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]

Lee's Taiwanese @ JEM

Celebrating its 3rd anniversary, Lee's Taiwanese has refreshed its menu with the returning of old favourites and new delights. On top of that it has also introduced an a la carte buffet with a selection of over 20 dishes. The a la carte buffet is available on weekday only with free dessert and drinks. Do note that the buffet is available at JEM outlet ($16.90) from 1130am to 5pm while Star Vista outlet ($19.90) is from 3pm to 10pm.

Pig Intestines & Meat Ball Mee Sua 4/5

Probably the very first dish that I am introduce to Taiwanese cuisine is the Pig Intestines & Meat Ball Mee Sua ($10). The version at Lee's Taiwanese is as close as the one I had in Taiwan topped with garlic, chilli and vinegar. The rice vermicelli which comes with a nice silky bite is imported from Taiwan.

Sweet Potato Fries 3.5/5

Instead of buying an air ticket to fly to Taiwan, Lee's Taiwanese has brought the popular Taiwan street food dishes to their menu. I tried some of the street snacks such as Sweet Potato Fries ($6.90), Salt & Pepper Chicken ($6.90), Pig Intestines with Scallion ($7.50) and Crispy Chicken Chop ($7.80).

The Sweet Potato Fries has a nice thin batter coated around it, giving it a nice crispy bite. The sweet potato itself thickly cut, allowing one to appreciate its sweetness to the fullest.

Salt & Pepper Chicken 4/5

A very enjoyable snack delight is the Salt & Pepper Chicken ($6.90). These crispy and juicy chunks of chicken meat are popping goodness that is perfect with a a glass of beer.

Pig Intestines with Scallion 3.5/5

The Pig Intestines with Scallion ($7.50) was fried to a nice crunchy bite. The scallion stuffed into the pig intestines is a clever idea to mask the gamey taste of the innard.

Crispy Chicken Chop 3/5

Another popular Taiwan street food dish is the Crispy Chicken Chop ($7.80). This is really a huge piece of offering on the plate. While the meat still retained the juiciness, I thought the batter was a pale shadow compare to the other Taiwanese restaurants or stalls.

Crispy Bean Curd Rolls 3/5

Golden Tofu with Taiwan Kimchi 3/5

Some other dishes I tried on the menu are the Crispy Bean Curd Rolls ($4.80) and Golden Tofu with Taiwan Kimchi ($4.80). Nothing much to shout about but a nice complement to the meal at Lee's Taiwanese.

Century Egg Tofu 3/5

I am a big fan for Century Egg Tofu ($4.80) but this at Lee's Taiwanese did not manage to excite me. The whole execution felt very individual. I still miss the authentic century egg cold tofu I had in Taiwan years back.

Signature Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup 4/5

Not to miss is the Signature Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup ($13.80) which comes with a hint of spiciness in the soup base. Severed with tender beef, salted vegetables and handmade noodles, this is a good slurping bowl of springy noodles dish.

Braised Minced Pork Rice 4/5

Shredded Chicken Rice 3/5

For those that needs their daily intake of rice, there are the Braised Minced Pork Rice ($9.80) and Shredded Chicken Rice ($7.80). The braised minced pork rice is really flavoured which I don't mind polishing it off. The shredded chicken rice which is so called the Taiwanese version of hainanese chicken rice will find it hard to win the palate of the local who are already used to their own authentic version in locally. However I must applauded the shallot oil that perfumed the bowl of plain looking rice which surprisingly is very fragrant and aromatic.

Mala Spicy Stir Fry 4.2/5

It seems like Mala Guo is the latest trend and craze in Singapore. Despite the fiery spiciness of the dish, Singaporean seems to enjoy it. With that, Lee's Taiwanese has also come up with its own Taiwanese style Mala Spicy Fry (from $12.80). It also has a Mala Guo Set ($28) with appetizers and drinks that is good for 2 pax. With three different spicy levels to choose from, this is one of the most memorable new dishes that I tried.

Signature Red Bean Ice with Yam Balls 3/5

Last but not least, the Signature Red Bean Ice with Yam Balls ($5.80) to cool off that fiery tongue after the Mala Spicy Fry. The portion is quite huge. It is perfect for sharing.

Lee's Taiwanese is one of the few Taiwan restaurant I would go to if I am looking for some authentic Taiwanese food. The quality has been pretty consistent. The new dishes look promising and the a la carte buffet is very value for money.


Lee's Taiwanese
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#03-05/06
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 66941588
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leestaiwanese
Website: http://www.leestaiwanese.com/
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Drirection:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

King's Roasts @ Balestier Food Centre

Using modern technique to roast his pork belly or also known to my local as sio bak. Chef Kingsley Tan uses the combi oven which is commonly used in hotels but not in hawker. He started King's Roast selling is combi oven roasted meat at newton circle food centre before relocating to his current premises at Balestier Food Centre.

Sio Bak 4/5

After moving to Balestier Food Centre, he changed his menu to offer more western cuisines but the roasted Sio Bak is one pride that he kept it on the menu. Using combi oven to roast his pork belly, he ensures the consistency in every roast as the temperature, timing etc can be pre-programmed. The crispy and crackling skin, the moist and juicy meat all is roasted to his preference.

Char Grilled Chicken Chop 3.5/5

Fish and Chips 3/5

Char Grilled Pork Chop 4.2/5

During my visit, I also managed to try the Char Grilled Chicken Chop ($6.50), Char Grilled Pork Chop ($6.50) and Fish & Chips. Among the three I tried, my favourite was the Char Grilled Pork Chop. The pork chop was beautiful marinated and tender. However the star has to be the sauce that complemented the pork chop. Each set also comes with a coleslaw and a choice of fries or garlic butter rice.

photo credit: misstamchiak.com

King's Roasts will be taking parting in this year Ultimate Hawker Fest 2014 doing their signature Roasted Pork Belly. However for the fund raising event, the will be using the premium Kurobuta Pork for their sio bak. The sound of it already makes my saliva drips. So drop by King's Roasts stall at the event to bite into the crackling Kurobuta Sio Bak.

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.


[CLOSED]
King's Roasts
Balestier Food Centre
Stall 8
411 Balestier Road
Singaopore 329930
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kingsroasts
Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus number 145. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Bistro@Changi @ Changi Beach Park

Compared to the other beaches in Singapore, Changi Beach is probably the quieter of the lot. Little did I know that there is a bistro, Bistro@Changi located at the idyllic stretch of sandy Changi Beach Park just beside the PCN Pitstop or bicycle rental kisok.

In the day, one can relax and laze at the alfresco cafe over an icy beer. At night, one can dine under stars enjoying the sea breeze. All these come with a scenic view of the sea, ships sailing by and airplanes touching down at Changi Airport.

I was at Bistro@Changi on a weekend around 530pm. We started with some ice cold beer relaxing and enjoying the idyllic surrounding and watching airplanes making their approach to land.

Topshell Salad 4/5

The ideal snack to go with beer is the Topshell Salad ($8). The refreshing salad was tossed with fresh onions and lettuce, dressed in chef's thai spicy sauce. Topshell itself is quite bland hence the sauce plays an important part in lifting the flavour and the spicy tangy sauce definitely did that.

Calamari 3/5

Only available on Thursday and Sunday is the Calamari ($8). While I enjoyed the fresh and crunchy squid, I felt that the batter is too thick to allow me to enjoy the texture.

Flame Grilled Chicken Chop 4.2/5

The crowd favourite is the Flame Grilled Chicken Chop ($15.90). The boneless chicken thigh was perfectly grilled, tender and succulent. It was beautifully topped with the delectable hickery barbeque sauce with salad and baked potato on the side.

Barramundi In Thai Sauce 4.2/5

The Barramundi in Thai Sauce ($18.90) was cooked perfectly and served with butter rice. Light crisp on the outside and yet moist in the inside. Topped with green mango and Thai sauce, it further enhanced the whole enjoyment of the dish giving it a fusion twist.

If you have the chance to visit the relax and casual bistro at Changi Beach Park, do check out the creative cocktails from the bartender too. Currently they are running a naming contest for their latest cocktail creation of vodka, lime and sour plum (picture above) which ends on 31 July 2013. Car owners will be delight that free parking is available after 5pm on Monday to Saturday and whole day on Sunday and public holiday.


Bistro@Changi
Changi Beach Park (Carpark 1)
260 Nicoll Drive
Singapore 498991
Tel: +65 65465229
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bistrochangi
Website: http://www.changibistro.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Pasir Ris (EW Line), Tampine (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 1am
Sun: 10am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Pasir Ris MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop along Pasir Ris Central, opposite Pasir Ris Town Park (Stop ID 77171). Take bus number 89. Alight 18 stops later. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tampines MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tampines Bus Interchange (Stop ID 75009). Take bus number 19. Alight 20 stops later. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

Pizza Hut (Good Dining Everyone) @ City Square Mall

During my school days, dining at Pizza Hut was already considered a luxury. Back then, Pizza Hut only sells pizzas and I still remembered the salad bar at the restaurant. Pizza Hut has evolved with the years offering hearty and comforting pastas on the menu. This time Pizza Hut's commitment to great tasting quality food has taken up a notch as it introduces 7 delectable dishes created by 2 Executive Chefs. "2 Great Chefs, 7 new dishes, Good Dining Everyone, Only at Pizza Hut." Diners can scintillate their gastronomical senses with 7 new Italian and European inspired main course dishes and pastas.

Pizza Hut has collaborated with Chef Jason Lee and Chef Victor Tan who have between them more than 45 years of culinary experience. I am privileged to be invited for a tasting session at Pizza Hut City Square Mall on the new creations by the 2 Executive Chefs.

Braised Beef Pasta in Broth 3.8/5

I have never seen pasta done in a broth version. The Braised Beef Pasta in Broth ($14.90) has squares of pastas nestled in a delightful broth, slowed cooked with brasied beef, zucchini and carrots. The dish somehow remembered me of Kwap Chap and Ban Mian with the flavour and texture resembling the Asian fare.

Snow Crab Crema Rosa 4/5

If you prefer cream base pasta, you would enjoy the Snow Crab Crema Rosa ($14.90). The linguine was cooked with a medley of fresh prawns and juicy snow crab legs, tossed gorgeously in a special blend of rich cream and tomato sauces. Interesting combination of both cream and tomato sauces which stood out for me.

Chicken Spinach Cannelloni 4.2/5

This is my favourite among the 7 creations. I applauded the Chef's creative using simple and fresh ingredients to create the hand rolled chicken and spinach lasagna rolls. The Chicken Spinach Cannelloni ($12.90) was baked to perfection on a bed of rich cream sauce and cheese, garnished with parmesan crisp.

Rigatoni in Hazelnut Creme 4.2/5

I second the Rigatoni in Hazelnut Creme ($14.90) for my favourite dishes among the 7 creations. The rigatoni pasta, smoked chicken and fresh button mushrooms were tossed in an aromatic white hazelnut creme., garnished with hazelnuts and a hint of lemon zest. I enjoyed the nutty and creamy flavours. The hazelnuts gave the dish textures which was very pleasant.

Squid Ink Linguine 3/5

The Squid Ink Linguine ($14.90) was dressed in squid ink sauce and complemented with fresh prawns and squid rings. Although the flavours were there, the preparation of the squid ink pasta was a disappointment for me. The squid ink was coated instead of infusing into the pasta dough.

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Portobello 4/5

For a twist of the classic French dish, the baked chicken steaks were crowned with turkey bacon and melted cheese. The Chicken Cordon Bleu with Portobello ($15.90) was exquisitely accompanied with portobello mushroom, potato salad and chef's special sauce. The Chef has cleverly used turkey bacon and melted cheese to enhance the texture and flavours of the moist and tender chicken.

Garlic Herb Crusted Baked Fish 4.2/5

Chef Jason is known for his crusted fish variations and according to the PR the Garlic Herb Crusted Baked Fish ($15.90) is on his restaurant menu. The crispy garlic herbs crust on the fresh dory fillet was very delightful with a hint of herbs flavour. The bed of zesty lime veloute sauce with thyme went very went with the fish. The sauce itself was a class of its own from the usually tartar sauce.

Thank you Pizza Hut and SPRG for the invitation and hospitality.

Pizza Hut
City Square Mall
180 Kitchener Road
#01-19/21
Singapore 208539
Tel: +65 62353535
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PizzaHutSingapore
Website: http://www.pizzahut.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit I. Walk to City Square Mall and proceed to destination at level 1. Journey time about 5 minutes.