Saturday, April 23, 2016

Rice & Fries @ Changi Road - Passion, Consistency and Quality Food in Neighbourhood Restaurant

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It has been almost 3 years since I last visited Rice & Fries at Changi Road. In this competitive F&B scene, I have seen so many restaurants come and go. I am glad that Chef Ken and his team are still hanging around, delicately dishing out delicious food to their customers.  This time I am back again to check out their new menu.

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Spam Bots 4.5/5

The Spam Bots ($9.80) is probably the best spam fries I have tried. What I like about the luncheon meat frites is the crispy exterior while the innard still retain the moist texture, unlike most places that deep fried everything to a dry almost crispy texture. It also comes with a salt egg yolk dip that made it even more addictive.

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Chicken Wings 4/5

Another great snack bite is the Chicken Wings ($6.80 for 2pc). Deep fried to crispy with juicy interior, this is a delectable starter for sharing.

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Somersby Apple Cider 4.5/5

The ice cold Somersby Apple Cider which is light and refreshing, is perfect to go with the spam bots and chicken wings. Rice & Fries also serve it in an interesting way, instead of just drinking it straight from the bottom. The bottle is inverted and dunk into a glass of ice of a cool enjoyment.

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French Onion Soup 4/5

On the new revamped menu, we tried both the French Onion Soup ($6.80) and Lobster Bisque ($12.80). Quite a well executed dish whereby I can taste the rich beef broth together with the sweetness of the carmalized onions coming together. Instead of the toasted garlic bread at the side, it will be even better if the french onion soup is topped with crouton and cheese.

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Lobster Bisque 3.8/5

The Lobster Bisque ($12.8) comes in a gorgeous thick and creamy lobster seafood bisque with crab meat, served with a toasted garlic bread. I enjoyed the bowl of soup but I thought it leaned more towards a seafood soup rather than a lobster bisque. Hence I think the dish name was a bit misleading until I read the description in details.

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Salted Egg Yolk Pasta 4.2/5

One of the bestseller at Rice & Fries is the Salted Egg Yolk Pasta ($19.80) topped with a deep fried soft shell crab. The version at Rice & Fries is rich, intense and creamier, coating every stand of the pasta. On top of that, the used of curry leaves lifted the flavour, giving it an extra oomph.

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BBQ Pork Ribs 4/5

The BBQ Pork Ribs ($22.80) is one dish that we have mixed options. The rack of ribs was cooked to a nice tender, falling off the bone with ease. The meat also comes with a hint of smokiness. I find that the sweet house special bbq sauce enhances the whole enjoyment of the dish but my dining partner feels that it is too sweet. That's why taste is always subjective. You can't satisfy everyone's palate.

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Crab & Lobster Risotto 4.5/5

Among the mains I tried. The Crab & Lobster Risotto ($21.80) is probably my favourite. The risotto is cooked to an enjoyable grainy bite texture which is how I like it. The risotto is also well infused with the rich and intense lobster bisque, packed with generous serving of crab meat.

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Lemon Tart 3/5

Wrapping up the dinner, we have the Lemon Tart ($6.80) and Dark Chocolate Lava Cake ($9.80). The pastry case of the lemon tart was a little under baked during our visit. It did not have the biscuity texture. Nevertheless, the lemon custard is well balanced, not overly sour which at time can be quite unpalatable.

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Dark Chocolate Lava Cake 3.5/5

The Dark Chocolate Lava Cake ($9.80) with vanilla ice cream fares better than the lemon tart. The warm molten lava cake has a crusty surface that adds a layer of texture enjoyment amid the chocolate lava centre and moist body.

Overall, I have enjoyed my meal at Rice & Fries. It is great to come back to a restaurant to know that they have kept their passion, consistency and quality in dishing our beautiful food to their customers. For people living in the Kembangan area, I envy you for having such a good neighbourhood restaurant in your vicinity.


Rice & Fries
484 Changi Road
Singapore 419896
Tel: +65 97386648
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Kembangan (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Tue: 6pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Kembangan MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road at Sims Ave East. Walk along the canal to Changi Road. Cross the road and turn left. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Friday, April 22, 2016

Yong Kee Seafood Fish Soup (永记海鲜鱼片汤) @ Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 - Famous Batam Seafood Fish Soup Opens First Stall in Singapore

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For those that has been to Batam, you probably have heard of or even eaten at Yong Kee Soup Seafood Restaurant Istimewa. Known in Batam for their clear seafood fish soup, the restaurant has recently opened its first stall in Ang Mo Kio. Yes, you are not hearing me wrong. Now we need not take a ferry across the strait to taste their popular seafood fish soup.

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Seafood Fish Soup 4/5

My first instinct is to take a sip of the Seafood Fish Soup ($5/$7) which is light and sweet. Then I took another bite of the sliced fish. It was so fresh. A check with the stall ascertain my taste buds, the stall owner cut the batang fish freshly every morning at the stall. The Seafood Fish Soup here is the clear version that highlights the natural sweetness of the ingredients, rather than having complicated flavours. It is really hearty and comforting. If they can add some tofu, that will be even more complete.

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Seafood Fish Soup 4/5

If you prefer something that is lighter in taste, you can go for the Slice Fish Soup ($4/$6). Comes with slices of the fresh batang fish that is sweet in taste, smooth and firm in texture. For a more fulfilling meal, you can have the Sliced Fish Soup Beehoon, that comes with silky smooth rice noodles.

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Sliced Fish Soup Beehoon 4/5

Compared to the earlier two bowls of fish soup, the Fish Head Yam Soup ($6/$8) is slightly more robust in taste and richer in flavour. While the yam adds in the flavour, it still needed more work to get it really infused with the soup or it will feel kind of separated.

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Fish Head Yam Soup 3.5/5

Besides the various fish soup, the stall also sells the peanut chicken feet ($1) which is a delectable side dish to go with a bowl of the light and healthy fish soup.


Yong Kee Seafood Fish Soup (永记海鲜鱼片汤)
Blk 133 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3
Singapore 560133
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 930am to Sold Out

Direction: 
1) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Ang Mo Kio bus interchange (Stop ID 54009). Take bus 166, 169, 265 or 269. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Ang Mo Kio Street 12. Walk to destination. Journey time about  12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Ang Mo Kio MRT station (Stop ID 54269). Take bus number 76, 132, 165 or 268. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Ang Mo Kio Street 12. Walk to destination. Journey time about  12 minutes. [Map]