Showing posts with label Tofu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tofu. Show all posts

Friday, December 13, 2024

Moon Moon Food (雙月食品社) @ Ngee Ann City - Taiwan’s Michelin-approved Restaurant Opens Its First International Outlet in Singapore

IMG_2415

I first learned about Moon Moon Food (雙月食品社) through a friend's gift of their Spicy Sesame Noodles, purchased during her trip to Taiwan. I fell in love with the nutty and slightly spicy noodle sauce and was so excited to hear that they were opening their first international outlet in Ngee Ann City!

IMG_2358

The Michelin Bib Gourmand recognised restaurant specialises in homely Taiwanese dishes, especially health soups, inspired by the founder's mother's cooking. Located on level 5, its spacious and inviting interior sets the tone for an enjoyable meal.

IMG_2466
Shredded Stem Lettuce with Yuzu Vinaigrette 3.8/5

The meal began with the Shredded Stem Lettuce with Yuzu Vinaigrette ($7.80), a tangy, crunchy appetiser with bursts of savoury roe.

IMG_2453
Chinese Yam with Osmanthus Plum Sauce 3.8/5

For a sweeter option, the Chinese Yam with Osmanthus Plum Sauce ($7.80) offered a mildly fragrant touch.

IMG_2454
Taiwanese Snacks 4/5

Exclusive to the Singapore outlet, the Taiwanese Snacks include delights like Salty Crispy Poppers ($10.80), Fried Tempura Bliss ($11.80), and Crispy Prawn Cake with Yuzu Mayo ($14.80). While all were enjoyable, we liked the chicken poppers most for more substantial bites. Do note that the snacks are sold individually, while the portions we had pictured above were a tasting platter of different items.

IMG_2361
Braised Platter 4.2/5

Diners can create a Braised Platter of three items at the braised items section for $10.80, excluding specific premium options.

IMG_2458

We opted for the Braised Egg (+$1.20), Bai Ye Tofu, and Chicken Mid-joint Wing (+$5.80). Each item was well-balanced, offering hearty flavours without overwhelming saltiness. Other options include Bai Ye Tofu, Chicken Gizzard, Pork Ear, Pig Skin, Pork Heart and more.

IMG_2441
Peeled Chilli Pepper Chicken Soup 4.5/5

Their health soups were indeed a highlight. Our first choice was one of the restaurant's best sellers among its seven flavours, the Peeled Chilli Pepper Chicken Soup ($18.80). I adored this soup for how clean-tasting it was, with a light sweetness from the generous amount of cabbage used and a perfect touch of spice from the peeled chilli peppers.

IMG_2442

IMG_2461
Sea Bass Soup with Clam 4/5

The Sea Bass Soup with Clam ($25.80) was also delightful. It featured a tender sea bass fillet and briny clams, though it was slightly less flavourful than the chilli pepper soup. As a soup lover, I wish the bowls came with more soup.

IMG_2426

IMG_2438
Spicy Sesame Noodle 4.5/5

Next came the dish I most anticipated: the Spicy Sesame Noodle ($13.80). Its thicker and chewier noodles coated in the rich, nutty, slightly spicy sesame sauce surpassed its retail version. Other noodle options include the Shallot Oil Noodle ($12.80), Black Truffle Noodle ($13.80), and Shredded Chicken Vermicelli Soup ($10.80). Retail packs for some of these noodles are conveniently available for purchase at the restaurant.

IMG_2447
Glutinous Rice with Mushroom and Pork 4/5

Apart from noodles, rice lovers can look out for their rice-based offerings. The Glutinous Rice with Mushroom and Pork ($8.80) delivered comforting and homely flavours.

IMG_2446

IMG_2481
Braised Pork Rice 4/5

The Braised Pork Rice ($6.80) featured tender, fatty cuts of pork, making it a simple yet satisfying option.

IMG_2487
Taro Toast with Ice Cream 4/5

We ended with the Taro Toast with Ice Cream ($8.80), a delightful surprise. The toast was fried to a crisp and filled with smooth taro paste, a lovely finish to the meal.

Currently, the restaurant only accepts walk-ins.

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.


Moon Moon Food (雙月食品社)
Ngee Ann City
#05-30
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238873
Tel: +65 6470 8204
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 3. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Kushi Japanese Dining @ Grantral Mall & Complex MacPherson - Offering Budget-Friendly A La Carte Japanese Buffet

Group

Kushi Japanese Dining has been a fixture in Singapore for the past 16 years, having moved locations a few times before settling into its current spot at Grantral Mall, MacPherson. Offering a budget-friendly à la carte buffet, Kushi boasts an extensive selection of Japanese dishes that satisfy all your cravings.

Sashimi Platter 1
Assorted Sashimi Platter 4/5

We began our buffet experience with the Assorted Sashimi Platter, which included maguro, sake, shiro maguro, tako, ika, meikajiki, and hamachi (limited to one serving per table). The sashimi was impeccably fresh, with the shiro maguro standing out as a rare find at many Japanese restaurants.

Pitan Tofu 1
Pitan Tofu 3.5/5

Chawanmushi 1
Chawanmushi 3.5/5

We also enjoyed the Chawanmushi, which was subtly flavourful, and the must-try Pitan Tofu, a unique and creamy dish that offered a different take on tofu.

Agedashi Tofu 1
Agedashi Tofu 4/5

Tako Yaki 1
Tako Yaki 3/5

Asari Miso Soup 1
Asari Miso Soup 4/5

Moving on to the hot dishes, we sampled the perfectly fried Agedashi Tofu, which was crispy on the outside and tender within. It's a dish we could quickly devour on our own. The Tako Yaki was decent but could be skipped if you're looking to save room for more sashimi. The Asari Miso Soup, with its plump and fresh clams, served as a refreshing palate cleanser, preparing us for the next round of food.

Kushiyaki Platter 1
Assorted Kushiyaki 3.8/5

Saba Shoyaki
Saba Shoyaki 4/5

Pork Belly Shogayaki 1
Pork Belly Shogayaki 3/5

Surume Ika 1
Surume Ika 4/5

Next, we tried an assortment of Kushiyaki, as recommended by our server. Each skewer was perfectly grilled, but our favourites were the Saba Shoyaki and Surume Ika. The saba was generously portioned, lightly salted, and deliciously flaky, while the grilled squid had a pleasantly charred flavour and was only available in limited servings. The Pork Belly Shogayaki was tasty, but we wished we had room to enjoy it with rice.

Tempura Platter 1
Assorted Tempura Platter 4/5

For Tempura, the Ebi stood out with its light, crispy batter, and the prawn itself was fresh and sweet.

Kitsune Soba 1
Kitsune Soba 3/5

Garlic Fried Rice 1
Garlic Fried Rice 3/5

Kushi offers options like Garlic Fried Rice, Kitsune Soba, and Mini Ramen if you need carbs. While they were decent, they didn't leave a lasting impression.

Shabu Shabu Pork 1
Shabu Shabu Pork 4/5

However, the Shabu Shabu Pork was a pleasant surprise. The broth was clean and sweet, likely from the vegetables, and perfectly contrasted with the heavier grilled and fried dishes we had been enjoying. This hotpot dish is a must-try if you want something to cut through the greasiness and refresh your palate.

Wafu Beef Steak 2
Wafu Beef Steak 3.5/5

For those looking for more beyond the buffet, Kushi offers a 25% discount on selected à la carte dishes. We decided to try the Wafu Beef Steak. You can request your preferred doneness, and the flavourful wafu sauce enhances the tender steak.

Interior 1

Priced at $54.90++ for lunch and $58.90++ for dinner, Kushi's buffet is exceptional value for money, offering a wide variety of quality Japanese dishes. The restaurant is clean, brightly lit, and nicely decorated, providing a comfortable dining environment.

Interior 2

For those planning a special gathering, Kushi also offers two private dining rooms, each accommodating up to 10 people, or 20 if combined, with a minimum spend required. Whether you're a fan of sashimi, grilled items, or hotpot, Kushi Japanese Dining will surely satisfy you.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kushi Japanese Dining
Grantral Mall & Complex Macpherson
601 Macpherson Road
#01-27/28
Singapore 368242
Tel: +65 69040728
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT Station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Soup Restaurant Celebrates 33rd Anniversary with New Dishes and Promotions

Samsui Ginger Chicken 1

A beloved staple in Singapore’s dining scene, Soup Restaurant has been serving comforting, home-cooked food for 33 years, and their iconic Samsui Ginger Chicken remains a fan favourite. To commemorate this milestone, Soup Restaurant rolled out four exciting new dishes alongside enticing anniversary promotions.

Tiger Prawn with Bee Hoon Soup 1
Tiger Prawn with Bee Hoon Soup 4/5

The hearty Tiger Prawn with Bee Hoon ($18.90) boasts a rich prawn broth, simmered for over four hours to achieve deep umami flavours, lightly enhanced with ginger. While the prawns could be larger, the overall experience is satisfying and perfect for a comforting meal.

Choy Sum with Minced Pork and Sweet Turnip 1
Choy Sum with Minced Pork and Sweet Turnip 3/5

A simple yet wholesome Choy Sum with Minced Pork and Sweet Turnip ($15.90) featuring fresh, crunchy choy sum paired with savoury minced pork. However, the flavour of the sweet turnip was barely noticeable, leaving us wanting more from this otherwise homey dish.

Other new additions include Honey Glazed Ginger Chicken ($17.90) and Steamed Fish Slices with Samsui Ginger Sauce ($18.90), the latter showcasing the restaurant's famed ginger sauce.

Samsui Ginger Chicken 2
Samsui Ginger Chicken 4/5

No visit to Soup Restaurant is complete without their signature Samsui Ginger Chicken. The tender poached chicken, perfectly paired with their fragrant ginger sauce, is a must-have that never disappoints.

Soup 1
Soup of the Day 3.5/5

The Shark Fin Melon Soup we tried was a light and refreshing option. The melon was cooked just right, soft yet intact, adding a nice texture to the otherwise simple broth.

Claypot Tofu 1
Claypot Tofu 3/5

The Claypot Tofu features tender tofu in a savoury gravy, ideal for pairing with a bowl of rice. While it's a comforting dish, it lacks a standout element that elevates it beyond the ordinary.

Dessert 1
Dessert of the day 2.8/5

We concluded with the White Fungus with Gingko Nuts, but unfortunately, the texture of the white fungus fell short, lacking the desired softness, and the overall flavour profile was underwhelming.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Soup Restaurant
NEX
23 Serangoon Central 
#02-15/16
Singapore 556083
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit E, G, H. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Brewerkz @ One Fullerton - Brand New Look and a Refreshed Menu Offering Modern European Dishes Infused with Local Flavours

IMG_7201

Brewerkz at One Fullerton has recently reopened with a brand-new look and a refreshed menu, offering modern European dishes infused with local flavours. The updated menu introduces a range of bar bites, small plates, and mains that cater to a diverse palate.

IMG_7244
Salted Egg Mermaid Fish 3.5/5

The Salted Egg Mermaid Fish, Crispy Tofu Fritters, and Baby Squid & Calamari are some new additions to the Bar Bites. The Salted Egg Mermaid Fish ($12) delivered a satisfying crunch without being overly sauced, but the salted egg flavour was a tad too subtle.

IMG_7236
Crispy Tofu Fritters 3.5/5

The Crispy Tofu Fritters ($12), more like tofu fries, were sprinkled with Szechuan peppercorn and sesame. While the peppercorn wasn't very pronounced, the sesame provided a savoury-sweet contrast that worked well.

IMG_7232
Baby Squid & Calamari 3.5/5

The Baby Squid & Calamari ($18) combined the best of both worlds with a well-seasoned batter, although the accompanying sour plum mayo dip lacked the expected sour plum notes.

IMG_7252
Memphis Baby Back Ribs 4.5/5

IMG_7262
Nasi Lemak Focaccilla 2/5

We had a couple of appetisers - Nasi Lemak Focaccilla ($22) and Memphis Babyback Ribs ($20). The Nasi Lemak Focaccilla, intended to be a hybrid of focaccia and quesadilla, turned out more like a dry quesadilla with a thin spread of rendang and hardboiled egg bits. However, the Memphis Babyback Ribs were a standout, with tender meat glazed in a smoky BBQ sauce that was finger-licking good.

IMG_7269
Wagyu Steak & Frites 4/5

The mains offered a more refined dining experience. The Wagyu Steak & Frites ($74) was satisfying, with a beautifully grilled Wagyu Ribeye (MBS4-5) that rendered enough fat to deliver a rich, buttery flavour, enhanced by a red wine reduction and a hint of smokiness. The chunkier Sidewalker Fries were a great complement to the steak.

IMG_7278
Apple Bacon Pork T-Bone 2.8/5

The Apple Bacon Pork T-Bone ($34) was served with apple bacon sauce, onion chutney, and confit potatoes. While the fruity sweetness of the apple bacon sauce helped cut through the pork's richness, the gaminess was a bit overwhelming. The buttery, soft confit potatoes, however, were indulgent and enjoyable.

IMG_7298
Pugliam Seafood Stew 2/5

Unfortunately, the Pugliam Seafood Stew ($36) was disappointing, presenting itself as more of a pasta-in-cream dish. It seemed hastily prepared, with orecchiette pasta, bits of fish, squid rings, sliced scallops, and prawns thrown into a weak cream sauce. The broth lacked the depth of flavour, and the prawns should have at least been deveined for the price.

IMG_7309
Sour Cherry Crumble 4.2/5

The highlight of the evening was the Sour Cherry Crumble ($18). It was divine, with a base of dark tart cherries topped with sweet, chunky walnut crumble and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Photos and words 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.


Brewerkz
One Fullerton
1 Fullerton Road
#01-01
Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 96431571
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 12midnight

Direction
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Clifford Centre and then Change Alley. Take escalator to level 2. Cross the road using the OUE Link. Turn left towards Fullerton Bay Hotel. Walk to towards the bay and destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]