Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Monkey Warung @ Capitol Piazza - Balinese Style Pork Ribs Restaurant Replacing Naughty Nuri's

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Naughty Nuri's has left. If you are a die-hard fan of their ribs, you might be comforted to know that you could still go back to the same spot at Capitol Piazza for your fork tender, fall-off-the-bones pork ribs, and get your fingers smeared with that sweet, smoky brown sauce again. Monkey Warung, an Indonesian grill house, has taken over just weeks ago. The Balinese style pork ribs has been saved from exiting our shore, now joined by popular Indonesian dishes such as Ayam Penyat, Tahu Telor, Pepes squid etc.

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Tahu Telor 3/5

Tahu Telor ($10) is a simple Indonesian snack favoured by Indonesians and locals alike. Simple ingredients but takes skills to master that vertical egg tofu. While mine seemed to look like a collapsed dome, the egg was still quite fluffy in the center with crispy edges. There could be more tofu to beef up the portion, afterall it's $10 a plate. The owner readily admitted that more work has to be done to get all the dishes right, we shall see about that.

If you notice, most dishes come with a saucer of their Sambal Teras, a character that has gained an unexpectedly high demand from the crowd, to the extend that the owner decided to simply serve it along with most of the dishes, even the Tahu Telor. As making the chilli paste is a time consuming and labourous task, any additional request will be at $2 each.

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Cumi Bakar Jimbaran 3.5/5

Plated with a touch of finesse is the Cumi Bakar Jimbaran ($17) from the Jimbaran Grill section. The squid is firm to bite, slightly sweeten by the sauce with a hint of smokiness from the grill. Defintely a great sharing starter or even as a bar-bite.

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Legendary Ribs 4.2/5

The Legendary Ribs (1/2 rack $20) finally made its appearance. The length of the ribs is indeed quite an eye opener. The meat was almost loose hanging, and came away with just a gentle touch. The sweet and smoky sauce is finger licking good - the best way to eat it is with hands! I love the green lime that is served together. A dash of the acidity cuts the richness of the meat and gives the sauce a citrusy lift.

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Nasi Goreng 3/5

If you are by yourself and just want something simple, there are also day-to-day dishes such as Nasi Goreng, Soto Ayam, Indo Mie. The Nasi Goreng comes with Chicken Satay. The satay was too dry, but the glaze of peanut sauce is pretty good.

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Goreng Pisang 3.5/5

Nothing fancy for dessert but I was really contented with the Goreng Pisang. The batter is thin, airy and crispy. I just wish I could have a scoop of coconut ice cream over it, instead of just desiccated coconut.

Isn't it rare to find a place that offers both Indonesian grill and Balinese style pork ribs? There is a promotion going on right now, with beers, wine, Prosecco going at $5, alongside with some bar bites too.

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
Monkey Warung
Capitol Galleria
15 Stamford Road
#01-84
Singapore 178906
Tel: +65 63847966
Facebook
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Go to ground level. Walk over to Capitol Galleria. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Monday, October 30, 2017

Yu Mei Mei Shi @ Havelock Road Food Centre - A Hearty Bowl Of Fish Soup

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Located at the corner of Havelock Road Food Centre is Yu Mei Mei Shi selling  fish soup. The stall has been around for around 22 years. The stall owner's daughter who used to be a ex-banker, has quitted her job and helped out in the stall now.

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Red Grouper with Egg Noodles $8

Being a bit greedy, I ordered the Red Grouper with Egg Noodles ($8)  which is usually more expensive compared to the other fishes available at the stall. I like the firm and bouncy texture of the red grouper. The soup base may look light and clear but it actually is quite sweet and flavourful. In short, it has depth.

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Sliced Fish Sup 4/5

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We also tried its Slice Fish Soup ($4) with a bowl of Rice ($0.50). Using the same soup base, it is like and refreshing. what is noteworthy is how thickly they sliced their fish. There are also options to add more ingredients such as fish egg, bittergourd

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Overall you can get a decently good bowl of fish soup at Yu Mei Mei Shi. It didn't taste like they have added MSG for the sweetness of the soup to complement the fresh fish slices.


Yu Mei Mei Shi
Blk 22A Havelock Road
#01-15
Singapore 161022
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 9am - 3pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bukit Ho Swee Link. At Bukut Ho Swee Link, turn left and walk to Jalan Bukit Ho Swee. At Jalan Bukit Ho Swee turn right and walk to Jalan Klink. Walk down Jalan Klink and look out for a staircase that goes down the slope. Take the staircase to the bottom. Turn right and follow the covered walkway to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]