Spicy Thai - Thai Cafe @ Aljunied Avenue 2

I am back at Spicy Thai-Thai Cafe again. The last time I visited the place was sometime back in May 2013. You can read the review here. I am back this time round to try out some of their new items on their menu.

Crispy Lad Na with Seafood 4.2/5

I remembered having Lad Na back in 2011 when I visited Coffee Stars by Dao and I love it a lot . I am glad that Spicy Thai is having the Crispy Lad Na with Seafood ($6) in their new menu. The wide rice noodle or more commonly known to many as Hor Fun has a crispy exterior while inside was smooth, layers of texture for enjoyment.

Dill Pattie (Cha Om) Omelette 3.5/5

The simple egg omelette is given a new injection of life with the Dill Pattie (Cha Om) Omelette ($8). I like the herby taste of the dill. However I felt that more dill can be used to give it a more distinct character if not one can simply pass it off as a normal egg omelette.

Deep Fried Kang Kong with Special Thai Sauce 4/5

The Deep Fried Kang Kong with Special Thai Sauce ($10) is pretty unique to me. At least I have not seen it served in any other Thai restaurants I have visited. Lightly battered like tempura, it was a fun and enjoyable dish to each as a snack. The velvety, spicy and nutty dipping sauce complements the tempura kang kong enhancing the flavour.

Deep Fried Seabass with Mango Salad 4/5

Moving on to some seafood, I tried the Deep Fried Seabass with Mango Salad (Seasonsal Price). Deep fried to golden brown on the exterior, the fish was still moist inside. However I was confused with the salad part of the dish. The so called mango salad was more like a dipping sauce than salad. Saying that, it was actually the star of the dish with the staple Thai sweet, sour and spicy flavours lending a delectable character to the fish.

Basil Black Pepper Crab 4.2/5

The Basil Black Pepper Crab (Seasonal Price) was beautifully infused with the basil flavour. The sweet crab meat had a new aromatic of the basil flavour while the black pepper is on the mild side. Roasted pork was also added to enhance the flavour.

Sleeping Fish Set 4.2/5

The dish that I was very eager to try was the Sleeping Fish Set ($15). Basically take a bit of everything and eat it like a wrap with a bit of the special sauce. The short mackerel or known as Pla Thu comes from Thailand. Their unique tilted head is due to fitting the fish into the small storage container, not that the fish looks like that. Inspired by the cuisine of Isan (Northeast region of Thailand), this simple dish underneath the different layers of textures was interesting balance with each ingredients working harmoniously together.

I have enjoyed the new items at Spicy Thai. I have known of friends that have visited the place and all has good feedback about their food. If I am craving for Thai food, this is one of the place I would go. Besides cooked dishes, Spicy Thai also serves Mookata. Saying that, it has been awhile since I had Mookata. Time to pay them a visit soon.


Spicy Thai - Thai Cafe
Blk 115 Aljunied Avenue 2
#01-35
Singapore 380115
Tel: +65 67478558
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpicyThaiThaiCafe
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12am

Direction:
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to Geylang East Ave 1. On Geylang East Ave 1, turn left and continue to the end of the road. Cross the road and continue on Aljunied Crescent. Walk down Aljunied Crescent and turn right onto Aljunied Ave 2. Walk to block 115. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Plaza Brasserie @ PARKROYAL on Beach Road

A shout out to the crab lovers out there! The Crab Feast is back at PARKROYAL on Beach Road, Plaza Brasserie from 5 June to 31 August 2013. I have already heard many good words that this year's crab feast is much better than last year. Can't wait to get my fingers dirty digging in to the sumptuous Crab Feast under the culinary direction and creation of Executive Chef Jackson.

Chilli Crab 4/5

Salted Egg Crab 4.5/5

Black Pepper Crab 4.2/5

Besides the ever popular Chilli Crab, Salted Egg Crab and Black Pepper Crab, guests can look forward  to savouring Chef Jackson's new recipes. For this year crab feast, Chef Jackson has introduced Steamed Crab with Tang Gui, Baked Crab, Nonya Curry Crab, Butter Crab, Stir Fried Crab with Egg Yolk and XO Crab.

Steamed Crab with Tang Gui 4.5/5

Among the new crab recipes, my favourite was the Steamed Crab with Tang Gui and Curry Crab. The Steamed Crab with Tang Gui retained the natural sweetness of the crab with a mild herbal Tang Hui taste that complemented the sweetness of the crab.

Curry Crab 4.2/5

I am a big fan of curry and I applauded the Curry Crab version by Chef Jackson. The medley of spices and aroma of the curry left me craving for more of the gravy and I swear I could have wiped the plate clean with my bread if not that I need to reserve my stomach for the other delectable crabs.

Crab Nonya Style 4/5

Baked Crab 3.5/5

Not enough of the crabs? Not to worry, a range of appertizers such as Dijon Crab Cakes with Coriander Paste, Bread Crab Claw, Mini Crab Meat Samosas, Olive & Potato Crabmeat Balls with Pesto, Crabmeat Paste are available in the sumptuous buffet spread. Even the Noodle Live station offers a selection of Curry Noodle, Mee Poh Noodles or Laksa with Soft Shell Crab. On top of the crab feast buffet spread, guests can also enjoy eclectic spread of hot varieties and desserts.

Sumptuous Crab Feast at PARKROYAL on Beach Road
Date: 5 June to 31 August 2013
Dinner (Mon-Thu): Adult $55 Child $33
Dinner (Fri-Sun): Adult $58 Child $35

Price are subjected to 10% service charge and 7% Goods and Services Tax


Plaza Brasserie
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199590
Tel: +65 65055710
Website: http://parkroyalhotels.com
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes.

Momma Kong's Crab Shack @ Mosque Street (Chinatown)

If you are craving for crabs, there is a new restaurant at Mosque Street (Chinatown) that serves pretty delectable crabs. Momma Kong's Crab Shack is opened by 2 enterprising lads showcasing their Mum's recipe of black pepper crabs and pairing it with a variety of boozes. The minimalist chic restaurant can sit up to 55 passengers and the crabs are cooked to order.

The menu is very interesting, it is designed to look exactly like a Facebook page. The menu is not very extensive. It offers 4 varieties of crabs, a few light bites and a variety of alcoholic beverages.

Belachan Ikan Bilis 4/5

By the way, it was a couple makan session with Charlene, Maureen, Nadia and our respective partners. We started off with some light bites. The Belachan Ikan Bilis or Deep Fried Anchovies ($6) comes in 3 spice level of mild, medium and madness. We had the medium spice level and it was quite fiery.

Spicy Tangy Top Shell 2.5/5

The Spicy Tangy Top Shell ($15) which was mixed with chopped onions, sesame oil, lemon, a few secret ingredients and topped with chilli padi  was disappointing. The flavours was too mild and the top shell tasted bland. I did not get the spicy tangy kick.

Crab Beehoon Soup 4.2/5

The smooth and milky Crab Beehoon Soup ($38 per crab, $110 for 3 crabs) was one of the best I tried. The beehoon was also smooth and firm. It was so slippery that we had a hard time holding them on our chopsticks. The beehoon was also cut into shorter length similar to Katong Laksa.

Fresh Steam Crab 4.2/5

The Sri Lanka mud crab used at Momma Kong's Crab Shack weights about 650gram. The meat was firm and sweet but a bit small for sharing if you have a big group, probably just nice for 2 pax.

Fresh Steamed Crab 4.2/5

The best way to enjoy the freshness and sweetness of the crab is to have it steamed. The Fresh Steamed Crab ($38 per crab, $110 for 3 crabs) was steamed with fragrant Chinese wine giving it a nice aroma. The delicacy also came with lovely orange crab roe.

Black Pepper Crab 4/5

The Black Pepper Crab ($38 per crab, $110 for 3 crabs) is a bit different from the norm. The black pepper sauce is wetter compared to the usually dry version. It tasted like those black pepper sauce used on steaks. This is really an interesting version but may not be for those that can't take spice.

Chilli Crab 3.5/5

The Chill Crab ($38 per crab, $110 for 3 crabs) was nice but I would prefer the more gravy version. The version at Momma Kong's Crab Shack is drier and has a garlic taste to it. If given a choice, I would still prefer the sweet and savoury tomato and chilli based sauce.

Fried Mantou 4.2/5

If you have a chance to visit Momma Kong's Crab Shack, a must try is the Fried Mantou ($1.50 each). The Fried Mantou is really special and soft. You probably can't find it elsewhere. The best way to enjoy the fried mantou is to dip it into the chilli crab gravy soaking up the delicious sauce.

It is understand that Momma Kong's Crab Shack has created a method of freezing the crabs where one can takeaway and just oven heat for consumption. It is claimed the frozen crab has made a flight all the way to London.


Momma Kong's Crab Shack
34 Mosque Street
Singapore 059512
Tel: +65 62252722
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MommaKongs
Website: http://www.mommakongs.com
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (NE Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 6pm - 12am

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to the end of Pagoda Street. Turn left onto South Bridge Road. Walk along South Bridge Road and turn left onto Mosque Street. Journey time about 8 minutes.

Plaza Brasserie @ PARKROYAL on Beach Road

Buffet and seafood lover out there! Plaza Brasserie @ PARKROYAL on Beach Road is bringing back its popular Best of Asia Seafood Fiesta from 8 March 2013 to 31 May 2013.

At the Seafood on Ice section, one can relish on popular appertisers such as Tiger Prawns, Black Mussels, Australian Queen Scallops, Fresh Oysters and Flower Crabs.

Green Curry Crab

Salted Egg Yolk Crab

Black Pepper Crab

Soft Shell Crab

Singapore loves seafood especially crabs. The Best of Asia Seafood Fiesta will not be complete without them. Relish in a vast varieties of crab selections such as Stir Fried Salted Egg Yolk Crab, Black Pepper Crab, Green Curry Grab, Chilli Crab.

Vietnamese White Clams with Thai Chilli Sauce

Southern Bay Clams with Black Bean Sauce

Something new that I have not tried at Plaza Brasserie is the Vietnamese White Clams with Thai Chilli Sauce and Southern Bay Clams with Black Bean Sauce. I actually liked the big fat southern bay clams with black bean sauce while most of the diners at my group preferred the sweet chilli vietnamese white clams.

Sambal Prawn

The Sambal Prawn was fresh and coated with a nice balanced of savoury and spicy sambal chilli.

Steamed Seabass with Nonya Sauce

Steamed on a huge lotus leaf, the Steamed Seabass with Nonya Sauce was fresh and moist. The beautiful seabass was further flavoured by the subtle nonya sauce.

Sambal Stingray

A little twist to the usual Sambal Stingray, I mistaken it as Otah initially. The sambal was not too overpowering and its an interesting way to enjoy this hawker dish which we are accustomed to.

Baked Salmon

Fish lover be excited with the huge selection of choices.  Besides the Baked Salmon, Steamed Seabass in Nonya Sauce, Sambal Stingray and Sashimi, you can get the freshest catch of Red Garoupa and Seabass steamed in either Hong Kong or Thai cooking style from Mondays to Thursdays.

Penang Char Kway Teow

I was quite surprised or rather more excited to find hawker food in the buffet spread in addition to the eclectic selection of seafood. A must try is the Penang Char Kway Teow that I will go back for more helping.

Fried Oyster

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Laksa

You can also find many of the local favourites such as Fried Oyster, Hainanese Chicken Rice and Laksa. How appropriate the theme Best of Asia Seafood Fiesta. I get to enjoy a luxurious varieties of seafood dishes and a delectable selection of hawker fare.

Best of Asia Seafood Fiesta at Plaza Brasserie
Date: 8 March to 26 May 2013
Dinner (Mon-Thu): Adult $53 Child $32
Dinner (Fri-Sun): Adult $58 Child $35

*Mon-Thu: Diners enjoy steamed Red Groupa and Seabass
*Fri-Sun: Teppanyaki Seafood live station

Easter Celebrations
Date: 29 March to 31 May 2013
Lunch (Sun): Adult $62 Child $38
Dinner (Fri-Sun): Adult $58 Child $35

Mother's Day
Date: 11 May to 12 May 2013
Lunch (Sun): Adult $62 Child $38
Dinner (Sat-Sun): Adult $62 Child $38

Prices are subjected to 10% service charge and 7% Goods and Services Tax

Plaza Brasserie
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199590
Tel: +65 65055710
Website: http://parkroyalhotels.com
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Turn left down Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes.

Yum Cha Garden Restaurant @ Serangoon Garden Country Club

Last Saturday my gf and I met up with with Maureen, Charlene and their partners for dinner at Yum Cha Garden Restaurant. I never knew that there is another Yum Cha restaurant at Serangoon Garden Country Club beside the Chinatown branch. Whats important, Yum Cha Garden Restaurant is open to the public.

Sake Tapino 4.5/5

We were here to try the Sake Tapino which comes in 2 sizes at $78 (for 2-4 pax) and $156 (for 6-8 pax). I thought the ingredients will be cooked in a pot of solely Sake Soup but I was wrong. Actually the Sake Tapino uses pork bone soup as it base and a bottle of Sake was poured into it.

We opt for the waitress to prepare the Sake Tapino for us. First serving was Kurobuta Pork in a bowl of strong Sake flavour soup. Second serving the Sake flavour was milder and we had tofu, prawn and cabbage. Lastly, a bowl of udon in soup to wrap up the Sake Tapino feast.

Prawn and Beancurd Skin Pancake 4/5

We actually ordered the 6 pax set menu which comes with the Signature Pomfret Tapino. The restaurant was kind enough for us to swap for the Sake Tapino. Beside the Sake Tapino, the menu came with Prawn and Beancurd Skin Pancake. It is basically prawn paste stuffed in beancurd skin and fried to a golden brown.

Wine Sauce Chicken in Hot Stone 3/5

Next we have the Wine Sauce Chicken served in Hot Stone. This is the only dish we did not finish as the sauce was a bit salty. The chicken meat was also tough and dry.

Black Pepper Crab 4.2/5

Singaporean loves crab and so do I. It has been a while since I have the Black Pepper Crab. Miss the fragrant and punch from the crushed black pepper.

Homemade Tofu with Mushrooms and Vegetables 4.5/5

When I walked into the restaurant, I noticed a lot of people having the Homemade Tofu with Mushrooms and Vegetables. Yum Cha's homemade tofu is really smooth and silky. A best try dish.

Braised Eefu Noodle 4/5

Like a typical wedding dinner, the second last course was a noodle dish. We had Braised Eefu Noodle with mushroom and conpoy.

Mango Sago Pomelo 4.2/5

Actually we were all feeling a bit hot near the end of the dinner probably effect from the Sake soup. The chill and refreshing Mango Sago Pomelo dessert helped to cool down our body temperature.


Yum Cha Garden Restaurant
Serangoon Garden Country Club
22 Kensington Park Road
Singapore 557271
Website: http://www.yumcha.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Lorong Chuan (CC Line), Serangoon (NE Line, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 9am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

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 Country Club. Journey time about 15mins.

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 Country Club. Journey time about 15mins.