Showing posts with label Sambal Udang. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sambal Udang. Show all posts

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Bonding Kitchen @ Orchard Gateway - Private Home Private Dining Chef Establishes Modern Peranakan Restaurant In Orchard

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Bonding Kitchen is the new kid on the block in Orchard, located on level two in Orchard Gateway. Chef-owner Danny Chew helms the new Peranakan restaurant. Having plied his trade in the private dining scene in Johor Bahru, he ventures into opening his restaurant.

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Kueh Pie Tie 4/5

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We started with the Kueh Pie Tie ($12 for 4pc). Diners can have some fun piecing the kueh pie tee together. Chef Danny handmakes each crispy shell to how the braised turnips, prawns, quail eggs and crispy lard bits, topped with Chef's speciality chilli cuka sauce.

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Pong Tauhu 4.2/5

A heart-warming soup on the menu is the Pong Tauhu ($10 per pax). The thick and rich broth is a concoction of superior stock and prawn stock. The addition of fermented soybean and rempah brightens the stock, giving it a rich umami. The highlight is the handcrafted meatball made from chopped pork collar, pork belly, pork fat, shrimps and soft tofu.

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Nasi Goreng Buah Keluak 4/5

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For the carbo intake, I would recommend the Nasi Goreng Buah Keluak ($15). The fluffy rice stir-fried in buah keluak paste gives it an aromatic, earthy notes complemented by the fragrant eggs and fried shallots. You can go for the Blue Butterfly Pea Rice for those that don't like the acquire flavour of the buah keluak.

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Chap Chye 4.5/5

I love my Chap Chye, and this is one of the best I have tried. My criteria of a good chap chye, the vegetables still need to have a crunch, and I need to taste the fermented bean paste.

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Hokkien Lor Ark 4/5

The Hokkien Lor Ark ($22) is not a dish I have seen at Peranakan restaurant. Chef Danny has adapted the recipe from his wife's mother. Simmered in a blend of spices and soya sauce, the braised duck is cooked to a fork tender texture and has an intense flavour.

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Wagyu Beef Rendang 4.5/5

A crowd favourite is the Wagyu Beef Rendang ($32). The version here the dry style using a traditional cooking method without the addition of water. Using Australian wagyu beef ribs, it simmered over 5 hours, allowing the rempah flavours to be absorbed. It is then topped with fried crunchy coconut shavings for an explosion of flavours.

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Udang Sambal Petai 4.2/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Udang Sambal Petai ($22). It is a two in one dish where diners can enjoy the huge and crunchy prawn, as well as the acquire petai tossed in fragrant sambal.

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Sotong Masak Hitam 4.2/5

One of my all-time favourite Peranakan dishes is Sotong Masak Hitam ($20). It has the characteristic flavours I love, but it has an elevated tanginess, almost as if lime juice was added.

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Barramundi Fish Assam Pedas 4.5/5

The other dish I enjoyed a lot is the Barramundi Fish Assam Pedas ($26). The fish fillet is cooked in a spicy and tangy  gravy infused with lemongrass, ginger flower, and laksa leaf. You can also find brinjal, pineapple, cherry tomatoes and ladies' finger in the sea of red.

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Chendol 4/5

For dessert, I have the Chendol ($7). A sweet and icy treat doused in fragrant gula melaka with handmade green pandan jelly, red beans and kidney beans.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bonding Kitchen
Orchard Gateway
277 Orchard Road
#02-18
Singapore 238858
Tel: +65 88609087
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 1030pm

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

Monday, December 7, 2020

Hathaway @ Dempsey Hill - New Restaurant At Dempsey Showcasing A Strong Local Influence Interlaced With French or Middle-Eastern Cuisine

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A new addition to Dempsey Hill enclave is Hathaway by the same folk behind Bread Yard. The interior feels casual, more like a cafe/bistro though it categorises itself as a modern Asian restaurant. The menu showcases a strong local influence interlaced with French or Middle-Eastern cuisine.

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I started with my daily dose of caffeine. I mentioned earlier that the place is more like a cafe because the restaurant has a proper barista coffee machine with skilful barista making each cup of coffee with beautiful latte art.

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Whole Baby Potato Cottage Fries 4/5

I have tried fries served in many ways such as curly, wedges, waffle, shoestring etc. but the Whole Baby Potato Cottage Fries ($16) is a unique cut. It is almost like having a begedil topped with garlic and rosemary. It comes with za'atar labneh and chilli-lime cilantro dipping sauces.

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Octopus Bakar & Sambal Udang 4.2/5

We actually skipped the brunch menu and dived for the mains because we find them more interesting over the usual egg benedict and toasts. We started with the Octopus Bakar & Sambal Udang ($42). The octopus grilled will kecap manis gives the tentacle a delectable sweetness and smokiness. 

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Ah Nya's Fish Curry 4.2/5

The Ah Nya's Fish Curry ($32) is an exciting dish on the menu that comes with a whole fillet of local Kuhlbarra barramundi, fondant potatoes and a super long toasted bread to soak up that delicious curry sauce.

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Seri Muka 4.2/5

The dessert at Hathaway is definitely worth your calories. We have the Seri Muka ($16) whereby the kueh salat is accompanied with a scoop of apom berkuah ice cream in pengat pisang sauce. The binding of Nonya kueh with western techniques delivers the traditional Nonya snack a new form of appreciation.

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The Queen's Conserve 4.5/5

Last but not least, we have The Queen's Conserve ($16). A scoop of lavender ice cream is sandwiched two pieces of crispy and flaky kouign amann paired with passionfruit curd.

The food at Hathaway is really delicious and unique as they are items not commonly offered elsewhere. However, the price is quite expensive. For the cost of the mains, it almost the same as for the more high end or Michelin starred restaurant.


Hathaway
Blk 13 Dempsey Road
#01-07
Singapore 249674
Tel: +65 96650681
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 9am - 9pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Farrer Road MRT station (Stop ID 11119). Take bus number 174 or 564. Alight 5 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]

Friday, November 13, 2020

The Real Peranakan @ Hillcrest - Authentic Peranakan Helmed By Veteran Peranakan Chef Philip Chia

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The Real Peranakan is a new Peranakan cuisine restaurant opened in Hillcrest, spearheaded by Chef Philip Chia. I first tasted his cooking back in 2011 when he has an event at Orchid Country Club, that is probably my first introduction to Peranakan cuisine. Not only is he a renowned MasterChef with over 50 years of experience, but he is also an established Peranakan cookbook author and the official consultant for the Channel 8 hit TV Show 'The Little Nonya'.

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Hee Peow Soup 4/5

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We started the dinner with a bowl of Hee Peow Soup ($16.80). Unlike other Peranakan restaurants, the Hee Peow Soup comes with three different types of handmade balls - prawn, pork and fish. It even has an egg roll with fish paste. Having visited many Peranakan restaurants, I am pleasantly surprised to taste the dedication in a simple bowl of soup.

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Nonya Chap Chye 4.8/5

A mainstay of every Peranakan household is the Nonya Chap Chye ($16.80). The version here impresses me with the distinct flavours from the fermented beancurd, giving the mixed vegetable dish its character.

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Babi Pongtay 4.8/5

An excellent dish is the Babi Pongtay ($22). The recipe has been passed down through 5 generations, requiring a painstaking 3 to 4 hours of labour in the kitchen. Once again, unlike other Peranakan restaurants, the Babi Pongtay is cut into melt in the mouth slices, not pieces. We are told to either crush the fresh chilli into the gravy or eat with it together with the pork belly. It will bring the whole enjoyment into life.

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Ngoh Hiang 4/5

The Ngoh Hiang ($15.80) is a common dish that is available in almost every restaurants. The one here stands out for me for its extremely crispy beancurd skin. You can also bite into diced carrots and water chestnuts for that extra crunch.

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Sambal Udang Belimbing 4.2/5

Belimbing is not a common ingredient being served nowadays as it is not readily available in the market nowadays. For those that have not tried it before, it is a sourish baby star. Chef Philip has elevated the Sambal Udang ($26.80) with the addition of Belimbing. The tarty and refreshing flavour complemented the rich taste of coconut milk perfectly.

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Ayam Buah Keluak 4.5/5

Another staple dish is the Ayam Buah Keluak ($20.80). Buak Keluak is also known as the Asian truffle, which has an acquire taste that not many people enjoyed. I personally like the creamy earthiness and nuttiness of the buah keluak nut. Slow-cooked together with the chicken pieces, it gives the tender chicken a delectable full-bodied flavour.

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Nonya Kuehs 4/5

End your meal with an assortment of Nonya Kuehs. I always love the colourful sight of Nonya kuehs. You will definitely be in for a treat.

The Real Peranakan indeed takes pride in their mission in search of heritage Peranakan cuisine, welcoming diners to embark on a culinary treat and rediscover heritage dishes in a modern and contemporary setting. In celebration of The Real Peranakan's official launch, diners can enjoy an additional main course with any four main courses purchased, exclusively for one month only, from 21 October to 20 November 2020.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
The Real Peranakan
73 Hillcrest Road 
Singapore 288945
Tel: +65 97831118
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 730am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to Exit B. Walk straight to Hillcrest Road. Turn right onto Hillcrest Road. Walk down Hillcrest Road and make a left into Greenwood Avenue. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Godmama @ Funan - Presenting Godma And Mama's Heirloom Recipes Anew

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Godmama at Funan is a modern Peranakan restaurant and bar. Stemming from the initial idea of preserving an heirloom recipe of egg skin popiah which is passed down from one of the co-owners' Godma and Mama. The concept eventually evolved into one that serves not only the egg skin popiah but also includes the classic Peranakan dishes, a mod-Peranakan brunch and cocktails.

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All Star Egg Skin Popiah 4/5

Our dinner started with the All Star Egg Skin Popiah ($6.50), recreated using Godma’s family recipe. It takes 4 hours to prepare the jicama stew. Despite its dark colour, the jicama was quite balanced in flavour, and there was still a light crunch to it. Toppings include cucumber strips, lettuce, crispy garlic bits, coriander, sprouts and tiger prawns, which made it all the more satisfying for me as a popiah lover.

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Ngoh Hiang 3.8/5

Next up was Ngoh Hiang ($11.90). The filling is a blend of fresh prawns, minced meat and water chestnut seasoned with five-spice. I like that it was not overly seasoned with spices, and it was of a looser mix that was moist and juicy. The chilli cuka at the side was punchy, which made the meat roll even more appetising.

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Babi Assam 3.8/5

Babi Assam ($13.90 as part of the Executive Lunch Set; $18.90 for dinner) is Head chef’s signature dish. The pork belly is simmered in a spicy and tangy tamarind stew. The melt-in-your-mouth pork belly was the highlight for sure, and the gravy was robust without being too salty.

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Ayam Buah Keluak 3/5

Although the menu states that the Ayam Buah Keluak ($15.90 as part of the Executive Lunch Set; $19.90 for dinner) is a stew, it appeared to be more of a braised dish. Presented in a more contemporary manner, you get two tender chicken thighs and buah keluak which are infused with fresh root spices of galangal and turmeric. I love that the nuts are served as a whole, which allows me to enjoy its flavours on its own. However, the meat did not seem to have taken in the flavours of the sauce. This mild version of Ayam Buah Keluak may sit well with diners who are not that into buah keluak.

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Sambal Udang 2.8/5

One of the seafood choices is Sambal Udang ($17.90 as part of the Executive Lunch Set; $23.90 for dinner). The tiger prawns are tossed in a weak sambal sauce that lacked zest. My prawns were dry too.

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Nyonya Chap Chye 4/5

Godmama's Nyonya Chap Chye (available as part of the Executive Set Lunch; $13.90 a la carte) is refined with prawn bisque as the base for braising the vegetables.

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Sticky Red Date Pudding 4/5

The desserts left a much deeper impression than their main dishes. Turning a traditional drink of Longan Red Date into a dessert, the Sticky Red Date Pudding ($9.90) is served hot with longan tea glaze and vanilla ice cream. It was this dessert that made me overate that evening.

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Pulut Hitam Panna Cotta 3.8/5

The jiggly Pulut Hitam Panna Cotta ($8.90) was light with a mellow sweetness. I love the chewy pulut hitam resting underneath the panna cotta especially.

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Gingerflower Lychee Sorbet 2.8/5

A much lighter option would be Gingerflower Lychee Sorbet ($10.90). Sorbet tends to be overly sweetened to compensate for the lack of creaminess, which was the case here as well.

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Godmama may not have dived into the complexity of Peranakan cuisine, but it allows diners to have a glimpse of the flavours in a relatively more casual and fun manner.

Written 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.


Godmama
Funan
109 North Bridge Road
 #04-07
Singapore 179105
Tel:+65 69700828
Facebook
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun- Thu: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Cross the road at the junction of North Bridge Road and Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]