Bukit Merah View Carrot Cake @ Bukit Merah View Food Centre - I Prefer The White Carrot Cake Here

I really can't remember the last time I visited Bukit Merah View Food Centre, it probably could have been more than 5 years ago. I supposed to check out a Lor Mee stall, but it is not opened. Hence we decided to settle for Bukit Merah View Carrot Cake for lunch.

The stall used to make their own carrot cake, but now they get their supply from a factory that still mills the rice to make the carrot cake instead of those made from rice flour. It offers both the white and black carrot cake.

Unlike most carrot cake stalls, the carrot cake here comes in chunky pieces, soft but yet holds its form. For comparison, I ordered both the black and white carrot cake to try. The Black Carrot Cake ($4) comes coated in a sweet dark sauce, with caramelised charred edges. However, the dark sauce somewhat lacks the fragrant to elevate the dish from good to excellent.

Personally, I prefer the White Carrot Cake ($4). The wok hei and egg fragrant come through more, not cancel out by the sweetness from the dark sauce.  Not seen in the picture is the addition of chye poh, which gives the carrot cake the extra flavour and texture.

White Carrot Cake 4/5

I was informed that the stall is run by 2 brothers, each taking up a shift in the day and night. Hence depending on the time of your visit, the cooking may vary. A little tip for customers, it seems like the default for the plate of carrot cake comes with chilli. Hence do inform the uncle during your ordering if you do not want chilli in your carrot cake.


Bukut Merah View Carrot Cake
Bukit Merah View Food Centre
Blk 115 Bukit Merah View
#01-37
Singapore 151115
Tel: +65 93252500
Website
Nearest MRT: Redhill (EW Line), Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 130pm, 430pm - 130am

Direction:
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Red Hill MRT station (Stop ID 10209). Take bus number 132 or 145. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 16 or 851. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Tai Lok Claypot Chicken Rice @ Alexandra Food Village - Formerly From Margaret Drive Food Centre

Tai Lok Claypot Chicken Rice may sounds familiar to some. The stall used to be at Margaret Drive Food Centre and moved to Alexandra Food Village when the building was demolished. I remembered I reviewed the stall back in 2010 when I started blogging. It is almost a decade, and I am glad that they are still around.

The pricing of the claypot rice is based on the servicing portion. I had the claypot rice for 2 pax which costs me $12. The other pricing is $18, $23 and $28 respectively for 3, 4 to 5 pax. I usually add extra chicken for my claypot rice, and that cost me an additional $5.

If you did not pre-order, be prepared to wait for around 30 to 45 minutes. As you can see from the photo, for $17 ($12 plus $5 for extra chicken),  I get a pot of claypot rice brimming with ingredients. It comes with chunky pieces of tender chicken, Chinese sausage, liver sausage and vegetables.

Give the fragrant rice a good toss in the dark soy sauce for the sweet, savoury finishing. I would recommend drizzle a bit of oil into the claypot rice, for that lift in the aroma as well as giving the rice a smooth texture. Not to forget their chilli sauce. It is really power and shiok.

Besides the claypot chicken rice, the stall also sells several soup dishes to go along with the rice. I had the Peanut and Chicken Feet Soup ($3.50) which is really flavourful, packed with the essence of the ingredients, boiled for hours. The other soups available on the menu are Watercress with Pork Rib Soup, Old Cucumber with Pork Rib Soup, Preserved Vegetable with Duck Meat Soup, Herbal Black Chicken Soup and Pig Stomach with Pork Rib Soup.


Tai Lok Claypot Chicken Rice
Alexandra Food Village
120 Bukit Merah Lane 1
Singapore 150120
Tel: +65 64740439
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 5pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

The Original Katong Laksa Janggut Laksa @ Queensway Shopping Centre - A Good Bowl Of Laksa Since 1950s

If you are interested how The Original Katong Laksa started, you would like to read my visit to its Paya Lebar outlet. For the westie that is craving for a bowl of their laksa, the closest outlet will be The Original Katong Laksa Janggut Laksa at Queensway Shopping Centre.

Laksa 4/5

Just like how the founder Mr Ng served his customers back in the 1940s, the thick beehoon is cut into short strips for easy consumption. With a good rempah cooked in coconut milk, the laksa broth is creamy and mildly spiced. The laksa comes with slices of fish cake, cockles, laksa leaves and a dollop of sambal chilli.

I also noted that the price has increased. A bowl of Laksa starts from $4.50 for small portion. Medium portion is $5.50 and Large is $6.50. A slight different is the broth here, maybe it is a new batch as I find the broth not as fragrant as the one I had at the Paya Lebar outlet.

The Original Katong Laksa Janggut Laksa
Queensway Shopping Centre
1 Queensway
#01-59
Singapore 149053
Tel: +65 64404633
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

New Market Teochew Braised Duck Rice @ Alexandra Village Food Centre

Having been to Alexandra Village Food Centre many times, New Market Teochew Braised Duck Rice is one of those stalls that I have yet to try. During my recent visit, I decided to brave the long queue and got a plate of duck meat and braised ingredients for lunch.

Once at the front of the stall, you will get a clear view of the different braised ingredients that is available at the stall. You can mix and match to your preference or just go for the braised duck if you are not that adventurous.

Mixed Braised Duck Platter 4.2/5

I had a plate of Mixed Braised Duck platter which comes up to $16.50 with a bowl of rice. I ordered quarter braised duck, duck liver, braised intestines, braised tofu,braised egg and pig skin. The braised sauce is darker and richer than most places, with a distinct herbal taste to it. In fact, it has a slight hint of bitterness probably from the herbs but not throwing the balance off.

The duck meat itself was quite tender too. I enjoyed having it with chilli sauce which is actually quite spicy with a tad of tanginess. While I also enjoyed the rest of the braised items, I thought the intestines were a bit gamey.

Overall I have a satisfying lunch at New Market Teochew Braised Duck Rice. I don't mind returning for a meal if I have craving for braised duck.


New Market Teochew Braised Duck Rice
Alexandra Village Food Centre
Blk 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-84
Singapore 150120
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm
(Closed on Thu & Fri)

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

Wee's Family Seafood @ Bukit Merah Central - A New Zi Char Place In Bukit Merah Central

It is great to know that my friend Milton from Wee's Family Coffee Shop has opened a 2nd branch nearer to my place at Bukit Merah Central named Wee's Family Seafood. The new branch is actually located behind an industrial building, hidden from the main road. It took up a stall inside the industrial canteen which is quite spacious and airy.

Prawn Paste Chicken Wings 3.8/5

We started with the Prawn Paste Chicken Wings ($8/$12/$16) which are coated in a light crispy batter. The chicken wings were also moist and juicy inside with a hint of prawn paste. I personally prefer the prawn paste flavour to be stronger.

Handmade Prawn Roll 4.5/5

One of our favourite items is the Handmade Prawn Roll ($10/$15/$20). The prawn roll is generously stuffed with many delectable ingredients such as minced pork, mushroom and crunchy chestnut. Marinated in five spice powder and encased in a thin crispy beancurd skin, this is best eaten together with the accompanying sweet sauce.

Green Dragon Chives 4/5

A common greens on the menu is the Green Dragon Chives ($10/$15/$20). Simply stir fried, I like the used of bean sprouts together with the green dragon chives for the extra crunch and bite.

Lamb 3/5

The Lamb ($25) probably is a rather rare dish to find in a zichar menu. I actually quite enjoy the red meat but my dining company is not a fan of the gaminess.

Crispy Pig Knuckle 2.8/5

A dish that required improvement is the Crispy Pig Knuckle ($30). While we enjoyed the crispy skin but we felt the whole execution was rather bland. It felt like the kitchen has forgotten to season it.

Assam Red Snapper Fish Head 3.8/5

For the price, I thought the Assam Red Snapper Fish Head ($24) is rather worth it  Not only was the fish head fresh, it was huge and meaty. Being an assam fish head lover, I think the dish is not sour and spicy enough. The flavours can be intensified further.

Salted Egg Crayfish 4.2/5

Wrapped in a thin batter and coated with salted egg sauce is the Salted Egg Crayfish ($20). What I applauded is the effort to de-shell the crayfish. Its like removing the barrier for the sauce to marry with the succulent crayfish. The batter which replaced the shell, provided the extra layer of texture to the dish.

Three Egg Fu Zhou Mee Sua 3/5

Last but at least we had the Three Egg Fu Zhou Mee Sua ($10/$15/$20). Once again this is a dish I do not usually see in zichar menu. The texture of the noodle is quite similar to those Ban Mian stall's you mian. I thought the dish has great potential but again it was under seasoned. I ended up mixing the mee sua with the sambal chilli to elevate the flavour.

Overall I felt the new branch still fell short in standard compare to the main outlet in Bedok Reservoir Road. Most of the dishes also felt a bit light handed. I thought they can be a little more bold in their seasoning.


Wee's Family Seafood
Blk 1003 Bukit Merah Central
#01-3752
Singapore 159836
Tel: +65 62755711/98798868
Facebook
Nearest MRT:

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 5. Alight 3 stops later at Bukit Merah Central Bus Interchange. Walk to Bukit Merah Central road. Turn left and walk down the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 16 and 851. Alight 4 stops later at Bukit Merah Central Bus Interchange. Walk to Bukit Merah Central road. Turn left and walk down the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Zhen Jie Seafood (珍姐海鲜大虾面) @ Bukit Merah - Not All Lobster Seafood Prawn Noodle Is Good

Lobster seems to be the trend in 2017 making its way into the local hawker scene. The whole viral thing probably started with Sumo Big Prawn Noodle when they started offering lobster for the prawn noodle. Soon many copycats followed and even we have lobster nasi lemak now. Upon coming across the news that Zhen Jie Seafood has opened at Bukit Merah, I decided to make my way down to the stall to check it out.

Lobster Seafood Prawn Noodle Soup 2.5/5

I had the Lobster Seafood Prawn Noodle Soup ($16/$24) which comes with a whole lobster and some clams. Compared to other stalls, the bowl of noodle is rather lackluster with the dinky ingredients. The noodles were also overcooked, which was too soft for enjoyment. The prawn came across as a normal prawn broth which was average but I was expecting more robustness in the broth for the price I am paying.

Crayfish Seafood Noodle Dry 2.8/5

I also ordered the Crayfish Seafood Noodle Dry ($10/$15) to try. The stall owner has ran out of the big crayfish and offered me 3 smaller ones in place of 2 big ones. I accepted the offer but was a bit disappointed when he took out 3 frozen one from the fridge. Once again, the noodle was overcooked. The saving grace is the chilli sauce which managed to give some lift to the disappointment bowl of noodle.

Unfortunately I left disappointed after trying the noodles. It felt like the stall just try to jump onto the bandwagon by simply putting luscious ingredients into their bowl of prawn noodle, instead of fine tuning their bowl of noodle to suit the different ingredients.


Zhen Jie Seafood (珍姐海鲜大虾面)
Blk 161 Bukit Merah Central
Singapore 150161
Tel: +65 98344880
Facebook 
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line), Outram Park (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 5. Alight 3 stops later at Bukit Merah Central Bus Interchange. Take the overhead bridge across the road. Walk along Bukit Merah Central (opp mulit-storey carpark) towards the post office. At the junction at the post office, cross the right and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 16 and 851. Alight 4 stops later at Bukit Merah Central Bus Interchange. Walk along Bukit Merah Central (opp mulit-storey carpark) towards the post office. At the junction at the post office, cross the right and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Outram MRT Station. Take Exit H. Walk to bus stop at Outram Park MRT Station along New Bridge Road (Stop ID 05069). Take bus number 147 or 961. Alight 8 stops later. Continue walk along Jalan Bukit Merah towards Bukit Merah Public Library. Take a left at Bukit Merah Central and walk to destination. Journey time about 22 minutes. [Map]