Saturday, May 24, 2014

Hong Kong: Kong Chai Kee Fish Ball 江仔記魚旦大王 @ Central

After mass on Sunday, we had planned to visit Lan Fong Yuen, the legendary hole-in-the-wall cha chaan teng that serves a mean "silk stocking milk tea" ((絲襪奶茶). 


To our dismay and disbelief, it was closed! Refusing to believe the closed shutters (because I heard the hole in the wall is hidden behind the deceivingly small store front), we tried to find, well, the hole to enter into the place. 


Upon a closer look, sigh, it was really closed. Every Sunday. Disappointed, we trudged on. 

In between Central and Sheung Wan is actually a "hipster" and indie place along and around Gough Street. As we were still early, the shops were not open yet and while meandering through the streets, we chanced upon this under-the-radar gem along Kau U Fong Road. As the few eateries around this area were either a) Western or b) not open yet, we settled for this because hey, there are photos of celebrities on the store front, so we surmised it can't be that bad. 


As we hovered at the entrance looking at the celebrity photos and trying to decipher if the eatery was open (as the door was closed), the chef opened the door and welcomed us in, which was definitely a first in the food nazi world of Hong Kong. 


Everything happens for a reason, because I had one of my favourite meals here at Kong Chai Kee! 


We ordered Water Spinach "kang kong" (通心菜; HKD16) which came with a special fermented beancurd sauce. It was a unique flavour as the veggies we've been having so far on the trip were just drenched with Lee Kum Kee oyster sauce.

From the photo above, you may tell that the dumplings are quite large. Filled with black fungus, fresh and succulent prawns (two of them!!), and pork, this is definitely way better than the usual ones we have in Singapore.


What I enjoyed the most was the Quartier - Four Fish Ball Types (四寶河; HKD30). Kong Chai Kee is actually famous for their fishballs and is one of the few restaurants in HK that have their own, gasp!, family-run factory to produce fishballs and wantons. The soup broth was tasty and comforting, all the more flavourful with the condiments and garnishes like spring onions and onion oil. Of special mention is the fish dumpling, which I absolutely adored. Unlike the local fish dumpling you find in bak chor mee or fishball noodles which is small and puny, this is the real deal. The dumpling skin was just the right thickness, and the pulverished fish meat was savoury and packed with flavour. I wanted so much to order a bowl of fish dumplings after this but alas, the flesh is weak. 




Definitely coming back here for my next visit to Hong Kong. 

G/F, 2 Kau U Fong, Central 
中環九如坊2號地下
Opening Hours: 10am - 9pm 
http://kongchaikee.com/ 

Hong Kong: Tim Ho Wan 添好運 @ Sham Shui Po


The legendary cheapest Michelin-starred eatery in the world needs no further introduction. For my previous trip and the recent one, I went to the branch at Sham Shui Po. Though it's not the original branch, the lack of a queue and satisfying quality keeps me happy. Both times, my travel companions and I went between 6pm-7pm. 

Signature Baked Bun with BBQ Pork 酥皮焗叉燒包 (HKD18 for 3) 


Never disappointed. Now that there are THWs opened in Singapore, to be honest, I think the quality is comparable. Topped with sweet, flaky Polo (pineapple) on the outside, and the bun inside fluffy in texture, the honeyed sauce and large chunks of BBQ pork inside was oh so good. Not to mention it always comes in such rounded, wholesome goodness. 


Rice roll (chee cheong fun) with prawns 韭黃鮮蝦腸 (HKD22)  


Wrapped in silky smooth rice roll, the prawns inside are fresh and succulent. I maintain that having tried so many dim sum eateries/restaurants in Singapore, nowhere comes near to the chee cheong fun served at THW. The skin just rolls easily down your throat, easy on the palate and not floury at all.

Siew Mai 鮮蝦燒賣皇 (HKD25) 


Another quintessential dish when having dim sum is of the siew mai, which is a safe but unexciting choice. 



When I first had the Pan fried carrot cake 煎臘味蘿白糕 (HKD14)on my first visit, I was awed by how, again, silky smooth it was. None of the doughy texture you have at some dim sum places, but this was filled with real radish fillings and pieces of lap cheong (preserved meat). 

The steamed egg cake 香滑馬拉糕 (HKD15), although looking unimpressive in its appearance (looks like huat kueh which some locals use as prayer offering  ), was soft, fluffy, moist, and not too sweet. 


Spring Roll with Egg White 赛螃蟹春卷 (HKD20) 


This was a unique dish different from our local version of popiah. Besides the radish, it also has egg white and crab meat inside. 


How much was spent per pax: Approximately SGD12 per pax! With some leftovers to take away as well. 
Would I come back? Oh yes definitely. 


Address9-11 Fuk Wing StreetSham Shui Po 
九龍深水埗福榮街9-11號地下
Opening Hours: 8am - 10pm  
Directions: MTR Sham Shui Po, Exit B2 

Other Branches: 
MTR Hong Kong Station, Exit A1
Shop 12A, Hong Kong Station (Podium Level 1, IFC Mall), Central
中環香港站12A鋪(IFC地庫一層)
Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm daily

MTR Olympic Station, Exit D3
Shop 72, G/F, Olympian City 2, 18 Hoi Ting Road, Tai Kok Tsui
大角咀海庭道18號奧海城二期G樓72號舖
Opening Hours: 10am – 9.30pm daily


                                                                                        MTR North Point Station, Exit A1                                                                                                                                               Shop B, C, & D, G/F, 2-8 Wharf Road, Seaview Building, North Point                                                                                                             北角和富道2-8號嘉洋大廈地下B,C及D鋪                                                                                    Opening Hours: 10am – 9.30pm daily

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Etna Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria @ Duxton Road


I was introduced to this place by my girlfriends who brought me here for my birthday celeb a few months back, and I'll probably go back there sometime soon. Authentic Italian cuisine at reasonable prices, what's not to like? 


Etna Pizza $ 26 

Mozzarella cheese, porcini mushrooms, Parma ham, cream cheese and pistachio 



Linguine al Granchio $ 27 

Linguine with crabmeat and soft shell crab in lobster bisque



Pasta prices range from $24 - $28 (except for one with lobster costing $48), which are very reasonable at the quality it offers. 


Merluzzo alla Griglia $ 39 

Grilled Atlantic cod fish fillet served on tangy Sicilian peperonata



Good quality and selection of Italian food at affordable prices that won't burn your pockets. The only downside was that we were seated outside, which was rather uncomfortable especially if you're wearing a skirt/dress! 

Etna Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

49/50 Duxton Road, Singapore
Tel: +65 6220 5513
Daily: 12pm–2.30pm
6.30pm - 10:30pm


110 Upp East Coast Road
Singapore 455298
Tel : 6444 9530
Daily: 12.00pm – 2.30pm
6pm - 10.30pm 

http://etnaitalianrestaurant.com/

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Hong Kong: Australian Dairy Company 澳洲牛奶公司 @ Jordan

When I first visited this place in Jan 2013, I was blown away because at this place where the waiters act like food nazis, they definitely serve the BEST SCRAMBLED EGGS EVER. My second visit here in Apr 2014, the impression stays the same. Besides their scrambled eggs, they're also known for their steamed egg white pudding with milk (HKD23). This place is thronged by locals and tourists alike. Right in front of us in the queue, is a family from Singapore. Wherever there's good food, there's bound to be Singaporeans, queuing, to the ends of the earth. 

There were about 30 people in front of us in queue at 9.30am, we waited for about 20 min before we got a seat. 





With the extensively varied menu (see below), one can get overwhelmed at all the (yummy) possibilities. Fret not, the fuss-free (ok actually, maybe not so at ADC) breakfast set meals save the day. ADC is also known for their extremely impatient (bordering on rude) waiters. Why do we subject ourselves to such service for the sake of good food?! Sometimes I wonder. 

Anyway, here are some tips on managing these waiters and avoiding their wrath. Although there are set meals, you still need to tell the waiter whether you want your eggs scrambled (炒蛋), or sunny side up (煎蛋), and coffee or tea. When your drink doesn't come and you want to check with them, you don't have the time to ask them to check if your drink is coming (or rather, the waiters don't have the time to wait for you to finish your sentence). You just tell them, "餐茶", and they'll know that your drink, which comes with the set meal, has not arrived yet. Don't say, "奶茶", as they may think you want a new order. 

The table behind us, the waiter was just short of telling the girl off because the girl was looking at the menu (plastered against the wall) while ordering, and the waiter couldn't hear her (of course, the place was bustling with activity). The waiter went, "看着我说,看着我说!" It was exasperating but funny. 




Ultra smooth texture with aroma of milk. The macaroni and ham is nothing special actually.


Here comes the bomb! The toast is buttered, while the eggs are scrambled to pefection. Light, fluffy, moist and flavourful, it was simply one of the best things I've tasted (and the cheapest). This is always what I dream of when I think about Hong Kong.


For now, yes I agree.






Address: 

G/F, 47-49 Parkes Street, Jordan 

佐敦白加士街47-49號地下

Opening Hours: 
Mon to Wed & Fri to Sun: 07:30-23:00

Closed on Thu



Directions: Jordan MTR Exit C2, go straight, turn right at Parkes Street

The Missing Pan @ Upper Bukit Timah Road

This entry focuses on TMP's dinner menu. For review on The Missing Pan's brunch items, please click here

So yes, we went back on the same day wanting to try other brunch items but alas, it was not meant to be. But that did give us the opportunity to try out their dinner menu. Please make reservations if you're going for dinner on a weekend because it was full house when we went! 



 Complimentary bread and butter 


How nice it is when a restaurant offers complimentary bread. Such a simple gesture that doesn't cost much on the restaurant, but is a sincere display of one's hospitality. 

Dairy-Free Pumpkin Soup with Tom Yam Crouton ($10) 


An innovative twist to the traditional pumpkin soup, adding on a spicy and sour touch to the familiar pumpkin soup. Very nice.

Similar to their brunch menu which is meticulously designed and chosen, their dinner menu also ensures there's something for everyone no matter whether you've a carnivore, vegetarian, or pescetarian. 

Seafood Squid Ink Risotto ($24) 


All things squid ink have grown on me over the years, and as long as I'm with people I'm close to, almost always I'll go for squid ink. Well, you know how the lips and teeth turn black when you have this don't you. The seafood was fresh, risotto nicely done with a buttery taste. We scooped up every single morsel on the plate, save for licking it clean. 

A look at their dinner menu 

Whole Roasted Chicken for 2 ($35) 
Stuffed with olive and sundried tomato risotto, roasted root vegetables, homemade ketchup, garden greens 


IMHO, this is best shared amongst a party of at least four pax. If it's just the two of you, this may become a bit gelad after a while. This is such a farmer's dish, I felt like I was in a farmhouse tearing the chicken apart and scooping up the stuffings. Although nicely roasted on the outside, we felt that the meat inside, although tender, was on the bland side. 

La Passion ($14)
Meringue, passion fruit, fruits 


Check out those cute little mushroom-shaped meringues.


Berries 'N Cream 

At first we didn't fancy ordering this cake as it looked very creamy and pasty. However, it was surprisingly good. Modelled after strawberry shortcake but with mixed berries, it was light and fluffy in texture and not too sugar-laden. 

Besides the satisfying meals we had here, I also like the ambience here. The tables are spaced adequately in between, allowing you to have your own privacy. Although the place was full house, it was not too noisy because of how the place was structured. 

And psst, there's buy-1-get-1-free bread after 7pm! 

The Missing Pan
 619D Bukit Timah Road
#01/02-01 Singapore 269724T. 65 6466 4377

Opening hours:Tuesday - Sunday from 9am - 10pm

The Missing Pan @ Upper Bukit Timah Road

When the Sis and I knew that Grace and Bernard have opened a cafe in the very accessible area of Upper Bukit Timah Road (it's the row of shophouses facing main road, few doors down from My Little Spanish Place and beside Coronation Plaza), being food and brunch lovers, we knew we had to try it! What more a cafe opened by someone we know! Heh heh. 

TMP doesn't take reservations for brunch/lunch on weekends, but yes for dinners. We arrived at about 2.00pm on a Saturday and got seats at 2.15pm. By 2.45pm, most of the crowd had subsided. 

You can access their menu here. Although not a super extensive menu, you can tell that each item is carefully designed and selected with at least something that piques your fancy. For the seafood lover, there's Crustacean ($24; clams, mussels, prawns, in tomato pasta). If you're one who likes your meat, there's steak burger ($22), pulled pork burger ($19; a bestseller from the now-defunct Upper Crust run the same husband-and-wife duo), or Oven Hangover ($19; chicken schnitzel with bacon and sunny side up). Of course, for the brunch and eggs lovers, there's the Eggs Benedicts. 




What makes TMP different from other cafes or brunch places sprouting elsewhere like nobody's business is that they have their own in-house bakery! Taking pride in crafting good and heartwarming loaves, all the bread served in the brasserie comes from this bakery. TMP also provides bread to other cafes and bakeries on the island. 

Lychee & Lemon Soda ($6)
Mocha ($6.50) 


The lychee soda was definitely an antidote to the 35 degrees weather outside. With a zest of lemon and mint, this refreshed our taste buds, and our minds. Although the latte art on the mocha was not very impressive, the aroma of the coffee was satisfying.  

French Toast Salcipon ($19) 


You must be thinking what's so great about a French Toast topped with Fruits, looks like I can make one at home myself too! That's what I usually think and hence usually I don't order French Toast in cafes. However, TMP serves a french toast like no other place; this dish definitely packs a punch! Stuffed with chicken, spinach and mushrooms, with fresh fruits and banana nuggets (ala your modern goreng pisang), savoury and sweet flavours never went so well together before. 


Besides the flavourful stuffing, the french toast was very yummy as well, fluffy, and nicely charred on top. 

62 Degrees Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon (or Ham) ($22) 


A tantalizing dish of wobbly eggs, avocado, in-house hollandaise sauce with a thick slab of smoked salmon, this item is bound to delight any eggs benny lover, like me.

Byo ($14)
Home-made orange yoghurt ice cream, raspberry jelly, marcerated strawberries, basil, chocolate crisp 


Craving for something refreshing on a hot afternoon, we settled for the above. Besides making their own bread, TMP makes their own ice cream too! Now how awesome is that. I enjoyed the chocolate crisp, ice cream, and the crumbly stuff underneath. A sweet ending to a hearty meal.

Simple, modern, tasteful interior decor

Freshly baked bread on sale 

Actually, we weren't satisfied yet. Because there were other items on the menu that we had wanted to try, and another two didn't make it for our lunch date, we resolved to come back again... and it turned out to be for dinner the same day. Brunch menu is served till 6pm on weekends, after which dinner menu is rolled out. Well, dinner is another story to tell. Stay tuned. 

The Missing Pan
 619D Bukit Timah Road
#01/02-01 Singapore 269724T. 65 6466 4377

Opening hours:Tuesday - Sunday from 9am - 10pm





How much did I spend? $40 per pax (A bit on the pricey side, but all worth it once in a while)
Would I come back again? Definitely.