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We have been on a long hiatus, but WE WILL BE BACK!
We will start updating this space with more food reviews – look forward to that!
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5 Junk Food Items I Love
5. POTATO CHIPS
Credits: BakeryandSnacks.com
Who can resist the savory crispness of these fried potato slices?!?!?!
Credits: Chip Peddler
Look at these thin layers of potato goodness!
And who can forget my absolute favourite brand of potato chips:
Credits: The Telegraph
PRINGLES!
I simply cannot resist Pringles.
And what makes potato chips all the more fascinating is its origin story:
According to a traditional story, the original potato chip recipe was created in Saratoga Springs, New York. By the late 19th century, popular version of the story attributed the dish to George Crum, a half black, half Native American cook at Moon’s Lake House, who was trying to appease an unhappy customer on 24 August 1853. The customer kept sending his fried potatoes back, complaining that they were too thick. Frustrated, he sliced the potatoes razor thin, fried them until crisp and seasoned them with extra salt. To Crum’s surprise, the customer loved them. They soon became called “Saratoga Chips”, a name that persisted into at least the mid-20th century.
4. DONUTS
Once upon a time, donuts looked like this:
Credits: Millba.no
And I absolutely loved them as a kid!
Then these came along:
Credits: Holey Donuts!
And the latest donut craze in Singapore came in the form of:
Credits: Howtohacks.com
And I fell in love with their Original Glazed Donuts.
Credits: My Thirty Spots
I admit, it can be a little too sweet sometimes.
But for someone with a sweet tooth like myself, the saccharine goodness of the donuts are amazing.
3. NACHOS
When you watch a movie, what do you usually snack on?
For me, it’s almost always this:
Credits: Groupthink.jezebel.com
I cannot resist a bowl/plate of nachos with warm cheese! For others, their choice side is a bowl of salsa dip.
Regardless, nachos are an awesome invention. Whoever thought of eating them with cheese, thumbs up for you!
Credits: Pennmac.com
2. PIZZA
Credits: Happyherbpizza.com
Someone once told me that pizza cures depression.
And I totally agree with that.
Credits: Atlantispizzeria.com
A slice of pizza is equivalent to a dosage of self-confidence!
My favourite pizza would be the Hawaiian Pizza, with its immense amount of cheese and ham slices.
Credits: Delmonteeurope.com
What’s your favourite pizza?
1. FRENCH FRIES
And now for my personal NUMBER 1…
*Drum roll please*
Credits: Chiatilvapa.com
It’s funny how the moment I think of fries, I think of McDonald’s fries.
Credits: Mcdonaldsindia.net
I do really love McD’s fries, but there are great options out there too!
Take for example, Mos Burger’s Fries!
Credits: Melissaloh.com
I love the thickness of Mos Burger fries, although the standard of their fries sometimes differ at different branches.
Recently, I’ve grown to enjoy truffle fries.
Credits: Pixgood.com
I’ve tried the truffle fries at some places but I’ve never really tasted anything mindblowing.
I’ll come up with a post once I’ve found the one.
Til then!
– With Love, N
Kimchi
I used to always have the impression that Kimchi tasted strange, and while I was open to trying it, I never liked it.
To those who have no idea what Kimchi is, it is a traditional Korean fermented side dish made of vegetables with a variety of seasonings.
What is the origin of Kimchi?
Kimchi traces its origin in Korea around 7th century. Initially, kimchi was nothing more than just salted vegetables. Gradually, several spices and flavors were added to kimchi and finally, around 18th century kimchi was modernized with the introduction of the red hot pepper as a major ingredient. The history of kimchi is apparently rooted in agrarian culture which started earlier than the period of the three kingdoms of Korean peninsula.
Attributing to the extremely cold weather which made the cultivation practically impossible, Koreans had to come with a storage method called ‘pickling’ to secure food. Even after so many alterations and additions done in its ingredients over the centuries, kimchi is still prepared using the same cooking method and has still retained the same qualities and benefits as it used to be when first introduced.
You might be aware that Korean traditional food involves a lot of side dishes. When served in Korea, one can expect to receive a few other little plates of side dishes. While the side dishes differ from stall to stall, Kimchi is a staple.
I fell in love with Kimchi after staying in Korea for a month, and eating it almost everyday. The taste of Kimchi was so appealing, I began craving for it after I returned to Singapore.
What does Kimchi taste like?
To me, Kimchi tastes sour and spicy. It has a tangy and unique, almost inexplicable taste! To understand how Kimchi tastes like, you’ll have to try it.
What I can say though, is that Kimchi tastes great as a side dish! The tangy and savory taste of Kimchi adds a unique tinge to the flavor of most dishes. It is a perfect complement to many dishes, Korean and non-Korean!
One of my favourite ways to eat Kimchi is with White Rice and Barbequed Meat (It can be any meat, from pork to beef).
Rice and Pork and Kimchi
Simply take a spoonful of Rice, place a piece of Meat on it, and finally complete it with a layer of Kimchi.
The traditional Korean way of eating Kimchi with Barbequed Meat though, is to wrap the Meat and Kimchi with a Lettuce leaf, and eat it.
Kimchi is also often the base for many Korean dishes!
These are just some examples of my favourite Kimchi dishes that you might want to try if you haven’t already did.
Well then, you might question, is Kimchi healthy?
The answer is: Yes, yes it is!
Here are some of the health benefits of Kimchi:
– Digestive health
– Lowers cholesterol
– Antioxidant
– Therapeutic effects on skin
– Anti-obesity
– Benefits immune system
– Anti-aging
– Reduces risk of cancer
– Beneficial for diabetics
These are just some of the health benefits of Kimchi. To know more, you can click on this link.
Can you prepare Kimchi at home?
Yes of course!
Here is a recipe for Napa Cabbage Kimchi:
INGREDIENTS
- 1 (2-pound) napa cabbage
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- About 12 cups cold water, plus more as needed
- 8 ounces daikon radish, peeled and cut into 2-inch matchsticks
- 4 medium scallions, ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces (use all parts)
- 1/3 cup Korean red pepper powder
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup peeled and minced fresh ginger (from about a 2-ounce piece)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic cloves (from 6 to 8 medium cloves)
- 2 teaspoons Korean salted shrimp, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Cut the cabbage in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 2-inch pieces, discarding the root end. Place in a large bowl, sprinkle with the salt, and toss with your hands until the cabbage is coated. Add enough cold water to just cover (about 12 cups), making sure the cabbage is submerged (it’s OK if a few leaves break the surface). Cover with plastic wrap or a baking sheet and let sit at room temperature at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours.
2. Place a colander in the sink, drain the cabbage, and rinse with cold water. Gently squeeze out the excess liquid and transfer to a medium bowl; set aside.
3. Place the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine.
4. Add the cabbage and toss with your hands until evenly combined and the cabbage is thoroughly coated with the mixture.
5. Pack the mixture tightly into a clean 2-quart or 2-liter glass jar with a tightfitting lid and seal the jar
Let sit in a cool, dark place for 24 hours (the mixture may bubble). Open the jar to let the gases escape, then reseal and refrigerate at least 48 hours before eating (kimchi is best after fermenting about 1 week). Refrigerate for up to 1 month.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post on Kimchi! Do check out this page and this page to know more about Kimchi!
Til next time~
With love, N
Todai (Marina Bay Sands)
TODAI Singapore is renowned among Singaporeans as a “must-try” buffet restaurant. An upscale “all you care to eat” international seafood and sushi buffet restaurant, TODAI offers an assortment of quality food and services.
We were escorted into the restaurant, having made a reservation prior to our visit. The restaurant was relatively big, and there was definitely a vast myriad of food categorized in different areas. We were led to a spacious round table where we were promptly seated.
One of the most prominent areas in TODAI was the Japanese food area. Granted, it is a Japanese restaurant so of course the Japanese food would feature prominently in the restaurant! The area was filled with different types of sushi, as well as fresh seafood such as mussels, oysters and prawns. Being a fan of sashimi, I immediately took a plate and started searching for the fresh sashimi I was sure they offered. There was a chef slicing the sashimi live on the spot. He would slice the sashimi in thick chunks, and either place them on the tray in front of himself or on the customers’ plate. I was served a huge slab of fresh sashimi sliced into thick pieces.
The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the restaurant made sure to top up the trays such that the trays were always filled with fresh and amazing seafood. The highlight of the buffet would probably be the Alaskian Crab, which was incredibly succulent and big. This is only offered during their monthly promotion, although their promotions seem to mostly consist of crabs so it’s probably considered a staple there.
Besides Japanese food, TODAI also offers Western, Chinese and Korean cuisine etc. The above are just some examples of the cooked food they offer.
A chef was stationed at this area, grilling the various types of meat right on the spot.
As with every buffet, what I looked forward to the most after each fulfilling meal was the dessert. Todai’s dessert corner certainly looked enticing!
Chefs were stationed at the dessert corner, preparing fresh crepes to each customer’s request. I personally preferred crispy crepes, so the soft crepes that were made to order tasted average to me.
The cakes were heavenly, especially the cheesecake which I particularly enjoyed. There was also a frozen Persimmon dessert which tasted delicious, as well as small cups of Creme Brulee which was a delight! Another dessert that I sampled was the Blueberry Panna Cotta, although that was not particularly exciting.
A nondescript softee machine was positioned right beside the dessert table, offering Chocolate and Vanilla flavours. The machine also allowed you to create spirals of ice cream with both flavours in it. The toppings provided included dried cherry, chocolate chips, peanuts, marshmallows and teddy cookies.
The one dessert that left a lasting impression on myself would be the Chocolate Fondue. I am rather fond of Chocolate Fondues, so I was delighted to see the Fondue fountain. Fruits provided for you to dip into the chocolate included grapes and bananas. I was slightly disappointed that strawberries were not included, but the soft marshmallows that were provided made up for it.
In all, I did enjoy the visit to TODAI. I feel that the myriad of food is definitely worth the money, especially when it came to the fresh and succulent seafood. The desserts were no disappointment either, and I left the restaurant satisfied and incredibly full, if I must say.
Price for Dinner (per pax): $80
TODAI Singapore
#B2-01 The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands
2 Bayfront Ave Singapore 018972
Phone: +65 6688 7771
– With love, N
Picture credits: Todai Singapore
Pizza Hut: X-Treme Pizza (Harbourfront Centre 1)
I have always been a big fan of pizza. Happiness is pizza oozing with cheese and delicious ingredients atop of it.
Dining at Pizza Hut was a spontaneous decision to fulfill my desire for pizza! The waiters were kind in guiding us to our seats.
Upon perusing the menu, we settled upon the ‘1-for-1 Lunch’ set that is valid on weekdays until 10 June 2014. Basically, you have to order an a la carte regular pizza to get one free main course. The set comes at $19.90. Drinks are not included, although it can be added-on for a price.
Since the restaurant was promoting the new X-Men movie, they were offering a special X-Treme Pizza that was included in the promotion.
X-Treme Pizza (A la carte ; Regular 9″) – $19.90
The X-Treme Pizza included spicy chicken chunks, roasted chicken, turkey bacon, shitake mushrooms, chopped parsley and grilled cheese on a tomato based sauce. I enjoyed this special pizza, especially the thick cheese that formed an ‘X’ atop the pizza. Perhaps the only ingredient that I did not particularly fancy was the parsley, as I felt that it gave the pizza an unnecessary extra flavor.
We were given a few choices for the free main course that was included in the set. There was Chicken Pomodoro, Curry Zazzle, Prawn Aglio Olio, Beef Lasagne, Chicken Ole and Fish ‘N’ Chips. We decided to go for the Fish ‘N’ Chips.
Fish ‘N’ Chips
The dish was served with thick fries and mesclun salad with Italian dressing and tartar sauce. I find the Fish ‘N’ Chips a slight disappointment. The fish tasted like it contained more flour than actual fish itself. The fries were adequate, but could not compensate for the lack in the fish.
Overall, the meal was indeed pretty large and filled up our tummies. The food was not great, but tasted satisfactory. The X-Treme Pizza is definitely worth a try though, especially since it is only available for a limited period of time.
Pizza Hut (Harbourfront Centre 1)
Maritime Square #01-69
Harbourfront Centre
Singapore 099253
– With love, N
All Things Nice (Suntec City)
All Things Nice is the latest concept by the Bread Talk Group, offering renditions of local desserts! We were walking around Suntec City in search of Ice Kachang when we stumbled upon All Things Nice.
The interior of the dessert cafe was modelled after an indoor garden and decorated in a minimalist manner. The cafe’s outlook was so appealing we had to try the desserts they offered.
Upon perusing the menu, we were extremely tempted by their Signature Ice Mango and Gula Melaka Ice Kachang.
The cafe’s system was mostly self-service. Basically, you have to decide upon your order, pay at the cashier, and receive a tag like the one above. After seating yourself at one of the tables, you can enjoy the view of the famous Fountain of Wealth while waiting. When your order is ready, the tag will start beeping and flashing, and you may then proceed to the counter to collect your order.
Iced Mango – $3.80
Real mangoes were used in this dish, for we tasted a slight sourness of the mango slices among the other sweet ingredients.
This dish is definitely worth trying!
Gula Melaka Ice Kachang – $2.50
The Gula Melaka Ice Kachang was a refreshing variation of the traditional Ice Kachang!
All Things Nice is a great place for local desserts, especially with the hot weather in Singapore. The decor of the cafe is comfortable and the overall ambiance is delightful.
Price range (per pax): $3 – $6
All Things Nice
3 Temasek Boulevard
#B1-165/166, Suntec City Mall
Tel: 63382848
– With love, N
Lady M Confections (One Fullerton)
Started in New York in 2001, Lady M Confections was the pioneer of the Mille Crepe Cake.
We were eager to try their signature Mille Crepe Cake since Lady M Confections opened their first Asia outlet in Singapore.
The outlet was decorated in a minimalist yet elegant manner, perhaps designed particularly so that the beautifully colored cakes would stand out. I enjoyed the ambiance very much. The staff was also very friendly and were prompt to provide recommendations upon questioning.
Mille Crepe Cake – $7.50 per slice
The signature Mille Crepe Cake was just as I expected. It was light, creamy, and fluffy. I especially loved how the crepe layers melt in your mouth, and the creamy filling floods your mouth. The cake definitely lived up to its fame.
Tarte aux Fruits – $10 per slice
The Tarte aux Fruits looked absolutely delicious, and tasted great too. I, for one, love fruit tarts. This tart was sufficiently covered with fruits, and the crust was not too thin. It did not disappoint me.
Checkers Cake – $8 per slice
Another popular cake on the menu, the Checkers Cake certainly stood out with its striking black and white pattern. The cake was covered with a layer of chocolate ganache, with whipped cream and cubes of chocolate and vanilla sponge cake alternated in between. The cake is a definite must-try for chocolate lovers. It was appropriately rich in chocolate, and left us wanting more.
The only regret I had was not trying Lady M Confection’s Green Tea Mille Crepe Cake (It was out of stock by the time we reached). The cakes were to my expectations and were extremely tasty and satisfying. I would definitely return for more!
Price range (per pax): $8 – $12
Lady M Confections (One Fullerton)
1 Fullerton Road
#01-10
Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 6820 0830
– With love, N
Food For Thought (Singapore Botanic Gardens)
Looking for some weekend brunch to fill your tummies? Food For Thought is a great place to visit!
Situated within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the eco-friendly restaurant can easily accomodate 300 people. After dining, patrons can take a stroll in the Botanic Gardens and enjoy the nature scenery.
Duo of Pancakes (Banana & Walnuts) – $10
We tried the Banana & Walnuts Pancake, which was a tasty treat! Pancake lovers would love this delightful combination of banana, walnuts and pancakes.
The restaurant also serves a wide variety of dishes, even local food like Mee Rebus!
Overall, Food For Thought is a delightful place with affordable and decent food. A definite crowd-favorite.
Price range (per pax): S$16 – $30
Food For Thought (Singapore Botanic Gardens)
1 Cluny Road,
Tanglin Gate, #B1-00, S259569
F: +65 6479 1080
– With love, N
Malaysia: KL Food Diary
Last December, we headed to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a food escapade!
This is our KL Food Diary 🙂
Our weekend started with delicious street food:
Spicy Squid (Sotong)
Wanton Mee
Sambal Kang Kong
Spicy clams
Spicy Lala
Sambal Sting Ray
Baby Kai Lan
Salted Egg Yolk Crab
Chicken and Pork Satay
BBQ Chicken Wings
Bak Kut Teh
Hokkien Mee
The dishes above are found at Jalan Alor, a bustling road lined with food stalls selling cheap and delicious food.
Jalan Alor is centrally located in the Golden Triangle Area, a must-go for adventurous foodies, or those who simply seek affordable street food in Malaysia.
Not a fan of street food? There’s always an alternative!
The Pavilion KL lies at the heart of the trendy Bukit Bintang district, a choice destination for fashion and food alike. One of Malaysia’s premier shopping destinations, we were awed by the beauty of the shopping mall as we entered.
Beef Ramen
Ika Sugata Shio
Gyuniku Roll
Above dishes found at Sushi Tei (Level 1, Pavilion KL)
Meet Fresh Signature
Supreme Mango Crushed Ice
Dessert can be located at Meet Fresh (Level 6, Pavilion KL), a Taiwanese dessert chain.
And this concludes our KL Food Diary!
The capital of Malaysia, KL really has much to offer in terms of food and shopping! We enjoyed our trip and would love to return to KL for more food, hopefully soon!
– With love, N
Din Tai Fung (Bedok Mall)
Started in Taiwan approximately 40 years ago, Din Tai Fung has since been awarded a Michelin star and ranked as one of the world’s Top Ten Best Restaurants by The New York Times.
Officially opened in 2013, Bedok Mall was novel to us. Having stumbled upon Din Tai Fung and having been in awe of their famed Xiao Long Bao (Steamed Pork Dumplings), we decided to dine there.
As with every visit to Din Tai Fung, we were greeted by friendly staff who ushered us to our table where we were served Chinese Tea and a small plate of ginger with vinegar (To be added to your Xiao Long Bao).
Fried Rice with Fried Pork Chop – $9.90
Having already tried their popular Fried Rice with Shrimps and Egg, we ordered a plate of Fried Rice with Fried Pork Chop. This dish was absolutely delicious. The fried rice was not too dry, and tasted superb. The Pork Chop was no doubt one of the signature dishes in Din Tai Fung. It was succulent and juicy, and complemented the rice well.
Yang Chun Noodles – $6
The traditional Yang Chun Noodles is one of the dishes that I almost always order when dining at Din Tai Fung. Served with crunchy vegetables, the noodles have a chewy and flavorful texture. The soup tasted so fantastic, I drained my bowl of soup after finishing this dish.
Steamed Chicken Soup with Noodles – $10.80
This dish captured our attention when we saw the popular Steamed Chicken Soup being advertised in the restaurant. We were delighted to find out the Steamed Chicken Soup with Noodles in the menu. You can choose between having them serve you the dish with the noodles and the soup being separated (like we did), or having them serve the soup and the noodles in the same bowl. The soup was extremely flavorful, having absorbed the essence of the chicken in it. It was thick with flavor, but light in texture. It was marvelous. The noodles, like most of the noodle dishes served in Din Tai Fung, were chewy and complemented the soup well.
Xiao Long Bao (Steamed Pork Dumplings) (10 dumplings) – $9.50
Often, when people mention Din Tai Fung, they never fail to talk of the famed Xiao Long Bao. These dumplings contain minced pork wrapped in a delicate dough skin and steamed to perfection. The Xiao Long Bao at Din Tai Fung are by far the best Xiao Long Bao I’ve tasted in Singapore. These melt-in-your-mouth dumplings taste tangy and flavorful. A definite must-try in Din Tai Fung.
Stir-fried Hong Kong Kai Lan with Special Sauce – $11
I have personally always been a fan of dishes prepared with Hong Kong Kai Lan. I love how crunchy these vegetables are, and how well they taste stir-fried. Din Tai Fung served up this dish with a special flavor, largely due to their special sauce. I find this dish truly unique as I have never tasted Hong Kong Kai Lan served with such sauce before. It is definitely a dish worth trying if you love vegetables!
Din Tai Fung has never failed to offer good food and impeccable service. The notable dishes that I highly recommend include the Xiao Long Bao, Fried Rice with Fried Pork Chop, and the Steamed Chicken Soup.
Price Range (per pax): $18 – $30
Din Tai Fung (Bedok Mall)
311 New Upper Changi Road #B1-10 Singapore 467360
Tel: 6844 9489
– With love, N
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