Colourful Palates

Finding something healthy yet tasty isn't quite an easy task. But since I had a special request from a friend, I decided to be a little adventurous and explored the streets of Haji Lane for one place which qualifies this.  The Lab SG is open by a humbled Muslim family and situated in Jalan Pisang. Right in the midst of many reputable cafes like Artistry and Symmetry, you might easily give this gem a miss.  The name of the cafe speaks for itself. Expect what you would see in a laboratory- cylinders and jars. But of course, these containers are filled with food and not chemicals.  Pressed fruit juices are one of the specialties at The Lab. At 5 bucks, you can choose three different ingredients to go into your mixed juice. I got the ginger, carrot and beetroot which turned out refreshing and slightly spicy and sweet at the same time.  As for the food, be prepared to spoil yourself with the array of selections, from burgers to pastas to interesting starters,  We onl...

Welcoming the new player in the bak kut teh heat is 团缘 or Tuan Yuan.  Located right in the midst of the peaceful yet centralized neighbourhood in Tiong Bahru, Tuan Yuan caters to both the residents as well as the adventurous foodies. So how did the name 团缘 came about? We hear from the boss of the restaurant that it actually has several meanings behind it. One of which would be that he wish to bring families together to enjoy a sumptuous meal, whereas the other is because its current location is where the family used to stay many years back. This brings back fond memories of my childhood as well, since I grew up in Kim Tian Road.  I can sense your eagerness to read on hence, enough of the history and let's get down to the main reason why you're reading this. The Food Critic!  The parents of the boss is actually the founders of Outram Park Ya Hua Rou Gu Cha at PSA Tanjong Pagar (7 Keppel Road). Remember those times where I'd just have to walk across my office for some hot p...

Chir Chir (otherwise known as Chi-ru Chi-ru) is presently located in three places evenly spread across the tiny island of Singapore: Bedok Point, 313@Somerset and finally Chinatown Point If you are a fan of the Korean fried chicken craze, then surely you would not want to give this a miss! One unique thing about Chir Chir is their utensils. I forgot to take a picture of them because I was too busy chatting with colleagues and did not think of blogging about it but this is so good I need to share with everybody!! They have special 'kiap kiap' so that you will not dirty your hands even though you're eating the greasy fried chicken. However, I still personally prefer putting my fingers in action. Food somehow tastes better...  Tuck your face into the signature Nest Snow and you will be so glad you came upon this dish. Placed beautifully on a bed of creamy sauce and served on a hot plate, the tower of sizable chicken tenders are one of the best you can ever find (at least here ...

Spending the new year in JB is my first time. I was looking forward to a time of feasting and resting. Having been overseas (well further than just across the causeway) for the past 6-7 years, this is surely a downgrade for us.   Taking the KTM train from woodlands checkpoint was a different experience from the usual causeway link buses or cars which often gets into our nerves when stuck in the jams. There are 7 trips in a day and cost 5SGD to get from SG to JB sentral. Return trip costs only 5RM! It is no surprise that the trip there is filled with Singaporeans on new year eve. I was lucky my aunt booked in advance since the train was filled and my friend told me it was fully booked everyday till 3 Jan. The ride was about 5 minutes but the greater thing is that you do not have to queue at the crowded customs because they have special customs in air con walkways for train passengers. Surely a selfie is a must on the virgin ride!  We took S1 from the bus stop at City square to ...

I still do not get why a chinese roast duck dish is now known as the London roast duck. Curiously got the better of me and I decided to try out the Four Seasons, opened only this year at Capitol Piazza.  We sat down at lunch time, with only one other table occupied in the unusually quiet Chinese restaurant located on the 2nd floor of Capitol Piazza. Eager to try their infamous roast duck, we ordered half a duck ($22 for a portion suitable for 2; $36 for half; $68 for whole). This is what we got for half (see below). Well-marinated deboned duck meat layered with succulent crispy skin and sweet sauce was heavenly. The whiff of the strong aroma of spices-infused duck makes one cannot wait to taste the legendary dish. Trust me, I am not exaggerating abit on the tempting smell when the dish is served on your table.    Another winning dish is the mixed vegetables with enoki mushrooms with dried scallops in claypot. The picture does not do the dish justice but with great honesty...

Capitol Piazza seems like a new favourite for foodies, comprising of hot restaurants including Dazzling Cafe from Taiwan and Angelina from France. In this post, I will be sharing my gastronomic experience at Angelina!!!  They have breakfast menu which last till 11.30am (it opens at 10am). A brunch menu which last tills 2.30pm. And the others available from 11.30am onwards. The brunch menu is part served on a mini tiered-tray similar to a tea-time set. Pretty cute I feel.  First up, the old- fashioned hot chocolate "L'Africain" is seriously, last warning. The rich and smooth hot chocolate is served in a mini pitcher and a small, elegant cup. This is almost like a dessert on its own, better than a chocolate cake or ice cream. But definitely not for the faint-hearted given the richness in every drop of hot chocolate. There is whipped cream for you to mix in which thickens the drink and makes it creamier. It is up to you to apportion the chocolate and the whip to your liking....

Located within Marina Mandarin is our Peach Blossoms restaurant. Since we stayed here, we decided to give it a try having heard good reviews about their famous dim sum buffet.  Spending our Christmas dinner here was no regrets. Although it means all credit card promotions are no applicable, the meal was still a memorable one.  First up, pumpkin purée with seafood in mini pumpkin. I have always been a fan of pumpkin dishes, thus my order was no surprise. The purée is flavorful and filled with seafood stock and fresh chunks of prawns. Definitely the best pumpkin soup I had so far.  How about some fried salmon skin with salted egg yolk? The skin is thinly sliced and fried till the optimum crispiness and generously coated with salted egg yolk. We found this a very appetizing dish and was even tempted to get their deep fried soft shell crab with salted egg yolk.  Third dish is the claypot stewed fish maw with roast pork and beancurd. There was generous portions of fish ma...