Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe (大南洋) @ Craig Road - A Nostalgic Blend of Old Malaysian and Singaporean Kopitiam Flavours

Great Nanyang (大南洋) on Craig Road invites you to take a nostalgic journey back in time, offering a delightful blend of old Malaysian and Singaporean kopitiam flavours. Founded by the mastermind behind Yang Ming Seafood, this charming establishment brings forth the cherished dishes of both countries, encompassing Hainanese Chicken Cutlet, Nasi Lemak Kukus, and Dry Mee Siam.

Kaya Butter Toast and Traditional Kaya Butter Thick Toast 4.2/5

Start your day at Great Nanyang with a cultural and flavourful awakening through their kopi, teh, and toast offerings. The Traditional Kaya Butter Toast ($2.50) and Traditional Kaya Butter Thick Toast ($2.70) make for a heartwarming breakfast or snack. These toasts boast a delightful crispness, generously slathered with aromatic kaya and a layer of rich butter.

Egg Mayo Toast 4/5

Chicken Floss Toast 4.5/5

For those seeking a more diverse experience, there's the Egg Mayo Toast ($4) and Chicken Floss Toast ($4.80), each offering distinct toppings. The Egg Mayo Toast features creamy egg topping, with meticulous separation of egg whites and yolks for a velvety texture. However, the standout here is the Chicken Floss Toast, boasting melt-in-the-mouth strands of sweetness and savoury perfection, heightened by the aromatic hae bee hiam.

French Toast with Peanut Butter 3.5/5

The French Toast with Peanut Butter ($4.50) presents a nutty twist but leans on the richer side, with the creamy peanut butter slightly overpowering the fragrant egg wash.

Soft Boil Kampung Eggs (2 Eggs) 4/5

To complete your toast set, you can add Soft Boil Kampung Eggs and a hot coffee or tea for an additional $3. The eggs are sourced fresh from Johor Bahru, known for their lower cholesterol content and higher nutritional value.

Coconut Coffee Iced, Hor Ka Sai Iced 4.5/5

Great Nanyang offers a well-balanced coffee blend, combining local and Arabica beans to create an aromatic and satisfying cup of joe. If you're looking for something unique, the Iced Coconut Coffee ($5.90) and Hor Ka Sai Iced ($5), a blend of Milo and coffee, offer a refreshing twist.

Assam Laksa 4.2/5

Dive into their main offerings, such as the Assam Laksa, which bursts with robust flavours, complemented by julienne onions and cucumbers to provide a textural contrast and a touch of freshness. What sets this Assam Laksa apart is its commitment to authenticity. Great Nanyang goes the extra mile by importing the authentic thick rice noodles used in Assam Laksa directly from Malaysia. This dedication to using traditional ingredients ensures that each bowl captures the true essence of this beloved Malaysian dish, making it a must-try for laksa enthusiasts.

Dry Mee Siam with Sambal Prawn Petai 3/5

The Dry Mee Siam with Sambal Prawn Petai ($10.90) at Great Nanyang left me with mixed feelings. While it was a flavourful dish, I found it on the lighter side, especially when compared to my personal preference for a Mee Siam, bursting with the rich flavours of dried shrimp and an invigorating tanginess. However, what truly stood out in this dish were the prawns and petai cooked in a fragrant and utterly delightful sambal sauce. The sambal's aromatic and spicy kick added an extra layer of flavour to the overall experience, making it a memorable part of the meal.

Nasi Kukus 3/5

The Nasi Kukus at Great Nanyang, priced at $8.90, offers a plate of enticing elements. It features flavourful fried chicken pieces, a sunny-side-up fried egg, crunchy peanuts, and a zesty sambal, and all served atop a bed of coconut-infused rice. The rice is aromatic and beautifully infused with coconut flavours, adding a delightful depth to the dish. However, there's room for improvement when it comes to the star of the plate, the chicken. While it's packed with flavour, the chicken could benefit from a touch more moisture to reach its peak tenderness. Despite this, the combination of the aromatic rice, the crispy chicken, and the spicy sambal makes for a satisfying meal with layers of texture and taste.

Curry Chicken 4.2/5

Prawn Paste Chicken Wings 4/5

Don't miss out on a la carte options, like the Curry Chicken ($6.90), showcasing a Malaysian-style curry infused with Indian spices and chunky, tender chicken pieces. The Prawn Paste Chicken Wings ($6.90 for 4 pieces) offer crispy exteriors and juicy, prawn-infused interiors for an elevated wing experience.

Signature Hainanese Chicken Cutlet 3.8/5

The Signature Hainanese Chicken Cutlet ($15.90) may seem unassuming but is marinated to perfection, rendering it exceptionally tender and juicy. It's even accompanied by a delectable butter-based sauce that enhances its complexity.

Great Nanyang is a testament to Keith's passion, drawing inspiration from his memories of growing up in Penang, Malaysia, and his career in Singapore's thriving coffeeshop scene, including Yang Ming Seafood. It serves as a cultural time capsule, preserving the disappearing flavors of the old kopitiams and sharing them with new generations, making it a true gem of a kopitiam, celebrating the Great Nanyang heritage.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe (大南洋)
5 Craig Road
Singapore 089665
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 830pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

L'Espresso @ Goodwood Park Hotel - English Afternoon Tea Buffet With Rosy Delights In Support Of Breast Cancer Awareness Month This October

In support of the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) this October,  Goodwood Park Hotel proudly presents a line-up of rosy-themed treats as special highlights within the popular English Afternoon Tea Buffet with Local Favourites and Rosy Delights at L'Espresso. In addition, a $3 nett donation will be made to the Breast Cancer Foundation for every adult dining on this buffet from 1 to 31 October 2022.

Diners are invited to feast on an indulgent selection of petite sandwiches, pink finger sandwiches of cucumber & cream cheese, and egg & truffle aioli.

The mini croissants include favourite flavours like tuna salad and salmon & brie cheese with honey mustard.

The dainty savoury tarts feature interesting flavour combinations such as the stone crabmeat salad with pink grapefruit and mentaiko dressing, greenland shrimp with raspberry mango aioli and beetroot cream cheese with forest berries compote. The fruit zestiness added a refreshing twist to the seafood.

The fried food section includes the juicy baked Mexican-style chicken mid-joint wings, crispy cheese croquette, spam fries and popcorn chicken.

One of our favourites is the mini pork burger with seafood cutlet and mentaiko mayonnaise. The seafood cutlet was superbly tender, which paired well with the mentaiko sauce.

There are also meaty choices of an assortment of skewers and roast carvings. Not to be missed is the beef wellington which has an incredibly tender and succulent beef tenderloin wrapped in a crispy, buttery pastry shell.

For local favourites, mouth-watering dishes like Laksa, Dry Mee Siam, Png Kueh, Crispy Yam Cake and Singapore Chilli Crabmeat with Mantou are not to be missed.

To end the meal or enjoy in-between, savour a wide array of rosy-themed desserts such as the Pink Pomelo Cream Tart and Raspberry Cheesecake that will delight those with a sweet tooth.

ENGLISH AFTERNOON TEA BUFFET WITH LOCAL FAVOURITES & ROSY DELIGHTS 1 October to 30 November 2022

- Two seatings on Mondays to Fridays (12pm to 2.30pm; 3pm to 5.30pm)
- Three seatings on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays (11am to 1pm; 1.30pm to 3.30pm; 4pm to 6pm)

Mondays to Thursdays: $65++ per adult; $39.80++ per child
(inclusive of coffee or tea (one serving) and free-flow self-serve cold fruit tea)

Fridays to Sundays: $68++ per adult; $40.80++ per child
(inclusive of coffee or tea (one serving) and freeflow self-serve cold fruit tea)

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.


L'Espresso
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 3pm - 530pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 11am - 1pm, 130pm - 330pm, 4 - 6pm

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

Makko Teck Neo @ Telok Blangah Rise - Hidden Peranakan Gem In A Quiet Neighbourhood

Not known to many, hidden in the quiet neighbourhood of Telok Blangah Rise is Makko Teck Neo, a Nyonya restaurant specialising in traditional Peranakan cuisines and kueh kuehs. It all started with Auntie Teck Neo baking and selling its signature pineapple tarts and cookies every Chinese New Year to relatives and friends. As the business grew, Auntie Teck Neo moved into the current restaurant in 2008 and started Makko Tech Neo.

Nyonya Kueh Pie Tee 4/5

Ngoh Hiang 4.5/5

Our lunch started with some light bites. We have the Nyonya Kueh Pie Tee ($9.90) and Ngoh Hiang ($11.90). The Nyonya Kueh Pie Tee filled with flavourful turnip stew, topped with a thinly sliced prawn is must enjoy with a dollop of the chilli sauce. The Ngoh Hiang ($11.90) is quite unique with the addition of chives and carrot for a delightful crunch on top of deep-fried crispy beancurd skin. I am not sure whether this is authentic Nyonya ngoh hiang recipe, but it sure is good.

Tauhu Goreng 4/5

Next, we had is the Tauhu Goreng ($6.80). The deep-fried tofu is piled with shredded cucumber, beansprout and lots of the nutty peanut sauce. Each mouthful comes with an abundance of textures at play.

Rempah Ayam Goreng 4.2/5

Chap Chye 4/5

For a chance, we decided not to order the Ayam Buah Keluah but gone for the Rempah Ayam Goreng ($11.90) instead. The tender grilled chicken thigh has a beautiful rempah rub that elevated the taste profile. Not to forget the chilli sauce for that shiok finishing.

Pork Rib Pongteh 3.8/5

Beef Rendang 4.2/5

For the daily special on Sunday, we went for the Pork Rib Pongteh ($12.90) and Beef Rendang ($14.90). The Pork Rib Pongeh while cooked to tender and infused with the robust fermented beancurd flavour, it lacked finishing tang which I was seeking. The Beef Rendang, on the other hand, left an impression with the lunch group. It is fork-tender and spicy, packing a punch. Best to order a plate of plain basmati rice to go with the shiok gravy.

Dry Mee Siam 4.2/5

A house special at Makko Teck Neo is the Dry Mee Siam ($5.80). It comes with big puffy tau pok that is soaked with the mee siam gravy. While it is dry mee siam, it is not dry at all. It comes with a scoop of rich, sweet and tangy gravy. Best to give it a good toss to coat each strand of the vermicelli, to enjoy the slurping goodness. I personally crave for more of the mee siam gravy.

Makko Teck Neo is definitely a hidden gem located in a sleepy old neighbourhood. I am great to discover yet another good Nyonya restaurant, especially that it is near my place.


Makko Teck Neo
Blk 35 Telok Blangah Rise
#01-303
Singapore 090035
Tel: +65 62751330
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 730am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Harbourfront MRT station (Stop ID 14129). Take bus number 65, 123M or 855. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

FatFuku @ Upper East Coast Road - Private Dining By Singapore-based Food Writer, Annette Tan

Private dining has been one of the latest trends in Singapore. After my visit to Lucky House Cantonese Private Kitchen, together with a couple of foodies, we made a booking at FatFuku which we waited for about a month for our reservation. For $95 per pax, you get about 7/8 dishes.

Keropok with Green Chilli Ikar

While we wait for the rest of the group to turn up, Annette from FatFuku offer us some Keropok with Green Chilli Ikar to snack on.

Devil Curry Pie 4/5

I have to say I was not expected to be served the Devil Curry Pie as it is an Eurasian dish and not a Peranakan dish. Nevertheless, the recipe comes with generous filling (chicken, sausages, mushrooms and carrots) in a buttery pastry.

FatFuku Mee Siam 4.2/5

The signature dish at FatFuku which almost everyone is talking about has to be her Dry Mee Siam. As we have the full view of the kitchen, I can see her pan fried the mee siam to get that crispiness. It is then topped with prawns and quail eggs. I like the idea that she has more of the tangy sauce at the side, allowing the mee siam to remain crispy while those that prefer to have it more saucy can help themselves to it.

Pork Belly Buah Keluak 4.5/5

We all went wow when the Pork Belly Buah Keluak is served. On top of the fragrant buah keluak fried rice is huge pieces of wobbly and tender pork belly cooked in buah keluak. I usually have ayam buah keluak and it usually turned out rather dry. This is a good change from the usual.

Ayam Tempra 4.5/5

A simple and hearty Peranakan dish cooked to perfection is the Ayam Tempra. Besides the tender chicken, the highlight foris the braised onions with their sweetness complementing the poultry.

Beef Cheek Rendang 5/5

This is probably the best Beef Cheek Rendang I have ever eaten. The aroma of the rempah and the melted in the mouth beef cheek, just come together like a beautiful note in a song, that just keeping sounding over and over in my head.

Nanka Lemak 4/5

Do you know that the whole jackfruit can be eaten? Using unripe jackfruit, this is made into the Nanka Lemak. The texture of the nanka is quite similar to artichoke. The whole experience is like have a bowl of vegetable curry.

Kueh Bingka Ubi 4.8/5

Not to be missed is the Kueh Bingka Ubi. a favourite nyonya tea time treat. The baked tapioca cake so soft and delicious. We even asked for second serving.

Dulce de Leche Ice Cream 4.5/5

Wrapping up the dinner, Annette made us some Dulce de Leche Ice Cream and Cookies. She even offered us coffee and tea.

Cookies 4.5/5

Reservation at FatFuku takes about a month. If I am not wrong, Annette is not doing this full time, she only hosts dinner up to 3 times a week. Annette is a well known food writers and she is still contributing to many publications as well as conducting cooking classes. If you ever getting a seating at her private dining, you will be assure that you will be in for a tummy good time.


FatFuku
451 Upper East Coast Road
Singapore 466499
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Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bus Stop at Bedok MRT station (Stop ID 84039). Take bus number 137. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Edge @ Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel - Refreshed Gourmet Makan Makan Dining Experience

Buffet lovers will be rejoice to know that the popular Edge at Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel has refreshed its Makan Makan heritage lunch buffet with a refreshed selection of nostalgic presentations. The refreshed Makan Makan dining experience has twelve live Asian heritage stations; Seafood on Ice, Nihon Bites, Mamak Stall, Balinese Island, The Little Nonya, Teochew Classics, The Malayan Straits, Singapore Heritage Favourites, Asian-inspired pizza, Nostalgic Carving, Claypot Station and Asian Sweets.

Traditional Roti Bakar with Hot Spring Egg 4.2/5

I was delighted to find our beloved breakfast selections among the buffet spread. One of them is the Traditional Roti Bakar with Hot Spring Egg. Crispy toasts with sweet kaya spread, plus soft boiled egg, this indeed is something that is close to our heart. You can even order a cup of Teh Tarik to complete your breakfast set.

Chwee Kueh, Soon Kueh, Peng Kueh 3/5

You can also find traditional Teochew classic such as Chwee Kueh, Soon Kueh and Peng Kueh. It brings back memories of the time I would have breakfast in the hawker centre with my grandparent. While I did not quite enjoyed the chwee kueh, the soon kueh and peng kueh are actually pretty decent considering this is a buffet.

Fried Carrot Cake 4/5

Fried Oyster 3.5/5

Talking about hawker centre, you can also find Fried Carrot Cake and Fried Oyster at one of the live stations. These are classic hawker dishes that you will find in almost hawker centres. This is definitely a buffet that that showcases a lot of the local food.

Bak Kut Teh 3.8/5

For those that enjoys a good of Bak Kut Teh, the version at Edge is an in between of the peppery and klang style. It is sweet and without the overpowering herbal taste with a tad of pepper.

 Kueh Pai Tee 3/5

Mee Siam, Nonya Chicken Curry, Achar, Chap Chye 4/5

A highlight at the refreshed Makan Makan lunch buffet is the "Little Nonya" spread by resident Nonya chef Nancy Teo. I started with some Kueh Pai Tee which whetted up the appetite. Many other delectable selections include Babi Assam, Mee Siam Goreng, Nonya Chicken Curry, Achar, Chap Chye etc, showcasing the Malayan Straits cuisine.

Rickshaw Noodle 4/5

KL Tai Lok Mee 4.2/5

From the noodle station, we can savour dishes such as Rickshaw Noodle and KL Tai Lok Mee prepared a la minute by the chef at the live station. You will need to try these noodle dishes as they are not readily available elsewhere in Singapore.

Curry Fish Head 4.5/5

One of my favourite item is the Curry Fish Head. I am actually quite surprised to find it among the spread. I could not help going over to the Mamak Stall section to grab some naan and prata to soak up the delicious curry gravy.

Lastly do save some stomach space for the dessert. There are a variety of local treats such as Gula Melaka Sago Mousse, Chendol Panna Cotta, Ice Kachang, Durian Pengat, Durian Puff and a selection of local kuehs. There are even hot local desserts such as Bubur Cha Cha and Pulat Hitam. The dessert selection section is basically a feast by itself.

Prices
Date: Every Sat 12pm - 230pm
$58 per adult
$29 per child (6-11 years old
Inclusive of unlimited local beverages, coffee and tea

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Edge
Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore
Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039595
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sun: 12pm - 4pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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