Nouri @ Amoy Street - Reinvention of Classic Dishes With Asian Ingredients

The last time I tried Chef Ivan Brehm's food was when he was at Bacchanalia, Coleman Street back in 2013. I was really impressed by his cooking and philosophy of using Asian ingredients to reinvent classic dishes. Not to forget he led The Kitchen at Bacchanalia to 1 Michelin Star in 2016. When Daniel asked me whether I was interested to check out Chef Ivan's new restaurant - Nouri at Amoy Street, I could not resist the lunch invitation.

Sour Dough with Basil Butter

We actually wanted to try the 5-course Omakase lunch menu ($85) but it was not available during our visit which is a Monday. Hence we have to settle for the "Teishoku" style a la carte menu. Our lunch started with the complimentary Sour Dough with Basil Butter. Love the basil butter, it went so well with the sour dough.

Steak 4.2/5

I decided to go for the Steak ($42) using Ranger's Valley grass fed wagyu rump-cap. The beautiful piece of pinkish meat is dressed in a buah keluak A1 bone marrow sauce and topped with pickled onion. Chef Ivan's philosophy can be seen in the used of buah keluak sauce for the steak. While the rich sauce worked well with the beef, I could not detect the distinct flavour of the buah keluak. I thought the pickled onion was very thoughtful to balance the richness of the sauce.

Vegetable 4.5/5

Daniel had the Vegetable ($28), a vegetarian dish on the menu which comes with chewy egg yolk, rice crispy, pickled and fresh Hatiku tomato with vegetable turmeric and coconut curry. Once again, we can see the chef's interplay of Asian ingredients. It definitely has brought excitement to a plate of vegetables. Surprisingly this is my favourite out of the 3 mains we tried.

Fish 3.8/5

Our friend has the Fish ($40) which uses Raymond's grouper and comes with coconut and sweet potato mash, topped with green mango salad. Love all the components on the plate except for the green mango salad. I thought it lacked the spicy and tangy punch of a typical Thai salad.

A surprise at the end of the meal is the complimentary dessert. The plated dessert comes with 48 hours camaralized banana, calamansi jelly, bread crumb and vanilla ice cream. This is definitely the icing on the cake for my lunch experience at Nouri.

Nouri by Chef Ivan Brehm is definitely an exciting new restaurant to look out for. The new restaurant may not be there yet for the Michelin Guide Singapore 2017, I think it was the potential to get a star in the next edition in 2018.


Nouri
72 Amoy Street
Singapore 069891
Tel: +65 62214148
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Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Sat: 1130am - 3pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Follow the covered walkway to the junction of Mccallum Street, Telok Ayer and Amoy Street. Turn left at the junction onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street towards Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Soi Thai Soi Nice @ Alexandra Central Mall - Tom Yam Seafood Hot Pot

Change is not easy and it takes courage, especially in F&B industry. What used to be Atmosphere Bistro at Alexandra Central Mall, the group embarks on a new concept offering Thai cuisine, renaming the restaurant Soi Thai Soi Nice. Basically the interior remains the same accept that the menu has been revamped to offer Thai dishes and hot pot.

Grilled Pork Neck 4.2/5

The Grilled Pork Neck ($9.80) is beautifully marinated and grilled to a lovely char with crispy edges. The succulent pork neck was tender and even came with a crunchy bite.

Stir Fried Mixed Vegetables 4/5

The Stir Fried Mixed Vegetables ($7.80) may look like a simple dish with oyster sauce and garlic but getting the balance right needs a good control of the wok. Infused with the smoky wok-hei aroma, the vegetables were not overcooked, retaining the crunchiness.

Royal Thai Hot Pot Regular Pot 4.2/5

The highlight at Soi Thai Soi Nice is the Royal Thai Hot Pot ($38.80/$68.80). We had the regular pot which is good for 2 pax. In the hot pot you can find cray fish, prawn, mussel, sausage, sio bak, egg, mushroom and maggie noodle, all submerged in a homemade tom yum broth. The broth is actually on the sweet side for me, it didn't have the characteristic spicy kick in authentic Thai cuisine. Nevertheless the hot pot brimming with ingredients is a luscious enjoyment on its own. I noticed almost every table has a pot of it on their table.


Soi Thai Soi Nice
Alexandra Central Mall
321 Alexandra Road
#02-01
Singapore 159971
Tel: +65 62504863
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Website
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 330pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 2 stops later. Walk towards Ikea, At Ikea, continuing walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 4 stops later. Walk towards Ikea, At Ikea, continuing walk to destination. . Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

Kogane Yama @ Bugis Junction - The Golden Mountain Is Lacking The Glisten

From the good folk behind Chir Chir Fusion Factory and Massizzim, the group has launch another new concept called Kogane Yama (Golden Mountain) at Bugis Junction offering tendon bowls. It got its name for the lavish heap of golden brown pieces of tempura, just like the scenic valleys and mountains in Japan.

Kogane Yama offers 4 types of bowl. Diners have a choice of Mixed Bowl ($15.80), Prawn Bowl ($13.80), Chicken Bowl ($13.80) and Vegetable Bowl ($11.80). Instead of rice, diners can also replace it with either Udon or Soba for an additional dollar. In addition, diners can also select their sauces - non spicy or spicy (level 1 to 3). Lastly, you can complete your meal with add-ons such as Chawanmushi at ($2) and Miso Soup ($1.50).

Mixed Bowl with Soba 3/5

I tried the Mixed Bowl with Soba ($16.80) which comes tempura prawns, chicken fillet, long beans, carrot, shiitake and enoki mushrooms, sweet potato, green bell pepper, seaweed, shiso leaf and a dollop of ebiko. For those prefer a bite in their noodle may not enjoy the softness of the soba which has been steeped in a clear and fragrant dashi broth.

Mixed Tendon Rice Bowl 3/5

If you opted by the Mixed Tendon Rice Bowl ($15.80), then you will get a mountain of tempura stacked to the brim. It is understand that the tempura is fried to golden brown using a fish seasoned batter and sesame oil. While the batter is crispy I felt it still missing that Japanese element in the bowl. I was telling my dining friends that I felt like eating a bowl of Chinese fried food instead of Japanese tempura.

I actually like the concept of Kogane Yama where the choices are given to the diner unlike the current tendon establishments. However the food is still a far way comparable to these well known tendon establishments. I personally felt that the restaurant needs to improve on the batter and maybe even the oil used.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kogane Yama
Bugis Junction
200 Victoria Street
#02-50
Singapore 188021
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am -10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm

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

Royal J's Premium Taste @ Bishan Street 11 - Bringing Their Signature Fried Porridge to Bishan

I am glad to know that John Ng of Royal J has opened a new restaurant at Bishan Street 11 called Royal J's Premium Taste. I first get to know John Ng when he opened his first stall at Macpherson Road selling the signature Fried Porridge. He then relocated to a coffeshop in Foch Road known as Royal J Seafood. Now with the latest restaurant bring the fried porridge and other cooked dishes to the folks in Bishan.

Signature Fried Porridge 4.5/5

A must have at the Royal J's Premium Taste is their Signature Fried Porridge. I am glad that the consistency is there. Plain porridge is fried in a wok with the addition of cuttlefish, yam cubes, dried shrimps and pork lard, finished in a flavourful dark brown sauce to hold the dish together.

Signature Kampong Chicken 4/5

Only available on weekends is the Signature Kampong Chicken ($18 for small). The poached chicken is soft and tender. I like the fried garlic that is sprinkled on top of it, giving it a nice lift in aroma.

Green Dragon Chive 3.5/5

For the greens, we had the Green Dragon Chive ($10) which is quite commonly available in Chinese restaurant nowadays. Simply stir fried, I enjoyed its nature flavour and crunchiness.

Yin and Yang Tofu 3/5

The Yin and Yang Tofu ($12) is a 2-in-1 dish. It comes with a bed of steamed egg in a delicious broth with some minced meat and 2 pieces of tofu. Unfortunately I did not like the type of tofu used. It's the firmer type like tau kwa.

Special Lemon Fish with Beehoon 3.5/5

Lastly we tried the Special Lemon Fish with Beehoon ($26). It tasted a bit Thai inspired from the sour lemon sauce. However I felt it needed a bit of that chilli fiery to give it a bit more punch.


Royal J's Premium Taste
Blk 151 Bishan Street 11
#01-195
Singapore 570151
Tel: +65 91223993
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Nearest MRT: Bishan (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bishan MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to Bishan Bus Interchange (Stop ID 53009). Take bus number 54, 56 or 410. Alight 2 stops later. Walk straight to the traffic junction of Bishan Street 13 and Bishan Street 11. Cross the road and turn left onto Bishan Street 11. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Long Qing Hotpot @ Hong Kong Street - Hipster Hotpot with Wall Murals

A new hotpot restaurant, Long Qing Hotpot has opened at Hong Kong Street. It offers both set and a la carte menus for their hotepot with four different soup bases. The hotpot restaurant is opened by James Chiew, a local Singaporean together with his Chong Qing wife.

Signature Clear Broth 3.5/5 and Spicy Ma La 4/5

We have the dual pot and tried the Signature Clear Broth and Spicy Ma La soup base. The signature clear broth is made using both pork and chicken bones, together with some herbs. It was rather bland initially but as the raw ingredients were cooked in the soup, it gets richer and more flavourmore.

For those that like spicy stuff, Long Qing has created a Mala soup base that is close to Chong Qing, hometown of the lady boss. However the couple has given it a tweak to make it drinkable, to cater for how Singaporean likes to enjoy their hotpot.

We decided to go for the a la carte menu instead of the set menu, worry that the set menu may be too much for 3 of us. For the meat, we ordered the Pork Collar ($12) and Angus Beef Slice ($18). I didn't like the fact that my meat is frozen but I can understand the need to watch their operating cost.

Besides the meat, we also ordered some other stuff on the menu such as the Handmade Pork Ball ($12), Handmade Fish Paste ($12), Handmade Prawn Paste ($14), Pork Cabbage Dumpling ($10)

Fish Paste with Crisp Pig Skin ($10), Vegetable Platter ($12) and Crispy Beancurd Skin ($6.80).

A good hotpot place comes down to the soup bases. I felt that the soup bsaes still lose out to a lot of places. It is decent but can be better. The ingredients are also quite limited.

Long Qing Hotpot

18 Hong Kong Street

Singapore 059661

Tel: +65 65331618
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:

Tue-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm

Sat-Sun: 530pm - 11pm

(Closed on Mon)

Direction:

1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the Road. Walk down New Bridge Road towards Hong Kong Street. Turn left onto Hong Kong Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Uncle Chicken RIce @ Havelock Road - Moved From Simpang Bedok to Tiong Bahru Area

In my previous review on Uncle Chicken Rice when it is at The Bedok Market Place, both the brothers of Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice, Niven and Benson were working together then. Now they have once again gone their separate way. Benson has opened his own stall at the coffeeshop at block 40 Holland Drive while Niven decided to move to Havelock Road.

The new location at Havelock Road is an air conditioned, sit down eatery hence you will find the price a bit higher. On the wall, there is a painting of Smith Street in the olden day. This is where Niven's father started selling and learning the skill of the chicken rice before opening Sin Kee.

Poached Chicken 4.2/5

Currently Uncle Chicken Rice offers 3 different menu set menu - Single Set (from $4.50), Set Meal A ($16.80 to $32.80) or Set Meal B ($20.80 to $42.80). We gone for Set Meal B ($42.80 for 4 pax) which comes with a choice of Poached Chicken/Soya Sauce Chicken/Combo, Chicken Rice/White Rice/Plain Porridge, Graden Vegetable with Oyster Sauce and Chicken Feet with Peanuts Soup.

Soya Sauce Chicken 3.5/5

Since there is a choice of chicken from our set meal, we decided to go for the combo which comes with both the poached chicken and soya sauce chicken. The chicken is still chopped into chunky pieces for the full enjoyment of the moist and tender chicken. While Niven still maintains the high standard of this poached chicken, I thought the soya sauce chicken still lacking in terms of flavour. I could not really taste the soya sauce flavour in the chicken.

Besides the chicken, I am glad that Niven has kept the fresh ginger and scallion dip to go with his chicken. Not to forget his concoction of chilli sauces. For the regulars, you will be glad that he still does the more spicy and tangy version but only serve upon request.

Chicken Feet with Peanut Soup 

Garden Vegetable with Oyster Sauce

The set menu we ordered also comes with Chicken Feet with Peanut Soup and Garden Vegetable with Oyster Sauce. They are good side dishes to complement the meal. I only visit the soup is cooked longer to extract the full essence of the ingredients. Not to forget that their delicious Lava Egg which is available on their other set menu. I think you should be able to add on as ala carte.

Lava Egg 4.2/5

Uncle Chicken Rice has only opened for about a week, so it still needs time to smooth out its kitchen's operations. It will also gradually introduced more dishes on the menu. Meanwhile, if you missed his chicken rice, it is all ready to receive you.


Uncle Chicken Rice
729 Havelock Road
Singapore 169649
Tel: 1800 2442536
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Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to PSB Academy. At the junction of Jalan Bukit Ho Swee and Bukit Ho Swee Crescent, cross the road walk towards the HDB flats. Cut through the HDB flats and walk towards block 40. Walk to the shop houses behind block 40 along Havelock Road. Journey time about 8 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
Facebook
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]

New Lucky Claypot Rice @ Holland Drive Food Centre - Charocal Cooked Claypot Rice, Up To An Hour Wait

Fans of claypot rice will know of New Lucky Claypot Rice at Holland Drive Food Centre. It used to be located at Clementi before moving to its present location. The claypot rice here is still cooked the traditional way from the raw rice grains over charcoal fire. Hence the wait can be as long as an hour or more if you did not make prior reservation. Scroll down to the end of the article to know how to beat the queue, if you do not want to wait an hour for your food.

Claypot Rice 4.2/5

The Claypot Rice ($10) comes with very little chicken meat, so we usually ask to add more chicken meat at an extra cost of $5. The claypot rice is served bland with a bottle of oil and dark sweet sauce. Customers can add the amount of oil and dark sweet sauce to their own preference.

Claypot Rice 4.2/5

So why to people come afar to savour their claypot rice? First of all, the outer layer of the claypot rice is cooked to a aromatic charred crispy crust while the rest are fluffy and moist. The sausages and salted fish further enhanced the flavur of the fragrant rice. Most importantly, the chicken cooked under the high intense charcoal heat is still juicy and tender.

Vegetable 3/5

Watercress Soup 3.5/5

Having the claypot rice only can be quite boring. Knowing that Singaporean likes variety, the stall also sells Vegetables and Soup. They are not the best but I am content for the variety and it only costs me an additional $8 for both the vegetable and soup.

As promise, here is the tip to eat at New Lucky Claypot Rice. Never walk in or be prepared to wait for at least an hour. The best thing is to call and place your order before turning up. The stall will give you a queue number over the phone and a rough estimated time when the food will be ready. Make you way down at the appointed time and you will find your claypot rice will be served to you in minutes. Just walk up to the staff and tell them your queue number. Oh remember to tell the person over the phone that you want to add chicken meat.


New Lucky Claypot Rice
Blk 44 Holland Drive
#02-19
Singapore 270044
Tel: +65 67787808
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun: 1100am - 145pm, 5pm - 830pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and turn left towards the housing estate. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]