Ah Hua Teochew Fishball Noodle @ Pandan Gardens - Best Fishball Noodle In The West

I have known about Ah Hua Teochew Fishball Noodle at Pandan Gardens for a while, but I simply can't find the time to visit it even though it is quite near my home. Excuses aside I finally made my way to the quiet neighbourhood to check out the hidden gem that has received raving reviews even from fellow hawkers, chefs and influencers. The more reason I have to check it out myself.

Mee Pok Dry 4.2/5

I have the Fishball Mee Pok Dry ($3). The noodle was cooked to a delightful al dente bite complemented by the excellent chilli sauce which has been made in-house. I had the small bowl, which also comes with three fishballs and some slices of fish cakes.

Mixed Soup 4.5/5

Meatball 4.5/5, Fish Dumpling 4.8/5

Knowing that the stall handmade most of the ingredients, I could not resist ordering a bowl of Mixed Soup ($5/$6) that comes with all these handmade goodness. Besides the bouncy handmade fishballs, the highlight has to be their Fish Dumpling. Unlike those doughy, factory-made type, the fish dumpling here has a silky texture with a crunchy bite. It is like wrapping it with real fish skin. The handmade meatball here is as good too. I was surprised by its soft texture with the aroma of dried sole fish.

Yong Tau Foo 4.2/5

If you don't feel like have fishball noodle, you can also go for the Yong Tau Foo ($4). For the price, the portion is really decent with stuffed beancurd, beancurd skin, fish cake, fish dumpling and meatball. You can choose to have it together with noodle or rice.

I am really great that I have finally tried Ah Hua Teochew Fishball Noodle and now I understand why it has been getting good reviews from fellow foodies. The best part it is near my home. In fact, I have already gone back a couple of times already.


Ah Hua Teochew Fishball Noodle
Blk 415 Pandan Gardens
#01-117
Singapore 600415
Tel: 65 90027330
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 7am - 3pm
Sun: 7am - 2pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Jurong East Bus Interchange (Stop ID 28009). Take bus number 51. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

Soi Thai Soi Nice @ JEM - Popular Royal Thai Hotpot Comes To The West

Known for their Royal Thai Hotpot, Soi Thai Soi Nice has opened its third outlet at JEM. In conjunction with the opening of this new outlet, you will be introduced to more Thai dishes that are less commonly offered elsewhere in Singapore.

Royal Thai Hotpot 3.5/5

Bringing families and friends together is the Royal Thai Hotpot ($38.80 Small/ $68.80 Large). Like a Korean army stew, there are fried softshell crabs, sausages, cabbages, prawns, scallops, instant noodles, enoki mushrooms and egg. The Tom Yum broth has a good balance of tang and heat. What I really love about it is that the sourness that comes from the natural acidity of the lime, hence it doesn't leave a vinegary aftertaste. My favourite ingredients are definitely the mushrooms and cabbages that release bursts of tom yum flavours in every bite. I forgot to mention that their signature fried pork belly were in the hotpot as well! Albeit lacking the crunch, they were still quite yummy with fats. I wish the soft shell crabs could be left out though or make it optional. It doesn't quite make sense to me to eat soggy soft shell crab.

Soft Shell Crab Salad 3.5/5

Ideally, fried soft shell crabs should be presented on its own, such as in Soft Shell Crab Salad ($15.90). The raw greens and onions cuts the greasiness of the fried batter. The soft crunch of the fried soft shell crabs complements excellently with the sweet and spicy sauce. You will wonder why Thai sauces just seem to be able to make every dish moreish.

Grilled Oyster 2.8/5

As a starter, Grilled Oysters ($3.90 per piece) is available, which is paired with garlic bits and fish sauce. Beware, it is really garlicky.

Waterfall Seabass 3.5/5

A new notable dish is this Waterfall Seabass ($32.90) which delights me with its clear, piquant spicy sauce that is not anywhere near those gluey and starchy sauce that drench the fish underneath. This homemade spicy sauce is bright, tangy with heat and yet it tastes clean in the mouth. I like how they dressed the fish with heaps of herbs which add freshness to every bite. The skinnier part of the fish was really crispy but some parts of the fish were too dry, stripping away its natural sweetness.

Cha Om Omelette 2.5/5

Their Cha Om Omelette ($11.90) was somewhat disappointing. I tried it elsewhere which was full of the Cha Om. I love the crunch and the combination of the egg and Cha Om was really good. This, however, has too little Cha Om to bring out that unique flavour of the herbs.

Snowflake Yam 2.8/5

We had an interesting dessert to round up our meal - Snowflake Yam ($8.90 Small/ $12.90 Medium). First the yam cubes are deep-fried and coated with sugar, then stir–fried to recrystalise the sugar to a sandy finishing. When I poked my fork through the sugar coating, I could see and feel how crusty it was. Cocooned within, the yam that was really soft and fluffy. It was a real pity that the sugar coating is really way too sweet. The sweet-savoury version from Putien is still my favourite.

Coco Paradise 3/5

Coco Paradise ($6.90) is a beverage but I see it as a great option for a dessert. A ice Thai tea float with coconut ice-cream, a great way to beat the heat and cool your body down from all the stimulating food.

You can always fall back on those Thai dishes that your are familiar with but over here at Soi Thai Soi Nice, do try venturing out to some less commonly known dishes to whet your appetite.

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.


Soi Thai Soi Nice
50 Jurong Gateway Road
JEM #03-21
Singapore 608549
Facebook
Website
Tel: +65 63391391
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

NY Night Market @ Westgate Shopping Mall - Offers Delicious And Affordable Korean-American Fusion Comfort Food X 'K FOOD WHEEL OF DAEBAK' Sure-Win Promotion

From 5 July to 5 August 2018, K Food Holdings, operator of Chir Chir Fusion Chicken Factory, Masizzim, Kogane Yama, Nipong Naepong and NY Night Market, recently launched the 'K FOOD WHEEL OF DAEBAK', which is a sure-win “wheel of fortune” promotion through which customers dining at any of the aforementioned restaurants will be entitled to one spin of the wheel for every $50 spent in a single receipt. No matter where the wheel is spun to, customers will surely be rewarded with some form of food or dining vouchers, such as a $50 dining voucher or a free order of Ranch Cheese Fries.

We visited one of its participating oulet, NY Night Market which is a Korean-American fusion food joint located at Westgate. First established in Seoul Korea, this popular chain specialises in international street food whee one can find in New York City, offering Western food items such as fried chicken, pasta and pizza infused with Korean elements.

Waterfall Cheese Shrimp 4.5/5

The Waterfall Cheese Shrimp ($13.90) features perfectly succulent grilled prawns with broccoli, king oyster mushrooms and cherry tomatoes blanketed in a waterfall of lusciously creamy mozzarella and emmental sauce from a mini bucket. Packed full of creamy cheesy goodness, this is definitely a dream come true for cheese-lovers.

Gambas Al Ajillo 4.2/5

A Spain Tapas-inspired dish, the Gambas Al Ajillo ($13.90) comes in a sizzling plate of sauteed prawns in garlic and olive oil, served with crispy toasted garlic breadsticks. Similar to the waterfall cheese shrimp dish. the prawns are fresh and juicy with a slight peppery aftertaste. The rich flavours of garlic and olive oil makes the dish extremely fragrant. We recommend mopping up all those delicious olive oil with the breadsticks.

Blood & Seoul 4/5

With alcohol going at discounted prices during happy hour till 7pm, the Blood & Seoul ($10; UP: $14.90) was quite a catch with lime Mojito, raspberry and strawberry puree, lemon juice and mint cocktail mix in a huge glass, and a beer bottle inserted upside down into the glass. Finish at least half of your drink before lifting the beer bottle to allow more beer to flow into the glass. While the cocktail is mildly sweet with a refreshing fruity taste, bitter hints of alcohol become more prominent as the beer slowly empties into the glass.

Party in New York 4.2/5

The Party in New York ($30.90) features the hearty surf 'n' turf platter filled with sausage, cajun fried chicken, prawn, french fries, pineapple and corn. It also comes with a sizzling hotplate of Beef Steak. Cooked medium rare, these 150g of grilled flat iron steak is tender and juicy, perfectly seasoned with basil and served with rich BBQ sauce and butter.

Party in New York 4.2/5

NY Night Market is the perfect place to indulge in some delicious and affordable Korean-Western fusion street food over a get-together with friends in a casual fun setting. If you're ever missing the buzzing night markets in korea, come by NY Night market to relive the experience again!

The 'K FOOD WHEEL OF DAEBAK' is available from 5 July to 5 August 2018, where diners are entitled to a single spin of the wheel with every $50 spent in a single receipt. WIth a sure-win concept, stand a chance to win from a variety of vouchers available such as a $50 dining voucher, order of Ranch Cheese Fries or Sleepless in Nacho at NY Night Market, or at other participating outlets.

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.


NY Night Market
Westgate
3 Gateway Drive
#01-08
Singapore 608532
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

TOBY’S The Dessert Asylum @ TradeHub 21 (Jurong East) - 50% Off The New Guinness Stout Baby Ribs And Hickory Smoke Baby Ribs

Known for its outrageous desserts, TOBY’S The Dessert Asylum at TradeHub 21 delights both kids and adults alike with sumptuous food as well. It has been away from the radar quite a while and now it's back with full force. It has introduced new mouthwatering flavours of its best selling baby back ribs which you get to enjoy at an introductory promotion price, plus an amazing beer-food pairing deal, and awaits you at the end of the meal is another decadent cake and ice cream pairing.

Guinness Stout Baby Ribs 3.8/5

Hickory Smoked Baby Ribs 3.5/5

Guinness Stout Baby Ribs ($19.90) and Hickory Smoked Baby Ribs ($19.90) are the 2 new flavours. My vote goes to the Guinness stout baby ribs, for that pronounced alcoholic malty flavour. But both meats were equally tender. So how do you get the promotion? Drop by any time between 3-9pm, snap a picture of your ribs and share on Facebook, that will give you a introductory promotion of 50% off! And you get to avoid the really bustling lunch crowd too!

Toby's Deluxe Burger 3.8/5

I was introduced to its Toby's Deluxe Burger ($16.50) as well. The key to eating this burger is that you must eat it the moment it landed on your table, so that you get all the goodness of the cheese oozing out from the juicy patty and spread across your burger.

So here comes the deal - order any bites of mains, the bottled beers (Tiger and Heineken) will be yours at only $3 per bottle! Be it a mid-day tipple or a quick afterwork 'before home' drink, it can't be more affordable than that.

Ondeh Ondeh Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream 4/5

You hardly see anyone leaving this Toby's without trying its dessert. One of the signatures here is cake & ice cream pairing. Ondeh Ondeh Cake ($7.90) is one of the latest flavour, made with genuine Gula Melaka. The pandan sponge cake is very moist and dense which creates a balance with the cream. Pockets of shredded coconut gives this cake its characteristic and imparts that quintessential ondeh ondeh taste to this dessert. A mouthful of it with the cold vanilla ice cream (+ $4) was like slathering cold butter on a piece of toast. Yummy.

D'Lover 3/5

Among all the cakes, D'Lover ($6.90) is a hot favourite. Layered with durian filling, that explains its popularity.

I guess desserts make people happy and hearty meals too, which explain the joyful vibe at Toby's.

Photograph and 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.


Toby's The Dessert Asylum
TradeHub 21
8 Boon Lay Way
#01-35
Singapore 609964
Tel: +65 63162422
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clement (EW Line), Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17171). Take bus number 52 and 105. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Bus Interchange (Stop ID 17009). Take bus number 99. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Jurong East Bus Interchange (Stop ID 28009). Take bus number 52 or 105. Alight 8 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Nipong Naepong @ JEM - Singapore’s First Fusion Jjamppong Specialty Restaurant

Jjamppong (seafood noodles), a traditional Chinese - Korean dish, has been remodelled in every possible, fashionable ways in the hands of Nipong Naepong at Jem. You have the Italian Vongole Ppong, Thai Tae Ppng, Japanese II Ppong, Western style salad Ppong ... you get the idea. Each seafood noodles bowl comes with mussles, squid and cabbages.

Cha Ppong 3.8/5

There is a reason why classic remains a classic. Identified with the 2 adorable quail eggs, the Cha Ppong, with its myriad of spices, piqued my taste buds in every sip. Though it left my mouth tingling with heat, its hard to stop slurping. It may hits me with prickling spiciness at one point, the sweet tanginess that follows makes it addictive.

Vongole Ppong 3.5/5

All the ingredients have been stirred fried before hand to achieve the wok hei taste and that really shines through in Vongole Ppong ($16.80). Instead of squid and prawn, this follows the Italian style of cooking with clams and spiked with white wine and garlic. The elusive wok hei is really pronounced in this dish, which gives this dish its characteristic. The hint of spiciness, which I reckon is that of a chilli padi, works in adding a dimension to the taste.

Ro Ppong-Roje 3/5

Ro Ppong-Roje ($17.80) may win you over with all the oozy goodness of the shredded mozzarella cheese overhead that melts into the sauce and coats the noodles as you stir them in. This 'pink' sauce ppong is a combination of cream and tomato puree, resulting in a sweet, creamy sauce with a tinge of tanginess. I would have loved it more should the tomato puree be a lot more stronger and more towards the savoury side.

Tae Ppong 3/5

If you like Char Kway Teow, this Tai Ppong ($15.80) should be right up your alley. A Thai Style ppong that supposed to resemble Phad Thai, I find it so closely similar to the flavour of our Char Kway Teow!

Keu Ppong-cream 2.5/5

Keu Ppong-cream ($17.80) happens to pale in comparison with the rest. Perhaps I feel the punches of flavour is missing from the robust Cha Ppong, this Alfredo-Jjamppong style somewhat seems to be relatively bland, like noodles in concentrated chowder.

Ninae Pizza 3.8/5

Coco Pizza 3.8/5

There is no dessert served here but I would consider its Pizzas to be one. 4 choices available - Coco Pizza (coconut), Ni Pizza (sweet potato), Nae Pizza (garlic) and Ninae Pizza (Spinach). For Ni and Coco, both are served with homemade fresh cream. Coco Pizza surprises me the most. The combination of the cream and the coconut is finger licking good, and I really couldn't be bothered with the gloves provided. I do find the toppings on the pizzas a bit too thin, and Ninae Pizza is one that provides more texture and body with cream cheese and spinach.

Being Singapore's first "ppong" speciality restaurant from South Korean, only at Nipong Naepong that you get to try ppong in your favourite soup base. What's notable is that to ensure the noodles are springy and tender with a bite, it carries its very own jjolmyeon (wheat noodles) that are made exclusively in Korean for this brand. The same quality control goes to all the sauces and soup stocks that go into each bowl of the noodles. My favourite is still the classic, what's yours?

Words and photos 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.


Nipong Naepong
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#01-16
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 69316295
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

K.COOK Korean BBQ & Steamboat Buffet @ Westgate - Quality Meats With Affordable Price Tag

Ever since its first outlet in town, K.COOK BBQ has been known for its quality meats that come with an affordable price tag. Its second outlet in Westgate has even more to offer - you can now enjoy both Korean barbeque and steamboat at the same time at K.COOK BBQ & Steamboat Buffet.

Meat & Seafood

Greens, Fruit and Salad

A fixture commonly found in authentic Korean BBQ restaurants, drop-down vacuums hovering on top of each table are installed. I have been to a few Korean BBQ and K Cook stands out in terms of its offering and presentation. There are 2 big chillers of seafood and meats, a wide range of fresh greens, mushrooms, even noodles are available for you to create your own version of army stew. Create your own Banchan with its assorted salads fruits.

The way the meats are being handled impresses me. Organised and kept in 2 big chillers instead of being displayed out openly, they do look a whole lot more appetising than some of the restaurants which I have been to. What I really appreciate is the fact that the thin slices of meats for steamboat are neatly stacked in tray, like how they will be served in a Shabu Shabu restaurant. So even if you or your friends ain't big on barbeque, this is worth the trip. There are pork belly, pork collar, pork skirt meat, beef short ribs and even ribeye! Seafood such as prawns, squids and clams are offered as well.

Steamboat

For steamboat, you can choose up to 2 soup base, in which I had Korean Soybean Paste and Spicy Seafood. Other options include Chicken, Pork and Beef soups.

Bossam

The hot food section is quite decent with a mix of Korean and international dishes such as pasta, fried rice etc. My favourite is the Bossam, a Korean style pork belly. It may look rubbery at first glance but it actually has a surprising melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Jajangmyeon

If you still have some room for Korean small dishes, you can try to DIY your own Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles).

K.COOK BBQ & Steamboat Buffet surpasses my expectations with its range of ingredients and their quality. If you have more to spare, simply top for its Premium Buffet, in which you get a free flow of premium meats such as Sirloin, Short Ribs Boneless and Tiger Prawns.

Price
Lunch: $19.90++ (Mon to Fri), $29.90++ (Sat, Sun, Eve of PH, & PH)
Dinner: $29.90++ (Mon to Thu), $31.90++ (Sat, Sun, Eve of PH, & PH)

Words and photos 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.


K.COOK Korean BBQ & Steamboat Buffet
Westgate
3 Gateway Drive
#B1-02
Singapore 608532
Tel: +65 63526680
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Sticky Wings @ Westgate - Brand New Fried Chicken Concept Inspired By Southeast Asia Flavours

A new F&B concept selling fried chicken with Southeast Asia inspired flavours have replaced 4 Fingers at Westgate. The new fried chicken restaurant, Sticky Wings is a self service restaurant with 68 seats featuring light wood furnishing with vibrant pops of neon pink, blue, yellow and green.

Spicy Flamin Fried Chicken 4/5, Sticky Kecap Manis Fried Chicken 3.8/5

The fried chicken here comes in 4 different sets consists of different chicken parts combination, namely Black Belt ($8.50), Knockout ($8.50), Drumchucks ($8.50) and Level Up ($28).

Black Belt ($8.50) - 1 drumstick + 3 two-joint wings
Knockout ($8.50) - 6 two-joint wings
Drumchucks ($8.50) - 2 drumsticks
Level Up ($28) - 4 drumsticks, 8 two-joint wings

Diners can also choose between the fiery Spicy Flamin which is concocted with a secret blend of chillis or the sweet Sticky Kecap Manis. I have to warn you the spicy flamin fried chicken is really very spicy, not for the faint of heart. For those preferred to have the fried chicken without any sauce, you can opt for the Naked which comes without sauce.

Tat's Egg=citing 3/5

For the sides, we tried the Tat's Egg-citing ($5.90) and We Meet Again ($6.50). Tat's Egg-citing is actually straight cut fries dressed in an addictive salted egg yolk sauce, nacho cheese and topped with tomato salsa.The fries has a nice thickness giving it a good bite to it. The salted egg yolk sauce blend has a tad of spiciness with a hint of curry leaves aroma. However I thought the tomato salsa was a bit out of place.

We Meet Again 3.5/5

For the We Meet Again, the straight cut fries are crowned with slow-cooked minced beef rendang. The rempah is actually quite shiok. I even joking suggest to have the butter rice with the rendang sauce.

Cluckin' Good 4/5

Besides the fried chicken, Sticky Wings also offers burger on the menu. Instead of the usual bun, the burger is sandwiched in between two malasade (Portuguese doughnuts). We tried the Cluckin' Good ($7.90 each/ $10.40 combo) which comes with a juicy chicken thigh fillet marinated with aromatic lemongrass. The combination of the savoury fillings with the sugar dusted malasade works for me.

Let you in into something different and special at Sticky Wings. On weekdays, the restaurant offers local breakfast options such as bee hoon and nasi lemak with chicken wing, fish fillets and chicken cutlet. On weekends, diners will get to have pancakes and chicken sausage patties.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sticky Wings
Westgate
3 Gateway Drive
#02-05
Singapore 608532
Tel: +65 62668455
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]