Pasir Ris Hawker Centre finally opened on 25 January 2018. It features a “dual dining concept”, where both traditional hawker food and “hipster” dining options are available.

On the first floor, you’d get your fix of hawker favourites, such as bak chor mee, ayam penyet and fish soup, but if you prefer a more eclectic variety of food choices, the second floor is where you should head.

Named Fareground, the second floor of Pasir Ris Hawker Centre features uncommon stalls that don’t sell your usual hawker fare. Diners can look forward to dishes such as beef bourguignon, kebab and even ice cream with waffles!

Whether you’re a student on a budget, or someone who just came back from abroad and craves our world-renowned hawker delights, you’ll definitely find something that tickles your fancy at Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre.

Ayam Penyet

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Nothing is better than indulging in freshly fried crispy chicken leg. Dubbed Ayam Penyet in Javanese, this smashed fried chicken is crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside. It’s served with a piece of deep fried beancurd

The smashed chicken comes with a plate of rice, generously drizzled with a fragrant and spicy curry sauce. We added two other chilli sauces which tasted great with the chicken. 

Jun Yuan House of Fish

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Apart from the usual sliced and fried fish soup, Jun Yuan House of Fish also sells a variety of seafood soup such as the Herbal Seafood Soup ($5, $6, $7) as well as the Chinese Spinach Seafood Soup w/Wolfberries ($5.50).

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Although the herbal seafood soup may not look appetizing, the broth is actually very flavourful — it has a sweetness derived from prawns, and a light herbal aroma. The prawns were fresh, which explain the natural sweetness that they added to the broth. 

I preferred the Chinese spinach seafood soup. It reminded me very much of home-cooked ‘kau kee chye tng”, or wolfberry leaves soup. The bitterness of Chinese spinach was complemented by the sweetness of wolfberries and prawns. 

Feng Feng Boneless Chicken Rice

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Chicken rice is a common dish at every hawker centre. Feng Feng Boneless Chicken Rice serves up an affordable plate of our favourite hawker delight. For $2.50 or $3, diners get a plate of fragrant rice, and a plate of steamed or roasted chicken meat drenched in a savoury soy sauce – sesame oil combo.

Although the meat could have been more tender, the rice was fluffy and fragrant with lingering notes of chicken stock, garlic and ginger. Don’t forget to add the chicken rice chilli, which gives a garlicky, spicy kick.

EPIKebabs

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Fans of kebabs stall EPIKebabs in Wilkie Edge will be thrilled to know that they have opened another outlet in Fareground. Diners can expect their favourite grilled meats, in the form of a roll ($6), sandwich ($6), with rice ($6.50) or even as an inclusion in a salad ($6). Choose from 6 different vegetables and 8 sauces, before adding extra toppings such as fries ($3), chips ($2) or even eggs ($1.50) to complete your meal.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

We tried the Kebabs N’ Chips ($6.50), which comes with shredded chicken, or beef, or both meats, with a side of chilli-flavoured potato chips. The meats were smoky and flavourful, but we were a tad disappointed with the small portion. The Kebab N’ Chips would definitely be more of an appetiser than a meal.

Fins & Feathers

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

If you’re looking for grilled chicken or good ol’ fish and chips, Fins & Feathers has got you covered. The stall specialises in chicken and fish.

We tried their Tempura Fish w/Chips ($8.50). Although it’s the most expensive item on the menu, each serving comes with two pieces of battered dory fish. We were a bit disappointed with the plating of the dish, but all was redeemed after a bite into the deep fried golden fillets. The exterior wasn’t so much of the tempura batter you get from a Japanese restaurant, but it is light and airy. 

Other offerings include Chicken Chop w/Chips (Budget) ($2.80), which is great for the young ones.

The Stew House

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The Stew House sells a range of stews. Since all the stews are already cooked and stored in large pots, diners do not need to wait long for their stews. So, those who are in a rush can easily grab a bowl of hearty stew for a quick lunch.

I think it’s uncommon to see Western stews, such as Chicken and Mushroom Veloute ($6/$7) or Beef Bourguignon ($6/$8) being sold at a hawker centre. The beef bourguignon was actually pretty decent. The stew had the usual western mirepoix, and a few cubes of meat.

Each serving of stew comes with a choice of rice or bun. I prefer the rice — solely for the reason of drizzling the savoury ‘zhap’ all over it. If you’re craving something more local, opt for the Nonya Curry Chicken ($5) or the Chicken Tiki Masala ($?).

The Humble Burger

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Besides the usual Beef Burger ($5), Fish Burger ($4), or Portobello Burger ($4), diners can look forward to enjoying some mod-sin fusion burgers here at The Humble Burger. Think Chicken Rice Burger ($5.50) which comes with a chicken rice bun (not your usual fluffy hamburger buns), soy sauce chicken, ginger and chili sauce.

Another great option will be the Sio Bak Burger ($5.50), which has a big piece of sio bak sandwiched between two toasted patties.

The burgers don’t come with a side of fries, but you can get some Twister Fries ($1.50/$3), Homemade Slaw ($1.50) or even Caramelised Onions ($0.50) to go along with them. 

Wild Olives

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Wild Olives has an extensive menu that is split into three categories — Western Food, Pastas and Side Orders. Every meal from the “Western Food” selection comes with a choice of two sides. Sides include the Wild Olives’ Signature Mushroom Rice, Grilled Herb Potatoes, and Homemade Coleslaw.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

We tried the Grilled Chicken ($5.90), which is served with either teriyaki sauce or mushroom sauce, signature mushroom rice and grilled herb potatoes.

I loved the flavours of the mushroom rice. Other than having slices of mushrooms embedded within, the rice has a sweetness that came from the addition of fried onions. The grilled herb potatoes are also pretty good — they were neither mushy, nor hard, and were flavoured pretty well. 

Ice Creamery

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Have you ever seen ice cream and waffles being served in a hawker centre? I sure have not. Ice Creamery does just that! Diners can choose to have their ice cream served the traditional way, in a cup or waffle cone ($0.50), or have it wrapped in popiah skin ($1.50)!

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

We had the Breakfast Berry Waffles ($4.50) with a scoop of Cookie Monster, and a scoop of Sea Salt Caramel ice cream ($3.80 each). The waffles were delightfully fluffy within and crisp outside, but we were a tad disappointed with the small scoop of ice cream.

Prawnaholic

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

This stall puts a twist on the classic hei mee. The Special Prawn Noodle ($6.50), which is available in both dry and soup versions, comes with a tiger prawn, kurobuta pork belly and homemade prawn balls.

The dry noodles are coated in a combination of sauces and spices that made the noodles really tasty. I also enjoyed the pieces of pork lard sprinkled all around. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

I could taste the sweetness and umami from the prawn broth, and it wasn’t too peppery — just the way I like it.

Other than the Special Prawn Noodle, the stall also has King Prawn Noodle ($8.50), and appetisers such as the Signature Prawnball W Salted Egg Mayo ($6.50) and Crispy Salmon Skin W Salted Egg Mayo ($6.50).

Apart from the food offerings, the décor of the second floor is a stark contrast to that of the first floor as well. There are also tables of different shapes and sizes which cater to groups of all sizes.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

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

The post 10 Stalls to Check Out at The New Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Even with a name like New Generation Fried Hokkien Mee, the menu here is a classic hawker favourite. Woks and pans are used to create oily treats perfect for days when you feel like indulging.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Located in a quiet coffeeshop along Bedok North Ave 3, the strong wok hei came through in their fried Hokkien prawn noodle ($4), which uses a trio of yellow noodles, thick bee hoon, and thin rice vermicelli. Their version runs a little dry, which means that the noodles had ample time to soak up the stock. Slices of squid and pork belly could also be found. Topped with crispy pork lard, the result is a decadent dish of gooey comfort food.

The waiting time at most hokkien mee stalls is something of a question mark – the lag time between each batch of cooking can take quite a while. But here at New Generation, they provide buzzers for your order, which means you get to wait leisurely at your seat without having to stand in front of the stall. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

And with a dish as rich like this, it could get overwhelming easily. Which was why we appreciated the pungent belachan served at the side, with its bright fire power cutting through the grease. Complement the dish with a squeeze of some lime juice and the result is a winning combination you can easily get addicted to.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The trusty woks in the kitchen here also serve up a mean plate of fried oysters ($5). We liked how there was equal representation of crispy egg, chewy starch, and plump oysters. And the golden edges were a good sign that the egg and starch mixture were given enough time to fry and crisp up.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Dunk each mouthful into the spicy-tangy chilli served at the side, and you’ll find yourself polishing this dish in no time.

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

The post New Generation Fried Hokkien Mee – Familiar Wok-Fried Dishes appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Singaporeans are all familiar with Braised Pork Buns (扣肉包). As simple as it is, there is a unique and rich cultural heritage behind this dish. Well, we are excited to reveal the origins of the braised pork bun! The name Guabao (刈包), or “tiger bites pig”, was first seen in 1927 in a diary of a famous local Taiwanese businessman.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

We were hosted by iSee Taiwan Foundation (看見台灣基金會) during our time in Taiwan. As part of a 3-day itinerary, the iSee Taiwan Foundation brought us to Yunlin County (雲林) where most, if not all of the ingredients for Guabao are produced. What better way to experience Taiwan’s distinctive folk character, climate and culture than through the delicious Guabao. Dubbed the “heart of Taiwan”, Yunlin has historically been Taiwan’s poorest region. Today, Yunlin boasts a strong agricultural heritage and land that has been reinvigorated by its residents. Farmland covers almost 90% of the total county land area, giving Yunlin the most agricultural land of any Taiwanese county. Producing almost one-third of ALL Taiwan agricultural produce, Yunlin is proud to call itself the fresh grocer of Taiwan. If you have bought any fruits, vegetables or seafood in Taiwan, chances are that it would have been grown or caught right here in Yunlin!

HIGH SPEED RAIL & YUNLIN COUNTY

iSee Taiwan Foundation ushered our group to the Taiwan High Speed Rail (台灣高鐵), which runs along the west coast of Taiwan from Taipei Main Station in the north all the way to Kaohsiung in the south. Did you know that the High Speed Rail can go up to as fast as 300km/h? The journey to Yunlin now takes only about 1.5 hours when you depart from Taipei Main Station.

Enjoy a railway bento or grab a quick nap on the train!

YUNLIN COUNTY: NEXTLAND

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Our first destination in Yunlin County was Nextland (良作工場農業文創館), a meat processing factory and agricultural and creative gallery. Like the true blue Taiwanese, I love their pork such as the ones found in their Guabao or braised pork rice. However, I have gained a greater appreciation for my pork after a visit to Nextland, which is a high-tech cultural-creative enterprise that prides itself on promoting non-traditional cuts of pork and on rearing its hogs in humane and ethical manners.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Across Yunlin, many pigs are raised with tender loving care. Besides being fed quality grains, the pigs enjoy listening to Mozart as well. At one of the brands “Choice Pig”(究好豬), the pigs live on a healthy diet which, surprisingly, consists of yoghurt. Every pig here is also given a personal space to exercise and also toys to play with.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

At the cutting edge of modern farming techniques, Nextland integrates interactive farming and food education, showcasing the innovative future of Taiwanese agriculture. We witnessed the cradle-to-grave experience of Choice Pig, the different breeds of pigs available, the various uses of a pig as well as its cultural significance in the art scene.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The experience ends with a meal at Nextland’s very own restaurant, which uses Choice Pig as the main ingredient for all their meals. For starters, we had a serving of 58% Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor Taiwan Sausage & Frankfurter Sausage. Next, the Fresh Pork Tenderloin is quick-cooked on the spot using a hot broth to achieve a tender texture that accompanies a delicate flavour.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

I recommend the signature trio of pork delicacies – including the Confit Pork Belly, Grilled Pork Neck and Deep-fried Loin Strip to savour the various types of pork. Finally, we end off with a serving of Pork Knuckle and my personal favourite, Braised Pork Rice. Using pork as a vehicle for public education on farming, food and nutrition, Nextland is the next go-to hotspot for tourist and locals alike in Yunlin County.

YUNLIN COUNTY: JIEFA TEA SHOP

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Yanping Old Street remains one of Xilou’s oldest commercial area. Once a bustling trading centre, this small town is rich in culture, humanities and landscapes which are left from the it’s former prosperous era. There are also a myriad of mouth watering local snacks to savour on when you visit.

We were privileged to visit one of the historical structures here in Xiluo. The Luoyang Culture and Education Foundation gave us an enthusiastic welcome, ushering us into the now-defunct Jiefa tea shop. Interestingly, it’s baroque architectures from the Japanese colonial era period endured. Here, the Lou Young Education Foundation uses Jiefa as a culture gallery to promote to us it’s rich culture and history.

YUNLIN COUNTY: TAIWAN YUNG FUNG RICE SHOP

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Is that the end to the making of a Guabao? Definitely not! Accompanying the fatty pork in the braised pork belly are various greens which are all freshly produced in this part of Taiwan. iSee Taiwan Foundation brought us to Yung Fung Rice Shop (台湾永丰米粮行), one of the retailers carrying fresh produce that is grown and supplied by local farmers. An artfully created mosaic-like set of wooden boxes, each filled with coloured grains and beans, greeted us when we stepped into the shop.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Yung Fung is a faithful replica of a traditional grain merchant’s shop which is housed in a merchant’s building that dates back to 1941! Fun fact: the shop was the area’s only dedicated retailer of imported ware and household goods when it first opened nearly 80 years ago. After World War II, the business went bust but not without leaving the Japanese name for the shop – ‘Rinkogoshauko’ – which still remains firmly affixed to the 2nd floor balcony. Apart from Guabao ingredients, a variety of beans, such as adzuki, mung beans, and Taiwanese traditional and nostalgic items which include woven bamboo baskets and old-style rotary phones are sold here in Yung Fung. Visit Yung Fung Rice Shop to brighten your visit with nostalgia, and the good old things of the past.

YUNLIN COUNTY: WUAN CHUANG SOY SAUCE TOURISM FACTORY

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

This Xiluo family business has been turning out traditional black soya bean soy sauce for over 100 years. What contributes to the deep, savory flavour of the braise for the pork in the Guabao is premium soy sauce, and what would be more fitting than Wuan Chuang’s century-old soy sauce recipe which is well recognized across Taiwan for exceptional soy sauce.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

We were honoured to pay a visit to Wuan Chuang Soy Sauce Tourism Factory (丸莊醬油) in Yunlin County. We first entered what appears to be a restored historic production facility, and was subsequently introduced to the soy sauce production processes in words, pictures and machinery displays. High quality water and climate are essential to yield good soy sauce. What amazes me is that the water used in Xiluo is actually water sourced from the Jhuoshuei River which flows from the Central Mountains. Combined with Yunlin’s naturally warm and humid climate, it’s no wonder Xiluo would be the ideal place for bean koji.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Beyond the soy sauce gallery lies an actual fermenting yard where ceramic urns packed with black soya beans and capped with coarse salt bask in the sun for 180 days, creating delicious soy sauce that is worthy of the Wuan Chuang label.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The tour ended with an interesting tasting of the different types of soy sauce. While the flavour of the commercially produced soy sauce is sweeter and lighter, the Wuan Chuang’s soy sauce has a flavour that is more full-bodied. Remember to purchase a bottle of soy sauce or two on your way out!

ENDING THE TOUR WITH A GASTRONOMIC GUOBAO DINNER

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

After embarking on a riveting day tour, iSee Taiwan Foundation ends the tour with a Taiwanese gastronomy dinner. According to Chinese tradition, especially in Taiwan, the 16th on the last lunar month is known as Weiya, which is the religious festival for Tu Di Gong (the Earth God). To commemorate the festival, most companies in Taiwan will hold a banquet to show their appreciation for the hard work of its employees throughout the year. Likewise, iSee Taiwan Foundation has prepared a weiya feast where the guabao will be included as the centrepiece for blessing, for fortune in the coming year and the end of misfortune of the previous year.

In 2017, iSee Taiwan Foundation launched a public call for essays, images and videos clips sharing emotive stories of Taiwan’s beloved Guabao as part of the Taiwan Guabao Story Competition. Therefore, this dinner is also dedicated to 10 selected entrants who have amazed the judges with their rendition of the tale of Guabao (For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/iSeeTaiwanDiscovery/ ).

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The dinner commenced with two starters, including the Penghu Lobster with Taipei Organic Vegetables and Chrysanthemum Tofu Chicken Soup which make for an amazing combination with the various guabaos that arrived shortly after. Served as a prelude to the modern-day interpretation of braised pork bun is the traditional guabao, which features a “U”-shaped steamed bun filled with a generous portion of marinated fatty pork, pickled vegetables, grated peanuts and fresh coriander. Throughout the tour, we learned that the appearance of guabao is likened to that of a tiger’s mouth wrapped around a tasty slab of pork, thus giving the guabao the nickname ‘Tiger Bites Pig'(虎咬猪). Beyond it’s name, ‘tiger bites pig’ actually signifies eating and holding on to luck, so eat it hot as soon as it arrives in your hands!

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The star of the dinner is definitely the creative rendition of the do-it-yourself savory steamed pocket sandwich. Steamed buns of colors and shapes were presented, along with numerous ingredients such as Tainan Sourced Beef, Taitung Mountain Chicken as well as a couple of greens. There’s even a bun with the bear paw imprint, so cute!

Through making a couple of DIY guabao, my favourite combination has to be soft steamed bun with baw bear imprint filled with Kavalan pork and Yilan Cherry Valley Duck as well as a spoonful of beansprouts, cucumbers and tomatoes. The iSee Taiwan Foundation has emphasized time and again the importance of 色香味俱全 in Taiwanese cuisine, which means to achieve a harmony of colour, flavour and aroma in one dish. Just DIY-ing the guabao alone has helped me better incorporate the concept of 色香味俱全 into the sandwich with just the ingredients alone.

The dinner experience concludes with a taste of some of Taiwan’s definitive classics, including the Alishan Aiyu, Sweet Sesame and Peanut Tangyuan as well as cut fruits which made the night nothing but perfect for us.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The Guabao expedition organized by iSee Taiwan Foundation has been nothing short of stellar. Through the simple Taiwanese fare of guabao, I am given greater insight into the unique and rich cultural heritage of Taiwan. Beyond just the usual night markets or touristy areas, the cultural activities have really shown me a sight of Taiwan that I have yet to witnessed despite having been there for more than 6 times. I especially recommend Nextland and the Wuan Chuang Soy Sauce Factory if you want to experience a unique side of Taiwan.

This post was brought to you by iSee Taiwan Foundation.

The post Guabao (刈包) – Discovering the Origins of Taiwanese Braised Pork Bun! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Our country might seem peaceful, but our food scene is in a constant state of flurry. Novel dining concepts come and go, and rivalry run fierce among legacy hawker stalls – all in a bid to win over our tummies (and wallet). Think chicken rice (Tian Tian v.s. Ah Tai), Rochor Beancurd, Katong Laksa, and the bak chor mee at Bedok 85, just to name a few.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

And in the case of beef noodles, we recently tried Empress Place Kway Tiao, an offshoot of the famed Hock Lam Beef Kway Tiao. While the brand name franchise went to the son, the daughter started selling beef bowls at Empress Place. And they have since been serving up hearty bowls of beef noodles for four generations.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

They focus on Teochew-style beef noodle, which means that theirs do not come with the usual thick gravy. Instead the Mixed Beef Kway Tiao (Dry) ($6) that we had was dressed simply with some chilli and sesame oil. But the taste was far from simple – the chilli had a deep, fiery punch that coated the rice noodles. The beef slices were also cooked to just the right pinkness.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

We also had the Beef Kway Tiao ($6), which features a mellow, soothing broth with slices of tender beef, tripe, and beef ball. This comforting bowl might be plain-tasting to some, but their homemade chilli sauce will quickly remedy that. Current owner, Uncle David, revealed that pineapples and lime are added to this vibrant concoction – one that many can’t get enough of. He also recommended coming later towards the night, to better appreciate the sweet broth as it builds up in flavour over the day.

The stall also serves up other permutations of beef and kway tiao, such as the Beef Fried Kway Tiao ($5) and the premium Tendon Beef Kway Tiao ($9). Give this quiet sibling of Hock Lam a try the next time you’re in the mood for beef noodles with a clean broth and stellar chilli sauce.

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

The post Empress Place Teochew Beef Kway Tiao – Brilliant Alternative To Hock Lam appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Xiao Long Baos (or xlbs, as I affectionately call them) are addictive. Period.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

For those who do not know what a “xiao long bao” is, this wondrous morsel is a dumpling filled with pork and a rich porky broth. As far as I know, xlbs are the epitome of a complete sensory experience. When the flood gates (i.e. the delicate skin of the Xlb) open and the flavourful soup bursts out, it is literally the tale of The Ugly Duckling — in food version no less. The inconspicuous off-white xlb transforms into a beautiful, and flavoursome delight.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Well, beauty has a price. Xlbs are a ton of work — each fold on its fragile skin requires skill and dexterity. So, when we heard of a stall in Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre selling xlbs of a higher standard than a certain Taiwanese food chain, we wasted no time and visited immediately.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao is run by a Chinese family. The wife takes the orders and adds condiments, the son cooks the noodles, and the husband is in charge of making the xiao long baos. When we arrived at 11.30am on a weekday, a queue had already formed. A lady in front of me casually mentioned how good their business was, to which the humble stall owner remarked that it could be due to the CNY period. Thus, I’ll suggest patronising the stall earlier to avoid the lunch crowd, even though one should still be prepared to queue. Sauces and condiments such as vinegar, ginger and chilli are also available at the stall front.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Of course, we had to order their signature Xiao Long Bao ($6 for 10 pieces). What a steal! Upon taking a bite, I was sent to xlb heaven. The standard of this xlb was sublime, with a sturdy skin substantial enough to hold in its contents, yet not too thick at the same time. The xlb soup is a tad sweeter than that of the xlbs at Din Tai Fung, and the pork encased within is tender and well-seasoned. Don’t forget to dip the xlbs into the sauces provided. The sharp tanginess of vinegar cuts through the porky soup, and the chilli went well with the xlb. The chilli packs a punch and is slightly sour (I would say it tastes like chicken rice chilli, without the pungence of garlic). In my opinion, the xlbs here are on par with Din Tai Fung’s, or maybe even better.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

We also ordered the La Mian with Fried Bean Sauce aka Zha Jiang Mian($3.50), and Beef noodles ($4). While I thought that the noodles in both dishes had a nice bite, I found the beef noodles soup a tad too oily. The beef slices also had varying degrees of tenderness – the parts with more fats were more tender, while the leaner parts were tougher. Nonetheless, the beef noodles soup had a fragrant onion and scallion aroma. The La Mian with Fried bean Sauce tastes like the typical Zha Jiang Mian, nothing especially outstanding. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

In conclusion, xlb lovers must make a trip to Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao specially for their xlbs. It is THAT good, and totally worth a try. Seriously, $6 for 10 Xlbs is such a steal! Try to head down at off-peak hours to avoid the queues that stretch (just like xlb dough HAHA).

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

The post Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao – Cheap & Glorious XLBs appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Day 1 or Day 2 of CNY might be a nightmare for some, as all your favourite eateries might be closed. But fret not, Team Tam Chiak has compiled a list of 25 eateries that will be open on BOTH days this Lunar New Year. Of course, most hotels will be open to host your reunion feasts. However, those who prefer a humbler affair may find this list (which consists of both Halal and non-Halal dining spots) of great help.

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. 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. Even though they’re more of a bar than a restaurant, they do have some good food as well, such as the sticky thai chicken wings and duck confit (special on the menu). 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

B Burger

If you’re in Orchard this Chinese New Year, it wouldn’t hurt to visit B Burger, the chic burger joint opened by The Benjamin Barker Group. Each burger is made upon order, and we loved the Bomchika Wow Wow ($10.90), which was an upgraded version of the Karate Burger ($8.90). The burger contains a karaage chicken patty, truffle mayo, fried egg, sriracha honey, wafu slaw, daikon radish and their signature B sauce, which goes very well together.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Birds of Paradise Gelato

Birds of Paradise is hands-down one of my favourite ice cream hangouts. Located at Katong, BOP serves some delicious botanical-flavoured gelato such as spiced pear, strawberry basil and white chrysanthemum. Furthermore, these scoops of ice cream are served in freshly made thyme cones. So delicious!

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Captain K Seafood Tower

Captain K’s seafood tower has taken Singapore by storm. They offer 3-tiers, 5-tiers, 7-tiers, and 9-tiers seafood tower where a variety of seafood are cooked layer by layer from top to bottom to delight your senses. As the seafood is steamed, the delicious juices are collected at the ‘seabed’, forming a super flavourful soup base. It comes in three variations, from a classic Kombu Dashi, to a house-made Korean kimchi stew, to a uniquely Korean-inspired ginseng chicken broth. You can add on extra ingredients from the self-serve kiosk while indulging in the rich and briny goodness of the broth. This is the perfect place for gatherings with your loved ones, whether you have an occasion to celebrate or are just looking for a catch-up session. They are opened till 4am!

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Da Miao Hotpot

Hotpot is always a good idea. I highly recommend the Special Spicy Soup and Fresh Mushroom & Pig Bone Yuan Yang Soup Pot ($20.00++). Besides the usual hotpot ingredients, such as Enoki mushrooms, and freshly-minced meat paste (from $18++), Da Miao offers premium ingredients such as Australian Prime Beef ($32.00++) and my favourite Fresh Shrimp Paste ($18.00++). If you’re still famished after your reunion dinner, head to Da Miao because they are open till 5am!

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Diandin Leluk

Come to Diandin Leluk, if you’re craving something different from your usual CNY fare. The specialty Tom Yam Soup ($12/small) really packs a punch so make sure you get it! Diandin Leluk has an extensive menu and is open 24/7.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

E-Sarn Thai Cuisine

If you’re craving for Thai food this Chinese New Year, and Diandin Leluk is too far away for you, why not make a trip to E-Sarn Thai Cuisine at The Grandstand? Must-tries include the Tom Yum ($9.50 or $15.50) soup, which comes in 3 different versions – chicken, prawn or seafood. Diners can customise their soup with less salt or sugar.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Founder Bak Kut Teh

Since 1978, Founder Bak Kut Teh has been consistently dishing out bowls of  delectable Teochew-style pork ribs soup. From a small Bak Kut Teh eatery in Choa Chu Kang in 1978, Founder Bak Kut Teh expanded into their first restaurant space in 1988. Now, Founder regularly ranks as one of Singapore’s top Bak Kut Teh restaurants, and is poised to expand to neighbouring countries.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Greenwood Fish Market

This Chinese New Year, bring your family to the picturesque Quayside Isle and indulge in a gastronomical seafood experience at Greenwood Fish Market. The Cold Seafood Platter is a two-tiered seafood extravaganza that features in-house cold smoked salmon, freshly shucked oysters, marinated yellow fin tuna with furikage, New Zealand green lip mussels, littleneck clams, cooked live tiger prawns and steamed half Boston lobster. This platter is good for 2 as a main course, or 3 to 4 pax as an appetiser.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Hararu Izakaya

Looking for a bar to chill at after your reunion dinner? Welcome to Hararu Izakaya, the first-ever muslim owned Izayaka in Singapore. In the evening, Hararu transforms into a Japanese bar where Japanese skewers as well as other ala carte items are served. A good pick will be the Unagi Don ($13), which features grilled eel with teriyaki sauce, tamago, pickles and rice.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

I am… Café

Most of you will be familiar with this halal-certified café. They serve hearty sandwiches, burgers, pastas, pizzas and fish and chips. To complement the food menu, I AM also has a myriad of drink concoctions which are alcohol-free. Popular options include Virgin Lychee Mojito and Bushramint.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Karu’s Indian Banana Leaf Restaurant

Karu’s Indian Banana Leaf Restaurant’s signature curry fish head is a little different from the usual curry fish heads because of the use of Indian spices. The fish head in the curry here is quite huge! The curry is not as lemak as what you might expect, but it offers a more distinct taste of tomatoes. If you get a rice set, you’ll get free flow rice, papadum and pickled vegetables too. Note that you’ll have to take the elevator from the first floor to get here.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Lina’s Café

Lina’s Café is helmed by lovely owners with hearts of gold. As an Autism Awareness Café, Lina’s aims to promote the inclusiveness of people with autism in our society, as the owner is the mum of an autistic child as well. Lina’s serves a wonderful Pandan Mille Crepe Cake, Speculoos Cheesecake and other mains. Do look out for our upcoming article on Lina’s Café!

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Mookata

White charcoal (or “binchō-tan”) is used to cook ingredients thoroughly, creating a beautiful sear on the meat while retaining its natural flavours. We enjoyed the meltingly succulent texture and decent portion of the meat. No meal is complete without condiments, so try their signature chilli sauce which comes in three different degrees of spiciness.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Paradise Teochew

Enjoy a meal at Paradise Teochew over the Chinese New Year weekend. Paradise Teochew offers delectable Teochew cuisine in a central location. The restaurant does great braised meats. We recommend the Braised Trio Combination Platter (from $28), which has duck meat, bean curd, pork belly and intestines. Have it with the Minced Pork and Conpoy Teochew Porridge ($7.80), which is filled with wholesome ingredients.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Pondok Daun Upeh Restaurant

East-siders can delight in this hidden gem, which serves up poisonous noodles! We kid. Loosely translated, Mee Racun ($7) means poison noodles but we assure you it’s anything but that. Served in their signature opeh leaf bowl, the mee racun is cooked in a hot sauce. The addition of bone steak and soft beef slices will make you salivate. If that isn’t enough, order a serving of Roti John Cheese Tarik ($7.50). We promise you’ll leave happy with your tummies full.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Sabio Tapas Bar

Located along Duxton Hill, Sabio Tapas Bar serves up delightful Spanish cuisine in small plates that’s great for sharing with friends and family. Popular dishes include the Rilettes sardinas (Sardines rillettes served with black olive ciabatta toast) ($14), Gambas Al Pil Pil (Sizzling prawns in virgin olive oil & garlic) ($17), as well as Tortilla Espanola (Traditional potato & onion omelette) ($12), a delicious, traditional Spanish style omelette.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

SEORAE @ JEM

Get grillin’ and sizzlin’ at Seorae @ Jem! The Korean barbecue restaurant is open on both day 1 and 2 this Chinese New Year. Treat yourself to a wide variety of Korean barbecued meats, as well as a plethora of authentic Korean dishes, such as Hameul Pajeon ($17.90) and Sundubu Jjiggae ($14.90).

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Sumiya

Venture beyond classic dishes this Chinese New Year, and savour some of the freshest air-flown seafood here at Sumiya. Commonly used during the Japanese New Year, Red Kodai (market price) is recommended for its festive shade of orange and red. Instead of the usual salmon sashimi that you find in yusheng, why not opt for Kodai sashimi? When eaten fresh, the fish, which is light and non fatty, is wonderful. The taste of the kodai is elevated when it is prepared in Genshiyaki- style. After being charcoal-grilled with salt, the tender flesh is amazing. Conclude the meal with some of Sumiya’s extremely affordable beers and sake.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Superfudo

With all the house visiting and consumption of calorie-laden Chinese New Year goodies, it’s always good to include one healthy meal to ensure that you’re getting the recommended daily intake of proteins, fibre and vitamins. Superfudo specialises in healthy grain bowls, which come with a wide variety of proteins, such as beef, chicken, prawn, turkey and even swordfish. Pair your desired protein with vegetables and grains to craft a healthy and delicious meal.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Teochew Cuisine

During Chinese New Year, the festivities are in full swing. Family members get together to celebrate the coming of spring, and these gatherings can stretch into the wee hours and that’s when we get hungry. Teochew Cuisine at Toa Payoh and Bukit Batok West are opened 24/7. Diners can get fish steamboat, kway chap and even dim sum for supper.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The Coffee Academics

The Coffee Academics has made quite a name for itself in Hong Kong and Singapore. Our favourite has got to be the Academics Pancake Tower. Not only was it beautifully presented, but the piping hot, thick and fluffy pancake totally satisfied our palettes. The delectable pancake tower goes really well with their ice cold berry sorbet, which was sweet and slightly sour.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The Malayan Council

Nian gao and tangerines aren’t the only things that can sweeten up your Chinese New Year. Treat yourself to decadent cakes available at The Malayan Council. Go for the devilishly good Ondeh Ondeh Cake ($8.50) or The Ovomaltine ($9.50) which sees a chocolate sponge cake filled with chocolate ganache, slathered with crunch ovomaltine, and covered with milo sprinkles.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The Prata Place @ Upper Thomson

Sitting here with a plate, or many plates, of prata and a cup of teh tarik from The Prata Place may just be the perfect start to your CNY morning. The plain (kosong) prata is delicious — it is piping hot, crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Wang Dae Bak Korean BBQ

Go for a Korean feast at Wang Dae Bak, which is one of the few Korean BBQ restaurants in Singapore to use charcoal instead of gas. We enjoy dining at Wang Dae Bak because the atmosphere is so lively! There’s no buffet, but their BBQ sets promise to make your CNY 2018 a memorable one. The BBQ Set B ($48) which consisted of marinated prime ribs, pork belly, spicy chicken and marinated shoulder is a pretty great option.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

And with that, we conclude our list of 21 eateries that will be open on both Day 1 and 2 of CNY 2018. Happy Lunar New Year! 

The post Eateries Open on Day 1 & 2 of Chinese New Year 2018 appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Have you ever tasted succulent roasted meat so good, that you feel like you are being sent to meat heaven? Well, I have at Kim Heng Roasted Meat located at Serangoon Avenue 4. Housed in a coffeeshop opposite Serangoon Swimming Complex, Kim Heng Roasted Meat sells a slew of roast meats such as roast duck, roast chicken, roast pork (siew yoke) and bbq pork (char siew).

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

We decided to order the Roasted Pork and Bbq Pork Rice ($4.80), as the meats looked absolutely tantalising. When a dish looks as good as that, you know you are in for a treat. The roasted pork (Siew yoke) had a crispy crackle and the melodious crunch reverberated in my mouth. The perfectly seasoned roast pork had the perfect meat-to-fat ratio and just melted in my mouth. Pair the siew yoke with white rice to balance out the saltiness. Tuck in, and enjoy. Trust me, you can’t stop at one piece!

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The char siew was glorious too. It was slightly fatty, and was really tender. The fats were not rubbery, but were soft, melty and delicious. In addition, it was not too cloyingly sweet. The rice was bathed in a slightly smokey gravy.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Chilli sauce is also available at the stall front, should you want to dip your roast meats in a spicy concoction. The chilli sauce was sweet, spicy and slightly bitter at the same time. I gather this must be from the roasted char flavour. The chilli sauce complements the dish well, but the roasted meats are already pretty good on their own.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

We also ordered the Duck Rice ($4). The duck had a nice bite to it, and was not tough at all. The skin had a slight char, which would be well received by those who love a smokier flavour. Similarly, if you are in the mood for some spice, you can dip the duck into the accompanying chilli sauce.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

You know when things are bad for you, and you ought to stop? Well, in this case, it is very very hard to stop eating the crispy skins and tender fats in the roasted meats. It takes a sheer amount of willpower. Well, but the meats at Kim Heng Roasted Meat (especially the siew yoke) is definitely worth the calories. So sinful, but so good.

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

The post Kim Heng Roasted Meat – Crispy Siew Yoke and Fatty Char Siew appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Just when everyone thought that Sing HK cafe has closed its shutters at Everton Park for good, the eatery has re-emerged in Jurong East. You can’t find the same extensive menu that was available at the previous outlet though, as this new stall showcases just a few specialty dishes.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

“The menu was downsized in hopes of delivering a selection that’s focused only on traditional Cantonese cuisine, in a coffeeshop setting. Also, all these dishes that we put on our menu focuses on evoking the senses, with each food exuding 色香味俱全, ” shared the co-owner Alfred, who used to be in the banking sector.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

With Chakey’s departure from the food scene, Sing HK Cafe’s Signature Salt Baked Chicken Noodle ($6.50) seems like it will be a crowd-puller. The salt baked chicken is prepared according to a recipe that is passed down from Alfred’s family. The chicken is first soaked in salt water and marinated in a secret mixture that consists of ingredients such as 萨酱 sa-Jiang, garlic oil and jiang yu zai for at least 6 hours. It’s no wonder that a bite of their chicken is both sweet and savoury at the same time!

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

With the fat removed, the whole chicken leg is wrapped in parchment paper and laid on a bed of salt, before the chicken is baked for one and a half hours. The temperature is constantly being controlled in order to bring out the aroma and flavour of the chicken. The tender chicken will then have very little fat left! I was surprised to find that the chicken and the sauce weren’t salty. Every portion of salt baked chicken also comes with homemade pickled vegetables that taste like achar, but more sour. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Another bestseller is the Classic Braised Pork Belly Rice ($5.80), which features pork belly, a bed of grains, and a sous vide egg. Six different kinds of herbs and spices are incorporated into the base for the 鲁 lu marinate. After the pork belly is throughly marinated, it undergoes a slow cooking process for 2-3 hours.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Unfortunately, the pork belly that we had that day was lacking the 鲁 lu flavour. However, the fatty layers which melted in my mouth more than made up for it!

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

What’s worth a mention is definitely Sing HK’s homemade chilli. Using the chicken rice chilli as a base, Alfred mixes his own chilli with added lime zest as well as a pinch of parsley. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Currently, Alfred has plans to expand into the CBD area as he sees that there is a growing demand for salt baked chicken. I’ll recommend that you visit Sing HK Cafe for its wallet-friendly and delicious Chinese cuisine.

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’s any changes or additional info to Sing HK Cafe. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Sing HK Cafe – Closed Eatery Makes a Stunning Comeback in Jurong! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

The Chinese Kitchen, which is situated along Cavan Road, sits in the midst of backpacker hotels and factories.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Helmed by chef Austen, The Chinese Kitchen serves up contemporary Chinese cuisine. Don’t expect your typical steamed fish or fried rice as the restaurant whips up dishes such as Old Sixties Style Hor Fun ($14), and Braised La La “Ying Yang” Noodle ($14).

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The noodles were doused in a good amount of gravy. I enjoyed the sweet gravy which had a delicate hint of the sea. Tossed together with the clams were bite-sized pieces of prawns and bean sprouts. This dish actually reminded me of fried Hokkien noodles, except that it didn’t have the wok hei that most fried Hokkien noodles have.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

We also tried their Signature Old Fifty Collagen Broth which comes with a choice of red garoupa, snapper, or catch of the day. We had the snapper ($28/standard, $40/upsized).

The collagen broth here is made from a combination of pork and chicken bones. I really enjoyed the taste of the collagen broth. It was very flavourful and had a good texture, even though it wasn’t as thick as shark cartilage collagen broth. 

Prior to cooking, the chunks of fish are fried. This helps to flavour the broth even more. However, I thought that the fish was a little tough. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

For dessert, we had the Poached White Pear in “Luohan” Tea, Ice Cream ($4.50). The refreshing combination of creamy vanilla icecream and pear definitely left an impression. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Another dessert that we had was the Coconut Bean Curd ($4.50). The bean curd was more like a pudding, and was very soft and smooth. However, I couldn’t detect any hint of coconut in the pudding.

Although the restaurant isn’t the most accessible, it definitely warrants a visit. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

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

The post The Chinese Kitchen – Delicious Chinese Dishes Reimagined! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

[TAIPEI, TAIWAN] Singaporeans love night markets, and it’s always a must to visit one, if not all, of the night markets in Taipei. Be it the heady summer heat or wintry cold, the changing seasons cannot deny our pursuit of delicious snacks. Nicknamed the stomach of Taipei, Ningxia Night Market (寧夏觀光夜市) is one market that you definitely must visit.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

You know the market must be awesome when you see tons of locals there. A good part of the market is usually closed when it rains. This time, the market was unfazed by the constant drizzle and remained operational when we were there. That’s because a shelter has been built permanently over the whole stretch of Ningxia Night Market. Now, you can savour all the Taiwanese delicacies without having to worry about wet weather conditions.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

One way to get to Ningxia is via the reliable Taipei metro. You can take the red line to Shuanglian (雙連), locate exit 1 and head west after you find Minsheng West Road (民生西路). The night market will be on the left side. You can’t miss it!

新社烧烤杏鲍菇 King Oyster Mushroom

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Who can resist these firm and crunchy babies? The thick and stumpy mushrooms are grilled to perfection, before being brushed with a thin layer of sweet sauce. Also known as King Trumpet Mushroom, the mushroom is available in eight different flavours – from cumin to rose mineral salt. Each serving costs 100 NTD, which amounts to about $4.

青草茶 Bitter Tea

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

From a tender age, I have been convinced by loved ones to gulp down a cup of 青草茶 bitter tea whenever we chance upon it. The tea is believed to boast several health benefits, such as dispelling heatiness from the body. I’m sorry to report that its taste is unbearable (for me at least). After the first sip, the herb taste that you might have detected is quickly overshadowed by an unpleasant bitterness. Luckily, the hawker presents you a sweet upon your purchase. So keep it and pop it in your mouth if you need to. 

牛妈妈

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

What I love about night markets is that you get to watch your food being prepared right in front of your eyes. Witness how 牛妈妈 herself skilfully manoeuvres her way through large braising pots and prepares drool-worthy dishes that are loved by the locals. We tried the 沙茶牛肉面 (NTD 90) Beef Noodles with Sha Cha Sauce. Think yellow noodles and beef slices drenched in thick sha cha sauce. The first thing that caught my eye is its HUGE portion. I felt that it would have been more enjoyable, if the noodles did not carry such a strong alkaline taste. You might like to share a bowl of 焢肉饭 (NTD 60) too.

方家

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

There’s something comforting about tucking into a bowl of rice when I’m in Taiwan. If you agree, then you need to pay 方家 a visit. Although they serve up a number of dishes, they are apparently best known for their 鸡肉饭 Rice with Chicken (NTD 30) and their 卤肉饭 Rice with Braised Pork (NTD 30). The former comes with shredded chicken, and a bowl of hot steaming rice with light soya sauce. I prefer the latter though. The sweet and savoury braised pork bits were tender, and paired excellently with the rice. 

Liu Yu Zi Taro Fried Balls

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

If you haven’t had taro fried balls, you’re in for a real treat. Encased within these crispy yam balls (NTD 20) is a pork floss filling. Careful, for you might become addicted to its earthy, sweet and chewy insides. On the other hand, the Fried Yam Ball with Salted Egg Yolk (NTD 25) offers a lot more texture and taste. The sweet yam and savoury egg yolk tasted decent at first, but it became more jelak with every bite. The taro fried balls without the salted egg yolk are still the ideal snack!

紫米牛奶

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

For the Taiwanese, milk tea isn’t just a beverage. It’s a way of life. Flavoured pearl milk tea has invaded every part of the world, and has made Taiwan a popular travel destination. However, few are aware of the nutritious purple rice milk. Beyond its range of health benefits, the purple rice milk is very delicious. Its taste is akin to our pulau hitam, but less sweet. Purple glutinous rice sits at the bottom of the drink. Warm your belly, and hands, with a cup, if it’s cold out there!

Peanut and Sesame Mochi

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

What better way to end off this entry than to introduce my favourite snack in Ningxia? For NTD 40, you get two palm-sized homemade mochi slapped on a plate of ground peanut and sesame seeds. For the first mouthful, we were advised to dip the mochi into the ground peanuts only. It’s super yummy! Before you know it, you might have ordered another to go.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

There are also tons of food stalls that lie adjacent to Ningxia Night Market. With more than ample delicious street food at affordable prices, Ningxia will definitely please both your tummy and wallet.

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 cafes/stalls listed above. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Ningxia Night Market (寧夏觀光夜市) – 7 Delicious Snacks To Try in Taiwan appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

The name of the stall says it all — good old lor mee that’s prepared according to a recipe that has been passed down through generations can be found here. While one might be under the impression that Ah Ma Lor Mee is a stand-alone stall, it is actually helmed by the same owners of Feng Zhen Lor Mee. The recipe used here, which is acquired from the owners’ grandmother, is the same as Feng Zhen’s. If you’re in the West and crave good lor mee, you must pay Ah Ma Lor Mee a visit. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

I absolutely love fish, so I was pretty much set on the Fish Lor Mee ($3.50). Similar to Feng Zhen, the lor mee here consists of a good amount of lor bak, white fish flakes, egg and fried meat ball! Beyond just a myriad of ingredients, what makes a delicious lor mee is the gravy which must be viscous and flavourful. As it turns out, the lor did not disappoint. Packed in the gravy is a savouriness that can be made either more sour or spicy with a doze of vinegar or chilli. You can do what I always do, and add a big spoonful of garlic to give the gravy extra punch!

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

You’re definitely getting quality ingredients for its price point. The fish flakes definitely stole the show with its white succulent flesh. Having the usual ngoh xiang replaced with fried meat balls is a breath of fresh air. The fried meat ball is crispy on the outside, and tender inside. The lor definitely elevates the taste of the meat ball.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Another noodle variant you might want to try is the Prawn Mee that comes in two versions — soup or dry ($3). I opted for the dry version, which is topped with prawns, lean pork slices and fish cake. Served separately is a bowl of prawn broth. The prawn mee was successful at whetting my appetite. The broth carried sweet notes that are enhanced by the tang of prawn essence. I like the prawn noodles but I guess its taste cannot match up to the lor mee.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Tucked away in Clementi are many hidden gems, one of which is Ah Ma Lor Mee. Come here if you desire a taste of tradition, or if you just want to fill up that tummy!

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’s any changes or additional info to Ah Ma Lor Mee. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Ah Ma Lor Mee – Traditional Lor Mee That’s Ah-Ma-Gosh Delicious! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Fried chicken is amazing. So is curry. Fried chicken and curry together? Now, that is an irresistible combination.

It is no wonder the stall selling this magic combination is known as “Cantonese Delights”. Fried chicken and curry sauce sit atop egg noodles which trap the fragrant and slightly sweet curry — a delight it surely is. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Cantonese delights (#02-03) is a stall located on the second floor of Hong Lim Market and Food Centre. Take the stairs up, and simply head towards the stall with a snaking queue. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Their famous Curry Chicken Cutlet Noodles ($4) is a must-order. You can choose between fried chicken cutlet or curry chicken drumstick. For those who do not appreciate spicy food, you are in for a treat. The fragrant and thick curry is slightly sweet, not very spicy, and rather “lemak”, which may be attributed to the copious amount of coconut milk added. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

We also ordered the Chicken Feet Noodles ($3.50) which came with a huge chicken feet. In fact, huge is an understatement. It was GIGANTIC. What made the chicken feet different from what you get elsewhere was the generous amount of meat clinging onto the chicken claw! This is pretty rare — I haven’t seen such a meaty chicken feet before! For just $3,50, the portion is pretty value for money. However, the noodles and sauce had a slightly floury aftertaste, which I did not fancy.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

For those looking to add extra flavour to their noodles, condiments such as green chilli, red chilli and pork lard are available at the stall front. While the pork lard looks inviting, it was a little “lou feng”(not very crispy).

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

In conclusion, Cantonese Delights is worth a try if you are in the vicinity. The affordable and hearty options are great for those looking for a little sinful indulgence. 

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

The post Cantonese Delights – Sinfully Delicious Fried Chicken Cutlet Curry Noodles appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

I can only liken Quan Alley to a grandmother — a provider of comfort food steeped in tradition. Served here is our all-time favourite hotpot experience that’s wrapped in old-Taiwan aesthetics. What sets Quan Alley apart from the rest of its competitors is its delivery of ingredients which are literal pieces of art. Pork slices are arranged into the shape of a rose, and greens are bunched to make a little garden. Believe us when we say that a meal here is a feast for all your senses!

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

First, choose two soup bases. There’s that sichuan spicy soup that we all love, but opt for the Pork Bone Soup and the Bonito Stick Kombu Soup (starting from NT250/pax) if you wish to savour the fresh flavours of the ingredients. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The Pork Neck (NT1280) is the highlight of Quan Alley’s unique menu. Matsusaka pork neck is gingerly presented beautifully as a rose petal. I wouldn’t have taken the pork apart, if not for my rumbling tummy! Each slice is brushed with egg white before it goes for a dip in the hotpot. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The Taiwanese love their calamari. Quan Alley offers a glorious Calamari Paste (regular NT320/ special NT490) which is molded into a doughnut. It’s hard to pinpoint its exact taste since there’s a lot going on, but you can definitely taste bits of calamari, chicken soft bones and carrots. We also had the peculiar Calamari Mixed With Chicken Soft Bone (regular NT230/special NT420). Its charcoal hue might deter you from taking a bite, but rest assured that its colour is derived from squid ink. It takes on the form of a nougat.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

In my opinion, the Beancurd with Sesame Paste (regular NT230 / Special NT420) wins consolation prize for the best presentation award. Twigs are used in place of wooden skewers to hold the beancurd. It resembles a mini woodland. The beancurd boasted an eggy texture which was enhanced by a delicate sesame aroma. Enveloping the beancurd was boiled spinach, which unfortunately lacked flavour. The Smoked Beancurd with Chopped Shrimp (regular NT320/special NT520) came in a dense package that boasted a strong nutty flavour that was derived from sliced almonds. I don’t fancy mixing nuts in my ingredients, but I was glad that the shrimp lent added sweetness to the dish.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The winner for the best presentation award was definitely the Vegetable Combination (NT860). I wouldn’t usually prioritise greens as a go-to ingredient for hotpot. However, when more than 10 kinds of vegetables are exquisitely arranged in a bouquet, even carnivores will be enthralled.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The Shrimp, Pork Neck & Cuttlefish Ice Pop (regular NT350 / special NT560) was reminiscent of our favourite ice pops in childhood. The era of popsicles may have ended, but the children of yesteryear can still indulge in this dish, albeit now as adults. Pluck out the savoury popsicle from the shaved ice and cook it well. Gelled to the shrimp-pork-cuttlefish paste was a unique candy kumquat and dough mixture, which I mistook as fat.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Quan Alley takes seafood to a luxurious level with their Tiger Prawn (regular NT450 / Special NT720). Each prawn is meticulously filled with cheese, soft chicken bone, celery and seaweed before being twined with noodles and deep fried. The dish delivered a somewhat complex and puzzling taste. The addition of cheese and chicken bone added a richer flavour, but reduced my desire for more. Reducing the number of ingredients in the prawn might help one better enjoy the succulence and freshness of the tiger prawns.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Finish up the hotpot with a portion of Boneless Short Ribs (regular NT480/ special NT950). The intense marbling yields bold juicy beefy flavours.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Quan Alley surely offers an exquisite experience for hotpot lovers. The staff takes great care in ensuring a speckless dining experience, so hotpot here is certainly not a messy affair.

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’s any changes or additional info to Quan Alley. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Quan Alley – Hotpot That Combines Your Love For Art and Food appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Have you ever wondered how dim sum came about? Centuries ago in Guangzhou’s (also known as Canton) teahouses, people discovered the benefits of tea. Wonderful morsels of deliciousness were gradually added on to the menu by teahouse owners to complement tea. Fun fact: the Cantonese tradition of having endless cups of tea and dim sum is also called Yum Cha (飲茶), which also means “drink tea” in Cantonese.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

When we chanced upon a dim sum stall located in a coffeeshop (not a teahouse this time, hahaha) at Ang Mo Kio Ave 5, we were instantly keen to try their dim sum. Kow Loon Hong Kong Tim Sum spans across 2 or 3 stalls in the coffeeshop, with tons of traditional bamboo dim sum baskets adorning its stall front. We spent $20.40 in total, for 6 dishes.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The Pan Fried Turnip Cake ($3.20/ 3 pcs) had a slightly hard and chewy exterior, which I quite liked due to its satisfying bite. Cut up the cake, and dive into the soft and slightly mushy interior. While the lup cheong and dried shrimp bits were not actually visible in the turnip cake, their distinct sweetness and flavour could be tasted through and through.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

We also tried Kow Loon’s Special Dairy Salted Bun ($3.80/ 3 pcs), which was alright. It has quite a fancy name, but is essentially liu sha bao with a custardy lava centre. However, the bun itself was dry and hard, which was disappointing.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Next up is the Minced Pork and Shrimp Dumpling aka siew mai($3.20/4 pcs) which is supposedly their signature dish. The siew mai was, unfortunately, too oily. Also, the yellow skin was a tad tough to bite through. I would not recommend this.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

My personal favourite and must-order item at any dim sum place is har gow. 3 pieces of Kow Loon Hong Kong Tim Sum’s Shrimp Dumpling go for 3.80. While the prawn filling encased within the har gow skin was flavourful and sufficiently salty, it was a tad mushy. In short, the prawns were not as crunchy as what I’m used to. The glassy skin was also slightly thicker than the usual har gows.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The Steamed Pork Ribs ($3.20) were bathed in a sweet and savoury full-bodied sauce, which definitely was a palate-pleaser. My only gripe would be the bony pork ribs which did not hold much meat.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The Steamed Pork Dumplings ($5/ 5 pcs) or xiao long bao, had a considerably thicker skin than most xlbs, and a strong taste of ginger. Ginger lovers may probably appreciate this, but we did not fancy them as they lacked a robust meaty flavour.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Lastly, we had the Enoki Mushroom Cheong Fun ($3.20). This dish was brimming with potential. However, the actual execution fell short of expectations. The taste of the thin and delicate mushroom was hardly discernible in the thicker cheong fun skin. Hence, despite the sauce’s nice sesame oil aroma, eating this dish is akin to eating plain chee cheong fun. 

Kow Loon Hong Kong Tim Sum is housed in a very cooling coffeeshop, especially if you sit near the roadside. They also serve the dim sum to your table. I liked that I could enjoy my dimsum without breaking into sweat. Unfortunately, the dim sum was not particularly impressive, and I doubt that I’ll  make a return visit.

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

The post Kow Loon Hong Kong Tim Sum – Affordable Dim Sum in a Coffeeshop appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Unlike the westerners, who usually have a bigger portion of protein, Asians have more carbs. Whether it’s rice or noodles, carbs make up the bulk of most dishes that we have.

Hence, this week, Deliveroo is celebrating our Asian heritage by declaring the week “Asian Week”! The following restaurants have come up with special promotions and exciting discounts in lieu of the Festival of Feasts, and Deliveroo is passing on the savings to you!

If you’ve not hopped on the bandwagon and heard of food delivery service, it’s time to get started. New customers can type in the code “FOFMISSTAMCHIAK18” during checkout to get $4 off their first three orders! Note that the code is only valid for 14 days from redemption, and can only be redeemed until 22 April 2018.

Urban Mix

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Eating healthy doesn’t necessarily have to be a chore, or must it be expensive. Urban Mix is a restaurant that specialises in international flavours, drawing inspiration from different parts of the world, and putting them into one bowl.

The restaurant is offering a $12 deal for their J-Town Mix, which features green tea soba noodles, tofu, crab mayo, green beans, seaweed and furikake, drizzled with soy sesame sauce.

Order Here: https://deliveroo.com.sg/menu/singapore/raffles-place/urban-mix

Chatterbox – Mandarin Gallery

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Fans of Chatterbox at Mandarin Gallery will be glad to know that the restaurant is joining in the fiesta and celebrating Asian Week.

Chatterbox at Mandarin Gallery is famous for their Mandarin Chicken Rice. Think tender boiled chicken, fragrant jasmine rice, a bowl of soup and Chatterbox’s homemade chilli, ginger and dark soya sauce.

During Asian Week, every purchase of 2 Mandarin Chicken Rice sets ($28.90 each) gets you 2 cans of coke, and every purchase of Mandarin Family Chicken Rice set ($94.16) entitles you to 4 free cans of Coca Cola.

Order Here: https://deliveroo.com.sg/menu/singapore/orchard/chatterbox

Thali Express

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Thali Express offers a wide variety of delicious and authentic Indian cuisine. The restaurant does not use MSG, artificial colouring or preservatives, so diners can rest assured that they’re getting wholesome and healthy meals.

For the Asian Week festivities, Thali Express is releasing a slew of $12 meal sets! Each set meal comes with a choice of naan, basmati white rice, the vegetable of the day, raitha, yellow dal, papadams, and a drink. Sounds awesome? We definitely think so!

Thali Express caters to vegetarians also. You might want to consider their Vegetarian Combo Sets. We recommend the Palak Paneer Set, and Chenna Masala Set which is a spicy and flavourful vegetable stew.

If you can’t live without meat, Thali Express has also made sure that they have you covered. The Butter Chicken Set and Chicken Tikka Set are great quick meals, and have everything you need.

Order Here: https://deliveroo.com.sg/menu/singapore/orchard/kurry-korner-express-rivervalley

Soup Restaurant

How can Soup Restaurant miss out on the party? The brand is offering an exclusive 1 for 1 promotion on their bento sets, such as the Sweet & Sour Pork Bento ($14.87), Hometown Fish Belly Bento ($14.87) as well as Hand-chopped Minced Pork Patty Bento ($14.87)!

Specially tailored for those who love anything salted egg yolk, Soup Restaurant’s Salted Egg Chicken Bento ($14.87) is also included in the 1 for 1 promotion. Your buddy and you can get your fix of salted egg chicken delivered straight to your doorstep!

All these bento sets make for a great and easy meal. Furthermore, there’s no need to get out of the comfort of your own home or office. Food delivery is definitely one of the greatest things ever created.

Order Here: https://deliveroo.com.sg/menu/singapore/novena/soup-restaurant-united-square#

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Who doesn’t love the sensation of a freshly-cooked piping hot xiao long bao popping in their mouth?

Crystal jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao has rolled out really attractive promotions this week! For only $30, diners can get two bowls of la mian, and one basket of Steamed Shanghai Xiao Long Bao.

If you think that’s awesome, you will be pleased to hear this. Exclusive to Asian Week, Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao is throwing in ANOTHER basket of Xiao Long Bao with every purchase of the $30 bundle set! Yay!

La mian flavours include La Mian with Minced Pork & Vegetable Wanton, La Mian Served with Double-Boiled Chicken Soup, and La Mian with Minced Meat & Mushroom in Spicy Soup. Whether you like your noodles in a rich and nourishing broth, or a spicy one, there’s definitely something for you.

Order Here: https://deliveroo.com.sg/menu/singapore/holland-village-coronation-drive/crystal-jade-la-mian-xiao-long-bao-holland-village

Crystal Jade Jiangnan & Crystal Jade Kitchen

Crystal Jade Jiangnan and Crystal Jade Kitchen are also joining in the festivities.

For just $12.60, diners can enjoy the Bundle Set that comes with a choice of Hong Kong congee or noodles, with half a portion of an appetiser! This is a great option if you’re dining with a large group. That way, everyone can order different appetizers to share! No food wastage, and more variety!

What’s more, the selection of dishes (both congee/noodles and appetisers) for this promotion is quite extensive. Expect the Classic “Ting Zai” Congee, Signature Shredded Chicken and Duck Congee, and Stewed Beef Brisket Dry Noodles, and appetisers such as the XO Carrot Cake, Deep-fried Fish Skin and Deep-fried Mid Joint with Shrimp Paste. Doesn’t everything just sound so yummy and delicious?

Order Here: https://deliveroo.com.sg/menu/singapore/telok-blangah/crystal-jade-jiangnan-vivo-city

Order Here: https://deliveroo.com.sg/menu/singapore/suntec-city/crystal-jade-kitchen

The Garden Slug

The Garden Slug is a retro café that serves mod-sin cuisine. Opened in 2006 by Joseph and Aaron, the bistro brings hearty and rustic food to the dinner table.

During Asian Week, The Garden Slug is having a 1 for 1 promotion on some of their popular dishes. Go for the Aromatic Roasted Fish ($22), or Chargrilled Chicken Breast ($22) which is coated with a tangy and sweet citrus-cumin glaze.

That’s not all. Diners have the option of adding 2 servings of mashed potatoes and mini garden salad for just $6, with any purchase of the two main courses stated above.

If you are feeling peckish, or just want to get some appetisers or sides to share, the 1 for 1 promo also extends to some of their appetisers as well. Choose from the Keropok Ikan Jumbo ($9.50), Asian Chicken Broth ($7.90), or the Hearty Bone Soup with Crumbled Beef-Pork Sausage and Pasta Noodle ($19.80).

Order Here: https://deliveroo.com.sg/menu/singapore/telok-kurau/the-garden-slug

Tim Ho Wan

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Craving for a Michelin-starred meal right in the comfort of your own home? Many would tell you that that is almost impossible, but Deliveroo has made the impossible, possible! The food delivery service has teamed up with Tim Ho Wan to bring a plethora of delectable dim sum and Chinese bento sets right to you, wherever you are!

Fill your tummy with skilfully-wrapped dim sum such as Prawn Dumplings ($6), or feast on freshly made BBQ Pork Vermicelli Roll ($6.50). Tim Ho Wan has so much to offer, and you will definitely be spoilt for choice!

In celebration of Asian Week, the restaurant is offering a 1 for 1 promotion on their Beancurd Skin with Shrimp (3pcs), which retails at $7. That means that you’ll get 6 pieces of these crispy and fragrant treats for just $7!

Order Here: https://deliveroo.com.sg/menu/singapore/orchard/tim-ho-wan-pacific-plaza#

Festival of Feast is running for 6 weeks but I think that Asian Week might just be the most exciting of all! The promotions are great and the convenience that Deliveroo offers is tough to beat. With just a few clicks, you get freshly-prepared dishes sent right to you. We don’t think that it can get any easier.

This post was brought to you by Deliveroo.

The post Deliveroo Festival of Feasts – Rice & Noodles Paradise! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Nothing warms the heart like a piping bowl of congee. Diving into a hot bowl of gruel on a cold and wet morning is just indescribably comforting.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Thong Heng Porridge is run by 72-year-old Madam Merry Khoo. She has been cooking for more than 2 decades and had set up shop in Hougang and Kallang Bahru, before moving to the current space in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4. She shared with us that she has built a steady customer base — many customers have been patronising her stall since its humble beginnings in Hougang.

Although Madam Khoo is of Teochew descent, she cooks Hainanese-style porridge. Many of us are more familiar with the grainy Teochew mui and gooey Cantonese zhok, and may never have heard of Hainanese porridge. Hainanese porridge looks mushy, but you can still feel the individual grains when eating it.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Thong Heng offers a variety of porridge, such as Sliced Fish ($3.50), Century Egg ($3) and Pork ($3) porridge. We tried the century egg, and pork porridge, and both contained a generous amount of ingredients. What I loved the most about the porridge is that it had a “mi xiang”, which loosely translates to “rice fragrance”. It reminded me of my childhood, when I would sit in the kitchen and watch my grandma prepare dinner. The kitchen would be perfumed with the aroma of cooked rice.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

When you’re going to Thong Heng, pay special attention to the Chinese spoons that come with the porridge. Madam Khoo shared with us that she bought it all the way from Swatow when she went back to visit her relatives!

Note that the stall does not have stipulated rest days!

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

The post Thong Heng Porridge – Great Hainanese Congee in Ang Mo Kio! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

It’s uncommon to find hawker stalls selling Xing Hua cuisine. Usually, you can only find Xing Hua delicacies in restaurants. Recently, we stumbled upon a hawker stall that specialises in Xing Hua cuisine! Located in Sims Vista Market & Food Centre. He Xing Ban Mian Zhi Jia sells Xing Hua-style bee hoon, as well as handmade noodles.

When I ran a search online, I noticed that many people visited the stall for their Xing Hua Bee Hoon ($4). I decided to try the Xing Hua Rice Cake ($4), instead of the bee hoon, as it is a rare find in a hawker setting.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The owners shared with us that even though they make their noodles themselves, they don’t have the capability to make the rice cakes. Even though the rice cakes are not made in-house, they were chewy, and springy. For $4, the dish came with a generous portion of “liao”. Sitting on top of the rice cakes were a few pieces of prawns and clams, which were fresh and sweet. Although the signboard showed pieces of meat in the dish, I couldn’t find any in mine. Did uncle forget to add it in?

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

I particularly enjoyed the chup which was salty, aromatic and a little sweet. The sauce coated each piece of rice cake evenly, and there was never a bland mouthful. If you’re a fan of spicy food, don’t forget to pour in the chilli mixture!

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

When I arrived at around 3pm, the stall owner was churning out pieces of dough. I was glad to be able to witness him passing sheets of dough through a machine. Its heartwarming to see stalls still making their own noodles, even though it is so much more convenient to purchase ready-made ones.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The mee hoon kueh pieces were chewy, and had a firm bite. Although the broth was a little bland, I didn’t think much of it as I know that Xing Hua cuisine is usually lighter in flavour. Nevertheless, the taste of the broth grew on me. It had a pleasant aroma of Chinese wine, which flavoured the broth even more. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

I enjoyed the food at He Xing Ban Mian Zhi Jia, especially the Xing Hua rice cakes. The prices are really affordable, don’t you think? If you’re in the vicinity, why not pop by for lunch?

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

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

The post He Xing Ban Mian Zhi Jia – Handmade Noodles & Xing Hua Bee Hoon! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

We seem to have an affinity with Taiwanese cuisine. No doubt, its street food never ceases to amaze with its variety and appeal. After I returned from a recent trip to Taiwan, I’ve been craving for some of Taiwan’s greatest eats, such as 卤肉饭（braised pork rice). To our surprise, a hawker serving up classic Taiwanese fare sprung up near our office.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Mei Ming Taiwan Delicacy was born out of the owner’s passion and love for all things Taiwan. “I used to be in construction, but I left to learn culinary from a master in Tainan, Taiwan for a year,” Zen shared. Right now, there are only 5 items available on the menu. The 卤肉饭 lu rou fan is a must try, but I was drawn to the 刈包 especially since we ate quite a bit of it back in Taiwan. Let’s see how it fares, shall we?

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

If you’ve read our article on the origins of guabao 刈包, you’ll discover that it’s actually another name for kong bak bao 扣肉包. Like its Taiwanese counterpart, a slab of braised pork is sandwiched between a steamed bun ($3). One thing that we noticed was that crushed peanuts aren’t included, unlike the traditional Taiwanese guabao. The soft pork belly was adequately flavourful and I thoroughly enjoyed the excellent fat to meat ratio that it possessed. The saltiness of the preserved vegetables further brought out the braise flavour of the pork. I thought that the individual elements of the guabao could have been melded with an added splash of braising liquid, to really bring them all together. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Now, the star of Mei Ming, lu rou fan ($3.80)! What I love most about the rice is their use of 珍珠米 pearl rice. The sticky and plump grains absorbed the braising sauce nicely, adding depth to every mouthful of rice. The rice was strongly perfumed with the characteristic aroma of five spice as well. Chunks of  braised minced pork sat atop the little hill of rice. However, the meat was slightly bland. There’s a reason for this, so read on!

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The Lor Kway Chap ($3) also has room for improvement. While the amount of ingredients was sufficient, the usual innards were absent. Fortunately, they replaced the entrails with braised pork belly which is totally alright. Only the soft and moist pork belly stood out. Overall, the braising sauce leaned towards the bland side.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The broad rice sheets are steeped in a broth that could also use some work. Zen shared that the braising sauce, which he prepares 2 months in advance, can be overpowering especially for the elderly patrons. Thus, he dilutes the sauce before serving the dish. We tried the concentrated braised gravy, and man was it yummy! The braise was fragrant and full-bodied just the way lu should be. Don’t be afraid to ask for a concentrated version if you like.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The 大腸包小腸 is an unusual find in coffee shops. “My mentor specializes in selling 大腸包小腸 across Taiwan, so I learnt that and brought it back to share with the heartlanders in Singapore”. However, I thought that the 大腸包小腸 ($6.60) was slightly underwhelming for its price point. The overall mouthfeel of the dish didn’t seem right. Unlike the ones in Taiwan, the elements within the 大腸包小腸 appear to be detached from each other. Kudos to Zen for putting together a medley of greens, including salted vegetables, sliced cucumbers and coriander, which gave the dish appropriate tang. However, the sausage used isn’t the fat and juicy kind that you get in Taiwan. Taking the place of a succulent sausage is a thin and slightly dry cylindrical piece of meat, which might explain the discontinuity between the sticky rice sausage, greens and the pork sausage itself.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

There are hits and misses, but Zen is one passionate chef who is very accepting of feedback. We believe that his food will be a huge hit, once they’ve been perfected!

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’s any changes or additional info to Mei Ming Taiwan Delicacy. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Mei Ming – Taiwanese Street Eats In A Coffeeshop! How Rare! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

This unnamed family business has made great strides since its humble beginnings. It started out as a food delivery business, and eventually expanded to a physical stall at 15 Crane Road. Diners can place an order via the usual food delivery services, or directly with the stall. The boss actually delivers island-wide personally. Now, isn’t that laudable? “What’s their signature dish,” you may ask. Well, sources pointed us to one thing — Salted Egg & Buttermilk Chicken Rice. Apparently, this dish is very popular with legions of national servicemen. According to Gary, and his mother, orders from SAF camps and bases make up the bulk of their business.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Since we were the only walk-in customers then, we were served pretty quickly. Online reviews seem to disagree, with many customers expressing their disappointment at their service standards. “We are very new at managing a walk-in business. We handle delivery orders well as we are experienced in that. If there’s an influx of walk-in orders, we will have difficulty,” shared Gary. There is only one item on their menu, and that’s the Salted Egg & Buttermilk Chicken Rice ($8). The boss uses only premium ingredients in his dish. It’s true, we witnessed it. That explains the price tag, which some might find a tad hefty. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Bite-sized chicken pieces are first fried, before they are coated with a rich and creamy salted egg & buttermilk sauce. “We don’t add water into our sauce. This way, you get to savour the fullness of the cream,” commented the lady boss. The full-bodied sauce is concocted with a dollop of chilli padi to give it a fiery kick. The salted egg yolk sauce here sets the bar really high, and it will serve as my benchmark in the future. I am absolutely in love with the thick and milky consistency of the sauce. Eating the chicken chunks on their own might make you feel that the sauce is too jelak, so don’t forget to pair every spoonful of chicken with some rice to cut through the richness of the sauce. As much as I love the dish, I wished that the chicken pieces were bigger.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Our journey to 15 Crane Road has been rewarding, albeit exhausting. I’ll probably place an order online the next time! If you have a huge order in the middle of the night, the boss may consider delivering it to you. How nice! 

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’s any changes or additional info to Jia Yuen Eating House. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Jia Yuen Eating House – A Hidden Gem in Eunos! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

A little stall with an interesting name sits in the Hungry Bee Coffeeshop, a collaboration between The Fishball Story and Chargrill Bar. Mimi Chicken, a 2-month-old stall, is run by the amiable Jeffrey. Jeffrey emanated sincerity and friendliness, traits which we continue to observe throughout our entire meal.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Mimi Chicken sells a range of hearty dishes such as Hotpot and Woodear Rice Wine Chicken. Jeffrey first tried hotpot chicken when he was in China. It was a dish that his ex-wife loved. Unfortunately, his ex-wife contracted a terminal illness and eventually passed on. Jeffrey decided to set up Mimi Chicken as a tribute to her, for she loved Chinese cuisine immensely.

Open from 330pm to 2am daily, Mimi Chicken is a perfect late-night supper spot. You might think that the opening hours are odd, but this arrangement allows Jeffrey to work through the night, when he can capture the most crowd. As Jeffrey is currently running a one-man show, he has to maximise his working hours to the best of his ability. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

We tried the Chicken Hot Pot (small/$16.90) with a normal spice level. A myriad of ingredients were present in the pot, and the generous portion ensured that there was more than enough chicken and vegetables to go around. Nonetheless, a pinch more salt and flavour would have made the dish taste even better. Drizzle the gravy over the rice ($1), relax, and enjoy the food! The chicken hotpot is available in 5 sizes — small, medium, large, large plus, and 1 pax portion ($8.90).

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Next, we tried the Woodear Rice Wine Chicken (small/$13.90). According to Jeffrey, this is a great dish for people who have just given birth, due to its nourishing and healing properties. There’s no msg and salt added at all. The intense flavour is derived from the addition of spices. Jeffrey quickly shared that men can eat this dish, too! The taste of Chinese wine was evident in this dish, and it left a pleasant and warm sensation that rolled down my throat, and warmed my belly. Considering that Jeffrey had zero experience in the F&B industry, apart from a 3-month food preparation course, he whips up pretty yummy fare. Contrary to my expectations, this dish was not too heavy. I enjoyed the soup very much. The rice wine chicken is available in 3 sizes.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The Paper Wrapped Fish, the star of the show, then arrived at our table. Jeffrey’s version of paper wrapped fish is an interesting reinterpretation of the common paper wrapped chicken. 3 types of fish are available — seabass, grey mullet and red snapper. We got the red snapper, which at $32.90, was the most expensive fish. Different cooking styles, such as Hong Kong style, are available. We opted for the Chengdu-style paper wrapped red snapper. The red snapper is doused in a copious amount of garlic and chilli, so you can expect a really spicy kick (the level of spice can be customised) that is oh-so-shiok! The fish was extremely fresh and tender, with huge chunks of meat sliding away from the bones with just a gentle pinch of the chopsticks. The paper wrapped fish is definitely meant for sharing, and can feed 2-3 pax.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Jeffrey explained he has tweaked most of his dishes to cater to the Singapore palate. Tweaks include the generous use of garlic. Although business at Mimi Chicken isn’t very brisk as they have only been open for 2 months, most of Jeffrey’s customers are repeat customers. Jeffrey spoke of his future aspirations to grow the humble business, and is even planning to introduce a rather interesting dish — Durian Chicken Hotpot. While this sounds rather weird to me, I guess the novelty of the dish might draw the crowd. 

Note: dishes come in small(2-3pax), medium(3-5 pax), large(5-7pax) and extra large(8-9 pax) sizes. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Mimi Chicken serves delicious food that’s not just comforting, but heartwarming too. Jeffrey is a very earnest and sincere stall owner, and I hope, from the bottom of my heart, that his food will receive the support it deserves.

The post Mimi Chicken – Heartwarming Story behind Soul-Stirring Food appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.