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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

Gokul Vegetarian Restaurant @ Upper Dickson Road (Little India)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

Skyve Wine Bistro @ Winstedt Road

Skyve has turned 2 this July and it also brought about some changes to the restaurant. First of all, the restaurant formerly known as Skyve Elementary Bistro and Bar has rebranded as Skyve Wine Bistro. Skyve has extended their wine list to over 70 labels of affordable and good quality wines. The change also sees a new revamped menu under the newly appointed Executive Chef Jachin Tan featuring hearty new creations with nuances of Asian flavours.

Oysters 4.8/5

Oyster fans will rejoice with the different offering of tempting new oyster flavours in the new menu. Starting from left to right, we have the Mentaiyaki Oyster ($34 for half dozen) which is served with mentaiko, crunchy ebiko, lemon juice and aioli. Followed by the Kilpatrick Oyster ($34 for half dozen) which is topped with lardon of bacon, Worchestershire and chives. And lastly the Chilean Oyster ($34 for half dozen) comprised a refreshing combination of serrano, lime juice, red wine vinegar and cilantro. Each oyster has its own characteristic and I enjoyed how the different sauces and ingredients accentuated the experience. The Chilean will be cleaner in flavour allowing one to appreciate the freshness of the oyster. The Kilpatrick has a bolder flavour further lifted by the different textures. The Mentaiyaki appealed to me more with its subtle Japanese influenced flavours.

Crab Momotaro 4.2/5

The Crab Momotaro ($22) clearly demonstrated the chef cooking style of 'organic' and going 'back to basic'. The chilled crabmeat, confit of tomato momotaro, Thai inspired basil pesto and yuzu sorbet was straight forward, clean and refreshing allowing the natural flavours of each ingredients to come through.

Petuna and Ume Somen 4/5

The Petuna and Ume Somen ($20) is a delicate dish of pan seared petuna, ebiko, mango, chilli, sesame yuzu dressing, cold somen and mesclun. An interesting and light dish with different textures and Asian influenced flavours on a plate.

Sous Vide Poulet 4.2/5

One of Chef Jachin's signature creation is the Sous Vide Poulet ($34) that was glazed with an apricot based sauce accompanied with candied pacans, baby vegetables and pommes puree. The chicken leg was cooked perfectly, tender and moist with the skin having a nice sweet crisp. The candied pecans was a welcome addition with its sweet nutty goodness but I did not see how it contribute to the whole enjoyment of the dish.

Cereal Crusted Cod 4.2/5

A good change to the usual breaded crust is the Cereal Crusted Cod ($36) served with seasonal vegetables and soyu ginger vinaigrette, . The fatty cod fish has its skin crusted with cereal and spice which gave it a nice texture enjoyment on top of the excellent execution of the fish.

Polenta Mushroom Stack 4/5

For vegetarian, you can try the Polenta Mushroom Stack ($34) which comprised of crispy polenta cakes, mushroom fricassee, grilled portobello, seasonal vegetables and homemade pesto. The delectable combination did not disappoint and I can gladly say vegetarian dish is no more boring and one dimensional.

Snicker Bar 4.5/5

Skyve rendition of the the Snicker Bar ($12) comes in the form of salted caramel pudding, peanut butter, chocolate ganache, feuilletine, flambed bananas and vanilla gelato was probably my favourite among the 3 desserts I tried. I simply could not help myself going back for more of the chocolate richness.

Camomille Tea Creme Brulee 4/5

A nice twist is the Camomile Tea Creme Brulee ($12) of camomille tea infused vanilla egg custard, puff pastry stick, caramelized sugar and lychee sorbet. The custard base was not too eggy and came with a contrasting layer of caramelized sugar that cracked with the break of spoon.

Mango and Cheese Semifreddo 4/5

For a sweeting ending to the wonderful dinner, the Mango and Cheee Semifreddo ($12) with rippled frozen mousse, frozen lime foam and sablee cookies perfectly summed up the day on a sweet note with the heavenly combination.


Skyve Wine Bistro
10 Winstedt Road
Block E #01-17
Singapore 227977
Tel: +65 62256690
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkyveWineBistro
Website: http://www.skyve.sg/
Nearest MRT: Newton (NS Line), Little India (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 1am

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 Indiamb 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]

Steam Sia @ Hindoo Road (Little India)

From the olden days coffeeshop tables and chairs to the display cabinets with antique cameras and kitchenwares, stepping into Steam Sia felt like walking into a museum reminiscing the good old days. The kitchen is helmed by Chef Seah who is formerly from Jin Shan Lou in Marina Bay Sands. Steam Sia offers an extensive menu featuring Nonya cuisines to western delights.

At the bistro entrance, there is even a kachangputeh kisok that has good old days games and snacks. Customers can help themselves to the games and complimentary snacks while waiting for the food to be served.

I particularly like this cozy corner at Steam Sia, it remembers me of my living room in the late 70s.

Seafood Stuffed Sailing Boat 3.5/5

The Seafood Stuffed Sailing Boat ($8.90) is oven baked potatoes topped with seafood. Shaped like a sailing boat, I like the fact that the potatoes came with the skin. It gave that nice extra texture contrast. Topped with seafood, the creamy sauce was a perfect marriage for the ingredients.

Grilled Salmon with Fruit Salsa 4/5

My girlfriend enjoyed the Grilled Salmon with Fruit Salsa ($18.90) the most. The salmon was cooked to perfection. Cutting into the salmon revealed the pinkish fish meat while the exterior was grilled to a nice crisp. Accompanied by the refreshing and fruity salsa, it was a excellent pairing.

Tom Yam Spaghetti with Seafood 3.8/5

We already have eateries serving chilli crab and laksa spaghetti, I was eager to try this fusion creation, Tom Yam Spahetti with Seafood ($16.90). Taste wise, the dish has potential with very distinct and robust flavours. Unfortunately it was a tad salty during my visit. However, I believe with a little quality control on the salt, this can be another fusion pasta dish that the new generation will enjoy.

Nonya Curry Chicken 4.2/5

I was looking forward to try the Nonya Curry Chicken ($12.90 for 1pax, $20.90 for 2pax) with potatoes and carrots served with bread. Many that have visited the bistro gave good reviews for their curry. I was even told that the Indians at Little India also like their Nonya style curry. So did it disappoint me? No it did not. I have always prefer Nonya curry to the Chinese curry because of the thick gravy and spices used. The nonya curry chicken also came with large pieces of tender chicken that is rather value for money.

Singaporean probably will know how crowded Little India can be during the weekends. I like the fact that Steam Sia is located at the quieter side of Little India away from the crowd where I can enjoy a peaceful meal. As the vicinity does not offer many non Indian food eateries, Steam Sia will be a good alternative choice for a different. With more budgets hotels being built in the area, it may also offer the foreigners a cheaper meal alternative and an insight of Singapore in the 60s to 80s.


[CLOSED]
Steam Sia
5 Hindoo Road
Singapore 209107
Tel: +65 63966585
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SteamSia
Website: http://www.steamsia.com/
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line), Little India (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12 Midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit A or G. Walk down Upper Serangoon Road and turned left into Hindoo Road. Journey time about 8 minutes.

2) Alight at Little India MRT station. Take Exit E. Turn right and walk down Buffalo Road. Turn left onto Upper Serangoon Road. Turn right into Hindoo Road. Journey time about 10 minutes.

The Banana Leaf Apolo @ Race Course Road

Stepping into the restaurant was like stepping into a spice supermarket. The aroma from the various spices instantly rushed through your nostril. Upon sitting down, you will be served with a basket of papadum. A good distraction for the hungry stomach while waiting for the food to be served.

Papadum 4/5

I didn't know that the rice came with 2 sides so I ordered the Chana Masala which is chickpeas cooked with masala. I seldom have chickpeas but it was an interesting North India dish.

Chana Masala 4/5

The Biryani Rice was not the yellow type that we usually have. It was more plain in colour but fragrant and nice. There were also two complimentary vegetable sides that came with it.

Biryani Rice 4/5

The Chicken Vindaloo which is chicken breast meat with potato filled in hot n spicy sauce. It was not as hot and spicy as it looked.

Chicken Vindaloo 4/5

The highlight of the night had to be the Curry Fish Head. Lots of spices were packed into the gravy and I love the sourish taste of it. The fish head was also fresh and good.

Curry Fish Head 4.5/5

The Banana Leaf Apolo
56 Race Course Road
Nearest MRT: Little India (NE Line)

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Azmi Restaurant @ Serangoon Road

I was asking my Pakistan colleague of any nice Indian restaurants at Little India the other day and the following day he brought me to this little old 80's coffeeshop in Little India at the junction of Serangoon Road and Norris Road. I suspect this place should be quite well known when I saw a Caucasian family eating at the coffeeshop. I googled and indeed this place was featured in some of the popular food blogs and travel sites.

I left the ordering to my colleague and I was in for another surprise. I have my first tried on sheep brain! It tasted like a plate of scrambled egg cooked in a lot of Indian spices. The shop's speciality Chapatis were freshly made and  very good eaten with the lamb keema, potatoes and cauliflower, sheep brain and lamb curry.

Chapatis 4.2/5

Potato and Cauliflower 4/5

Lamb Keema 4.2/5

Sheep Brain 4/5

Lamb Curry 4.2/5

Azmi Restaurant
Junction of Serangoon Road and Norris Road
168 Serangoon Road
(170 Norris Road)
Nearest MRT: Little India, Farrer Park (NE Line)