Showing posts with label Rice Bowl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rice Bowl. Show all posts

Monday, January 27, 2025

KUN (坤) Omakase @ Amoy Street - An Omakase Style Course Meal Paired with Tongue-tingling Thrill of Sichuan Cuisine

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Conveniently located in Telok Ayer, KUN (坤) offers the elegance and refinement of an omakase-style course meal paired with the tongue-tingling thrill of Sichuan cuisine. The space is intimate yet sophisticated, with sleek, minimalist decor and bar counter seating that offers guests a front-row view of the chefs in action. Hailing from Sichuan, China, the chefs bring their expertise and passion to each dish, showcasing their culinary skills and artistry. I also loved the tasteful choice of crockery; every dish was served on beautifully designed plates and bowls, enhancing each dish's aesthetics.

In addition to their signature seasonal 8-course ($168++) and 10-course ($289++) dinner menus, KUN has recently introduced a new 8-course Seafood and Crab Feast ($168++). The menu highlights the vibrant, fresh flavours of the ocean while taking diners on a journey through the bold, evolving layers of Sichuan spices. As the meal progresses, the intensity of the flavours deepens, a blend of heat and complexity that is just so satisfying for the tastebuds.

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Varieties of Pickled Vegetables 3.5/5

The first dish to arrive is a Varieties of Pickled Vegetables, presented in a long glass vessel. Served in a specific order — from left to right — the selection includes tangy and spicy bamboo shoots, navel orange-infused winter melon, and savoury, spicy cherry radish. Each bite offers some crunch and a mild tanginess that awakens the palate. It is a refreshing prelude to the rest of the dinner menu.

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Seafood Crab Meat Soup 4.5/5

The Seafood Crab Meat Soup is the lightest dish on the menu, designed to allow diners to fully appreciate the natural sweetness of the Canadian clams and flower crab leg. The consommé is delicate and clear, having been steamed for 6 hours to draw out all the flavour of the seafood. There are also succulent pieces of clam and crab meat in the soup.

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Live Scotland Bamboo Clams with Red Oil Garlic 4.5/5

The Live Scotland Bamboo Clams with Red Oil Garlic showcases plump pieces of bamboo clams coated in a fragrant, spicy garlic red oil dressing made fresh daily. This aromatic dressing imparts a mild yet captivating heat. For some contrast in texture, crunchy Dongbei fungus is added, and ikura is also mixed into the sauce.

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Cold Rice Noodles with Homemade Red Oil dressing 4.5/5

I was excited for the dish of Cold Rice Noodles with Homemade Red Oil dressing and was intrigued by how the rice noodles were expertly shaved off a whole piece of noodle dough and neatly folded into a bowl. Thicker than kway teow and made from a blend of rice and pea flour, the noodles are soft and pleasantly smooth. This dish is a summertime staple in Sichuan, with chilled noodles tossed in a fragrant red chilli oil dressing. The default spice level is "zhong la," or medium spicy, but you can request extra spice or a milder version in advance, depending on your preference. The combination of refreshing noodles and the zing of chilli oil makes it a perfect dish for a warm day.

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Stir-Fried Flower Crab with Crispy Golden Beans 4.8/5

The Stir-Fried Flower Crab with Crispy Golden Beans was undoubtedly the showstopper of the evening. Each diner is served their own flower crab, expertly cooked in the classic Sichuan "dry fry" method. It involves flash-frying the ingredients to lock in their flavours before tossing them with aromatic seasonings and spices reminiscent of La Zi Chicken. The result is a perfectly cooked crab that is so fragrant and incredibly tasty. We all eagerly put on our gloves and used our hands and a little fork to crack open the crab and dig into the sweet flesh. Though the crab isn't very meaty — a deliberate choice by the chefs — it encourages diners to fully immerse themselves in the experience, sucking at the crab legs and savouring the spices that coat every bite.

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Red Oil Xiao Long Bao 4.2/5

Following the flower crab is a dish of two steamed Red Oil Xiao Long Baos. These dumplings contain Brazilian pork filling, coated in a sweet and sour red oil dressing, and finished with a sprinkling of homemade chilli powder. The dumplings are quite good, retaining their rich soup and offering a juicy bite, but the skin could be slightly thinner.

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Seafood Rice Bowl 4.2/5

To conclude the savoury courses, we had an umami-packed Seafood Rice Bowl featuring black tiger shrimp, dried scallop, crab meat, and tofu with a rich salted egg sauce. The ingredients were served atop a bed of Japanese pearl rice, which perfectly absorbed the tasty sauce. Mix it all up and enjoy! It's a satisfying, hearty dish that filled us up.

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Murasaki Imo Momo 4.2/5

After the richness of the meal, the Murasaki Imo Momo dessert is a lovely and refreshing combination of sweet peach ice cream balls paired with purple sweet potato balls, which contain a blend of honey, condensed milk and coconut. The sweet potato itself is not too sweet, and hidden inside is a piece of seasonal fruit such as melon.

Overall, it's a thoughtfully presented course menu that indulges diners in the tasty flavours of premium seafood infused with Sichuan-style elements for a perfect balance of heat and aromatic complexity. The chefs demonstrate impressive skill, carefully managing the spices so as not to overpower the delicate seafood. Instead, they enhance its natural sweetness and depth, allowing diners to fully appreciate the taste of each ingredient. The layers of spice provide a memorable kick without overwhelming the palate.

For those craving even more crab, seasonal hairy crab is available as an add-on for just $18! Additionally, KUN offers personalised menus upon request, with three days' advance notice, allowing diners to customise their dining experience to suit their preferences.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


KUN Omakase
72 Amoy Street
Singapore 069893
Tel: +65 8785 6997
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:

1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Common Man Coffee Roasters @ Alexandra - Launches a Refreshed All-day Menu

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Common Man Coffee Roasters (CMCR) at Alexandra has recently launched a refreshed all-day menu featuring over ten delectable new items, from all-day breakfast options to classic dishes. The beverage selections have also been updated with a new range of seasonal coffee concoctions, combining CMCR coffees with housemade infusions.

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Breakfast Pancakes 4/5

From the breakfast selections, we tried an amped-up version of Breakfast Pancakes ($26). These brown butter pancakes were fluffy with a pronounced butteriness, served alongside rich, luscious scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. The dish was served with maple butter syrup to bring the flavours together, creating a delightful balance of sweet and savoury notes. Adding burnt feta sprinkles enhanced the dish's savoriness, making it a standout breakfast option.

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Common Man Full Breakfast 4/5

The mainstay Common Man Full Breakfast ($30) continues to be a popular choice. Besides the generous portion size, the housemade elements, such as the hash browns and pork sausage, set it apart. The chorizo baked beans were flavorful, although they could benefit from a longer cooking time to achieve the desired softer texture.

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Rainbow Rice Bowl w/chicken 4/5

We had the Rainbow Rice Bowl ($24) from the Classics, a wholesome dish made with organic brown rice, housemade spicy pineapple kimchi, sweet potato chips, daikon, and crispy buckwheat. A poached egg crowned the rice, serving as a natural sauce that brought all the elements together. The texture and flavour of this dish were excellent — the rice had a good bite and a nuttier taste, which mingled well with the other ingredients. The kimchi was piquant, with sweetness coming through from the sweet potato chips, while the crispy buckwheat added a delectable crunch and extra nutty nuances. We opted for the grilled chili chicken add-on, but smoked salmon ($8) is also available as an alternative.

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King Prawn Mac & Cheese 4.5/5

A highlight for me is the King Prawn Mac & Cheese ($28) under the pasta selection. It featured chunky sautéed king prawns with just the right amount of béchamel and cheese to coat the macaroni. The flavours were well-balanced, using assertive cheeses like red cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano and incorporating bitter greens such as kale into the creamy mix. The texture of the succulent prawns and al dente macaroni was spot-on, and the addition of sourdough crumbs boosted the overall enjoyment of the dish, such as fruit extracts, juices, nut milk, and spice extracts.

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Beet Box

Do try the new speciality iced drinks. I had a refreshing Beet Box made using cold brew, sweet and tart with raspberry, beetroot, pomegranate, and dragonfruit. There are also other caffeinated options with a bolder coffee flavour, such as Going Bananas, which is made using housemade banana syrup.

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.


Common Man Coffee Roasters
368 Alexandra Road
#01-01
Singapore 159952
Tel: +65 6877 4872
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Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 730am – 5pm
Tue–Thu, Sun: 730am – 10pm
Fri–Sat: 730am – 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Gourmet Park @ Resorts World Sentosa - Gourmet Food Truck Park Featuring Exciting Michelin-Starred Names

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Gourmet Park is conveniently located just outside the main entrance of Universal Studios Singapore in Resorts World Sentosa.

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This innovative food truck park concept was created to offer visitors, whether tourists or locals, a carefully curated selection of emerging food brands and Michelin-starred cuisine to savour.

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The food trucks are lined on the circumference, each serving their usual signatures and/or dishes specially prepared only to be enjoyed at the park.

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Other notable park highlights include the alfresco dining area, live DJ sets on weekend evenings, the intentional inclusion of vegetarian options at three trucks, and free entry for all.

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Blue Lotus - Signature Chilli Pomelo Crab Meat Rice Bowl 4/5

Blue Lotus is most known for its modern Chinese creations. The first we had from them was their Signature Chilli Pomelo Crab Meat Rice Bowl ($19). Although a tad pricey, it was great to enjoy the crab meat without needing to peel, and we particularly enjoyed the heat and variety of spices packed in its chilli crab sauce.

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Blue Lotus - Five Spices "Lu Rou" Kurobuta Pork Belly Rice Bowl 3.8/5

The second dish, the Five Spices "Lu Rou" Kurobuta Pork Belly Rice Bowl ($17), was decent, with chunky and well-braised pork belly on white rice.

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The Kathi Roll Co - Butter Chicken Roll 4/5

At The Kathi Roll Co, dig into their range of Indian street food consisting of wraps, rolls and bowls. Our Butter Chicken Roll ($18) came with nicely spiced and tender chicken chunks, but we also found it quite pricey.

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Kotuwa - Chicken Kottu 4.5/5

Kotuwa is a Michelin-starred name that focuses on traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. It was a unanimous nod of approval from all of us for their Chicken Kottu ($16). This elevated rendition of a Sri Lankan street classic features a mix of chopped roti, vegetables, chicken and a curry-like gravy. It was hearty with the perfect spice, richness and textures.

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Chun Noodle Bar - Truffle Char Siu Noodle 4/5

The wanton noodles from Chun Noodle Bar are available in various renditions. We had the Truffle Char Siu Noodle ($13) that had egg noodles tossed in their housemade sauce, tender Iberico char siew and wantons.

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Lavi Taco - Pulled Mushroom Taco 4.2/5

If you want a vegetarian option, check out Lavi Taco's Pulled Mushroom Taco (3 for $20 / 2 for $26). The tacos were generously filled with its well-textured mushroom filling, so much so that one of my dining companions didn't realise it was vegetarian till the end!

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Luke’s Lobster - Lobster Roll 4/5

Luke's Lober's Lobster Roll ($27.60) uses lobsters from Maine, USA. Most would be familiar with them and their buttered rolls stuffed with your choice of lightly seasoned seafood.

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QUEIC & Olivia Market - Olivia Cheesecake 4.8/5

Moving to desserts, I was so excited to spot QUEIC & Olivia Market's truck as they made my favourite cheesecakes! The prized Olivia Cheesecake ($14) has this amazingly oozy filling made of cream cheese and blue cheese, sat on a crunchy almond sable crust. It is so intense yet so well-balanced. I highly recommend this to all cheese lovers.

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Spank My Dough - Artisanal Brioche Doughnuts 4.2/5

Grab more desserts from Spank My Dough, which specialises in Artisanal Brioche Doughnuts ($4.50 - $6.80/piece) produced in small batches daily and with piped fillings. The fluffy bombolonis are available in various flavours, including Vanilla Bean, Raspberry Cheesecake, Pistachio Cream, Blueberry Lavender Lemon and more.

With the wide variety of cuisine available here, there is something for everyone. Other brands not featured here include Blue Smoke, Coolhaus, Dickson Nasi Lemak, JAMBA, Mad Roaster, Quattro Pizza and Seafood Bar by Bleu.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gourmet Park
Resorts World Sentosa
The Bull Ring
8 Sentosa Gateway
Singapore 098269
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront MRT (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 8pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Exit station to Vivocity Shopping Mall. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take Sentosa Express Train to Resorts World station. Alight at Resorts World station. Walk to destination. Jourrney time about 10 mins

Saturday, June 3, 2023

UYA @ Oasia Hotel Novena - Savour Outlet-exclusive Specialty Dishes and Signatures At UYA's Second Outlet

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Uya, renowned for its top-notch unagi dishes, has opened its second outlet at Oasia Hotel Novena. This unagi restaurant offers a range of outlet-exclusive specialty dishes and signature creations that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. With a focus on quality, Uya sources live eels directly from fisheries on a weekly basis, ensuring the freshest ingredients for their dishes. These live eels are then prepared a la minute in various mouthwatering renditions by Uya's team of experienced Japanese chefs, led by the talented head chef.

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Grilled Unagi Fin 4/5

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Grilled Unagi Head 3.8/5

Diners can expect an array of new and irresistible bites crafted to complement Uya's selection of Japanese sakes, shochu, and beers. Among the highlights are three specialty skewers glazed in Uya's signature homemade sauce. The Grilled Unagi Fin ($6/Stick) and Grilled Unagi Head ($6/Stick) are perfect for those who appreciate the traditional Japanese way of enjoying different parts of the eel.

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Yahata Maki 4/5

For a unique Kyoto specialty, try the Yahata Maki ($9/Stick), which combines crunchy and slightly bitter burdock root wrapped within tender unagi.

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Smoky Unagi Ham 4/5

One standout dish is the Smoky Unagi Ham ($16). This tightly-rolled unagi is lightly seasoned with salt and grilled over sakura wood chips, imparting a distinct smoky ham-like flavor. The accompanying velvety cream cheese adds a rich mouthfeel, resulting in a delightful combination of flavors.

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Crispy Unagi Bone 3.5/5

At Uya, you'll also encounter unique offerings like the Crispy Unagi Bone ($6), which provides a thin and crispy chip-like texture, a surprising treat for those unfamiliar with eating eel bones.

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Liver Ponzu 2.5/5

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Deep Fried Liver 2.5/5

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Grilled Liver 3/5

Adventurous eaters can opt for the Eel's Liver prepared in three ways: Boiled ($9), Grilled ($9), and Deep-fried ($9). While the boiled version is served with ponzu sauce to balance the gaminess, the grilled and deep-fried variations help mask the intense flavors of the liver.

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Oyster Tempura 3/5

Seafood lovers shouldn't miss the Oyster Tempura ($14), featuring plump and juicy Hiroshima oysters wrapped in shiso leaf and accompanied by a crispy coating. While the dish is served with salt, a tangy sauce could elevate the overall flavor profile.

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Mullet Roe with Radish 3/5

Another a la carte dish at Uya is the Mullet Roe with Radish ($19). This dish showcases the savory and perfectly balanced flavors of mullet roe paired with white radish. The combination creates a delightful taste experience; however, it may be an acquired taste for those unfamiliar with enjoying mullet roe in its naked form.

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Grilled Eel with Salt 4/5

One of Uya's expertly-executed offerings is the Grilled Eel with Salt ($23/$33/$46). This seemingly simple dish requires meticulous preparation, including filleting, deboning, butterflying, skewering, and grilling the eel with just the right amount of salt. This careful technique ensures that the natural flavors of the eel shine through, resulting in a delectable and satisfying culinary delight.

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Healthy Unagi Rice Bowl 4/5

For those seeking a complete meal, Uya offers set meals that come with a side of refreshing and tangy salad, pickles, and miso soup with a hint of yuzu zest. The Healthy Unagi Rice Bowl ($29) features tender eel, natto (fermented soybeans), nagaimo (Japanese mountain yam), okra, sous vide egg, and garnishes like spring onions, seaweed, and Japanese ginger. However, the sticky mucilage from the ingredients may not be to everyone's liking.

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Hitsumabushi Large 4.2/5

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Hitsumabushi Medium 4.2/5

Undoubtedly, the highlight of Uya's menu is the Hitsumabushi ($35/$48). Served in two sizes, this bowl showcases glistening golden-brown unagi atop fluffy Niigata rice. Accompanied by a trio of condiments (spring onions, wasabi, and crispy nori), homemade umami dashi, pickled cucumbers, and miso soup with yuzu zest, the Hitsumabushi offers three ways to enjoy it. You can savor the original flavors of the grilled unagi and rice, enhance it with your choice of toppings, or pour the light dashi broth over the rice, reminiscent of an 'ocha-zuke' style. However, it's worth noting that the dashi broth at Uya leans towards the sweeter side compared to other unagi restaurants.

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Sea Urchin and Wagyu Rice Bowl 4.2/5

For a luxurious and indulgent experience, try the Sea Urchin and Wagyu Rice Bowl ($55). This delectable dish combines thinly-sliced succulent rare beef, Hokkaido sea urchin, and briny ikura with freshly-grated wasabi, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors.

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Parfait 4/5

The Parfait ($12) is beautifully adorned with layers of sweetened azuki beans, creamy vanilla and matcha ice cream, chewy mochi balls, and velvety whipped cream. Each component contributes to a symphony of flavors and textures, creating a harmonious blend that will leave you wanting more.

With its outlet-exclusive dishes and commitment to serving quality unagi creations, Uya at Oasia Hotel Novena is a must-visit for unagi enthusiasts and Japanese cuisine lovers alike. Prepare to embark on a delightful culinary journey filled with the finest unagi delicacies that will leave you craving for more.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


UYA
Oasia Hotel Novena, Singapore by Far East Hospitality
8 Sinaran Drive
#01-05
Singapore 307470
Tel: +65 97880071
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Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walkdown Sinaran Drive. Walk towards Novena Specialist Centre. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, February 25, 2023

MAM MAM @ NUHS - A Hidden Gem At National University Hospital

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One of my most ordered delivery during these three years of Covid is MAM MAM. However, I only recently visited the casual eatery hidden in National University Health System (NUHS) Tower Block at National University Hospital. MAM MAM is the brainchild between Chef Sebastian Ng of VENUE by Sebastian, and Edmund Ang, the third-generation owner of Punggol Nasi Lemak. The casual eatery serves affordable Asian Rice Bowl and hearty local food.

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100-hour Duck Confit Rice Bowl

One of my favourite dishes at MAM MAM is its 100-hour Duck Confit Rice Bowl ($11.50). The confit duck leg is marinated with Asian spices for two days and slow-cooked for 24 hours. The result is extremely tender with flavoursome crispy skin. The rice bowl is served with delectable sides - seasonal vegetables, salted veggies and egg roll. Not forgetting the piquant green sambal that accentuated the enjoyment of the duck confit.

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Spice-crusted Chicken Leg

The signature at MAM MAM is its Spice-crusted Chicken Leg ($8.50). The huge chicken leg is marinated in a special concoction comprising 16 different types of herbs and spices for an aromatic finish. The chicken leg is deep-fried to a delightful crunch on the skin but tender and juicy inside. It is served with a side of pickled cucumber and egg roll.

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Besides the two Asian rice bowls, the menu offers four other ones, all below $10. They are Golden Fried Chicken in Signature Spicy Tomato Sauce ($7.50), Slow-roasted Norwegian Salmon Specialty ($9.50), Signature Minced Chicken with Basil and Egg Tofu ($5.90) and Wok-fried Sliced Beef with Ginger and Scallion ($5.80).

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MAM MAM also offers congee on its menu. The congee has a consistent creaminess. It is a hearty and comforting bowl of congee. However, it is not the style I like. Being a Teochew, I prefer it to be more grainy.

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Another item I usually order at MAM MAM is the Green Bean and Sago. It is a local dessert I like, and at MAM MAM, I can have a satisfying meal from mains to dessert.


MAM MAM
NUHS Tower Block
Level One
1E Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119228
Tel: +65 62524320
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Nearest MRT: Kent Ridge (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7am - 5pm
(Closed on Sat-Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Kent Ridge MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down South Buona Vista Road. Turn right onto Kent Ridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 mintues. [Map]