Showing posts with label .Station: Little India. Show all posts
Showing posts with label .Station: Little India. Show all posts

Saturday, December 26, 2020

Allauddin's Briyani @ Tekka Food Centre - Popular Briyani Recommended By Michelin Guide

Allauddin Briyani8

Stepping into Tekka Food Centre, you may be overwhelmed by the number of stalls selling briyani. So which stall is popular among the locals? It seems to be Allauddin's Briyani which even gets the congregation from Michelin Guide, earning a Michelin Plate recommendation.

Allauddin Briyani5
Chicken Briyani 4/5

Together with my foodie friends, we ordered both the Chicken Briyani and Mutton Briyani to try. What surprises me is the pricing. Each set is only $5 with pappadam, egg, achar and a bowl of vegetarian dhal on top of the fragrant basmati rice.

Allauddin Briyani2
Mutton Briyani 4.2/5

The chicken briyani comes with a whole chicken leg which is very tender. It falls off the bone with ease as I tore it apart to go with the rice. While I enjoyed the chicken briyani, I find the mutton briyani stands out more with its more intense marination and spices. Each mouth fill comes with the beautiful aroma from the spices.

Allauddin Briyani1

If you like mutton, I would recommend you to go for the mutton briyani instead of the chicken briyani. I understand they have fish briyani too ,but I didn't try it. Allauddin's has two stalls in Tekka food centre. One sells briyani while the other sells the other Indian fare such as prata, murtabak, mee goreng and maggie goreng.


Allauddin's Briyani @ Tekka Food Centre
Tekka Food Centre
665 Buffalo Road
#01-232
Singapore 210665
Tel: +65 62966786
Nearest MRT: Little India (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 7pm

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

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Indian Express @ Race Course Road - Home-style Northern Indian Cuisine Along With Indian-Chinese Favourites

IndianExpress37

Northern Indian cuisine is prevalent in our island but Indian-Chinese dishes are definitely less so. Here at Indian Express, take the chance to explore their characters that are unfamiliar to us, while tucking into your favourite Northern Indian dishes. Nestled in one of the shophouses on Racecourse Road, Indian Express has recently renovated and reopened with a fresh look. You may not have known, this casual dining concept is established by the same management behind The Song of India, currently helmed by executive chef Umed Singh, alumnus of The Song of India and protégé of Michelin-starred chef Manjunath Mural.

IndianExpress6
Tandoori Mix Grill Platter 3.8/5

As a starter or even a simple meal for two, the signature Punjabi-style Tandoori Mix Grill Platter ($19) that comes in a sizzling plate of lamb chop, fish, chicken tikka and kebab that have been grilled in the Tandoor, will have you deeply satisfied. I love the fish which was well marinated with spices and yogurt, and that layer of marination also kept it moist and tender during the grilling process.

IndianExpress7
Kashmiri Lamb Rack Wazwan 4.2/5

Each platter comes with a lamb chop as well and we had the chance to view them in full glory in the Kashmiri Lamb Rack Wazwan ($14) that made a rather dramatic entrance with the lamb racks smoking in its own juice and marination. It is something that you would not want to share, for all you want is to slowly lift the tender meat off its bone and savour it slowly.

IndianExpress10
Grilled Vegetarian Platter 3/5

The Grilled Vegetarian Platter ($14) was wholesome with Seekh Kebab, Paneer Tikka and Cauliflower. The Paneer Tikka could be a lot more pleasing if the bell pepper was more cooked down to release its fruity and smokey flavour.

IndianExpress11
Papdi Chaat 2.8/5

IndianExpress14
Pani Poori 3/5

One of my favourite small bites are Papdi Chaat and Pani Poori. What we had $7 each were decent but I would like them to be more tangy with yogurt and chutney.

IndianExpress12
Chilli Chicken 3/5

Indian Express also offers a comprehensive menu of Indian-Chinese dishes. Indian-Chinese cuisine has its roots back in Kolkata in the 1700s, the period when the Chinese migrated there and settled in. They adapted their own recipes with well-loved Indian spices and ingredients and that boost of flavours into dishes which please the local palate became a hit across India 90 years ago. We only managed to try one, Chili Chicken ($14). The flavours were quite homely actually, reminiscent of my mum's black soy stir-fried chicken but laced with chilli.

IndianExpress26
Butter Chicken 4/5

After all the dishes, we were ready for a lineup of well-loved Northern Indian classics. Among all, the highlight for me was the Butter Chicken ($14). The chicken was being barbecued beforehand, hence it exuded a strong hint of smokiness as I bite into it. Cooked in tomato sauce, the curry was bright with a well rounded tangy sweetness. That mingled perfectly with the smoky flavour of the meat.

IndianExpress19
Prawn Masaledar 4/5

Prawn Masaledar ($18) is slightly similar to butter chicken which has a tomato based curry but given a dose coconut milk. Again, I like that level of piquancy in the curry, though it was mellower.

IndianExpress23
Lamb Shank 3.8/5

IndianExpress21
Muglai Fish Curry 3/5

You can look forward to a good quality Lamb Shank ($16) which comes from one of the finest meat suppliers in Singapore. You may find the Muglai Fish Curry ($12) interesting, which probably reminds you of Thai Green Curry but I prefer a curry that is more robust.

IndianExpress35
Palak Paneer 4/5

Their Palak Paneer ($10) is also one of the better ones that I have tried. It has a pureed consistency, unlike those creamier ones with cottage cheese cubes swimming inside. Blend with minced garlic, there is an additional layer of flavour built into it that makes it far more delectable than the rest.

IndianExpress36
Bhindi Masala 3.8/5

Bhindi Masala ($9) is ladyfingers, an ingredient that you either love or hate. It's tricky to cook it well to a right doneness while keeping it green and crunchy. If you like it with samba belacan, this will not disappoint.

IndianExpress31
Royal Chicken Dum Biryani 3/5

To go with all the curries and dishes, you can go for their Royal Chicken Dum Biryani ($12) but I would suggest skipping that for their moriesh Assorted Naan (Plain Naan $2.50 / Whole wheat $3 / Garlic Naan $3 / Butter Naan $3). Nothing is more engaging than sopping them with curries and savouring them with hands!

IndianExpress40
Carrot Halwa 3.5/5

For dessert, we had a traditional winter time Carrot Halwa ($4.50) pudding that originated from North India. In North India, the seasonal carrot has a lot more water content but they managed to create the same using ghee, milk and sugar.

IndianExpress1

When there are so many restaurants in Little India that leave you clueless of where to dine in, simply head down to Indian Express for an authentic experience.

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.


Indian Express
38 Race Course Road
Singapore 218555
Tel: +65 63417429
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Little India (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Little India MRT station.Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Monday, April 30, 2018

Skyve Wine Bistro @ Winstedt Road - A New Menu Showcasing Modern Bistro Fare

Skyve5

The last time I visited Skyve Wine Bistro was back in 2013. I am back again at Skyve Wine Bistro to welcome the home coming of Executive Chef Jachin Tan, joining her sister Celine Tan to relaunch Skyve. The new menu showcases modern bistro fare inspired by Chef Jachin's personal experiences with food from around the world.

Skyve2
Beef Tartare 3.5/5

Our dinner started with the Beef Tartare ($18) which is topped with a miso cured truffle yolk, paired with shallot dust, gherkin gelee and biscuit. Mixed everything together to get a combination of different flavours. I like the fact that the grass fed Australian beef remains the centre piece, not over shadowed by the different components on the plate.

Skyve4
Smoked Tomato 4.2/5

A light and refreshing starter is the Smoked Tomato ($12) garnished with buffalo snow. The Momotaro tomato which is sourced from Cameron Highlands is sweet and comes with a hint of smokiness. What caught my attention on the plate is actually the heart of palm, I didn't know it can be eaten. Best of all, what holds the whole dish together for me is the basil sorbet which complements the tomatoes and heart of palms excellently.

Skyve6
Mediterranean Octopus 4/5

The Mediterranean Octopus ($18) is char-grilled to a delightful firm but yet tender texture, paired with lemon pickled eggplant, vandouvan and cauliflower puree. The char is like icing on the cake, giving the subtle sweetness of the octopus a lift in flavour.

Skyve7
Smoked Tenderloin 4.2/5

When you come across a good piece of beef, you will just immersed in the beautiful flavour lingering in your mouth and that is what I got from the Smoked Tenderloin ($38) which is paired with gobo, pickled green pepper, braised shitake and truffle soil. The depth in flavour probably comes from the fact that the meat has been left to cure and tenderise overnight in a smoke chamber.

Skyve11
Cilantro Chilli Smoked Duck 4.2/5

It seems like smoking is Chef Jachin's forte. Another excellent dish is the Cilantro Chilli Smoked Duck ($24) served with quinoa, edamame, pink peppercorn and corn ricotta. The tender and flavourful duck meat has a lovely aroma from the dried cilanto and chilli that is used to smoke the duck. It also added a hint of heat to the duck meat.

Skyve13
Lobster Sang Mee 4.2/5

One of my favourite dishes for the night is Lobster Sang Mee ($32). Who would expect to find a Zi Char dish on the menu but given a modern twist with French techniques, using regional and local produce. The atas plate of sang mee even comes with abalone, mussels and half a lobster, in a egg drop soup. It is a familiar dish that is close to the heart and comforting, yet given a luscious interpretation.

Skyve15
Semifreddo of Lime 3.5/5

Wrapping up our dinner, we have the light and creamy Semifreddo of Lime ($10) topped with blue pea flower caviar. At the bottom is sable dust, giving the semifreddo another layer of texture.

Skyve18
Molten Chocolate 4/5

For something richer, there is the homemade Molten Chocolate ($12) paired with salted caramel ice. I enjoyed the candied zest that cut through the richness and also giving it a more dimensional enjoyment. Cut through the molten cake for the oozing lava moment.

For bigger group, you can check out communal options such as the Seafood Menage ($95) with whole live lobster, shoyu saba and chimichurri squid; Australian Angus Cote De Boeuf ($130) and 48-Hours Roasted Suckling Pig ($228). One can also look forward to the weekend brunch menu that showcases dishes with Asian flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Skyve Wine Bistro
10 Winstedt Road
Block E #01-17
Singapore 227977
Tel: +65 62256690
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Newton (NS Line), Little India (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat, Eve P.H: 10am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and follow the path way to the overhead bridge. Cross the overhead bridge to Newton Food Centre. Cut across the food centre to the car park. At the car park, turn left and continue walking to end of Monks Hill Terrace. At the end of the road, turn right onto Winstedt Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Little India MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop along Bukit Timah Road (Stop ID B40011). Take bus number 48, 66, 67, 170 and 960. Alight 2 stops later. Walk down Bukit Timah Road towards Shell petrol station. Turn left onto Winstedt Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Nasi Lemak Kukus @ Selegie Road - Free Flow Coconut Rice

NasiLemakKuKus1

My intend trip to Selegie was to check out Chef Kang's Kitchen after he got a Michelin Star. However the restaurant was fully booked for the next 2 months and I was told to make a reservation instead. Leaving the place disappointed, I made a detour to Nasi Lemak Kukus around the corner.

IMG_9625

Nasi Lemak Kukus is somewhat similar to the Chinese Chap Chye Peng (Economic Rice) but nasi lemak with items such as fried fish, chicken wings, sausages, egg, mutton rendang, chicken rendang, curry chicken, sayur lodeh and more. Customers can help themselves to the free-flow coconut rice and only charge for the food they picked to go with the coconut rice.

IMG_9623

You may wonder what is Kukis? Apparently it meant steamed. This is because the coconut rice at Nasi Lemak Kukus is cooked using a traditional method of steaming the rice instead of boiling. Coconut milk is also added after the rice is cooked and it goes back to the steamer again allowing the coconut milk and rice to be infused together.

NasiLemakKuKus5
Nasi Lemak 3.8/5

For my plate of nasi lemak, I had the fried chicken, egg, fried fish and mutton rendang. I could not remember how much I paid for it but it should be around $7-8. It is not cheap at all. If you want to keep your cost down, just go for the Chicken Wing Set at $4, which comes with a chicken wing, an egg, a fish and ikan bilis. Not forgetting the sambal chillis. Nasi Lemak Kukus offers two versions. One is sweeter while the other is really fiery. I prefer the latter which is really shiok.

IMG_9621

Dining at Nasi Lemak Kukus is quite an unique experience. At 12 noon, the staff will hit the gong, maybe it is to signal opening or lunch time and the shutter will be pulled up to allow customers to enter. It's all DIY here. You scoop your own rice, pick the food you want and pay at the end of the line. The standouts for me are their the fragrant coconut rice and sambal chillis. Food is average though.


Nasi Lemak Kukus
229 Selegie Road
Singapore 188344
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Little India (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Little India MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Heng Gi Goose And Duck Rice @ Tekka Food Centre - Long Queue For Their Teochew Braised Duck Rice

IMG_9892ed

A visit to Tekka Food Centre you will probably spot the long queue at Heng Gi Goose And Duck Rice. From what I gathered from my friend, the stall is currently run by the disciple of the original stall owner who has over 60 years of braising duck. The disciple has mastered the braising skill from his master. It can be seen from the long queue at the stall. By the way, the stall does not sell goose anymore.

IMG_9893ed
Duck Rice 4.2/5

I had the Duck Rice for one person and it costs $3.50. It comes with a bowl of white rice drizzled with the braising sauce, a plate of duck meat and a bowl of soup.

IMG_9897ed

I think what stood out about the duck rice here is the braising sauce. It is not overly salty but instead has a rustic characteristic that is well balanced and flavourful. It is best appreciated with a bowl of white rice. In fact, I think I can finish a bowl of rice with just the sauce.

IMG_9896ed

The duck meat itself is also well braised, light but yet flavourful. More important the meat was not too fat and yet tender.

IMG_6236ed

Although the stall official closing time is 230pm, most of the time they are sold out before that. To avoid disappointment, do go early if you want to eat their duck rice.


Heng Gi Goose And Duck Rice
Tekka Food Centre
665 Buffalo Road
#01-335
Singapore 210665
Nearest MRT: Little India (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 630am - 230pm
(Closed on Mon)

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

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

545 Whampoa Prawn Noodles @ Tekka Food Centre - A Taste Of Nostalgia By Pretty Hawker

IMG_9898ed

In my previous post, we had fish ball noodle by a handsome hawker. Today we are going to Tekka Food Centre to have prawn noodle by a pretty hawker, Ruifang. Ruifang is a third generation hawker who runs the Tekka branch while her aunts run the Whampoa stall.

IMG_9903ed

The history of the prawn noodle dated back to 1950s when Ruifang's grandfather was selling the dish along the street of Whampoa. Her dad and grandmother opened their very first physical stall at the Whampoa Market in 1973 when it was first built.

IMG_9908ed
Dry Prawn Noodle 4.2/5

I tried both the Dry Prawn Noodle and Prawn Noodle Soup. My preference is the dry version for the shiok sambal sauce that complements the noodles perfectly. The addition of deep fried shallots and pork lard elevated the flavour further. Have it together with the peeled prawns and pork slice for a taste of nostalgia cooked using a recipe that has been passed down for three generations.

IMG_9900ed
Prawn Noodle Soup 4/5

Perfect for the rainy days is the Prawn Noodle Soup which comes in a thick brown broth that is packed with the crustacean's essence. I could also tasted hints of sweetness probably from the used of some other seafood such as clams to sweeten it. Overall it is a hearty and comforting bowl of prawn noodle.

IMG_6235ed

I read that Ruifang starts her day at 2am preparing for the day's ingredients and soup. I could not imagine the finance graduate would leave her office job to be a hawker. This is really hard work just to be ready for the day to serve a bowl of prawn noodle. So next time, don't forget to show a little bit of appreciation to the hawkers, especially when it is a pretty lady.


545 Whampoa Prawn Noodles
Tekka Food Centre
665 Buffalo Road
#01-326
Singapore 210665
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Little India (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 630am - 2pm (or until sold out)
(Closed on Sat-Sun)

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

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Gokul Vegetarian Restaurant @ Upper Dickson Road (Little India)

IMG_9844ed

I think most people like me if given a choice will not visit any vegetarian restaurants. There is just this unsatisfactory feeling of not being full when one does not consume meat for a meal. However it does not mean that vegetarian food is not delicious and I have been introduced to probably one of the best vegetarian restaurant in town by Luke aka Hungry Angmo our vegetarian food blogger who brought Nat and me to Gokul Vegetairan Restaurant at Little India. It opened my eye to a whole new perspective of vegetarian food.

IMG_9833ed
Lemongrass Juice 4/5

I was overwhelmed by the huge menu at Gokul Vegetairan Restaurant that includes North Indian, South Indian and Asian fusion vegetarian cuisine. According to Luke, there are over 500 over items in the menu. That is a menu that is not easy for any ordinary kitchen to pull it off.

We started with one of Luke's favourite drink which is the Lemongrass Juice ($5). The melange of green apple, mint, pandan and lemongrass gave the drink a good refreshing start to the dinner.

IMG_9836ed
Char Kway Teow 4/5

An Indian restaurant serving an Asian local hawker fare as a vegetarian dish, this just caught my attention and I had to order it to find out how the rendition of the Char Kway Teow ($7.50) taste? Of course there was no cockles or fish cakes but substituted with beancurd and vegetables. The stir fried flat noodles in black saue was surprising  very well executed and not oily. It was really close to the real thing without the cockles and fish cakes.

IMG_9839ed
Hyderabad Dum Briyani 4/5

For a full meal, one can go for the Hyderabad Dum Briyani ($10). Love that the restaurant used basmatic rice for their briyani. The long grain rice was fragrant and fluffy. Hidden in the pile of rice was the delectable masala soya chunks.

IMG_9841ed
Mysore Mutton 4.5/5

The Mysore Mutton ($9) was my favourite for the night. The vegetarian mutton was cooked in mysore gravy that was so delish with all the different delectable spices hitting the palate. Even the texture of the vegetarian mutton was so close to the real thing that I could be easily fooled if in a blind tasting. We also got the romali roti to go with the mysore mutton.

IMG_9842ed
Malai Kofta 4.2/5

I called it the twin tower when the Malai Kofta ($10) was served. It definitely is a eye catching dish. The kofta cooked in Mughlai style has a smooth and creamy gravy drench over the towering kofta. I am not exactly sure what is in it but I could taste potato. It was my first encounter of the dish and I totally enjoyed it. Kind of having a potato salad in a creamy sauce.

I have to say I had a satisfying dinner at Gokul. I left not feeling that I have actually eaten vegetarian. I have never expected vegetarian dish can be so tasty and I applauded their vegetarian rendition of Asian cuisine.  There are so many items on their menu that I want to check out and I am sure they will be as good as what I had. Time to plan for my next visit.


Gokul Vegetarian Restaurant
19 Upper Dickson Road
Singapore 207478
Tel: +65 63967769
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GokulVegetarianRestaurant
Website: http://gokulvegetarianrestaurant.com/
Nearest MRT: Little India (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Little India MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk down Buffalo Street to Serangoon Road. Turn left on Serangoon Road and walk to the traffic light. Cross the road at the traffic light. Walk to Dickson Road. Journey time about 7 minutes. [Map]