Allauddin's Briyani @ Tekka Food Centre - Popular Briyani Recommended By Michelin Guide

Stepping into Tekka Food Centre, you may be overwhelmed by the number of stalls selling briyani. So which stall is popular among the locals? It seems to be Allauddin's Briyani which even gets the congregation from Michelin Guide, earning a Michelin Plate recommendation.

Chicken Briyani 4/5

Together with my foodie friends, we ordered both the Chicken Briyani and Mutton Briyani to try. What surprises me is the pricing. Each set is only $5 with pappadam, egg, achar and a bowl of vegetarian dhal on top of the fragrant basmati rice.

Mutton Briyani 4.2/5

The chicken briyani comes with a whole chicken leg which is very tender. It falls off the bone with ease as I tore it apart to go with the rice. While I enjoyed the chicken briyani, I find the mutton briyani stands out more with its more intense marination and spices. Each mouth fill comes with the beautiful aroma from the spices.

If you like mutton, I would recommend you to go for the mutton briyani instead of the chicken briyani. I understand they have fish briyani too ,but I didn't try it. Allauddin's has two stalls in Tekka food centre. One sells briyani while the other sells the other Indian fare such as prata, murtabak, mee goreng and maggie goreng.


Allauddin's Briyani @ Tekka Food Centre
Tekka Food Centre
665 Buffalo Road
#01-232
Singapore 210665
Tel: +65 62966786
Nearest MRT: Little India (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 7pm

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

Melt Cafe @ Mandarin Oriental Singapore - Delhi Food Festival Dinner

From 7 to 16 June 2019, Melt Cafe at Mandarin Oriental Singapore invites you to their Delhi Food Festival Dinner. Enjoy a slew of traditional Delhi dishes from both the Indian specialties station as well as their live stations which are set up exclusively for this festival.

Tomato Coriander Broth

Kick start your meal with this Tomato Coriander Broth, which can be found beside the Western Food station along with other soups. What makes this broth unique is that its rich consistency is obtained from ground basmati rice, rather than starch or potatoes. Extremely tangy and delicious, it is dangerously moreish!

Masala Dosa

I was surprised to see a Malasa Dosa Live station. You could have it plain as well, to appreciate all the beautiful and bright chutneys served alongside.

Chaat

Not to be missed is also the brightly lit Chaat station and each chaat is as colourful with flavours and textures from Moong Dhal Pakori  chickpeas, potatoes, onions, green chili, pomegranate tamarind chutney, mango chutney and sweet yoghurt.

Whole - Roasted Lamb Biryani Saffron Rice

Heading the Indian Specialties station is this iconic Whole - Roasted Lamb Biryani Saffron Rice, Vegetables. However, you can only witness its magnificence only on Friday and Saturday Dinner. So choose your date wisely.

Dal Dhaba

The Lentil Curry is a mainstayer and as humble as it may seem to be, it is the tastiest among all. I have tried it a couple of times during my other visits, and it never fails to delight my taste buds. Perhaps, it is its tomatoey flavour coupled with spices that makes it so alluring.

Macher Jhol

Among other festive dishes, my favourite is the Bengali Fish Curry with Coconut and Mango. The curry was fruity but was more piquant than sweet, which made it very appetising.

Mutton Ki Shami

A few items to highlight, such as their Signature Lamb and Foie Gras Kebab with Indian Spices. The flavours of lamb and foie gras were surprisingly good with each other without being too gamey.

Malai Jhinga

Tandoori Tiger Prawns were nicely charred, but some were slightly overcooked.

Til Wale Bharwa Aloo

The Potatoes and Cottage Croquette with Sesame Seed reminds me of sesame balls, that exudes tons of sesame flavour at every bite.

Paneer Tikka Masala

Their Vegetables and Spinach Creamy Curry Gravy is pleasing with a good ratio of spinach to the gravy, which makes it relatively light and less sinful when you reach out for more.

I wish there would be more exclusive Indian desserts to try but there wasn't. But the Alfonso Mango Lassi satisfied that nonetheless.

Pricing
$78 Per Adult Inclusive of Chilled Juices Every Sunday to Thursday Dinner
$88 Per Adult Inclusive of Chilled Juices Every Friday and Saturday Dinner

Written 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.


Melt Cafe
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 68853500
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Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Folklore @ Destination Singapore - Have A Jolly Heritage Eurasian Christmas At Folklore

For the festive season from 14 to 31 December 2018, Folklore will be introducing lesser known heritage dishes from Chef Damian's grandfather's repertoire, as well as well received festive dishes from past celebratory menus.

Dry Curry Mutton 4/5

I have a weak spot for curry mutton and I love the rendition of the Dry Curry Mutton ($42) prepared Indian-style at Folklore. Cooked in a blend of dry and wet spices, the meat though a bit tough, is well infused with the spices' aroma. It's hard not to ask for a plate of steamed rice to soak up that delicious gravy.

White Debal 4/5

The White Debal ($42) is Chef Damian's family rendition of the curry devil, traditionally served on boxing day which are cooked with the leftover meat and vegetables. Over at Folklore, the white debal comes with tender chicken pieces and housemade achar cooked in rempah, vinegar and mustard seeds.

Feng 4.5/5

Making a come back on the festive menu is Feng ($30). It is a traditional European curry dish created during the sea expedition days of the Portuguese, which is original known as Sarpotel in Goa. The dish is further localised as it travelled south towards Malacca. Requiring 2 days to prepared and cok the dish, Feng is assortment of pig's offal cooked in a blend of 18 spices. It may sounds acquire for some diners but this is absolutely delicious. Unknowingly I was going back for more, having it like a snack.

Beef Brisket Semur 4/5

The Beef Brisket Semur ($28) is another beautiful dish with fall of the bone meat in a rich and flavourful stew. I simply ditched my table etiquette and pick the bone up for a finger licking good meal.

Vindaloo 4.8/5

The Vindaloo ($35) is a dish originated from Goa. Chef Damian replaces the pork ribs with bone-in pork chops, just like how his grandfather did it. The pork chop is rubbed with cumin and mustard seeds and set aside to dry. It is then cooked in a blend of vinegar, garlic, ginger, tumeric, dry chillies and brandy. This is the best pork chop I have eaten and definitely the favourite among the group.

Bolu Cocu 3.5/5

The Bolu Cocu ($8 per slice) is a rare Eurasian dessert. It is a traditional coconut cake made in a brass mold. No oil or butter is used, the oil is from the coconut itself. I find the texture quite similar to the Chinese "Huat Kueh'.

Sugee Cake 3.8/5

Last but not least we end our meal with the Sugee Cake ($10 for 3pc). The buttery and nutty cake comes with a hint of brandy sweetness which is brushed onto the cake, everyday for a week. Having tried Lynnette's Seah's sugee cake, Chef Damian's version is still not moist enough compared to hers.

Folklore's Christmas menu will be available for lunch and dinner from 14 December to 31 December. Festive meal takeaways are available with an advance booking of 5 working days (last day to order is 25 December). Takeaways are available for all items except Eurasian Christmas Pie and Bolu Cocu.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Folklore
Destination Singapore Beach Road
(Beside Golden Mile Complex)
700 Beach Road
Level 2
Singapore 199598
Tel: +65 66792900
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Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to Beach Road. Turn right onto Beach Road.Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Alhambra Padang Satay @ New Upper Changi Road - New Outlet In The East Serving Malay Style Satay

Fans of Alhambra Padang Satay will be glad to know that it has opened a new outlet in the East at Blk 56 New Upper Changi Road. Alhambra Padang Satay is a household name selling Malay style satay. It has taken part in many major food events such as World Street Food Congress and Singapore Day.

From what I understand, the stall started as a road side stall beside the Alhambra Theatre at Beach Road, before being re-located to the now defunct Satay Club at Elizabeth Walk.  As far as I know, the satay is still freshly made using the same recipe handed down by the current stall owner's father.

Chicken Satay 4.2/5

I ordered the Chicken Satay, Mutton Satay and Duck Satay, 5 sticks each, and a ketupat. It cost me $12.50. Among the three types of satay, my favourite is the Chicken Satay. The chicken satay was juicy and tender. It even comes with with chicken skin elevating the whole aroma and enjoyment.

Mutton Satay 3/5, Duck Satay 3/5

For the Mutton Satay, I enjoyed the aromatic spices in the marination but I thought it was too sweet for my liking. Saying so, the mutton was very tender. Something different on the menu is the Duck Satay, which you probably can't find it elsewhere. The duck satay was grilled to a nice tender texture but I thought the natural flavour was lost in the marination.

Ketupat 4/5

A worthy note to mention is their Ketupat. It is not a significantly thing but at least the stall made the effort to serve me a warm and moist ketupat.

Alhambra Padang Satay
Blk 56 New Upper Changi Road
#01-1314
Singapore 461056
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Nearest MRT: Tanah Merah (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: From 3pm onwards

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanah Merah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Tanah Merah MRT station (Stop ID 85099). Take bus number 2, 9, 14, 24, 31, 35, and 45. Alight 1 stop later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Window on the Park @ Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre - Southeast Asian Gastronomic Extravaganza With Boston Lobster Weekend

Window on the Park at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre has launched a Boston Lobster Weekend, in addition to its buffet which is themed the Southeast Asian Gastronomic Extravaganza. The spread showcases the warm and robust flavours of dishes from Southeast Asia and our local fare, paying homage to the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Only making an appearance on weekends, the Boston Lobster will be a treat to your precious once-a-week indulgence. Each diner will get a pan-seared Boston Lobster done ala minute, alongside with the buffet spread.

Succulent, firm and sweet, you know that the meat is done right when it can be easily lifted off from its shell. Other lobster dishes are added to the range of delicacies as well, such as Black Pepper Lobster Claws and Baby Lobsters.

Prata with Fish Curry 3.5/5, Sambal Ikan Tenggiri 3/5, Mutton Curry 3.5.5

Indeed, Southeast Asia cuisine is a lot about flavours and spices. If you love curries and spices, you may probably enjoy most of the dishes here, such as the Prata with Fish Curry, Sambal Ikan Tenggiri, Mutton Curry etc.

Laksa 4/5

Despite the aura around the Boston Lobster and seafood, the Local dishes still shine. The Laksa here is still one of the finest, perhaps not the ingredients but the Laksa gravy itself. I have tasted Laksa with really premium ingredients before but the gravy often disappoints.

Kueh Pai Tee 3.5/5, Rojak 3.5/5

The DIY Kueh Pai Tee is finger licking good too. All thanks to the succulent shrimp, creamy mashed egg and crunchy shreds of tapioca which has just the right flavour. The same goes to the DIY Rojak. The prawn paste is the key to making a professional serving of Rojak. I was quite surprised by how moreish my self-made rojak is.

Durian Pengat 4.2/5

For desserts, simply head for the bowl of Durian Pengat sitting in its exclusive fridge. My favourite part is biting into bits of the durian flesh. I still prefer eating durian straight from the seed but this is probably the closest and most satisfying way that you could get to a durian. Of course if durian is not for you, there are other sweet treats around, such as mini cakes, egg tarts and ice cream.

Southeast Asian Gastronomic Extravaganza, 1 FOR 1 
Promotion Period: Now to 30 Nov 2017
Mon-Thu
Lunch: $65++, Dinner: $80++
Fri-Sun (Boston Lobster weekend)
Lunch: 70++, Dinner: $96++
*Child 6-12 years old: $22++ per child

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.


Window on the Park
Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre
Level 2
11 Cavenagh Road
Singapore 229616
Tel: +65 67338333
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Koek Road. Cross the road. Walk down Koek Road to Karmat Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Nasi Lemak Kukus @ Selegie Road - Free Flow Coconut Rice

My intend trip to Selegie was to check out Chef Kang's Kitchen after he got a Michelin Star. However the restaurant was fully booked for the next 2 months and I was told to make a reservation instead. Leaving the place disappointed, I made a detour to Nasi Lemak Kukus around the corner.

Nasi Lemak Kukus is somewhat similar to the Chinese Chap Chye Peng (Economic Rice) but nasi lemak with items such as fried fish, chicken wings, sausages, egg, mutton rendang, chicken rendang, curry chicken, sayur lodeh and more. Customers can help themselves to the free-flow coconut rice and only charge for the food they picked to go with the coconut rice.

You may wonder what is Kukis? Apparently it meant steamed. This is because the coconut rice at Nasi Lemak Kukus is cooked using a traditional method of steaming the rice instead of boiling. Coconut milk is also added after the rice is cooked and it goes back to the steamer again allowing the coconut milk and rice to be infused together.

Nasi Lemak 3.8/5

For my plate of nasi lemak, I had the fried chicken, egg, fried fish and mutton rendang. I could not remember how much I paid for it but it should be around $7-8. It is not cheap at all. If you want to keep your cost down, just go for the Chicken Wing Set at $4, which comes with a chicken wing, an egg, a fish and ikan bilis. Not forgetting the sambal chillis. Nasi Lemak Kukus offers two versions. One is sweeter while the other is really fiery. I prefer the latter which is really shiok.

Dining at Nasi Lemak Kukus is quite an unique experience. At 12 noon, the staff will hit the gong, maybe it is to signal opening or lunch time and the shutter will be pulled up to allow customers to enter. It's all DIY here. You scoop your own rice, pick the food you want and pay at the end of the line. The standouts for me are their the fragrant coconut rice and sambal chillis. Food is average though.


Nasi Lemak Kukus
229 Selegie Road
Singapore 188344
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Nearest MRT: Little India (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

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

Ivy's Hainanese Herbal Mutton Soup @ Pasir Panjang Food Centre - My Favourite Mutton Soup Stall Has Moved To The West

Fans of Ivy's Hainanese Herbal Mutton Soup be rejoiced as Max is back serving the bowl of delicious mutton soup at a new location in Pasir Panjang Food Centre. After more than a year's break, I am glad to know that Max has moved nearer to my home, and I need not travel all the way to his previous stall in Toa Payoh.

Herbal Mutton Soup with Tendon 4.2/5

Taking the feedback of his customers, Max has introduced claypot for his mutton soup so that the soup will be kept warm throughout the meal.

Herbal Mutton Soup with Tendon 4.2/5

Ivy's Herbal Mutton Soup with Tendon ($15) comes brimming with ingredients such as mutton, black fungus, tau pok and beancurd skin.The pot of mutton soup is good for about 3-4 pax. Many people may worry about the gaminess but the mutton is tediously prepared every morning, marinating them with fermented beancurd and seared in hot oil to remove the gaminess.

Herbal Mutton Soup with Tendon 4.2/5

The soup itself has a robust body with hints of bittersweet flavour. The mutton was also cooked to tender soft, which fell off the bone with ease. Not to forget the potent chilli sauce that goes very well with the meat.

Ivy's Hainanese Herbal Mutton Soup is different from most stalls that used a lot of ginger and herbs to masked the gaminess. There is painstaking labour behind each bowl of mutton soup that comes with lots of ingredients. I am glad that the stall has now found a new home in the West. I need not travel all the way to Toa Payoh to have the mutton soup anymore.


Ivy's Hainanese Herbal Mutton Soup
Pasir Panjang Food Centre
Stall 14
121 Pasir Panjang Road
Singapore 118543
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Nearest MRT: Pasir Panjang (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 8pm
(Closed on Sun)

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