Chilli Padi Nonya Café @ Heng Mui Keng Terrace - Reopened With A Refreshed A La Carte Buffet Concept

Known for its ‘All You Can Eat’ Peranakan buffet, Chilli Padi Nonya Cafe at Heng Mui Keng Terrace now presents a new and refreshed Peranakan a la carte buffet concept. On the menu, you will find the quintessential Peranakan dishes, ranging from appetisers and soups to meat and vegetable curries, seafood options, as well as sweet treats and kuehs. Choosing from over 18 options on the menu, with all being served on the first round if you wish, and subsequently, have all your favourites replenished till your satisfaction.

Before the feast began, we were served with a selection of classic Peranakan starters to kickstart our appetite. The Nonya Fruit Rojak of diced fruits was saltish and piquant with calamansi and prawn paste dressing, and the Bibik Achar was even more so, which I couldn't resist ordering a few more servings after which to accompany the more highly flavoured dishes.

Another signature of theirs is DIY Kueh Pai Ti, which I genuinely enjoy filling each crisp golden shells to the brim with their well-braised turnip flavourful with dried shrimp, then topped it off with a hard-boiled egg. Spice it up with tangy cilicuka served at the side for a punch of flavour.

Light bites also include Otah Mantou. I like how the sweetness and the fragrance of the Pandan flavoured buns balances spicy fish cake, but the portion of the fishcake can be a lot bigger.

Moving on to the Mains, the Bakwan Kepiting is one of the star dishes. The pork and crab meatballs were soft and succulent, and the soup itself was comforting with light seasoning.

The piping hot Fried Shrimp Paste Chicken Wings are to dive right in without hesitation for it would have been a waste when they lose their crispiness and moisture sitting out in the cold. Their pungency is on point too.

Ayam Buah Keluak

Beef Rendang

The Meaty Mains feature Beef Rendang that is cooked with chunks of beef shank in a thick curry. It was decent but lacked robustness that I was seeking for. The Ayam Buah Keluak fares much better with tender chicken meats and rich buah keluak (black nut) gravy.

Babi Ponteh

The Babi Ponteh comes with huge slices of pork belly braised in fermented soybean paste gravy. I find the meat a tad tough in some parts, but they were still quite delightful with well-braised mushrooms and potatoes that had soaked in the umami flavours of the gravy.

Braised Nonya Chap Chye

Green Vegetable Masak Lemak Keledek

For Vegetable options, both the Braised Nonya Chap Chye and Green Vegetable Masak Lemak Keledek didn't disappoint, especially the latter. Fresh spinach stewed till soft in a robust but light coconut curry, punchy with dried shrimps.

There is also a Seafood item - Ikan Goreng Chilli Garam. The batter was thin and very lightly seasoned, allowing the spicy and tangy chilli garam to shine in this dish.

At the end of the meal, we were served a 2-tier assortment of desserts. There is a tier of Nonya kuehs, and another with Chilled Lemon Grass Jelly with Aloe Vera and Soya Beancurd with Gula Melaka that refreshes the palate, and a very warm and comforting Pulut Hitam.

Weekdays
Lunch & Friday Dinner $22.80
Weekend & Public Holidays
Lunch & Dinner $26.80
Weekend High-Tea $19.80

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.


Chilli Padi Nonya Café
29 Heng Mui Keng Terrace
Block E #06-21
Singapore 119620
Tel: +65 68722982
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa (CC Line)

Opening Hours
Mon-Thu: 1130am – 3pm
Fri: 1130am – 3pm, 6 – 930pm
Sat-Sun/PH: 1130am – 230pm, 3 – 515pm, 6 – 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to bus stop opposite Haw Par Villa MRT station (Stop ID 16011). Take bus number 10, 30, 51, 143, 188 or 200. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to traffic junction of Pasir Panjang Road and Science Park Road. Cross the road and walk towards Capricom building. Continue on Science Park Road. Turn left onto Heng Mui Keng Terrace. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Paddy Hills @ South Buona Vista Road - Introduces New Unique Fusion Dishes With A Twist

Nestled within the row of shophouses along South Buona Vista Road is Paddy Hills - a quaint hipster cafe in the west offering a wide selection of contemporary fusion cuisine. With a continuous revamp of its menu, Paddy Hills continues to attract diners to its far-flung location for its inventive and exciting dishes.

Savoury French Toast 4/5

The Savoury French Toast ($21) comes in a fluffy, buttery brioche with a thick, juicy bacon chop, house-cured salmon, banana slices, coconut ice cream and a generous douse of coffee maple syrup. Featuring a medley of different elements on a plate, this creation presents a savoury-sweet, hot-cold combination which contributes to a harmonious blend of contrasting flavours and textures, and surprisingly works well together.

Soft Shell Crab Burger 3.8/5

The Soft Shell Crab Burger ($25) comes in a crispy prawn patty and soft shell crab sandwiched in between two fluffy squid ink buns. While the green mango salad adds a sharp, tangy flavour to the burger, the prawn patty and soft shell crab packed less of a bite and more of a crunch to the dish, which rendered the texture rather one-dimensional, with the only flavour coming from the overwhelming tanginess of the green mango. Also served with a side of crispy curly fries and squid ink aioli.

NZ Ribeye 4.2/5

For something on the meatier side, the NZ Ribeye ($28) was a favourite among the dishes. It boasts tender and juicy ribeye steak atop crispy stick fries for an added crunch, and two sunny sides up atop the steak.

Truffle Garlic Fries 3.8/5

For something on the lighter, choose from their selection of sides such as the Truffle Garlic Fries ($15) with aioli and garlic snow. The truffle mayo dip on the side adds a rather subtle truffle flavour to the crispy fries. While we hoped that the promised flavours were stronger, it was still a rather addictive snack.

Feels like Summer 4.2/5

The Feels like Summer ($8) is just like its name, bright and bubbly, with a cute umbrella perched atop. The strawberry soda was a cooling thirst quencher, while the popping strawberry granules add a fun popping sensation and a refreshing tang to the drink, which makes every sip an enjoyable one.

Hot Chocolate 4/5

For the less-adventurous, go for their Hot Chocolate ($8) which boasts a rich chocolate flavour in a double-walled glass.

Photos and words 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.


Paddy Hills
38 South Buona Vista Road
Singapore 118164
Tel: +65 64790800
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 5pm, 6pm - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 5pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Haw Par Villa MRT station (Stop ID 16019). Take bus number 200. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

La Pizzeria @ Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC) - Catching The Sunset Over Classic Wood Fried Pizza and Pasta

Tucked away in the western coast of Singapore, La Pizzeria at the Bridge & Beacon Bar is a newly opened Italian restaurant set within the premises of Republic of Singapore Yacht Club. With the guidance of Italian Chef Francesco Romano who runs a cheese factory in Italy and currently the corporate Chef of Thunder Road Group in Dubai, the team dish out the classics - namely wood fired pizzas and pastas, coupled with sides and desserts. Speaking of which, we were told that the menu is put together with recipes passed down from the Italian's grandmother!

Fried Seafood Platter 3.5/5

We started our lunch with Fried Seafood Platter ($29). I really like how thin and crisp the batter was, while the squid and Tiger Prawns remained succulent within the thin coat. I would usually avoid fried food but I had quite a portion of this as I could hardly taste much grease in the batter.

Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli 4.2/5

For Pastas, we chose the highly recommended Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli ($25) and indeed, it is one of the most memorable ravioli I ever had. Covered with a bread over the huge bowl, the pasta was served piping hot onto our table. With anticipation, we watched as the bread cover was being sliced open, revealing the treasure hidden. Mouthwatering aroma from the truffle mushroom cream sauce set out in waves, exciting our appetite. The pasta was thin with a texture spot on. Each golden pouch was aptly filled with spinach and ricotta, and every bite there was always a right amount of everything - pasta, filling, mushroom, sauce.

Primavera 3/5

The Pizza we had was Primavera ($22). The combination of the ingredients was tasty - melted mozzarella topped with large slices of prosciutto, a heap of rocket lettuce and shaved parmesan cheese. I like how the sharp rocket leaves cuts the richness of the cheese and meat. What fell short of our expectation was the crust, as we felt that the dough was slightly under baked.

Tiramisu 3/5

Summing up of meal was a beautiful piece of Tiramisu ($9). The sweetness was just right, if only there could be some liqueur added in. That would be perfect.

With such great view, atmosphere and spaciousness, I really enjoyed my lunch over here at La Pizzeria at the Bridge & Beacon Bar. If you are here for the dinner, try to be here slightly earlier to catch the sunset!

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.


Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC) 
Level 2
52 West Coast Ferry Road
Singapore 126887
Tel: +65 67689443
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line), Haw Par Villa (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu & Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat, Eve of PH & PH: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to taxi stand. Take RSYC Shuttle bus. Shuttle bus schedule. [Map]

2) Alight at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite station. Take RSYC Shuttle bus. Shuttle bus schedule. [Map]

99 Buona Vista Kitchen @ South Buona Vista Road - My Go To Place For Zi Char Dinner Near My Place

I was a bit lost when my favourite zichar stall, 138 Hong Kong Street Teochew Fish Head Steamboat near my place closed down. Now that I have discovered 99 Buona Vista Kitchen, it is my to go place for zichar nowadays. For those that is not familiar of the area, the zichar stall is located at the same row of shophouses where Paddy Hills is at.

Black Bean Pork with Bittergourd 4/5

Having visited the place a couple of times, I have noticed it is quite popular with the residents in the neighbourhood. Even expats are seen dining at the zichar place, immersed in the local dining scene.

Chinese Chives with Beansprouts 4/5

I ordered a couple of dishes to try and they are really quite delicious. The Black Bean Pork with Bittergourd is tender complemented by the slightly sweet and spicy black bean sauce. The addition of beansprouts with the Chinese Chives provides the extra crunchiness.

Salted Egg Tofu 3/5

I thought the Salted Egg Tofu topped with pork floss was quite interesting but it did not quite meet my expectation. While the tofu was silky, the salted egg sauce is too sweet and lacked the robustness.

Fried Fish Tail 3.5/5

The Fried Fish Tail may not be any refine dish served in some big restaurants. The fish tail is crispy with the skin on and moist in texture. Dressed in a brown savoury sauce, everything comes together as a homely cooked dish.

Beef Curry 4.2/5

Sometimes what is good at a dining place, you need to observe what other diners are eating. I noticed a lot of tables ordered the Beef Curry, hence I also got a plate to try. The beef cut may not be the best but the portion is quite generous. It even comes with potato. Most important the curry is fragrant and creamy.

Black Bean Sauce Hor Fun 4.2/5

If you are alone, there are also a selection of one plate meal such as noodles or rice. I had the Black Bean Sauce Hor Fun which comes with wok hei rice noodles, bittergourd and slices of fish cakes.

I am great that there is such a a good zi char place near my place. Hidden in the corner of the row of shophouse, the place can be quite crowded on weekend. Great thing, the kitchen is quite fast in dishing out the orders.


99 Buona Vista Kitchen
22 South Buona Vista Road
Singapore 118156
Tel: +65 64731719
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alighat at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Haw Par Villa MRT station (Stop ID 16019). Take bus number 200. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Na Na Original Thai Food @ Clementi Road - The Popular Golden Mile Complex Restaurant Has Opened A 2nd Branch In The West

Great news for folks staying in the West, the popular Na Na Original Thai Food at Golden Mile Complex has opened a second branch at Clementi Road, at the stretch of shop houses beside Kent Ridge Bus Terminal. It has taken over the space of Fei Fei Wanton Mee. Great to see the change as the wanton mee was nothing close to the original one in Joo Chiat.

Papaya Salad 3.5/5

Our dinner started with the Papaya Salad ($6). The flavours hit the palate like a tank with its sweetness and spiciness, on top of crunchy papaya stripes. It definitely whetted up our appetite.

Phad Thai with Prawn 3/5

I could not say I actually enjoy the Phad Thai with Prawn ($5). The version was a little too sweet for me. It was also quite stingy in the ingredients, the whole plate looked very pathetic.

Red Curry Chicken 3/5

For our meat, we gone for the Red Curry Chicken ($8) which comes with chicken pieces, pineapple, tomato and eggplant. Do not be deceived by the red coloring of the curry, it is not spicy at all. It fact I find it diluted and sweet.

Stir Fried Kai Lan with Oyster Sauce 4/5

Lastly we had the Stir Fried Kai Lan with Oyster Sauce ($7) to complete the meal. This is probably the best executed dish, with the green retaining its crunchiness. On top of that the oyster sauce was balanced, not overly salty, complementing the earthy taste of the green.

During my visit, the kitchen was a bit chaotic with many tables getting impatient waiting for the food. I could not really blame them because it was only a few days to their opening. It probably needs more time to smooth out the operations. Food wise, I thought it was rather average. However the price point is reasonable cheap. By the way, the restaurant is 24 hours!


Na Na Original Thai Food
18 Clementi Road
Singapore 129747
Tel: +65 68732250
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line), Haw Par Villa (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 24 Hours

Direction:
1) Alight at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Har Paw MRT station (Stop ID 16011). Take bus number 10 or 200. Alight 8 stops later at Kent Ridge Bus Terminal. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Har Paw MRT station (Stop ID 16011). Take bus number 30, 51, 143 or 188. Alight 7 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 183 or 201. Alight 7 stops later. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Pipe District Bistro @ Science Park 2 - The New Black, Charcoal Fish & Chips

Pipe District Bistro is a rather new bistro in the quiet Science Park 2, offering modern European cuisine in an industrial themed setting surrounded with metal, pipes and wood decor. I took notice of the bistro when I come across the beautiful blue wall and black charcoal fish & chips on social media.

For the hot afternoon, we ordered the Lemon, Lime & Bitters and Iced Lemon Tea to cool ourselves from the humid weather. For those prefers some Archipelago Beers, there are the Belgian Wit, Bohemian Lager, Irish Ale and Summer Ipa.

Charcoal Dory Fish & Chips 4/5

The Charcoal Fish & Chips is what I am here for after seeing all the instagram photos. It comes with a choice of sweet potato fries or normal fries. Served with green salad, tartar dressing and malt vinegar. Besides the dory fish, customers also have a choice of Scottish Salmon ($18), Dory ($14) or Atlantic Cod ($20).

Charcoal Dory Fish & Chips 4/5

I have the Charcoal Dory Fish & Chips ($14). The black gold comes with a thin crispy batter that encased a firm and flaky white meat that is bursting with the natural sweetness of the dory fish.

Soft Shell Crab Pasta Pasta 4/5

Pipe District Bistro likes to give choices to their customers. For the pasta dish, customer gets to pick their protein, carbo and sauce. We went for the crispy soft shell crab, fettuccine and tomato arrabiata. The Crispy Soft Shell Crab Fettuccine with Tomato Arrabita ($12) is cooked to an enjoyable al dente with the hint of spicy sweet tomato arrabiata sauce rounding off for a delectable finishing.

What I like about Pipe District Bistro is the huge spacing with a choice of indoor and outdoor seating. Unlike many other cafes or bistros, the place is still not really being discovered and I can still enjoy a peaceful meal here.


Pipe District Bistro
Science Park 2
The Gemini
45 Science Park Road
#01-09
Singapore 117407
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line), Haw Par Villa (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

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 13 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Haw Par Villa MRT station (Stop ID 16011). Take bus number 10, 30, 51, 143, 188 or 200. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road Science Park Road. Walk down science park road to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Paddy Hills @ South Buona Vista Road (Pasir Panjang)

Paddy Hills is one of the hipster cafes in the West. In fact I have visited the cafe a couple of times but it never occurred to me to blog about it until now. Unlike most cafes that offer simple re-heat or microwave food, the food here is proper cooked dishes that is comparable to bistro standard. On top of that, it brews a good cup of coffee.

Latte 4/5

The Latte at Paddy Hills is not too acidic and has a good body to it. The aromatic scent with the bitter sweetness is like rocket fuel energizing my day.

Kimchi Fried Rice 4/5

It is quite interesting to find Kimchi Fried Rice ($20) in the menu at Paddy Hills. The kimchi fried rice comes with slices of beef steak as well as a sous vide egg. The flavours are spot on and enjoyable. My disappointment is that the fried rice is on the wet side.

Salmon 4/5

The Salmon ($26) is new on the menu. The salmon is glazed with saikyo miso for hints of sweetness. Topped with seasoned quinoa, giving it a delectable crust. Complementing the flaky and pinkish salmon is the pumpkin puree, baby eel cracker and seasonal greens.

Potato & Fish 4.2/5

A very substantial dish on the menu is the Potato & Fish ($24). Resting on a bed of rosti is the seared seabass. Holding the two different ingredients together is the bagna cauda sauce. Just like chicken and waffle, I would never expect that rosti and fish can be paired together as a dish. The dish is further crowned with a fried egg.

For a cafe, even though it serves bistro standard and quality food, it is rather pricey. The price tag of their mains are almost the comparable to those of restaurant. I am not sure whether it is due to the high rental. What surprises me even more is the crowd that is willingly to pay for the price for the food. I am not sure how long it can continue to charge at this type of pricing. Only times can tell.


Paddy Hills
38 South Buona Vista Road
Singapore 118164
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 5pm, 6pm - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 5pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alighat at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Haw Par Villa MRT station (Stop ID 16019). Take bus number 200. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]