Yan Ji Wei Wei Seafood Soup @ Woodlands Centre Food Centre - Famous Woodlands Seafood Soup

This has been a much over due visit. I have always wanted to visit Yan Ji Wei Wei Seafood Soup at Woodlands Centre Food Centre near the Woodlands Checkpoint but the distance to the far north is just too discouraging. But for the seek of good food, I just have to make the long journey to taste the bowl of seafood soup myself.

Seafood Soup 4.5/5

Having tried AS Seafood Soup, I am quite eager to try the difference and compare them. The seafood soup comes in three pricing, $6, $8 and $10. I ordered the Seafood Soup ($10) which comes with crayfish. The stall also offers other variety such as Promfret Fish Seafood Soup and Grouper Seafood Soup. You can even add fish maw for an additional cost.

Seafood Soup 4.5/5

Compared with AS Seafood Soup, both stalls use the same ingredients for the delectable bowl of seafood soup. There are crayfish, prawns, dory fish and minced pork. However Yan Ji seafood soup is a notch better because the soup is more robust and intense.

Pig Trotter 3.8/5

Besides the seafood soup, we also ordered the Pig Trotter ($7) to try. For the pricing, this is consider quite a huge portion. I like variety for my meal, hence this is a good addition on top of the seafood soup to go with my bowl of rice.

The question is whether it is worth making the trip to try Yan Ju Wei Wei Seafood Soup. In my opinion, it is worth it. I have not known of another place that does such a delicious bowl of seafood soup, that is packed with rich intense flavours. The closest competitor would be AS Seafood Soup but it is still a notch behind.


Yan Ji Wei Wei Seafood Soup
Woodlands Centre Food Court
Blk 4A Woodlands Centre Road
#02-11
Singapore 730004
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Nearest MRT: Marsiling (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 11am - 4pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Marsiling MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite Marsiling MRT station (Stop ID 46529). Take bus number 856. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey tme about 12 minutes. [Map]

Jubilee Coffee House & Bar @ Netheravon Road (Changi Village) - The Old Bungalow Charm

Converting the bungalow along Netheravon Road near Changi Village into a restaurant is Jubilee Coffee House & Bar , a sister restaurant of Coastal Settlement further down the road. The old bungalow has a nostalgic charm that serves up a selection of Western and Asian fare.

Ter Kar Bee Hoon 4.5/5

I go to know about Jubilee Coffee House & Bar after Christina brought me here for lunch a couple of months back. I am back here again for the Ter Kar Been Hoon ($15). Usually pig trotter bee hoon is dry version but here it is wet version with the aromatic scent of Chinese wine. It says something when I am back for the same dish.

Pork Curry Rice 4.2/5

The other dish we tried is the Pork Curry Rice ($18). The plate of rice comes with a huge serving of breaded pork with a fried egg. The pork cutlet is deep fried to golden brown, tender, moist and juicy. For a localised twist, a bowl of local curry is served on the side.

Ching Teng 4.5/5

For dessert, we tried the Ching Teng Cold ($7). Served in huge glass, the Ching Teng comes in abundance of ingredients that is perfect for the humid weather.

The first impression of the menu is that price is rather steep. However the food portion is actually quite generous. Hence I think it is quite reasonable. Food wise I am quite surprise by the quality and standard. If not for the distance, I would definitely go back more often to try the rest of their offering in the menu.


Jubilee Coffee House & Bar
580 Netheravon Road
Singapore 508516
Tel: +65 65430060
Website
Nearest MRT: Tampines (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 12midnight
Sat, PH Eve: 930am - 1am
Sun, PH: 930am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tampines Bus Interchange (Stop ID 75009). Take bus number 29.  Alight 22 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 70 minutes. [Map]

Founder Bak Kut Teh @ Hotel Boss (Jalan Sultan)

Founder Bak Kut Teh established in 1978 is a popular and celebrity-favourite to go to for the pork rib soup. Mr Chua Chwee Whatt, the founder who used to be a pig farmer, created the recipe himself using a blend of herbs and spices, and perfected over the years. Hence the naming of the restaurant as Founder Bak Kut Teh. On 21 Jan 2016, Founder Bak Kut Teh soft launch their second outlet at Hotel Boss Jalan Sultan. 

Premium Ribs 4.2/5

Using fresh pork for the Bak Kut Teh or pork rib soup, we tried the Premium Ribs ($11.80) with comes with 2 big pieces of the premium ribs or what the local calls it dragon bone. The meat is cooked to a nice tenderness, it was very easy to tear it off the bone.

Premium Short Ribs 4.2/5

The Premium Short Ribs ($10.80) comes with 3 smaller pieces in a peppery soup base. The soup here is refillable and it is always advisable to have the soup hot. The hot soup will bring out the aroma of the herbs and spices even more.

Bean Curd Skin 3.8/5

Founder Bak Kut Teh also offers a smorgasbord of side dishes on the menu. The Bean Curd Skin or Tau Kee ($3.80/$5.80) has a very soft texture that almost melted in the mouth. Unfortunately I felt that the braising sauce is on the salty side.

Braised Egg, Dried Bean Curd, Braised Pig's Intestine 3/5

For the braised items on the menu, we ordered a couple of items to try. We have the Braised Egg ($1.50/pc), Dried Bean Curd or Tau Pok ($2.00 for 2pc) and Braised Pig's Intestine ($8.80/$11.80). Like the bean curd skin, the braising sauce is on the salty side too.

Pig's Trotter 3.8/5

Besides the Bak Kut Teh, the restaurant offers Pig's Trotter ($9.80/$12.80) on the menu. I enjoyed the gelatin part of the skin while the lean portion can be more tender. Not sure if the braising sauce is the same as above but it lacked the sweetness and herbal fragrance.

Bean Sprout with Oyster Sauce 4/5 and Choy Sim with Oyster Sauce 4/5

To find some vegetables for a balanced diet, there are the Bean Sprout with Oyster Sauce ($5.80/$7.80) and Choy Sim with Oyster Sauce ($5.80/$7.80). I was worried that the oyster sauce may also be on the salty side but it was well balanced, complementing the earthy greens.

Great news to fans of Founder Bak Kut Teh. Not only that it will be opened during Chinese New year, the new outlet at Jalan Sultan is opened from 11am to 5am daily. It is a great place for supper hunter looking for a late night meal.


Founder Bak Kut Teh
Hotel Boss
500 Jalan Sultan
#01-09
Singapore 199020
Tel: +65 6816 2582
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 5am

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking down Kallang Road towards Victoria Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Yan Ting Chinese New Year 2016 @ St.Regis Hotel Singapore

Chinese New Year is just around the corner. Have you planned your reunion dinner or company dinner to celebrate the coming lunar new year? If not, Yan Ting at St. Regis Hotel Singapore has curated a delightful a la carte menu and set menus, as well as festive takeawys to usher in the year of the Monkey.

Prosperity Yu Sheng with Norwegian Salmon and Abalone 4/5

Tossing to a year of abundance and prosperity with the Prosperity Yu Sheng With Norwegian Salmon and Abalone. The harmonious texture of marinated papaya, sweet honeydew, luscious peach, juicy pomelo, refreshing snow pear, as well as dried orange peel gives the usual yu sheng an enhanced fruity and refreshing enjoyment.

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall 4.2/5

Buddha Jump Over the Wall traditionally is a soup delicacy but Chef Wun has given it an interesting spin with his braised version that consists of time honoured indulgences like abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw, oyster and dried scallops.

Braised Pig's Trotters with Fermented Bean Curd 4/5

The Braised Pig's Trotters with Fermented Bean Curd is another delicacy on the menu. While I can't really tasted the fermented bean curd, the pig trotter is braised to a delectable tenderness, especially the melted in the mouth gelatin skin.

Fried Prawns with Golden Garlic 4/5

A popular choice among the adults and children will be Fried Prawns with Golden Garlic for its crunchy, succulent prawns and fragrant bites of the garlic.

Crispy Roasted Chicken 4/5

Grilled to perfection is the Crispy Roasted Chicken with a glistening golden sheen of skin layered over the tender, juicy meat beneath.

Wok Fried Glutinous Rice with Wind Dried Sausages 4.5/5

Completing the dinner is the Wok Fried Glutinous Rice with Wind Dried Sausages. The flavoursome glutinous rice is further lifted by the wind dried sausages for a complete round off to the whole enjoyment.

Fragrant Homemade Almond Tea Served with Crispy Glutinous Rice Cake

For desert, we have the Fragrant Homemade Almond Tea Served with Crispy Glutinous Rice Cake to finished off the sumptuous meal. Nothing fancy but comforting and hearty to wrap up the night.

Yan Ting's Lunar New Year Set Menus and exclusive A la carte Menu will be served during lunch and dinner. It will be available from 11 January to 22 February 2016.


Yan Ting
St Regis Singapore Hotel
Level 1U
29 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247911
Tel: +65 65066887
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue onwards to Forum Shopping Mall. Walk further down to Orchard Parade Hotel. Turn left onto Tanglin Road. St Regis is just beside Tanglin Shopping Centre. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

AS Seafood Soup (安盛海鲜汤) @ Depot Road

Many people may have heard of the famous Yan Ji Seafood Soup stall at Woodlands. However not many knows about this humble little stall, AS Seafood Soup (安盛海鲜汤) at Depot Road. It actually moved from Bedok to the current location. According to my brief conversation with the cook that was preparing the seafood soup, I am told that he learnt how to cook the seafood soup from a famous stall in Woodlands. I would suspect it is Yan Ji since the style is very similar.

Crayfish Seafood Soup 4.2/5

At AS Seafood Soup, they basically sells three type of soup. They are Crayfish Seafood Soup ($10/$12), Seafood Soup ($5.50/$7.50) and Promfret Seafood Soup ($10). We had the most expensive crayfish seafood soup at $12 since we have travelled all the way to try it. The soup is cooked with old hen, dried scallop and pork ribs for a good 4 hours to get the rich flavours.

Crayfish Seafood Soup 4.2/5

The luxurious bowl of seafood soup comes with crayfish, prawns, fish slices and chunks of minced pork. I have not tried Yan Ji before but accordingly to Maureen, the soup still falls short of the intensive she had at Yan Ji. Nevertheless, this is still a delicious bowl of seafood soup if are not willing to travel all the way to Woodlands.

Braised Pig Trotter 3/5

The stall also sells Braised Pig Trotter ($5/$7). The braising sauce was actually quite good. However the braised pork trotter was a bit tough and on the dry side.

Good news to the people staying in the East. As I draft this blog post, I am glad to tell you they are back in Bedok, with the opening of the 2nd outlet at block 412, Bedok North.


AS Seafood Soup (安盛海鲜汤)
Yue Hua Food Court
Blk 108 Depot Road
#02-22
Singapore 100108
Tel: +65 83987155
Facebook
Nearest MRT: LAbrador Park (CC Line), Telok Blangah (CC Line), Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 9pm
Sat: 11am - 3pm
Sun: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Labrador Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite furniture warehouse (Stop ID 14401). Take bus number 408. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID 14161). Take bus number 57. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at HarbourFront MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to HarbourFront Bus interchange (Stop ID 14009). Take bus number 408. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 21 minutes. [Map]

Eastern House of Seafood @ Chai Chee Drive

If you are a foodie, you would probably often hear the saying that good food resides in the East of Singapore. It is actually quite true with the recent discovery of Eastern House of Seafood located at the HDB block in Chai Chee Drive, woking up a delectable selection of zichar dishes.

Dinosaur Pork Rib 4/5

Don't be mislead that I am having extinct meat in the Dinosaur Pork Rib ($16). The pork rib is hugemongous hence the name. The pork rib is cooked to a nice tender and fell off the bone with ease. I found the sauce on the sweet side but my friends thought otherwise.

Fried Beehoon with Pig Trotter 4.2/5

One of my favourite dishes is the Fried Beehoon with Pig Trotter ($8/$16). The beehoon infused with the pig trotter's essence came across comforting and flavourful. Definitely a dish I would recommend ordering to go with the other delectable dishes on the menu.

Dry Roast Sotong 4.5/5

The Dry Roast Sotong ($15/$22/$28) is a must try at Eastern House of Seafood. Marinated overnight with soy sauce and celery, the sotong is understand to be bathed in hot oil instead of grill. It results in a tender sotong with the marinade kind of glued to the flesh. Every bite into the flesh is returned with a burst of lovely flavours.

French Bean in Tempura Style 3.8/5

I have mixed review of the French Bean in Tempura Style ($15/$20/$25). I think kids will enjoy this with the crispy tempura. However for adult like me probably felt that the batter masked off the natural flavour of the greens.

Prawn with Pork Floss and Rice Cracker 4.2/5

The Prawn with Pork Floss with Rice Cracker is a new dish that the chef prepared for us, this is not even in the menu. The is an addictive change from the usual cereal prawn/ The crunchy prawns accompanied by the pork floss and rice cracker, provides a multi textural enjoyment.

Salted Egg Crab 4.5/5

While Chilli and Black Pepper Crabs are the favourite among manys, I felt that Salted Egg Crabs (2 for $50) has won the hearts of many too, especially those that can't take spicy. At Eastern House of Seafood, the version is consider the dry style using crabs around 500 to 600 grams. One just need to get into it and get your fingers dirty. It is simply finger licking good.

Assam Fish Head 4.5/5

When the Assam Fish Head ($18/$20) was served, the first thing I noticed is the huge portion for the price. This is really value for money. The rich and robust assam gravy with its spiciness and tanginess, made this super shiok! Give me another bowl of rice!

If you are looking for a place to have a good zi char dinner with your family or gathering, I would recommend Eastern House of Seafood. The pricing is very reasonable with good quality and delicious food.


Eastern House of Seafood
Blk 55 Chai Chee Drive
#01-174/6
Singapore 460055
Tel: +65 91508172
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Bedok MRT station (Stop ID 84039). Take bus number 222. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Good Chance Popiah (好彩薄饼) @ Jalan Berseh

Good Chance Popiah (好彩薄饼) a heritage brand since 1977, now oversee by the third generation has opened its 2nd restaurant at Jalan Berseh. The 28 years wait has finally been over as Mr Boon Kaichun or also known as Ah Boy, invested and expanded the the family business. Good Chance Popiah now not only offers their signature Do-It-Yourself popiah but also has since expanded their menu offering many delectable cooked dishes.

Popiah 4.5/5

A visit to Good Chance Popiah definitely has to try their signature Do-It-Yourself popiah. I remembered trying their popiah many years ago but I did not enjoy it. However I have changed my mind after re-visiting them last year. It seems like they have fine-tuned the recipe since and it tasted so much better. If you like spicy, the chilli sauce really kick ass. I am told that a total of 7 different ingredients are used to make this pot of flavourful turnip for the popiah.

Salted Egg Yolk Fried Fish Skin 4.2/5

How to resist anything salted egg yolk right? The addictive starter. Salted Egg Yolk Fried Fish Skin with hints of spiciness is a good starter to the dinner.

Special Tofu 4.8/5

The Special Tofu is a must try at Good Chance Popiah, You will be blown away by Ah Boy's latest creation. The cube shaped like special tofu is actually made from the turnip gravy and egg mixture and then deep fried to golden brown. The result is a smooth silky texture that tasted even better than tofu.

Prawn Roll 4/5

Another delectable starter is the Prawn Roll that is stuffed with fresh prawn, minced meat and chestnut. It is really hard to stop at one.

Prawn Paste Chicken 4.2/5

Shrimp paste maybe smelly to some but it is aroma to me. Prawn Paste Chicken has to be one of my favourite zi char dishes and I am glad that this is available in Good Chance Popiah's menu. Crispy on the exterior with the distinct shrimp paste, this is nicely executed with the interior still tender and juicy.

Fish Head Yam Soup 4.5/5

A traditional Hokkien dish, the Fish Head Yam Soup is simmered over slow fire to extract the natural essence of the fish head, yam and cabbage to the pot of comforting and hearty soup. After I tried this dish last year, this is a must order whenever I visit the restaurant.

Salted Egg Yolk Lobster 4.2/5

I called this the dry version of Salted Egg Yolk Lobster. Coated around the bouncy lobster, the savoury and sweetness combination is just simply delicious.

Kong Bak Pau 4.2/5

The Kong Bak Pau or Stewed Pork Belly with Steamed Bun is another traditional dish that Good Chance Popiah has done well too. The flavourful melted in the mouth pork belly paired with the steamed bun is irresistible goodness not to eat it. Dieting can leave to another day.

Braised Pork Trotter Beehoon 4.5/5

Wrapping up our dinner is this bowl of Braised Pork Trotter Beehoon. The beehoon well infused with the pork trotter gravy, was slurping good. This dish may not be of any expensive ingredients but has a comforting and hearty home cooked memories.

I personally find that the food at Good Chance Popiah has improved a lot since I tried them many years ago. If you have not been back to Good Chance Popiah, I would encourage you to do so and give it a try.


Good Chance Popiah (好彩薄饼)
New World Centre
1 Jalan Berseh
#01-15
Singapore 209037
Tel: +65 96229445
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line), Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Cut across the HDB estate to King George's Ave. Turn left on King George's Ave and walk to the end. Turn right onto Syed Alwi Road. Continue straight on Syed Alwi Road until Jalan Berseh Road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Cross the road and walk towards Mustafa at Syed Alwi Road. Continue walking down Syed Alwi Road until Jalan Beseh Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Singapore Favourite Food Village 2015 @ Clarke Quay

This year Singapore Favourite Food Village 2015 takes place at Read Bridge, Clarke Quay. Themed A Wok down Memory Lane at Ellenborough Market, we see the bridge transformed into 2 rows of hawker centre from 24 July to 2 August 2015 from 5pm to 11pm.

Besides the line up of hawkers dishing our delicious food, a serial of other events such as Live Cooking Demo and Traditional Teochew Opera. Do check the schedule of the various events at the official site.

It is great to see familiar face, Ah Boy from Good Chance Popiah. In the picture is Mr Lim and Jerome from Ming Fa Fishball Noodles. There is just too much food at the Singapore Favourite Food Village. My limited stomach space only allows me to try some of the following dishes, starting off with Good Chance Popiah. Go for the chilli one as it is damn shiok.

Then wonder next door to Ming Fa Fishball Noodles to have their noodles. The mee pok coated with their vinegar and chilli was slurping good. Not to forget, the soft and bouncy fishballs.

I also tried the Jia Le Hong Kong Roasted Food's Suckling Pig. Not the best but palatable enough to go with my cup of beer.

One stall that caugh my attention is the carrot cake stall by Everything Foods that is selling Salted Egg Yolk Fried Carrot Cake and Tom Yum Carrot Cake. I tried the salted egg yolk carrot cake which was surprisingly quite enjoyable.

Everything Foods also runs another stall selling Lor Mee. I tried their Pig Trotter Lor Mee and was surprised that I was given a whole pig trotter. The pig trotter was cooked to fork tender but I thought it was lacking that rich robust flavour.

If you don't mind spending a bit more, you can try the Steamed Cold Crab from Merchant Court.

The line up of stalls also see a few cafes with their own interpretation of local flavours. The Quarters offers a trio of snack bites. There is Chilli Crab Man Tou, Salted Egg Fries and DurianCanBoleh. The durian creme brulee or DurianCanBoleh is a worthy try for something different from the usual if you are a durian lower.

A dessert I would recommend saving some space for is the Ondeh Ondeh Churros from Churros Factory. Crispy exterior with a fluffy interior, this is served with a palm sugar sauce with shredded coconut. Instead of ondeh ondeh, it actually reminds me of kueh lopes.

Singapore Favourite Food Village 2015
Read Bridge, Clarke Quay
Date: 24 July to 02 August 2015
Time: 5pm - 11pm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SingaporeFavouriteFoodOfficial
Website: http://www.singaporefavouritefood.sg/index.php