ClickAFood (CAF) @ Upper Paya Lebar Road - New Pastel-themed Café With 5 Concepts By Singer-songwriter Hong Junyang

Located along Upper Paya Lebar Road is the new multi-concept pastel-themed cafe CAF Clickafood in Singapore. The cafe offers a variety of cuisine - Korean, Thai, Western and local cuisine under one roof. It is the perfect place to have all your different cravings satisfied when dining together.

Seoul Army Stew 4/5

From the Korean menu, we had the Seoul Army Stew ($19.90/2 pax). One of the most popular hot pot dishes in Korea, it comes in a rich, spicy broth made with chilli powder, kimchi and topped with a variety of meats, cabbage, and instant noodle. With a choice of spice level from 1 to 4, you can opt for the amount of heat in your favourite army stew.

Korean Andong Jjimdak 3.8/5

The Korean Andong Jjimdak ($19.90/2 pax) features a soy sauce braised chicken stew with vegetables and chewy sweet potato noodles. Savoury, mildly salty and sweet with a very subtle spicy kick. It has a somewhat complex flavour that we enjoyed.

168 Nasi Lemak 3.8/5

We tried their 168 Nasi Lemak ($8.90), which comes with ikan bilis, peanuts, fried chicken wings, cucumber and sunny side up atop a fragrant butterfly pea-infused coconut rice.

Pad Thai “Bomb” 4/5

One of our favourites is the Pad Thai "Bomb" ($12.90) with spice Level 1-4. It features a fluffy deep-fried omelette covering wok-fried rice noodles, tossed in a delicious pad thai sauce and served with bean sprouts, peanuts and chilli flakes.

Crab Meat Omelette Fried Rice 4/5

Another of our favourites goes to the Crab Meat Omelette Fried Rice ($10.90), with geenrous pieces of crabmeat and soft omelette over a mound of fragrant wok-hei fried rice. While we still wished that the omelette came slightly runny. we still enjoyed the dish, especially with the addition of sweet chilli which went well with the savoury elements.

Nemo Burger 3.5/5

The Nemo Burger ($9.90) came with a huge golden battered dory fish sandwiched between fluffy buttered buns. The fish fillet looked promising, but we felt that the batter was a tad too sticky rather than having the nice crisp we were expecting. Add on the side of shoestring fries for an additional $2.90.

Mango Coconut 4/5, Bandung 3.8/5

The Mango Coconut ($5.50) is a refreshing ice blend of coconut cream, coconut foam, mangoes, and pomelo sago, as well as nata de coco for toppings. The Bandung ($3.90) was syrupy and fragrant, although a tad too sweet for our liking.

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.


CAF Clickafood
339 Upper Paya Lebar Road
Tel: +65 69705077
Singapore 534953
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Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am – 9pm

Directions:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to bus stop at Tai Keng MRT station (Stop ID 70281). Take bus number 22, 24, 43, 58, 62, 70, 80 and 76. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Ichiban Boshi Launches Japanese-style Chinese New Year Specialities

Celebrate this Lunar New Year with festive dishes that come with a Japanese flair at Ichiban Boshi. Other than its highly raved Auspicious Salmon Yuzu Yusheng, there is also a meatless, fruity alternative to your annual Lo Hei. What's more, for the very first time, Ichiban Boshi puts its twist to the traditional Pen Cai, delighting you with premium fresh ingredients all in one pot.

Auspicious Salmon Yuzu Yusheng 4/5

Loyal customers of its Auspicious Salmon Yuzu Yusheng ($62.80, Set A - 8 to 10 pax) can once again get their hands on this best-selling Yu Sheng of all years. The citrusy house special yuzu dressing made from ingredients' imported from Japan, balances the sweetness of the preserved condiments. The fresh Norwegian salmon is also a huge draw for the festive dish.

6 Treasures Fruits Yusheng 4/5

6 Treasures Fruits Yusheng ($56.80) is only available online exclusively via the festive e-stores of Ichiban Boshi, Ichiban Sushi and Kuriya Japanese Market. It is suitable for 6 to 8 pax. If you already have the typical Yu Sheng a few times throughout the festive season, this fruity and refreshing meatless version will be up your alley. Featuring a medley of six fruits: pomelo, pear, guava, mango, pineapple and jackfruit, it will help set up your appetite for the feast to come.

Japanese Treasure Pot 4.5/5

Ichiban Boshi launches its first-ever Japanese Pen Cai, which is only available online exclusively via the festive e-stores of Ichiban Boshi, Ichiban Sushi and Kuriya Japanese Market. I like the Japanese Treasure Pot ($188) good for 4 to 5 pax. It comes brimming with premium ingredients such as whole abalone, sashimi-grade scallops from Hokkaido, snow crab leg meat, prawn, homemade Japanese chashu, homemade chicken roulade with cabbage and spinach, kamaboko fish cake and shiitake mushroom. I much prefer this version to the traditional one because of the flavour and taste it delivers. The addition of the tender braised chashu from Ramen Kiou is a plus for me too.

Long Bamboo Rainbow Chirashi 4/5

The Long Bamboo rainbow Chirashi ($19.90) is one of the auspicious dishes served at Ichiban Boshi during the Chinese New Year period. It consists of fresh seafood such as maguro, Japanese red sea bream, yellowtail, salmon, egg, black flying fish roe and salmon roe on sushi rice with ginger. The sushi rice has been specially treated, which makes it extra yummy and addictive on its own.

Premium Sushi Moriawase 3.8/5

For a greater variety, go for the Premium Sushi Moriawase ($45.90). Diners can indulge in a medley of sushi such as madai, hamachi yellowtail, salmon, maguro, roasted beef, unagi, and scallop and ikura salmon roe, presented in a wooden stairway.

Wafu Aqua Pazza 4.2/5

My favourite dish of the evening is this Wafu Aqua Pazza ($38.90) featuring a whole seasonal fish in a hot and soulful broth. There's nothing more heartwarming than sharing a pot of hearty broth made with beautiful simple ingredients with your loved ones. That's what reunion meals are all about.

In-Store Chinese New Year Specials
Promotion period: 26 January to 26 February 2021
For Ichiban Boshi, Ichiban Sushi, Kuriya Japanese Market and Sushi-GO, pre-orders will begin on 13 January 2021. For online orders, 2-day advance order is required.

Festive e-stores
Ichiban Boshi: https://festive.ichibanboshi.com.sg
Ichiban Sushi: https://festive.ichibansushi.com.sg

Famous Pao Fan (一泡而红) @ Jalan Sultan - Lobster Pao Fan For $16

Pao Fan is a dish that is only served in Chinese restaurants, has now made its way into the neighbour food centres and food courts. Actor Chew Chor Meng has recently opened Famous Pao Fan (一泡而红), offering the dish at an affordable price. Actor Chew Chor Meng is not new to the F&B scene, having successfully opened 888 Mookata and The Famous Zhou. There are a total of 7 variety of Pao Fan in the menu with a selection of side dishes.

Lobster Pao Fan 3.8/5

The signature is the Lobster Pao Fan ($16) which comes with half a lobster, clams, fried egg and crispy rice puff. The broth is the light and refreshing, unlike those that come with a rich crustacean flavour usually served in a Chinese restaurant. I understand from the Chew Chor Meng, the savoury broth is boiled for hours that consists of pork bone, chicken and prawn. By the way, the lobster pao fan has limited quantity daily.

Kurobuta Pork with Lala Pao Fan 4/5

Chew Chor Meng was sharing with me that his favourite is actually the Kurobuta Pork with Lala Pao Fan ($8). I can't agree more. I find that the sweetness of the kurobuta pork gives the broth that extra lift in flavour, complemented by the clams.

Fried Red Grouper with Lala Pao Fan 3/5

Double Fish Pao Fan 3.5/5

For the fish porridge lovers, you may want to try either the Fried Red Grouper with Lala Pao Fan ($6) or Double Fish Pao Fan ($6). Personally, I prefer the double fish pao fan over the fried red grouper pao fan. The red grouper is a little dry for my liking. The double fish pao fan fish meat is moister. 

Fresh Prawn with Sliced Fish Pao Fan 4/5

The other favourite of mine is the Fresh Prawn with Sliced Fish Pao Fan ($6). The sweetness from the prawn further enhanced the broth for a more satisfying enjoyment.

Fried Tofu, Luncheon Meat, Prawn Roll 3/5

Last but not least, you can complete your meal with some side dishes. Available on the menu is Fried Tofu ($3), Luncheon Meat ($3) and Prawn Roll ($4). It is nothing extraordinary, though.

For a bowl of pao fan starting from $4.50, this is definitely a steal. I was hoping that the pao fan is more generous with the accompanying ingredients as there was a lot of rice. I actually ended up eating plain rice with the broth as there were not many ingredients for me to finish the bowl of rice with. I understand cost is a factor, maybe the stall can consider the option of adding marinated minced pork at an extra cost. I think it can also help to enhance the broth.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Famous Pao Fan (一泡而红)
Sultan's Kitchen Food Court
100 Jalan Sultan
#01-06/07
Singapore 199001
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 830pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to City Gate. Turn right onto Jalan Sultan. Walk towards the taxi stand at Golden Sultan Plaza. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tang Lung (唐龍) @ Robertson Quay - Discover The Best Of Chinese Cuisine From Various Regions

Located at The Pier at Robertson is a new Chinese Restaurant, Tang Lung (唐龍) that offers Chinese Cuisine from various regions with a modern twist. It is an exciting dining option for the area as there isn't really any Chinese cuisine selection at Robertson Quay. Its opening complements their sister restaurant Le Fusion a few doors away.

Truffle Mushroom Crystal Dumpling 4/5

For dim sum lovers, you will be delighted to know that Tang Lung is offering All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum Buffet every Sundays from 3 to 5pm, priced at $26.80 per adult and $16.80 per child aged 6 to 12 years old.  For the month of October, one diner gets to dine free for every two paying adults for the Free Flow Dim Sum Buffet.  Each diner is entitled to a bowl of freshly made to order Chinese la mian noodles and can order unlimited dim sum. 

Pork Siew Mai with Salted Egg Yolk 4/5

Customers can look forward to dim sum creations such as Truffle Mushroom Crystal Dumpling ($8.90 for 4pc), Pork Siew Mai with Salted Egg Yolk ($7.90 for 4pc), and Pineapple Char Siew Tart ($6.90 for 3pc).

Pineapple Char Siew Tart 3.5/5

Truffle is added to the mushroom crystal dumpling for an elevated earthy aroma on top of its textural enjoyment. A surprise burst of salted egg yolk is nestled within the pork siew mai. A re-interpretation of the polo baos into a pineapple char siew tart. All these creations, give the same old dim sum staples, a new lease form of enjoyment.

Deep-Fried Soon Hock in Superior Soya Sauce 4/5

Besides the creative dim sums, you can also find classic dishes such as the Deep Fried Soon Hock in Superior Soya Sauce. Deep-fried to crackling crispiness, while preserving the freshness of the meat within, rounded off with Tang Lung's special superior soya sauce.

Steamed Flower Crab in Shaoxing Wine 4.5/5

A star dish at Tang Lung is the Steamed Flower Crab in Shaoxing Wine. Two flower crabs lie on a bed of vermicelli noodles, soaking up the delicious sauce. The sweetness of the flower crab is further enhanced with the addition of fermented rice, spiced Shaoxing wine and chicken oil.

Steamed Glutinous Rice with Crab Roe 4.5/5

Be prepared to wait for at least half an hour for the Steamed Glutinous Rice with Crab Roe. You will not regret it. The glutinous rice is mixed with shiitake mushrooms, shredded dried scallops, and yellow crab roe, steamed together with the crabs inside a cheesecloth, imparting an umami taste to the rice.

To celebrate the restaurant's opening, customers get to enjoy the Steamed Glutinous Rice with Crab Roe at 50% off.  Priced at $78.90, this means you get to enjoy it at only $39.90. Promotion is available for dine-in only and while stocks last. Do order in advance to avoid disappointment, as there is a limited quantity of crabs availability daily.

Braised Sea Cucumber with Mushroom in Chinese Herbs

A highlight at Tang Lung is the nourishing Braised Sea Cucumber with Mushroom in Chinese Herbs ($68). It is cooked with ingredients that have medicinal properties such as Chinese angelica root, black sea cucumber and Chinese yam root. The best part is actually the tasty broth that is the essence of the pot of treasure. It is best to drench the broth onto a bowl of steamed rice and have it together with the rest of the dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tang Lung
The Pier at Robertson Quay
80 Mohamed Sultan Road
#01-12
Singapore 239013
Tel: +65 62629966
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Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Gordon Grill @ Goodwood Park Hotel - Celebrating German Gastronomy In Commemoration Of The Hotel's 120-Year Legacy

In commemoration of Goodwood Park Hotel's 120-year legacy, embark on a German gastronomy journey at Gordon Grill to celebrate the occasion. Why German? It is because Gordon Grill is once known as Teutonia Club in the 1900s. The property was an exclusive enclave for German expatriates. Hence the restaurant has put together an exemplary selection of notable German dishes interpreted through modern European culinary style.

We have the Five-course Degustation Menu ($98++) which will be available from 22 August to 21 September 2020. Besides that, there is also a three-course ($68++), and four-course ($88++) set menus to cater for everyone's preference. We started the dinner with the chilled Truffled Capellini with Crab Meat and Caviar to whet the appetite.

Chilled White Asparagus, Dill Cured Salmon 3.8/5

Our first appetiser is Chilled White Asparagus paired with Dill Cured Salmon topped with mesclun lettuce and shallot apple vinaigrette. I somewhat can associate with the dish as my first trip, and first meal in Germany was white asparagus a few years back. Unfortunately, due to the supply issue, they have to use white asparagus from Peru, which is just as sweet.

Seared Atlantic Sea Scallops 4/5

The second appetiser is Seared Atlantic Sea Scallops paired with smoked Black Forest Ham and Brown Mushroom Ragout, held together in a creamy, lemony buttered hollandaise sauce. The dish combines the flavours of Northern coastal areas of Deutschland with that of the South.

Bavarian Sauerkraut Soup 4.2/5

The comforting Bavarian Sauerkraut Soup is subtly sweet, creamy with a well balanced tangy finish. The addition of potatoes, speck and creme fraiche provide the boast in flavours and textures.

Pan-seared Halibut Fillet 4/5

For the main course, the guest will have a choice between the Crispy Pork Belly or Pan-seared Halibut Fillet. I decided to have Halibut, which is popular seafood found in Northern Germany. The firm and buttery white fish served atop an appetising compote of Swedish turnip, leeks and potatoes.

Crispy Bavarian Pork Belly 4/5

I took a photo of the Crispy Bavarian Pork Belly, which my dining companion had. Ok, It is served with dark beer and caraway gravy, a classic flavours of Bavaria. I more than took a photo, I got to try a piece of it it. What I really enjoyed is the layer of airy, crispy crackling skin. The piece of meat was also cooked to fork-tender.

Wrapping up the 5-course degustation menu is the classic German Red Grits served with luscious bourbon vanilla sauce at the side and Dark Cherry Crumble Cheesecake with Hazelnut Ice Cream. Guest gets to finish their meal with a choice of Goodwood blend of coffee or fine tea selection. Guest may place their reservations online at www.goodwoodparkhotel.com/dining/gordon-hill or call +65 67301744 or email gordon_grill@goodwoodparkhotel.com

Celebration of German Gastronomy at Gordon Grill (22 Aug to 21 Sep 2020)
3-Course Set Lunch at $68++ per person
4-Course Set Lunch and Dinner at $88++ per person
5-Course Degustation Lunch and Dinner at $98++ per person


Gordon Grill
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301744
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 7pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Indian Express @ Race Course Road - Home-style Northern Indian Cuisine Along With Indian-Chinese Favourites

Northern Indian cuisine is prevalent in our island but Indian-Chinese dishes are definitely less so. Here at Indian Express, take the chance to explore their characters that are unfamiliar to us, while tucking into your favourite Northern Indian dishes. Nestled in one of the shophouses on Racecourse Road, Indian Express has recently renovated and reopened with a fresh look. You may not have known, this casual dining concept is established by the same management behind The Song of India, currently helmed by executive chef Umed Singh, alumnus of The Song of India and protégé of Michelin-starred chef Manjunath Mural.

Tandoori Mix Grill Platter 3.8/5

As a starter or even a simple meal for two, the signature Punjabi-style Tandoori Mix Grill Platter ($19) that comes in a sizzling plate of lamb chop, fish, chicken tikka and kebab that have been grilled in the Tandoor, will have you deeply satisfied. I love the fish which was well marinated with spices and yogurt, and that layer of marination also kept it moist and tender during the grilling process.

Kashmiri Lamb Rack Wazwan 4.2/5

Each platter comes with a lamb chop as well and we had the chance to view them in full glory in the Kashmiri Lamb Rack Wazwan ($14) that made a rather dramatic entrance with the lamb racks smoking in its own juice and marination. It is something that you would not want to share, for all you want is to slowly lift the tender meat off its bone and savour it slowly.

Grilled Vegetarian Platter 3/5

The Grilled Vegetarian Platter ($14) was wholesome with Seekh Kebab, Paneer Tikka and Cauliflower. The Paneer Tikka could be a lot more pleasing if the bell pepper was more cooked down to release its fruity and smokey flavour.

Papdi Chaat 2.8/5

Pani Poori 3/5

One of my favourite small bites are Papdi Chaat and Pani Poori. What we had $7 each were decent but I would like them to be more tangy with yogurt and chutney.

Chilli Chicken 3/5

Indian Express also offers a comprehensive menu of Indian-Chinese dishes. Indian-Chinese cuisine has its roots back in Kolkata in the 1700s, the period when the Chinese migrated there and settled in. They adapted their own recipes with well-loved Indian spices and ingredients and that boost of flavours into dishes which please the local palate became a hit across India 90 years ago. We only managed to try one, Chili Chicken ($14). The flavours were quite homely actually, reminiscent of my mum's black soy stir-fried chicken but laced with chilli.

Butter Chicken 4/5

After all the dishes, we were ready for a lineup of well-loved Northern Indian classics. Among all, the highlight for me was the Butter Chicken ($14). The chicken was being barbecued beforehand, hence it exuded a strong hint of smokiness as I bite into it. Cooked in tomato sauce, the curry was bright with a well rounded tangy sweetness. That mingled perfectly with the smoky flavour of the meat.

Prawn Masaledar 4/5

Prawn Masaledar ($18) is slightly similar to butter chicken which has a tomato based curry but given a dose coconut milk. Again, I like that level of piquancy in the curry, though it was mellower.

Lamb Shank 3.8/5

Muglai Fish Curry 3/5

You can look forward to a good quality Lamb Shank ($16) which comes from one of the finest meat suppliers in Singapore. You may find the Muglai Fish Curry ($12) interesting, which probably reminds you of Thai Green Curry but I prefer a curry that is more robust.

Palak Paneer 4/5

Their Palak Paneer ($10) is also one of the better ones that I have tried. It has a pureed consistency, unlike those creamier ones with cottage cheese cubes swimming inside. Blend with minced garlic, there is an additional layer of flavour built into it that makes it far more delectable than the rest.

Bhindi Masala 3.8/5

Bhindi Masala ($9) is ladyfingers, an ingredient that you either love or hate. It's tricky to cook it well to a right doneness while keeping it green and crunchy. If you like it with samba belacan, this will not disappoint.

Royal Chicken Dum Biryani 3/5

To go with all the curries and dishes, you can go for their Royal Chicken Dum Biryani ($12) but I would suggest skipping that for their moriesh Assorted Naan (Plain Naan $2.50 / Whole wheat $3 / Garlic Naan $3 / Butter Naan $3). Nothing is more engaging than sopping them with curries and savouring them with hands!

Carrot Halwa 3.5/5

For dessert, we had a traditional winter time Carrot Halwa ($4.50) pudding that originated from North India. In North India, the seasonal carrot has a lot more water content but they managed to create the same using ghee, milk and sugar.

When there are so many restaurants in Little India that leave you clueless of where to dine in, simply head down to Indian Express for an authentic experience.

Words and photos 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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Indian Express
38 Race Course Road
Singapore 218555
Tel: +65 63417429
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Website
Nearest MRT: Little India (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

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