Quan Lai Kway Chap @ Macpherson Road - Kway With Thick & Gooey Broth

Many foodies should be familiar with Quan Lai Kway Chap at Macpherson Road. When I was staying in Hougang, it is one of the supper places I would visit. After moving to the West, I have not eaten there for a long time. Since I was in the area on a Saturday, I decided to drop by for lunch.

Kway Chap 4.5/5

I ordered a braised platter for 2 pax, a bowl of yam rice, a bowl of kway and a plate of fried large intestines. The whole meal comes to $25.80. Do you think it is expensive? I asked the question because Quan Lai is also known to many as one of the most expensive place to have kway chap.

My braised platter for 2 pax consists of Braised Duck Meat, Tau Pok, Fish Cake, Intestine, Tofu, Braised Pork Belly and Braised Egg. The duck meat is a bit dry but what I like is the richness of the braised sauce whereby I can taste the different herbals and spices used. In addition, the braised ingredients have also been cooked until they have absorbed the delectable flavours.

Kway 4.5/5

Most places just cooked the rice sheet separately and add the broth onto it, hence the rice sheet tasted rather bland without absorbing the flavoursome broth. At Quan Lai, I suspect the kway has been cooked together with the thick and gooey broth, allowing the thick rice sheet to absorb the flavour. I am glad that the kway doesn't taste bland, instead soaking up the delicious broth for an enjoyable bite.

Fried Large Intestine 4.2/5

Another item I enjoyed is the Fried Large Intestine. It is fried to a nice crispy exterior while the interior is still a bit chewy. It also does not have the gamey taste. I actually find it very addictive.

I have read reviews that the standard of the kway chap has dropped over the years, especially after the son took over. I have not eaten at Quan Lai for a long while and I have a short memory to compare what it used to me. What I know is that I have a satisfied experience and I have enjoyed my lunch here.


Quan Lai Kway Chap
560 Macpherson Road
Sin Fong Restaurant
Singapore 368233
Tel: +65 67441252
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 1230am

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards Macpherson Road. Turn right at Macpherson road. Walk down Macpherson Road to the stretch of shop houses. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Yamato Izakaya @ Oxley Bizhub - 3-In-1 Dining Concept Under One Roof Featuring Bib Gourmand Awardees Man Man Unagi

For the folks staying in the East, you will be great to know that Yamato Izakaya has opened at Oxley Bizhub. It is a Japanese dining concept housing 3 different brands under one roof. The 3 brands are Singapore Michelin Bib Gourmand awardees Man Man Unagi, Ramen Hitoyoshi and Tora-Tora.

If you have been to Man Man Unagi at Keong Saik Road, you will know that there is always a long queue and no reservation is allowed. At Yamato, not only that there are more seating, you can also make reservation.

Hitsumabushi 4.2/5

We tried the Hitsumabushi ($29.50) from Man Man Unagi. I was so delighted to be eating my unagi within 10 minutes. I do not even need to queue. There are 3 ways of enjoying the hitsumabushi. You can have the unagi on its own, eat it together with the condiments and lastly pour some tea into the rice , enjoy it like a bowl of porridge.

Futago Don - Ginger Pork and Prawn Tempura 4.2/5

Besides the unagi, we also tried the Futago Don from Tora Tora. Basically diner can pick 2 dons from a wide array of choices. I decided to go for the Ginger Pork ($7) and Prawn Tempura ($7). The pork marinated in a soy sauce is flavoursome and tender while the crunchy prawn is coated in a delightful crispy batter.

Yamato Izakaya
Oxley Bizhub
65 Ubi Road 1
#01-92
Singapore 408729
Tel: +65 69352925
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the traffic light junction of Paya Lebar Road, Macpherson Road and Airport Road. Cross the junction and walk to Oxley Bizhub. Walk towards Ubi Road 1 direction. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Took Lae Dee @ Tai Seng - Enjoy Thai Classic Dishes Starting From $3.80

Took Lae Dee, Bangkok’s most famous 24/7 restaurant chain, has found its way to Singapore, making Tai Seng its first ever branch outside Thailand after 45 years. Took Le Dee means “cheap and good” in Thai. In Bangok, their menu is extensive with not just Thai dishes but also Chinese and Western dishes such as American breakfast, steak & fries. With just a few dollars, you get filled up with good quality food even in the wee hours. That actually sounds like Hans during my secondary school days!

Pad Krapow with Egg 2.8/5

As Took Lae Dee Singapore is still trying to settle down, the menu is restricted to offering Thai staples only. What may first caught your eyes is the signature Pad Krapow (Minced Chicken/Pork with Chilli & Basil Leaves & Rice) which cost only $3.80! But just when you may think its really cheap and good, you will realise that you need to fork out another $1.20 to put that quintessential sunny-side up onto your plate. Cost aside, what's notable is that the original holy basil is being used in this dish, which is a lot stronger than the regular basil. But somehow, I couldn't detect much of the distinct peppery basil taste in this dish, unless I deliberately chewed on the leaves. I also expect quite a bit on my $1.20 egg, which turned out to to like those from cookhouse, with deep fried edges tainted with black flecks. I thought even Thai stalls at hawker centres serve more beautiful suuny-side up these days.

Yum Woon Sen 3.5/5

Som Tum 3.5/5

Both of my favourites Yum Woon Sen ($6 ) and Som Tum ($6) didn't disappoint. The Thai spicy vermicelli salad was full of crunch and a lot of heat with lots of chopped onions, chilli, celery and black fungus. Unlike some versions which the fish sauce tends to overwhelm the entire dish, these 2 salads remained bright and refreshing, though somewhat on the spicy side.

Pad Thai 3/5

Like any outlets in Bangkok where you will find them tuck inside Foodland supermarket, it comes with both table seating and counter seating, where you get to see the chefs in action, even fire blazing at times. That's when you know your dishes will be exuding that extra element of wok hei. The Pad Thai ($5/6.20) comes with a choice chicken or prawn, though on the sweeter side, was redeemed by that extra flavour.

Pad Pak Boong 3.5/5

The Pad Pak Boong or Thai Morning Glory ($5) has that wok hei flavour as well, and quite crunchy.  Some of you may prefer this to the sambal chilli style.

Kang Keaw Wan 2.8/5

The Kang Keaw Wan, Thai Green Curry with Chicken/Pork/Beef ($7/$8) surprised me with its lightness as all the recipes are said to be the original. I was expecting it to be a lot more robust and rich. This spicy dish of a creamy consistency calls for freshly made green curry paste, basil leaves, chillies, kaffir lime leaves, coconut milk and fish sauce.

Tom Yum Soup 2.8/5

The Tom Yum Soup ($6/$8)) was actually not too bad but the seafood seemed to be from remnants.

Took Lae Dee Iced Milk Tea 3.5/5

I don't usually order Thai Milk Tea because the sweetness is just too much but the Took Lae Dee Iced Milk Tea ($2.80) was really well balanced with the acidity and sweetness. Best part is that I got to add in the milk myself! After all the spicy and strong flavours fighting in my mouth, this is a much needed remedy to cleanse the palate.

If you are lucky, there may be seasonal Mango Sticky Rice available on your visit.

Took Lae Dee here is not 24hours unlike Bangkok, which is a pity as I really feel that much of the spirit of this brand is lost - the vibrancy, the extensive menu of comfort food, affordable pricing. Perhaps dining at the counter seats will allow you to have a better feel of it, it will elevate the taste of the food for sure.

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.


Took Lae Dee
18 Tai Seng Street
#01-34/35/K9
Singapore 539775
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit C. Go to ground level. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tsuta @ Tai Seng - Unveiling Its Miso Soba At Its Second Outlet

With the successful opening of its first outlet at Pacific Plaza, Singapore, Tsuta has opened its second outlet at Tai Seng serving its michelin star ramen. In conjunction with the opening of its second outlet, it has also unveiled the Miso Soba or Miso Ramen.

Miso Soba 4.5/5

I have made my way down to 18@Tai Seng to check out the new Tsuta and its new Miso Soba. The bowl of ramen uses hatcho miso imported from Tokushima prefecture. Porcini mushroom oil, bean sprouts, watercress and corns are added to complement the rich miso flavour. The noodles used for the miso soba is also slightly thicker compared to the Shoyu version which goes better with the heavier miso broth.

Miso Soba 4.5/5

When Tsuta first opened in Singapore, it introduced the Shoyu Soba and Shio Soba which is kind of new to the local palate. It is unlike the tonkotsu broth that Singaporeans are used. With the unveiling of the miso soba, I felt it is more receptive to the local palate.

Do note that the Tsuta outlet only sells the Shoyu and Miso soba at the Tai Seng outlet. If you want to try the Shio version, you have to go to Pacific Plaza outlet. The Pacific Plaza outlet offers both the Shoyu and Shio soba only.

Noted: This is an invited tasting. 


Tsuta
18 Tai Seng Street
#01-36/37/38/39
Singapore 539775
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Original Katong Laksa @ Upper Paya Lebar Road - Atas Laksa With Crayfish

Have you ever been ask the question, what is that one local dish you miss whenever you return from an overseas trip? My reply is Laksa. It is great to know that the pioneer of the "Katong Laksa" - The Original Katong Laksa or also known as Janggut Laksa has opened a new outlet at Upper Paya Lebar Road. The third outlet after Roxy Square and Queensway stalls.

If you are not aware, the original katong laksa was started by Mr Ng Juat Swee (Encik Janggut) in the 1940s. Mr Ng was selling his laksa off the street in the Marine Parade area before moving into a physical shop at 49 East Coast Road. Due to increase in rents, it moved down the road to 57 East Coast Road and eventually settling at Roxy Square. By then Mr Ng has passed down the business to his niece, Mdm Ng Sway Hong who in turn partnered with Mdm Tan Siew Suan to run the business.

Laksa 4.2/5

The Laksa ($5) here comes with ingredients such as prawn, cockle, fishcakes and laksa leaves. The thick beehoon is cut into short strips which can be easily eaten with a spoon. This is exactly how Mr Ng served his customers in the 1940s, which many so called 'Katong Laksa' stalls followed to serve in this way. A good laksa broth comes from the rempah used to cook with the coconut milk. The broth here is mildly spicy, creamy and has lots of dried shrimp for that addition oomph

Crayfish Laksa 4.2/5

Only available at the new outlet, it has introduced a premium version of the laksa - Crayfish Laksa ($9.50). It comes with a whole crayfish sliced into half. Once again, you can only have this at the new Upper Paya Lebar Road outlet. It is not available at Roxy Square and Queensway outlet.

Curry Chicken 4/5

If you need a more substantial meal, the new outlet has expanded their menu to include Curry Chicken and Fried Chicken. While the fried chicken was tender and juicy with crispy skin, my favourite is the curry chicken for its rich and thick gravy. It felt like having grandma cooking.

Fried Chicken 4/5

For those that wants to dine in a more comfortable environment, the newest outlet will allow you to do so. You can enjoy a bowl of laksa with air conditioning. It also offer other mains if you don't feel like having noodle for your meal.


The Original Katong Laksa
331 Uppper Paya Lebar Road
Singapore 534949
Tel: +65 97361833
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to bus stop at Tai Keng MRT station (Stop ID 70281). Take bus number 22, 24, 43, 58, 62, 70, 80 and 76. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Truly Test Kitchen @ Jun Jie Industrial Building (Macpherson Road)

The two young hawkerpreneurs that have started Truly Curry Rice at Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre has closed their stall and made a bold expansion move, taking over an entire coffee shop inside an industrial building at Kampong Ampat with a rather hip name - Truly Test Kitchen. Located on level seven of the industrial building, Truly Test Kitchen is a concept that consists of Truly Curry Rice, and another 3 other stalls - Truly Western, Mian and Handmade Meatball Porridge.

Hainanese Curry Rice 4/5

I was quite amazed to see the inner rice clean of gravy, after sitting there for quite some time with gravy coated all over. That to me was already a huge plus. The consistency of the curry allows it to just glaze the rice without drowning it. It is flavourful yet not overpowering the other dishes. I highly recommend their braised dishes - Radish, Chap Chye and Bittergourd.

Curry Chicken Noodle 3.5/5

Homely Noodle 3.5/5

From the Mian Stall, we had Homely Noodle and Curry Chicken Noodle. I have never seen such a huge portion for only $3.50. After observing that most customers working in the area will head straight to the rice stall without giving the noodles or porridge stall a chance. The two hawkerpreneurs increased the portion for a value return to counter that. Hence, both noodles and porridge are made extremely hearty to satiate their hunger. Homely Noodle is something that comforts your soul, while the Curry Chicken Noodle sets to fire your energy for the rest of the afternoon.

Homemade Pumpkin Cakes 3.8/5

Their Homemade Pumpkin Cakes are also worth trying. They are slightly differently from the usual. Crispy on the outside soft on the inside, the special sauce and chilli at the side make it extra moreish.

Meatball Porridge 3.8/5

Chunky homemade meatballs and velvety porridge, the liking for their Porridge is unanimous.  Thick and gluey, this hearty porridge is slow cooked for 2 hours to achieve such consistency. Hence, you wouldn't see your porridge turning watery till your last drop. That happens when potato starch was being added to quicken the thickening process. 

Chicken Chop Baked Rice 3.5/5

Chicken Chop 4/5

From Truly Western, their Baked Rice, Chicken Chop and Chicken Waffle ($4.50 each) are their popular dishes. Their baked rice is more towards the Hong Kong style. Perhaps it's the batter, I must say their Chicken Chop is really good, hence be it we had it by itself or as Chicken Chop Baked Rice, both were equally satisfying.  Their pasta, however, pale in comparison.

Pasta 2.8/5

Their Chicken Waffle ($4.50) may excite you as much as it had excited our table. Isn't it interesting to see how hawker food has evolved?  Some may see it in a negative way but such evolution may give people a chance to taste new things that is almost out of their imagination. This particular dish actually made an old couple coming back for it consecutively everyday for weeks!

Chicken Waffle 4/5

Joel and Deniece, former forex traders and colleagues, are the two young people who made it happened, barely after a couple of years after Deniece's dad handed over the hawker stall at Telok Blangah Food Centre to them. They took over the defunct coffeeshop on the 7th storey of the industrial building, spent months to get the entire space up and running, to what you see today. Hungry for success, you can see that in their eyes.

I can't imagine how this place was like back before Joel and Deniece took over, but to see so much energy going on at a level so high up in an industrial building on a Saturday, Truly Test Kitchen has definitely breathed a new lease of life into this place.

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.



[CLOSED]
Truly Test Kitchen
Jun Jie Industrial Building
153 Kampong Ampat
#07-05
Singapore 368326
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line), Aljunied (EW Line)

Opening Hours
Mon-Sat: 7am - 2pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit B.Walk down Harper Road. Turn right onto Playfair Road and then left onto Mactaggart Road. Walk to the end of Mactaggart Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the overhead bridge. Walk to bus stop opposite Aljunied MRT station (Stop ID 81081). Take bus number 62. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Kampong Ampat road. Turn left onto Kampong Ampat road. Continue on Kampong Ampat. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Fried Porridge (炒粥) @ Macpherson Road

The great tongues of the members of Food Intelligence Network Singapore (FINS) have unearthed another discovery in a coffeeshop along Macpherson Road. Fried Porridge (炒粥) is a little humble stall inside Delicious Coffeeshop specialized in cooking different types of porridge. I managed to have a brief chat with the chef and understand that he is from Ipoh, Malaysia.

As mentioned earlier, Fried Porridge (炒粥) specializes in cooking different types of porridge. The stall sells Seafood Porridge, Promfret Porridge, Red Grouper Porridge, Prawn Porridge, Minced Meat Porridge and the Signature Fried Porridge. The reason why I travelled all the way to Macpherson is to try the Signature Fried Porridge ($6/$10/$20). The first time I tried fried porridge was back in 2012 in a Penang Hawker Fare event. Hence I was looking forward to try the dish again when I heard it is available in Singapore.

The chef started with frying some ingredients such as the yam, cuttlefish, dried shrimp, pork etc first in the wok before adding in the porridge and then the dark sauce. The chef did not reveal much about the dark sauce but just told me he mixed it himself using local sauces and manage to get exactly the same flavour as in Ipoh. However he did say that he is still trying to fine-tune it to suit the local palate.

Before serving to the table, the fried porridge is transferred to a claypot and topped with pork lard, fried shallots, sesame and spring onions.

The pot of fried porridge still comes with the grainy bite. The dark sauce definitely elevated the flavour of the plain porridge while the cuttlefish, yam, dried shrimps, pork lard and sesame further accentuated the flavour and textures . There are also crab meat and lean pork in the porridge but just a little bit of it only.

Overall the fried porridge is very comforting and hearty. I do hope that there are more generous ingredients in the porridge but I do understand they have to watch their cost. The fact that they are probably the only place in Singapore cooking the Malaysian dish, it is a reason by itself for you to make your way down to try it.


[MOVED]
Fried Porridge (炒粥)
Delicious Coffee Shop
456 Macpherson Road
Singapore 368174
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line), Macpherson (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 8pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Macpherson Road. Turn right onto Macpherson Road. Continue on Macpherson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 16 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Macpherson MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight towards the temple. Turn left onto the walk path beside the temple. Walk to bus stop at Ubi Ave 2, Aztech Building (Stop ID 71169). Take bus number 8. Alight 4 stop later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 16 minutes. [Map]