88 Hong Kong Roast Meat Specialist @ Tyrwhitt Road - Legendary Sio Bak Has Re-Located And Up His Game

My favourite sio bak stall has moved again. Since I was first introduced to Martin's roasted meat stall when he was in Tampines, I have been following his movement when he moved to Johor, Malaysia and back in Singapore at Bukit Batok and Foch Road. 88 Hong Kong Roast Meat Specialist has now moved down the road to Qinan Building at Tyrwhitt Road.

Sio Bak 4.8/5

With his new location, a group of us organised a trip down to support his new opening. Of course we have to order his famed Roasted Pork Belly or Sio Bak. The beautiful layers of meat with its biscuity crackling skin is still as good as afar. Only one word to describe it, this is shiok!

Roasted Duck 4.5/5

An item that Martin has been able to improve with time is the Roasted Duck. The glistering skin was has a slight crispiness on top of the fat and juicy duck meat. The group of us all agreed that the roasted duck today was top notch. Looks like Martin has mastered another dish using his Apollo oven.

Char Siew 4.2/5

I still remembered that when I first tried Martin's char siew I did not like it. Over time he has improved on the roasting. Now the char siew has a nice coat of sweetness that is complemented by the bitterness of the exterior charred. Martin has purposely roasted in darker for that balance and aroma.

Soya Sauce Chicken 3.8/5 and Chicken Rice 4.5/5

With the relocation, Martin has also hired a new chef who used to work in a popular chicken rice chain to offer Soya Sauce Chicken and Chicken Rice on the menu. The soya sauce chicken is cooked to an enjoyable texture but I did not like the gooey sauce that is drenched over the chopped chicken. I thought it masked the appreciation of the nature flavours.

By the way, I would highly recommend to ask for the Chicken Rice instead of white rice even if you are having other roasted meat. The new chef cooks a plate of delicious and aromatic chicken rice infused with the essence of chicken, garlic and ginger. Not forgetting the tangy chilli sauce made by the new chef. It goes very well with the rice, chicken and even the sio bak.


88 Hong Kong Roast Meat Specialist
Qinan Building
153 Tyrwhitt Road
Singapore 207566
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line), Bendemeer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Lavender MRT station (Stop ID 01311). Take bus number 133 or 145. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to Tyrwhitt Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Horne Road. Walk down Horne Road. Turn right onto Tyrwhitt Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Bendemeer MRT station. Take Exit. Walk to the junction of Lavender Street and Kallang Bahru. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Lavender Street. Turn left onto Trwhitt Road. Walk to destination. Journe time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Tai Cheong Bakery @ Holland Village - First Overseas Dine-In Concept

After a year of selling their famous Hong Kong egg tart at a food kiosk in Takasimaya, Tai Cheong Bakery has finally decided to open its first overseas dine-in concept at Holland Village, Singapore. Besides their popular egg tart, bakes and cakes, the 42 seater cafe also offers Hong Kong "Cha Chaan Teng" dishes.

Three Egg Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat 4.2/5

A comforting and hearty offering on the menu is the Three Egg Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat ($8.50). Yes you did not hear me wrong, there is a total of three sunnyside up eggs. What stood out is the rich tomato and chicken broth. This is goodness in a bowl and probably you can only have it here at Tai Cheong Bakery for the moment.

Scrambled Egg Toast Stack with Chicken Chop 4/5

Getting bored with waffle and chicken? How about having a change with the Scrambled Egg Toast Stack with Chicken Chop ($9.50). This is cheaper than your waffle and chicken. What is more important, it tasted as good or even better. The creamy three-egg scramble paired excellent with the buttered toasted. Not forgetting the juicy chip chop underneath that is resting on a bed of mushroom sauce.

French Toast 3.5/5

A quintessential Hong Kong cafe snack is the Homemade French Toast with Maple Syrup or Dulce De Leche ($6.50). Instead of deep fried, the toast coated in an egg wash with milk is pan fried instead. It is then topped with a slab of salted butter. This resulted in a fluffy interior with a contrasting crispy exterior. I would recommend not to spend too long taking photo or it can turn soaky pretty fast.

Three Coloured Silky Eggs with Rice 4.2/5

Making an impressive entrance is the Three Coloured Silky Eggs with Rice ($9.90). This is like the Hong Kong version of omurice. The steamed rice is covered with a three-egg omelette, kailan and a choice of two meats. I had the roasted pork and crispy pork belly. Dinner has a choice of either roasted pork and prawn or roasted pork and beef too. This is a dish which I will go back for.

Beef Brisket Curry Rice 3/5

Another rice dish on the menu is the Beef Brisket Curry Rice ($10.90). The curry is the sweet type with a creamy consistency, coming from the peanut sauce. It also comes with a dash of sesame oil for a aromatic finishing. The beef brisket was also cooked to a soft, fork tender texture. There is also an option of chicken if you don't eat beef.

Bolo Bun 3.5/5

A visit to Tai Cheong is not complete without trying out their signature bakes. Customers can expect to look forward to treats such as the Bolo Bun ($2.20), Coconut Tart ($2.50) and famous Egg Tart ($1.90). The unique butter cookie-like crust and smooth egg custard is what make the egg tart legendary.

Egg Tart 4.5/5, Coconut Tart 4/5, Durian & Cheese Tart 3.8/5

A special creation only available at Holland Village outlet is the Durian & Cheese Tart ($3.60). This exclusive tart is made using premium D24  durian plup and cream cheese encased in their famed crust. The creation can be quite heavy if you are not into the rich and heavy custard, and of course durian.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tai Cheong Bakery
31 Lorong Liput
Singapore 277742
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Pastries & Drinks
Mon-Fri: 10am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 9am - 10pm
Mains
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Lorong Liput. Walk towards to the junction of Lorong Liput and Lorong Mambong. Turn left onto Lorong Luput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Equinox Restaurant @ Swissotel The Stamford Singapore - Sunday Vintage Brunch With The Views Of Singapore Skyline

Located on level 70 of Swissotel The Stamford Singapore, Equinox Restaurant has unveiled a whole new Sunday Vintage Brunch set against unparalleled views of the Singapore skyline. The spectacular buffet spread is accompanied with an endless flow of Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 2006.

Starting with something light to go with my champagne, I got myself some Duck Rillette, Country Terrine, Foie Gras Terrine and Smoked Salmon with Caviar.

Usually buffet is served in big portion and diners help themselves to it. At Equinox, quite a number of items come in small tapas size portion such as the Prawn Cocktail, Roasted Duck Salad, Beetroot Salad, Quinoa Salad. I actually quite like the idea, so that there is no food wastage and I can safe my stomach to try more food.

Diners can look forward to a plethora of seafood such as Boston Lobster, Oysters from Traigheanna Bay, Oleron and French, Sri Lankan Crab and Prawns.

There are also fresh Sashimi and Sushi to complement the enticing spread of ocean fresh seafood.

Not to be missed is the Roasted Angus Beef with red wine and Bearnaise sauce. The beautiful meat s cooked to pink, succulent and flavourful. From the carving station, the Salt Crust Baked Sea Bass with wasabi butter sauce is another worthy dish for its moist meat.

Besides the buffet spread, diners can also order from the ala carte menu (unlimited order) which features Chef Paul's weekly special  which is freshly prepared from the kitchen. On the menu there were six items, namely Roasted Pork Belly, Salted Cod Croquettes, Roasted Lamb Leg, Pull Pork Toast, Roasted Scallops and Salmon Wellington.

I personally would recommend going for the roasted pork belly and salted cod croquettes. The rest can skip. Instead go back for more seafood, angus beef and baked sea bass.

You should not leave Equinox without trying their dessert. You will not regret it. Even myself who is not a dessert person, could not resist myself helping to them. That just shows how good they are.

Sunday Vintage Brunch
12.00pm to 3.30pm
S$168++ per person, inclusive of unlimited Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2006, cocktails, wines and imported beers.
S$138++ per person, inclusive of unlimited juices and soft drinks
S$89++ per child (7 – 12 years old)
S$69++ per child (4 – 6 years old)

Pink Vintage Brunch (Every last Sunday of the month)
12.00pm to 3.30pm
S$178++ per person, inclusive of unlimited Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2006, cocktails, wines and imported beers.
S$148++ per person, inclusive of unlimited juices and soft drinks
S$99++ per child (7 – 12 years old)
S$79++ per child (4 – 6 years old)

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


Equinox
Swissotel The Stamford
Level 70
2 Stamford Road
Singapore 178882
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Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 7pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun & PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Peach Garden Chinese Dining @ Changi Airport Terminal 2 - You Do Not Need An Air Ticket To Eat London Duck

Passengers travelling in and out of Changi Airport now can indulge in traditional Chinese food with contemporary flair at the newly opened Peach Garden Chinese Dining at Terminal 2 departure hall. The restaurant features an all day dining menu including its well loved signature creations and classic dishes, and good selections of dim sum.

Fried Carrot Cake in X.O. Sauce 4/5

We started with something light on the menu in the Fried Carrot Cake in X.O. Sauce ($9.80). The radish cake comes in huge chunky cube with crispy edges tossed in the aromatic X.O. sauce. It is further coated with egg to enhance the flavour with the bean sprouts giving it the extra crunchiness.

Double-boiled Shark's Bone Cartilage Soup 4.5/5

To warm our stomach before starting on the mains, we had the Double-boiled Shark's Bone Cartilage Soup with Bamboo Pith, Dried Scallop and Fish Maw ($26 per portion). The collagen rich soup is comforting and packed with beautiful flavours, infused with the essence of the delicacies.

Crisp-fried Prawn with Wasabi Salad Cream 4.2/5

A dish that will delight the youth is the Crisp-fried Prawn with Wasabi Salad Cream ($23.80). The crunchy and plump prawn is coated in a vibrant wasabi salad cream sauce that will stimulate the nasal passages with its pungency. A sensorial experience in the execution.

Braised Homemade Beancurd with Fresh Crab Meat and Local Spinach 4.2/5

For a balance diet, we ordered the Braised Homemade Beancurd with Fresh Crab Meat and Local Spinach ($18). This is like a three in one dish. You get to have your vegetable, silky tofu and fresh sweet crab meat.

Stewed Vermicelli with Sliced Fish, Bitter Gourd and Black Bean Sauce 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes is the Stewed Vermicelli with Sliced Fish, Bitter Gourd and Black Bean Sauce ($16). I enjoyed how the black bean sauce coupled with the wok-hei aroma gave the stewed vermicelli a character on its own. The addition of sliced fish and bitter gourd is like jewels on a crown, completing the homely and yet comforting noodle dish.

Roasted London Duck 4.5/5

A highlight at Peach Garden Chinese Dining has to be the used of the London Duck, also known as the wagyu of duck. The reason why the Roasted London Duck ($68 Whole/ $35.80 Half/ $18 small) is gaining popularity in Singapore its because of the succulent texture and that layer of fats underneath the skin. This is one dish that you must order from the menu.

Roasted Crispy Pork Cube 4.2/5

Since we are already having the roasted london duck, might as well add on the Roasted Crispy Pork Cube ($12.80 per portion) to the platter. The crackling skin, together with the succulent and juicy meat is just too good to be only be served in portion in accordance to the number of guests. I wish there are more of it.

Wrapping up our wonderful lunch in a sweet note, we have the Chilled Fresh Mango, Sago with Pomelo ($8) and Chilled Black Glutinous Rice with Ice Cream ($8). For an additional $3, the desserts are served in a coconut husk. I could not decide which is my favourite as both are as good, so we ended up sharing to enjoy the best of both world.

Be it that you want to have a quick lunch before flying off , to host a business lunch or family gathering, the restaurant offers the perfect setting to do so with its 180 seating capacity and three private room. In celebration of its opening, the restaurant is offering an opening special for its signature suckling pig at $168 (U.P. $238). Advance order is required. Diners will also get to enjoy a complimentary serving of deep fried chicken in szechuan style. The opening specials will be available up to 31 August 2016 only.

Note: This post was brought to you by Peach Garden.


Peach Garden Chinese Ding
Changi Airport Terminal 2
Departure Hall
60 Airport Boulevard
#036-084
Singapore 819643
Tel: +65 63863033
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Website
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the escalator to departure hall. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Xiang Ji Roasted Chicken Rice, Noodles @ Bukit Batok Street 25 - Another Great Roasted Meat Stall In The West

My food exploration of the West brought me to another roasted meat stall at Bukit Batok Street 25. Never occur to me that there is a coffeeshop at the multi story carpark, in the quiet neighbourhood of Bukit Batok, hidden from the view from the main street. In fact there is no other shops around it, just HDB flats.

Roasted Duck Leg Rice 4.5/5

I ordered the Roasted Duck Leg Rice ($5) to try so that I can make comparison to Mei Xiang's roasted duck. It is understand that the stall still used the traditional method of charcoal grill their roast. Compared to Mei Xiang's roasted duck, Xiang Ji's roasted duck is fatter and more moist. However the skin lacks the crispy texture which Mei Xiang has. Hence it is really down to individual preference. For me, both are winners and I am great that there is 2 good roasted duck stalls in the west.

Dumpling Soup 4/5

I could not help adding a bowl of the Dumpling Soup ($3) to my order when I noticed the huge golf size dumpling from another customer in front of me. The generous filling of the dumpling felt more like have siew mei rather than dumpling. Nevertheless, I am not complaining as it is worth my penny.

Roasted Pork & Char Siew Noodle 4/5

I could not believe my eyes when I noticed the huge serving for my Roasted Pork & Char Siew Noodle ($3). The noodle used is those springy type used in wanton noodle drenched in a savory sauce. The roasted pork and char siew are not the best but they are pretty decent. Compare to Mei Xiang's roasted pork and char siew, Xiang Ji is much better than them.


Xiang Ji Roasted Chicken Rice, Noodles
BB 289 Food House
Blk 289H Bukit Batok Steet 25
Singapore 657289
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Nearest MRT: Bukit Batok

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Batok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bukit Batok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 43009). Take bus number 77 or 106. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Brizo @ Park Hotel Clarke Quay - Viva Seafood Fiesta

Known for its seafood themed buffet spread, Brizo at Park Hotel Clarke Quay periodically will refresh their offering to tantalize the taste buds of their customers. For the month of April to June 2016, Brizo will be transporting their customers to Spain, dishing up seafood delicacies with flavours of Spain.

Besides the seafood spread, the buffet is also offers a variety of Spanish meat dishes to enrich the whole journey to Spain. I started with the Spanish Meatballs and Tuna Empanada as I embarked on a gourmet trip to Spain.

Spanish Meatballs and Tuna Tmpanada

The Spanish Meatballs were moist, meaty and flavourful. It was so appetizing that I have a few of them at one go. What interested me more is the Tuna Empanada which is like a puff pastry stuffed with tuna. This is my first time having it.

Spanish Roasted Pork Belly with Smoked Paprika 4/5

Spanish Roasted Pork Belly with Smoked Paprika 4/5

Who can resist a good piece of the pork belly? The Spanish Roasted Pork Belly with Smoked Paprika was roasted to a beautiful succulent coupled with crackling skin. Simply irresistible.

Spanish Chorizo Sausage 4/5

There is also the Spanish Chorizo Sausage to round off the whole array of Spanish delicacies from the land.

Seafood Paella 4/5

Valencia Squid Ink Rice with Seafood 4/5

A staple for Spanish cuisine is the Seafood Paella and Valencia Squid Ink Rice with Seafood. The vibrant colour and presentation not only entice the appetite but also pretty in sight. Each and every grain has absorbed the delectable flavours of the stock and cooked to a nice bite. What I like most is the burnt crusty texture at the bottom of the pan.

Spanish Style Garlic Shrimp 4.5/5

The highlight for me is the Spanish Style Garlic Shrimp that comes with sliced baguette to soak up the aromatic garlic olive oil that is infused with the crustacean flavours.

Lobster in a Pan 4/5

Back b popular demand is the Lobster in a Pan. It comprised of a whole Maine lobster, tiger prawns, mussels, corns and pasta fusilli. Diners have a choice of either Garlic Cream or Cioppino. This is already a feast by itself among the variety of 15 dishes.

Creamy Butter Rock Crab

A seafood buffet is not complete without Singaporean's favourite crabs. Among the buffet spread, diners can taste a variety of rendition of the popular crustacean. One of them is the Creamy Butter Rock Crab. The rich, creamy and buttery sauce is a finger licking good alternative to the usual chilli and black pepper crab.

Viva Seafood Fiesta
Date: 1 April to 30 June 2016 (Thu to Sun Only)
Time: 630pm - 1030pm
Price: $55++ per adult, $27++ (per child, 6-12 yrs old)


Brizo
Park Hotel Clarke Quay
1 Unity Street
Singapore 237983
Tel: +65 65938888
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 1030am, 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Clark Quay Station (Stop ID 04222). Take bus number 54. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to the end UE Square Shopping Mall. Journey time about 8 minutes.  [Map]