Merry Christmas 2014 & Happy New Year 2015

Ho...Ho...Ho....!!!!

Mrs Pho – Just Like Mamma Used To Cook

Mrs Pho

Quoting from the website of Mrs Pho, “There is no Bastardisation nor is there any fusion on the menu here – It's traditional Vietnamese Food, just like how Mamma used to cook”. This quote itself says it all on what's on offer at Mrs. Pho written Anthony Bourdain's flair.

Decor

Thai Village – Quality Thai Teochew Cuisine

Thai Village

Thank you very much to Ian Low (The Silver Chef), May & Phillip from Thai Village Group for hosting the food tasting invitation.

My memories of my first visit to Bangkok were the sumptuous dinner that I had in Yaowarat Road, Chinatown. Where you can smell the food in the air from street food such as wanton mee, bbq seafood or more exquisite Teochew influenced dish such as Shark Fin soup, bird nest, stewed goose web and suckling pig.

The Bravery – No Signboard Cafe

The Bravery Cafe

The Bravery is a new cafe that treading a fine line between brave and suicidal. The owners are so confident of their products and service, they did not even put a signboard on the door, and let their presence spread through word of mouth and social media.

Communal Table with piniata

Located near the hardware shops across Jalan Besar Stadium along Horne Road, you can identify this shop by steel red chairs and sturdy tables which looks made the leftover of industrial steel shelf and thick plank of wood. The glass windows are covered with bright and attractive films such as red, blue and yellow. The interior inside are not much different, however the square communal table with  piñata as the centrepiece really represent the character of this place.

[CLOSED] Ras Bites – A Classy Mass Market Indian Restaurant in Changi Business Park

Ras Bites is the mass market eatery concept by Palate Vine Group, which strive to offer up-market dining experiences that are truly unique in nature. Located in Changi Business Park, Ras Bites target market are employers of banks and MNCs who set up their outposts in the east of Singapore.

The Buffet Table

We were introduced by our friends A&M where they celebrated their son first communion here. On Saturday night it can be difficult to find this building as the surroundings are very quiet and dark. Not recommended if you do not have your own transport. Should you able to come this area, you will be rewarded with atmosphere closer to private dining, as there are almost no other customers and you will have their full attention in serving you.

So Pho – So Good Halal Vietnamese Food

So Pho - NEX

In the past few years, more and more Vietnamese restaurants seems to open up in Singapore. Although the growth was not as exponential as the upper class Ramen invasion in SG, Vietnamese PHO follow the slow yet steady path to win the stomach of Singaporeans. Although it is no very obvious, to get a Halal Vietnamese food can be a challenge for our muslim friends, especially when pork feature prominently in Vietnamese cuisine. Fortunately, Katrina Holdings see the opportunity in the market and introduce So Pho.

The Table Setting

Little Devil has a bit of Vietnamese Food cravings when we were in NEX, so we decided on So Pho.

Symmetry Cafe – Welcome to Symmetry Street

Welcome to Symmetry Street

A while back during one of food tasting session, I had a chat with a passionate “Pastry Chef Blogger”, about what is her pick for a must try cafe in Singapore. Symmetry Cafe was her pick.

Chai Tea Latte

Following her recommendation we decided to give this cafe a try on a Saturday Morning. Without knowing, it was actually nearby where LD's pick for food reflexology in SG. Symmetry Cafe is a new breed of cafes in Singapore that are heavily influenced by the Australian casual dining trends. It is a cafe by day and morph into casual restaurant bar by night. Definition of bar, is that alcohol is definitely involve here. A place for people to gather to enjoy a great meal and drinks. Food sharing are welcome.

Soi Thai – Authentic Thai Cuisine in Tampines Heartland

Soi Thai is an authentic Thai Restaurant that opened its door in the heart of Tampines. Some interesting facts about Soi Thai, The boss is from Taiwan, but not to worry the chefs are from Thailand. From their FB page, they describe the Thai Chef with moustache is the head chef and the hairy one is the second in command.

While we try not to compare Soi Thai dishes to the ever popular Nakhon, we have to face the reality that Nakhon has set the standard for Thai restaurants in the heartland. Therefore it is fair, if we compare the standard of their food.

[CLOSED] Sunday Market – Probably the Best Cafe for 2014!!

I got to know about Sunday Market from Rubbish Eat Rubbish Grow review when I was looking for a brunch place. Since our first visit, Little Devil and I went back there three times in the past two months and we just can't get enough of the place and it is so near our place.

The Fortune Cat

Located at Lim Tua Tow Road, this area can be consider one of the foodie cluster, especially those shop houses facing Upper Serangoon Road. Luckily Sunday Market is located in the next block, where it is easier to get car park and there is valet available during certain nights.

Georges By The Bay – A Beach Bar not a GastroPub

Georges By The Bay

Georges is a Balinese theme inspired beach bar which started as a beverage kiosk at a small sea sport centre in Pasir Ris Park. Over time it evolves and started serving western grill. The first official gastropub opened its door in Siglap in 2004 and recently, it just opened its outlet in The Punggol Settlement.

The View

In the 80's and early 90's, this Punggol area was one of the hottest spot for dining destination, especially for seafood lovers. However, all of the restaurants has to relocate or close down in 1994 due to land acquisition by the government. It seems that government project did not work out as planned, and with the rapid development of public and private housing in Punggol area, a public tender was called in 2012. Fragrance Group developed a new two story building to bring back the life in the area.

[CLOSED] Sankai Japanese Restaurant: 30licious Menu at S$30++

Sankai Japanese Restaurant

30licious meal is back in town. The collaboration between HungryGoWhere and American Express brought us $30++ deals in 30 days. But not to worry, if you do not have Amex card, the price will be $35++. Reservations need to be made online through HungryGoWhere.

Sankai Japanese Restaurant is located at Liang Seah Street, or more popular known as steamboat lane, as most of the restaurants here are known for their steamboats. Browsing through the menu available online, we realise Sankai offered one of the most complete meal.

30 licious $30++ Meal

Ultimate Hawker Fest 2014

Ultimate Hawker Fest ('UHF2014') is back. One of the popular event by TOUCH Community Service, to raise awareness and fundraising at the same time. Chubby Botak Koala feels that this is a perfect event, where everyone can enjoy the Ultimate Hawker Food and doing a good deed at the same time.

UHF2014 will focus on celebrating Singapore Hawker Heritage part of Singapore's Jubilee (SG50) Celebrations. This year, the curator of the event are our fellow food bloggers (known as the Ultimate Bloggers: Maureen Ow (www.MissTamChiak.com); Derrick Tan (www.SgFoodOnFoot.com) and Ian Low (www.TheSilverChef.blogspot.sg). Let just say, they definitely know a thing or two about food, and I personally saw first hand on how much hard work they have put in this with their own expenses. Kudos to them!

The Curator - Ian, Maureen & Derrick

[CLOSED] Carnivore Grandstand – SIM, Por Favor = Yes, Please !!!

Carnivore

Carnivore is one of the leading Brazilian Churrasco restaurants in Singapore just opened its latest outlet in Grandstand. Like the rest of its outlet, Carnivore is a buffet restaurant, so for meat lovers, this is a place you must try. We were there for lunch during Deepavali and apparently it was only open for seven days according to the service staff.

The Menu Board

Are you ready?

[CLOSED] Gurame Indonesian Restaurant – Traditional Indonesian Cuisine

Fried Gurame

Photo Credit: http://4uforyouungaranindonesia.blogspot.sg/

Gurame Indonesian Restaurant ('Gurame') is located in Changi Coast Park, or to be exact it is located in NSRCC Sea Sport Centre. The location is quite secluded and can be difficult to reach without your own set of wheels. Once you are there, you will be rewarded with the clear view of Changi Beach, if you don't mind the tankers or carriers cruising by or the noise of planes landing and taking off.

Changi Beach View

Si Chuan Dou Hua @ TOP of UOB Plaza – Sichuan / Cantonese Cuisine with Fantastic View

The View from the Restaurant

Si Chuan Dou Hua at TOP of UOB Plaza is one of the dining destination in the middle of CBD with a fantastic view of Singapore Skyline. Located on 60^th floor of UOB Plaza, it took us some effort and lift changes to get to this restaurant as it is a weekend. During this time, it can be a little eerie to be here, especially it is more like a ghost town, missing the normal office buzz.

2The Pot – Mookata and Chicken Pot [CLOSED]

Thank you very much to OpenRice and 2The Pot team for the food tasting invitation.

Ready for Mookata

2The Pot is the first restaurant in Singapore that serve Mookata and Chicken Pot under one roof. As both current dishes are very popular to diners in Singapore, 2The Pot is trying to capitalise on this and help diners avoid making the difficult choice so everyone can have the best taste of both world. FYI, this is the first time Chubby Botak Koala ever had Chicken Pot, as LD don't like her pot of food full black sauce. :)

Lola's Cafe – Your Backyard Cafe

For those that passed by Simon Road regularly, Lola's cafe need no introduction. The same can be said for the cafe hoppers, this place is definitely in the list of the must try cafes. However, before you made up you mind to visit this place, the waiting time to get a seat here is also legendary.

Makan@Jen – Buffet with Local Flavours

Thank you very much for HungryGoWhere and Makan @ Jen team for the invitation to the tasting session.

Makan @ Jen ('M@J') is the main restaurant at Hotel Jen Orchard Gateway which opened on 15 September 2014. Build on the land of the Hotel Phoenix and Specialist Shopping Centre, it is smacked in the middle of Orchard Road Shopping Belt. M@J is located on the 10^th floor of the Orchard Gateway Shopping Complex, which provide a stunning night scenery to accompany your dining experience here.

[CLOSED] Necessary Provisions – Comforting Cafe

Necessary Provisions ('NP') are only a handful of cafes that are located in the west part of Singapore. Opened by the group of like minded people behind Smitten Coffee, it offers a unique open cafe experience to its diners.

[CLOSED] The King Louis Bar & Grill – Halloween King Louis Style

The King Louis

Thank you very much to OpenRice and The King Louis Team for the invitation to the tasting of Halloween Feast.

King Louis Bar and Grill ('King Louis') is the first medieval theme restaurant in Singapore. Located on the third floor of Vivocity at the Golden Village section. The third floor of Vivocity is a combination of indoor and outdoor area, therefore able to put up this prominent sign on the outdoor, together with ancient castle decorations complete with armoured guards.

Medan Town – The Flavours of Medan [CLOSED]

Medan Town

Medan Town is the authentic Medan Restaurant in Singapore. It is a family restaurant, opened by Medanese family that has settled down in Singapore.

Cafebiz @ Hotel Jen Singapore – Super Brunch [RENAMED to J65]

As part of the celebration of Rebranding Traders Hotel Singapore to Hotel Jen Singapore (Click here for the news), Little Devil and I got invited for Super Brunch by Hotel Jen Singapore.

Hotel Jen Singapore - Hello JEN!!!

Hello Jen !!!

Hello JEN!! or to be precise, Hello Hotel Jen!!!

It is official!! Traders Hotel Cuscaden Road is officially known as Hotel Jen Singapore on 25^th September 2014.

[CLOSED] Hogs Bar Restaurant – The New Menu

Thanks to the Hogs Bar Restaurant Team for the invitation.

Hogs Bar Restaurant ('Hogs Bar') is located on the eye catching Colonial design building in Joo Chiat Road. To be exact, it is just opposite the Joo Chiat Community Center. While many F&B establishments trying to make their mark here, it was to no avail. However, this location seems to be tailored-made for Hogs Bar.

Tiong Bahru Lor Mee – Delicious But Not My Kind of Food

Tiong Bahru Lor Mee

Singapore Lor Mee originated from South Chinese Hokkien Dish. A bowl of thick yellow noodle, covered in thickened seafood soup. Normal toppings will include braised pork belly, ngoh hiang, fried fish, grated garlic and a dash of black vinegar.

Eight Korean BBQ – Sumptuous Mangalitza Pork Belly

Eight Korean BBQ originated from the USA open its first outlet in Singapore at the Central, Clarke Quay. The number Eight '8' represent eight different colour and marinate of the delicious Mangalitza pork belly, which is also known as the 'Kobe Beef' of Pork.

Sarnies – Solid Brunch

Sarnies !!!

I have been hearing about Sarnies when I chat with other food bloggers on the places to go for brunch. So when I have cravings for a good big brekkie, I decided on Sarnies.

[CLOSED] Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice Joo Chiat – The First Expansion

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice @ Joo Chiat

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice needs no introduction. Rated as one of the best chicken rice in Singapore, its original shop in Maxwell market drew the crowd like no others. During meal time, expect the queue to stretch around to shop to the open air car park. And that's not all, most of the tourist guide, blogs or other food reference, recommend Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice ('Tian Tian) as a must try in Singapore.  

[CLOSED] Da Jie Famous Wanton Mee – The Famous Chicken Feet

Da Jie Famous Wanton Mee

I got to know this place from the recent Facebook Posting from Singapore Makan Guru KF Seetoh. Looking at the yummylicious chicken feet, I just can't say no.

Carousel – Buffet by The Royals

Known as one of the top buffet restaurant in Singapore, Carousel is a place to try for foodies in Singapore. So when LD suggested this place, I agreed in a heartbeat.

[CLOSED] WOLF – Not Three but Five Little Piggies

To name a restaurant WOLF is just a catchy genius. Opened by The Privé group, WOLF is a pork centric restaurant and focus on the nose to tail dining experience.

[CLOSED] Black Angus: Steaks Fit for The Cowboys

Black Angus Steakhouse

The first thing that come to your mind when you hear Black Angus is Steak. One of the finest steakhouse in the states, they first open their door in Singapore in 1997 and won lots of awards in early 2000s. Although they have been in Singapore for almost 17 years, this is the first time Little Devil and I ever been there.

[CLOSED] Manbok Chinatown – Korean BBQ & Steamboat Combo

Manbok 

Thank you very much to Hungry Go Where and Manbok Chinatown for the invitation.

With Korean BBQ Restaurants swarming this little red dot called Singapore, each restaurant must have its plus points to survive and thrive in the competitive F&B scene in Singapore. Although the idea is Korean BBQ and Steamboat buffet was pioneer by Seoul Garden in the 1990s in Singapore, let must just say that Manbok Chinatown is way ahead of them in terms of quality.

Tokyo – Genpin Fugu Karurazaka : Japan Fugu Experience

Fugu or Puffer Fish. The cute and adorable creature status symbol as delicacy in Japan is legendary. The cute and adorable creature can also be lethally poisonous if it is not handled properly, the Chefs in Japan must be certified before they can handle this fish. The liver (the fattiest but the most poisonous part) and other toxic parts of the fish has to be disposed in a seal container marked toxic.

[CLOSED] Criollo Cocoa Cafe – Premium Hot Chocolate [MEDIA INVITE]

Chocolate Waffle

 Thank you very much to Hungry Go Where and Criollo Cocoa Cafe team for the invitation.

Criollo Cocoa Cafe ('CCC') is a new player in the F&B in Singapore. The name of the cafe originated from Criollo Cocoa Bean, which is a top grade of Cocoa Beans with its distinctive reddish colour and equally complex flavours. Based on the name itself, you should get a hint on what is the top of the must-try list in this cafe.

Moc Quan – Flavours of Ho Chi Minh City in Singapore [MEDIA INVITE]

Moc Quan

Thank you very much to Jeff Koh the Owner / Chef of Moc Quan for the invitation.

Jeff is a self-taught Chef who believe that the best way to experience Vietnam is through their street food. Each of the dedicated Street Food Chefs, spend their whole life mastering / perfecting their craft in delivering their own version of their dish. Over the past three years Jeff has explore Vietnam and learnt from these Chefs their secret recipe and found love and passion for Vietnamese street food along the way. After several years of learning, he finally feels that he is ready to bring back the flavours of Ho Chi Minh for us to savour in Singapore.