NiuNiu Tea & DuDu Rice @ Whampoa Drive Food Centre - Taiwanese And Korean Street Food In Hawker Centre

I first get to know NiuNiu Tea & DuDu Rice during Covid when it is doing home delivery. Since then, it has moved on to opening a hawker stall at Whampoa Drive Food Centre selling Taiwanese-Korean street food cuisine. It is a combination that is unique to the local hawker scene.

You may wonder why Taiwanese and Korean street food. It is quite simple as these are food close to the heart of Ryan, the young hawker stall owner. Ryan's parents are from Taiwan, while his wife is Chinese-Korean. If I am right, the interesting stall name is named after his two daughters too.

Lu Ru Fan 4/5

The bowl of Lu Ru Fan ($4.70) comes with braised pork, a whole braised egg and pickled vegetables on top of fragrant pearl rice. The braised pork leaned towards more fatty parts, which is my preference for a bowl of braised pork rice. However, the braising sauce is a bit on the light side. I prefer it to be richer.

Oden 4.2/5

To go with my bowl of braised pork rice, I also ordered a bowl of Oden ($1.50 for 3pc) from the oden bar, whereby customers can pick their oden from a selection of assorted Eomuk, Daikon, Konjac, assorted Balls and assorted Sausage. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the unique pairing of braised pork rice with a bowl of soupy oden. It's like how Chinese usually like to have soup for their meal.

Besides what I had, the stall also sells other items like Taiwanese Mee Sua, Taiwanese Crispy Chicken Cutlet, Tteokbokki and Gimbap.


NiuNiu Tea & DuDu Rice
Whampoa Drive Food Centre
Blk 90 Whampoa Drive
#01-82
Singapore 320090
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line), Novena (NS Line), Toa Payoh (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 12pm - 830pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to bus stop at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Stop ID 07211). Take bus 130. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road. Walk down Balestier road towards Whampoa Drive. Turn left onto Whampoa Drive. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Novena Church (Stop ID 50031). Take bus 21 or 131. Alight 6 stops later. Walk down Balestier road towards Whampoa Drive. Turn left onto Whampoa Drive. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus 145. Alight 6 stops later. alk down Balestier road towards Whampoa Drive. Turn left onto Whampoa Drive. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Sumbao Seafood Restaurant @ Race Course Road - Unique Charcoal Claypot Fish Soup Hotpot

Newly opened along Race Course Road is Sumbao Seafood Restaurant serving Ipoh Malaysian-style Zi Char dishes. Unique at Sumbao is its Charcoal Claypot Fish Soup Hotpot that comes in a charcoal stove, unlike the usual fish head steamboat.

Sumbao Signature Claypot Fish Soup Hotpot 4/5

The Sumbao Signature Claypot Fish Soup Hotpot is served in a claypot over a charcoal stove. Customers get to choose the type of fish to go with their claypot fish soup hotpot. There are four choices - Grouper ($48/$65), Red Grouper ($68/$98), Pomfret (Seasonal), and Giant Grouper (Seasonal). The fresh fish is cut into slices and served on the side for customers to cook individually, like having shabu shabu. There are also other ingredients in the claypot, such as fish head, yam, seaweed, tofu, tomato, Chinese cabbage, and celery. The sweet and savoury fish soup is addictive, with a hint of smokiness probably from the charcoal fire and claypot heat.

Hokkien Style Pig's Trotter 4.2/5

A highlight at Sumbao is the Hokkien Style Pig's Trotter. I was surprised at how soft and tender the pig's trotter was, falling apart easily. The pig's trotter was flavourful and well-flavoured from the delicious braising sauce, which goes well with a bowl of steaming rice.

Golden Sand Cereal Chicken, Small $18 | Large 4.2/5

Usually, I have cereal prawn, but Golden Sand Cereal Chicken (Small $18 | Large $28) is first for me. The tender chicken pieces coated in sweet and crispy cereal, plus the aroma from the curry leaves, is a deliciously executed dish that will be enjoyed by both young and old.

Deep Fried Prawns with Special Soy Sauce 4.2/5

I am not sure precisely what the sauce's concoction is, but the succulent Deep Fried Prawns with Special Soy Sauce (Small $19 | Large $33) is very addictive. The sauce's sweetness complemented the fresh prawns, which is very appetising.

Stir Fried Chinese Fungus with Mixed Veg 4/5

Lastly, we had the Stir Fried Chinese Fungus with Mixed Veg (Small $12 | Large $20). I love the use of the different fungus and vegetables, which have a delightful crunch.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sumbao Seafood
378 Race Course Road
Singapore 218646
Tel: +65 91328083
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 11am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to Race Course Road. Turn left onto Race Course Road. Walk down Race Course Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Jin Jue Seafood @ Jalan Besar - Cantonese Style Seafood Zi Char That Opens Until 5am

Just across the busy cluster of eateries in Jalan Besar is the new brightly lit signboard of Jin Jue Seafood. Specialising in Cantonese-style seafood zi char, it has a homely space with a reasonably priced menu. It operates till 5am daily, serving as another supper spot you can booklist.

Red Snapper Fish Head Steamboat 4.5/5

The signature of Jin Jue Seafood would be their charcoal Red Snapper Fish Head Steamboat ($38). The fresh snapper slices are deliberately served separately to avoid having the fish break up throughout the meal and for diners to be able to have them fresh upon cooking. We especially enjoyed the broth's herbal notes, which resulted from the addition of goji berries and dang gui.

You have vegetables like yam, seaweed and Chinese cabbage in the base. You can opt to top up for additional ingredients to go along, such as Prawns ($18/5 Pieces), Spinach ($6), Enoki Mushrooms ($4) and more. We appreciated our pot was promptly refilled and that they provided the actual broth for refills instead of watered down base or water.

Lemongrass Pork Ribs 4.2/5

It looked unassuming, but the Lemongrass Pork Ribs ($18) was quite a crowd favourite. The sweet-glazed exterior had a nice slight crunch, while the meat was tender and easily torn off from the bone. The hints of spice also had us wanting more. We didn't mind it, but as its name suggests, we expected the lemongrass flavour to be much more pronounced than it was.

Stir-fried Dried Scallops & Kailan 3.5/5

The Stir-fried Dried Scallops & Kailan ($15) had stir-fried kailan beneath deep-fried kailan. Adding dried scallops helped lend an umami touch, but we found the dish as a whole too oily.

Curry Fish Head 3.8/5

I haven't had that many curry fish heads to compare, but my dining companions found Jin Jue's Curry Fish Head ($35) pretty satisfying. It came with a generous portion of vegetables like brinjal and ladyfinger, along with crisped beancurd skin. The curry leans more milky and creamy, and we thought the spice could be more assertive.

Black Pepper Crab 4/5

We were impressed by how fresh the Black Pepper Crab (Seasonal Price) was, the meat was firm and sweet, and it came with a good amount of roe. Their black pepper sauce leans sweeter, with a medium spice level from the chilli and peppers used.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jin Jue Seafood
369 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208997
Tel: +65 65303689
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bendemeer MRT (DT Line), Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 5pm - 5am

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk towards Kitchener Link. At Kitchener Link walk to Petain Road. Turn right at Petain Road, walk towards Jalan Besar Road. Turn left at Jalan Besar Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bendemeer MRT station. Take Exit A. Left right and walk to Kallang Bahru towards Lavender Street. At Lavender Street, turn right and walk towards Foch Road. Turn left onto Foch Road and walk towards Jalan Besar. Cross the road at Jalan Besar. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Spice Brasserie @ Parkroyal on Kitchener Road - Lunch 茶 Buffet

Spice Brasserie at Parkroyal on Kitchener Road has recently launched Lunch 茶. In just one seating of four hours long and at one price, you get to indulge in a lunch buffet, followed by an afternoon tea set. The buffet offers a line up of Malaysia and Singapore inspired dishes that warm you up with familiar tastes and flavours.

Braised Black Vinegar Trotter 4/5

I was surprised to find a very homely dish - Braised Black Vinegar Trotter. Bringing flavours from his hometown, Penang, Executive Sous Chef Patrick Ooi uses Gula melaka in his recipe to develop his version of this family classic. The perfectly braised egg is a star of its own too.

Penang Fried Kway Tiao & Carrot Cake 4/5

Other notable dishes from his hometown include Penang Fried Kway Tiao and Carrot Cake, and if you drop by for the weekday lunch buffet, there will be Penang Assam Laksa as well.

DIY Popiah station

One of the highlights of this buffet is the DIY Popiah station - The turnips was very well stewed with dried shrimps and mushrooms, alongside fluffy shredded eggs and crunchy beansprouts.

DIY Rojak

I had a lot of fun at the DIY Rojak station too, that is filled with chopped juicy pineapples, cucumbers, green mangos, turnips, crunchy youtiaos and beancurd skin.

The buffet line also comes with a live Pratas and Naans station, serving robust fish curry and rich butter chicken. Right beside it is the station where you can order a handpulled Teh Tarik to complement your warm and fluffy pratas and naans.

Chee Cheong Fun

Lo Mai Kai

Other delights include local style dim sum such as Chee Cheong Fun, which is one of our favourites among the dishes, as well as Lo Mai Kai.

DIY Muah Chee

There's even a Muah Chee station too, in which you can simply load your plate with heaps of the well roasted crushed peanuts!

This new Lunch 茶 (pronounced as Lunch-‘cha’) buffet serves you an Afternoon 茶 Set after the lunch buffet ends at 230pm, which allows you to continue to chill with your loved ones till 4pm. Each set comes with free flow of tea and coffee. Featuring Asian sweets such as Nonya Kuehs, you will also get interesting creations such as Portuguese Durian Egg Tarts.

The Saturdays and Sundays Lunch 茶 Buffet is priced at $45 nett per person.

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.


Spice Brasserie
Parkroyal on Kitchener Road
181 Kitchener Road
Singapore 208533
Tel:+65 31382518
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 12pm - 4pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Kitchener Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wild Coco @ McNair Road - A Delicious Plate Of Nasi Lemak As Good As Dickson Nasi Lemak

Are you missing Dickson Nasi Lemak after it temporarily closed its shop upon Malaysia's live chicken export ban to Singapore? If you are, I have a piece of good news. I have discovered Wild Coco at McNair Road, which sells an excellent plate of Ayam Goreng Berempah that is comparable to Dickson Nasi Lemak. Furthermore, you can dine-in at Wild Coco, unlike Dickson Nasi Lemak, which only could takeaway.

Ayam Goreng Berempah 4.5/5

We had the Ayam Goreng Berempah ($9.80), which comes with a whole spiced chicken leg, fried egg, ikan bilis, peanuts and sambal chilli. The deep-fried whole chicken leg is crispy on the exterior and well-flavoured by the beautiful aroma of the various spices. On the other hand, the meat is tender and juicy. It is comparable to Dickson Nasi Lemak.

As for the rice, Wild Coco's version is more subtle, while Dickson Nasi Lemak's version is robust and rich. The sambal chilli is also better at Dickson Nasi Lemak, which is spicier and more fragrant.

However, Wild Coco fares better in other areas. First, their Ayam Goreng Berempah comes with a fried egg instead of a hard-boiled egg at Dickson Nasi Lemak. Second, you can dine-in at Wild Coco, meaning you can have your food fresh out of the kitchen while Dickson Nasi Lemak can only takeaway.

After comparing the Ayam Goreng Berempah at both Wild Coco and Dickson Nasi Lemak, I find both have pros and cons. However, Wild Coco has a slight edge because you can dine in, and there are more varieties such as Fried Sambal Fish Nasi Lemak and other side dishes.


[CLOSED]
Wild Coco
Blk 122 Mcnair Road
#01-45
Singapore 320122
Tel: +65 91193822
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Boon Keng (NE Line), Farrer Park (CC Line), Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 1030am - 3pm
Tue-Sat: 1030am - 830pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Boon Heng MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Towner Road. Walk to traffic junction of Towner Road and McNair Road. Cross the road onto McNair Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to bus stop at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Stop ID 07211). Take bus number 21, 125, 130 and 139 . Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road and walk to McNair Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Novena MRT station (Stop ID 50038). Take bus number 21. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Si Chuan Dou Hua @ PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road - An Impressive Cantonese Fare Complemented By Sichuan Favourites

Si Chuan Dou Hua at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road has undergone a makeover with a refreshed look. Helmed by Executive Cantonese Master Chef Leung Wing Chung with over 40 years of Chinese cuisine experience, he has also put together an impressive selection of new Cantonese-style creations alongside comforting Sichuan favourites for the refreshed menu.

Exotic Garden with Black Truffle in Osmanthus Sauce 4.2/5

I was a little surprise when the Exotic Garden with Black Truffle in Osmanthus Sauce ($98/$148) was served. Though it is a Lunar New Year Lo-Hei dish, it is sough-after all year round. Hence the chef decides to put it permanently into the menu. The salad dish comes in an abundance of fresh vegetables accompanied by a medley of truffle oil, black truffle sauce and osmanthus sauce. The addition of brown and white rice puffs and homemade crispy soybean crumbs provides the additional texture on top of the freshness.

Steamed Eel with Pumpkin 4.5/5

A beautiful dish on the menu is the Steamed Eel with Pumpkin ($22). This is my first time having eel steamed like Cantonese steamed fish finished with superior soy sauce. Chef even ups the ante by perching it on top of a steamed pumpkin, crowned with a mix of homemade crispy soybean crumbs, conpoy, sakura ebi and ebiko.

Stir-Fried Sliced Pork with Leek in Spicy Sauce 4/5

Besides the Cantonese fare, Si Chuan Dou Hua is known for their Sichuan cuisine. We had the traditional twice-cooked Stir-Fried Sliced Pork with Leek in Spicy Sauce ($22/$33/$44). The pork belly is simmered, sliced and stir-fried with hot bean and broad bean pastes, garlic and leek. It is hard to resist asking for a bowl of steamed rice to go with the dish.

Signature Beancurd Medley 4.5/5

An impressive dish that I adored is the Signature Beancurd Medley ($26/$39/$52), consisting of a homemade beancurd and deep-fried purple rice tofu, topped with homemade minced meat sauce. The presentation looks like a tower (deep-fried tofu) above a group of white cloud (beancurd).

Duet of Traditional Crispy Chicken 4/5

A rarity in Chinese restaurants is the Duet of Traditional Crispy Chicken Stuffed with Glutinous Rice, Goose Liver and Waxed Meat ($88). The classic Cantonese dish requires an elusive combination of skill, patience and passion for achieving ideal crispiness. Done in two ways, the roulade is stuffed with glutinous rice, brown rice, pearl white rice, peanut, sweet corn, chicken, chicken liver and goose liver wrapped in a wafer-thin layer of skin and meat. Complementing the rendition are neat parcels of the same five core ingredients and waxed meat done like claypot rice, rice and meat mixture is compressed with chicken skin and roasted.

Crispy Brown Rice with Two-Head Abalone in Superior Stock 4.5/5

The Crispy Brown Rice with Two-Head Abalone in Superior Stock ($78) is a fitting finale to a sumptuous dinner. A piping hot superior stock is poured into the claypot of brown, pearl and white rice puffs by the staff at tableside. Following that, scallops, prawns, sakura ebi, conpoy, preserved vegetables, cooked white rice, coriander and spring onion are added. Slices of braised 2-head abalone are served with the pao fan for a gratifying finishing with a luxe factor.

Osmanthus Jelly with Almond 4.2/5, Homemade Purple Rice Bean Curd with Red Bean 4/5

Wrapping up our dinner is the Osmanthus Jelly with Almond ($6.80 for 3pc), an exquisite version of the popular almond beancurd encased within an osmanthus konnyaku jelly. We also had the Homemade Purple Rice Bean Curd with Red Bean ($6.80). It is a pretty-in-purple version of their silky smooth beancurd.

I have visited Si Chuan Dou Hua at Beach Road numerous time for its Sichuan cuisine, and all the while I thought Si Chuan Dou Hua at Kitchener Road served the same menu. Actually, there is a difference with the Kitchener Road, focusing on Cantonese cuisine, and I have to say I am really impressed with the dishes here. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Si Chuan Dou Hua
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
181 Kitchener Road
Level 3
Singapore 208533
Tel: +65 64283170
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Kitchener Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Suk's Thai Kitchen @ Tessensohn Road - New Thai Restaurant Helmed By Thai Chef In Little India

With a Thai chef at the helm of the kitchen, Suk's Thai Kitchen at Tessensohn Road serves up authentic Thai cuisine in a contemporary bistro setting. Its menu is comprehensive, including dishes that are less commonly offered by other Thai concepts.

Homemade Prawn Cakes 3.5/5

Thai Fried Chicken Wings 4/5

For starters, what's recommended are Handmade Prawn Cakes ($10) and Thai Fried Chicken Wings ($10). The latter was excellent. Unlike those dry and skinny ones, these were succulent with a bit of zest on it. Definitely one of the betters ones I had tried so far.

Grilled Pork Salad 3.8/5

For something light but meaty to beef up your meal, Grilled Pork Salad ($14) is a good option with its thinly sliced pork shoulder. Tossed with onions, herbs and a spicy E-Sarn dressing, the tender slices of meat were moreish with a piquant and sharp zing cutting through. What's not quite there is perhaps the lack of char on the meat, which would have kicked its flavours up a notch.

Red Tom Yum Soup with Prawns 3.5/5

Fish Maw Soup 4.2/5

For soups, we had Fish Maw Soup ($14) and Red Tom Yum Soup with Prawns ($12). Simmered with old ginger, garlic and coriander root, the fish maw soup was flavoursome and tasty with a good amount of fish maw slices and mushrooms. I didn't quite enjoy the tom yum soup though. Its saltiness dulled my palate after a few sips of it.

Green Curry Chicken 3.5/5

We also tried Green Curry Chicken ($12). The green curry looked slightly split, but the taste was decent. The meat was tender, but some of the eggplants were still quite tough.

Fried Sea Bass with Suk's Thai Chilli 3/5

I was rather disappointed by its Fried Sea Bass with Suk's Thai Chilli ($28). I find the fish a little dry, and its fried exterior lacked a crisp that I was looking for. The Thai chilli lacks the punch to elevate the dish either.

Suk's Northern Thai Laksa 3.5/5

There is one interesting dish on the menu - Suk's Northern Thai Laksa ($10), made using Chiang Rai recipe. Served with a scoop of spicy minced meat with tomatoes and pickled mustard leaves, these were the 2 ingredients that imparted most of the flavours to the broth. Other than that, I find the broth itself rather bland. I remember having something similar in Chiang Rai, but it was a lot more robust.

Ice Jelly 4/5

For desserts, we had Ice Jelly and Red Ruby ($6). The ice jelly was done with a slight twist to it, incorporating preserved plums into the ice and was a superb palate cleanser after all the highly flavoured food. I enjoyed the red ruby equally, with crunchy homemade rubies that weren't doused in sugar. It would have been even better if a better quality coconut milk was used.

Red Ruby 4/5

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. 


Suk's Thai Kitchen
136 Tessensohn Road
Singapore 217699
Tel: +65 96699445
Facebook 
Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5 – 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left to Tessensohn Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]