Rahim Muslim Food @ Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 - Damn Shiok And Power Mee Rebus

Finally I manage to travel to Ang Mo Kio to try the legendary Power Mee Rebus from Rahim Muslim Food. It is understand that they have been around since 1960s and this is their fifth location. When I reached the stall on a Saturday afternoon, there was already a queue and it took me about half an hour to savour the bowl of noodle.

Mee Rebus 4.5/5

I did not regret queuing up for the bowl of Mee Rebus ($3). It is indeed quite special. Not only does it come with the regular ingredients such as tau pok, bean sprouts and egg, there is also chunky pieces of poached chicken. Just before serving, satay sauce was ladled on top for a nutty finishing. Give the noodle a good toss in the gooey gravy which is neither too watery or starchy for a slurping shiokness. You probably would like to add more chicken for an additional 80 cents.

Mee Soto 4.2/5

After waiting in the queue, I could not just order the mee rebus only. Hence I also got the Mee Soto ($4) which comes with begedil (deep fried potato patty) and chunky pieces of poached chicken. The turmeric based soup was light and sweet. I prefer to add a bit of the special chilli for that elevated oomph. Oh, the begedil is really good too.

I am glad that I have finally tried the food at Rahim Muslim Food. The price is cheap and the portion is huge. Not only that, they are generous with their ingredients which is unique from other stalls that sells the same item.


Rahim Muslim Food
Fu Chan Coffeeshop
Blk 721 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8
#01-04
Singapore 560721
Tel: +65 85153447
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 8pm
(Closed on Alt Sun)

Direction: 
Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Ang Mo Kio Ave 8. Walk to destination. Journey time abou 5 minutes. [Map]

Michelin Guide Singapore 2017 - 12 New Stars Among The 38 Starred Restaurants

Michelin Guide Singapore has announced the winners of 2017. This year a total of 38 restaurants have made it to stardom, receiving their star. 11 new restaurants received their one star while Waku Ghin moves up the ladder from to get 2 Stars.

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Michelin Starred Restaurants 2017

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A total of 38 restaurants made it into the Michelin Guide Singapore 2017. It is good to see last year 1 star hawker winners Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle and Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle retaining their star.

Three Star
Joël Robuchon

Two Star
André
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Les Amis
Odette
Shisen Hanten
Shoukouwa
Waku Ghin *NEW

One Star
Alma
Béni
Braci *NEW
Candlenut
Cheek by Jowl *NEW
Chef Kang's *NEW
Corner House
Crystal Jade Golden Palace
Cut
Garibaldi *NEW
Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle
Iggy's *NEW
Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine *NEW
Jaan
Labyrinth *NEW
Lei Garden
Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle
Meta *NEW
Osia
Putien (Kitchener Road)
Rhubarb
Saint Pierre *NEW
Shinji (Bras Basah Road)
Shinji (Tanglin Road)
Summer Palace *NEW
Summer Pavilion
Sushi Ichi
The Kitchen at Bacchanalia
The Song of India
Whitegrass *NEW

It is great to see one of my favourite restaurants Cheek by Jowl getting a Star. After dining at the restaurant last year, I knew it has the caliber to be among the best. Glad that it has finally been officially recognized.

Unfortunately Forest and Terra are the two restaurants that have lost their star this year.

Do visit Michelin Guide Singapore at https://guide.michelin.sg/ for more details.

Shimbashi Soba @ Great World City - Freshly Made Soba Using The "Santate" Process

Shokutsu Ten Japanese Food Street has moved into the city with the opening of its third outlet at Great World City. The Japanese food enclaves at its third venue presents 5 food, beverage and retail brands under one roof. Joining Ichiban Boshi and Kuriya Japanese Market in the expanded area at the basement of Great World City is Shimbashi Soba, offering freshly made buckwheat noodles daily using pesticide-free buckwheat cultivated under the most ideal weather conditions in Tasmania.

Seiro 4.2/5

I personally find that the best way to appreciate the soba (buckwheat noodles) is to have it plain. The Seiro ($11.80) with the soba served chilled comes with delectable chewy bite. The more I chew on it, the fragrant of the buckwheat since to be more prominent. You can also dip the soba into the dipping sauce for a deeper profile.

Chilled Ume Soba & Prawn Tempura 4/5

I find the Chilled Ume Soba & Prawn Tempura ($18.80) rather unique. This is the first time I tried the dish. The chilled soup noodle comes with vegetables, seaweed, pickled plum, grated radish, bonito flakes and lemon served with prawn & pumpkin tempura. The soup was light and refreshing but I thought there was a bit too much flavours at play.

Warigo Soba 3.5/5

If you like variety then the Warigo Soba ($21.80) will suit you. It comes with 5 small bowls of chilled noodles with 5 different toppings. Items are subject to change according to seasonality and availability. Among the 5 bowls, my personal favourite is the soba with lemon and seaweed. The sour from the lemon unexpectedly liven the whole enjoyment of the buckwheat noodle.

Buckwheat Tea 4.2/5

Last but not least, washed down all the delicious bowl of noodles with a cup of Buckwheat Tea. This is the same buckwheat that is used to make the noodles.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shimbashi Soba
Great World City
Shokutsu Ten Japanese Food Street
#B1-01/02/03/04
1 Kim Seng Promenade
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 68359052
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line), Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop opposite Orchard MRT station (Stop ID B09022). Take bus number 16 or 175. Alight 4 bus stops later. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Outram MRT station. (Stop ID B06011). Take bus number 75 or 970. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Great World City. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10169). Take bus number 5, 16 or 195. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Ippudo @ Tanjong Pagar Centre - The Famed Ramen Opens Its 9th Outlet

With IPPUDO opening its ninth outlet at Tanjong Pagar Centre, CBD crowd can now enjoy another famed ramen to either fuel them for the long day or comfort their tired soul at dusk. What's special about this outlet is that three new side dishes were crafted exclusively for it, alongside with the reintroduction of its three seasonal ramen dishes.

Salmon Katsu 4.5/5

It's not all about ramen at Ippudo. Savour their new side dishes before tucking into your favourite ramen. The three new sides dishes are Aburi Beef Sushi with Ikura ($18), Teppan Chashu Hamburg ($15) and Salmon Katsu ($18).

Salmon Katsu wins me over with its soft and tender sashimi core that comes breaded. Like any fried stuff, the crispy thin batter adds an extra yumminess to the salmon sashimi and the accompanying piquant house-made tartar sauce makes it even more delish and satisfying.

Aburi Beef Sushi with Ikura 3/5

Aburi Beef Sushi with Ikura comes in cute bundles of Hokkaido sushi rice wrapped with pan-seared prime beef slices, crowned with fresh ikura. Thicker slices of beef might have made them fuller in flavour and texture.

Teppan Chashu Hamburg 3.5/5

Teppan Chashu Hamburg is a light starter featuring a hand-chopped pork patty topped with a raw egg yolk. Pouring the complementing homemade teriyaki sauce over while it was still hot had a slight sizzling effect that whets my appetite.

Spicy Black 4/5

Spicy Black, Chuka Soba and Hakata Niku Soba are seasonal ramens that have earned themselves a place in the main menu. Preferring thick and milky broth, we tried Spicy Black ($19) and Hakata Niku Soba ($17). Inspired by bak kut teh, Spicy Black comes with a dollop of a special homemade miso paste that enriches the already thick broth with spices and peppers, resulting in a robust, creamy broth with nutty nuances. It reminds me of black sesame broth but the flavour is alot more intense.

Hakata Niku Soba 3/5

Hakata Niku Soba ($17) is however, disappointing. The thin slices of pork belly were somewhat dry when I was expecting meltingly tender meats.

A good refreshing beverage to go with your ramen would be Lemon Soda ($5)

Another addition to this new outlet is its sake bar which offers hot and cold sake, Sapporo beer and whisky highball. I like the fact that I'm given the choice of tasting portion and full cup. I do recommend trying out their premium sake which is round, sweet and refreshing.

Following Japanese culture where Japanese diners seek out quality alcoholic drinks at best-value prices, its Choinomi Set Promotion ($12.90) comes with a choice of draft beer, highball or bottled beer together with one serving of otsumami - snacks specially prepared to pair with the drinks. You can choose from 12 different snacks including Chicken Karaage, Spicy Chicken Wing and Otsumami Menma. Promotion is available daily from 3 pm onwards until closing.

Words and photos 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.


Ippudo
Tanjong Pagar Centre
5 Wallich Street
#01-15
Singapore 078883
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

VENUE by Sebastian @ OUE Downtown Gallery - Ex-Chef From Restaurant Ember Opens New Restaurant

When one door shuts, the other door opens. With the closing of Restaurant Ember, Chef-Owner Sebastian Ng has opened his latest concept - VENUE by Sebastian at the new OUE Downtown Gallery. With former Head Chef of Artichoke joining his culinary team, the restaurant offers a menu featuring modern European culinary techniques and quality ingredients, imbued with a refreshing touch of Asian flavours.

Seasonal Mushroom, Truffle Oil, Toast 4/5

We started with the Toast and Seasonal Mushroom with Truffle Oil ($8). The earthy flavour of both the mushroom and truffle oil, made this a delectable starter as we work through the menu. Being picky here, I was wondering why the mushroom was not pre-spread on the toast and I could have just pick it up and have it.

Whitebait, Chilli Salt 4/5

Next is the addictive Whitebait with Chilli Salt ($9). The whitebait coated in a thin batter and deep fried to golden brown. It is then dusted with chilli salt for that spicy and salty enjoyment.

Chilled Romanesco Broccoli 3/5

For something light and refreshing, one can go for the Chilled Romanesco Broccoli ($13) that comes with almonds, shaved parmigiano and lemon vinaigrette. It is a tasty dish but I prefer something that is richer in flavour.

Cauliflower Fritti, Spicy Mint Aioli 4.5/5

A crowd favourite is the Cauliflower Fritti with Spicy Mint Aioli ($10). A healthy snack in disguise, this plump, crunchy and crispy fritti, will make you uncontrollable go back for more. Is too late when you realized you have finished them.

Spanish Gem Lettuce, Parmigiano Reggiano, Light Anchovy Dressing 3.5/5

Grilled Spanish Gem Lettuce, Burrata, Mentaiko Vinaigrette 3.5/5

The other vegetable dishes we had is the Spansih Gem Lettuce with Light Anchovy Dressing ($9) and Grilled Spanish Gem Lettuce with Burrata and Mentaiko Vinaigrette ($19). The crunchy spanish gem lettuce is very refreshing and crunchy. It seems to be able to pair with anything that is being put together by the chef. Put it in a better way, the chef is great in handling the greens, bring out the best of the ingredient.

Homemade Tofu, Foie Gras Mirin Sauce, Iced Lettuce 4.5/5

The Homemade Tofu with Foie Gras Mirin Sauce ($14) is like the Japanese agedashi tofu. The crispy exterior with its silky interior paired excellently by the foie gras mirin sauce. I just don't understand the purpose of the iced lettuce.

Duck Ragout Hand-Cut Pasta 4/5

Moving to the pasta items on the menu, we started with the Duck Ragout Hand-Cut Pasta ($21). The richness of the duck ragout complemented by the parmigiano reggiano, went very well with the perfectly cooked pasta that is cooked to the right firmness.

Cold pasta, Konbu, Truffle oil 4.2/5

The other pasta dish we tried is the Cold Pasta with Konbu and Truffle Oil ($23). It was indeed a very delightful dish with the rich and intense truffle perfuming and stimulating the senses with each slurp of the cold pasta.

Angel Hair Pasta with Sakura Ebi 4.8/5

The hit at VENUE by Sebastian which probably will become their signature dish is the Angel Hair Pasta with Sakura Ebi ($27). Tossed in konbu, chilli and sakura ebi, this is packed with layers of flavours and textures. Every mouthful of the pasta, is like have a beautiful display of fireworks in the mouth. This is a must try.

Grilled Octopus 3.8/5

Chilean Seabass 4.5/5

From the sea, we had the Grilled Octopus in White Bean Puree ($27) and Chilean Seabass ($36). While the grilled octopus comes with a nice smokey flavour and bouncy bite, I felt it lacked some zest to elevate the enjoyment. For the chilean seabass the quality piece of fish speaks for itself with its firm, moist and buttery flavour. This is excellently married with the mushroom bacon ragout and truffle yuzu butter sauce.

Iberico Pork Jowl, Gremolata, Lemon 4.5/5

From the sea, we move to the land. Starting with the Iberico Pork Jowl ($18) that is paired with gremolata and lemon. An excellent choice of condiments that zest up the appreciation of the beautiful piece of pork. The iberico pork jowl also comes with a nice crunchy bite.

Lamb Riblets with Chimichurri Rojo 4.5/5

I am not sure about the rest of my dining companions but I enjoyed the Lamb Riblets with Chimichurri Rojo ($5 each) a lot. The lamb riblets comes with the right ratio of meat and fats, with hints of beautiful spices, grilled to a nice smoky aroma.

Wood Grilled Chermoula Chicken, Charred Lemon 4.8/5

A dish that everyone gives the thumb up is the Wood Grilled Chermoula Chicken ($15 per leg). Traditionally used to flavour seafood, the chermoula marinade works beautifully with the chicken. Squeeze a bit of the charred lemon onto the chicken to lit up the flavour further for an elevated enjoyment of the smokey, tender and juicy chicken.

Duck Confit 4.2/5

The Duck Confit ($19) is nothing fancy but allows one to appreciate the duck meat itself. Crispy on the exterior with tender inside, it is served with truffle emulsion, mesclun and lemon mustard vinaigrette. One of the better ones I have eaten.

Pear Tart, Crumble, Bailey's Ice Cream 3.5/5

Apple Pie, rum and raisin ice cream 3.5/5

While I enjoyed the most of the dishes at VENUE by Sebastian, I am not a great fan of their dessert menu. I am not saying that it is not go but it is kind of boring. We tried the Pear Tart with Bailey's Ice Cream ($14), Apple Pie with Rum & Raisin Ice Cream ($14) and Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Ice Cream ($14). I guess you know what I meant. Do note these desserts required 15-20 minutes wait.

Chocolate Fondant, Vanilla Ice Cream 3.5/5

The dessert that aroused my interests is the Spiced Panna Cotta with Blood Orange Sorbet ($12). Could not really taste the spice elments but I like the play of the blood orange sorbet with the creamy panna cotta.

Spiced Panna Cotta, Blood Orange Sorbet 4/5

To be frank, this is my first time trying Chef Sebastian's food. I have not been to Ember hence I could not compare the difference. Others have told me that his food is light but flavourful, I kind of agree from the vegetable dishes I tried. However I thought he is better in meats, as I enjoyed them more than the greens.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


VENUE by Sebastian
OUE Downtown Gallery
(Tower 1)
6 Shenton Way
Unit 01-02
Singapore 068809
Tel: +65 69049688
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 630pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pager MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to traffic light junction. Cross the traffic light to Maxwell Road. Turn right and walk towards Shenton Way. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Ah Er Soup (阿2汤) @ Yuan Ching Road - The Real Master Behind Michelin Bib Gourmand Award 2017

With the announcement of the Michelin Bib Gourmand list for 2017, I was left puzzled with the new entrant Ah Er Soup (阿2汤) at ABC Brickworks Market. What is the judging criteria of the Michelin inspectors? The outlet at ABC Brickworks Food Centre is a franchise stall and not the original stall. Did Michelin even know that the original recipe comes from Mr Ma Pit San and Mr Nong Gan who started the original and main stall at Yuan Ching Road?

Buddha Jumps Over The Wall 4.5/5

Feeling injustice for the duo that come up with the recipe, I decided to visit the original stall at Yuan Ching Road. During my visit, I saw Mr Ma busy at the back of the stall, preparing the soup. I ordered my favourite Buddha Jumps Over The Wall ($7) which comes with generous ingredients such as fish maw, mushroom, abalone and chicken. The soup which has been boiled for at least 2 hours, was very intense and rich in flavour.

Peanuts with Lotus Roots & Pork Ribs Soup 4.5/5

Among the other soups on the menu, I had the Peanuts with Lotus Roots & Pork Ribs Soup ($4.50). The pork ribs were cooked until so soft that it literally fell apart with ease. The lotus roots were also sweet and crunchy. I can once again taste the effort behind each bowl of soup in the richness, and this comes with a subtle nutty finishing from the peanuts.

Pumpkin Rice 3.5/5 and Oliver Rice 4/5

Olive Rice 4/5

Ah Er Soup at Yuan Ching Road offers 4 types of rice to go with their soups. They are the normal Steamed Rice, Brown Rice, Pumpkin Rice and Olive Rice. I understand the ABC Brickworks Food Centre stall does not offer the olive rice. I would highly recommend the olive rice which is much more fragrant compared to the others. On top of that, you don't usually get to have it elsewhere.

Preserved Vegetable with Braised Meat 3.8/5

Different from the other franchise stalls across the islands, the main stall offers other braised items such as the Preserved Vegetable with Braised Meat ($6), Braised Pig Trotter, Braised Pig Skin, Braised Beancurd, Braised Egg, Salted Vegetable, Tau Kee and Handmade Fish Roll to go with the nourishing soups.

Ah Er Soup (阿2汤)
3 Yuan Ching Road
Singapore 618642
Nearest MRT: Lakeside (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lakeside MRT station. Cross the road. Walk to bus stop opposite Lakeside MRT station (Stop ID 28099). Take bus number 154. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]