Showing posts with label Longtong. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Longtong. Show all posts

Monday, December 23, 2024

Cafe Oriental @ Amara Singapore - Celebrates The Rich Culinary Heritage of Singapore With “Local Legends”

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Amara Singapore celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Singapore with its new "Local Legends" series, which will launch in January 2025 at Café Oriental. This initiative features collaborations with celebrated chefs and iconic dining institutions, with each installment highlighting unique culinary traditions through a showcase of their heritage recipes and signature flavours.

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The series debuts with home chef Christina Hunter of Hunter's Kitchen (@hunterskitchensg). Originally from Ketapang in West Borneo, Christina is known for her authentic Indonesian cuisine, which is often imbued with subtle influences from her Teochew-Peranakan heritage. Her private dinners and curated menus consistently sell out.

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Sambals and Kerupuk

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Sambal Mangga

The semi-buffet spread showcases a selection of Christina's homemade sambals and kerupuk (chilli pastes and crackers). The sambals were particularly captivating with their bold and punchy flavours. The Sambal Mangga, crafted from young mango, stood out with its tangy profile, while the lesser-seen Sambal Terong, made with eggplant, delivered a robust and spicy kick. In fact, they were all addictive.

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Lontong 5/5

Hunter's signature Lontong elevated this humble dish to a new level. My bowl was topped with tender Opor Chicken, Sambal Goreng Beef Petai, and Balado Quail Eggs. The homemade compressed rice cakes were perfectly textured — firm yet tender — and paired harmoniously with the well-braised vegetables in a light coconut milk gravy, creating a comforting and flavourful combination.

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Asam Garam Sotong 4/5

For the main course, diners had two set options. Set One offered a choice between Suak Chui Koi (chilli chicken) and Asam Garam Sotong (squid cooked with tamarind), while Set Two featured Rawon Beef, a Javanese-style beef stew infused with keluak nut. I opted for the Asam Garam Sotong, which was perfectly cooked and coated in a punchy gravy. The dish was accompanied by Nasi Liwet, aromatic rice cooked in coconut milk and spices, along with Sayur Lodeh Tauco, Balinese omelette, Tempe Orek Ikan Bilis, and Bakwan Jagung. The rice was particularly noteworthy, adding an irresistible, aromatic richness to the plate. The crunchy bits of the Tempe Orek Ikan Bilis were a tad saltish, but they added another layer of aroma and flavour to each bite.

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Pisang Goreng 4/5

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Es Teler 2.5/5

The desserts featured were Pisang Goreng and Es Teler. The Pisang Goreng offered the satisfying contrast of sweet, creamy banana encased in hot, crispy batter. However, the Es Teler — a chilled dessert of mixed fruits and coconut — was slightly lacklustre.

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The next installation of Local Legends will feature a collaboration with acclaimed Chef Damian D'Silva of Rempapa in March 2025, highlighting Singapore Heritage cuisine. More exciting collaborations will be unveiled throughout 2025.

Reservations for Local Legends - Cafe Oriental x Hunter’s Kitchen can be made at https://reserve.oddle.me/en_SG/amarasingapore/ticket/5744. For two days only on 16 and 17 January 2025, Christina will tantalise diners with a semi-buffet dinner, priced at S$108++ per person, limited to 50 reservations per day.

Photos and words 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.


Cafe Oriental
Amara Singapore
165 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088539
Tek: +65 68792626
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Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 830pm
Sun: 11am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Peck Seah Street towards Gopeng Street. Turn right onto Gopeng Street and walk down Gopeng Street. Turn left onto Tras Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, August 21, 2017

Chef Wan's Kitchen @ Esplanade Mall - Chef Wan Has Return Stronger With Authentic Heritage Asian & International Dishes At His New Restaurant

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Chef Wan is back in the Singapore food & beverage scene with the opening of Chef Wan's Kitchen at Esplanade Mall. This is his first ever a la carte concept restaurant whereby he will be offering dishes from recipes that has been passed down by his grandmother as well as dishes that he has cooked for royalties, sultans and celebrities across the world.

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Ayam Goreng Java Chef Wan 3.8/5

The first dish I went straight for is the Ayam Gorent Java ($18.90). Chef Wan's interpretation of the Javanese Fried Chicken. The drumstick was huge and juicy. I think I would enjoy more if it is served hot for the crispy texture and flavours of the spices rub to be more prominent.

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Lawar Salad 4/5

The Lawar Salad ($17.90) is a traditional Balinese dish made up of vegetables and chicken. I probably would not called it a salad as I could find more chicken pieces than long beans. I like the addition of jackfruit, giving the salad an extra fruity sweet dimension.

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Chef Wan's Oxtail Soup 4.2/5

A favourite dish of the Brunei Sultan is the Chef Wan's Oxtail Soup ($17.90). I guess I am privilege to be able to have the dish which Chef Wan has cooked for the Brunei Sultan. Now I can feast like a king too. The oxtail was very fork tender and I enjoyed that lay of fats, giving it that gelatinous goodness.

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Prawn Curry with Pineapple 3.8/5

The recipe for the Prawn Curry with Pineapple ($21.90) comes from Chef Wan's grandmother. A Malaysian-style curry with the addition of pineapple for a hint of sourness. It is not spicy at all, in fact it's actually a sweet curry which is a family friendly dish.

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Chef Wan's Selangor Beef Rendang 4.5/5

Chef Wan's Selangor Beef Rendang ($22.90) is one of my favourite dishes. The rempah was complex, robust and aromatic. Made into a gravy and cooked together with the beef, it enhanced and boasted the whole enjoyment of the melted in the mouth beef.

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Ayam Percik 4.5/5

Among the various curry and chicken dishes on the menu which I have tried so far, I will go for the Ayam Precik ($18.90) which is cooked in a spicy gravy. Guess I still prefer spicy curry to sweet curry. The grilled chicken was also tender and well infused with the gravy. It calls for a plate of rice to go with the delicious curry.

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Bibik Neo's Laksa 3/5

Chef Wan's version of laksa does not use dried shrimp. The Bibik Neo's Laksa ($15.90) is adopted from his grandmother recipe which she used to cook on special occasion. It is made using an unique blend of spices, grinded fresh prawns and coocnut milk. While the laksa gravy is creamy and 'lemak', I felt that it is kind of flat, lacking the usual boost in flavour from the dried shrimps.

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Cik Aini's Mee Rebus with Prawn Fritters 4.5/5

Chef Wan's mum used to make a living selling mee rebus for 31 years to support the family. The Cik Aini's Mee Rebus with Prawn Fritters ($15.90) is way for Chef Wan to pay tribute to his mother. This rendition of his mother's recipe also earned praises from the royal family of Brunei.

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Longtong Sayur Lodeh 4.5/5

Last but not least, not to be missed is the Longtong Sayur Lodeh ($13.90). I was telling my dining companions that I would gladly use the gravy for the laksa. This gravy uses dried shrimp hence it is more fragrant and familiar to our local palate for laksa.

Overall I have enjoyed he food at the newly opened Chef Wan's Kitchen. I think Chef Wan has embarked on the right track doing what he is good at. While the food is good, the price point is on the high side. Frankly speaking will customer pay more than $13 for a bowl of longtong, mee rebus or laksa?

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chef Wan's Kitchen
Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
#02-14
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 63974911
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Raffles Avenue. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Asam Tree Cafe, Bakery and Restaurant @ Ang Mo Kio Ave 6

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I have to credit Maureen by introducing to Asam Tree Cafe, Bakery and Restaurant at Ang Mo Kio Ave 6. The Halal certified eatery is just located beside the NTUC Fairprice. I was actually quite amazed by the number of dishes the humble eatery can offer in their little space. Seating area are quite limited and close to one another. It can be a bit uncomfortable but it did not deter people away with a constant stream of crowd around the clock.

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Longtong 4/5

Noticing their popularity, we approached the eatery to take part in this year's Ultimate Hawker Fest 2014. We were very glad that the owner agreed to participate in this year's fund raising event. Asam Tree Cafe Bakery and Restaurant will be cooking one of their popular item, Longtong ($3.50) at the ulitmate hawker fest. The value for money bowl of Longtong comes with steamed rice cake that has a hint of pandan fragrant and moist, a piece of huge fried tofu, cabbage and a whole egg. The curry gravy was quite rich but not too lemak. I was so good that I was actually drinking it like a soup dish.

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Mee Soto 4.2/5

The owner shared with us that the Mee Soto ($3.50) is their top seller. The sweet chicken broth goes well with the yellow noodle. However I suspect why this is the top seller has to be the chilli. Stirred and mixed it well with the chicken broth and the whole dimension of the noodle dish is brought to a new level of enjoyment.

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Mee Siam 4/5

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Mee Rebus 4/5

Asam Tree Cafe, Bakery and Restaurant also offers two other noodle dishes on the menu, Mee Siam ($3.50) and Mee Rebus ($3.50). These are really value for money with their huge servicing accompanied by the rich and delicious gravy.

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Goreng Pisang 3/5

If you not into something that is too filling and just a bite, the Goreng Pisang could be a choice for you. I like the light batter crispy coated around the fried banana fritter but I do not like the type of banana used. I prefer those that is sweeter.

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Rojak 4.5/5

The Rojak is a must try here in my opinion. The crispy youtiao was tossed in a homemade belachan and topped with peanuts. The thick gooey prawn paste which came with a spicy kick was really addictive.

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We are glad to have Asam Tree Cafe, Bakery and Restaurant taking part in this year's Ultimate Hawker Fest selling their Longtong at the fund raising event. Asam Tree Cafe, Bakery and Restaurant is just one of the Halal certified stalls taking part in this year Ultimate Hawker Fest. Other Halal certified stalls are Prata Place, TenderFresh. Food Glossary and Old Bibik is awaiting for the Halal certificates.

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The Ultimate Hawker Fest 2014 at Suntec Convention and Exhibition Hall 401 & 402 on 22 November 2014, 11am to 5pm is a fund raising event for the beneficiaries under the care of Touch Community Services regardless of race and religions. Coupons is required to purchase the food from the various hawkers and can be purchased at https://www.ultimatehawkerfest.sg/. While the hawkers sacrifice their time and some even a day's income to do a part for the needy and disadvantaged, I hope you can support them and do a part for charity too. See you at the Ultimate Hawker Fest 2014.


Asam Tree Cafe, Bakery and Restaurant
Blk 712 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6
Singapore 560721
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asamtreecafe
Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 830am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Cut across the estate and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]