Located in Alumni Medical Centre along College Road is Ka-Soh Restaurant, a heritage restaurant which has been at Outram for 20 years.

Known for serving one of the best prawn paste chickens and fish head noodles in Singapore, Ka-Soh Restaurant will be closing its Outram outlet on 26 June 2022.

Established in 1939 as a pushcart stall, Ka-Soh Restaurant has more than 80 years of history under their belt.

Listed in the Michelin guide for the 2017 Bib Gourmand Awards, Ka Soh Restaurant is what you would expect from a typical Chinese restaurant which offers a wide selection of zi char dishes including a range of noodle dishes, fried rice, and plenty of side dishes.

No trip to Ka-Soh Restaurant would complete without having their Signature Fish Soup Noodles. One portion of sliced fish noodles will definitely fill you up as it is generously topped with fresh slices of fish.

Apart from the fish soup noodles, Ka-Soh Restaurant’s signature prawn paste chicken is a must-order dish.

Crispy, juicy and very fragrant, it is undeniably one of the best har cheong gai you can find in Singapore. You will find yourself reaching for another piece in no time.

Thankfully, Ka-Soh’s remaining outlet at 22 Greenwood Avenue will still be around and you can satisfy your cravings for their prawn paste chicken and fish soup there.

Ka-Soh Restaurant
22 Greenwood Ave
Singapore 289218

Hotel buffets need not be the most extravagant and fancy; we are happy if the food is good and the price is reasonable. Royale at Mercure Singapore Bugis has constantly been on our list of affordable buffet spreads in Singapore since its opening and we are giving you another reason to love them.

For the next three months, Royale is going to pay tribute to Asia’s dynamic flavours. The new Rasa Sayang BBQ Buffet is the next buffet with local spread to try. It is super value-for-money and it is like enjoying all your favourites at Chomp Chomp Food Centre in a comfortable air-conditioned environment for just one price.

From 01 June to 26 August 2018, indulge in a huge array of local goodies which features an extravagant lineup of over 30 local and Asian delights. You may quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 30% off the buffet upon making reservations from Sundays to Thursdays, and 20% off on Fridays and Saturdays. Do note that the discounts are not applicable on Father’s Day, Eve and Public Holidays and it is limited to a maximum of only 10 diners per booking.

DO IT YOURSELF STATION—ROJAK

Rojak is a dish that needs no further introduction. In Malay, ‘rojak’ is a word that means ‘mixture’. In Singapore, ‘rojak’ is a local “salad”. Essentially a salad tossed in sweet sauce, rojak compromises dough fritters, turnips, pineapples, cucumbers and jellyfish.

Look forward to the D.I.Y. rojak station at Royale where you can customise your rojak to your own liking. We like the sound of unlimited D.I.Y. rojak because it means we can add as many pineapple and dough fritters as we please!

OUTDOOR BBQ STATION

This time, Royale at Mercure Singapore Bugis has taken their buffet spread a notch up by featuring a live barbecue station outdoors. Think your favourite BBQ seafood stalls from Chomp Chomp, but even better because this is free flow!

You can indulge in a myriad of barbecued food items, which include ayam panggam, grilled squid, 3 different varieties of satays and everyone’s favourite grilled sambal stingray!

Just think about the value you are getting for the price you are paying—at your typical hawker centres, you pay an average of S$12 per sambal stingray; you pay S$26.60++ (on weekdays) here for endless servings. Isn’t it unbelievable?!

DO IT YOURSELF STATION—ASIAN BAO-WICH

Royale has decided to redefine ‘kong ba bao’. Choose from not 1, but 3 different types of meats.

Besides the classic Braised Five Spice Pork Belly, Royale also offers diners Nyonya Chicken and Black Pepper Beef fillings that sit in between soft, pillowy steamed mantou buns.

While the fatty and mildly sweet pork belly is surely a crowd-pleaser, we sang nothing but praises for the Nyonya Chicken, which had a really nice crispy skin. The Black Pepper Beef was well-marinated and came with a hint of spice, although the heat is not lip-smacking so children can enjoy this dish as can everyone else.

FRIED KWAY TEOW

Fried Kway Teow may not be what you’d expect to get at a hotel buffet but you would be thankful for this delight at Royale.

The Fried Kway Teow at Royale boasts smoky and robust flavours and every mouthful of this char kway teow is bursting with a complex charred aroma. This station will definitely be one that Singaporeans will be making multiple rounds to.

HAR CHEONG GAI

Trust us when we say that Royale’s version of Singaporeans’ favourite Har Cheong Gai is insanely addictive. The crispy and succulent prawn paste chicken is richly marinated in shrimp paste and just the aroma of this dish alone is enough to whet your appetite.

Royale has executed this dish so brilliantly such that die-hard fans of prawn paste chicken will definitely be pleased. 

WOK FRIED SALTED EGG YOLK PRAWNS 

Here in Singapore, we take our food trends seriously. The salted egg yolk trend is undisputedly one that will last for a long time and it is dishes such as the Wok Fried Salted Egg Yolk Prawns at Royale that keeps this food trend alive.

Royale’s rendition of salted egg yolk prawns definitely did not disappoint—the prawns were beautifully coated with a creamy, rich and piquant salted egg yolk coating which came with a hint of spiciness.

PAPER BAG OVEN-BAKED LAKSA CHICKEN

Having been marinated for 24 hours before being roasted in a paper bag, the tender meat of the chicken is a showstopper in its own right, especially when complemented with the luscious broth.

Royale’s version of the Singapore laksa broth differs slightly from the traditional ones—made with a blend of seven spices, the laksa broth which the chicken is doused in is rich and fragrant, bursting with a distinct spicy coconut flavour.

Every piece of chicken you have would have locked in the was creamy and full-flavoured laksa broth, making the tender chicken surprisingly flavourful.

SNAPPER FISH HEAD CURRY

The Fish Head Curry at Royale is a slightly tangier version and less spicy than what we had hoped for it to be, but it left an impression on us anyway. We were pleasantly surprised by the strong aroma and richness of the curry despite it being slightly watery.

Coupled with a variety of vegetables such as lady’s fingers and brinjal, this is one hearty dish that stood out in the line-up and is one that will make us return to the buffet for.

TRADITIONAL DESSERTS

Royale’s Rasa Sayang BBQ Buffet includes not just their usual sweet treats but also a repertoire of traditional local desserts which come with a modern twist.

Look forward to items such as Durian Crème Brûlée, Coconut Custard Tart and an assortment of Nonya Kueh—every one of their desserts is made fresh in-house. Don’t miss out on the classic Pandan Chiffon Cake sweetened with a layered of fluffy marshmallow, inspired by the nostalgic ice cream sandwich.

There is also a D.I.Y. Chendol station which will be part of the buffet spread—customise your dream chendol and end off your meal with this icy treat!

From 01 June to 26 August 2018, indulge in a huge array of local goodies which features an extravagant lineup of over 30 local and Asian delights. You may quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 30% off the buffet upon making reservations from Sundays to Thursdays, and 20% off on Fridays and Saturdays. Do note that the discounts are not applicable on Father’s Day, Eve and Public Holidays and it is limited to a maximum of only 10 diners per booking.

Rasa Sayang BBQ Buffet Details
1 June – 26 August 2018
Daily Dinner: 6pm – 10pm
Price: Adults—S$38++, S$68++*, Children—S$19++

*Inclusive of free flow wines and beer

Royale
Level 3, Mercure Singapore Bugis
122 Middle Road
Singapore 188973
Tel: +65 6521 6030 / or email HA0D7-FB1@accor.com
Buffet Dinner: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post is brought to you by Mercure Singapore Bugis.

Situated in Alumni Medical Centre along College Road is Ka-Soh Restaurant, a heritage restaurant which has been around for the past few decades. They are known to serve one of the best prawn paste chickens and fish head noodles in Singapore, so much that they were listed in the Michelin guide for the 2017 Bib Gourmand Awards.

Ka-Soh Restaurant started out in 1939 as a pushcart stall and now has almost 80 years of history under their belt. They currently have 5 branches worldwide—2 in Singapore, 2 in Malaysia and 1 in Indonesia.

Ka Soh Restaurant is what you would expect from a typical Chinese restaurant. Tucked away in a corner of Alumni Medical Centre near the Singapore General Hospital, some may face difficulty getting there; but once you do, you’d be gloriously rewarded.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT KA-SOH RESTAURANT

Boasting a rather extensive menu featuring mostly zi char fare, diners can take their pick from a wide variety of dishes, including a range of noodle dishes, fried rice, and plenty of side dishes.

KA-SOH’S SIGNATURE FISH SOUP NOODLES

No dining experience at Ka-Soh Restaurant would truly be complete without trying their Signature Fish Soup Noodles. One portion of sliced fish noodles (S$7.50) will definitely fill you up as it is generously topped with fresh slices of fish.

Ka-Soh Restaurant also offers larger portions that are meant to be shared amongst a group of 3 or more.

We heard that fish bones are boiled at high heat for six hours to give the soup a rich taste, which we reckon is what makes their sliced fish noodles stand out amongst others.

INSANELY FRAGRANT PRAWN PASTE CHICKEN

Besides the fish soup noodles, their prawn paste chicken (S$15.50) is a crowd favourite. While it is indeed slightly pricier as compared to the usual har cheong gai that one would usually get at coffee shops, it is undeniably one of the better versions you can find in Singapore.

This dish is a must-order when you are at Ka-Soh Restaurant—crispy, juicy and very fragrant, you will find yourself reaching for another piece in no time.

OTHER DISHES TO LOVE

The other dishes at Ka-Soh Restaurant are rather impressive as well. We had the Fish Slice with Tossed Hor Fun and Bean Sprouts (S$10)—which is also one of the most popular dishes on the menu—and it was delightful to say the least. Not only did it have a generous amount of fish slices, it had a prominent wok hei flavour that gave the dish another dimension to its taste.

The Hor Fun with Dark Sauce (S$9) is similar to the previous hor fun dish, and it also boasts a distinct wok hei, but it is milder since the dark sauce taste somewhat overpowers it. Or maybe it was just that dish we had.

Ka-Soh Restaurant did not get listed in the Michelin guide as a Bib Gourmand restaurant for no reason. They lived up to our expectations in terms of the flavours of their food and it is not surprising to see a huge crowd patronising their restaurant during peak hours.

It also has another branch at Amoy Street known as Swee Kee Fish Head Noodle House.

Ka-Soh Restaurant
Alumni Medical Centre
2 College Road
Singapore 169850
Tel: 6473 6686
Daily: 11:45am–2.30pm, 5.30pm–10.45pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

A well-known gem for quality brunch item and strategic location near Somerset MRT station, Oriole Coffee + Bar has recently expanded their menu and upped their game in the local cafe and bar scene.

Whether it is gourmet coffee that you are craving or alcohol for you to indulge in during a night out with your friends, Oriole Coffee + Bar posits as one of the best spots in town for you to have a meal at and chill out. Founded in 2008, this diner has an interesting concept as it transforms from a hipster cafe during the daytime to a snazzy bar by dusk.

We’ve been frequenting Oriole Coffee + Bar since its opening and we have to say that their food and coffee are consistently good—if not, getting better and better over the years—and it is one of our favourite cafes in Singapore.

From now until 31 May 2018, diners who spend S$35++ with Mastercard are treated to Oriole Coffee + Bar’s signature Har Cheong Gai at only $1++! Do note that the promotion is only valid from Monday through Friday, 11am to 3pm, excluding eve and day of public holidays at the Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard outlet.

THE CONCEPT

Oriole Coffee + Bar is essentially a specialty coffeehouse in the day and a bar by night. During the day, guests get to indulge in hearty meals while watching the skilled baristas in action as they create each cup of coffee with precision and care.

When night falls, get ready to be serenaded with live music as you knock down pints of beer or sip on cocktails throughout the night. Their all-encompassing drinks menu features cocktails, draft beers, wine and spirits.

Situated in Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard which is just right beside 313@Somerset, Oriole Coffee + Bar definitely does not fall short in terms of serving quality grub to cater to both locals and tourists around the area.

HEARTY ALL-DAY BREAKFAST ITEMS

Don’t we all love all-day breakfast items? If you are like us who cannot wake up early, Oriole Coffee + Bar has plenty of options for All-Day Breakfast meals, which are available from 8am to 6pm daily.

One of their highly recommended dishes is the Fully Loaded (S$22) that will surely, well, leave you loaded and fuelled. Choose how you would like your eggs to be cooked, and have them with 2 types of meat, maple-glazed bacon, roasted potatoes, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, baked bean and multigrain toast. There is also a gluten-free option for their multigrain toast!

For those with a smaller appetite and looking for a wholesome or vegetarian option, the Bircher (S$12) is a blend of healthy Greek yoghurt, rolled oats, fruits and granola.

COFFEE FOR THE DAY

Be it hot or cold coffee, Oriole Coffee + Bar will have you covered.

Coffee connoisseurs will definitely appreciate the effort taken by Oriole Coffee + Bar to offer the best brews in Singapore by travelling to countries like Ethiopia to source for beans and roasting them locally. Aside from single origin coffee brews, cold brews served black, with milk or non-dairy M.A.D milk (cold-pressed nut milk) are some crowd favourites you will be able to enjoy at the coffee specialty house.

In particular, the Death Cream (S$10++) is a special concoction of vanilla beans, espresso and cream – high level of caffeine well-balanced with the ensuing vanilla taste.

Otherwise, try their other signature in-house cold brew, Taisho White (S$8++), which is made using Oriole’s in-house signature Raven blend on the daily. Nitro cold brew lovers will be excited to hear that Oriole Coffee + Bar has recently introduced 5 different types of Nitro Cold Brew (S$7) too!

CLASSIC PIZZAS TO LOVE

This new addition to their extensive food menu is something to love. We sang nothing but praises for their Margherita Pizza (S$18), which was generously topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella, tomato confit, parmesan cheese and basil leaves.

This dish would be good for sharing amongst a group of friends—but we wouldn’t promise that you and your buddies will not be fighting over the last slice!

SEAFOOD OPTIONS

Also a newly introduced dish, the Pan-Seared Barramundi (S$26) features a fresh fillet with nutty romesco sauce.

They also have other seafood options, such as Garlic Prawn Risotto (S$25) and classic Fish and Chips (S$20).

TRUFFLE MAC AND CHEESE

Do not be fooled by their Truffle Mac and Cheese (S$24) which is seemingly unappealing because the flavours are actually very on point. Unlike many dishes that claim to have truffle yet do not have a hint of truffle taste, the taste of truffle in this dish was extremely piquant for us.

Imagine freshly baked macaroni in cheese and topped off with chunky pieces of crabmeat, crunchy corn and then rounding it all up with aromatic truffle oil; it is any cheese lover’s wildest dreams come true.

PHILLY CHEESE STEAK

Open up their Philly Cheese Steak (S$18) to find a chock full of well-marinated beef, mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions, mushrooms and capsicums sandwiched between toasted ciabatta bread.

With just the right proportion of the various ingredients, the sandwich is neither overwhelmingly sweet nor salty, making it very well-balanced.

FINGER FOOD

Look forward to close to 10 bar snack choices which are available from 11am onwards daily. These snacks go hand-in-hand with their beers and cocktails!

For an insanely addictive snack for sharing with friends, the Spam Fries (S$12++) is THE bar snack you have to get when you are at Oriole Coffee + Bar. Thick cuts of luncheon meat are deep-fried until crispy, making this sinful side the perfect accompaniment to your bubbles and ice-cold beer.

Oh what can we say, really? This is a guilty pleasure we are willing to forgo our diet for!

HAR CHEONG GAI AT ONLY S$1++

We have yet to meet a Singaporean who doesn’t enjoy Har Cheong Gai (S$16++). For the uninitiated, Har Cheong Gai is actually deep-fried chicken wings marinated with shrimp paste.

From now until 31 May 2018, Mastercard® cardholders can enjoy an exclusive deal—a serving of Har Cheong Gai at only S$1++ (U.P. S$16++) with a minimum spend of S$35++ on a la carte items in a single receipt.

Simply pay using any local or overseas Mastercard® credit or debit card to enjoy this deal! This promotion runs on weekdays from 11am to 3pm.

BAR BY DUSK

At 7pm daily, Oriole Coffee + Bar will feature a live band to bring out the chill vibes for the perfect ambience to have a glass of cocktail or beer after work. The outdoor seats will give you the best view of the live performances while you enjoy your meals and/or drinks.

We reckon that we aren’t the only ones who love their concept of ‘Café by Day, Bar by Dusk’, right? Besides whipping up quality grub and serving gourmet coffee, get some alcoholic drinks here at Oriole Coffee + Bar at night after a long day at work!

Oriole Coffee + Bar
96 Somerset Road, #01-01, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard
Singapore 238163
Sundays to Thursdays: 8am – 11pm
Fridays and Saturdays: 8am – 12am
Tel: 6238 8348
Nearest Station: Somerset

This post is brought to you by Oriole Coffee + Bar.

We are seeing a rapid growth in F&B establishments that are experimenting with mod-sin cuisine. Known as ‘Modern Singaporean’ cuisine, this cooking style takes on an innovative approach with local dishes and it requires plenty of time for research and development in order to get the recipes right.

Jiakpalang Eating House is an up-and-coming casual restaurant along Alexandra Road that offers local Zi Char dishes with a twist. Driven by his passion for food and cooking, the restaurant’s executive chef Nixon Low gained some experience assisting in the kitchen before starting his own business.

Some of the interesting dishes you can expect at Jiakpalang Eating House are Charcoal Katarosu Pork Collar slathered with Kopi “C” sauce, Cereal Pan Seared Foie Gras and “Assam” Pulau Ubin Sea Bass. If you are getting tired of the usual Zi Char dishes, why not give this place a try?

Jiakpalang Easting House is a great lunch spot for executives who are working nearby. During lunch, the restaurant serves up delicious rice bowls set at affordable prices that would not burn a hole in your wallet.

Some of the flavours you can look forward to indulging include Sesame Soy Chicken Rice Bowl (S$6.90) and Cereal Prawn Rice Bowl (S$13.90).

Photos Credit: Jiakpalang Easting House

If not, pop by for dinner with your family—the restaurant’s dinner menu features an unconventional take on Singaporean delicacies such as Yuzu Lala Clams (S$12), “Ang Ji Kao” Stout-Braised Beef Cheek ($17) and Har Cheong ($13).

Jiakpalang Easting House
456 Alexandra Road
#01-04/06, Fragrance Empire Building
Singapore 119962
Tel: +65 6266 8511
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 10pm
Sat: 6pm – 10pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Labrador Park

Over the years and especially in recent times, a new wave of mod-sin gourmet interpretations have been taking Singapore’s dining scene by storm and we are now seeing more and more unique East-meets-West creations. The terminology ‘mod-sin’ stands for modern Singaporean and refers to the interesting marriage of local delicacies and western classics, and should be a harmonious blend of flavours that complement each other.

With that simple but important focus, redpan at Marina Square – a hidden gem we fell in love with lately – has created a comprehensive menu of fusion inventions that have successfully combined the best of both worlds.

A little fun fact: redpan is an exciting collaborative venture between local architectural company DP Architects and homegrown The Food Explorer Group, who is behind Grub.

From Truffle Floss Fries, Prawn & ‘Hae Bi Hiam’ Pasta and Banana Donuts ‘Milo Dinosaur’, redpan’s menu drove us crazy and we actually cannot pick just one favourite. Well, our lunch was good and these were what we had.

To enhance the theme and celebrate local design, the designers from DP created a multi-functional space that is warm, vibrant and conveys a sense of chic, with its custom-made wooden curves.

Design accents, like the custom-designed hanging glass feature comprising 2,000 glass pieces individually adjusted by hand over weeks, celebrate local creativity and craftsmanship complementing the food.

#1 CHAR SIEW CHILLI FRIES

Why settle for plain old boring French fries when you can have a deluxe version topped with a familiar ingredient? redpan’s Char Siew Chilli Fries (S$7++) is quite a showstopper with its homemade char siew ragout, jalapeño salsa and sour cream toppings. Think of it like the Singapore-style chilli con carne fries.

#2 TRUFFLE FLOSS FRIES

However, it is the insane Truffle Floss Fries (S$8++) that we will return religiously for. This mouthwatering rendition of Truffle Fries is one of the best we ever had. Cooked in truffle aioli and topped with chives and chicken floss, this starter is a blend of contrasting flavours that is totally worth every calorie. Damn, it’s addictive to say the least!

#3 PORK POPS

If fries are not your thing, then order the Pork Pops (S$9++). Presented in a red ceramic dish, the deep-fried marinated pork belly entree is complemented with a refreshing mango sauce that we couldn’t stop dipping our bites in.

#4 STEAK & CHINCHALOK

Chinchalok is a spiced Malaysian condiment made from chilli, lime juice, shallots and shrimp paste. Truth to be told, we were rather skeptical about the unlikely combination of fermented shrimps atop grilled steak. But we were to find out that the combination is an unconventionally brilliant one. The pickled onions might overpower the steak a little, but that was fine. We enjoyed this dish a lot.

#5 PRAWN & ‘HAE BI HIAM’ PASTA

Who would have thought that a Southeast Asian approach to a prawn pasta would produce such an extraordinary outcome? redpan’s Prawn & ‘Hae Bi Hiam’ Pasta (S$16++) is a huge plate of al dente tagliatelle tossed with handcrafted sambal and fresh sautéed prawns. You might want to know that the spicy shrimp paste is prepared with renowned Chef Mervyn Phan’s grandmother’s recipe.

#6 ‘HAR CHEONG’ CHICKEN CUTLET

redpan has extracted the key essence of Singaporeans’ beloved tze char dish prawn paste chicken wings (a.k.a. har cheong gai) and infused its flavours into a succulent chicken cutlet. Yes, that’s right – a plump chicken thigh that has been coated and marinated with aromatic shrimp paste before being deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown. The juicy cutlet is served with fragrant smashed potatoes, and you bet it totally won us over.

#7 100% NATURAL PORK BELLY ‘BAK KUT TEH’*

All hail the 160-gram seared pork belly (S$21++)! This main course is definitely far from what we all know of the local pork ribs soup. Instead, the fork-tender meat is a semi-dry version that is lavishly soaked in a thick, viscous peppery bak kut teh sauce and served with deep-fried crunchy dough fritters.

#8 BEEF SHORT RIB ‘SATAY’*

redpan’s Beef Short Ribs ‘Satay’ (S$32++) is another surprise and what we would totally use as a definition of mod-sin cuisine. Think 400 grams of soft, fleshy beef that has been sous vide to tenderness before being drenched in rich satay sauce and garnished with onions and pickled cucumber. Robust in flavour, and nothing short of delight in every bite.

#9 SALMON ‘KUNING’*

The Salmon Kuning (S$24++) features a generous slab of fish that is wonderfully delicate on the inside and finished off with a grilled crispy skin topped with kaffir lime aioli and curry powder. Not the most exciting dish, but we actually couldn’t stop eating this because it is a simple fish dish that is very comforting.

#10 CORNFED MAGRET DUCK BREAST*

Cornfed Margret Duck Breast (S$26++) is a fancy-looking poultry main that has been glazed with kechap manis (Indonesian sweet sauce), drizzled with cherry compote and decorated with yummy tropical pomegranates. Highly recommended and it is one of our favourites amongst the lot.

#11 RED DATE BUTTER CAKE

Desserts are incredibly pricey these days, so imagine our surprise when we discovered that redpan’s sweet treats cost no more than S$8++.

Red Date Butter Cake (S$8++) is an interesting hybrid between a sticky date pudding and butter cake. Served warm and moist, we love how the caramel date sauce and vanilla ice-cream elevated the richness of the cake.

#12 ‘TEH HALIA’ CREME BRÛLÉE

Teh Halia refers to our local beverage of ginger milk tea, and redpan is possibly the one and only restaurant in Singapore to serve such an exotic creation of ‘Teh Halia’ Creme Brûlée (S$7++). This dessert is really a classic creme brûlée infused with ginger tea. The taste of ginger is actually extremely subtle and the dessert remains sweet overall, so even if you are not a fan of ginger’s spiciness, this dessert is for you all the same!

#13 BANANA DONUTS ‘MILO DINOSAUR’

We actually haven’t met any Singaporean who does not like Milo Dinosaur. Guess what’s new, guys? Banana Donuts ‘Milo Dinosaur’ (S$7++) at redpan! This never-seen-before dessert is made up of banana spherical doughnuts that has a very lovely doughy texture that is slightly sticky. Served with milo crumbs, condensed milk and hazelnuts. Top up S$3.50++ to add a scoop of vanilla ice-cream, this is definitely the best dessert in the house!

*These items are only available from 5.30pm onwards.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

redpan
6 Raffles Boulevard
#02-03/04 Marina Square
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6255 5850
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

This post is brought to you by redpan.

Having been in the scene for almost 6 years now, Everything with Fries is a familiar name to most. A bistro concept by the folks behind renowned local chocolate brand Awfully Chocolate, you can be absolutely sure that the folks put in the same amount of dedication and precision in their food here.

Do not be confused with their (even more) casual concept at Orchard Central (OC). EwF is presented in more of a grab-and-go fast food style, whereas Everything with Fries at Holland Village is more of a sit-down, table-service style and a tad more refined.

Of soups, salads and desserts, here is what we loved about Everything with Fries at Holland Village.

Exclusive to Ladyironchef readers: flash this post or quote ‘Ladyironchef’ to receive a complimentary cup of Nutella Shake (worth S$8), limited to one free cup per receipt (valid till 31 December 2015).

SIGNATURE FLAVOURED FRIES

The name of the restaurant literally beckons – you can never miss out on this. Even after six years, the fries are still as good, if not better than when we had them way back then. If you think truffle fries are boring and overrated, you need not settle, because there is something even better here – Curry Fries (S$8).

Yes, this humongous sharing plate is for just S$8 and we honestly cannot get sick of it. Our favourite flavour yet!

ONE-OF-A-KIND SALADS THAT ARE ACTUALLY DELICIOUS

Some times, salads are just thrown in to the menus for the sake of it and from experience, we know that not all restaurants put in thoughts into their salads as they would with mains as desserts. And you will not have this problem here at Everything with Fries.

If salad is the only thing you are feeling that day, know that Everything with Fries has two amazing options for you – Chunky Peanut Butter Slaw (S$10) and Battered Tofu Salad (S$10). Don’t be intimidated by the former. We, too, were a little nervous when we first had it, but the flavours and textures somehow worked and reminded us of rojak.

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP RE-INVENTED

Regulars of Everything with Fries and EwF would be familiar with their classic One Egg Soup (S$8). How about a change now? We suggest you try the Chicken Noodle Soup (S$8) and we can bet it is nothing like you’ve ever had before.

Shredded chicken wrapped up in thin layers of pasta, simmered in a very rich chicken broth. Have it warm and it will remind you of home.

GREAT SHAKES

What’s a hearty meal without milkshakes, right? Choose from flavours such as Mega Milo Dino, Horlicks & Maltesers, Nutella and even Butterscotch (S$8 each). Everything with Fries does awesome milkshakes that are so thick and substantial, so we’d suggest these for sharing.

HEARTY MAINS OF BURGERS, SANDWICHES & MORE – ALL WITH FRIES

Now, it is time for the good stuff – the mains! We are probably the biggest fans of The HJK (S$17) or Har Jeong Kai burger. It is basically a prawn-paste marinated chicken leg, deep-fried and sandwiched between perfectly toasted buns. No, really. You are missing out in life if you haven’t tried this.

The Great Burger (S$16) is for all you beef lovers, and it is guaranteed to make your tummies oh-so-satisfied! A huge 180g beef patty is paired up with red cheddar roux, cherry tomatoes and crispy bacon.

We have this usual problem with overly-cooked beef patties in burgers, but thankfully, the standard at Everything with Fries is consistent and we are often pleased with the patty’s juiciness.

We always love the flavours of tandoori chicken and Everything with Fries does a great Tandoori Chicken Sandwich (S$15). Look forward to a well-marinated chicken leg, and the accompanying side of smokey sea salt fries sure completes this dish.

On days when something simple does the trick, go for the Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwich. We call it Ham & Cheese XXL, because this big serving is sure to fill you up.

MORE THAN JUST BURGERS AND FRIES

Here’s where the Japanese flavours come in. The Miso Baked King Salmon (S$23) is one of our favourite dishes at Everything with Fries. The miso crust on the salmon adds a beautiful saltiness that cuts through any fishiness that you might be afraid of, and when paired up with very apt wasabi fries, it left us craving for more.

Don’t write the classics off just yet. The Battered Fish (S$18) is a pretty darn good. With a crisp exterior and a glistening centre, the dish is served with a side of very addictive sea salt & malt vinegar fries. Deep fried everything always works for us.

NEWLY-LAUNCHED ‘ICE CREAM ACCIDENT’ DESSERT & MORE

Our jaw dropped when this crazy dish reached our table and we could not wait to tuck into it. The ‘Ice Cream Accident’ (S$8.90) will be launched on 01 December 2015. Dark chocolate ice cream (a slightly lighter version of everyone’s favourite Hei ice cream from Awfully Chocolate) is topped on a bed of vanilla bean cream, covered in chocolate soil.

We all loved the variety of textures and flavours of this dessert. Heck, it might just be the best accident ever!

We know you have seen the Gula Melaka Doughnuts from its sister restaurant, Sinpopo Brand but this is just a slightly different version. Here at Everything with Fries, the doughnuts are coated with butterscotch instead, and served with a side of affogato.

And because we have a penchant for citrusy desserts, the Lemon Yogurt Cake (S$9) was a delight.

During Everything with Fries’ Happy Hour (after 9pm), you can get Asahi, Heineken, Hoegaarden, and Corona at S$10 for 2, as well as Erdinger Dark/Light at S$18 for 2.

But you know what is even better? You can enjoy this Happy Hour promotion at any time of the day with the order of a main dish!

Everything with Fries
Holland Village
40, Lorong Mambong
Singapore 227695
Tel: +65 6463 3741
Mon to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Holland Village

This post is brought to you by Everything with Fries.

EwF by Everything With Fries has changed our perceptions of fast-food concepts forever. It is common to assume that fast food – especially burgers – will be lacklustre. And boy, were we totally wrong!

EwF by Everything with Fries currently has two outlets at Bugis Junction and Orchard Central and it serves scrumptious gourmet burgers prepared with fresh meats, and the fluffy buns are all made from scratch. Fries lovers are also in for a treat. Well, because it is Everything with Fries, right? Five irresistible flavours of fries – Sour Cream and Onion, Barbeque, Curry, Garlic, and Truffle - await you!

Besides the delicious burgers and fries, EwF’s menu also features sinfully tasty side orders, drool-worthy desserts and a variety of hot and cold drinks. Prices at EwF are extremely budget-friendly, especially when the portions are more than substantial. A mouthwatering burger combo (inclusive of a burger, fries and beverage of your choice) starts from an affordable S$11.90.

From now till 30 Sep 15, quote ‘Ladyironchef’ to receive a complimentary meal upsize when you order any burger set at EwF by Everything with Fries in Bugis Junction.

Thanks to EwF by Everything with Fries, gourmet quality burgers are now made accessible to those with financial and/or time constraints. Indeed, we were surprised by how their decadent ala carte burgers start from a reasonably low price of S$8.90. There is an optional add-on of S$3 to complete your meal with fries and drinks!

As the brand name suggests, EwF is famous for their amazing fries. Priced at S$4.90 per portion, you can choose from the following four flavours – Sour Cream and Onion, Barbeque, Curry and Garlic. The Truffle option is S$5.90.

Deep-fried to perfection with crisp exteriors and fluffy insides, we found ourselves having no problems devouring countless helpings of these addictive piping hot fries. Our absolute favourite is Sour Cream and Onion; what about you?

EwF is so confident of their signature Har Jeong Kai Chicken Wings (S$6.90) that they have proclaimed them to be the ‘Best Wings in the World’. For non-locals, Har Jeong Kai is a popular Singaporean dish of fried chicken wings marinated with fermented shrimp paste. The crispy, fragrant and juicy wings are served with a sambal chilli dip. We were sold upon sinking our teeth into the sizzling wings, and you have no clue how we always crave for them.

EwF’s culinary interpretations with Har Jeong Kai have extended to their burgers. You would want to hear this – the Har Jeong Kai Burger (S$8.90/ala-carte, S$11.90/meal) features a succulent prawn paste chicken leg sandwiched between two delicate handmade sesame buns, then topped with mayonnaise.

Everything With Fries is the first restaurant in Singapore to create Har Cheong Kai and it has gained a legion of fans since its first appearance in its flagship store at Holland Village and we are unabashedly one of them. Do we even need to justify?

Besides the best-selling Har Jeong Kai Burger, there are also a few other Asian-inspired burger inventions at EwF, such as the semi-spicy Tandoori Chicken Burger (S$8.90/ala-carte, S$11.90/meal) and Hainanese Pork Chop Burger (S$8.90/ala-carte, S$11.90/meal).

The former has been a longstanding favourite among its regulars, while the latter is a relatively new dish that has been no less popular. We like that that it is topped off with a sunny side-up, because simple goodness like this always works.

If none of these unique burgers appeal to you, opt for their classic beef burgers. Those with bigger appetites should order the Double Decker (S$11.90/ala-carte, S$14.90/meal), which is essentially a juicy double patty beef burger stuffed with melting cheese and other goodness. It is worth mentioning that despite being a fast food restaurant, the buns and sauces are all handmade.

On to the sweets. We always save some space for desserts, yes?

EwF is not just a destination for burgers, or fries for that matter. Their desserts are so impressive that we dare say they are truly worth the extra calories. The highly acclaimed Nutella Tart with Ice Cream (S$8.90) – another original creation by Everything With Fries – consists of rich pure Nutella filling with Nutella glaze over an oreo biscuit crumb-based tart, still tasted as good as the ones we had in yesteryears. Yipe, we have been fans since Day One.

The Browned Butter Sugee Cake (S$6.90) is an interesting adaptation of the local brown sugar sponge cake. Light and with a surprising crisp texture on the top, the sweet slice of cake is covered with almond streusels and coated in browned butter fudge. It is a definite must-try, and we actually found ourselves caught in between this and the Nutella Tart. Can we just have the best of both worlds? You won’t judge us, right?

Last but not least, the Nutella Crepe (S$6.90) is an exclusive treat to EwF. A millefeuille-like nutella pastry with twenty alternating layers of paper-thin chocolate crepes and nutella cream filling, this is not as decadent as Nutella Tart, so if you still want your Nutella fix, this makes a great alternative.

Need more to satisfy that nutella obsession of yours? Indulge further with a cup of Hot Nutella (S$5.90/regular, S$6.90/large).

Otherwise, we say give the Katong Jelly (S$4.50) a go! It is a concoction of pink lemonade and fresh agar-agar jelly that are made and “grated” in-house daily.

For the uninitiated, Katong Jelly is a long-lost Katong drink which disappeared from Singapore about 20 years ago. The good people at Everything With Fries wanted to bring back the nostalgic taste of Katong so they went on a quest around the neighbourhood to ask the old residents about the drink.

As mentioned earlier, from now till 30 Sep 15, quote ‘Ladyironchef’ to receive a complimentary meal upsize when you order any burger set at EwF by Everything with Fries in Bugis Junction.

EwF by Everything With Fries
200 Victoria Street
#04-05, Bugis Junction
Singapore 188021
Tel: +65 6338 0135
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post is brought to you by Everything With Fries.

A few weeks ago, I received an email from a reader, telling me about Master Crab Seafood Restaurant, a cze char place in Ghim Moh near De Burg burgers. The title of her email was: “best crabs in Singapore“. I think that pretty much sums it up.

Anyway, I could not stop thinking about the yummy crabs, so a few days later, I brought my family to Master Crab for dinner. Apparently, Master Crab Seafood Restaurant also has branches in Choa Chu Kang (Sunshine Place), Compassvale, and Punggol.

I was a little alarmed when my family wanted to have the Black Pepper Crabs as we had Chilli crabs recently. Luckily, I managed to convince them that it is a must to try the famous Singapore Chilli Crab since it was our first time at this crab restaurant.

Sad to say, Master Crab’s Chilli Crab ($48/kg nett) was lackluster – I could not quite put a finger to it, but the chilli gravy was kind of weird.

If you go to Master Crab Seafood Restaurant, order their Salted Egg Yolk Crab instead. Covered with a golden-yellow sauce, the Salted Egg Yolk Crab was magnificent. The sauce, in particular, was rich and very tasty. I am certainly not the first person, nor the last, to sing its praises.

It’s been said before, and I shall say it again: crab prices are getting ridiculous in zi char restaurants. I understand why seafood restaurants like Seafood Paradise and NoSignBoard need to charge $40ish/kg as they are paying higher rentals. But it does not make sense to me why Zi Char places are charging the same amount.

Master Crab’s har cheong kai ($8) was not too bad. It had a thicker coat of flour which gave it a nice crispy skin.

We wanted to order something different from what we usually have, so we went for the Deep-fried Youtiao Fritter ($8), which was run-of-the-mill.

The Scallop Asparagus ($15) was nothing like the menu’s photo, it only had a few tiny scallops. For that kind of price, I would rather order two different vegetable dishes.

Master Crab Seafood Restaurant, like the name suggests, is a good cze char place to go for their crabs. The other dishes are pretty standard, nothing outstanding. The other signature crabs on the menu are: crab bee hoon and stewed crab with vermicelli.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Master Crab Seafood Restaurant
Blk 19 Ghim Moh Road #01-229
Tel: +65 6314 1868

Master Crab Compassvale
Blk 277 Compassvale Link #01-13
Tel: +65 6555 6515

Master Crab Choa Chu Kang
Blk 475 Choa Chu Kang Ave 3 #01-31
Tel: +65 6764 9487

Master Crab Punggol Field
Blk 108 Punggol Field #01-01
Tel: +65 6425 8079

Master Crab Punggol Drive
Blk 639 Punggol Drive #01-07
Tel: +65 6425 9435

Keng Eng Kee Seafood restaurant at Alexandra Village used to be my family’s favourite Cze Char place. It has been a while since our last visit here so we decided to drop by for dinner last week.

Besides the good food, some of the regulars probably go to Keng Eng Kee Seafood because the Zi Char Stall has an air-conditioned dining area just opposite the coffee shop.

It was a tough call between the Chilli Crab and Salted Egg Yolk Crab, but eventually we went for the latter as it was apparently a signature dish of Keng Eng Kee restaurant.

The sauce of the Salted Egg Yolk Crab ($39/kg) was very thick, and had a subtle spicy taste. I probably had better salted egg yolk crabs elsewhere before, but this was pretty decent.

We wanted to have Hot Plate Beancurd but it was not available on Keng Eng Kee’s menu. But it was not so bad since the Claypot Beancurd was a good replacement.

The Sambal Kangkong was well done. It was spicy but not to the extent of being tongue-numbing. The small portion comes at $6.

I was quite disappointed that Sweet and Sour Pork is also not available under the Pork section. But there are interesting options like Golden Pork Ribs, Coffee Pork Ribs and Claypot Pork Liver to choose from. We were intriguied by the Claypot Pork Liver as not many cze char restaurants serve it.

Just look at all the oil used to cook the liver! The Claypot Pork Liver ($8) is definitely not for the faint-hearted. But it sure was tasty.

Prawn Paste Chicken is a very popular zi char dish and there are different variations for it. I’ve had very good Har Cheong Kai before, so I was actually looking forward to the ones at Keng Eng Kee. Unfortunately, the Har Cheong Kai ($8) here was quite disappointing: the chicken was very small, and I felt that the shrimp paste marination was rather weak. I’d probably go for the Crispy Roasted Chicken or the Marmite Chicken next time.

I was quite impressed with the waiting time at Keng Eng Kee Seafood. The Cze Char restaurant was almost packed when we were there for dinner, yet they managed to serve most of the dishes within 10 minutes.

The food at Keng Eng Kee Seafood was pretty good and it was a bonus that everything came quickly. Prices are what you’d expect from a typical zhi char place, but the portions served were slightly smaller.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Keng Eng Kee Seafood
Blk 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-136 Alexandra Village Singapore
Tel: +65 6272 1038

Operating Hours:
Daily: 11.30am – 2pm, 5pm – 11pm

“Shall we go and have the best Har Cheong Gai in Singapore?”

When I saw this conversation between my friends on twitter, I knew that I must try the best chicken wings in Singapore that they were talking about. We even created a blackberry group nicknamed: har cheong gai to discuss and plan for our assault at No. 5 Emerald Hill Cocktail Bar for their famous chicken wings which are marinated with shrimp paste.

‘Food Blogger conned to No. 5 Emerald Hill with the lure of best chicken wings in Singapore.’ After praising the chicken wings to the sky, my friend was a little worried about my expectations of it, and teased me with this headline.

When the waiter brought the basket of chicken wings ($17 for 6) to our table, my brain was whispering to the stomach: you know what, this better be good!

“Dear god, or whoever that is listening, please, please let the No. 5 Emerald Hill’s chicken wings be the best prawn paste chicken in Singapore.” I prayed. I took one by the side, and placed it carefully into my mouth. At that point, I did not care whether or not the wings would burn my tongue and make me go oww. As sadistic as it might sound, I’d probably remember the har cheong kai better if it burnt me.

Anyway, No 5 Emerald Hill’s Har Cheong Kai was extremely crispy. It wasn’t oily, nor was it too dry. The wings were great as finger food, the perfect snack to wash down with a jug of cold icy beer. While they were excellent as chicken wings, one would probably not classify them as Har Cheong Kai since the prawn paste flavor wasn’t strong enough.

While the pizza wasn’t outstanding, it was not too bad for pub grub. Thin-crust, light and not too filling: the excuse for you to eat again after dinner.

The fish from the “Fish and chips” was disappointing. The saving grace was the fries, which quickly filled our stomach.

“Why does the beef stew tastes like salmon?” This was one of the funniest comments made when we were at No. 5 Emerald Hill. It actually tasted like a normal beef stew to me. Nothing fanciful, something warm and hearty to go along with the bread.

* * *

No. 5 Emerald Hill Cocktail Bar has a 1-for-1 Martini for just $16 (from 9pm to 1am), which is a very good deal. Martini plus chicken wings after a long day at work? Sounds like a plan to me.

Edited (I forgot to include this para): I had a shock when I first stepped into No. 5 Emerald Bar. Everyone was throwing empty peanut shells on the floor. If you want to litter in Singapore without getting fine, No. 5 Emerald Bar is probably the place to go! Even though it was a little awkward initially, the place soon unleashed the monster in me. It felt so liberating to throw empty peanut shells onto the floor!

Do you have any recommendations of any good pubs/bars in Singapore to chill out?

// The Emerald Hill restaurants and pubs are located directly opposite 313 @ Somerset and Orchard Central.

Restaurant Bar Review
No. 5 Emerald Hill Cocktail Bar
5 Emerald Hill Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6732 0818

Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon is one of the Zi Char Stalls in Singapore that my family frequently visits. But it has since relocated to the Jumbo Coffee Shop at Dover Crescent, so we decided to go to Ming Kitchen Seafood Restaurant at Holland Drive instead.

Do you like prawn roll?

It has always been my favorite childhood dish and I can easily eat a dozen of them at one go. The crisp and crunchy Prawn rolls ($8) are good on its own, but I would prefer to dip it into the sweet and tangy sauce.

In my books, the Shrimp Paste chicken or Har Cheong Kai ($8) is definitely one of the must-order Zi Char dishes. I’m not very good at fighting temptations. Especially not when the chicken is marinated with the fragrant shrimp paste and deep fried to a handsome shade of golden brown.

Even though Ming Kitchen Seafood Restaurant’s rendition was fairly competent, I couldn’t put a finger to what’s missing. This is not the best har cheong kai in Singapore.

The Sambal Kangkong ($6) was extremely spicy. I know it seems nothing out of the blue since I don’t take spicy food very well. But trust me on this, the sambal kangkong here was really spicy. Has anyone tried the sambal Kangkong from Ming Kitchen Seafood Restaurant before?

I’m usually not a big fan of Bee Hoon or Hor Fun. So it’s rather surprising that I had a sudden urging for San Lou Hor Fun ($5) that day. It was decent, nothing extraordinary — I just wished that they would put more bean sprouts though.

* * *

Do you know: Ming Kitchen Seafood Restaurant actually has more than 10 Zi Char stalls in Singapore? I was surprised when I saw the number of branches on their menu, and hey, there might just be one in your neighborhood!

Okay I need some help here. Please share with us where’s the best Zi Char in Singapore.

Hawker Food Review
Ming Kitchen Seafood Restaurant
46 Holland Drive #01-359