Coffee Break @ Amoy Street Food Centre - Traditional Coffee Stall Runs By Third Generation Siblings

Located on level 2 of Amoy Street Food Centre is Coffee Break which is currently run by the third generation Hainanese siblings. Coffee Break is formerly known as San Hai Yuan as a kopi stall at East Reclamation Road in 1935.

Caramel Latte 4/5

The siblings still brews their coffee in the traditional way, In additional to their traditional Hainanese coffee, they have introduced flavoured lattes to satisfy the new generation of coffee drinkers. When we were there, we noticed a long queue of office executives ordering their iced lattes. Hence we got a cup of Iced Caramel Latte ($3.80) to try. Their blend of coffee was quite fragrant and smooth. I like that it was not overly sweet too. Indeed the iced latte was the perfect dream for the hot afternoon weather.

Black Sesame Toast 4.2/5

Coffee/Tea and toast is a popular Singapore breakfast since the 1930s. At Coffee Break, besides the normal kaya toast, it also offers an innovative twists on the local breakfast favourite such as Earl Gray Greme, Black Sesame and Cinnamon Sugar

Black Sesame Toast 4.2/5

We had the Black Sesame Toast ($3 for a portion). A portion comes with 2 slices of bread. The bread is sliced thinly and toasted until very crispy. The black sesame spread and the butter works excellently together for an very enjoyable breakfast.

Now run by the third generation, I am encourage to see young hawkers inheriting the tradition and still brewing from steep metal pots and coffee socks. At the same time, it has also moved on with time and innovative to cater for the younger generations while not forgetting the tradition.


Coffee Break
Amoy Street Food Centre
7 Maxwell Road
#02-78
Singapore 069111
Tel: +65 81006218
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 730am - 230pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk to Amoy Street Food Centre. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Smoothie House @ Westgate - Popular Taiwanese Snowflake Ice Opened Flagship Store in Singapore

Popular Taiwanese snowflake ice dessert, Smoothie House has opened its flagship store at Westgate. Regarded by CNN as the 'must try' dessert place, now Singaporeans can also enjoy the renowned fruit based desserts originated from Taipei, Yong Kang Street. The snowflake ice desserts at Smoothie House comes in three sizes, Healthy ($7.90), Sharing ($9.90-$12.90) and Family ($15.90).

Mango Snowflake Ice 4/5

We tried the Mango Snowflake Ice ($9.90) that comes with mango shaved ice covered in chunky, juicy mango cubes, topped with panna cotta and drizzled with condensed milk and special fresh fruit mango sauce. The snowflake ice is really super soft and fluffy. Together with the sweet mango cubes, this is a very refreshing dessert perfect for Singapore's weather.

Tie Guan Yin Milky Snowflake Ice 4.2/5

Only exclusively available here is the Tie Guan Yin Milky Snowflake Ice ($9.90) The creamy milk shaved ice is served with cooling tie guan yin jelly. topped with a tea prune and drizzled with black sugar syrup. On the side is freshly cooked mixed pearls in black sugar syrup. I am not too sure why they served the pearls separately, I thought it would be visually more stunning if it is served together with the snowflake ice. Not as sweet compared to the mango snowflake ice, but the hint of tea fragrance, lightness and black sugar syrup was a clear winner for me.

Yoghurt-Berry Snowflake Ice 3/5

For those that does not really have a sweet tooth and prefer something sour, the Yoghurt-Berry Snowflake Ice ($9.90) will be your choice. The healthy yoghurt shaved ice is covered with fresh bananas, strawberries, blueberries and topped with a tangy mulberry sauce.

The seating capacity at Smoothie House is actually quite small. If you do not want to join the long queue, I do quite like the idea of the handy takeaway container for the snowflake ice dessert.

For the opening special on 6th, 7th and 8th May 2016. Customers can savour a free healthy size Mango Snowflake Ice with every purchase of a sharing size snowflake ice.

On Mother's Day 8th May 2016, the first 10 customers at every hour can relish a sharing size Mango Snowflake Ice at only $2 when they bring along a parent.


Smoothie House
Westgate
3 Gateway Drive
#01-08
Singapore 608532
Tel: +65 67105567
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Website
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Jiang Nan Chun (江南春) @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - Revamped With An Even More Impressive Menu

Jiang Nan Chun at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore has finally re-opened after months long renovation. Spotting an elegant interiors and furnishings from the wood cravings to the handmade ceramic floor titles, the restaurant manifests the beautiful river villages along the south of Yangtze river. It felt like having a gastronomic dining experience on board an ancient junk, sailing through a calm Yangtze river.

Alfonso Tea ($11/pax)

Besides fine wine and premium tea, Jiang Nan Chun has 8 exclusive cocktails that concocts whiskey and sake with tea. I have something light, fruity and refreshing in the Alfonso Tea ($11/pax). For a change and something different, the easy to drink tea cocktail will be a good choice to pair with food.

Signature Jiang Nan Chun Peking Duck 4.5/5

A visit to Jiang Nan Chun is not complete without having the Signature Jiang Nan Chun Peking Duck ($98/duck). Undergo 14 hours of preparation and roasted in a customised mesquite wood oven, the duck carves at table side emits an aromatic scent when it makes its entry.

Signature Jiang Nan Chun Peking Duck 4.5/5

There is three ways to enjoy the peking duck. First, the thinly sliced skin is dipped with sugar to appreciate the crispiness and aromatic scent that has infused into the skin during the roasting process.

Signature Jiang Nan Chun Peking Duck 4.5/5

The second way to enjoy the peking duck's skin is to topped it with caviar. This is my first time being introduced to the way of eating it. I am surprise how the combination elevated the whole enjoyment to the next level, giving it an umami punch.

Signature Jiang Nan Chun Peking Duck 4.5/5

The last way to enjoy the peking duck is the tradition method of eating it as a wrap. Diners have a choice between the plain and scallion wraps. It also comes with two dfferent sauces. One salty and one sweet, the Peking and Cantonese style of eating peking duck.

Soft Shell Prawns with Sliced Almond and Crispy Rice 4.5/5

Besides the peking duck, the Soft Shell Prawns with Sliced Almond and Crispy Rice ($15 per serving) is a must try. The soft shell prawn with almond and crispy rice are coated in a very special spiced sauce that is very addictive. The sauce somehow reminds me of eating potato chips. You just can't stop at one.

Dim Sum Trio 4.2/5

Next up is the Dim Sum Trio that gives a glimpse of the dim sum offering at Jiang Nan Chun. On the plate there is the Crispy Puff Pastry with Black Pepper Beef ($3/pc), Steamed Shrimp Dumpling with Eryngii Mushroom ($2/pc) and Char Siew Sliders with Pickled Green Chilli ($15 per serving). Different from other dim sum places, the serving here is by individual portion and hence diners can try a bit of everything. The crispy puff pastry stood out with its texture that is made up of impressive 17 layers of pastry skins. The kurobuta pork done in char siew style provide a fresh air to the usual kong bak pau too.

Sea Whelk, Maka, Dried Scallops and Pork Ribs Soup 4.2/5

The double boiled Sea Whelk Soup ($38/pax) comes with Maka Ginseng, Dried Scallops and Pork Ribs. The soup is light but yet rich in flavour, well extracting the essence of the ingredients for a nourishing and comforting bowl of double boiled soup.

Steamed Cod Stuffed with Mushrooms and Water Chestnuts in Paper Roll 4.8/5

Steamed Cod Stuffed with Mushrooms and Water Chestnuts in Paper Roll 4.8/5

I was very impressed with this dish, Steamed Cod Stuffed with Mushrooms and Water Chestnuts in Paper Roll ($38/pax). Initially I thought the cod dish was wrapped in cabbage but it turned out to be rice paper roll. Those that used for Vietnamese roll. The wrap not only holds the flavours from the cod fish, mushrooms and water chestnuts together, at the same time did not interfere or steal the show from the main casts. The shaved truffle is like jewels on the crown, elevating the flavours to a new dimension.

Wagyu Beef Oxtail with Lemongrass Infused Oil 4.2/5

For a fine dining restaurant like Jiang Nan Chun, I was rather surprise to see claypot dishes on their menu. In actual fact, there are 11 claypot dishes on the menu. I only manage to try the Wagyu Beef Oxtail with Lemongrass Infused Oil ($32 per serving). Comes in a rich and robust sauce, the wagyu beef oxtail literally melted in the mouth after a good 30 hours of slowing cooking it. It is one of those dishes that you simply cannot resist ordering a bowl of rice to go with it.

Avocado Cream, Coconut Sorbet, Osmanthus Jelly, Cocoa Nibs 3/5

The Avocado Cream dessert ($14/pax) was a bit disappointing for me. While I like the coconut sorbet, osmanthus jelly and the cocoa nibs the whole execution felt like a family where the members don't communicate with one another.

Yoghurt Cream, Mung Beans, Longan, Chia Seed, Sour Plum Granite 3/5

The Sour Plum Granite ($14/pax) with yoghurt cream, mung beans, longan and chia seed was kind of complex with the different layers of flavours. I would rather have it simple and refreshing without the others distraction.

Crispy Puff Pastry with Almond Cream 4/5

Do be careful when eating the Crispy Puff Pastry with Almond Cream ($12/pax). Encased inside the crispy puff pastry is the lava almond cream which will ooze out like your liu sha bao. I thought the shape looks a bit like a yam basket and if the almond cream can be substituted with orh nee, that will be more exciting.

The newly revitalized Jiang Nan Chun embodies the concept of Xiang Le Zhu Yi or the principle of enjoyment and happiness, which implies that food has the ability to transcend the body's appetites to fulfill the aspirations of the mind and soul. This makes how and why you eat as important as what you eat.


Jiang Nan Chun (江南春)
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Second Floor
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 68317220
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue walking along Orchard Road. Walk to Hilton Hotel. Go to level 2. Follow the passage way to Four Seasons Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]

Joie by Dozo @ Orchard Central

Joie by Dozo located at Orchard Central is a concept by owner Mr Huang that has been brewing since 2011. The restaurant has finally opened its door in October 2014 offering fine dining vegetarian. Recently the restaurant has refreshed its new menu after gathering feedback from the customers.

Besides the ala carte menu, Joie also offers a 6 course lunch at $36.80 and 7 course dinner at $68.80. The different between lunch and dinner is one cold dish less.

Cranberry Sorbet 4/5

A complimentary and refreshing Cranberry Sorbet drink is served to kick start the gastronomic journey at Joie by Dozo.

Chef's Selection of Assorted Platter 3.5/5

The 7 course dinner started with a trio of the Chef's Selection of Assorted Platter. On the plate, there is the Cranberry Sphere, Carrot Sashimi, and Cracker with Wasabi Mayo Honey. I find the cranberry sphere tasted more like a dessert. However the carrot sashimi brought me to another culinary world with its flavour and texture that is almost like real salmon.

Gratinated Champignon with Mozzarella 4/5

The second course which is a side dish, comes with a choice of Gratinated Champigon with Mozzarella and Tempura Platter on Mash. The Gratinated Champignon with Mozzarella is an enjoyable and addictive rendition of the escargot substituted with the champignon mushroom.

Tempura Platter on Pumpkin Mash 4/5

Simply love the presentation of the Tempura Platter on Pumpkin Mash as black charcoal. The vegetable tempura consist of yam, banana, apple and eggplant. The thin batter gives the fruit and vegetable a nice crisp in texture but not overshadowing the taste of main ingredient.

Vegetable Sashimi on Ice with Quail Egg Shooter Glass

Moving on to the third course, there is a selection of Vegetable Sashimi on Ice with Quail Egg Shooter Glass, Tartare Platter au Naturel or Zucchini Tower. The impressive Vegetable Sashimi on Ice consists of Carrot, Coconut, Orange Pear, Rose Aloe Vera, Chinese Wild Yam and Quail Egg. I did not fancy the rose aloe vera and chinese wild yam but the carrot sashimi and coconut flesh are delicious and interesting substitution. Mentioned earlier, the carrot sashimi is very unique, I wonder how it manage to achieve such texture that is almost similar to salmon. The quail egg shot in my opinion is kind of out of place and did not complement the set up of the whole dish.

Tartare Platter au Naturel 3/5

The Tartare Platter au Naturel is a healthy resemble of the tartare using a mix of rice cracker, promgenate seeds, tomato salsa, avocado, corns and pine seeds held together by the parmesan cheese. Pour them all into the glass and give it a good mix to enjoy a whole party of different textures.

Zucchini Tower 3/5

The Zucchini Tower wrapped around a towering pastry stood tall but did not impress me. While the zucchini comes across as light and refreshing, I did not really know how to appreciate it further.

Infusion of Cepes and Truffle 4/5, Clear Tomato Broth with Garbanzo 3.5/5

Pumpkin Veloute 4/5, Snow Pear and Napa Cabbage Consumme 3/5

For the fourth course, diner has a choice of 4 different types of soup in the Infusion of Cepes and Truffle, Clear Tomato Broth with Garbanzo, Pumpkin Veloute or Snow Pear and Napa Cabbage Consumme. If you are inclined to more western style of soup, I would recommend going for the Infusion of Cepes or Pumpkin Veloute.

Grill Bai-Ling Steak on Pu Ye Hot Stone 4/5

For mains there are three choices in the Grill Bai-Ling Steak on Pu Ye Hot Stone, Duo Ravioli Platter and Wild Rice with Eggplant Terrine. Having dine in Dozo before, the Grill Bai-Ling Steak on Pu Ye Hot Stone is a vegetarian interpretation of Dozo's signature dish. Plump, juicy and sweet, this will be a delightful mains for any vegetarian.

Duo Ravioli Platter 3.8/5

The Duo Ravioli Platter with Truffle Foam comes with ravioli stuffed with either spinach or pumpkin. I preferred the spinach over the pumpkin. I felt the sweetness of the pumpkin tilted the balance of the whole dish.

Wild Rice with Eggplant Terrine 3.5/5

Dull in colour but not dull in taste, the Wild Rice with Eggplant Terrine is a hearty meal itself. The crunchy wild rice and the flavourful eggplant terrine will make it a fulfilling meal.

Red Wine Poached Pear 4/5, Warm Chocolate Cake 3.5/5, Coffee Creme Brulee 3.5/5

End the dinner experience with some sweet dessert in the Red Wine Poached Pear with Vanilla Ice Cream, Warm Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream or Coffee Creme Brulee. All are reasonable good but I probably recommend Red Wine Poached Pear with Vanilla Ice Cream, a little from the norm.

Mocktail of Love 4.2/5

Iced Fruit Refresher 4.2/5, Iced Rose Lemon Tea 4.2/5

Iced Mallow Apple Melody 4.2/5, Hot Roselle Rhythm 4.2/5

Wrapped up the 7 course dinner menu is a choice of hot and cold beverages. The Mocktail of Love is not only refreshing but also a good palate cleanser. If you are a tea drinker, a selection of Ice Fruity Refresher, Ice Rose Lemon Tea, Iced Mallow Apple Melody, Hot Roselle Rhythm and Hot Lavender Tea will arouse the senses for a smoothing end for the night.

Joie by Dozo
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#12-01
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 68386966
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS LIne)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C. Take lift to level 11. Follow the sign and take escalator to level 12. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Capsule Co. - Your 100% Nespresso Compatible Capsule

I am those that needs my caffeine intakes everyday. I can drink up to 4 cups of coffee a day. Recently I got a capsule coffee machine, then did I realize how expensive drinking coffee can be, especially purchasing these capsules. Not anymore when I get to know about The Capsule Co. by Kaaas Enterprise, a local company which imported 100% Nespresso compatible capsules. This is a saving around 30% to 40%.

Although it is 100% Nespresso compatible but how is the quality? The Capsule Co. collaborates with Punto Italia to deliver branded coffee which are roasted according to traditional style of Italian coffee roasting. Instead of the commercial quick roast process of 7 mins at very high temperature, Punto Italia Espresso uses the artisan process of lower temperature and slow roasting of 20 mins to develop and bring out the best properties of the premium coffee beans. A true Italian espresso should not taste 1 dimensional, charred and acidic, but instead it should taste strong yet mellow and with a long lasting aftertaste. The Punto Italia Espresso capsules come with 16% more coffee compared to traditional Nespresso capsules. This allows one to enjoy a richer aroma and velvety crema for the ultimate pleasure of a perfect coffee.

ESPRESSO INTENSO: A blend of the finest Central and South American Arabica and aromatic Robusta from India and Africa, that gives strong character, a strong and fruity aroma typical of the Robusta of these countries. The aftertaste is sweet,refined and persistent, a unique characteristic of the south-central American Arabica. Punto Italia Espresso INTENSO blend is characterized by its chocolaty aroma, full-bodied and intense velvety cream. Contains 60% Arabica and 40% Robusta 

ESPRESSO SUPERIORE: A blend of 9 types of fine Arabica from Central and South America renown for their low acidity, delicate and voluptuous aroma with rich and velvety cream. The sweetness and roundness of the refined Arabica make the blend of Punto Italia Espresso SUPERIORE a harmonious, elegant coffee of an outstanding premium quality. Contains 100% Arabica beans.

ESPRESSO DECAFFEINATO: Punto Italia Espresso Decaffeinato is obtained through a natural decaffeination process using inert gases that guarantee a product without caffeine but with all the flavor of the authentic Italian espresso. A blend of refined coffees with a delicate aroma and the particular sweetness of the South-Central American Arabica, make the blend of Punto Italia Espresso Decaffeinato particularly pleasing. Contains less than 0.1% caffeine. Contains 90% Arabica and 10% Robusta.

For non coffee drinkers, you will be glad to know that The Capsule Co. not only imported 100% Nespresso compatibile espresso capsule but also Hot Chocolate and Tea capsules too.

For the Hot Chocolate, The Capsule Co. works with PODiSTA (Australia) which produced the world's first hot chocolate capsules. Simply extract a hot chocolate capsule with a espresso shot setting, you will have a piping cup of hot sipping chocolate. Add 100ml of warm milk, you will get a warm fuzzy cup of hot chocolate. There are a total of 5 different flavours to choose from - Smooth & Creamy, Hazelnut, Caramel, Mint and Sugar Free (sweetened with Stevia).

For Tea drinkers, The Capsule Co. partners with CUIDA TEA which uses pure tea leaves for all their CUIDA Tea capsules. These are all natural ingredients sealed into a capsule. A total of 5 different tea flavours are available - English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Citrus Black Tea, Marrakech Green Tea and Forest Fruits.

To enjoy these great saving in Coffee, Tea and Hot Chocolate capsules that is 100% Nespresso compatible, you can purchase them online at GoBuyLah or Kaaaz Enterprise.

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The Capsule Co.
A'Posh Bizhub
1 Yushun Industrial Street 1
#08-27
Singapore 768160
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*This post is brought to you by GoBuyLah.SG