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Blue Label Pizza & Wine – Great Atmosphere and Yummy Pizzas!

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By the same guys who brought you Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chop House, Blue Label Pizza & Wine is a new pizzeria located in Ann Siang. There isn’t a prominent signage that points you to where the pizzeria is, but just look for bright royal blue walls.

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As one can tell from its name, Blue Label Pizza & Wine focuses very much on pizzas. Don’t expect to get steak or even pasta here! What they do have, apart from pizzas, are pretty awesome appetisers.

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We tried one of their signature appetizers, the Blue Label State Fair Fries ($25), and we were hooked. Featuring hand-cut Idaho potatoes, the fries were fried to golden brown perfection. The fries are then placed on a bed of black pepper gravy and aioli, and topped with a fried egg and shaved truffle. Burst the yolk and watch the yellowy goodness flow down the mountain of fries. 

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The pizzeria has a wide selection of pizzas which include their Blue Label Special (market price), that changes ever so frequently based on the freshest produce that the market has to offer. Other noteworthy dishes include the J-Dog ($32), which is a cross between a hot dog and a pizza, as well as Dr. Pepperoni ($31), a classic done up Blue Label style.

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We had The Travis Supreme ($31), which was supposedly a cross between a burger and a pizza. Topping the sesame crusted pizza were a few chunks of ground beef patties, pickles, cheddar-bacon melt and a generous amount of lettuce. Although I do prefer my burgers in an actual bun, this version of burger-pizza was decent, and refreshing. The ‘special sauce’ was way too tart for my liking though. I also feel that the pizza could use more meat. 

The pizzeria also has an extensive wine list as well as an in-house sommelier, so diners can have interesting wine pairings with their pizzas. Blue Label Pizza & Wine is a great place for lunch, or for some tipples after work. Prosecco at 6, anyone?

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”Blue

Address: 28 Ann Siang Road, Basement 1, Singapore 069708

Phone: 9821 9362

Website: http://bluelabelpizza.com/

Email Address: info@bluelabelpizza.com

Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 12pm to 2pm, 6pm till late, Saturdays: 6pm till late. Closed on Sundays.

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

The post Blue Label Pizza & Wine – Great Atmosphere and Yummy Pizzas! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.


Phat Thai Bai Tong – A Hidden Pad Thai Haunt that Celebs Love

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One of the biggest reasons why Pad Thai in Thailand still reigns supreme is because of the use of charcoal fire instead of gas. Since charcoal is hardly used in Singapore these days, I’d say it’s pretty difficult to get a plate of pad Thai here that tastes as good as one that you can find in Thailand.

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Our driver and tour guide, Mr. Bow, recommended a hidden pad Thai eatery where Thai celebs often patronize. Phat Thai Bai Tong specializes in Phat Thai, and a couple of other dishes that Thai locals and celebs both love and rave about. You’ll notice that the space is pretty small so you should expect a queue if you decide to visit around lunch or dinner time. Phat Thai Bai Tong uses charcoal fire to cook their dishes which, in my opinion, makes the food especially great. The lady boss told us that she makes the pork lard and the sauce for her pad Thai by hand, to ensure their freshness.

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Besides their highly acclaimed pad Thai, they also serve fried rice and Kung Pao. Initially, we wanted to try their fried rice but we had a small communication breakdown and they cooked us Kung Pao instead. The fried rice smelled heavenly but we didn’t have the time or space in our stomachs to finish another plate of rice. If we ever visit again, we will definitely get the fried rice that we caught a fleeting glimpse of.

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The Kung Pao features a generous serving of salted pork chunks with white rice. The pork chunks were a tad too hard and salty for our liking. We ordered a plate with less spice but I found it a little too spicy still. The spice kicks in slowly so don’t rush through the dish. The kung pao which we accidentally ordered was quickly overshadowed by the pad Thai. So, unless you’re a big fan of kung pao, I would suggest giving it a miss.

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The pinnacle of our small meal was definitely the pad Thai. Filling the air with an irresistible aroma, the pad Thai boasts extra-large and fleshy river prawns that lay atop a messy heap of rice noodles and beansprouts. You also have the option to add in more beansprouts and spring onions which are served on a separate plate. Dive straight into the fresh and crunchy river prawns. Whilst there were only 2, I must admit that they were pretty huge. The handmade pork lard was wonderfully crispy and flavourful, albeit very sinful. Coupled with the lady boss’s own sweet sauce recipe, the rice noodles were chewy, moist and sticky. I really liked how the flavor of the noodles complemented the sweetness of the sauce. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

Taking into account the short waiting time, and relatively affordable prices, I’ll also highly recommend this place. If you happen to pop by, do try the fried rice and let us know what you think!

Phat Thai Bai Tong

Address: 130, 95 Soi Charansanitwong 45, Arun Amarin, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700

Phone: 02434 9705

Opening Hours: 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm daily.

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 Phat Thai Bai Tong. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Phat Thai Bai Tong – A Hidden Pad Thai Haunt that Celebs Love appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Route 12 – Nasi Lemak with a Big Fried Sotong

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Previously, we tried the lobster nasi lemak which went viral on social media. Now, there’s sotong nasi lemak. Sounds normal? It does, except that this nasi lemak comes with a HUGE deep fried squid that’s worthy of our attention.

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Route 12 isn’t actually a highway. The owner, Faz, named his shop after a cafe with the same name, which is found along a road in Khao Kho, Thailand. Perhaps you’ll like to make a trip there when you visit northern Thailand. It does not take a plane ride to get to this shop, but you might need a map. Route 12 is hidden in an unassuming coffeeshop along Pahang Street. If it helps, try spotting Faz’s iconic black motorbike which is parked along the main road adjacent to the coffeeshop.

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By dusk, the coffeeshop would have filled up with patrons and motorcyclists from all walks of life. Dining in the same space as them sure made me feel like I was part of a biker gang. 

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Ready for some good ol’ biker grub? My friends and I were stunned by the Nasi Lemak Sotong King ($20). The highlight was obviously the whole fried squid which was the centre of attention. Not only was the nasi lemak a sight to behold, it was delightfully perfumed with the characteristic aroma of pandan and coconut. If we talk just about nasi lemak rice, the basmati grains here take the cake. The natural green shade of the grains is derived from pandan leaves. A good amount of santan (coconut milk) and onion are then added to create an ambrosial scent and flavour. After you’ve tried the rice, I urge you to eat it with their homemade sambal chilli. This tantalising blend of sweet and savoury chilli will bring the nasi lemak to the next level. You can use it as a dip for your egg slices or fish cake as well. I felt that the chilli could have packed more heat though.

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Look at the size of that sotong! Faz sources for squids that are imported from either Taiwan, Brazil or Africa. Unlike the normal sotong, the sotong used here has a longer head. How can anyone resist devouring the whole squid? Patrons can cut up the squid with the scissors provided. There’s definitely more than enough squid for a group of 3. 

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Inspired by his travels, Faz brings together Thai and Malaysian cuisines to create a harmonious pairing of nasi lemak and giant fried squid. The sotong is first coated in a homemade batter, before it is fried to a perfect crisp. The squid that we had was tender, firm, springy, and not too chewy.

Like the sotong, the chicken wings are coated in a homemade batter, and fried. I felt slightly guilty for neglecting the chicken wings until much later as I was preoccupied with the rice and squid. However, the chicken wings retained a crispy exterior that crumbled satisfyingly in our mouths. Remember to dip it in the sambal chilli!

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You might recall KFC’s launch of double down which caused a ruckus amongst fast food junkies. Faz takes guilty pleasure to a whole new level with their Route 12 Hotrod ($9), which owes its origins to KFC in the Philippines. Think a fat and juicy cheese sausage sandwiched between two thick fried chicken cutlets. There’s no way to eat the hotrod except to chomp it down like a beast. The hotrod will no doubt give KFC’s double down a run for their money. 

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Route 12’s smooth Signature Thai Milk Tea ($4) comes in a re-sealable plastic bag. If you can’t finish it, you can take it away easily. 

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Route 12 delivers scrumptious halal food options that warrant return visits. Faz and his wife also serve a variety of side dishes, which includes quail, to pair with their nasi lemak.

Route 12

Address: 12 Pahang St, Singapore 198613

Phone: 8687 3371

Opening Hours: Mondays and Tuesdays 6pm to 11pm. Wednesdays to Fridays 12.30pm to 2pm, 6pm to 11pm. Weekends 1.30pm to 11pm daily.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fazwesternstation/

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

The post Route 12 – Nasi Lemak with a Big Fried Sotong appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Ningxia Night Market (寧夏觀光夜市) – 7 Delicious Snacks To Try in Taiwan

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[TAIPEI, TAIWAN] Singaporeans love night markets, and it’s always a must to visit one, if not all, of the night markets in Taipei. Be it the heady summer heat or wintry cold, the changing seasons cannot deny our pursuit of delicious snacks. Nicknamed the stomach of Taipei, Ningxia Night Market (寧夏觀光夜市) is one market that you definitely must visit.

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You know the market must be awesome when you see tons of locals there. A good part of the market is usually closed when it rains. This time, the market was unfazed by the constant drizzle and remained operational when we were there. That’s because a shelter has been built permanently over the whole stretch of Ningxia Night Market. Now, you can savour all the Taiwanese delicacies without having to worry about wet weather conditions.

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One way to get to Ningxia is via the reliable Taipei metro. You can take the red line to Shuanglian (雙連), locate exit 1 and head west after you find Minsheng West Road (民生西路). The night market will be on the left side. You can’t miss it!

新社烧烤杏鲍菇 King Oyster Mushroom

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Who can resist these firm and crunchy babies? The thick and stumpy mushrooms are grilled to perfection, before being brushed with a thin layer of sweet sauce. Also known as King Trumpet Mushroom, the mushroom is available in eight different flavours – from cumin to rose mineral salt. Each serving costs 100 NTD, which amounts to about $4.

青草茶 Bitter Tea

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From a tender age, I have been convinced by loved ones to gulp down a cup of 青草茶 bitter tea whenever we chance upon it. The tea is believed to boast several health benefits, such as dispelling heatiness from the body. I’m sorry to report that its taste is unbearable (for me at least). After the first sip, the herb taste that you might have detected is quickly overshadowed by an unpleasant bitterness. Luckily, the hawker presents you a sweet upon your purchase. So keep it and pop it in your mouth if you need to. 

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What I love about night markets is that you get to watch your food being prepared right in front of your eyes. Witness how 牛妈妈 herself skilfully manoeuvres her way through large braising pots and prepares drool-worthy dishes that are loved by the locals. We tried the 沙茶牛肉面 (NTD 90) Beef Noodles with Sha Cha Sauce. Think yellow noodles and beef slices drenched in thick sha cha sauce. The first thing that caught my eye is its HUGE portion. I felt that it would have been more enjoyable, if the noodles did not carry such a strong alkaline taste. You might like to share a bowl of 焢肉饭 (NTD 60) too.

方家

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There’s something comforting about tucking into a bowl of rice when I’m in Taiwan. If you agree, then you need to pay 方家 a visit. Although they serve up a number of dishes, they are apparently best known for their 鸡肉饭 Rice with Chicken (NTD 30) and their 卤肉饭 Rice with Braised Pork (NTD 30). The former comes with shredded chicken, and a bowl of hot steaming rice with light soya sauce. I prefer the latter though. The sweet and savoury braised pork bits were tender, and paired excellently with the rice. 

Liu Yu Zi Taro Fried Balls

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If you haven’t had taro fried balls, you’re in for a real treat. Encased within these crispy yam balls (NTD 20) is a pork floss filling. Careful, for you might become addicted to its earthy, sweet and chewy insides. On the other hand, the Fried Yam Ball with Salted Egg Yolk (NTD 25) offers a lot more texture and taste. The sweet yam and savoury egg yolk tasted decent at first, but it became more jelak with every bite. The taro fried balls without the salted egg yolk are still the ideal snack!

紫米牛奶

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For the Taiwanese, milk tea isn’t just a beverage. It’s a way of life. Flavoured pearl milk tea has invaded every part of the world, and has made Taiwan a popular travel destination. However, few are aware of the nutritious purple rice milk. Beyond its range of health benefits, the purple rice milk is very delicious. Its taste is akin to our pulau hitam, but less sweet. Purple glutinous rice sits at the bottom of the drink. Warm your belly, and hands, with a cup, if it’s cold out there!

Peanut and Sesame Mochi

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What better way to end off this entry than to introduce my favourite snack in Ningxia? For NTD 40, you get two palm-sized homemade mochi slapped on a plate of ground peanut and sesame seeds. For the first mouthful, we were advised to dip the mochi into the ground peanuts only. It’s super yummy! Before you know it, you might have ordered another to go.

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There are also tons of food stalls that lie adjacent to Ningxia Night Market. With more than ample delicious street food at affordable prices, Ningxia will definitely please both your tummy and wallet.

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/stalls listed above. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Ningxia Night Market (寧夏觀光夜市) – 7 Delicious Snacks To Try in Taiwan appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

honestbee FOOD – Convenient, Hassle-Free, Delicious Hawker Delights!

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For many Singaporeans, hawker centres are the go-to places for a quick and satisfying meal. Hawker centres have a huge variety of food that are both affordable and delicious. However, thanks to Singapore’s all-year-round summer, the hawker centres aren’t the most comfortable places to dine at as they are not air-conditioned.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could enjoy your favourite hawker food in the comfort of your own home or office? No more hustling with other diners, or even queuing in the sweltering heat.

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Rejoice, as honestbee FOOD has come up with a new on-demand hawker food delivery service to Singaporeans! On top of delivery from your regular restaurants,  you  can now have your favourite hawker delights delivered right to your doorstep.

We’re not just talking about ordering from ONE hawker stall in the hawker centre, but from multiple stores! Customers can select from multiple stalls within a hawker centre and check out in one single basket!

honestbee sweetens the deal by offering FREE DELIVERY for hawker fares. No other on-demand food delivery platform does this at present.

 What’s more, sign up for honestbee FOOD using the promo code “TAMCHIAK12” to get $12 off your purchase (minimum spend of $24)! Don’t say bo jio!

Say hello to comfort and bliss as you savour your favourite hawker fare while catching up on your favourite show.

 

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The ordering process is really simple, and honestbee FOOD is the first ever on-demand delivery service that allows diners to order from multiple stalls within a single hawker centre, and checkout with just ONE basket with NO DELIVERY FEE! Hurry up and get clicking! 

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honestbee FOOD currently delivers delicious hawker fare from the following hawker centres in Singapore:

  • CBD
    • Maxwell Food Centre: Mon – Fri, 11am – 2pm
    • Hong Lim Food Centre: Mon – Fri, 11am – 2pm
    • Amoy Street Food Centre: Mon – Fri, 11am – 2pm
  • East
    • Bedok 85 (85 Fengshan Centre): Daily, 6pm – 9pm
    • Old Airport Road Food Centre: Daily, 11am – 2pm
    • Chomp Chomp: Daily, 6pm – 9pm
  • West
    • Bukit Timah Food Centre: Daily, 11am – 2pm
    • Clementi 448 Market & Food Centre: Daily, 11am – 2pm, 6pm – 9pm
  • North
    • Toa Payoh Lor 1 West Market & Food Centre: Tues – Sun, 11am – 2pm
    • Toa Payoh Lor 5 Hawker Centre: Daily, 6pm – 9pm
  • Central
    • Newton Food Centre: Daily, 6pm – 9pm
    • ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre: Daily, 11am – 2pm
    • Golden Mile Food Centre: Daily, 10am – 10pm (dependent on stall)

 

Although the coverage is already pretty wide, honestbee FOOD is adding even more hawkers centres on a weekly basis, so that everyone living in Singapore will have convenient access to great hawker food without stepping out the door. How cool and convenient is that!

How to order:

– Log on to www.honestbee.sg or download the honestbee app from the Google Play Store/Apple store. Once you have set up your details, select the FOOD service, and tap on the “Hawker Food” category under “Top Categories”.

– By clicking on the Hawker Food category, you will see the hawker centres available in your location (by the postal code you have entered at the start). honestbee is hard at work getting you more hawker centres across the island, so if you’re currently out of the area, don’t fret and check back soon!

– Select all your items, add them to your cart and remember to use the first time promo code TAMCHIAK12 for $12 off a minimum spend of $24 before checking out!

– Sit back, relax and wait for the doorbell to ring!

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This post was brought to you by honestbee FOOD.

The post honestbee FOOD – Convenient, Hassle-Free, Delicious Hawker Delights! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Prawnaholic – The New Generation of Our Classic Hae Mee!

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According to google, an ‘-aholic’ denotes someone who is addicted to something. I’ve heard of shopaholic, workaholic and even sleepaholic. But, prawnaholic? That’s a first for me.

Located on the 2nd floor of the newly opened Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre, Fareground, Prawnaholic sells hae mee with a modern twist.

The chef-owner, Mr Alan Choong, started his job in the food and beverage industry five years ago, working in different hotels and restaurants before carving out his career as a hawker.

He shared that during his tenure as an apprentice, he would visit different hawker centres to source for inspiration. One of his favourite dishes to order would be, you guessed it, prawn noodles. Now that he has his own shop, he has decided to pay homage to the local delight by creating a modern version of the hawker classic.

When asked if he preferred working as a hotel line cook or a hawker, the 24-year-old shared that the job as a hawker is definitely tougher, but the sense of satisfaction he gets is worth it. He enjoys the daily interaction with other stall owners and customers and getting to know them better.

At the time of writing, there are only six dishes on the menu. Two dishes are sides while the other four are different variations of hae mee. Diners can look forward to Special Prawn Noodle ($6.50), Lala Prawn Noodles ($4) and the King Prawn Udon ($12.50).

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A bowl of Special Prawn Noodle(dry/soup) comes with your choice of noodles, and a variety of ingredients, such as a fresh large prawn, torched Kurobuta pork and homemade prawn ball. I felt that the bowl($6.50) was reasonably priced. 

The prawns used were fresh, sweet and juicy, and the prawn ball was chewy and not too floury. The star, for me, was the thick cuts of torched Kurobuta pork, which sported a nice char. Alan shared that he made the decision to change the traditional accompaniment, pork ribs, to Kurobuta pork belly to elevate the luxuriousness of the dish.

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We had our prawn noodles dry, and was coated with a homemade chilli sauce. The sauce is a special concoction that Alan created from a mixture of dried shrimps and other aromatics.

The noodles come with a small bowl of soup that’s dark, sweet, and very flavourful. Don’t fear about the thirst that usually kicks in after drinking a bowl of MSG-laden soup. Alan shares that he does not use MSG in his soup, and the flavours you get are all natural. We’re definitely going back for a second helping!

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If $6.50 for a bowl of prawn noodles is a little too high for you, you can opt for the Lala Prawn Noodles ($4), which come with a fresh prawn, a piece of Kurobuta pork and some clams. This is a great option for people on a tighter budget. The broth and sauces are the same, so you wouldn’t be missing out on much.

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Prawnaholic does two appetisers as well — Prawn Balls & Salted Egg Mayo ($6.50), and Salmon Skin & Salted Egg Mayo ($6.50). We were told that the prawn balls are made in limited quantities, and are usually the first time that gets sold out. We had the latter, which was very ordinary, and not really worth the money in our opinion.

It is always heartwarming to see the younger generations starting out as hawkers. Even though it is hard work, at the end of the day, their passion for hawker food still triumphs. Prawnaholic does serve up a decent modern rendition of hae mee. The broth and sauce are both tasty, so we’re sure that you’ll enjoy your hearty bowl of prawn noodles either way (dry or soup). 

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Prawnaholic

Address: #02-12, 110 Pasir Ris Central, Singapore 519641

Phone: 9751 4417

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Prawnaholic-SG-%E8%99%BE%E3%81%AE%E4%BC%A0%E4%BA%BA-1978219802417800/

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays: 11.30am to 3pm & 5.30pm to 9:30pm, closed on Mondays.

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

The post Prawnaholic – The New Generation of Our Classic Hae Mee! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Daydream Believer – A Glasshouse Cafe Dream Come True

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The name of this cafe, Daydream Believer, pretty much speaks for itself. Beyond the huge gates lies a glasshouse filled with wooden furniture, and a luscious garden. The greenery presents itself as a perfect place for some tranquility. I can imagine myself spending some precious me-time lounging around with a book in one hand, and a coffee in the other.

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The dessert menu is nothing out of the ordinary — expect familiar sweet treats such as Lemon Meringue Tart, and Waffles with Ice Cream and Fresh Fruits. When we were there, a handful of the desserts were already sold out, so head there earlier to avoid disappointment.

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The Lemon Meringue Tart (155THB) looked like the typical ones that you can find in Singapore. It’s not easy to perfect the balance between the tartness and sweetness of the curd, but I guess they did a decent job. While we all agreed that Daydream Believer ‘s lemon tart was not too bad, it wasn’t particularly memorable. 

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The Brownofee (145THB) is just another of your it’s-almost-impossible-to-taste-bad type of desserts. Brownies and bananas just can’t go wrong. Call it simple, but this combination always promises a pleasant mouthful. The complementary flavours, together with the airy cream and caramel sauce, had us reaching out for more.

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On the other hand, the Scones with Strawberry Jam & Light Mascarpone Cream (80THB) didn’t fare well with us. We pictured a delicate buttery scone falling apart in our mouths but, unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Lacking in moisture and flavour, the scone lost our attention  quickly.

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With two huge fluffy marshmallow clouds, the Hot Chocolate (100THB) is hard to resist. It’s rich, sweet and everything a chocolate lover would crave for.

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The desserts alone probably don’t warrant a visit. However, we recommend heading here just to soak up the atmosphere, or simply for some beautiful OOTD shots. As we only had the chance to savour their desserts, do share with us your thoughts on their food if you visit!

Daydream Believer

Address: 436/1 Phahonyothin 12 Alley, Bangkok, Thailand 10400

Opening Hours: 10am-11pm. Closed on Mondays

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Daydreambelieverbkk/

The post Daydream Believer – A Glasshouse Cafe Dream Come True appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Zhen Cheng Roast Meat – Delicious Roast Duck & Other Delights!

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Although there isn’t an MRT station nearby, Balestier, which is known for good food, is still very convenient to get to. So, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t visit this little food haven. 

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You might miss this roast meat stall because of its inconspicuous signboard. Located in a small corner coffee shop, Zhen Cheng specialises in Cantonese-style roast meats.

We tried three out of the four types of meat(roast duck, char siew, siew yoke and soy sauce chicken)  available — roast duck, char siew and siew yoke.

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For the Char Siew Siew Yoke Fan ($4), a generous amount of thick and gooey zhap was slapped on the meat. The zhap was flavourful, and complemented the different roast meats. The char siew had a nice char and a good ratio of lean meat to fat.

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However, I felt that the siew yoke was quite a letdown. It was too crumbly — just picking it up and dipping it in the chilli sauce caused it to break apart. Also, the golden brown skin wasn’t crunchy, or crisp.

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Thankfully, the Duck Noodle ($4) saved the day. The duck meat was firm, and was perfumed with the aroma of cinnamon, star anise and cloves. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sometimes, we get roast duck that  don’t carry the aroma of any herbs and spices. It certainly isn’t the case here at Zhen Cheng. The noodles were also springy and QQ — just the way I like it.

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I was lucky enough to witness one of the stall owners making the chilli sauce. He filled a large wok with oil, chilli paste, and other aromatics, and stirred the mix slowly. 

Zhen Cheng currently has an outlet in Balestier and another along Cantonment Road. 

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Zhen Cheng Roast Meat 贞诚特色传统烧腊

Address: 558 Balestier Road, Singapore 329874, 243 Cantonment Road, Singapore 089770

Phone: 9721 8231, 9881 3918

Website: https://www.facebook.com/%E8%B4%9E%E8%AF%9A%E7%89%B9%E8%89%B2%E4%BC%A0%E7%BB%9F%E7%83%A7%E8%85%8A-590880024440918/

Opening Hours: 9am to 8pm daily.

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

The post Zhen Cheng Roast Meat – Delicious Roast Duck & Other Delights! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.


8 Delicious Finds That You Must Try at Hua Mum Night Market

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Bangkok is a city that never sleeps. There is really so much to do here! From cafe-hopping and dining at road side stalls, to shopping at wholesale markets and checking out cool bars, Bangkok promises a food-filling holiday. 

A friend told us to visit Huamum Night Market, so we popped by when we visited Bangkok in December. This night market isn’t near the city. In fact, it’s about a 40-minute drive from the city center, but you’ll be glad to know that it isn’t saturated with tourists. 

Here are 8 items to try at Huamum Night Market!

Rainbow Cheese Toast

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E-PED Cheese Toast in Hua Mum Night Market sells cheesy toasts! Customise your cheese toast by choosing your preferred toast(charcoal or white), and desired cheese colours. We ordered the rainbow cheese toast just for the psychedelic hues! Lastly, pick a sauce. Options include Italian, garlic or chili. Just like that, you’re ready for a cheesy adventure!

Fried Fish Cake

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This has got to be my favourite find. Retailing at 25B per piece, these fried fish cakes are fried on the spot, and you can decide how you’ll like them cut up. Don’t expect the fish cakes to be springy though! There’s more flour mixed into them, hence, they’re chewier and doughier. 

You can have your fishcake cut into chunks, or thin slices. The two versions have different textures. I preferred the thinly sliced ones as they are crispier. If you prefer something chewier, opt for the chunky version. Don’t forget to drizzle, or drown, your fish cakes with the sweet and sour chili sauce.

Squid Eggs & Tentacles

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These milky white lumps of squid eggs are pan fried till golden brown, before they are doused in a spicy green chili mixture. It might take a while to get used to the idea that you’re eating squid eggs, but trust me, they’re good! These golden nuggets are creamy, buttery and springy — a combination that I’ve never experienced before. If squid eggs are too exotic for you, you can get the deep fried squid tentacles, which are tasty too!

Dragon’s Breath

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If you can’t get enough of this instaworthy dessert, you can get your fix here at Huamum Night Market. There is a stall that sells Dragon’s Breath Ice Cream, which is basically ice cream that is tossed in liquid nitrogen prior to serving. Just a bite of it will send smoke out of your mouth and nose. Remember to take a boomerang and show off your dragon’s fury when you exhale the smoke!

Pandan Kueh

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These sweet and fluffy pandan kuehs are made in hot moulds. We loved the strong pandan aroma that each morsel carried. Every bite was delightful. Do eat them immediately, when they’re warm and toasty!

Gingko Nut Dessert

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If you are a fan of tang yuan, like me, you’re bound to love this Thai gingko nut dessert. The dessert is an ensemble of hardboiled egg, gingko nuts, tang yuan, and a sweet and creamy coconut soup. The yellow and white balls reminded us of the pearls in bubble tea, and the powdery egg yolk just melted in our mouths. This dish seems to be very popular with the locals.

Sunnyside Quail Eggs

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I’m sure you know what these are! A skewer of sunny side up quail eggs got us really excited. Diners can drizzle their favourite sauces(barbecue, mustard, mayonnaise, chili sauce, or tabasco) over the eggs for extra flavour. Definitely a great snack on a cold night in Bangkok!

Coconut Milk Kueh

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You might be surprised, but there’s a whole stall at the night market that is dedicated to selling just these coconut kuehs. They come in an assortment of flavours and colours, such as pandan (green) and yam (lilac), but they all have a white coconut milk top. The kueh is cooked in a small metal bowl, hence its dome appearance. The wobbly kuehs are not too sweet, and will satisfy those looking for a small treat. Note that the kuehs are sold in boxes of six.

Similar to other night markets studded throughout Thailand, Huamum Night Market has a good mix of food, fashion and quirky gadgets. Even though it’s not located near the city centre, it definitely warrants a visit!

Huamum Night Market

Address: 11 Prasert-Manukitch Rd, Khwaeng Lat Phrao, Khet Lat Phrao, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10230, Thailand

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays: 6pm to 12mn, closed on Mondays.

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

The post 8 Delicious Finds That You Must Try at Hua Mum Night Market appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Hass Bawa – Do They Really Have The Best Mee Goreng in Singapore?

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Online reviews raved about the mee goreng at Hass Bawa. Apparently, the mee goreng here is the best in the whole of Singapore. We rushed to Marine Parade Central, where the supposedly “power” mee goreng is. I was a little shocked to find that there wasn’t any queue when we arrived. However, I realised that everyone was just sitting around, waiting for their food to be ready. 

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I’ve always enjoyed the bright red Mee Goreng ($3.50), which Hass Bawa offers too. The mee had a subtle charred aroma, possibly imparted from the ferocious stir frying that the mee was subjected to. Although the first mouthful was pretty mediocre, there was just something about the mee that kept me going for more. The grease made the mee goreng very appetizing. A decent amount of egg, beef and cabbage bits were also added. Other than that, the taste of the mee goreng resembled your oh-so average mee that you can find elsewhere.

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Pair the mee goreng with a bowl of Soup Kambing ($5 – $7), if you like. As delicious as it sounds, the soup was quite disappointed.

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The broth was bland, and lacked the taste of mutton and spices. The mutton was soft, but carried a slight gaminess.

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I guess the mee goreng is really the best dish offered at Hass Bawa. Despite the lacklustre food, Hass Bawa has been around for 40 over years. There must be some beauty that we have yet to discover, so let us know if we’ve missed out on something delicious!

Hass Bawa

Address: 84 Marine Parade Central, #01-150, Singapore 440084

Opening Hours: 11.45am to 9.30pm daily. Closed on Thursdays.

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 Hass Bawa. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Hass Bawa – Do They Really Have The Best Mee Goreng in Singapore? appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Hoe Kee Wanton Mee – One Tonne of Wantons, Please?

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Wanton noodles originated in Guangzhou. This delicious bowl which is made up of springy egg noodles, pork parcels, and barbecue pork gained popularity. Different versions can now be found in many Asian countries.

Our love for wanton noodles brought us to Hoe Kee Wanton Noodles, which sits in a 24-hour coffee shop in Serangoon North.

Besides wanton noodles, the stall sells other dishes such as Dumpling Noodle ($3/$4/$5), Chicken Feet Noodle ($3.50/$4.50) and Shredded Chicken Noodle ($3.50/$4.50).

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I enjoyed the Dumpling Noodle, or shui jiao mian. The shui jiao was plump and juicy, and was filled with a mixture of pork, prawns and chives. Although it was a little under seasoned, the earthiness of the chives really stood out. 

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The wantons that came with the Wanton Noodle ($3/$4/$5) were understuffed — I definitely ate more skin than filling. The char siew was the only saving grace. Each slice of char siew has a good balance of lean meat and fat, a nicely charred exterior, and just enough smokiness. 

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Because it’s situated in a 24/7 coffee shop, diners can get their wanton mee fix whenever hunger pangs call. Do take note of the operating hours, as the stall is not open daily.

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Hoe Kee Wanton Noodle

Address: 542B Serangoon North Avenue 3
Singapore 552542

Opening Hours: 24/7 daily, closed from Sundays 2pm to Mondays 9am & Wednesdays 2pm to Thursdays 12pm.

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

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Ice Cream Skool – A School You’ll Never Want To Be Dismissed From!

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Riiiiing! Class dismissed. Do you remember the days when you so eagerly counted down to the end of a school day? I know of a skool in Tampines where students genuinely want to stay back. You don’t have to be a straight-A student to attend Ice Cream Skool. All you need is a big appetite and a sweet tooth.

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Patrons are greeted with a simple, yet cosy, interior, that’s complete with spots that are perfect for OOTDs. Hidden in every corner are charging outlets as well — perfect for those armed with laptops for study sessions or project meetings. If Ice Cream Skool still doesn’t sound attractive to you, their prices will definitely change that. I mean, have you even had a scoop of ice cream for only $2?!

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Remember that one teacher in school who was always patient and helpful when you messed up? Co-founder, Yihui, is that teacher. As we struggled to decipher the menu, Yihui walked us through the menu. When we were undecided on our ice cream flavour, she encouraged us to try ALL the ice cream flavours before making a decision.

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We ordered one of their super affordable set meals which comprised the best of everything. Set meal 2 ($22.50) consists of a pasta of your choice, a waffle with two scoops of ice cream, and a refillable pot of tea. If you’re dropping by for just desserts, go for set menu 1 ($11.90), which promises a waffle with two scoops of ice-cream, and a refillable pot of tea. Now, that’s really a bang for the buck.

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For the pasta, we chose the Spicy Tom Yum Pasta. Strands of tagliatelle are covered in a hot and sour tom yum paste. What hits you first is a brief fire, before an enduring sour sensation kicks in. Taste-wise, it’s pretty mediocre because it does lack that distinct aroma present in tom yum.
The pasta is topped with a handful of prawns as well. However, one might find the dish incomplete. Perhaps, the addition of more ingredients would complete the experience.

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As part of the set, we had the butterchip waffles which we paired with Hazelnut Chocolate and Durian ice cream. Butterchip waffles? Yes, you saw that right. Chocolate chips are embedded in the snowflake-shaped buttermilk waffles! Their waffles were airy and crunchy, and tasted so good especially with lashings of chocolate sauce. The butterchip waffle is also available as an a la Carte item ($3.80).

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Given its price point, the ice cream (prices range from $2 – $8.40) was pretty well-executed. The hazelnut chocolate was smooth, nutty, and creamy. As for the durian ice cream, its pungent aroma captured my attention for a while but I thought that the texture can be improved.

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Let the sour notes of the Lemon Ginger Tea ($4.90 ala Carte) cleanse your palate while you finish up your set.

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What’s most unique at Ice Cream Skool is actually available in set menu 3 ($7.90). Diners can look forward to Chicken-in-a-Waffle and a Rootbeer float. Instead of the usual fried chicken served on waffles, what you get is a lean piece of fried chicken encased within the airy and crispy waffle.

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The flavoursome combination is best eaten with copious amounts of maple syrup!

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The snowflake-shaped waffles also come in other unique flavours. The Sweet Berries($4.20) features homemade waffles that are infused with strawberries, and drizzled with strawberry jam.

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If there’s an ice cream flavour that you should pick to complement the Sweet Berries. it is the Coconut icecream. It is an unorthodox combination, but undoubtedly a refreshing one!

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Now, do you want to attend this skool? Ice Cream Skool also helps to organize corporate events and birthday parties. I’m sure your guests will walk away happy, like we did!

Ice Cream Skool

Address: 445 Tampines Street 42, #01-10, Singapore 520445

Phone: 62600842

Email Address: enquiry@icecreamskool.com

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays 12pm to 9.30pm. Fridays and Saturdays 12.30pm to 10pm. Sundays 12pm to 9.30pm. Mondays and PH closed.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icecreamskool/?ref=br_rs

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 Ice Cream Skool. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Ice Cream Skool – A School You’ll Never Want To Be Dismissed From! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

The Flourist – Interesting Charcoal Mochi Waffle

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Tucked in a cosy little corner of Tampines is The Flourist, an intimate and welcoming ice-cream café. If you live in Tampines, you probably would have heard of this place before. However, those unfamiliar with the area may find it a little difficult to locate this cafe, considering how huge Tampines is.

If you are craving something cold and sweet after a meal, The Flourist is a good option for you. Furthermore, they close at 11pm daily, making this an optimal post-dinner hangout spot for you and your pals.

The walls of this quaint ice-cream and waffles cafe are adorned with paintings of colourful flowers, creating a vibrant little interior. The staff here are friendly and welcoming, too.

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If you take an eternity to decide on what to order usually, you’ll probably take really long to decide at The Flourist too. It took me at least 10 minutes to shortlist 3 ice-cream flavours.

The gelato here is available in either Standard flavours ($3.80 single scoop, $6.80 double scoop) or Premium/Alcoholic flavours ($4.50 single scoop, $8.60 double scoop). Top up $3 for an additional scoop. A few types of waffles are available too — Plain ($5.50), Tiramisu ($9.90), Banana Brulee ($6.50) and Charcoal Mochi ($6.70). Beverages, and pastries such as salted caramel tart can be found on the menu too.

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When we finally decided on our order, we chose a plain waffle with Strawberry Lime ice cream ($9.30). This was a refreshing and fruity option, ideal after a heavy dinner. An intense fresh strawberry flavour permeates the gelato. Perfect for strawberry lovers! The plain waffles come with a sauce. We chose the earl grey caramel, which was amazing! Its characteristic aroma perfumed the warm waffles, introducing some sophistication to the entire dessert. However, I thought the plain waffle had a slightly bitter aftertaste. Perhaps, this comes from an excess of baking powder in the batter?

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We also tried The Flourist’s Charcoal Mochi waffle with Horlicks ice cream and Sea Salt Hokkaido Milk ice cream ($14.60). The crispy waffles were pretty special — it had a thin layer of chewy mochi encased within. While the combination was interesting, I wished that the layer of mochi was thicker for a heightened sensory experience. However, the ice cream was rather well done. The Horlicks ice cream had a rich malt flavour, and tasted truly authentic. Even the distinct slightly bitter aftertaste of Horlicks was captured in their rendition of Horlicks ice cream. The Sea Salt Hokkaido Milk ice cream was exceptionally milky, with specks of sea salt crystals adding texture and a pleasant saltiness. The dessert was then dressed in the same earl grey sauce (as the aforementioned waffle).

In conclusion, The Flourist is worth a try if you are in the area, especially for its interesting gelato flavours. The gelato here is on the richer and creamier side, so if you are a fan of full-bodied flavours, this is the place to visit!

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The Flourist

Address: Block 824 Tampines Street 81, #01-36, Singapore 520824

Email Address: theflourist.sg@gmail.com

Area: Tampines

Opening Hours: Thurs to Sat: 12pm to 11pm, Sun: 2pm to 11pm

Cuisine: Desserts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theflourist.sg/

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

The post The Flourist – Interesting Charcoal Mochi Waffle appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Wild Olives – Affordable Western Delights that will Make You Go Yeeha!

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If you’re a big fan of ‘fast food’ dining concept restaurants such as Aston’s or iSteaks, you might fall in love with Wild Olives as well.

Located on the 2nd floor of the newly opened Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre, Fareground, Wild Olives isn’t just ‘one of the other’ stalls at Fareground that sells Western food.

During my two visits, I noticed that there was always a queue at Wild Olives. The menu is split into three categories — Western Food, Pasta and Side Orders. Each dish from the “Western Food” selection comes with a choice of two sides. We tried an item from every category, and we were quite pleased with what we had.

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From the Western Food selection, we had the Grilled Chicken ($5.90), and the Chilled NZ Sirloin Steak ($10.90). The portions were pretty huge, making the dishes quite a bang for the buck.

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Although the exterior of the chicken was a tad overcooked, the meat was tender.

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The sirloin steak was a little on the tough side as well. Nevertheless, it still tasted decent when paired with the garlic sauce, which gave a tangy and garlicky flavour in every bite.

There are quite a number of sides offered at Wild Olives. Popular choices include Wild Olives’ Signature Mushroom Rice, Grilled Herb Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables and Homemade Coleslaw.

To accompany our two mains, we had the mushroom rice, grilled herb potatoes and seasonal vegetables. We loved the flavours of the mushroom rice. Other than having slices of mushrooms, the rice had a sweetness that came from the addition of fried onions. The grilled herb potatoes were also pretty good. They were neither mushy, nor hard, and had a good flavour. 

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We also tried the Fusilli di Bosco with Smoked Duck ($6.20). It features al dente fusilli pasta drenched in a creamy mushroom sauce, and topped with slices of smoked duck. Although the duck had a strong smoky aroma, I didn’t enjoy the texture.

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A good side dish to share with friends and family would be the Homemade Meatballs with Marinara Sauce ($5.80). The tart and tangy marinara sauce coated the savoury meatballs well. The meatballs were flavourful and slightly garlicky, and were chewy and springy.

The spread at Wild Olives definitely is good value for money. I wouldn’t mind queueing again just for a taste of the stall’s signature mushroom rice. Yummy! 

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Wild Olives

Address: #02-19, 110 Pasir Ris Central, Singapore 519641

Phone: 9684 0689

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Wild-Olives-149604198434135/

Opening Hours: Wednesdays to Mondays: 12pm to 3pm & 5pm to 8pm, closed on Tuesdays.

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

The post Wild Olives – Affordable Western Delights that will Make You Go Yeeha! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Ah Ma Lor Mee – Traditional Lor Mee That’s Ah-Ma-Gosh Delicious!

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The name of the stall says it all — good old lor mee that’s prepared according to a recipe that has been passed down through generations can be found here. While one might be under the impression that Ah Ma Lor Mee is a stand-alone stall, it is actually helmed by the same owners of Feng Zhen Lor Mee. The recipe used here, which is acquired from the owners’ grandmother, is the same as Feng Zhen’s. If you’re in the West and crave good lor mee, you must pay Ah Ma Lor Mee a visit. 

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I absolutely love fish, so I was pretty much set on the Fish Lor Mee ($3.50). Similar to Feng Zhen, the lor mee here consists of a good amount of lor bak, white fish flakes, egg and fried meat ball! Beyond just a myriad of ingredients, what makes a delicious lor mee is the gravy which must be viscous and flavourful. As it turns out, the lor did not disappoint. Packed in the gravy is a savouriness that can be made either more sour or spicy with a doze of vinegar or chilli. You can do what I always do, and add a big spoonful of garlic to give the gravy extra punch!

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You’re definitely getting quality ingredients for its price point. The fish flakes definitely stole the show with its white succulent flesh. Having the usual ngoh xiang replaced with fried meat balls is a breath of fresh air. The fried meat ball is crispy on the outside, and tender inside. The lor definitely elevates the taste of the meat ball.

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Another noodle variant you might want to try is the Prawn Mee that comes in two versions — soup or dry ($3). I opted for the dry version, which is topped with prawns, lean pork slices and fish cake. Served separately is a bowl of prawn broth. The prawn mee was successful at whetting my appetite. The broth carried sweet notes that are enhanced by the tang of prawn essence. I like the prawn noodles but I guess its taste cannot match up to the lor mee.

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Tucked away in Clementi are many hidden gems, one of which is Ah Ma Lor Mee. Come here if you desire a taste of tradition, or if you just want to fill up that tummy!

Ah Ma Lor Mee

Address: 328 Clementi Avenue 2, Singapore 120328

Phone: 8288 0810

Opening Hours: 7am to 2pm daily. Thursdays closed.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahmalormee/

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 Ah Ma Lor Mee. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Ah Ma Lor Mee – Traditional Lor Mee That’s Ah-Ma-Gosh Delicious! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.


Nokban Cafe – A Hidden Gem that You Have to Visit

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During our visit to Hua Mum Night Market in December, we were a little ganchiong and reached a little too early. Most of the stalls were still in the midst of preparation. We scoured the night market looking for something to keep us warm from the chilly gusts of wind (I think it was about 20 degrees).

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Unassumingly simple in deco, Nokban Café sits near the center of the market and boasted quite an interesting menu. The food seemed to be really well liked by the locals. 

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Nokban café serves a plethora of food including local delights, and familiar favourites such as spaghetti with tomato sauce, Thai green curry with rice, and fried rice! They also have a dedicated counter which dishes out their famous Thai pandan custard bread. We ordered their signature Thai pandan custard bread, a bowl of spicy pork bone soup, iced milk tea and a plate of fried macaroni!

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The Thai pandan custard bread features cubes of soft white bread served with a separate bowl of warm pandan custard. Much to our amusement, the Thai pandan custard tasted like kaya, albeit with a more watery consistency. Dip those cubes of white bread into the pool of kaya and wipe up as much of it as you desire! This reminded me a lot of the kaya toast from Yakun.

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Definitely, not for the faint of heart, the seemingly harmless spicy pork bone soup was the star of the meal for me. The murky soup came with meaty hunks of tender pork, and was dressed generously with green coriander, kaffir leaves and green chili. The rich pork broth boasts a pleasant sweetness with a fiery spice that grows on you. If you’re looking for something to keep warm on a chilly night in Bangkok, this is a must-try. Warning : it is really spicy.

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Despite the chilly weather, the overwhelming spice of the soup resulted in us downing the 2 cups of iced milk tea quickly. The tea is fragrant, and a tad too sweet as you might have expected, but it certainly cooled down our burning mouths. 

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For those that prefer to stick to something more familiar, you can go for the fried macaroni like we did. The fried macaroni is a mushy mess of macaroni, tomato sauce and bits of pork. It is a pretty safe choice that everyone will enjoy. 

Out of all the stalls at Hua Mum Night Market, Nokban Café stood out the most with its relatively large seating area, and good selection of food choices. While Nokban Café might not be the star of the Hua Mum Night Market, it certainly is popular with locals, and you might want to pop by if you’re visiting the market!

Nokban Cafe

Address: 11 Kaset-Nawamin Rd, Lat Phrao, Bangkok 10230

Opening Hours: 5pm to 12am daily.

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 Nokban Cafe. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

The post Nokban Cafe – A Hidden Gem that You Have to Visit appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Nan Heng Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice – Cheap & Good!

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Chicken rice is my go-to dish whenever I’m unsure of what to have for lunch. It’s delicious, the waiting time is usually quite short, and there isn’t much decision making to be done. It’s just either roasted or poached chicken, and your choice of meat(breast, thigh, drumstick). I’m easily contented and will settle for whatever is given to me.

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Located at Bukit Merah Central Food Centre, Nan Heng Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice always sees a queue during lunch hour. The stall sells both poached and roasted chicken, as well as ‘you cai’, a typical accompaniment to Hainanese chicken rice.

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We had both the roasted and poached chicken rice ($3/$4/$5), as well as a plate of oil vegetables (You Cai) ($2/$3/$4). I preferred the poached variation as the skin had a gelatinous texture that I adored, and the breast meat was plump and tender.

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The chilli sauce was great as well. It’s garlicky, and possesses a slight tartness and strong heat, just like how chicken rice chilli sauce should be. 

The chicken rice was fluffy, and flavourful, but was a tad too salty for my liking. I felt that since the chicken was served in a plate of soy sauce, the stall should’ve gone easier on the salt in the chicken rice.

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Although the chicken rice was pretty tasty, the You Cai was rather lacklustre. Instead of being drowned in the gravy, the vegetables had the gravy “applied” on them. 

All in all, I think Nan Heng whips up flavourful chicken rice that’s worth queueing for. It’s no surprise that this stall has garnered a huge loyal following. 

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Nan Heng Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice

Address: #02-28 Bukit Merah Central Hawker Centre, 163 Bukit Merah Central, Singapore 150163

Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays: 11.30am to 8pm, closed on Sundays.

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

The post Nan Heng Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice – Cheap & Good! appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Japan MAFF’s Initiative to Support Fresh & Delicious Japanese Food in Singapore

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Japan is renowned for many things. Their rich culture, friendly people and delicious, fresh food leave many in awe at the beauty of Japan. One thing for sure, Japan’s food upholds the most excellent standards… you will never catch them serving subpar sashimi.

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We attended the official reception for MAFF’s support on Japanese Food and Ingredients Supporter Stores Overseas at InterContinental Singapore, where the Japanese’ pride and love for their culture was evident. Organised by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), this event seeks to explain the certification of Japanese food and ingredient supporter stores overseas. Special guests at the event included Mr Takaaki Nasu, 2nd Secretary of the Japan embassy. He spoke and explained the importance of preserving Japanese food culture, and explained more about this initiative by Japan’s MAFF.

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We also got to taste delicious Japanese food prepared by Chef Takahashi, who flew in specially from Kyoto to cook wonderful dishes such as seasoned Ankimo (monkfish liver) salad with edible chrysanthemum, Grilled tilefish with Japanese botargo (salted mullet roe), Matsuba crab and cod roe with crab miso and finally, ‘Ebi imo’ rice with eel. In each dish, what stood out most was the freshness and authenticity of the ingredients, along with the clean flavours in the food.

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Japan’s MAFF aims to support and encourage restaurants to use Japanese ingredients. This is because the number of Japanese restaurants located overseas has drastically increased by approximately 60% from an estimated 55,000 in 2013 to 89,000 by July 2015. They have thus become an important source of overseas demand for Japanese supplies of agricultural, marine and food products. Therefore, MAFF has decided to establish “Guidelines” for the certification of Japanese food and ingredient supporter stores overseas. This is so that private entities can voluntarily be certified as overseas food establishments and retail stores which support food ingredients produced in Japan, by actively using these ingredients. This would, as a result, expand overseas demand and promote the export of such products.

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Miss Tam Chiak is honoured to be the official ambassador for MAFF. Now, to help those interested in understanding more about the certification of Japanese food and ingredient supporter stores in Singapore, we have compiled a list of FAQs:

Q: Who is this certification organised by?
A: It is organised by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

Q: Why is certification important?
A: Not only would this ensure the preservation of Japanese food culture, those who have been certified by the MAFF stand to regularly receive support such as distribution of information regarding food ingredients, gaining more recognition etc.

Q: Why should I apply or what are the perks of applying for this certificate from Japan’s MAFF (If I sell/am a supporter of Japanese products)?
A: See above answer

Q: How long will this certification (certificate of Japanese food and ingredient supporter stores overseas) last?
A: The term of this certification lasts 2 years. Upon expiration, the certification shall be renewed after confirming the situation of complying the Guidelines (see answer for next question).

Q: What are the requirements for certification?
A:

Cases of eating and drinking establishments –

A. Use of food ingredients and alcoholic beverages produced in Japan
(i) Meals using food ingredients produced in japan shall always be offered
(ii) Alcoholic beverages produced in Japan shall be offered as a speciality shop

B. Display of the fact that food ingredients, and alcoholic beverages produced in Japan are on the food menu
(i) The fact that food ingredients are produced in Japan shall be displayed in the meal menu etc (eg. produced in Japan, Wagyu produced in XXX prefecture in Japan, Koshihikari rice produced in Japan etc.)
(ii) The fact that alcoholic beverages are produced in Japan shall be displayed on the drink menu etc. (eg. Japanese sake, Japanese sake (produced in XXX sake brewery in XXX prefecture))

C. Promotion efforts to customers
(i) The appeals and the characteristics of food ingredients, and alcoholic beverages produced in Japan shall be promoted to customers while serving them

Cases of retail stores –

A. Cases of food ingredients produced in Japan
(i) Food ingredients produced in Japan shall always be sold.
(ii) The fact that food products are produced in Japan is displayed on the shelf on which ingredients produced in Japan is displayed on the shelf on which food ingredients produced in Japan are placed (eg. produced in Japan, produced in XXX prefecture in Japan).
(iii) The appeals and the characteristics of food ingredients produced in Japan shall be promoted to customers.

B. Cases of alcoholic beverages produced in Japan
(i) Alcoholic beverages produced in Japan shall always be sold
(ii) The fact that alcoholic beverages are produced in Japan is displayed on the shelf were alcoholic beverages produced in Japan are displayed (eg. produced in Japan, produced in XXX prefecture in Japan).
(iii) The appeals and the characteristics of alcoholic beverages produced in Japan shall be promoted to customers.

Q: How will people know if I have been certified a Japanese food and ingredient supporter store?
A: You will receive a certification logo which you can paste in your stall or restaurant. It will look like this:

JAP STAMP

Q: How do I apply for my stall/restaurant to be certified?
A: If you wish to apply for certification, please send an e-mail with “Application for Supporter Store Certification” in the subject line to JETRO (afa-supporter@jetro.go.jp). They will then reply by sending the application form.

As of now, here is the current list of restaurants that have been certified by MAFF:

1. Himawari Japanese Restaurant
Address: 991B Alexandra Road #01-08/09 Singapore 119970
Website: https://www.facebook.com/HimawariJapanese/

2. Sandaime Mikoto Singapore
Address: 60 Robertson Quay, #01-12 The Quayside Singapore 238252
Website: http://mikoto.sg/

3. Niku Katsumata
Address: 47 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089511
Website: http://www.niku-katsumata.com/

4. Hokkaido Restaurant THE HITSUJI CLUB
Address: 65 Circular Road Singapore 049419
Website: http://www.the-hitsuji-club.com/

5. Okinawan Diner Nirai – Kanai
Address: 177 River Valley Road, #B1-01 Liang Court, 179030
Website: Okinawan Diner Nirai-Kanai

6. Ramen Matsuri
Address: 7 North Canal Road, 048820
Website: ramenmatsuri.com

7. Fish Mart SAKURAYA
Address: Multiple Outlets
Website: http://www.sakuraya.com.sg, www.facebook.com/Sakuraya.sg

8. RISTRANTE TAKADA
Address: 356 Alexsandra Road, #01-07 Alexis
Website: www.ristrante-takada.sg

9. Tomi Sushi
Address: Multiple Outlets
Website: http://www.tomisushi.asia/

10. Yakitori Yatagarasu
Address: 72 Circular Road #01-01, 049426
Website: https://www.facebook.com/yatagarasu72/

11. Ramen Bar Suzuki
Address: 61 Circular Road Singapore
Website: https://www.facebook.com/RamenBarSuzukiSG

12. Ramen Dining Suzuki
Address: 17 Stanley St, Singapore 068736
Website: www.fb.com/SuzukiStanley

13. Hakata Japanese Restaurant

Address: 1 West Coast Drive, #01-93/70 NEWest, 128020
Website: http://www.hakatarestaurant.com

14. Hokkaido ramen Santouka
Address: Multiple Outlets
Website: Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Singapore

15. Takumi Restaurant
Address: 2 Keppel Bay Vista, 098382
Website: www.takumirestaurants.com

16. Beard Papa’s
Address: Plaza Singapura B2 Floor, 68 Orchard Road
Website: www.muginoho.com

17. Chikuyoutei
Address: Multiple Outlets
Website: Chikuyoutei Singapore (FB)

18. Satsuma Hayato Singapore
Address: 16 Enggor Street #01-01 ALTEZ
Website: Satsuma Shimuja

For those interested in finding out more about this initiative by Japan’s MAFF, do head over to:
https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/trends/foods/supporter.html

This post was brought to you by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The post Japan MAFF’s Initiative to Support Fresh & Delicious Japanese Food in Singapore appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Cantonese Delights – Sinfully Delicious Fried Chicken Cutlet Curry Noodles

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Fried chicken is amazing. So is curry. Fried chicken and curry together? Now, that is an irresistible combination.

It is no wonder the stall selling this magic combination is known as “Cantonese Delights”. Fried chicken and curry sauce sit atop egg noodles which trap the fragrant and slightly sweet curry — a delight it surely is. 

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Cantonese delights (#02-03) is a stall located on the second floor of Hong Lim Market and Food Centre. Take the stairs up, and simply head towards the stall with a snaking queue. 

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Their famous Curry Chicken Cutlet Noodles ($4) is a must-order. You can choose between fried chicken cutlet or curry chicken drumstick. For those who do not appreciate spicy food, you are in for a treat. The fragrant and thick curry is slightly sweet, not very spicy, and rather “lemak”, which may be attributed to the copious amount of coconut milk added. DSCF2254

We also ordered the Chicken Feet Noodles ($3.50) which came with a huge chicken feet. In fact, huge is an understatement. It was GIGANTIC. What made the chicken feet different from what you get elsewhere was the generous amount of meat clinging onto the chicken claw! This is pretty rare — I haven’t seen such a meaty chicken feet before! For just $3,50, the portion is pretty value for money. However, the noodles and sauce had a slightly floury aftertaste, which I did not fancy.

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For those looking to add extra flavour to their noodles, condiments such as green chilli, red chilli and pork lard are available at the stall front. While the pork lard looks inviting, it was a little “lou feng”(not very crispy).

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In conclusion, Cantonese Delights is worth a try if you are in the vicinity. The affordable and hearty options are great for those looking for a little sinful indulgence. 

Cantonese Delights

Address: #02-03, 531A Upper Cross St, Singapore 051531 (Hong Lim Market and Food Centre)

Area: Hong Lim

Opening Hours: 10.30am to 2pm daily, closed on Fridays

Cuisine: Cantonese, Local

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

The post Cantonese Delights – Sinfully Delicious Fried Chicken Cutlet Curry Noodles appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

Beri Well – Healthy Vegan, Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Acai Soft Serve

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If you have googled “weight-loss friendly food” at least once in your life (no shame, most of us have), you probably know what acai is. Tons of health and wellness articles rave about this superfood.

Nonetheless, for those wondering what exactly acai is, the acai berry is found on acai palm trees in South American rainforests. Packed with antioxidants and fibre, the acai berry (nicknamed “purple gold”) is popular among Brazilian supermodels. While there are many acai bowl joints in Singapore, acai soft serve is relatively new.

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Beri well specialises in all-natural, dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan-friendly soft serve. Beri well is perfect for a post dinner treat since they are open until 11pm.

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The cafe carries a relaxing tropical vibe . From chairs with tropical prints to ceiling fans, instead of an air con, Beri Well is every bit the tropical Hawaiian bar. 

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We visited Beri Well at around 8.30pm on a weekday night. The warm orange lights and laid-back atmosphere made it a good spot to unwind. While I was a little surprised at the lack of air conditioning, the temperature was made bearable by the night breeze and ceiling fans. I imagine it would be quite hot in the afternoon, though.

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First up, we ordered “The Twist” Superswirl, which is literally a twist of both the Acai soft serve and the Coco Majik (made from young Thai coconuts and spirullina) soft serve. The superswirl is available in 2 sizes. We chose the Large ($9.90) which entitled us to 3 toppings. We selected blueberry, dried cranberry and manuka honey peanuts. This superswirl was refreshing, sweet, and had a distinct acai flavour. However, the coconut flavour did not stand out as much. Photographers, bear in mind that the soft serve melts pretty quickly, especially in Singapore’s weather, so do snap your shots quickly!

We also ordered 2 smoothies (available in small and large). Do note that prices differ for the different smoothie options.

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The PB&J smoothie ($7.40, small) is made with banana, peanut butter, almond milk and maca. The banana and chocolate flavours prevail in this particular smoothie. The PB&J smoothie tastes like a less sweet and way lighter version of Ben and Jerry’s chunky monkey ice cream.

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Finally, the Berry-ade smoothie ($7.90, small). Made from acai, home-made lemonade, blackberries, raspberries, coconut milk and fresh strawberry puree, this smoothie tasted very healthy and was not too sweet. From its name, you can tell it is chock full of berries too!

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We visited Beri Well again another afternoon, and tried their Lycopink smoothie ($9.40, large). With a vibrant pink hue, this was not only pretty to look at, but tasted great too. The deep pink colour comes from pink dragonfruit, which is known to have plenty of health benefits. The drink was a sweet, refreshing respite from the sweltering afternoon sun, with the mint leaves adding extra vibrance to the delightful drink.

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In conclusion, Beri Well is a pretty good option if you are looking for a healthier version of soft serve. It is a little pricey, but perhaps that is the cost of dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan-friendly options. 

Beri Well

Address: 19 East Coast Road, #01-01, Singapore 428746

Email Address: connect@beriwell.com

Area: Katong, East Coast

Opening Hours: 9am to 11pm daily

Cuisine: Acai, Vegan, Gluten-free, dairy-free

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beriwell/

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

The post Beri Well – Healthy Vegan, Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Acai Soft Serve appeared first on Miss Tam Chiak.

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