Xing Ji Wanton Noodle @ Tampines Round Market & Food Centre - Go For the Chicken Feet Noodle Instead

During my visit to Tampines Round Market & Food Centre to check out Xing Yun Kway Chap, I noticed there is a constant long queue at Xing Ji Wanton Noodle. Being a foodie, I could not resist my curiosity to join the queue to find out for myself why the wanton mee stall attracts the snaking queue.

Wanton Mee 2.8/5

The Wanton Mee ($3) comes with slices of char siew, two wanton and a few strand of vegetables. The char siew is only passable lacking the carmalized charred. Overall the wanton mee lacks the depth to be considered as one of best.

Chicken Feet Noodle 4.2/5

Chicken Feet Noodle 4.2/5

While I find the wanton mee lacklustre, the Chicken Feet Noodle ($4) is actually worthy trying. Using the same noodle as the wanton mee, I find it more suitable to soak up the braised gravy of the chicken feet noodle. The chicken feet is also well executed with its crispy skin and braised to tender.

Conclusion I do not think it is worth queuing up for the wanton mee. However I feel the chicken feet noodle is worthy a try if you happen to be in the area.


Xing Ji Wanton Noodle
Tampines Round Market & Food Centre
Blk 137 Tampines Street 11
#01-35
Singapore 521137
Nearest MRT: Tampines (EW Line), Tampines West (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Thu-Tue: 6am - 1pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tampines Bus Interchange (Stop ID 75009). Take bus number 20, 39, 292. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to junction of Tampines Ave 2 and Tampines Street 11. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tampines West MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to junction of Tampines Ave 2 and Tampines Ave 5. Cross the road. Turn right onto Tampines Ave 5. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.  [Map]

Antoinette @ Penhas Road - 22 Matcha Creations To Satisfy Your Matcha Fetish

Chef Pang of Antoinette is in a roll after the introduction of La Croissainterie Series and Baked Cheese Tart. From now to end July 2016, Chef Pang rolls out 22 matcha items creating the ultimate experience for matcha lovers, satisfying their fetish for the green tea powder from Nishio, Japan. Basically the 22 matcha are break into 5 main categories, namely Bakery/Confectionery, Hot Items, Cakes/Macarons, Chocolat and Beverages.

Matcha Almond Shortbread 4/5

From the Bakery/Confectionery, we have 7 creations. They are namely Matcha Financier ($2.50), Match Cake ($3), Matcha Orange Almond Tuile ($9), Matcha Almond Shortbread ($2.50), Matcha Croissant ($6) and Matcha Milk Jam ($9).

Matcha Milk Jam on Toast 4.2/5

Matcha Croquant 3.5/5

Matcha Macarons, Matcha Financier, Matcha Cake 3.8/5

Among the matcha creations from the confectionery, my favourite has to the Matcha Milk Jam and the best way to enjoy it is to spread it on toast. The sweetness from the jam reminds me of condense milk with a slight hint of the matcha flavour. Following that I would probably go for the Match Financier, a classic French almond tea cake for its

Matcha Pancake 3.5/5

The Hot Item probably is the highlight of the Fetish Matcha. It features dishes such as the Matcha Pasta ($26), Matcha Crepe ($18), Matcha French Toast ($16) and Matcha Pancake ($15).

Matcha Pasta 3.5/5

The Matcha Pasta is an unexpected creation from Antoinette. The matcha infused pasta is tossed in a truffle paste and topped with salted kombu and sakura ebi. Cooked to al dente, it comes with a delectable bite. It does not have the powdery matcha taste but beautifully perfumed by the truffle and sakura ebi.

Matcha Crepe 4/5

Matcha French Toast 4.2/5

The Matcha Crepe and French Toast are another two creations that will delight many. The Match Crepe paired with French chestnut cream and vanilla Chantilly is thin and soft, with a mochi like texture. The French Toast, using brioche bread is paired with vanilla Chantilly and maple syrup for a pillowy and sweet finish.

Yucha 4/5

From the Cakes/Macarons section, Chef Pang has created the Yucha ($8/$75), Matcha Strawberry Shortcake ($9/$55) and Matcha Pop ($9.50)

Matcha Strawberry Shortcake 4/5

The Yucha is a matcha butter cake layered with matcha creme mousseline and yuzu curd which is sugar free. The Matcha Strawberry Shortcake is a light matcha sponge cake with kirsch layered with fresh strawberries and creme Chantilly. Both cakes are light and moist.

Matcha Pop 4.5/5

However my favourite from the cake section is Magnum look alike Match Pop, made up of matcha sponge with kirsch, layered with matcha ganache, almond nougatine, enrobed with milk chocolate and roasted almond nib

Matcha Chocolate Rice Crispies, Matcha Swiss Rocks, Matcha Truffle and Yucha 4/5

The Chocolat section offers additive snacks such as the Matcha Chocolate Rice Crispies with Marron Glace, Matcha Swiss Rocks, Matcha Truffle and Yucha. If it is possible, I would have love to stock up my home with the Matcha Swiss Rocks, lightly caramelized almond silvers enrobed in matcha chocolate.

Matcha Soda 4/5

Lastly the Beverages section which offers Matcha Soda ($22), Matcha Yuzu Lychee Iced Tea ($12.50) and Matcha Latte ($22). The first two drinks are served cold and refreshing. The Matcha Latte is kind of spectacular. The cup of matcha latte is served below a raining cloud of cotton candy together with almond cookie, matcha truffle and matcha financier.

Matcha Latte 4.2/5

Can't handle all 22 items? Why not gather 4 people and indulge in the La Carte Fetish Matcha ($190++) where your friends and you can get to try all 22 matcha items on the menu. Kindly note that some items will be for sharing in the La Carte Fetish Matcha and this is only available at Penhas outlet. If you are a matcha lover, don't miss it as it is only available until end of July 2016.


Antoinette 
30 Penhas Road
Singapore 208188
Tel: +65 62933121
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur: 11am - 10pm
Fri & Eve PH: 11am - 11pm
Sat: 10am - 11pm
Sun & PH: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to V Hotel Lavender. Walk down Horne Road and turn right onto Penhas Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Soi 19 Wanton Mee @ Jurong East - Popular Thai Wanton Mee Opens 2nd Outlet In The West

The popular Soi 19 Wanton Mee has opened a second outlet at Jurong East. Those staying in the West like me, need not travel the distance to Ang Mo Kio and queue for at least an hour for the wanton mee any more. The new outlet is located inside BGAIN 130 Eating House just beside Jurong CPF building.

Regular Bowl Thai Wanton Noodle 4.2/5

There was no queue during my visit. Probably not many people is aware of their new outlet yet. After browsing through the menu, I decided to just go for the Thai Wanton Noodle regular bowl ($3.50). It also comes in large bowl ($5) and jumbo size ($6). I regretted not upsizing as the portion of the regular bowl is rather little. I was not full after having it.

Regular Bowl Thai Wanton Noodle 4.2/5

The Thai style wanton mee does not come with a sauce. It only comes with the egg noodle, fried wanton, vegetables, char siew and a bowl of soup with wanton. Although the wanton noodle does not come with a sauce, you are free to help yourself to the condiments such as fish sauce, chilli flakes, sugar and green chilli, the way the local Thai likes to have their noodles.

After trying Soi 19 Wanton Mee, I understand why it is so popular. The star has to be the springy egg noodles that is cooked to al dente. Even though there is no sauce or gravy, the fragrance and texture of the egg noodle coupled with the pork lard is sufficient to elevate the whole enjoyment. I prefer to add a bit of the fish sauce and chilli flakes to give the flavour a further lift. While the dumpling is meaty, I find the wanton skin on the thick side and lacks the robustness of a good wanton filling.

Overall I would recommend trying Soi 19 Wanton Mee. Currently not many people knows about its second outlet yet, so do find time to go and try it before the queue starts forming. I also noticed that the stall has introduced a new black sauce wanton mee on their menu. I have yet to try it but do let me know how you find it, if you have tried it.


Soi 19 Wanton Mee
BGAIN 130 Eating House
Blk 130 Jurong Gateway Road
#01-211
Singapore 600130
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 730am - 430pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Jurong East Bus Interchange. Walk to Jurong Gateway Road. Cross the road at the traffic light junction. Turn right onto Jurong Gateway Road. Walk down Jurong Gateway Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Nyonya Curry Puff Cafe @ Bukit Batok East Ave 2 - One Of The BestChicken Curry Puff I Have Eaten

My curiosity brought me to the neighbourhood of Bukit Batok East Ave 2 after a reader dropped me a message informing of a very good curry puff place there. Nyonya Curry Puff Cafe is not actually a sit down cafe, it is more of a takeaway kiosk selling a variety of puffs, snacks and light bites.

Chicken Curry Puff 4.2/5

The deep fried Chicken Curry Puff ($1.30/pc) comes with a crispy and flaky pastry skin. A bite into it, my eyes brighten up. The inside of the puff comes with chicken, potato, egg stuffing perfumed by the spices which you can taste in Indian curry. I really enjoyed this.

Ku Cai Mushroom Puff 4.2/5

For vegetarian, there is the Ku Cai Mushroom Puff. This is something new, I have never heard or seen it elsewhere. I am a fan of ku cai and with the additional of mushroom and onion, the flavour is given a further lift. I like the creation. Even non vegetarian should give it a try.

Besides the two puffs that I tried. the cafe offers a wide varieties of creation. They also sells Sardine Puff, Lemon Tuna Puff, Mutton Curry Puff, Black Pepper Puff, Chicken Cheese Puff and Durian Puff. Some interesting item such as lemon tuna, chicken cheese and durian caught my attention. I already planning to come back and try them.


Nyonya Curry Puff Cafe
Blk 274 Bukit Batok East Ave 4
#01-106
Singapore 650274
Facebook
Website
Tel: +65 94520918

Opening Hours:
Daily: 5am - 8pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bukit Batok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bukit Batok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 43009). Take bus 61, 77, 106, 852 and 990. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Gyoza Ya @ ION Orchard - Gyoza Specialist with Affordable Asian Tapas & Sake

Visited Gyoza Ya at Ion Orchard lately, almost 2 years after I patronised their very first outlet at Robinsons. They started off with rather basic gyozas, such as pork/prawns pan fried or boiled, with side dishes created to go with their beers and sake. Till date, the range has been expanded to excite our ever restless palates. As a gyoza specialty outlet, each outlet has its respective star. Curry Chicken for Paragon's, Cheese for Robinson's and Mochi Mochi Ebi for Ion's.

Pan-fried Gyoza with Pork and Octopus 3.8/5

As my friend was alleged to prawns, we skipped Ion's specialty and went for their latest creation Yaki Takoyaki Gyoza ($7.80 for 5 pc). I quite like the extra crunch and chewiness lent from the tako bits. They are also less meaty compared to the full pork gyoza, which I also find more enjoyable.

Pan-fried Gyoza with Pork, Pork and Mentaiko 3.5/5

For a much stimulating flavour, you can try their Yaki Mentaiko Gyoza ($8.80 for 5 pc). It is rather heavy, hence you may just stop at 2 or 3.

Boiled Mixed Vegetables Gyoza with Special Vinegar Sauce 3.8/5

For something lighter, Gyoza with Mixed Vegetables may be a good option. Each variety comes in either pan fried or boiled version, and I personally much prefer their pan fried for the crispier texture. Their Shichimi-su Gyoza ($6.30 for 5pc) is an exception though, which is boiled and glazed with their special vinegar sauce. The base of the vinegar was made 2 years ago, and like a stock made of heirloom recipe, the vinegar gets richer and richer with new batches added on to it over time. Psychologically perhaps, this bowl of boiled dumplings tells a much more flavourful story than it would otherwise have told.

Chilled Cucumber with Miso Dressing

Gyoza Ya has left an impression in me not because of their chunky, meaty gyoza, but their side dishes. I'm glad that Morokyu ($3.80) is still on the menu. It wouldn't have worked if the miso dressing is simply a dollop of thin miso paste. Each barley grain was pumped with miso, and together, they spread the miso flavour evenly over each cucumber cube. Hence, I didn't get that overpowering saltiness should miso paste has been used.

Roasted Broccoli with Japanese Mixed Spices 4/5

The owner recommended their new item, which is also his favourite as well - Aburi Broccoli ($4.80), and it has become mine too. Interestingly, it was conceived by accident, when the owner decided not to waste a charred broccoli which had accidentally dropped onto their grill. Slightly charred and lightly seasoned to taste, the sweetness and flavour of each stalk were intensified. My last wonderful experience with roasted vegetables was at Humpback, with their brussels sprout when I had 3 plates of that. I had 2 of this, and I believe a few more plates is not a problem at all.

Special Pork Base Soup with Ramen and Braised Pork 3.5/5

Although they are not a ramen specialty, their Tonkotsu Ramen ($6.80) is made with their very own pork bones broth, which is prepared in their central kitchen housed in Japan. I love its richness and milkiness, albeit being a little too salty for me. Their add-on egg ($1.50/pc) was also superb.

Japanese Garlic Fried Rice 4/5

They retrained a Chinese Chef to manage their Ninniku Yaki Meshi ($5.80) station and that smiley uncle only cooks this. With the 'wok hei' taste and texture, this bowl of fragrant Japanese garlic fried rice does reflect his years of experience in wok and rice dishes. I kind of miss their seafood fried rice, which is not available at this outlet as the waiting time proves to be too much for the crowd here.

Sake

Regulars come to Gyoza Ya for their hearty, affordable tapas-style food, beers and sakes. And after much waiting, their home brewed sakes are finally ready to be harvested! Yuzu and Green Tea Sake ($18.00 each) were available during my visit, and if you are lucky, there might be a couple more during your visit. For a more conducive drinking environment, Robinsons' may be a much better option.

Written and photograph 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.


Gyoza Ya
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#B4-56
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 65094647
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Chow Fun Restaurant & Bar @ The Grandstand (Turf City) - Modern NoodleSmall Plates Bar with 18 Asian and Western Noodle Dishes

Another new restaurant and concept has recently opened at The Grandstand which is just diagonally opposite Omakase Burger. Chow Fun Restaurant & Bar is a modern noodle small plates bar that offers over 18 Asian and Western inspired noodle small plates, moreish snacks and all day happy hour. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of noodles on the menu, it is like a mini Noodle Olympic where noodle dishes inspired from various countries and cuisines are gathered together.

Fish Roe Fishball 3/5

We started our dinner at Chow Fun with some snacks. The Fish Roe Fishball ($6.90) comes with a fish roes and mayo stuffing in it. Do be careful while having it as the mixture may oozed out. I won't really call it a fishball as the flour ratio is way more than the fish meat. Nevertheless, many will enjoy the popping surprises of the fish roes in it.

Mom's White Radish Cake 3/5

The Mom's White Radish Cake ($5.90) did not taste as good as it looks. The pan fried radish cake was rather light on the palate. It lacked the depth and fragrant from the Chinese sausages, dried shrimp and shallots. Even the dried shrimp sambal was rather mild, lacking the knockout punch.

Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Skin 3.5/5

It was rather interesting to find the Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Skin on the menu. Love the salted egg yolk sauce. If the chicken skin could be crispier than that will be perfect.

Potato, Bonito and Cheese Pancake 4/5

The Potato, Bonito and Cheese Pancake ($5.90) is a rather interesting dish which resembles a cross between a Swiss rosti and Japanese Okonomiyaki. A layer of thinly sliced potato rest beneath the pile of melted cheeses (Mozzarela, mature Cheddar and Granna Padano), topped with bonito flakes and spring onions. This is addictive combination that will be enjoyed by both young and old.

Ginger and Scallion Noodle 3.8/5

The noodle small plates concept is sort of like Thai boat noodles but at Chow Fun you get to have a choice between hot and chilled noodles dishes with a gamut of different types of noodles and cooking styles. We started with the Ginger and Scallion Noodle ($2.90) which is served chilled. The cold noodles are tossed in a mixture of spring onions, ginger, vinegar, sesame oil and mirin. A very refreshing and healthy dish.

Kung Fu Dashi Broth Noodle 4.2/5 and Tom Yum Cream Noodle 3/5

One of my favourite noodle dishes is the Kung Fu Dashi Broth Noodle ($2.90) which reminds me of a tasty bowl of home cooked fried vermicelli. It may looked simple but the fried vermicelli cloaked in a savoury dashi broth is packed full of flavours.

The Tom Yum Cream Udon ($2.90) is cooked in a spicy tom yum paste with sauteed mushrooms, tart cherry tomatoes, prawns and topped with crispy chicken skin. A modern fusion of Thai flavour and Japanese noodle. The spicy and sour combination on top of the chewy bite of the udon would be well received if not for the fact that the kitchen is a bit heavy on the salt.

Wagyu Bolognese Pasta 3.5/5 and Pork Belly Bibim Guksu 4.5/5

Another homely and comforting noodle dish on the menu is the Wagyu Bolognese Pasta ($2.90). The ground wagyu beef is slowed cooked for 12 hours together in a hearty tomato sauce that complement the perfectly cooked spaghetti.

The traditional Korean bibim guksu is a cold noodle dish but Chow Fun's piquant rendition of Pork Belly Bibum Guksu ($2.90) is served warm with gochujang stirred into the rice noodles with house made pickled radish with coriander seeds, and crowned with unctuous silvers of sateed soy ginger glazed pork belly. This is the other favourite of mine.

Pineapple Fried Noodle 2.8/5

Bak Kut Teh Noodle 3/5

The Pineapple Noodle ($2.90) is akin to the Malaysian Hokkien Mee. While the dark sweet sauce and mirin is quite delectable, the texture of the noodle was kind of rubbery which I did not enjoy.

The only soup dish we tried is the Bak Kut Teh Noodle ($2.90). Flavourful broth but once again on the salty side.

Pink Shrimp Pasta 4.5/5 and Wild Mushroom & Truffle Pasta 4.2/5

If you have limited stomach space to try all the 18 Asian and Western inspired noodle dishes, then I would recommend spending your dollar on the Pink Shrimp Pasta ($2.90) and Wild Mushroom & Truffle Pasta ($2.90). The sauce of the pink shrimp pasta stood out for me. It is prepared by cooking shrimp in white wine and tomato and then blended with cream, resulting in a robust and briny seafood flavour that goes very well with the penne pasta.

Lychee Granita and Crystal Jelly 3/5

Besides the snacks and noodles, Chow Fun also offers a decent mix of Asian and Western desserts on the menu. The Lychee Granita And Crystal Jelly ($4.90) is a light and refreshing dessert to wrap up the meal. I thought the granita was a rather bland, it needed a bit more zest to it.

Deep Fried Caramelized Banana Fritter 4/5

I am surprised to find Goreng Pisang at Chow Fun. Oh! I meant Deep Fried Caramelized Banana Fritter ($6.90). Crispy batter coupled with the sweet banana, this is just too addictive to stop at one.

Red Bean, Peanut and Sesame Homemade Tang Yuan 4.2/5

Homemade Tang Yuan ($6.90) in ginger soup is another tradition dessert in the menu. It comes with a trio of Tang Yuan with red bean, peanut and sesame filling. I was actually taken aback that the sesame tang yuan is actually salted. It did bring a little different twist and surprise to the table.

Salted Egg and Chocolate Lava Cake 4/5

How to resist the lava flowing Salted Egg and Chocolate Lava Cake ($8.90). It is a combination that satisfied by internal craving. The cake was rich and moist. Unfortunately I could not really taste the salted egg. This is my second time to come across this combination and in both occasions the chocolate is too overpowering for the presence of the salted egg.

While the concept is try the different Asian and Western noodle dishes, for those that prefer to have a bigger bowl, they are also available in upsized portions from $15.90. However I would encourage you to be adventurous and order a few noodle dishes to try. I would recommend having the Ginger and Scallion Noodle, Kung Fu Dashi Broth Noodle, Pork Belly Bibum Guksu,  Pink Shrimp Pasta and Wild Mushroom & Truffle Pasta


Chow Fun Restaurant & Bar
The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
#01-08
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 64646900
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Sixth Avenue (DT Line)

Opening Hours
Daily: 11am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk to Turf Club Road. Continue on Turf Club Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk down Dunearn Road towards Turf Club Road, to bus stop opposite Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42019). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT  station. Take Exit A. Walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to bus stop at Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42011). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]