Hawkerman @ Singpost Centre (Paya Lebar) - Union of 3 Hawker Brands

The recent opening of the revamped Singpost Centre at Paya Lebar sees the union of 3 local hawker brands coming together to open up a new concept called Hawkerman. The restaurant brings together Tenderfresh, Warong Kim's (Kim's Hokkien Mee) and Ah Boy Popiah (from Good Chance Popiah) to offer patrons their fried and grilled chicken, hokkien mee and popiah under one roof.

Maki Popiah

Maki Popiah 3.5/5

The menu here is rather extensive. I decided to settle for an item each from each brand. I started with the Maki Popiah ($6.90) from Ah Boy Popiah. This is a modern take of the traditional popiah. Besides the usually stuffing of turnips, the popiah is given a coat of seaweed with chicken floss topping and dressed in mayo sauce. This rendition will probably re-introduction the traditional dish to the younger generation.

Fried Chicken Wings 4/5

If you didn't know, Tenderfresh started off as 可爱鸡 selling roasted/fried spring chicken and chicken wings in neighbourhood food court and coffeeshops before expanding the brand. I love their fried chicken wings since young. Inevitable I just have to order them from the menu. The Fried Chicken Wings ($4.50 for 2pc), I think is a bit pricier compared to their coffeeshops' stall but this probably has to make up for the rental difference at the mall. Anyway, still the same recipe, still the great old taste. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside.

Spicy X.O. Hokkien Mee $12.90

From Warong Kim's, I tried their Spicy X.O. Hokkien Mee ($12.90). Using the recipe famed by Mr Yong Tan's dad, also known as the man who fried hokkien mee in his long sleeve shirt donning a Rolex watch. The hokkien mee is fried in a robust stock with the noodles soaking up the flavoursome broth. The addition of the spicy x.o. sauce provided the extra kick to the dish.

Over at Hawkerman, customers not only can savour the tradition recipes, they can also find modern take of the tradition dishes on the menu. In short, the restaurant has an extensive menu take caters for both old and young.


Hawkerman
Singpost Centre (Paya Lebar)
10 Eunos Road 8
#B1-128/129
Singapore 408600
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1100am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [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]

Jit It Thai San Popiah (日益太山薄饼) @ Clementi Avenue 3 - Garlicky and Spicy Shiokness Popiah

It has been a long while since I lasted visited one of my favourite Popiah stall, Jit It Thai San Popiah (日益太山薄饼) at Clementi. It is good to know that the old auntie is still in the pink of health, running the stall and busy rolling her popiah to serve the long snaking queue.

Popiah 4/5

What I like about the Popiah ($1.50/pc) here is the shiok garlicky taste and its kick ass chilli, that is wrapped in a thin popiah skin. I am glad that the standard is there. To be frank, the stall auntie is already quite old. I really wonder how long can she continue doing this day in day out.

Popiah 4/5

The delectable popiah here is stuffed with turnips, beansprouts, hard boiled eggs and peanuts. While the turnips may lack the depth and richness, it is made up by the garlick and chilli shiokness with the fragrant egg and peanuts rounding off the flavours.

Do let me remind you again to keep your order simple. The auntie can be quite grouchy at times if you are not clear with your order. We can't blame her as age has also caught up with her. So do pardon her temper.


Jit It Thai San Popiah 日益太山薄饼
Blk 449 Clementi Avenue 3
Singapore 120449
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 12pm - 9pm

Direction
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight towards CityVibe and continue straight to block 450. Walk to the end of block 450 and right to the carpark at the back. Cut across the carpark to block 449 which is opposite blk 450. The coffeeshop is located at the corner of block 449. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Rojak Line @ Holland Drive Food Centre - Vegetarian Shrimp Paste Rojak & Toasted You Tiao Popiah

There is hope in our hawker scene when another young hawker ditched her office job and started a hawker stall at Holland Drive Food Centre selling Rojak. The month old Rojak Line is started by 31 years old Debbie, who likes rojak but cannot stands the taste of the shrimp paste. Hence she created her own vegetarian shrimp taste.

Rojak 4/5

The plate of Rojak ($4/$5/$6) comes with fruits, cucumber, toasted you tiao (dough fritter), tau pok and topped with peanuts. We like the sweet and tangy shrimp paste sauce that is used to hold the variety of ingredients together. It was only later when we chatted with the owner that we realized she is using her own special vegetarian shrimp paste sauce. We could not tell the different at all. It is really good.

The weak link for the plate of rojak is the doughy you tiao. For it to be crispier, it needs to be toasted a bit longer or at least cut into smaller size.The pineapple was not ripe enough so it was a bit hard to bite. If it is riper, the sweetness will it a nice balance to the whole execution.

Toasted You Tiao Popiah 4/5

A interested dish on the menu is the Toasted You Tiao Popiah ($2). The toasted you tiao with the special vegetarian shrimp paste sauce and peanut is wrapped with popiah skin. I thought this is an interesting way of bringing two traditional dishes together for a new eat. While my friend do not like the doughy you tiao, I thought otherwise. I find that the doughy texture suit the whole concept, as if I am chewing a churro.

Another popular item at the stall which we did not get to try as it was sold out is the Vegetarian Popiah ($1.80) that comes with turnip, carrot, salad, shitake, sweet sauce, crispy bits, peanut, chilli and garlic. Vegan may request not to have garlic.

Overall, I am impressed with the vegetarian shrimp paste sauce. This is my first time having it and I have to admit I will not be able to tell the different if the owner has not revealed to us. It is only a month into business, so I am sure there will be some fine tuning and improvement along the way. I really look forward to Rojak Line scaling new heights in the new future. All the best.


Rojak Line
Holland Drive Food Centre
Blk 44 Holland Drive
#02-13
Singapore 27044
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (EW Line, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 8pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the underpass to the other side of the MRT station. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]

10 at Claymore @ Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel - Pearl of Orient Penang Fiesta

For the month of April and May 2016, 10 at Claymore, Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel will be bringing to you the Pearl of Orient Penang Fiesta. Executive Chef Andy Oh, a Penang boy himself will be serving an ensemble of dishes which the Malaysian town is famous for.

Besides the Penang feast, the restaurant has also put together some timeless favourite beverages such as the Milo XL, Bandung and Calamansi Juice at $6 nett each.

XO Popiah 3/5

The spread at the buffet line is quite extensive. I started with some light bite in the XO Popiah. An interesting twist to the normal roll but I thought the XO sauce was a bit heavy throwing the balance off.

Penang Rojak 4/5

The light and refreshing Penang Rojak tossed in a savoury prawn paste is a delightful starter to whet up the appetite.

Penang Prawn Noodle 4/5

Moving on to the noodle section, I tried the Penang Prawn Noodle. The broth is robust and packed with flavour. It also comes with an hint of spiciness.

Assam Laksa 4.5/5

One of the real deal at the Penang Fiesta is the Assam Laksa. All the components of a good bowl of assam laksa can be found in it. Definitely one of the best I have eaten for a long while. This is as close as we can get for the authentic flavour of Chef's hometown.

Bak Kut Teh 3/5

For those that like Malaysian style Bak Kut Teh, you can savour it at the Penang Fiesta too. The claypot comes with pork belly ribs, pork intestine, pig stomach, meatball, bean curd stick, dough fritter in a rich and intense flavoured broth. However it seems the kitchen was a bit heavy on the sodium chloride.

Cuttlefish Kangkong 3/5

Another dish that can be better is the Cuttlefish Kangkong. The most important component of the dish, the sauce was too sweet and lacked the prawny pungent taste. Sorry to say that but I thought it tasted more like the yong tau foo sweet sauce.

Chicken Lor Bak with Century Egg 2.8/5

Lor Bak is another staple of Penang cuisine. The version at the buffet is made using chicken instead of pork. If not for the saltiness, this would be a very enjoyable bite.

Penang Char Kway Teow 4.5/5

An all time favourite is the Penang Char Kway Teow. The smokey wok hei is an excellent showcase of the chef's control of the fire and wok. This is a dish not to be missed if you have the chance to dine at Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel.

Besides the spread of Penang fare, the buffet line also has many delectable cooked food that will satisfy your tummy as well as your wallet. The extensive choices make every dollar worthwhile. Among the spread, the other dishes I tried are Nonya Kerabu Fried Rice, Braised Pork Trotter with Black Rice Vinegar, Chicken Kapitan Perankan Style, Braised Duck with Preserved Salted Vegetables, Inchi Kabin Fried Chicken, Braised Lamb Shank, Slow Braised Beef Cheek, Baked Norweigian Salmon,

Banana Fritter and Gula Melaka Ice Cream 4/5

By the time for dessert, I was already too stuffed. Hence I just try only a few items from the dessert section. The Banana Fritter with its crispy exterior is worth trying. Furthermore, the sweet snack is seldom served in hotel buffet. To elevate the presentation and enjoyment, I told a scoop of the Gula Melaka Ice Cream and added some condiments.

Great to have my favourite shaved ice Chendol in the dessert section too. The sweetness of the dessert, coupled with the fragrant coconut milk and gula melaka, is the perfect ending to a delicious night of Penang fare.

Chendol 4.2/5

The Pearl of Orient Penang Fiesta will be available from April to May 2016. During the same period, the lobby lounge will be offering a three-course menu featuring chicken lor bak as appetiser, a choice of assam laksa with barramundi fillet, live king prawn noodle broth or Penang char kway teow for main course, ending with the chendol for dessert.

Lobby Lounge - Penang Set Lunch
Mon-Fri
Time: 12pm - 3pm
Price: $16 nett, $19 nett (with a choice of Milo XL, Bandung and Calamansi)

Buffet Price Details
Mon-Fri Lunch: $42
Sat-Sun Lunch: $48
Mon-Sun Dinner: $68


10 at Claymore
Pan Pacific Orchard
10 Claymore Road
Singapore 229540
Tel: +65 67370811
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PanPacificOrchard
Website: http://www.panpacific.com/en/Orchard/Overview.html
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 1030am (breakfast), 12pm - 230pm (lunch), 6pm -1030pm (dinner)
Sunday: 12pm - 3pm (brunch)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk to Palais Renaissance which is right after Royal Thai Embassy. Cut through Palais Renaissance to the other side of the building. Pan Pacific Orchard is opposite the building. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Shaw House via underpass. At the road level, walk along Orchard Road towards Royal Thai Embassy direction. Walk to Palais Renaissance which is right after Royal Thai Embassy. Cut through Palais Renaissance to the other side of the building. Pan Pacific Orchard is right opposite the building. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Souperstar @ Eastpoint Mall - Modern Popiah with a Twist

When our friend, Wayne told us that there is a stall in Eastpoint Mall selling fusion popiah, it alerted our food rada and we purposely made a trip down to the far Eastern side of Singapore to check out Souperstar at Eastpoint Mall. The folk behind Souperstar is non other than the 2nd generation of Fortune Food which specialized in popiah skins and kueh pie tee since 2004. The business has since grown from a small hawker stall at Geylang Bahru hawker centre, to a wholesale and home delivery business.

Sesame Chicken 4/5

Creating the new fusion popiahs is Wei Ting and Wei Ling who has grown up with the business, Using what they known best, the popiah skin, they are introducing Singaporean to the new age popiah with a twist. I would prefer to call it the new Singapore Wrap.

Sweet Thai Chicken Popiah 3.8/5

Instead of the usual shredded turnip, the popiah is replaced with salad greens. The Sesame Chicken Popiah ($3.80) comes with slices of roasted chicken, cherry tomatoes, coral lettuce and white sesame sauce. It is like having a bowl of salad but in a wrap form. If you prefer something that is more intense in flavour, then the Sweet Thai Chicken Popiah ($3.80) is an option. It comes with roasted chicken, fresh mango, cilantro, coral lettuce, sweet Thai chilli mayonnaise.

Seafood with Mayo Popiah 3.8/5

For seafood lover, there is the Seafood Wasabi Mayo ($4.10). Wrapped in the thin popiah skin are fresh shrimps, season tuna, crab stick, wakame seaweed, coral lettuce and light wasabi mayonnaise. These fusion popiah is actually bigger than your tradition popiah with generous stuffing. Having one is enough to fill you up. .

Traditional Popiah 4.2/5

While we may progress in food, we also cannot forget the tradition. Hence, on top of the three fusion popiahs. Souperstar also sells the Traditional Popiah ($2.50). I noted that the tradition popiah did not use bean sprout but replaced with cucumber instead. I like the used of the cucumber giving it a more crunchy and refreshing bite.

Besides the popiah, Souperstar also offers a selection of hearty soups and stew with rice and bread. After eating all the popiahs, I was already too stuffed to try the other items. Anyway my main reason is to try the fusion popiah and I have accomplished the mission. Not only is it yummy, it is healthy too. Thumbs up to the new Singapore Wrap.


Souperstar
Eastpoint Mall
3 Simei Street 6
#B1-K6
Singapore 528833
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Simei (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 930om

Direction: 
1) Alight at Simei MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 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]