Chen Mapo Tofu @ Star Vista - Michelin Bib Gourmand Eatery Chen’s Mapo Tofu Opens 2nd Outlet

Chen's Mapo Tofu, the affordable sister concept of Chen Kentaro's two-Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant Shisen Hanten opens its second outlet at Star Vista in the West. Chen's Mapo Tofu, with its first outlet at OUE Downtown Gallery, is known for its fuss-free dining option offering a unique fusion of Szechuan cuisine with Japanese influences.

Spicy Szechwan Dumpling 3/5, Szechwan Popcorn Chicken 4/5, Banbanji Chicken 4/5

Before moving to the mains, I started with some sides to whet up the appetite. I tried their Spicy Szechwan Dumpling ($5), Szechwan Popcorn Chicken ($5), and Banbanji Chicken ($4). I enjoyed the Szechwan Popcorn Chicken for its addictive crispiness and Banbanji Chicken for the delectable peanut sauce. As for the Szechwan Dumpling, I felt the sauce is not fragrant enough.

Mapo Don 4.5/5

One of Chef Chen Kentaro signature dishes at his two-Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant Shisen Hanten is his mapo tofu. It is great to know that you can savour the same recipe in the Mapo Don ($10.80) at Chen's Mapo Tofu. I like the mapo tofu here for the Dou Ban Jiang (broad bean paste) sauce packed with depth, coupled with minced meat in the sauce. It enlivens the whole enjoyment.

Dan Dan Mien 4.2/5

I had the dry version of the Dan Dan Mien when I visited the OUE Downtown Gallery outlet. I didn't enjoy it back then. However, I enjoyed the soup version of the Dan Dan Mien ($11.80). The sweet and nutty peanut sauce complement the noodle excellently for a slurping good time.

Diners can also go for the Signature Combo ($14), which you get to try both the mapo don and dan dan mien but half portion.

Kurozu Buta Don 4.2/5

A new dish on the menu is the Kurozu Buta Don ($15.30). The kurozu vinegar pork is crispy and chunky served on top steaming, fragrant rice with green and red capsicum.

Kaisen Katayaki 4/5

Another new item on the menu is the Kaisen Katayaki ($15.50). It will be familiar to Singapore palate, similar to the local zichar crispy noodle dish. Chen's Mapo Tofu's version comprises stir-fried seafood and vegetables with a rich gravy on crispy fried noodles. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chen's Mapo Tofu 
Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-08
Singapore 138617
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Beauty In The Pot @ The Star Vista - Steaming Hot New Outlet In The West

Finally the long wait is over, Beauty in The Pot has opened its newest outlet in the West at The Star Vista. Besides its six signature broths (Signature Beauty Collagen, Signature Spicy Nourishing Soup, Herbal Drunken Chicken, Cooling Coconut, Longevity Wild Pine Mushroom and Vitamin C Tomato Sweet Corn), the new outlet has collaborated with its sister company Le Shrimp Ramen to offer the Hearty Shrimp Broth for a limited period  from 6 to 31 July 2019 to celebrate its new opening.

The new Hearty Shrimp Broth ($28 for single pot, $15 for twin pot, $9 for quart pot) is only available for a limited period at the new Star Vista outlet. It is made from baking fresh big prawns and then hand-grinded them to fine texture before simmered them for more than eight hours with premium conpoy. A blend of spices is also added to the luscious stock, giving the broth a piquant oomph. To enhance the rich and flavourful broth, fresh clams are added to give it a natural sweetness of the ocean.

For its Grand Opening Promotion, Citi, Standard Chartered and PGR cardmembers get to enjoy Twin Pot broth for free (includes Hearty Shrimp Broth) on 6 and 7 July 2019.

Of course, hand in hand for a good pot of steamboat broth is the variety of fresh ingredients to complete the experience. The premium meat such as the kurobuta pork and wagyu beef is one of my favourite choices for its marbling and melted in the mouth texture.

The Fried Beancurd Skin is a must order whenever I visit Beauty in The Pot. It is advised to cook it for only 3 seconds so it still retains a crisp texture while soaking up the flavoursome broth. I prefer to cook it longer to soak up more of the delicious broth though.

And of course not to be missed is the fresh seafood such as the thickly sliced Red Garoupa and Red Leg Sea Prawns. If you are not aware, you can request the staff to help you peel the prawns at Beauty in The Pot.

The new outlet at The Star Vista spans 6,321 square feet and boasts 212 seats. It is swathed in pastel blues and reds. The shopfront is designed to represent an old quarter in Singapore during Western colonisation. There is also a children's playground, so the adults can enjoy the food while the kids enjoy their playtime.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Beauty In The Pot
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
Singapore 138617
Facebook
Website
Tel: +65 62621692
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 3am

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Le Shrimp @ The Star Vista - Special New Seasonal Le Shrimp Trio Tossed Ramen Only For June 2019

Le Shrimp the latest concept by Paradise Group which first opened its door at Paragon has opened two more outlets at Changi Airport Terminal 3 (public area) and The Star Vista. I dropped by their newest outlet at The Star Vista, which has 62 seats to have their Japanese shrimp ramen broth with silky ribbons of Chinese la mian.

Le Shrimp Trio Tossed Ramen 3.5/5

For a limited period from 1 June to 30 June 2019, Le Shrimp is offering a new creation - Le Shrimp Trio Tossed Ramen ($19.90). It is a dry version with a specially concocted sauce for the la mian, topped with peeled fresh prawns, ebiko prawn paste, prawn dumplings, cucumber strips and cabbage. I felt that the sauce didn't quite have the punch I was expecting. It lacked that fragrant and fiery kick.

Spring Roll 4/5

Long Jing Tea Lava Egg 4.2/5

You can complement your meal with the crispy Spring Roll and Long Jing Tea Lava Egg. I personally felt that a bowl of ramen is not complete without the lava egg.

Le Signature Trio Shrimp Ramen 4.2/5

My favourite is still the Le Signature Trio Shrimp Ramen ($19.90). The rich and flavorful broth with its distinctive smoky aroma is topped with fresh prawns, handmade ebiko prawn paste and prawn dumplings.

At Le Shrimp, diners can top-up $3.20 to include an appetiser and a drink with every order of noodle.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Le Shrimp
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-24
Singapore 138617
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 35 minutes. [Map]

Hong Sheng Fish Soup (鴻升魚湯) @ Ghim Moh Food Centre - Just Go For The Sliced Fish Soup

Hong Sheng Fish Soup (鴻升魚湯) is a common brand that can be spotted in a number of hawker centres around the island. Even so, I have not tried it until my recent visit to Ghim Moh Food Centre. The stall sells about 10 different dishes on the menu and I ordered a couple to try.

Sliced Fish Soup 4/5

I have the Sliced Fish Soup with Rice ($4.50). You can also choose to have it with bee hoon or porridge too. The clear soup itself is sweet and it comes with fresh, thick batang fish slices. I also like the fact that it comes with bitter gourd.

Fried Fish 2.8/5

I decided to order some extra Fried Fish slices to go with the rice. Unfortunately they are pre-fried, cold and not crispy.

Pork Trotters in Black Vinegar 3/5

It was a pity that the Pork Trotters in Black Vinegar ($8) is not as tender as I would have expected. Although the sweet tangy black vinegar was gorgeous, it was let down by the dry and tough meat.

I can't say this is the best fish soup but it is decent enough to satisfy one's hunger. I would go for the slice fish soup and skip the rest.


Hong Sheng Fish Soup (鴻升魚湯)
Ghim Moh Food Centre
Blk 20 Ghim Moh Road
#01-08
Singapore 270020
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 8pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Walk to bus stop along Buona Vista Road (Stop ID 11361). Take bus no. 92. Alight 1 stops later. Journey time about 3 mins. [Map]

2) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Cross the underpass towards Ghim Moh Estate Blk 12A. Cut across the open air carpark towards Ghim Moh Road. Cross the road and walk towards Blk 20. Journey time about 8 mins. [Map]

Hock Soon Carrot Cake @ Ghim Moh Food Centre - Pretty Good Black Carrot Cake But Where Is My Spring Onions

Do you like it black or white? I used to like my carrot cake white but as I get older, I prefer my carrot cake in black sauce. Recently I went to Ghim Moh Food Centre for lunch and tried Hock Soon Carrot Cake which I find it pretty good. Besides selling the black and white carrot cake, the stall also sells rojak and satay. The queuing system is rather confusing as there is a separate queue for carrot cake and rojak/satay.

Black Carrot Cake 3.8/5

The Black Carrot Cake ($2.50) is diced into small pieces and coated with a sweet and savoury black sauce which is well balanced. Freshly cooked in batches that probably serves up to 10 plates at any one time. The radish cake is rather moist but not watery, still retaining a subtle bite to it. What I enjoyed most is the crunchy bites of chye poh within, which provides an element of surprises and additional texture of enjoyment.

While the plate of black carrot is pretty good, there is still areas for improvement. I think it can be fried a slight a bit longer for more of that crispy char. I personally prefer my egg to radish cake ratio but I can understand the stall is running a business and it has to watch its cost. Lastly, where is my spring onions, can't be stingy on that too right?

Hock Soon Carrot Cake
Ghim Moh Food Centre
Blk 20 Ghim Moh Road
#01-29
Singapore 270020
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Walk to bus stop along Buona Vista Road (Stop ID 11361). Take bus no. 92. Alight 1 stops later. Journey time about 3 mins. [Map]

2) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Cross the underpass towards Ghim Moh Estate Blk 12A. Cut across the open air carpark towards Ghim Moh Road. Cross the road and walk towards Blk 20. Journey time about 8 mins. [Map]

Wuerstelstand @ 7 Stars Coffeeshop (Dover Crescent) - The Last Sausage Kiosk Before The Equator

It is rare to find an "Ang Mo" running a food stall and it is even rarer to find an "Ang Mo" selling sausages. Erich's Wuerstelstand used to be located in Chinatown. Many fans of its sausages were disappointed when he decided to call it a day. However this was temporary, Enrich decides to reopen the stall at a new location, moving into a coffeeshop at Dover Crescent.

Sausages Snack Platter 4/5

We started with the Sausages Snack Platter ($16) to have a bit of everything. It comes with 4 different types of grilled German sausages with condiments, sauerkraut, pickled chilli and pickles. It is understand that Enrick does not made his own sausages but this is supplied by a German company that produces quality pork sausages.

By the way, Wuerstelstand only sells pork sausages. There is no chicken or beef sausages here. However he offers a variety of pork sausages. For our snack platter, we had Bockwurst - no cheese smoked pork sausage, Kaesekrainer - smoked pork sausage with cheese, Bratwurst - traditional grilled german pork sausage and Spicy Chorizo - spanish style with paprika. My favourite is the Kaesekrainer with its oozing cheese in between and hint of smokiness.

Sauerkraut, Pickled Chilli and Pickles 4.5/5

The snack platter also comes with Sauerkraut, Pickled Chilli and Pickles. I really applaud the thought from the chef. While I think most people may not appreciate it but I love it. This is probably how we can experience the authentic way of appreciating Austrian cuisine.

Meatloaf Sandwich 4.2/5

While browsing the menu, I noticed an item that I have not tired or even seen in Singapore before, the Meatloaf Sandwich ($5). Three thickly sliced grilled meatloaf is sandwiched between a crispy bun. It is then dressed with mustard and tomato sauce. The crispy bun maybe a bit hard for some but I enjoyed the chewy bite. Paired with the grilled meatloaf which tasted somewhat like luncheon meat, it complemented excellent with crispy bun.

Wuerstelstand
7 Stars Coffeeshop
Blk 28 Dover Crescent
#01-97
Singapore 130028
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Website
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line), Dover (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to bus stop opposite Buona Vista MRT station (Stop ID 11369). Take bus number 74 or 196. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Dover MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Dover MRT station (Stop ID 19039). Take bus number 14, 74 and 166. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Waa Cow @ NUS UTown - Delicious Rice Bowls At NUS Campus

Chirashi and beef don was the food trend in 2016 and it has also made its way into the campus of National University of Singapore (NUS) with the opening of Waa Cow at NUS UTown, Stephen Riady Centre. Even though it is near my place, I did not visit the place until recently.

Aburi Bara Chirashi 4.2/5

I had the Aburi Bara Chirashi ($16.90) which comes with a medley of sashimi tossed in aged soy sauce and topped with both ikura and tobiko, placed on a bed of sushi rice made with house-blend vinegar.. It is then garnished with spring onions and diced cucumber. Besides the fresh sashimi, I like the addition of the diced cucumber giving it a refreshing and crunchy touch.

Mentaiko Wagyu Beef 4.2/5

The other rice bowl I tried is the Mentaiko Wagyu Beef ($18.90). Using Yamagata Haenuki rice from Japan, the bowl is topped with sliced wagyu beef torched with special beef sauce which has a peppery kick to it with the richness of the mentaiko mayonnaise, lending a nice balance to the bowl. The rice bowl is further accompanied by a 62 degree Celsius egg.

To make it a set meal, one can add $3 for a drink and a chawanmushi. I would not recommend going for the set meal because the chawanmushi was too watery and lacked a good stock base for flavour, even thought it was topped with sesame and bonito.

While the rice bowls were good and the price point was comparable to outside. It does make me wonder how the students can afford to have this regularly especially when there are many cheaper options in the campus.


Waa Cow
NUS UTown
Stephen Riady Centre
2 College Avenue West
#01-06
Singapore 138607
Tel: +65 81688777
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Clement (EW Line), Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line), Kent Ridge (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 730pm
Sat: 12pm - 230pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 183. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Bus Interchange (Stop ID 17009). Take bus number 96. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to bus stop opposite Buona Vista MRT station (Stop ID 11369). Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

4) Alight at Kent Ridge MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Kent Ridge Station (Stop ID 18331). Take free NUS shuttle bus D2. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

UNA @ One Rochester - A Gastronomic Journey Through Spain

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city is the lush greenery that surround UNA at One Rochester that is housed in a historic colonial bungalow dating back to the late 1930s and 40s. The Spanish restaurant offers South and North cuisines, marrying the characteristic of the regions for its robust and wholesome flavours.

Gambas Al Ajilo 4.5/5 and Patatas Bravas 3.5/5

From the tapas menu, we started with the Gambas Al Ajilo ($22) and Patatas Bravas ($10). My favourite is the fresh tiger prawns are sauteed in olive oil, white wine, garlic, chilli and parsley. Love the party of flavours which is kind of complex but yet beautiful firework to the palate.

Fideua De Calamares 4/5

The Fideua De Calamares ($20) serves in a pan, comes with squid ink Spanish noodles and crispy calamari. This is my first time having it and I find that it resembles our local Chao Ta Bee Hoon with its crispy exterior and soft interior.

Pulpo A La Parilla Con Papas Arrugadas Y Mojo 3.8/5

Don't be overwhelmed by the lengthy name of the dish. Pulpo A La Parilla Con Papas Arrugadas Y Mojo ($32) simply means grilled octopus with potatoes and coriander sauce. From what I understand from the kitchen, the octopus came from Spain and it is slow cooked in water with onions for around 65 minutes. I enjoyed how the slightly sweet and sharp sherry vinegar sauce complemented the smokey flavour of the grilled octopus. Unfortunately the texture was a bit chewy for me.

Coca De Higos Y Foie Con Vermouth 4.2/5

If you like foie gras, you will enjoy the Coca De Higos Y Foie Con Vermouth ($26). The foie gras is paired with grilled figs and sits on a toasted Spanish flatbread. It is then dressed in a vermouth reduction. I enjoyed how the sweetness and crispiness of the flatbread held the creaminess of foie gras together. However I thought the grilled figs was a bit strange in the pairing.

Paella De Chorizo Y Habitas 3.5/5

A staple Spanish dish is the paella and not to be missed is the Paella De Chorizo Y Habitas ($46/$66). The rice is infused with chorizo and saffron which added an extra layer of shine to the flavoursome paella. However I thought the texture of the rice was a bit on the moist side.

Cochinillo Asado 4.2/5

One of my favourite Spanish dishes is the Cochinillo Asado ($36). It is really hard to resist the succulent suckling pig with thin crispy skin. The plate also comes with fresh citrus salad which helps to cut the greasiness.

Pescado A La Parilla 4.2/5

Making a stunning entry is the Pescado A La Parilla ($42). The catch of the day is slow grilled without any marination. Just some simple seasoning to enjoy the natural flavour of the fish. It comes with a bowl of fennel salad on the side too.

Queso Fresco Calabaza Y Membrillo 4/5

For dessert, we started with the Queso Fresco Calabaza Y Membrillo ($14) which is roasted pumpkin ice cream with fresh cream cheese mousse, quince jelly and caramelized walnuts. The roasted pumpkin ice cream is kind of unique, it felt more like a savoury dish. First taste was a bit weird but it slowly grown in me as the palate started to accept the new taste.

Churros Con Chocolate Y Cafe 4.2/5

I am not really a big fan of churro but surprisingly I finished the a whole stick of the Churros Con Chocolate Y Cafe ($14). The crispy deep fried choux pastry is dusted with cinnamon and sugar nad this goes excellent with the dark chocolate sauce nad coffee infused cream.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


UNA
One Rochester
1 Rochester Park
Singapore 139212
Tel: +65 67730070
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5pm - 11pm
Sun Brunch: 11am - 3pm (once a month)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Star Vista. At Rochester Drive turn left. Continue on Rochester Drive to the end of the road. Cross the road and continue on Rochester Park. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Jiu Jiang Shao La (九江烧腊) @ Ghim Moh Food Centre - Crispy Roasted Duck Skin

If you are a regular at Ghim Moh Food Centre, you will know that there is always a long queue at Jiu Jiang Shao La (九江烧腊). Having been to the food centre numerous time, I was always deterred by the long queues. Not sure what got into me in my recent visit and I decided to join the queue to try the roasted meat finally.

Roasted Duck 3.8/5

After queuing for a good half an hour, I decided to order half a Roasted Duck for $16. The roasted has a good charred and crispy skin. The down side of having such a crispy skin is the duck meat is on the dry skin. Hence it is really up to individual preference.

Char Siew 4/5

Besides the roasted duck, I also order some Char Siew to go with the rice. I turned out that I preferred the char siew over the roasted duck. The charred exterior gives the succulent char siew an additional layer of caramelized sweetness.

Overall, the roasted duck at Jiu Jiang Shao La is not bad but definitely not the best I have eaten. I would go back for their char siew instead. A minimum plate of roasted meat starts from $3 and it is quite substantial. Even a plate of mix roasted duck with char siew or roasted pork costs only $3.


Jiu Jiang Shao La
Ghim Moh Food Centre
Blk 20 Ghim Moh Road
#01-17
Singapore 270020
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Walk to bus stop along Buona Vista Road (Stop ID 11361). Take bus no. 92. Alight 1 stops later. Journey time about 3 mins. [Map]

2) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Cross the underpass towards Ghim Moh Estate Blk 12A. Cut across the open air carpark towards Ghim Moh Road. Cross the road and walk towards Blk 20. Journey time about 8 mins. [Map]