Oscar @ Conrad Centennial Hotel Singapore

In celebration of Singapore's golden jubilee, Oscar at Conrad Centennial Hotel Singapore is having a local theme buffet from 01 July to 31 August 2015. Besides the local fare, there is also the usual spread of seafood, cooked food and desserts.

Cold Seafood and Oysters 4.5/5

I started my dinner with some cold seafood and oysters. What impressed me is that there was 4 different varieties of oysters at the buffet spread. There were Canadian Oyster, Tasmanian Oyster, USA Oyster and Fwe De Claire from France.

Local Fare 4/5

One of the highlight for the local buffet theme at Oscar has to be the cooked food section. I felt like I walked into a local cze char stall with the array of local selection. There were Chai Tow Kway, Wok Fried Beef with Black Pepper Sauce, Braised Sea Cucumber with Mushroom, Deep Fried Pork Rib with Shrimp Paste, Oyster Omelette and Seasonal Vegetable. There were many other local delights such as the Chilli Crab and Curry Fish Head which is not in the picture.

Laksa 4/5

You would probably missed the live station which is located outside the restaurant. The Soup and Noodle Bar offers a choice of tasty broth like Tom Yum, Bak Kut Teh, Prawn Noodle Soup, Fish Noodle Soup Wanton Noodle Soup and Laksa.

For Singapore's 50th birthday, the hotel has created a special SG50 Bandung flavoured Kueh Lapis Cake, spotting the red and white colour of our national flag. It is also available at 1kg at $75.

On Monday to Wednesday, quote "Ice Kacang" to enjoy SG50 Buffet Dinner at $50++ per adult, $25++ per child. Dines of 60 years and above enjoy 50% off regular price for Buffet lunch and dinner, except on eve and public holidays.


Oscar
Conrad Centennial Hotel Singapore
2 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038982
Tel: +65 64327481
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon -Thu: 6am - 1am
Fri-Sun, Eve & PH: 24hr

Buffet Breakfast: 6am - 1030am
Buffet Lunch: 12pm - 230pm
Buffet Dinner: 6pm - 10pm
Sunday Brunch: 12pm - 3pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking along Temasek Avenue to destination Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ah Hock Hougang Fried Oyster @ Whampoa Drive Makan Place

Where is your favourite Fried Oyster or Orh Luak stall in Singapore? I actually not sure how orh luak originated but I do remember during my childhood days, my dad used to packet this delectable street food home for supper. I usually will open the packet of chilli sauce and poured it all over the fried oyster because I like the sourness from the chilli sauce. I find the combination very heavenly, even till now I still do it whether I have a plate of fried oyster.

Recently I visited Whampoa Drive Makan Place and ordered a plate of Fried Oyster ($4) from Ah Hock Hougang Fried Oyster. The stall signage says that it was formerly from Lim Tua Tow market since 1927.

Fried Oyster 4.5/5

When I got my plate of fried oyster ($4), I was initially quite disappointed as the portion was very little. To be frank, I felt cheated. The portion felt like it was a $2.50 servicing. My world turned around when I dig into the crispy orh luak on the exterior and with a slightly chewy texture inside. It has a nice wok hei complemented by the flavourful fish sauce. The  oyster was also fresh and plump. The chilli sauce is the other highlight here. It has that tangy sourness that accentuated the fried starch flour to a whole new enjoyment.

Fried Oyster 4.5/5

Every components on the plate seems to be the main cast and non is felt as just a supporting role. Compare to the popular Simon Road Fried Oyster, I find this less oily. This is really one good plate of fried oyster I would travel all the way just to have it.


Ah Hock Hougang Fried Oyster
Whampoa Drive Makan Place
Blk 90 Whampoa Drive
#01-54
Singapore 320090
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AhHockFriedOysterHougang
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line), Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12noon - 11pm
(Closed on alternate Wed)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to bus stop outside Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Stop ID 07211). Take bus number 125 or 139. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Novena Church (Stop ID 50031). Take bus number 21 and 131. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Chabuton @ 313 Somerset

And yet another ramen chain from Japan has landed on our shore. Chabuton is the brainchild of the first ramen chef to ever receive a Michelin star. The prestigious ramen chain from Japan has finally opens its first outlet in 313 Somerset, Singapore. The Chabuton chain currently has 9 outlets in Japan and 14 outlets in Thailand.

Miso Char Siew Ramen 4.2/5

I ordered the Miso Char Siew Ramen ($15.90) which the pork bone soup is flavoured with Uki-kouji miso topped with char siew and Japanese leek. A different at Chabuton is customer gets to choose how they want their ramen and broth to be prepared. Customer has the choice of customizing their texture of the noodle, the amount of oil and salt level. I had the normal levels and it was ideal for me. The saltiness of the miso broth and the delectable bite from the springy noodles made it a slurping good bowl of ramen. I also like the generous slice of the char siew.

Tonkotsu Ramen 4/5

The signature at Chabuton is their Tonkotsu Ramen ($8.30/$11.90) that comes in a rich and creamy pork bone soup topped with char siew and Japanese leek. Compared to other tonkotsu broths I have tried, the version at Chabuton was not as rich and salty. Nevertheless it was still a good hearty and comforting bowl of ramen.

Shio Char Siew Ramen 3.5/5

For those that prefer a light broth base ramen, the Shio Char Siew Ramen ($15.40) will be a good choice. The salt flavoured pork bone soup ramen topped with extra char siew and Japanese leek tasted somewhat like a bowl of Chinese noodle. The soup is not as rich and intense compared to the tonkotsu and miso.

Shoyu Zaru Ramen 3/5

Beside a hot bowl of ramen, Chabuton offers Shoyu Zaru Ramen ($10.50/11.90) which is cold ramen served with Japanese soy sauce soup. The cold noodle has a more chewy texture. To eat, dip the noodles into the soy sauce soup. I thought the soup tasted similar to our beef noodle soup. An interesting way to enjoy the ramen.

Ika Karaage 3/5

On top of the different ramens, Chabuton also offers a decent selection of side dishes on the menu. The Ika Karaage or Fried Squid ($5) would go well with a glass of beer. Although fried to a nice crisp and not oily, I thought the dish was mediocre.

Kaki Fry 3.8/5

I actually quite enjoyed the Kaki Fry or Fried Oyster ($6). The light batter gave the exterior a crumbly crisp while the juiciness of the fresh oyster was retained inside.

Hitokuchi Gyoza 2.8/5

The Hitokuchi Gyoza ($5) was a disappointment for me. The odd shape gyoza somehow lost that satisfying proportion of dumpling skin to the pork filling ration. In short, the experience felt as if there were too little fillings in the gyoza.

Soup Gyoza 4/5

The Soup Gyoza ($5) on the other hand fares better than the Hitokuch Gyoza. I could taste the sweetness of the pork stuffing wrapped in a smooth and soft dumpling skin.

Char Siew Don 3/5

The Char Siew Don ($4) was a good alternative to the ramen if you needed something more filling. While it is enjoyable, I thought the char siew was sliced too thin and the rice was short of the vinegar seasoning.

Overall I think the ramen at Chabuton is pretty good. I preferred the miso to tonkatsu ramen even though the later is their signature. If you do not like that very rich and salty tonkatsu broth, then this bowl of ramen will be good for you.


Chabuton
313 Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#B2-01
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 66368335
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chabutonsg
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
1130am - 10pm

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

Malaysia Boleh @ Jurong Point

I was actually quite surprise that not many people is aware of Malaysia Boleh at Jurong Point. This place has been opened for nearly one and half years but it seems that it has been under the radar. Maybe it is due to the location far west at Boon Lay. When people say that there is no good food in the West, now I have to disagree. They have a gem in Malaysia Boleh a food court like setup that housed our favourite Malaysia street food under one roof. Not known to many, the 2 partners actually went down to the stalls in Malaysia and sent months learning the recipes. Recipes are closely kept as a promised to these original stall holders with periodical audit from them flying all the way down from Malaysia. As far as possible, the owner will also import the same ingredients and sauces used exactly at the stall itself in Malaysia.

Penang Char Kway Teow 4/5

The Penang Char Kway Teow from 勇记槟城炒粿条 is the most popular stall at Malaysia Boleh judging from the super long queues in both my visit. I was told that due to the long queue then have to fry 3 plates in one batch instead of individually hence some form of standard has to be comprised. Nevertheless, the Penang Char Kway Teow was still up to the mark with each mouthful filled with the wok hei aroma.

KL Wanton Mee 4.2/5

The plate of KL Wanton Mee from KL Wanton Mee 吉隆坡鼎記云吞面 with springy noodle and flavourful roasted char siew was perfectly married with the delectable dark sauce that is the same as the one used in the KL stall. One of my favourite that I would go back for.

Pork Noodle 4.2/5

The Pork Noodle from Hong Kee Pork Noodles 雄记猪肉粉面 remembered me of the Tua Thow Kway Teow Soup which I had during one of my Johor Bahru Food Trail last year. The comforting bowl of pork noodle comes with lean meat, pig liver, minced pork, meatball and smooth rice noodle in a delectable light but flavourful broth.

Penang Hokkien Prawn Noodle 4.8/5

Simmered for long hours using prawn heads, pork bones and spices, the full bodied broth is packed with robust flavour. This bowl of Penang Hokkien Prawn Noodle from Penang Hokkein Prawn Noodles 檳城福建蝦面 is probably the best I have ever had outside Penang. The owners went to Penang to learn the recipe and techniques from the masters making the broth from 2am and helping out at the stall for a week.

Lor Bak 4/5

Made with five spice powder imported from Penang, the Lor Bak from Kedai Kopi Seng Thor Lebih Carnavon Loh Bak 檳城油頭街卤肉 at Malaysia Boleh is pretty good. The well marinated stuffing was wrapped in a thin beancurd skin and deep fried to a nice exterior crispiness. Accompanied with other delights like century eggs, beancurd, fishcake and deep fried shrimp crackers, this delightful plate of delights is good for sharing.

Curry Chicken Mee 3.5/5

The bowl of Curry Chicken Mee from Sister Curry Chicken Mee 姐妹咖哩雞面 comes with tender poached chicken and tau pok. The curry broth is not as lemak as those in Singapore with the yellow noodle soaking up the delectable goodness.

Bak Kut Teh 3/5

Not a big fan of the herbal type Klang Bak Kut Teh 巴生肉骨茶 but I am sure there are people who is different from me. The piping hot claypot bak kut teh goes well with a bowl of fragrant rice.

KL Hokkien Mee 3.5/5

There was hit and miss for the KL Hokkien Mee from 苏丹街丙哥福建面. The flavour was spot on with the used of the same black sauce as the stall in Kuala Lumpur and perfumed by pork lard. The lack down was the udon like texture that was too tough.

Claypot Chicken Rice 4.5/5

If you need your rice instead of noodles, I would recommend trying the Claypot Chicken Rice from Petaling Street Famous Claypot Chicken Rice 茨廠街驰名瓦煲雞飯. I took a mouthful and I was taken aback by the burst of aroma. The fragrant pot of rice also comes with well marinated succulent chicken.

Fried Oyster Omelette 4.8/5

One of my favourite local street food is Fried Oyster Omelette or Orh Luak. The local version is more burnt and crispy. The version at Malaysia Boleh from Penang Lorong Selamat Fried Oyster Omelette 槟城著名嘉嘉蚝煎 is the opposite, wet and runny. I thought I would not like it but it turned out that it is now my favourite fried oyster omelette in Singapore. The ratio of runny egg is more than that of starch. It also has a special sauce that accentuated the flavour which the owner did not want to disclose. The chilli dipping sauce is also an excellent complement to the orh luak.

Chendol 4.8/5

For those that has been to Penang will know that there are two famous Chendol stalls along Penang Road. Patrons that like their chendol need not fly all the way to have the dessert anymore. Right at Malaysia Boleh, one can indulge in this bowl of sweet delight from Penang Road Famous Chendol.

Apom Manis 3.5/5

Ban Chang Kuih 4/5

For some delectable snack one can try the Apom Manis or Ban Chang Kuih from Penang Gurney Drive 98 Apom. The Apom Manis comes in a choice of banana, kaya, corn and peanut wrapped in a soft and fluffy pancake. For the Ban Chang Kuih, it was my first time having the paper thin crepe like apom balik that is crispy and filled with grounded roasted peanut.

Lor Mai Gai 4.5/5

Big Bao 4/5

Good for tea break is the Lor Mai Gai and Big Bao. The lor mai gai is one of the best I have eaten. The sticky glutinous rice comes with generous slices of flavourful tender chicken. The Big Bao which is as big as my palm is soft and fluffy and has generous ingredients in it.

Malaysia Boleh has total 17 stalls in total and these are only some of the items I tried. To ensure the authenticity of the Malaysian street food, most of the sauces and ingredients are imported from Malaysia. Periodic audit is also contacted by the original Malaysia stall owners. Malaysia Boleh is definitely a gem and food heaven with all the street food under one roof.


Malaysia Boleh
Jurong Point
63 Jurong West Central 3
#03-28
Singapore 648331
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MalaysiaBoleh.JurongPoint
Nearest MRT: Boon Lay (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C, D or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Malaysian Food Street @ Resorts World Sentosa (RWS)

Singaporean has been known to travel North across to our Malaysia neighbour for their local hawker fare. Malacca, Kuala Lumpur and Penang just to name a few Malaysia states that we are familiar with such as Penang Laksa, Jalan Alor KL Hokkien Mee and Malacca's Chicken Rice Ball. Coming to its 2nd anniversary, the Malaysian Food Street at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has been dishing out the popular Malaysian hawker fare to satisfy the craving of the locals and foreigners saving them the travelling time north.

Foodies will be rejoiced and spoilt for choice at RWS Malaysian Food Street with the addition of five new stalls from November 2013 to freshen up the offerings. The new stalls were also selected based on guests' feedback, coming from those that is well travelled to Malaysia and genuinely enjoy Malaysian hawker fare.

Penang Fruit Rojak 4.2/5

One of the new 5 stalls is the Penang Fruit Rojak ($4.50). I ever been told that a good plate of the mouthwatering Penang fruit rojak lies on the fruit cutting skill to retain the moisture of the fruit. The sweetness of the fresh fruit and the savoury prawn paste worked harmoniously with the chopped peanuts giving it a extra crunchy finish.

Char Koay Kak 4/5

I have to admit that I thought the Char Koay Kak ($5.50) is a mix of our local char kway teow and fried carrot cake. The springy rice cake was wok fried in black soy sauce with eggs and shrimps. The delectable rice cake tasted more savoury than sweet but was very enjoyable.

Oh Chien 4.2/5

Unlike our local version, the Fried Oyster Omelette or Oh Chien ($8) from Penang uses more flour giving it a more springy and chewy texture. Wok fried together with fresh oysters, I preferred the Penang's version to our local version. Not that I don't like the chilli dip which is quite similar to those used for chicken rice, I preferred a more tangy chilli sauce to go with the fried oyster omelette.

Penang Curry Mee 4/5

Beside Penang Assam Laksa, the other popular noodle dish in Penang is the Curry Mee ($5.50). The wholesome bowl of curry mee is filled to the brim with prawns, tau pok, cuttlefish and bean sprouts. The rich and flavourful coconut soup base is not really spicy but its so flavourful that I emptied the whole bowl. Mix it with the homemade chilli sauce to raise the spicy level. The authentic Penang curry mee comes with pig's blood but unfortunately this is not allowed to be served in Singapore.

Fish Head Curry 4.5/5

Among the five new stalls, my favourite is the Fish Head Curry ($28). The taste of the fish head curry is inclined to our Indian version that is both spicy and tangy. Cooked in herbs and spices together with lady's fingers. tomatoes and onions, the flavour of this beautiful pot of stew is further lifted by the tamarind and curry leaves. Rice, toasts and roti canai are also served at an additional cost.

The addition of the 5 new stalls at RWS Malaysian Food Street indeed freshen up the offerings with delectable Malaysian hawker fare that will get the foodies excited and satisfied with its affordable pricing. Do also note that the Malaysian Food Street opening hours has changed. Instead of operating daily and rotating the closing day among the stalls, all the stalls will now open everyday except on Wednesday.


Malaysian Food Street 
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS)
Website: http://www.rwsentosa.com/

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 9am - 11pm
Sun: 9am - 10pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Exit station to Vivocity Shopping Mall. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take Sentosa Express Train to Waterfront station. Alight at Waterfront station and walk to Malaysian Food Street, Resort World Sentosa. Journey time about 15 mins.

Leng Kee @ Bukit Timah Market and Food Centre

Fried Oyster used to be sold on tricycle with a 3 foot cast iron skillet rested above a makeshift wood fired stove which was fashioned out of an old oil drum. Since street hawkers were being moved to hawker centers in the early 1970 as part of the government's street hawkers resettlement program.

Fried Oyster 4.5/5

I seldom venture to the west side of Singapore for my food exploration but thanks to the Singapore Favourite Food 2013 Food Trail I got to visit Leng Kee hawker stall at Bukit Timah Market. The Fried Oyster ($4, $5, $6, $8) batter mixture of oyster juice and flour was fried to a nice crisp, garnished with cilantro and served with big juicy oyster. A good plate of fried oyster must accompanied with a good dipping sauce and Leng Kee did not disappoint with the sambal chilli and calamansi juice dip.

Satay 4.2/5

Besides the delicious fried oyster, the stall also sells delectable satay and chicken wings. The satay was nicely grilled to a nice smoky flavour paired with the peanut pineapple dipping sauce. The chicken wings were also beautifully marinated and flavourful.

Chicken Wings 4.2/5

If you stay around the vicinity of Bukit Timah and you are looking for your local food fix, I would recommend Leng Kee. The 3 in 1 stall will sure to satisfy your craving with its delicious hawker fare.


Leng Kee
Bukit Timah Market and Food Centre
51 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Stall 144
Singapore 588215
Nearest MRT: Beauty World (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 3pm to 11pm

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

Singapore Favourite Food 2013 - Food Trail

In conjunction with the 20th anniversary of Singapore Food Festival, the Singapore Food & Beverage Alliance (SFBA) will be celebrating Singapore's unique food heritage and pays homage to local culinary heroes with the Singapore Favourite Food Village (SFF Village) at Bayfront Avenue (Marina Bay) from 12 to 21 July 2013. The 10 day extravaganza, Singapore Favourite Food 2013 will showcase Singapore's favourite dishes such as chilli crab, carrot cake, rojak, laksa, roti prata and tau huay bringing together a selection of popular hawkers and eateries for this one time celebration. Apart from the 20 favourite vendors voted from the online poll, this unique village will also feature another 20 popular local favourite hawkers and eateries. Visitors will be spoilt for choice with a total of 40 different local favourite dishes to feast on.

Leading up to Singapore Favourite Food 2013, I was invited for a food trail to feast on some of Singapore favourite dishes and learn more about our rich culinary heritage. These are also the hawkers and eateries that is nominated for the online poll.

Ri Ye Xiang Rojak

Rojak

Our first stop is one of the oldest surviving Rojak stalls in Singapore. With 48 years of history since 1965, Mr Edward Koh (stall owner) has been preparing rojak since the age of 20. Rojak which means mixed in Malay is a dish born from our cultural diversity of Singapore incorporating both Chinese and Malay elements in the ingredients.

Ri Ye Xiang Rojak
Kopitiam
Blk 450 Clementi Ave 3
Singapore120450

Opening Hours:
Daily: 3pm - 11pm

Leng Kee BBQ

Fried Oyster Omelette

Second stop brought us to Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre for some Fried Oyster. Fried oyster used to be used by hawkers on rusty tri-cycle with 3 foot cast iron skillet rested above a makeshift wood fired stove which was fashioned out of an old oil drum. The Singapore version of fried oyster omelette uses a batter of oyster juice and sweet potato starch to achieve the crispiness, garnised with cilantro.

Leng Kee BBQ
Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre
51 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Stall 144
Singapore 588215

Opening Hours:
Daily: 3pm - 11pm

Star Yong Kwang BBQ Seafood

BBQ Sambal Stingray

The third stop is at Alexandra Village Food Centre for some Stingray. Chinese fishermen used to discard the fish but it was the Malay who discovered the juicy, fleshy wonders of stingray by cooking it in curry and coconut masala. The Chinese hawkers then adapted the dish by grilling it on banana leaves and heaped with spicy sambal, chilli, and shallots which is popularly enjoyed nowadays.

Star Yong Kwang BBQ Seafood
Alexandra Village Food Centre
120 Bukit Merah Lane 1
Stall #01-04
Singapore 150120

Opening Hours:
Daily: 4pm - 11pm

Jin Jin Hot/Cold Dessert

'Gangster' Durian Mango Ice 

Wrapping up the food trail on a sweet note, our last stop was at ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre. The work Gangster is a playful take of the mandarin term for the dessert, Liu Lian Mang Guo which sounds like the word gangster when shortened to just Liu Mang. The word Gangster is now a registered trademark and this iconic dessert of Mango Ice is laden with a generous scoop of durian puree and condensed milk.

Jin Jin Hot/Cold Dessert
ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre
6 Jalan Bukit Merah
Stall #01-20
Singapore 150008
Website: http://www.jinjindessertclub.com/

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 12am


Vote Online For Your Favourite Local Vendors to be at SFF Village

Leading up to the Singapore Favourite Food Village, food lovers can vote online at http://sg.openrice.com/sff from now till 2 June 2013 for their favourite local vendor in each of the 20 categories featured this year shortlisted by the SFBA organising committee and advisory panel. Voters stand to win attractive prizes such as:

1st Prize: Singapore Favourite Food 2013 limited edition FlashPay Card worth $1,500
2nd Prize: One year supply of Taiwan Fruit Beear worth $1,200
3rd Prize: Zonin hamper of Italian Prosecco wines worth $500
Weekly Prizes: $100 cash vouchers. A total of 12 will be given out over four weeks.

Take Part in SFF Instagram Photo Contest

Singapore Favourite Food is also holding an Instagram photo contest from now till 30 June 2013. Foodies can simply upload photos of their favourite local dishes. The item must be part of te 20 dishes highlighted in SFF 2013 and hashtag their submissions with #SingaporeFavouriteFood2013. The best photos will win limited edition Singapore Favourite Food 2013 FlashPay Cards worth $12 each.