London Fat Duck @ Raffles City - The London Braised Duck Is Only Available Here

Known for its BBQ Irish duck, London Fat Duck at Raffles City has launched several new items in conjunction with the opening of this latest outlet. Of course, nothing will be enticing if it's not fat duck-related.

Braised London Braised Duck 3.5/5

Using the traditional Teochew method, the Braised London Braised Duck ($58.80 Whole/ $32 Half) is exclusive to this outlet. Deboned and sliced, I could see that the skin and fats have softened and given way into the herbal braising gravy. Just lightly brown, the herbal fragrant and flavour are pretty distinct. My favourite pieces are definitely those with much fats underneath the skin over the leaner part. Aside than the drumstick, the other parts came across a little dry and a little gamey. The in-house special chilli sauce dip, redeems that with its piquancy edged with a sweet fiery kick.

BBQ 3 Combination 4/5

If you still prefer the unwavering chemistry between BBQ crispy skin and succulent meat, then the BBQ 3 Combination which consists of Roast Duck, Pork Belly and BBQ Pork ($23.80) will satisfy your craving for sure.

Coriander & Fish Congee 4.2/5

You may want to ditch the rice and go for the congee here. Automation is not all evil when it can ensure consistency and quality. Stirred for hours in the automated pot, what resulted is a thick, gluey congee that comforts the soul. The new Coriander & Fish Congee ($8.50), i would say, steal the show, not because I love coriander but it's really how these 3 simple ingredients can create such a comforting taste without a hint of pungency.

Steamed Cheong Fun with Preserved Vegetables 3.5/5

Steamed Cheong Fun with Preserved Vegetables ($5.50) is also another dish that reminds you of comfort food. These humble chai poh spiking the soft, slippery cheong fun boosts the same flavour of our Chwee Kueh but with a slight difference. The chai poh used is the sweet one to balance the savoury light soy sauce.

Mala Poached Pig Liver 3/5

An interesting side dish to share would be the Mala Poached Pig Liver ($9). Though the mala is not the authentic Sichuan type that numbs your taste buds, I like the tanginess of it. It helps to cut the gaminess of the liver.

Double Boiled Peach Gum with Dates 3/5

For dessert, our local favourite Durian Mouse is available but I reckon it will be too cloying after such a meal. I prefer rounding off the meal with the Double Boiled Peach Gum with Dates ($5) which is both refreshing and nourishing.

Photos and words 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.


London Fat Duck
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#B1-76
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 63335580
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Weekend & PH: 10am - 10pm

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

Quan Lai Kway Chap @ Macpherson Road - Kway With Thick & Gooey Broth

Many foodies should be familiar with Quan Lai Kway Chap at Macpherson Road. When I was staying in Hougang, it is one of the supper places I would visit. After moving to the West, I have not eaten there for a long time. Since I was in the area on a Saturday, I decided to drop by for lunch.

Kway Chap 4.5/5

I ordered a braised platter for 2 pax, a bowl of yam rice, a bowl of kway and a plate of fried large intestines. The whole meal comes to $25.80. Do you think it is expensive? I asked the question because Quan Lai is also known to many as one of the most expensive place to have kway chap.

My braised platter for 2 pax consists of Braised Duck Meat, Tau Pok, Fish Cake, Intestine, Tofu, Braised Pork Belly and Braised Egg. The duck meat is a bit dry but what I like is the richness of the braised sauce whereby I can taste the different herbals and spices used. In addition, the braised ingredients have also been cooked until they have absorbed the delectable flavours.

Kway 4.5/5

Most places just cooked the rice sheet separately and add the broth onto it, hence the rice sheet tasted rather bland without absorbing the flavoursome broth. At Quan Lai, I suspect the kway has been cooked together with the thick and gooey broth, allowing the thick rice sheet to absorb the flavour. I am glad that the kway doesn't taste bland, instead soaking up the delicious broth for an enjoyable bite.

Fried Large Intestine 4.2/5

Another item I enjoyed is the Fried Large Intestine. It is fried to a nice crispy exterior while the interior is still a bit chewy. It also does not have the gamey taste. I actually find it very addictive.

I have read reviews that the standard of the kway chap has dropped over the years, especially after the son took over. I have not eaten at Quan Lai for a long while and I have a short memory to compare what it used to me. What I know is that I have a satisfied experience and I have enjoyed my lunch here.


Quan Lai Kway Chap
560 Macpherson Road
Sin Fong Restaurant
Singapore 368233
Tel: +65 67441252
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 1230am

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards Macpherson Road. Turn right at Macpherson road. Walk down Macpherson Road to the stretch of shop houses. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Thonglor Thai Cuisine & Seafood @ West Coast Plaza - Lacklustre Thai Food Which I Would Give A Miss

The restaurants at West Coast Plaza has been changing so often that I kind of lost tracked who was the previous occupant that the current Thonglor Thai Cuisine & Seafood occupies. If I am not wrong, this is their second outlet after the their flagship restaurant at Ang Mo Kio. Since its new in the neighbourhood, I decided to drop by for dinner.

Thai Stir Fried Kang Kong 3.5/5

The Thai Stir Fried Kang Kong ($6.90) was pretty well executed with the right note of spiciness, lifted by the fragrant dried shrimp in the sambal. The greens also retains a delectable crunchy texture.

Tom Yum Seafood Soup 2.8/5

For the price of the Tom Yum Seafood Soup ($8,90). the portion is pretty generous with a variety of seafoods. The size of the prawns are quite big too. Where that is the up side, the soup is lacklustre. It lacked depth and the characteristic flavours of an authentic tom yum soup.

Steamed Seabass with Lemon Sauce 2.8/5

The Steamed Seabass with Lemon Sauce ($19.90) is a favourite dish that I always order when I dine at Thai restaurant. While the seabass was fresh and sweet, I was let down by the lemon sauce. I can only taste the lemon flavour. It is missing the spiciness and sweetness in it that makes me fall in love with this dish.

Sad to say I am not impressed with the food at Thonglor Thai Cuisine. With competition in the vicinity such as Nakhon Kitchen and Na Na Original Thai Food, I would rather give Thonglor a miss. If the jinx at West Coast Plaza continues, I suspect I would see another new tenant soon.


Thonglor Thai Cuisine & Seafood
West Coast Plaza
154 West Coast Road
#02-25
Singapore 127371
Tel: +65 62522552
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Website
Nearest MRT: Clementi MRT (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Morton's The Steakhouse @ Mandarin Oriental Singapore - New Spring Menu With Some Twists and Fun

For this Spring, Morton’s of Chicago at Mandarin Oriental Singapore has brought to its all-American classic menu a delectable new Spring items. These new items on the menu will have your familiar flavours but with some twists and fun.

Wagyu Royal Ribeye Cap Steak 3.5/5

If you are one of Morton's regulars, try the 2 new steaks offerings for a change,. Known to be the most sought after cut of American wagyu beef, the 8oz American Wagyu Royal Ribeye Cap Steak ($112) may just cap your day with a high note. I'm not a true beef connoisseurs but I believe its price tag does say something about its flavour and value.

American Wagyu Filet Mignon 3/5

For a little twist of flavour, The 7oz American Wagyu Filet Mignon with Fire Roasted Poblano Butter ($108) pairs up with Mexican spice. The mild to medium heat of the pepper-infused butter teases the taste buds just a little, not too much. This cut is leaner though and more salt is appreciated to highlight its flavour.

Nueske’s Bacon Steak with Peach Bourbon Glaze 3.8/5

What set the temperature high that evening, other than the Mortinis, was the Nueske’s Bacon Steak with Peach Bourbon Glaze ($20). A bacon, yet a steak at the same time - thick cut of apple-smoked pork belly (12oz) being prepared in the same manner as a traditional steak. Coated with a sweet peach-bourbon glaze, the sweet-savoury chemistry exuding from this thick cut of pork, along with its fats was pleasurable. Those on the table consuming it, was like posing for a Magnum shot!

Burrata 3/5

Like all richly flavoured food, it is always good to harmonise all that goodness with something light and refreshing. The creamy Burrata, served with Grilled Asparagus & Baby Heirloom Tomato Salad ($32++) with be an excellent choice to get the balance.

Seared Cod with Romesco Sauce 3/5

What can match up with a steak is probably a quality piece of cod fish. The new seafood item, Seared Cod with Romesco Sauce ($78) is inspired by Catalonian dishes. The pan-seared cod is served atop of a classic sauce made of roasted red peppers and toasted nuts. Smokey, tangy, sweet and nutty, the Romesco sauce adds much vibrancy to this dish.

The new menu is available from 19 April 2018 for a limited time only.

Photos and words 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.


Morton's The Steakhouse
Mandarin Oriental Singapore
Level 4
5 Raffles Avenue
Singapore
Tel: +65 63393740
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line). Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 12pm - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Roastmania @ Aljunied Ave 2 - The Roasted Chicken's Skin Is Crispy

I have been to Aljunied almost every weekends and sometime I will settle lunch at the nearby Geylang East Centre Food Centre. One of the stalls I tried is Roastmania Authentic Traditional Roast Delights & Chicken Rice. I understand it has recently moved and re-located down the road. It is now at Shiyun Food Junction, opposite McDonald's.

Roasted Chicken 4.2/5

I ordered both the Roasted Chicken and Sio Bak to try. The platter even comes with some sliced cucumber and salted vegetables. The special thing I like about the roasted chicken is the crispy skin. You can see from the picture, a layer of crispiness sits on top of the tender chicken.

Sio Bak 3.5/5

The Sio Bak has a delightful biscuit-like skin with juicy and fatty meat. While the skin is crispy, I thought the meat is not roasted enough and it is a bit too fat.

Overall the stall sells pretty good roasted meat, this probably can be justified by the constant long queues at the stall. My review only based on the roasted chicken and sio bak which I tried. I probably need another re-visit to check out the other roasted items on the menu.


Roastmania
Blk 119 Aljunied Ave 2
#01-06
Singapore 380119
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Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line), Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk towards Aljunied Road. Take the overhead bridge. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Aljunied MRT station (Stop ID 81081). Take bus number 80. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

 2) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to Geylang East Ave 1. On Geylang East Ave 1, turn left and continue to the end of the road. Cross the road and continue on Aljunied Crescent. Walk down Aljunied Crescent and turn right onto Aljunied Ave 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Paya Lebar MRT station (Stop ID 81119). Take bus number 134 or 155. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Hokey Poki @ FOMO Singapore - Build Your Own Japanese Bowls and Sushi Tacos

Hokey Poki is a new Japanese fusion stall offering Japanese bowls and sushi tacos at FOMO Singapore. For the Japanese bowls, guests have the choice of building their own bowl with choice of mains, base (rice, salad, quinoa or soba) and optional add ons. As for the sushi tacos, this is a fusion take of the Mexican tacos with Japanese ingredients.

Hokey Bowl - Salmon Poke 4.2/5

My first choice of the Hokey Bowl is the Salmon Poke ($10.90). I opted for the purple rice which is hidden beneath the pile of seasoned salmon cubes, jellyfish and mango cubes. I like the addition of the mango cubes, which gives it a refreshing finish as well as a textural enjoyment. Other mains on the hokey bowl menu includes Wasabi Mayo Chicken, Laksa Mentai Soft Shell Crab, Cheesy Chicken, Aburi Chirashi, Sambal Shishamo, Aburi Salmon Mentai, Cheesy Soft Shell Crab and Cheesy Prawns. For vegetarians, you can go for the Tofu Delight and Vegetarian Tempura.

Cheesy Prawn Taco 4.2/5

The Sushi Taco ($5.90 for 1pc, $7.90 for 2pc) is an unique and interesting creation. We tried the Cheesy Prawn Taco and Aburi Salmon Mentai Taco. Replacing the tortilla shell is the seaweed cracker sandwiched with Japanese ingredients. The combination and pairing of the ingredients are well thought of. They are really fun and flavourful to eat.

Aburi Salmon Mentai Taco 4/5

Beside the two tacos I tried, there are other interesting taco creations such as Shishamo, Cheesy Soft Shell Crab, Lemongrass Mentai Soft Shell Crab, Lemongrass Mentai Chicken and Cheesy Chicken. On top of the Japanese inspired tacos, there are also Laksa Mentai Prawn, Otah and Sambal Soft Shell Crab influenced by our local cuisine.

S'mores Taco 2.8/5

There is even a dessert taco - S'mores Taco. The marshmallow is torched until melt, then it is sandwiched in between the seaweed cracker. Unfortunately I find the combination rather weird. It is also quite difficult and messy to eat.

Hokey Poki serves delightful build your own Japanese bowls below $12 which is reasonable priced. Not to forget the healthy choice of salad, quinoa and purple rice. On top of that, the sushi tacos are yummy and unique too.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hokey Poki
FOMO Singapore
38 Sultan Gate
#01-01
Singapore 198486
Tel: +65 98173889
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead walkway to Beach Road. Turn left and walk down Beach Road. Turn right onto Sultan Gate. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Yamato Izakaya @ Oxley Bizhub - 3-In-1 Dining Concept Under One Roof Featuring Bib Gourmand Awardees Man Man Unagi

For the folks staying in the East, you will be great to know that Yamato Izakaya has opened at Oxley Bizhub. It is a Japanese dining concept housing 3 different brands under one roof. The 3 brands are Singapore Michelin Bib Gourmand awardees Man Man Unagi, Ramen Hitoyoshi and Tora-Tora.

If you have been to Man Man Unagi at Keong Saik Road, you will know that there is always a long queue and no reservation is allowed. At Yamato, not only that there are more seating, you can also make reservation.

Hitsumabushi 4.2/5

We tried the Hitsumabushi ($29.50) from Man Man Unagi. I was so delighted to be eating my unagi within 10 minutes. I do not even need to queue. There are 3 ways of enjoying the hitsumabushi. You can have the unagi on its own, eat it together with the condiments and lastly pour some tea into the rice , enjoy it like a bowl of porridge.

Futago Don - Ginger Pork and Prawn Tempura 4.2/5

Besides the unagi, we also tried the Futago Don from Tora Tora. Basically diner can pick 2 dons from a wide array of choices. I decided to go for the Ginger Pork ($7) and Prawn Tempura ($7). The pork marinated in a soy sauce is flavoursome and tender while the crunchy prawn is coated in a delightful crispy batter.

Yamato Izakaya
Oxley Bizhub
65 Ubi Road 1
#01-92
Singapore 408729
Tel: +65 69352925
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Website
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the traffic light junction of Paya Lebar Road, Macpherson Road and Airport Road. Cross the junction and walk to Oxley Bizhub. Walk towards Ubi Road 1 direction. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Lucky House Cantonese Private Kitchen (陶然居) @ Upper East Coast Road - A Wonderful 8-Course Private Dining By Self Taught Chef

Together with 10 other foodie friends and after waiting for a good 2 months, we finally get to check out Lucky House Cantonese Private Kitchen (陶然居) at Upper East Coast Road. The venue of the private dining is actually at Chef Sam Wong's home. It opens on weekday and every night he can only accept two table of guests. We paid $80 per pax for a 8-course meal.

There are 2 rooms at Chef Sam Wong's home. We are seated at the bigger room which can sit up to 16 guests. The small room sits around 8-10 pax. Don't worry, it is air-conditioned, so you can dine in comfort.

Chef Wong does welcome his guests to step into his kitchen. This is probably the kitchen where one's grandmother used to cook in. At Lucky House, this is where Chef Wong works his magic.

Charcoal Boiled Pork Shoulder, Arrow Root and Peanut Soup 3.5/5

Our first dish is the Charcoal Boiled Pork Shoulder, Arrow Root and Peanut Soup. This has been slow cooked over charcoal fire for hours. Accordingly to Chef Wong, he used 3 batches of charcoal to cook this pot of soup. No salt is used either. For some, this may taste a little bland but I actually enjoyed the natural flavours extracted from the different ingredients and herbs.

Steamed Wild Caught Red Garoupa 4.2/5

I noticed Chef Wong was frying the shallots before drizzling them over the the Steamed Wild Caught Red Garoupa. It gives the fish a beautiful aroma, complementing the freshness of the wild caught fish.

Concubine Chicken 4.5/5

I not sure why the dish is called Concubine Chicken but the sight of it just makes me want to sink my teeth into them. The flavoursome chicken was tender and juicy. One of my favourite dishes of the night.

Fried Prawn with Rose Liqueur 4/5

The Fried Prawn with Rose Liqueur was plump, huge and crunchy. I find the seasoning a bit heavy for this dish but it goes well with a bowl of plain rice.

Lucky House Roasted Duck 4.5/5

A signature is the Lucky House Roasted Duck. The duck is marinated in fish sauce and soy sauce for 2 days and air dried. It is then charcoal grilled in his hand-built oven. The result is smokiness, crispy skin and tender meat.

Fried Organic Vegetable 4.8/5

Chef Wong doesn't like to use salt and garlic in his cooking. Hence we are surprised how sweet the Fried Organic Vegetable tasted. He shared that he uses fish sauce in placed of salt. On top of that, these vegetables are freshly harvested from a local farm.

Crayfish Omelette 5/5

The dining group's favourite dish has to be the Crayfish Omelette. I think we all have the initial thought that it is just a simple egg omelette dish. Never did we expect that the fluffy egg cooked to golden brown with chunky crayfish meat is such a perfect match. It has brought my love of egg omelette to a whole new level.

Shandong Peanuts and Kidney Beans Soup 4/5

Wrapping up our dining is the Shandong Peanuts and Kidney Beans Soup. Mildly sweetened with the used of rock sugar, I enjoyed the nutty soup which is quite refreshing after all the richness from the previous dishes. It is like have a cup of tea after a great meal.

For those that is hoping to dine at Lucky House Cantonese Private Kitchen, you have to be patient as the reservation is up to a good 2-3 months now. For those driving, parking is very limited. You have to park around Evergeen Gardens private estate. You are also welcome to bring your own wine as there are no corkage here.


Lucky House Cantonese Private Kitchen (陶然居)
267 Upper East Coast Road
Singapore 466413
Tel: +65 98237268
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Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 630pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bus Stop at Bedok MRT station (Stop ID 84039). Take bus number 137. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]