Hoshino Coffee @ Bedok Point - Launches New Dinner Set Special With Series Of Special Selection Items

Known for its large selection of Western-Japanese food, Hoshino Coffee Singapore recently launched two new outlets at OneKM Mall and Bedok Point. To celebrate the opening of its new outlets, Hoshino Coffee launches a series of new special selection items. As part of the Hoshino Coffee Dinner Set Special (worth $60) for 2 pax, diners can pick any 2 main dishes, 2 drinks, and 1 dessert from more than 60 items in the main menu. Expect new dish offerings such as the Softshell Crab Aglio Olio, Softshell Crab Rice, "Omu" Souffle Curry, Mentaiko Carbonara, Ginger Chicken Spaghetti, and Pancake Souffle Style with Strawberry (Seasonal).

Ginger Chicken Spaghetti 4/5

One of the newest dishes in the menu, the Ginger Chicken Spaghetti ($16.80) features al dente spaghetti noodles with generously portioned chicken chunks. Somewhat a reminiscent of a traditional chicken rice dish, yet infused with a western element as spaghetti is used here instead of the usual chicken rice. Although the chicken meat is a tad dry, it is well-seasoned with a aromatic ginger fragrance.

“Omu Rice” & Angus Beef Steak Plate 4/5

“Omu Rice” & Angus Beef Steak Plate ($18.80) features generous juicy beef slices with tomato omelette rice. Served medium rare, the angus beef steak is pinkish in the middle, and boasts a tender consistency, while the omelette is soft and fluffy.

Pancake Souffle Style with Strawberry 4/5

End your meal on a sweet note with the Pancake Souffle Style with Strawberry ($12.80) which consists of a double layer of thick pillowy pancakes soaked in fresh cream, and topped with strawberries as well as a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The dish plays out a perfect tangy-sweet balance with the fresh berries and ice cream, while the fresh cream added some moistness to the pancakes which have a drier texture. Do note that the dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare, so it’s best to let the service staff know in advance once you are ready to have it served.

Words and photos 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.

Hoshino Coffee
Bedok Point
799 New Upper Changi Rd
#01-01
Singapore 467351
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Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 10pm
Fri-Sat, Eve & PH: 1130am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Upper Changi Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tasty Court by Chef Pung (尝鲜阁) @ Opera Estate - Taste of Nanyang In The Vicinity Of Siglap

For my father's birthday celebration this year, we decided to go to Tasty Court by Chef Pung (尝鲜阁) in Siglap. The restaurant has been very crowded since it opens about a year back. During our visit, the place was so packed that there was hardly space to walk, with the chairs touching each other from the next table.

Braised Fish Maw with Chicken Stock Soup 3.5/5

It was drizzling outside and the Braised Fish Maw with Chicken Stock Soup ($28) was just perfect for the weather. The pot of soup is pale yellow in colour, briming with vegetables, mushrooms and fish maw. I am not sure whether you can really call this fish maw soup as I find the chicken stock and vegetable flavour come across stronger. Putting that aside, its actually a comforting and hearty pot of soup.

Trio Eggs Spinach 4.2/5

A common vegetable dish on most Chinese restaurants' menu is the Trio Eggs Spinach ($14). What stands out is the superior stock, sweetened by the clams which heightened the flavour.

Crispy Dong Tok Roasted Chicken 4.5/5

A must try dish at Tasty Court is the Crispy Dong Tok Roasted Chicken ($28). Served hanging, it is cooked to a delectable crispiness on the skin while the meat is tender. Lucky the kitchen will help to chop it up and I no need to get my hands dirty tearing it apart. 

Salted Egg Yolk Prawn 4.2/5

The Salted Egg Yolk Prawn ($22) is coated in a lush salted egg yolk sauce, with a bit of heat from the chilli and aroma from the curry leaves. The prawns were also huge and crunchy.

Steamed Giant Grouper Fish Tail 3.8/5

Last but not least we had the Steamed Giant Grouper Fish Tail ($40) done in Hong Kong style. The skin of the Long Dan fish has a layer of firmness underneath it. The fish itself is firm and slight tough.

Tasty Court is really packed during dinner time, so it is best to call and make a reservation before going down. If you are driving, parking is also quite challenging in the small private estate.


Tasty Court (尝鲜阁)
1 Figaro Street
Singapore 458322
Tel: +65 65383533
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Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri, Sun: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 40 or 401. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Elite Park Ave. Turn right onto Elite Park Ave and walk to Jalan Tua Kong. Turn left onto Jalan Tua Kong. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Springleaf Prata @ Jalan Tua Kong - The Ultimate Prata Alfredo

I have the honour to work with Springleaf Prata back in 2014 for the Ultimate Hawker Fest. Springleaf has been creating new innovative prata items every year since 2012 and introduced them into their menu. When I got words that it has created a new prata for 2017, I made my way down to their newest outlet at Jalan Tua Kong to check out their newest creation - Prata Alfredo!

Prata Alfredo 4/5

The all new Prata Alfredo ($9.90) comes with rosemary smoked chicken, fresh button mushroom, mozzarella cheese and creamy alfredo sauce, all stuffed into the prata. This is your ultimate creamy and cheesy prata with delectable mushroom and smoked chicken pieces encased in a crispy exterior, yet fluffy interior prata. For that instinct, it felt like I was having a cheesy toast. The latest creation definitely brings a new excitement to the traditional prata with an enjoyable western influences.

Plaster Blaster 4.2/5

I can't visit Springleaf Prata without trying the Plaster Blaster which we collaborated with Springleaf Prata to create for the Ultimate Hawker Fest back in 2014. Actually this is the version 2 because it has replaced the original masala hollandaise sauce with normal hollandaise sauce. Don't be despair as the restaurant still serves the original version, you just need to inform the staff that you prefer the masala hollandaise sauce over your crispy prata with turkey ham and poached egg.

Red Bean Prata 4.2/5

Not known to many is Springleaf's Red Bean Prata. The extremely thin tissue-like prata with sweet red bean paste may seen unassuming but this is a surprise favourite on the menu for me. The first time I had it, I thought it tasted like our Chinese pancake.

Umami 50 4.5/5 and Salted Egg Prawn Prata 4/5

Not to be missed is their Umami 50 and Salted Egg Prawn Prata creations for 2015 and 2016 respectively. The Umami 50 was created for Singapore's 50th birthday to signify 50 years of deliciousness in Singapore. The Umami 50 is also known as your heart attack prata as it is wrapped with chicken luncheon meat, chicken floss, mayonnaise, condensed milk, cheese and egg. I was initially sceptical but I was sold once I have a bite of it.

The other highlight is the Salted Egg Prawn Prata, driving on the bandwagon of the salted egg yolk trend in 2016. The combination of salted egg yolk sauce, cheese, egg and prawn is a new for prata with hint of curry aroma. The prata is packed with savoury richness that hits me like tank, complemented by the crunchy prawns in it.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Springleaf Prata
57B Jalan Tua Kong
Singapore 457253
Tel: +65 66362935
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 40 or 401. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Elite Park Ave. Turn right onto Elite Park Ave and walk to Jalan Tua Kong. Turn left onto Jalan Tua Kong. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Xue Hua Fei Cold & Hot Drinks @ Bedok Interchange Food Centre - The Huge Watermelon Dessert

Dessert stalls in hawker centres selling Ice Kachang, Chendol etc, are a common sight in Singapore. However at Bedok Interchange Food Centre, Xue Hua Fei Cold & Hot Drinks stall has this signature dessert that comes in a watermelon bowl topped with different fruits. The huge servicing has been drawing crowd to the stall to check out this massive watermelon dessert in a bowl.

Da Xi Gua (大西瓜) 

The watermelon dessert is literally called Da Xi Guan (大西瓜), meaning big watermelon. The portion is good for sharing and it costs $6. Be prepared to wait as the stall uncle will prepare everything from scratch. He will cut the watermelon into half, dig out the watermelon's flesh and put ice into the empty watermelon bowl. The watermelon flesh is then transfer back into the bowl together with all ingredients such as nata de coco, pineapple, longan and peach.

As the stall uncle prepared everything from scratch, be prepared to wait. The huge watermelon is probably good for 4-5 pax. I would recommend not to rush into finishing it. Take your time to enjoy the dessert and allow the ice to melt. You will get a bowl of watermelon juice at the end.

Xue Hua Fei Cold & Hot Drinks
Bedok Interchange Food Centre
Blk 208B New Upper Changi Road
#01-29
Singapore 462208
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Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Lin)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 2pm - 1130pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down New Upper Changi Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Lan Ting (兰亭) Cuisine & Wine @ East Coast Road (Siglap) - Signature Cantonese Cuisine, Exploring Regional Flavours

A new Cantonese restaurant has opened along the busy stretch of East Coast Road in Siglap area. Lan Ting (兰亭) offering both dim sum and ala carte dishes. I was told that the kitchen is helmed by two teams of chefs, lead by Chef Sam Hee and Chef Teo respectively.

Volcanic Lava Mushroom Bun 4/5

There are over 30 different dim sum items on the menu. The dim sum are made freshly every morning by Chef Sam Hee's team. I am that Chef Same is a gold medallist awardee for the dim sum category in the World Golden Chef Competition.

Shaped and disguised like a whole mushroom, the Volcanic Lava Mushroom Bun ($5.80 for 3pc) is filled with generous salted egg filling. The sweet and savoury salted egg filling has a grainy texture which I enjoyed a lot. However I thought the bun was a bit too doughy.

Steamed Xiao Long Pau 3.5/5

Held inside the thin translucent skin of the Steamed Xiao Long Pau ($4.80 for 3pc) is the flavourful minced pork filling and the delicious sweet broth. I have to say I did not get to really taste the xiao long bao because it always broke when I held it up with the chopsticks. I appreciate the generous filling but that probably was also the reason the parcel was not able to hold the weight.

Lan Ting Abalone Dumpling 4.2/5

Wrapped in a luxurious parcel is the Lan Ting Abalone Dumpling ($9.80 for 3pc) topped with a mini abalone. The traditional siew mai was elevated with the addition of mushroom and parsley on top of the minced meat and prawn.

Taro Puff with Diced Chicken 3.5/5 and Chilli Crab Puff 3/5

From the fried dim sum section. we tried the Taro Puff with Diced Chicken ($4.90 for 3pc) and Chilli Crab Puff ($6.80 for 3pc). Taro puff is a like a mini yam basket stuffed with savoury diced chicken. I actually preferred if the chef does away with the chicken and allow the taro to shine above the crispy netting. For the Chilli Crab Puff, it was crispy, fluffy and spicy. The chilli sauce has a good spicy kick to it. My only complain was that there was too little of the delicious sauce.

Whole Peking Duck 3.8/5

A signature at Lan Ting is the Whole Peking Duck. For an additional $10 or $15, guests will be able to enjoy the duck in another two ways of preparation on top of the usual way of enjoying peking duck by having the thinly sliced crispy skin wrapped in a crepe.

Roasted Duck 4.2/5

I appreciated the roasted duck with its succulent meat more than the crispy skin alone.

Diced Duck Meat 4/5

The other way of preparing the peking duck is the diced and deep fried it. To enjoy it you can have it together with the lettuce. It gave you a mixture of crunchy and crispy combination on that of the sweetness from the diced duck meat.

Char Siew 3.5/5 and Sio Bak 3/5

Besides the peking duck, Lan Ting also roasted meat on the menu such as Char Siew and Sio Bak. I like well roasted char siew and its marination. However I preferred a more fatty cut. For the sio bak, I did not like the way it was cut. I felt that it did allow me to enjoy the crackling skin.

Crispy Pork Knuckle 3.5/5

I was a bit surprise to find the Crispy Pork Knuckle ($28) on the menu of a Cantonese restaurant. I personally find it out of place on the menu but I would guess there are fans for the crispy pork knuckle which is perfect to go with a few glass of wine or beer.

Homemade Bean Curd with Assorted Mushroom

After all the meats, the smooth and silky Homemade Bean Curd with Assorted Mushroom ($15) was a timely introduction to refresh the palate after all the rich flavours.

Lan Ting Special Fried Rice 4/5

What is so special about the Lan Ting Special Fried Rice ($18). Besides the fragrant rice coated with the egg aroma, there is a mystery Indian spice added into it. It is a special flavour that I have not experience before. Unfortunately I am not allowed to disclose what is it. Hence you have to try it for yourself to know what is it.

Wok Fried Seafood Udon in Oba Leaf 4/5

I was ever told by a chef that the it is not easy to wok fried udon and it determines the wok skill of the chef. I would have to say the Wok Fried Seafood Udon in Oba Leaf ($18) is very well executed. The udon noodle still retained a good bite to it, well infused with the lovely smoky flavour.

Snowy Mochi 4.5/5

The Snowy Mochi ($5.80 for 3pc) is a crowd favourite. It is like having the mango sago dessert stuffed inside a mochi. This is really an excellent creation.

It is interesting to note that Lan Ting is opened as early as 8am offering dim sum for the Siglap area. I have not known of any places that offers dim sum so early, especially for a Chinese restaurant. While I pity the kitchen staff, having to wake up early to prepare the ingredients,  I  do like the idea of having yum cha early in the morning just like Hong Kong.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Lan Ting (兰亭)
Springvale
907 East Coast Road
#01-02
Singapore 459107
Tel: +65 64440888
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 8am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 16. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Song Zhou Fried Carrot Cake @ Bedok Hawker Centre

One of stalls at Bedok Hawker Centre that always has a queue is Song Zhou Fried Carrot. I heard so much about their black carrot cakes. Thank goodness the renovation work has finally completed and I was able to head down to Bedok to try the black carrot cake which has received raving reviews from fellow foodies.

Black Fried Carrot Cake 4.5/5

While Song Zhou Fried Carrot Cake does both the white and black carrot cakes, it is their Black Fried Carrot Cake ($3) that has managed to satisfy many of the toughest tongue in Singapore. The combination of the sweet black sauce, fish sauce, soft radish cake, garlic, egg and chye poh under the experience frying skill of the stall owner, made this a delicious plate of black gold.

Black Fried Carrot Cake 4.5/5

The radish cake is cut into small cubes which allows easy consumption. It also allows the black sauce to coat the radish cake evenly. The fried garlic, eggs, caramelized edges of the carrot cake and chye poh further enhanced the whole flavour of the fried carrot cake.

After trying Song Zhou Fried Carrot Cake for myself, I have to agreed with my fellow foodies of their reviews. Indeed Song Zhou Fried Carrot Cake is one of the best in Singapore. I look forward to try their white carrot cake to make further comparison in the future.


Song Zhou Fried Carrot Cake
208B New Upper Changi Road
#01-37
Singapore 462208
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 630am - 8pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down New Upper Changi Road. Walk to destination. [Map]

Eastern House of Seafood @ Chai Chee Drive

If you are a foodie, you would probably often hear the saying that good food resides in the East of Singapore. It is actually quite true with the recent discovery of Eastern House of Seafood located at the HDB block in Chai Chee Drive, woking up a delectable selection of zichar dishes.

Dinosaur Pork Rib 4/5

Don't be mislead that I am having extinct meat in the Dinosaur Pork Rib ($16). The pork rib is hugemongous hence the name. The pork rib is cooked to a nice tender and fell off the bone with ease. I found the sauce on the sweet side but my friends thought otherwise.

Fried Beehoon with Pig Trotter 4.2/5

One of my favourite dishes is the Fried Beehoon with Pig Trotter ($8/$16). The beehoon infused with the pig trotter's essence came across comforting and flavourful. Definitely a dish I would recommend ordering to go with the other delectable dishes on the menu.

Dry Roast Sotong 4.5/5

The Dry Roast Sotong ($15/$22/$28) is a must try at Eastern House of Seafood. Marinated overnight with soy sauce and celery, the sotong is understand to be bathed in hot oil instead of grill. It results in a tender sotong with the marinade kind of glued to the flesh. Every bite into the flesh is returned with a burst of lovely flavours.

French Bean in Tempura Style 3.8/5

I have mixed review of the French Bean in Tempura Style ($15/$20/$25). I think kids will enjoy this with the crispy tempura. However for adult like me probably felt that the batter masked off the natural flavour of the greens.

Prawn with Pork Floss and Rice Cracker 4.2/5

The Prawn with Pork Floss with Rice Cracker is a new dish that the chef prepared for us, this is not even in the menu. The is an addictive change from the usual cereal prawn/ The crunchy prawns accompanied by the pork floss and rice cracker, provides a multi textural enjoyment.

Salted Egg Crab 4.5/5

While Chilli and Black Pepper Crabs are the favourite among manys, I felt that Salted Egg Crabs (2 for $50) has won the hearts of many too, especially those that can't take spicy. At Eastern House of Seafood, the version is consider the dry style using crabs around 500 to 600 grams. One just need to get into it and get your fingers dirty. It is simply finger licking good.

Assam Fish Head 4.5/5

When the Assam Fish Head ($18/$20) was served, the first thing I noticed is the huge portion for the price. This is really value for money. The rich and robust assam gravy with its spiciness and tanginess, made this super shiok! Give me another bowl of rice!

If you are looking for a place to have a good zi char dinner with your family or gathering, I would recommend Eastern House of Seafood. The pricing is very reasonable with good quality and delicious food.


Eastern House of Seafood
Blk 55 Chai Chee Drive
#01-174/6
Singapore 460055
Tel: +65 91508172
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Bedok MRT station (Stop ID 84039). Take bus number 222. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Percolate @ Bedok North Ave 3

Cafe hopping seems to be the in things nowadays and it also created an unique coffee culture in Singapore. These third wave coffee movement cafes are so popular and crowded most of the time even on weekdays. Sometimes I wonder whether these people needs to work? These trend has also seen new cafes popping up at neighbourhood housing area, probably lower rental cost. One of such cafes is Percolate located at Bedok North Ave 3.

I was at the little cafe on a weekday morning with Honeybeesweets. The cafe comes in a very clean and simple interior with wooden tables and chairs. During my visit, there were two friendly gentlemen running the cafe. Like the little cafe, the menu is pretty small too. We actually wanted to try the earl grey bundt but it was not available. The pastries were a little sad looking so we did not order anything in the end.

We ended up ordering a glass of Orange Juice ($5) and Caffe Latte ($4). Percolate uses coffee beans from papa palheta which unfortunately is not my cup of coffee. It was still a good cup of coffee but I just don't enjoy the acidity of coffee brewed from papa palheta coffee beans.

I probably will not make all way to Percolate for my coffee craving and second that is their limited offerings on their menu. Saying that it is still a nice place to escape from the afternoon heat if you are in the vicinity.


Percolate
Blk 136 Bedok North Ave 3
#01-152B
Singapore 460136
Tel: +65 82560316
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PercolateCoffee
Website: http://percolate.sg/
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Fri: 1030am - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 930am - 930pm
(closed on Tues)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Bedok MRT station, outside Bedok Mall (Stop ID 84031). Take bus number 28 or 67. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]