Shrove Tuesday @ Toa Payoh Lorong 4

Initially the group of us wanted to visit Creamier at Toa Payoh Lorong 1 but it was so crowded that we  have to abort our plan. Remembering that there is a new cafe that has recently opened in the vicinity, we made our way to Shrove Tuesday cafe around the corner at Toa Payoh Lorong 4.

Caffe Latte 3.5/5

Using some sort of award winning Italian coffee beans, the Caffe Latte ($4.50) was smooth, light on the palate and easy to drink. The body is on the weaker side but it is still a decent cup of coffee I would go back for. Of course, the latte art has rooms for improvement.

Waffle 3.5/5

We also tried the Waffles ($5) at Shrove Tuesday. The waffle was very crispy on the exterior but too airy inside. We also added two scoops of ice cream ($2.50/$3.20 per scoop) to go with the waffle. The gelato was actually quite limited and not very exciting compare to many other ice cream parlours.

I welcome the entrepreneur spirit of cafe owners in the third wave coffee movement cafes bringing these artisan coffee culture into the neighbourhood. While Shrove Tuesday still has rooms for improvement, I do not mind dropping by the cafe for my daily dosage of caffeine if I am around the vicinity.


Shrove Tuesday
Blk 94 Toa Payoh Lorong 4
#01-32
Singapore 310094
Tel: +65 62582254
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShroveTuesdaySG
Website: http://shrovetuesday.sg/
Nearest MRT: Braddell (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 10am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 10am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Braddell MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to block 103. Cut across the carpark to block 100. Continue walking to destination at block 94. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Imperial Treasure Steamboat Restaurant @ ION Orchard

I am a big fan of steamboat because of the vast variety of ingredients I can try over a seating with a group of friends. Food is about sharing and eating together, and steamboat is the best way to enjoy it. One of my favourite restaurants for steamboat is Imperial Treasure Steamboat Restaurant. Currently they have 2 outlets, one at Ion Orchard and the other at TripleOne Somerset.

Before the ingredients for the steamboat is served, we are presented with an array of condiments where one can mix and match to create their own dipping sauce.

There is two type of offering on the menu at Imperial Treasure Steamboat Restaurant. Either you can go for the set menus or order from the ala carte items to go with your steamboat.

As you can see from the photos, the ingredients at Imperial Treasure Steamboat Restaurant are fresh and of the best quality.

We had the Sichuan Spicy Soup base and Chicken Soup base to go with the different ingredients that we have ordered. The sichuan spicy soup base was really quite spicy and numbing for our taste buds to take and soon we were all eating from the chicken soup base only.

Prices at Imperial Treasure Steamboat Restaurant can be a bit steeper but it has never failed to satisfy me with their quality. It will always be my to go place for steamboat whenever I have craving.


Imperial Treasure Steamboat Restaurant
ION Orchard
#04-09/10
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 66369339
Website: http://www.imperialtreasure.com/en
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 430pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 430pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take the Exit to Ion Orchard. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Sushi Kou @ Orchid Hotel

Mentioned Omakase and Orchid Hotel, probably the first to come to mind is Teppei. One of the hottest Japanese restaurants in Singapore offering affordable omakase sets that has a reservation list up to at least 4 months. However not known to many just a door away is Sushi Kou which also offers affordable Omakase sets ranging from as cheap as $50 which is available for both lunch and dinner.

Homemade Pickles 4.2/5

Sushi Kou has a more spacious and cosy ambience compared to Teppei. The 50 seater restaurant is managed by Chef-Owner Koda Naokatsu who has over 15 years of culinary experience. Setting themselves apart is the complimentary jars of Homemade Pickles. Besides the pickled tomatoes and cucumbers, I also got to tried the pickled seaweed.

Appertiser 3/5

We have the $80, 7-course Omakase Set starting with the appertiser. The two appertiser items were
Tako Suinomo (fresh octopus) and Tamago Tofu with Tobiko (steamed egg with flying fish roe). A light entry to the 7 course dinner while leaving you anticipating what is upcoming.

Sashimi 4/5

Next up is the fresh Sashimi that is flown in twice a week from Japan. From the oceanic catch during my visit, I had the Otoro, Hamachi Hirame, Yukowa Maguro, Mutsu, and Matako. Kindly note this is a sharing portion for 4 pax, the chef simply served them together.

Yaki (Grill) 4.5/5

From the grill, I had the Kimiro Gindara and Manaji (cod fish and organic Kyoto chillies with shrimps). The gindara was glazed with a layer of egg which accentuated the whole flavour of the cod fish.

Age (Fry) 3.5/5

I do have a liking for food presented in a different twist. The Unagi Nasu Tempura (tempura of unagi rolled in eggplant) is one such dish I enjoyed. The batter, eggplant and unagi forms the three different layers of texture enjoyments while not throwing the dish out of balance.

Nimono (Braise) 4.2/5

The light and refreshing bowl of Gai Inaniwa Udon is served with scallop, shrimps and pumpkin. The udon was smooth and silky which was slurping good. In a way, I like the timing of this dish. It sort of helps to cleanse the palate after the fried tempura.

Sushi 4/5

Next up is the finale where an assorted of Sushi is served.  The platter consisted of Otoro, Shimaji, Shime Saba, Anago, Egawa, Tori Gai and Ikura. My favourite is the otoro which simply melted in the mouth. Least favourite is the tori gai which was a bit tough and chewy.

Sea Salt Ice Cream 4.5/5

Wrapping up the wonderful 7 course omakase dinner is the Ice Cream Dessert. There is a choice of yuzu, green tea, sesame, sea salt flavours as well as chocolate bar. I had the sea salt ice cream which comes with a lovely sweet and salty combination to finish the dinner on a high note.

Personally having visited both Teppei and Sushi Kou for their affordable omakase sets, the difference is really down to the ambience. Do you prefer cramping into a tiny sushi bar with 21 counter seats capacity rubbing shoulder to shoulder with your diners or a cosy and spacious 50 seats restaurant. I have to say the experience is totally different. One should experience both.


Sushi Kou 
Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Link
#01-16
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 64448433
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sushi-kou/410548335720089
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

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

Taiwan Railway Bento (台湾铁路便当) @ CT Hub (Kallang)

Railway bento was brought into Taiwan by the Japanese in the first half of 20th century when it is under Japan colony. Since then it has remains popular until present day, commonly sold in railway stations and inside train cabins. I have always been fascinated by all these bento with all the different ingredients that they have packed into the box. Having travelled on the railways in Taiwan and eaten a couple of them which all turned out to be very delicious, I was quite excited when I heard that Taiwan Railway Bento (台湾铁路便当) at Kallang has brought in these type of Taiwanese railway bento into Singapore.

Currently they have 2 outlets, the other outlet is at International Plaza. The one at International Plaza is more of a takeaway or express outlet while the one at Kallang has proper sitting area to enjoy your meal. It even comes with complimentary soup which is refillable.

Stew Pork Belly Bento 4/5

The Stewed Pork Belly Bento ($6.80) is served in a wooden bento box accompanied with a piece of tau pok, a slice of Taiwan sausage, half a braised hard boiled egg, cooked and preserved vegetables. I like the used of wooden bento box giving it the exact authentic railway bento feel. It was explained that the wooden bento box helps to absorb the moisture preventing the rice from getting soggy so fast. There is also health and environmental benefit of it over styrofoam box. The pork belly was pretty flavourful and tender. What stood out for me in this lovely rice box is the used of pearl rice and preserved vegetables imported from Taiwan.

Fried Intestine 4/5

Besides the bento, Taiwan Railway Bento also serves other side dishes such as the Fried Intestine ($3.50), Century Beancurd ($3.50) and Railway Chicken Wings ($3.50). Among the three side dishes I tried, my favourite is the fried intestine. You don't commonly get this in Singapore because of the labour intense in preparing the intestine so that they don't have a smell. Fried to a nice crisp and seasoned with salt and pepper, this is quite a delightful bite.

Century Beancurd 3/5

One of my favourite Taiwanese side dishes is the Beancurd with Century Egg. When I saw this on the menu, my first instinct was to order it. Unfortunately the version here is given a spicy twist which is not to my liking. The beancurd was not as chilled as per what I have like too.

Railway Chicken Wings 4/5

The Railway Chicken Wings is marinated with Nam Yee or red fermented beancurd. It can be an acquired taste for some but I adored it. Big and juicy, this is definitely a winner for me.

Fried Chicken Cutlet Bento 3.8/5

The sight of the huge fried chicken cutlet will bring a smile to everyone. The fried chicken cutlet is bigger than the bento box itself. While the Fried Chicken Cutlet Bento ($6.80) is value for money with its huge servicing, compared to Hot Star Large Fried Chicken and Shilin Taiwan Street Snack, I think it is still shy of its competitors. I felt that the batter is a hint too thick.

Chicken Rice Bento 4.2/5

You probably can find this only at Taiwan Railway Bento offering Hainanese Chicken Rice Bento ($4.80/$6.80). One of their popoular bento box, this shows that they have hit the right business model catering for the local palate. The cooking technique used for the poached chicken is commendable retaining the tenderness of the chicken with jelly like skin. The rice was also fragrant and fluffy.

Taiwan Railway Bento is still focus mainly on its takeaway and catering business hence seating area is quite limited especially at their express outlet at International Plaza. Even dine it, it is served in the bento box itself without the lid. If you want to dine in a more comfort environment, my advice is to visit the Kallang outlet. Taiwan Railway Bento also has a delivery service. You can find out more from the website.


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Taiwan Railway Bento (台湾铁路便当) 
CT Hub
2 Kallang Avenue
#02-16
Singapore 339407
Tel: +65 65380019
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/railwaybento
Website: http://www.railwaybento.com
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Lavender MRT station (Stop ID 01311). Take bus number 133 or 145. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to traffic junction. Cross the road to Kallang Bahru. Walk along Kallang Bahru to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to V Hotel Lavender. Turn left onto Horne Road. Continue down Horne Road. Turn right onto Hamilton Road. Walk to the end of Hamilton Road. Cross the road onto Kallang Bahru. Walk along Kallang Bahru to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

One Man Coffee @ Upper Thomson Road

I have mentioned in my review on Three Hands Coffee that there is a trend where F&B premises is shared between 2 business concepts. Today I visit One Man Coffee at Upper Thomson Road which shares the same premises as Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar. The place is a coffee joint in the day and a pizza restaurant by night.

There is no change to the interior of the restaurant. It basically added a counter for the coffee machine and cashier. They have also extended outdoor a couple more seats along the alley probably to make up for the space taken over by the counter for the cafe.

Caffe Latte 3.5/5

Cappuccino

I had my usually Caffe Latte ($4.50) and my friend had the Cappuccino ($4.50). Pretty latte art. Those that have followed me on my blog and cafe hopping will know that I am not a big fan of acidity coffee. While the coffee here has a rich robust aroma unfortunately I did not enjoy the acidity of it. Apology as I did not manage to ask for the coffee beans that is being used here.

Gashouse Egg 4/5

The food at One Man Coffee is served on wooden plank. First up we had the Gashouse Egg ($10) served with bacon jam. Cutting the bread into half revealed the egg in the hole. Simple but lovely combination. Everyone will be delighted to have it.

Brioche French Toast 4.2/5

If you have been following the instagram of One Man Coffee, the Brioche French Toast ($10) probably the most taken item at the cafe. To be frank it doesn't look anything like the french toast I have known. Served with homemade berry compote, candied walnuts and fresh cream, the bread is extremely soft and eggy. Eaten together with the berry compote and fresh cream, the combination surprisingly works.

Overall I have enjoyed my experience at One Man Coffee, having one barista crafting one coffee beverage for one person. The dedication behind each cup of coffee and the delectable food makes it a worthy place to check out and chill out with friends.


One Man Coffee
215R Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574349
Tel: +65 64561555
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onemancoffee
Website: http://www.onemancoffee.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Upper Thomson (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Upper Thomson MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk down Upper Thomson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time 3 minutes. [Map]

Din Tai Fung Rice Dumpling 2014

Dragon Boat Festival or Duan Wu Jie (端午节) is just around the corner on 2 June 2014. It is celebrated in Singapore in events like dragon boat race as well as eating rice dumplings. Dragon Boat Festival origins from the sacrifice of Qu Yuan, a legendary Chinese poet. He drowned himself to protest against the rulers for corruption. Dragon boat races are organised symbolizing searching for Qu Yuan's body along the river. It is said that dumplings are said to be thrown into the river to stop fish from feeding on the poet's body as well as making noise to scare the fish away. Hence the originating of rice dumpling but now it is served on the table as delicacy instead.

Read Bean Dumpling 4/5

For this festive period, Din Tai Fung has specially imported from Taiwan the Red Bean Rice Dumpling ($5/pc). The dumpling is handmade using top grade Taiwan glutinous rice and generously stuffed with the finest red bean paste. I was quite surprised how well the red bean paste and glutinous rice work together in harmony. The glutinous rice also comes with a hint of heavenly aroma absorbing the fragrance of the bamboo leaves. This will be available all year long at all Din Tai Fung restaurants.

Rice Dumpling with Flavoured Pork 3.5/5

Back by popular demand, the Rice Dumpling with Flavoured Pork ($6/pc) is filled with succulent premium pork belly steeped in a secret marinade recipe and stuffed within tender top grade Taiwan glutinous rice for a soft and chewy texture. The dumplings are then wrapped in bamboo leaves, allowing the rice to absorb the fragrance of the leaves and tender pork. The flavoured pork rice dumpling was shy in flavour compared to the red bean rice dumpling. I was expecting a more richer and robust taste from the marinade. The flavoured pork rice dumpling will be available from 1 May 2014 to 2 June 2014.

With every purchase of 10 rice dumplings from Din Tai Fung, you get to carry away a complimentary limited edition insulated picnic bag worth $10.90. You can also bring it home at $8.90 with any rice dumpling purchased.

Percolate @ Bedok North Ave 3

Cafe hopping seems to be the in things nowadays and it also created an unique coffee culture in Singapore. These third wave coffee movement cafes are so popular and crowded most of the time even on weekdays. Sometimes I wonder whether these people needs to work? These trend has also seen new cafes popping up at neighbourhood housing area, probably lower rental cost. One of such cafes is Percolate located at Bedok North Ave 3.

I was at the little cafe on a weekday morning with Honeybeesweets. The cafe comes in a very clean and simple interior with wooden tables and chairs. During my visit, there were two friendly gentlemen running the cafe. Like the little cafe, the menu is pretty small too. We actually wanted to try the earl grey bundt but it was not available. The pastries were a little sad looking so we did not order anything in the end.

We ended up ordering a glass of Orange Juice ($5) and Caffe Latte ($4). Percolate uses coffee beans from papa palheta which unfortunately is not my cup of coffee. It was still a good cup of coffee but I just don't enjoy the acidity of coffee brewed from papa palheta coffee beans.

I probably will not make all way to Percolate for my coffee craving and second that is their limited offerings on their menu. Saying that it is still a nice place to escape from the afternoon heat if you are in the vicinity.


Percolate
Blk 136 Bedok North Ave 3
#01-152B
Singapore 460136
Tel: +65 82560316
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PercolateCoffee
Website: http://percolate.sg/
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Fri: 1030am - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 930am - 930pm
(closed on Tues)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Bedok MRT station, outside Bedok Mall (Stop ID 84031). Take bus number 28 or 67. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

D'Bell @ North Canal Road

Indian cuisine does not always come in big pots and pans, or heavily greased with butter. D'Bell at North Canal Road serves modern Indian inspired dishes meant to be shared, even over your favourite cocktails, if you preferred. Cook without butter, light but rich on the palate, you can now enjoy Indian dishes without filling the guilt.

Papadum Cones 4/5

First we had Papadum Cones ($5.80) which is crispy papadums shaped into cones and filled with a refreshing vegetable relish to tease our appetite. I could taste the cumin in almost every bite just the way I like it to be and it was extremely crispy.

D'Bell Kofta Kebab 4.2/5

Next served on the table was the D'Bell Kofta Kebab ($18), beef croquette filled with cheddar cheese, prunes and dusted with semolina. The prunes teased out the taste of the beef which was quite an interesting combination. With the cheese in between and the mini naan at the side, it sort of reminded me of a burger? Beef, cheese and bread? Richer in taste among the starters, it is best to have it last. It would also serve a good companion to wines and cocktails.

Tandoori Fish Nazaka 3.8/5

The Tandorri Fish Nazaka ($22) comes in cubes of butterfish cooked over a charcoal flame. It is not heavily seasoned which is exactly how I like it. However the texture was not as tender and moist as I would like it to be.

Masala Aloo Tikki 4.5/5

The Masala Aloo Tikki ($10) instead of being overshadowed by its meaty counterparts, the crispy potato cake filled with green peas masala and coated with tamarind fruit chutney and minty yogurt sauce delighted me the most. The combustion of flavours and textures really took me by surprise. Bits of savoury, sweetness, sour is extremely yummy, not to forget the crispy topping.

Chilli Cheese Naan 4/5 and Kashmiri Naan 4.5/5

For the mains, of course we must have the quintessential naans to go with the different curries and Dal. We have the Chilli Cheese Naan ($8) and Kashmiri Naan ($8) which were freshly baked from the tandoor. Both type of naans were soft and fluffy but I much prefer Kashmiri with the curries. I simply love the combination of sweet and savory. I felt the curry did not really go well with chilli cheese naan. It was kind of overwhelming and did not do the curries justice with both flavours fighting against each other.

Goan Prawn Masala 4/5

Chicken Tikka Masala 4.2/5

Mutton Rogan Josh 4.5/5

For the curries, we had the Goan Prawn Masala ($22), Chicken Tikka Masala ($18) and Mutton Rogan Josh ($20). The prawns were succulent, the chicken was tender and the mutton simply melted in the mouth. They were all very well executed and flavourful. Perfect match for the delightful naans.

Amritsari Dal 4.2/5

The Amritasari Dal ($12) which is simmered overnight on charcoal flame in authentic village style was grainy and chunky. Along with the curries and dal, we were served 3 different dips. The Fruit Chutney, Mint and Pickles have their own distinct taste and characters. The sweetness of the fruit chutney complemented the chilli naan very well. The pickles cut the creaminess of the curries by adding some tanginess to it. It was so good that I even asked for a second helping.

Mango Kulfi 4/5

For a sweet closure, we had the Mango Kulfi ($7.50), a Indian ice cream prepared with Alphonso mango. Not quite sure how to describe it but the consensus was it tasted like a frozen mango lassi. A very enjoyable dessert to cleanse the palate after all the curries and spices.

Overall, I did not go home with a heavy stomach but with a pleasant taste and spices lingering in my mouth. The 2 storey Indian restaurant besides the dining area on the ground floor,  has a bar on the 2nd floor which is very conducive for corporate events or even private celebrations. If you are looking for somewhere to chill, you may want to give this a try.

Written By Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. 


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D'Bell
43 North Canal Road
Singapore 059299
Tel: +65 65364046
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DBellSingapore
Website: http://www.dbell.sg/
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Sat: 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards the traffic junction of North Bridge Road and North Canal Road. Cross the road and turn right onto North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]