The ART @ Assumption Pathway School - Porridge Buffet Every Last Friday Of The Month For Only $12 Nett

The ART (Assumption Restaurant for Training) is not your usual restaurant. Located inside Assumption Pathway School at Cashew Road, the restaurant provides the training ground for the students to put their F&B knowledge and skills into practice. The ART is a casual dining restaurant that offers 3-Course set lunch and High Tea Set on weekdays and during school terms. All prices here are nett.

The ART has recently extended its operating hours on Fridays (during school term) to include dinner. Set dinner will be served for dinner except on the last Friday of each month, where it is replaced with Porridge Buffet. I was there on the last Friday of March to check out the Porridge Buffet which is priced at only $12 nett.

Porridge Buffet 4/5

For a mere $12, there is an eclectic selection of traditional condiments and dishes to go with either the normal porridge or porridge with sweet potatoes. During my visit, we had some of the items such as pickled radish, salted egg, fried ikan selar, chye por neng, long beans, prawn paste chicken, sambal eggplant

Braised Duck 4.2/5

Besides the array of unlimited traditional condiments and dishes to go with the porridge, very table will have a plate of Braised Duck and Steamed Seafood that will be served once. My table was quite surprised in the execution of the braised duck coming from a kitchen that is more focus on western fare. The duck had absorbed the flavourful braising sauce and cooked to a nice tender texture. It definitely is a crowning dish for the porridge buffet.

Steamed Prawn

For the steamed seafood, we had the Steamed Prawn during our visit. I heard it served steamed sotong last month. The steamed prawns were huge, crunchy and juicy.

Stewed Tau Pok, Tau Ki and Tau Fu 4.2/5

A highlight at the buffet is the Stewed Tau Pok, Tau Ki and Tau Fu. The best way to enjoy the bowl of porridge is to drench it with the flavoursome braising sauce, and paired with the stewed tau pok, tau ki and tau fu which has soaked up the delicious braising sauce.

There is even dessert such as Red Bean Soup, Cakes and Brownies to complete the buffet spread.

By the way, I was told that the porridge buffet is very popular and it is recommend to call or email the.art.aps@gmail.com to make reservation to avoid disappointment. On top of that, do be patient with their service as the place is run by students that are still learning the trade to gain practical experience experience from what they have learnt in classes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The ART (Assumption Restaurant for Training)
Assumption Pathway School
30 Cashew Road
Singapore 679976
Tel: +65 68926187
Facebook
Wesbsite
Nearest MRT: Cashew (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm- 5pm
Fri: 6pm - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Cashew MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Cashew Road. Walk down Cashew Road. Walk to Assumption Pathway School. From the guard house, walk straight to the canteen. At the end of the canteen, take the staircase on the right to the washing point. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

ChaoZhou Porridge (潮粥) @ River Valley Road

While Singapore is known as a food haven, it is actually quite hard to find a place for supper after 9pm. ChaoZhou Porridge (潮粥) at River Valley Road will offer a good choice for your next supper, serving nostalgic taste of Teochew porridge and cuisine in a modern setting. The chef at ChaoZhou Porridge, even made the long trip to ChaoShan, China to learn more about Teochew cuisine and even picked up a couple authentic local recipes which is incorporate into the menu.

Following an authentic Teochew recipe, the ChaoZhou Porridge ($0.70) is served half mountain half sea or in Chinese known as "半山半水". One side of the bowl is more watery while the other side has more of the rice grain.

Steamed Meat Ball with Porridge Water 4.2/5

The Steamed Meat Ball with Porridge Water ($5.50/pc) is something new for me.This is the first time I have seen such combination. The meatball is made from a medley of different ingredients such as pork and vegetable. The slight salty meatball and the subtle taste of the porridge water made this an enjoyable combination.

Braised Delight Platter 4.2/5

The Braised Delight Platter ($16.90) comes with duck meat, pork belly, large intestines, egg, beancurd and tau pok. Special mention for the braised duck that uses a recipe afer 30 years of experimentation.

Big Sotong with Homemade Sauce 4.5/5

A must try at ChaoZhou Porridge is the Big Sotong with Homemade Sauce ($6.90). The sotong is first steamed and then chilled, served as a cold appetiser. The pillowy sotong is best paired with the homemade sauce that comes with a sweet, sour and spicy note.

Cockles 4.5/5

A very addictive dish on the menu is the Cockles ($6.90). Besides the plump cockles, the dark sauce was the highlight for me. This is probably one of the best version I have eaten.

Cold Beancurd with Preserved Radish 4/5

For something light, go for the Cold Beancurd with Preserved Radish ($4.80). The preserved radish and the savoury sauce give the beancurd a lift in taste and extra crunch.

Chaozhou Steamed Mullet 4/5

Teochew loves their steamed fish and hence there is the Chaozhou Steamed Mullet (seasonal price) on the menu. The whole fish is steamed in the pot before removing the gut and served with salted vegetables. The execution allows one to appreciate the meatiness and moist oily flesh.

Preserved Radish Omelette 4/5

Fried to a beautiful golden colour is the Preserved Radish Omelette ($2.50 Small / $4.50 Large). The fillings of radish gave it an extra crunch with each bite.

Steamed Minced Meat with Salted Fish 4.5/5

A classic dish to go with the porridge is the Steamed Minced Meat with Salted Fish ($4.50). This is a must order for me whether I have Teochew porridge. The saltiness of the minced meat provides the perfect complement to the porridge.

Sambal Kang Kong 4/5

After all the seafood and meat, it is good to have some greens. The Sambal Kang Kong cooked to a nice crunchy bite may not be a Teochew dish but definitely a popular local favourite.

ChaoZhou Fried Kway Teow 4.2/5

Besides the Teochew porridge and its accompanying dishes, the menu at ChaoZhou also offers some cooked dishes on the menu. We had the ChaoZou Fried Kway Teow ($8) which surprisingly was quite good with the wok hei or smokey flavour.

Crisp-Fried Taro Rolls 4/5

From the limited dessert menu, a worthy order is the Crisp-Fried Taro Rolls ($2.30/pc). A minimum order of 3 pieces is required. Crispy on the outside with the sweetness of the yam inside, this is a delightful hot dessert to end the nught.

With the opening hours from 1030am to 5am next day, ChaoZhou Porridge is like a all day dining venue. Being a Teochew myself, I am glad that I have discovered another great dining venue, especially another supper place. I am sure I will be back again.


ChaoZhou Porridge (潮粥)
221 River Valley Road
Singapore 238279
Tel: +65 62686763
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 5am

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 destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Seah Soon Teck Teochew Porridge (谢顺德潮洲粥) @ Changi Road

For Teochew porridge lover, Seah Soon Teck Teochew Porridge has moved from the West in Toh Guan to the East at Changi Road near Eunos.

Seah Soon Teck Teochew Porridge only opened recently at the new location along Changi Road since 1 March 2012. Their grand opening will be on 4 April 2012. For their opening promotion, they are giving $5 cash on the spot for every 3 stamps collected. Receive 1 stamp for every purchase of $20 & above.

Seah Soon Teck Teochew Porridge has been featured in several media and they are known for their Pig Trotter Aspic and Shark Meat Aspic. I have not known of Teochew porridge eatery selling these and I thought they are only available at restaurants.

Pig Trotter Aspic 4/5

I have only tried Pig Trotter Aspic or commonly known as Pig Trotter Jelly once and I don't enjoy it. However, the Pig Trotter Aspic ($5 and above) at Seah Soon Teck Teochew Porridge is vastly differently, refreshing and melts in the mouth. Unfortunately the Shark Meat Aspic was not available. The boss said that the Shark Meat today was not suitable to make the aspic and they rejected it. It shows how much the eatery insists on using the freshest ingredients.

Braised Pork Intestines 3/5

The intense dark colour of the Braised Pork Intestines ($4 and above) indicates long hours of simmering, was tender and flavourful. Unfortunately it was a bit gamy. If not it would be an excellent dish.

Stewed Cabbage 4/5

The Stewed Cabbage ($1 and above) is my favourite vegetable whenever I have my porridge. I enjoyed the natural sweetness of the cabbage with the soft texture.

Steamed Sotong 4.2/5

I was rather impressed with the Steamed Sotong ($3 to $5) which was very fresh. It was cooked to my likings neither too tough or mush, still having a crunchy texture.

Steamed Pomfret 4/5

You can have fresh Steamed Promfret ($5 and above) at the eatery. The Black Fish ($15 to $18) is also available but very limited stock. You can also request for your fish to be steamed on the spot upon ordering with an additional $3.

Homemade Fish Cake 4.5/5

The Homemade Fish Cake ($1 each) is a must try here. It has a very unique combination with pork being added. The texture was also very delightful with each bite into it.

Braised Duck 4.2/5

The Braised Duck Meat ($3 and above) was well simmered until it was fall of the bone tender meat. Another delightful dish offered at Seah Soon Teck Teochew Porridge.

The newly opened Teochew porridge is looking at introducing more seafood to the menu such as crab, lobster and crayfish 20% below market pricing in the near future. There are also plan to convert a section of the area into a beer garden.


[CLOSED]
Seah Soon Teck Teochew Porridge (谢顺德潮洲粥) @ Changi Road
283 Changi Road
Singapore 419762
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SST.Teochew.Porridge
Nearest MRT: Eunos (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 5am

Direction:
Alight at Eunos MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk towards Sim Avenue East along the MRT line. Turn right into Kampong Eunos and walk to the end of the road. Seah Soon Tech Teochew Porridge is at the junction of K. Eunos and Changi Road. Journey time about 10 minutes.

Xu Jun Sheng Long Ji (许俊盛隆记) @ Joo Chiat Road

A great thank you to Charles and Charlene for organising August monthly makam gathering. We visited Xu Jun Sheng at Joo Jiat Road for its traditional Teochew cuisine and porridge. This place has 60 years of history and has moved from its previous location from 50 Joo Chiat Road to 121 Joo Chiat Road.

Unlike most Teochew Porridge places whereby you ordered from the row of cooked food, you are given a pencil to indicate on the menu what you want to order.

The Prawn Rolls were probably one of the best I have ever eaten. I googled and read that they used pork mesentary to wrap the fillings. Maybe that is the secret of the crispy outer layer. The Prawn Rolls were also sliced thinner but bigger in diameter which is different from other places. I am not a great fan for Prawn Rolls but I enjoyed this a lot.

Prawn Roll 4.2/5

The Stir Fried Sambal Kang Kong was nice, crunchy and not too spicy.

Stir Fried Kang Kong with Sambal 4/5

We noticed a lot people eating this particular steamed fish which had its stomach split out into half. We were very curious and asked the server to order for us. The Steamed Mullet prepared without any seasoning was surprisingly very fresh and tasty. It doesn't have the fishy smell.

Steamed Mullet 4/5

Teochew cuisine is known for its braised stuff so how can we not try it. We ordered both the Braised Platter and Pig Trotters. The Braised Platter had both big and small pig intestines, beancurds and fried beancurd skins. The innards, beancurds and fried beancurd skins were well braised soaking up the soy sauce.

Braised Platter 4/5

The Pig Trotters was very tender and melts in the mouth. I was a bit disappointed that most of it was lean meat. I think I took the one and only fatty piece. While writing this post, I realized the menu allows us to indicate either tendon or thigh for the Pig Trotters which we left it out. Maybe that was the reason they have given us mostly lean meat.

Pig Trotters 4/5

The Teochew style Prawns with Beancurd has to be everyone's favourite. The prawns were big and fresh. The beancurds were smooth and silky. The gravy was the highlight that made this dish so tasty. It was so good that I couldn't resist taking a few spoonful of it even though we have finished the prawns and beancurds.

Teochew Style Prawns with Beancurd 4.5/5

The Preserved Radish Omelette had a nice balance of flavours and was not too salty. The preserved radish also gave the omelette a crunchy texture.

Preserved Radish Omelette 4.2/5

To get here,

1) From Eunos MRT station, walk to the bus interchange and take bus 154. Align 2 bus stops later and walk to Xu Jun Sheng about 500 metres away.

or

2) From Paya Lebar MRT station, walk to Xu Jun Sheng by cutting across Sim Ave and Geylang Road which takes about 13 minutes.



To read more of our gathering, you can visit the following blogs:

1. Celes: http://celestialdelish.blogspot.com/

2. Charlene: http://missuschewy.com/

3. Shi Ting: http://lobsterpaints.blogspot.com/

4. Ong Meng Ching: http://www.jessiefoodtrip.blogspot.com/


[CLOSED]
Xu Jun Sheng Long Ji (许俊盛 隆记)
121 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427410
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar, Eunos (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 330pm, 530pm - 9pm
Sun: 1030am - 330pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Head south towards Geylang Serai Malay Village. Cross Geylang/Changi Road and continue onto Joo Chiat Road. Turn left into Joo Chiat Place. Journey time about17mins.

2) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Walk to Bus Stop at Blk 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 33 towards Bedok Bus Interchange. Alight 5 stops later at. Journey time about 12mins

Joo Seng Teochew Porridge @ Bukit Timah

This is one of my favourite teochew porridge restaurants in Singapore. I like to eat here because the porridge is not those watery type. I preferred those teochew porridge with a lot of rice grains. You can even ask for a bowl of teochew porridge less the rice water. Besides that, I like the varieties and sauces served here.

Bean Sauce

I ordered 7 dishes and I enjoyed each and single dish. It cost me $33, quite worth it considered I ordered promfret, duck meat and the clam today.

My Order (7 dishes)

Braised Duck 4/5

Beancurd Skin 4/5

Fish Cake 4.2/5

Steamed Promfret 4/5

Minced Meat 4.2/5

Cabbage 3.8/5

Clam (La La) 4/5

To get here, alight at Beauty World MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Cheong Chin Nam Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes.


Joo Seng Teochew Porridge
14 Cheong Chin Nam Road
(opp Bukit Timah Shopping Centre)
Nearest MRT: Beauty World DT Line