Penang Hawkers' Fare @ York Hotel - Brings Back The Best Of Penang Street Food

York Hotel's Penang Hawkers' Fare, the long-standing promotion at White Rose Cafe, returns from 2 September to 18 September 2022. The hawkers from Penang make a return to delight diners with their speciality. During the promotion, patrons can watch the hawkers in action and feast on Penang hawker food to their hearts' content.

Penang Char Kway Teow 4.2/5

One of the most popular stalls for the past editions is the Penang Char Kway Teow, which always spots a long queue. The fragrant plate of wok-fried rice noodles is packed with wok-hei. Besides the delicious plate of noodles, be entertained by the eye-catching lady hawker's move when she swings into dancing twist frying the char kway teow.

Oyster Omelette 4/5

Crispy on the outside and gooey inside is the Oyster Omelette, best enjoyed with the tangy, spicy chilli sauce.

Lor Bak 3.8/5

Great for sharing are the Lor Bak, Cuttlefish Kang Kong and Rojak. On the Lor Bak platter, you will get five-spice meat rolls, prawn fritters, and deep-fried bean curd served with homemade chilli sauce and a thick soy-based sauce.

Cuttlefish Kang Kong 4.2/5

Not many places offer the Cuttlefish Kang Kong anymore. It is probably a dish that is foreign to the new generation too. The crunchy cuttlefish and water convolvulus are matched with a sweet and slightly spicy sauce and quality prawn paste and peanuts.

Penang Rojak 4.2/5

Tossed in a savoury, sweet and fragrant prawn paste is the Penang Rojak, topped with peanuts. Unlike the local rojak, the Penang version is more fruity and refreshing with ingredients such as cucumber, jambu, guava, jicama and pineapple.

Penang Laksa 4.8/5

There are Penang Laksa, Prawn Mee and Kway Teow Soup for the noodle dishes. All these three noodle dishes are a must-try. The Penang Laksa's tangy tamarind fish-based broth is packed with depth and robust flavours. Add some prawn paste to the laksa to elevate the whole taste profile to a new height. I have not eaten such a delicious bowl of noodles for a long while.

Prawn Mee 4.5/5

The Prawn Mee is another excellent choice too. The bowl of noodles is packed with a comforting and robust stock that has been laboriously boiled for hours, comprising prawn heads, shells and pork ribs.

Kway Teow Soup 4.5/5

For something lighter, go for the Kway Teow Soup. The smooth flat rice noodle comes in a light yet refreshing soup with fish balls, fish cake and shredded chicken. A dry version is also available.

Roti Canai 4.8/5

Another favourite item is the Roti Canai. The prata is crispy on the exterior and fluffy inside. It comes with a choice of either dhal curry or chicken curry. What is even more unique is the pairing of sambal chilli, which is not commonly appreciated this way in Singapore.

Ice Ball Kacang 3.5/5

Bringing back the childhood is the Ice Ball Kacang to wrap up the dinner on a sweet note.

Ban Chang Kueh 4.5/5

The Ban Chang Kueh is not to be missed too. The crispy pancake shell is folded into half with a spoonful of margarine, ground peanuts and sugar. Crispy on the edges while chewy inside.

Penang Hawkers’ Fare Lucky Draw
By dining at the Penang Hawkers’ Fare, diners stand to win attractive prizes from York Hotel Singapore:

First prize: A two-night weekend stay in a Premier Room inclusive of buffet breakfast and a S$100 dining voucher
Second prize: A one-night weekend stay in a Deluxe Room inclusive of a S$50 dining voucher
Third prize: ‘Treasured Flavours of Singapore’ à la carte Buffet Lunch at White Rose Café for five persons

The Penang Hawkers' Fare is available for lunch and dinner from 2 September to 18 September 2022. The menu includes an unlimited flow of coffee, tea, Calamansi drink, and Bandung.

Time:
- 12 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. (Lunch)
- 6.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. (Dinner)

Price:
- S$38* per adult, S$23* per child below 12 years of age, Mondays to Thursdays
- S$42* per adult, S$27* per child below 12 years of age, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
*Prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Note: This is an invited tasting.


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the carpark. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Top 10 Home Based Businesses (HBB) That Are Worth Ordering

COVID-19 pandemic has affected many people's livelihood. Instead of waiting for the best for the world to turn better, many people have taken a brave and significant step forward to change and adapt to the new norm. This sees the birth of many Home Based Business (HBB), putting their baking and cooking skills to good use, supplementing some incomes for the family.

I have the chance to try a couple of these home-based businesses during this period, and here is a list of my top 10 home-based business that is worth ordering and trying.

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A Sweet Mess

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A Sweet Mess caught my attention for their Rainbow Ondeh Ondeh. They are soft and chewy, with oozing gula melaka in it. Importantly, it is not using those syrup type. She actually bought the gula melaka in a block, hand grate them and cook them. Their Banana Cake, Pandan Gula Melaka Cupcake, and Basque Burnt Cheese Cake received many raving reviews too.

Order via DM on Instagram @asweetmesssg

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Any Hao Bao

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To keep her parents occupied during circuit breaker, Francesca started AnyHaoBao for her parents to share their love of cooking. My favourite is their homecooked herbal chicken and achar. You get a whole chicken, cooked to tender. The herbal taste is relatively mild, so it should be acceptable to children. Interestingly it comes with two hard-boiled eggs. They also made Kong Bak Pau, but this is seasonal.

Order via DM on Instagram @anyhaobao

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Edibles Bake Shop

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My close friends will know that I am not really into dessert, hence for Edibles Bake Shop to make it my list, it has definitely won me over. The cupcakes are not overly sweet, well balanced and most importantly, very delicious. Serene is a very talented baker and does check out her beautiful cake. She can also customise cakes for that special occasion.

Order via http://www.ediblesbakeshop.net
Instagram @ediblesbakeshop

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Hei Piah Family

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The hardest-hit industry during the pandemic is the aviation sector. During this period, pilots and cabin crews are all grounded. Laura, an SQ cabin crew and her fashion designer husband, started Hei Piah Family to share her mother-in-law Prawn Fritter recipe. I tried their prawn fritter and fell in love. It is crispy on the outside and pillowy inside.

Order via WhatsApp +65 86964568
Instagram @heipiahfamily

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Lady Boss Soy Sauce Chicken

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Lady Boss Soy Sauce Chicken is a home base business started by Sandra Sim. She is one of the owners of Sum Yi Tai. Before I tried the soy sauce chicken, I have already heard my raving reviews. When I finally get to taste it, I was really impressed. Well marinated and infused with the fragrant soy sauce, the chicken was also tender and juicy. Not forgetting that super power chilli sauce that comes with it.

Order via https://www.ladybosschicken.com

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Lor Bak Mama

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Lor Bak Mama is started by Christine Yue, who has zero income when she has to closed her nail salons during the circuit breaker. Encouraged by her family and closed friends who have tried her lor bak, I am glad that I can get to savour this delicious braised pork belly that is cooked until melt in the mouth, absorbing the braising sauce that is packed with robustness.

Order via take.sg/s/6586680788
Instagram @lorbakmama

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No Name Bake Store

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I have tried many home bakers' bakes during this period, and I really like the pastry box from No Name Bake Store. For $30, you get 4 different pieces of cakes. There are Kaya Butter Roll, Blueberry Hill, Brownie Cheesecake and Chocolate Hazel Royal. For the upcoming festive seasons, it is rolling up a new pastry box. Do keep a lookout.

Order via online form
Instagram @nonamebakestore.sg

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Noni Home Made Cooking

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Noni caught my eyes for offering authentic Indonesia food. I tried both their Nasi Lemak and Nasi Liwet. I personally love the Nasi Liwet as this is my first time have aromatic rice with anchovies wrapped with banana leaves, cooked over the fire. It even comes with a whole grilled chicken leg and tofu. 

Order via Instagram DM or WhatsApp +6594464249
Instagram @noni.sg

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Slab Some Ribs

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Affected by the pandemic, Elaine, a sales manager for a local airline has been on furlough, and on a good month may get to work up to two days a week. With the inconsistent workdays and significant financial impact, she started Slab Some Ribs to supplement her income. I have known many home-based businesses but selling pork ribs probably is the first. What's more she has an interesting flavour like Kicap Manis. I heard she is introducing a new Korean flavour for the upcoming festive season.

Order via take.sg/s/6596942060
Instagram @slabsomeribs

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Two Bake Boys

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Another home-based business started by an SQ cabin crew is Two Bake Boys. There are a lot of home bakers during this period and mostly focus on bakes such as brownies, cookies and burnt cheesecakes. Two Bake Boys is different, it is probably the first HBB that offers Authentic Thai Tea Crepe Cake. Currently, it has already expanded its menu with new flavours such as Matcha, Strawberry and Tiramisu.

Order via https://www.twobakeboys.com
Instagram @twobakeboys

White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel - Unlimited Servings Of Penang Hawkers' Fare From 13 December 2019 to 1 January 2020

The ever-popular Penang Hawkers' Fare returns for the thirty-third years at York Hotel from 13 December 2019 to 01 January 2020. Diners will get to savour a variety of Penang street food from the twelve live stations at White Rose Cafe.

Penang Rojak 4/5

Kick start the Penang street food feast with the refreshing Penang Rojak that consists of diced cucumbers, jambu and pineapples, tossed in savoury sweet prawn paste and topped with peanuts.

Char Kway Teow 4.2/5

Not to be missed is the packed with wok hei Penang Char Kway Teow. The dancing chef has also made a return this year. Be entertained by her move while she swings into a rhythm while frying the rice noodles. This is less sweet compared to the local version and a little spicy too.

Roti Canai 4.8/5

I have attended previous Penang Hawkers' Fare, but I have yet to try the Roti Canai. I am glad they brought back the roti canai stall. I really enjoyed the crispy and fluffy texture of the flatbread, paired with either the Dhal Curry or Chicken Curry. This is my favourite dish for the latest edition of the Penang Hawkers' Fare.

Nasi Lemak with Nonya Chicken Kaptian 4/5

Simply irresistible is the Nasi Lemak with Nonya Chicken Kapitan. Besides the fragrant nasi lemak rice, the die for is the succulent Nonya chicken kapitan, a dry version of the chicken curry. This is paired with homemade sambal chilli and crispy ikan bilis.

Lor Bak 4/5

Good for sharing or to go along with your other dishes is the Lor Bak. On the plate, you will get five-spice meat rolls, prawn fritters and deep-fried bean curd served with homemade chilli sauce and a thick soy-based sauce.

Oyster Omelette 4.5/5

Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside are the Oyster Omelette. This is best enjoyed together with the tangy chilli sauce.

Cuttlefish Kang Kong 4/5

A dish that is hardly seen nowadays is the Cuttlefish Kang Kong. The crunchy cuttlefish and water convolvulus are matched with a sweet and slightly spicy sauce together with quality prawn paste, and peanuts.

Penang Laksa 4.2/5

For noodle dishes, there are Penang Laksa, Penang Prawn Mee, Kway Teow Soup and Dry. If you enjoy something sour and spicy, then the Penang Laksa will be an appetising choice with its tangy tamarind fish-based broth.  The addition of pineapple, cucumber and torch ginger gives the bowl of thick rice noodles a distinctive fragrance and refreshing note. Add a dollop of prawn paste to crown the flavour profile.

Penang Prawn Mee 4.2/5

For the Penang Prawn Mee, the bowl of noodle is packed with a comforting and robust stock that has been laborious boiled for hours comprising of prawn heads, shells and pork ribs.

Kway Teow Soup 4.5/5

Kway Teow Dry 4/5

If you want something light, there is the Kway Teow Soup. The smooth flat rice noodle comes in a light yet refreshing soup, together with fish balls, fish cake and shredded chicken. A dry version is also available.

Ice Kachang 4/5 and Chendol 4.2/5

Wrapping up the meal on a sweet note with the Ice Kachang and Chendol. Given a choice, I would go for the chendol for the used of fresh fragrant coconut milk, which usually is substituted with those instant ones.

Ban Chang Kueh 4/5

If you still have space for some dessert, the Ban Chang Kueh is not to be missed. The crispy pancake shell is folded into half with a spoonful of margarine, ground peanuts and sugar. Crispy on the edges while chewy inside.

Price
Weekdays (lunch and dinner): $29++ per adult | $20++ per child
Weekends and PH (lunch and dinner): $33++ per adult | $23++ per child

Note: This is an invited tasting.


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the carpark. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

House of Happiness @ Simpang Bedok - The Heart Attack Pork Lard With Bacon, Furikake And Onsen Egg Claypot Rice Is To Die For

House of Happiness located at Simpang Bedok is a modernized claypot rice concept by the folks behind Mr Lor Bak. Realising that the number of claypot rice stalls were dwindling and customers are not willing to wait for more than 30 minutes for the rice to be cooked from scratch, House of Happiness has developed an unique method to shorten the cooking process as well as doing a part in preserving Singapore's heritage through their interpretation of  claypot rice dishes.

Lor Bak with Onsen Egg 4/5

It's inevitable that the signature Lor Bak has to be featured in their claypot rice. This is what made them famous. The Lor Bak with Onsen Egg ($7) is served in an individual claypot which is good for one pax consumption. Having tried their lor bak back at the Ubi outlet, I am glad to say the consistency is still there. For those that have not tried Mr Lor Bak's lor bak before, the braising sauce has a stronger herbal taste with a slight bitterness.

Assorted Mushrooms with Baby Bok Choy 4/5

The thoughtful eatery even offers a vegetarian claypot rice in the Assorted Mushrooms with Baby Bok Choy ($7). The natural sweetness from the oyster and shimeji mushrooms, together with the dark sauce made from red bean, shaoxing wine and garlic pairs excellently together with the cooked rice.

16 Hour Slow Cooked Teriyaki Pork Jowl 4.2/5

A crowd favourite is the 16 Hour Slow Cooked Teriyaki Pork Jowl ($7) which comes with pork cheek slices that have been sous vide for 16 hours, marinated in teriyaki sauce and pan seared. What I enjoyed is the tender pork jowl that comes with a delightful crunchy bite.

Pork Lard with Bacon, Furikake and Onsen Egg 4.5/5

My favourite is the Pork Lard with Bacon, Furikake and Onsen Egg Claypot Rice ($7). The sight of pork lard crowning the claypot rice already made me drool. Every mouthful of this has many beautiful flavours and textures at play which is irresistible not to go back for more.

Onsen Egg with Ikura and Toriko 3.8/5

Influenced by the Japanese cuisine is the Onsen Egg with Ikura and Toriko ($11). Besides the vibrant colour and its popping surprises with each mouthful of rice, I find the seafood flavours of the ikura and toriko kind of distorted the balance in flavours. The hipster diners may like it but this is my less favourite.

12 Hour Braised Pork Trotter 4.2/5

Besides the claypot rice, you may want to order some extra dishes to go along with it. I tried the 12 Hour Braised Pork Trotter ($8) which was both fatty and tender, absorbing the delicious braising sauce. The braising sauce is lighter and sweeter compare to the lor bak.

I like the claypot rice concept by House of Happiness. I think they have injected something new to a heritage dish, giving it a new lease of life to capture the appetite of the new generation as well as giving the old generation something new to try but not forgetting the fundamental of a good pot of rice.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


House of Happiness
Simpang Bedok
294 Bedok Road
Singapore 469450
Tel: +65 62412648
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tanah Merah (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 12pm - 10pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanah Merah MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tanah Merah MRT station (Stop ID). Take bus number 2, 9 or 48. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel Singapore - Popular Penang Hawkers' Fare Buffet Is Back To Delight Gourmands From 10 March to 26 March 2017

The popular Penang Hawkers' Fare buffet at York Hotel Singapore is back for another edition from 10 March to 26 March 2017. Diners will get to savour unlimited helpings of the street food specially prepared by 12 hawkers specially flown in from Penang to recreate their dishes.

Char Kway Teow 4.2/5

My advice is to hit straight to the Char Kway Teow station because the queue is the longest here. Fried under high intense heat, the plate of thin rice noodles imparted a smoky wok hei to the dish. Do note each person is only allow 2 plates each time so get more people to queue if you have a big group.

Penang Prawn Mee 4/5

The soup of the Penang Prawn Mee is painstaking made from prawn heads, shells and pork ribs boiled for hours to achieve the robustness and rich flavours.

Kway Teow Soup 4/5

The Kway Teow Soup comes with smooth rice noodles and bouncy fish cakes and fish balls. What I enjoy most is the light but yet flavourful soup. It comes in both soup and dry version.

Penang Laksa 4/5

A sip of the tangy tamarind fish based broth woke up my sensitives, hitting the right spot. Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed that the Penang Laksa uses the thick rice noodles instead of authentic type used in Penang. If the serving has more of the fish meat, it would be better.

Lor Bak 3/5

The plate of fried snack comprises of five spice meat rolls, prawn fritters, deep fried beancurd and more. The highlight has to be meaty and tender Lor Bak which is well marinated and painstakingly hand rolled into shape.

Cuttlefish Kang Kong 3.5/5

A dish not commonly seen nowadays is the Cuttlefish Kang Kong. Although it is a simple dish, the quality prawn paste sauce has elevated the enjoyment of the crunchy cuttlefishand water convolvulus.

Oyster Omelette 4.2/5

The combination of rice flour batter, eggs and oysters are fried to wok fragrant crispiness. For a more fulfilling enjoyment, have it together with the tangy spicy sauce.

Duck Porridge 4.5/5

The star of the latest edition of Penang Hawkers' Fare is the Duck Porridge. The porridge comes with braised duck meat, pig's innards, ginger strips and spring onions. What makes me gone back for a second bowl is the fragrant and flavourful braising sauce that is drizzled over the comforting bowl of duck porridge.

Chendol and Ice Kachang 4/5

For a sweet ending to the hawker fare, there is the Chendol and Ice Kachang. However the not to be missed item is the Ban Chang Kueh which is made freshly on the spot. The crispy pancake is topped with ground peanuts and sugar for a sweet and nutty finish.

Ban Chang Kueh 4.5/5

Dine at White Rose Cafe during the Penang Hawkers' Fare to stand a chance to win a complimentary two-night’s weekend stay in a Premier Room inclusive of a $100 dining voucher for use at White Rose Cafe; one-night weekend stay in a Deluxe Room inclusive of a $50 dining voucher for use at White Rose Cafe for two persons; ‘Treasured Flavours of Singapore’ daily à la carte Buffet Lunch at White Rose Cafe for six persons.

Price
Mon-Fri: $29 adult, $20 child (aged 12 yrs and below)
Sat-Sun, PH: $33 adult, $23 child (aged 12 yrs and below)


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 68301156
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12pm - 230pm
Dinner: 630pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the carpark. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]