Jalan Kukoh Teochew Kueh @ Jalan Kukoh Food Centre - A Hidden Gem Selling Handmade Teochew Kuehs

Sometimes the road less taken may lead to new discovery. Just like my recent visit to to Jalan Kukoh Food Centre that leads to the discovery of a hidden gem selling traditional Teochew kuehs. To be frank, we don't even know there is a hawker centre in the quiet estate. A long queue was spotted at Jalan Kukoh Teochew Kueh when I was there which aroused my curiosity to try their Teochew handmande kuehs.

Jalan Kukoh Teochew Kueh which took up two stall spaces at the food centre, freshly handmade their Teochew kuehs at the stall. It offers five items on the menu such as Ang Tho Kueh, Tow Sar Kueh, Soon Kueh, Koo Chai Kueh and Round Yam Kueh.

The stall is run by Madam Loh and his brother together. Started from their grandmother who sold kueh in a market in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. When the family migrated to Singapore, their mother continued the business selling kueh in a pushcart along Jalan Kukoh. Since young the siblings have been helping out their mother and hence picking up the skills of making these traditional Teochew kuehs.

Besides the Ang Tho Kueh and Tow Sar Kueh which costs $1.10 each, the rest only costs $1. I was quite lucky to be able to get the Soon Kueh, Koo Chai Kueh and Round Yam Kueh. Most of the customers have pre-ordered and are buying in large quantity. If you are walk in customer, you will have to make do with what is available.

It is hard to pick a favourite from what I have ordered. I know some people do not like the taste of chive but I love it. Packed to the brim, each bite into the Koo Chai Kueh comes with that earthy aroma accentuated by the dried shrimps. The Soon Kueh was also plump, juicy and flavourful. Not to be missed is the Round Yam Kueh. This is the first time I had it. The stuffing is quite similar to Ang Tho Kueh or more commonly know as Peng Kueh except that aromatic fried yam is added to elevate the flavour even more.

Jalan Kukoh Teochew Kueh
Jalan Kukoh Food Centre
Blk 1 Jalan Kukoh
#01-19/20
Singapore 161001
Tel: +65 98380235
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 3pm - 7pm
Wed-Sat: 7am - 9am, 3pm - 7pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Upper Cross Street (Stop ID 06171), opposite Subordinate Court. Take bus number 51 or 186. Alight 1 stop later. Take the stairs and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Outram Park MRT station (Stop ID 06011). Take bus number 174. Alight 1 stop later. Walk down Chin Swee Road. Turn left onto Jalan Kukoh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

The Disgruntled Brasserie @ Ann Siang Road - Honour The Concept Of Small & Large Plates With A Refreshed Menu

The Disgruntled Chef at Ann Siang Road has changed its name to The Disgruntled Brasserie. In conjunction with that, it has revamped its menu and welcome Chef de Cuisine Desmond Goh to helm the kitchen. While the menu has been refreshed, it still kept to the concept of small and large plates.

Gruyere Cheese Souffle 4.8/5

Dinner started with some small plates from the menu. The Gruyere Cheese Soufflé ($16) was not only pretty in presentation it was also beautiful on the palate. The gruyere cheese and caramelised onions worked in harmony to develop a memorable experience complemented by the the Chardonnay fondue.

Home Cured Salmon 4.5/5

I have to admit I was admiring the beautiful shaped pickled cucumber that I did not notice the bed of Home Cured Salmon ($16) resting in the pool of horseradish buttermilk and comes with marinated acocadoes. Another dish that delight my palate and impressed me. It will be perfect if the pickled cucumber has more zest to it.

Foie Gras & Peanut Butter Miso 3/5

While the first two dishes impressed, the Foie Gras & Peanut Butter Miso ($18) was a bit disappointing. The richness of the peanut butter miso kind of masked the taste of the foie gras, losing the focus of the dish. Saying that the black current gel and poached grapes gave a refreshing touch to the dish.

Chilean White Cod 4.8/5

Moving to the big plates, we tried the Chilean White Cod ($38) which seemed to be the group's favourite. Resting on top of the salted cod brandade is the perfectly cooked Chilean white cod, moist and buttery. I also applauded the use of the normande sauce which complemented the fish excellently.

Iberico Pork Collar 3.8/5

The Iberico Pork Collar ($32) comes with caraway milk poached caramelised cabbage, jerusalem artichoke puree, grilled scallions and dressed in star anise jus. The quality piece of meat was flavourosme on its own but it's supporting casts did not make the dish oscar worth.

Seafood Boullabaise 3.8/5

For something hearty and comforting, I would recommend the Seafood Boullabaise ($38). You can find seafood such as barramundi, clams, mussels, shrimps, squid swimming in the red sea. For a fuller enjoyment of the delectable broth, dunk the rouili toast into soup to soak up the goodness.

Homemade Squid Ink Pasta 4.2/5

Our last main is a plat of freshly made Squid Ink Pasta ($28). The al dente pasta was coated in a mildly spiced chilli sauce that gave the dish an extra dimension. It also paired excellent with the shrimps and crabmeat.

Baileys Creme Caramel 3.5/5

Moving to the dessert menu, the Bailey's Creme Caramel ($18) will delight those that enjoy's alocohol in the dessert. There are Remy Martin cherry compote, cocoa rice crisps and kahlua ice cream.

Lemon Curd 3.8/5

For those that like sour stuff, the Lemon Curd ($16) will be the ideal dessert which consists of biscuit, wildberries vanilla chantily cream and shiso leaf ice cream. The refreshing dessert is also a good choice after a heavy meal if you want something light to round off the dinner experience.

Chocolate Fondant 4/5

Sometime old is gold. I like the Chocolate Fondant ($18) among the 4 desserts we tried. The chocolate fondant has a slightly crisp exterior, giving it a nice texture contrast. The bittersweet chocolate flavour is beautifully paired with creme anglaise and pistachio ice cream for a harmonize finish.

Apple Tarte Tatin 4/5

Warming our hearts is the Apple Tarte Tatin ($16) that is paired with almond cream and vanilla bean ice cream. The star has to be the apple that is not too sweet and has a good crunch to it.

Overall I have enjoyed the revamped menu at The Disgruntled Brasserie. With the competitive F&B scene, restaurants need to be always coming out with new concepts or dishes. It is timely The Disgruntled Brasserie has refreshed their menu offering something new for diners.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Disgruntled Brasserie
28 Ann Siang Road
Singapore 069708
Tel: +65 68082184
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily
Breakfast: 7am - 1130am
Lunch: 1130am - 230pm
Hi-Tea: 330pm - 530pm
Dinner: 630pm - 1030pm

Directions:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Scale the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Maxwell Road towards Kadayanallur Street (beside URA building). Turn right onto Kadayanallur Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]