Spicy Thai - Thai Cafe @ Aljunied Avenue 2

I am not new to Spicy Thai at Aljunied Avenue 2. In fact I have been back for a couple of times with my friends for the Thai food. What makes me come back again and again probably is the exciting menu. There always seems to have something new on the menu each time I am back.

Prawn Cake 3.5/5

We started with some Prawn Cake ($2/pc). I don't usually order the prawn cake because many times I have restaurants servicing me one that is mixed with too much flour or too thick with its batter. I would say the prawn cake at Thai Spicy is one of the better ones that I have eaten.

Fish Cake 3.5/5

The Fish Cake ($2/pc) was springy and has a hint of spiciness. Paired it to sweet chilli sauce for a more delightful enjoyment.

Nam Tok Neua (Basil Beef) Salad 3.8/5

This is one salad that the carnivores will applauded. The Nam Tok Neua (Basil Beef) Salad ($15) comes with beef strips tossed in a spicy thai sauce served with century egg. There were not much vegetable except for the basil flavour that is infused to the beef. The meat was a bit tough to my liking but the sauce was top notch. Not forgetting my favourite century egg.

BBQ Pork Neck 4.5/5

BBQ Chicken Wing 4.2/5

I was told that Spicy Thai has recently engaged a grill expert from Thailand and I was eagerly looking forward to the grill items. From the grill section of the menu, I tried the BBQ Pork Neck ($10) and BBQ Chicken Wing ($6 for 4pc/ $9 for 6pc). Both the pork neck and chicken wing were really well marinated and grilled to perfection. The infused sweetness with the smokiness and slightly charred surface made these finger licking good.

Deep Fried Kang Kong with Special Thai Sauce 4/5

 I had the Deep Fried Kang Kong with Special Thai Sauce ($10) in my previous visit. It was a unique creation definitely. Compared to my previous visit, it seemed like there was a bit more batter giving it a more crispy crunch. Having it alone is it bland. It needs to pair with the special thai sauce. Quite similar like have Indian rojak.

Dill Pattie (Cha Om) Omelette 3.8/5

I am glad the price of the Dill Pattie (Cha Om) Omelette ($8) has not increased since my visit almost a year back. It was also great to note that they have used for dill pattie in the omelette for the herby taste to stand out more.

Crispy Seafood Lad Na 3/5

Crispy Seafood Lad Na 3/5

Crispy Seafood Lad Na ($6) was another dish that I tried previously. Now the fried hor fun is served separately from the gravy for retaining the crispiness. I actually think otherwise. Although the crispiness is retained, the dish felt separated without stir frying the hor fun with the gravy to infuse the flavours.

Water Fry Egg with Thai Style Crispy Sun Dried Fish

For a healthy option there is the Water Fry Egg with Thai Style Crispy Sun Dried Fish ($12). Very interesting way of fying egg, I would love to learn from the chef how to do it. Just be warned that it is packed with a spicy, tangy kick. I thought the crispy sun dried fish was additional, it did not really complement the dish except for decorative purposes. Nevertheless it was really crispy similar to the ikan bilis.

Red Emperor Snapper with Chilli Garlic 4.5/5

Moving on to the new items on the menu, we started with the Red Emperor Snapper with Chilli Garlic (market price). Simplicity at its best with the garlic and chilli combo plus a bit of lemon zest to boost up the whole natural flavour of the fish. Everyone on the table enjoyed it. However, I thought the fish was a bit overcooked by a minute or two but overall it was a very good dish.

Thai Walking Cat Fish with Spicy Lemon Soup 4.2/5

Another fish dish on the new menu is the Thai Walking Cat Fish with Spicy Lemon Soup ($28). Restaurant seldom serves cat fish on the menu but it is actually quite tasty. The flesh is firmer compared to the red snapper. I was concern of the earthy taste of the cat fish but it was well covered by the spicy lemon soup that is used to cook the fish under constant charcoal heat.

Basil Mussels 4.2/5

Still on seafood, we tried the Basil Mussels ($15). I enjoyed how the basil flavour has been infused into the shellfish giving it an addition aroma.

Lala Beehoon 4/5

The highlight for the dinner probably was the Lala Beehoon ($18) and one of the newest creation I was looking forward to try. The silky smooth beehoon was buried underneath a pile of sweet clams. Most of us enjoyed it but some felt that it was too peppery for their weak tongue. The peppery kick did give me an adrenaline rush but I thought it overshadowed the sweetness of the clam that supposed to be absorbed by the beehoon.

Lemongrass Jelly with Aloe Vera Cubes and Calamansi 3/5

Tapioca in Coconut Milk 4.2/5

Thai Red Ruby 4/5

Sticky Glutinous Rice with Mango 4/5

Not forgetting the desserts to wrap up the sumptuous dinner. Spicy Thai offers a good selection of Thai desserts such as the Lemongrass Jelly with Aloe Vera Cubes and Calamansi ($2.50), Tapioca in Coconut Milk ($3.50), Thai Red Ruby ($3.50) and Sticky Glutinous Rice with Mango ($6). The lemongrass jelly and red ruby are perfect to cool off that fiery tongue after all the spicy food. The tapioca was steamed to a delectable softness that is excellently complemented by the sweetness from the coconut milk. Last but not least the classic mango sticky rice to complete the delicious meal and wonderful company.


Spicy Thai - Thai Cafe
Blk 115 Aljunied Avenue 2
#01-35
Singapore 380115
Tel: +65 67478558
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpicyThaiThaiCafe
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12am

Direction:
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk towards Aljunied Road. Take the overhead bridge. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Aljunied MRT station (Stop ID 81081). Take bus number 80. Alight 2 stops later. Cut through the housing estate, walk towards the food centre. Cut across the food centre and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to Geylang East Ave 1. On Geylang East Ave 1, turn left and continue to the end of the road. Cross the road and continue on Aljunied Crescent. Walk down Aljunied Crescent and turn right onto Aljunied Ave 2. Walk to block 115. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Chang Thai @ Bishan Street 11

I have always like to seek out neighbourhood eateries in the heartland as I find a charm in them offering comfort home cooked food while not burning a hole in the wallet. One such new eatery servicing up authentic Thai cuisine is Chang Thai at Bishan Street 11. The eatery is founded by 3 buddies in their 20s to 30, with a native Thai chef who has been cooking since the age of 12.

Lemon Grass Drink and Thai Milk Green Tea 4/5

Dinner started with some drinks. We tried the Lemon Grass Drink ($2.50) and Thai Milk Green Tea ($2.50). The Thai Milk Green Tea is a good change from the staple Thai Ice Tea. Like its counterpart, this is a sweet and milky beverage which will come in handy for fire fighting if the food is too fiery.

Pandan Chicken 4/5

Before the mains were served, we started with some light appetizers. I am not a big fan of Pandan Chicken ($2.50/pc) because usually it turned out to be too oily for my liking. I have to applaud the execution here. The chicken was not overly oily, tender and still came with a hint of the pandan fragrant.

Prawn Cake 4/5

Moving on we tried the Prawn Cake ($5.80 for 3pc). Made from scratch the prawn cake has a crispy thin batter that is well complemented with the prawn paste inside. Most places the prawn paste are mixed with a lot of flour and you can't even taste any prawn inside but this is not the case at Chang Thai.

Fish Cake 4/5

Another look easy but painstaking preparation is the Fish Cake ($5.80 for 3pc). Fish meat is removed from the whole fish, seasoned with Thai herbs and spices before shaping them into shape. Slightly crispy on the exterior with bouncy fish meat inside, an enjoyable appetiser to kick start the meal.

Mango Salad 3.5/5

I like Thai salad because it encompasses all the staple flavours of Thai cuisine in one dish with its rich and robust flavours. The Mango Salad ($6) while I appreciate the thought of being different, giving it a more fruity note, I missed that sharpness in flavour I was seeking out in Thai cuisine.

Beef Noodle Soup 4/5

The Beef Noodle Soup ($7) reminded me of those street hawker stalls I visited in Bangkok. We have skipped the noodles as we are saving our stomach for more delicious food. I am not sure what cut of beef they used but it has a nice layer of fat and it literally melted in the mouth. What stood out for me is the robustness of the soup that is packed with slurping goodness.

Pad Thai 3.8/5

A staple Thai dish is the Pad Thai ($6/$9). For the price, the portion is definitely value for money. It seems like the rest of the group enjoyed the noodle but I thought it was lacking the wok hei aroma.

Steamed Seabass with Lemongrass 4.5/5

I will usually order the steamed fish in spicy and sour sauce but with the recommendation I decided to try the Steamed Seabass with Lemongrass ($25). I was a great recommendation. The lemongrass seems to accentuate the flavour of the fish instead of overpowering it.

Garlic Honey Chicken 4.2/5

Probably a signature dish or soon to be at Chang Thai is the Garlic Honey Chicken ($6/$8). This may looked simple but its actually pretty good with many different components coming together as one. The tender and juicy chicken, the light crispy batter, the aroma from the garlic and the honey glaze all working harmoniously as one.

Tapioca with Coconut Milk 4/5

The Tapioca with Coconut Milk ($4) was nicely steamed to a soft texture but yet still retaining a bite. The coconut milk further enhanced the enjoyment.

Red Ruby with Jackfruit 4.2/5

If you are a fan of red ruby, then you got to try Red Ruby with Jackfruit ($5) from Chang Thai. The red ruby is homemade and hence it was not overly starchy with a nice crunchy bite. The jackfruit gave the dessert an additional fruity finishing.

Mango Sticky Rice 4/5

One of my favourite Thai desserts is the Mango Sticky Rice ($6). The choice of mango is very important and the glutinous rice must be sticky and moist. I think Chang Thai has got this right.

Overall I felt that the food at Chang Thai is hearty and family oriented. I actually left the place wondering if I just had Thai food? I realized I did not get the fiery rush of spiciness throughout the meal. I regret not ordering the more spicy item on the menu which somehow made my review incomplete. I look forward to my next visit to check out the other spicier items.


Chang Thai
Blk 151 Bishan Street 11
#01-195
Singapore 570151
Tel: +65 85566899
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chang-Thai-at-151/607131619335422
Website: http://changthaisg.com/
Nearest MRT: Bishan (CC Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
Fri - Sat: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bishan MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to Bishan Bus Interchange (Stop ID 53009). Take bus number 54, 56 or 410. Alight 2 stops later. Walk straight to the traffic junction of Bishan Street 13 and Bishan Street 11. Cross the road and turn left onto Bishan Street 11. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

So Pho @ JEM

I got to know about So Pho when it opened an outlet at Nex Shopping Mall. I did know that they have another outlet at JEM in the West until my recent visit. The Vietnamese restaurant occupies quite a big space at the basement of JEM. The spacious place with its causal ambience and affordable pricing will be a welcome choice for shoppers at JEM.

Mixed Appertiser 4/5

The Mixed Appertiser ($10.80) consists of prawn cake, summer roll and fried spring roll. A good starter to whet up the appetite allowing one to try a bit of everything. I am not quite a fan of summer roll or Vietnamese roll because I usually find them too bland for my liking. However the execution of the Vietnamese roll here was quite good and flavourful.

Vietnamese Drip Coffee with Condense Milk 4/5

I got myself a cup of Vietnamese Drip Coffee with Condense Milk ($3.80) for my daily needed caffeine dosage. The coffee is on the sweet side due to the condense milk, you can request to have just black coffee too.

Cha Ca La Vong 3.5/5

Apparently this is quite a famous Hanoi street food known as Cha Ca La Vong ($10.80). It is fish fillet with lemongrass and dill served in a hotplate with rice vermicelli. I am not too sure how to eat this. I just take a bit of everything and ate them together like a wrap. It was nice but missing the wow factor for me. Saying that, this is the first time I am introduced to this Vietnamese dish.

Ga Bam Xuc Banh Da 3.8/5

Another interesting dish I tried is the Sesame Rice Crackers served with Basil Leaves Chicken ($10.80). To enjoy the dish, cracked a piece of the rice cracker and topped with some minced chicken. I felt that the rice cracker and minced chicken somewhat did not complement each other to make it a complete dish.

Pho Dac Biet 4.5/5

The Mixed Vietnamese Pho ($9.80) at So Pho is definitely one of the better ones I had in Singapore. The soup scented with cinnamon star anise, ginger and spices is robust and rich. The noodle is also silky smooth. Together with the slice beef, brisket and beef balls, the bowl of noodle soup is packed with beautiful flavours. This is one dish I will order again.

Overall I think So Pho offers pretty good Vietnamese food at wallet friendly prices. What is interesting in So Pho is that they have other interesting items in the menu that is not commonly offer at other Vietnamese eateries. Vietnamese cuisine is not just about their spring rolls and pho but beyond that.


So Pho
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#B1-08
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 63390938
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

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

Siam Society @ Jalan Riang

I am glad that a new Thai restaurant, Siam Society has opened up near my neigbhourhood at Upper Serangoon. Located at the same row of shop houses along Jalan Riang as Cajun King and Wimbly Lu, Siam Society has taken over from The Fat Cat which has moved to Holland Village. Spotting a white and black interior theme with floor to ceiling glass around the restaurant, it has a modern but yet casual ambience where one can relax eat, drink and fell in love with the place.

Lemongrass 4/5 

I got myself a refreshing Lemongrass ($4) which is served in a nostalgic metal mug while I waited for the rest of the dinner companions to arrive. It was also a good precaution for fire fighting if I could not handle the hot and spicy Thai flavours.

Prawn Cake Balls 4/5

A little twist to the usual prawn cakes, Siam Society shaped them into these delectable Prawn Cake Balls ($11.50) served with Thai sweet sauce on the side. Popping them like having popcorns, these plump and crusty prawn cake balls were very addictive.

Cabbage with Fish Sauce 4.5/5

Stir fried with fish sauce, the Cabbage with Fish Sauce ($9) was simple but yet so delicious with the saltiness of the fish sauce and the sweetness of the cabbage working harmoniously. What I enjoyed most is the cabbage still has an enjoyable crunch to it.

Clear Tom Yam Seafood Soup 4/5

With a sip of the Clear Tom Yam Seafood Soup ($10/$16.50), my dining companion commented that it tasted like Beach Road? Huh? Beach Road Golden Mile Complex is known for being a gathering place for Thais in Singapore and there are a lot of Thai eateries there servicing authentic Thai cuisine. I took it that he meant the signature soup flavoured with fragrant lemongrasss and kaffir lime leaf was very authentic.

Weeping Tiger 4/5

The grilled sirloin beef has a very interesting name, Weeping Tiger ($24). Legend has it that the Thai style grilled sirloin steak was so good that tigers started weeping after eating it. Marinated in an in house special sauce, the grilled sirloin beef not only was succulent but bursting with bold robust flavours. The flavour was so strong that it made me wonder was there a need of the homemade side sauce.

Deep Fried Pork Knuckles 4.2/5

Marinated for a good full day with the in house special marination sauce, the Deep Fried Pork Knuckles ($35) was crispy crackling on the outside and still succulent inside. Eat with the dipping sauce, this further accentuated the flavour. No wonder this is one of their popular dishes. Order a beer or cider to go with it with be just perfect for the night.

Steamed Seabass in Chilli Lime 4.8/5

Another must try dish at Siam Society is the Steamed Seabass in Chilli Lime ($32). The fish was cooked to perfection with all the beautiful sour, sweet, spicy Thai flavours that packed a punch.

Actually the people behind Siam Society is the same owner of Soi Thai Kitchen at Tampines. Having try their food before, I am glad that the owner has continued to ensure that the food is as authentic as possible with the distinct sharp flavours of Thai cuisine. What I noticed is the heart put into preparing the food with a different homemade dipping sauce to accompany each dish. With such heart and soul, I am sure to be back again for their Thai food.


Siam Society
15 Jalan Riang
Singapore 358987
Tel: +65 62868603
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/15siamsociety
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 62139). Take bus number 107, 147, 153 or 853. Alight 1 stop later. Cross Upper Serangoon Road onto Wolskel Road. Walk along Wolskel Road and turn right onto Jalan Riang. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to bus interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 105. Alight 2 stops later. Track back and turn right onto Jalan Girang. Walk along Jalan Girang, take left of Jalan Girang at the intersection. Continue on Jalan Girang and turn right onto Jalan Riang. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Lorong Chuan MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Lorong Chuan MRT station (Stop ID 66391). Alight 1 stop later. Walk down Serangoon Ave 3 and cross the road onto Jalan Girang. Walk along Jalan Girang, take left of Jalan Girang at the intersection. Continue on Jalan Girang and turn right onto Jalan Riang. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Bangrak Thai Kitchen @ Tampines Street 81

Competition is heating up in Tampines Street 81 with the opening of another neighbourhood Thai eatery, Bangrak Thai Kitchen just two doors away from Soi Thai Kitchen. It was a rainy afternoon and perfect for some Thai food. I was there with Maureen and Leroy to check out the 2 months old restaurant.

Thai Prawn Cake 3/5

Lunch started with the Thai Prawn Cake ($6.90) which was deep fried to a nice golden brown. The crust was crispy and not oily. However the filling was lacking that prawny satisfaction that one seek out in a good prawn cake.

Pandan Leaf Chicken 4.2/5

The other appertizer in the menu we tried is the Pandan Leaf Chicken ($5.90/2pc). This fair much better than the Thai prawn cake. The aroma of the pandan leaf can be detected from a distance and infused to the chicken. The chicken was also tender and moist.

Stir Fried Chilli Basil with Chicken 3.5/5

The owner told us that their Stir Fried Chilli Basil with Chicken ($5.90) was cooked to order unlike other restaurants that prepared in batch. Flavours were spot on but it was lacking that unique fragrant basil aroma.

Stir Fried Squid with Salted Egg Yolk 4.2/5

It just seems like salted egg yolk can be incorporated in almost any dishes. Bangrok created the Stir Fried Squid with Salted Egg Squid ($16) which is one of their popular dishes. I can understand why so, with the salted egg working magically well with the fresh and crunchy squid.

Steamed Fish with Spicy Lime Sauce 4/5

Another popular item on the menu is the Steamed Fish with Spicy Lime Sauce ($22). The fresh and moist fish definitely will be well received with their spiciness and sourness. However, I felted the flavours can be more heavy handed.

Red Curry Prawn 3/5

The Red Curry Prawn ($11.90) was a love and hate affair. I loved the sweet creamy gravy that goes well with a plate of rice. However the prawn was lacking in sweetness even though the restaurant claims that they used live prawns.

Clear Tom Yam Soup with Seafood 3.5/5

The Clear Tom Yam Soup with Seafood ($7.90) was perfect for the rainy day. Like most of the dishes, I can taste that fiery level of the dishes have all been toned down to suit majority of the patrons. I personally prefer it to be more spicy or else that will lose the characteristic of Thai cuisine.

Stir Fried Kang Kong Thai Style 3.8/5

The Stir Fried Kang Kong Thai Style ($5.90) was cooked to a nice crunchy bite but not overly spicy. 

Phad Thai 4/5

The Phad Thai ($5.90) was actually pretty delectable. It's probably one of the better one that I have eaten.

Tapioca with Coconut Cream 4.2/5

Our lunch ended with some Tapioca with Coconut Cream ($7.90). The tapioca was pretty fork tender. Paired with the coconut cream which I suspected honey was also added gave it a nice sweet finishing.

It is good to see another Thai eatery opening in the neighbourhood offering affordable Thai cuisine. My first impression of Bangrok Thai Kitchen is that the pricing is wallet friendly. While the food is good but I think it has lost the characteristic of authentic Thai cuisine when seasoning is being toned down too much.


[CLOSED]
Bangrak Thai Kitchen
Blk 824 Tampines Street 81
Singapore 520824
Nearest MRT: Tampines (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tampines Bus Interchange (Stop ID 75009). Take bus number 291 or 554. Alight 4 stops later at Block 827. Walk to Block 824. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]