Homely Indian Cuisine @ Shree Ganga, Stanley Street

I have always been intrigued with cooking with spices. Growing up in a multiracial country, we are often exposed to food of other cultures, my favorite is having Roti Canai or better known here as Roti Prata with a simple dip of curry or dalcha (I loved the chicken curry gravy best), oh, and not forgetting a good Briyani dish too. It is amazing how spices, when used correctly, can make a world of a difference when it comes to taste and flavor, how the addition or omission of just one single spice can alter the final outcome. Indian cuisine, is one fine example of how spices are heavily used to build layer upon layers of flavors in many of their dishes. If you are in and around Stanley Street area and have a massive craving for good, hearty, authentic Indian cuisine, head down to Shree Ganga. I promise, you won't be disappointed.

A feast for the senses

Reddy Visits Mama's Kent Penang Delights

It is strange, for our Little Red Dot to be so close to our fellow neighbour, Malaysia, and yet be so vastly different when it comes to authentic Malaysian cuisine here. So when I actually do come across something (Malaysian) that blows my mind, I can't help but to find myself jumping for joy at my own little discovery. If you enjoy a good bowl of Penang Laksa, here's one you can add to your list of faves on our little sunny island.

The eye-catching vivid colors!

RaRa and Reddy's Treat Time @ Churn Creamery, Tanjong Pagar ***Reopen at Tg Pagar Plaza @ Sep 2017**

Opened only quite recently in May 2015, Churn Creamery sits along the stretch of pretty old shophouses of the Tanjong Pagar stretch heavily dotted with Korean BBQ joints. Occupying a small space with bare minimum decor, they are known for churning out (noticed the pun? hahaha) quality homemade artisanal ice cream. And the one little thing that set them apart from the rest? Chocolate sauce. Yes. Simple but oh-so-divine! Anything chocolate in liquid form is pure gold. Ask for your ice cream in their signature chocolate filled cone and be prepared to drool as you watch your cone slowly filling up with sinfully delicious oozy chocolate sauce. Churn Creamery has this "magic" tap that dispenses the sauce like how water would be from a tap. Wish we could have drank straight from the tap, just like a water fountain! Price is a bit steep but that chocolate made it all seem worthwhile :)

Reddy Feeling "Healthy" @ May May ***Closed. Updated Aug 2017***

May May is one of the new kid on the Tras Street block of buildings. Opened just about a year ago in December 2014, they are the sister establishment of The Blue Ginger, a name synonymous with authentic Nyonya cuisine. No, you wouldn't find your Ayam Buah Keluak fix here, but instead what you can expect to find are modern and casual interpretation inspired by our colourful local flavours and also those around this region. The portions don't seem too overwhelming, which is good news for small eaters (just because there is room for more stuff then!). Staff are prompt, polite and pretty much well versed with what they have to offer. My favourite part? The skylight that fills quite a fair bit of ceiling space! It's especially beautiful when the sky decided to pour the heavens down - with just a hint of daylight and soothing raindrops trickling into a gentle flow upon falling upon the skylight.

Sticky Gooey Yummylicious Lor Mee @ Famous Amoy Street Lu Mian

Well, finally there's another lor mee stall which I can actually make it in time for lunch in Amoy. The one at 2nd floor (Yuan Chun) is always sold out by the time I get to them after 12.00pm. Famous Amoy Street Lu Mian they're called, recently opened, probably around April or May this year. Here they serve only 2 versions - regular ($3.00) and "extra fish" ($4.00). I opted for the $4.00 version and boy, I was way pleased I did!

Chunks of fried fish. OMG so, so, darn good :)

Reddy Goes A-Wandering - Eng Kee Famous Roasted Duck

A good 80% of places I've written about here, were accidental finds. Wandering feet during lunch hour can often lead me to pretty good joints. Just like this place in some random coffeeshop in a small slip road next to the busier Anson Road. I've often come across a snaking queue right in front of the coffeeshop (whilst on my way to another favourite Indian makan joint, which I will talk about some time soon) and wondered what could be tantalising enough to warrant such a queue! Yes, like any true blue Singaporean, who adores food, I found myself drawn towards the enigmatic draw of the line-up. Haha. So here you go, Eng kee Famous Roasted Duck, for your reading pleasure. Promise not to drool too much ok? 

Aiyo... just look at the crackling............

Old School Fave - Ali Nachia Briyani Dam

Briyani, as defined by Wikipedia, is a Southeast Asian rice dish, originating from the Muslim and Indian subcontinent community. It is essentially made of meat (can be chicken, mutton, beef, and the not very common fish), spices and long grained Basmati rice. There are many variations of briyani, in India itself, almost every region has it's own special version of this hearty meal. In our Little Red Dot, we are more accustomed to 3 versions (me thinks) - Dum Briyani, Tandoori Briyani and Curry Briyani. My personal favorite would have to be the Dum Briyani, which brings us to the old school favorite - Ali Nachia Briyani Dam (more famously known as the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station briyani joint).

Chicken Dam Briyani @ $7.00

A Slice Of History Over Lunch - Chong Wen Ge Cafe

I love everything old. There is just something "more" about old stuff - more character, history, charm. Many a time, I would stand and literally stare, at the intricacies of old buildings. How things were put together, how every piece of tile was painstakingly handpainted, how every piece of carving tells a story, how the walls are adorned with meticulous artwork made possible only by the hands of a skilled artisan. Which brings me to one of my favorite lunch joints in the CBD - Chong Wen Ge Cafe.

Intricately decorated pavilion now play host to an outdoor seating area

Reddy's Solo Lunch Adventure @ Chalong, Tanjong Pagar Centre

Yay, Tanjong Pagar-ians now have "mini mall" with a spanking new array of food options! Recently opened Tanjong Pagar Centre (oh it is also coincidentally the tallest building in Singapore), located just right next to Tanjong Pagar MRT, will house an exciting mix of eateries, spotted so far are Llao Llao, Royce, Henri Charpentier (opening soon), Crave Nasi Lemak (the famous original Adam Road nasi lemak), IndoChilli, The Daily Cut, Han's, Swee Heng, and of course there so many more to mention. Walking around B2 of the building during a "fam trip" my eyes were drawn to this shop with mouthwatering pictures of grilled meat. Say hello to "Chalong", the newest kid on our block.

18 hour Sous Vide Pork Jowl @ $12.00

When life gets you down, have some keropok :)

I love my crisps. Slice anything up thinly, bake it or fry it, make it crispy and crunchy and I will love it. Oh, especially local crisps - those keropoks! Fellow CBD-ians should be quite acquainted with this little corner of keropok heaven, located across Amoy Hawker Centre and right next to Gayatri (the popular Indian makan place). The stall has no name, but you can't miss it. Displayed invitingly are baskets full of local crisps of all kinds - sweet, savoury, spicy, non-spicy. Just be sure to not buy EVERYTHING you see, just as how I have to put some brakes on myself everytime I visit.

The keropoks are normally quite fresh, some are delivered just as they are done. 

Red Hot Chilli Ban Mee @ Amoy

I have a new addiction - and it comes in a form of noodles. Yes, 'em humble noodles. Something so simple can come in so many variations, and they can be so darn delicious at that. Was recently introduced to this mouth-watering bowl of chilli goodness, churned out by Grandma Ban Mee in Amoy Food Centre (apparently they been in operation since Dec 2015 and I've only been flagged of their existence like a week ago. Tsk tsk tsk, must keep eyes open wide enough), and I've been hooked ever since.

Like OMG really.............. Take my money already, please.

The Low Down on Good Eats - Amoy Food Center Series

Can't quite find any write-ups about this hawker center. But from the facade of the building, it looks to be have been built around the 80s? Nonetheless, for those working around the CBD (Shenton Way, Tanjong Pagar area) you would have been pretty much acquainted with grabbing a hurried lunch here, jostling with the office crowd and choping seats with tissue packets, namecards, EZ Link cards, etc...... Ahh, the joys of dining in the Central Business District. Despite all the shortcomings this place has, it still proves to be a popular dining choice, food is good and decently priced. Here I have listed down some personal faves which I hope you may enjoy as much I do!

Rafee's Corner #01-76

They make one of THE Best Teh Halia ever. Key point to note is, when asked for "kurang manis" or "less sweet", the tea comes with just a hint of sweetness that does not overpower the heady scent of ginger and freshly brewed tea. Although they generally have some kuehs for sale throughout the day, the best variety is found in the mornings. Come early in to find familiar favourites like Kueh Lopis, Kueh Kosui and Pulut Panggang.

Would You Like Some Cha? @ Cha Tra Mue Tanjong Pagar

Just as how coffee come from a variety of beans from the world over, tea, too, come from a variety of tea leaves from the world over. Tea originated from southwestern China, and is now the second most widely consumed drink in the world (after water!). While tea plants may have it's origins in East Asia, throughout the years, with different types of processing and hybridization, we now have a mind boggling array of brews to choose from (if you happen to be at TWG, do take some time to browse through their non-exhaustive list of brews sourced from all around the world). It is said that China's legendary Da Hong Pao tea is the world's most expensive tea, 1g of this rare tea will set you back a staggering $1,400, or $10,000 for a pot! But hey, we don't need to go to that extent for a good cuppa, not too far away, tucked away along the stretch of little shops at Tanjong Pagar MRT, is Cha Tra Mue, who in my opinion, does the best Thai Milk Tea I have come across by far. And, I believe the throngs of eager customers awaiting their orders around lunch hour can attest to my claim, hehe.

Liquid gold

Sarnie Fix @ Park Bench Deli

There is nothing ordinary about the sarnies you get here. Everything seem to have gone for a "makeover", elevated to another level, gone from hmm-ok, to hmm-this-is-awesome. Opened not too long ago in 2015, this is a collaborative effort of Chef Ming (from the famed Lolla), Chef Andre Soen (The Cajun Kings) and business partner Aamir Ghani. No boring humdrum stuff here, expect amped up versions of humble everyday favourites. The menu might not too expansive, but hey, we believe that if you're gona sell just one thing, then you better be sure to make it so good you wouldn't have to sell anything else.

Grilled Cheese and Kong Bak Banh Mi

RaRa and Reddy's Day Out @ Potato Head Folk

Those familiar with Bali will definitely be well versed with the mere mention of "Potato Head". Singapore has for the past 2 years hosted this acclaimed brand name from the sunny shores of Bali. Potato Head Folk is housed in a restored pre-war art deco shophouse, occupying all 4 levels of the corner lot funky shophouse. First level holds the take-out counter of Three Buns, second holds the dining area of Three Buns, third and fourth are both bars, with the rooftop bar being at fourth. Us being burger fans were here to try out what Three Buns is known for - BURGERS!

Gone Local @ Quan Ji, Amoy

Been to Amoy gazillion times, but never noticed them. Not till my eyes spotted a fellow colleague's takeaway lunch and I went... "Ehh? That looks and smells good!" So off to Amoy again, this time to try out Quan Ji's popular dish of Fried Sliced Fish Soup. This dish, along with the likes of Char Kway Tiao and Chicken Rice, is a staple in our hawker scene. There are a few variations - the ones with poached fish slices, the ones with prawns and fish slices, ones with slices of fish that are deep fried. You can add your choice of starch to the soup as well, be it "thick" or "thin" bee hoon, or just soup and a bowl of white rice on the side. Oh oh, not forgetting the "milk" version and the one without, and also another version that has XO added for that extra "zing"!
That's about all I can ramble off the top of my head about the "evolution" of the humble bowl of fish soup, now enjoy the salivating pictures I have to share with you guys! :)

Thick succulent slices of fish, very fresh and no "fishy" smell. Super sedap! Best eaten with a chilli padi and light soy sauce dip.. *drool*

Each portion at $5.00 a bowl.

Reddy's Lunchtime Adventures - Piao Ji Fish Porridge @ Amoy

There is perpetually a QUEUE here EVERYDAY. Like, we're talking 20-ish people minimum, and waiting time can range anything from 30 minutes (you're super lucky) to 50 minutes (that's the longest I have ever waited). Ask any fans of the healthy fish soup dish, Piao Ji Fish Porridge will be mentioned more often than not. What is the fuss about, one will ask. Well, once you have tasted the sweet tasty broth and taken bites of their succulent slices of very fresh fish, you too, will be hooked, and will join in the rest of the legions of fans who diligently await their turn in line to feed the need for more. So dramatic. Yes, very.

Fish and Prawn Soup. Damage? $10.00 for the smallest portion.

RaRa and Reddy Visits "Glutton's Paradise" - OTT Cake Shakes @ Cake Spade

Over-The-Top-Milkshakes. An Instagram worthy piece of gluttony that sent the world into a frenzy. News has it that this trend found it's roots in a bakery-cafe (Patissez) in Canberra, Australia. Didn't take too long for the rest of the world to jump of the bandwagon of saccharine bliss. Over at Cake Spade, it seems, have gone one up from the already extravagant OTT Milkshake with their (extremely) Instagrammable Cake Shake. Essentially a hybrid of the OTT Milkshake with an addition of a bust-the-diet slice of homemade cake, each concoction never fail to illicit "Oohhhhs" and "Aaahhhhs" from gawking patrons. Brace yourselves people, we have pictures to drive you into sensory overload!

                 

Green. Go green with envy.  

Reddy's Newfound Comfort Food - Pho 99

Our hot and super duper humid weather has finally taken a cooler turn, a much needed respite indeed! With the turn of the weather, Reddy's appetite has shifted to anything hot and soupy, and the "discovery" of a (not-so-new) Vietnamese joint couldn't come at a better time! Pho 99 is located right across from Amoy Hawker Centre, in an old conservation shophouse with windows painted vividly in hues of red, yellow, green and blue. If you intend to dine here at lunch hour, please be prepared to set aside some waiting time as there can be a line of waiting hungry diners (as with most places with great food :) )

Picture perfect

Reddy on Ramen Fever - Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King @ Paya Lebar Square

Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King is one of the 4 ramen concepts born from Chef Keisuke Takeda's first outlet of Ramen Dining Keisuke Singapore, and the other 3 being Tori King, Tonkotsu King Four Season and Tonkotsu King Matsuri. To add on to the already burgeoning list, Chef Keisuke also has a gyoza dining concept aptly named Gyoza King, Sake Bar Takeda Shoten and also (my personal favourite) Ginza Tendon Itsuki (click on the name to read up more on previous visits). As with most places with good food, there is usually a queue of hungry patrons waiting patiently for their turns. The queue does not get Ippudo-Crazy but ya, there is a queue. What I love about their ramen? The broth is good, yes, but I especially love the thinly sliced stir fried pork belly that garnishes each serving of the "King" option. And oh, for egg lovers? They have FOC hard boiled eggs to accompany your piping hot bowl of ramen - "free flow style"!

Tonkotsu Ramen "King" @ $12.90, add flavoured egg for $2.00 more