Eat 3 Bowls Station (呷三碗車站) @ Pasir Panjang - Homecoming With Its 2nd Outlet In The West

I visited Eat 3 Bowls Station (呷三碗車站) when it first started as a hawker stall at Seah Im Food Centre back in 2017. However, the hawker stall is no longer around as the young hawkers have opened a dine-in restaurant at Crawford Lane. Sometime early this year, it opened its 2nd dine-in outlet at Pasir Panjang, nearer my home.

Braised Pork Rice 4.5/5

A must-have is the Braised Pork Rice ($5). I enjoyed their version of braised pork with a mix of fatty and lean cuts. What makes it even more delectable is the soft and pearly rice underneath, absorbing the delicious braising sauce.

Chicken Rice 4.2/5

The Chicken Rice ($5) may look plain, but the shredded chicken is well flavoured. The caramelised shallots lent a lovely fragrance to the tender chicken. Though the rice used is not those flavoured Hainanese chicken rice, the plain, soft and pearly rice complements the shredded chicken excellently.

Bittergourd Pork Rib Soup 4.2/5

I remembered having the Bittergourd Pork Rib Soup ($5.50) when I visited their hawker stall. Back then, it was so bad that I give it a score of one out of five. This time, it is much flavourful and refreshing. It has redeemed itself.

Braised Chinese Cabbage 4.2/5

I also remembered having the Braised Chinese Cabbage ($5.20) back then. It is stewed to a delightful softness. Compare to the previous version I had, this version is richer in taste with the pungent aroma of dried shrimp.

Oyster and Intestine Mee Sua 4.5/5

Another signature at Eat 3 Bowls Station is the Oyster and Intestine Mee Sua ($7.20). It is probably the most authentic Taiwan rendition I have eaten so far. It uses red mee sua, plump oyster and bouncy pig intestines for the bowl of slurping goodness. The addition of garlic and vinegar completed the full appreciation of the mee sua.

Though Eat 3 Bowls has an East outlet, I haven't visited it as it is pretty far from my home. I am glad it has returned to the area where it first started, nearer to my home. Now I can easily satisfy my craving for Taiwanese cuisine.


Eat 3 Bowls Station (呷三碗車站)
103 Pasir Panjang Road
Singapore 118531
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Nearest MRT: Pasir Panjang (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 11am - 8pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Pasir Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pasir Panjang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Three Peacocks @ Labrador Park - Live Seafood & Meat Charcoal BBQ Buffet In An Al-Fresco Setting

Nestled within a slightly out-of-the-way location near Labrador Park is The Three Peacocks, a spacious outdoor dining destination that provides a wide range of meat and seafood for BBQ lovers.

We were awed by the wide selection of fresh seafood on ice available, from prawns, oysters, clams, squids, scallop, to crabs and crayfish. Each pax is also entitled to a complimentary serving of Boston Lobster. The staff grills them in huge batches on the charcoal grills.

Not to be missed is the central seafood and meat live station, which sprang to live with a variety of cooked food, such as the Peranakan seabass, cream cheese spinach baked scallops, mussels, Teriyaki Chicken, and Marinated Ribeye.

Each table is set up with a small charcoal grill, and we were first served with a cold seafood platter when we sat down. With the covid restrictions in place, diners can continue to place their orders via the online app with a QR code. The staff will serve the food to each table in ala carte buffet style.

Besides the seafood, we also picked from their extensive selection of marinated meat, such as the Pork Belly, Pork Collar, Wagyu Cubes, Thai Garlic Sukiyaki Chicken, and Chicken Satay. Others include sides such as the enoki mushrooms, cheese tofu and hotdogs. One of my favourites is the wagyu cubes. Cooked to a medium-rare and infused with a charcoal aroma, the meat is melt-in-the-mouth tender and so good on its own that it doesn't even need a dipping sauce.

From the cooked food menu, We had their fluffy deep-fried mantou with a sweet chilli crab sauce.

While we felt that the mentaiko salmon was a tad dry, the rich mentaiko flavours complemented the fish.

To fulfil your carbs intake, they have a few options available, including the Sambal fried rice, stir-fried hong kong style soba noodles, and white rice to go with your meats and seafood.

The seafood and meat buffet runs at $56 nett on weekdays and $61 nett on weekends for adults. It is priced at $55 for senior citizens and $34.10 for kids (from 7 to 12 years old). With the airy outdoor seatings, fairy lights, and vast array of seafood and meat options available, it is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and gather with your friends to relax and unwind over delicious BBQ food. They are only open for dinner. Even though we were there on a weekday evening, the restaurant is packed with diners. So do remember to make your reservation via their website before heading down to avoid the long queues.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Three Peacocks
Labrador Park
8 Port Road
Singapore 117540
Tel: +65 62510213
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Website
Nearest MRT: Labrador Park (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tues - Sun: 5pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Labrador Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Labrador Villa Road. Turn left onto Labrador Villa Road. Walk down Labrador Villa Road. Continue onto Port Road. Walk to end of the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Chilli Padi Nonya Café @ Heng Mui Keng Terrace - Reopened With A Refreshed A La Carte Buffet Concept

Known for its ‘All You Can Eat’ Peranakan buffet, Chilli Padi Nonya Cafe at Heng Mui Keng Terrace now presents a new and refreshed Peranakan a la carte buffet concept. On the menu, you will find the quintessential Peranakan dishes, ranging from appetisers and soups to meat and vegetable curries, seafood options, as well as sweet treats and kuehs. Choosing from over 18 options on the menu, with all being served on the first round if you wish, and subsequently, have all your favourites replenished till your satisfaction.

Before the feast began, we were served with a selection of classic Peranakan starters to kickstart our appetite. The Nonya Fruit Rojak of diced fruits was saltish and piquant with calamansi and prawn paste dressing, and the Bibik Achar was even more so, which I couldn't resist ordering a few more servings after which to accompany the more highly flavoured dishes.

Another signature of theirs is DIY Kueh Pai Ti, which I genuinely enjoy filling each crisp golden shells to the brim with their well-braised turnip flavourful with dried shrimp, then topped it off with a hard-boiled egg. Spice it up with tangy cilicuka served at the side for a punch of flavour.

Light bites also include Otah Mantou. I like how the sweetness and the fragrance of the Pandan flavoured buns balances spicy fish cake, but the portion of the fishcake can be a lot bigger.

Moving on to the Mains, the Bakwan Kepiting is one of the star dishes. The pork and crab meatballs were soft and succulent, and the soup itself was comforting with light seasoning.

The piping hot Fried Shrimp Paste Chicken Wings are to dive right in without hesitation for it would have been a waste when they lose their crispiness and moisture sitting out in the cold. Their pungency is on point too.

Ayam Buah Keluak

Beef Rendang

The Meaty Mains feature Beef Rendang that is cooked with chunks of beef shank in a thick curry. It was decent but lacked robustness that I was seeking for. The Ayam Buah Keluak fares much better with tender chicken meats and rich buah keluak (black nut) gravy.

Babi Ponteh

The Babi Ponteh comes with huge slices of pork belly braised in fermented soybean paste gravy. I find the meat a tad tough in some parts, but they were still quite delightful with well-braised mushrooms and potatoes that had soaked in the umami flavours of the gravy.

Braised Nonya Chap Chye

Green Vegetable Masak Lemak Keledek

For Vegetable options, both the Braised Nonya Chap Chye and Green Vegetable Masak Lemak Keledek didn't disappoint, especially the latter. Fresh spinach stewed till soft in a robust but light coconut curry, punchy with dried shrimps.

There is also a Seafood item - Ikan Goreng Chilli Garam. The batter was thin and very lightly seasoned, allowing the spicy and tangy chilli garam to shine in this dish.

At the end of the meal, we were served a 2-tier assortment of desserts. There is a tier of Nonya kuehs, and another with Chilled Lemon Grass Jelly with Aloe Vera and Soya Beancurd with Gula Melaka that refreshes the palate, and a very warm and comforting Pulut Hitam.

Weekdays
Lunch & Friday Dinner $22.80
Weekend & Public Holidays
Lunch & Dinner $26.80
Weekend High-Tea $19.80

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.


Chilli Padi Nonya Café
29 Heng Mui Keng Terrace
Block E #06-21
Singapore 119620
Tel: +65 68722982
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa (CC Line)

Opening Hours
Mon-Thu: 1130am – 3pm
Fri: 1130am – 3pm, 6 – 930pm
Sat-Sun/PH: 1130am – 230pm, 3 – 515pm, 6 – 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to bus stop opposite Haw Par Villa MRT station (Stop ID 16011). Take bus number 10, 30, 51, 143, 188 or 200. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to traffic junction of Pasir Panjang Road and Science Park Road. Cross the road and walk towards Capricom building. Continue on Science Park Road. Turn left onto Heng Mui Keng Terrace. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Paddy Hills @ South Buona Vista Road - Introduces New Unique Fusion Dishes With A Twist

Nestled within the row of shophouses along South Buona Vista Road is Paddy Hills - a quaint hipster cafe in the west offering a wide selection of contemporary fusion cuisine. With a continuous revamp of its menu, Paddy Hills continues to attract diners to its far-flung location for its inventive and exciting dishes.

Savoury French Toast 4/5

The Savoury French Toast ($21) comes in a fluffy, buttery brioche with a thick, juicy bacon chop, house-cured salmon, banana slices, coconut ice cream and a generous douse of coffee maple syrup. Featuring a medley of different elements on a plate, this creation presents a savoury-sweet, hot-cold combination which contributes to a harmonious blend of contrasting flavours and textures, and surprisingly works well together.

Soft Shell Crab Burger 3.8/5

The Soft Shell Crab Burger ($25) comes in a crispy prawn patty and soft shell crab sandwiched in between two fluffy squid ink buns. While the green mango salad adds a sharp, tangy flavour to the burger, the prawn patty and soft shell crab packed less of a bite and more of a crunch to the dish, which rendered the texture rather one-dimensional, with the only flavour coming from the overwhelming tanginess of the green mango. Also served with a side of crispy curly fries and squid ink aioli.

NZ Ribeye 4.2/5

For something on the meatier side, the NZ Ribeye ($28) was a favourite among the dishes. It boasts tender and juicy ribeye steak atop crispy stick fries for an added crunch, and two sunny sides up atop the steak.

Truffle Garlic Fries 3.8/5

For something on the lighter, choose from their selection of sides such as the Truffle Garlic Fries ($15) with aioli and garlic snow. The truffle mayo dip on the side adds a rather subtle truffle flavour to the crispy fries. While we hoped that the promised flavours were stronger, it was still a rather addictive snack.

Feels like Summer 4.2/5

The Feels like Summer ($8) is just like its name, bright and bubbly, with a cute umbrella perched atop. The strawberry soda was a cooling thirst quencher, while the popping strawberry granules add a fun popping sensation and a refreshing tang to the drink, which makes every sip an enjoyable one.

Hot Chocolate 4/5

For the less-adventurous, go for their Hot Chocolate ($8) which boasts a rich chocolate flavour in a double-walled glass.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Paddy Hills
38 South Buona Vista Road
Singapore 118164
Tel: +65 64790800
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 5pm, 6pm - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 5pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Haw Par Villa MRT station (Stop ID 16019). Take bus number 200. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Yuzutei @ Interlocal Centre (Pasir Panjang) - Hidden Japanese Restaurant Specialises In Yuzu

Opened without any fanfare at Pasir Panjang is Yuzutei, a yuzu specialty Japanese restaurant that has their menu centric in using yuzu that is specially air flown from Tokushima Perfecture, Japan. Only the highest grade, Kito Yuzu is used here. Its signature is Yuzu Shabu with the rare and premium A5 Hokkaido Snow Beef.

Yuzu Gyoza 2.8/5

I visited the restaurant for lunch so I didn't try the shabu shabu. Instead I ordered rice bowls from their lunch menu. While waiting for the mains to come, I decided to start with some Yuzu Gyoza ($7 for 5pc). The homemade gyoza is stuffed with yuzu filling that has been specially created by the chef. Unfortunately I did not find it memorable.

Tempura Curry 3.5/5

The first rice bowl I tried is the Tempura Curry ($14). It comes with 3 pieces of deep fried seabass, enoki and shitake. Dines have a choice of rice or udon. As you can tell I have gone for the rice bowl.
For the pricing, the rice bowl is quite substantial. The curry is also delicious and packed with robust flavours. My let down is the so called tempura, its nothing like the Japanese type light batter but more like deep fried Chinese food.

Gyu Don 3.5/5 

The other rice bowl I had is the Gyu Don ($16). It comes with stir fried angus beef with onions, poached egg, pickled radish and carrot. Once again, while the beef is quite enjoyable I felt that the execution is too incline to Chinese cooking.

My review is purely based on my lunch visit which I did not try their signature yuzu shabu. Hidden right inside Pasir Panjong Road away from the main road, this maybe a great place to escape the buzz of the city to have a quiet lunch/dinner. While the rice bowls have rooms for improvement, it is still pretty decent.


Yuzutei
Interlocal Centre
100G Pasir Panjang Road
#01-01
Singapore 118523
Tel: +65 96894092
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Pasir Panjang (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 4pm - 10pm
Sat: 1230pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Pasir Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk down West Coast Highway along the traffic. Turn left onto Pasir Panjang Road. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

99 Buona Vista Kitchen @ South Buona Vista Road - My Go To Place For Zi Char Dinner Near My Place

I was a bit lost when my favourite zichar stall, 138 Hong Kong Street Teochew Fish Head Steamboat near my place closed down. Now that I have discovered 99 Buona Vista Kitchen, it is my to go place for zichar nowadays. For those that is not familiar of the area, the zichar stall is located at the same row of shophouses where Paddy Hills is at.

Black Bean Pork with Bittergourd 4/5

Having visited the place a couple of times, I have noticed it is quite popular with the residents in the neighbourhood. Even expats are seen dining at the zichar place, immersed in the local dining scene.

Chinese Chives with Beansprouts 4/5

I ordered a couple of dishes to try and they are really quite delicious. The Black Bean Pork with Bittergourd is tender complemented by the slightly sweet and spicy black bean sauce. The addition of beansprouts with the Chinese Chives provides the extra crunchiness.

Salted Egg Tofu 3/5

I thought the Salted Egg Tofu topped with pork floss was quite interesting but it did not quite meet my expectation. While the tofu was silky, the salted egg sauce is too sweet and lacked the robustness.

Fried Fish Tail 3.5/5

The Fried Fish Tail may not be any refine dish served in some big restaurants. The fish tail is crispy with the skin on and moist in texture. Dressed in a brown savoury sauce, everything comes together as a homely cooked dish.

Beef Curry 4.2/5

Sometimes what is good at a dining place, you need to observe what other diners are eating. I noticed a lot of tables ordered the Beef Curry, hence I also got a plate to try. The beef cut may not be the best but the portion is quite generous. It even comes with potato. Most important the curry is fragrant and creamy.

Black Bean Sauce Hor Fun 4.2/5

If you are alone, there are also a selection of one plate meal such as noodles or rice. I had the Black Bean Sauce Hor Fun which comes with wok hei rice noodles, bittergourd and slices of fish cakes.

I am great that there is such a a good zi char place near my place. Hidden in the corner of the row of shophouse, the place can be quite crowded on weekend. Great thing, the kitchen is quite fast in dishing out the orders.


99 Buona Vista Kitchen
22 South Buona Vista Road
Singapore 118156
Tel: +65 64731719
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alighat at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Haw Par Villa MRT station (Stop ID 16019). Take bus number 200. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]