Spicy Thai - Thai Cafe @ Aljunied Avenue 2

I am back at Spicy Thai-Thai Cafe again. The last time I visited the place was sometime back in May 2013. You can read the review here. I am back this time round to try out some of their new items on their menu.

Crispy Lad Na with Seafood 4.2/5

I remembered having Lad Na back in 2011 when I visited Coffee Stars by Dao and I love it a lot . I am glad that Spicy Thai is having the Crispy Lad Na with Seafood ($6) in their new menu. The wide rice noodle or more commonly known to many as Hor Fun has a crispy exterior while inside was smooth, layers of texture for enjoyment.

Dill Pattie (Cha Om) Omelette 3.5/5

The simple egg omelette is given a new injection of life with the Dill Pattie (Cha Om) Omelette ($8). I like the herby taste of the dill. However I felt that more dill can be used to give it a more distinct character if not one can simply pass it off as a normal egg omelette.

Deep Fried Kang Kong with Special Thai Sauce 4/5

The Deep Fried Kang Kong with Special Thai Sauce ($10) is pretty unique to me. At least I have not seen it served in any other Thai restaurants I have visited. Lightly battered like tempura, it was a fun and enjoyable dish to each as a snack. The velvety, spicy and nutty dipping sauce complements the tempura kang kong enhancing the flavour.

Deep Fried Seabass with Mango Salad 4/5

Moving on to some seafood, I tried the Deep Fried Seabass with Mango Salad (Seasonsal Price). Deep fried to golden brown on the exterior, the fish was still moist inside. However I was confused with the salad part of the dish. The so called mango salad was more like a dipping sauce than salad. Saying that, it was actually the star of the dish with the staple Thai sweet, sour and spicy flavours lending a delectable character to the fish.

Basil Black Pepper Crab 4.2/5

The Basil Black Pepper Crab (Seasonal Price) was beautifully infused with the basil flavour. The sweet crab meat had a new aromatic of the basil flavour while the black pepper is on the mild side. Roasted pork was also added to enhance the flavour.

Sleeping Fish Set 4.2/5

The dish that I was very eager to try was the Sleeping Fish Set ($15). Basically take a bit of everything and eat it like a wrap with a bit of the special sauce. The short mackerel or known as Pla Thu comes from Thailand. Their unique tilted head is due to fitting the fish into the small storage container, not that the fish looks like that. Inspired by the cuisine of Isan (Northeast region of Thailand), this simple dish underneath the different layers of textures was interesting balance with each ingredients working harmoniously together.

I have enjoyed the new items at Spicy Thai. I have known of friends that have visited the place and all has good feedback about their food. If I am craving for Thai food, this is one of the place I would go. Besides cooked dishes, Spicy Thai also serves Mookata. Saying that, it has been awhile since I had Mookata. Time to pay them a visit soon.


Spicy Thai - Thai Cafe
Blk 115 Aljunied Avenue 2
#01-35
Singapore 380115
Tel: +65 67478558
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpicyThaiThaiCafe
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12am

Direction:
1) 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 block 115. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Old Geylang @ Geylang Lorong 23

Nestled along the stretch of Geylang Road, the huge compound of Old Geylang housed a 3-in-1 concept of Old Punggol International Seafood Restaurant, Turtle House as well as a durian stall. What a steal for food lover as you can savour the delectable food from all the 3 establishments at one venue.

It was quite unfortunate that during my visit, the durian season was over. The stall only has those Thailand durian breed so we gave it a miss.

Peking Duck

I have my fellow food blogger friends, Celes (Celestialdelish), Samantha (BondingTool) and Tony (JohorKaki) joining me in the sumptuous dinner.

Peking Duck 4/5

The beautiful Peking Duck ($20 half/ $38 whole) has its crackling skin thinly sliced and wrapped in a delectable crepe like skin. Paired with  spring onion and cucumber plus a bit of the homemade sweet sauce, this is an excellent starter to kick start the dinner.

Stir Fried Shredded Duck Noodles 4/5

Adding another $10, the chef took the rest of the duck and wok up a plate of Stir Fried Shredded Duck Noodles. I wasn't expecting much from the simple presentation but I was taken away by how fragrant it tasted. I also like the fact that their version was more peppery giving it a nice aroma.

Herbal Turtle Soup 4/5

One of the item I was looking forward to try is the nourishing Herbal Turtle Soup ($20/$40/$60) service in a claypot. I was very privileged to have Mr Ong the founder of Turtle House with me for dinner. He has came out from retirement to help his children oversee the reborn of Turtle House under the brand of Old Geylang in a new dining concept. There was so much stories and knowledge he shared with us over dinner. I have learnt so much from him about food especially ingredients such as turtle and crocodile.

Back to the food, the Turtle Soup has a nice herbal flavour but not overpowering. Add a bit of rice wine to enchance the flavour. By the way, do you know which is the most delicacy part of the turtle? It's the turtle feet! I tried one and I liked it. It had a crunchy gelatinous texture some what like eating black fungus.

Braised Crocodile Tail with Mushroom 4/5

Mr Ong is not only an expert with Turtle. He is also an expert with crocodile. I was told that he has to teach the the farm where they get the supply how to slaughter and portion the crocodile tail. Each crocodile tail can serve about 3-4 portions. The Braised Crocodile Tail with Mushroom ($12 per person) was my first but definitely would not be my last. There is nothing to scare or worry about the exotic meat. The braised crocodile tail was braised to a texture that felt like eating Dong Po Rou.

Steamed Boston Lobster with Garlic 4.2/5

In my own opinion the best way to appreciate the Boston Lobster (seasonal price) was to steam it with garlic. The flesh was cooked to a nice succulent allowing one to enjoy the natural sweetness of the lobster. If you prefer other preparation styles, the kitchen can do it too.

Crispy Roasted Pork and Roasted Char Siew 4/5

The kitchen at Old Geylang does their own Hong Kong style roasted meat. The Crispy Roasted Pork ($8 per portion) and Roasted Char Siew ($8 per portion) was nicely executed. I preferred the roasted pork over the char siew as I disliked the fact the char siew was too fatty.

Deep Fried Soon Hock 4/5

The Soon Hock (seasonal price) was deep fried to a nice golden brown crisp. The moist fish paired with the special homemade brown sauce was a great dish.

Chilli Crab 4.5/5

Forget about the other Chilli Crab served at other restaurants. You just have to try the Chilli Crab ($52 per kg) offered at Old Geylang. The special gravy has a good balance of spiciness and sweetness in a sumptuous mix of eggs and crab roes. It was understand that the red dates and dried shrimps have been added to the gravy to gave it that unique taste.

Salted Egg Oyster 4.2/5

It was quite excited when I knew I was having Salted Egg Oyster. The Salted Egg Oyster ($8 each) was lightly battered and topped with salted egg sauce. I like the combination but the oyster that day was a bit too small to showcase the potential of the dish. Checked with the restaurant and its confirmed that the size of the oyster was not ideal. Usually it is much bigger.

Chilled Beancurd 4.2/5

Wrapping up the feast was a bowl of delicate Chilled Beancurd. It was actually quite a welcome dessert which was light, refreshing and smooth after the heavy meal.

Word is that the huge compound maybe adding a new Western fare concept to the umbrella arm of Old Geylang. I like the concept of Old Geylang of housing hierachy brands allowing foodies to be able to enjoy the delectable food of this traditional brands. The spacious restaurant has plenty of parking lots at the back of the building. To get to the carpark, access via Sim Ave onto Geylang Lorong 23. Turn right to the carpark after the new Singapore Badminton Hall. The restaurant also offers valet parking for patrons.


Old Geylang
1 Geylang Lorong 23
Highpoint Block 6
Singapore 38352
Tel: +65 68446041
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Old-Geylang/525332554158513
Website: www.oldgeylang.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to bus stop along Aljunied Road (Stop ID 81089). Take bus number 62, 63, 80, 100 or 158. Alight one stop later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.

2) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to Aljunied Road. Turn left and and continue down Aljunied Road until the traffic junction of Aljunied Road and Geylang Road. Cross the junction and walk towards New Cathay Hotel. Continue straight and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.

Spicy Thai Thai Cafe @ Aljunied Avenue 2

Calling out to fans of Thai food, a new restaurant which prides itself of offering authentic Thai food has opened in the heartland of Singapore in Aljunied. Formerly a food court at the HDB block near Geylang East Swimming Complex, Spicy Thai Thai Cafe now owns the whole premise which still looks like a food court but offering only one and only cuisine, Thai food where it will get your taste buds sing (slogan of the cafe). Together with Daniel, Nicole and my girlfriend we went down to try the Thai food on a Saturday evening.

Tom Yum Seafood Soup Clear 4/5

The restaurant insists of using charcoal for their soup and steamed dishes to keep the dish simmering hot consistently without affecting the quality of the food. The Tom Yum Seafood Soup Clear ($6/$14) has a nice balance of the characteristic hot and sour flavours with a generous serving of fresh seafood.

Nam Tok Moo (Grilled Pork Salad) 3.5/5

For Thai cuisine, I usually order the papaya or green mango salad for appertiser. For a change, we tried the Nam Tok Moo or Grilled Pork Salad ($12). Although the grilled pork was a bit dry but the medley of flavours definitely whetted up the appetite.

Stir Fried Kang Kong with Chilli 4/5

The Stir Fried Kang Kong with Chilli ($8) was well executed with a nice crunchy bite to it. A simple and comfort dish that came with a hint of pleasant spiciness.

Green Curry with Chicken 4/5

I always enjoy Green Curry with Chicken ($8) because it goes very well with the rice. Green curry is actually not spicy but sweet instead. The bowl of creamy mild green curry with baby Thai eggplant, long beans and chicken pieces was so delectable that I drenched my plate of rice with it.

Stir Fried Phad Thai with Seafood 4.2/5

I seldom order Pad Thai in Singapore because they were usually disappointing. I am glad my table decided to try the Phad Thai with Seafood ($6). It was as good as you can get in Thailand. The Phad Thai from Spicy Thai - Thai Cafe is definitely one of best in town.

BBQ Chicken Wing 3/5

The BBQ Chicken Wing ($6 for 4pc, $9 for 6pc) was a bit too sweet with the marination. It will be perfect if they can do some adjustment with the marinate.

Hommok Thai Style Otak 4/5

Unlike our local otak, the Hommok Thai Style Otak ($15) has a more mushy texture. It is not spicy at all. The fish mousseline has a nice fruity coconut flavour that comes with surprise bites of the coconut flesh.

Red Ruby 4/5

Mango Sticky Rice 4.5/5

We have the staple Thai desserts, Red Ruby and Mango Sticky Rice to end our dinner on a sweet note. While the red ruby was good especially after a spicy feast to cool off that heat, it was the mango sticky rice that stood out. It instantly brought back memories of this mango sticky rice stall which I frequent whenever I go to Thailand. Like the stall, roasted fragrant sesame seeds were added to the glutinous rice which simply raised the enjoyment a bar different from the rest.

Overall I find that Spicy Thai - Thai Café is worth a visit if you are looking for authentic Thai food that does not burnt a hole in your pocket. With its spacious premise, it is also suitable for family and group dinner. Thai Mookata is also served here. For a mere $35, you will get a big plate of meats, seafood and veggies.


Spicy Thai - Thai Cafe
Blk 115 Aljunied Avenue 2
#01-35
Singapore 380115
Tel: +65 67478558
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpicyThaiThaiCafe
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12am

Direction:
1) 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 block 115. Journey time about 15 minutes.

Yummy Recipes (品珍私房菜) @ Aljunied

The venue for January 2013 Makansutra dinner was held at Yummy Recipes at Aljunied which was opened in November 2011. I have not heard of the restaurant until makansutra dinner. It was after some research and chatting with my dinner mates did I realise the owner behind Yummy Recipes is the same owner for Yummy Claypot at Joo Chiat. I have visited Yummy Claypot on a few occasions and I really enjoyed the food there. Hence I was looking forward to their new fine oriental dining concept at Yummy Recipes.

From a shop house in Joo Chiat, Yummy Holdings expands into a full fledged restaurant with its bold and elegant decor that emphasises on antique and chinese culture. The hundred years old elm main door welcomes you to the restaurant with its wooden floorboards that are made from century old recycle planks of railway sleepers which are quality hardwood that are still in a perfect condition. The restaurant's furniture are also made of yellow rosewood while the beams supporting the roof are made of durian timber which is a solid and light hardwood.

Walking into the entrance, one is greeted by the 9 statues of the "Dragon's Nine Descendants". According to a popular version of the legend, it was said that a dragon once gave birth to nine descendants. If you are interested, you can read more about it on their website or pay a visit to the restaurant.

Prosperous Salmon Yu Sheng 3/5

In conjunction with Chinese New Year which was just around the corner, we started with the Yu Sheng to usher in the Year of the Snake. I understand from some of the makansutra regulars, this is part of the makansutra dinner tradition every year.

Steamed Prawn with Garlic 4.2/5

The Steamed Prawn with Garlic was nothing special but showcased the freshness and how the used simple ingredients can lift a dish to a new dimension.

Double Prosperity Baby Kailan 3/5

The Baby Kailan done 2 ways was interesting especially but not fantastic. The deep fried Kailan had a nice crunch but it was quite bland and bitter. I still prefer the stir fried baby kailan.

Yummy Imperial Chicken 3/5

The Yummy Imperial Chicken was nice but not memorable. The star was actually the garlic dipping sauce for the chicken.

Braised Sea Cucumber with Pork Knuckle 3.8/5

I thought the combination of  Braised Sea Cucumber with Pork Knuckle was rather unique. At least for me, I have not seen such combination being served in restaurants. Both the sea cucumber and pork knuckle were cooked until fork tender that melted in the mouth.

Special Butter Bun 3/5

The Special Butter Bun is actually the same as steamed custard bun. The lava filling was delish but the skin of the bun was rather dry and a tad thick for me.

We also had the following dishes Chicken in Pig Stomach Soup, Glutinous Rice with Wat Meat and Homemade Dou Hua which I did not manage to take any photos. Overall I felt that the food at Yummy Recipes is still short of being a full fledged restaurant. It is nice but needs to raise their standard from the Yummy Claypot's menu.


Yummy Recipes (品珍私房菜)
Crescent @ Kallang
47 Kallang Pudding Road
#01-08
Singapore 349318
Tel: +65 63431818
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yummyholdings
Website: http://yummyholdings.com/yummyrecipes
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)

Direction:
Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the overhead bridge to bus stop opposite Aljunied MRT station (Stop ID 81081). Take bus number 62 or 100. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. 12 minutes.

Wen Dao Shi (搵到食) @ Sims Aveune

When Charlene told me about this place, I tried to look up on the web and found several results. Some sites refer this place as "Wen Dao Shi" while others called it "126 Dim Sum". After piecing the different information, I realized they are referring to the same place.

Actually I have been wondering why the Dim Sum place is called Wen Dao Shi (搵到食), it sounds quite funny in Chinese. My partner pointed out that it is actually pronounced as "Wan Dou Sek" in Cantonese, meaning found a place to eat. Coincidentally the stall is located at unit 126 which also sounds like "Wan Dou Sek" ("one two six").

The Egg Tart was not the flaky crust type. It has a very glossy and shiny surface. The custard was soft but rather average. I have eaten better one.

Egg Tarts 4/5

The Prawn Dumplings were big and packed fully with ingredients. There were prawn, mushroom and minced meat.

Prawn Dumplings 4/5

The Char Siew Rice Roll here was quite different. The rice roll was thicker in texture and came with a special sauce that was unique and nice.

Char Siew Rice Roll 4.2/5

The Fried Pork Intestines looked like those Hainanese pork chop in a glance. They were thin and crispy. For people who dislikes innards, the Fried Pork Intestines were not smelly at all.

Fried Pork Intestines 4.2/5

I have eaten Enoki Mushroom wrapped with Beef slice but not Lean Meat before. It was my first time trying the combination and I love it.

Lean Meat Enoki Mushroom Rolls 4.2/5

The Kong Ba Pau is another unique offering at Wen Dao Shi. The Kong Ba Pau was rolled into bite size rectangluar shape bun which I can easily finish with one bite. Lean meat was used for the Kong Ba Pau.

Kong Ba Pau 4.5/5

The highlight has to be the White Pepper Crab Beehoon. According to Maureen, this dish used to be only available at night and now it is also available for lunch. The beehoon was very flavourful infused with the crab and white pepper flavours and aroma.

White Pepper Crab Beehoon 4.5/5

A group photo before eating the yummy dim sum.

Wen Dao Shi 搵到食
126 Sims Aveune
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 24 hours

Direction:
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk south towards Sims Ave. Turn right onto Sims Ave. Journey time about 10 mins.

2) Alight at Kallang MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Kallang MRT station (Stop ID 80031). Take bus no. 2, 51, 63, 67, 80, or 100. Alight 2 stops later. Walk down Sims Ave to destination. Journey time about 5 mins.

JB Ah Beng (新山亚明小橱) @ Geylang

Many thanks to Ellena and Maureen, they have been organising monthly makan gathering for foodies and twitter friends. This month we headed to Geylang for Zi Char at JB Ah Beng.

The ten course dinner started with the Fried Fish Skin served with green papaya and sweet chilli sauce. The fish skin was crispy and not oily. I felt that the dish lacked a bit of saltiness. Probably some salt could be sprinkled on the fish skin or provided salty based sauce instead.

Deep Fried Fish Skin 4/5

There was a little commotion among us when the Stewed Chicken with Liang Fen was served. Everyone was wondering how the Liang Fen looked and tasted like which was hidden underneath the plateful of chicken and mushroom. Some said it tasted like Soon Kueh skin while others thought it tasted like Chee Cheong Fan skin. Nevertheless it was very tasty soaking up the delicious gravy of the stewed chicken.

Stewed Chicken with Liang Fen 4.2/5

Next was the Fried Fish Head. The stall used red snapper fish head for the dish. It was chopped into pieces and stir fried with spring onion and ginger. An enjoyable dish that will go very well with beer.

Fried Fish Head 4/5

The San Lou Bee Hoon is one of JB Ah Beng's popular dishes. Do not be mislead by the plain looking plate of Bee Hoon. Hidden and sandwiched by the Bee Hoon was a layer of greens which gave the dish a little surprise and uniqueness. Simple but very good.

JB San Lou Beehoon 4.2/5

The Baby Bok Choy with Tofu and Mushrooms had the thumbs up from all of us. The soft and smooth tofu melted in the mouth as well as my heart.

Bok Choy with Tofu and Mushrooms 4.2/5

For people that do not like to eat brinjal, this dish may change your opinion. The brinjal was coated with batter and fried with potato cubes and green capsicum. If I am blindfolded, I probably could not tell that I was eating brinjal.

Brinjal Potato with Chilli 4/5

I love fermented beancurd and I was looking forward to the dish. However I was disappointed as I could not taste the fermented bean. The pork belly was also thinly sliced and dried.

Deep Fried Fermented Bean with Belly Pork 3.5/5

The Snake Beans with Lotus Root was my favourite vegetable dish for the night. The snake beans or commonly known as long beans had a nice crunchy texture. The deep fried lotus root was also very special. It felt like I was eating potato chips.

Snake Beans with Lotus Root 4.5/5

There are many versions to cook crabs but the White Pepper Crabs at JB Ah Beng is a best try. Only three words to describe it. "Finger licking good"!

White Pepper Crabs 4.5/5

The Salted Egg Prawn Ball was supposed to be one of the other popular dishes but it was a disappointed. I applauded the concept but it turned out dried and hard.

Salted Egg Prawn Ball 3.5/5

To get her, alight at Aljunied MRT station and take 5 minutes walk towards Geylang Lorong 23.


JB Ah Beng (新山亚明小橱)
No. 2 Geylang Lorong 23
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)

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