Eat 3 Bowls Station (呷三碗車站) @ Pasir Panjang - Homecoming With Its 2nd Outlet In The West

I visited Eat 3 Bowls Station (呷三碗車站) when it first started as a hawker stall at Seah Im Food Centre back in 2017. However, the hawker stall is no longer around as the young hawkers have opened a dine-in restaurant at Crawford Lane. Sometime early this year, it opened its 2nd dine-in outlet at Pasir Panjang, nearer my home.

Braised Pork Rice 4.5/5

A must-have is the Braised Pork Rice ($5). I enjoyed their version of braised pork with a mix of fatty and lean cuts. What makes it even more delectable is the soft and pearly rice underneath, absorbing the delicious braising sauce.

Chicken Rice 4.2/5

The Chicken Rice ($5) may look plain, but the shredded chicken is well flavoured. The caramelised shallots lent a lovely fragrance to the tender chicken. Though the rice used is not those flavoured Hainanese chicken rice, the plain, soft and pearly rice complements the shredded chicken excellently.

Bittergourd Pork Rib Soup 4.2/5

I remembered having the Bittergourd Pork Rib Soup ($5.50) when I visited their hawker stall. Back then, it was so bad that I give it a score of one out of five. This time, it is much flavourful and refreshing. It has redeemed itself.

Braised Chinese Cabbage 4.2/5

I also remembered having the Braised Chinese Cabbage ($5.20) back then. It is stewed to a delightful softness. Compare to the previous version I had, this version is richer in taste with the pungent aroma of dried shrimp.

Oyster and Intestine Mee Sua 4.5/5

Another signature at Eat 3 Bowls Station is the Oyster and Intestine Mee Sua ($7.20). It is probably the most authentic Taiwan rendition I have eaten so far. It uses red mee sua, plump oyster and bouncy pig intestines for the bowl of slurping goodness. The addition of garlic and vinegar completed the full appreciation of the mee sua.

Though Eat 3 Bowls has an East outlet, I haven't visited it as it is pretty far from my home. I am glad it has returned to the area where it first started, nearer to my home. Now I can easily satisfy my craving for Taiwanese cuisine.


Eat 3 Bowls Station (呷三碗車站)
103 Pasir Panjang Road
Singapore 118531
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Nearest MRT: Pasir Panjang (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 11am - 8pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Pasir Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pasir Panjang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Town Restaurant @ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - The New Sunday Brunch Experience

The Sunday Brunch at Town Restaurant runs an amazing spread of international cuisine from 12pm to 3pm on Sundays. It is priced at $120++ per adult (free flow juices and soft drinks) or $173++ for free flow house pour wine, beer, brut champagne, bloody mary and others.

Chilled Seafood Galore

We were first served with the Chilled Seafood Galore upon being seated - an amazing Crustacean spread of spanner crab, half Maine lobster, tiger prawns, half-shelled scallop and snow crab leg.

Sashimi & Maki Roll Platter

It is followed by the Sashimi & Maki Roll platter for your fill of the Japanese cuisine. The platter includes fresh cuts of salmon, hamachi, octopus and yellowfin sashimi, the California maki, and different sushi available, such as the Hamachi, Salmon, Unagi, Octopus, Yellow Fin Tuna sushi.

Butcher Block Charcuterie

We also ordered the Butcher Block Charcuterie of Parma Ham, Duck Rillettes, Saucisson, and Wagyu Bresaola Pizza Bread.

Agemono

We particularly enjoyed the Agemono. The potato croquette is crisp on the outside with a thin fried batter layer and incredibly fluffy inside. Alongside with a crispy breaded ebi, cheese net ball, and a side of Japanese mayonnaise.

Trio Meat Platter

Moving on to the Asian delights, we had the trio meat platter of roasted duck, crispy crackling pork belly, and honey-glazed char siew that was succulent and tender.

Lan Zhou Hand Pulled La Mian Noodles

Town’s Signature Tender-Poached Chicken Rice

Not to be missed is their selection of local favourites. The Lan Zhou Hand Pulled La Mian Noodles comes in a flavourful rich broth, with tender-braised wagyu beef cheek, Szechuan chilli, and scallion oil. We also enjoyed the Town’s Signature Tender-Poached Chicken Rice with housemade chilli and ginger.

6-Hour Braised Australian Lamb Shank

Some of my favourite western classics from the grill include the 6-Hour Braised Australian Lamb Shank paired with red wine sauce. Each dish is freshly prepared upon order. The slow cooking turned the tough cut of lamb into the softest and most fork-tender meat, packed with rich flavours from the braising.

Dessert PLatter

We ended the meal on a sweet note with their desserts platter, which comes in a theatrical presentation of dry ice. A gorgeous treats lined up on display, including assorted macaron, Fullerton fudge cake, rose lychee raspberry, coconut kaya mango-passion trifle, and vanilla strawberry chiffon shortcake. From the desserts menu, there is also an ice cream platter and sliced tropical fruits.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Town Restaurant
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
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Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast (Daily): 630am - 1030am
Sunday Brunch: 1230pm - 330pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk towards the river. At the river, turn right again and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes [Map]

Victor Famous Fried Chicken Wing Rice @ Veerasamy Road (Little India) - Rediscover The Childhood Memories Of Carona Fried Chicken

Have you heard of Carona Fried Chicken? It is a local household name in the 1980s where customers can savour the delicious fried chicken in almost every corner of Singapore. Though the brand is no longer in Singapore, the recipe still lives on at Victor Famous Fried Chicken Wing at Veersamy Road in Little India.

Fried Chicken Wings

There is always a constant queue at the stall; hence it is advisable to avoid the peak lunch and dinner time. We only ordered two pieces of the Fried Chicken Wings ($1.20 per pc) to try as our initial plan is to have the bak chor mee from Jin Xi Lai (Mui Siong) Minced Meat Noodles.

The chicken wings may look rather plain but it is well marinated with hints of spices. They even come in a coat of crispiness. I would highly recommend to have it together with the chilli sauce. The acidity from the chilli sauce amplifies the shokiness; this is simply finger-licking good.

The fried chicken was so addictive that I went back to queue a plate of the Fried Chicken Wing Rice ($3). It comes with fragrant chicken rice and two deep-fried chicken wings.

I have heard of Victor Famous Fried Chicken Wing for many years but I have been procrastinating my visit. I finally get to taste my childhood memories of Carona Fried Chicken. Lesson learnt! Two is not enough, so do get more or you have to re-join the long line again.


Victor Famous Fried Chicken Wing
Yi He Eating House
Blk 638 Veerasamy Road
#01-101
Singapore 200638
Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walkd down Jalan Besar Road. Turn left onto Veersamy Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Hainan Story (海南寶) @ Hillton Mall - New 5-In-1 Multi-brand Restaurant Brings Together The Best Of Hainanese Cuisine

New at Hillton Mall is The Hainan Story, a 5-in-1 multi-brand restaurant at Hillion Mall. It brings together the following five brands under one roof. They are Newspaper Curry Rice, The Hainan Story, Uncle Robert Western, Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice and Ah Chiang's Traditional Porridge.

Toast with Homemade Gula Melaka Kaya & Cold Butter 4/5

The Hainan Story brand shares the same restaurant name. It offers old-school breakfasts. The Traditional Hainanese Toasts are thick and fluffy with a pillowy-soft centre and crisp crust. This is best eaten with Homemade Gula Melaka Kaya & Cold Butter. Not to forget to go along with a cup of Kopi Gu You. Coffee with a slice of butter.

Ah Kor Hainanese Lamb Stew with Rice 4.2/5

Besides the coffee and toasts, The Hainan Story has several claypot dishes such as Hainanese Claypot Chicken Char Siew Rice ($8.50), Hainanese Claypot Ee-fu Noodle Soup ($8.50), Laksa with Hainanese Steamed Chicken ($8.50) and Ah Kor Hainanese Lamb Stew with Rice ($11.80). I had the lamb stew, which is incredibly tender. The sauce is mildly sweet with a hint of herbal, best to go with a plate of steaming white rice.

Mama Wee's Hainanese Kou Rou Set 4/5

During British colonial rule, a dish that originated in Singapore is the Hainanese Curry Rice, where the Hainanese chefs' combined pork chop from British cuisine, and ingredients like curry chicken, chap chye and babi pongteh from Peranakan cuisine. Offering this at The Hainan Story is the brand Newspaper Curry Rice. There are six different sets such as the Mama Wee's Hainanese Curry Chicken Drumstick Set ($7.80), Mama Wee's Hainanese Kou Rou Set ($8.80), Nanyang Flavour Fried Chicken Drumstick Set ($6.80), Signature Fried Pork Cutlet Set ($8.80), Prawn Fritter Set ($8.80) and Crispy Fried Silver Dory Fish Set ($9.80).

Old English Oxtail Stew 4.5/5

During the British colonial era in Singapore, many Hainanese chefs worked for British families. They created a unique take on western food with their Hainanese roots, giving the classic British cuisine a distinctly Asian take. A must-try dish is the Old English Oxtail Stew ($18.80), braised for hours with fresh tomatoes, spices and onions. The melt in the mouth meat is even paired with homemade mashed potatoes. Another nostalgia dish on the menu is the 1980's Hainanese Fried Pork Cutlet Coated with Potato Chips Crumbs ($14.80).

Chicken Rice Fried Rice with Pork Cutlet 3.5/5

Another interesting dish is the Chicken Rice Fried Rice with Pork Cutlet. The dish used the chicken rice from Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice and paired it with their pork cutlet. Unlike the usual pork cutlet, it is coated with potato chips crumbs instead of breadcrumbs for that extra crunchiness. However, the chicken rice fried rice was a letdown. I didn't taste the chicken rice flavour. It tasted just like regular fried rice.

More famous brands like Ah Chiang's Traditional Porridge and Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice make up the five concepts in Singapore. Ah Chiang's Traditional Porridge offers a bowl of comforting traditional porridge, with close to half a century of porridge-making expertise. Of course, how can we not include Hainanese Chicken Rice from Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice, an iconic dish put Singapore in the world map?

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Hainan Story (海南寶)
Hillion Mall
17 Petir Road
#01-15/16
Singapore 678278
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Nearest MRT: Bukit Panjang (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Miss Vanda - The Delivery Arm of One Michelin-Starred Restaurant Labyrinth

Miss Vanda is the delivery arm of Michelin-starred restaurant Labyrinth. The menu consists of local favourites which are somewhat familiar but yet different with an elevated twist. The concept was originally Chef Han's expansion into casual dining, but the pandemic gives birth to the delivery service instead.

Singapore Style Laksa with Premium Seafood

The Singapore Style Laksa with Premium Seafood ($28) blown me away with with its no holds barred rich flavours. The laksa broth made from fresh coconut milk, belachan and prawn heads hit me like a tank with its richness. Look deeper into the creamy broth, you will discover a treasure of pan-seared Hokkaido scallop, local Green Lip Mussel stuffed with Fish Paste, and Her Geow with Crabmeat filing. This is definitely an atas rendition of the local laksa.

Boneless Crispy Har Cheong Chicken Wings

Unfortunately the Boneless Crispy Har Cheong Chicken Wings ($14) did not travel well. It lost its crispiness when I received the delivery. However, I can imagine how good it will tastes if I get to have it pipping hot as the distinct prawn paste flavour was well marinated into the chicken wings.

Labyrinth Signature Claypot "Ang Moh" Chicken Rice

If you have tried the Labyrinth's "Ang Moh" Chicken Rice, now you have the full portion at Miss Vanda. The Labyrinth Signature Claypot "Ang Moh" Chicken Rice ($18) is created in memory of Chef Han's grandmother. She created the version during the colonial era whilst working for a British family, pairing Hainanese chicken rice with creamy chicken mushroom sauce. For those that is used to our local Hainanese chicken rice, it will take sometime to appreciate it.

Hainanese Style Sweet & Sour Sakura-Kurobuta Pork Collar

Unfortunately another dish that didn't manage to travel well is the Hainanese Style Sweet & Sour Sakura-Kurobuta Pork Collar ($24). It lost its crispy when its reached me. Putting that aside, the pork collar was tender and the accompanying sauce complemented it excellent.

Wagyu Beef Rendang with Buah Keluah

A dish that I enjoyed a lot is the Wagyu Beef Rendang with Buah Keluah ($28). This is so good with the buah keluah giving the whole dish that extra oomph. Not to mention how tender the beef rendang was, well flavoured with the aromatic rempah.

Bo Luo Bao - Char Siew Creme Diplomat Choux Puff

An interesting take of the choux puff, giving it an Asian twist is the Bo Luo Bao - Char Siew Creme Diplomat Choux Puff ($15). You can even find bits of diced bak kwa in it.

To be frank, I am glad that Chef Han is able to adapt to the new norm and started Miss Vanda. During the pandemic, the most worry thing is resistant to change and not moving on. I applaud the courage of Chef Han to take the first step. My favourite dishes are the Laksa and Beef Rendang. This is a must order.


Miss Vanda by Labyrinth
Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
#02-23
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 62234098
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Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Raffles Avenue. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Brother Cheng's Chicken Rice @ Wisma Atria - Recreating The Nostalgia Taste

If you are craving for chicken rice in Orchard Road, you may like to check out Brother Cheng's Chicken Rice at Picnic Food Park, located inside Wisma Atria. The owner of Picnic Food Park, Mr Cheng Hsin Yao, feels that chicken rice doesn't taste as good as before. Hence he decided to open a chicken rice stall to recreate the nostalgia taste, using his family recipe that involves both Hainanese and Cantonese techniques.

The key components for Brother Cheng's Chicken Rice have to be the specially sourced corn-fed kampong chicken. Each bird has to be between 1.7kg and 1.9kg. If you have noticed, the 21-day corn-fed chicken has distinctly yellow skin. Probably due to the feed, it has a subtle sweetness, juicy and tender.

The chicken is cooked using a mix of Hainanese and Cantonese techniques. The chicken is poached in boiling water until cooked and then immersed in an ice bath to get the characteristic layer of collagen underneath the skin. It is then hung to dry. Before serving, it is chopped and drizzle in a sauce comprising of premium soy sauce and sesame oil.

The chicken rice is available in a la carte portions as well as in a set. Each set comes with a side of Oyster Sauce Vegetables or Bean Sprouts and a bowl of Chicken Soup. A set for one person costs $14.90, set for three person costs $42.90 and $84.90 for 6 person set.

Besides the chicken, Brother Cheng also uses the king of ginger, Bentong ginger for their rice and chilli sauce. To prepare the rice, it is first fried in chicken fat and Bentong ginger before steaming the rice with fresh pandan leaves and chicken stock. Unlike other chicken rice stalls, the chilli sauce comes in a paste form, hand-pounded daily with bird's eye chillies, red chillies, fresh garlic and Bentong ginger.

As you have read, a lot of efforts and dedication have been put into the plate of chicken rice. The chicken rice here is indeed good, but for the price, I probably can have 2-3 plates elsewhere. Hence it really depends on the individual whether you are willing to splurge on a plate of chicken rice.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Brother Cheng's Chicken Rice 
Picnic Food Park
Wisma Atria
435 Orchard Road
#03-15-49
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 67348352
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice @ Vivocity - Thailand Bib Gourmand Awardee Opens 2nd Outlet In Singapore

After the opening of their first restaurant at Nex Shopping Centre, the Michelin Bib Gourmand 2018 and 2019 awardee - Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice has opened its second outlet at Vivocity. Besides the chicken rice, the restaurant also offers a communal dining experience with selection of soups, braised pork, cooked dishes and desserts.

Half Chicken 3.8/5

Since Go-Ang is specialised in the steamed chicken, we definitely have to try it. We ordered Half Chicken ($16) which to my surprise it is very well executed. It is tender with gelatine skin. Unlike the type of tangy and garlicky chilli sauce we used in Singapore, their sauce is a concoction of fermented chilli, fermented soy beans, coarsely chopped ginger,

Fried Tofu Cube with Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce 3.5/5

With a soft innard and crispy exterior is the Fried Tofu Cube with Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce ($8). It is drenched in a sweet chilli sauce and topped with peanuts.

Stir Fried Basil Chicken with Kai Lan 4/5

Cooked to a delectable crunch is the Stir Fried Basil Chicken with Kai Lan ($8). It also comes packed with fish sauce aroma, coupled with hint of spiciness.

Tri-Egg with Poached Spinach 3.8/5

Another vegetable dish we tried is the Tri-Egg with Poached Spinach ($8). The sweetness of the spinach is brought out in the flavourful stock. I enjoyed the scrambled texture of the egg but it lacked the saltiness from the salted egg.

Chai Poh Omelette 4.5/5

Not to be missed is the Chai Poh Omelette ($6.50). It uses sweet preserved radish instead of the salty type. What actually wow me is the fluffy texture of omelette. This is probably one of the best I have eaten.

To be frank, if Go-Ang sells only the chicken rice, they probably will not made it in Singapore. Not that it is not good but there are just too many choices in Singapore for chicken rice. From the crowded restaurant, they probably has found the successful formula in offering other cooked dishes complementing the chicken rice, providing a communal experience.


Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#B2-30
Singapore 098585
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Coffee Lounge @ Goodwood Park Hotel - Commemorates Singapore's Bicentennial With Local Hawker Fare Of Yesteryear

To commemorates Singapore's bicentennial, the Coffee Lounge at Goodwood Park Hotel pays tribute to the city's rich multi-ethnic food culture, with a curated menu of nostalgic local delights from the early days. The 5-Course Singapore Commemoration Local Degustation Menu costs $40++ per person is available from 29 January to 30 April 2019.

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce 4.2/5

The 5-Course Singapore Commemoration Local Degustation Menu starts with the Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce served with onions, cucumbers and ketupat. The satay is grilled to a beautiful char on top of its tender meat. My only disappointment is it left out the pineapple sauce in the peanut sauce dip, which they used to serve for the local degustation menu.

Freshly Tossed Singapore Rojak 3.5/5

A dish that beat represent our rich multi-ethnic food culture is the Freshly Tossed Singapore Rojak. Tossed in a tangy and piquant prawn paste, the tropical fruit and vegetable salad is influencd by the Malays, Chinese and Indonesians.

Hainanese Chicken Rice 4.2/5

An iconic Singapore dish is the Hainanese Chicken Rice that is created by the Chinese settlers from Hainan. To my surprise, the Hainanese Chicken Rice here is very well executed. The poached chicken is really tender with fragrant rice, accompanied by an addictive homemade garlic chilli sauce. My slight disappointment is the lack of texture from the short grain rice.

Laksa Singapura 3.8/5

A favourite local dish of mine is the Laksa. The version at the Coffee Lounge is more creamy and coconuty. It also comes brimming with rice noodles, prawns, bean sprouts, tau pok, fish cakes, shredded chicken and egg. I would prefer it to be more spicy though.

Bubur Pulut Hitam 3.5/5

For dessert, I was served the Bubur Pulut Hitam. It is a black glutinous rice porridge enriched with coconut milk.

Besides the 5-Course Singapore Commemoration Local Degustation Menu, Goodwood Park Hotel will launch the D24 Singapore Commemoration Cake ($88 nett) on 15 March 2019 in conjunction with the Hotel’s annual Durian Fiesta, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the British in Singapore. Featuring four flavours – gula melaka, coffee, pandan and durian mousse, the 1-kilogram cake is adorned with a mosaic of white chocolate squares imprinted with eight historical scenes of Singapore and Goodwood Park Hotel’s illustrious past. Limited to only 200 cakes, an advance order of five days is required, subject to availability.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Coffee Lounge
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]