Tian Tian Xiang Claypot Rice (天天香砂煲饭) @ Aljunied Ave 2 - The Claypot Rice Comes With Salted Egg Yolk

Recently I came across Tian Tian Xiang Claypot Rice (天天香砂煲饭), located inside a coffeeshop at Aljunied Ave 2. I was there during dinner time and basically every table at the coffeeshop is having the claypot rice. It aroused my interests when I see so many people ordering the same thing. The next moment I am at the table waiting for my claypot rice to be served.

Claypot Rice 4/5

The Claypot Rice comes in 4 pricing - $6 (1 pax), $12 (2 pax), $16 (3 pax) and $22 (4 pax or more). The different pricing caters for different dining group. Besides the tender chicken pieces, slices of Chinese sausages and crunchy vegetables, I was surprised to find salted egg yolk among the fluffy rice. I have never seen it elsewhere. Do note, there is no salted egg yolk for individual portion.

Usually when I have claypot rice, I would like to separate the chicken pieces before pouring the dark sauce into the rice and mixed everything up, so that each grain is coated with the dark sauce. During the mixing process, I also like to scrape the base of the claypot to mix the charred rice with the fluffy rice. This ensures each mouthful comes with the charred crispiness.

Another star at Tian Tian Xiang Claypot Rice is their Sambal Chilli. The sambal chilli is really spicy and will send you breathing fire. It really has that fiery kick but its damn shiok.

Chicken Feet and Peanut Soup 4/5

Besides the claypot rice, you can also order a bowl of soup to go with the rice. I had the Chicken Feet and Peanut Soup. A sip of the soup and  you can taste that it has been boiled of hours, extracting the goodness of the ingredients, flavouring the delicious soup.

Tian Tian Xiang Claypot Rice (天天香砂煲饭)
Blk 119 Aljunied Ave 2
#01-54
Singapore 380119
Tel: +65 67440158
Facebook
Nearest MRT:

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun: 10am - 10pm
(Closed on Fri)

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. Cut through the housing estate and 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. Cut through the housing estate and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Original (正宗) @ Geylang East Centre Food Centre - Old School Claypot Delights

My recent visit to Geylang East Centre Food Centre introduces me to Original (正宗) which sells claypot delights such as Laksa, Pork Ribs Noodle Soup, Pig Tail Prawn Noodle, Prawn Noodle and Curry Chicken, all serve in claypot.

Claypot Prawn Noodle 2.8/5

The Claypot Prawn Noodle ($3) comes with fresh peeled prawns, bean sprouts and pork slices. For the price, the portion is quite reasonable, served piping hot in a claypot. The old school style prawn noodle lacked the rich crustacean flavour in the soup. Hence it did not quite manage to win over my palate. It was decent but not wow.

Claypot Laksa 3/5

Like the prawn noodle, the Claypot Laksa ($3) is served piping hot in a claypot. The laksa comes with cockles, fishcake and prawn. The laksa broth has a light creamy consistency. However I felt it lacked the depth of a good laksa broth to complement the rice noodle. It is missing the richness of the coconut milk as well as the aroma of the dried shrimps.

Although I felt the food is rather average here, I did observe that the stall had a constant stream of customers during my visit. I will assume either the customers are attracted by the reasonable pricing or the old school taste of their claypot dishes.


Original (正宗)
Geylang East Centre Food Centre
Blk 117 Aljunied Ave 2
#01-02
Singapore 380117
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line), Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
TBA

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. Cut through the housing estate. 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. Cut through the housing estate and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Ming Yun Famous Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle @ Geylang East Centre Food Centre - A Surprisingly Good Plate Of Fried Hokkien Mee

This is my first time visiting Geylang East Centre Food Centre and I chanced upon Ming Yun Famous Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle which serves a decently good plate of fried hokkien mee. During my visit, the stall is run by an uncle alone who is probably is around 50-60 years old. Apparently the stall has been around for some time but has relocated several times. As far as I know, it used to be in Redhill, Bedok 85 and Tampines before settling down at its current location.

Fried Hokkien Mee 4.2/5

I ordered a pate of the Fried Hokkien Mee ($4/$5/$6) which comes with 3 peeled prawns, squid, egg, pork belly and pork lard. The first thing I noticed is the used of thin beehoon noodle instead of those thicker type used my most fried hokkien mee stalls.I actually like used of the thin beehoon which seems to be a better absorbent of the stock. In addition, the wok frying probably have given it a drier texture providing a contrast to the wetter yellow noodle.

I ordered the smallest plate at $4, For the pricing, I think the stall is quite generous with the ingredients (prawn, squid and pork belly). What I enjoyed most is the burst of unami from the crispy pork lards, capping the whole enjoyment. I read some reviews that they find the stock too sweet, I actually thought otherwise, which is rather balanced. However I have to agree about the chilli, it does not go well with the hokkien mee.

Surprisingly, the stall also sells mee siam on the menu. However, everyone in the queue ordered only the hokkien mee. I guess we have to trust the crowd and stick to the fried hokkien mee and give the mee siam a miss.


Ming Yun Famous Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle
Geylang East Centre Food Centre
Blk 117 Aljunied Ave 2
#01-12
Singapore 380117
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line), Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Thu-Sun: 6am - 2pm
(Closed Mon to Wed)

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. Cut through the housing estate and 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. Cut through the housing estate and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

36 M.S. Handmade Yun Tun Noodle @ Seletar Hills Estate - Plump & Juicy Dumpling That Is Not To Be Missed

Located n the corner coffeeshop of the rather quiet Seletar Hills Estate is this unassuming stall, 36 M.S. Handmade Yun Tun Noodle. The stall sells both the char siew wanton mee and dumpling noodle.

Dumplng Noodle 4.2/5

I was told that the char siew wanton mee here is decent but the star is actually the Dumpling Noodle. The springy noodle which has a good bite to it is tossed in a sweet and savoury dark sauce that made it so deliciously good.

The other highlight is the plump and juicy handmade stuffed with minced pork. You get a burst of flavours accentuated by the tee poh in the stuffing mixture. This is so much better than their wanton which is rather small in size. By the way, the portion here is rather small. Hence for the big eater, you may need to have 2 bowls.

36 M.S. Handmade Yun Tun Noodle 
2 Jalan Salaseh
Singapore 808433
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line), Seng Kang (NE Line), Yio Chu Kang (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 7am - 3pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 66351). Take bus number 70. Alight 12 stops later. Walk to Jalan Salaseh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Seng Kang MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to bus stop at Seng Kang MRT station along Seng Kang East Way (Stop ID 67409). Take bus number 50. Alight 12 stops later. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to Jalan Salaseh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Yio Chu Kang MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Yio Chu Kang Bus Interchange (Stop ID 55509). Take bus number 70. Alight 13 stops later.  Cross the road. Turn left and walk to Jalan Salaseh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 35 minutes. [Map]

Fishball Story @ Hungry Bee Coffeeshop (Geylang Lorong 28) - New Supper Spot In Geylang

It is a sad news for me to know that Fishball Story has moved out of NUS UTown which is near my home and embarked on a new challenge in Geylang. However I am happy for Douglas and Fishball Story as it is bringing its delicious bowl of fishball noodle to the East. Together with Char Grill Bar and 818 Seafood, they have partnered to open a new coffeeshop called Hungry Bee at Geylang Lorong 28.

Even greater news for fishball story fans and supper seeker, Fishball Story at Hungry Bee Coffeeshop is opened until 2am!

Premium Fishball Noodle 4.5/5

The Premium Fishball Noodle ($6) comprises of fishballs, fishcakes, fried fish skin, fish dumpling and fried bean curd skin with fish paste. Douglas continues to make the firm and bouncy fishballs using his grandmother's recipe, using 100% yellowtail fish meat. Instead of making the fishballs and fishcakes at the stall itself now, Douglas made them from his new central kitchen and deliver them to the stalls.

Not only does Douglas handmade his fishballs and fishcakes, he also prepared the sambal and pork lard for the stalls. It has been a while since I last had his noodle and I thought the sambal has improved. The marriage of the spiciness with the noodle has a better kick, layered by the pork lard aroma.

If noodle is too heavy for you, you can also opt for the Fishball Soup ($4.50) or Mix Soup ($4.50) with fishballs and fishcakes in a flavourful and sweet soup. Go for the mix soup if you prefer varieties, especially the fish cakes which is speckled with chilli and scallions.

Fishball Story
Hungry Bee Coffeeshop
(Geylang Lorong 28)
512 Geylang Road
Singapore 389468
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 2am

Direction: 
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Sims Ave. Cross the road. Continue on Geylang 25. Walk to the end and to Geylang Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Truly Test Kitchen @ Jun Jie Industrial Building (Macpherson Road)

The two young hawkerpreneurs that have started Truly Curry Rice at Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre has closed their stall and made a bold expansion move, taking over an entire coffee shop inside an industrial building at Kampong Ampat with a rather hip name - Truly Test Kitchen. Located on level seven of the industrial building, Truly Test Kitchen is a concept that consists of Truly Curry Rice, and another 3 other stalls - Truly Western, Mian and Handmade Meatball Porridge.

Hainanese Curry Rice 4/5

I was quite amazed to see the inner rice clean of gravy, after sitting there for quite some time with gravy coated all over. That to me was already a huge plus. The consistency of the curry allows it to just glaze the rice without drowning it. It is flavourful yet not overpowering the other dishes. I highly recommend their braised dishes - Radish, Chap Chye and Bittergourd.

Curry Chicken Noodle 3.5/5

Homely Noodle 3.5/5

From the Mian Stall, we had Homely Noodle and Curry Chicken Noodle. I have never seen such a huge portion for only $3.50. After observing that most customers working in the area will head straight to the rice stall without giving the noodles or porridge stall a chance. The two hawkerpreneurs increased the portion for a value return to counter that. Hence, both noodles and porridge are made extremely hearty to satiate their hunger. Homely Noodle is something that comforts your soul, while the Curry Chicken Noodle sets to fire your energy for the rest of the afternoon.

Homemade Pumpkin Cakes 3.8/5

Their Homemade Pumpkin Cakes are also worth trying. They are slightly differently from the usual. Crispy on the outside soft on the inside, the special sauce and chilli at the side make it extra moreish.

Meatball Porridge 3.8/5

Chunky homemade meatballs and velvety porridge, the liking for their Porridge is unanimous.  Thick and gluey, this hearty porridge is slow cooked for 2 hours to achieve such consistency. Hence, you wouldn't see your porridge turning watery till your last drop. That happens when potato starch was being added to quicken the thickening process. 

Chicken Chop Baked Rice 3.5/5

Chicken Chop 4/5

From Truly Western, their Baked Rice, Chicken Chop and Chicken Waffle ($4.50 each) are their popular dishes. Their baked rice is more towards the Hong Kong style. Perhaps it's the batter, I must say their Chicken Chop is really good, hence be it we had it by itself or as Chicken Chop Baked Rice, both were equally satisfying.  Their pasta, however, pale in comparison.

Pasta 2.8/5

Their Chicken Waffle ($4.50) may excite you as much as it had excited our table. Isn't it interesting to see how hawker food has evolved?  Some may see it in a negative way but such evolution may give people a chance to taste new things that is almost out of their imagination. This particular dish actually made an old couple coming back for it consecutively everyday for weeks!

Chicken Waffle 4/5

Joel and Deniece, former forex traders and colleagues, are the two young people who made it happened, barely after a couple of years after Deniece's dad handed over the hawker stall at Telok Blangah Food Centre to them. They took over the defunct coffeeshop on the 7th storey of the industrial building, spent months to get the entire space up and running, to what you see today. Hungry for success, you can see that in their eyes.

I can't imagine how this place was like back before Joel and Deniece took over, but to see so much energy going on at a level so high up in an industrial building on a Saturday, Truly Test Kitchen has definitely breathed a new lease of life into this place.

Written 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.



[CLOSED]
Truly Test Kitchen
Jun Jie Industrial Building
153 Kampong Ampat
#07-05
Singapore 368326
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line), Aljunied (EW Line)

Opening Hours
Mon-Sat: 7am - 2pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit B.Walk down Harper Road. Turn right onto Playfair Road and then left onto Mactaggart Road. Walk to the end of Mactaggart Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the overhead bridge. Walk to bus stop opposite Aljunied MRT station (Stop ID 81081). Take bus number 62. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Kampong Ampat road. Turn left onto Kampong Ampat road. Continue on Kampong Ampat. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Spicy Thai - Thai Cafe @ Aljunied Avenue 2

I am not new to Spicy Thai at Aljunied Avenue 2. In fact I have been back for a couple of times with my friends for the Thai food. What makes me come back again and again probably is the exciting menu. There always seems to have something new on the menu each time I am back.

Prawn Cake 3.5/5

We started with some Prawn Cake ($2/pc). I don't usually order the prawn cake because many times I have restaurants servicing me one that is mixed with too much flour or too thick with its batter. I would say the prawn cake at Thai Spicy is one of the better ones that I have eaten.

Fish Cake 3.5/5

The Fish Cake ($2/pc) was springy and has a hint of spiciness. Paired it to sweet chilli sauce for a more delightful enjoyment.

Nam Tok Neua (Basil Beef) Salad 3.8/5

This is one salad that the carnivores will applauded. The Nam Tok Neua (Basil Beef) Salad ($15) comes with beef strips tossed in a spicy thai sauce served with century egg. There were not much vegetable except for the basil flavour that is infused to the beef. The meat was a bit tough to my liking but the sauce was top notch. Not forgetting my favourite century egg.

BBQ Pork Neck 4.5/5

BBQ Chicken Wing 4.2/5

I was told that Spicy Thai has recently engaged a grill expert from Thailand and I was eagerly looking forward to the grill items. From the grill section of the menu, I tried the BBQ Pork Neck ($10) and BBQ Chicken Wing ($6 for 4pc/ $9 for 6pc). Both the pork neck and chicken wing were really well marinated and grilled to perfection. The infused sweetness with the smokiness and slightly charred surface made these finger licking good.

Deep Fried Kang Kong with Special Thai Sauce 4/5

 I had the Deep Fried Kang Kong with Special Thai Sauce ($10) in my previous visit. It was a unique creation definitely. Compared to my previous visit, it seemed like there was a bit more batter giving it a more crispy crunch. Having it alone is it bland. It needs to pair with the special thai sauce. Quite similar like have Indian rojak.

Dill Pattie (Cha Om) Omelette 3.8/5

I am glad the price of the Dill Pattie (Cha Om) Omelette ($8) has not increased since my visit almost a year back. It was also great to note that they have used for dill pattie in the omelette for the herby taste to stand out more.

Crispy Seafood Lad Na 3/5

Crispy Seafood Lad Na 3/5

Crispy Seafood Lad Na ($6) was another dish that I tried previously. Now the fried hor fun is served separately from the gravy for retaining the crispiness. I actually think otherwise. Although the crispiness is retained, the dish felt separated without stir frying the hor fun with the gravy to infuse the flavours.

Water Fry Egg with Thai Style Crispy Sun Dried Fish

For a healthy option there is the Water Fry Egg with Thai Style Crispy Sun Dried Fish ($12). Very interesting way of fying egg, I would love to learn from the chef how to do it. Just be warned that it is packed with a spicy, tangy kick. I thought the crispy sun dried fish was additional, it did not really complement the dish except for decorative purposes. Nevertheless it was really crispy similar to the ikan bilis.

Red Emperor Snapper with Chilli Garlic 4.5/5

Moving on to the new items on the menu, we started with the Red Emperor Snapper with Chilli Garlic (market price). Simplicity at its best with the garlic and chilli combo plus a bit of lemon zest to boost up the whole natural flavour of the fish. Everyone on the table enjoyed it. However, I thought the fish was a bit overcooked by a minute or two but overall it was a very good dish.

Thai Walking Cat Fish with Spicy Lemon Soup 4.2/5

Another fish dish on the new menu is the Thai Walking Cat Fish with Spicy Lemon Soup ($28). Restaurant seldom serves cat fish on the menu but it is actually quite tasty. The flesh is firmer compared to the red snapper. I was concern of the earthy taste of the cat fish but it was well covered by the spicy lemon soup that is used to cook the fish under constant charcoal heat.

Basil Mussels 4.2/5

Still on seafood, we tried the Basil Mussels ($15). I enjoyed how the basil flavour has been infused into the shellfish giving it an addition aroma.

Lala Beehoon 4/5

The highlight for the dinner probably was the Lala Beehoon ($18) and one of the newest creation I was looking forward to try. The silky smooth beehoon was buried underneath a pile of sweet clams. Most of us enjoyed it but some felt that it was too peppery for their weak tongue. The peppery kick did give me an adrenaline rush but I thought it overshadowed the sweetness of the clam that supposed to be absorbed by the beehoon.

Lemongrass Jelly with Aloe Vera Cubes and Calamansi 3/5

Tapioca in Coconut Milk 4.2/5

Thai Red Ruby 4/5

Sticky Glutinous Rice with Mango 4/5

Not forgetting the desserts to wrap up the sumptuous dinner. Spicy Thai offers a good selection of Thai desserts such as the Lemongrass Jelly with Aloe Vera Cubes and Calamansi ($2.50), Tapioca in Coconut Milk ($3.50), Thai Red Ruby ($3.50) and Sticky Glutinous Rice with Mango ($6). The lemongrass jelly and red ruby are perfect to cool off that fiery tongue after all the spicy food. The tapioca was steamed to a delectable softness that is excellently complemented by the sweetness from the coconut milk. Last but not least the classic mango sticky rice to complete the delicious meal and wonderful company.


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 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. Cut through the housing estate, walk towards the food centre. Cut across the food centre and 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 block 115. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]