It’s not my first visit to Frenzlink Cafeteria. I used to work in one of the buildings nearby and I still remember vividly how my ex-boss ‘invite’ me for a meal here two weeks into my job. It wasn’t the most pleasant meal with her to be honest, and that’s the reason why I didn’t go back again. But recently, I came across a very meaningful video of Frenzlink Cafeteria by Another Beautiful Story and decided to revisit this eatery that serves $2 noodles.

$2 noodles? Yes, you heard me right. Do you still remember how much was the canteen food in your school? For me, a bowl of noodles used to cost 50 cents and a plate of nasi lemak in my primary school only costs 70 cents. Gone are the days when noodles are sold at $2, but you know what, Uncle Ah Cai still sells $2 noodles in his eatery!

He wakes up at 3am daily and heads to the coffeeshop to prepare the noodles. There are a total of 8 different noodle s- mee siam, prawn noodles, laksa, wanton noddles, fishball noodles, bak chor mee, mee rebus, lor mee. It’s crazy to see such great variety but I am sure it won the hearts of many office workers so they won’t get tired of eating the same noodles each visit.

I personally like the mee siam and mee rebus most because the sauces are thick and not too sweet. The lor mee is decent as well which comes with small pieces of pork belly, eggs and fried wanton skin. Laksa comes in very lemak gravy that’s mildly spicy. I haven’t tried the wanton mee and bak chor mee before because it’s always sold out by the time I reach there.

It’s only $2, so let’s not be too picky about the taste, shall we?

The post Frenzlink Cafeteria – The $2 Kopitiam in CBD with Noodles Selling at $2 Only! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Set 1,500 metres above sea level in a forested mountainscape, Cameron Highlands Resort is built as a long extension from an existing 1930s cottage with architecture dating from the 1070s. Stepping into this resort is like a time travel back to the days when Malaysia was still under the rulings of British colonial powers.

Endearingly known as the ‘little piece of England in Asia’, the cool climate on the picturesque plateau and its hilly greenery are tailor-made for rounds of golf, pink-cheeked rambles along jungle trails, tea plantations, farms or gardens, afternoon tea with scones and spa treatments that celebrate the restorative powers of tea.

We were treated to a wonderful highland getaway filled with trails, tales and traditions, with the highlight being a fanciful Christmas dinner followed by the beautiful Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and soaking in the festive atmosphere at the Christmas Market. With so many exciting activities, we show you the things you can eat and do at Cameron Highlands Resort.

Breakfast at the Dining Room

Walking into the dining room in the mornings perk me up immediately as the aroma of strong, black coffee filled the air, mixed with the fragrance of freshly baked bread. Dining here is the perfect start to the day as the sun-filled room overlooks the lush mountaintops and the golf course, giving me a tranquil and positive feeling.

You can look forward to savouring a plethora of breakfast items. Part of these items are displayed on the dining counter in the middle of the room while other items are prepared upon order so that they’ll arrive piping hot for your consumption. You can order items such as omelettes with parmesan, smoked salmon and scallions, waffles, buttermilk pancakes and noodles of the day, just to name a few. You can also go for the freshly baked pastries, fruits, yoghurt and cereals placed on the dining counter. My favourite dish was the waffles filled with warm banana butterscotch, topped with strawberry compote, king island cream and cinnamon-crusted mango tempura.

Explore the Jim Thompson Mystery Trail

Cameron Highlands Resort aligns their activities and offerings with the mysterious disappearance of Jim Thompson, an American businessman and architect. He is said to be a legend in Southeast Asia as he almost single-handedly revived interest in the Thai silk industry with the establishment of the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company which survives and thrives to this day. Besides being famed for his revival of the Thai silk industry, Jim Thompson had a love of nature and the countryside. On Easter Sunday, 26 March 1967, he set out from the Moonlight Cottage for a mid-afternoon stroll in the jungle and was never seen again.

Therefore, Cameron Highlands Resort offers guests a mystery trail where you can learn more about Jim Thompson’s strange disappearance. This relatively easy trail combines Jim Thompson’s passion for the surrounding hills with the mysterious circumstances of his disappearance. Well, I was very fascinated towards the end of the trail as there were many conspiracies about his disappearance. I shall not spoil you here so join the mystery trail if you’re interested to find out Jim Thompson’s real identity and what actually happened to him.

The guide was really informative and knowledgeable as he kept pointing out different plants and flowers while explaining interesting stories. We came across peacock fern, Chinese gooseberry, orchids and Scottish pine trees that are more than 100 years old. I didn’t know that you can find 635 species of orchids on Cameron Highlands before this trail. Moreover, I even found out that in the past around the 1950s, it was only 2 degrees Celsius in the foresty area of Cameron Highlands. And … We trekked along this almost-out-of-sight stream that was used by the Communists during the Japanese Occupation. This mystery trail is suitable for families as parents can learn new things alongside their kids. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and arm yourselves with insect repellent.

Lunch & Tea at Jim Thompson Tea Room

The elegant decoration embodies old-world charm and gentility of the colonial plantation lifestyle from a bygone era. We began our lunch with the best strawberry juice that I’ve ever tried. It was juicy, sweet and super addictive. Needless to say, I ended up having their strawberry juice for every single meal. Caesar Salad with traditional condiments, cherry tomatoes and bacon was served as starters. On other days, there is the Cameronian Tomato Soup. While the salad featured a distinctive textural crunch which I liked, the tomato soup was perfect for the chilly highland weather.

For the mains, you have a choice between the Farmhouse-style Chicken Pie served with mash, peas, Vichy-style carrot and mushroom cream sauce or Spaghetti Aglio Olio with crispy fish on some days while on other days, you get to choose either Spaghetti Bolognese or Sweet & Sour Crispy Fish Fillet served with highland vegetables and jasmine rice. The menu changes daily so you can look forward to having a variety of food choices.

Remember to end off on a sweet note with desserts such as the Highland Strawberries served with chocolate soil, Chantilly cream and vanilla Anglaise or Sticky Toffee Pudding served with caramelised banana and ice cream. I preferred the latter as it wasn’t too sweet, yet perfectly executed. The combination of ingredients used complemented each other and contributed to an overall deliciousness.

Besides having lunch in the tea room, you can also indulge in the time-honoured ritual of English Afternoon Tea with oven-fresh pastries, delicate sandwiches, homemade scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam and plump strawberries. This is complemented by a selection of specialty teas from Cameron Highlands and my favourite was the Mango Tea.

Pamper yourself at Spa Village

Spa Village Cameron Highlands is a unique haven for relaxation and rejuvenation where tea is the foundation for the experience. The treatments at Spa Village feature healing therapies based on produce surrounding the jungles and ancient tea rituals. Since Cameron Highlands is famous for strawberry farms, I opted for 2 hours of Fresh Strawberry Escapade.

Strawberries are evocative of an English summer and have been a symbol of purity and passion. Romans cultivated them for their medicinal qualities, believing that strawberries bring relief from depression, infections and fevers, as well as ailments of the kidneys, liver and blood. Centuries later, Madame Tallien, a prominent figure at the court of Napoleon, was reputed to bathe in the juice of strawberries for its healing properties. Pureed fresh strawberries also soften the skin and cool inflammation.

There were three parts to my ultimate spa experience. My treatment started with a strawberry tea bath where nervous tensions and stress are eased, leaving the body rehydrated and mind feeling rejuvenated. This was followed by the strawberry body polish, a refreshing body buff made of fresh strawberries, yoghurt and crushed oatmeal. Strawberries and yoghurt contain natural alpha-hydroxy acids that help soften and refine skin texture. Finally, the treatment ends with a strawberry aroma massage. This is a luxuriously sublime treatment in which massage techniques blend touch and aroma to create sensations of pleasure and wellness to deeply heal your mind and body while soothing your soul.

I felt completely well-rested after the treatment and the masseur was really good. I would highly recommend everyone who stays at Cameron Highland Resorts to indulge in the spa village experience as it was really wonderful.

Dinner at Gonbei

The cool weather atop Cameron Highlands makes it ideal for steamboats and Gonbei restaurant allows you to cook around a heated hotpot. It’s kind of like a semi-alfresco restaurant hence, having steamboat gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling. We had the original soup base, as well as, the spicy soup base. There was a good variety of fresh local produce featuring farm vegetables, succulent seafood, prime meats and noodles for you to dip into the simmering fragrant broths. Leave some stomach space for desserts too!

Christmas Dinner at the Ballroom

Christmas Dinner was a grand and glamorous affair as everyone dressed up formally and was seated at beautifully decorated long tables. In the middle of the ballroom was where the chefs did their little performance of preparing the meat, slicing them up and serving the guests. We started with an assortment of quiche like mushroom, smoked salmon & spinach and turkey ham for the entrée.

The mains consisted of smoked turkey stuffed with onion, walnut & sage served with gravy, rosemary & mustard roasted leg of lamb served with balsamic sauce and salmon en croute served with dill cream sauce. My favourite was the smoked turkey but I felt that all the meats were very well prepared and full of flavours and tenderness. I dug into my plate heartily and had many servings of side dishes such as glazed carrot, baked potato with maple syrup, Brussels sprout, cauliflower & bacon gratin, herbs roasted vegetables and Christmas spiced red cabbage to accompany the meats.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

After a satisfying Christmas dinner, the moment that I anticipated most has finally arrived. It’s Cameron Highlands Resort’s 10th year organizing the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. It has become a signature event at the resort for guests to escape to the highlands to celebrate the festive season. The cooling climate atop the highlands enhanced the entire festive atmosphere. Although I was in Malaysia, I felt as though I was celebrating Christmas in a European country. I was really impressed with the lighting ceremony as the façade of the resort instantly started shimmering like a million little diamonds.

Christmas Market

After the lighting ceremony, there were Christmas Carols being sung while guests were invited to browse the Christmas Market. Grab a glass of mulled wine to keep you warm while browsing the stalls. You’ll find those with a sweet tooth gathered at the desserts stall for cakes and pastries. It’s a good idea to bring some souvenirs back and I recommend the homemade jams and fresh strawberries from the highlands farm. You can also get some customized Christmas cookies or snow globes as gifts for your loved ones.

The most convenient way of getting to Cameron Highlands Resort is to catch a flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Sultan Azlah Shah Airport in Ipoh before transferring to the resort by car. The time taken for the transfer depends on the peak hour jams and range between 2 to 3 hours. With a myriad of activities keeping me busy at Cameron Highlands Resort, I had such a memorable weekend there. I really like the intimate country-style living which was made even better with attentive yet unobtrusive service. I really had a wonderful Christmas weekend with Cameron Highlands Resort and I’m thinking of bringing my family back there.

Note: This is a sponsored trip.

The post Spectacular Christmas Weekend at Cameron Highlands Resort appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Do you know, Toa Payoh is the first town designed and developed by the Housing & Development Board? From the plantation workers in the 19th century struggling to clear the swampland, to the first generation of flat dwellers, the stories of life in Toa Payoh run deep.

As one of the oldest estate, this area has a lot of great food waiting to be explored. If you love to eat and take photos, join me on a FREE food tour as we savour some of the best dishes Toa Payoh has to offer. Together with Panasonic, we are inviting 10 lucky readers to join us in a food trail!

Yes you heard it right! You will be treated to a range of local heritage dishes in this beautiful neighbourhood. This FREE walking food trail will uncover some of the hidden gem in the area that you probably won’t know! Panasonic will be loaning their latest range of cameras for each participant during the food trail, so you can take the sights and sounds along the way and upload to your social media platforms!

Details of the food trail: 10 December 2016 (Saturday), approximately 10am to 2pm.

How to register? Please email cheryl@misstamchiak.com with the following details:

1. Your name
2. Mobile number
3. Instagram / Facebook account (Please ensure these are not set to private.)

Selected readers will be informed via email by 8 December 2016.

The post Join me for Toa Payoh Food Trail with Panasonic this Saturday! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Old Airport Road has a huge food centre that even some tourists know about. It houses famous local stalls such as 新美香卤面 Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee, Dong Ji Fried Kway Teow, Hua Kee Hougang Famous Wanton Mee and many more. While having my usual breakfast date with friends there recently, we stumbled upon one stall that serves grilled hotate, fresh oysters, sashimi and crabs (cold/grilled). The menu offerings also include tempura, soba and udon dishes. The most enticing part – you get all these dishes at reasonable prices.

If you’re in a big group, you can start off your hawker feast with some fresh seafood selection such as the Hotate Tobiko Yaki ($15). Each order consists of five perfectly grilled scallops. These delightful bite-sized scallops are served with their shells. Topped with a layer of mayonnaise with flying fish roe, the scallops are flame-torched for a charred finish. Each bite was full of flavours and textures. While you can still taste the natural sweetness of the scallops, the creamy mayonnaise and slightly crunchy tobiko gave it a little more oomph. Expect to wait around 15-20 minutes as these scallops are freshly baked upon order.

The Premium Fresh Oysters ($18 for 1/2 dozen) looked so appetising and we knew we had to try them. They arrived freshly shucked and each mouthful bursts with juices. Just squeeze a few dollops of lemon juice with hot Tabasco sauce and you get to begin your meal on a satisfying note! Besides, where else can you get oysters at $3 per piece?

Being a hardcore fan of sashimi, I can never resist the urge to indulge whenever the opportunity arises. The Sake Sashimi ($6) which includes 5 slices of fresh salmon impressed me. Presented on a bed of ice and dressed with shredded daikon, each piece had a good cut. The thickness was just right and consistent with each slice.

If you prefer a heartier meal, you can go for the Ten Zaru Udon ($7.50), consisting of udon and a serving of an assortment of tempura. Unfortunately, this dish  did not shine as much as the seafood. The udon was slightly chewy and you have to dip it in the accompanying Tsuyu sauce, made with bonito, kelp and soya sauce. The shrimp and vegetables tempura were quite well prepared, boasting crisp exteriors with savoury interiors. If you just want to snack, you can get the Ebi Tempura ($7) dish that doesn’t come with any noodles. 

Although Old Airport Road Food Centre already has many local hawker favourites to offer, the next time you visit, you should give Unkai Japanese Cuisine a try if you want to have a variety of food. With seafood choices that are fresh and reasonably priced, we now have a new hidden gem to return to, especially on days when the Japanese cravings kicks in.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to Unkai Japanese Cuisine. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Unkai Japanese Cuisine – Affordable Seafood & Sashimi at Hawker Centre appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Ever since we tried Tai Cheong Bakery’s egg tarts in Hong Kong, we were converted. Few have even managed to come close to swaying our heart. For that reason, you can probably imagine how elated we were when Tai Cheong Bakery announced their opening of a Cha Chaan Teng in Holland Village.

Look forward to experiencing traditional delights and beverages in a Hong Kong-style eatery setting, and we believe the snaking queue speaks volumes about what you’re in for.

All hail the glorious Egg Tarts ($1.90 for one). If you’re thinking flaky and thin short-crust tart shells, let Tai Cheong surprise you with their fragrant, buttery crust that will leave you begging for more. The filling is everything you would ever wish for in an egg custard – light and smooth, without driving you crazy on the sweetness. The surface was slightly firm yet bouncy, but when you bite into them, the egg custard was so soft that it almost breaks apart instantly. Do note that they only allow a maximum purchase of 2 egg tarts per dine-in customer.

Savour on one of Hong Kong’s favourites – toast, we decided to go for the humble Scrambled Eggs Toast Stack ($6.50). The dish, though seemingly modest, actually looked inviting – a glistening, warm bed of scrambled eggs resting on a slightly browned toast. The eggs were fluffy, moist and light – just the right consistency. However, we would have appreciated more seasoning on the eggs. If you prefer something stronger, you may want to consider the Scrambled Eggs Toast Stack with Chicken Chop.

Browsing through the menu, you will notice that most of the hearty mains are priced under $10. We settled on Three Eggs Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat ($8.50), which is a tomato-based soup dish. The soup, filled with tomato chunks, tasted almost like a comforting bowl of Minestrone. This dish, filled with flavours close to your heart, will leave you satisfied on a cold, rainy day.

Finishing my meal off with another of their popular bites – the Chicken Pie ($2.80). The crust falls apart easily so avoid handling the pie with too much force. The beautiful golden-brown pie crust encased a creamy filling containing tender chicken chunks. These pies are best warm, so try to eat them immediately.

Tai Cheong Bakery’s menu consists of a good variety of classic Hong Kong dishes, such as Bolo Bun, Beef Brisket Curry Rice and Hong Kong Milk Tea. Ultimately, go for the must-try egg tart – which is literally happiness on a plate in my opinion. Receiving the authentic Hong Kong experience no longer costs you an airplane ticket.

For you busy bees out there, you will be delighted to know that there is a takeaway counter for you to enjoy some pastries amidst your packed schedule. P/S No service charge!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there are any changes or additional information to Tai Cheong Bakery. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Tai Cheong Bakery – More than just Delicious Egg Tarts appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Initially, we planned to do a Punggol hawker guide but there isn’t any huge hawker centres in the area to explore and coffee shops were quite limited. So, we decided to explore the cafés in Punggol. To be honest, Punggol Settlement and Punggol Promenade are quite inaccessible unless you have a car. The upside was that these food establishments are not crazily packed with crowds. You can really unwind and enjoy your meal in a relaxing and laid-back ambience. We bring you 7 cafés in Punggol to ‘lepak’ your weekend away.

Ah Dong Teh House

Ah Dong Teh House is a good place for people who prefer kopi and teh to flat whites and cappuccinos. This eatery is the only one that opens at 11am on weekdays. Lunch specials are available on weekdays from 11am to 5pm and all main courses come with a free soup and a free drink. We had Ah Dong Curry Chicken ($9.90) where you can choose to pair it with rice or bread. The curry wasn’t too spicy. It’s on a milkier side and boasts a strong coconut flavour. The chicken was well-cooked, it was one of the more generous portions of curry we had at such a good price.

Besides local favourites, Ah Dong Teh House serves Western food as well. We shared Garlic Butter Mussels ($9.50) as an appetizer but found the plump mussels braised in garlic butter cream sauce a little too salty and “gelat”. The Blue Curacao ($6.50) with hints of mango flavour was too sweet for us but kids will love this.

Cravings

I’ve to say that this café’s website looks way more impressive that the physical café. Catering to the youngsters who are looking for a short break from prawning, fishing or playing pool, the cafe serve waffles, ice cream and other desserts. We picked the savoury waffle ($8.90) with choice of Ham & Cheese, Chicken & Cheese and Crispy Chicken Fingers. Unfortunately, the Chicken & Cheese savoury waffle didn’t impress, perhaps we should have ordered the sweet waffles instead.

Fur Kicks

Fur Kicks’s Pork Ribs ($28) appealed to us most. Each piece contains fork-tender, succulent meat that was well marinated and very tasty. The BBQ sauce was a little sweet in the beginning but finishes with a spicy, peppery twist. This portion is ideal for sharing among two persons. If you’re there to grab a drink, you can also order their tapas which range from truffle fries to nacho chips & baked cheese to topshell, just to name a few. Besides the pork ribs, hearty diners can also go for beef burger, fish & chips and pasta options. Fur Kicks serve sweet desserts as well if you’re looking for a sinful indulgence.

Just The Place

Just The Place’s menu is quite extensive and we tried their Seafood Marinara ($22.90), as well as, their French Toast ($8.90). The former had spaghetti cooked til al dente, with fried fish fillets, squids and prawns, tossed in their spicy Marinara sauce. The seafood was fresh and tasty but the fried fish fillets was too salty on our day of visit.

On the other hand, the French Toast featured pan-fried eggy Brioche drizzled with maple syrup, berry compote and was served with vanilla ice cream. This was really good as the sweetness was neutralized by the refreshing berry compote. We wouldn’t mind waking up to this for breakfast or ending our meal on a satisfying note with this French toast. Just The Place also serves meat platters and pizzas and we might just head back to try these since we had a pleasant experience dining there for the first time.

Trunk at Bay

This eatery serves classic Thai food, from appetizers like Pandan Chicken and Thai Otah to mains such as Phad Thai, Hot Basil Pork or Chicken rice, Tomyum soup and Green Curry to desserts like Mango Sticky Rice. It was a rainy night when we patronized so we had to sit indoors but if you go on a clear night, it’s actually quite breezy to sit outside while listening to the soothing sounds of waves crashing against the shore.

The Green Curry Chicken ($12.90) was disappointing as the chicken was too tough and the curry was too bland. Perhaps, we should’ve tried their Tomyum soup or Phad Thai … We ended the night with Mango Sticky Rice ($7.90) which was the saving grace.

Wayne’s Chill Out

Now that Coney Island is accessible to cyclists and joggers, why not drop by this café to reward yourselves after staying out too long under the scorching sun? The menu features freshly made ice cream, pizzas, desserts and drinks such as ice cream floats, milkshakes and freshly brewed coffee. We had a classic waffle with single scoop ice cream ($10.50) where we chose kaya butter toast flavour, it did cool us down on a hot day so we have no complaints.

Whisk and Paddle

Located beside the “river”, this café boasts a tranquil atmosphere and you can choose to dine alfresco or enjoy the air-conditioning indoors when the heat is too hot to bear. This café is very family-friendly as there’s a small playground where your kids will be able to enjoy themselves. All-day breakfast is available here and there’s even a kid’s menu. Western food is the focus here and we decided to go for the unique Duck & Lychee Thin Crust Pizza ($17.80). The crispy crust is topped with succulent smoked duck breast. Each bite gives a burst of flavours which ends with a refreshing twist due to the lychee and mango salsa. We also had Churros ($5) for dessert and we opted for the Gula Melaka dip. Unfortunately, the churros were not as fluffy as we expected them to be and the Gula Melaka dip was too sweet.

Punggol may be an “ulu” place for most of us but it’s not a bad idea to check the area out over the weekend after exploring Coney Island on a bike. The area is almost like a dead town on weekdays but don’t be surprised to see a crowd during weekends, especially at Punggol Promenade, as many families and friends love gathering there just to catch prawns and fishes. Hope this guide is useful for those of you who are new to the estate!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visits and paid its own meals at the stalls featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to the cafes listed above. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post 7 Relaxing Cafés in Punggol for an Enjoyable Weekend appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

By Maureen, Mu Qin, Wan Ping & Cheryl

Growing up, I love to celebrate Christmas because it’s the time for get-together and gorge ourselves silly with turkeys and log cakes of all colours and flavours. If you are still looking at which log cake to buy this Christmas, we bring you 27 interesting log cakes this season.

Carlton Hotel

Be spoiled for choice with Carlton Hotel’s variety of Christmas goodies! The Flame Valentino Log Cake ($63) has been a hot seller recently, with its appealing seductive charms. Inspired by the heavenly Red Velvet Cake from Tuxedo Café & Patisserie, the luscious red velvet sponge cake is layered with smooth cream cheese filling and sour cream. Carlton Hotel has added a splash of exotic lemon zest in the frosting, which screams a zesty and citrus flavour. Trust me, this will be another party in your mouth at your Christmas party.

Introducing this year’s new star, the Chocolate Lychee Log Cake ($63), this is another gem not to be missed. The lychee flesh and tiny chocolate balls created some extra textures with every bite. Surprise your guests with this uncommon pairing of flavours and they will be coming back for more.

Exclusive for DBS/POSB, Citibank and UOB cardholders, enjoy 15% off from 1 – 19 December 2016, and 10% off from 20 – 25 December 2016 when you purchase any of their Christmas goodies including log cakes. Enjoy Carlton’s Tuxedo Special and taste their log cakes available only at Tuxedo until 31 December 2016! Cakes served are on a rotation basis and are priced at $8 per piece.

Emicakes

Be enchanted by Emicakes’ popular flavours and their colourful logcake designs this Christmas. Chocolate lovers can indulge in their best-selling Truffle Sparkle (small $47.80; medium $65.80; large $117.10; extra large $172.10) logcake, featuring rich dark chocolate mousse with luscious dark chocolate bits. On the other hand, fans of durians can go for the D24 Cheer (small $67.80; medium $89.80; large $183.80; extra large $275.80) logcake which boasts a heavenly and intense flavour of real durian flesh in the logcake filling.

For those who prefer classic flavours, there is the Christmas edition of Double Chocolate Oreo Cheese Cake ($41). Bars of white chocolate are chopped and blended with cream cheese and drizzled with chunky oreos. This heavenly mixture is then spread evenly between 3 layers of vanilla chiffon cake and topped with Christmas snowflakes.

If you are attending a potluck party and have no idea what to bring yet, Emicakes is offering Mini Log Samplers and Mini Log Cakes. You can enjoy your favourite flavours such as Mini Truffle Sparkle ($14.80) and Mini D24 Cheer ($15.80) in their mini versions. These mini-sized logcakes are also perfect for small, intimate family gatherings.

Emicakes is offering customers an early bird promotion. Enjoy 20% off for orders and in-store purchases of small or medium size logcakes before 19 December 2016. Enjoy 15% off from 19 December 2016 onwards. Do note that the discount is applicable to Emicakes Family cardholders, UOB cardholders, Citibank cardholders, SCB cardholders and SAFRA members. Delivery to a single location is free with nett purchase worth $50 ($60 for CBD).

Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore

Reminisce your childhood this Christmas with Goodwood Park Hotel’s Merry Mosaic Cakes ($48 for 500g). These mini sweet treats are ideal for parties and certainly, a visual treat for the eyes. It consists of 16 squares of six different flavours namely mango mousse, raspberry earl grey, carrot cake, coconut, green tea and the classic cheesecake. Each of these cheery-looking mini cakes are topped with various Christmassy decorations such as snowflakes, gingerbread man, stars and holly made of icing or chocolate. Our favourites are the carrot cake which is topped with cream cheese, as well as, mango mousse, made of almond sponge, layered with mango mousse and fresh mangoes and topped with mango jelly and a fresh raspberry which is a very refreshing treat.

While the merry mosaic cakes might appeal more to kids, Goodwood Park Hotel’s Whiskey Profiteroles Chocolate Tart ($48 for 600g) will capture the attention of the matured crowd. Choux pastry profiteroles are piped generously with whiskey custard and gorgeously stacked up in a “cone”. It is further beautified with caramelized pistachios and icing snowflakes, followed by chocolate hazelnut cream piped near the base which is made of chocolate sponge surrounded by an “Oreo” crust. This dessert gives a good contrasting mix of creamy and crunchy textures, while you get a kick out of the subtle taste of whiskey.

Besides the two new takeaway treats from The Deli between 1 and 26 December 2016, customers can also look forward to savoury delights such as the “Wu Xi” Turkey. Do note that advance orders of five days are required and guests may visit The Deli to place their takeaway orders. Online orders will begin from 1 December 2016. The last order date is set to be on 19 December 2016 at 12pm.

Grand Hyatt Singapore

Be enticed by Grand Hyatt’s assortment of festive pastries this Christmas as they roll out the White Chocolate with Lemon Curd and Raspberry Yule Log Cake ($68). This delectable indulgence looks like it has been taken straight from a winter wonderland. The combination of sweet raspberries with a refreshing twist and smooth white chocolate, combined with a tender-crumbed lemon cake is nothing short of deliciously gourmet. This creation is ideal for those looking for something a touch richer for the festive season, yet still retaining a little taste of traditional Christmas Yule logcakes.

With other savoury delights and patisserie, the white chocolate with lemon curd and raspberry Yule log cake can be purchased from The Santa Shop, presented by Chef Gottfried Schuetzenberger. Available from 7 November 2016 to 1 January 2017, Santa’s Shop offers an extensive selection of seasonal homemade treats to create customizable festive hampers and gift boxes. Your entire Christmas dinner menus can be personalized in the comfort of your home sweet home, with hearty selections such as spit roasts, cold deli items, bakeries and more.

Do note that payment must be made at least three days prior to collection or delivery and all orders must be placed at least three days in advance. The last date for all orders is 29 December 2016.

Holiday Inn® Singapore Atrium

Embrace the festive season at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium this Christmas with an ensemble of culinary creations and scrumptious takeaways. If you’re dining at the Atrium Restaurant, don’t forget to feast on fresh seafood on ice such as snow crab leg and oysters, as well as, pan-seared Hokkaido scallops and Lobster Nage made a la minute at the live cooking station*.

*Buffet items may vary.

Alongside their line-up of savoury festive delights available, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium has also introduced their new William Pear Log Cake ($78) to end your celebration on a sweet note. Known for its tenderness and juiciness, William pears is often used in cooking and baking as it holds its shape well when baked. If you enjoy citrus desserts, this log cake might offer a getaway from the usual chocolate flavours. The distinct sweetness of the pear is accentuated in the striking, yellow outer coating of the log cake. May this log cake bring a joyful pop of colour to your festive gatherings.

Another one of Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium’s Christmas series – the Chocolate and Banana Log Cake ($78) – undoubtedly contains a flavour combination that is widely adored. In addition, be sure to check out their sumptuous Christmas packages if you’re throwing a Christmas party this holiday.

InterContinental Singapore

Deck your year-end parties with InterContinental Singapore’s Christmas treats specially prepared by Pastry Chef Ben Goh and his team. As usual, they never fail to amaze us. Buche de Noel White Yule Log ($68) reminds us of the Christmas winter wonderland that everyone dreams about. The lemon curd and cheese frosting provide a different dimension to the familiar flavours of red velvet sponge. Crunchy chocolate pearls add a nice touch to the cake textures as well. 

Feeling guilty for consuming those extra calories during Christmas? Fret not as Framboise of the Wild Forest ($68) is a sugar-free option that promises to be a saving grace amidst this feasting season. The forest theme of the log cake is accentuated by the creative decorations and the pop of ruby from the raspberries. Furthermore, the tartness from the raspberry confit enhanced the overall flavour of the cake when paired with the various rich chocolate components.

Wow your guests with Rescue Santa ($75) that is truly a feast for the eyes! The dome-shaped chocolate shell resembles a snow globe that can be cracked open with an accompanying golden chocolate hammer. The hidden masterpiece resembles Santa resting on a bed of “snow”. Light mascarpone cream with apricot filling paired with delicious apricot almond pain de genes and cinnamon crumbles will definitely satisfy the young and old.

Enjoy early bird discount of 20% on festive delights from now till 10 December 2016. InterContinental is also organizing a Yuletide Getaway promotion for a two-night stay, and details can be found on their website.

JP Pepperdine

Sweeten up your Christmas this year with JP Pepperdine (or more widely known for their successful chain restaurant, Jack’s Place)! Alongside their tantalising meats and pasta salads, indulge in their finger-licking creations this festive season.

Eatzi Gourmet Bakery’s signature mango cake is widely popular in Singapore and has been a favourite among households. Inspired from the usual mango cake, Mango Passion Log Cake ($45.80) includes a twist – a refreshing combination of mango mousse accompanied with mango and passion curd. The passion curd acts as a perfect complement to the creamy mango mousse. If you’re a fan of mango, don’t miss out on this unique rendition of the mango cake! 

Not a fan of fruit cakes? Try out another of their Christmas specials, the Chocolate Velvet Log Cake ($45.80)! Breaking away from the usual red velvet rolls, Philadelphia cream cheese is used as a filling instead. Slicing open the cake reveals a beautiful swirl of the red velvet cake layered with cream cheese, encased in a dark chocolate genoise and chocolate cream. 

JP Pepperdine, Citibank, Maybank, OCBC, SAFRA, HometeamNS, JOM cardholders are entitled to 10% off orders (excluding packages) till 1 Jan 2017.

Mandarin Orchard Singapore

Be awed by the Valrhona Delicious Dulcey Yule Log ($80) this Christmas, featuring a perfect ensemble of chocolate cremeux and sweet and salty candied hazelnuts on a moist flourless sponge cake, topped with praline mousse. This is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. If you’re throwing a party with your friends, this might be an ideal dessert to give everyone a sweet ending.

Besides being in chocolate heaven, there are also beautifully curated festive desserts such as the Red Velvet Yule Log ($80) and Hazelnut Mango Yule Log ($80). Both consists of egg, sugar, wheat flour, milk, cream cheese, butter, citrus fruits and fresh whipping cream. The ingredients sound very simple but it’s the technique of the pastry chefs that we have to applaud, for making the log cakes a “masterpiece”.

These sweet Christmas goodies, coupled with a selection of roasted meats, are available for purchase online from 23 November to 31 December 2016. Delivery is available at $80 per destination for purchases below $1,000 while you get to enjoy free delivery to one destination for purchases of $1,000 and above.

Mr Bean

Add a touch of rainbow to light up your Christmas feast this December with Mr Bean’s Magical Sleigh on Rainbow Cake ($48.80)! The moist sponge cake layers sandwiched between snowy white icing is pleasing to the eyes and most importantly, the tummy. This is bound to add some liveliness to your dinner table and please the kids in the house. 

Always troubled about which cake flavour to opt for? No worries! This year, impress your party guests with this eye-catching Soy Cake Platter (Premium) ($31.80 for 16 assorted pieces). With a selection of 4 delectable flavours – Matcha Bean, Mudcake, Red Velvet and New York Cheesecake, you will definitely be able to satisfy everyone’s tastebuds. From the rich, chocolatey Mudcake to the light Matcha Bean cake, these dainty cakes are great options for your Christmas party. And I mean, isn’t the best part saving you the trouble of cutting up cakes for every guest?

From now till 27 Dec 2016, shop at Mr Bean stores and receive $4 off with each purchase of Christmas Soy Cake/Soy Cake Platter with NETS. To sweeten the deal, NETS cardholders get to redeem 1 free cup of Classic Soya Milk with any Christmas Soy Cake/Soy Cake Platter paid by NETS on every WedNETSday (Limited to 1 redemption per receipt).

Enjoy $5 off a Soy Cake Platter with purchase of any Christmas Soy Cake or Soy Cake Platter with their Purchase with Purchase deal. Save up to $9 when you pay by NETS! (U.P. $31.80) Collectible fanatics can also get their hands on the exclusive Mr Bean Christmas Gift Sets at $18.90 each.

Misstamchiak readers got more reasons to rejoice this festive season! Shop now at http://www.mrbean.com.sg/eshop/products.aspx?cat=20161026Y53b7CsfBpzk and quote misstamchiak10 to enjoy 10% off their Christmas cake collections.

Neo Garden Catering

Ignite your senses this Christmas with epicurean favourites made to delight with Singapore’s No. 1 Events Caterer, Neo Garden Catering. They are offering a selection of irresistible buffet packages for those planning your festive parties. Christmas savouries include traditional roasted turkey breast with chestnut stuffing, honey glazed chicken ham and roasted strip loin of beef, just to name a few.

They have also brought back the Ondeh Ondeh Log Cake ($68.80) due to popular demand. It consists of flavoursome Gula Melaka rolled with Pandan sponge cake. Other options include the newly-introduced Toffee Yule Stump Cake ($68.80), a moist toffee cake with luxurious chocolate cream and the Traditional Chocolate Fudge Log Cake ($45.80). The latter is a soft chocolate sponge encased in smooth and creamy chocolate ganache to give you the ultimate chocolate indulgence.

For orders made by 9 December 2016, there are early bird specials where you receive a free traditional chocolate fudge log cake or DoDo crispy crabstick fritter set, with the purchase of King’s Feast, Queen’s Gala or White Rabbit’s Party buffet packages. There will also be a free petite chocolate fudge log cake given for those who purchase the Christmas Mini Packages. Be entitled to 20% off the tradition roasted turkey when payment is made by OCBC credit or debit card before 9 December 2016. In addition, OCBC cardholders can also enjoy 10% off he Christmas regular buffet menus throughout the festive period. You have to quote “OCBC Christmas Promotion” upon ordering to enjoy these privileges.

Pan Pacific Singapore

Usher in Christmas with sweet gems such as the ManjariDark Chocolate Mousse Log Cake with Apricot Spices and Chocolate Muffin Sponge ($68) or the Red Glossy Milk Chocolate and Raspberry Log Cake with Raspberry Marmalade and Crunchy Peanut Butter ($68). The former boasts a fluffy, chocolatey sponge cake, made sinfully delectable with dark chocolate mousse. Each bite surprised us with a hint of spices. The latter, on the other hand, steals the limelight with its bright red hue. . The unique combination of refreshing raspberry marmalade and crunchy peanut butter gives a good mix of textures.

If you’re looking for something even more special, go for the Fresh Calamansi Log Cake with Coconut Cremux and Pandan Sponge ($68). This logcake has been infused with local flavours and completes your Christmas feast. The fresh calamansi gave it a unique twist and was also a good balance against the sweetness of the cake while the coconut cremeux enhanced the flavours subtly.

From now until 24 December 2016, you can order these festive desserts, together with other festive savoury goodies such as the Traditional Roasted Turkey with Cornbread, Sausage, Apple and Pecan Stuffing, as well as, the Roasted Beef Rib Eye with Fresh Herbs and Tuffle Sauce, from Pacific Marketplace. Collection of your purchases is available from now until 26 December 2016 from 11.30am to 9.00pm daily. Complimentary delivery to one location is available for orders of $500 and above. For guests who wish to enjoy the delivery service for orders below $500 or to more than one location, a delivery charge of $60 will be applicable for each location. Collection of festive goodies is from 11.30am to 9:00pm daily until 26 December 2016 at Pacific Marketplace.

PARKROYAL on Pickering

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without log cakes, especially those with a local twist. There are a variety of log cakes infused with local flavours, ranging from Bandung and White Chocolate Log Cake to Durian with Gula Melaka Log Cake to Pandan with Coconut Yule Log to Belgian Dark Chocolate with Yuzu Log Cake.

Oh man, being a fan of local flavours! Light yet flavourful, the Pandan Coconut Yule Log and Bandung White Chocolate Raspberry Log cake will leave you feeling gleefully satisfied. The pandan mousse is so fragrant and it’s not too sweet.

Back by popular demand, our Durian Gula Melaka Log cake, inspired by the well-loved Durian Pengat from the Peranakan section at Lime is also available this year. You can taste the durian pulp in the log cake .For traditionalists, you can’t go wrong with the rich and gloriously sinful Belgian Dark Chocolate Yuzu log cake. Enjoy 10% savings for orders confirmed and pre-paid between 2 and 12 December 2016.

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore

Experience the wonders of Christmas with a handcrafted selection of specialty log cakes conceived by newly-appointed pastry chef, Benjamin Siwek, as part of the rich Christmas food tradition. Chef Benjamin drew inspiration from his childhood memories of Christmas in France to conceptualise the theme for his festive creations. Each log cake embodies a nostalgic element of the holiday season close to Chef Benjamin’s heart.

The gold star dusted “Hope” ($88), symbolises good luck and well wishes for the year ahead and is made up of dark chocolate ganache, hazelnut biscuit, gianduja crémeux, raspberry mousse and gelée.

The white chocolate snowflake decorated “Joy” ($78) evokes memories of him catching the first snowfall on Christmas morning. This logcake features vanilla and caramelised pecan mousse, walnut biscuit and chestnut Chantilly cream. The lightness of the cream complements the crunchy texture and nutty flavours very well.

These two irresistible logcakes and other gourmet festive takeaway items are available exclusively at The Bakery in Colony until to 1 January 2017. Do note that an advanced order of 3 days is required and closing date for orders is 29 December 2016 at 12pm.

The St. Regis Singapore

Behold the exquisite take-away delights from The St. Regis Singapore, beginning from festive specialties such as Home Cured Salon with Orange Fennel Salad with Dill Mustard Mayonnaise and Homemade Foie Gras Terrine with Port Wine and Fig Chutney. Other highlights include Roasted Lamb Leg with Sautéed Potatoes, Baby Vegetables, Rosemary Lamb Jus and Caramelised Shallots and Orange-glazed Gammon Ham with Buttered Vegetables, Mashed Potato and Cointreau and Kumquat Sauce.

Don’t forget to end your savoury meal with festive desserts such as the Signature Chocolate Yule Log with Gold Flakes ($68+), featuring Viennese Cocoa sponge cake, Almond Croustillant, 64% Chocolate Cream and Classics Chocolate Ganache. There is also the Kumquat and Strawberry Yule Log ($68+) with Vanilla Bavaroise, Kumquat cream, Citrus sponge cake, strawberry jelly and crunchy short biscuit if you aren’t a huge fan of chocolate.

You can also share the holiday spirit by gifting your corporate clients the lavish St. Regis Christmas Hamper ($298+) which includes a medley of carefully curated delights such as Christmas brandied cherry fruitcake, Christmas Stollen with dried tropical fruits, Christmas Pudding, candied Amarenas Cherries in syrup, handcrafted St. Regis chocolates, an assortment of Christmas cookies, Marrons Glaces, TWG Christmas Tea, and a bottle of Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut NV. These Christmas take-away items are available at La Patisserie from 1 to 25 December 2016, with pre-orders from 1 November 2016 onwards.

The post 27 Christmas Log Cakes That Are Bound to Impress this Festive Season appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

As 2016 comes to a close, it’s time to take it slow and easy at work and indulge in relaxing activities. The festive season is a perfect excuse to gather with friends and family and catch up on each other’s lives. We are usually so caught up with our career, relationships and family that we tend to neglect our dear friends. So this Christmas, why not ask them out for a buffet? On one hand, you get to eat as much as you can while on the other hand, you get to spend as much quality time as you want with your friends. With your HSBC credit cards, you’ll be able to enjoy attractive festive dine-in deals at the following hotels.

Amara Singapore

Look forward to feasting at Element, with its holiday buffet and a festive spread specially lined up for Christmas and New Year’s, featuring festive delicacies alongside local and international favourites. Festive buffet highlights include Duck Rillettes Marinated with Red Wine, Duo of Liver Pate with Foie Gras, as well as, fresh marine catches on ice and a live carving station featuring Teriyaki Glazed Turkey Roulade and other roasted, grilled and barbecued delights.

* HSBC DEAL * HSBC credit cardholders enjoy early-bird specials at 15% off Festive buffets from 1 to 14 December and 10% off Festive buffets from 15 December 2016 to 2 January 2017.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore

Be enchanted by an assortment of dainty pastries, freshly-prepared English scones, savory finger sandwiches and sweet treats, accompanied with a selection of fine teas and coffees at The Landing Point. Boasting full-length glass windows that oversee the Singapore River and Marina Bay, high-tea sessions with the girlfriends will never be a bore here. Besides exchanging gossips and having heart-to-heart-talks, you’ll get many photo opportunities with a picturesque back drop. Take the festive season as an opportunity to welcome new beginnings while sipping tea and enjoying the pleasant light bites.

Our favourite savory items are the Boston Lobster Cornet, Smoked Salmon Mille Feuille with Caviar and White Truffle Egg Mayo on Baguette. For those with a sweet tooth, we like the Salted Chocolate Caramel Tart, Chocolate Éclair and hot scones with clotted cream and berry jam. All items are refillable so be sure to request for the ones you like!

* HSBC DEAL * For HSBC credit cardholders, one dines free with every three paying adult diners for Afternoon Tea from Mondays to Fridays.

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

Town Restaurant is an all-day dining restaurant that is ideal for a power breakfast, a business lunch or for dining in style whilst enjoying the view of the Singapore River. This vibrant restaurant will take you on a global gastronomic journey, with its focus on local and international flavours from East to West. You can start off with local delights at the live stations, serving up chicken rice, roasted meats and Laksa. Apparently, Town Restaurant takes pride in serving up one of the better chicken rice in Singapore. So much so that the working crowd from nearby offices in the Central Business District will drop by during lunch hour just for their chicken rice fix.

Pasta lovers will fall in love with the pasta section as you get to customize your own pasta, from the type of pasta, to your preferred sauce, toppings, spiciness and ingredients. There is also the seafood section, ranging from clams, mussels, oysters, prawns to other fresh catches from the ocean, and the Japanese section where you can request for your desired sashimi to be made into rice bowls or simply savour a selection of nigiri and maki. You can even balance your meal at the “Healthy Choices” section where you get to DIY your own salad so you won’t feel that guilty for pigging out this festive season! Don’t forget to leave stomach space for the array of desserts, with a good mix of Western cakes and Peranakan Kueh(s). There’s also a chocolate fountain to dip fruits and marshmallows skewers.

* HSBC DEAL * For HSBC credit cardholders, one dines free with every three paying adult diners for Buffet Lunch on weekdays, Singapore High Tea Buffet on Saturdays and Buffet Dinner daily.

Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium

Pamper yourselves this festive season with an ensemble of culinary creations at Atrium Restaurant. Make a beeline for fresh seafood on ice such as the snow crab legs and oysters before savouring pan-seared Hokkaido scallops, green pea mousse and lobster nage made à la minute at the live cooking station. The seafood section has always been our favourite and well, the more you eat, the more you get your money’s worth, don’t you agree?

Besides the usual buffet offerings, Atrium Restaurant has spiced up their festive line-up to include exclusive Christmas items such as the hearty Roast Aromatic Spices Tom Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing, served with Lemongrass Chilli and Coconut Sauce, Baked Gammon Ham with Sarawak Honey Pineapple Glaze and a delectable Oven-baked Australian Ribeye with Nutty Crust and Yorkshire Pudding. We found it amazing that the team of chefs had infused local flavours and created fusion dishes for this festive season. You can end your meal on a sweet note with their new William Pear Log Cake, alongside sweet treats such as macarons, stolen, and a chocolate fountain.

* HSBC DEAL * HSBC credit cardholders get to enjoy a 1-for-1 offer on all festive buffets. Festive Buffet Lunch costs $$88++ for two adults on Christmas Eve and $140++ for two adults on Christmas Day. Festive Buffet Dinner costs $140++ for two adults on Christmas Eve, as well as, on Christmas Day.

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel

A chic, alfresco restaurant located by the swimming pool, Pool Grill is a hidden gastronomic gem where contemporary poolside luxury meets resort style living. Winning the hearts of many, the award-winning Pool Grill serves premium steaks and contemporary Western cuisine made with the freshest produce. This festive season, if you’re looking to impress your loved ones with delectable treats amidst a romantic, resort-like oasis, right in the heart of town, Pool Grill is the place for you. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner with your loved one, a business luncheon or a casual catch-up session with your friends, Pool Grill’s extensive food and beverage menu has something for everyone.

There’s a new selection of tasty Western treats, perfectly grilled meats and their signature table-side Caesar salad. You can also tuck into a la carte highlights such as the Seared Lamb Loin, inspired by a traditional Wellington; Asparagus and Langoustine Risotto; Kurobuta Pork Chop with Pancetta Mustard, Apple Sauce; Seafood Platter of Oysters, Crab Legs, Live Prawns and Lobster; Bombe Alaska, and many more.

* HSBC DEAL * With your HSBC credit card, you get 20% off the Pool Grill’s à la carte menu, so grab the chance and enjoy the festive season now!

PARKROYAL on Beach Road Singapore

Ignite your senses with a delectable local twist to Christmas classics at Plaza Brasserie. The Seafood Paella infused with Saffron features a stunning presentation of crustaceans offering a flavoursome melody of seafood treasures. We can’t wait to dig into their traditional Christmas turkey feast as the culinary team presents Kampong Glam Rendang Turkey with Organic Brown Rice Stuffing, Christmas Curry Turkey and Traditional Roast Turkey with Triple Mushroom Stuffing.

Plaza Brasserie’s buffet spread also highlights Christmas specials such as the sautéed clams in white wine, rosemary marble potatoes, Brussels sprouts with bacon, honey baked ham and wok-fried tiger prawns with nonya chilli, just to name a few. Crabs are not to be missed with favourites like white pepper crab, salted egg yolk crab and chilli crab with mantou available. If you’re a huge fan of seafood, this is the place for the ultimate seafood indulgence to celebrate the festive season!

* HSBC DEAL * HSBC credit cardholders enjoy 15% savings on Plaza Brasserie’s Christmas Buffet spread from Mondays to Fridays.

For more details on the latest HSBC Christmas and dining promotions, visit www.hsbc.com.sg/dining. Terms and conditions apply for all promotions herein.

This post is brought to you in partnership with HSBC Credit Cards.

The post The Ultimate Festive Hotel Buffet Indulgence appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Even before receiving the acclaimed Michelin star, Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Chicken Rice & Noodles was already a well-known stall at Chinatown Food Complex. Helming the kitchen is owner/chef Chan Hon Meng, who has a strong passion in culinary since young. He often helped out in his family kitchen at an early age, and this sparked his keen interest in cooking.

In October 2016, after the stall got awarded a Michelin star, Chef Chan entered into a partnership with Hersing Culinary, which started a 80-seater flagship restaurant named “Liao Fan Hawker Chan” in Smith Street. As these two establishments are just across the street from each other, Chef Chan will continue to do the pre-cooking and preparations, running in between the two locations.

We visited Liao Fan Hawker Chan a few days ago. The weekday lunch time queue wasn’t as crazy as we expected it to be with a menu featuring roast meats, seasonal vegetables, soya beansprouts, Thai-style tofu and wonton soup.

The Wonton soup ($5) featured a couple of generously-filled wontons and vegetables. Each of them had a good texture and we could really chew on the fillings. The soup was packed with an immense chicken herbal taste and some might find it a little too overwhelming.

For a heartier meal, have some rice, noodle or hor fun dishes. The star – Soya Sauce Chicken Rice ($3.80) – arrived looking so enticing with its glistening skin. One mouthful of the succulent chicken, with rice, hits us with a myriad of tastes and textures. The gravy that was drenched over the rice had a herbal aroma while the chicken had a layer of skin that’s slightly thicker than usual. Its silky smooth texture allowed us to easily tear it apart.

Although the menu states, “Any 3 combination Platter” ($10), the soya sauce chicken is not included as one of the choices so that leaves everyone with the combination of Char Siew, Roasted Pork and Pork Ribs.

Unfortunately, these meats failed to impress. The char siew had a tender texture but it would’ve been better if it’s slightly more caramelised. Roasted pork’s skin was a little too hard with a strong charred taste. Some parts of the pork ribs were too dry and tough.

For your safest bet, just go for the soya chicken. You can add either the plain noodle or hor fun at $1.50 per portion to go with your soya sauce chicken or meat platters. We preferred the former as it boasts a QQ texture. Even after we left it untouched for a little, the noodles did not become lumpy. The accompanying chilli sauce paired well with the noodles which had some black bean sauce in it. The hor fun, on the other hand, was smooth but dried up too quickly. We probably won’t queue for it but we don’t mind coming back for some soya chicken noodles!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to Liao Fan Hawker Chan. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Liao Fan Hawker Chan – New Outlet for Michelin-Starred Hawker in Chinatown appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Love Mee 爱面子? The punny restaurant name amuses us, but the art of La Mian definitely amazes us. This new eatery specialises in freshly hand pulled noodles and sandwiches which are great for takeaway. You might be confused when you first arrive at the basement level of Suntec City Tower 3, as Love Mee has collaborated with Tuk Tuk Cha, occupying the same dining area and order counter. Slurp your freshly-made La Mian away with a view of the Fountain of Wealth (and if you’re lucky, the free laser show).

Love Mee offers a selection of 9 La Mian dishes priced between $5.80 and $10.80, most being of Chinese origin. Observe the impressive display of your handmade La Mian being prepared by highly-skilled Chinese chefs in front of you! In a flash, a huge dough is magically spun into thin, smooth strands of La Mian after several rounds of folding, stretching and twisting.

The Minced Pork La Mian ($7.80), more commonly known as Zha Jiang La Mian, was one of the few recommended dishes which include the Beef La Mian, Claypot Mee Sua and Tomato Egg La Mian. The portion of noodles and minced pork was generous, with a small serving of shredded cucumbers. The flavour of salty fermented soy bean paste came through the dish well, but the sauce did not coat the al dente noodles as well as we wished it would. If you can take some heat, we recommend adding some chilli oil provided for extra flavour.

We decided to be more adventurous and go for their fusion La Mian dish, Tom Yum Seafood La Mian ($10.80). Oh my, we wished we could exclaim Yum! but it was too spicy in our opinion. *Cue for the entrance of Thai Milk Tea* The seafood (prawns, fish slices and squids) was pretty tasty, but it’s such a pity that we were unable to fully enjoy the broth. Nevertheless, if chilli’s your best friend, don’t hesitate to take on this spicy guy.

One of Love Mee’s side dishes, the Pork Belly Pau ($4.80 for one) comes in 2 flavours – Original and Spicy. Both consist of a pan-fried bun enveloping a layer of minced pork belly; the only difference being the extra sliced red chilli in the latter. The Pork Belly Pau was surprisingly flavourful, despite its uninviting appearance in a paper bag. The minced pork belly was tender and juicy, although the buns were just decent.

If you’re planning to try different items from the menu, definitely go for Love Mee’s affordable $10.90 value set (includes a side, a bowl of La Mian and a drink) ! What’s even better? There’s no service charge as Love Mee operates on a self-service system. The next time you’re cracking your head for affordable lunch spots available in the vicinity of the CBD area, you may want to give this a “slurp” and find out if you fancy the La Mian and Thai Milk Tea pairing!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to Love Mee 爱面子. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Love Mee 爱面子 – Fall in Love with Authentic Chinese La Mian appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Japanese are very smart in coming up with lovable Sanrio characters which became a hit with both young and old. Looking at the success of the popular Hello Kitty cafe, Pompompurin cafe and Pokemon pop-up cafe, it’s not surprising that Gudetama cafe has opened its doors on our little red dot.

This little cute yellow character managed to tug at our heartstrings with its nua-ness and “bo chap” attitude. All of us feel like retreating into our ‘shells’ from time to time. And Gudetama literally jams its face into an eggshell and clings to a strip of bacon as a security blanket.

We arrived slightly before their opening hours and were surprised to find no snacking queues. There is a television showing Gudetama cartoon so customers will still be entertained when the wait gets too long. Orders are first placed outside before the waiters show you to your table.

There are two areas to Gudetama cafe. The main area which can hold a capacity of 112 customers feature private booths with a differently designed Gudetama looking over you for intimate gatherings, while the two tables for two-seaters are basically in the shape of an egg, and there is also a communal table that resembles an egg tray. In the other area, you’ll be greeted by an indoor garden – its interiors specially designed in line with Singapore being a garden city.

As cutesy as the cafe looks, let’s find out how the foods fare. We started with “I’m Cold” Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict ($26.90). Instead of its usual ‘bacon blanket’, poached-egg Gudetama is now tugged cozily into the ‘smoked salmon blankets’. It is laid on a bed of mashed avocado and brioche toast, drizzled with Ebiko and Yuzu Hollandaise sauce, and served with seasonal greens and tater-tots.

Eggs Benedict might be a classic at cafes but where else can you find such an adorable version? This dish exceeded our expectations as we’re usually skeptical when it comes to the taste of foods at themed cafes. Adding a tinge of zesty yuzu cuts the creaminess of hollandaise sauce. The hashbrowns are crispy but some might find it a tad too hard.

Lazy Surfer ($28.50) usually comes in the form of Brazillian-rice Gudetama but the cafe ran out of rice so Gudetama was re-born into mash potato. An assortment of grilled seafood, including a prawn, fish, mussels, clams and squids, surrounds Gudetama, kind of like a moat surrounding a castle as its defence. The prawn was slightly mushy and not that fresh but the rest of the seafood was alright. Beware of fish scales when you’re savouring the fish, we recommend not eating the skin. The gravy had a tinge of spice to it and complements the mash potato well.

For desserts, we had Ta-Ma-Go ($17.90) and Shoyu Ramen ($21.50). Many people mistook these for the savoury dishes. The former boasts a bottom layer of cheesecake coated with rice pops and a sponge cake layer on top. Each little sushi cake is held together by a black strip of charcoal crepe. It is served with maple syrup and a very rich Matcha curd, which is supposed to resemble ‘wasabi’. The cheesecake is light and fluffy, not too creamy, so it doesn’t overwhelm us. However, the charcoal crepe looked rubbery and has no taste to it. Remember to eat it as soon as it is served as the rice pops will lose its crispiness when exposed to air for too long.

The Shoyu Ramen, on the other hand, looked very pretty but unfortunately, failed to impress our tastebuds. This ‘ramen’ dessert is made with chocolate and feuilletine cake topped with layers of chestnut Mont Blanc and earl grey jelly, and served with a side of panna cotta and sweetened rose tea. The panna cotta stole the limelight away from the ‘ramen’, which should have been the highlight of this dessert. The chocolate reminded us a little of Ferrero Rocher hazelnut chocolates but it’s too soggy.

Gudetama cafe is worth checking out as the food actually tastes better than many other themed cafes out there. If you’re a huge fan of eggs just like us, you’ll be spoilt for choice by Gudetama’s menu offerings which include poached, scotched and fried eggs. Just don’t turn into a lazy egg like Gudetama after your meal here!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to Gudetama Cafe. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Gudetama Cafe – Egg-joyable Egg-perience Lazing with an Adorable Egg appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Planning for a short weekend getaway? How about travelling across the crossway and try some food? We compiled 5 newest sweet treats in Johor Bahru, so hurry, share some calories with your friends and have fun cafe hopping!

1. Inside Scoop

Inside Scoop Ice Cream started in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur and expanded pretty quickly within a year. They have recently opened their new outlet in Johor Bahru! They offer 48 flavours of lush ice-creams and will rotate the flavours regularly as the display counter can only display 18 flavours at one time. We ordered their signature Blood Orange Sorbet and Teh Tarik flavours with a choice of chocolate cone. The teh tarik was thick and creamy while the Blood Orange Sorbet was quite refreshing with the sweetness from orange.

2. Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart

Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart is now also available in Johor Bahru! Their first outlet in Johor Bahru is located at AEON City Tebrau Mall and they have just opened another outlet in Sutera Mall. The brand is one of the concept stores by Secret Recipe, so do not get confuse with BAKE cheese tart. It’s milder in flavour and the crust is not as flaky as I hope it would be. The Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart here is now having promotion – BUY 5 FREE 1 at RM29.00/box and RM5.80/ per piece. And the best part is, it is halal!

3. Tokyo Secret

Originated from Hong Kong, Tokyo Secret has expanded to Malaysia! This is so convenient for customers who wish to purchase some back to Singapore. How to locate the stall? Trust your nose and follow the aroma! Priced at RM7.90/pc for a Harajuku cheese tart, it’s rich and creamy. Try their matcha tart (RM8.90/pc) that’s stuffed with red bean mochi. It has got a distinctive matcha taste that matcha fans will love.

4. Royal Tea

Royal Tea is a brand from Guangzhou, China that offers a variety of unique flavours with their own royal cheese, fresh cheese, milk salt, durian milk cream, handmade coffee and many more. We ordered the signature Royal Cheese Oolong Tea (RM10.90), Milk Salt Matcha (RM12.90) and Durian Milk Cream Oolong Tea (RM10.90). The first layer of cheese cream topping is rich and creamy while the oolong tea is light and refreshing. Here’s how you drink it: open the cap and tilt the cup to 45 degrees. Let your lips be in close contact with the cheese and drink from underneath. And you will have a ‘moustache’ cream above your lips! I personally find it a little “gerlak” as the cheese came too strong.

5. Caffebene

South Korean’s most popular coffeehouse chain Caffebene has finally arrived Johor Bahru. The outlet in Johor Bahru is located at JB City Square which is a walking distance from the immigration. Caffebene offers ‘Patbingsu’, toasts and also coffee and drinks. The Korean shaved-ice desserts are available in few flavours. We tried Coffee bingsu and the Cookies & Cream bingsu which are available in two sizes- Single-sized or Large. They also offer toasts with a local twist, including this hot-pressed zesty chicken toastie. They will be having new menu after 7th January 2017.

Written by Hazel. Born in Malaysia, Hazel loves to travel and soaked herself with enrich cultures and food. Follow her food adventures on her blog.

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Time flies, Miss Tam Chiak is already 9 years old! I started as a personal food diary where I share all my food adventures to a five-man team, hoping to build a positive food community. The road is never easy. Along the way, there are always obstacles that I need to overcome but I am really grateful for all the support that F&B owners and readers have given me. To thank my readers, I held a cosy anniversary high tea at Hello Kitty Orchid Garden, all thanks to Changi Airport.

Located at Changi Airport Terminal 3, Hello Kitty Orchid Garden is the world’s first 24-hour Hello Kitty café offering locals and tourists round-the-clock respite with a bevy of delectable food and beverages served in a whimsical floral paradise setting. About 20 readers and I got to enjoy small kitty bites like Hola Nachos, Beef Rendang Vol-au-vent, Hide & Seek, Leaning Tower of Kitty and Ops Kitty Did It Again.

The dishes are served on beautiful wooden boards, ceramic and glass ware – specially selected to complement the garden theme, each customised with the café logo. We started with nachos made with crispy tortilla chips, cheese sauce, parmesan, jalapeños, olives, onions and cherry tomato salsa. I tried wagyu beef rendang in the cafe before and this time round, we had beef rendang tart. It’s still flavourful as usual. Pps Kitty Did It Again features crisoy fries topped with some Himalayan pink salt and parmesan cheese. Truffle ketchup serves as a good complement.

Happy faces!

There is an irresistible array of Kitty-fied desserts; including soft serve, gelato sundaes, pastries and tea cakes. I like their froyo the best – frozen yogurt with a choice of sauce, fruit, crunch, Hello Kitty cookie and Hello Kitty chocolate served in a cup. We ended our high tea with a range of drinks to choose from. I was intrigued by Hello Kitty Café’s custom-blended loose tea leaves that come in interesting flavours, such as the Apple Pie Tea and Strawberry Marshmallow Tea.

Thank you Hello Kitty Cafe for hosting us and Changi Airport Group for the arrangement. If you are travelling, drop by our first class airport and dine at Hello Kitty Cafe. Or, go for late night shopping as Changi Airport has extended their shopping hours till 11 pm daily all year round! What’s more, with many food outlets operating 24/7, supper is also well taken care of.

CHRISTMAS LATE NIGHT SHOPPING AT CHANGI AIRPORT

This Christmas season, apart from the Pokemon at Changi Airport festivities, shopping at Changi Airport’s public areas is even more rewarding with exclusive giveways. On 2 – 24 Dec, Fridays and Saturdays only, redeem a pair of Universal Studios Singapore® One-Day Passes* (worth $148) and Changi Gift Cards (worth $20) when you spend $120 and above with Mastercard during late night hours!

For all shoppers who spend $150 or Mastercard spenders/Changi Rewards members who spend $120:
First 150 shoppers per night can redeem a Changi Gift Card (worth $20) available in 3 exclusive designs.

For Changi Rewards members who spend $240:
First 75 shoppers per night can redeem a pair of Universal Studios Singapore® One-Day Passes (worth $148) and 2-hour parking coupon when you spend by Mastercard.

Read Terms & Conditions here.

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With our local food going game strong over the recent years, popular ge tai singer Cheng Ze (承泽) joins in the hawker squad and opens Quan Jia Fu Nasi Lemak (全佳福) in Golden Mile Food Centre, or better known as army’s market.

What got him started? One day, he was having mee rebus and saw that the cook was actually a foreigner. He didn’t want our local heritage food to disappear or be taken over by foreign workers, so he was inspired and worked with two other partners to set up a nasi lemak stall (because that’s his favourite hawker food).

It may seem like a simple and unassuming stall but much thought has been put into it. For one, his plates are all the old school metal plates which we used in the past. Also, he hung old vintage milo tin on the ceiling and use it as his cash box. So old school can!

One of the partners used to be a cook in a nasi lemak stall in Boon Lay so she takes care of all the cooking while the two handsome young man do most of the serving (which I am sure it’s camera worthy). Its rice is milder in coconut milk flavour, but light and fluffy.

What really stands out is the sambal, which has a strong taste of dried shrimp in the blend. It’s really robust in flavours, spicy with a strong presence of shallots. The fried chicken is crispy which goes well with the sambal dip and I paired it with a curry vegetables and egg omelette too.

I featured 全佳福 Nasi Lemak in Lian He Zao Bao (联合早报) on 10 December 2016, check it out!

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Often outshined by some of its neighbours like Hatter Street and Nakhon Kitchen, this quaint Japanese bar deserves a little more attention. Tachinomiya, which literally means ‘standing bar’, offers some good old Japanese street food and of course, alcohol. The shop occupies a small hole in the wall with a maximum seating capacity of about 20, and it’s no wonder that it’s easily missed. Who would have thought that this eatery is Singapore’s first heartland neighbour Japanese bar opened until as late as 2am?

From left: Asparagus and Bacon, Pork Belly and Leek, Chicken and Leek, Mentai Salmon

Tachinomiya offers a variety of Yakitori (skewered meat traditionally grilled over charcoal fire) as one of their specialties. A minimum purchase of 4 sticks is required, and we chose Asparagus and Bacon ($2.50) recommended by the staff, Pork Belly and Leek ($2.50), Chicken and Leek ($2.50) and Mentai Salmon ($4). Indeed, the smoky bacon neatly wrapped around a crunchy asparagus turned out to be my favourite. The well-cooked bacon complemented the earthly taste of asparagus wonderfully. Mentai Salmon is also worth a try – the salmon, generously covered with a blanket of mentai, was tender and flaky. The other 2 items were just average, but the well-charred leek deserves a mention.

Grilled Cheese Mentaiko Scallops ($3.50 each) served in their shells stole the show. Lifting the cheese layer with my chopsticks unveiled a scallop snugged in a generous, warm bed of mentaiko. It was heavenly; how often can the combination of creamy mentaiko and torched cheese go wrong anyway? If this doesn’t float your boat, look to Tachinomiya’s wide array of Japanese bar snacks to discover your favourite.

Tachinomiya sells a variety of Bento Sets, and don’t be taken aback, they literally come in takeout boxes with wooden utensils. All Bento Sets come with a cup of Miso Soup (Yes, it is served in a cup.) while the Supervalue Lunch Bento Sets ($8.90), which are only available for dine-in, include an extra Green Tea.

Ribeye Beef Teriyaki ($14.50) was slightly underwhelming, as we found the Teriyaki sauce too salty and the meat a little on the tough side. Katsu Cheese Curry (Chicken) ($8.90) from the Supervalue Lunch Bento Set menu was slightly better. However, for the price, it’s not too bad- the serving of curry was satisfactory, and the torched cheese went well with the battered chicken fillet.

To be honest, their sleek display of alcohol on glass shelves looks pretty impressive, doesn’t it? It was a pity that we did not manage to taste some of their alcohols as we made our trip down on an early afternoon. If you’re looking for a quiet Japanese bar to wind down on an evening, look no further. And well, just a friendly reminder, if you’re gonna drink, don’t drive.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to Tachinomiya. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

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Joo Chiat is a Peranakan enclave where there are many colourful Peranakan terrace houses that have been conserved. Some of the best food on the island can be found here, including the newly opened Baba Chews Bar & Eatery, located within the former Joo Chiat Police Station.

As part of Hotel Indigo, the restaurant offers a great range of all-day dining options that include an All-Day Dining Menu, a family style Dinner Menu, as well as a Weekend Brunch Menu for ease of food choices throughout the day. But you definitely should not miss the Peranakan dishes that are available during dinner.

Specially prepared by Head Chef Alvin Leong, whose experience started since his early days as a self-taught cook from Malaysia, he is not a Peranakan but does pretty good Peranakan dishes. For a start, the soups were excellent. Pong Tauhu ($9) had huge meatball studded with bamboo shoot in their homemade prawn broth. Served piping hot, Itek Tim ($11) wasn’t too salted even though the duck soup was cooked with salted mustard leaves.

Iberico Pork Ribs Pongteh ($25) was slow-cooked for 12 hours to get that softness; while Beef Short Ribs Rendang ($25) is a a hearty classic made with short ribs stewed in homemade ‘Rempah’. I thought both dishes were on the sweet side during our day of visit.

Fish Head Curry is tasty with soft and tender red snapper and a curry that is slightly sour with tamarind. Chap Chye ($12) is stewed with fermented beans and still retains the crunch. We also ordered Telur Dadar Cincalok ($10). The presence of cincalok was, unfortunately, missing in this omelette.

Ending off the meal on a fun note, diners can look forward to a range of decadent sweet treats like the Kueh Durian ($12). Inspired by the traditional “kueh dadar”, the pandan crepe comes with homemade D24 durian mousse and shredded coconut cooked in palm sugar. Topped with gula meaka ice cream, this is my favourite dessert out of the list.

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We were introduced to Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen in Serangoon Gardens by Actor Edmund Chen. Indeed, it was an awesome recommendation! Started by Chef Tan who used to work in Tonkichi and Tampopo, he can jolly well been considered the tonkatsu master. His passion for Japanese cuisine led him to start Hajime this year. “Hajime” is the Japanese word for “beginning” and the short form for “Hajimemashite”, which means “nice to meet you”. He wants to spread his philosophy of going back to the food’s beginning and welcoming all customers warmly.

Bringing over 25 years of experience to the kitchen, the Premium Pork Loin ($19.90) is a premium cut of air-flown Japanese pork, chosen for its exquisite juiciness and tenderness. It is dunked in freshly made breadcrumbs for that extra crunch and accompanied by the crunchy and refreshing cabbage, which goes very well with Tonkatsu.

You should first grind their premium roasted sesame seeds with Tonkatsu sauce before dipping your pork in it to enhance its flavours. The Tonjiru Soup is made from Tonkotsu broth simmered with Japanese pork and a hint of Yuzu for over 12 hours. Finally, your meal is complete with the Niigata rice, grown in pristine waters from melting snow, then milled locally to lock in freshness. All Tonkatsu sets come with free flow of rice and cabbage.

We also tried the Tonkatsu Ramen ($14.90), with a tasty egg added at a price of $2. The ramen was flavourful and comforting but not impressive. The deep-fried pork is ordinary – it was still crispy but its meat, was not as tender and juicy. I would gladly chose the Premium Pork Loin over this.

Besides their best-selling Tonkatsu and Ramen, Hajime also serves a variety of side dishes, Donburi, curry dishes and desserts. We especially enjoyed their Gyoza ($6.90) where savoury fillings are enveloped within their thin gyoza skin and fried to a golden brown.

Located at Serangoon Gardens, this unpretentious eatery is an ideal spot to enjoy Tonkatsu. There was one particular waitress who was friendly and very helpful, taking their service standards up a notch. There are so many Japanese establishments popping up in Singapore recently but how do you know which is worth your money and calories? Well, for a start, Hajime Tonkatsu and Ramen may be a good choice!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

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Having been around for over a decade at Berseh Food Centre, Mei Xiang Black & White Fish Soup whips up a delectable bowl of mixed fish soup. Spot the queue on the second floor during lunch time and you will know how popular the stall is! During our day of visit, the owner is doing one man show as the wife fell ill. From taking in orders to preparing the fish soup to mending the cashier … It’s a really tough and exhausting job! So, if you have to wait in line for this fish soup, please be patient.

There is only the small portion ($6) and big portion ($8) of mixed fish soup served here. The winning factor is the robust stock. One sip and it’s apparent that the stock was the result of hours of simmering fish bones to yield such sweet and full-bodied flavours. On rainy days, we’re pretty sure the slurp-worthy soup will be gone in a blink of an eye.

As for the fish, “black” simply refers to the fried fish while “white” refers to the fresh sliced fish. The former was tastier and had a nice chewy texture. Do be careful of fish bones as this fried fish isn’t the usual fillets you get elsewhere. The fish slices were delightfully smooth and succulent, especially when you dunk it into the superb chilli sauce. The first punch was full of zest which enhanced the taste of the sliced fish. This chilli sauce is also a great complement to the plain rice. We were eating while wiping perspiration from our foreheads throughout our meal.

Mei Xiang’s Black & White Fish Soup stall is really worth returning for. Do note that you’re only allowed to dine-in at this stall. If you want to take-away, you have to bring your own containers. They are open on Sundays and public holidays although most of the stalls at Berseh food centre are closed on these days. Priced at $6 per bowl, you might find it a little steep for food centres but the quality beats those ordinary food court standards hands down.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to Mei Xiang Black & White Fish Soup. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Mei Xiang Black & White Fish Soup – Find them by the long queue! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Over the years, the number of Japan food halls in Singapore has grown significantly, with Wisma Atria’s Japan Food Town and Nihon Street @ Millenia Walk as the newest additions to the family. We’ve paid a visit to some of these Japanese foodie heavens to bring you the inside scoop of what’s oishii.

Eat At Seven @ Suntec City

Maguro-Donya Miura-Misaki-Kou Sushi & Dining

Maguro-Donya Miura-Misaki-Kou Sushi & Dining is regarded as one of the most renowned maguro (tuna) and sashimi wholesalers in Japan. To ensure absolute freshness, the restaurant employs a state-of the-art transport and freezing method, where the tuna is frozen at -60°C, the optimal temperature for preserving its freshness. Try the signature dishes including Three Cuts of Hon Maguro Sashimi ($39) served on crushed ice which consists of Otoro (Belly), Chutoro (Bottom Loin) and Akami (Top Loin). The slices are massive and the akami is the best I have tasted so far. The otoro is creamy and doesn’t have any metallic taste. If you would like a bigger variety, go for Five Cuts Hon Maguro Sashimi ($49) which features five parts of Blue Fin Maguro —Akami (Top Loin); Chutoro (Bottom Loin); Otoro (Belly); Kamatoro (Cheek); and Mekajiki (Swordfish). Sushi fans can go for Five Cut of Hon Maguro Nigiri Sushi ($35).

ENBU

ENBU’s calling card is grilling with straws and charcoal grill, which lend a wonderful smoky fragrance to its wide array of fresh and exquisite cuisines. WARAYAKI Chicken has got the smoky fragrance in the meat while keeping the meat juices intact. Pairing with their spring onion sauce, it was a mix of spicy, savoury and sweetness, very similar to Ssamjang that was served in Korean BBQ restaurants. Jilase Tsukune is essentially chicken meatball with onsen egg.

Nihon Street @ Millenia Walk

Saboten

Saboten’s menu offers a wide variety of dishes with various cuts of meat and seafood but we tried the Saboten Special Gozen ($26), which features a mix of their popular items: Loin Katsu, Tenderloin Katsu, Fried Shrimp and Crab Cream Croquette. The dishes were pretty tasty, but they were outshined by the loin, which was succulent, tender and coated with a well-seasoned crispy batter. A special shoutout to the sweet Tonkatsu sauce which is a wonderful combination with the katsu, more so than the tangy tartar sauce. If you feel overwhelmed by the plethora of items on the menu, we’d think you should just head straight for the loin. P/S: sip on some free-flow green tea on the house!

Sapporo Ramen Miharu

Authentic Sapporo Ramen is not exactly common in Singapore but as its name clearly suggests, this is where you can find authentic tasting Sapporo ramen in a traditionally themed shop. The waitress suggested having one of the popular choices, Komi Tsukemen ($14.50) which is a traditional dipping noodle. The cold noodle was chewy which we enjoyed, but some might find it a tad too hard. While the soy sauce based dipping broth went along well with the noodles, it was actually very salty on its own and chugging it down like you would with regular ramen broth is not recommended. In our opinion, maybe Sapporo Ramen Miharu has seen a better past with their regular ramen bowls.

Sandaime Bunji

Captivated by their signature dish, Wagyu Round Roast Beef Set ($19.90), which features an elegant stack of beef asserting its mightiness over a bed of fluffy rice, we were motivated to hunt this restaurant down. The beef did not disappoint as it was well-seasoned and tender. My dining partner loved how the beef was served but personally, I would’ve appreciated a little more cook on it. This casual restaurant is a great place for a hangout with your loved ones, with both indoor and outdoor seats available.

Japan Food Town @ Wisma Atria

Inaniwa Yosuke

How many legitimate udon specialty restaurants in Singapore can you recall off the top of your head? I believe, not many? Well, I’m so glad that we can finally add another outstanding one to the list! Delivering one of Japan’s best udon noodles, Inaniwa Yosuke’s Tempura & Seiro Gomatare ($25) certainly wowed us. Delicate udon strands dipped in their unique sesame Goma sauce– definitely one of the most refreshing chilled udon dishes we’ve tasted. Inaniwa’s assorted tempura was crispy and is definitely on the light side. Similarly, their tempura sauce was light as well, but if you prefer something stronger like us, sprinkle a pinch of their salty Matcha powder and you’re good to go. Even a rare treat in Japan itself, nothing’s holding you back from enjoying this on our very own shores. P/S: enjoy a 20% off counter seats on weekdays!

Sabar

If you haven’t paid a visit to Sabar, you’re totally missing out on some darn good stuff. Their Half Mega Toro-Saba ($20) consists of a top quality mackerel freshly grilled to perfection upon order. While waiting for our food, the quirky designs surrounding the number 38 (Saba sounds like 38 in Manadarin.) on the walls in the bar caught our attention. You know they aren’t playing around with their fishes when you receive an utterly moist and flavourful whole Saba with a perfectly crisp skin, unlike any of those you’ve tried. Plus, opt for the counter seats and watch the lovely Japanese chef prepare your meal right before you. Bonus: receive a 20% discount for all weekdays, and until 3pm for Friday.

Bonta Bonta

Bonta Bonta lies right along the entrance of Wisma’s Japan Food Town but ironically, it seemed to go quite unnoticed when we visited. Perhaps it is because of the high prices which people tend to associate with Bonta Bonta’s main offerings of Unagi, Sushi and Chirashi Dons. Don’t be deceived though, as this quaint eatery serves good tasting dishes at affordable prices; free Dashi stock is even served and it goes perfectly well on its own or with the mains you order. Try the Unagi Kabayaki Don (half for $15, whole for $28), which boasts a generous piece of freshwater eel served atop Kinme rice – sweetier and tastier Japanese rice packed with health benefits! Soft bones were relatively non-existent and the succulent piece of eel was glossed with a rich, thick sauce that had a hint of spice to it. No discounts for this, but the delicious food and friendly staff make it all worth it!

Shokutsu 10 @ NEX

Kabe No Ana

Despite being located at the Japanese food street of NEX, Kabe No Ana serves up plates of Italian food, injected with a taste of Japan. Among all their popular pasta dishes, we ordered a portion of Ebi Asari Creamy Tomato ($15.90) that includes tagliatelle pasta intertwined with fresh prawns and clams soused in a creamy tomato sauce. The pasta and toppings were fairly delicious, but the “one-dimentional” sweet sauce lacked some depth. Perhaps other crowd pleasers such as their Mentaiko pasta will be a better choice.

Yaki Yaki Bo

Who doesn’t love experiencing a live show of your chef preparing your meal right before your eyes? If you’re torn between the choice of meats and seafood, the Beef and Seafood Teppanyaki Set ($29.90) offers the best of both worlds. The beef cubes were juicy and tender, but unfortunately, the seafood did not do enough to impress. In addition, we particularly enjoyed the strong garlic seasoning on the proteins although we were quite shocked that the stall failed to keep the experience authentic by using Japanese short-grain rice. For that price tag, it seems you’re actually paying more for the live show than the food itself.

Emporium Shokuhin @ Marina Square

Burosu Honten Gyoza & Ramen

My favourite restaurant in Emporium Shokuhin is Burosu Honten Gyoza & Ramen. Translating to “broth shop”, you can customise your ramen by choosing the doneness of the ramen noodles, spiciness level and strength of broth. They have individual booths where the waitress will serve through a screen from the kitchen. We went for the Special Ultimate Blend Ramen ($18.80) using a solid soup base rendered by simmering shrimp, lobster and crab shells for at least 11 hours. Die die must try is the homemade Seafood Gyoza ($7.80) made with delectable seafood fillings in soft gyoza wrap. Each dumpling is so moist and succulent. Dip it with Japanese la yu (chilli oil) and vinegar to complement your meal.

Senmi Sushi Bar

This seafood heaven on our island sources their seafood directly from Japan’s wholesale seafood markets; if that doesn’t draw your attention, then I don’t know what else will. Putting their must-try sashimi aside, you can enjoy a unique experience of customizing your own perfect Chirashi Dons (starting from $15) that will let you include all your top favourites. Just look at that colour play of salmon, tamago and cucumbers, creating a gorgeous view that you just wish to remember forever! Feel free to sit at the sushi counter or booth seats, and prepare your tummies for the amazing ride.

Japan Foods Garden

Gyu Tetsu Tokyo Teppanyaki

Part of Food Republic at the basement of Shaw House has been redeveloped to include five new Japanese concepts, all of which aim to provide quality Japanese cuisine at pocket-friendly prices. If you like Teppanyaki like me, try the US Angus Beef Lemon Steak ($18.80) from Gyu Tetsu Teppanyaki. The perks of eating Teppanyaki is, you get to watch the chef in action and enjoy freshly cooked dishes! The thinly sliced beef is cooked on the Teppanyaki hotplate before putting it in the flat iron and drizzling with their homemade citrus sauce to cut the oiliness from the meat.

Donburi Gen

We are definitely in love with the hearty Tendon ($11.80). Deep fried till perfection, you get eight crispy tempura with a bowl of Japanese rice and a delicious sauce. The taste isn’t as strong as it looks, but rather light and easy on the stomach. The star in the food court is the beautiful box of Unagi Seiro Mushi ($28.80). The steamed Japanese rice is nicely stacked with sliced teriyaki eel that gives a sweet hint to the meal.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stalls featured here.

Let’s build a food community that helps to update the food news in Singapore! Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to these restaurants. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post 14 Nihon-thentic Dishes in Japan Food Halls that Transport You to Japan appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Bistros are my favourite places to dine because of its hearty food in a relaxed environment. Starker Bistro is a distinctive hide-out serving their in-house brewed Starker Fresh Beer and popular food. The bistro at Zhongshan Park has recently launched a new and exclusive seafood menu. It’s time to head there with your friends and families for fresh ocean catch, beer and great music.

1. GREAT AMBIENCE WITH LIVE MUSIC

On a recent dinner visit to Starker Bistro at Zhongshan Park, the waiter led me to an alfresco table with a beautiful greenery in front of me.

“Welcome to Starker,” he said before ambling away.

Such view certainly evoked thoughts of vacationing, a notion that was reinforced by a sort of ambience at the restaurant. The setting is bistro style; you can enjoy your food and beer while listening to the melodious tone from the live music.

Starker Music has live gigs featuring local talents performing bilingual music from Monday to Saturdays. With Christmas approaching, this is a great place to celebrate holidays with your loved ones.

2. BAR SNACKS WITH BIG PERSONALITY

Chilli Crab Sliders ($16.80)

Sausages on the Grill ($17.80)

The menu opens with a list of bar snacks like Chilli Crab Sliders and Sausages on the Grill, suitable for munching on with drinks. They had bigger personalities than any other bar snacks I have tried.

The Singapore-style chilli crab sliders had crunchy soft shell crabs sandwiched in between small burger buns and serves with savoury chilli crab sauce. What’s more to say? It’s a small burger packed with flavour! Sausages on the Grill is a platter of seasoned spicy pork, veal sausage, chicken cocktail and cheesy chicken sausages grilled to perfection. Each sausage is self-contained, with no need for additional condiments or sauces, to be honest. Be careful of the cheesy chicken sausage as the creamy sauce may explode when you eat it.

3. LIVE SEAFOOD FRESHLY PREPARED IN THE KITCHEN

Buns on Fire ($28.80)

Because Starker Bistro makes amazing chilli crab sauce, they also use it on the new dish – Buns on Fire. On a platter, pippin’ hot buns stuffed with sweet and tangy fresh crab meat were served with truffle shoe string fries and crisp salad on the side. This is the most convenient way to eat chilli crabs without getting your hands dirty.

Lobster Roll ($36.80)

The lobster roll is another lazy man’s food with pieces of lobster meat on toasted buttery bun. The meat is firm with just a little pizza sauce and tartar mayonnaise to hold it together and that’s it. It makes the taste much brighter. Pairing with golden truffle fries and mesclun salad is the simplest way to savour it.

Grill-icky Shrimps with Rice ($36.80)

Grill-icky Shrimps with Rice is a perfect weeknight food, and grilling is the quick way to capture those sweet, salty nuances of shrimps with the shell on. With a squeeze of lemon, the citrus flavour will give a distinctively Southeast Asian flavor to the dish and a wonderful aroma and flavour.

4. SEAFOOD PLATTERS TO FEED EVERYONE

Seafood Platter ($56.80, serves 2-3 pax)

As we move towards the holidays, and all the group dining sessions that come with them, we are always in search of food that’s festive — seafood platter seems to be the solution. How perfect. Loaded with tiger prawns, clams, green mussels and squid grilled to perfection, it is served with a bed of herbed garlic rice and topped with golden fried soft shell crab and a bed of melted mozzarella cheese.

Ocean Galore ($93.80, serves 2-3 pax)

Our national obsession with crabs has been well-documented, so get your hands dirty with crustacean goodness filled with Sri Lankan crab, tiger prawns, clams and fresh squid sauteed in fragrant homemade parmesan garlic butter. Ocean Galore was exemplary! With limited quantities available, the huge Sri Lankan crab has a tender texture and a naturally sweet, delicate flavour. With these crabs, the claws actually contain a lot of meat. So don’t be shy – dig in!

5. BECAUSE STEWS ALWAYS BEAT STEAKS (at least for me)

Seafood Stew ($36.80)

I think that a stew is more interesting than a steak. Take this seafood stew for example, it is not terribly complex, but simmering marinated sea bass fillet, tiger prawns, clams and squid in white wine crustacean stock seasoned with bird’s eye chill and cherry tomatoes gives it a lot of pizazz for minimal effort. A simple stew of this delivered the comfort and satisfaction to diners

6. FIVE UNIQUE BEER FLAVOURS

Starker Bistro is a distinctive hide-out where friends and families can gather and enjoy the newly launched seafood menu indulging in a true beer drinking experience. Their german-style fresh beer is brewed locally in Singapore.

You will find that having a Stärker Fresh Beer, you are guaranteed a beer experience right from the origins of fresh brew. We had a Beer Flight to try a mini sampler of 5 unique brews, namely; Lager, Aromatic, Lychee, Dunkel, and Char- coal.

Sweet smelling Lychee flavoured beer has been labelled by Stärker as Ladies’ Favourite. Charcoal brands itself as a beer with a unique taste with its fresh roasted flavour. Also a popular flavour, Aromatic has a light- scent of herbs and fruits. Lager and Dunkel are Stärker’s award winning and recognized beer.

We ordered a barrel of Aromatic to pair with our seafood. Golden yellow in appearance, this medium bodied beer comes with fresh fruity hints and a refreshing clean and crisp after taste. It goes well with savoury hot wings, crusty pizza or succulent burgers.

7. FRESHNESS OF THE BEER ENSURED

With a 7-days shelf life policy, the beer strives for guaranteed freshness from the first gulp to the last. The beers are stored in wooden barrels and the friendly staff changes the beer mugs into frozen mugs after some time when beer starts to become warm. It’s definitely a unique sight in Singapore!

The post 7 Reasons Why Starker Bistro at Zhongshan Park is the place for Beer & Seafood appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.