Spicy Thai - Thai Cafe @ Aljunied Avenue 2

I am not new to Spicy Thai at Aljunied Avenue 2. In fact I have been back for a couple of times with my friends for the Thai food. What makes me come back again and again probably is the exciting menu. There always seems to have something new on the menu each time I am back.

Prawn Cake 3.5/5

We started with some Prawn Cake ($2/pc). I don't usually order the prawn cake because many times I have restaurants servicing me one that is mixed with too much flour or too thick with its batter. I would say the prawn cake at Thai Spicy is one of the better ones that I have eaten.

Fish Cake 3.5/5

The Fish Cake ($2/pc) was springy and has a hint of spiciness. Paired it to sweet chilli sauce for a more delightful enjoyment.

Nam Tok Neua (Basil Beef) Salad 3.8/5

This is one salad that the carnivores will applauded. The Nam Tok Neua (Basil Beef) Salad ($15) comes with beef strips tossed in a spicy thai sauce served with century egg. There were not much vegetable except for the basil flavour that is infused to the beef. The meat was a bit tough to my liking but the sauce was top notch. Not forgetting my favourite century egg.

BBQ Pork Neck 4.5/5

BBQ Chicken Wing 4.2/5

I was told that Spicy Thai has recently engaged a grill expert from Thailand and I was eagerly looking forward to the grill items. From the grill section of the menu, I tried the BBQ Pork Neck ($10) and BBQ Chicken Wing ($6 for 4pc/ $9 for 6pc). Both the pork neck and chicken wing were really well marinated and grilled to perfection. The infused sweetness with the smokiness and slightly charred surface made these finger licking good.

Deep Fried Kang Kong with Special Thai Sauce 4/5

 I had the Deep Fried Kang Kong with Special Thai Sauce ($10) in my previous visit. It was a unique creation definitely. Compared to my previous visit, it seemed like there was a bit more batter giving it a more crispy crunch. Having it alone is it bland. It needs to pair with the special thai sauce. Quite similar like have Indian rojak.

Dill Pattie (Cha Om) Omelette 3.8/5

I am glad the price of the Dill Pattie (Cha Om) Omelette ($8) has not increased since my visit almost a year back. It was also great to note that they have used for dill pattie in the omelette for the herby taste to stand out more.

Crispy Seafood Lad Na 3/5

Crispy Seafood Lad Na 3/5

Crispy Seafood Lad Na ($6) was another dish that I tried previously. Now the fried hor fun is served separately from the gravy for retaining the crispiness. I actually think otherwise. Although the crispiness is retained, the dish felt separated without stir frying the hor fun with the gravy to infuse the flavours.

Water Fry Egg with Thai Style Crispy Sun Dried Fish

For a healthy option there is the Water Fry Egg with Thai Style Crispy Sun Dried Fish ($12). Very interesting way of fying egg, I would love to learn from the chef how to do it. Just be warned that it is packed with a spicy, tangy kick. I thought the crispy sun dried fish was additional, it did not really complement the dish except for decorative purposes. Nevertheless it was really crispy similar to the ikan bilis.

Red Emperor Snapper with Chilli Garlic 4.5/5

Moving on to the new items on the menu, we started with the Red Emperor Snapper with Chilli Garlic (market price). Simplicity at its best with the garlic and chilli combo plus a bit of lemon zest to boost up the whole natural flavour of the fish. Everyone on the table enjoyed it. However, I thought the fish was a bit overcooked by a minute or two but overall it was a very good dish.

Thai Walking Cat Fish with Spicy Lemon Soup 4.2/5

Another fish dish on the new menu is the Thai Walking Cat Fish with Spicy Lemon Soup ($28). Restaurant seldom serves cat fish on the menu but it is actually quite tasty. The flesh is firmer compared to the red snapper. I was concern of the earthy taste of the cat fish but it was well covered by the spicy lemon soup that is used to cook the fish under constant charcoal heat.

Basil Mussels 4.2/5

Still on seafood, we tried the Basil Mussels ($15). I enjoyed how the basil flavour has been infused into the shellfish giving it an addition aroma.

Lala Beehoon 4/5

The highlight for the dinner probably was the Lala Beehoon ($18) and one of the newest creation I was looking forward to try. The silky smooth beehoon was buried underneath a pile of sweet clams. Most of us enjoyed it but some felt that it was too peppery for their weak tongue. The peppery kick did give me an adrenaline rush but I thought it overshadowed the sweetness of the clam that supposed to be absorbed by the beehoon.

Lemongrass Jelly with Aloe Vera Cubes and Calamansi 3/5

Tapioca in Coconut Milk 4.2/5

Thai Red Ruby 4/5

Sticky Glutinous Rice with Mango 4/5

Not forgetting the desserts to wrap up the sumptuous dinner. Spicy Thai offers a good selection of Thai desserts such as the Lemongrass Jelly with Aloe Vera Cubes and Calamansi ($2.50), Tapioca in Coconut Milk ($3.50), Thai Red Ruby ($3.50) and Sticky Glutinous Rice with Mango ($6). The lemongrass jelly and red ruby are perfect to cool off that fiery tongue after all the spicy food. The tapioca was steamed to a delectable softness that is excellently complemented by the sweetness from the coconut milk. Last but not least the classic mango sticky rice to complete the delicious meal and wonderful company.


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 left and walk towards Aljunied Road. Take the overhead bridge. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Aljunied MRT station (Stop ID 81081). Take bus number 80. Alight 2 stops later. Cut through the housing estate, walk towards the food centre. Cut across the food centre and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) 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. [Map]

Koji (米花) Sushi Bar @ China Square Central

A two month's old Japanese restaurant, Koji (米花) Sushi Bar has opened its door directly opposite Hinoki Japanese Restaurant at China Square Central. Koji Sushi Bar is a trendy and casual sushi/sashimi joint lead by Chef Benny. Stepping into the little restaurant, it resembles those sushi bar in Japan with counter seats surrounding the chef and barely any walking space. For a more comfort personal space, there are high tables and benches outdoor.

Pitan Tofu 4.2/5

My lunch at Koji Sushi Bar started with the Pitan Tofu. I love this cold starter. I thought this is a brilliant combination since the first time I had it many many years ago. Back then I was like, wow I didn't know Japanese use century egg in their cuisine. All the while I thought century egg is only used in Chinese cuisine.

Platter of Trio 4.2/5

Next up is a platter of trio. On the plate is Salmon tossed in a flavourful marinade and topped with sesame. The combination delivered a rich flavour to the salmon and bursting aroma with each bite of the sesame, giving it a new lease of life. Following that is Crab meat with seaweed in a yuzu sauce. This was light and refreshing which in a way helped to clear the palate after the rich flavour from the salmon. Lastly is Amberjack sashimi with truffle. A very clean taste which is further accentuated by the earthy truffle aroma.

Silver Bait Fish 2.8/5

The Silver Bait Fish in Ponzu Sauce is next. I did not quite enjoy this dish as there was a bitter aftertaste with the fish. I could not really made up what caused it but I suspect it could come from the eyes of the silver bait fish.

Salad 3/5

A simple Salad dish build up to the highlights. Fried garlic was added to the salad which I thought was rather interesting. Initially I found it quite bitter but as I had more, I started to appreciate the thought behind it.

Chirashi Don 4.5/5

One of the highlights at Koji Sushi Bar is the Chirashi Don ($17), add Uni ($8) to complete the generous servicing. This bowl of sashimi rice is further topped with tempura crumble to give it the extra texture. The crunchy jelly fish strips further added another layer of texture. For the money, I would say this is probably the best value chirashi don in town.

Clear Hamaguri Clam Soup 4.5/5

The Clear Hamaguri Clam Soup was served at the most appropriate timing after the chirashi don. The light but yet natural flavoured soup from the sweetness of the hamaguri clam helped to wash down all the greasiness and cleared the palate. It is also perfect after having a couple of drinks. It will freshened up and cleansed the intoxication.

Wagyu Sukiyaki

Last but not least is the Wagyu Sukiyaki ($25). Koji Sushi Bar uses marble seven wagyu beef for the sukiyaki. The beautiful marbling and melted in the mouth beef was simplicity at its best with the sukiyaki allowing one to appreciate the natural flavour of the beef to the fullest.

Koji Sushi Bar maybe a casual setup but quality and freshness is not compromised. Fresh seafood delivery is made 3 times a week. It also offers omakase dinner starting from $85. However advance reservation is needed for the omakase dinner.


Koji (米花) Sushi Bar
China Square Central
Nakin Row
3 Pickering Road
#01-42
Singapore 048660
Tel: +65 62256125
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 5 - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to South Bridge Road. Cross South Bridge Road. Turn left and walk towards the stretch of shop houses along South Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit E. Cut throught Chinatown Point and Hong Lim Complex. Cross South Bridge Road. Walk towards the stretch of shop houses along South Bridge Road. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]