Papparich Plus @ Plaza Singapura

The popular Malaysia restaurant, PappaRich has opened its latest outlet at Plaza Singapura. Unlike the other outlets, PappaRich Plus offers additional items on their menu which will delight the taste buds.

Kampung Fried Rice 4/5

Sweet & Sour Crab Meat with Fried Rice 3/5

In the new meal at PappaRich Plus, is two fried rice dishes. This is suitable for people on a rush and still wanting to have something substantial. I tried both the Kampung Fried Rice ($10.90) and Sweet & Sour Crab Meat with Fried Rice ($11.90). I preferred the kampung fried rice because of the aromatic wok hei coated in each grain. It may look rather plain and ordinary but this is one good yummy dish.

Ayam Masak Merah 4.5/5

The Ayam Masak Merah ($12.90) is one dish that I enjoyed a lot. The succulent chicken was cooked in a special paste and topped with onion, red and green pepper. The highlight has to be the yummy sauce that accentuated the poultry.

Four Heavenly Kings in Sambal Belacan 4.2/5

Sounds like a dish that is fit for the king but the Four Heavenly Kings in Sambal Belacan ($11.90) basically is just aubergine, lady fingers, long beans and four angled beans cooked with hot and spicy sambal concoction and fragrant dried shrimp paste. If you can take spicy you will enjoyed this crunchiness greens.

Sambal Aubergine 3.5/5

Another sambal dish on the menu is the Sambal Aubergine ($9.90) that is first roasted before being cooked in a hot and spicy sambal concoction. If egg plants are not cooked probably they can be mushy, however this still comes with a nice crunch with a thin crisp on the skin.

Curry Fish Head 4.8/5

Among all the new dishes, my favourite goes to the Curry Fish Head ($34.90) using red snapper fish. The curry fish head is served with lady fingers, tomato wedges and egg plants infused with a very aromatic curry spices of and fragrant coconut milk. I would say the curry is quite similar to the Indian version using over 20 different types of spices. If you are a curry fish hed lover, this is one dish that is not to be missed.

Pappa Chendol 4/5

PappaRich also offers a selection of desserts on the menu too. For the dinner tonight, I had the Chendol ($3.90) which was perfect for all the spicy food I had.

Mentioned in my previous post when I visited PappaRich at Suntec, I like the quality consistency in the different outlets as well as the reasonable pricing. I am glad that they have added the new items. In fact I hope that it will be introduced across the different outlets too.


PappaRich
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road
#01-35
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 67359323
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PappaRichSg
Website: http://www.papparich.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B, C, D E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Pondok Jawa Timur @ North Bridge Road

My visit to Pondok Jawa Timur was back in March 2014 and I have heard that they have relocated to their new location at 737 North Bridge Road. Together with Maureen and Kimberley, we stopped by Pondok Jawa Timur on a weekday night for dinner.

Avocado Juice 3.5/5

A must order drink for me whether I have Indonesian food is the Avocado Juice ($5.80). I have always enjoyed the nutty and creamy drink,

Soto Madura 3.5/5

The Soto Madura with Beef ($6.50) reminds me of Mee Soto. It seems rather similar except it comes with pieces of beef. Squeezed a dash of the lime or add some chilli to alter the flavour for an accentuated enjoyment.

Corn Batter with Prawn 4/5

During my previous visit, I did not get to try the Corn Batter with Prawn ($5.70 for 3pc). I am glad that I got to try it this time round. It is really a delightfully snack to kick start the meal.

Tahu Telor 4/5

The peanut sauce at Pondok Jawa Timur is freshly made daily. There are 3 different types of peanut sauces at the restaurant for the various dishes. The one used for the Tahu Telor ($6.90) is richer and bolder in flavour which goes well with the fried tofu and egg.

Gado Gado 4.2/5

The other peanut sauce is used for the Gado Gado ($6.90). The sauce is lighter but creamier with a subtle sweetness that paired excellently with the vegetables.

Sate Ayam 3.8/5

Lastly the peanut sauce which is more coarse and nutty is the perfect marriage for the delectable Sate Ayam ($8.90). I thought the sate ayam was not as well marinated compared to my previous visit. It was also missing that charred smokey flavour I was looking for.

Mie Goreng Jawa 4/5

If you want to just have a quick meal and you do not want to over order, I would recommend the Mie Goreng Jawa ($6.90). I like the fact that the stir fried noodles is the wet kind, flavourful and with hints of wok hei aroma.

Ayam Penyet 4.5/5

Probably a Singaporean favourite is the Ayam Penyet ($6.90) that is served with freshly made sambal. The ayam penyet is another dish I would order. The chicken is cooked to a nice exterior crisp while retaining the tenderness inside.

Rice

Over at Pondok Jawa Timur, customers have a choice of 3 different types of rice. Namely the normal white rice, pandan rice and yellow rice.

Fish Head Curry 3.8/5

I did not really enjoy the Fish Head Curry ($32.9) during my previous visit as I thought it was too watery. However, the fish head curry was more palatable this time round. According to the owner instead of using coconut milk, they used fresh milk to cook their curry. The gravy will go well with a plate of rice or even bread.

Es Teler 3.5/5

Wrapping up the dinner, I have the Es Teler ($4.50) which is a sweet dessert of fresh fruits, shaved ice and condensed milk. I was introduced to the dessert during a Jakarta trip and this has become my favourite Indonesia dessert. I simply love the taste of condensed milk with the shaved ice. However I think the presentation could be better and the shaved ice can be finer. It was a bit coarse on the palate.

After moving from Selegie to the new location at North Bridge Road, Pondok Jawa Timur exactly dropped their prices. I was actually quite surprise but it is a great news to the customers. On top of that, there is no service and GST. With the type of pricing and good food, it is definitely a wallet friendly place for a meal.


Pondok Jawa Timur
737 North Bridge Road
Singapore 198705
Tel: +65 68845853
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pondok-Jawa-Timur-Javanese-Cuisine/484078558340235
Website: http://www.pondokjawatimur.com/
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Victoria Street towards Golden Landmark Shopping Complex. Turn right onto Arab Street. At the junction of Arab Street and North Bridge Road, turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Straits Chinese Nonya Restaurant @ Chinatown Plaza

Mentioned Guan Hoe Soon, many locals may know of the popular Peranakan restaurant located in Joo Chiat area. It used to be along Joo Chiat Road before relocating to Joo Chiat Place. Guan Hoe Soon is the oldest Nonya Restaurant in Singapore since 1953. Under its management, there are Straits Chinese Restaurant located at Cecil Street and Straits Chinese Nonya Restaurant which has recently moved into its new premises at Chinatown Plaza.

Prawn Cracker 3/5

Dinner at Straits Chinese Nonya Restaurant started with some complimentary Prawn Cracker or Keropok, served with chilli dip at the side.

Lemongrass 3.5/5

I also ordered a glass of Lemongrass. I like the fact that a stalk of the lemongrass is used as a stirrer. It seemed like the more it's stirred, it brought out the lemongrass fragrant even more.

Hee Peow Soup 4/5 and Itek Tim 3.5/5

Whetting up our appetite, we started with some soups. We tried the Hee Peow or Fish Maw Soup ($5.50) and Itek Tim or Salted Vegetable Duck Soup ($5.50). Both soups were comforting and homely. It felt like having a meal right at home.

Nonya Chap Chye 4/5

One of my favourite nonya dishes is the Nonya Chap Chye ($10). Cooked with fermented soybeans, I have always enjoyed how the mixed vegetables are stewed until soft, absorbing the flavours. The chap chye at straits chinese nonya restaurant comes with a crunch but I preferred it to be even softer.

Babi Pong Tay 4.2/5

I was introduced to the dish Babi Pong Tay or Babi Pongteh ($12) during a Knorr cooking session with fellow blogger Keropokman last year. Since then I fell in love with the the dish. Babi Pongteh is now a dish that I will order whenever I dine in a Peranakan restaurant. The pork belly here is stewed in a rich and flavourful sauce that melted in mouth. This delicious dish calls for a bowl of rice to go with it.

Ikan Kepala Assam Curry (Curry Fish Head) 2.8/5

At Straits Chinese Nonya Restaurant, it also serves the Curry Fish Head or Ikan Kepala Assam Curry ($30) in a claypot. While the fish head was fresh and meaty, I did not really fancy the curry. It neither has the assam tanginess or lemak creaminess. It fell short of my expectation, lacking in character for a good pot of curry fish head.

Udang Sambal 4/5

The Udang Sambal ($15) coated in a mild sweet sambal sauce was well executed with the prawn still retaining its crunchiness.

Nonya Otah Otah 3.8/5

The Nonya Otah Otah ($8) is made using a recipe that is passed down over generations. It is understand that the restaurant uses only mackerel to make the otah and it has been the same over the years. In my opinion if it can be a bit spicier would be perfect.

Ayam Buah Keluak 4.2/5

Ayam Buah Keluak ($15) is a staple Peranakan dish that is very labour intensive to prepare which will take days. The nutty keluak flavour maybe acquire to some but I simply adore it. The keluak black flesh was mixed with minced meat and stuffed back to the shell, giving it a nice extra texture. The chicken, stuffed nuts, rempah (pounded spices) were simmered for hours to get the thicken sauce. The chicken was tender and well flavoured by the spices.

Nonya Ngoh Hiang 3.5/5

Interestingly the Nonya Ngoh Hiang ($6.80 for 4pc) is wrapped individual almost into a ball shape. It actually was quite enjoyable popping one of these into the mouth that comes with a bite of everything. There were carrots and chestnuts in the minced meat mixture but I was hoping for more of them to give it a more crunch.

Chendol 3/5 and Sago Pudding 3/5

Bo Bo Cha Cha 4/5

A selection of desserts such as Chendol ($4.50), Sago Pudding ($4.50), Durian Pengat ($4.50) and Bo Bo Cha Cha ($4.50) is available on the menu to end the meal on a sweet note. Among the few I tried, my favourite is the bo bo cha cha. However I thought the servicing portion was a bit small for the price.

Being the oldest nonya restaurant since 1953, I am glad that the owners are still cooking and offering their authentic straits chinese cuisine. I can't said that the restaurant offers the best nonya restaurant but it definitely comes across as a family oriented restaurant offering a hearty home cooked meal.


Straits Chinese Nonya Cafe
Chinatown Plaza
34 Craig Road
#01-08
Singapore 089673
Tel: +65 65347328
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/straitschinese
Website: http://www.straitschinese.com/
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Turn left onto Teo Hong Road. At the end of Teo Hong Road turn left and continue on Bukit Pasoh Road. Walk to the end of the road. Cross Neil Road and turn left. Walk towards Craig Road. Walk to destination. [Map]

Rumah Sayang @ JEM

When I was told that there is a popular Peranakan cafe at the basement of JEM, I was a bit puzzled because I didn't release I have seen one during my previous visits. Fortunately a food trail lead me to Rumah Sayang, a Peranakan theme cafe solving the mystery. No wonder I have missed it because the name of the Halal restaurant did not suggest that it is a Peranakan cafe. Moreover the cafe sells a mixed of Nasi Padang, local cooked dishes, local snacks and kuehs on top of some signature Nyonya dishes. Nevertheless, the cafe is extremely popular with the shoppers. It is one of the busiest eatery at the shopping mall constantly streaming in with diners.

Tahu Goreng 4/5

Upon being seated, we started with a plate of Tahu Goreng ($3.50). Crispy on the outside and smooth inside, the texture enjoyed to the fullest with the delectable sweet and spicy nutty sauce.

Curry Fish Head 4.5/5

A must order at Rumah Sayang is their Curry Fish Head ($18.90). The fresh fish head is accompanied with a delicious curry gravy that is rich and creamy while the spice level could be accepted by majority. I like that it is also served with a lot of vegetables so my meal would not be very boring with just one choice. The only disappointment is that the claypot comes with only half a fish head instead of whole.

Salted Egg Yolk Chicken 4.2/5

To have a more complete meal, you may want to throw in another local favourite Salted Egg Yolk Chicken. I am a big fan of salted egg yolk so this is a winner for me. The chicken was tender and juicy complemented  by the salted egg yolk sauce. The flavour of salted egg yolk sauce was enhanced further with the curry leaves aroma and a hint spiciness.

Prawn Fritter 4.5/5

You can also dropped by Rumah Sayang to have either your breakfast and tea if you are not looking for a full meal. They also have local delights like mee siam, mee rebus, mee soto, lakaa, prata, lotong and nyonya kuehs on their menu. Among them my favourite is the Prawn Fritter ($1.60 for 2pc). Hardly get to find this delicious prawny snack elsewhere. Deep fried to golden brown, crispy and not too oily. This is must eaten with the homemade chilli dip.


Rumah Sayang
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#B1-41
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 63390938
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

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

Plaza Brasserie @ PARKROYAL on Beach Road

Seafood lover will rejoice with the latest dinner buffet spread at Plaza Brasserie at PARKROYAL on Beach Road. From 14 March 2014 to 30 April 2014, Plaza Brasserie presents Treasure of The Sea that features new live stations and a specialty dish with the freshest catch in town.

A spectacular offering of 4 different variations of Norwegian salmon is available at the Scrumptious Salmon live station. We have the Salmon Wellington with flaky puff pastry, Classic Baked Whole Salmon with Herb Spices, Grilled Salmon Fillet with Asian Sambal Chilli and Sea Salt Crusted Salmon with Bread Stuffing.

A signature item at Plaza Brasserie and probably the whole buffet place that serves you the Whole Steamed Fish. This is one item I will never miss whenever I dine at Plaza Brasserie.

For shell fish lover, do check out the Crustacean Corner live station. With a choice of sauces such as the black bean sauce, XO sauce or spicy coriander sauce, diner can decide what best to go with the Green Mussels, Bamboo Clams, White Clams, Soft Shell Clams, Fresh Prawns, Mud Crabs or Soft Shell Crabs.

A local favourite and delicacy is the Curry Fish Head that is known for its flavourful curry gravy and creamy coconut milk. The great news is you can have unlimited servicing for this all time favourite dish throughout dinner.

Besides the selection of seafood, the buffet spread does come with the usual local and international spread that will spoilt one with choices. Having been to Plaza Brasserie for a couple of times, I noticed a couple of new item on the spread such as the Salad with 62 degree egg. It seems like the local food scene are into this hipster labeling of food, isn't it just soft boiled egg?

Another chance from the usual Laksa is the pork rib noodle. The bowl of noodle did come with a flavourful and robust broth to go with the noodle.

I have found my new love at Plaza Brasserie in their prata. The prata offers quite a selection of prata, isn't this chocolate prata beautiful? It tasted really yummy too. Besides the normal plain and egg prata, they also have durian prata, what a combination of having 2 local delights into 1.

Treasures of the Sea Buffet Dinner
14 March to 30 April 2014
6pm to 10pm
Adult: $62++
Child (4-12 yrs old): $37++

Easter Sunday Lunch with Kid's Corner
20 Apr 2014
12pm to 230pm
Adult: $48++
Child (4-12 yrs old): $1++ for every year of child's age (valid for a maximum of 2 children with every 2 paying adult buffet diners)


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. [Map]

Pondok Jawa Timur @ Wilkie Edge (Selegie)

Driven by the passion to offer authentic Javanese cuisine to Singapore, Mdm Indah opened her first eatery house at Indonesia Embassay in 2007 before moving to Atrium Orchard 3 years later. The popular Indonesian Javanese restaurant, Pondok Jawa Timur at Dhoby Ghaut area has since relocated to Wilkie Edge at Selegie area. Fans of their Indonesian Javanese food will be glad to know the platoon of Indonesian chefs in the kitchen has remained the same all these years. Meaning you can expect the same quality and standard at Pondok Jawa Timur in their current premise.

Ayam Penyet 4.5/5

Upon sighting the smashed fried chicken that looked as if it has just been run over by a car, I knew I am into something good. Deep fried to a crispy exterior, the chicken was tender and moist. This is definitely one of the best Ayam Penyet ($7.90) I had for a long time.

Tahu Telor 4/5

I have mixed feeling towards the Tahu Telor ($9.90). I prefer my tahu telor to be the tower form so that every bite has a good mix of the beancurd and fried egg. Saying that I like the robustness of the prawn paste that complemented the fried tofu in egg.

Rendang Jawa Timur 3.8/5

The Rendang Jawa Timur ($8.90) was pretty flavourful and fragrant with all the spices. It felt that the beef redang needed a couple more hours to be more tender.

Gado Gado 3/5

After ordering all the food, we realised we did not have a vegetable dish. Hence the owner recommended us to try the Gado Gado ($8.90), mixed vegetable in peanut sauce. Some may think it is weird to have your vegetables with peanut sauce but in fact it is quite a staple dish in Indonesia. The nutty sauce actually goes very well with the natural sweetness of the mixed vegetables. Quite similar how goma sauce is used in Japanese cuisine.

Sop Buntut 3/5

My first introduction to Indonesian cuisine is Sop Buntut in Jakarta. Since then I have quite an high expectation of the oxtail soup. The Sop Buntun ($11.90) at Pondok Jawa Timur was hearty and comforting but fell short in the robustness to satisfy my expectation.

Gulai Kepala Ikan 3.5/5

One of the popular dishes here is te Gulai Kepala Ikan ($28.90). Served in a claypot, the fish head was fresh and succulent. While I can taste the aroma of the spices in the gulai sauce, the spicy scale is too mild for my palate and I prefer something more lemak. However, my dining partners did not agreed with me and they actually enjoyed the fish head curry. Hence it is down to one's preference.

Mie Goreng Jawa 4.5/5

We were already quite full from all the yummy dishes but since the owner has been raving about their popular Mie Goreng Jawa ($7.90), the curiosity in us just could not let this be missed without trying. The Javanese fried noodles was unlike the Malay style which is reddish in colour. The mie goreng jawa here is more inclined to the Chinese style, wetter with the noodles infused with the wok hei flavour.

Sate Ayam 5/5

The one dish that blown me away at Pondok Jawa Timur it the Sate Ayam ($9.90). Charcoal grilled to a nice smoky flavour, the tender chicken thigh meat satay was drenched in a very delish sauce that accentuated the whole flavour. For a more spicy kick, have a dip of the chilli sauce to further enjoy the chicken satay to the fullest.

I am glad that my food journey has brought me to Pondok Jawa Timur. The halal restaurant uses only fresh ingredients with their Indonesian chefs cooking up tasty and authentic Javanese cuisine since 2007 following closely at heart Mdm Indah's recipes. The wallet friendly restaurant with delicious Indonesian food offers an extensive menu that caters for both individual and families.


[CLOSED]
Pondok Jawa Timur Indonesia Javanese Restaurant
Wilkie Edge
8 Wilkie Road
#01-21
Singapore 228095
Tel: +65 68845853
Website: http://www.pondokjawatimur.com
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line), Dhoby Ghuat (CC Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit D or E. Walk down Bras Basah Road to the junction of Bras Basah Road and Prinsep Steet. Cross the road and turn right onto Prinsep Street. Walk down Prinsep Street and continue onto Selegie Road. Continue walking down Selegie Road until destination. Journey time about 15 mins. [Map]

2) Alight at Dhoby Ghuat MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Orchard Road to the junction of Orchard Road and Prinsep Street. Turn left onto Prinsep Street. Walk down Prinsep Street and continue onto Selegie Road. Continue walking down Selegie Road until destination. Journey time about 15 mins. [Map]