Xin Wang Hong Kong Cafe @ JEM, Jurong East Singapore

This place serves a wonderful array of different cuisines, ranging from Hong Kong to Western, to Baked Portugese rice, Chinese and the list goes on. Be it porridge, noodles, rice, bread, steak, fries, Bee Hoon, you name it, it's there on the menu.

My friends and I decided YOLO s0 we had desserts as appetizers. =) Presenting, the mighty tall Ying Yong Snow Ice.

Ying Yong Snow Ice (SGD 6.50)

It was so tall that we didn't know how to dig in! Do we start from the bottom where all the sweetness and goodness is and destroy the foundation of this mighty tower?? Or do we start from the top where it was nothing but ice and a bit of corn and risk toppling the whole structure over? Some BIG decisions to make over dinner. First world problems =p.

Anyway, we decided there is no right way to eat it, but to just EAT IT. It had coffee flavour, cin cau/grass jelly, sweet corn, red bean, and other sweet goodies. It was my kind of dessert. Definitely a dessert to share, unless you want a brain freeze!

We had Mango Pomelo to share as well. Everything was pretty fresh, creamy and sweet. Nothing to fault here.

Mango Pomelo (SGD 6.50)

For main meals, we had Papaya soup with Chicken chop (SGD 10.90).

Chicken  chop with Papaya Soup (SGD 10.90)

Yes yes, I know it doesn't look like much, but I quite like it! The soup is not the least bit oily, the chicken chop was tender and of decent size. The corn was however, a tad dry and tasteless. Overall, a pleasant dish. My only remark I have is that they should have served the chicken chop on the side, so it retains its crispyness!

Next up, Black Pepper Chicken Chop with Fries. This just seemed sad. The fries didn't have a single bit of life to it! If only it were those chunky ones, served piping hot! MMM.... the chicken chop was good though, great flavour!

Black Pepper Chicken Chop with Fries (SGD 10.90)

Rib Eye Steak with Fries (SGD 10.90).. Overall, a great piece of meat for the price.

Ribeye Steak with Fries (SGD 10.90)

XW Signature Fried noodles (SGD 10.90).. Loved those small little anchovies as toppings, giving this noodle dish an extra umph (for all you non - Malaysians/Singaporeans, that's colloquial talk for an extra kick!) Well seasoned, tasty, not too oily on the palette. A great dish.

XW Signature Fried Noodles (SGD 10.90)

Ratings: 

Ambience: 7/10

Service: 7/10

Food: 7.5/10

Overall ratings: 7.5/10

Verdict: Overall, food was palatable. Only slight comment -  they could seriously  improve the overall appearance of the main dishes! Sometimes, we just can't help but eat with the eyes too! Nice cosy restaurant. Would definitely head back!

Address: 50 Jurong Gateway Road, #04-25 Singapore 608549. Located in JEM shopping complex.

Contact Number: 6684 0613

Ng Ah Sio Pork Ribs Soup Eating House @ Singapore

My father's friend has been going on and on about how popular this Bak Kut Teh place was. So, here we are for a taste!

First impressions - WOW, this isn't like a normal KOPITIAM in Kuala Lumpur or Kuching.

It's clean and well tiled.

Look at the tables and chairs outside (right next to a construction site to be exact)!! Still, there are people sitting outside enjoying this delicacy.

The interior was cosy and organised. Check out their pots.

And be sure to glance over the pictures, definitely their hall of fame. Then, you can say I have ate at the same place as '...' and be famous.

I like how we have to make/pour our own tea. Refill your water by the walls. But be careful! It is HOT!

Now, onto the menu. They really have all different parts of pork here, ranging from pork ears, pork skin to whatever inards you want and a selection of vegetables.

Here comes the glorious pork spare ribs! Not too fatty and ever so tender. It just melts in your mouth. Do not try to be a lady and just use your two fingers, pick this up and eat it! The broth was peppery, not quite the usual bak kut teh one usually have in Malaysia. But according to Singaporeans, this is the real deal! In my opinion, I still prefer the herbal kind. Having said that, the broth was well seasoned to taste and not too oily which was definitely a plus point to me =).

And one can never ever forget the yau char kuih.. the perfect accompaniment to this dish. Its like the perfect absorber to soak up all the glorious broth. Just wished it was serve hot, rather than cold.

And of course, sweet black sauce. My favourite.. Please dip the meat in this. It goes perfectly well with it (in my opinion).

As mentioned before, the porky galore. Pork skin. HMM, only one word can describe this.. FATS.

Next.... No comments. I didn't even dare try this. My dad loved it though! haha.

And a plate of nuts. Absolutely loved how the nuts were prepared. Soft and tasty.

I didn't take a close up shot of the vegetables. But, order them VEGES! It's good.

Ratings: 

Ambiance: 8/10 for a coffee shop standard
Food: 7/10
Service: 7/10

Overall: 7.5/10

Verdict: Nice cosy place to enjoy some porky goodness. It was my first time trying out Singapore style Bak Kut Teh, so my judgement may not be the best! Guess I am still loyal to my roots, Herbal Bak Kut Teh wins! However, one thing I must say, the ribs were good! Can't comment much on the broth though! Wait till next time, as I explore more Bak Kut Teh places here in the MerLion city.

Address: 208 Rangoon Rd, Singapore 218453

Contact No: +65 6291 4537

Opening Hours:

Sun: 11 am - 11 pm
Tues - Sat: 1o am - 1o pm
Closed on Mondays

Hong Kong Noodle House @ Wisma Saberkas, Kuching

I remember always frequenting this place back in the good old days. However, due to the numerous shopping complexes sprouting around the Kuching city, this place took a bit of a backseat. Its been a while since I've been here, almost 10 years.

That's a pretty long time right? We didn't even know what an iPad was at that time..

Anyway, that's also how long I haven't met my primary school class mates, and for old times sake, we went to visit this restaurant. Surprisingly, the place was still buzzing with lots of customers.

Ordered the usual. Roasted whole duck.

Roasted Whole Duck (RM 35)

Honestly, I had high expectations for this dish, I used to think that it tasted SO GOOD.  Although not great, It was alright. Would have loved it if the duck skin was crispier though!

Next up, Ipoh curry fish. Tastes way better than it looks. Surprisingly tasty, the sauce goes so well with rice. I had to consciously stop myself from going for more SAUCE. However, a downside lies in the freshness of the fish. If only it was fresher. I guess you can't expect a perfect dish for RM 25.

Ipoh Curry Fish in Pot (RM 25 big)

Fried Ma Ni Cai

Ordered a fried pork dish as well, nothing fantastic but definitely palatable, no individual photo included.

I really hope this place will continue to live on even though I am unsure when my next visit will be. With my growing tastebuds and demand for high quality food, my favourite childhood place no longer tastes the same.

However, I really wish this restaurant the best!

Now, what is your favourite childhood cafe/restaurant? Do share!

Ratings: 

Ambience: 6/10

Price: 8/10

Service: 6/10

Food: 6/10

Overall ratings: 6.5/10

Verdict: This restaurant can get pretty noisy especially due to tiled floors. However, a relatively good place for just a nice simple lunch.

Toh Yuen Restaurant @ Hilton Kuching

Serves Chinese food, priced slightly to the high end, but what can I say, it's Hilton, definitely understandable. Very nice ambience, accompanied by interesting art around, definitely a nice comfortable place to be at on a Sunday afternoon.

Hai Tian Lou Restaurant @ Jalan Mendu, Kuching

During CNY season, my usual cravings for some Yee Sang and Yum Cha landed me at this place. Usually, I frequent this place at night, but this time, I was there for lunch. Typically, this restaurant is packed to the brim during dinner periods, but during lunch hours, its quite peaceful and quiet.

Purple Cane Tea Restaurant 紫藤茶原 @ The Gardens, Mid Valley City

For those who frequent Din Tai Fung Restaurant or Cold Storage at the Gardens, you probably would have noticed this restaurant tucked in one corner with constant flow of customers to the restaurant.

I have been a regular patron of this particular restaurant for many years and I think it's about time for me to do a proper review on this restaurant.

Purple Cane Tea Restaurant, unlike any other regular restaurants in Klang Valley, they serve very healthy Chinese style dishes and don't be surprised that all of their dishes are cooked with different types of tea leaves!   From Jasmine tea leaves, Oolong tea leaves, Pu Er tea leaves.

In addition, let them know if you are a vegetarian as the kitchen is able to prepare your dish accordingly.