World Street Food Congress 2013

After Savour 2013 and World Gourmet Summit 2013 in April, the folks from Mankansutra has brought together 37 stalls from 10 countries in the first ever World Street Food Congress 2013 in Singapore in a 10 days event from 31 May 2013 to 09 June 2013 at the F1 Pit Building and Paddock.

There is 2 large boards near the entry that shows the map of the venue, stalls location and the street food representing their stall/country.

The entry fee is $28 but $20 of it is food coupons for food purchasing. There are also kiosks to sell the food vouchers as well as souvenirs.

I was there on Sunday 02 Jun 2013 around 4pm. There was not many people. However I did notice the crowd started to turn up around 6pm when I left the event.

La Guerrerense from Mexico is the first stall I want to check out at the jamboree. La Guerrerense is from a coastal town in Ensenada selling its legendary fish and shrimp tacos and ceviche for about half a century. Anthony Bourdain has also nominated her for Newsweek "101 Best Places to Eat in the World". In July 2012, LA Street Food Fest, La Guerrerense is awarded the highest prize beating over 100 competitors from restaurants and street food stands. Their Tostada with sea urchin, pisto clam, salsa and avocado also earned the "Best Original Dish" award.

La Guerrerense (Mexic) - Toastada

Chuoi Nuong (Vietnam) - Nam o Sticky Rice Banana

Phan Rang 38 (Vietnam) - Banh Khot & Banh Xeo

Hai Ya Hainan Fen (China) - Hainan Fen

Abhishek (India) - Chicken 65

Kerak Telor (Indonesia) - Kerak Telor

Ah Chye Rojak (Malaysia) - Penang Rojak

The Peoples' Pig (USA) - Porchetta Sandwich

There are a total of 40 dishes offered from the 37 food stalls at the 10 day World Street Food Jamboree. The dishes are quite pricey. Most expensive from Meyer Kokken (Demark) selling their sandwich at $14. For budget eat, go for the Indian food stalls with dishes at $3.50. Among the street foods I tried, I would recommend La Guerrerense (Mexico)'s Seafood Tostada (unfortunately no sea urchin) and The People's Pig (USA)'s Porchetta Sandwich.


World Street Food Congress 2013
Date: 31 May 2013 to 09 June 2013
Venue: F1 Pit Building and Paddock, 1 Republic Blvd, Singapore 038975
Opening Hours: 11am - 10pm daily
Website: http://www.wsfcongress.com

Spicy Thai Thai Cafe @ Aljunied Avenue 2

Calling out to fans of Thai food, a new restaurant which prides itself of offering authentic Thai food has opened in the heartland of Singapore in Aljunied. Formerly a food court at the HDB block near Geylang East Swimming Complex, Spicy Thai Thai Cafe now owns the whole premise which still looks like a food court but offering only one and only cuisine, Thai food where it will get your taste buds sing (slogan of the cafe). Together with Daniel, Nicole and my girlfriend we went down to try the Thai food on a Saturday evening.

Tom Yum Seafood Soup Clear 4/5

The restaurant insists of using charcoal for their soup and steamed dishes to keep the dish simmering hot consistently without affecting the quality of the food. The Tom Yum Seafood Soup Clear ($6/$14) has a nice balance of the characteristic hot and sour flavours with a generous serving of fresh seafood.

Nam Tok Moo (Grilled Pork Salad) 3.5/5

For Thai cuisine, I usually order the papaya or green mango salad for appertiser. For a change, we tried the Nam Tok Moo or Grilled Pork Salad ($12). Although the grilled pork was a bit dry but the medley of flavours definitely whetted up the appetite.

Stir Fried Kang Kong with Chilli 4/5

The Stir Fried Kang Kong with Chilli ($8) was well executed with a nice crunchy bite to it. A simple and comfort dish that came with a hint of pleasant spiciness.

Green Curry with Chicken 4/5

I always enjoy Green Curry with Chicken ($8) because it goes very well with the rice. Green curry is actually not spicy but sweet instead. The bowl of creamy mild green curry with baby Thai eggplant, long beans and chicken pieces was so delectable that I drenched my plate of rice with it.

Stir Fried Phad Thai with Seafood 4.2/5

I seldom order Pad Thai in Singapore because they were usually disappointing. I am glad my table decided to try the Phad Thai with Seafood ($6). It was as good as you can get in Thailand. The Phad Thai from Spicy Thai - Thai Cafe is definitely one of best in town.

BBQ Chicken Wing 3/5

The BBQ Chicken Wing ($6 for 4pc, $9 for 6pc) was a bit too sweet with the marination. It will be perfect if they can do some adjustment with the marinate.

Hommok Thai Style Otak 4/5

Unlike our local otak, the Hommok Thai Style Otak ($15) has a more mushy texture. It is not spicy at all. The fish mousseline has a nice fruity coconut flavour that comes with surprise bites of the coconut flesh.

Red Ruby 4/5

Mango Sticky Rice 4.5/5

We have the staple Thai desserts, Red Ruby and Mango Sticky Rice to end our dinner on a sweet note. While the red ruby was good especially after a spicy feast to cool off that heat, it was the mango sticky rice that stood out. It instantly brought back memories of this mango sticky rice stall which I frequent whenever I go to Thailand. Like the stall, roasted fragrant sesame seeds were added to the glutinous rice which simply raised the enjoyment a bar different from the rest.

Overall I find that Spicy Thai - Thai Café is worth a visit if you are looking for authentic Thai food that does not burnt a hole in your pocket. With its spacious premise, it is also suitable for family and group dinner. Thai Mookata is also served here. For a mere $35, you will get a big plate of meats, seafood and veggies.


Spicy Thai - Thai Cafe
Blk 115 Aljunied Avenue 2
#01-35
Singapore 380115
Tel: +65 67478558
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpicyThaiThaiCafe
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12am

Direction:
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to Geylang East Ave 1. On Geylang East Ave 1, turn left and continue to the end of the road. Cross the road and continue on Aljunied Crescent. Walk down Aljunied Crescent and turn right onto Aljunied Ave 2. Walk to block 115. Journey time about 15 minutes.