Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Ah Hock Hougang Fried Oyster @ Whampoa Drive Makan Place

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Where is your favourite Fried Oyster or Orh Luak stall in Singapore? I actually not sure how orh luak originated but I do remember during my childhood days, my dad used to packet this delectable street food home for supper. I usually will open the packet of chilli sauce and poured it all over the fried oyster because I like the sourness from the chilli sauce. I find the combination very heavenly, even till now I still do it whether I have a plate of fried oyster.

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Recently I visited Whampoa Drive Makan Place and ordered a plate of Fried Oyster ($4) from Ah Hock Hougang Fried Oyster. The stall signage says that it was formerly from Lim Tua Tow market since 1927.

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Fried Oyster 4.5/5

When I got my plate of fried oyster ($4), I was initially quite disappointed as the portion was very little. To be frank, I felt cheated. The portion felt like it was a $2.50 servicing. My world turned around when I dig into the crispy orh luak on the exterior and with a slightly chewy texture inside. It has a nice wok hei complemented by the flavourful fish sauce. The  oyster was also fresh and plump. The chilli sauce is the other highlight here. It has that tangy sourness that accentuated the fried starch flour to a whole new enjoyment.

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Fried Oyster 4.5/5

Every components on the plate seems to be the main cast and non is felt as just a supporting role. Compare to the popular Simon Road Fried Oyster, I find this less oily. This is really one good plate of fried oyster I would travel all the way just to have it.


Ah Hock Hougang Fried Oyster
Whampoa Drive Makan Place
Blk 90 Whampoa Drive
#01-54
Singapore 320090
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AhHockFriedOysterHougang
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line), Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12noon - 11pm
(Closed on alternate Wed)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to bus stop outside Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Stop ID 07211). Take bus number 125 or 139. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Novena Church (Stop ID 50031). Take bus number 21 and 131. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Bumbo Rum Club @ Club Street

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Long standing bar 83 Club Street has undergone a revamped and replaced with a new concept introducing Caribbean influenced cuisine and rum centric bar. Housing a whopping collection of 76 rums from more than 20 countries, 7 homemade infused rums as well as 25 exquisite rum cocktails, Bumbo Rum Club (BRC) is a rum heaven.

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Bumbo Rum Club Signature Cocktail 4/5 and Hurricane 4.2/5

Starting with some pre-drinks before our dinner at Bumbo Rum Club, we had the Bumbo Rum Club Signature Cocktail ($24) and Hurriance. The signature cocktail at BRC is made from homemade infused rum in a concoction of red wine and strawberry. While it comes with hints of fruity berries, the rum can still be appreciated in this cocktail. For those that is not very much into alcohol, the Hurriance which is made up of white rum, gold rum, orange and passionfruit is more suitable with its more fruity and tangy combination.

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Pan Con Tomate 4/5

Sometimes good food does not need to be sophisticated, simplicity allows one to appreciate the natural flavours of the ingredients even more. The Pan Con Tomate ($9) comes with tomato marinated in citrus and herbs served on toasted garlic bread. I like the extra topping of the parmasan giving it a extra boost in flavour.

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Salmon Ceviche 3.5/5, Camarones Ceviche 4.2/5 and Lubina Ceviche 4/5

A delightful trio of Salmon Ceviche ($16), Camarones Ceviche ($15) and Lubina Ceviche ($14) welcomes us next. Among the three ceviche we tried, our favourite was the camarones ceviche which comes with prawn with chilli paste, coconut milk and deep fried plantain banana. The rich and creaminess of the camarones ceviche with hint of spiciness resembles the familiar taste of Indian cuisine, so good that I could not stop going back for more. The lubina and salmon ceviche on the other hand were as good too. One is refreshing with the seabass marinated in citrus juice while the latter has an interesting light and fruity flavour with the salmon marinated in watermelon juice.

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Quesadillas 3.8/5

The Quesadillas ($14) is filled with cheesy beef, spicy guacamole and jalapeno. The tortilla was fresh, soft and has a delectable chewy bite to it. If the flavours could be bolder and spicier, that will make it even more perfect.

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Nachos 4/5

How to resist Nachos ($14) when it is further topped with shredded pork, melted cheese and spicy guacamole. The shredded pork interestingly has an Asian flavour to it. I like the added jalapeno giving the corn chips a boost in flavours.

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Accras Bacalao 3/5

The weakest link among the dishes we tried is the Accras Bacalao ($20). The cod fish beignet made from flour, onion, chilli and cod fish is served with spicy tomato sauce. I felt that the cod fish was wasted in this interpretation where the buttery flavour of the cod fish is lost.

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Pollo Dulce Y Picante 4.5/5

The Pollo Dulce Y Picante ($16) was our favourite for the night. The sweet and spicy chicken with jalapeno confit was grilled to a nice charred and smoky flavour. The flavoursome chicken definitely hit the spot with its tender and juicy chicken.

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Churros 4.2/5

If you prefer Churros ($9) that has a doughy innard and yet still has an exterior crisp then the one at BRC will be for you. The crunchy fried dough coated with sugar and dipped in chocolate sauce for a sweet finishing to these yummy Cuban doughnuts.

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Bumbo Rum Club Punching Bag (2-4 Sharing) 4/5

For big group that is looking for a great place to gather, BRC would be an idea place with its selection of rum and mouth watering food. Saying that the Bumbo Rum Club Punching Bag ($60), a concoction of white rum, dark rum, gold rum, orange, pineapple, lemon and ginger ale is good for 2 to 4 pax sharing is a light and easy cocktail to kick start the night.

Step into Bumbo Rum Club and be transported to the world of Caribbean sensuality and tastes. Special themed programs are also lined up every night, there is always something to get one entertained each night.


Bumbo Rum Club
83 Club Street
Singapore 069451
Tel: +65 66907563
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bumborumclub.official
Website: http://deliciae.sg/
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line),

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue: 5pm - 12midnight
Wed-Thu: 5pm - 2am
Fri-Sat: 5pm - 3am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Smith Street. Cross the road onto Ann Siang Road. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]