Chillax Cafe @ Serangoon Garden

Chillax Cafe the name itself sounds kind of cool isn't it? Now it is even more cooler with the installation of air conditioning. Yes after all these years, Chillax Cafe at Serangoon Garden has finally piped up the cool air in the cafe giving guests more reason to chill and relax now.

Root Beer Chicken Wings 3/5

The Root Beer Chicken Wings ($14) definitely arouse my interest to try it. The chicken  mid-joints was marinated with A&W Root Beer for sweetness and then fried to crispy. The wings were really succulent with hints of root beer taste. However I felt a lift in sweetness will be even nicer.

Shabu Beef Poutine 4/5

If you don't mind your fries to be soaky, the Shabu Beef Poutine ($13) is a worthy item on the menu to try. This goes very well with a couple of drinks too. The french fries are served with beef slices and rich gravy made with pan jus and truffle oil.

Salted Egg Mushrooms 3/5

The Salted Egg Mushrooms ($9) were breaded and deep fried to a crispy exterior. They are then topped with the salty salted egg sauce. When it says salted egg it really comes with chunks of the egg white that gives it a good saltiness.Another interesting conceptualized dish but it somehow did not seem to complement each other.

Adult Milo Godzilla 4.5/5

You probably heard or even loves to drink milo dinosaur. Well, let me introduce you to a more manly drink. The Adult Milo Godzilla ($15). The ice milo jar is given 1-2 shot of vodka and topped with a mountain of milo powder for some real kick. Just remember, don't offer this to your children or they probably will turn into a godzilla,

The Bloody Mary That's Garnished with Chicken Wings 3/5

I am not sure how Chillax would thought of garnishing their Bloody Mary with Chicken Wings? Initially I thought it was weird but not until my recent trip to Canada where I came across the same concept. Order a drink and get a free chicken wing, why should I complain?

Double Beef Steak Stack 4/5

For a more substantial meal, there is the Double Beef Steak Stack ($20). It comes with pan seared Aussie grain fed sirloin steak and poached egg in between brioche bun.

Breakfast AT Tiffany's 3.8/5

Besides the ala carte menu, Chillax also serves a Brunch menu over the weekend and public holidays. A classic item on every brunch is the poached eggs benedict. At Chillax, the Breakfast AT Tiffany's ($16) which is the poached eggs benedict, is served with parma ham, greens, toast and homemade yuzu hollandaise sauce. The sauce was a bit light for my liking, I would prefer something richer in taste.

Marmite Pork Burger 3/5/5

The Marmite Pork Burger ($17) comes with caramelized bananas and crunchy purple slaw, served with side salad. I enjoyed how the sweetness of the banana complemented the pork patty. But the patty was a bit dry in my opinion.

The Chillax Carbonara 4/5

I have heard so much about Chillax's Carbonara ($18). The signature dish which comes with bacon, egg yolk, and parmesan cheese in a light, yet luscious cream sauce was purely slurping goodness.

Poached Pear with Ice Cream 4/5

We finished up with the Poached Pear with Ice Cream ($10) for dessert. Not overly sweet and yet still comes with a nice crunchy bite on top of the poached softness.

There are more reasons to visit or re-visit Chillax Cafe with the new Big Brunch Affair offering on weekends and public holidays. Moreover, they have installed air conditioning, so you get to dine in an even more chillax environment now.


Chillax Cafe
28 Maju Avenue
Singapore 556698
Tel: +65 62445529
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chillaxsg
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line), Lorong Chuan (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 3pm - 1am
Fri: 4pm - 2am
Sat: 11am - 2am
Sun: 11am - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Lorong Chuan MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at New Tech Park (Stop ID 66021). Take Bus 73. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15mins. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit B or E. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon Central (Stop ID 66351). Take Bus 315. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15mins. [Map]

Hock Kee Birds Nest Drink (福记燕窝水) @ Chomp Chomp Food Centre

Dated back to 1950s, Hock Kee Birds Nest Drink (福记燕窝水) was started by Boon Leng's grandfather on a push cart travelling around Singapore. Boon Leng, now 26 years old is the 3rd generation taking over the business from his father has found a permanent stall for the traditional drink at Chomp Chomp Food Centre instead of the hassle of moving from one Pasar Malam to another.

Not known to many younger generation, a cup of birds nest drink is not just sugar water with agar agar. A cup of bird nest drink may look simple but it actually requires a lot of time, preparation and hard work behind the scene. The water are all 100% daily boiled to fragrance and the bird nest (Cui Yan) requires detailed picking and cleansing before serving each cup to customers.

At Hock Kee Birds Nest Drink, you can get the birds nest drink served in regular size cup ($2) and jumbo size cup ($3.50). The fragrant drink boiled with pandan leaves is very refreshing and cooling. After all the yummy hawker food at Chomp Chomp food centre, this will be the perfect drink to wash down all the greasiness or cooling oneself from the heat. If you are not into bird nest, the flagship stall has also introduced Ai Yu Drink at Chomp Chomp food centre.

For those that wanted to packet it back home to have the birds nest drink anytime of the day, Hock Kee Birds Nest Drink also sells them in bottle at $2.50 each. My little tip is to get the bottled one as it is more concentrated without the ice.

Hock Kee Birds Nest Drink (福记燕窝水) will be taking part in this year Ultimate Hawker Fest 2014 selling their Birds Nest Drink and Ai Yu Drink at the fund raising event. Do look out for Hock Kee Birds Nest Drink with the swallow bird signage.

The Ultimate Hawker Fest 2014 at Suntec Convention and Exhibition Hall 401 & 402 on 22 November 2014, 11am to 5pm is a fund raising event for the beneficiaries under the care of Touch Community Services regardless of race and religions. Coupons is required to purchase the food from the various hawkers and can be purchased at https://www.ultimatehawkerfest.sg/. While the hawkers sacrifice their time and some even a day's income to do a part for the needy and disadvantaged, I hope you can support them and do a part for charity too. See you at the Ultimate Hawker Fest 2014.


Hock Kee Birds Nest Drink (福记燕窝水)
Chomp Chomp Food Centre
Stall 28
20 Kensington Park Road
Singapore 557269
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hockkee1950
Nearest MRT Station: Lorong Chuan (CC Line), Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 5pm - 1130pm
Fri-Sun: 5pm - 1230am
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Lorong Chuan MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at New Tech Park (Stop ID 66021). Take Bus 73. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to Serangoon Garden Market & Food Centre. Journey time about 15mins. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit B or E. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon Central (Stop ID 66351). Take Bus 315. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Serangoon Garden Market & Food Centre. Journey time about 15mins. [Map]

Sunday Market @ Lim Tua Tow Road (Upper Serangoon)

So another cafe has sprung up at Upper Serangoon Road replacing the defunct The Factory. I would say the new cafe, Sunday Market did a much better job in the interior design compared to the ex-tenant. What about the food? The menu seems promising with some Asian influenced dishes. We will let the taste buds do the taking as I dropped by Sunday Market to check out the cafe.

Skinny Wings and Truffle Fries 4/5

We started with some light snack in the Skinny Wings and Truffle Fries ($6.90).The skinny wings indeed is like supermodel of chicken. This is probably the skinniest chicken wings I have ever eaten or seen. Marinated with an in house spices and deep fried till crispy, the skinny wings were surprisingly very delicious. The shoestring fries toosed in truffle oil is quite classic and good. It also comes with Aioli and Thai Chilli dipping sauce.

Seafood Aglio Olio 3/5

For a cafe, I was surprised with the generous amount of seafood being served for the Seafood Aglio Olio ($14.90). The spaghetti was nicely cooked and topped with fish flakes and chopped parsley. Unfortunately this was a mediocre dish that was not memorable.

Sirloin Rendang Toast 2.8/5

An uncommon cafe dish on the menu is the Sirloin Rendang Toast ($15.90) that comes with chunks of striploin beef simmered in a rendang gravy with crispy buttered brioche. The ideal was brilliant but it lacked the character of a good rendang gravy missing the aroma of the spices. I also felt that they have used the wrong cut of the meat which was too tough.

Waffle with Smoked Salmon and Cheese Ice Cream 4/5

I am not a big fan of savoury and sweet combination but the Waffle with Smoked Salmon and Cheese Ice Cream ($14.90) turned out quite good. The fluffy waffle was topped with mixed cress, smoked salmon, avocade and cheese ice cream. Surprisingly I enjoyed how the smoked salmon and cheese ice cream has a pleasing harmonious taste on the palate.

Bangkok Toast 4/5

Lastly I tried a dessert dish on the menu, the Bangkok Toast ($10.90). The cinnamon thick sweet brioche toast got the thumbs up. The Thai milk ice cream was even more excellent. However I don't really get it for the matcha green tea custard. It felt kind of irrelevant on the plate.

Overall I think Sunday Market has the formulae for success as long as the keep up to their quality and consistency. I am glad that another new cafe has opened up near my neighbourhood joining the likes of Lola's Cafe and Hatter Street.


Sunday Market
22 Lim Tua Tow Road
Singapore 547772
Tel: +65 62878880
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sundaymarket.sg
Website: http://www.sundaymarket.sg/
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1pm - 10pm
Fri: 1pm - 11pm
Sat: 11am - 11pm
Sun: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Upper Serangoon Road. Turn left onto Upper Serangoon Road. Walk down Upper Serangoon Road until Lim Tua Tow Road. Turn left onto Lim Tua Tow Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Lau Wang Claypot Delights @ Serangoon Central

Located at the corner of block 263 at Serangoon Central is this humble little coffeeshop style eatery selling a variety of hot piping claypot delights. Today with Nat and Nicole, we took a 10 minutes walk from Nex Shopping Mall to Lau Wang Claypot Delights. In seems like the place has another stall that operates in the morning selling noodles dishes too.

Claypot Frog Leg Herbal Soup 3/5

Dinner began with the piping hot Claypot Frog Leg Herbal Soup ($8/$15). While the soup was very flavourful I felt the herbal taste can be stronger. I am not sure how the others found the tender frog leg but I thought a little bit more seasoning was needed to remove the gaminess.

Claypot Minced Meat with Eggplant 3/5

I have never grown up to like eggplant but as age catches up with me, I seem to love the vegetable even more. The Claypot Minced Meat with Eggplant ($4.50/$6.50) was actually quite delectable. I do like my eggplant to be on the mushy side which was exactly what I got. However it was a bit too oily.

Dried Chilli Sliced Fish 3/5

The Dried Chilli Sliced Fish ($4.50/$6.50) comes with large slices of snakehead fish as well as bitter gourd. However the fish tasted on the bland side, needed more seasoning.

Claypot Sesame Oil Chicken 3.5/5

The Claypot Sesame Oil Chicken ($4.50/$6.50) came with tender chunks of chicken in a delish brown gravy that went very well with the bowl of rice. The dish will be even better if the aromatic sesame flavour can be stronger.

Claypot Ginger & Spring Onion Kidney Liver 3.5/5

My favourite among all the dishes I tried was the Claypot Ginger & Spring Onion Kidney Liver ($4.50/$6.50). Although the kidney was a bit gamey, it did not take away the shine of the pig liver in the brown gravy. The texture of the pig liver was just nice, neither too tough or mushy.

Lau Wang Claypot Delights is not a high end restaurant but the humble little corner eatery in the hood serves up some delightful claypot dishes for patron seeking a satisfying meal that is reasonably priced.


Lau Wang Claypot Delights
Blk 263 Serangoon Central Drive
#01-43
Singapore 550263
Tel:+65 90010814
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lau-Wang-Claypot-Delights/168387586650980
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit E. Turn left and walk down Serangoon Central. Walk towards block 262, continue to the corner of block 261 and 263. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Siam Society @ Jalan Riang

I am glad that a new Thai restaurant, Siam Society has opened up near my neigbhourhood at Upper Serangoon. Located at the same row of shop houses along Jalan Riang as Cajun King and Wimbly Lu, Siam Society has taken over from The Fat Cat which has moved to Holland Village. Spotting a white and black interior theme with floor to ceiling glass around the restaurant, it has a modern but yet casual ambience where one can relax eat, drink and fell in love with the place.

Lemongrass 4/5 

I got myself a refreshing Lemongrass ($4) which is served in a nostalgic metal mug while I waited for the rest of the dinner companions to arrive. It was also a good precaution for fire fighting if I could not handle the hot and spicy Thai flavours.

Prawn Cake Balls 4/5

A little twist to the usual prawn cakes, Siam Society shaped them into these delectable Prawn Cake Balls ($11.50) served with Thai sweet sauce on the side. Popping them like having popcorns, these plump and crusty prawn cake balls were very addictive.

Cabbage with Fish Sauce 4.5/5

Stir fried with fish sauce, the Cabbage with Fish Sauce ($9) was simple but yet so delicious with the saltiness of the fish sauce and the sweetness of the cabbage working harmoniously. What I enjoyed most is the cabbage still has an enjoyable crunch to it.

Clear Tom Yam Seafood Soup 4/5

With a sip of the Clear Tom Yam Seafood Soup ($10/$16.50), my dining companion commented that it tasted like Beach Road? Huh? Beach Road Golden Mile Complex is known for being a gathering place for Thais in Singapore and there are a lot of Thai eateries there servicing authentic Thai cuisine. I took it that he meant the signature soup flavoured with fragrant lemongrasss and kaffir lime leaf was very authentic.

Weeping Tiger 4/5

The grilled sirloin beef has a very interesting name, Weeping Tiger ($24). Legend has it that the Thai style grilled sirloin steak was so good that tigers started weeping after eating it. Marinated in an in house special sauce, the grilled sirloin beef not only was succulent but bursting with bold robust flavours. The flavour was so strong that it made me wonder was there a need of the homemade side sauce.

Deep Fried Pork Knuckles 4.2/5

Marinated for a good full day with the in house special marination sauce, the Deep Fried Pork Knuckles ($35) was crispy crackling on the outside and still succulent inside. Eat with the dipping sauce, this further accentuated the flavour. No wonder this is one of their popular dishes. Order a beer or cider to go with it with be just perfect for the night.

Steamed Seabass in Chilli Lime 4.8/5

Another must try dish at Siam Society is the Steamed Seabass in Chilli Lime ($32). The fish was cooked to perfection with all the beautiful sour, sweet, spicy Thai flavours that packed a punch.

Actually the people behind Siam Society is the same owner of Soi Thai Kitchen at Tampines. Having try their food before, I am glad that the owner has continued to ensure that the food is as authentic as possible with the distinct sharp flavours of Thai cuisine. What I noticed is the heart put into preparing the food with a different homemade dipping sauce to accompany each dish. With such heart and soul, I am sure to be back again for their Thai food.


Siam Society
15 Jalan Riang
Singapore 358987
Tel: +65 62868603
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/15siamsociety
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 62139). Take bus number 107, 147, 153 or 853. Alight 1 stop later. Cross Upper Serangoon Road onto Wolskel Road. Walk along Wolskel Road and turn right onto Jalan Riang. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to bus interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 105. Alight 2 stops later. Track back and turn right onto Jalan Girang. Walk along Jalan Girang, take left of Jalan Girang at the intersection. Continue on Jalan Girang and turn right onto Jalan Riang. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Lorong Chuan MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Lorong Chuan MRT station (Stop ID 66391). Alight 1 stop later. Walk down Serangoon Ave 3 and cross the road onto Jalan Girang. Walk along Jalan Girang, take left of Jalan Girang at the intersection. Continue on Jalan Girang and turn right onto Jalan Riang. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Ayam Penyet President @ Serangoon NEX

Ayam Penyet President is the new resident at Serangoon NEX servicing authentic Indonesian cuisine. I have to admit I was looking for an experience and meal that is fit for a president. Unfortunately, I am brought to reality very soon when I needed to walk up to the cashier to place my order and made payment before I got my food served. This is not how you treat a president or rather I thought I will be treated like a president.

Tahu Telor 2/5

The Tahu Telor ($5.50) was a big disappointment. I was expecting a tall standing tower of the tahu telor but instead I was served with with pieces of fried beancurd wrapped in by a omelette. I really felt I was being cheated.

Ayam Penyet 3/5

The Ayam Penyet ($6.50) is a Malay word which literally means smashed fried chicke does not come with steamed rice. The Steamed Rice ($0.80) needs to be order separately. While the chicken was tender and moist, the chicken was not flatted or smashed enough. I also wished I could have more of the crispy bits.

Ayam Bakar 3.5/5

I also tried the Ayam Bakar ($6.50) which is served with grilled tofu, bean cake and cut chilli in black sauce. Actually the waitress left out the cut chilii in black sauce and I have asked for it. The grilled chicken with the sweet sauce drenched over it was rather flavourful. It complemented the moist and tender chicken.

Mixed Fruit Juice a la President 3.5/5 Iced Chendol 3.5/5 

The meal ended on a sweet note with the Mixed Fruit Juice a la President ($4) and Ice Chendol ($3). The mixed fruit juice a la president is quite similar to our Chinese version of Ice Kachang.

Overall I find that the food here is just average and definitely you won't be getting the president treatment. Unless I need a quick meal or avoid the crowd, I probably would not visit the eatery.

Ayam Penyet President
Serangoon NEX
23 Serangoon Central
#B1-13/14
Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 66348165
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ayampresident
Website: http://ayampresident.com/
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 930pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes.

Rokeby @ Jalan Riang (Upper Serangoon)

The enclave at Jalan Riang off Upper Serangoon Road sees another new food establishment, Rokeby (roc-ker-bee) named after a street in Western Australia opened its door about 2 months back. The Australian inspired bistro is opened by a young couple, Kelvin and Denyse serving delectable gourmet food and artisan coffee.

For authenticity, Rokeby imports Australia roasted coffee beans from Five Senses, artisanal teas from Tea Drop Australia, wines from Sandalford in Swan Valley and Aussie beers.

The bistro has a relax and chill ambience with both indoor and outdoor seating. It also has a kids' corner to cater to youngs one while the adults can indulge in their meal.

Flat White 4/5

I had a Flat White ($5) to kick start my day. I don't like my coffee to be too acidic hence I quite enjoyed the cup of coffee at Rokeby which maybe a bit too bitter for some.

Full Monty Brekkie 3.8/5

All of us ordered from the brunch menu hence it is a bit of injustice to the bistro in this review. Nevertheless, this was some of the items we ordered from the weekend brunch menu till 3pm. For the hungry stomach, you can go for the Full Monty Brekkie ($17.90) that comes with 2 eggs served with 2 bratwurst sausages, bacon, hashbrown, grilled tomato, baked beans, salad and toast.

French Toast 3/5

For the light-eaters, one can go for the French Toast ($7.90) that comes with 2 eggs on toast served with salad and baked beans on the side.

Ham and Cheese Omelette 3.5/5

Actually my friend and I wanted to order the Egg Benedict but after taking our orders, the waitress came back 5 minutes later informing us that they have ran out of poached eggs, asking us to change to scrambled egg or other style of eggs for our egg benedict? I thought that was quite weird since the kitchen can prepare other styles of egg but not poached egg. Anyway my friend changed her order and had the Ham and Cheese Omelette ($12.90) that is served with salad, baked beans and toast on the side.

Vegemite Downunder 3.8/5

What is egg benedict without poached eggs so I also changed my order to Vegemite Downunder ($10.90). This brought back a lot of childhood memories when I used to spread my toast with vegemite. Paired with the creamy scrambled eggs with salad and baked beans on the side this is a hearty breakfast the Aussie way.

The brunch menu at Rokeby is pretty decent but service was pretty slow. Considering the kitchen is pretty small and they are only 2 months into operations, hopefully it can only get better. I look forward to go back to the bistro and try their mains when operations are smooth running.


Rokeby
15-9 Jalan Riang
Singapore 358987
Tel: +65 91060437
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rokebybistro
Website: http://www.rokeby.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 9am - 10pm
(closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 62139). Take bus number 107, 147, 153 or 853. Alight 1 stop later. Cross Upper Serangoon Road onto Wolskel Road. Walk along Wolskel Road and turn right onto Jalan Riang. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes.

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to bus interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 105. Alight 2 stops later. Track back and turn right onto Jalan Girang. Walk along Jalan Girang, take left of Jalan Girang at the intersection. Continue on Jalan Girang and turn right onto Jalan Riang. Journey time about 18 minutes.

3) Alight at Lorong Chuan MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Lorong Chuan MRT station (Stop ID 66391). Alight 1 stop later. Walk down Serangoon Ave 3 and cross the road onto Jalan Girang. Walk along Jalan Girang, take left of Jalan Girang at the intersection. Continue on Jalan Girang and turn right onto Jalan Riang. Journey time about 15 minutes.