views of the waterfront. Its relaxed atmosphere and spacious setting makes it ideal for everyone to dine at – friends, families and even large groups! It is also perfect for those looking for a place to fuel up after exploring the Marina Bay area in the day.

Marina Bay BBQ Steamboat buffet also offers a hotpot-and-grill style of buffet with over 80 types of food items including marinated meats, yong tau foo and fresh seafood items. To top everything off, they offer free-flow drinks and complimentary ice cream for all diners. Did I also mention that with each paying adult, 1 child (below age 7) dines for free? Sounds too good to be true? It really is!

Price

Weekday (Weekday)

Adult: S$25.00 nett, Child: S$14.00 nett

Weekend (Weekend, eve of/on Public Holiday)

Adult: S$29.00 nett, Child: S$14.00 nett

For those who don’t mind spending a little more

4. 21 on Rajah

Up for some Mediterranean goodness? The themed buffet restaurant, 21 on Rajah, may just be the one for you! Located in Days Hotel, the blue and white furnishings certainly make you feel like you are really dining in the Mediterranean region! Offering Mediterr-Asian ‘Pasar’ street buffet for dinner daily, you will be able to find some classic Mediterranean and Asian dishes, as well as flavours from Spain, Morocco and Italy. You have to try the restaurant’s signature NZ Prime Beef Rib-Eye with 21 on Rajah Signature Homemade Sauces! Another highlight of the dinner spread would be the Churros Station! Yes, you heard it right. Red velvet, pandan and vanilla churros served with irresistible chocolate sauce! 

21 on Rajah offers Rijsttafel Lunch Buffet on weekdays. Rijsttafel or ‘rice table’ in Dutch, consists of many side dishes, drawing inspiration from our local Nasi Padang culture. The mouth-watering roasted lamb leg with Arabic spices at the carving station is surely not to be missed! Apart from all things Rijsttafel, you will also be able to find seafood on ice and an assortment of sushi.

Price

Lunch (Weekday & eve of Public Holiday)

Adult: $30.00++, Child: $15.00++

Dinner (Weekday)

Adult: $40.00++, Child: $20.00++

Dinner (Weekend & eve of/& Public Holiday)

Adult: $45.00++, Child: $22.50++

5. Katong Kitchen

Known for its scrumptious buffet spread, Katong Kitchen lives up to its name by being the go-to buffet place in the East of Singapore. Its extensive spread includes local, Peranakan, Asian and Western dishes. The Asian dishes were my favourite, with their Ayam Buah Keluak and Boston Lobsters standing out. The former had a taste and aroma that will leave you craving for more, and the latter was simply delightful and sinful! 

A strong presence of Peranakan-infused style could be felt even before stepping into the restaurant – the hotel’s interior is furnished with Peranakan artefacts. That being said, the restaurant was aptly designed with Asian and Peranakan influences, which adds to the entire dining experience. However, the restaurant is relatively small in size – it could get congested during peak hours. So do make your reservations early!

Price

Lunch (Monday – Sunday)

Adult: S$38.00++, Child: S$19.00++

Dinner (Weekday)

Adult: S$48.00++, Child: S$24.00++

Dinner (Weekend & Public Holiday)

Adult: S$58.00++, Child: S$29.00++

6. StraitsKitchen

Can’t get enough of our local food? StraitsKitchen is where you want to be! Located at Grand Hyatt Singapore, you can expect quality food and service. As its name suggest, StraitsKitchen features delectable dishes from the different cultures of the straits of Singapore – Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan. It’s a truly Singaporean buffet, which offers all the uniquely Singaporean delicacies – Hainanese chicken rice, chilli crabs, laksa, popiah, malay kuih, beef rendang, roti prata, you name it, they probably have it! This is definitely the place to bring your friends from overseas!

Price

Lunch

Adult: S$52.00++, Child: S$28.00++

Dinner

Adult: S$62.00++, Child: S$35.00++

For those who are ready to splurge

7. Asian Market Café

Reflecting the colourful and diverse flavours and cultures within the region, Asian Market Café offers a broad selection of Asian cuisines. Something unique to Asian Market Café is the live prata station where you will get to witness the skilful flipping of prata right in front of your eyes.

From now till 27 March, Asian Market Café is having a seafood extravaganza buffet, where you can indulge in your favourite crustaceans! They are not limited to just chilled seafood on ice but cooked versions too. Just to name a few, they have black pepper crabs, cereal prawns and grilled squid! So all the seafood lovers, what are you waiting for?

Price

Lunch

Adult: S$62.00++, Child: S$32.00++

Dinner

Adult: S$72.00++, Child: S$37.00++

8. AquaMarine

Located at Marina Mandarin, AquaMarine is another well-known halal international buffet restaurant. Be wowed by the sophisticated outlook of the restaurant coupled with the warm hospitality provided by the staff. Also, the restaurant features an al-fresco dining area, which opens up to a complete view of the skyline.

At AquaMarine, you will be pleasantly surprised by the lavish spread of the highest food quality. Some of the signatures that you shouldn’t miss include fresh chilled seafood, chilli crabs, asam fish head curry and cooked wagyu beef short ribs! There is also a plethora of dessert choices to spoil those with a sweet tooth!

Price

Lunch

Adult: S$60.00++, Child: S$30.00++

Dinner (Weekday)

Adult: S$70.00++, Child: S$35.00++

Dinner (Weekend)

Adult: S$80.00++, Child: S$40.00++

9. Carousel

When we talk about halal-certified buffet, how can we miss out on the most highly raved halal buffets of all time – Carousel. Voted the Best Buffet Restaurant in Singapore at AsiaOne People’s Choice Awards for  the 7th consecutive year, the international buffet lives up to expectations by offering a sumptuous selection. Think delectable fresh cold seafood which comprises Alaskan king crab, lobsters, oysters, and scallops.

What better way to end your meal than to dive into an assortment of luscious desserts! From gourmet chocolates and macarons to chocolate fondue and frozen yogurt, you will be spoilt for choice. The bread and butter pudding and crème brulee had me reeling for more. They were so delicious that it momentarily elevated me to cloud nine! Despite its heftier price tag as compared to the other buffet options featured in this post, it is definitely worth every penny.

Price

Lunch

Adult: S$56.00++ (Weekday), S$65.00++ (Weekend), Child: S$36.00++ (Weekday), S$43.00++ (Weekend)

High tea

Adult: S$42.00++ (Weekday), S$48.00++ (Weekend), Child: S$27.00++ (Weekday), S$32.00++ (Weekend)

Dinner

Adult: S$76.00++ (Weekday), S$83.00++ (Weekend), Child: S$46.00++ (Weekday), S$49.00++ (Weekend)

Now, are you feeling hungry yet? These buffets certainly showcase the breadth and depth of halal food in Singapore. There are so many different cuisines that these buffet places serve – ranging from the familiar local, Asian cuisines to more exotic Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisines. I am certain that at least one of these 9 places will fit the bill for you and your friends. Till then, enjoy feasting!!

The post 9 Halal-certified Buffets in Singapore to Suit All Budgets! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

By Kelly Iverson

Foodies simply flock to the Kingdom. From the abundance of unique dishes originating from Isaan to curries that put India to shame, there are so many delicious dining options to choose from in the Land of Smiles. Those visitors hoping to enjoy Thai cuisine to its fullest should know at least a handful of words to successfully take on Thailand’s menus and more. Here, 20 Thai food-related words you should know.

1. Náam bplaao – Plain water

Thailand’s heat can be brutal. The capital is also the hottest city in the world, in terms of having the hottest temperatures all year-round. Because of this, you are going to want a water bottle (or two) on hand at all times. Beat the heat by knowing the phrase, náam bplaao. The word plain is added because oftentimes, if you order water, you will be given soda water instead.

2. Pay – Allergic

While many of these words are sure to make your trip that much more enjoyable, having an allergy can put a traveler in a life or death situation. Do not risk not knowing this important word when ordering at any restaurant or vendor, because you can never be too sure what is being put into your food.

3. Mawng sa vee rat – Vegetarian

So you are able to devour all the eggs and milk in the world, but that does not mean you are suddenly a carnivore. All the vegetarians out there may have it a bit easier in terms of dietary needs in comparison to vegans, but the word for vegetarian is a bit of a mouthful. If you are a vegetarian and are unable to eat meat, be sure to tell a vendor, mawng sa vee rat.

4. Hiu – Hungry

Though we doubt that Thailand’s busy streets will ever come up short in terms of food, you never know when you are going to find yourself with hunger pains and no Thai cuisine in sight. If this happens, you are going to want to know how to express that you are hungry, or hiu.

5. Kem – Salty

No flavor is left behind in the making of a Thai dish. Diners will be surprised when they get a spoonful of sweet in a dish that is supposedly spicy, and vice versa. Salty is no exception. One of the saltiest dishes in Thailand is pla kem (salted fish), which visitors will find on streets across the Kingdom.

6. Too-eh lee-song – Peanut

The biggest allergy many people seem to be burdened with is to peanuts. From pad Thai to different curries, there are several dishes in which one of the ingredients is a handful of peanuts. Save yourself (literally) by knowing this helpful phrase.

7. Kaeng – Curry

Thailand’s celebrated curries are a must-try dish for those traveling through the country. If a menu lacks photos or any type of English equivalent to these delectable dishes, you are going to want to know how to ask for it. From massaman to phanaeng to green curry, you can never go wrong by ordering kaeng.

8. Pet – Spicy

Thai vendors normally tend to take it easy on foreigners when it comes to how spicy (or lack thereof) they make a dish. Not all visitors will have this happen, however, and find themselves gulping down anything in sight to make the burning stop after devouring some sort of Thai cuisine. If you do not like spicy food, say, mai pet. If you are on the other end of the spectrum and enjoy a meal that makes your mouth light on fire, say, pet mak! Consider this your warning.

9. Phak – Vegetables

From bitter, Thai eggplant to the popular fukthong (pumpkin, contrary to its vulgar-sounding name), there are many vegetables taking up space on menus across the country. This phrase is especially helpful for vegans and vegetarians, as one of the most popular (and most available) dishes they will be ordering is pad hpak, or mixed vegetables.

10. Náam khaeng – Ice

In addition to needing water, you may want a handful of ice cubes in tow when dining at one of Thailand’s outdoor eateries. Know how to order ice, or náam khang, and make your drink that much chillier.

11. Chon gâew – Cheers

Many Thai people love to drink booze with their meals. From signature Thai beers, like Chang, that are dirt cheap, to the whiskey that somehow makes it way to dinner tables across the Kingdom, you are likely to see many people bringing some type of alcohol to the table. Join them with your own, and know how to say the phrase, chon gâew. This phrase translates to “crash glass.” You may even make a few friends in the process.

12. Guaidtiao – Noodles

Many of Thailand’s most famous dishes are noodle based, though this type of cuisine was actually brought over by the Chinese. From khao soi (Thai coconut curry soup) in the north of Thailand to the country’s most legendary dish, pad Thai, you are going to want to know how to order noodles, oftentimes having to use the word guaidtiao.

13. Tao-hoo – Tofu

Unlike many Western countries, Tofu is in abundance in Thailand. Travelers can easily substitute things like gi (chicken) or moo (pork) with fried or egg tofu, and it is delicious. This word can especially come in handy for those vegans and vegetarians making their way to the Land of Smiles.

14. Bpriao – Sour

First they are sour … well, then they remain sour. Sour might not be your most desired of flavors, but it certainly makes an appearance in many of dishes in Thailand. Sour fish and sweet and sour pork are some of the most noteworthy of dishes are at least a bit bpriao, meaning sour.

15. Waan – Sweet

From refreshing juices, to thick, creamy coffees, many foodies coming to Thailand will be surprised by how astoundingly sweet everything seems to be. Waan means sweet, and this can be a helpful word to know. As coffee lovers, this word is especially handy when asking the barista to omit this from your coffee.

16. Kâao – Rice

Rice is a staple of the Thai diet. Unless you are ordering some type of noodle dish, diners are almost guaranteed to be served a good helping of white rice with most meals. Another popular type of rice you might want to remember is sticky rice, or kâao niaao. This dish is a staple in the north of Thailand, and served with popular dishes including som tum (papaya salad) and sai oua (northern Thai sausage).

17. Jae – Vegan

Dietary needs are hard to follow in a foreign country, especially when they are incredibly strict. A vegan diet, though doable, is oftentimes difficult to abide by. Eggs and milks are hiding in the most inconspicuous of dishes, so be sure to tell a vendor gin jae (eat vegan) before ordering anything on the menu.

18. Ponlamaai – Fruit

The Land of Smiles is home to some of the most delicious (and strange) fruits in the world. From the smelly and intimidating durian,which is covered in spikes and so potent that it is not allowed on some public transport, to the famous mango paired with sticky rice, there are plenty of fruits to tantalize your palates with.

19. Aahăan tá-lay – Seafood

With over 1,500 miles of coastline, seafood in Thailand is certainly in abundance. Some of the most noteworthy dishes are made up of some type of water-dwelling creature. From tom yum gûng (spicy shrimp curry soup) to gang som blah chon (deep-fried snake head), you are going to want to try at least one of these noteworthy dishes. If you are on the lookout for the freshest seafood in town, be sure to know how to say seafood, or aahăan tá-lay.

20. Aroi – Delicious

Thai food is delicious, and the more you express this to your vendors or those waiting on you for a meal, the better your time around the dinner table will be! Tell your server that the food was aroi, and you will at least receive a smile in return.

**********

Kelly is a freelance writer currently exploring the City of Angels. When she isn’t scouring the streets of Bangkok, she’s reading fiction and taking one too many photographs. Visit her Facebook page for more for her work.

The post 20 Thai Food-Related Words You Should Know appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Clarke Quay often translates as a destination for night life, drinks and partying. Well, it is no surprise since famous clubs, pubs and bars are all conveniently housed there. Putting that aside, I believe that Clarke Quay is not the first dining destination that pops up immediately in our conversations and thoughts. However, we’re here to change that very wrong idea! You will be amazed at the numerous food treasures nestled along the very same stretch of places you thought was only filled with booze.

Plus, we have some good news for you!!! These items usually cost up to tens of dollars, but now, you can enjoy everything for just $15! And you can even get an amazing 4-course set menu for that price! How insane is that?! Read on to find out what’s in store for you!

Tomo Izakaya
Blk A, #01-04

Authenticity radiates from within the dimly-lit traditional izakaya. At the same time, the modern zen-like interior adds a contrasting touch of youth. Getting out of bed with the feel for Japanese food?

The $15 nett Bento Set Lunch is an extremely value-for-money option which includes an amazing variety of sashimi, side dish, pickles, rice and mains, salad and soup. We tried Bento A which consists of Nasu Tori Soboro Itame, Ebi Wasabi Mayo Salad and Agedashi Tofu. The Buta Kakuni Don ($18) is another lunch special which features some of the most tender simmered pork bellies with an egg atop a bed of Japanese rice. Tomo Izakaya is the go-to place for a relaxing meal of fine Japanese food and drinks.

Harry’s Clarke Quay
Blk D, #01-01

Harry’s might be known as a bar, but let me fill you in on some of their lunch offers that you shouldn’t miss out on! From March to June, dig into any of their big plates at just $15++!

Think Harry’s Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Harry’s Jazz Burger and Chicken Masala, all at an incredibly affordable price tag. You definitely won’t go wrong with their Chicken Masala. Have a taste of their toasted charcoal bread dipped into the flavourful chicken masala, and you will understand why this dish is worthy of its loyal following.

I would also recommend the Fish & Chips which showcases the freshest Halibut emitting charming hints of beer in the batter. The consistency of Harry’s food never fails to disappoint us, and thus, dine at Harry without any worries!

Bayang
Blk A, #01-05

I get cravings for Balinese food every now and then, as it was one of the most unforgettable highlights of my holiday there.

If you’re like me, you will be glad to know that Bayang specialises in authentic Balinese food. For $15++, indulge in a 4-course lunch encompassing fried spring rolls, a main course, an iced lemon tea or fresh lime juice, as well as the dessert of the day.

We tried the Satay Chicken & Yellow rice with Curry Sauce – something that is very close to our local food. The sweet peanut sauce complemented the tender chicken well. Furthermore, their handmade chendol was a refreshing end to our meal.

Muchos
Blk D, #01-04

Let’s taco about some good old Mexican food at Muchos! The interiors are well-furbished and cosy, allowing guests to soak in the chill vibes on a beautiful afternoon.

Besides serving the soup of the day, a beverage and an ice cream dessert, you may select either Soft Tacos or Quesadillas for your main course. We suggest getting the former, which consists of fresh lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, salsa and a choice of grilled chicken or pan fried vegetables. Hola to the lively flavours brought together to create a party in your mouth. Not to forget, Muchos also has an elaborate bar top should you wish to wind down on a weekday evening with some drinks in hand.

RennThai
Blk D, #01-05

Doesn’t Thailand sound like a great getaway destination? Well, if you won’t be able to fly to Thailand, at least take comfort in some of the best delights from the Land of Smiles.

Kickstart your afternoon with some crunch from the Rice Crackers with Minced Chicken Sauce. The sweet sauce with nutty undertones took the fragrant rice crackers to the next level.

Oohhhh, close your eyes and just savour the Green Curry Chicken paired with white rice. Within seconds, the heat from the spices and rich coconut flavours will surely transport you to Thailand. Besides, RennThai offers a vegetarian option which is just as amazing. Hey, look around you, I bet everyone is turning green with envy already.

Hutong
Blk D, #01-07

Did you know that Hutong actually refers to a type of narrow alley prominently found in Northern cities of China, such as Beijing? And yes, just as you probably anticipated, Hutong woks up some Northern Chinese inspired dishes in the rustic Beijing themed restaurant.

The well-planned set lunch composes of Cream of Corn soup, an appetiser, a main course and a beverage. For appetisers, we had the steamed Shrimp Wanton – prawns and pork dumplings drenched in chilli oil. The XO fried rice with seafood arrived with a lovely wok-hei and eggy fragrance to it, enticing us to tuck in immediately. Other mains like Crispy Noodle with Vegetables & Mushroom and Soup Noodle with Dumpling are available too. This is perfect for days when you’re in the mood for some affordable elevated Chinese food.

McGettigan’s
Blk A, #01-01C

Some of us might have spotted this Irish Pub, and not thought of as anything else but another typical drinking establishment along Clarke Quay. In fact, this place is more than what it looks. At just $15++, the lunch sets took me by surprise with their huge servings.

Regardless of what you choose, the Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash and Open Steak Sandwich will all leave your tummy happy. We just love it when our money is well spent, and this is certainly one of those times. As if that’s not enough, you can even settle on a soup as part of the lunch set. You can also order a pint of Guinness ($15.50++) to go along with lunch!

Hot Stones
Blk D, #01-06

Ogle at the freshest meats and seafood cooked on serpentine volcanic stone slabs right in front of your eyes. Look forward to the 2-course set lunch, with a choice of Australian Sirloin, Chicken Breast or Beef Bolognese Ricotta Lasagna as your main course.

The well-endowed slab of beef was bestowed upon us, with salt, brown sauce, tomato salsa and béarnaise on the side. Both outdoor and indoor seatings are available. If you are not prone to sea-sickness, take your lunch a step further by hopping onto one of the “Tongkang” (a type of light wooden vessel used to ferry goods along the Singapore River)

Fremantle Seafood Market
Blk E, #01-05/06

Seafood markets line Fremantle, making it one of the world’s most highly valued places for the freshest catch of the day. Fremantle Seafood Market aims to transport that very vibrancy and liveliness to Singapore.

The $15++ lunch deal (1-for-1 on Mondays!) boasting choices like Fish & Chips, Grilled Cajun Chicken, Fremantle Seafood Aglio Olio and Oven Roasted Ruby Snapper, will spoil you. Apart from the main course, a soup or dessert will be served to complete the experience. How nice would it be to have the gentle breeze caressing your skin and hair as you dine?

Talay Thai
Blk E #01-05

Sawadee to Talay Thai- an en-thai-cing tapas concept introduced only last year! So, what do they have here for lunch? Apart from soup of the day or dessert, main course options include Phad Thai, Pad See Ew, Basil Chicken with Rice, and Green Curry Chicken with Rice.

Pad See Ew is actually a Chinese-inspired stir fried rice noodle dish.. Oh, I’ve more good news for you – the $15 lunch sets are going for 1-for-1* every Monday! You may wish to be adventurous and opt for the Nam Pla Prawn Ceviche ($16) which consists of raw prawns, cabbage and bitter gourd with nam jin. Should you have the time to spare, sit back, relax and sip on their Thaijito ($28 for 2 pax), an alcoholic concoction of lemongrass, thai lime, mint, rambutan and lychee.

Catch Beer & Batter
Blk A, #01-01

Concluding our list of lunch deals is this energetic Fish & Chips joint frying up assorted fish and seafood in a variety of batters. Let’s dive into what’s in store for you – $15++ for a 2-course set menu comprising a Mix Garden Green Salad and a choice of Signature Ale Batter Fish and Chips or Seafood Pasta. The former is a dory fillet coated with a crispy batter – a great accompaniment to a glass of Romy Lager Beer ($8). You may also top up $2 for a soft drink to quench your thirst.

Drools, just looking at all these pictures is making me wanna eat again (as usual). Tempted to come to Clarke Quay for lunch already? Well, hesitate no more and share this joy with all your friends! It’s gonna be a good time, especially when you’re keeping your wallets full and happy. Do check out VLV Singapore, Da Miao Hotpot, Hai Di Lao Hotpot, Philly Shack, Motorino Pizzeria, Red House Seafood, Little Saigon, Octapas & RAS The Essence of India which are open for lunch too! For more information, visit www.clarkequay.com.sg/lunch

P.S: There’s also free parking from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, 3x STAR$® bonus rewards for CapitaStar Members

Clarke Quay Sunday Fun Brunch

Clarke Quay Sunday Fun Brunch is making its return on 9 & 23 April 2017 and 14 & 28 May 2017 from 12pm to 5pm. Play games of chance on inflatable booths such as Ring Toss, Right On Target, Hoop It, Hat Trick and 3-In-A-Row – suitable for children and the young at heart. You’re in luck if you are looking for lunch treats for kids as one child dines for free on Sundays with every two paying adults at participating Clarke Quay restaurants.
 
Want your kids to learn fun facts of the history of Singapore? Download the Clarke Quay Mobile App from the App Store or Google Play to embark on a self-guided heritage tour of Clarke Quay to sniff out the heritage tales! Visit www.clarkequay.com.sg or facebook.com/clarkequay for more information

The Quay to a unique weekend with the family is at Clarke Quay!

This post was brought to you in partnership with Clarke Quay.

The post $15 Lunch Sets at Clarke Quay – Saving Money Rocks! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Nothing beats a good meal for bringing people together, but you need the right food for the event. Hosting a housewarming party can be exhausting and challenging. Especially when my friends ask, “What are you going to cook for us today?” The thought of doing grocery shopping, cooking and eventually washing the dishes is stressful.

Thankfully, there is Gustos buffet! This is a premium caterer serving up anything from delectable cocktail snacks to full-service buffets. From exquisite buffets to delectable international cuisine and traditional, Gustos has a lot to offer. Most importantly, they ensure me that no matter what I am planning, they’re able to help.

After inviting a few friends over to my house for lunch, I got a few dishes from Gustos new menu and cooked a saffron seafood stew on my own! Don’t see me so up, I had the chance to learnt how to cook the dish from the Gustos’ chef before “showing off” to my friends lah!

HOW TO COOK SAFFRON SEAFOOD STEW?

Saffron Seafood Stew is one of the new items in Gustos menu relaunch. The team has created a well-thought Gustos menu that are halal certified as well, great for gathering & corporate orders.

I gave myself a challenge and decided to cook the dish from scratch. After meeting up with the Executive Chef from Gustos who was willing to openly share with me his saffron seafood stew recipe, I am simply impressed by how easy it is. Not only does this look spectacular but it delivers on the taste front as well.

The chef ensures that fresh seafood is used for the stew and makes their own fish stock. Even though saffron is expensive, they felt its unique flavour makes it well worth the cost. The end-result is rich and bursting with flavour.

For me, I adapted the recipe and simplified the cooking methods further for my convenience. My friends enjoyed it! (But if you are busy, just order directly from them)

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Saffron Seafood Stew

2017-04-10 11:16:46

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Ingredients

1. Prawns 5pcs
2. Mussels 5pcs
3. Squid 1whole ring cut
4. Scallop 5pcs
5. Onion 20gm
6. Carrot 30gm
7. Celery 30gm
8. Tomato sauce 250gm
9. Tarragon 2gm
10. Fresh tomato 100gm
11. Lemon jus 10gm
12. Fish stock 400gm
13. Saffron few strands
14. Chives 5gm
15. Some Olive oil
16. Some Salt
17. Some Pepper

Instructions

1. Combine tomato sauce, fish stock n saffron and simmer for 15mins. Strain and put aside
2. Pan sear prawns and scallops in a frying pan till par cook and set aside.
3. Saute onion, carrot and celery, add in saffron stock, fresh tomatoes and bring to boil.
4. Add in tarragon, seafood and cooked for 1min.
5. Season to taste and add in lemon jus last.

Miss Tam Chiak https://www.misstamchiak.com/

NEW DISHES IN GUSTOS BUFFET MENU

Beside the Saffron Seafood Stew, we got to try other new dishes from Gustos Buffet Menu. Yes, they have recently relaunched the entire buffet menu with more than 50 NEW ITEMS!

Grilled Pumpkin & Walnut salad in Raspberry dressing plays on all my taste buds. The tangy raspberry dressing complements salads with big, rich flavours like this one. The crunchy walnuts and sweet orange slices are the star of the dish.

Primavera Penne is a wonderful showcase of vegetables with a harmony of seasonings. The colourful peppers are crunchy with generous cheese shavings.

Salmon is easily overcooked but not in this case. The Herb Crusted Salmon is so tender with a light and smooth asparagus puree.

My friends are happy, so am I! Not only did I get a chance to show off my cooking skills, they also get to enjoy other delicious treats from Gustos.

GOOD DEAL MUST SHARE! Order $800 & above from the new menus & Enjoy a free treat from Gustos (choice of Lemon Curd Swiss Roll or Deep Fried Mid Wings). T&C: Valid for event dates from 5 April – 31 July 2017.

Check out Gustos website for full menu listing or contact them at 6286 3003 for domestic events, and on 8868 3003 for corporate occasions.

GIVEAWAY

Good news everyone! I am giving away a set of Mini Buffet (for 4-6Pax) worth $150 to ONE LUCKY WINNER!

All you have to do is, like Gustos FB and answer a simple question on Miss Tam Chiak FB post on Gustos in the comment section. The giveaway runs from 11 April – 30 April.

T&C: To be redeemed before 1 June 2017. Valid for takeaway without buffet setting.

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This post was brought to you by Gustos.

The post Revealing the New Dishes from Gustos’ Buffet Menu Revamp appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Things are always better deep-fried. When dropped into a vat of hot oil, most foods are transformed into crunchy and juicy beauties. I’m no food chemist here, but you and I know that deep-fried foods are freaking good.

Recently, more and more restaurants are coming up with tendons (otherwise also known tempura don), but who does it best? We present to you 7 tendon bowls that you can get for below $20!

CRISPIEST TENDON

Manzoku Japanese Restaurant

Expect a totally different tendon at Manzoku Japanese Restaurant.

I feel in love at first sight with the Ten-Don ($12) – it is a huge mess of 3 delicious looking Ebi tempura and seasonal vegetables encased in crispy fried tempura batter (agedama), all served on top of Japanese white rice. The inner greedy fat kid in me couldn’t wait to devour it right away.

I dug in excitedly for my first bite, only to realise that the prawns are much smaller than what I had expected it to be. However, I’ve got to praise them for their crispy batter. It was the crunchiest ever, remaining crisp even until the end of my meal. Unlike the ebi, the tempura batter coating the vegetables are much thinner. I like how this allows me to taste the natural sweetness of the vegetables itself.

Haru Haru

For a mere $10.90, get a big slice of green capsicum, mushroom , carrot and 2 medium-sized prawns. The tempuras were fried lightly – the vegetables retained their crunch and flavours. The batter used for the tempura at Haru Haru is surprisingly light, airy, crispy and had a pleasant mouthfeel. Although the batter had a subtle oily taste to it, the texture of the batter was well complemented by the thin sweet tendon sauce drizzled over the tempuras.

Sadly, the rice used for the Ten-Don is not Japanese rice. I guess you can’t expect much for $10.90, but this is sure a good bowl of tendon for its price.

DAMN WORTH IT

Tendon Kohaku

Tendon Kohaku is undoubtedly an expert in tendon. There are only a few options to choose from – KOHAKU tendon ($15), Vegetable Tendon ($14), KOHAKU tendon spicy flavour ($15) and Vegetable Tendon Spicy Flavour ($14). Add on $4.50 to make it a set which comes with a bowl of miso soup and udon noodles.

Sure to satisfy both protein lovers and those with big appetites, the KOHAKU tendon was the most filling tendon I’ve ever had. It comes with 2 huge chucks of succulent chicken breast fillets that are longer than the length of my palm. The prawns are huge and fresh and the vegetables refreshingly crunchy. The premium Hokkaido rice used here is moist and cooked just right.

Tendon Ginza Itsuki

At Tendon Ginza Itsuki, diners are only given 2 choices – Special Tendon ($13.90) and Vegetarian Tendon ($12.90). Both tendons come with chawanmushi.

The skilful chefs here even fry the vegetables and meat in different pans with specific and precise timings to craft the best tendon bowl. Oh and did I mention about the egg? It was phenomenal. Crispy on the outside and yet still runny on the inside. I love the tender chicken breast too. 

Just $13.90 for a well crafted dish, this is definitely damn worth it.

WORTH A TRY

Tempura Tsukiji Tenka

A proclaimed tempura and donburi specialist, Tempura Tsukiji Tenka is the very first restaurant that the Toyko Sushi Academy opened in Singapore.

There are many reasons why I love the Tenka Tendon ($19.80++). The ingredients used are the freshest of all the tendons that I’ve tried. The Tenka Tendon will easily top my list of favourite tendons in Singapore if not for the tempura batter used. Instead of a crispy batter, the one at Tempura Tsukiji Tenka is soft, soggy and a little oily.

While it may be a little more expensive than the rest, it definitely is worth a try!

Tensho 天勝 by MOF

Similar to Tendon Ginza Itsuki, Tensho uses a light batter that just slightly coat the ingredients. Thin, crispy, and best eaten hot. Pick from the Mixed Tendon ($14.90), Vege Tendon ($13.90), Anago Tendon ($18.90) and Ebi Lover Tendon ($19.90). For any of the tendon choices that you pick, you will also get a side of smooth chawanmushi and miso soup. 

The prawns in the Mixed Tendon are relatively small, but delicious. I thought that the dory fillets are an interesting addition to the tendon too.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visits and paid its own meals at the stalls featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to the stalls listed above. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Hooray! 6 Wallet-Friendly and Delicious Tendons Under $20! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Satay, or meat skewers, is a favourite hawker food among locals. As long as the meat is tender and boasts a little smokiness without being too greasy, we’re happily chomping down stick after stick. Here are 7 best satay stalls in Singapore to tickle your tastebuds!

Charcoal Grilled

This hawker’s satay is highly sought after. You can opt for pork, chicken or mutton satay. Pork and chicken satay cost 50 cents per stick while mutton satay cost 60 cents per stick. We shared 15 sticks of chicken satay and 2 ketupat for $8.60. The sticks arrived glistening, with a slightly charred exterior, and each bite is full of flavour. The meat is tender and goes very well with the soft ketupat that has a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Rahim Muslim Food

Opened since the 1960s, the secret recipes for Rahim Muslim Food’s mouthwatering dishes have been passed down through two generations. The signature item here is their special Power Mee Rebus. However, our favourite is the satay (60 cents each, min 10 sticks)! It is BBQ-ed over charcoal and served with their sweet peanut gravy.

Haron Satay

There are plenty of stalls selling satay at East Coast Lagoon Food Village but this particular one has been in the business for 38 years. The satay, rice cakes and satay sauce here are all handmade. Also, the portion is quite generous. We enjoyed dipping the succulent meats into their homemade satay sauce, which contained quite a generous amount of peanuts. Simply delicious!

Chai Ho Satay

Chai Ho Satay always has a snaking queue mainly because of their super cheap satay($0.42 per stick). They serve both chicken and pork satay, with an amazing gravy, and crunchy cucumber slices. The meat is well-marinated and barbecued over charcoal fire till slightly charred. The standard is consistent and none of our satay was overcooked. We prefer the pork satay due to the good mix of lean meat and fats, which makes the package more enticing and satisfying.

Yong Seng Satay

This stall sells chicken, pork and mutton satay but we prefer the pork satay. Imagine chewing chunks of well-marinated lean pork with bits of sinful fats  in between. It’s more than just heavenly! The owner explains that slightly over-ripe pineapples are mashed and added to the peanut sauce. This results in a sweet and fruity tanginess in the mildly spicy peanut sauce.

Kwong Satay

This is the juiciest and most sinful satay we have eaten! Each stick of pork belly is so smoky, has charred edges and is dripping with juices. The satay is about 2 times the normal portion of a pork loin satay, so no complaints about having to pay a dollar for each stick. Kwong Satay marinades the meat using saffron, hence it’s more aromatic than the skewers you get elsewhere. The satay gravy comes with mashed pineapple too.

Victor Veggie

This one’s for the vegetarians, but honestly, the sticks of satay here taste superb! Satay here cost 80cents per skewer. The charred black segments give the satay a nice smoky flavour and the mock meat is surprisingly tender. Not to mention, the peanut satay sauce is such a good complement. Featuring a creamy texture, it is neither too spicy nor too oily. Be prepared to wait for about 15-20 minutes during busy periods.

For both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, we hope that you’ll be able to satisfy your cravings for satay at the places we have recommended above. Do remember to indulge moderately though!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visits and paid its own meals at the stalls featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to the stalls listed above. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post 7 Best Satay in Singapore for a Fantastic End to your Hawker Feast appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

My grandfather and his brothers used to run a restaurant and catering that does excellent ngoh hiang (五香). Especially during Chinese New Year, our neighbours would be placing orders from us and Grandpa makes it at home. From mincing the ingredients to rolling the beancurd skin to frying it, he does it on his own and I would just stand at his side being a kaypo.

As age catches up, they have sold the business and he no longer does it. But the factory still produces ngoh hiang for us using the same old recipe. The hokkien version doesn’t use yam stuffing in our ngoh hiang rolls. Instead, we mince the pork and prawns together into a paste and mix it with chestnuts to get the crunch. Ingredients are almost similar but of course, proportion wise varies within each Hokkien family.

For my ah gong’s version, he actually cut it up into 3/4 inch thick slices and deep fry them. But I decided to just wrap and fry (lazy man’s way haha). Of course, it will be better for you to steam the roll first, at least to have all the ingredients cooked. I wouldn’t say that this is the most authentic Hokkien style ngoh hiang, but this is my aunties’ and my memories of how our ngoh hiang taste like, together with my grandpa’s input of course. Enjoy!

Tips:
You can steam it for 10 minutes before deep frying.
Or cut them up into 3/4-inch thick slices, lightly coat them with flour and deep fry until golden brown.

This recipe was first shared on YES 93.3 Facebook Page.

The post Ngoh Hiang appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Here are 7 good hawker stalls in Serangoon Central that will please your palates, and keep you going back for more.

Dju Dju Indonesian Nasi Padang

Mdm Djudjurjati came from Semarang, Indonesia. There are more than 30 dishes for you to choose from here. In the morning, mee siam, mee rebus and sardine curry puff are sold. Their mee siam is a little different, as there is coconut milk in it. However, it was a little too mild for our liking. The mee rebus is quite solid though. The ayam masak merah is our favourite dish amongst all. Translated as “red cooked chicken”, the mildly spicy chicken is slowly braised in a sweet tomato sauce laced with spices like chilies and lemongrass. Very shiok!

Ah Seng Braised Duck Rice

Located just opposite Nex, this stall serves authentic Teochew-style braised duck. Its braising liquid is light but surprisingly tasty. Each slice of duck meat has a good bite and pairs brilliantly with the light and smooth kway chap that’s soaked in a flavoursome gravy.

Kim Heng Hong Kong Roasted Meat

Tucked in the corner of a coffee shop opposite Serangoon Stadium is this fantastic stall that serves delightfully fat and juicy roasted meat. You will be greeted with a row of glistening char siew, “sio bak” (pork roast) and roasted duck shouting “Look at me, LOOK!” These meats are specially broiled over a charcoal spit till they are moist and tender. The stall serves herbal soups as well.

Yishun 925 Chicken Rice

It started with just one hawker stall within Yishun but over the years, they have expanded and now, there are a few stalls around Singapore, one of which lies in the heart of Serangoon Central. Chicken meat here is cooked just right, making it smooth and palatable. We liked that it was served deboned, which makes it more convenient for consumption. The soya sauce which the chicken is drenched in is not overly salty, just perfect!

Lao Ban Niang Zhu Chao

This is an ideal place for a birthday celebration or family gathering if you aren’t looking to splurge. The Special Oyster Sauce Cuttlefish ($18 small, $28 big) consists of crunchy cuttlefish stir-fried with chilli padi and onions. A must-try! They make their own crispy Lao Ban Niang’s Yam Ring ($18) and we suggest that you go for this too.  On rainy days, you will definitely enjoy their Assam Fish Head or Fish Head Steamboat.

Lau Wang Claypot Delights

Don’t you just love it when your food arrives sizzling hot, and the best part is that it stays hot for the entire meal? Well, this eatery serves delicious claypot dishes such as spicy sambal sotong, frog legs cooked with ginger and onion, and their signature sesame oil chicken. Generous pieces of boneless chicken are soaked in a thick gravy of sesame oil and minced garlic. You can also opt for the version with dried chilli which really packs a good punch.

28 Noodles (Yi Fa Mian Shi)

Just a few stalls away from the popular Ah Seng Braised Duck Rice, this Bak Chor Mee hawker garners its own loyal supporters. Prices begin at $3 for a bowl of bak chor mee, and the stall also serves laksa and mee sua. Well, this isn’t the bak chor mee with lots of vinegar, nor does it boast strong savoury flavours like MacPherson’s. Here, Bak Chor Mee is prepared the traditional way, accompanied by chunks of crispy lard. Perhaps, we would try their laksa on our next visit.

Nex mall might have plenty of food choices, but we still love indulging in affordable hawker fare. So, the next time you’re annoyed with the crowd at Nex, you can consider these delectable options which are just a stone’s throw away!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visits and paid its own meals at the stalls featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to the stalls listed above. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post 7 Hawker Stalls in Serangoon Central That Are Worth the Queue appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

I love all things old school. Sadly, our traditions, heritage, and even our local food are slowly disappearing. A wave of sadness never fails to engulf me whenever I ponder about the disappearance of what’s uniquely Singapore. This is why I admire the neo-traditional who puts in an effort to preserve what is fast fading. And, Sinpopo Brand happens to be one of them. 

A step into Sinpopo Brand transports you back to the 60s. Rattan chairs, white and green tiles, menu presented as an attendance list, food descriptions with elements of local slang – there’s everything to love at Sinpopo Brand.

With local dishes and flavours at the heart of their menu, expect to find things like har geong gai, nasi lemak, gula melaka, and kopi, with a twist, of course. Ordering from the menu was no easy feat, with so many quirky options drawing me in.

I really wanted to order the Sinpopo Sliced Beef Horfun ($18) which comes with crispy deep-fried hor fun in a rich broth, but it was SOLD OUT for that day! Not letting my grief and disappointment get the better of me, I picked the Sinpopo Crab Beehoon ($16), which was just plainly described as “Shiok! And got wok-hei”.

My first bite of the crab bee hoon swept me off my feet. The broth was so flavourful, so rich, so intensely crabby. I think this is my favourite dish of all. No wok-hei, unfortunately, but this dish is still very shiok – wayyyyyy better than your typical white bee hoon and definitely not for the faint-hearted.

The Nonya Kiam Chye Arg! ($16) is a rendition of the traditional salted vegetable duck soup. Instead of pieces of boiled duck, this came with a deep-fried duck confit. The skin was really crispy but the meat was tough, hard and dry.

The soup was a perfect harmony of sourness, saltiness and spiciness. The flavours balance each other out and it tastes as good as the soup my grandma used to make. The addition of tang hoon was smart too – it is perhaps the best noodle for this dish since it has the ability to absorb the flavours of the soup. 

I have a sweet tooth, so I couldn’t resist the array of desserts, done the Sinpopo way.

Since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved Horlicks more than Milo. I got really excited when I saw Horlicks and Maltesers Milkshake ($8) on the menu, and ordered it right away. However, much to my disappointment, it lacked the authentic milky-malty taste of Horlicks. This costs about 6 times the price of my Horlicks C peng. Worth it? I think not.  

Despite some hits and misses, I enjoyed my time at Sinpopo. Not so much the food, but the nostalgic ambience really left an impression. 

MissTamChiak.com made an anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

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Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to Sinpopo Brand. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Sinpopo Brand – Local Favorites Reinvented! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

I always get a happy feeling when I visit Sentosa. With an exciting array of themed attractions, spa retreats, golden sandy beaches and more, Sentosa feels like a holiday destination to me. Not only can you go on rollercoasters, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options.

From dining in the sky to having fine dining amidst the backdrop of a spectacular aquarium, tantalize your taste buds at unique dining destinations without having to leave the country. Sentosa is the perfect place for those looking for a different experience in Singapore.

Tanjong Beach Club
Getting There: Alight at Beach Station via the Sentosa Express and take the beach tram to Tanjong Beach

Bring your sunglasses, bikini and an empty stomach to Tanjong Beach Club, where the hot sun brightens up the beautiful blue sea. This is heaven for beach-loving kids and those who enjoy swimming or just lounging under the sun.

For starters, standouts include the light and tangy Snapper Ceviche ($23), made up of fresh snapper, lime, creamy avocado and a side of crispy tortilla chips, as well as the Barbecued Octopus Salad ($24), which features succulent slices of perfectly grilled tentacles atop a bed of baby spinach, quinoa and pomegranate.

A more substantial dish that might tickle your fancy is the Tanjong Beach Club’s Lobster Bun ($38). Think generous portions of juicy lobster dressed with lime mayonnaise and avocado, sandwiched between toasted burger buns. Pair it with Tanjong Spritz ($19) or the Hollywood Punch ($23). Nothing says beach life like a cocktail by the sea. Isn’t this the perfect place to laze your weekend away?

Sessions
Getting There: Alight at Waterfront Station via the Sentosa Express and take a 5-10min walk to Hard Rock Hotel Singapore

Sessions at Hard Rock Hotel Singapore is a 3-in-1 dining destination combining 3 sections into 1 interesting dining experience. Once you walk in, you will first be greeted by a section serving sweet treats, followed by another offering hearty crab feasts in a casual setting, and lastly, an interactive kitchen that offers cooking classes, workshops, and corporate events. For those who cannot decide between sweet or savoury, or who enjoy cooking as much as eating, this is the perfect place to be.

Our eyes lit up at the Crab Sessions, where we tucked into the popular Chilli Crab ($55), and other seafood like crayfish and other shellfish. The seafood here is done in true Singapore style (Black Pepper, Red Chilli, etc), or served in overflowing Louisiana-style buckets. It’s a well-known fact that we love Chilli Crab. Don’t be fooled by its bright-red appearance because its spiciness is relatively manageable, and perfect for overseas guests. Put on an apron and dive right into the crabs! Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty or be too mindful about creating a “mess”. Crab Sessions wants you to have as much fun cracking those pincers open.

To complete your meal, kick back and relax at Sweet Sessions right at the entrance of the restaurant. Pastry Chef Kenny Kong has come up with a range of ice cream, pancakes and waffles. We went for the tallest Bingsu ($20) in town, comprising Korean snow milk, raindrop cake, azuki beans, brownie rocks and sesame seaweed with chocolate shawarma.

If you are organizing a team building event, what do you think of hands-on cooking sessions? Sessions has a fully-equipped cooking studio that fits up to 70 people. Everything is provided, along with an instructor chef, who will guide you along. You’ll have a lot of fun cooking, and eating after!

Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora
Getting There: Alight at Waterfront Station, take a 5-10min walk to Equarius Hotel and take the lift to level B1M

After saying hello to jellyfish and stingray at S.E.A. Aquarium Ocean, why not bring your loved one for a romantic dinner at Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora? Serving Mediterranean-Californian cuisine with an Asian flair, the menu here uses sustainably-sourced seafood and local seafood produce which echoes S.E.A. Aquarium’s beliefs in conservation and caring for our oceans and marine life.

Celebrity Chef Cat Cora works closely with resident chef Yew Eng Tong to curate a menu that impresses your senses. The Smoked Eel in Lettuce looks ordinary but it’s wrapped with foie gras and drizzled with lemon confit, crustacean cream and basil oil. The Cream of Artichoke is silky and creamy and the crispy artichoke adds a nice crunch.

I was impressed by the Crispy Skin Kuhlbarra Barramundi which is complemented by fermented black bean paste made in-house, baby vegetables and green pepper juice. The delicate and tender flesh of the barramundi is elevated by the savoury bean paste. We can’t say no to a pretty pink Roasted Peach with buttermilk sago, soursop sorbet, sakura espuma and shiso. While dining, we just couldn’t take our eyes off the two large glass panels that offer a magnificent view of the open ocean habitat. Such a memorable dining experience!

Blue Lotus – Chinese Eating House
Getting There: Alight at Beach Station via the Sentosa Express and take Sentosa Bus 3 to Quayside Isle

Located in the exclusive Sentosa Cove and next to the luxurious W Singapore, Quayside Isle is the perfect escape from the city. With an extensive selection of restaurants, bistros and bars, this enclave is the unique location to unwind without having to leave Singapore.

I have been to Blue Lotus Chinese Eating House a few times but this is the first time I’m trying their Signature Chilli Pomelo Crab ($8/100g), and it’s DA BOMB! Located at Quayside Isle, Blue Lotus is different from your usual chilli crab hotspots and definitely a recommended dining destination. Enjoy your meal with the wind in your hair, while being treated to an expansive view of yachts drifting by on the waters.

Simmered with lemongrass and curry leaves, the thick gravy has got just enough heat. It appears to be fiery on the first mouthful, but trust me, when you go for the second dip, you will start to love it. A whole Sri Lankan crab is stirred into this delicious gravy. Paired with pomelo which is supposed to put out a little of the fire burning in your mouth, the chilli crab is crazily addictive! It’s no wonder food critic Mr Wong Ah Yoke from The Straits Times named it “King Chilli Crab”! Other crab options include HK Style Bei Fung Tong Crab, Claypot Crab Vermicelli Noodles, Wok Fried Salted Egg Yolk Crab and Steamed Crab with Egg White and Fragrant Oil.

To complement the chilli crab, we had the Wok-Fried Kurobuta Minced Pork “Sang Choy Bao” ($16) and Braised XO Mee Pok ($34). The minced kurobuta pork has a lightly sweet and peppery coating and the carrots give the wrap that necessary crunch. We couldn’t resist the Mee Pok which comes with jumbo king prawns as well.

Dining on Cloud 9
Getting There: Take a 15 min taxi ride from HarbourFront MRT Station to Faber Peak Singapore

After a fun day feasting around Sentosa Island, we concluded the day with a 4-course dinner aboard the famous Singapore Cable Car. This is perfect for a romantic date with your special someone. The cable car ride will reward you with stunning views of the city and the night sky. We got to see the sun setting below the horizon and it was just beautiful. How often do we get to dine on cloud 9 with such a magnificent view? It’s a one-of-a-kind experience!

Our dinner (Standard Cabin: 4-Course $288 per couple; Floral Cabin: 4-Course $488 per couple) was spread over three rounds (approx. 90mins) on the cable car. For starters, we had Chilled King Prawn with mesclun, salmon roe and mango raspberry dressing, and a warm Shellfish Consommé, with seafood wrapped with cabbage. Pick a main course of your choice – Char Grilled Angus Beef Sirloin or Almond Crusted Chilean Sea Bass. Done medium, I like the beef sirloin that was grilled to perfection and served with mashed potato, mushroom ragout and thyme jus. My girlfriends prefer the seabass served with edamame puree, baby vegetables, haricot beans & carrot basil cream.

We ended the night with a Cheese Mousse with Wild Berry Compote. Each diner gets a glass of House Wine. This is my third time dining in the cable car but I am still excited because I have three girls joining me for dinner this time round!

There’s so much good food in Sentosa! Don’t miss out on all the dining promotions that are happening in the month of April. From beach, quayside, “underwater” to sky dining, be spoilt with over 120 F&B choices across the island. TIME FOR MAKAN! Visit http://www.sentosa.com.sg/feast for more information.

This post was brought to you in partnership with Sentosa.

The post 5 Unique Restaurants in Sentosa – Memorable Dining Experiences in Singapore’s Island Resort appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Spanning 32,000 sqft across the basement, street level and conservation buildings, South Beach Avenue is set to become the entertainment centre of the Civic District. Apart from JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, the lifestyle enclave has a dynamic mix of 16 dining, beauty and entertainment options.

Here are some of the awesome restaurants and bars you can find in South Beach Avenue. You are very welcome.

Atmastel

Dedicated to serving rustic home-cooked Italian food, Atmastel emphasizes on drawing the best natural flavours from the freshest produce. Helmed by Andrea Tarini, a chef with a 3-michelin star background at ULIASSI in Senigallia, Atmastel wants to let locals have a taste of real Italian food.

Together with Chef Matteo Fabbian, who heads Atmastel’s Pizza Section, Chef Tarini uses a variety of artisanal ingredients ranging from San Marzano tomatoes, to San Daniele prosciutto to fresh burrata air flown weekly from Puglia, in all of Atmastel’s offerings.

Chef Fabbian’s Seafood Pizza ($38) speaks clearly about the flavours of the sea. Buttered with San Marzano tomato sauce, the homemade pizza dough is topped with clams, squids, prawns, garlic, chilli flakes and parsley. Made from 100% stone-milled flour, the dough is given 48 hours to ferment, resulting in lighter, crispier and more aromatic bakes.

Tiger Prawns in Catalan Style ($48) features fresh butterfly tiger prawns stewed with cherry tomatoes, red onion, Taggiasca olives and homemade light pesto sauce. This is best paired with Bellavista Franciacorta Alma Cuvee Brut, a lively Italian sparkling wine with nuances of sweet ripe fruit (Decana pears), and subtle hints of chlorophyll and vanilla.

For desserts that tread a fine line between tradition and innovation, the Nutella Pillow ($22) comes highly rated. Oozing with hot Italian Nutella and topped with smooth madagascan vanilla ice-cream, raspberries, toasted almond flakes and mint; this dessert pizza is a spectacular way to complete your meal at Atmastel.

Alchemist Beer Lab

Alchemist Beer Lab is the first beer infusion bar in the Asia to house a total of 16 sleek and state-of-the-art towers. While infusing beer is not new, the bar extracts the flavours of its ingredients using a fusion chamber to achieve an optimal flavour extraction and fresh results.

What’s most special is the Obama stout with toasted marshmallows, vanilla pods and mint leaves. It’s bold, rich and a little sweet with minty hints to cleanse the palate in between sips.

Ladies will love the Honey Trap with London mead infused with lemongrass and ginger. Get the Head Bartender Barnaby Murdoch to pour out sample-sized shots from the taps to let you have a taste.

Even though they’re more of a bar than a restaurant, they do have some good food as well. Executive Chef, John Edwards, has thoughtfully conceived a modern European tapas-style menu to accompany the extensive array of drink options.

The Sticky Thai Chicken Wings ($10 for 3 pieces) are marinated for 3 days with tom yam spices and honey before they are barbecued till slightly charred. Served with a tangy Vietnamese-style chilli dip, it is an essential grub.

If lady luck is on your side, go for the Duck Confit ($32) which is a special on the menu. The mildly crispy duck confit is served atop a portobello mushroom tart with black cherry relish in hoisin jus. Love the balance of East and West flavours all in a plate!

Fasta

Fasta is a no-frills eatery which serves interesting pasta dishes catered to busy office-workers and casual shoppers in South Beach Avenue. 22-year-old Rayson Ling got bored of the usual pasta served in restaurants and came up with a creative range.

There are two menus: Warm Bowls and Cold Bowls, and you can also choose from a range of pastas, grains, meats and sides to create your own fun Fasta bowl.

The most memorable dish was the Siow Ba Mee ($13). The homemade roasted pork is first marinated with sweet sauce and sugar before it is roasted with rosemary and thyme. Crackling skin, checked. Tender meat, checked. Even though the pasta with sweet sauce was a tad too sweet for my palate, we enjoyed the caramelized meat totally.

On the other hand, I liked the refreshing Tuna Poke ($14). Served chilled, the pasta noodles come with tangy roma tomatoes and yuzu sauce. The Scallop Wallop ($16) comes with generous amount of crab meat and diced roma tomatoes, drizzled in yuzu sauce.

Harry’s

Harry’s, the cosy bar, is home to many – the football fanatics cheering on their favourite teams, colleagues unwinding over chilled beers and delicious bites, and even families spending quality time together.

If you can’t decide which appetizer to order, go for The Harry’s Seven ($36.90). Think Harry’s Signature Wings, Chicken Satay, Spicy Chicken Sausage, Otah Toasties, Onion Rings, Fish Cracklings and Crispy all in one platter. Perfect for sharing! Harry’s signature wings are dressed in their secret spice and paired with homemade chili jam.

You definitely won’t go wrong with their Chicken Masala ($23). Have a taste of their toasted charcoal bread dipped into the flavourful chicken masala, and you will understand why this dish is worthy of its loyal following.

Beef lovers should order the Soy-Glazed Beef Cubes ($18.90). It is best enjoyed with a glass of cocktail. I enjoyed the Dirty Harry ($16) most. This signature cocktail is built with vodka, brown sugar and lychee liqueur.

Vatos Urban Tacos

One of Korea’s hottest restaurants, Vatos Urban Tacos, is in Singapore! Derived from a Mexican slang which means “dudes”, Vatos is opened by three Korean-American friends living in Seoul who were homesick for a taste of their childhood.

Take a quick glance at Vatos’ menu and you’ll know exactly what we mean. Their dishes are influenced by Mexican street tacos in Los Angeles and home-cooked Korean meals. Think Kimchi Carnitas Fries, Galbi Short Rib Tacos, and Spicy Chicken Quesadillas.

Yes, you heard it right. KIMCHI CARNITAS FRIES ($18)! Named the No. 1 dish in Korea by 10 Magazine, the Kimchi fries bring together American (french fries), Mexican (pork carnitas) and Korean (kimchi) ingredients to create a balanced and harmonious dish. Drizzled with melted cheese, sour cream, Vatos hot sauce, cilantro and onions, doesn’t this just sound delicious?

The Honey Tequila Chicken Wings ($18) are coated in a sweet and spicy honey tequila sauce, and served with deep fried masa-battered jalapenos and blue cheese dipping sauce. Don’t forget the Galbi Short Rib Tacos ($13 for 2/$18 for 3) featuring crispy corn tortillas stuffed with marinated short ribs, ssamjang aioli, Asian slaw, cilantro, chopped onions and roasted sesame seeds, on a soft handmade tortilla.

Need a drink? Go for the Vatos-Ritas ($29) – a famous combination of frozen margaritas and beer that put Vatos on the map. We tried the Sexy Sanchez -a concoction of strawberry margarita and cider. They also have apple, mango, lime, passionfruit and peach flavours as well. End your meal with Nutella Nachos ($10) – a basket of crispy tortilla dusted with cinnamon, sugar, Nutella sauce and topped with a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The Armoury

From craft beers to fusion dishes, The Armoury offers a gastronomical adventure of East-Meets-West cuisine in the heart of Singapore’s up and coming South Beach Quarter.

A café by day and a bar by night, the most discerning alcohol aficionados will be impressed by its extensive selections. Chef Ben combines traditional European and Asian flavours to create well-loved dishes through innovative culinary techniques.

The Armoury Burger ($19) comes in thick and succulent wagyu patty sandwiched in between brioche buns. Chef Ben loves to combine traditional European flavours and Asian flavours to create tasty dishes such as Salted Egg Chicken Burger ($19) and Armoury Manto ($14) which comes with pulled short ribs and foie gras. They have Curry Chicken Prata Taco ($6) as well. When you can have both curry chicken and prata at the same time, why say no?

For drinks, there are craft beers from countries like Germany, United States and United Kingdom, cocktails, spirits, wines, champagnes, and more.

Fynn’s

Fynn’s, a casual modern Australian restaurant where food and drinks are at their uncomplicated best, launches a new dinner menu. The new dinner menu’s distinctive flavors are infused throughout the starters, homemade fresh pastas, and other main plates.

Mains range from homemade fresh pastas to meat plates. The unique Cavatelli pasta sees in broken pork sausages, red-wine braised octopus, parmesan and fennel seeds come together in a savory tomato-based sauce. The Spiced Iberico Pork is glazed with fermented garlic and served with oven-baked Brussels sprouts and celeriac puree.

Finish your meal with the Chocolate Semifreddo which is a bitter chocolate lover’s oasis. Expect 72% Venezuelan chocolate semifreddo, bitter chocolate mousse, cocoa nips, milk chocolate crunchy sponge.

Starters range from $6 to $17; homemade pastas from $23 to $26; main plates from $26 to $32.

Quaich Bar

Here’s one for the whisky connoisseurs. Quaich Bar is one of the most exquisite whisky bars that you will find in Singapore. The outlet stocks over 500 expressions, 95 percent of which are Scotch. It also has ultra rare bottles, like the Yamazaki 50, which costs in excess of $120,000, and small-batch bottlings from Kilkerren (from $37/dram), one of only three distilleries in Campbeltown.

With more than 300 types of whiskies at the Quaich Bar, you will be spoilt for choice. If you are a newbie like me, order an introductory flight. I tried the Springbank Aged 15 Years, Benriach Aged 12 Years Sherry Wood Matured, Kilkerran Work in Progress 6 Sherry Matured and Tomintoul Aged 12 Years Oloroso Sherry Cask finish.

I like the Springbank Aged 15 Years the most. Well loved amongst whisky connoisseurs, Springbank is produced using peated barley that adds depth into the drink. Matured in 80% sherry casks, this is an after-dinner drink that’s full of sweet and rich flavours like dark chocolate.

Other than whiskies, they also offer a variety of beers, wines, tequilas, rums, vodkas and other waters of life.

This post was brought to you by South Beach Avenue. Visit www.southbeachavenue.com for more information.

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Singapore Street Food has achieved world-class recognition, making our city one of Asia’s biggest culinary destinations. Many of us spend a huge part of our lives eating and drinking at hawker centres. The enticing aroma of chicken rice, and captivating fragrance of grilled satay invade our senses and we know we need to get them. We don’t even mind traveling from the West to the East just for a plate of fluffy, crispy prata. With such a great variety of street food leaving you spoilt for choice, let us help you decide where to go, and what to order.

Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata

Good, artisanal pratas are hard to come by. So if you haven’t tried Mr and Mrs Moghan’s prata, you should. Mr Mohgan has been making prata for more than 30 years. He makes his own dough, cooks the curry, and flips the prata all by himself. The pratas here are fresh and super crispy.

They have 3 types of curry – mutton, fish and dhal. The curry goes really well with the prata, and we promise that you won’t be disappointed.

Sungei Road Laksa

Despite the long queue at Sungei Road Laksa, we always brave the queue to have a taste of what we think might be the best laksa in Singapore. The broth is cooked over a charcoal fire, which we believe is one of the leading contributors to its great taste.

The laksa rocks a beautiful orange hue, and is topped with a generous amount of cockles and green laksa leaves. We finished every last bit of the gravy, which left us craving for a can of ice-cold Coke in the sweltering heat.

Haron Satay

There are plenty of stalls selling satay at East Coast Lagoon Food Village but this particular stall has been in the business for 38 years. Ms. Lynna is a 2nd generation hawker who took over the business about 6 years ago, when her father fell ill.

The satay, rice cakes and satay sauce here are all handmade, and they are not stingy with the portion. We enjoyed dipping the succulent meats into their homemade satay sauce, which contains a generous amount of peanuts.

Xiao Di Fried Prawn Noodle

This plate of scrumptious Hokkien Mee comprises yellow noodles, bee hoon, eggs, beansprouts, sliced pork belly, prawns, squids, garlic and pork lard. The noodles are well infused with prawn stock, and we particularly enjoyed the strong taste of ‘wok hei’. Also, the house-made chilli sauce will knock your socks off.

We like pairing this local fare with a cup of fizzy Coke to balance out the savouriness, giving our palates a feel of sugary sweet heaven.

Foong Kee Roasted Noodle

Chef-owner Derrick serves up gratifying plates of wanton mee with char siew. The springy noodles have a nice bite, while the glistening char siew is well caramelised and possesses a good amount of smokiness. The char siew contains a right mix of lean meat and fatty layers. We are always excited to sink our teeth into the juicy char siew.

Guan Hin Homemade Carrot Cake

At the mention of carrot cake, many tourists would think about the dessert, but our version features savoury radish cubes, a popular local fare that’s a must-try if you’re visiting Singapore. You will see huge round aluminium trays filled with homemade carrot cake here. It’s such a rare sight because most of the carrot cake stalls do not make their own carrot cake anymore, but simply get them from suppliers.

Everyday, the old couple tending Guan Hin Homemade Carrot Cake makes the carrot cake at their stall, before cutting them up into huge chunks, and frying them upon order. You can have either the white or black version. We prefer the black version which is mixed with thick and rich black sweet sauce. Oh, they are generous with eggs too.

Hill Street Fried Kway Teow

The owner of Hill Street Fried Kway Teow whips up delectable noodles with a smoky aroma. If you take a closer look at his wok, he uses a very shallow wok which is probably only 5 inches deep. This is to ensure that the kway teow is fried uniformly.

A plate of fried kway teow has quite a number of ingredients in it. Think beansprouts, eggs, crispy pork lard and sweet dark sauce. Hill Street Fried Kway Teow also adds chives which is believed to enhance the flavour of the noodles.

Don’t forget to pair this delicacy with a refreshing glass of ice-cold Coke. There’s just something about the fizzy drink that goes exceptionally well with Fried Kway Teow.

Yishun 925 Chicken Rice

It started with just one stall in Yishun, but now, they have a few stalls around Singapore.

The chicken here is cooked just right, and is smooth and palatable. We liked that it is served deboned, which makes it more convenient for consumption. The soya sauce which the chicken is drenched in is pretty well executed too.

Hoover Rojak

The freshness of the ingredients here and use of tip-top shrimp paste are just two of their selling points. The components in Hoover Rojak are blended to perfection, with the right amount of crunchy and zesty flavours. How can we not mention the generous amount of jelly fish strips, creamy century egg and torched ginger shreds included? Very few rojak stalls include these three ingredients in their creations these days. Remember to include the Hoover Rojak’s special chilli paste for an extra kick. If you crave an ice-cold drink to battle the spiciness, a can of coke might just do the trick.

Seng Kee Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle

Nothing is more welcoming that a rich bowl of fishmaw soup filled with generous servings of minced pork, pork liver and quality fish maw. Seng Kee has been in business for 36 years and their cloudy fish maw soup is a stunner. Boiled with pork bones for hours, dried sole fish (ti poh) is added for extra depth and umami.

As much as we enjoyed this piping hot bowl of rich and flavoursome broth, we broke out in perspiration in the scorching hot weather. We countered the heat with a can of ice-cold Coke and gulped it down within minutes.

Coca-Cola® is a popular beverage among both the young and old. Besides complementing Singapore’s Street Food, the soda helps cool us down on a hot day. Head over to Coca-Cola® SG’s Facebook and Instagram to find out more about other local favourites that can be enjoyed with Coke®.

This article is brought to you in partnership with Coca-Cola®, the opinions are of the writers’ own.

The post 10 Best Singapore Street Food That Are Worth Travelling For appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

When we talk about Penang food, the first few dishes that come to my mind are definitely Penang Char Kway Teow, Assam Laksa and Prawn Noodles. Fans who used to make the long trek way to Penang Place old outlet will be thrilled with their new outlet’s convenient location – SUNTEC CITY! They have taken over a huge space in Suntec City to continue serving authentic Penang buffet and a la carte dishes.

Owner of Penang Place, Paul Ooi, was born an hour away from Penang and Penang food was “food of his childhood”. Both his grandmothers are Northern Peranakan and he came from a Peranakan family, so he has always been interested in food.

Prepared by 7 Penang Chefs, the Penang buffet has more than 30 perennial hawker favourites which include Char Koay Teow, Penang Hokkien Mee, Penang Laksa, Penang Rojak, Chendol, Ice Kachang, Nasi Lemak etc. Having been around for more than a decade and run by the Ooi family, they look into every little detail and make sure everythng is done properly.

“People ask me what’s the formula for good food? Great chef equals great food. But it’s hard to find a great chef. You can have many chefs but very few are master chefs. If you want the formula to char kway teow, go to the internet and you can find all the recipe. But not many can fry a delicious plate of char kway teow. I am grateful to have a masterchef with me. His name is Alvin.”

I got a chance to visit the kitchen and watch how Chef Alvin prepares the char kway teow. He does it so effortlessly, but the wok hei is impressive considering they were only opened about a week and are still fine-tuning the kitchen operations.

Irregardless of the new location, Chef Alvin has masterfully controlled that fire and frying the flat noodles with eggs, shrimps, bean sprouts (really crunchy) and sauce. If you can, order an a la carte plate of Char Kway Teow fresh from the kitchen.

Almost everything is made in house. With the aim of creating an inclusive environment for everyone, there are no pork no lard in the menu and the meats and vegetables are halal sources. Its Lor Bak uses chicken and yam, marinated with five spice powder and served with homemade sweet cornstarch sauce.

The Penang Hokkien Prawn Noodles soup was thick and dense, with a more prominent prawn taste. Assam Laksa was a milder than expected, but aromatic. There’s also Nasi Lemak served with an assortment of dishes include vegetables, curry chicken, beef rendang, stingray etc. I can’t decide if I like the sambal or belachan more.

Penang Place has an assortment of nonya kuehs which they made on their own. Try the Pulut Tatai, the steamed glutinous rice goes exceptionally well with kaya.

We ended the meal at the DIY Corner where we made our own ice kachang and chendol. Paul said they are still looking for a better chendol supplier, but honestly, I think the chendol strips are excellent. Similar to the ones I had in Thailand (they called it Lod Chong), these emerald green strips are soft, doughy and has that addictive pandan fragrance. Drizzle sweet coconut milk and thick gula melaka over the ice and I can easily finish a bowl (maybe two).

Adult Buffet
Mon – Fri Lunch: $24.90++
Mon – Thur Dinner: $27.90++
Fri (Dinner), Sat, Sun, Eve of and on Public Holidays (Lunch & Dinner): $30.90++

Child Buffet (3 to 10 yrs)
Mon – Fri Lunch: $15.90++
Mon – Thur Dinner: $16.90++
Fri (Dinner), Sat, Sun, Eve of and on Public Holidays (Lunch & Dinner): $17.90++

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From its humble beginnings at a snack bar in Orchid Country Club’s bowling alley, Orchid Live Seafood has grown and expanded tremendously. They set up their first restaurant at the club’s driving range, before shifting to Bah Soon Pah Road, and they have been here for the past 13 years. Jason Chua, who graduated from NUS Engineering,decided to take over the business after his mother passed away. Together with his father, and his wife, he runs Orchid Live Seafood at two locations.

Spanning a huge area, Orchid Live Seafood grows their own vegetables. If you order kailan, sweet potato leaves, or other leafy greens, you’ll get these vegetables fresh out of their backyard. There are 12 tanks of lobsters displayed at the entrance of the restaurant. We heard that they have the most number of lobsters of all the restaurants in Singapore! We had lunch here on a Monday, and were already amazed by the number of lobsters they have. Pretty sure there will be twice the quantity on weekends.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and Orchid Live Seafood is a great place to take your mom. Express your heartfelt gratitude to her by pampering her with the freshest seafood dishes. Orchid Live Seafood offers a few Mother’s Day Set Meals that cater to 2 pax, right up to 12. We tried a few dishes from the Sweetest Mum Set ($258 nett for 4 pax), which comprises the restaurant’s signatures.

The Live Lobster Porridge has been the restaurant’s signature dish since 1999. Each heavenly pot is cooked with fresh and succulent lobster meat. Sweet and juicy Asian lobsters are used for the porridge. They have a firmer texture which complements the silky porridge. The stock for the lobster porridge is prepared the day before with fish bones, pork bones, old hen, dried scallops, and other secret ingredients. The stock is a masterpiece. It is palatable, and yet, light on the palate.

The Live Cream Cheese Boston Lobsters will win the hearts of cheese lovers. Instead of Asian lobsters, this dish is created with Boston lobsters as the meat is more tender. The soft flesh soaks up the flavours of the molten cheese really well, and you can also taste the pristine freshness of the lobster meat. Despite being topped with a generous sprinkling of mozzarella, the amount of cheese isn’t overwhelming. It is also such a treat to see the cheese getting torched and melting into a gooey puddle! We believe that you will love this as much as we do!

The famous Steven Chicken has a loyal following, so we were ecstatic to try it. Steven Chicken got its name from the founder of Orchid Live Seafood, who singlehandedly created the special marinade. Even before the dish was served to our table, we were already captivated by the fragrance of the chicken! The fried chicken is lightly crisp, and really tender inside. Coated with a sweet sauce made from honey, marmite, and other seasonings, the Steven Chicken has proven itself to be worthy of its fans.

Besides the dishes mentioned above, other items included in the Sweetest Mum Set Meal are H.K Style Steam Patin Fish, Topshell Crispy Tofu, Stir-Fried Mixed Seasonal Vegetable, and Sweet Potato Ball with Yam Paste. The little balls of sweet potato can be quite addictive.

If you prefer to order ala carte items to satisfy your hungry tummies, we highly recommend the Teochew Cold Crab ($7 per 100g). The crabs are steamed with ginger and wine. The preparation method is actually very simple; what’s most important about this dish is the freshness of the crab. Sri Lankan crabs between 500g and 600g are typically used. Cold crabs cannot be too big, or the sweetness of the meat would be compromised. Right now, the crabs are changing their shells so you will get an “extra” layer in the crab shells! Dip the impeccable white chunks in either Zhejiang vinegar, or “ju you”, a sauce made from small oranges and oil for the ultimate gratification.

Orchid Live Seafood is located amidst a lush green vegetable farm, and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Dining here exudes a sense of nostalgia. They have 30 tables outdoors and a few indoors. Thus, it can get really crowded but it’s fun to dine in a lively setting! There’s a wide and reasonably-priced array of delicious food here, and free parking too. Need we say more? Come try it for yourself today!

Or, do you need a little push? Together with Orchid Live Seafood, we are giving away 4 Saver Set Meals for Mother’s Day! You could just be one of the lucky winners!

How to win :
Step 1: Like Orchid Live Seafood’s Facebook page
Step 2: Comment on Miss Tam Chiak’s Facebook page, tell us the most unforgettable memory you’ve shared with your mother, or have of her.
Closing date: 5 May 2017

Do note that the Saver Set Meal is redeemable only on weekdays, excluding public holidays, up to 31 May 2017. You have to make reservations at least 2 days in advance via email.

Only one Saver Set Meal can be redeemed per table. The Saver Set Meal consists of lobster porridge, steven chicken, live patin fish, mixed vegetable, topshell crispy toufu and red bean ice cream. All other pickles, beverages and add-ons are not included in the set. Orchid Live Seafood will have the final say pertaining to the winners of this giveaway campaign. Good luck!

This post was brought to you by Orchid Live Seafood.

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There’s just so much satisfaction from eating anything off a stick.

Char Sticks and Grill insists on doing things the traditional way – grilling all skewered meats and vegetables on a bamboo stick over charcoal.

Sleek black high beer tables, open air concept, servers openly grilling the meat at the grill counter, Char Sticks & Grill is a stark contrast to surrounding eateries. Yet, it is easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled!

Whether you prefer poultry, red meat or seafood, Char Sticks and Grill has got you covered. Currently, there are 50 options to choose and they are all affordably priced at about $1.50 per stick. It is so tempting to order all of them!

I must have hit the jackpot that day – I scored a trio of cheesy scallops ! (usual: 2 for $7.90).

I wished there was more cheese, but at least the mild sweetness of the scallops was not overwhelmed.

Sanma fish is known for its characteristic sword-like shape. This fish is traditionally grilled whole with the head and guts still intact. When it first arrived at the table, we were wowed by its size. And it only costs $4.90! Don’t worry about having any bitter bomb explosion in your mouth, because the staff here have them all well-cleaned with the guts removed. Add a squeeze of lime to zest up the flavours of this fish.

I must say that the Pork jowl ($1.50) stole the show that day.

Sticky from the sweet caramelized teriyaki glaze, the pork jowl had large chunks of fats. For $1.50, I cannot imagine anything more sensational than this.

I must say that Char Sticks and Grill has done a pretty great job with their food. Their marinades and sauces are not too overwhelmingly strong, and you can still taste the natural flavours of the ingredients. Pretty decent for its price, this place is worth a visit!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

The post Char Sticks And Grill – Cheap and Good Kushiyaki appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Uncle Ho Tuckshop, opened for about two years now, is a hidden gem in Pasir Panjang Road. An unpretentious humble eatery that does not publicize itself, Uncle Ho Tuckshop serves authentic Hanoi cuisine. 

Three of the chefs here are from Vietnam – I’m not lying when I say that the food served here is authentic!

Spacious, clean, and neat, the dining environment here is decent. Wifi is also available.

If you think all Phởs are the same, think again.

Like every other huge SEA country, there are regional specialties and there are common dishes that are done differently in every region.

In the case of Phở, Pho from Northern Vietnam does not come with a garnish platter of fresh herbs, its broth is also less sweet (because no sugar is added into the cooking process) and lighter in comparison to its Southern counterpart. Some purists may argue that pho first originated from northern Vietnam, but either way, both have their own unique tastes.

The star that I am focusing on today is this Beef Combo Pho ($9.90).

A simple yet delightful version of the Hanoi version, this beef pho is fragrant from all the spices and flavourful from the beef bones and beef stock used to make this dish. I love how the beef slices remained tender even after the piping hot soup had lost all its heat.

Don’t be deceived by the lightness of its colour. It isn’t bland at all – you’ll be surprised by how good and comforting this bowl of Phở is. Of course, if you’d like to have your Phở eaten the Southern Viet style, together with a side of garnish platter, feel free to ask the staff for it!

Spring Rolls are always a must-have whenever I dine at a Viet restaurant.

Whether you prefer the fried ones or plain o’ healthy ones, Uncle Ho’s got you covered.

Each costs $8.50, but why pick the latter when both you and I know that all things are better fried?

Stuffed with rice vermicelli, bean sprouts, carrots, minced meat, and black ear fungus, these Hanoi Fried Spring Rolls had a reasonable amount of filling. Contrary to other reviews, it wasn’t heavily spiced (even though I did detect a tinge of mint in it). Besides, they were only slightly crispy and a little greasy. Thank goodness there was a sweet fish sauce to save the day.

Now, Vietnamese food is not just about Phởs, spring rolls, and banh mi. There’s something else called the Bun Cha too.

“What’s that,” you may ask.

Bun Cha is traditionally served with a sweet broth, grilled pork belly, a side of cooked vermicelli, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Pickled veggies are added into the broth not only to aid digestion, but also to introduce different textures and flavours.  A mediocre sweet broth is instantly transformed to a highly appetizing tangy broth.

The thin slices of fatty pork belly here are grilled till tender and succulent, while the meatballs are beautifully peppered throughout. Although the meatballs are a little tough, it is evident that these chewy pork balls are made by hand, compacted together with little or no breadcrumbs at all (more bang for your buck!)

Not to be mistaken for a soup, the broth is actually a dipping sauce for the noodles so you’ve gotta eat it like how you eat Japanese soba. Add the minced garlic into the soup (optional, but essential), then pick up some noodles with your chopsticks, dip it into the broth, take up some pork slices and pickled veggies along with it, and devour immediately.

Authentic Vietnamese cuisine is rare in Singapore, even more so in the West.

Not many places serve Bun Cha in Singapore; it is said that this dish was first introduced into Singapore by Uncle Ho Tuckshop (it’s their house specialty too!).

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

The post Uncle Ho Tuckshop – Authentic Hanoi Cuisine in the West! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Don is well-known for his pie and Crab Beehoon Soup at the former China Square Central. He has relocated to Toa Payoh, focusing on serving premium quality crab and prawn dishes at UNBELIEVABLE PRICES. (Note: Don has sold away his pie/pastry buisness in Nov 2015. He has no more dealings with his pie/pastry since then.)

Together with three friends, we met for dinner on a Monday night. I am surprised to see the whole coffeeshop filled with crab fans who came here just for the crabs!

Don’s three signature crab dishes include Crab Beehoon Soup, Black Pepper Crab and Chilli Crab, and prices are fixed at $25, $30 and $40 – $55 for small, medium and large whole crabs.

The crab bee hoon soup was tasty with with a good hint of fresh ginger, dang gui and some Chinese cooking wine. I have had crab Beehoon soup in Mellben quite a few times and I must say that Don’s soup is not as flavourful as Mellben’s but definitely less MSG. The soup was good to the last drop, and there was even yam in it!

Each dish can be shared by 2 and no pork nor lard is used in the cooking process. Other crab dishes available include Cheese Crab Beehoon and Laksa Crab Beehoon.

Even though this Black Pepper Crab Bee Hoon looks similar to the Prawns & Lala Bee Hoon, the broth is different. The former has got a stark peppery taste, while this one is sweeter and more garlicky. Each plate had one mid-sized crab, lots of vegetables and a good serving of bee hoon.

To be honest, the black pepper crab bee hoon didn’t appeal to me as the sauce was a little too overpowering. But well, what was important was the crab which was fresh and firm. At $25 per plate, the crabs were fairly priced and the flesh popped out of the shells with ease.

Prawn lovers will love his VALUE FOR MONEY Black Pepper Prawns-Scallops ($15), LaLa Prawn White Beehoon ($15), Prawn-Scallop Laksa ($10) and Prawn Beehoon Soup ($10).

The Prawns & Lala Bee Hoon ($15) had the noodles soaked in thick and garlicky broth, which brings a more balanced flavour than the black pepper crab bee hoon. I like the accompanying sambal belachan. It is spicy and sour, and really kicked things up a notch.

The prices here are 50% lower than the prices at some well-known seafood restaurants in Singapore. For the price you pay and the quality of seafood that you receive, I’d say it’s worth it and Don has made crab dishes more affordable to all.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

The post Don Signature Crab – Delicious Crab Beehoon in Toa Payoh for $25 appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

What’s for breakfast? OATS! One of the healthiest grains on earth, oats are gluten-free and an excellent source of fibre, antioxidants and important vitamins and minerals.

Captain Oats are kilned using their proprietary OatiFresh™ Process, a heat and moisture treatment to prevent oats from going bad while retaining important nutrients. They offer 3 types of oats: Instant Oatmeal, Quick Cook Oatmeal and Rolled Oats.

Captain Rolled Oats will please your taste buds with its chewier texture and nutty taste! Versatile and easy to prepare, you can use these healthy grains in a range of exciting and delicious recipes. Here are two breakfast recipes to kick start your oats journey!

The first thing that comes to mind when I think about oats is porridge, but there’s so much more than just that! I am a big fan of pancakes for breakfast, so I added rolled oats into my batter and made delicious and healthy pancakes. Simply load them with fresh berries to make this special treat a substantial meal.

Rolled Oats Pancakes

2017-05-08 10:51:17

Yields 12

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Ingredients

1. 1 cup Captain Oats Rolled Oats
2. 1 ¼ cup milk
3. 1 cup all-purpose flour
4. 1 tsp baking powder
5. a pinch of salt
6. 2 eggs
7. 1 tbsp of sugar
8. 3 tablespoons melted butter
9. maple syrup, to serve (optional)
10. fresh fruit of your choice, to serve (strawberries / blueberries)

Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and rolled oats. Pulse a few times to coarsely grind oats.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and oil. Add dry ingredients and whisk till well-combined. Let the mixture sit for an hour, or refrigerate overnight.
3. Heat a lightly-oiled non-stick skillet or griddle over medium fire. Spoon ¼ cup batter onto the skillet.
4. Cook until bubbles break on top, about 1 to 2 minutes. Flip pancakes and cook until brown on undersides, (about 1 minute more) or until nicely browned.
5. Remove from heat, and repeat, until all the batter is used up. Serve hot with a small amount of butter and maple syrup.

Miss Tam Chiak https://www.misstamchiak.com/

It’s so easy to make these Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats! We have done it for a while already and this has become our regular breakfast. Plus, they are super healthy! With the chia seeds, it’s going to keep you full till lunch time.

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE OVERNIGHT OATS

2017-05-08 10:53:04

Serves 2

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Ingredients

1. 1 cup Captain Oats rolled oats
2. 1 tablespoon chia seeds
3. 1 cup milk
4. ½ cup Greek-style strawberry-banana yogurt or normal
5. 1 banana, mashed
6. 10 strawberries, diced

Toppings

1. 2 tablespoons dessicated coconut
2. Fresh Strawberries, sliced

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until creamy.
2. Cover and place in fridge overnight or at least for an hour.
3. When you are ready to eat them, divide evenly into two mason jars and decorate with toppings. If the oats are too thick, add a little more milk. The oats will keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Notes

1. If you can’t find strawberry-banana yogurt, you can opt for strawberry, or banana flavored yogurt. Or just add a little maple syrup or honey into your plain yogurt.

Miss Tam Chiak https://www.misstamchiak.com/

This post was brought to you by Captain Oats. For more recipes or information on Captain Oats, visit http://www.mycaptainoats.com

The post Breakfast Rolled Oats Recipes To Kickstart A Great Morning appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Love lobsters? At a small coffeeshop in Bishan, there is a new stall called Lobster Time selling seafood noodles. The young and passionate owners learnt it from a master in Penang who specializes in cooking prawn noodles. When they came back, they “upgrade” the deal and serves lobster noodles too!

One of the owners Jun Jie told me that they use lobsters from Malaysia to ensure that they get constant supply. Each lobster is firm and fresh. Their broth is made of pig bones, chicken and prawn heads, hence it has a pleasant prawn flavour. It is milder than I expected it to be but still flavourful enough.

We ordered the Lobster Noodles with Clams ($26.50). The lobsters can be removed from the shell easily, don’t forget to dip it in their homemade chilli for the kick, it’s quite addictive! Sadly, because the chilli sauce was overpowering, we couldn’t taste the flavours of the soup after the dip.

They also serve fish soup and ngoh hiang in the stall. Check it out if you are nearby!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there are any changes or additional info to Lobster Time. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Lobster Time – Slurping Good Time in Bishan! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

By Maureen Ow & Sean Ng

Dragon boat Festival (also known as Dumpling Festival) falls on 30 May 2017 this year. We celebrate by enjoying delicious rice dumplings (known as Bak Chang) together with family and friends. Here are some of the best and newest flavours of the season.

Golden Peony

Hands up if you love London duck! Does the ensemble of succulent meat, glutinous rice, and X.O. sauce, sound delicious to you?

From 10 May to 30 May 2017, Golden Peony introduces three new creations of Rice Dumplings to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. The London Duck X.O. Sauce Rice Dumpling ($18.80) features tender roast duck meat, chunks of melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly and juicy mushrooms stuffed in soft glutinous rice. Golden Peony’s signature homemade X.O. sauce brings all the ingredients together and we promise you that the dumpling will definitely satisfy.

Also making their debut this year are two other new flavours – a healthy Wholesome Vegetarian Multigrain Rice Dumpling ($12.80) filled with mushrooms and black truffle, and a sweet Golden Pumpkin Rice Dumpling ($8.80). If you can’t forget last year’s Singapore Chilli Crab Rice Dumpling ($18.80), you will be pleased to know that they are back by popular demand! The perennial signature Traditional Hong Kong Style Rice Dumpling ($28.80) is available too. So much treasures in it!

Hai Tien Lo

Come celebrate Dragon Boat Festival with Pan Pacific Singapore Hai Tien Lo’s exquisite collection of rice dumplings available from 1 to 30 May 2017!

Launching this year is the Classic Pork Dumpling with Preserved Vegetables ($16.80/pc)! The harmony of the slight saltiness from the preserved vegetables and the deliciously tender five-spice pork belly makes this rice dumpling a delightful treat! Fancy a healthier choice? Opt for the new Fragrant Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Multi-Grain Rice ($8.80/pc) which features sticky rice cake sweetened with brown sugar that is encased within a nutritious multi-grain rice mix. Perfect for vegetarians!

Don’t forget their signature Traditional Cantonese Jumbo Rice Dumpling ($30.80/pc)! Combining an assortment of premium ingredients including dried oysters, dried scallops, Japanese mushroom, pork belly, salted egg yolk and glutinous rice, this is the perfect dumpling for sharing! Spoilt for choice? Hai Tien Lo offers the Premium Rice Dumplings Gift Set ($68.80) – consisting of all three dumplings exquisitely packaged along with a bottle of Hai Tien Lo’s Signature Homemade XO Chilli Sauce!

Enjoy these delectable rice dumplings either in Hai Tien Lo or purchase as takeaways from the restaurant! Orders can also be placed via email, online or by phone!

Imperial Treasure

What is Dragon Boat Festival without delicious sticky rice dumplings to go along with? From now till 30 May 2017, enjoy a range of exquisite rice dumplings from Imperial Treasure!

The Lotus Paste Rice Dumpling ($4) combines chewy glutinous rice with lotus seed paste filling made from premium lotus seeds. An all-time classic, the Traditional Pork Rice Dumpling ($5) is individually made by hand using top-grade pork belly.

Laden with fresh and premium ingredients, the Dried Scallop Rice Dumpling ($13.80) is the ideal gift for friends and family this festive season. A delightful treat for all meat lovers, the dumpling is packed generously with chunks of dried scallops, roast pork, roast duck, pork belly, salted egg yolk and mushroom.

All rice dumplings are available for takeaway and dine-in at selected Imperial Treasure Restaurants. Don’t miss out on the “Buy five get one free” promotion (available for take-away only) at selected outlets. While stocks last!

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant

Award-winning Chef Brian Wong of Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel’s Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant is presenting a collection of handcrafted rice dumplings to commemorate the time-honoured traditions of Dragon Boat Festival.

Encased in sweet glutinous rice specially flown in from USA, the East-meets-West inspired Kurobuta Pork with Chestnut & Black Garlic Rice Dumpling ($18/pc, $126/6pcs) is bursting with smoky roasted chestnuts, black garlic and kidney beans, which complement the melt-in-your-mouth braised pork collar which is also flown in from USA. The popular Black Truffle with Cordyceps Flower & Pork Belly Rice Dumpling ($18/pc, $126/6pcs) brings together mouthwatering truffle-infused glutinous grains, cordyceps and succulent pork belly chunks which have been slow-cooked to perfection.

The health-conscious can opt for the nutritious vegetarian 5-Grain Rice Dumpling ($11/pc, $84/6pcs), which comprises fibre-rich grains and ingredients such as turnip, carrot, mushrooms, black fungus, vegetarian bak-kwah and braised peanuts. Chef Wong also pays homage to the revered festival with Wan Hao’s signature Cantonese-style Signature Pork & Salted Egg Rice Dumpling ($14/pc, $102/6pcs). Marinated pork belly, golden salted egg yolk, mushrooms, black beans and chestnuts are wrapped in each pyramid promising a satisfying bite one after another. Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant’s rice dumplings feature more ingredients and less glutinous rice, making these bundles of goodness more flavourful and easier to digest.

Remember to order 2-days in advance! Available from now till 4 June 2017.

Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant

This year, Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium presents 5 tantalising rice dumpling creations. Each dumpling is a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. New creations include X.O. Sauce Morel Mushroom, Kurobuta, and Sea Whelk Dumpling ($28.80) and Wild Rice, Red Bean, Truffle, and Chicken Dumpling ($18.80). Crowd favourite, Homemade Traditional Dumpling ($12.80), is a time-honoured recipe of Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant not to be missed.

I still can’t forget the Tea Leaves Duck, Fish Maw, and Abalone Dumpling ($38.80) which I had last year. Guess what, it’s back again! The juicy duck is marinated with a blend of Xiang Pian (Jasmine), Pu Er, and Chrysanthemum Teas before being wrapped together with other premium ingredients and encased in smooth glutinous rice. There’s nothing quite like biting into a hot juicy dumpling that exudes a subtle tea fragrance.

To round off the festive celebration on a sweet note, dive into the elegant Snow Lotus Seed Paste and Ginkgo Dumpling ($10.80). The molten lava lotus seed paste is quite addictive and it is completed with snow lotus seed and ginkgo. Have a taste of all five rice dumplings by opting for the assorted bundle ($88), which will be available from now till 30 May 2017.

Enjoy 20% off all à la carte rice dumplings when you order online!

The post 5 Restaurants To Buy Mouth-Watering Rice Dumplings (Bak Zhang) This Dragon Boat Festival appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.