JJ Sarawak Noodles

This is a new stall in this coffee shop. They expanded from their main outlet at Block 504 Jurong West Street after been there for about 6 years serving their signature Kolo Mee and Sarawak Laksa. 

It was a raining afternoon when i got there for lunch. I was first greeted with a smile when approaching the stall to make my orders. I decided to go with their signature Kolo Mee at $3.50 though a larger portion is available at $4 with their Sarawak Laksa at $4. I was then asked to take a seat while they will serve it to the table. The waiting time was a brief one, both orders were served at the same time. 

The presentation of the Kolo Mee was not too appetising and he portion of Kolo Mee seemed a abit too little with ingredients like slices of char siew and fried dumplings with bits of chopped spring onions. I will expect it to have a bit of fried pork lards to enhance its flavor but it has none. Though chilli is added but its level of spiciness is so mild that i could almost taste any as it was dominated by an intense tomato taste, likely to be the result of too much tomato sauce added. 

Apparently, the Sarawak Laksa fared a bit better as compared to the Kolo Mee. It tasted really different from our local laksa, in fact, it tasted a bit like the Curry Mee that i had in Penang. It has a rather mild spiciness with a comforting curry flavor served with bee hoon and ingredients like shredded chicken, dried beancurd strips and prawns. The prawns did not taste too fresh though.

To conclude, i have never travel to Sarawak and i would not know how authentic are their noodles and perhaps so, i do not know how to appreciate as i was told they have regular supporters from their hometown. 

JJ SARAWAK NOODLES 晶晶砂朥越面

Block 22 Sin Ming Road #01-244 Wan Hao Delicacies Eating House SINGAPORE 570022

Operating Hours: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm (Closed on Sundays)

Wei Long Xiao Chi 威龙小吃 ："Chef is MAD but the food is not BAD"?

"Chef is MAD but the food is not BAD", this is on their signboard. I was curious to find out how mad is the chef and how not bad is the food. I was there slightly after 2 pm and the auntie was already in the midst of packing up. I was told that she only left with Chee Cheong Fun at that time but i just had Chee Cheong Fun a couple of minutes ago from other stall in this food centre and so, i did not want to eat it again. And, i asked her whether is there anymore glutinous rice and she said, if i am willing to wait then she would has to take it out from the fridge and steam it again. I pointed at the table right in front of the stall and told her that i would sit there and wait. 

The process was faster than expected, she signalled me to come forward to collect it. When she was serving it, i asked her whether her stall is related to Rong Yuan Cooked Food at Ghim Moh Food Centre as i was told that her glutinous rice and their glutinous rice tasted quite alike. She did not seem to be keen to answer the question. She was telling me that the taste is not quite likely to be the same as it is prepared by different person. She did not seem to chat further after this. 

I collected my glutinous rice and seated a little further from the stall before i took my camera to shoot some pictures. The presentation definitely reminded me of that from the other stall at Ghim Moh Food Centre. It is white in color with some bits of luncheon meat, shrimps and mushroom embedded in it then served along with a handful of ikan belis and roasted peanuts as well as some sweet tasting chilli by the side. 

I read about this stall quite a while back. I was told that the owner of this stall used to work for the other stall at Ghim Moh Food Centre before she left to set up this stall. She has exactly the same items like Yam Cake, Chee Cheong Fun and Glutinous Rice on her menu. 

To conclude, the Chef did not sound too mad and the food did not taste too bad though not particularly impressive too.

WEI LONG XIAO CHI 威龙小吃 

44 Holland Drive #02-03 Holland Drive Food Centre SINGAPORE 270044
Operating Hours: 8.00 am to 2.30 pm (Closed on Mondays)

[Hong Kong] The Peninsula Hotel Afternoon Tea

The exquisite Afternoon Tea at The Lobby of that iconic Peninsula Hotel is amongst the most talked about in Hong Kong and it is one of those places that you have to visit at least once in your life. As a frequent traveler to Hong Kong, this has always be on the top my must-visit list but I have not get to do so.

The high tea is served daily on the first-come-first-served basis, which means they do not accept reservation. It advisable to be there at least 30 minutes to join in the queue in order to be seated when it starts at 2.00 pm till 6.00 pm. The price per person is at HKD $358+ and HKD $628 for 2 persons. You have the option to add a glass of their special champagne to your tea set at HKD $180. The Afternoon Tea consists of a selection of finger sandwiches with savoury pastries and their homemade pastries that are specially for the Afternoon Tea. It also includes their freshly baked raisin scones served along with Devonshire clotted cream and organic strawberry preserve. You are then expected to choose your choice of teas from their tea collection. 

Please bear in mind that attire is strictly smart casual and that includes no sleeveless shirt for the men. Also, to take note that no flip-flops, beach sandals and plastic footwear like Crocs shoes are allowed. 

They only started to serve the guests when the time hits 2.00 pm. Menu was presented the moment when you seated, it is a standard menu so nothing much to browse through other than the selection of their tea collection to decide on your choice of tea. 

I decided to go with their rose flavored tea to go along with their annual 'Peninsula in Pink' campaign that underwent an artistic makeover to become The Act in Pink in support Breast Cancer Awareness in the month of October. And, a donation of HKD $40 will be made to the selected charity organisation. 

I am always more a coffee person and i do not quite know how to appreciate tea but i enjoyed the lightly scented rose flavored tea very much. It was served in a silver teapot together with a pot of hot water. The waiting staff came by quite often to check whether a refill of hot water is required. 

Having their Afternoon Tea is a great way to enjoy a quiet afternoon and to get away from the vibrant life of the streets of Hong Kong. The lobby of this grand hotel is a perfect for people watching while you dwell in the beautiful environment and cosy ambience.

The 3-tiered tray set loaded with of sweets and savouries was served a little while later.

The first level of the tray consists of different type of sweet treats which include the different types of lovely pink pastries. Most of it were quite enjoyable though was a slightly too sweet.

The second level of the tray consists mainly of different types of sandwiches including their famous cucumber sandwich which did not quite impress, the texture of those slices of cucumber was slightly soggy and the bread was a little dry. The rest was quite pleasant though not particularly interesting.

These freshly baked scones were lovely and it went extremely well with the jam and cream. I actually enjoyed these scones much more as compared to those sandwiches and pastries.

There was still quite a long queue of people waiting to be seated when i left at about 4.30 pm. 

The pleasant experience is definitely memorable and long lasting as this is a place that you have to visit at least once if you are in Hong Kong, just to experience the services and ambience.

THE PENINSUAL HONG KONG

Salisbury Road Tsim Sha Tsui HONG KONG SAR

Handmade Chee Cheong Fun (Da Chang Jin)

I observed this stall from a far while eating my Char Siew & Sio Bak rice from another popular stall in this food centre at a table directly facing this stall. I decided to give it a go when done with my plate of rice with a bit of space in my stomach for something extra. Though there are other choices as filling but i decided to go with Char Siew for $3.50. It was done fresh right at the stall from preparing the rice flour sheet, steamed and rolled it then adding those bits of char siew. It was then served in a pool of light tasting soya sauce and topped with a handful of preserved radish and chilli by the side. 

This was the first time that i came across preserved radish to serve with Chee Cheong Fun, this is definitely something new. I was excited at first but the excitement was short-lived, i did not quite like what i just tasted as i felt the saltiness of preserved radish did not have any particular effect in enhancing its overall taste. It was just not my kind of thing. 

The texture of rice flour sheet was smooth with a desired softness and not too thick as well. The generous filling of char siew was rather moist and quite tasty. The chilli was alright with a nice hint of spiciness to give the dish a nice kick. 

Overall, it was not too bad but not good enough to leave an impression.

HANDMADE CHEE CHEONG FUN (DA CHANG JIN)

44 Holland Drive #02-33 Holland Drive Food Centre SINGAPORE 270044

Operating Hours: 7.30 am to 3.00 pm (Daily)

Ke Shuang Xing Fried Carrot Cake : Source of Happiness

It was a Monday and i happened to be in this food centre just before lunch. Most of the stalls were closed on that day so i left with a rather limited choice. Somehow, this stall caught my attention. I remember eaten it once but quite a while ago so did not quite remember the taste but i would certainly remember it well if it tasted bad. I tried the black version then so i decided to go with the white one this time with extra egg and chilli added for $3. There was only a customer in front of me so i did not issue with a number tag but just hung around there to collect it as it is expected to 'self-service'.

Uncle and Auntie have been at it for more than 50 years and now, they have their son joining them. I could sense that hey are simple yet happy folks enjoying what they are doing. 

My plate of fried carrot cake was handed over to me by their son and he served it with a friendly smile. The pieces of carrot cake were nicely diced up in unevenness and fried to leave a slight crisp then added in preserved radish and beaten egg to fry it well and garnished with chopped coriander to serve. It tasted savory with a distinct spiciness as i requested for an extra amount of chilli to be added and very flavorful.

Such a simple taste bring forth happiness and satisfaction. 

KE SHUANG XING FRIED CARROT CAKE

861 North Bridge Road #01-104 North Bridge Road Food Centre SINGAPORE 198783

Operating Hours: 6.15 am to 6.00 pm

Seletar Sheng Mian . Mian Fen Guo : My Comfort Food

This stall is amongst one of the 2 stalls have got a constant queue and the queue usually get longer during lunch though the waiting time is not as long as expected as the service is pretty prompt. They used to be in Seletar for about 15 years before moving to this location in 2011.

They offer Sheng Mian and Mian Fen Guo in soup and dry version for $3 and above. Most of the regulars usually go for their Mian Fen Guo, commonly known as Mee Hoon Kueh. This is a homely dish that my late Grandpa used to cook for us. If you wonder what exactly is Mee Hoon Kueh, it is  a type of hand pulled noodles made using flour, egg, water and salt. You mixed everything together, knead it, left the dough to settle before tear it, pieces by pieces and drop them into the broth then add in desired ingredients like vegetable, minced meat and egg to cook together and topped it with ikan belis and deep-fried shallots to serve.

The dry Mee Hoon Kueh is my comfort food, something that i would usually crave for when i stay away from Singapore for a while. It is the comforting aspect of this simple dish that always warms my heart. It is a personal preference as i think they serve one of the better dry Mee Hoon Kueh that i ever eaten. 

Just tossed it slightly to mix the chilli and the sauce well, a bowl of delightful Mee Hoon Kuen awaits.

There is another stall run by the owner's brother at the food centre in Toa Payoh Lorong 8. There is a certain similarity in taste with the usual long queue. If you happen to be here and wanting something different, this might be of your liking if you do not mind joining the queue.

SELETAR SHENG MIAN . MIAN FEN GUO

Block 226H Ang Mo Kio Street 22 #01-07 Keban Baru Food Centre SINGAPORE 560226

Operating Hours: 6.00 am to 2.30 pm (irregular off-days)

Double Scoops : A Hideout in the Heartland of Ang Mo Kio

This was the 2nd time that i walked past this cafe. That particular signboard that displayed their hi- tea promotion from 11.00 to 6.00 pm on the weekdays definitely caught my attention. It was a really hot day and i could not quite resist the temptation of enjoying a waffle with a single scoop of ice cream and tea or canned drink for just $7 rather than the usual $10.30. I decided to give in to the temptation that very moment when i pushed the glass door to enter the cafe.

I was immediately greeted by the male server. When i ordered and could not quite decide which flavor of ice cream to go with my waffle, i was offered to test the flavor first and decide later. After tasted their Thai Ice Tea flavor and Strawberry, i decided to go with the latter. Then, i was asked whether i want my waffle to go with their hot tea or canned drink. I was told most of their younger customers would actually prefer to enjoy it with a canned drink. Their Strawberry flavor is in their premium range and i was expected to pay an additional 0.50 cents for that which brought the total bill to be $7.50.

I was asked to take a seat and my canned drink came right after.

The waffle took another 5 minutes to serve. The pretty ball of strawberry ice cream rested on a sugar dusted fluffy waffle served with maple syrup was a pretty sight on a lazy afternoon.

The texture of waffle was rather moist and fluffy with a slight crisp on the outer layer. The strawberry ice cream did not taste too sweet with a slight creaminess that i enjoyed.

I was the only customer after the 2 customers at other table left to enjoy my waffle.

I was greeted with a smile by the counter staff upon existing the cafe and one of them actually apologised for messing up the icy sugar on my waffle. And, i did tell them that i enjoyed the waffle. 

DOUBLE SCOOPS

Block 226 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 #01-627 SINGAPORE 560226

Operating Hours: 11.00 am to 10.00 pm (Mon to Thu) / 11.00 am to 10.30 pm (Fri) /

10.30 am to 10.30 pm (Sat) / 10.30 am to 10.00 pm (Sun)

Chicken Clinic : A Date with the Dr Chicken

I have purchased 2 vouchers through Groupon to be used at this newly opened shop that specialised in Japanese and Korean style Fried Chicken. I was there close to 1 pm for lunch with a friend and we were the only customers there at that time. We were greeted warmly by the waiting staff and the menu with an order chit was presented right after we seated. We were expected to indicate our orders on the order chit and handed it back to the waiting staff. We decided to go with Chicken Nanban ($18.50), Seasoned Spicy Chicken ($19.50), Black Sesame Fried Chicken ($20.50) and Red Ade ($4.50), their special drink. We were then informed that there is 3 levels of spiciness and it is already quite spicy even at level 1. After some thoughts, we went with the level 1 of spiciness and it was proven to be the right choice later.

Red Ade ($4.50) came first. It is amongst the 3 types of special drink and this is the most expensive and the rest is priced at $3.50. Apparently, it did not taste too special. It is supposed to be a raspberry drink served with a slice of lemon and lime in it. Somehow, it did not quite justify the price of $4.50, i would rather order 2 soft drinks at $2.50 each if i do visit again.

Chicken Nanban ($18.50) came first. It is supposed to be Fried Chicken dipped in Spicy Soy Sauce as described in the menu. It consists of pieces of fried chicken served with bits of preserved green chilli, shredded cabbage drizzled with lemon sauce and a portion of fries together with preserved pickles. And, this turned out to be our favourite choice amongst the others that we ordered.

Black Sesame Fried Chicken ($20.50) was served next. The freshly fried chicken pieces were evenly coated in their special black sesame paste. Though it might not seem to be so but it was much spicier than expected with a lingering aftertaste. My lunch partner pointed out that it did not have even a bit of sesame taste which i agreed.

Seasoned Spicy Chicken ($19.50) came last. It might looked fiery red but it did not taste as spicy as expected in fact its spiciness is milder than that of the Black Sesame Chicken. It has got a rather slight sweetness with a bit of garlicky taste but it was just pleasant tasting with not much of surprises. 

Though the dishes did not particularly standout but the attentive and friendly service left an impression. When i requested to take away the remaining Seasoned Spicy Chicken and they happily obliged. The packed it neatly in a paper box and handed it over to me with a smile. 

It was nonetheless a perfect place to chill out with friends for some Fried Chicken if you happen to be nearby.

CHICKEN CLINIC

11 Sin Ming Road #01-13 Thomson V Two SINGAPORE 575629

Operating Hours: 11.30 am to 10.00 pm (Closed on Mondays)