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I’ll have another beer, I’m not driving – Father Theodore, Trappist Monk

 

UPDATE JUL 2020 – Growler’s has closed.

Craft beer in Singapore is still a pretty new scene, so while there are quite a few bars in the Central Business District, it’s quite uncommon to have one beyond the city boundaries. So when I heard of one in the Macpherson/Potong Pasir area, I knew I had to go there one day.

My memory of Tai Thong Crescent is pretty fuzzy as it has been really long since I’ve really gone there. ever since the old Jackson Center with its delicious ngo hiang (that has moved to an adjacent coffeeshop) was torn down. So to arrive there to see the iconic jagged edge facade replaced with swanky new condominium blocks was kind of melancholic. Not to mention it was still drizzling when I was there.

Courtesy of streetdirectory.com
Courtesy of myimagesofsingapore.blogspot.sg

Growler’s Craft Beer & Bistro

Opened just a few months back in February 2017, the bar’s concept is eponymous: apart from taking a (cold) pint at the bar after work, you get to buy a full growler (basically a big glass/metal beer bottle; usually 1-2 litres but this one here is 2 litres) worth of golden goodness home if you want to. So just a couple weekends ago they just had their grand opening, and boy was it a blast! Placed along row of shophouse units across where Jackson Centre used to be, it’s a minutes stroll from Potong Pasir. Don’t bother driving here because of 1) lack of parking and 2) don’t drink and drive (important!!!)

I didn’t get to try their regular menu when I arrived as only bar bites (free throughout!) were available (only to be opened later into the night but I was already so stuffed). I did however get enough of beer to make my trip worthwhile though. In between platefuls of sweet potato fries and chicken wings (rather good!), a beer on a rainy evening doesn’t seem like a bad idea at all. Speaking which, they have a curation of beers on tap and in bottles; currently they serve beers from local brewery Circa 7 on tap, and I do recall they switch it up now and then. So check their Facebook page for updates! In the meantime, enjoy ice-cold favourites like the Working People’s Golden IPA and Pursuit of Hoppiness IPA; or if you’re not into heavy beers, the Bohemian Pilsner. Definitely refreshing and suitable for Singapore’s warm humid climate!

We did manage to order the salted egg yolk chicken burger at the end for a hungry latecomer and yes as seen on the photos, it’s pretty big and filling, yum!

Special mention: sick jell-o shots bruh!

More Information

Growlers Craft Beer & Bistro
37 Tai Thong Crescent
Singapore 347862
Reservations: 83539572
Opening Hours: 11:30am to 11.00pm (12:00am on Fri/Sat)

Update 2: Mum’s Recipe has closed as a stall, but they have renamed as Mdm Liew’s Recipes and their Facebook Page is still active for delivery orders!

Update: Mum’s Recipe Nonya Laksa is back open! At their original location, but newly renovated!

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This post will be the first of a new series of my new workplace #hitwTaiSeng.

Just a mention about laksa to just about anyone in Singapore will stir up a heated discussion (pun intended) on cultural authenticity; which stall/shop gets it and which stir up mass-produced modern versions. If there’s anybody brazen enough to blatantly ignore traditional ‘guidelines’ and STILL call themselves authentic, it’ll surely kick the hornet’s nest (and trust me, they usually don’t last).

Mum’s Recipe Nonya Laksa

The thing about food in Singapore is that it always has some degree of social connotations. Like how owner Leslie Chua recounts, this recipe which his mum had learnt from a nonya neighbour and eventually got the whole kampung (village) into her cooking every Sunday brunch (it’s common for everyone’s house to be ‘open house’ 24/7 in a kampung). In his words:

The laksa was an instant a hit with everyone! After that, laksa became the most requested item at our weekly Sunday brunch fest, followed by popiah.

One of the first things you notice when you arrive at the stall nested in a coffee shop along Macpherson Road is a huge metal pot with a brick charcoal stove to keep the gravy inside warm, reminiscent of the old days.

Mums Recipe Nonya Laksa Mums Recipe Nonya Laksa

In true perenakan style, the serving is simple: generous amounts of (peeled) prawns, fresh cockles (optional), and fish cakes. In the kampung days, there were no ‘holy grails’ of what to put in a nonya laksa; whatever you can get, it goes in. Hence, you will see different versions of the same dish all over Singapore and Malaysia. One common feature though, is the preference of short strands of rice vermicelli that if you wanted to, can be eaten with just a spoon. The curry itself is not that spicy, and tastes rich and creamy with all that coconut mmm-milk goodness. For those with iron-clad tongues that just love copious heaps of chilli in everything you eat, you can add dollops of red chilli paste and finely chopping laksa leaves to taste.

Mums Recipe Nonya Laksa Mums Recipe Nonya Laksa

…and remember! You don’t waste even a single drop of that glorious laksa curry! You can definitely tell that the customers enjoy it when every bowl is almost-literally licked clean!

Mums Recipe Nonya Laksa

Satisfied customers! #laksa #foodstagram #foodporn #singapore #food #foodie

A post shared by Mum’s Recipe Nonya Laksa (@mums.recipe.laksa) on

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
Situated some distance away from any semblance of a MRT station, it is best accessed by bus or walking (if you’re in the area)

Price: [star rating=”5″]
$4.50 for a bowl of laksa with generous toppings (just look at the pictures yo)? Sign me up!

Quality: [star rating=”4″]
The taste of the curry is rich enough, and ingredients fresh. I preferred it to be a bit more piping hot though. I’ve also added a good amount of chilli for some more oomph and it was W-O-R-T-H!

Overall: [star rating=”4.5″]
Reminds you of mum, it will… no seriously take the chance to go hug your mum

More Information

Mum’s Recipe Nonya Laksa
458 MacPherson Rd
Singapore 368176
Tel: 9865 8616 (advanced orders available)
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A Bagel is a Doughnut with the sin removed – Anon.

Random fact: contrary to some beliefs, the bagel was not created in the shape of a stirrup to commemorate the victory of Poland’s King John III Sobieski over the Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Vienna in 1683. It is however, thought to have appeared at around the same century with it being mentioned as a gift for women in childbirth. Whatever the truth of its origins, the bagel (believed to be derived from the transliteration of the Yiddish ‘beygl’, which came from the Middle High German ‘böugel’ or ring) made its way from western Europe to the North America by means of Polish Jew immigrants, it developed into a totally different food culture with the round staple in New York (read: Bagel Brunch in New York).

Two Men Bagel House

Not to be confused with two other guys nearby, Two Men Bagel House started what they claim to be Singapore’s first out and out bagel house since 2014 “located in the depths of Icon Village“. Bros Jerome Lam and Jereborne Lam (real bros or not, it doesn’t matter as long as they’re good bros)  dish out freshly baked, handmade rings of different flavours.  From caramelised onion (my favourite) to multi-grain or melted cheddar cheese , they don’t make that many for each variation (about 9 usually, check their menu for a list), so on busy days some could run out before you can even smell (if you smell…) any trace of bagel goodness!

A usual favourite of mine whenever I’m there would be their all-day breakfast selections, endearingly named with porcine names like Porky, Piglet or even Babe, with one aptly named spam because of the namesake topping. The “bagelwiches” are served piping hot to order and cut in half for easy devouring. Although you have to get ready some napkins because it WILL get messy.

Hold your piggies everyone. Other than some ham, they also have a fuller-bodied menu with pork ribs, beef briskets and more. From time to time, they also have random special edition creations whenever the bros feel inspired! Also , as long as you’re someone who sell bagels,  you MUST have ‘schmears‘, or basically spreads if you so prefer something a bit less savoury and voluminous. Like cream cheese for example!

The Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”3″]
You’ll need to wind around the back wing of icon village, away from the main walkway of big chain restaurants and outlets to find the corridor they’re at, but nothing too challenging if you follow your nose!

Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
A small premium to pay (about $10-12+ for the regular bagels, and $4-6 for schmears) for freshly baked bread and made to order bagelwiches, but nothing too surprising given its CBD environment

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
The breakfast bagelwiches could get a tad oily (expected), but otherwise I’ve got nothing on them!

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
They ain’t no jabronis, they’re got thick rings!

Bonus: Watch a video made by some NYP mass communications students!

More Information

Two Men Bagel House
16 Enggor Street
#01-12
Icon Village
Singapore 079717
Tel: +655094125
Email (orders in advance/catering): hello2men@gmail.com
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So it was my birthday a while back, and the gf decided to bring me to a place she had found on the entertainer app for a lunch treat. At first when I first heard the place to be at Camden Medical Centre, I thought she wanted to bring me to a dietician clinic for some slimming!

Fat Cow

A paraphrased introduction to their history and name won’t do them justice so much, so here’s their self-explanatory introduction:

 

Established by Refinery Concepts, FAT COW first opened its doors in October 2011.

The word “FAT” in FAT COW stands for luxury and indulgence, and is also a play on the word “Fatt” which in Mandarin dialect means prosperity. Spanning slightly over 3500 sq ft, the restaurant’s design takes a contemporary approach to the Japanese “Wabi-Sabi” concept – the art of finding beauty in things modest, simple and humble.

Indeed, the interior is reminiscent of a simple Japanese inn despite its premium status; basically wooden outfit with straw mats, and warm, dim lighting. Separated sections also give you the privacy you’d like while enjoying really good beef!

Fat Cow Fat Cow Fat Cow

Let’s get on with the food, shall we? At Fat Cow, the set lunches apparently have lots of raving reviews, with their signature The Fat Cow Donburi being obviously the most popular. But for today, my only beef (hehe) is how limited my stomach space was!

Well, as the name suggests Fat Cow is known for serving quality beef, and in different styles. For the sake of variety, I ordered the A5 Ribeye Shabu Shabu, while my partner got the Grade A4 Ribeye Ohmi beef. Ohmi beef, being one of the “Top Three Wagyu” of Japan, is known to have one of the most intense flavours coming from its fine marbling of fats. Served with a plethora of seasonings, you can either top it up with some yuzu sauce or with just some good ol’ salt. As soon as I popped that piece of meat into my mouth, it just melted and true enough, the sweetness was simply put, glorious! The shabu shabu serving was also pretty generous, and the soup stock, unlike some more casual dining places, isn’t just blasted with MSG and doesn’t rob your taste buds of the inherent full-bodied flavour of the meat. If you’re looking for a fuller meal though, I’d recommend getting some carbs like “The Fat Rice” which is basically seasoned with their signature shoyu sauce mix.

Of course they also have a (very) mean collection of Japanese whisky and other good food on the menu, such as the sweet potatoes we ordered to start off but somehow ended up coming right at the end of the meal. It was for the better in any case, as it would have masked the taste of the good stuff (read: beef).

Fat Cow Fat CowFat CowFat Cow Fat Cow Fat Cow

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”4″]
They’re quite atas, but at the same time they’re tucked in a quiet corner of the Orchard district

Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
I have to say that it is dear to dine here given the strictest standards they give to their food preparation. However this was made much better with the entertainer app!

Quality: [star rating=”5″]
You mean you didn’t see my pictures above? Also, if you’re into a more well-rounded meals, you can also check out their set lunches which are relatively affordable and from what I observed from my dining neighbours, are generous in serving as well.

Overall: [star rating=”4.5″]
Trust me when I say that not coming here is a huge missed steak!

More Information

Fat Cow
1 Orchard Boulevard
#01-01/02
Camden Medical Centre
Singapore 248649
Tel: +65 6735 0308
Email: ENQUIRY@FAT-COW.COM.SG
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UPDATE JUL 2020: Ted’s Kitchen has closed. Stay tuned for further updates from the chef’s next adventure!

Young hawkers have, at least for the last few years, became the mark of innovation in what is already one in SIngapore (food hawker culture). With a new enterprising approach to a bold career path that many generations of Singaporeans have taken, they seek to stir the pot and (definitely will) bring about new flavours. I will of course from time to time, #supportlocal and regularly feature these brave vanguards of food culture.

Ted’s Kitchen

The good thing about starting off as a food hawker outweighs the perceived lack of prestige; a smaller overhead means flexibility to explore operationally and creatively, and generally mature as a food entrepreneur. Just being opened for less than 2 weeks at the time of visiting, Ted’s kitchen is one such outfit that serves food with gusto. Chef Thad, the young owner, had a wish to serve quality western food at pocket friendly prices after graduating from the prestigious Enderun Colleges. At first thought, being situated in a industrial estate’s local kopitiam may not be the ideal starting point; but it does keep Ted’s life a bit more secure as compared to opening shop in some hipster district in town or *worse* a shopping mall.

Food-wise, Ted’s keeps it simple: get a pasta (just spaghetti for now) with your choice of style, add some meat for just $7! Then, get yourself some nice sides like cheese fries or their signature chicken wings to snack along!

The star of Ted’s is their chicken cutlet: coated with a light batter and deep-fried perfectly, golden brown, to lock in flavours of the chicken thigh, and it was delightfully juicy. At the end, I wolfed the entire cutlet down not having the ‘jelat’ (cloyed for you non-Singlish speakers) as it was not crusted excessively with flour and not overtly salty. The pasta (I got it aglio olio style) was also served al-dente and does not fight for attention with the protein. The serving size is also very generous, which Chef Thad says is a hit with the blue collar workers that have grown a following to his cooking.

For good measure we also got the carbonara pasta with turkey ham to try out. The flavour was wholesome, although the consistency was a wee bit runnier than what you’d usually get at Italian restaurants. To that, Chef Thad says he’s working on perfecting his sauce and we can all expect more from him!

In fact, over the week his business has built up so much, now he has to install a queue system and extended his service hours!


Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
The kopitiam they’re in is indeed quite out of the way (a 7-10 minute stroll from Paya Lebar MRT station) and nondescript so yes, 5 stars to that.

Price: [star rating=”4.5″]
$7 does give you more than enough to fill your tummy! Don’t let the size of the plate fool you, it’s a trap!

Quality: [star rating=”4″]
As the chef fine-tunes and expands his already “solid” recipes, his existing menu like the cutlets won’t let you down (please get it)!

Overall: [star rating=”4.5″]
A new entrant to the unique western food hawker culture in Singapore, Ted’s is doing something right here, and it can only get better. I was already bugged to return for more, which I definitely will!

More Information
Ted’s Kitchen
30 Eunos Road 5
Singapore 400030
Operating hours (it varies so read here)
CLOSED ON MONDAYS
Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 11:30am to 3:00pm
Thursdays & Fridays: 11:30am to 8:00pm
Saturdays: 11:30am to 9:00pm
Sundays: 11:30am to 5:00pm
Email (orders in advance available): tedskitchensg@gmail.com
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Update: Teepee is currently closed while the owners look for a new location. Check out their facebook page for further updates!

 

I’m a Happy Camper

Working, or just simply hanging around the Clarke Quay area is a great thing actually; you get spoilt for choice from budget noodles to atas noodles (ramen) or even atas satay bars depending on your mood and budget. Speaking about bars though…

Teepee Bar & Restaurant

Opened in December 2016 amongst the budding local boutique bar scene, Teepee Bar & Restaurant sets out to be a hidden abode for tired souls by day and by night, after an in tents day at work, geddit? It feels like a slight twist to the Melbourne cafe scene where it’s also a fully functional bar, and a more than decent one at that!

The setup and fare is what you’d expect from a boutique restaurant/bar: Slim outfit but cosy, simple food but not lacking substance. To even reach the entrance of the bar, you have to first locate the nondescript address and walk down an equally nondescript corridor before you finally see their signboard, which is still further past another doorway. Comfortable wooden stools and leather couch seats pepper the dining floor, and you also see their namesake (a teepee) hung up behind the bar counter.

It was a hot afternoon (surprise surprise) so the first thought was to get a drink, like their signature Earl Grey infused Gin & Tonic. Feeling you need a perk me up instead? There’s a good menu of coffee, like the lychee affogato up and ready for you too!

At their recommendation, I got myself the buttermilk fried chicken burger, and a side of their signature pork belly buns (kong4 ba4 bao1; 扣肉包), while my lunch partner got the wagyu beef bowl, another signature menu item. I got to say, the small outfit does not stop them from dishing out scrumptious and generous meals like these. The beef bowl for example has a copious amount of beef done just perfect medium rare, and topped with a marvelously prepared onsen egg. Did I also mention that their fries are done just right?

Teepee Bar & Restaurant

 

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
Like when their more well-known neighbour bar and another signboard-less cafe along Hongkong Street started out, you probably will not be able to locate them at first glance.

Price: [star rating=”4″]
It’s definitely not the cheapest option in Clarke Quay, but i definitely felt full after!

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
Food is made with fresh ingredients and meats are well-seasoned (and battered). Did I already say that their fries are good?

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
It’s perfect as a hideout regardless of the time of day, be it from the office hustle or the after-work party bustle. I am told it gets pretty crowded at night though so be prepared!

More Information

Teepee Bar & Restaurant
31 Hong Kong Street
#01-02 Singapore 059670
(just walk through the doorway and down the corridor at the first floor)
Phone: 6225 0025
Email: hola@teepee.com.sg
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Roti Prata is, admittedly, a guilty pleasure of mine as a Singaporean. In fact, this dish is so entrenched into our food culture that we become defensive when being told otherwise what is “Singaporean food”. It transcends ethnic and socioeconomic boundaries as well; public figures have also been known to host distinguished foreign guests with these staple foods to impress on them not to mess with us when it comes to food.

Hajmeer Kwaja Muslim Food

Started more than 35 years ago right in Maxwell Food Centre (then called Maxwell Road Hawker Centre), Hajmeer Kwaja Muslim Food dutifully dishes out stacks (yes!) after stacks of roti prata even before first light comes, as the early birds of office workers queue up to fuel up for the day ahead.

Hajmeer Kwaja Muslim Food Roti PrataHajmeer Kwaja Muslim Food Roti Prata

Likewise, nothing much really beats a fluffy double-egg prata in the morning, with some tangy curry at the side, and a cup of teh tarik to wash it down after. Mr Kumar, the owner affectionately known just as ‘uncle’ by just about everyone, remembers his regulars so well that all it takes is just a mutual nod to get the order taken! After pledging my first child patronising them for close to 5 years now, sometimes ‘uncle’ does the flipping and folding personally just for me, something pretty rare as his head cook does most of the work *Aww*

Apart from roti prata, they also sell some really good bryani (not pictured) in the afternoon, but for them it also means that they stop the roti prata orders until late night so that they are not overwhelmed by demand.

Hajmeer Kwaja Muslim Food Roti Prata Hajmeer Kwaja Muslim Food Roti Prata

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”2.5″]
It’s a hawker stall in a popular food centre; so the vibe isn’t that strong of what you will expect.

Price: [star rating=”5″]
With my double egg prata at $2 being near the top of the prices, it’s sure affordable!

Quality: [star rating=”4″]
I can attest that although there’s no prominent blog review (I tried) to recommend this, it’s definitely a delightful experience (come on, it’s prata leh) even if you don’t eat the roti prata here.

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
Bored of your tasteless sandwiches from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, or just done with clubbing nearby at Neil Road? Come get your prata fix right in the heart of the CBD!

More Information

Hajmeer Kwaja Muslim Food (Halal)
1 Kadayanallur Street
#01-103 Maxwell Food Centre
Singapore 069184
Opens 24/7, but roti prata is not available in the later morning till night.
p.s. It’s the corner-most stall nearest to the zebra crossing along the street


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A balanced diet is having a cupcake in each hand – Anon.

I happened to be in the Tiong Bahru Estate, as I had an apartment for the night before for my other photography works. I know that there was already a bookstore and even a yoga school along Yong Siak Street (one of the more happening enclaves in the area), but Plain Vanilla Bakery and their cupcakes has never exactly caught my eye previously.

Plain Vanilla Bakery

Since 2013, Plain Vanilla has been producing fresh cupcakes, and other cakes and pastries daily. Highlighting their commitment to top quality food, their products are only baked and served on the same day.

The bakery itself has very minimal cottagey, wooden furnishings, with a bright full length window at the entrance for you to peer into rows upon rows of enticing cupcakes. Outside, the seating area is sparse with a few big tables and surrounding long benches. What I liked was that it also designated as a reading area with an eclectic selection of reading materials; something that not many cafes do these days. The wooden swing at their entrance is also something very Instagrammable!


Plain Vanilla Plain Vanilla Plain VanillaPlain VanillaPlain VanillaPlain VanillaPlain Vanilla

I was there for a quick breakfast, so while I couldn’t resist getting at least one of their cupcakes I also got myself one of their breakfast items, a Brioche bun with baked eggs. Paired with coffee, it’s a pretty good perk me up for the weekend ahead. I just wished I could have more time (and stomach) for their other breakfast items and cakes!

One thing to highlight: they have a lot of cupcake flavours. From the rich chocolatey ones to the fruity, zesty variety, you’ll be really tempted to take a dozen of goodness home to savour!

Plain Vanilla Plain Vanilla Plain Vanilla

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”4″]
Despite having 2 other outlets in relatively convenient places, their flagship store in Tiong Bahru catches on the rustic charm of the entire estate.

Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
A little premium to be made, but still pretty affordable (cupcakes start at $3.90 with better discounts by the dozen, my brioche bun took my at $7).

Quality: [star rating=”4″]
The freshness can be tasted, trust me.

Overall: [star rating=”3.5″]
Whether you like your cafes and other things in life vanilla or not, you’ll find something (usually a cupcake) for you here at Plain Vanilla!

More Information

Plain Vanilla Bakery
Tiong Bahru Flagship
1D Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168641
Tel: 8363 7614
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8am – 7pm, Sunday: 9am – 6pm
Cupcakes & bakes available from 10am; earliest order collection starts from 10am.
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Cluny Court
01-03A, 501 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259760
Tel: 8363 7615
Opening Hours: 8am – 7pm daily
Breakfast bakes available from 8am, and cupcakes & other bakes from 11am; earliest order collection starts from 11am.

ION Orchard
Closed for refurbishment – March 2017 EDIT: They have opened!
B1-06 within IN GOOD COMPANY Concept Store, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
Tel: 8299 9422
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11am – 7pm, Friday – Sunday & Public Holidays: 10am – 7.30pm
Cupcakes & bakes available from 11.30am; earliest order collection starts from 12pm.

 

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