SG Food on Foot Best Eat in 2013

In a flash it is coming to another year. Goodbye to 2013 and a warm welcome to 2014. Last year I have come up with a list of my best restaurant 2012. This year I decided to expand it a bit to include all eateries, be it a posh restaurant or a non air conditioned food centre.

Before going to my top 10 Best Eat in 2013, I would like to extend a great thanks to all my readers, supporters, fans, media friends, fellow bloggers and friends. It is because of you this blog can go far and motivate me to continue sharing my food experience.

Without further a do, SG Food on Foot presents to you the Top 10 Best Eat in 2013 (not in any order of merit).

Bacchanalia @ Coleman Street

Bacchanalia
The Masonic Club
23A Coleman Street
Singapore
Tel: +65 65091453
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BacchanaliaSG
Website: http://bacchanalia.asia/
Nearest MRT: Cityhall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 2am
Sat: 6pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Cross the road onto Coleman Street. Continue on Coleman Street until next traffic light junction at Hill Street. Cross the road and continue on Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Zafferano @ Ocean Financial Centre

Zafferano
Ocean Financial Centre
Level 43
10 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049315
Tel: +65 65091488
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZafferanoSG
Website: http://zafferano.sg/
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm
Dinner
Mon-Wed: 530pm - 1145pm
Thu-Sat: 530pm - 1am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place. Take Exit C. Walk to Ocean Financial Centre which is on the left. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Halia @ Raffles Hotel

The Halia at Raffles Hotel
Raffles Hotel
1 Beach Road
#01-22/23
Singapore 189673
Tel: +65 96391148
Website: http://thehalia.com/raffles/raffles/restaurant/
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Raffles Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road along Bras Basah Road. Continue southwards to North Bridge Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the junction to Raffles Hotel. Journey time about 7 minutes. [Map]

The Clan Restaurant @ Bukit Pasoh Road

The Clan Restaurant
18/20 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089832
Tel: +65 62222084
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theclanrestaurant
Website: http://www.theclanrestaurant.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Turn right in Teo Hong Road. Walk along the stretch of shop houses and continue onto Bukit Pasoh Road. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Gunther's French Modern Cuisine @ Purvis Street

Gunther's French Modern Cuisine
36 Purvis Street
#01-03
Singapore 188613
Tel: +65 63388955
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gunthers
Website: http://www.gunthers.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to National Library Building (NLB) along North Bridge Road. At NLB, cross the road at the traffic junction of North Bridge Road and Middle Road. Walk further down North Bridge Road and turn left into Purvis Street. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Famous Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa @ Hong Lim Food Centre

Famous Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa 
Hong Lim Market & Food Centre
Blk 531A Upper Cross Street
#02-66
Singapore 051531
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (NE Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1030am - 630pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to Hong Lim Market & Food Centre by cutting through Chinatown Point. The food centre is located behind Chinatown Point. Journey time 5 minutes. [Map]

L'Atelier Tiramisu @ The Central Clark Quay

L'ATELIER TiramiSu
The Central @ Clark Quay
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#B1-09
Singapore 059817
Tel: +65 93898582
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LAtelier-Tiramisu/562673593776094
Website: http://latelier-tiramisu.com/
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri : 12pm - 930pm
Sat : 1pm - 930pm
Sun: 1pm - 7pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit F. Journey time about 2 minutes. [Map]

Tony Restaurant @ Geylang Lorong 3

Tony Restaurant
8-10 Geylang Lorong 3
Singapore 388861
Tel:+65 67486618
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonnychanrestaurant
Website: http://www.tonnyrestaurant.sg/
Nearest MRT: Kallang (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Kallang MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Sims Ave. At the traffic junction of Sims Ave and Geylang Lorong 3, turn right into Geylang Lorong 3. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Teppei Japanese Restaurant @ Orchid Hotel

Teppei Japanese Restaurant
Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Link
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 62227363
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teppeirestaurant
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1145am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Absinthe @ Boat Quay

Absinthe
71/72 Boat Quay
Singapore 049860
Tel: +65 62229068
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Absinthe/56794462597
Website: http://www.absinthe.sg/
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 4pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT Station. Take Exit E. Cross New Bridge Road to the opposite of The Central. Walk towards Upper Circular Road. Turn onto Upper Circular Road and walk to the end. Cross the road at South Bridge Road and walk towards the river. Walk down the row of shop houses along the river. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit G. Walk to the river. Walk down the row of shop houses along the river. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Tim Ho Wan (添好運) @ Westgate

What a stellar year for Chef Mak and Tim Ho Wan. Tim Ho Wan Hong Kong has retained its Michelin Star for the fourth year running. In Singapore, after opening the first oversea outlet outside Hong Kong in April 2013 at Plaza Singapura, within the span of just 9 months, Tim Ho Wan has opened 4 outlets in Singapore. The latest 2 outlets are in Bedok Mall and Westgate opened on 28 December 2013.

Starting from January 2014, different monthly specials will be available at the different outlets in a rotating basis. I find this a bit confusing cause patrons needs to know which special item is available at which outlet and this further gets rotates different months.

Dace Fish Paste Soup with Lettuce 2.8/5

Anyway, in conjunction with the opening I was able to try out all the 6 new dim sum dishes. One of the 6 new introduction is the Dace Fish Paste Soup with Lettuce ($6). The fish paste was pretty delectable with a good bite to it. However I wonder who will order this for dim sum? Definitely not me.

Steamed Chicken with Fish Maw 4/5

The other new item is the Steamed Chicken with Fish Maw ($5.50). It may look kind of boring but it was quite flavourful. The tender and moist chicken was excellently paired with the melted in the mouth fish maw that has a hint of ginger finishing.

Crispy Salad Fish Rolls 2.8/5

I still remembered when Tim Ho Wan first opened in Singapore, there was not many fried items in the menu. It is welcoming for Tim Ho Wan to introduce another fried item in the Crispy Salad Fish Rolls ($4.20). Sinking into the lightly battered and crispy exterior, a burst of the salad sauce hit the palate but at the same time the fish flavour was being masked by it.

Yam Dumpling with Chilli Crab Meat 3.8/5

The other new item is the Yam Dumpling with Chilli Crab Meat ($5). This is quite an interesting creation infusing two popular ingredients of the local palate into one. I really think this will be well received by the locals but it needed some more fine tuning to make the chilli crab meat filling more distinct.

Phoenix City Quail Eggs 3.5/5

The next item of the monthly special I tried is the Phoenix City Quail Eggs ($5). The plump filling held together in shape by the thin translucent skin was nothing special except siew mai topped with quail egg.

Jade Wanton in Laksa Soup 3.5/5

Last of the 6 new items we tried is another local inspired dim sum, Jade Wanton in Laksa Soup ($5). I was quite surprised that the laksa broth was pretty well executed. Individually the wanton and laksa soup was good on its own. However they just do not match up as a dish. Just like my friend put it, she craved for some thick beehoon to go with the laksa soup.

Steamed Chicken Feet with Abalone Sauce 4.2/5

Besides the 6 newly introduced dim sum, I got to try the Steamed Chicken Feet with Abalone Sauce ($5) which used to be their monthly special when they opened Toa Payoh branch. It seems like Tim Ho Wan has included it as a permanent item in the menu. Glad that they have done so and I am sure to order this in my next visit.

Baked Bun with BBQ Pork 4.5/5

Of course we can't leave Tim Ho Wan without having the Baked Bun with BBQ Pork ($4.50). I have the privilege to try it when it first opened at Plaza Singapura and followed by Toa Payoh. I felt that Tim Ho Wan has some how perfect the recipe for the baked bun. Now the exterior has a nice custard crust while the middle of the bun is soft and fluffy with sweet delish char siew fillings.

I can't help thinking there was only 1 outlet in Hong Kong until recent years. We are so lucky compared to Hong Kong to have Tim Ho Wan opening 4 outlets in a short period of 9 months located strategically in the different regions in Singapore bringing the tasty and high quality dim sum to the neighbourhood.


Tim Ho Wan (添好運)
Westgate
3 Gateway Drive
#01-13/14
Singapore 608532
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timhowan
Website: http://www.timhowan.com/
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT Station. Take Exit A. Walk to Westgate Mall. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Coq & Balls @ Kim Tian Road (Tiong Bahru)

It was a Thursday afternoon, met up with Charleen to check out Coq & Balls which is located within walking distance from Tiong Bahru MRT station. Having heard good words about this place, we were looking forward to check out the place. Arriving at 4pm which the bar just opened, we noticed there were a couple of customers enjoying a lazy afternoon beer while the staffs were still trying to put a few last touches to the opening.

I remembered the Entertainer App has 1 for 1 main course promotion at Coq & Balls. Just to make sure that the offer is still valid, I double checked the Entertainer App again while waiting for Charleen before proceeding to the Coq & Balls. The 1 for 1 promotion is valid until end of the year.

Mixed Mushroom Stir Fried in Butter 2/5

Since it is a bar, Coq & Balls does not really have a extensive food menu. There are only 5 selections of mains and 2 desserts on the menu while the rest are tapas which logically is understandable. We started with some tapas and ad the Mixed Mushroom Stir Fried in Butter ($9). We each took a bite of it and left the rest untouched as it was way too salty for consumption.

Glazed Teriyaki Chicken Yakitori 3 sticks 2/5

The other tapas item we tried was the Glazed Teriyaki Chicken Yakitori (3 sticks for $8). It was too bland in my opinion and we found some pieces of the chicken not cooked thoroughly. Once again we did not finish the tapas and left 2 sticks untouched.

Brazen Beef Steak 2.5/5

Since I have not had my lunch, I decided to get the Brazen Beef Steak ($24) which is served with fries and salad. The steak is served in slices which is done to the doneness I have requested. However the steak itself had too much tendon which was hard to bite and I did not enjoy it. It definitely felt that I was served a lousy cut of meat for the amount I have paid.

Tempura Fish and Chips 4/5

Finally the redemption came from the Tempura Fish and Chips ($15). The lightly battered tempura locking up the moist fish inside was definitely one of the best I have tried so far.

As usual for the payment, I just entered my 4 digits password to redeem the 1 for 1 main course, pass it to the staff to enter their 4 digits password and as easy as ABC, I got one of my main course free.


Coq & Balls
Kai Fook Mansion
6 Kim Tian Road
Singapore 169246
Tel: +65 62766609
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coqnballs
Website: http://coqnballs.com/
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 4pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 10am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Head east on Tiong Bahru Road towards Jalan Membina. Walk down Tiong Bahru and turn right onto Kim Tian Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore @ Rochester Mall

Many of us will be familiar with Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore with its flagship branch along Bukit Timah Road. Servicing quality Italian food at affordable price, Pasta Fresca has been around since 1988 which is a good 25 years. It has expanded with 5 outlets around the island as well as another 4 in China. It is quite an impressive story by itself.

In conjunction with the festive season, Pasta Fresca is having a 5 course Chirstmas Set ($39.90) that is available until 31 December 2013. The value for money 5 course set meal comes with a soup, salad, pasta, main course and dessert.

Pumpkin Soup 4/5

Starting the 5 course christmas set is the Pumpkin Soup with cream and herbed croutons. A rich and hearty soup to whet up the appetite for the rest of the meal.

Rucola and Smoked Salmon Salad 4/5

Next up for the 5 course christmas set is the Rucola and Smoked Salmon Salad. The healthy plate of garden has sauteed mushrooms, walnuts, cheery tomatoes and parmasan shaves. A delightful plate of salad with flavours and different textures.

Squid Ink Linguine 4.2/5

For the pasta dish of the 5 course christmas set, the Squid Ink Linguine was well received by the diners. Cooked to perfection with a nice al dente bite, I like the use of the red pepper sauce and the hint of lemon zest to balance off the saltiness of squid ink. The only shy of the dish is the prawns. Although crunchy we suspected it was not fresh live prawns as they were lacking in the natural sweetness.

Pan Fried Breaded Sword Fish 3.8/5

For the 5 course christmas set, there is a choice of main in the Pan Fried Breaded Sword Fish or Grilled Turkey Breast. The breaded sword fish came in a mediterranean sauce and buttered vegetables. The firm meat of the sword fish was pan fried to a delectable bite. The grilled turkey breast with balsamic reduction, rucola, cherry tomatoes and grilled vegetables was surprisingly good. I usually don't enjoy turkey because its meat is tough but the execution was so excellent that I thought I was having pork.

Italian's Traditional Christmas Panettone 2.8/5

Ending the 5 course christmas set is the Italian's Traditional Christmas Panettone that is served with vanilla gelato and chocolate sauce. The sweet bread loaf went well with the sauces but I thought it was a bit on the dry side.

Tagliere Misto 4.2/5

Moving on to the ala carte menu, the Tagliere Misto ($26.50) has been revamped after listening to their customers. The platter of cold cuts and cheese now comes with grilled and preserved vegetables giving customers more value for their money.

Mascarpone White Pizza 4/5

I didn't know of white pizza until my visit. White pizza originated from Rome where the tomato sauce base is substituted with a mix of selected ingredients. I tried the Mascarpone White Pizza ($19.90) which comes with mascarpone cheese, parma ham, fresh rucola and tomatoes. It is a delightful culinary discovery with the different flavours working harmoniously.

Risotto Asparagi E Salmone 3.5/5

The cream base Salmon and Asparagus Risotto ($20.80) was cooked in white wine and chopped onions. The version although packed with flavours but was on the wet side. Subject to individual preference, the version will suit most patrons but I would prefer it to be more grainy with a bite.

Ai Funghi E Salsiccia 4/5

The Ai Funghi E Salsiccia ($17.20) comes in a combination of homemade Italian sausage and mushrooms. The penne pasta in a creamy sauce with its cheesy and earthy flavours was indeed delicious.

In my opinion the food at Pasta Fresca is quite good and reasonably priced. This is proven with its 5 outlets in Singapore over the 25 years. Among the 5 outlets, I find that the rochester mall outlet has its own character with a casual and relax ambience away from the hustle and bustle of city life.


[CLOSED]
Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore
Rochester Mall
39 Rochester Drive
Singapore 138641
Tel: +65 66848414
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pasta-Fresca-Da-Salvatore/60299811757
Website: http://www.pastafresca.com/
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Fri-Sun & PH: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take exit A or C. Follow the shelved pathway towards Star Vista. Turn left on Rochester Drive. Continue on Rochester Drive until Rochester Mall. Walk to destination (beside Starbucks). Journey time about 7 minutes. [Map]

Tsujiri @ 100AM

With a heritage of 150 years and over seven generations, Tsujiri which originates from Kyoto Japan has come to our shore with its first tea house outlet at the new 100AM shopping mall. Tsujiri offers a wide varieties of matcha products that is suitable for any occasions.

O-Maccha Latte

I was with my friends and fellow food bloggers Daniel and Nicole after a dinner session at Teppei. It was still early after dinner so we decided to find a place to hang out over a drink for more chit chatting. Daniel ordered a cup of O-Maccha Latta ($5.20). He mentioned that he likes Tsujiri because the green tea flavours are aromatic and rich unlike most other places which are rather mild.

Yuzu Citron Shaved Ice

Nicole has the Yuzu Citron Shaved Ice ($6.80) which seemed rather refreshing.

Tsujiri Parfait Omaccha 4/5

As you probably already noticed all of us have gone for something cold. I have the Tsujiri Parfait O-Maccha ($7.50) which was perfect for cooling down in the warm night. The maccha ice cream was smooth, creamy and rich in the green tea flavour.

I find that be it the latte or parfait we tried, Tsujiri's version comes with a rich maccha flavour that will be well received by green tea fans. The price for the cup of latte is equivalent to that of some cafe chains which is quite reasonable. For the parfait I find it a bit expensive for the price I am paying for.


Tsujiri
100AM
100 Tras Street
#01-14
Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 65436110
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tsujiri.sg
Website: http://tsujiri.sg/index.html
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Gopeng Street and turn into Tras Street. Walk to Amara Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Provision Shop @ Everton Park

Everton Park housing estate is slowing turning into a little charm by itself with small boutique cafe opening up one after another at the public housing void deck. One such entry into the cafe scene is The Provision Shop by hotelier Loh Lik Peng and Cocotte's chef Anthony Yeoh.

Latte 2.8/5

The Latte ($5) is served in a nostalgic glass cup as if one is having a cup of kopi at the local coffeeshop.

Latte 2.8/5

I have to say the latte art is really quite beautiful. However I did not enjoy my latte. I found the coffee too acidic to my liking.

Chocolate Croissant 3/5

As I was quite fun from my lunch, I did not try their hot food. Instead I ordered a Chocolate Croissant ($3.50). It was delightful to discover the wonderful flavour of chocolate with each bite of the croissant. Although the croissant is buttery, it did not have the flakiness I was looking for.

Frankly speaking I am not sure what is the hype about The Provision Shop. I like the fact that the cafe added some color to the old Everton Park estate but I was not impressed with the coffee and croissant I had. I reserved my view of the cafe as I have not tried most of the item on their menu. However noticing that they have a small kitchen and using chef microwave most of the time, I hope they can prove me wrong in my next wish.


The Provision Shop
Blk 3 Everton Park
#01-79
Singapore 080003
Tel: +65 62259931
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheProvisionShop
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Cantonment Road towards the direction of Pinnacle. At the junction of Cantonment Road and Neil Road, cross the junction walk to towards the block of flats. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Lau Wang Claypot Delights @ Serangoon Central

Located at the corner of block 263 at Serangoon Central is this humble little coffeeshop style eatery selling a variety of hot piping claypot delights. Today with Nat and Nicole, we took a 10 minutes walk from Nex Shopping Mall to Lau Wang Claypot Delights. In seems like the place has another stall that operates in the morning selling noodles dishes too.

Claypot Frog Leg Herbal Soup 3/5

Dinner began with the piping hot Claypot Frog Leg Herbal Soup ($8/$15). While the soup was very flavourful I felt the herbal taste can be stronger. I am not sure how the others found the tender frog leg but I thought a little bit more seasoning was needed to remove the gaminess.

Claypot Minced Meat with Eggplant 3/5

I have never grown up to like eggplant but as age catches up with me, I seem to love the vegetable even more. The Claypot Minced Meat with Eggplant ($4.50/$6.50) was actually quite delectable. I do like my eggplant to be on the mushy side which was exactly what I got. However it was a bit too oily.

Dried Chilli Sliced Fish 3/5

The Dried Chilli Sliced Fish ($4.50/$6.50) comes with large slices of snakehead fish as well as bitter gourd. However the fish tasted on the bland side, needed more seasoning.

Claypot Sesame Oil Chicken 3.5/5

The Claypot Sesame Oil Chicken ($4.50/$6.50) came with tender chunks of chicken in a delish brown gravy that went very well with the bowl of rice. The dish will be even better if the aromatic sesame flavour can be stronger.

Claypot Ginger & Spring Onion Kidney Liver 3.5/5

My favourite among all the dishes I tried was the Claypot Ginger & Spring Onion Kidney Liver ($4.50/$6.50). Although the kidney was a bit gamey, it did not take away the shine of the pig liver in the brown gravy. The texture of the pig liver was just nice, neither too tough or mushy.

Lau Wang Claypot Delights is not a high end restaurant but the humble little corner eatery in the hood serves up some delightful claypot dishes for patron seeking a satisfying meal that is reasonably priced.


Lau Wang Claypot Delights
Blk 263 Serangoon Central Drive
#01-43
Singapore 550263
Tel:+65 90010814
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lau-Wang-Claypot-Delights/168387586650980
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit E. Turn left and walk down Serangoon Central. Walk towards block 262, continue to the corner of block 261 and 263. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]