Course Outing: There's always a first.

If you do not know, I'm actually a NYP student of the Diploma in Social Sciences (Social Work). Yes, your eyes didn't fool you! SOCIAL WORK! I don't wanna go into the topic of social work here because this is a food blog!

Anyway, currently in my course, there's two classes. The years ones and the year twos. I'm in the year twos. We see each other pretty often considering that we share the same classroom? Apart from your typical hi and bye, we don't really talk. For me, I think I gave them a very bad impression. You see, I seldom smile or I seem pretty cold...

So... A few weeks ago, I had this thought running through my mind...

How wonderful it will be to make new friends all in the name of good food?

I created a event on Facebook, titled Course Outing. A simple get to know each other more session and of course, for me to seek out even more dining partners!

On 28/12/2011, a few of us met up for lunch at Everything With Fries. There's basically two main branches. The first one is located at Joo Chiat, opposite 112 Katong Mall while the other branch is located at Holland Village. They also started a fast food concept outlets at Orchard Central. I heard that Bugis is having another branch as well?

We went to the Joo Chiat outlet because I say so :) Joo Chiat is one of favourite hangout spots in Singapore.

Katong Laska, Creme Burlee, Durain Cream Puffs, Pratas, Escargots and even tiramisu! You name it and most likely you will find them in Joo Chiat!

Photo courtesy of Winsome...

Since it's called Everything with Fries, apart from desserts, everything comes literally with fries! You can choose shoestrings over straight cuts fries as well as the types of seasoning. Look at the photo above for choices. But don't expect too much from their fries. It's definitely better than you MacDonald's rendition but that's all. Nothing really special. In fact, it seems that their standard of fries has dropped since my last visit a few months ago.

I wonder why...

We took our time to read though their gigantic menus...

The One Egg Soup ($4.90). In Everything With Fries opinion, a must try. A chicken cream soup that has a tinge of sour cream to it accompanied by a large fried egg. If you ever notice, the fried egg has no yolk? That's because the yolk has been used to thicken the soup.

In our opinion, the fried egg went well with the soup but there wasn't a WOW factor. If you're trying it for the first time, well by all means go ahead. But for me, I would rather use the money to buy their cakes! Particularly their Nutella Tarts! Awesome stuffs I tell you but I didn't get it this time...

Wild New Zealand Breaded Salmon With Original Straight Cuts ($13.90). Being a salmon fan myself, I can easily tell a well cooked salmon from a not so well cooked one. They say there's a difference between farm raised and wild salmon. Unless you're a food connoisseur, you won't really tell much of a difference.

At least I can't...

From the color of the meat, I could tell that it's not fully cooked. But that's the essence of eating salmon. It's flaky but it's soft and it retains the full flavors of the fish.

Grilled Pork Chop With Curry Powder Shoestrings ($13.90). A piece of Pork Chop that is grilled to give that nutty and smoky taste is by no means an easy feat! Firstly apart from inducing the smoking taste to the meat, one has to ensure that the meat retains the moisture and tenderness while not overcooking the meat. See what I mean?

In my opinion, the miso sauce by itself is a bit sourish and salty. The purpose of the miso sauce should be to complement the flavors of the meat. A good combination and in my opinion a must try if you ever pop by.

Lamb Burger ($11.90) or I should say Lamb Burgers since four of us got the same thing :) A fat and juicy piece of lamb sitting in between two homemade bread. The tomato and onion relish adds a tinge of sweetness and sourness with every bite. The meat itself was not tough as I might have expected. Again, looks can be deceiving...

When it comes to burger, some prefer lifting the whole thing happily munch on it. Some prefer dissecting the it into smaller portions. Whichever way you decide, there's no right or wrong! What matters is we are enjoying every moment with our burger!

All in all, the price seemed to increased by a lot since my last visitation of the place. The fries doesn't taste as good before. I am guessing that the landlord might have increased their rental but still, that doesn't mean the quality should be compromised right?

After a few hours of chatting, we decided to head down to Tom's Palette for Ice Cream! I've always had a love- hate relationship with Tom. They have discounted rates for almost all students other than NYP!

It's unfair!!! But still I always find my way back... Licking ice creams after ice creams! I guess that's what happen when you fall in love...

At Tom's Palette, I would usually get myself a medium cup with 2 flavors which cost me $4. Compared to Udders and other more famous Ice Cream cafes. It is definitely worth the money when you're running low on budget!

A note to all, it's always important to try your ice creams before you buy and savour it! Especially when you get 2 flavors. Either complementing or contrasting. Don't believe me? Try it yourself then...

Darkish and intense Chocolate Sorbet paired with a sourish tangy lemon vanilia...

Salty Yuzu and Matcha. It's refreshing. It's enchanting. It's thrilling. An all time personal favorite combination!

The star of the session... Rum & Raisins. My two friends spent an hour talking about their fantasies about Rum & Raisins! It's unbelievable how Rum and Rasin be the topic of everything! So I asked my friends this question.

Edward: Would you choose Rum & Raisins or your Girlfriend?

Friend1: Mmm... Hard leh?

Friend2: Of course it girlfriend lah!

Edward: So you can bring share Rum & Rasins with your girlfriend right?

Indeed, Rum & Rasin is like any other relationship. Rum by itself is good but Raisin complements Rum to make it even better! 

A time well spent. The numbers maybe small but it's the quality of time we spend laughing and chatting that counts. Nevertheless, I look forward to having another great time again soon!

Everything With Fries
458 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427671
Tel: +65 6345 5034
Opening Hours: 12pm-10 pm daily
                         Fridays, Saturdays and Eve of PH: 12pm-10.30pm

Tom's Palette
Shaw Leisure Gallery #01-25
100 Beach Road, Singapore 189702
Tel: +65 6296 5239/ +65 9070 7701
Opening Hours: Mondays to Thursdays: 12pm-9.30pm
                         Fridays to Saturdays: 12pm-10pm
                         Sundays: 1pm-7pm
                         Closed on the last Sunday of the Month

Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh Eating House

I've been feeling cold recently...

Immediately I remembered this particular conversation I've saw on Youtube a few months ago...

E: Does cold exist, Professor?

P: What kind of question is this? Of course it exist. Have you never been cold?

E: In fact, cold does not exist. 

E: According to the law of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat.

The E refers to Einsein not Edward. You can watch this video clip here.

Indeed, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat. So how do we introduce heat?

By eating of course but then again, eat what? The first thing that came to my mind was a bowl of piping hot and pepperish spicy Bak Kut Teh! So, with my beloved aunt's recommendation, she brought us to Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh Eating House.

It's all about having fleshy pork ribs soaking all the essence of the spicy soup. A happy boy I was, happily stripping off every bit of meat off the bone! Apparently, there's a way to make your soup more spicy or less spicy. If you want it more spicy, simply stir the soup before you drink. 

If not, just wait for the sediments to sink all the way to the bottom before dunking your spoon into it.

Duh! Common sense right?

Pig's kidney. It's soft and chewy but there's nothing really special about it if you want to know. The kidneys didn't really soak up the essence of the soup that well compared to pork ribs. Nevertheless, it was fresh.

My family has very high expectations when it comes to eating pork trotters. The fatty meat to lean meat ratio has to be perfect! We like our trotters to have slightly more lean meat to chew on while a reasonable amount of fatty meat to intensify the taste.

For those who are health conscious, well, this bowl of trotters might suit you. There's more lean meat compare to fatty meat. Just like the ribs, the meat have already soaked up all the essence of the soy broth.

In my opinion, a must have when you are having Bak Kut Teh. Fresh fried and not stale You Tiao (Deep fried dough fritter). It would seem very weird not to have them.

It's amazes how I would watch my fitter whenever intensely as I dip it into the soup. You gotta ensure that your you tiao doesn't get over soak and disintegrate. Not to mention guarding it from potential lazy bums who just wants to grab yours instead!

All in all, the dishes were rather satisfying. Apart from the dark soy sauce. I was baffled why their dark soy sauce looks like light soy sauce? My definition of a premium dark soy sauce has a dark reflective tone and it must be thick one...

They got the darkish reflection right but the thickness...

This photo clearly shows what I am telling. A premium dark soy sauce in my opinion, will coat the meat with thick sauce and not merely stains it. So when you wanna have a bowl of bak kut teh, simply drop by Isetan Office Building...

Isetan Office Building #01-01/02
593 Havelock Road, Singapore 169641
Tel: +65 6235 7716
Opening Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays: 11am to 2am
                         Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays: 11am to 3am
                         Sundays: 11am to 10pm
                         Closed on Mondays

Shhh... My secret fetish

Alright Alright!
I shall confess to you!
I've a secret fetish... I LOVE TO BAKE!

Everyone knows that I'm obsessed with desserts and cakes.
But not everyone knows about my compulsion to bake!

So why disclose my sweet little fetish now?
When I actually decide to begin baking, I only wanted to bake for those people who are important to me...
My rationale was that such good stuffs should only be spread among those whom you care...

Selfish isn't it? But it was practical I tell you!
Look at the number of friends who wants me to bake and bake?
It's mental I tell you!

But after talking to someone who in my opinion, is the most important person in my life...
This important person actually made this statement that made me feel so ashamed...

I think it's a joy to let everyone try your baking! 
Desserts always have a way of making someone's day!

I totally agree with you!
I've forgotten why in the first place I love desserts!
I've seen miracles happening in my dull and boring life with the introduction of desserts!
I've made many friends whom I never could imagine!
That's the magic of desserts!

I can open your eyes...
Take you desserts by desserts...
Panna Cotta and Tiramisu...
On a magic tea session!

Yes, I'm a boy who loves high tea as well :)
Well, enough singing... I shall tempt all of you with what I've baked...

A HUGE Chocolatey Cake!
It may look burnt but don't be decieved!
That because I increased the amount of Cocoa Powder in my recipe.
Trust me, it's dense and moist and chocolatey!

Chocolate cake and a cup of hot green tea for breakfast anyone?

Never judge desserts just by it's appearance...
Looks can be deceiving!
I was taken aback just how chocolatey it was when I had my first bite...

To sum up my whole experience with the cake...
It would be like eating a really dense and moist chocolate pound cake.

A whole new cake...
That's what I bake...
A thrilling chase...
A wondrous cake...
For you and me... ;)

Yes if you were wondering where did I get the lyrics,
I adapted it from A Whole New World...

Tampines: Where family meets food

"People who stays in the east side never seem to venture out of their comfort zone.."

A statement I always hear from my friends who stays in the west or north side of Singapore...

Indeed... But those west and north friends of mine ever wonder why? Let this Tampines boy tell you then. First you have Bedok which in my opinion is the most important part of the region. We all know how famous Bedok Hawker food are right? Let's not forget about the ever popular Old Airport Hawker Center as well!

Then you have Joo Chiat and East Coast. One of those few streets left in Singapore that still retains rows after rows of shophouses. Did I tell you that some of Singapore's best cakes and sweet pastries are located at such shophouses? It's a desserts lover playground!

Of course how can I ever not mention my hometown, Tampines? With 3 shopping centers to boost and an additional 3 mega malls to shop and dine? Let's not forget Tampines Round Market and Food Center alright? One of my favourite ice cream cafe, BLIC Ice Cream Cafe is within walking distance of my house too! *Update: Blic @ Tampines has closed down. Apparently, I called them up and realised they moved to Simpang Bedok.*

See what I mean? The east is where good friends meet good food!

Since I am on the topic of Tampines, remember yesterday's post about Ikea? A few hours before my family decides to go Ikea for tea... We were actually having brunch at one of the coffeeshops within the vicinity of my house. There's actually 7 coffeeshops within the close vicinity of one another! That's one new place to try out everyday! Not for me though. I tried almost all of them.

I can easily tell you which stalls sells the best Bak Chor Mee (Minced Meat noodles). Where's the best and worth those calories western food! Where to satisfy your graving for sinful Pratas and Murtabaks!

There's one such coffeeshops around the vincity that's always crowded in the morning. It was used to be known as Ang Keong Coffeeshop, a family owned business but somehow they decided to rent it to one of those major coffeeshop chains...

Somehow, they decided to rename the coffeeshop to 826 Coffeepoint but many residents still prefer the old name Ang Keong... That's nostalgic I guess. Did I mention to you that the owner of the coffeeshop chains owns another coffeeshop also within the vicinity? What can I say other than to tell you Tampines is a food happening place!

I was observing the Indian man frying my order of plain pratas. The amount of oil he spam was... SINFUL I tell! But that's what separates a good prata from a bad.

Deep Fried Chicken Cutlet. Those who often eat with me would know I seldom order deep fried chicken...

That's because if I ever want to eat such a sinful food, I want to make sure it's worth the weight gain! It's crisp, it's flavorful and it's juicy! But no... I didn't touch a single piece of it...

Lontong! I love my lontong with lots and lots of chili! You know spice things up a little :)

 Mee Rebus... Don't forget to squeeze the lime!

Kueh Chap. A plate of  hard boilled eggs, beancurds and of course a heap of pig's innards. Disgusting right?

When I was young, I refused to have an animal's intestine down my throat? But in the process of growing up, I was curious... I wanted to know why everyone loves having pig's innards? What's the joy of eating it?

When I finally try it, I realized how much I've missed out all those years. It maybe disgusting but trust me, it takes skills and technique to wash those innards!

How can Kueh Chap be call Kuek Chap without a bowl of Kuek (Thin rice flour cakes)?

It may just shock people that my family loves to order a table full of food! Eating is such a joyous occasion!

Do note that all these happened barely 2 hours before my family went to Ikea for meatballs and cakes :P

We are forever hungry!

Tampines Street 81, Block 826
Singapore 520826

Ikea: The joy of Swedish cuisine

Whenever I had cravings for Swedish cuisine, those four letter words would instantly conjures...

IKEA!

For people like me, Ikea is usually my benchmark to gauge a good Swedish cafe from a bad one. So far, I've yet to chance upon a bad one though or I should say I've never dine at a Swedish bistro other than Ikea.

I mean how wrong could you get with beefy meatballs drizzled over savoury brown gravy, boiled potatoes and let's not forget about the sweet lingoberry jam alright...

This is how I would eat my meatballs:
1. Slice the meatball into half
2. Dipped it in that creamy meaty gravy
3. Dash a good amount of lingoberry jam on the top part of the meatball.
4. Well, obviously you put the meatball into your mouth and start enjoying it right?

It maybe weird but trust me, the savoury meatball complements the sweetness of the lingoberry jam. These two contrasting taste never seem to out complete each other, striking a balance but still staying distinctive as you enjoy the meatball...

10 meatballs can never go wrong I tell you. Besides, it gives me excuse to fill up the remaining space in my stomach with desserts!

A must have in my opinion, the Chocolate Butterscotch Cake. Informally, also known as the Daim cake.

It's pronounced as Dime Cake not Diam cake. (Diam means shut up in Hokkien.) White cream sitting at the top of almond butterscotch biscuit base topped by a layer of milky chocolate with bits and pieces of crunchy almond nuts.

Give me a Daim cake and I'll be more than happy to shut up and enjoy the cake!

Swedish Apple Pie. Now this is what I call a apple pie! Ikea bought her up well... or I should say baked her so well :) She's sweet but not overtly sweet. They got the crust to apple puree ratio is just nice so much so that I felt like getting another one if not for the ridiculously long queue... 

Almond Cake. An almond base cake enveloped by a layer of buttercream and douse in a heap of roasted almond... It's very moist and chunky but unlike the Daim cake, this cake here isn't very sweet. I expected a strong almondish taste but it didn't happen. Maybe the sweeter Daim cake may have overpower my taste buds...

If cakes and desserts doesn't interest you, how about having cinnamon roll over a cup of coffee? At $1 for having both, it definitely worth the money. But as with MOST cheap stuffs, don't hold too much expectations from it alright?

If you notice, amongst the background, behind the cup of coffee, you might have notice a bowl of soup...

Mushroom Soup. Every spoonful of the creamy soup is always accompanied by a considerable amount of mushrooms. I've this problem when ordering soup. After the first few spoonful, I would just asked myself why in the first place I get myself a bowl of soup when I could use the money to get myself an extra cake?

If you ever wanna have simple and cheap Swedish cuisine, why not give Ikea a try?

Note that I've combined to separate visitations into one review. Enjoy!

60 Tampines North Drive 2, Singapore 528764
Tel: +65 6786 6868
Website: www.ikea.com/sg/en/
Opening Hours: 10am-11pm daily

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Never fail to deliver

Coffee bean, a delicate bean of a fruit coming from a coffee plant. Bearing fruits out of tender loving care lavish by the grower. Coffee, a cuppa brewed by a skilled coffee brewer. Often with much knowledge and passion for coffee.

For someone who has a fair share in brewing and drinking coffee, it's something you can infer about me. I am a coffee fanboy!

From foamy cappuccinos to the intriguing affogatos... You name them, I love them!

I must admit that I am one of those few that's never in favor of having a cuppa over coffee chains such as Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

My reasons?

1. In general, they are seldom brewed by professional brewers like Loysel's Toy Cafe or Oriole Cafe.

2. They are always located at the heart of shopping malls and/or crowded areas.

3. They never give you that homely feeling as you slip your cuppa down that throat due to their locations.

See what I mean when I say I seldom drink coffee from such chains but that doesn't mean I can't tell a good coffee from bad! I must admit that there are coffee chains that I've been constantly going back just for that particular drink! One of such chains that I'm referring to is Coffee Bean! And I subconsciously always find myself getting the same old drink...

From the Coffee Ice Blended category, I present you the Black Forest! You're the sole reason why I always return to Coffee Bean. Don't belittle this coffee drink for it taste almost and literally like a Black Forest Cake! So how does a GOOD Black Forest Cake should taste like right?

Let me tell you! Most Black Forest Cakes that I've tried are composed of at least 3 layers of chocolatey sponge cakes. Occasionally you might find cherries hidden within the sponge cakes too! Copious amount of whipped cream is spread in between each layer of sponge cake. The cake is then enveloped by additional whiter than whiter whipped cream. Lastly... you decorate Snow White with cherries and a heap of chocolate shavings!

Coffee Bean's Black Forest may not behave like the typical cake should look. But trust me, you could taste cherries and chocolate shavings with every slurp! I heard that they uses chocolate expresso beans for the Black Forest Ice Blend. I just wonder how do they made chocolate coffee beans...

So far there isn't a single friend who ain't touched by Black Forest when I introduce them to the drink. They fall in love almost within the first slurp! It's amazing I tell you!

Unlike certain Coffee Chains who have disappoint me time and time again. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has never fail to deliver. I won't be back so soon but rest assure you will always hold a special place in my heart...

313 @ Somerset B1-37
313 Orchard Road Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 6884 6598
Opening Hours: Sundays to Thursday & PH: 9am-10pm
                         Fridays, Saturdays & Eve of PH: 9am-11pm

Strictly Pancakes II

My second review of Strictly Pancakes. The cozy little cafe is one of favourite rendezvous whenever I need dessert gratification!  It's not surprising since I've uploading reviews of desserts most of the time right?

I decided to meet one of many dining partners for a late weekday brunch. It was literally a late weekday brunch I tell you but I'm just grateful that my partner came. Or else I won't get over my lust for pancakes! 

Again, I looked at their flip chart concept menu... Thinking what should I get for myself. Just then I realized that my pancake partner have no clue of what to get! Being a great dining partner I am, I made a few recommendations and she made her final decision...

Lemon Curds For The Nerds. ($10) 3 stacks of freshly made chocolate pancakes doused by a generous amount of lemon custard, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream...

Despite my partner saying that she was full after the second pancake, she still manages to finish everything on her plate! What can I say other than her great appetite?

So... What did I get?

Strictly Pancakes' rendition of Tiramisu. ($11) Yes! Tiramisu! It's creative I tell you! 3 stacks of chocolate pancakes surrounded by one of my favourite cheese, mascarpone! And of course again, vanilla ice cream is never out of sight...

My dear pancakes, if you do not know, I already have a crush for Tiramisu. You are made to be pancakes and not the tiramisu I envisioned in my mind. I am not saying that Strictly Pancakes' rendition off Tiramisu is bad! In fact, I would urge potential patrons to give it a try at least once in their lifetime.

But it's just that I still prefer my tiramisu the way Bonhuer does it.

2 like-minded individuals sitting together over stacks of pancakes, giving each other a part of their time to the other. Talking and Listening. Eating and Enjoying...

What more could I ask of a great dining partner like you? Actually there is...

That is another eating session with you again...

From now till the end of 2011, Strictly Pancakes are offering Red Velvet Pancakes. How good is it? Well... That's for you to find out :)

Do read up on my previous review of Strictly Pancakes here. Merry X'mas!

44A Prinsep Street, Singapore 188674

Tel: +65 6333 4202
Website: www.strictlypancakes.com.sg 

Hand made Tang Yuan with love

Today's Winter Solstice and or most Chinese family, it's a day gather together, getting to know more about each other's life. For my family though, it's the time where we start to discuss X'mas parties and New Year celebrations. To me on the other hand, it means spending time kneeling a large chuck of dough. and start rolling glutinous rice balls (Tang Yuan) with my family...

For this particular tray, I made it all by myself! Well, Nothing really special if you have dealings with all things flour... 

Actually, I've in mind to give a few to you. You know it's not everyday that I cook or bake for anyone. But well, just like you say. "Can see but can't eat!"

My hand-made tang yuan coupled with my grandmother's ginger soup! The best love combination if you asked me. Time maybe capable of understand how great Love is.but hand made Tang Yuan will definitely apprehend how great love truly is...

Have a happy Winter Solstice day!

Bakerzin

My mind is always thinking about desserts! There's isn't a single day that goes by without me thinking about them! I do have a really sweet tooth when it comes to desserts! Doesn't apply to Bubble Tea though...

The worst part is I never know how to control it! Come to think of it, why should I ever bother to control it? Sweet things makes me happy!

Today, I managed to satisfy my dessert craving at Bakerzin!

Bakerzin's Mango Mousse Cake. Two layers of sponge cakes in between of a thick layer of mango mousse. There were also bits and pieces of mangoes in between the mousse...

It's good I tell you! In fact, it makes the word good look bad! It might just be the best Mango Mousse Cake I've ever tried in my life!

Since it's X'mas, Bakerzin has come up with a few interesting cakes to meet the demand as well!

For a dessert fan like me, it just gives me more excuse to try!

There's definitely something enchanting about Log Of Enchantment. First you have a thick layer of sponge cake sitting at the bottom. Then comes the strawberry puree core which I could sense a strong tinge of refreshing mint in it. At last, the whiter than white chocolate mousse that encompass the marvelous slice of log cake.

Until today, I never know that strawberry could be paired up so well with mint. I guess that's why her creator call her Log of Enchantment...

Bakerzin's are well-known for their mousse cakes. In fact, most of their cakes are mousse-based if you noticed! At least they did it well...

Call me sensitive but the staffs at United Square's outlet seemed to be disinterested in serving their customers. Come to think of it again. Maybe it's because I'm used to the staffs at Tampines1, who never fails to greet me with a smile whenever I visit them. Clearly, I'm a regular visitor of Bakerzin :)

I guess it doesn't hurt just to smile right? Since a happy customer is a willing to spend more customer right?

United Square #01-07/60
101 Thomson Road, Singapore 307591
Tel: +65 6251 5550
Opening Hours: 10.30am-10pm daily

Bonhuer Patisserie III: Would you ever forgive me?

Ever since I got to know her, the love of my life...

I find myself sinning every single day. Not that I want to though but I just can't stop myself...

I find myself to be enchanted by her pulchritudinous features...
I realized that I couldn't live for a moment without thinking her...
How she was always there for me when I needed companionship...
I discovered how much she actually meant to me in my life...

Where would I be without you, desserts? I just wonder but yet do you know how much I have to go through just to make you mine? It's a love-hate relationship!

I always had unresolved issues whenever I passed by a Patisserie like Bonhuer...
I just couldn't resist not taking a peek at you.
Just looking at you from afar isn't going to ease that urge...
I give in whole-hardheartedly just to enjoy and indulge in your warm and comforting presence...

The Traditional Fruit Cake...

Look at her...

She's warm and plain sweet.

She reminds me off the wonderful moments I had with fruit cakes.

She maybe traditional compared to the others...

But I guess that's how she manages to attract my attention...

Hi Earl Gery Chocolate...
I've been eying you ever since my first visit...
I'm so sorry that I've neglected you all these while...

I've been such a fool!
I should have known you earlier!
As aloof and cold you might be perceived, that faint scent of Earl Grey lingers in my mouth...
You sure caught me off guard with you raspberry jam!
All in all, they complement each other so well...

Could you ever forgive me?
I promise I will spend more time with you alright?
Please don't ignore me again...
Pretty Please!

70 Duxton Road, Singapore 089529
Tel: +65 6221 1148
Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays: 10am-8pm
Closed on Sundays

Gong Cha: Earl Grey Milk Tea

I've been a fan of Tea for the longest of time...

Let's not mention how I love my Coffee as well alright?

Of course there are certain Teas that I never really enjoy...

Yes you got that right, Bubble Tea.

I can understand the concept of eating starchy black pearls.

But drinking copious amount of sugar?

Maybe my love for sweet desserts & pastries are greater than my love for sweet drinks...

In life...

Just because you don't like something doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a try...

In my case another retry...

And so, a few days ago, 

I so happened to pass by Gong Cha.

I decided to give it another chance...

I was seriously spoilt for choices!

It took me a while before I decided my choice...

And so... I got myself...

The simple Earl Grey Milk Tea (EGMT) with 30% sugar content.

No, I didn't get any toppings because I wanted to save money!

The verdict?

There's no doubt that Gong Cha's EGMT tasted like Earl Grey + Milk.

But still, even at 30% sugar content, it is still very SWEET!

I was wondering to myself, just how much is 30% sugar content compared to 50% sugar content?

One day, If I've the chance, I will find out!

Nevertheless it's still pretty good!

Afterall, it's tea that's meant for the Chinese Emperor to drink...

That's Gong Cha (Tribute Tea in Chinese)...

So you can't say I didn't give Bubble Tea a try ok?

You know who you are! I'm trying this for your sake!

Will I give it another try?

Maybe when I have the curiosity to try again...

Julibee Entertainment Complex  #01-14

Ang Mo Kio Ave 8

Tel: +65 6456 6476

Opening Hours:  11am-10pm daily

Din Tai Fung's Xiao Long Bao

"First feelings are always the most natural." -Louis XIV, King of France

I will never forget the first time I sink my teeth into a well-made Xiao Long Bao (XLB) Pieces of Minced meat soaking the essence of a superior broth enclosed in an evenly hand-keeled dough...

At Ding Tai Fung, they did it... It's not a surprise since they're well known for their XLB.

Do you need proof of their legend? Here's your proof...

An open kitchen showing how they made each and every XLBs... Did I tell you that every single XLB is weighted before steaming? Now that's what I call professionalism!

In my opinion, another must try of Ding Tai Fung's dishes. Hand-made noodles with a bowl of superior chicken broth. If I didn't went to China and tasted how a good bowl of noodles should taste like a few years ago, Then I would have easily said that Ding Tai Fung's noodles is easily the best noodles I've ever tasted!

Han-made noodles always tasted better than machine is because of how the chef imparts his/her love into the food as compared to a machine... Isn't that Romantic? That chicken broth... Well, good is an understatement to complement such a wonderfully made broth. It was smooth and clear... Extremely flavoring, drawing the essence of the chicken...

So what's for desserts?

Yes, you're right! Xiao Long Bao again! But this basket is a sweeter version. They used yam paste instead minced meat... It was like just eating orr nee (Teochew version of Yam Paste) encased in thin dough. It was excellent! Do note that one XLB is missing from the picture because SOMEONE just has to pluck one out before I could take a snapshot! Tsk!

Well, that's Din Tai Fung at Resort World Hotel (RWS) to begin with. Some may say that Crystal Jade's XLB are way better. But then again why compare? To each our own that's what I say...

So... What reason do I have to dine at RWS's Ding Tai Fung? Not that Tampines don't have an outlet...

Well, that's because I was at Universal Studio!

 

All celebrity only cafe!  

 "What's wrong with my car?" That's my brother, Eddie!

Ahhh!!! I'm very afraid!

 Did I saw the word TEA ROOM ???

 

Welcome to my residence! 

USS version of singing carols! 

X'mas is just round the corner...

That could only mean one thing...

Who's up for X'mas dinner!!!

Din Tai Fung

Resort World Hotel #1-217-222

26 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098138

Tel: +65 6686 3536