Chong Wen Ge Cafe (崇文阁) @ Thiam Hock Keng Temple - Peranakan Cafe Right Beside A Temple

Located inside the compound of  Thiam Hock Keng Temple (the oldest and most important Hokkien temple in Singapore) is Chong Wen Ge Cafe (崇文阁) offering local kuehs and delights on the menu instead of the usual egg benedict, pancake and waffle. The name of the cafe - "Chong Wen Ge cafe" plays tribute to the ‘Institute for the Veneration of Literature’ which is Singapore’s first Chinese school.

Nyonya Achar Loti 2.5/5

Initially we want to order the Otah Loti but it was not available. Hence we ordered the Nyonya Achar Loti ($3.80). The toasted crustless bread is spread with butter and layered with homemade piquant achar. While the achar was well pickled with the shredded vegetables retaining their crunchiness, it did not go well with the bread and even made the bread soaky. It was also very messy to handle and eat. Although the combination did not work for me, the achar was very good on its own. I would imagine it working excellent with a plate of nasi lemak.

Signature Teh-C Special 4/5

A drink that you don't usually see on the menu is the Signature Teh-C Special ($6.80). It is a spin to the quintessential local drink, Teh C Peng, served chilled. On top of the brewed black tea and evaporated milk, the thick dark layer at the bottom is secret ingredient - gula melaka. A unique drink that is worth trying.

Nyonya Mee Siam 4.2/5

Another worthy item to try is Nyonya Mee Siam ($7.80). The rice vermicelli comes with tiger prawn, beancurd, eggs and fresh beansprouts in sweet tangy tamarind gravy. I was not expecting much from the local delight since it was a cafe but I was proved wrong.The rich and hearty bowl of mee siam with its rich and hearty gravy is definitely something that I would go back for.

Chong Wen Ge Cafe
168 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068619
Tel: +65 83540230
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 7pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Cocobolo Poolside Bar + Grill @ Park Hotel Clarke Quay - Weekend Barbecue Feast Under the Stars

Weekend has become bigger and better at Cocobolo Poolside Bar + Grill, Park Hotel Clarke Quay with the revamped weekend barbecue buffet menu. The new menu features an upsized variety of premium meats and seafood items. In addition, the alfresco restaurant also expanded its selection of appetisers and hot mains.

The chef will grill the meats and seafood a la minute with the smells of smoky flavours filling the air, together with the sounds of sizzling meats.

Firing up the appetite, one can tuck in to a variety of delectable appetisers to kick start the evening while waiting for the meats and seafood to be cooked under the grill.

From the grill, guests can savour the New Zealand Angus Striploin, Australian Rack of Lamb, U.S. Baby Back Ribs in Spicy Chipotle Sauce, as well as an array of gourmet sausages. My favourit from the meat section is the pork ribs and N.Z. Angus steak. By the way, you can also specially request the chef to cook your steak to your preferred doneness.

If you are a seafood person, the fresh catch has items such as the Cajun-spiced Tiger Prawns, Tumeric-laced Arrow Squid and Grilled Mackerel Fish in Banana Leaf. On top of the grilled meats and seafood, I like the grilled pineapple, corns and vegetables. They offered a good variety to the overall experience.

Do remember to keep some space for dessert. The assorted dessert spread comprised of sweet treats such as Apple Crumble Pie, Caramelised Pear Tart, Chocolate Raspberry Cake, New York Cheesecake, Green Tea Chestnut Mousse Cake, and Portuguese Egg Tarts. There is even mini Magnum and Cornetto ice cream to end the balmy evening after a mouthwatering barbecue feast.

Barbecue Buffet Dinner
Every Friday to Sunday
Time: 630pm - 1030pm
Price: $57++ per adult, $28.50++ per children (6 to 12 yrs), Include a glass of draft beer.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cocobolo Poolside Bar + Grill
Park Hotel Clarke Quay
1 Unity Street
Level 2
Singapore 237983
Tel: +65 65938855
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Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur: 11am - 9pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Clark Quay Station (Stop ID 04222). Take bus number 54. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to the end UE Square Shopping Mall. Journey time about 8 minutes.  [Map]