Worldwide Quest for Halal food

Ansari Briyani-Delicious Briyani from the heart…

Putri — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:20:49 +0000

Briyani USED to be my favourite childhood food.Whenever I eat out,briyani is what I often ordered.Its a wonder how a scrawny looking girl like me can finish up that mountainous pile of generous briyani and chicken/mutton.

Briyani is often associated with weddings.And its often so filling that its best eaten as lunch instead of dinner.I wouldnt mind having it as breakfast if they actually served them in the morning. Have you heard the saying “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.”- Adelle Davis. (If you must know,this is one of my favourite quotes and I applied it in my daily food escapades.I normally stop eating by 6pm (once in a while I do break that) and eat 5-6 small meals thruout the day.That will help to increase my metabolism…)

Arab street has always been a food haven.And one of the popular food is Briyani.There are many choices in that area .I had no chance to cover them all but insya-Allah one day.

Furthermore ,from my many experiences, Briyani often makes me overwhelmingly full,unforgivingly makes me feel fat that once in a month treat will suffice (perhaps,all that dollops of ghee used..) and indigestions (on very rare occasion,u might even get heartburn due to that).

But real Briyani actually does not do that.They are normally healthily cooked in big pots under low charcoaled fire, garnished with loads of patience and love,mingled freely with colourful and fragrant spices and not forgetting the luxurious saffrons (do u know that saffron is one of the many natural ingredients that can make u intelligent?Parents take note.Hmm…)

Ok, when I heard raving reviews about Ansari Briyani and how it differs from the typical briyani.My heart raced and leapt with joy.I thought.Hmm..Briyani..

What is so special about this Briyani?Seriously speaking,I order Briyani ONLY when I craved for it.I don’t order Briyani just for the fun of it.I don’t want to be bloated during lunch and ended up sleepy for the rest of my working hours. Well,Ansari Briyani is in luck.It has been ages since I last tasted Briyani in Arab street area.And sudden pang of hunger makes me crave for some good briyani.

I was supposed to be there earlier but cannot make it thus I came at 7pm.When I enter their restaurant, I never would have believed this is a Briyani Restaurant. I like the minimalist interior deco with wooden flooring and their modern concept.

They were closing but they embraced me like old friends and kept me company till I finish the whole meal.I enjoyed myself thoroughly that it rekindles back my passion for Briyani rice during my childhood days.

I was the last customer, often when u eat Briyani at the end of the day, the rice will be dry and u might need spoonfuls of gravy to compensate that.But not this one.They are opened as early as 11.30 am and I came at 7pm.Even after 7+hours later,the Briyani is SUPERB,felt like it just came out right from the pot! Let me indulge u in its yummy details…

They have 2 types of Briyani at the moment: Chicken and Mutton Briyani.In the future,insya-Allah,there will be a SPECIAL,mystery briyani coming up….(I was told).

When they served me the mutton briyani,the display is not that enthusiastically mind blowing.It looked like any briyani from any stall.I tried to smell it,its not as wonderfully fragrance like some high-end briyani.I scrutinised the grains of this Briyani.Everyone knows that Basmati rice is used in briyani.This is because u want the rice to be fluffy but yet grainy.But I noticed that the rice grain is exceptionally long.And if u give a quick glance,it might look like thick vermicelli?! Hmm,interesting…

And so I tasted a spoonful and Oh my…It was literally MIND blowing! It was DELICIOUS! It makes me addicted for more and more spoonfuls.It was yummy…each grain is coated with the tastyness of the mutton meat.That is how DUM Briyani supposed to be.I can feel the passion of the young chef in every bite.In fact,this is one Briyani that I can eat without the common dalcha or any curry gravy.
The rice is just right and grainy (not too dry nor too moist/soggy) and the mutton melts in the mouth.Ooh lala…I LOVE IT! Dalcha is light curry and mild in taste and its nice…

And I like the fresh pickled pineapple.It goes well with the combination of dum briyani rice,generous mutton meat.Sweet sourish,savoury yummy! The chef also gave me some chicken briyani to try out.Oh my…it was DELICIOUS! The chicken was tender,juicy and rich with tasty spices swirling in your mouth.The chef said that they only used chicken thighs-That is the BEST part!My favourite,actually.And the chicken dum briyani rice is different from mutton dum briyani.Each of them celebrated their tastyness in their own way,kinda dancing in my mouth with their own unique moves.

And instead of ordering the typical hand-pulled tea (teh tarik),I chose their cold beverage speciality-Iced coffee.Looking at the generous froth of the iced coffee,I wondered is this Briyani restaurant or is this a cafe?Without hesitation, I slurped it… It was shiok!I felt like I was being transported,transcended into an American cafe or something.Hmm…

The young chef is a friendly chap.Note that I kept saying young chef…because when u tasted the briyani,you thought it was cooked by old experienced cook.And often, I was told that customers will potray -”Is this some kind of joke” look because they cannot believe that the chef is young.

Yeah,indeed the food they cooked makes you feel connected to the chef in some spiritual positive way..Seriously,it’s been a long time since I felt this way.

VERDICT?

Look below…this “clean” plate is an indication of its yummyness.

And as I walked leisurely back home, I reminisces the positive vibes that I had…. when consuming the food.It adds a smile to my face thruout my walk.And for sure,it will keep me coming back for more.And if you wonder whether there is any indigestions at night,indeed,there isnt any.

In fact I dont even feel bloated or overwhelmingly full.This is briyani with a difference.What’s the difference?- u gotta try it to believe it.Dont mind the slightly high price.Cos when u indulge in it, u will believe that every spoonfuls are WORTH every penny.

Thank you Ansari Briyani for raising the standard of local briyanis a notch higher.This is what HALAL food should be…

Good quality food from the heart….
My Rate:Hi-5!

Alhamdulillah,with briyani like this..for sure its gonna squiggle back into my favourite list…and I wont even feel an ounce of guilt, indulging it!

fyi-Oh,I did stay a bit longer for some sweet treats-Teh tarik (tasted erm..kinda average cos the chef is still experimenting and polishing up his “sarbat” skills) and kek kukus (Malay moist fruit cake that is similar to Xmas log cake without the snowy icings).And its a FREE slice per customer while stocks last…Yum!

Location:
Ansari Briyani Restaurant
753 North Bridge Road
(opposite toy shop)
Between Jalan Kubor and Jalan Kledek
11.30am-7pm
(this sunday-21 feb is closed)

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Selegie Rd-New Hawa Restaurant (steamboat)

Putri — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:01:49 +0000

Since the branch of Hawa restaurant (Waterloo street) closed,I felt sad.Cos I just enquired about the steamboat 2 weeks before that.And as I wanted to try it,it was closed down.I had enjoyed eating my meals there.And their steamboat is the sort that we can choose and pick what we want and they will prepared for us.I can also have beef with the seafood!!

Previous posts:
http://www.putriberendam.com/singapore/central/new-hawa-waterloo-street/
http://www.putriberendam.com/singapore/central/hawa-restaurant-re-visited-queen-stwaterloo/
http://www.putriberendam.com/singapore/central/new-hawa-revisited-again/

Anyway,New Hawa name is always associated with yummy chicken rice.They have about 3-4 branches.Oh,if you wonder what happens to the new Hawa near Paya Lebar MRT once upon a time,well they have moved near Kembangan MRt (just opposite Kassim Mosque vicinity)-Do try their food there,nostalgic taste!

Anyway, I pop in to New Hawa at Mackenzie Road…to try their steamboat.

The steamboat came about 20mins later (as promised).I chose the cheapest set,the smallest serving $15.It came like the above image.All ready and prepared for u.The ingredients are already halfway cooked.Just got to wait another 5mins, and u are ready for chow down!

They used charcoals instead of LPG gas…

Let’s see what seafood ingredients did they provide me with the $15-set?

Hmm,fresh fish fillet thinly sliced….about 10pieces

Very thinly sliced calamari rings..about 14pieces…4 pieces of prawns -medium sized…and not forgetting,tomatoes slices ,tofu mini cubes,4 tiny fresh fishballs,strands of seaweed and vegetables…

And assam seeds…to add that touch of sourish flavour into the yummy broth..

Verdict: I believe you can get more seafood and meat with $15, if you go to the market and get them yourselves.Because steamboat is like DIY cooking too,right?

In fact, do invest in a good steamboat especially if you have lots of gathering at your premises.U can also opt for those with grilled plate..and u can enjoy delicious seafood steamboat cum grilling…in the comfort of your own home while enhancing and tighten that family bond and friendships.That is more worthwhile.

But if u are unsure how steamboat broth tasted like, I suggest try it once,cos the broth/stock is indeed good…unlike any that Ive tasted in Seoul Garden/Han’s River steamboat…if not, avoid it and create your own steamboat.There are many stock cubes/steamboat spices available in the supermarket today.If u love spicyness,opt for TOMYAM flavour…create new recipes,new ingredients…main thing..have fun!

For sure,if I have $15 or more-I will add chicken,mussels,cray fish,lots of prawns,beef,mutton,eggs,and buckets of green leafy vegetable,clams,cockles,fish head?!),oysters,scallops,seaweed…sea saparagus..abalone (wah..so luxurious?!)…whatever that has seafood label on it, I will grab it.. hee!

Ok,let’s check out what my favourites in this eatery/coffeeshop…

Wanna take a peek at their menu? The chinese lady (perhaps the boss)is a bit pissed that I took shots of their menu that she just grab them asap….hehe!Now I know why my favourite steamed white chicken rice is delicious.Look at the chef below…Old timer with loads of great experiences….

Steamed white chicken rice(left) and porridge (right)

I like the steamed chicken rice because its always of the same good quality…the skin expecially is delicate and smooth.I love!!!Generous servings too for $3.50…

Porridge is not bad…either…with the chopped saltish white carrot….

I love their FRIED RICE!!Whatever flavoured fried rice..be it fried chicken fried rice (below) or seafood fried rice…whatever ….the fried rice that they cooked,is delicious-a must try!…cos they have that whiff of “wok”-frying flavour…

Below is the new addition,prawn noodles…-started last year in July, I think…The prawns are bigger than usual and the broth is filled with fresh prawny flavour but there is a slight bitterness.I prefer this prawn noodles (although their prawns are not that big):

http://www.putriberendam.com/singapore/east/laksa-prawn-noodles-makan-sini-pasir-ris/

Some people told me that if they feel itchy after eating prawns, they eat pineapple first/drink pineapple juice..and they wont be itchy after consuming seafood/prawns.Really?Im not sure…the reason why and Ive never tried…*just sharing some tips from elders..

Location:

New Hawa Restaurant

213 Selegie Road

tel: 63384020

10am-10pm

(on weekends-hours might be extended)
non-aircon coffeeshop

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Ok, Im full…what’s next?
Oh I heard Cafeela Seafood Restaurant (evening only)at Jalan Kayu also serves steamboat in price range of $30 (small),$40 (medium) and $50 (large).Hmm,sounds interesting…but I missed Habib’s seafood at Bukit Batok near Bt Gombak MRT.They have a mini buffet but it was hefty generous (also have loads of crayfish) and its cheap!Too bad, no more…

More steamboat cum grill buffets?
http://www.putriberendam.com/singapore/east/han-river-table-barbecue/
http://www.putriberendam.com/bbq/halal-kimchi-seoul-garden/

If you are heading to Malaysia,halal steamboats/buffets:

Rawa steamboat near Leisure Mall (Johor):
http://irakecik.blogspot.com/2009/07/jmc-gathering-rawa-steamboat.html

Flaming steamboat@KL (near Sunway):
http://www.flamingsteamboat.com/

Will Coca steamboat in Singapore be HALAL-certified?I heard its one of the best…Hmm…

http://www.vkeong.com/2008/food-drink/coca-restaurant-seafood-steamboat-buffet-review/ (Malaysia)

Ah Seah Eating house(Kovan)-Rahim Muslim Food

Putri — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:00:28 +0000

The last time, I visit this food stall was 2 years back.It was featured in one of the food Tv programs on Channel 5.They are famous for its Mee Rebus with a difference.They served Mee rebus with generous chunks of chicken meat and spoonfuls of satay peanut gravy.It was delicious back then.They also used to have a set whereby u can get few sticks of satay with the Mee Rebus but now they dont have it, U got to order them separately.

As usual, ordered their Mee Rebus@ $3.50 with chunks of chicken meat and dollops of gravy and satay gravy is added.As I tasted it, it was good but I sense something missing.Im not sure whether my previous visit was cos I was there as early as 11.30am and waited for their first servings thus FRESH from the pot and it was really YUMMY!Or is it cos I forgot how it tasted like..anyway..I was still looking around for some satisfaction till I saw this man ordered a bowl of Soto.And I said, WOW! I saw many heaps of chicken feet and meat (yeah I scanned from afar) and I wondered is that specially for him or …..

and without hesitation I proceed to order another bowl but this time, its MEE SOTO

And Wow!!ITs the same servings as that man!! WOo-HOO! It looked so YUMMY! And as I indulged in the tasty rich broth of chicken flavour , it is indeed YUMMY!!Its packed with tender chicken meat,big potato cutlet(begedil) and the chilli paste (soya sauce+bird eyes chillies) work hand in hand to fuse in all the flavours in one bowl.

And that additional chicken feet is my favourite.Its soft and tender.It is said that chicken feet has lots of collagen (Ch 5 & 8 Tv personality-Michelle Chia loves it!)Hmm, I can proceed home now that my face is beaming with lots of youthful collagen…heheh!!

This is how it supposed to look liked after u clean the flesh of the bones of the chicken feet…

Other reviews: http://ieatishootipost.sg/2008/04/rahim-muslim-food-power-mee-rebus.html

Location:

Ah Seah Eating House
Kovan Centre
9 Yio Chu Kang Road
11.30am-8.30pm
(friday closed-I think)

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p.s:An elderly lady approached me as I was busy taking shots of the shop and food.She asked me why I took many shots, and after I explained to her,she said no needlah, we just got our interview with major newspapers… hmm..

*I’m puzzled perhaps, people are not aware the power of internet yet.Newspapers articles are normally thrown after that particular day,but on the net,it can lasts as long-years probably and can be easily googled/search for (even if the owner stops blogging,it will still be on the net unless deleted).Doesnt more coverage=more publicity=more customers=more $$$.Felt kinda disappointed that Im providing some kind of service but people “reject” the hand that I extended.This is one of many incidents that I faced frequently in my food escapades.I was often misunderstood…it’s ok, my heart cooled down as I read the below quote…

“To be GREAT is to be misunderstood”-Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Hmm.. I shall look forward to more positive food journeys,insya-Allah..

KFC-Egg tarts (Macau Recipe)

Putri — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:37:28 +0000

I heard someone shout out in twitter few weeks back that KFC is gonna serve some YUMMY egg tarts.And its not the typical egg tarts but the Portugese egg tart type. And Im a fan-ATIC of Portuguese egg tarts.Often I will cross over the border just to have my fill-ups of creamy eggy fillings embodied in lightly wafer crust that just melts as u bite into its mouthful goodness.

This is where I get my favourite dose of portuguese egg tarts:
http://www.putriberendam.com/city-square/portuguese-egg-tart/

And so after torturous moments of drools (hehe!) and their raving reviews of the tarts by people in FB (thanks!), I decided to have a go at it…U see, Im not that fond of fast food (but I do give in to occasional “once-in-a-blue-moon” cravings).To me, my mind automatically visualise “fast food” with card board.Thus I fear that I might just sink my teeth into cardboards…but since the fans were happy about it, I guess, I can trust them,right? *winks

I was one of the first few to queue up early morning of Chinese New Year’s eve.I had to wait for 20 minutes because many were buying in boxes.I guess everyone is bringing this to the reunion table…

Nicely wrapped to commemorate the current festive season-Chinese New Year.$1.30 each piece.1 box=$7.50 for 6 (save 30cents)

Smell those eggy tarts..fresh from the oven…..Mmm..
Verdict: I ate them as soon as I get my hands on them.It was piping hot.It was YUM!4 stars..The fillings are not that thick/deep as my favourite Robin’s portuguese egg tarts and not as yummy creamy but sufficient enough to make me drool for more.I like its light layered crust.Overall,its good enough to prevent me from crossing the border…But u got to eat them when its warm…

Oh well, now for a stroll to Chinatown…

More info, head to their website…
http://www.kfc.com.sg/whats-new.php?id=44

FYI-only certain branches have it…
Admiralty Place • Ang Mo Kio • Bedok • Bukit Merah • Bugis Village • Bukit Panjang Plaza • Causeway Point • Clementi • Compass Point • Downtown East • Eastpoint • Funan • HarbourFront • Heartland Mall • Hougang Mall • Jurong Point • Kallang Stadium • Lot One Shoppers’ Mall • Marina Square • North Point • Novena Square • Parkway Parade • People’s Park • Plaza Singapura • Potong Pasir • Punggol Plaza • Singapore Polytechnic • Singapore Post Centre • Sengkang • Sun Plaza • Suntec City • Tampines CPF Bldg • Tampines Mart • Tanjong Katong • Tiong Bahru Plaza • Toa Payoh • Thomson Plaza • Towner • West Mall • White Sands • Woodlands • Woodlands 888 • Yew Tee Point • Yishun • Yung Ho

If you want the recipe,this is one of my favourite site.:

http://rasamalaysia.com/portuguese-egg-tarts/

Hey..they got some in California too…no not the KFC ones,the real MACAU egg tarts..I heard..the queue is longer than the wall of China (really??!)But Im not sure about its Halal-ness though(check out the above site-it has address of Californian’s restaurants serving them)

Hougang Green Mall- Arnold’s Fried Chicken

Putri — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:00:39 +0000

Previously I had ordered Arnold’s fried chicken delivery from Hougang Green Branch,the food came 1.5hours later as promised because it was a Sunday night where last minute binge on a week-”END” started to multiply..

But I had always prefered dining in.If u ask me to compare between Arnolds and KFC, I gladly chose Arnolds.Cos this has been my favourite haunt since I was young.Do u know that Arnolds is the first restaurant to receive HALAL certification?And because it was so popular amongst the malay community,they were actually encouraged to take up HALAL certification.And they did..alhamdulillah…

Why do I love Arnold’s chicken? Because it was only fried upon ordering and not like many where the chicken are already deep fried and they fry again to heat it up when ordered.Thus double endorsements of thick oil coatings…and sometimes,the chicken has been in the warmer for hours and its meat became dry.And I do not know what type of chicken they use-A young chicken, probably from two to ten months old thus..the yummy tender meat

Unlike Arnold’s,they fry FRESH when u order thus I love eating it hot and piping from the fryer.But then when u have the cravings for fresh hot piping fried chicken, who cares about the cholestrol level or those fatty moments,right? Just practise moderation…

Ok, like I said I had been eating Arnold’s since it was HALAL everytime, if I get the top prize or succeed in any projects or I get excellent results, this is where my favourite aunty will pamper each of us kids with a whole spring chicken.A WHOLE chicken EACH, Im not kidding you….And amongst us cousins, I am the only girl.I grew up in a male cousin groupie thus that says a lot about my tomboyish personality…Anyway, I do not know how each of us can finish up the chicken.Seriously…still wondering now…hmm,and then whoever finish up the chicken first will be awarded the King and Queen of chicken…hehe! As Im the only Queen, I took my time but for sure, it will be clean…within an hour or two.

Now as I look back at my childhood days, for sure, it brought back happy memories of family gatherings and dining together,make us closer and tighten those bond…

Ok back to Arnold’s ….we head to the newest branch at Hougang Green and also to take a look at Jimmy Yummy, http://www.putriberendam.com/singapore/east/jimmy-yummy-revisited/ sad to say that it has been replaced by a new restaurant -Uncle Tony’s by a 5 star hotel chef selling pastas and sorts.It looked nice…and interesting.

It was 11.30am,around this time in City Plaza,normally the crowd started to form as lunch hour drew near especially during weekends.But here,it was exceptionally quiet…And I noticed there is a 24hour indian muslim coffeeshop just next door, perhaps that adds to the competition.

The new restaurant looked clean and spacious….As I wanted to order, they told me that I need to wait for 15-20minutes. I dont mind…
The staff was exceptionally friendly and even offered to cut the chicken into quarters seeing that there were 4 of us.We are really trying to stretch our dollars here…(hehe!) I began to treasure those moments when my aunty often treat us with a whole spring chicken…hehe!Too luxurious, I guess..as compared to now..too stingy…what to do.Ive got to learn to be thrifty if I want to showcase more Halal food here..gotta learn…

Anyway,thru out the years, Arnolds’ chicken has changed in taste.If u noticed,now the taste is more of garlicky spicy than the previous original flavour..some kids might not able to take it…but adults love it! I can eat them without any chilli sauce, savour their crispyness in its original garlicky spicy flavour…The tender meat is juicy…finger licking! The skin is always a battle…everyone wants the crispy skins. Of course the healthy conscious ones will put it aside in one corner, and some hands will start to snatch it away..ASAP..hehe! And dont forget…Got to eat them with your bare hands!! (washing basin is available)
Price is the same as City Plaza branch.I think in Pasir Ris park is a bit cheaper (if Im not wrong) .I like their bandung drink and ice-kacang dessert (with ice-cream).Some of my family members love their potato platters with crisscut chips, french fries ,wedges eaten with melted nacho cheese. And mashed potatoes are a must.For me, a typical spring chicken (come with small servings of coleslaw,fries) and bandung drink is sufficient for my fussy tastebuds. My visits to Arnold’s fried chicken has always been good…so hi-5!

Just in case, u dont feel like cooking during the Chinese New Year period,dont fret..they are OPEN!!! Refer to the notice below…

Location:

Hougang Green Mall
21 hougang st 51
#01-49
tel:63869015
11am-10pm

http://www.arnoldsfriedchicken.com/

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Changi Village Food Centre-Breakfast

Putri — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:06:36 +0000

One saturday morning…

We are not sure where to head for breakfast.We are early birds.As we cracked our heads for places that serves early breakfast,someone shouted-Let’s go to Changi beach!”

So here we are….in the breezy lazy morning in our flip flops….with grumbling tummy,we went to Changi Village.

MB already had nasi lemak in mind and since international nasi lemak is not yet opened, we tried Mizzy’s corner. For $3 ,u can get the above set.

Looking at his happy smiles as he devoured the hot piping nasi lemak and crunchy chicken wings, I too want to find my HAPPY meal….I noticed a queue has been formed since we sat down at this stall (below)…I wonder what are they ordering?

Another MB ordered the Nasi Lemak @$2.50 only and me ordered the sambal goreng rice (below)..which I think is $3.

Delicious!! Both are equally good!

Then I saw plates of chicken rice came out from this stall….Im full but I wanna taste…

Fried chicken gizzard and liver with a dash of soya sauce.Yummy!! But I think I rushed the owner that he gave me some uncooked gizzard…weird taste of rawness…but the chicken rice look yummy from afar….

The above stalls sell some good beverages,roti prata and yummy mee rebus!
*We had this Indonesian satay during the lunch hour.It’s kinda disappointing,some parts are not well-done, more like medium rare…tastewise, nothing unsual.We were expecting different flavours..cos its Indonesian,its supposed to be EXCELLENT! If u never try Indonesian satay, do try..in INDONESIA, u will be blown away. Anyway the verdict for this stall:Its edible (if u really need ur dosage of satay at that place,at that moment..)

Ramiza Briyani is good too!The briyani is like those yummy briyani in big pots in weddings slowly cooked in charcoaled fire ….and their suji ran out when I wanted to order..so it must be good!

Aww…tummy filled with yummy breakfast, I felt like the cat below…..

Need to find a spot to Zzzz…….
Windy, beautiful weather and scenery……. *Zzzzzz
previous posts on changi beach:

http://www.putriberendam.com/singapore/east/changi-beach-food/

http://www.putriberendam.com/singapore/east/2-20-nasi-sambal-goreng/

http://www.putriberendam.com/singapore/east/ah-nam-bbq-seafood-ubin-kelong/

Location:
Changi Village Food Centre and Market
Blk 2 Changi Village Road

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Tampines One – F.I.S.H by Fish Co

Putri — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:41:28 +0000

While waiting endless months for Manhattan fish Market to be Halal certified,another entry came into view and delight our tastebuds…

I went to Tampines 1 mall to check them out.I was here at 11.30am.It was huge ,clean premise with a double storey area that can house many customers.

The staff were friendly and greeted you upon arriving.

I saw the delightful array of salads at the salad bar with a staff busy mixing their proportions.I giggled as I noticed that the staff involved in food preparation has to wear a white hairnet.Its cool, imagine they are the CSIs…ehehe!

Unsure what to order, I asked for the recommendations.I was told their popular hits are Mediterranean Fish (fish and chip)and Mozambique Chicken. I chose both of them.If I cannot travel to Mozambique,at least I can safely say that-Hey!I’ve tasted Mozambique flavours here,right? *wink

If I add another $5+,I can get the meal with salad buffet.Im not ready for that.My tummy is currently only FOR main course.And as I look thru their menus,they have different promotions daily.Do check them out…
http://www.fish-co.com/fish/promo.html

The wait was about 20mins.That is why,if u are impatiently hungry,do opt for their yummy looking salad.I brought a book along thus that keeps me company. And also my ears are pressed to the wall to listen to the only customers on scene (beside me)-an excited malay couple as they devour the meals in sweet caressing words,mainly… compliments to the waiter.I eagerly listen to their shout-outs while waiting for my “pleasure” food to arrive.

The food was of generous servings and looked YUM! But will it taste as good as it looked? INDEED! The light skin batter was exceptionally crunchy.
This is the REAL fish and chips.Although,Ive tasted many fish and chips, this creates a new meaning to the actual word.Its batter is the BEST that I’ve ever tasted locally.Mmm…. *wiping the crust of my mouth

One thing though, I noticed that the flesh of the white fish are mixed with cheese in betweens and green garnishes.I have a weak stomach for cheese.I got easily “muak”/nausea if I found cheese in my food unexpectedly. I prefer my fish and chips plain, no added cheese or whatever….but since the batter was exceptionally good, it is pardonable.

I love the grilled mini potatoes and vege…its the same for both Mozambique chicken and Mediterranean Fish.

The Mozambique chicken is alright.The grilled half chicken was added dollops of red gravy which tasted somewhat like Ayam masak merah (Malay spicy tomato red chicken) ,slightly mild.The chicken is tender and moist.

Overall verdict: I love the fish and chips its fresh and batter is oohh…so light yet crispy!!This is what FISH and chips should taste like!!! No need to travel to UK or Australia…this is sufficient to satiate those hardcore cravings.

Price tag:

Do you think Manhattan Fish Market can do better? Hmm…

Location:

Tampines One Mall
10 Tampines Central 1
#04-11 & #05-13
Singapore 529536
Tel: 6260 0183
Fax: 6783 2733
11.30am to 10pm daily

Halal-certified
http://www.fish-co.com/fish

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Little India-Nasi Bawean@Desker Road

Putri — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:39:13 +0000

Everytime before I fly off, i will come here to have my farewell lunch. I want to remind myself of the bustling flavours of Singapore before I seek out to find other amazing international flavours.This stall has been here since….I dunno when and without fail,everytime I visit them, I will exit smiling,happily rubbing my tummy…

To beat the lunch crowd, I often come here at 10am, when the dishes are hot and piping,fresh from the oven and I can eat in peace with lots of empty chairs and tables.But after 10am, slowly the crowd started filling in…

Too bad, their fruity rojak (with thick black sauce) which I love is only available during lunch.That is a MUST-try!

Small busy stall….

Bawean signature dish-Celok fish

Asam Pedas fish
Fried tofu and tempeh..
Ta-DA!Eat like the cats do….

Today I did not order the fried chicken thigh.I like its tender chicken.But I cannot say the same for chicken wings.And often, I indulge myself with one big fish head either in celok (yellow pineapple sourish spicy gravy) or asam pedas (red assam gravy) kinda like a lil treat for myself.And often, these are taken home,cos I cannot savour “tricky” meal (anything that needs me to use all fingers to wrestle the meat out is tricky to me).

The bones and messy splattered of the gravy and my fingers moving here and there seeking flesy pleasures e.g cheeks,lips,eyes….I bet if anyone see me, they will be terrified.or should I say GORYfied!!hehe!

Verdict: For me this stall has its top notch hi-5s from me ……always…

Location:

Nasi Bawean
62 Desker Road
Open:as early as 8am for breakfast but yummy food comes from 10am onwards till 2-3pm (when it runs out)

Sunday is closed.

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NUS STAFF club-Sun Asian Bistro

Putri — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:05:02 +0000

If u need to have a gathering (school reunion,wedding..) this is one HALAL place to look out for. It has a nice ambience overlooking the swimming pool and their prices are reasonable.The setting is like a posh restaurant but the prices are affordable.And they do have individual rooms for private functions.Do email them for quotations.(Very efficient and fast response!)

I heard that their menus are award winnings and they have been featured many times in the local newspapers.

And if you need to host a Chinese Reunion dinner or Yusheng (lo-hei),they also have suitable packages for that:
http://www.sunasianbistro.com.sg/promotion/prosperitymenu.pdf
http://www.sunasianbistro.com.sg/promotion/fortunemenu.pdf

We kinda got lost on our way here.The University is so huge, and it was around 8pm Saturday…it was kinda quiet..isolated and not a single soul to be found…
But then,in the dark,we saw a small building with “STAFF club” signage, thus we park there.It looked kinda closed,dimly litted and so we called them up to check.Oh,they are still open. After 7pm,the parking is free.U need to go to the basement to enter the restaurant.The restaurant is open to public.Sunday is closed.

Not knowing what to expect and with meagre $50 dollar notes stashed in our pockets…and flipflops protecting our soles.

We like the grand settings…felt like Im in a hotel or some sort…although we dont seem to be appropriately dressed for posh restaurants,the students that patronise the restaurant make us felt so at home.Cos we dressed in similar attires..casual dressing.Like going to the beach…
They have both western and asian cuisines…After ordering,we were served with warmed braised nuts.(U can get these for $0.50 cents in can at supermarkets but the peanuts served are bigger than norm)
MB ordered fried seafood rice.Tasty with fresh generous fresh seafood like squids and prawns…YUM!
I ordered the crayfish pasta cos I saw the signature chef icon beside it and so it must be good!I like! The noodles are sweet sourish filled with seafood goodness.I like that their ingredients are of good quality and fresh.Mild in taste, u can ask for additional sauces or chilli flakes or parmesan cheese…
The fried seafood platter is good too.I like the fruit salad.The fish is nice, crispy outside and tender inside and I like the scallops..
The best is the dessert-homemade mud pie with vanilla ice-cream and chocolate fudgey sauce. The warm sweet cake has some nuts on it.It was DELICIOUS!
Mmmm….YUM!

Overall verdict: The food on the menu is comparable to many hawker food and tex-mex/western stalls/restaurant but the taste is of good quality and fresher ingredients,what u might expect from 5 star restaurant.Most of the food are mild in taste ,so for fiery tongues like mine,u might need to tweak it a bit.

And to come all the way here to eat them, probably once in a blue moon unless u are living in the western side of Singapore or u are NUS students/staff(there are discounts available).But perhaps, next trip, I might taste their steaks, who knows it might be of superior grades than Swensens or Eatzi?

But I like the ambience, for gatherings,it will be great..and conducive..I guess..

fyi-ice water is free..Eversince we were charged MYR$0.50 per person,we make it a point to ask wherever and whenever we dine.Cos we still bring out favourite canteen/water bottles thus if we can save every penny, we will…try our bestest.

Location:
National University Singapore Staff Club
30 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Halal-certified http://www.sunasianbistro.com.sg/

(Website has menu and halal-certificate expiry date displayed)

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Simpang Bedok- Asian Cuisine at Sedap Corner

Putri — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:15:55 +0000

This is my second trip here.One of MEBBs, love this place so much that she kept bringing her clients over for business transactions and many love the relaxed,clean ambience and quality food served.
As I look thru the menu,they are specialised in Asian food.And there are some fusion food too.

If u travel to Johor, u might have seen same franchise restaurants “Sedap Corner”.One that I often see is at Kota Raya.This branch at Simpang Bedok has been here for 3 years.Insya-Allah they do have plans to have more branches in the near future.

One of the owner is Chef Bob aka Chef Scooter (yeah he ride scooters) and often can be spotted in Suria TV programs whipping up delicious recipes for all ages, even kids! I like his friendly cheerfulness and spontaneity.I felt at ease like long lost friends when I talked to him with no air of arrogance of celebrityness detected.

Ok,lets check out their food!

I always love their smoothies..especially the Mango smoothie..so handsomely rewarded with rich creamy vanilla Ice-cream. Especially good for hot weathery lunch…

This Vietnamese beef noodles is one of their signature food.The last time I tasted this was last year and its quality is still as good!It’s similar to Thaksin beef noodles but it is much fragrant and mildly flavoured.I like that they actually separate the garnishes/beansprouts kinda like optional additions.i like the broth!Mmm…smell that fragrant leaves immersed in the broth…
Ive never tasted green curry before.This is green curry with rice noodles.U can opt to eat with rice.The chicken meat are tender chunks filled with the curry flavours as u chewwed slowly thru it.The curry is savoury rich but mild in taste.I love it!Not so overwhelming or too coconutty.Just nice.Aint that heavy thus falling asleep after consumption is not possible (unlike some laksa/heavy nasi lemak that has an overbearing Zzzz factors…)

Fyi-the white ones are fresh springy fishballs…
The below noodles are good too..I forgot its name…(oops…)

I like their fried rice.They have a “charred” flavours of the wok.Do try their famous signature dish-fried belacan rice…MEBB chose her favourite fried rice (below)…

Fried rice with chunky chicken meat on its sides and ooh lala.. sambal belacan (chilli paste)

This is their popular snack/dessert.Toasted bread dip in homemade creamy durian kaya…

Overall verdict:

If u want a place that serves local /Asian food with quality that never fails to lift ur spirits,then this is the right place…U can enjoy a pleasing,relaxed air-conditioned environment with attentive customer service.If u are entertaining guests or tourists,this is a must place for them to try out local cuisine…

Location:

282 Bedok Road

(Simpang Bedok)

Singapore 469438

tel: 64459987

http://www.sedapcorner.com/ -

(Malaysia site,Singapore site is in the making…)

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School Canteen-Madrasah Al-Irsyad

Putri — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:13:13 +0000

Im here on official business…after that is done.I took a look at my watch.Hmm, nearing lunch hour… I went to the canteen for a look.I miss those canteen moments when I was working in secular school. Cheap and good food,canteen bustling with chitter chattering of kids and them monkeying around…and occasional chorus greetings from favourite students… *sigh I miss those moments…

Anyway, went to stall no.1 and the food look amazingly yummy (or is it cos Im hungry?!) There is nasi briyani, mee rebus and mee soto.And I was attracted by the reddish chicken gravy that I decided to have my lunch here.Accompanied by my colleague.We had some yummy treats here.The price is cheap and it tasted so homecooked with love.Even the pale lemak cili padi is awesome!

And we tried this Malay green kueh filled with sweet dessicated coconut and dadih which is a milk custard. The kueh is sweet.The milk custard a bit diluted in taste but its alright.Its for the students, we wouldnt want them to be filled with too much sugary goodness that they become too active right?Overall verdict-thumbs up for stall no.1!

fyi-I dont think its open for public…so sorry…

If u want to donate to the school funds cos they need them especially for the current new school:
http://irsyad2.logomagix.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/derma.jpg

Anyway,this is one of my favourite song by the students of this school feat. Malaysian singer.Well-done Irsyadee!…

Chicken Chop Battle 3-Kota Raya Shopping Mall in Johor

Putri — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:00:10 +0000

I’ve long heard about Kluang’s chicken chop few years back.But when I went to the original branch in Kluang,they do not have it.I was told they only have it in certain branches and KL is one of them. Recently,not too recent, I think last year or the year before ,they opened up a branch in Kota Raya Shopping Mall.

I wanted to taste Daud’s Torpedo soup at the night food market near City Square Mall, but it was closed.

http://travel.nst.com.my/Current_News/TravelTimes/article/ShortbreakEcozone/20071127090813/Article/print_html

My previous post on this night food market:

http://www.putriberendam.com/food-network/along-food-is-bestlah-jb-night-market/

Thus I head straight here to perk myself up with their aromatic coffee (famous homemade coffee) and roti kahwin (famous toast bread with homemade kaya)

Read my previous post on Kluang:

http://www.putriberendam.com/breakfast/roti-kahwin-kluang-rail-coffee-part1/

http://www.putriberendam.com/chinese/kluang-part-2/

As I was waiting for MBs to do their prayers, I wanted to go to my favourite bookshop to do my favourite browsing of books…but its no longer there (what?!!) Double disappointment.And so I did not wait for MBs but instead I entered this eatery alone.Hoping that its less illuminated eatery (as compared to the other brightly litted areas of the shopping mall) will perk me up…

It is seriously dimly lit thus when the ordered beverage and bread came, I had to use my flashes to shoot the food photos.And so the whole eatery is surprised by the sudden “lightning” flashes from my camera.Suddenly, all eyes are on me…. Yikes!

Ordered-Chiam drink (combination of coffee and tea), normal roti bun and wholemeal (steamed) and add dollops of melted butter and generous kaya

The coffee and roti kahwin-was good as usual but I prefer the ones at original Kluang branch…

Luckily my back was facing them, I did noticed occasional interest in the kitchen and spreading of whispers between staff…Nursing my disappointment again, I ignored them. I scanned thru the menu and wonder what shall I order? Hmm…

What can perk me up? I need a good food cook from the heart…one that makes me remember and relish the deliciousness whenever its name pop up in the mind…

I decided to order their Chicken chop. After I ordered,there were sudden busyness.And I heard the kitchen staff shouted in malay something about the size and the counter staff shouted back-”paling besar” (the BIGGEST).

Ok, I dont mind.the bigger it is the better.Hopefully it will drive my disappointment away furthermore, Im famished anyway…

The food came 10-15 minutes later…

It looked unlike the chicken chops Im subjected to at home…it looked more like a chicken cutlet.It look so sinfully deep fried! And its HUGE?!!! I was like stunned….for a moment and as I was about to gleefully charged at the sinfully deep fried chicken chop, MBs came and was shocked that I wanted to savour the food alone without them..heheh! They were frantically searching for me and here I am ,relaxing tucking myself into a nice spot and nearly enjoying my first bite….

Ok, Makan buddies…watch me as I bite into this…Kriak Kriuk..Kriek….the crispy batter has its own melody…

It was piping hot,fresh from the fryer…it was a WINNER! Ive never tasted chicken chop (or as we called it chicken cutlet back in Singapore) so deliciously good though it is as sinful as it look.Its not so oily….lI guess it has been dabbed dry…and the flesh is juicy yet thoroughly cooked thruout the whole chicken chop.As I realised the meat comes from the thigh! My favourite chicken part…

It felt like I went to the kitchen and fry it myself..seriously…YUMMY!

Overall verdict: hi-4.8!!

And Im cured from my disappointment…thanks to Kluang’s chicken chop!

Location:

Kota Raya shopping mall

Bandar Johor Bahru,

Johor, Malaysia

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Chicken Chop battle 2-Blk 134 Lorong Ah Soo (Hougang)

Putri — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:07:08 +0000

This stall was featured in Manja and Malay Newspaper-Berita Minggu. When i read their slogan-”where oldies are goodies” …I have no idea what it meant.

And so after tasting their food, I understood every single letter of it.

When I first read its review from BM, I commented, oh another western food…the name itself aint that vibrant to attract me.

That is me, Im kinda passive when it comes to Western food.To me, Western food is subtle and its simple.Perhaps, I had not tasted western food that WOW me with that extra VAVAVOOM factor yet…not until I tasted Western Chow’s chicken chop.

First visit, they have not open yet..I was there in a rush ,doing some errands.I was there at 11.15am and did ask them if they can rush it up,just for me (Sometimes, I like to exercise some flogger’s “authorityness” but its not working hee!)But they said they need to warm up and some of the kitchen stuff not ready and if they cook,it will take another 15-20mins even if they open the stall at 11.30am *sigh…

Anyway,I came back for the second trip.. I was there on a weekend during lunch time.It wasnt as packed as expected but cheery.

The food came about 15mins as told.The soup and dessert was served.

The soup was a delight! I love it!U can taste the fresh mushroom bits and its freshness as compared to those from a can.

The dessert is a tiny cup of chilled peach slices with sugary syrup (like those we buy from cans).Its really a “pencuci mulut” cos its little and just enough to give ur mouth a sugary rush, a sweet ending to a delicious meal.

Ok, the chicken chop looked APPETIZINGly YUMMY!Will it taste as GOOD as it look? Well, as I cut it, it was soft, tender and juicy….and as I pop it into my mouth..Oh my….I closed my eyes and for a moment, I felt like Im in a chicken chop haven….Mmmm…so shiok,so delicious…so MAMAMIA! I like the grilledness in the chicken,the flavour…the robustness,the tingling sensation of a good food…not spicy although its black pepper…The mashed potatoes are YUM! Everything about it tasted so good, that if u closed ur eyes, ur mind will be duped thinking that it is from a 5 star restaurant or hotel. I LOVE IT!

And if u remember its words-”Where oldies are goodies”. They were definitely right…this is what chicken chop used to be, used to taste..it kinda bring back those rolling good times where food used to be exceptionally good…especially from street hawkers.This is the moment,they brought it back in just one taste…and more keep on rolling as u put more and more mouthfuls of chicken chop goodness.It was REAL GOOD!

And to make the best use of my trip here…I tried their ROSEMARY rack of ribs…

The lamb is fragrant and tender with rosemary flavours everywhere.It was abundant…It was GOOD too…The veggies are crunchy and fresh.The natural sweetness in it shout out-”oohlala….The garlic toast is good too…
Indeed Western Chow served good food with affordable price tags…where common people can enjoy and relaxed in a coffeeshop setting with friends and families without worrying about etiquettes of fork and spoon or making too much noise as we normally would in posh restaurants.

Overall verdict: Hi-5! Quality food from the heart…. the prices are quite reasonable and their servings are quite generous. For sure,Western Chow changed my passive mind on Western Food.It gives that sandy tongue a good rub and jolted my senses to reality,to cast more appreciatives reviews and a round of applause when its duly deserved.Well-done Western Chow!

For more menu options:

http://www.westernchow.com/Western_Chow/Menu.html

Location:

Blk 134, Lorong Ah Soo
#01-454, Singapore 530134
Halal-certified

http://www.westernchow.com/Western_Chow/Home.html

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From the first visit which I failed to get a taste of Western Chow, I head to the nearby prata shop.It was good! (below).the curry was thick.They make the pratas fresh only when order.So wait patiently….it was worth it! Read on about my “flogger guru” and his adventure..
http://ieatishootipost.sg/2010/02/prime-prata-my-idea-of-perfect.html

Do try their prata kosong and coffee….

Chicken Chop battle 1-Toa Payoh Fork & Spoon

Putri — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 06:28:52 +0000

One of the MBs told me that the western food in fork and Spoon (Toa Payoh branch) sells yummy chicken chop and has been featured in many newspapers.And so I decided to investigate.Arm with an empty tummy and sensitive nose, I went there early to beat the lunch crowd.I want them to serve me their bestest and not allowing the crowd to meddle into my food affairs.

As u can see,Im not a Western food fan unless, I crave for it.And so I waited till the very moment my body was starving for some Western meal affection thus I head down to check them out.

Psst..the truth is i had tasted a spoonful of chicken chop before from a colleague’s plate and it was good but I didnt really pay attention to it.Ya know, like I said, unless I am in the Western food mood, then the senses will wake itself up if not, i just let it pass me by..undetected.Im a kampung girl, I love the messyness and spicyness of asian food more *confession.

Ok as promised, Im gonna revealed the top chicken chops in my list (my own personal tastebuds,u can opt to differ).If u have read my previous posts, or u are one of many that is waiting for the names and locations to be revealed, well, hopefully u enjoy them as much as I enjoy eating them!

If u have no idea what am i babbling about…read the previous post..

http://www.putriberendam.com/singapore/east/battle-of-the-chicken-chops/

As I ordered, my eyes scanned its counter.There were newspaper cuttings of its food being featured in Chinese newspaper.The wait for the food was about 15minutes .

If u see the pics (below), I have not woken up yet.U see,when I mention western food, my mind is kinda lazy knowing that their flavours are more subtle,it fails to jolt me up (unlike indian breakfast rich with swirling mantras of colourful flavours).

Anyway, I like the way it was presented.Very pleasing to the eyes.Like there is an unspoken design layout which is a norm in 5 stars restaurant.But this is a foodcourt.Thus I became alert,the food was a message that the chef took his work seriously.He wanted the customers to love it in any angle from its presentation to its flavours, I guess.It comes in a whole package.It speaks out from his heart.

Hmm….

The chicken chop came with mushroom soup. The thick creamy mushroom hit my senses in the right direction.Mmm…the mind murmured softly as it continues to savour it slowly.Its not the best but its one of those better than average mushrooms soup u can get at a hawker centre price.Coleslaw was alright.The mashed potatoes is kinda curdy semi thick, tasted a bit like the unusual flavours of real potatoes.I dont really like it…but its alright.

Now for the real thing..the real deal…the real chicken….meat…

I like the blackpeppery sauce with broken bits of real black pepper seeds decorating the meat.It wasnt that overpowering yet,it fuses well with the tender juicy chicken that is dancing in my mouth as I was enjoying it.It was really tender and juicy.Every part and corner of the chicken chop was GOOD! It’s worth every kilojules that I’ve burnt while coming here…hi-4.3s!

Location:

Western Cuisine

Blk 470

Toa Payoh Lor 6

02-470

S(310470)

http://www.koufu.com.sg/outletf&s.html

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MBs ordered her favourite chow-the steamed white chicken rice.The skin was springy juicy.Yum!

And dont forget to eat some desserts while u are there!

p.s: The vegetarian food is good too…cos I ate them previous years but this time when I was there, the whole row of stalls (vegetarian,beef noodles..) do not have their HALAL cert displayed,it could be being renewed or whatever…(did ask the staff,they said their food is still halal) so take note…

Little India-Sheikh Najib Nasi Lemak

Putri — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:11:10 +0000

When I first moved in this vicinity, I discovered one of Little India’s gem-a lil quaint shop selling yummy nasi lemak, malay nasi padang (tasted like kampung food) and delicious savoury malay kuehs.And their operating hours are 3pm till 3am (but now it has changed to 7am till 3am) and they have 2 shops within the same row!!!

Even the chinese media had checked them out and featured them on tv.And the funny thing is that I found out the owner is kinda affiliated to a friend’s colleague so its kinda a weird coincidence.hee!

Ok, its been ages since I walk the memory lane.I think perhaps 2 years ago…

Went there at 7.30am…

With a beautiful array of kuehs staring at u, my sleepy eyes are immediately jolted from sleep and look with intense hungryness in them….

Oh there is a new addition..now they are selling prata and chicken rice (perhaps lunch hour)?! I saw an indian staff doing the prata and wondered whether Sheikh Najib is renting out the premise during breakfast..but then I saw a familiar face..a malay staff and my leapt with joy.As he scoop hot and piping fragrant nasi lemak ordered by customers, I know right then that nothing has changed..perhaps lil tweaks here and there and some menu changes…but the nasi lemak is still…as good…*sniffing that fragrance…Mmmm

We ordered their egg prata…it as alright.I felt the prata is a lil different.Felt like the prata is mixed with chappati flour or something,it felt kinda healthier almost wholemeal..Hmm…

As soon as we sat down, many joined us for early breakfast..mostly men going to work..

I eyed what their order was, it seems that the mutton curry or some sort seems yummy but my tummy is set for the nasi lemak which seems kinda generous early morning….

And ur visit to Sheikh Najis is never complete if u never taste their Malay kuehs which has been spread far and wide all over Singapore in major coffeeshops and eateries….and dont forget to ask for their iced teh tarek limau (iced tea with calamansi) and teh tarek ais (iced tea with milk)It tasted so good whenver I crave for malaysia street stalls, I just head here for that Malaysian flavour in these icey drinks….

As I finished up my meal, I saw many trays of food are coming out…noodles and lots….Wow!

Overall verdict: Still same generous shiok nasi lemak as before…with crunchy fried chicken wings,anchovies, and 2 eggs…and dollops of sweet homemade sambal….the malay kuehs, yummy as usual…I love it!As for the nasi padang, I have not tried it after 1-2 years…but just in case u wonder …check out my old posts on them (Im a fan of sheikh Najib’s food when I was staying near)

http://www.putriberendam.com/singapore/east/scrumptious-crunchilicious-currypuffs/

http://www.putriberendam.com/favourite-food/lemak-pucuk-ubi-dengan-tempoyak-fermented-durian/

http://www.putriberendam.com/favourite-food/pumpkin-in-coconut/

http://www.putriberendam.com/favourite-food/best-otah-sheikh-najib-shop/

http://www.putriberendam.com/favourite-food/sheikh-najibs-nasi-lemak-stall-some-changes/

http://www.putriberendam.com/favourite-food/sheikh-najib-revisited/

http://www.putriberendam.com/favourite-food/sheikh-najib-nasi-lemak-on-channel-8/

Sheikh Najib Nasi Lemak

18 rowell rd,

Singapore 207976
tel: 62457134

Operating hours: 7am-3am

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Ok as I proceed on with my “street shopping” at little India (I just love to wander off aimlessly in Little India cos u never know what u gonna see) …..I saw this restaurant …its not HALAL but its fascinating..to dine in with ur bare feet twiggling as u sat down…especially if its soggy after the rain and flash floods,puddles and after working 8-9 hours in them without any airing out, just imagine…the smell …hehe!By the way, what are the bottles for?Air fresheners? Hmm…

East Coast Road-Breakfast at Blk 1 and 2

Putri — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:15:23 +0000

Often as I was cruising to Kg. Siglap Mosque, I will see this restaurant kinda calling out my name to try their food there….

Alhamdulillah, here I am as early as 7.30am….
They sell everything from Malay breakfast like NAsi lemak and curry puffs to indian fare like roti prata,dosai and loads more….

I like their beverages and egg prata.The dosai is not bad too ..only a bit charred …
Mee rebus is not that thick but it tasted alright…like Malay Mee Rebus! (Sorry I dont see any malays in the kitchen, it seems to be an all indian male kitchen)
Both currypuffs if its warm..it will be good.If u like lots of onions in ur sardine puff,then this is for u…
As I wandered off to its vicinity to check out what else they have there..I saw a small Malay stall filled with customers.

I dunno what is the name of the shop,there is no signage….I dont think its called Siglap 5 Salon…
Oh,wow!SO many food so early in the morning?!!I love the rendang chicken!!YUMMY!!I bet the rest are as good as it looks.I tasted their lontong….felt so homecooked with love….

they also have other Malay breakfast fare….It has been operating since years back…

The right most kuehs (below) is quite popular….I think its name is Kueh Kaswee….Brown colour cup shaped eaten with white coconut shreds.

The rendang chicken is delicious and the lontong is good too!!

Ok,Im OFF to work in this HARLEY…VROOOOOOOOOOMMMM!!

Location:

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Pek Kio Market-Johan Muslim Food

Putri — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:33:18 +0000

Blk 41A Cambridge Road…

When I was living nearby, I love to buy their nasi lemak.Previously there were more choices like otah,fish cakes…but now the choices are limited but the food is still as generous and cheap!

There are only 2 Muslim stalls here…*sigh. Yeah,there are rows and rows of non-HALAL food.In fact some of the non-HALAL food are very popular and shown in media:TV/newspaper. I guess ,perhaps there are less muslims residing in this area…But it’s ok, there are lots of HALAL food right upfront…Mustafa Centre area and little india and not forgetting Bendemeer area….so u lose some but u WIN some…

They also sell typical Malay breakfast fare: Lontong,Mee Siam,Mee Rebus…and I think they closed early…perhaps during lunch time around 1-2pm…
Price is about $2.50…

Location:

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Little India-Sunday carnival

Putri — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:38:03 +0000

Oh WOW! Its Sunday already? Time sure fly by fast…..

Sunday is a holiday for most indian foreign workers in Singapore thus they will come to Little India for weekly gathering to catch up with friends and their community updates.Often,locals will try to avoid Little India on Sundays because it is congested but sometimes, I love to go with their flow and check up what’s happening…..

In one of the back alleys opposite Mustafa Centre…..@ muslim owned restaurant-Aliyah..

I have found a JULMURI SELLER.WOO-hoo!
He used a bucket for all the ingredients, add a spoonful of this and that and dash of liquid and hey PRESTO! Julmuri….fyi-The white thingy (below) are puffed rice which is one of the main ingredients..in this julmuri…

As I checked the Julmuri,it has nuts, chillies,rice pops,something crunchy like those fried four bits with spices….we love to buy in Indian shops/Mustafa…Sorry the name has escaped me…*5 mins later-Ah-ha!I know the fried flour bits are called “MURUKKU”.

All wrapped up and ready to go!Cost -$1 only.Can feed 2 persons.

As I taste a spoonful.It was fiery u can feel the spicyness only after some time.Wow…roar…*dragon breath .I think this will be a good snack for cinema goers…something like those “kacang putih”.All these snacks should be brought back and popularised….again!! Popcorns and corn chips with nacho cheese can never beat these retro kacang putih and julmuri…Sorry..

Previous post on Julmuri- http://www.putriberendam.com/tag/julmuri/

Nearing night fall, we head where the crowd is heading….

Located somewhere near Sungei Road…u can see some white tents were set up.Come let’s take a closer look…

Clothes,shoes are sold at cheaper prices….There are food stalls too!!

The food aint HALAL/cooked by muslims but its all vegetarian.There are lemon rice and assortments of rice…and they are CHEAP!

The teh tarek sold here is not bad!!

Only on Sunday, this place is open for cinema..open air.So when it rains, I wouldnt want to imagine…. But I think, I dont mind watching open air cinema drenched in rain.I love the rain! But going back will be a problem….hehhe!!

Do u see that white screen?That is the FREE CINEMA which normally start at 8pm.I heard there will be FREE food?Hmm….

Oh well, we did not wait for the cinema to start….

But in case, u prefer an indoor cinema….REX CINEMA has been refurbished?!!

But erm, no food allowed….even the cinema snack corner that sells Old Chang Kee fried fritters are not allowed in… But it’s ok, I prefer to enjoy my movies with no snacks…I want to focus…and I have habit of chewing very loud in quiet places…heheh!

As my eyes scanned thru the tiny shops that recently mushroomed at MacKenzie Road, I noticed the word HALAL in one of the poster….

OLE OLE satay selling Javanese Satay? I wonder how will it taste like?Hmm…
Previous posts:

http://www.putriberendam.com/2007/little-indias-treasures-1-briyani-rice/
http://www.putriberendam.com/2007/little-indias-treasures-2-what-is-julmuri/

http://www.putriberendam.com/bawean/little-indias-treasures-3-malay-rice/

http://www.putriberendam.com/cempedak/little-indias-treasures-4-tekka-market/

Plaza Singapura-$7.90+ Pizza hut lunch promotion

Putri — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:29:12 +0000

Around 11.30am, I was here at Plaza Singapura..all dressed up with my lucky boots…Sudden craving for pizza…

Wanted to go to Pastamania but it was dimly lit and the staff were discussing something…kinda like a meeting..then i proceed to Pizza hut..

A staff greeted me warmly and brightly…I was the only customer..and I believe they just opened for business …

Saw the lunch hour promotion set for $7.90++ includes soup of the day and soft drinks.5 mins later, the mushroom soup came.It was alright,thick and not bad…but the mushrrom felt the rawness as if it just exited from a packed can.

15mins later,the personal pan pizza came, hot and piping..I chose the meatier ones…I cannot recall the name…In this promotion, I can also choose pasta or baked rice instead of the pizza .But the varieties are limited.
Mmmm..watched me as I devoured this pizza on my own ….Often I had to share with many,this time Im on my own, WOO-hoo!
See those melted cheese webs…..Mmmmm…
Look at those big size minced meat…and pepperoni and Mmmm…
Overall verdict: Love it! I had always enjoyed dining in Pizza hut.But I do love other pizzas as well…If I favour a different type of taste, I would choose Oishi Pizza and if I am in a lazy mood, I opt to order Sarpino’s Pizza…the crust will taste good the next day even if I dont toast it again…and if I feel like eating LOADS then Canadian Pizza is the one for me (2 for the price of 1) ….YUM!! Ive always like Supreme and Hawaiian and this pizza is the closest to supreme.

And their customer service is exceptional.I dunno whether the constant flashes from my camera thru out the restaurant or is it my formal outfit today…but then as I indulge in the constant attention of the staff.I realised that the other couple (who just came in) did not have such luck.

They went to the toilet for 15minutes and the food was served when they were not there.and I think by the time they come back, it was already cold.But they did not complain, but I saw the looks on their faces kinda like ?!?!

If Im not wrong, when I was learning to be a pizza waitress, we were told to serve only when the customers are around.And if they werent, we need to bring it back and keep in a warmer or something…or perhaps wait till the customers are seated again before serving/cooking…whatever it is, enjoyment of the food in hot piping delicious flavours are always our top priorities…and they weren’t constantly asked by the staff whether they need anything…like me, I was asked almost every 10minutes…

travel tip/trick: to get good service in Singapore’s restaurant, bring ur camera and act important.Dress well, if u can…and then flash on the food, take many food pics ….as if u are a food taster..

total cost is about $9.30 (+GST+service charge and what TAX??)

My old posts on PIZZAs:

http://www.putriberendam.com/location/im-pastamaniak/

http://www.putriberendam.com/singapore/central/where-to-go-oishi/

http://www.putriberendam.com/delivery/oishi-pizza-2/

http://www.putriberendam.com/anchorpoint/disney/ (already closed)

http://www.putriberendam.com/singapore/central/fig-olive/

If u need all the delivery numbers at once, here it is:

http://pizza.sg/home_delievey_hotline.html

Other Pizza:

http://www.pizzadefrance.com/

http://www.canadian-pizza.com/home.asp

http://www.oishipizza.com/

http://www.sarpinos.com.sg/

http://www.canadian-pizza.com/home.asp

http://www.rite-pizza.com/

http://www.pelicanpizza.com.sg/menu/menu.html

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Plaza Singapura

68 Orchard Road

#B2-01/35

Plaza Singapura

Singapore 238839

http://www.pizzahut.com.sg/

Pasir Ris MRT-Ananas Cafe ($1.80 chicken rice)

Putri — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:16:52 +0000

I know about this franchise all over Singapore but never have the chance to dine here…Often, I will pack and go….They serves some of the cheapest food I ever known.Where else can u get HALAL chicken rice for $1.80?

Their lemon chicken, roasted chicken and steamed white chicken are all for grabs for only $1.80!!Wow!

So what shall I order?Everything smells so good here….

Roasted chicken rice (above) and lemon chicken rice (below)

The rest (below) are not $1.80 but quite affordable too.The malay food is slightly higher priced.But I love the sambal goreng..it has a rich flavours of coconut milk and its TASTY!And the rendang although its not that tender, but the gravy is MAMAMIA!!! Try it to believe it!

Mee Goreng tasted like malay fried noodles meant for breakfast.I like! A bit oily though…chicken wings not bad…

Fried fritters for breakfast…mostly VEGETARIAN….I like the fried ball with sesame seeds with greenbean paste.YUMMY!!Kueh Lapis and the vegetarian fried flour when dip with the thick sambal(homemade chilli sauce)is not bad….

Hey!There is another branch in the same row….but further off….

Just in case u wonder how it looked like-packed and to go…..

Overall,its cheap and good….They are opened as early as 7.30am….And i saw something steaming ..oh,they sell noodles too! Chinese fish ball noodles with soup and lots more!!Come here for a good breakfast to start your day!!And u get to save too…with their cheap prices!!

My favourites: Roasted chicken rice,fried sesame ball and nasi padang-sambal goreng and rendang.YUMMY!

Location:

Ananas Cafe
10 Pasir Ris Central
Singapore 519634

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