Choon Hiang (春香) @ East Coast Lagoon Food Village - An Unexpected Find

During the Singapore Food Festival in July 2016, I took part in a food tour at East Coast Lagoon Food Village, Hawker Spotlight and was introduced to the stall Choon Hiang (春香). The stall used to be in Macpherson before relocating to its current place in 1979.

Fried Kway Teow 4/5

Actually during our food tour, we were introduced to the Fried Kway Teow ($3/$4/$5/$8). After taking a bite of the fried kway teow, the aroma of the wok hei hit me and I instantly gone for more. The version is neither too dry nor wet, the texture that I enjoy. The sauce was also not overly sweet, coating the noodles evenly and accompanied with generous ingredients such as cockles, fish cake, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts and egg.

Fried Hokkien Mee 4.2/5

With the distinction showing of the fried kway teow, I went back to the stall to order a plate of Fried Hokkien Mee ($4/$5/$8). I am glad that I did so as the plate of fried hokkien mee turned out to be even better than the fried kway teow. The sweet and flavourful stock was well infused into the noodles. The fact that the stall uses more beehoon, it helps to absorb the beautiful stock even more.

I have to say Choon Hiang has been rather under the radar all these years. If not for the food tour, I would not have noticed the stall. Probably it has been over shadowed by the more popular stalls in the food village. Now I have another option to choose from when I visit the food village. Well it is a good problem.


Choon Hiang (春香)
East Coast Lagoon Food Village
1220 East Coast Parkway
#01-46
Singapore 468960
Nearest MRT: Mountbatten (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Mountbatten MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at block 2 along Mountbatten Road (Stop ID 80279). Take bus 401*. Alight 10 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 35 minutes. [Map]

* Note this bus service is only available on weekends and PH. The operating timing on Sat and Sun varies too. Please check SBS Transit website.

Maggie Joan's Dining & Bar @ Amoy Street - A New Expanded Lunch Menu Of Contemporary Mediterranean Dishes

After my last visit to Maggie Joan's Dining & Bar at Amoy Street last year, I am back again to the underground dining place, where the main entrance is located in the back alley to check out their expanded lunch menu of contemporary Mediterranean dishes. Chef Oliver has put together an assortment of starters, mains and sides using the freshest produce by incorporating familiar flavours of the Mediterranean to the dishes.

Homemade Sourdough and Smoked Beef Fat Butter 4.5/5

I hate the fact that the restaurant serves the complimentary Homemade Sourdough and Smoked Beef Fat Butter. This is too good to just stop at one. Unknowingly I probably have eaten a bit too much and already feeling a bit full after it.

Cheese Arancini & Tomato Chutney 4.2/5

This is not your ordinary Cheese Arancini ($9). The risotto ball come with four different types of cheeses. There are gorgonzola, epoisse, langres and ricotta. Cheese lover will adore this. The tomato chutney sitting on the bottom of the plate, provided the extra lift and dimension to the dish.

Cured Salmon Tartare 4.8/5

If you feel like eating clean, then the Cured Salmon Tartare ($17) is the ideal choice. The clean and sharp taste of the cured salmon is further topped with dill, pickled cucumber, sourdough crouton and yoghurt. One of my favourite dishes on the new menu, allowing me to enjoy the freshness to the fullest.

Gypsy Style Baked Egg, Chickenpea Stew & Chorizo 4/5

The Gypsy Style Baked Egg, Chickpea Stew & Chorizo ($16) is served together with some milk bread. The Spanish inspired spiced chickpea stew comes with layers of textures and flavours. The more you dig into it, the different play of flavours tend to come through, coming together as one.

Homemade Pappardelle 4.5/5

Not to be missed is the Homemade Pappardelle ($26). The freshly made pasta sheet is tossed with chilli paste and paired with 12 hours roasted lamb shoulder. It is then topped with parmigiano reggiano. The highlight has to be the flat and broad pasta sheet which comes with a delightful bite. Not to forget the flavourful and tender lamb ragu which rounded off the whole experience. This is a dish I will definitely go back for.

Fried Chicken Sandwich 4.2/5

The Fried Chicken Sandwich ($18) is dressed with green harissa, coleslaw and pecornio cheese. It is actually quite fresh to have the combination for a chicken sandwich. The condiments did not steal the limelight of the tender and juicy fried chicken, but instead complement it. The focaccia texture like bread is another excellent choice for the sandwich.

Hand Cut Chips, Rosemary Salt & Ricotta 4.2/5

The instant the Hand Cut Chips ($9) is served, I could smell the beautiful aroma of the rosemary. The hand cut Sebago potato Chips are steamed and blanced in oil at 140 degrees and then deep fried at 220 degrees. Lastly seasoned with rosemary, sherry vinegar and Maldon salt. Dip it into the creamy ricotta sauce for an elevated enjoyment.

Dark Chocolate Tart 4/5

If you still have space, you can wrap up your lunch with the Dessert of the Day ($10). Ours happened to be the Dark Chocolate Tart which consists of 65% dark chocolate ganache and lined with salted peanut paste. A simple but yet elegant dessert to wrap up a wonderful lunch.

I am glad that I have told time to check out Maggie Joan's new expanded lunch menu. The standard and quality of their food are still consistent and good. I would highly recommend the Cured Salmon Tartare, Fried Chicken Sandwich and Homemade Pappardelle if you plan to drop by the restaurant for lunch. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Maggie Joan's Dining & Bar
110 Amoy Street
#01-01
Singapore 069930
(Entrance from Gemmill Lane)
Tel: +65 62215564
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

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

Direction: 
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street towards Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Take the side lane beside the shop house and walk to the back. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2)  Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Follow the covered walkway to the junction of Mccallum Street, Telok Ayer and Amoy Street. Turn left at the junction onto Amoy Street. Continue on Amoy Street to the end of the road. Take the side lane beside lane at the end of Amoy Street to the back. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Peach Garden Chinese Dining @ Changi Airport Terminal 2 - You Do Not Need An Air Ticket To Eat London Duck

Passengers travelling in and out of Changi Airport now can indulge in traditional Chinese food with contemporary flair at the newly opened Peach Garden Chinese Dining at Terminal 2 departure hall. The restaurant features an all day dining menu including its well loved signature creations and classic dishes, and good selections of dim sum.

Fried Carrot Cake in X.O. Sauce 4/5

We started with something light on the menu in the Fried Carrot Cake in X.O. Sauce ($9.80). The radish cake comes in huge chunky cube with crispy edges tossed in the aromatic X.O. sauce. It is further coated with egg to enhance the flavour with the bean sprouts giving it the extra crunchiness.

Double-boiled Shark's Bone Cartilage Soup 4.5/5

To warm our stomach before starting on the mains, we had the Double-boiled Shark's Bone Cartilage Soup with Bamboo Pith, Dried Scallop and Fish Maw ($26 per portion). The collagen rich soup is comforting and packed with beautiful flavours, infused with the essence of the delicacies.

Crisp-fried Prawn with Wasabi Salad Cream 4.2/5

A dish that will delight the youth is the Crisp-fried Prawn with Wasabi Salad Cream ($23.80). The crunchy and plump prawn is coated in a vibrant wasabi salad cream sauce that will stimulate the nasal passages with its pungency. A sensorial experience in the execution.

Braised Homemade Beancurd with Fresh Crab Meat and Local Spinach 4.2/5

For a balance diet, we ordered the Braised Homemade Beancurd with Fresh Crab Meat and Local Spinach ($18). This is like a three in one dish. You get to have your vegetable, silky tofu and fresh sweet crab meat.

Stewed Vermicelli with Sliced Fish, Bitter Gourd and Black Bean Sauce 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes is the Stewed Vermicelli with Sliced Fish, Bitter Gourd and Black Bean Sauce ($16). I enjoyed how the black bean sauce coupled with the wok-hei aroma gave the stewed vermicelli a character on its own. The addition of sliced fish and bitter gourd is like jewels on a crown, completing the homely and yet comforting noodle dish.

Roasted London Duck 4.5/5

A highlight at Peach Garden Chinese Dining has to be the used of the London Duck, also known as the wagyu of duck. The reason why the Roasted London Duck ($68 Whole/ $35.80 Half/ $18 small) is gaining popularity in Singapore its because of the succulent texture and that layer of fats underneath the skin. This is one dish that you must order from the menu.

Roasted Crispy Pork Cube 4.2/5

Since we are already having the roasted london duck, might as well add on the Roasted Crispy Pork Cube ($12.80 per portion) to the platter. The crackling skin, together with the succulent and juicy meat is just too good to be only be served in portion in accordance to the number of guests. I wish there are more of it.

Wrapping up our wonderful lunch in a sweet note, we have the Chilled Fresh Mango, Sago with Pomelo ($8) and Chilled Black Glutinous Rice with Ice Cream ($8). For an additional $3, the desserts are served in a coconut husk. I could not decide which is my favourite as both are as good, so we ended up sharing to enjoy the best of both world.

Be it that you want to have a quick lunch before flying off , to host a business lunch or family gathering, the restaurant offers the perfect setting to do so with its 180 seating capacity and three private room. In celebration of its opening, the restaurant is offering an opening special for its signature suckling pig at $168 (U.P. $238). Advance order is required. Diners will also get to enjoy a complimentary serving of deep fried chicken in szechuan style. The opening specials will be available up to 31 August 2016 only.

Note: This post was brought to you by Peach Garden.


Peach Garden Chinese Ding
Changi Airport Terminal 2
Departure Hall
60 Airport Boulevard
#036-084
Singapore 819643
Tel: +65 63863033
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the escalator to departure hall. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

River South (Hoe Nam) Noodles House (河南肉骨大蝦面) @ Tai Thong Crescent - Super Shiok Prawn Noodle

River South (Hoe Nam) Noodles House (河南肉骨大蝦面) is a well known prawn noodle stall in Macpherson area which was first established in 1971. I probably should not labelled it as a stall as they owned the entire coffeeshop selling the popular prawn noodles. Over the years, a simple bowl of prawn noodle has included more variety to suit the taste and request of customers such as pork ribs, pig tails, pig intestines and even baby abalone.

Prawn Noodle Soup with Pig Tails 4.2/5

There is around 10 variety of prawn noodles available at the stall. First I tried the Prawn Noodle Soup with Pig Tails ($5.50/$7.50/$10). I had the medium size at $7.50 which comes with 3 huge prawns and succulent pig tails. I like the fact that the prawns are peeled, leaving on the head and tail. It allows for easy consumption and at the same time enhanced the presentation. The cloudy soup was sweet and robust with the beautiful prawny flavour. If you need a further kick to the soup, you can help yourself to the chilli powder on the table.

Prawn Noodle Dry with Pork Ribs 4.5/5

Beside the prawn noodle soup with pig tails, I also tried the Prawn Noodle Dry with Pork Ribs ($5.50/$7.50/$10). The noodle and soup is served separately. I find the soup tasted sweeter compared to the prawn noodle soup version. I suspect this is because of the noodle in the soup diluting it, reducing the sweetness. The other highlight of the dry version is the chilli sauce and fried shallot that enhanced the whole enjoyment of the dish.

Actually this is not my first visit to the stall. I tried to check out the place on several occasions but I have ended in disappointment. Not sure why but it was closed during my previous visits. It seems like they don't really follow their business hours. Hence do prepare for disappointment if you plan to check out the place.


River South (Hoe Nam) Noodles House
(河南肉骨大蝦面)
31 Tai Thong Crescent
Singapore 347859
Tel: +65 62819293
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Potong Pasir (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 6am - 430pm, 6pm - 430am
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Potong Pasir MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk down Upper Serangoon Road. Turn left onto Tai Thong Crescent. Continue on Tai Thong Crescent and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

il Cielo @ Hilton Hotel Singapore - Offers A New Sensorial Dining Menu

Sitting on the rooftop floor of Hilton Hotel Singapore is an award winning Italian restaurant, il Cielo, lead by Italian Chef Riccardo Catarsi, a new menu has been crafted to create a sensorial dining experience for diners. Same as Opus, il Cielo has been awarded with Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)'s Chain of Custody certification. MSC certified means sustainably caught seafood sources and dishes prepared with such environmentally ingredients can be identified by the eco-label in the menu.

Right at the top on 24th storey with city skylines in full view, just feeling the evening breeze against my face was rejuvenating. As the restaurant opens up to the pool, it has that relaxing charm of a rooftop bar without compromising its elegance.

Burrata Fatta in Casa 4/5

Our starter was Buffalo Milk Burratina ($25) that sits like a lady (a rather plump one) on a layer of marinated tomato carpaccio, basil cream & olives. The tangy sweetness from the tomato and the mild peppery flavour of the basil gave the dish just the right punch without overwhelming the fresh milkiness of the pillowy cheese.

Fantasia Di Capesante 3.8/5

One of the new MSC dish is the Hokkaido scallop ($28), adorned with roasted mushrooms, pine nuts and bottarga mayonnaise. If the burratina is a young plump princess, this to me is like a queen. It reminded me of a Japanese dish I once had over at Mikuni at Fairmont but instead of pairing it with its ocean relatives, it was being placed in an earthy pasture of roasted mushrooms, truffles and pine nuts. The truffles appeared to be just ornamental, what really hyped up the taste is the bottarga mayonnaise. Bottarga is an exquisite cured fish roe and when mixed with mayonnaise, it was like an Italian-born Mentaiko sauce. Savoury and tangy, it woke up my tastebuds for the mellow scallop.

La Toscana in Tortello 3/5

Pumpkin Charcoal Ravioli ($24) with chickpeas cream, red onion & Modena balsamico. This is a black beauty. The black petal was a thin pasta pouch that unveils a puree of golden pumpkin which is in season back in Chef Riccardo's hometown. This enigmatic looking dish has a harmonizing sweetness, balanced with a tartness lent by pickled red onion and Modena balsamico. Should Chef turns to using the more common squid ink for the aesthetic, the flavour would have been completely off sync with the overall feel of the dish.

Spaghettoni All'Astice 4.2/5

The Spaghetti with Maine Lobster ($39) may look stiff but each strand was surprisingly well flavoured and al dente. The tomato sauce had a light creamy body and embedded within is aromatic Italian basil and savoury bottarga, which tickled my nose and taste buds as I took in the pasta. When the maine lobster was so supple and sweet, it would have been a huge letdown if the pasta was not executed to such excellency.

Baccala 4/5

The charcoal bread dust on top brought an unexpected flavour to the buttery sweet Toothfish ($45). The roasted pumpkin cream, with an inherent sweetness, was punctuated with earthiness and charred flavour from the grilled asparagus and cauliflower. A crowd-pleasing dish.

Branzino D'orbetello 3/5

Whole Seabass ($68) roasted on olive wood The whole seabass was presented to us in sizzling heat on olive wood. As spectacular as it may be, it didn't manage to delight me as much as the rest. With its skin removed, I thought much of its flavour was lost.

Tiramisu Mille Foglie 3.8/5

Not known to many, Chef has a solid foundation in dessert making. Perhaps, his appreciation for beauty comes from there, where he got the inspirations for creating all the ascetically pleasing dishes since the start of the evening. I think this is the first time that I have had such pretty desserts in an Italian restaurant.

Composizione Di Frafole 3.8/5

Chef's gelatos is a must try. Tiramisu Mille Foglie ($14) is coffee centric, like eating a solidified vanilla coffee frappacino. The feeling I had when I saw Composizione Di Frafole ($14.00) is like stepping into a strawberry field. Strawberries in different forms, textures, sweetness and tartness.

Drop by at il Ceilo, and discover its quiet beauty amidst the urban traffic. Not just dinner, lunch sets are available here as well. On Thursday to Saturday, enjoy live acoustic music over at the Sky Bar, just right next to it.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Il Cielo
Hilton Singapore
Level 24
581 Orchard Road
Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 67303390
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 7pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 7pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue walking along Orchard Road. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Creamier @ Gillman Barracks - Honestly Good Handmade Ice Cream and Coffee

If you have not known, the popular Creamier at Toa Payph has opened a second outlet at Gillman Barracks. The new outlet is more spacious and has a bigger floor area compared to their flagship outlet. It has both air conditioned and alfresco sitting area.

Ice Matcha Latte and Ice White 4/5

It was a rather hot and humid afternoon when we visited the new outlet. To cool ourselves from the afternoon heat, we ordered the Ice Matcha Latte ($5.50) and Ice White ($6). The perfect drinks to cool ourselves from the heat.

Waffle with Ice Cream 4.5/5

A must try at Creamier is their Waffle with Ice Cream ($8,80). Creamier is known for their ice cream so we ordered an addition scoop for $2.80 (add $0.90 for premium). The ice cream is creamy and smooth with beautiful flavours. The waffle was also crispy on the exterior and fluffy inside. Definitely one of the best waffle I have eaten.

I have tried going to Creamier at Toa Payoh a few times but it is always very crowded. I have never gotten the chance to dine at the cafe in Toa Payoh. I am really glad that it has decided to open a second out which is nearer to where I stay and there are more seating space here.


Creamier
Gillman Barracks
5A Lock Road
Singapore 108927
Tel: +65 62621087
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Labrador Park (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun: 12pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 11pm

Direction: 
Alight at Labrador Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road using the overhead bridge. Walk down Alexandra Road. Turn right onto Malan Road and then turn left onto Lock Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Shi Miao Dao Yunnan Rice Noodles (十秒到过桥米线) @ Vivocity Food Republic - Crossing-The-Bridge Rice Noodles

In our food courts and hawker centres, Mala Hotpot is ubiquitous but in China, what's popular is not just that. With over 750 outlets across China, Shi Miao Dao Yunnan Rice Noodles (十秒到过桥米线) is here at Vivocity Food Republic to introduce to you another of their heritage dish from Yunnan - “crossing-the-bridge rice noodles”; where vermicelli and assorted ingredients are tossed into a boiling bowl of soup to cook within 10 seconds, hence the name 十秒到。You get your noodles in 10 seconds.

Sweet and Sour Radish 4/5

Beancurd Skin 3.5/5

Besides their signature rice noodles, it offers a selections of appetizers on their menu at $2 each. During our visit, we tried some of them such as the Sweet & Sour Radish, Beancurd Skin, Old Vinegar Peanuts and Old Vinegar Black Fungus,

Old Vinegar Black Fungus 4.2/5

My favourite is the Black Fungus, pickled with their homemade Old Vinegar. The Old Vinegar has a slightly thicken texture which coats the black fungus thinly. Not just a harsh sourness often given by white artificial vinegar, it flavours the crunchy fungus with a tarty wildhoney - like sweetness. For $2, I feel the portion can be more generous, especially when the small plate can't hold much of the puffy flowers.

Old Vinegar Peanuts 3.8/5

Something new is their crunchy peanuts, which is roasted in-house as well. Not braised but drizzled with the Old Vinegar, the nutty and vinegary taste makes it just as moreish.

Original Soup 4/5

Like a ramen broth, their base stock is made from brewing chicken and pork bones for 6 hours. There are 4 different soup base to choose from for your noodles. If you want a taste of the natural sweetness of the soup, simply order their Original ($7.80) and you get to savour the natural creamy white body of the soup. Noodles should be the last to be thrown into the soup so as to absorb all the flavours from the meat and vegetables. Their special rice noodles is almost as thick as our thick rice noodles but much more silkier and lighter, which is perfect for slurping as there's minimum friction!

All sets come with the rice noodles, chicken drumlet, quail egg, pork ham, beancurd skin, black fungus, white fungus, corn and assorted vegetables. Seafood option is also available. Additional pork ham and fish slices will be $1 per portion. The lightly braised chicken drumlet adds some weight to the dish which may otherwise be too light for some diners, like a fish soup. The fungus add crunch to the silky noodles, while the corn punctuates the soup with bursts of sweetness. What I don't quite appreciate is the thin slices of rather tasteless ham. In comparison, even the unassuming tiny quail egg seems to add more character to the entire dish.

Tomato Soup 3.5/5

Fortified with fresh, crushed tomatoes, the Tomato Soup ($8.50) is savoury, tangy and richer in taste than the Original. The noodle was also more well flavoured as the slightly thickened soup seemed to coat each strand of the noodles. It could be my favorite potentially if not for the saltiness.

Mala Soup 3/5

Pickled Cabbage Soup 4.2/5

The Mala Soup ($8.50) has 3 levels of spiciness for you to choose from. It carries just a slight aroma of the spices and I find the flavor rather one dimensional, perhaps due to the lack of real spices. If I want something stimulating, I would much prefer the Pickled Cabbage ($8.50) enhanced with finely grated cabbage and green chilli pickled in aged vinegar. The soup is sharp with spiciness but at the same time has the tang and sweetness akin to a pickled Sizhuan vegetable soup. Even if I'm suffering from a cold, my appetite would wake up to this.

Knowing the story behind this “crossing-the-bridge rice noodles” may deepen your appreciation for it. Legend has it that a woman dutifully crossed a bridge daily to an island to bring to her husband his mid day meal while he studied for his imperial exams. Earthen pot was used to keep his meal hot and fresh which she filled it with boiling broth and added in the noodles and other ingredients to cook only when he was ready to eat. If you want to have a taste of this legendary noodles, just come down to the Food Republic at Vivocity.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.

Shi Miao Dao Yunnan Rice Noodles (十秒到过桥米线)
Food Republic Vivocity
1 Harbour Front Walk
Level 3
Singapore 098585
Nearest MRT: Harbour Front (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 10am - 10pm
Fri-Sun, Eve of PH: 10am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3. Journey time about 5 minutes. {Map]