Famous Depot 108 Claypot Laksa @ Depot Road

I remembered back in my army days, I used to frequent this claypot laksa place at 108 depot road which took up the whole coffeeshop. The coffeeshop was very run down but it is always crowded during lunch time. Since the estate undergone renovation, I have not been back until recently. The coffeeshop is gone and the block is rebuilt into a shopping centre with a food court on second level. Located inside the food court is Famous Depot 108 Claypot Laksa, selling the same claypot laksa. I am not sure whether it is related to the original

Claypot Laksa 

The laksa comes in a thick gravy served in a claypot. The Claypot Laksa ($3.50) is piping hot with tau pok, cockles, fish cakes and prawn. The claypot laksa is pretty good with its thick gravy, rich coconut and fragrant dried shrimps.

The thick and creamy gravy was rich and robust in flavours, coating the silky smooth noodles for a bowl of slurping goodness. The gravy is not as spicy as I would have like but you can always add more yourself. I do like the idea of the using the claypot as it keeps the noodle warm. However the cockles may get overcooked, so do remember to eat them quickly.

Overall Famous Depot 108 Claypot Laksa sells a good bowl of laksa that I finished it to the very last drop of the gravy. The price is also quite reasonable.


Famous Depot 108 Claypot Laksa
Yue Hua Food Court
Blk 108 Depot Road
#02-22
Singapore 100108
Nearest MRT: Labrador Park (CC Line), Telok Blangah (CC Line), Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Labrador Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite furniture warehouse (Stop ID 14401). Take bus number 408. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID 14161). Take bus number 57. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at HarbourFront MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to HarbourFront Bus interchange (Stop ID 14009). Take bus number 408. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 21 minutes. [Map]

AS Seafood Soup (安盛海鲜汤) @ Depot Road

Many people may have heard of the famous Yan Ji Seafood Soup stall at Woodlands. However not many knows about this humble little stall, AS Seafood Soup (安盛海鲜汤) at Depot Road. It actually moved from Bedok to the current location. According to my brief conversation with the cook that was preparing the seafood soup, I am told that he learnt how to cook the seafood soup from a famous stall in Woodlands. I would suspect it is Yan Ji since the style is very similar.

Crayfish Seafood Soup 4.2/5

At AS Seafood Soup, they basically sells three type of soup. They are Crayfish Seafood Soup ($10/$12), Seafood Soup ($5.50/$7.50) and Promfret Seafood Soup ($10). We had the most expensive crayfish seafood soup at $12 since we have travelled all the way to try it. The soup is cooked with old hen, dried scallop and pork ribs for a good 4 hours to get the rich flavours.

Crayfish Seafood Soup 4.2/5

The luxurious bowl of seafood soup comes with crayfish, prawns, fish slices and chunks of minced pork. I have not tried Yan Ji before but accordingly to Maureen, the soup still falls short of the intensive she had at Yan Ji. Nevertheless, this is still a delicious bowl of seafood soup if are not willing to travel all the way to Woodlands.

Braised Pig Trotter 3/5

The stall also sells Braised Pig Trotter ($5/$7). The braising sauce was actually quite good. However the braised pork trotter was a bit tough and on the dry side.

Good news to the people staying in the East. As I draft this blog post, I am glad to tell you they are back in Bedok, with the opening of the 2nd outlet at block 412, Bedok North.


AS Seafood Soup (安盛海鲜汤)
Yue Hua Food Court
Blk 108 Depot Road
#02-22
Singapore 100108
Tel: +65 83987155
Facebook
Nearest MRT: LAbrador Park (CC Line), Telok Blangah (CC Line), Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 9pm
Sat: 11am - 3pm
Sun: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Labrador Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite furniture warehouse (Stop ID 14401). Take bus number 408. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID 14161). Take bus number 57. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at HarbourFront MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to HarbourFront Bus interchange (Stop ID 14009). Take bus number 408. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 21 minutes. [Map]

Yuan Cheng Carrot Cake (源成菜头粿) @ Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre

Previously I have reviewed Truly Curry Rice, Hong Ji Wanton Mee and Indian Taste Hunter at Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre. Today let me bring you to another stall in the same food centre selling fried carrot cake. Unlike most fried carrot cake stall, Yuan Cheng Carrot Cake (源成菜头粿) uses vegetable oil to fried the radish cake for a more healthier consumption.

Fried Carrot Cake 4/5

Yuan Cheng Carrot Cake sells both the white and black version of the dish. During my visit, I ordered the Black Fried Carrot Cake ($2.50/$3). In recent times, my palate has changed and I actually prefer the black version which is sweeter compared to the white version which is more savoury.

Fried Carrot Cake 4/5

The fragrant plate of fried carrot cake is well coated with the dark sweet sauce with bits of caramelized charred. Slightly crispy on the exterior while moist inside. The dark sweet sauce has a nice aroma, not overly sweet but complementing the radish cake instead.

Fried Carrot Cake 4/5

The carrot cake diced into small rectangle shape also made it easy for eating. Chye poh and egg was also added to enhance the flavours, garnished with some spring onions. This is definitely one good plate of fried carrot cake which I would go back for. Probably I should try the white version in my next visit.


Yuan Cheng Carrot Cake (源成菜头粿） 
Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre
79 Telok Blangah Drive
#01-33
Singapore 100079
Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
TBA

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to the other side of the road. Cut across block 45 to Telok Blangah Drive. At Telok Blangah Drive, turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Indian Taste Hunter @ Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre

It was a lazy Sunday morning when I went down to Truly Curry Rice to check out their new breakfast beehoo set at Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre that I chanced upon Indian Taste Hunter, a few stalls further down.

Firstly a notice a short queue at the stall. As I approached the stall I noticed a lady behind the small premise cooking the apom. What caught my attention is the freshly made Apom and I could not resist joining the queue to order one to try.

Apom 4.2/5

The a la minute Apom ($1.10) was thin and crispy on the edges while the middle is soft and fluffy. The indian fermented rice pancake is a delightful snack to be eaten together with some sugar and grated coconut topping.

Besides the Apom, the humble little stall also sells other Indian delights too. I do not have the stomach to try the other items after a heavy meal at Truly Curry Rice. I will be back to try more of the items. For now, Indian Taste Hunter definitely has made themselves into my listing for one of the better apom hunt.


Indian Taste Hunter
Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre
79 Telok Blangah Drive
#01-27
Singapore 100079
Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 3pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to the other side of the road. Cut across block 45 to Telok Blangah Drive. At Telok Blangah Drive, turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Truly Curry Rice (真咖喱饭) @ Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre

I am back at Truly Curry Rice once again since my last visit. This time with a few more foodie friends to check out their newly introduced breakfast Stewed Pork Beehoon Set. It is great to see the two young hawkers, Joel and Deniece still carries that fire and passion in them.

Stewed Pork Bee Hoon 4.2/5

The Stewed Pork Bee Hoon ($1) is definitely value for money. The plate of white bee hoon may look kind of plain but it is really well cooked. It was not oily and the texture still retained the springiness in it. For a dollar, I think the flavours were there. If I am picky, the stewed pork and fried shallots flavours can be richer.

Chap Chye 4.2/5

If you find having the stewed pork bee hoon alone is boring, Truly Curry Rice offers the Stewed Pork Bee Hoon Set ($2) that comes with a selection of two sides.

Bitter Gourd 4/5

For a selection of vegetables, there are the Chap Chye, Bitter Gourd, Sambal Brinjal and Sambal Long Beans. I enjoyed the Chap Chye which is cooked to a delectable softness and sweetness.

Sambal Brinjal 4/5

Sambal Long Bean 4/5

A worthy mention is the different chilli prepared from scratch at the stall. If you like spicy stuff, then the sambal brinjal and long beans are a good choice cooked to a nice crunch.

Stir Fried Potato 4.2/5

Something new on the array of selections is the Stir Fried Potato. This home cooked dish is simple but yet so comforting.

Sambal Squid 3.5/5

The Sambal Squid unfortunately was a tad tough and overcooked during my visit. However the chilli spiciness has a real kick to it.

Braised Pork Belly 3/5

Pork Chop 4/5

For meat, there are the Braised Pork Belly and Pork Chop. The braised pork belly is tender and melted in the mouth. However it is pale in flavour. On the other hand, the pork chop was deep fried to a nice crisp and succulent.

I am glad that after more than a year, the two young hawkers has continued to work hard, starting the day at 1am painstakingly preparing the food from scratch and serving it to their customer in an affordable price.


[MOVED]
Truly Curry Rice
Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre
79 Telok Blangah Drive
#01-29
Singapore 100079
Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 3pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to the other side of the road. Cut across block 45 to Telok Blangah Drive. At Telok Blangah Drive, turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Peony Jade @ Keppel Club

With the numerous Chinese restaurants in Singapore specializing in different types of Chinese cuisines, one such familiar name is Peony Jade who is known for its Szechuan/Cantonese cuisines. Peony Jade currently has two outlets, one at Clark Quay with the other at Keppel Club which is opened to public. At this time of the year, it is the season for the much awaited Hairy Crabs from Yang Cheng Lake in China's Jiangsu province. Peony Jade has created The Gold Rush Hairy Crab Menu available from 14 October to 30 November 2014 to celebrate the return of these delicious crustaceans.

Mister Crab 4/5

Welcoming the return of the delicacy, we started with the Mister Crab ($14.80 for 3pc). The cute crab shape crystal dumpling is filled with prawn and hairy crab meat. Packed inside the thin translucent orange dumpling skin is a delightful marriage of crunchy prawns and buttery crab roe.

Pomegranate Hairy Crab Meat topped with Creamy Golden Roe 3.8/5

Next is the Pomegranate Hairy Crab Meat topped with Creamy Golden Roe ($58). This is a hit and miss for me. In terms of the ingredients and flavours it was top notch that was very pleasing to the palate. This is like discovering a bag of gold with all the luxurious ingredients wrapped in the huge dumpling skin. Unfortunately due to its huge size, I have difficulty figuring how best to consume it. In the end, I am left with the tail end of the dumpling skin which was not very palatable.

Steamed Hairy Crab with Homemade Chinese Rice Wine 3.8/5

The Steamed Hairy Crab with Homemade Chinese Rice Wine ($48) which is cooked in a stone pot is an unique take from the tradition way of preparing the hairy crab. I applauded the idea of having both the Ying and Yang elements in a pot. Hairy crab is known for its Ying element and usually is paired with Chinese yellow wine or ginger tea to balance with the Yang element. In this dish, the Chinese rice wine which is fermented by the Chef himself for more than a month plays the role of the Yang element which is slurping good. Unless you have an iron fist, the challenge will be dissecting this little fellow cooked in a pipping pot of soup.

La Mian Soup Topped with Hairy Crab Meat Garnised with Golden Caviar 4.2/5

Like all Chinese dinner, our last course is a carb dish in the La Mian Soup Topped with Hairy Crab Meat Garnised with Golden Caviar. The full bodied soup with the buttery golden hairy crab roe was simply richness in a bowl. However the intense flavour can be too heavy for some but definitely not me.

Hot Ginger Tea with Glutinous Rice Dumplings 4/5, Mao Shan Wang Durian Mochi 4.8/5

The hairy crab feast is wrapped up on a ginger high with the Boiled Hot Ginger Tea with Glutinous Rice Dumplings ($7). The ginger was really spicy which is good for the body after consuming all the hairy crabs dishes. This ends on a perfect note with the Mao Shan Wang Durian Mochi ($12 for 3pc). I have only known of their Mao Shan Wang mooncake but the mochi with its soft chewy texture stuffed with the creamy and fragrant premium durian paste brought the house down for me.

This seasonal hairy crab promotion at Peony Jade at Keppel Club is available from 14 October to 30 November 2014. Prices start from S$12 for ala carte items, S$88 per person for set menu and S$138 per person for premium set menu.


Peony Jade
Keppel Club
Level M
10 Bukit Chermin Road
Singapore 109918
Tel: +65 62769138
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeonyJadeRestaurant
Website: http://www.peonyjade.com/
Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Bukit Chermin Road. Turn right into Bukit Chermin Road. Walk along Bukit Chermin Road. Turn right into destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Hong Ji Mian Shi Jia (鸿记面食家) @ Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre

When I was at Truly Curry Rice the other day, I noticed there was a long queue outside Hong Ji Mian Shi Jia (鸿记面食家) patiently waiting to savour the plate of wanton mee from the stall. Since I have already came all the way down to Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre, I might as well check out what is so good about Hong Ji's wanton mee.

After queuing for a good 25 minutes, I finally got my hand on the plate of Char Siew Wanton Mee ($3/$4). When I received my plate of wanton mee, in a moment of eagerness to dig into it I forgot to pay for it. The auntie was very patient and politely reminded me after I helped myself to the pork lards.

Char Siew Wanton Mee 3.5/5

So how did the plate of Char Siew Wanton Mee fare ? The noodles was firm and springy with a nice bite. Sad to say that is all about it that I found memorable. Both the char siew and chilli sauce were lacklustre. I find it hard to explain to myself the reason for the snaking queue.

Wanton Soup 4/5

The cloudy Wanton Soup ($3) was flavourful and robust. The wanton skin was smooth and thin. The filling was rather flavourful and well marinated too.


Hong Ji Mian Shi Jia (鸿记面食家)
Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre
79 Telok Blangah Drive
#01-29
Singapore 100079
Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sat-Thu: 7am - 7pm
(Closed on Fri)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to the other side of the road. Cut across block 45 to Telok Blangah Drive. At Telok Blangah Drive, turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Truly Curry Rice (真咖喱饭) @ Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre

It is heartening to see another 2 Young Hawker who is willing to sacrifice their day job as traders in the bank to labour in a confined hawker stall at Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre. Deniece's dad owned the stall but was looking for someone to takeover. Deniece and his business partner Joel decided to jump on the opportunity, quitted their comfortable job and started their next career path as hawker. After taking over the curry rice stall, Truly Curry Rice (真咖喱饭), the pair spent months fine tuning the dishes and introducing new items to win over the heart and stomach of their customers.

Pork Chop 3.5/5

The Pork Chop was pretty decent with its crumbly exterior and was succulent inside. If I am to pick bones from an egg, I felt that the seasoning can be a bit heavier or maybe offer a tomato based Hainanese pork chop.

Chap Chye 4.5/5

The Chap Chye was really well executed bringing out the natural sweetness of the cabbage with its delightful texture.

Meatball 4/5

The Meatball here was really huge and well seasoned. If there is some savoury like salted egg to give it some contrasting flavour that will be perfect.

Curry Rice 4.2/5

The basic necessity of a good plate of curry rice is the Curry. Both Joel and Deniece have taken the original recipe and did some refinement. The end product is a fragrant and flavourful curry that has a lingering spiciness on the palate. It got the approval from all of us and I will be happy to drench the whole plate of rice with it.

Deep Fried Prawn 3.5/5

Personally I think it is not necessary to use the five spice powder for the Deep Fried Prawn as it makes the prawns darker in colour which I thought was not too presentable. Nevertheless, the prawn was deep fried to a nice crispy bite, the batter was not too thick and it was well seasoned.

Eggplant 4.5/5

I took a bite of the Eggplant and turned to my friends. My immediate reaction was, "hey guys you got to try this, the hae bee hiam is very good". The fragrant hae bee hiam (spicy dried shrimp) complemented the sweetness of the eggplant beautifully. The eggplant was also not overcooked retaining a bit of the crunchiness. What heartened me is to know the hae bee hiam was cooked from scratch at the stall by the 2 young hawker. If one day they decided to sell the hae bee hiam in bottle, I would gladly buy from them.

 

Long Beans 4.5/5

I know not many people enjoy eating eggplant. If you are one of them, you can try the Long Beans instead. It is stir fried using the same hae bee hiam (spicy dried shrimp).

Assam Calamari 3.5/5

The delectable Assam Calamari felt a bit out of place with its lemongrass flavour which is usually found in Thai cuisine. Saying that it was still a well balanced and executed dish. The calamari was also fresh and crunchy. It is one of those dish that you either love it or hate it in my opinion.

Bitter Gourd Omelette 4/5

The Bitter Gourd Omelette was fried to a nice brown crisp with the well seasoned omelette complementing the bitterness of the bitter gourd.

Braised Pork Belly 3/5

One look at the Braised Pork Belly and I could tell it needed more time to fully absorb the flavour. The braised pork belly did not have that melted in the mouth texture and the flavour was not robust enough.

Lor Bak 4.5/5

Both Joel and Deniece are not Hainanese and Truly Curry Rice is not an authentic Hainanese curry rice stall. They strive to serve their customers with good food and food that they themselves love to eat. Hence it is not surprise to see Joel took his mum's Lor Bak recipe and introduced the item at the stall. The chilli dip that goes along with the lor bak is also freshly prepared at the stall.

There has been a lot of media coverage about preserving our Hawker Heritage and efforts to encourage Young Hawkers to take up the trade. It seems like it is a dying trade where the replacement rate is out paced by the older generation of hawkers getting too old to handle the workload or passing on. Coupled by long work hours, working environment and non recognition, there is a lack of the younger generation willing to be a hawker. It is really heartening to see Joel and Deniece sacrificing probably their social life and high paid salary job waking up as early as 4am and sweating out in a hot and stuffy hawker stall prepping and cooking for the day.


[MOVED]
Truly Curry Rice
Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre
79 Telok Blangah Drive
#01-29
Singapore 100079
Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 3pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to the other side of the road. Cut across block 45 to Telok Blangah Drive. At Telok Blangah Drive, turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]