Shi Wei Xian HongKong Tim Sum @ Aljunied Avenue 2 - Cheap And Good Handmade Dim Sum

Nowadays it is quite hard to find handmade dim sum and that it is reasonable priced. At Shi Wei Xian HongKong Tim Sum, located inside a coffeeshop along Aljunied Avenue 2, a basket of dim sum starts from $3 here. Apparently the stall still handmade their dim sum and they are only open on weekends.

Carrot Cake 3.8/5

The Carrot Cake ($3) is pan fried with a slight brown crisp on the exterior but inside is soft and moist. What I enjoy is the bits of lup cheong in the carrot cake, it gives it an additional boost in aroma for a rounder finish.

Fried Yam Puff 4.5/5

What I enjoyed most is their Fried Yam Puff ($3) or also known as Wu Kok. This is as good as any restaurant standard. Wearing a coat of light crispy batter, biting into it will reveal the char siew filling. Together with the fragrant yam, the combination is unbeatable.

Bean Sauce Chicken Feet 4/5

I love my chicken feet and I have to say the Bean Sauce Chicken Feet ($3.20) is really well done. I enjoyed sucking off the chicken skin off the bone which has absorbed the delicious bean sauce.

Beancurd Sheet Roll 4/5

Another delectable item on the menu is the Beancurd Sheet Roll ($3.20). Wrapping in thin beancurd roll, it is stuffed with lavish fish paste for a delightful enjoyment.

Char Siew Chee Cheong Fun 3/5

I didn't quite like the Char Siew Chee Cheong Fun ($3.30). I find the rice roll is a bit on the thick side. As for the sauce, it is the sweet type instead of those Hong Kong style soy sauce type.

Quail Egg Dumpling 3.5/5

Besides the regular items on the menu, the staff recommended me to try to some of the specials for the day. One of them is the Quail Egg Dumpling. It is like having a siew mai stuffed with a quail egg. Pretty interesting for a coffeeshop stall to create something from the norm.

Spinach Siew Mai 4/5

The other special I tried is the Spinach Siew Mai. I was a bit surprise to see that the stall is willing to adapt with time and step out from their comfort zone. I really applauded the effort to keep themselves in time and hopefully renew their customer base, injecting a bit of hipster into their food.


Shi Wei Xian HongKong Tim Sum
Blk 119 Aljunied Avenue 2
#01-06
Singapore 380119
Tel: +65 81114950
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line), Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sat-Sun: 7am - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk towards Aljunied Road. Take the overhead bridge. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Aljunied MRT station (Stop ID 81081). Take bus number 80. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to Aljunied Crescent. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

 2) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to Geylang East Ave 1. On Geylang East Ave 1, turn left and continue to the end of the road. Cross the road and continue on Aljunied Crescent. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Paya Lebar MRT station (Stop ID 81119). Take bus number 134 or 155. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Aljunied Crescent. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Guan Hin Homemade Carrot Cake @ Geylang Bahru Food Centre - Homemade Carrot Cake By An Old Hawker Master

I am glad that I have finally tried Guan Hin Homemade Carrot Cake at Geylang Bahru Food Centre. I was so worried that the old uncle would retire before I can try his carrot cake. During the renovation of Geylang Bahru Food Centre, he moved to Chinatown Complex temporary for a year. Now he is back at Geylang Bahru Food Centre again, after the renovation has been completed.

Why I have been wanting to try Guan Hin Homemade Carrot Cake is because they are probably one of the very few stalls around that still make their own carrot cake.

Black Carrot Cake 4.5/5

The stall offers both the white and black version of carrot cake. I decided to go for the Black Carrot Cake. The homemade carrot cake are cut into small pieces and then fried with cai poh and egg. I like the fact the texture although soft has a slight firmness in it. The crunchy cai poh provides the added texture and flavour to the local delight. What holds everything together is the fragrant, sweet and savoury dark sauce.

Guan Hin Homemade Carrot Cake
Geylang Bahru Food Centre
Blk 69 Geylang Bahru
#01-45
Singapore 330069
Nearest MRT: Geylang Bahru (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Thu-Sun: 10am - 7pm
(Closed on Mon-Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Geylang Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Hock Soon Carrot Cake @ Ghim Moh Food Centre - Pretty Good Black Carrot Cake But Where Is My Spring Onions

Do you like it black or white? I used to like my carrot cake white but as I get older, I prefer my carrot cake in black sauce. Recently I went to Ghim Moh Food Centre for lunch and tried Hock Soon Carrot Cake which I find it pretty good. Besides selling the black and white carrot cake, the stall also sells rojak and satay. The queuing system is rather confusing as there is a separate queue for carrot cake and rojak/satay.

Black Carrot Cake 3.8/5

The Black Carrot Cake ($2.50) is diced into small pieces and coated with a sweet and savoury black sauce which is well balanced. Freshly cooked in batches that probably serves up to 10 plates at any one time. The radish cake is rather moist but not watery, still retaining a subtle bite to it. What I enjoyed most is the crunchy bites of chye poh within, which provides an element of surprises and additional texture of enjoyment.

While the plate of black carrot is pretty good, there is still areas for improvement. I think it can be fried a slight a bit longer for more of that crispy char. I personally prefer my egg to radish cake ratio but I can understand the stall is running a business and it has to watch its cost. Lastly, where is my spring onions, can't be stingy on that too right?

Hock Soon Carrot Cake
Ghim Moh Food Centre
Blk 20 Ghim Moh Road
#01-29
Singapore 270020
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Walk to bus stop along Buona Vista Road (Stop ID 11361). Take bus no. 92. Alight 1 stops later. Journey time about 3 mins. [Map]

2) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Cross the underpass towards Ghim Moh Estate Blk 12A. Cut across the open air carpark towards Ghim Moh Road. Cross the road and walk towards Blk 20. Journey time about 8 mins. [Map]

STREAT 2017 @ Clifford Square - Kickstarts Singapore Food Festival 2017

This year's Singapore Food Festival 2017 has lined up a series of events around island happening from 14 to 30 July 2017. Kick-starting this year's Singapore Food Festival is STREAT. The two day event from 14 to 15 July 2017 takes place at Clifford Square.

This year Singapore Food Festival has rooted in Peranakan Chef Malcolm Lee of Michelin-starred restaurant Candlenut and Chef Willin Low of Wild Rocket to helm  a pop-up restaurant where the 2 chefs present contemporary interpretations of local dishes, through a 3-course mod-sin and modern Peranakan Tok Panjang menu. Diners will get to sample a variety of 3 appetizers and 3 mains served communal style, capped off with individual desserts for $50 nett.

Among the dishes prepared by Chef Malcolm and Chef Willin, my favourite dishes are the Valrhona Dark Chocolate Rojak and Buah Keluak Chye Tow Kway. I thought I have already seen the last of what can be done with the local hawker fare but both chefs have proven me wrong.

Buah Keluak Chye Tow Kway

Valrhona Dark Chocolate Rojak

In addition, the 2 chefs have also curated 9 stalls, each helmed by a line-up of young hawkerpreneurs and chefs. Each stall will present a unique spin on quintessentially local dishes. The 9 stalls are,
1. The Masses
2. KEK x Good Chance Popiah
3. New Ubin Seafood
4. Khek (Dessert)
5. Whampoa Prawn Noodle
6. Madam Tan's Nasi Lemak
7. Olympics Team
8. One Kueh At A Time
9 Native x Sunday Punch (beverage)

KEK - Coffee Pork Burger 

Good Chance Popiah - Tempura Kimchi Popiah

New Ubin Seafood - USDA Ribeye Heart Attack Fried Rice

Madam Tan's Crispy Pork Nasi Lemak

Whampoa Prawn Noodles - Spicy Prawn Pasta

To make a booking at the pop-up restaurant by Chef Willin Low and Malcolm Lee, please do not hesitate to email wildnuts2017@gmail.com. For those who do not manage to reserve a table, fret not as there is also a takeaway counter of the pop-up restaurant’s menu.

More information of the Singapore Food Festival can be found at the link here.


STREAT 2017 
(Beside Fullerton Bay Hotel)
Clifford Square
80 Collyer Square
Singapore 049326

Opening Hours:
14-15 July 2017
5pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Go to 2nd floor, take the overhead bridge link across the road. Turn left at the base of the overhead bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 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
Facebook
Website
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]

Crystal Jade Kitchen @ The Centrepoint - New Menu With More Cantonese Wok-Fried Specialities And Adorable Lotus Paste Buns

Crustal Jade has a been a household and well-loved local brand since it is founded in 1991, with different dining concepts ranging from fine dining and casual dining restaurants to specialty bakeries. Recently I dropped by Crystal Jade Kitchen at Centrepoint to check out their refreshed menu, with more Cantonese wok-fried specialities.

Steamed Ha Kau 4.2/5

We started with some of Crystal Jade Kitchen's all time favourite dim sum items such as the Steamed Ha Kau ($6.30 for 4pc), Steamed Siew Mai with Crab Roe ($5.80 for 4pc) and Pan Fried Carrot Cake with Dried Shrimp and Preserved Meat ($4.80 for 3pc).

Steamed Siew Mai with Crab Roe 4.2/5

Pan Fried Carrot Cake with Dried Shrimp and Preserved Meat 4.5/5

The Ha Kau wrapped in a thin and translucent skin was plump and crunchy, stuffed with 2 prawns. The Steamed Siew Mai was also meaty and juicy. Lastly the softness of the Pan Fried Carrot Cake with crispy exteriors is further fragrant by the addition of preserved meat and dried shrimp.

Lotus Paste Bun 4/5

Keeping up with the trend, the kitchen has created the new whimsical Assorted Lotus Paste Bun ($3.50 for 3pc). The pillow-soft steamed buns are shaped into adorable hedgehogs, chicken and piglets. Every day 2 of these characters will be available on the menu. Inside them are smooth and subtle sweetness of the white lotus filling.

BBQ Red Sausage 3.5/5

Besides the classic roasted meats, the menu has included the BBQ Red Sausage ($13.80 regular) which is quite uncommon. The Chinese style sausage made up of minced pork and pork cubes, has a sweet char siew finishing that tasted like Taiwan sausage.

Braised Pork Belly with Beancurd and Chive 4/5

For communal dining, there are a couple home-cooked dishes that we worth ordering which are cooked a la minute upon order. Starting with the traditional Cantonese Braised Pork Belly with Beancurd and Chive ($16.80) that comes with silky tofu, flavoured by aroma of prawn paste and chives.

Scrambled Egg with Tomato 4.5/5

A dish that will be enjoyed by both young and old is the Scrambled Egg with Tomato ($13.80). The dish comes with luscious fluffy eggs and fresh tomatoes slices in a moreish sweet and sour ketchup based sauce.

Curry Beef Brisket 4/5

An unexpected item on the menu is the Curry Beef Brisket ($17.80). I doubt many places in Singapore serves this. The piping hot claypot comprises of tender Australian beef brisket in a spicy-sweet curry broth. This is best to eat with a bowl of rice.

Pork Trotter with Ginger and Vinegar Stew 4.2/5

It was to my delight that the restaurant even has Pork Trotter with Ginger and Vinegar Stew ($12.80) on the menu. I am a sucker for the dish. I enjoy biting into the bouncy skin and succulent meat with the concoction of sweet, sour and gingery holding the enjoyment together. Instead of chicken egg, it uses quail egg. This is a bonus.

Hokkien Fried Rice 4.2/5

A new and variations from the usual rice item is the Hokkien Fried Rice ($16.80). The egg fried rice is topped with prawns, conpoy, roasted duck, chicken and mushrooms and cooked in oyster sauce.

For the period from 15 May to 30 Jun 2017, Crystal Jade Kitchen will be having the $1 deal promotion. Customers will have the chance to try the range of new dishes; 4 choices each week, for just a dollar with a minimum spending of $40.


Crystal Jade Kitchen
The Centrepoint
176 Orchard Road
#03-43/43A
Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 67349420
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH - 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B and C. Walk to the main street. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]