Golden Charcoal @ Bedok North Street 1 - Zichar By An Indian Head Chef Fluent In Mandarin

Golden Charcoal, located at Bedok North Street 1 is a new Zichar stall by two young partners. Justin, the owner, used to work in the finance industry while his head chef, David (小黑), worked for a zichar stall in the Thomson area. Currently, they are having promotions offering two crabs for $60.

Mala Chicken 3/5

My friend who has dined here a few times is in charge of ordering some of her favourite dishes. We started with Mala Chicken, whereby the tender chicken is tossed in fragrant mala sauce. While the mala is pungent, I thought it was a bit heavy with the sodium chloride.

Prawn Paste Chicken 3.8/5

I think children will love the Prawn Paste Chicken here. Not only is it juicy, but it is also incredibly crispy. However, I prefer the prawn paste flavour to be more distinct.

Sambal Kang Kong 4/5

Sometimes, the most simple dish is the best way to show the chef's culinary skill behind the wok. The Sambal Kang Kong is one of the best I tried. The sambal is fragrant and with the greens still having a nice crunch.

Assam Fish Head 4/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Assam Fish Head. The fresh fish head is complemented by the pungent assam, which is incredibly delicious. I could not help drenching my plate of rice with the flavoursome sauce.

Cereal Fried Rice

For some carbo intakes, diners can go for the Cereal Fried Rice or Moonlight Hor Fun. Children will enjoy the Cereal Fried Rice. The topping of the sweet and crispy cereal brightens up the fluffy fried rice. 

Moonlight Hor Fun 3.8/5

For the Moonlight Hor Fun, I can't help comparing it to my favourite at KEK Seafood. The style here is the savoury type packed with wok hei. Give the egg a good toss to give the noodles an enjoyment coat of creaminess. 

Chilli Crab 4.2/5

Diners should not miss the current two crabs for $60 promotion. We have it cooked with chilli crab sauce. The sauce is legit, and it is one of the best I have eaten. Best is to order some mantou to wipe up the yummy chilli crab sauce. I heard their mala crab and black pepper crab are as good too.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Golden Charcoal Seafood
Blk 204 Bedok North Street 1
#01-435
Singapore 460204
Tel: +65 97304808
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left to the pathway between Bedok Mall and Bedok Interchange hawker centre. Walk to the end. Walk to block 204. Walk to the coffeeshop facing the park. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]

Founder Bak Kut Teh @ Hotel Boss (Jalan Sultan) - Introduces New Mama's Home-cooked Dishes

Many of you will be familiar with Founder Bak Kut Teh, a well known local restaurant serving the fragrant and peppery pork ribs soup for the past 40 years. Even a lot of foreign celebrities visited the restaurant for their bak kut teh when they were in Singapore, judging from the numerous photos paste around the restaurant taken between these celebrities and founder Mr Chua.

Not to be missed of course is the signature Founder Bak Kut Teh ($8.90). The pork ribs are cooked to tender using the freshest meaty pork ribs, simmered in a specially formulated broth of herbs and spices. Diners can choose among options of ribs, short ribs, lean meats or offal to go with the peppery broth too.

Neighbour's "Ho Liao" 4.2/5

Besides the signature Bak Kut Teh, the restaurant has rolled out a number of new home-cooked dishes paying tribute to their late mother. If you are a fan of chicken feet, you will love their Neighbour's "Ho Liao" ($5/$10). It is cooked in a black bean sauce, just like how their late mum did it for the family.

Cheeky Secret 4/5

Spinach and mushroom are mixed into the tofu for the Cheeky Secret ($8/$14). Parents may want to learn a trick or two here if you're going to make your children consume vegetable.

Too Moody To Eat 3.8/5

Too Moody To Eat ($6.80/$10.80) is pork chop marinated with garlic and pan-fried. The interesting part is the accompanying achar which helps to cut the greasiness.

Grandma's Pork Belly 3.5/5

Braised and cooked to tender is the Grandma's Pork Belly ($12). While the texture is acceptable, I felt that the braising sauce is on the light side and lacks the depth I was looking for.

Best with Rice 4.5/5

One of the new dishes that we all given the thumb of approval is the Best with Rice ($6.80). It is not only a simple steamed egg dish but consists of trio eggs, including century egg and salted egg. On top of that, pork lard is added for that extra boost in flavour and texture.

Once Upon A Gathering 4.2/5

Once Upon A Gathering ($8/$12) is a special dish in the family which is only served during special celebratory occasions. A homely and hearty dish that consists of steamed chicken with Chinese sausages, mushrooms, and ginger.

"Ah Lau" Pan Fried Fish 4.2/5

For the fish lover, there is the "Ah Lau" Pan Fried Fish (Fish Steak $15, Fish Tail $28). The fish is simply pan-fried and served with marinated garlic atop, swimming in a complementing pool of soy sauce.

Year 1988 Assam Teochew Steamed Fish 3.5/5

Last but not least, making an impressive entry is the Year 1988 Assam Teochew Steamed Fish (Fish Steak $15, Fesh Head $25, Fish Tail $28). For the pricing and very value for money. However I find the assam is on the mild side, I think it can be heavier in taste to give it more zest.

Overall, I have enjoyed the meal at Founder Bak Kut Teh. I like the addition of the new dishes, giving diners a more complete meal experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Founder Bak Kut Teh
Hotel Boss
500 Jalan Sultan
#01-09
Singapore 199020
Tel: +65 6816 2582
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 5am

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking down Kallang Road towards Victoria Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wee's Family Seafood @ Bukit Merah Central - A New Zi Char Place In Bukit Merah Central

It is great to know that my friend Milton from Wee's Family Coffee Shop has opened a 2nd branch nearer to my place at Bukit Merah Central named Wee's Family Seafood. The new branch is actually located behind an industrial building, hidden from the main road. It took up a stall inside the industrial canteen which is quite spacious and airy.

Prawn Paste Chicken Wings 3.8/5

We started with the Prawn Paste Chicken Wings ($8/$12/$16) which are coated in a light crispy batter. The chicken wings were also moist and juicy inside with a hint of prawn paste. I personally prefer the prawn paste flavour to be stronger.

Handmade Prawn Roll 4.5/5

One of our favourite items is the Handmade Prawn Roll ($10/$15/$20). The prawn roll is generously stuffed with many delectable ingredients such as minced pork, mushroom and crunchy chestnut. Marinated in five spice powder and encased in a thin crispy beancurd skin, this is best eaten together with the accompanying sweet sauce.

Green Dragon Chives 4/5

A common greens on the menu is the Green Dragon Chives ($10/$15/$20). Simply stir fried, I like the used of bean sprouts together with the green dragon chives for the extra crunch and bite.

Lamb 3/5

The Lamb ($25) probably is a rather rare dish to find in a zichar menu. I actually quite enjoy the red meat but my dining company is not a fan of the gaminess.

Crispy Pig Knuckle 2.8/5

A dish that required improvement is the Crispy Pig Knuckle ($30). While we enjoyed the crispy skin but we felt the whole execution was rather bland. It felt like the kitchen has forgotten to season it.

Assam Red Snapper Fish Head 3.8/5

For the price, I thought the Assam Red Snapper Fish Head ($24) is rather worth it  Not only was the fish head fresh, it was huge and meaty. Being an assam fish head lover, I think the dish is not sour and spicy enough. The flavours can be intensified further.

Salted Egg Crayfish 4.2/5

Wrapped in a thin batter and coated with salted egg sauce is the Salted Egg Crayfish ($20). What I applauded is the effort to de-shell the crayfish. Its like removing the barrier for the sauce to marry with the succulent crayfish. The batter which replaced the shell, provided the extra layer of texture to the dish.

Three Egg Fu Zhou Mee Sua 3/5

Last but at least we had the Three Egg Fu Zhou Mee Sua ($10/$15/$20). Once again this is a dish I do not usually see in zichar menu. The texture of the noodle is quite similar to those Ban Mian stall's you mian. I thought the dish has great potential but again it was under seasoned. I ended up mixing the mee sua with the sambal chilli to elevate the flavour.

Overall I felt the new branch still fell short in standard compare to the main outlet in Bedok Reservoir Road. Most of the dishes also felt a bit light handed. I thought they can be a little more bold in their seasoning.


Wee's Family Seafood
Blk 1003 Bukit Merah Central
#01-3752
Singapore 159836
Tel: +65 62755711/98798868
Facebook
Nearest MRT:

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 5. Alight 3 stops later at Bukit Merah Central Bus Interchange. Walk to Bukit Merah Central road. Turn left and walk down the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 16 and 851. Alight 4 stops later at Bukit Merah Central Bus Interchange. Walk to Bukit Merah Central road. Turn left and walk down the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Eastern House of Seafood @ Chai Chee Drive

If you are a foodie, you would probably often hear the saying that good food resides in the East of Singapore. It is actually quite true with the recent discovery of Eastern House of Seafood located at the HDB block in Chai Chee Drive, woking up a delectable selection of zichar dishes.

Dinosaur Pork Rib 4/5

Don't be mislead that I am having extinct meat in the Dinosaur Pork Rib ($16). The pork rib is hugemongous hence the name. The pork rib is cooked to a nice tender and fell off the bone with ease. I found the sauce on the sweet side but my friends thought otherwise.

Fried Beehoon with Pig Trotter 4.2/5

One of my favourite dishes is the Fried Beehoon with Pig Trotter ($8/$16). The beehoon infused with the pig trotter's essence came across comforting and flavourful. Definitely a dish I would recommend ordering to go with the other delectable dishes on the menu.

Dry Roast Sotong 4.5/5

The Dry Roast Sotong ($15/$22/$28) is a must try at Eastern House of Seafood. Marinated overnight with soy sauce and celery, the sotong is understand to be bathed in hot oil instead of grill. It results in a tender sotong with the marinade kind of glued to the flesh. Every bite into the flesh is returned with a burst of lovely flavours.

French Bean in Tempura Style 3.8/5

I have mixed review of the French Bean in Tempura Style ($15/$20/$25). I think kids will enjoy this with the crispy tempura. However for adult like me probably felt that the batter masked off the natural flavour of the greens.

Prawn with Pork Floss and Rice Cracker 4.2/5

The Prawn with Pork Floss with Rice Cracker is a new dish that the chef prepared for us, this is not even in the menu. The is an addictive change from the usual cereal prawn/ The crunchy prawns accompanied by the pork floss and rice cracker, provides a multi textural enjoyment.

Salted Egg Crab 4.5/5

While Chilli and Black Pepper Crabs are the favourite among manys, I felt that Salted Egg Crabs (2 for $50) has won the hearts of many too, especially those that can't take spicy. At Eastern House of Seafood, the version is consider the dry style using crabs around 500 to 600 grams. One just need to get into it and get your fingers dirty. It is simply finger licking good.

Assam Fish Head 4.5/5

When the Assam Fish Head ($18/$20) was served, the first thing I noticed is the huge portion for the price. This is really value for money. The rich and robust assam gravy with its spiciness and tanginess, made this super shiok! Give me another bowl of rice!

If you are looking for a place to have a good zi char dinner with your family or gathering, I would recommend Eastern House of Seafood. The pricing is very reasonable with good quality and delicious food.


Eastern House of Seafood
Blk 55 Chai Chee Drive
#01-174/6
Singapore 460055
Tel: +65 91508172
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Bedok MRT station (Stop ID 84039). Take bus number 222. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Nonya Cafe @ West Coast Plaza

West Coast Plaza has always been a quiet mall and many previous tenants have found it tough to survive. It is not surprise to see many of the restaurants changed hand with new tenant trying to success. Nonya Cafe is another new tenant located on level 2 servicing Peranakan cuisine.

Nonya Chap Chye 4/5

A must order for me at any nonya restaurant is the Chap Chye ($8). The dish is pretty well executed with the vegetable cooked to a nice softness with the distinct fermented soy bean.

Ayam Buah Keluak 3/5

Another staple dish of peranakan cuisine is the Ayam Buah Keluak ($12). Unfortunately I find the chicken was a bit tough and dry, while the sauce was kind of diluted.

Assam Fish Head 3.8/5

I also ordered the Assam Fish Head ($20) to try. The fish head was fresh and meaty, worthy of the price tag. The gravy was not as sour and spicy as I would like. I think I little more kick to it will be perfect.

Chendol 3/5

For dessert, I had the Chendol ($3.50) to end the dinner. It may not be the best of chendol I have eaten but definitely perfect for the humid weather.

Overall I find the Peranakan food at Nonya Cafe is only average standard. I think a lot of effort is still need in the food if the restaurant wants to survive. I hope the restaurant will still be around in my next visit.


[CLOSED]
Nonya Cafe
West Coast Plaza
154 West Coast Road
#02-25
Singapore 127371
Tel: +65 67777939
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

The Restaurant @ Dover Road

Not known to many even for myself, there is actually a Chinese restaurant in Singapore Polytechnic Graduates' Guild (SPGG) that is open to the public. The Restaurant, ironically that is the name of the restaurant offers zi char dishes in a air conditioned restaurant setting.

Upon being seated, we are served complimentary Achar and Papadum. I thought it was quite a interesting combination. I have never seen such combination being served elsewhere especially the papadum since it is a Chinese restaurant.

Stir Fried Four Seasons Vegetables 4/5

Stir Fried to fragrant is the Four Seasons Vegetables ($8.50) consisting of the long beans, lady fingers, winged beans and egg plants. A very homely dish with the spicy dried shrimp (hae bee) and garlic playing their role in the dish excellently and enhancing the flavours.

Deep Fried Beancurd with Chye Poh and Yellow Bean Crumb 4/5

The Deep Fried Beancurd with Chye Poh and Yellow Bean Crumb ($9.50) did impress me with its silky texture. My wife especially likes the thin crispy layer on the outside. Beancurd is usually quite bland so I actually applauded the idea of using chye poh and the light soy sauce to boast the flavour. A hearty dish that I enjoyed a lot.

Assam Curry Fish Head 4.5/5

I am a big fan for fish head curry and so when I saw the Assam Curry Fish Head ($31.80) on the menu, I knew I need to order it. Lucky I was not disappointed. The spices packed aromatic gravy was a winner for me with chunky cuts of lady fingers and egg plants. Definitely one of the better assam curry fish head I have eaten.

Assam Curry Fish Head 4.5/5

During my dinner time visit on a Sunday evening, I noticed the restaurant was quite packed and busy with families. I would probably come back again to try the other dishes on the menu. Meanwhile if you plan to check out the place, I would recommend the assam curry fish head and deep fried beancurd with chye poh and yellow bean crumb.


The Restaurant
Singapore Polytechnic Graduates' Guild (SPGG)
1010 Dover Road (Singapore Poly gate 4)
Singapore 139658
Tel: +65 67969961
Website: http://www.spgg.org.sg/dining/the-restaurant
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line), Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 1130am - 3pm, 630pm - 10pm

Direction: 
Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Bus Interchange (Stop ID 17009). Take bus number 196. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to bus stop opposite Buona Vista MRT station (Stop ID 11369). Take bus number 196. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Atrium Restaurant @ Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium

Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium has unveiled an all new look with its newly refurbished guest bedrooms, revamped lobby interior as well as a all new dining concepts to offer guests a more modern and contemporary experience. Leading the hotel in the new changes is the newly appointed General Manager, Anne Johnston. The popular all day dining hotel restaurant, The Melting Pot has also been renamed as Atrium Restaurant boasting a bright and modern interior featuring a new buffet and a la carte menus.

Chilli Crab 4/5

The kitchen is now lead by former Grand Park Orchard Executive Chef Chua Yew Hock. With him on board, he also brought along some of his signature dishes such as the Chilli Crab, Mussel Otah Otah, Asam Fish and Curry Laksa.

Singaporean loves their crabs and the chilli crab being an iconic Singaporean dish, the spicy crustacean will be well received by both the locals and foreigners. It also served with mantou, a popular pairing which the locals enjoy savouring the delicious gravy to the max.

Mussel Otah Otah 3/5

The Mussel Otah Otah for me did not come together as a dish. It is good on its own,  putting 2 different components together on a mussel shell and served. Saying that, the steamed spicy fish paste was quite good with the different spices teasing the taste buds.

Asam Fish 4/5

Chef Chua is really good with his spices. The Asam Fish was really spot on with the heat and execution. While the fish meat was inclining to the dry side, I could not really fault it as it is offered among the buffet spread and not served ala minute. If Chef Chua offers asam fish head on his a la carte menu at an affordable price, it may become one of their signature item.

Curry Laksa 4.2/5

Not to be missed at Atrium Restaurant will be the Curry Laksa. The fragrant gravy with dried shrimps was not too 'lemak' but yet still giving it the needed creaminess. It was so good that some of us gone for second helping.

Risotto 3/5

Atrium Restaurant also offers a live station. During my visit, I tried the Risotto which was flavourful but I thought it was on the dry side.

Sashimi

Seafood

Like all buffet, Atrium Restaurant offers an extensive spread of varieties catering for everyone. The buffet spread also has Sashimi and Seafood which are very popular among the locals.

If you are cheese lover, there is a good selection too.

What is a buffet without the dessert section right? Worried not as Atrium Restaurant will satisfy your sweet tooth with their different dessert, cakes and pastry.

While I have read many negative reviews of the former Melting Pot, I did not experience such lousy food during my visit. I supposed the new executive chef and the revamped menu has lifted the standard. Of course, they need to continue on this good start to be one of the top buffets where diners want to go to. If you plan to visit Atrium Restaurant, I would strongly recommend trying their spicy dishes such as the Chilli Crab, Laksa and Asam Fish.

Buffet Lunch
Mon-Fri: $45++
Sat: $50 ++
Sun: $55 ++

Buffet Dinner
Mon-Thu: $50++
Fri-Sun: $55 ++


Atrium Restaurant
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
317 Outram Road
Singapore 169075
Tel: +65 67317172
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiatrium
Website: http://holidayinn.com/sinatrium
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Operating Hours:
Daily: 6am - 1230am

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10169). Take bus number 123. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes.  [Map]