tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77021226146247177832024-03-13T18:40:02.454+08:00ryan's food talksharing all my yummilicious adventures ^_____^)vchibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-24723928286864081882011-10-30T18:19:00.000+08:002011-11-13T15:49:31.780+08:00Ramen: Not just your "noodles in soup" (Ramen Champion, Trial 2)Following my research on <i><a href="http://ryanxfoodtalk.blogspot.com/2011/10/ramen-champion-bugis-iluma.html">Ramen Champion @ Bugis Iluma</a></i> and our first trial for <i><a href="http://ryanxfoodtalk.blogspot.com/2011/10/whos-ramen-champion-trial-1.html">Who's the Ramen Champion?</a></i>, I've learned to stereotypically explaining ramen as "noodles in soup" does not do justice to represent what ramen really is. Although at my level of skills, I am unable to put "ramen" in words, I think it's best for one to explore "ramen" in their food adventures, or hopefully with the photos and comments below.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I actually went to Ramen Champion three times in this two weeks, but not planning to write them in order, because I want to put this two ramen side by side for a comparison. This covers part of my 2nd and 4th visit.</i></blockquote>
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The one type of ramen that most Japanese/ramen restaurants in Singapore never have on their menu is the <i>tsukemen</i> ramen. <i>Tsukemen</i> literally means "dipping noodles" - yes, ramen don't just come in soup! The soup broth is prepared so thick that makes "dipping" the best way to taste your noodles.<br />
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First up, we have Tetsu's version of <i>tsukemen</i> - the <i>Very Rich! Paitan Tsukemen</i>! Describing the soup as "very rich" is an understatement. I'd like to call it "concentrated" - as if it has gone through a distillation process to retain just the essence of the broth. No kidding! (Not advisable to drink the soup alone.) Concentrated to the point that they serve you a third bowl worth of broth.<br />
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<b>Pros:</b> The <i>paitan</i> ("white soup") broth is super thick and flavorful (salty), generously garnished with fresh leek, and is a perfect complement with the plain <i>soba</i> noodles. <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">♥</span><br />
<b>Cons:</b> Noodles has been aired for too long, and I prefer my <i>ajitama</i> to be warm. :o<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_QKBe-3aVGHny67e0xo3XeRO5TbfiiXmUdfVMvK68Fq59FYJEVKvxM0Cn_N5wrWcDGcaqG7rxL-ZGeMeuUsKa1Gvl78SdcaacsT1QbglYhs6tc5D_UkGDmqxHvZW2KrrQaUvhxCr4U8/s1600/ramenchampion_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_QKBe-3aVGHny67e0xo3XeRO5TbfiiXmUdfVMvK68Fq59FYJEVKvxM0Cn_N5wrWcDGcaqG7rxL-ZGeMeuUsKa1Gvl78SdcaacsT1QbglYhs6tc5D_UkGDmqxHvZW2KrrQaUvhxCr4U8/s320/ramenchampion_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Very Rich! Paitan Tsukemen</i> from Tetsu<br />
Photo edited with <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
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<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span> </div>
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Fluid egg yolk and egg white on the inside. (Unfortunately, quality is not always maintained.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9IfMQdNcx7W4ChhAAH89Dy8bu38LyGCuo1IN6fh7vWwH7121DDT4kyR6_c9cZaMV98wf6mqKMaoO_hPgBDLVkXzidA2oBlsS6PDPXu11XsKbalXm28kAj_s5MBHOjnVuzuujFmDgfe8/s1600/ramenchampion_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9IfMQdNcx7W4ChhAAH89Dy8bu38LyGCuo1IN6fh7vWwH7121DDT4kyR6_c9cZaMV98wf6mqKMaoO_hPgBDLVkXzidA2oBlsS6PDPXu11XsKbalXm28kAj_s5MBHOjnVuzuujFmDgfe8/s320/ramenchampion_9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ajitama</i> from Tetsu<br />
Photo edited with <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
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Next up, we have Taishoken's <i>Tsukemen Deluxe</i>. It is said that Taishoken invented <i>tsukemen</i>, the "dipping noodles"!<br />
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From the looks of it, Taishoken's <i>tsukemen</i> appears more flavorful with the traditional ramen topping, <i>narutomaki</i>. The broth looks different, instead of the <i>paitan</i>, Taishoken's <i>tsukemen</i> clear soup broth is boiled from pork, chicken and anchovies.<br />
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<b>Pros:</b> Noodles are "smoother". I like the anchovies broth. The <i>cha-shu</i> has a nice roasted aroma and the fatty parts are soft that melts in your mouth. *thumbs-up!*<br />
<b>Cons:</b> Although the broth is rich and good on its own, it still seems too bland to complement with the plain noodles. Taste of the broth doesn't "stick" onto the noodles by just dipping. :(<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfZJg5br_vV4OhgnIa4WpNRNXJlKoNWD0j_qucw6ckglrF-XfAUzha5z8RrAefnbKhwGemyHzdLChxbcp38_hHC1QnTkxC5iNdeProo5J70pEi63JgGmC9TYVErWr9-uExKtJ45TE9dQ/s1600/ramenchampion_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfZJg5br_vV4OhgnIa4WpNRNXJlKoNWD0j_qucw6ckglrF-XfAUzha5z8RrAefnbKhwGemyHzdLChxbcp38_hHC1QnTkxC5iNdeProo5J70pEi63JgGmC9TYVErWr9-uExKtJ45TE9dQ/s320/ramenchampion_9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tsukemen Deluxe</i> from Taishoken<br />
Photo edited with <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
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<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></div>
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You've just seen Trial 2 of the Ramen Championship!<br />
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>Read more on the "Ramen Championship Adventure" series:<br />
<ul>
<li>Intro: <a href="http://ryanxfoodtalk.blogspot.com/2011/10/ramen-champion-bugis-iluma.html">Ramen Champion @ Bugis Iluma</a> </li>
<li>Trial 1: <a href="http://ryanxfoodtalk.blogspot.com/2011/10/whos-ramen-champion-trial-1.html">Who's the Ramen Champion?</a></li>
<li>Trial 2: Not just your "noodles in soup" <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">← you are here!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">more to come....</span></li>
</ul>chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-44603731427621533772011-10-22T21:15:00.000+08:002011-10-22T21:51:41.539+08:00Crab Bee Hoon Soup & Chicken Pies @ Don Your Personal Pie Club<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P97xwCSAG4AbWt0nyL3xNuI0-s0v44tQE_gy6oyThWllyDFPqwJKC58UBKlDOY4gnjUqsl2cuLzDoMbC0l_dtTAS_NYg5LeiJinyeoSp_11xbIJABQ2zCRXtc3_72_gV8HHiiYnvUd4/s1600/donyourpie_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P97xwCSAG4AbWt0nyL3xNuI0-s0v44tQE_gy6oyThWllyDFPqwJKC58UBKlDOY4gnjUqsl2cuLzDoMbC0l_dtTAS_NYg5LeiJinyeoSp_11xbIJABQ2zCRXtc3_72_gV8HHiiYnvUd4/s320/donyourpie_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don Your Personal Pie Club (waiting for food)<br />
Photo edited with <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
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Here is a strange shop at China Square Central, China Court, that looks like it's a pie shop - also from its name, <a href="https://foursquare.com/v/don-your-personal-pie-club/4b690715f964a52052972be3">Don Your Personal Pie Club</a> (or "Don Your Pie" for short), but with a wonder surprise inside. Not unless you came with someone who already knew, or that you drop in for the pies (which then you would have noticed the sign by the counter) would you have known that the surprise they kept so well inside was actually, Claypot Crab Bee Hoon Soup.<br />
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I'm not sure how many have tasted crab bee hoon soup before in Singapore, because it is not a dish that we often go looking for. I have eaten chilli crab, pepper crab, butter crab, and sliced fish bee hoon soup (my favorite), now to eat them together as one dish is actually a first for me!<br />
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Three of us arrived at Don's around 11:30am on a Monday for an early lunch. Shop is nearly empty except for a few queuing for pies. Food came at around 11:50am.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqxzQeDuLNR731SMWwaAtvYM6Hh5Y1LVmB8wqwDrPLkz6wlurI_i94905MywqOw7xOqRbN1rgxg3mNMgimscNZoghsxQk70IKY1aS-4HGkSB02wQCHPYTJgGMvcKwE6CL6kkyJaisdkE/s1600/donyourpie_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqxzQeDuLNR731SMWwaAtvYM6Hh5Y1LVmB8wqwDrPLkz6wlurI_i94905MywqOw7xOqRbN1rgxg3mNMgimscNZoghsxQk70IKY1aS-4HGkSB02wQCHPYTJgGMvcKwE6CL6kkyJaisdkE/s320/donyourpie_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claypot Crab Bee Hoon Soup<br />
Photo edited with <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
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<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span></div>
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Their signature dish: Claypot Crab Bee Hoon Soup.<br />
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To be honest, I am very impressed with the freshness of their crabs. I was a little disappointed with the soup though, which is still good, but I felt it could have a richer herbal/wine taste and bit less "milky".<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtzCvcQgPS-ypoEUHzjQTblU0fsnhsYzoBaUCCYQtKrPeTn9vU6FCxg397be2Y0nt65NuzOdtjBL0ep4mSQMxg9CaarzX_jfOWdxXryaBnQri5FjQsfXQFk-H05BCR2Q26GTTC59bdLc/s1600/donyourpie_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtzCvcQgPS-ypoEUHzjQTblU0fsnhsYzoBaUCCYQtKrPeTn9vU6FCxg397be2Y0nt65NuzOdtjBL0ep4mSQMxg9CaarzX_jfOWdxXryaBnQri5FjQsfXQFk-H05BCR2Q26GTTC59bdLc/s320/donyourpie_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Pepper Crab Bee Hoon (dry)<br />
Photo edited with <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
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<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></div>
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For myself, I had the Black Pepper Crab Bee Hoon. Black Pepper Crab is my favorite crab dish, but I really had no idea how this would turn out. Anything in the name of "black pepper" could go totally bad if the chef had a different kind of "taste" - if you know what I mean.<br />
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Luckily for me, this dish turned out just fine. It could be a little more spicy (more black pepper!) being the usual me, although the current level of spiciness is good enough and acceptable for most people who claim they can take spicy food. I do have one suggestion, which is to make the black pepper taste cooked more integrally with the crab - you know like how black pepper crabs at the seafood restaurants are done! Right now, it is more like fresh crab with black pepper sauce over the top. I won't complain too much though, because fresh crabs are already a +1. :)<br />
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At a pie shop, it just doesn't make sense to not try their pies at all!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qu9PGfvQDHAzBY3qyIEPg8LvF5hDMLEyVuPPX94BFkxQMMOhsf0EwRrerJ-uBgExpdLQL7PvnDC52zXLcW57k40XxJY_W1d_R0puatnwuJuaGXm17taYivor3vaeHpTUdiFXn9H-kSw/s1600/donyourpie_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qu9PGfvQDHAzBY3qyIEPg8LvF5hDMLEyVuPPX94BFkxQMMOhsf0EwRrerJ-uBgExpdLQL7PvnDC52zXLcW57k40XxJY_W1d_R0puatnwuJuaGXm17taYivor3vaeHpTUdiFXn9H-kSw/s320/donyourpie_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken pie, quarter-size box<br />
Photo edited with <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiyU0OLDBfQ2JyWOluSUo65amGsKjKC1wj7fWtax41w3oWorXgf3m558TM1p52tjBZPytQfEInHGA6EfH0orsDNyabrs5j6X1E-Q6Ky2YUxHWxroj4YcCqxItSdnorwguOdmQYQz79as/s1600/donyourpie_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiyU0OLDBfQ2JyWOluSUo65amGsKjKC1wj7fWtax41w3oWorXgf3m558TM1p52tjBZPytQfEInHGA6EfH0orsDNyabrs5j6X1E-Q6Ky2YUxHWxroj4YcCqxItSdnorwguOdmQYQz79as/s320/donyourpie_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken pie, quarter-size<br />
Photo edited with <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
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I guess I didn't do the pie justice by eating it cold. :\ Pies need to be eaten hot! From the cold pie that I ate, the filling is typical local/asian pies filling - mashed potato with pieces of chicken and boiled egg. I like the texture of their mashed potato, but I've never liked boiled egg, even in my curry puffs. Cold pies are cold pies after all, unfortunately. So no rating for this time. :(<br />
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But according to wx, he was very satisfied with the Chicken Shepard Pie he got! (He heated it up of course)<br />
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If you are interested in trying this out, Don Your Pie is located at <a href="http://gothere.sg/maps#q:20%20Cross%20Street%2C%20%2301-34%2F35%2F36%2C%20China%20Square%20Central,loc:1.283904%2C103.847544,z:18">20 Cross Street, China Square Central - China Court #01-34</a>. The crab bee hoon dishes are $19 each. (Apparently, it was only $12.50 four years ago, as reported on <a href="http://ieatishootipost.sg/">ieatishootipost.sg</a>!) They also have nice "concentrated" lime and pink guava juices! The pies are an average $5 for a fair 1-person portion.<br />
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If you work in the vicinity of Raffles Place, Shenton Way, and Chinatown, they do free deliveries for orders $30-50. Check out more information on their <a href="http://www.donpie.com.sg/">website</a>.chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-72098901747033214592011-10-16T00:12:00.000+08:002011-10-16T00:12:39.547+08:00Skinny Pizza is really skinny!<br />
<a href="https://foursquare.com/v/skinny-pizza/4c64d88ef07e2d7fa68c9050">Skinny Pizza</a>. You might be thinking: Well, how "skinny" can a pizza get? -- VERY.<br />
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The skinny pizza crust from Skinny Pizza has a totally revamped <i>taste</i> and <i>texture</i> from the traditional bread crusts. For one, it <i>cracks</i>!!<br />
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To get an idea, it's just like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papadum">Indian <i>papadum</i></a> that tastes like unsalted crackers. Crunchy and 'cracky', accompanied with freshly prepared toppings and lots of greens, it makes a light meal that keeps your stomach just satiated and not bloated. Definitely a healthier choice of pizza!<br />
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Since it was our first time there, we decided to go all out in experimental mode. We picked the 'strangest' or arguably the 'most special' pizza available. Ever seen a black pizza before? :p<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Gg7DA8CNduLW2h80eZC4Y_WswNFZRqH5H5EbZeeeTSJilIPbLwyTuCWTn1LSpf44k6fZBFLkeAQCwGQ9JoQlJjBsbisd5MqQ6E4ssvCTGUXq9zNjQo0ej5J3Ee6NwLu55pzQ9HMVHks/s1600/skinnypizza_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Gg7DA8CNduLW2h80eZC4Y_WswNFZRqH5H5EbZeeeTSJilIPbLwyTuCWTn1LSpf44k6fZBFLkeAQCwGQ9JoQlJjBsbisd5MqQ6E4ssvCTGUXq9zNjQo0ej5J3Ee6NwLu55pzQ9HMVHks/s320/skinnypizza_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Squid Ink @ Skinny Pizza</b><br />Photo edited by <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
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<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cnPTYleTioMcnfwwEhN15mJq70X0hc0PdXLZWxyi1i2D7yH0xg0q5Z9U0EXwuj64lr3klW13ak1uUokkTkNfqPdEjbZEExHlhhiZOY6QrG1sv-XWhPcITwecW29cW0G3FyeiXeUQCqc/s1600/skinnypizza_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cnPTYleTioMcnfwwEhN15mJq70X0hc0PdXLZWxyi1i2D7yH0xg0q5Z9U0EXwuj64lr3klW13ak1uUokkTkNfqPdEjbZEExHlhhiZOY6QrG1sv-XWhPcITwecW29cW0G3FyeiXeUQCqc/s320/skinnypizza_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Skinny pizza is really 'skinny'!</b><br />
Photo edited by <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
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We also tried their pasta. Our comments? Not too bad, but unless you really want to have pasta, should just stick to what they are known for next time :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBQoVhSDrBaJLqM1j0VxnAU-GdYG0jW2p8SWKRyFR38EPz-cI6OvO5h0cCDRfIT-3FL4fkMAM6vUg9y4y32zczs45qoye5xMfvB6JmqCPVV3A-QoNoL8ikh0PEYk5DQHSIH-lkv4M0OE/s1600/skinnypizza_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBQoVhSDrBaJLqM1j0VxnAU-GdYG0jW2p8SWKRyFR38EPz-cI6OvO5h0cCDRfIT-3FL4fkMAM6vUg9y4y32zczs45qoye5xMfvB6JmqCPVV3A-QoNoL8ikh0PEYk5DQHSIH-lkv4M0OE/s320/skinnypizza_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Bay Prawn Capellini @ Skinny Pizza</b><br />
Photo edited by <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYQWA2K2YYvMiM5KDR7X_UGeiYzvUeGsbDc_X3nGgo6yw7ePQyg4UQ2tcCfhsX8ms98LF1TiEeKadAofnt__f7HPa0U9V8KpbqBVUW0xkGk4ygWwm63qJgVl2czFYF7LGIgg2ikjptMs/s1600/skinnypizza_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYQWA2K2YYvMiM5KDR7X_UGeiYzvUeGsbDc_X3nGgo6yw7ePQyg4UQ2tcCfhsX8ms98LF1TiEeKadAofnt__f7HPa0U9V8KpbqBVUW0xkGk4ygWwm63qJgVl2czFYF7LGIgg2ikjptMs/s320/skinnypizza_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Spaghetti Aglio Olio @ Skinny Pizza</b><br />
Photo edited by <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Is a little pricey - averages $20 per person (assuming 1 entree each - pizza or pasta) if you are okay sticking with "just water". Their pizza is definitely more worth the price considering the "healthy" value. Great for dinner!<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></div>chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-30720685462596686652011-10-15T01:20:00.000+08:002011-10-30T18:20:59.651+08:00Who's the Ramen Champion? (Trial 1)Ramen, ramen, ramen, ramen, ramen, ramen....<br />
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I'm saying "ramen" six times because this is really what this dining place is about - Ramen.<br />
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For a ramen place, wx and I would usually just hit a RamenPlay. But this day, on a friend's recommendation, we decided to give this "authentic Japanese ramen" a try - <a href="https://foursquare.com/v/ramen-champion/4e0dad87a8099e152600c402">Ramen Champion @ Bugis Iluma</a>.<br />
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The problem was, there were actually six different ramen stalls there - Ikkousha, Gantetsu, Menya Iroha, Bario, Taishokan, and Tetsu. And since we didn't do any research beforehand (not even asked the friend
what's the best there!), we could only rely on the picture menus
and our instincts for good food. We literally went from stall to stall, thinking to ourselves - "ok, this one sells ramen...and this one....ramen. next one...erm, ramen too. right...that's ramen as well. so which is the one that's really really good?"<br />
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(For an overview of each of the ramen stall's specialties, read the post "<a href="http://ryanxfoodtalk.blogspot.com/2011/10/ramen-champion-bugis-iluma.html">Ramen Champion @ Bugis Iluma</a>".)<br />
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I guess my instinct failed me. As I was sucked in my usual <i>spicy-rules-all</i> mentality, I ended up having the <i>Spicy Miso Ajitama Ramen</i> from Menya Iroha. For someone at my spiciness capacity,
this spicy ramen is, of course, way way too mild. :p I was quite disappointed because it says in large text, "麻辣" (<i>mara</i>), on their menu. I also felt that the soup was too salty that this became one of the few times where I actually failed to clean my soup bowl completely. Nevertheless, I am giving credit for their tender <i>cha-shu</i> and half-boiled seasoned egg, <i>ajitama</i>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJ13h3fVNt0uSo8tv3On4m8Jmj1p3fBNVJE1BivjPSScHB3hD6QiUSRXqj319IIO6OIlOy9PNvKj4Ua2JV7wk8SkxER10dvY_d-0U5hzAbUobV2NarWfNevF2CVsfNykpdVUW_YrnCfg/s1600/ramenchampion+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJ13h3fVNt0uSo8tv3On4m8Jmj1p3fBNVJE1BivjPSScHB3hD6QiUSRXqj319IIO6OIlOy9PNvKj4Ua2JV7wk8SkxER10dvY_d-0U5hzAbUobV2NarWfNevF2CVsfNykpdVUW_YrnCfg/s320/ramenchampion+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo edited with <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Spicy Miso Ajitama Ramen<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★</span></div>
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Turns out, Iroha's <i>ajitama</i> wasn't the best there either.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOdM7ZmXSJtcbIcLCIRZv2590niZCwwfXs3ZBhASj_IZ3t9JXsFC5xkxofJ8wW0m4cz8ufZvX8vXalN1SSqerhmyzYhtA10oNDjZMJXd-qLScg7qKCIv1l2RKokwI-hUtMM3dYFuCiyQ/s1600/ramenchampion+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOdM7ZmXSJtcbIcLCIRZv2590niZCwwfXs3ZBhASj_IZ3t9JXsFC5xkxofJ8wW0m4cz8ufZvX8vXalN1SSqerhmyzYhtA10oNDjZMJXd-qLScg7qKCIv1l2RKokwI-hUtMM3dYFuCiyQ/s320/ramenchampion+%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo edited with <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
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Where we usually see the seasoned eggs served in halves, Bario expresses their uniquely strong style by serving their <i>ajitama</i> as a whole egg! We were drawn to believe that perhaps this half-and-whole thing could be the secret technique to making the best seasoned eggs! Either that, or Bario's chefs are just more skillful in controlling the timings in the seasoning process, because their whole eggs, when sliced open, reveals a perfectly crystal orange-colored egg yolk. "Woah," we reacted as if we've just witnessed the Seven Wonders in the world.<br />
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But that was not all to the Bario ramen. As I mentioned, Bario's ramen is "uniquely strong," or bold.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyxoOtoBNWzpt_h2X9tYhT6nayPaczLXXkvizrI0-U7bJD_kNlLw8vm4D84hsjvsdujDfZNsjKBd6jbcnWbsavtCusv6xAreQ9N6QnA3IMtZ7ftKWa-sSzutIr3BBAn8g9MXrSEA3foQ/s1600/ramenchampion+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyxoOtoBNWzpt_h2X9tYhT6nayPaczLXXkvizrI0-U7bJD_kNlLw8vm4D84hsjvsdujDfZNsjKBd6jbcnWbsavtCusv6xAreQ9N6QnA3IMtZ7ftKWa-sSzutIr3BBAn8g9MXrSEA3foQ/s320/ramenchampion+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo edited with <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Bario Ramen</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span> <i>(subject to individual's taste)</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIzkvULsuvYJMK-9n8zau8cgH_IcHovL7I5gioorwMjzakQJWHaWjLxmlDOj0WlymLI-js99FoB2m39z9Egl5y6AeAsX0Q1W38f4PIExyyal5Obrlvkmyq0TyjOzFL2iFwG0erEGrrz8/s1600/ramenchampion+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIzkvULsuvYJMK-9n8zau8cgH_IcHovL7I5gioorwMjzakQJWHaWjLxmlDOj0WlymLI-js99FoB2m39z9Egl5y6AeAsX0Q1W38f4PIExyyal5Obrlvkmyq0TyjOzFL2iFwG0erEGrrz8/s320/ramenchampion+%25285%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo edited with <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wx slurping on his bowl of Bario Ramen</div>
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Whole <i>ajitama</i>, a bold gesture to the presentation - check. <i>Milky-white tonkotsu</i> (pork bone) soup base, ultra-rich - check. Bread flour noodles, thick and heavy - check. Large handful of bean sprouts/cabbage piled to a mountain-high, another bold gesture - check. Thick, bold cuts on the <i>cha-shu</i> - check. Garlic, for the strong taste - check. To eat the Bario Ramen is to be a <i>bario man</i>, which means <i>super</i> and <i>strong</i>, just like how the ramen is designed to taste. Some may not like this as much due to the strong taste.<br />
<br />
For side dish, we went with Ikkousha's Chicken Gyoza. You should see that we enjoyed this dish very much:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPZiBAEswYkwX5GOTYjwgqjycrTOthxRyGm2eRPvY1eYd9DXq0iVNYYUoEgDkV5uzfqSe1dq5MSDnm8-oJHQYkvq3OS_i0tcYt5zmIsRVHSwFSj6EAAdJHL47M4tAhI3awoXrQwg_GUs/s1600/ramenchampion+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPZiBAEswYkwX5GOTYjwgqjycrTOthxRyGm2eRPvY1eYd9DXq0iVNYYUoEgDkV5uzfqSe1dq5MSDnm8-oJHQYkvq3OS_i0tcYt5zmIsRVHSwFSj6EAAdJHL47M4tAhI3awoXrQwg_GUs/s320/ramenchampion+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo edited with <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Chicken Gyoza</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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We had a second plate! And as soon as it arrived, wx stole a piece, thus leaving only four pieces in this photo.<br />
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<b>Conclusion</b><br />
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Anyone who enjoys a single bit about Japanese ramen should find the time to dine at Ramen Champion. The wide variety allows for groups of family and friends (with different taste for food) to all enjoy their meal here.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE266yIT4qJN50pOsEeyHR228h-Y9nPjHrc5khSsQ6K0dH5TcqrybCjHlA60TpYTBNguR117JcaLnaaMPQYYrn90T8iGQDa6HpKqp5_hEWCa_H9D81Et9D34Xeoz5F3IK-fVBabIEXds/s1600/ramenchampion+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE266yIT4qJN50pOsEeyHR228h-Y9nPjHrc5khSsQ6K0dH5TcqrybCjHlA60TpYTBNguR117JcaLnaaMPQYYrn90T8iGQDa6HpKqp5_hEWCa_H9D81Et9D34Xeoz5F3IK-fVBabIEXds/s320/ramenchampion+%25286%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo edited with <a href="http://pixlr.com/o-matic/">Pixlr-o-matic</a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Bario storefront</div>
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Favor thick tonkotsu soup? Try the Bario Ramen! Definitely not the typical kind of ramen you would find elsewhere, so I would strongly recommend that you try it at least once. Find it too strong, and you can always go for something lighter next time.<br />
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As you can see, I have named this post as "Trial 1". This means that there will be more reviews on Ramen Champion coming on this blog. We are hoping to try as many different ramen at the six stalls to come up with a fair judgment of the <i>ramen champion</i> for the Ultimate Ramen Champion 2011 competition. So do come back for more reviews!<br />
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To learn more about Ramen Champion and the Ultimate Ramen Championship, visit their <a href="http://www.ramenchampion.com.sg/">website</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theultimateramenchampion2011">Facebook Page</a>.chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-65713103300401430522011-10-15T01:19:00.004+08:002011-10-30T18:31:01.709+08:00Ramen Champion @ Bugis IlumaAnother weekend right ahead! Are you running out of lunch/dinner ideas?<br />
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If authentic Japanese ramen interests you, then be sure to check this place out at <a href="https://foursquare.com/v/ramen-champion/4e0dad87a8099e152600c402">Bugis Iluma</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ramenchampion.com.sg/">Ramen Champion</a> is a Marché-style (or food court-style) dining place where you can choose to dine from a selection of food stalls, charge all your orders to a card given, and only pay when you exit. Well, as the name suggests, Ramen Champion is all about ramen! You can find six ramen stalls there, each carrying their own specialized ramen flavor representative of different cities in Japan!<br />
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Here's an overview of all six ramen stalls at Ramen Champion: <br />
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<a href="http://www.gantetu.co.jp/"><b>Gantetsu [Sapporo]</b></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPix1VMr7fjM3oyzFd8MvTYwuzIlQW08l-TzYG5sqrxExjwaGOMIpaQs6JnCBY28wcLMViW8H7CWkl8eiGVry_-63zQWg6SiydrPIxtzuiYOIFjoXU7Hf5_N24dbJObbPd-6jAlk486I/s1600/ramenchampion_gantetsu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPix1VMr7fjM3oyzFd8MvTYwuzIlQW08l-TzYG5sqrxExjwaGOMIpaQs6JnCBY28wcLMViW8H7CWkl8eiGVry_-63zQWg6SiydrPIxtzuiYOIFjoXU7Hf5_N24dbJObbPd-6jAlk486I/s320/ramenchampion_gantetsu.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ramenchampion.com.sg/images/Menu/menu-gantetsu.png">See Gantetsu's menu</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This one was actually recommended by a friend. But both wx and I were turned off by the massive portion of corn on the pics. 3-year award winning ramen from Sapporo - <i>miso soup base with classic yellow ramen noodles</i>.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.menya-iroha.com/">Menya Iroha [Toyama]</a></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVDWzIopRfWLEQ0EkWTxWjDKTUNwMrFi3yWspdasyXBb6MWHG08jsx7aHKPEy2zQjCrcDjz4f6LxQKLSWw7uIVL7AZa18LHIard4eVsz6SumUeufm2-sZkwD0NsZ-tLeksszMNvkTp6Q/s1600/ramenchampion_iroha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVDWzIopRfWLEQ0EkWTxWjDKTUNwMrFi3yWspdasyXBb6MWHG08jsx7aHKPEy2zQjCrcDjz4f6LxQKLSWw7uIVL7AZa18LHIard4eVsz6SumUeufm2-sZkwD0NsZ-tLeksszMNvkTp6Q/s320/ramenchampion_iroha.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ramenchampion.com.sg/images/Menu/menu-iroha.png">See Iroha's menu</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Toyama's ramen - the black shoyu ramen! Menya Iroha has been a 2-year ramen champion in Tokyo. Specializes in the <i>black shoyu ramen</i> and <i>traditional miso with chili mara ramen</i>.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.tai-sho-ken.com/"><b>Tai-Sho-Ken [Tokyo]</b></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI44HAzfwJ3faLBs802uPvlrBb5a-9Grw8-g3ZQ4wrz0lGgoTmhzCMwTo6lqLc8QKTCT2CQV0U0aAlQbkXHYwcO5ZxWDyJTyKWlq2_zU4smQJwJz7a2iSb4VMT4hAHX406cppOREV-d1I/s1600/ramenchampion_taishoken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI44HAzfwJ3faLBs802uPvlrBb5a-9Grw8-g3ZQ4wrz0lGgoTmhzCMwTo6lqLc8QKTCT2CQV0U0aAlQbkXHYwcO5ZxWDyJTyKWlq2_zU4smQJwJz7a2iSb4VMT4hAHX406cppOREV-d1I/s320/ramenchampion_taishoken.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ramenchampion.com.sg/images/Menu/menu-taishoken1.png">See Taishoken's menu</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the most famous ramen shop in Tokyo. Known to have invented the <i>tsukemen</i> ("dipping noodles") soup broth - made from pork, chicken and anchovies, and <i>served with soba</i>, either on the side or in the soup.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikkousha.com/"><b>Ikkousha [Hakata]</b></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQRxhwOVV-sCe9cbUn4Lyb6_pGlQ9Gwj_S0lm3KkmkyBXoHRfNJC225IcMA5J0JKQt1riabXKGoPtDzCkbIKDAsnN07o9gbpWXoHrvRaGevaS6DVf9YAZVFHcJGujlVpxdhJ0t_UecRg/s1600/ramenchampion_ikkousha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQRxhwOVV-sCe9cbUn4Lyb6_pGlQ9Gwj_S0lm3KkmkyBXoHRfNJC225IcMA5J0JKQt1riabXKGoPtDzCkbIKDAsnN07o9gbpWXoHrvRaGevaS6DVf9YAZVFHcJGujlVpxdhJ0t_UecRg/s320/ramenchampion_ikkousha.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ramenchampion.com.sg/images/Menu/menu-ikkousha1.png">See Ikkousha's menu</a></td></tr>
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<i>Rich pork bone soup base with thin flat cut noodles</i> is this Hakata ramen shop's killer combo. Ikkousha pays much attention to its ingredients. It is said that their pork bone soup base does not have the strong smell of pork bone that most ramen shops have. Their <i>chicken gyoza</i> is pretty good as well.<br />
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<b>Bario [Tokyo]</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgsBI-edUXXBmaVeImOwwnw5NCEESy0FHLA67o03pqIbj5Hy5yKSAI6k31Z2njYvrq60leHeJMVHhNjWU9fkkKIw5Yer2_5gOvzsJGFzfhfV3cjD3gwWNDBeFol_LAVeaOGPIodhK8KU/s1600/ramenchampion_bario.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgsBI-edUXXBmaVeImOwwnw5NCEESy0FHLA67o03pqIbj5Hy5yKSAI6k31Z2njYvrq60leHeJMVHhNjWU9fkkKIw5Yer2_5gOvzsJGFzfhfV3cjD3gwWNDBeFol_LAVeaOGPIodhK8KU/s320/ramenchampion_bario.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ramenchampion.com.sg/images/Menu/menu-bario.png">See Bario's menu</a></td></tr>
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Listed by Guardian UK as one of the "50 best things to eat in the world," no one should ever miss out on Bario's <i>Jirokei</i> (Jiro style) ramen. <i>Super milky-white rich kyushu-style tonkotsu (pork bone) soup with thick and heavy bread flour noodles</i> - the Bario Ramen!<br />
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<b>Tetsu [Tokyo]</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju0_lFLktCta5LTJWHJda5-9apVYs7t0ZGxoeWvVzZXq8kvHo8LrfgFoj5DR-vmDQpfw2iE-1BRioLzitdlewZHEZGDeWp7mTvqQ5K7CcIRy950L4VKt8Acd9e7TfvUN3zeLYUu6P_YE/s1600/ramenchampion_tetsu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju0_lFLktCta5LTJWHJda5-9apVYs7t0ZGxoeWvVzZXq8kvHo8LrfgFoj5DR-vmDQpfw2iE-1BRioLzitdlewZHEZGDeWp7mTvqQ5K7CcIRy950L4VKt8Acd9e7TfvUN3zeLYUu6P_YE/s320/ramenchampion_tetsu.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ramenchampion.com.sg/images/Menu/menu-tetsu.png">See Tetsu's menu</a></td></tr>
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What used to be a small shop in quiet town is now one of the top spots for ramen in Tokyo (like a chain ramen cafe). You'll probably see Tetsu in Tokyo as much as you find a fast food restaurant in US. Tetsu's signature is also the <i>tsukemen soup broth with soba on the side</i>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What kind of ramen (soup base + noodles) do you like?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Which ramen at Ramen Champion will you go for?</b></span><br />
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Find out which ramen we went for on first impression and whether we like it on the "Ramen Championship Adventure" series!<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://ryanxfoodtalk.blogspot.com/2011/10/whos-ramen-champion-trial-1.html">Trial 1: Who's the Ramen Champion?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ryanxfoodtalk.blogspot.com/2011/10/ramen-not-just-your-noodles-in-soup.html">Trial 2: Not just your "noodles in soup"</a></li>
</ul>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
These six branded ramen shops are competing for the Ultimate Ramen Championship!! Support the ramen shop you like on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theultimateramenchampion2011">Facebook</a>:<br />
<ol>
<li>'Like' the Ultimate Ramen Champion 2011 Facebook page</li>
<li>Go to 'Questions' (the FB polling app)</li>
<li>Click on 'Who's your favorite Ultimate Ramen Champion 2011?'</li>
<li>Vote!</li>
</ol>chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-70634211419478632602011-10-08T01:15:00.001+08:002011-10-08T01:15:43.735+08:00Soya Bean PuddingRecently fallen in love with this dessert at RamenPlay:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Soya Bean Pudding!</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken with <a href="http://instagr.am/">Instagram</a> @ RamenPlay, Bishan Junction 8</td></tr>
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Rich soya bean fragrance, slightly sweet, nice presentation of colors white, red and green. It's like eating the beancurd dessert but in pudding form!<br />
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*thumbs up!*<br />
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<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span>chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-14436804003401579632011-10-05T09:13:00.002+08:002011-10-05T09:13:46.265+08:00Making a Return...for REAL.I decided to remove the previous post and scrap all my pending drafts so I can have a clean start again. Yes, I can feel that an urge to come back now, after a whole year of no-blog. I've also been increasing my activity on Facebook and LinkedIn, hopefully for Twitter as well. I took up <a href="http://instagr.am/">Instagram</a> photography lately too! More cat and food photos. I've had plans to link up a FB page to this blog, posting from FB will a lot easier and less resistant for me, so going to make that happen as well.<br />
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Finally, a comeback photo to kickstart it all. These days I need a milk tea (teh-si) a day to keep myself going at work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-jCVTF24dz-Obw1VF9PbIE9eiLliC2IIDYasXtsBzOwFgvHUPVVfpPqMkIrdOPc58ERzxOhq6M6pC9WgeLNqCAbnDtaQ_y3MaVUOrfb3eW2ZCeGSayTI1S5l1Dz5VDwxQsMd7ygFOeQ/s1600/IMG_2800%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-jCVTF24dz-Obw1VF9PbIE9eiLliC2IIDYasXtsBzOwFgvHUPVVfpPqMkIrdOPc58ERzxOhq6M6pC9WgeLNqCAbnDtaQ_y3MaVUOrfb3eW2ZCeGSayTI1S5l1Dz5VDwxQsMd7ygFOeQ/s320/IMG_2800%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was taken with <a href="http://instagr.am/">Instagram</a> @ <a href="http://gothere.sg/maps#q:the%20prata%20place">The Prata Place</a></td></tr>
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<br />
This might be old news to you, just because I have been MIA for so long - but have you seen the new Blogger interface and template design (am using one now)? <a href="http://www.foodbuzz.com/">Foodbuzz</a> is not going to like this - all my ads are gone now. :pchibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-57087986584813366852010-10-03T15:48:00.001+08:002010-10-03T15:50:53.946+08:00I'M ON A DIET (!!)Hmm I have not updated my foodie adventures for over two months now. Getting busier with my day job and have no time to keep up with the updates. And sadly, you will see less and less good food recommendations from me for the next month or two (at least), because I am now on a special DIET, which just doesn't allow me to anything and everything I want anymore. In the meantime, I will try to compensate with some mouth-watering food shots that has been piling up all this while. :)<br />
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Now a little more about the special diet! I heard of this from my sister, proven to be effective by big-size colleague of hers, who successfully lost 19lbs in 3 weeks just by following the diet framework. But before I share any details of the framework here, I shall take on the challenge and see for myself the effectiveness. The overall idea is simple: Each day you would have something more to give up (eating) for the rest of the week - mainly <b>sugar</b> and <b>carbohydrates</b>. (Yes, no carbo!!) The best part - <u>NO EXERCISE REQUIRED</u> and you are free to eat <u>ANY AMOUNT</u> you like.<br />
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Starting my 2nd week on the diet today (it begins on a Sunday, ends on Friday. Saturday is a Free-to-Eat day!). 1st week was just tough. Inexperienced and lack of preparation, there was hardly anything left for me to eat by Friday. This week, I made plans - bought lots of veggies and mushrooms (the best duo for this diet) from Fairprice earlier. Oh, and eggs too!<br />
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Erm don't ask me the result from 1st week just yet. Because the "sotong" (blur) me forgot to weigh myself before I started on the diet! Hehe but according to my sister, who is also experimenting the diet with me, she has lost 3kg by Friday. This was really a great encouragement for the both of us, because we were almost giving up by the end of Friday. Seems like our determination is paying off. Now we just need to persevere.<br />
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Lets keep it up!!chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-53175590710789978102010-07-30T00:48:00.000+08:002011-10-08T00:54:25.519+08:00Paradise Inn @ Thomson PlazaWanted to have Sakae Teppanyaki the other day, so headed to the nearest location at Thomson Plaza only to find out that the Sakae outlet there had already closed down. :( The storefront had been replaced by a Chinese restaurant - Paradise Inn. I dined at Paradise Inn @ West Coast Plaza before, but the food was not too impressive. Anyways, since we were already there, we thought we would give it a try.<br />
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Whenever we dine at a new place, we love to try the special and the new. So this was our first pick - Fragrance Tea with Lavender, Rosemary, Chrysanthemum and Dried Longan for a refreshful start!<br />
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<img alt="paradiseinn_1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4845995982_4d3616120d.jpg" /><br />
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Next, we went for a typical Chinese dinner setup - 1x vegetable, 1x meat, 1x tofu or egg, 1x soup.<br />
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For soup:<br />
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<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/4845928114_eafd3126fa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/4845928114_eafd3126fa.jpg" /></a><br />
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As you can see from the photo, soup at Paradise Inn looks professional - big pot, continues to be heated while you dine, plus lots of ingredients ("liao") in it!<br />
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<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4868274236_c354025411.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4868274236_c354025411.jpg" /></a><br />
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The egg trio refers to: chicken egg, century egg, and salted (duck) egg. A usually very flavorful vegetable dish, but we find this one a bit too watery and bland. The Soup Restaurant serves the same dish and is a lot tastier.<br />
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<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4868804290_1e4e9f2636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4868804290_1e4e9f2636.jpg" /></a><br />
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Looks good, taste good - Soft and not too oily!<br />
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<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4875316791_d95acb5c76.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4875316791_d95acb5c76.jpg" /></a><br />
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Here's a mistake we tend to make whenever we see Ma Po Tofu on the menu. Bottom-line: If you like your Ma Po Tofu to taste what the name suggests (ma po), then never order this dish in a non-Sichuan style restaurant! You will only be met with disappointment. To us, this was just a normal tofu with minced meat dish.<br />
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All in all...<br />
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<br />
<ul>
<li>Old Cucumber with Pork Ribs Soup, <b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></li>
<li>Chinese Spinach with Egg Trio, <b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></li>
<li>Dong Po Pork, <b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></li>
<li>Ma Po Tofu, <b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★</span></li>
</ul>
chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-48292120365028336132010-07-25T18:54:00.001+08:002010-07-25T19:34:17.363+08:00Sakae Adventure: July's Special Seafood Promotions<i>This month's Sakae Adventure...</i><br />
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It has been a while since we dined in at Sakae (we usually call for delivery), so we went to Sakae Sushi @ Junction 8 on a week night just to try something new! <i>Ehh actually it was because they don't have Sushi Buffets at this branch lah...</i> Well, it was a good chance for us to explore a different part of the Sakae menu, plus I could use some of the Sakae Dollars that I had accumulated on my Sakae Card :)<br />
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We were there at the right time - July's theme for the Sakae Signature promotion is on Seafood!<br />
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<img height="320" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs072.snc4/34971_414265790818_51262125818_4872061_5486207_n.jpg" style="border: 5px solid white;" width="226" /><br />
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We could hardly give this a miss, so we ordered the Special Ika Maki ($9.99).<br />
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<img alt="sakaesushi_1" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4825741199_100a7b7482.jpg" width="380" /><br />
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You might wonder what about this grilled <i>ika</i> (squid) is so special.. and why do they call it a <i>maki</i> (rolled sushi)?<br />
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Well it is just as the name suggests. The <i>ika maki</i> is special because it's sushi rice wrapped up in a squid! And it's not just the usual white sushi rice though, it's sushi <i>fried</i> rice.<br />
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<img alt="sakaesushi_2" height="380" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4826375218_53cbb0f366.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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That didn't taste too bad at all! It was a lot lightly flavored than the color might suggest. The sushi fried rice was slightly sweet (I think it's tomatoes) and complemented well with the not-too-chewy grilled squid in a thin layer of teriyaki sauce. I would like to point out that it was quite professionally done too - the rice didn't just fall out of the squid rings when you pick it up with chopsticks.<br />
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On top of that, we also had some side orders, sushi from the conveyor belt, plus 5-pc gyoza on offer ($3.99)! For our entrees, wx got a Unagi Don ($14.99).<br />
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<img alt="sakaesushi_3" height="380" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4826411532_a95e84aa21.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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That was a huuuge portion even for someone the size of wx :p I was a lot smarter of course hehe. Since Sakae Delivery Menu does not offer any noodle dishes (except cha soba as side order), I settled for some soupy noodles to end my occasional craving for udon - the Niku Udon!<br />
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<img alt="sakaesushi_4" height="380" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4825855309_a4d82da46c.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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Sprinkle some Japanese chili powder and the soup becomes perfect. I would prefer if the beef were in thinner slices. But the udon noodles were very Q. <i>sluuurpy!</i><br />
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Total: $67.05<br />
I paid just 5 cents for this meal. The rest were deducted from my Sakae Card :) Don't you wish to be a Sakae eJournalist too?<br />
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<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a>If you want to be like me, it's never too late! Join <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SakaeSushi.sg" target="_blank">Sakae on Facebook</a> and take part in the following contests:<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4532898&id=51262125818" target="_blank">Sakae Monthly Bloggers Affair</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4596086&id=51262125818" target="_blank">Sakae Monthly Photo Contest</a><br />
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Dining vouchers to be won!chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-76522004632709837322010-07-25T00:38:00.001+08:002010-07-25T16:47:30.189+08:00Crispy Fluffy WafflesYAY It's waffles time again! <br />
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Do you like your waffles crispy or chewy, crunchy or fluffy?<br />
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Well, I like mine like this:<br />
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<img alt="haagendazs_waffles2" height="377" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4805467088_c01d9c338a.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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Yes...crispy on the outside, but soft and fluffy on the inside!<br />
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So this is what we had:<br />
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<img alt="haagendazs_waffles1" height="377" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4804882697_9082d0dbda.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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The Passion Fruit Mango ice cream was a little too strong taste (sour & sweet) for me - some might like the rich passion fruit sorbet-like mix in it though.<br />
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If you like the crunchy type of waffles, read my post on the <a href="http://ryanxfoodtalk.blogspot.com/2009/06/where-to-find-crispy-waffles-in.html" target="_blank">Waffle Place Cottage</a> last year.<br />
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Gelare is still around! They serve the fluffy type of waffles too. And I think they still have half-price waffles promotion on Tuesdays. A little out of reach for me though, so Haagen Dazs @ Junction 8 is my best choice. Plus, for every $10 you spend at Haagen Dazs until 8 August 2010, you get 5 letters to complete the crossword puzzle for the Haagen Dazs Word Hunt Contest! Hehe.. I just like little games like this. Fun, simple to do, and a chance to win great prizes :)<br />
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<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★</span>chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-6145676988181376962010-07-18T19:38:00.002+08:002010-07-18T19:48:11.149+08:00Mushroom Park, the Mushroom ParadiseWeeehee! Chanced upon a restaurant called Mushroom Park (while cleaning up the database for a new dining app) and well, being a <i>Super Mushroom Lover</i>, of course I was dying to check it out! We made reservation on the website a day earlier so we could get 10% off our bill :)<br />
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We managed to arrive just before 7pm for our reservation (phew!). Anyway, it was alright because the restaurant was practically empty on a Tuesday night. The experience was great - it was a very nicely renovated place, peaceful and undisturbed, with "personal" attendants. Like VIPs!<br />
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We were impressed by the whole interior - glass table top with marble pebbles underneath, and a built-in stove right in the middle. You can tell that this place is really dedicated to serving their healthy mushroom steamboat cuisine. Classy!<br />
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<img alt="mushroompark_1" height="380" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4803823714_e925b58032.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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The dishes were unique too! For starters, we had Mushroom Sashimi, Crispy Mushroom (like dried fruit crackers) and Shredded Mushroom (meat floss-like snack). Wow, didn't think we would be eating mushrooms like that! We probably looked like total newbs, <i>wow-ing</i> at everything like we're from the outerspace hehe. Oh, and the perfect drink to go with a healthy meal? The Chinese Eight Treasures Tea! (This is real stuff ok, not some instant 8-in-1 packet drink.)<br />
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<img alt="mushroompark_2" height="357" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4803207743_70661cf022.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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This restaurant really goes all out in ensuring that its customers enjoy their mushroom steamboat the <i>proper</i> way. There is a process to follow and actually they will serve you for the most part so you can just sit and watch until you are ready to do your "shabu shabu" thing. First, they invite you to taste the original mushroom soup base, before anything else is added. Then, they add in the mushrooms, cabbage, Taiwanese frozen tofu, and a kind of herbal yam (explaining what each ingredient is as they are added). A kitchen timer is set on our table: Time left to devour is exactly 6 minutes. :)<br />
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<img alt="mushroompark_3" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4803891168_8dc3519202.jpg" width="333" /><br />
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Once again after it's ready for our chopsticks to make a dive, we were invited to taste the soup again - it had a nice extra sweetness to it from the mushrooms and vegetables added. Finally, we were ready for "shabu shabu"!<br />
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<img alt="mushroompark_4" height="380" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4803281671_0212508d10.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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<img alt="mushroompark_5" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4803300913_386bcaa5a5.jpg" width="337" /><br />
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Fresh thin slices of beef and pork, and the soup were perfect complements for each other! So fresh and sweet that we ate it plain (without any sauce) after cooking it to just right in the soup. And the soup was just filled with the rich essence of the meat, the mushrooms, the vegetables - we couldn't help but finish the entire pot of soup in the end. :p<br />
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Another of our favorite dish was the special Mushroom Treasure (Steamed) Rice. Try their special red chilli sauce! The slight sweetness blends in perfectly with the steamed rice.<br />
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<img alt="mushroompark_6" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4803542947_4bfeab34e2.jpg" width="337" /><br />
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Now for the desserts :D Green Tea and Plum Jelly! It's nothing like the normal jelly or the Japanese konnyaku that we usually eat. This jelly is really soft yet still spongy (like jelly!). I love the Plum Jelly, lightly-flavored and not too sweet (I thought the Green Tea one was too sweet though).<br />
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<img alt="mushroompark_7" height="380" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4804374090_ce3a6a8897.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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That's it! All of the above are part of a set meal. There are five types of steamboat set meals, and an ala-carte menu as well. The cheapest, Healthy Set Meal is priced at $26.80++. The most valued (imo), Natural Set Meal or Creamy Dory Set Meal is priced at $36.80++. (There are also the Dynasty Set Meal, the Vegetarian Set Meal, and the Tilapia Fillet Set Meal, which were slightly over our budget.) We both picked the Natural Set Meal. But don't feel restricted that you have to pick the same set meal as your partner (even though you will still be sharing the same pot of soup)! The variations are only on the type of meat/fish and the rice/noodles. With the Natural Set Meal (& above), you get a free upgrade to the Mushroom Treasure Rice, which is otherwise $3 on the ala-carte menu.<br />
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This is definitely a thumbs-up place for me. In fact, I've already recommended it to my family, and I dined there for the 2nd time the same weekend - yes, I went there twice in 5 days! The restaurant was full house on the weekends though. So I would suggest to go during the week if you don't like the crowds and noises.<br />
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But hurry up if you are keen on trying this place, because they are <i>closing down on <b>1 August 2010</b></i>. Sobs, it's really sad. I wished I had found out about this place sooner. We only learned about the closing by chance when we asked them about their signature Mushroom Fishball, which they won't be serving anymore. So quick quick, if you are even considering about checking them out - I would say, go for it - why not! Only half a month left before it's gone forever!<br />
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<img alt="mushroompark_8" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4803756627_2f775ecdcb.jpg" width="337" /><br />
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Mushroom Park is located at 87 Serangoon Garden Way (near Chomp Chomp). Reserve online today so you can get 10% off like I did! [<a href="http://mushroompark.com/" target="_blank">website</a>]<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://gothere.sg/maps#q:87%20serangoon%20garden%20way,loc:1.364028%2C103.865419,z:19" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★★★</span>chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-70295172943042096822010-07-11T05:12:00.001+08:002010-07-18T19:47:33.173+08:00Crispy Prata for Supper?I'm sure many are already fans of The Prata Place in Springleaf Garden (Thomson). If you are a prata fan, this is probably the first place you should hit up.<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://gothere.sg/maps#q:1%20Thong%20Soon%20Avenue%2C%20the%20prata%20place,loc:1.407243%2C103.836600,z:13" width="480"></iframe><br />
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Took a break in the middle of our family mahjong tournament. This place opens till midnight, so it's great for supper.<br />
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<img alt="prataplace_1" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4780418641_419d3f5b33.jpg" width="430" /><br />
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We went there around 10:30pm and it was already packed with people. We had to wait quite a bit before our food is served. If you want to beat the crowd, best time to arrive is ~11pm, you'll still have an hour to eat. :)<br />
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<img alt="prataplace_2" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4780433993_036890f585.jpg" width="425" /><br />
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Prata is crispy just as it is known for. But suggest to order those flavored pratas (rectangular ones), like cheese prata, as they are a lot thinner and crispier than the <i>kosong</i> type (round ones). If you're feeling a bit adventurous, perhaps you would like to try their chocolate prata or durian prata! (Too weird for me personally hehe)<br />
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All in all, we ordered 3 cheese pratas, 1 onion prata, 3 kosong, 1 mutton curry, 1 cabbage side dish, 3 iced milo, and 3 teh haliah (traditional ginger milk tea) for just $26.90 - ~$5+ per pax.<br />
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<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★★</span>chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-40313911072379421922010-07-11T04:04:00.001+08:002011-11-12T23:53:31.456+08:00I can cook! : Steam Meat Loaf with MushroomAs a special dedication to my new foodie blog, let me present you my very own steamed meat loaf with mushroom!!<br />
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Just randomly decided to cook something, it's my my first attempt (using my own recipe!) so still in the experimenting stage...<br />
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INGREDIENTS:<br />
<ul><li>Minced meat</li>
<li>Garlic, diced</li>
<li>Mushrooms, diced (need Chinese Mushrooms, but I've only got button mushrooms :\)</li>
<li>Light soy sauce</li>
<li>Dark soy sauce</li>
<li>Sesame oil</li>
<li>White pepper</li>
<li>Corn flour</li>
<li>Some water</li>
</ul>Just mix them all up and put to steam for ~10 mins!<br />
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<img alt="homecooked_meatloaf" height="399" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4780297739_07039ea478.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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Not too bad for first try, says my family. :D<br />
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A simple way to eat this is meat loaf bread:<br />
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<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4781013430_c19e54c0d2.jpg" width="500" height="400" alt="homecooked_meatloaf2" />chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-42236497549093219392010-07-11T03:00:00.000+08:002010-07-11T04:10:58.154+08:00A Hungry Night @ The Soup RestaurantYou know how hungry we were? Here's an idea.<br />
We wanted to take photos first, but as soon as the food came we dived right into it. By the time I remembered that I forgot to take the photos, our table of dishes became like this:<br />
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<img alt="souprestaurant" height="380" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4778861667_d01bd63dda.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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wx was holding his chopsticks all ready to pounce on the food again when I managed to snap a shot of the mess.<br />
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Here's what we ate:<br />
<ul><li>Samsui Ginger Chicken, <b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span></li>
<li>Hand Chopped Minced Pork with Salted Egg, <b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></li>
<li>Claypot Tofu, <b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★/</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span></li>
<li>Fried Noodle with Fish Slice, <b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★</span></li>
<li>Lotus Roots with Pork Ribs Soup, <b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★★</span></li>
</ul>Total was $60.50. A little pricey though. For about the same number of dishes, Din Tai Fung costs around $50 for two.<br />
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Well what is The Soup Restaurant without having their famous Samsui Ginger Chicken!? Their specialty lies in their ginger sauce. Even the sliced cucumbers goes well with it. They also sell this sauce in small bottles at $4.80 per bottle.<br />
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I would recommend the Claypot Tofu, though perhaps they could add couple of those big mushrooms to complete the taste. For one that doesn't like egg tofu, I actually ate quite a bit of this. So 3-4 stars for this!<br />
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I was quite disappointed with the meat loaf actually, especially when they were advertising it as "Painstakingly hand chopped...," so only 30 servings per day. Trying it for the second time, the first was with salted fish. They added water chestnut in the minced meat to make it crunchy. But I would suggest to dice up the water chestnut even more, so it would mix more evenly with the minced meat - I was tasting the water chestnut more than the meat in every bite.chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-86622501437265416522010-07-10T18:26:00.001+08:002010-07-10T19:04:36.116+08:00Swensen's 1-for-1 is (still) ON!If you ever walked pass a Swensen's in the day and wondered why it's been so crowded all afternoon, it's because their 1-for-1 lunch treats is still on!<br />
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Check out our favorite picks:<br />
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<img alt="swensens_1" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4779373844_754c3a6286.jpg" width="423" /><br />
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<img alt="swensens_2" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4778740941_09061290a5.jpg" width="425" /><br />
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<img alt="swensens_3" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4779375718_1df47c0128.jpg" width="425" /><br />
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We also ordered a Celebrity Brownie for dessert! (All desserts and ice cream are not part of the 1-for-1 deal.)<br />
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Totals out to only $30+ for 2 fully satisfied tummies ^^<br />
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<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★★</span>chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-45219611896745515202010-07-10T17:14:00.005+08:002011-10-23T12:34:21.936+08:00Best Picks @ Bedok 85 Market4 months! I've abandoned my blog for so long! Someone might be complaining - I have not done my part as a Sakae e-Journalist for that long too. So I'm back now... & with a new home too :) I've moved all my food posts to this new domain, and will be blogging only about food here. (Yes, I'm trying to become a casual food blogger! ;])<br />
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So here's a welcome back post for myself - dinner at Bedok 85 Market, the best picks!<br />
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<img alt="bedok85_1" height="377" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4779509204_4ba209dc6b.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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This is the best chai tow kueh (carrot cake) I've had so far that I actually eat it with the eggs. My favorite non-eggy (on special requests) chai tow kueh is at the Bedok Reservoir Blk 600+ market.<br />
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<img alt="bedok85_2" height="377" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4779378792_cf334b6c08.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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Unique - the top layer skin is crispy fried - & Fresh - the flesh toughness is just nice. Don't go to the wrong stall though, there's another seafood bbq on the side of the famous bak chor mee and sugarcane stalls. This stall has been there for 20 years already, I think about 2 rows after.<br />
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<img alt="bedok85_3" height="377" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4779510460_01f68eb71f.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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This is the famous traditional bak chor mee. Pretty much the only bak chor mee that you eat only in soup. They pride themselves on their soup (filled rich with the sweetness of the minced meat), their QQ noodles, and their hand-made meat balls.<br />
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Don't forget to get a sugarcane juice with lemon - original sugarcane taste!<br />
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<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★★</span>chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-28303244871587245852010-03-06T20:11:00.004+08:002010-07-08T23:24:52.171+08:0013 Lo Hei Ingredients & Their MeaningsOf all the Chinese New Year food, I hate Lo Hei (Yu Sheng) the most. Gosh it's like randomly throwing everything together, give them a meaning, and give them a representative color to fit their meaning. They simply don't taste right to me. And raw fish is just not my type.<br />
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But this Chinese New Year, I had 3x Lo Hei. Once at Din Tai Fung, once in Malaysia, and once at Tung Lok. The coolest thing for me was just the procedure to pour the ingredients together. Then the actual "lo hei".<br />
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Do you know what are the ingredients and the meanings behind their colors? How many can you name?<br />
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I picked up a flyer from Ichiban Boshi with 13 lo hei ingredients, and their respective meanings in both English and Chinese. Of course the ingredients here are tailored for Ichiban Boshi's Yusheng set this year. I read on wiki that they are 27 ingredients in the original dish.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/chibiryan/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbchfnYrPXtLw#5445492331074923554"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazuNRRw5p9UtIIP7J4GAsu5HikMaGuzZfM3xv_DImEDBBYgB2kduhPER6789jqqyD4A8gIKfQ9BOymHARm9aTL8YN0-1iZKkJYR98PTdV0yZT6v9eyIs5SnbUKwYrqBV3qbjUIqq_oBw/s288/iphone_photo.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chuka Kurage</span><br />
Excellence, 锦上添花<br />
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2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Red Sweetened Ginger</span><br />
Luck, 鸿运当头<br />
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3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Peanut Crunch</span><br />
Wealth, 金玉满堂<br />
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4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pickled Leek</span><br />
Divination, 妙算如神<br />
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5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sweetened Lime</span><br />
Merit, 苦尽甘来<br />
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6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pickled Cucumber</span><br />
Advancement, 平步青云<br />
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7. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Winter Melon</span><br />
Harmony, 甜甜蜜蜜<br />
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8. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fried Sesame</span><br />
Prosperity, 生意兴隆<br />
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9. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chuka Wakame</span><br />
Youth, 青春长驻<br />
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10. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pickled Melon</span><br />
Tranquility, 风调雨顺<br />
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11. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pok Chui Biscuits</span><br />
Affluence, 遍地黄金<br />
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12. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Five Spice, Cinnamon and Pepper Powder</span><br />
Fortune, 招财进宝<br />
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13. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Salmon Sashimi</span><br />
Abundance, 年年有余<br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">Do you like Lo Hei? What was your favorite or least favorite Chinese New Year dish/snack?</span>chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-79181688554970717152010-02-26T20:13:00.003+08:002010-07-11T04:04:51.158+08:00Sakae Adventure: Who Says No Money Cannot Eat?Hmmm....it's been 3 months now since my last pay! What the heck... & Always in the last week, we try to scrimp and save. But who says no money cannot eat?<br />
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In times of need, we were so glad to have my Sakae Card around!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlcbJYT35-NmY7vP52PCUZp43M1Qplo-hV0ixT_XzQMWw9HWL0JIAOvRO1CDiU2qLQAvuYMTAX7ksHcSBp0mXVtZY_BGSeyFZ9FVcPBdTczCLDG9jY78W-WXSv62vNIdQHebypaYwoiQ/s1600-h/IMG_0687.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447354377566525170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlcbJYT35-NmY7vP52PCUZp43M1Qplo-hV0ixT_XzQMWw9HWL0JIAOvRO1CDiU2qLQAvuYMTAX7ksHcSBp0mXVtZY_BGSeyFZ9FVcPBdTczCLDG9jY78W-WXSv62vNIdQHebypaYwoiQ/s400/IMG_0687.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>..with $55 Sakae Dollars from the e-journalists program. Just in time to celebrate wx's birthday too! Hehe<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8Rt1OGOVFt_PVHEIaTZxbSyZYFed-wLV-5BLzISE40u2LxiAI-wuzeCSaSLr7-uPOiaITaigY_2Or_CaDOwk8jNZxZON3f5aG_Wrp-Qpzun6XEsngEA2lezfaWl-bXYdi0BxwWfsK9U/s1600-h/IMG_0670.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447354343314616226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8Rt1OGOVFt_PVHEIaTZxbSyZYFed-wLV-5BLzISE40u2LxiAI-wuzeCSaSLr7-uPOiaITaigY_2Or_CaDOwk8jNZxZON3f5aG_Wrp-Qpzun6XEsngEA2lezfaWl-bXYdi0BxwWfsK9U/s400/IMG_0670.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 150px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>3 colored plates, $2.29 each + 1 red plate, $5.59<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA6SRXz0KlpLrmGIOFU4qkvfxifYUNQVFMHlmnEZopDBM7Kw1y7J4rg5kTwJXnMu5QfmT0aYbazM7cVCLYs4_poCSAcslpQzgmWhWzJRQw_vzoTCgOdKthxdZSezL_dcmUHmiCTrOKBQ/s1600-h/IMG_0672.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447354346483183170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA6SRXz0KlpLrmGIOFU4qkvfxifYUNQVFMHlmnEZopDBM7Kw1y7J4rg5kTwJXnMu5QfmT0aYbazM7cVCLYs4_poCSAcslpQzgmWhWzJRQw_vzoTCgOdKthxdZSezL_dcmUHmiCTrOKBQ/s400/IMG_0672.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Nabeyaki Udon, $11.99<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92Ax2nYsx8oly6jnVbwwMjwYFizlmdl3VRNSXjfFaZoP6GTvM6s468HK-vgTGcXX1oVucZkBcR_cZspix1Qc_bY1AeqAYVFgWPfRwQOl4xRH3UGa_YTzfsKTZmyBz58-F4x4zU-rO2y4/s1600-h/IMG_0674.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447354357643699330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92Ax2nYsx8oly6jnVbwwMjwYFizlmdl3VRNSXjfFaZoP6GTvM6s468HK-vgTGcXX1oVucZkBcR_cZspix1Qc_bY1AeqAYVFgWPfRwQOl4xRH3UGa_YTzfsKTZmyBz58-F4x4zU-rO2y4/s400/IMG_0674.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Tempura with Yuzu Soba, $13.99<br />
Totals to $46.50. We paid only 50 cents!!<br />
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The yuzu soba was quite interesting. We were given this raw quail egg (poked with a small hole) and for a while we weren't sure what to do with it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYtZSIvDIvba6LZWMKQSe4cQmVNoBWSB9x978gbK-F_G8hEt1rHF2R5iGpYub2zv4Df3bZJ7tZ49ykJoBRI3ckL3AT2mL1JSvIEmC2QHFZ6cu-RLI3M8Y7sRMqGoiW3U3cf474-74WNg/s1600-h/IMG_0676.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447354366611523570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYtZSIvDIvba6LZWMKQSe4cQmVNoBWSB9x978gbK-F_G8hEt1rHF2R5iGpYub2zv4Df3bZJ7tZ49ykJoBRI3ckL3AT2mL1JSvIEmC2QHFZ6cu-RLI3M8Y7sRMqGoiW3U3cf474-74WNg/s400/IMG_0676.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
Do you know the correct way to eat your yuzu soba?<br />
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<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★</span>chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-43029738596797494592009-12-17T19:36:00.001+08:002010-07-07T20:33:29.972+08:00Sakae Adventure: T for TeppanyakiFinally found the chance to dine at Sakae Teppanyki @ Century Mall on Monday, been a long time! Everything looked strangely familiar - the chefs, the waitresses. In the past, I've talked about the food and I've talked about the service. I want to write about something different this time - the Teppanyaki cooking! :) Keep reading to also find out something new at Sakae Teppanyaki.<br />
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I think teppanyaki is awesome! It's really fun to observe how they prepare and cook, then slowly enjoy the food. Wx and I would even discuss different chef styles. You know, like gourmets :D<br />
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For instance, how many eggs and how much soy sauce to use for 3 servings of the garlic fried rice... <br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/chibiryan/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbchfnYrPXtLw#5426208403167194562"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqM3laoU2PA__GPRwPkAQc_ajEBA0aBmlZYM6wV1tm47pyZ-NCao1J1N4yiJHx_mClfc1GpJzLWbq6vDCo8z88UW9zUvDhqB99T8XTZoiGeYB9bLhCzzuU-kRtJcYEBYFeWQY0oFsmU3k/s288/iphone_photo.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br />
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To get...<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/chibiryan/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbchfnYrPXtLw#5426208443491021922"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45r2gLQ-BWz3JcbSpwIJKSIXF3Ac3RcG0SAVFUnnqhwA_5Rb2Pgy3etzDAoegPaNYxbxN0NpCzFGsnR-t3d5TrkAhz3Fjsc_THrgkhJbfud7zB5K47Oym2C6AjkXe-Jf2dPCZYTiW6s0/s288/iphone_photo.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br />
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This!!<br />
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Even the shrimpy topping can make a difference in the overall taste. Some chefs will heat it up a bit after the rice is done (this I think is optimal); some set it on the metal plate longer (but I feel it makes the shrimps too dry); and some just sprinkle directly onto the rice without extra heating.<br />
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Remember, what is the one best ingredient in teppanyaki? Garlic!! There is the garlic fried rice and seafood stir-fried with garlic. Seriously I think there needs to be more more garlic :p<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/chibiryan/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbchfnYrPXtLw#5426208462438012850"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrr6JkkBRJ94QSphVM6WIVB13M_4GPSK1dWIyg1V5Md7MshSxw3XPqSCM368z4L19UcNArw2brpZvSi1RL7D02muRgkdDu5G1vZRDl8T9KWYmuON_NGjewRkUXs9ww-GHfkPOuLcENHM/s288/iphone_photo.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
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Besides stir frying, there are other styles of cooking in teppanyaki. Try the lobster stew! Prepared and served in nicely folded aluminium foil trays. These trays are also used in making beef sukiyaki.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/chibiryan/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbchfnYrPXtLw#5426208477903792482"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRb3JwEczDqMxFkdq8bNdLZy9OXLwzWT2uBVJVR0dU2GFZIQyIaw_P5A8D_Jr4Q7FDSfc2CRIACbU1GT3OEb9cS0kJD4vpepG25CG_Go7I-KykIfb_rWKqAZC_F0IV-uuWJbNanOlZsU/s288/iphone_photo.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
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Then there is the steamed kind like chawanmushi. Just spray some water and cover it up with a big round lid!<br />
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Here's something cute from Sakae:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/chibiryan/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbchfnYrPXtLw#5426208495146870450"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTxTjePV-FFO9TpJ6kM1xJsVup-w5a-R1CiGDOYMevke9ag72FzY1TDSd9WbhS1uJ7G8gnS2wq3UoNzWB8ROBnbeaV-ZFfbJYoSmv-R0Gw2AaqCTn2ocziaJmuEhfVwo2hhc8ycPVvR8/s288/iphone_photo.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
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Green tea icecream served in Sakae froggie trays!! Hehe I took home the trays :pchibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-25629023095832483252009-12-05T13:17:00.001+08:002010-07-11T04:06:21.074+08:00Eating @ Hand in HandLunched at Hand in Hand Beijing Restaurant (手拉手京华小馆) - dad saw it on the newspapers I think, so he wanted to try it out.<br />
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A variety of Chinese dishes - Hunan, Beijing, and Sichuan flavors in dim sum, noodles, soup and traditional style. But was quite disappointing, judging by the few dishes we tried.<br />
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In reverse taste rating:<br />
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5. Tianjin Goubuli (Go Believe) steamed buns<br />
My dad always boasts about how yummy Goubuli buns are. But I've never tasted any up to standards. Sad to say, it's the same for this. Not enough filling and doesn't taste "hot and fresh" (still newly steamed though).<br />
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4. Suan xiang niu rou<br />
There wasn't much "sauce" and the beef I felt was a little bit less than tender.<br />
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3. Fried dumplings<br />
Not "fried" enough. It's halfway between boiled dumplings and fried ones.<br />
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2. Fried spring onion pancake<br />
Not much of the spring onion flavor. But still quite acceptable IMHO.<br />
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1. Pork and cabbage dumplings<br />
Taste quite good. It's just dumplings. I recommend adding mushrooms to the filling, will taste better.<br />
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Perhaps I should have tried their noodles. I believe they are known for that? Anyways, highly unlikely that I would go again. If you do go there, tell me if you like it there :)<br />
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<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span>chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-50722631039613287442009-11-30T12:52:00.002+08:002010-07-08T23:20:32.366+08:00Teppanyaki Chef exercises FavoritismI actually planned to talk about this in my long pending post along with few other recent happenings until I realized that I actually have a lot more to say for this.<br />
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This actually happened at Sakae Teppanyaki, Bugis Junction. Before I plunge into the story, just want to make it clear that this is by far the first time I had experienced such unfair treatment at Sakae. (Favorite branch still in Tampines!!) It's not a total big deal, but it's very unprofessional, especially coming from a teppanyaki chef, where everything is transparent - customers see everything you are doing.<br />
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So wx and I were seated at this booth with another family of three. They were there before us, already served with some food, and were chatting with the chef quite frequently. After the chef confirmed our orders with us, he started making our garlic fried rice. For the next 10 mins, the chef only prepped food for that family. In fact, we literally finished our rice before we were served with ours. I really wondered how much food that family had ordered, because even when the chef was finally cooking for us, he was still cooking for them! Then here's where it got worse...<br />
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First dish up is the squid. Squid is a common dish in both seafood and beef set. Apparently, that x amount of squid was to be split amongst the five of us at the table - ie. 20% for the each of us. To get an exact even split is tough, but I've always seen the past teppanyaki chefs try their best at it. Do a rough split first then spread the remaining bits among those who got a smaller portion. Seriously, I think I got 10-12 pieces, plus what wx got, we got only approximately 15%. The chef, in his dear judgement, served the remaining bits (1%) to the man of that family. Okay..he is a lot bigger in size but that does not make him deserve more food than I do. We pay the same price, and the chef has no rights to deprive me of what I should be getting for him to suck up to his other customers!!<br />
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And... Should teppanyaki chefs talk while they cook? Some hygiene concerns here eh.<br />
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In direct contrast, I have seen very nice teppanyaki chefs. Not those chatty slash "friendly" type, but real service. Chinese chef at Plaza Singapura branch, very polite and the only person who bothered with us when the Malay (?) waitress was busy trying to appear occupied - slowly laying out plates at an empty table instead of serving customers first.<br />
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Maybe a training program would help? :p Would strongly suggest studying the customer service at Din Tai Feng. Even an appetizer is weighed for every customer, and waitresses are usually friendly.<br />
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Ah can't wait to have my grand teppanyaki feast in December! How grand? I should have $90 to spend on my Sakae Card soon :) That's roughly 2 meals for two at Sakae Teppanyaki.chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-78393995200422890792009-10-31T22:39:00.002+08:002010-07-08T23:17:01.114+08:00Sakae Adventure: Family Dining @ Sakae SushiSo I finally took my family to Sakae Sushi @ Wheelock Place earlier this month to use my $50 voucher. Picked this location particularly because I saw on the website that it has tatami rooms!<br />
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But we didn't get the tatami room :( It was all dark as if that part of the shop is not yet open for business. What's worse was that one of the waitresses actually told us to not put our stroller beside our booths (my niece was still in there at that time). A little disappointing but understandable, as I really thought that the waitresses should offer us a tatami room if they didn't want us to have the stroller in the walkway - could be dangerous with them serving hot food. (We should have requested then too :\) Reason is simple. We were a big party with 4 adults 1 child 1 baby plus a baby stroller. It's very inconvenient to eat while carrying a baby, you know. Instead of asking your customers to adjust to your store plan, you should be trying to accustom to all your customers' needs at all times. That's what customer service is about, right?<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.sakaesushi.com.sg/Pic/Menu/Yakimono/enokinikumaki.gif" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 204px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 225px;" />So then we ordered 2 unagi-don, 1 gyuu-don, some side dishes, and some colored plates off the sushi train. I must say that the Enoki Niku Maki is quite disappointing - overflowing with teriyaki sauce, too sweet! It's a lot darker (black sauce) than in this picture. But the Saba Shioyaki is not bad for my dad - I think he enjoyed it.<img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.sakaesushi.com.sg/Pic/Menu/Yakimono/sabashioyaki.gif" style="float: left; height: 204px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 225px;" /><br />
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The meal totals out to be $95 - $50 (voucher) = $45. This is my first time ordering ala carte at Sakae Sushi, and I believe it would be my last LOL. To be honest, Sakae Sushi's food is not <i>top</i> grade, though still lot better than those really cheap ones. Ala carte..sure, but cost-wise, is a little too pricey for me. So their buffets are the best - value deals especially if you eat a lot or eat a wide variety! & you have my honest opinion here :)<br />
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Just one thing to note when eating buffets:<br />
If you want to use Sakae Sushi vouchers or if you want to benefit from 10% discount and/or 12% rebate from your Sakae Card, then you have to go ala carte. Sad, but the buffets are in fact a "promotion", so not valid with any other promotions.<br />
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Oh, and why Sakae Sushi is not ideal for families?<br />
<blockquote><i>Sakae Sushi's primary seating areas are the booths, because of the sushi train. But not great for a big family with kids. That's why a tatami room is perfect! Best to come in twos, so both can get their hands on the sushi train running by them :D</i></blockquote><br />
If you're interested in trying out at Sakae Sushi, check out <a href="http://sakaesushi.com.sg/promoongoing.html" target="_blank">Sakae Sushi's on-going promotions</a>!<br />
<blockquote><i>Oh, I noticed that there's a Sakae Pasta Shop @ Wheelock Place! Worth a try next time :)</i></blockquote>chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-2983906396531542032009-09-23T16:11:00.001+08:002010-07-07T20:53:55.093+08:00Sakae Adventure: Sashimi Buffet @ Atrium<b>note:</b> check out all the Sakae bloggers <a href="http://sakaesushi.com.sg/blogosphere.html" target="_blank">here</a>! and err sorry no photos this time round lah. :\<br />
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Remember that I won a $50 Sakae Sushi voucher sometime early August? Well, I am now also officially part of the Sakae e-Journalist programme where I get to eat and blog at the same time.<br />
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So here is my first post of my eat-n-blog venture! (2nd if you count my entry blog post on <a href="http://chibiryan.blogspot.com/2009/08/magic-of-garlic-sakae-teppanyaki.html">Sakae Teppanyaki</a>)<br />
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A few weeks back wx and I decided to use our $50 Sakae Sushi voucher. The idea was to eat well and still save money. So wx suggested that we try the <a href="http://sakaesushi.com.sg/Pic/Promo/sashimibuffet_01.jpg" target="_blank">Sashimi Buffet</a> at The Atrium @ Orchard. Ehh we sort of did our calculations beforehand: if we just had the normal <a href="http://sakaesushi.com.sg/Pic/Promo/sushibuffet_01.gif" target="_blank">sushi buffet</a>, it would cost us $18.90 per person ($37.80++ total) - ie. we lose out on $12.20 voucher value and we are only entitled to only 2 'red plates' (sashimi) total; sashimi buffet costs $24.90 per person ($49.80++ total) and we get unlimited 'red plates'!<br />
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<u>3 Reasons Why Sakae's Sashimi Buffet Is Better Than The Sushi Buffet</u><br />
1) 'Red plates' are more than just sashimi! Though I don't fancy them all, it's always good to bring along someone who loves them. *points at wx*<br />
2) Sushi buffet has more limitations. For example, 1 'red plate' per person and 1 'mini udon' per person. Most of items (except a few) are unlimited in sashimi buffet.<br />
3) To be charged at the sushi buffet value, you need to finish your food within an hour! Anything beyond that time period is charged additionally. Whereas for the sashimi buffet, no need to rush - you can just eat at your own slow pace and eat MORE! muahahaha<br />
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In the end, we realized we couldn't use the $50 voucher because buffets are considered as <i>promotions</i> (T&C states that voucher is not valid with other discounts or promotions). Okay, that's what I didn't quite expected. The buffets have been on-going for so long that I thought it was a part of the usual menu. >< Quite a wasted trip in that sense, but I've decided to bring my family to Sakae Sushi instead! Planning for sometime next month (Oct), in time just before the voucher expires. And that would be the highlight of my Oct's Sakae blog post. Good idea eh? Lastly - a shoutout to Sakae Sushi - wx and I suggest to have the Sashimi buffet across more Sakae Sushi outlets in Singapore. Currently only available at The Atrium, which is kind of out of the way for us. :p The <a href="http://sakaesushi.com.sg/Pic/Promo/sashimibuffet_01.jpg" target="_blank">Sushi & Teppanyaki buffet</a> ($24.90 per person) sounds cool. Eager to try it someday - Funan DigitaLife Mall only.<br />
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Sashimi Buffet<br />
<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★★</span><br />
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More Sakae Sushi's promotions at <a href="http://sakaesushi.com.sg/promoongoing.html" target="_blank">sakaesushi.com.sg</a>.chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702122614624717783.post-64730669024977722462009-08-08T05:52:00.002+08:002010-07-11T04:05:50.184+08:00Old Airport Road Food CentreLocation: Old Airport Road Food Centre<br />
Address: Blk 51, Old Airport Road<br />
Map:<br />
<iframe width="480" height="300" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" allowtransparency="true" src="http://gothere.sg/maps#q:old%20airport%20road%20food%20centre,loc:1.308319%2C103.885971,z:19"></iframe><br />
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<b>#1.</b><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392185616741902738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2IfaXmIEVwLTsUzX1RE-7gBvgNhRH3Tde7_XS7jCd3TXqlafCxa93psGjgvurkbf9Ll4cL_7Eabv4Qet0XbN72R9bPjK9n21ZSUKsLJ8FZ-iwwer3Wa3YLyVE2-Iu8lgHf9LgT0BrDA/s400/oar1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><b>Hua Kee Hougang Famous Wanton Mee</b> #01-02<br />
<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★</span><br />
It's cheap and delicious<br />
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<b>#2.</b><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367343477298799250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4TnrzXhAExxKpyZH9AoagVBL13aNp8cKhbHiYCbgSBOo84A2RrWxVn5VixndAuhIjxQtUZJ1FdK6X4FhrhbUj1543WcXOES_49P7-mAQT9RA8tN22979lnST_0dhQI_uV0eUnQuD8D4/s400/Photo097.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><b>Cho Kee Noodle 曹记</b> #01-04<br />
<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★★</span><br />
Another wonton noodle store (just a store away from Hua Kee). Done in a similar style,<br />
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<b>#3.</b><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392185621886876066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfNesb1lQB_1ZZLoq1uFeoG7K-ZyD5gDOHxOnad5VOCRIKXQZ6195phejaQNfYg_v2P6viZQzhbPPkuk7HddQMC4TkTkKq2CSCQ4q0cwpglzj4Ncsm9J8gtS-3gN-HHmDd5P650bZnXc/s400/oar2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><b>???</b> #01-04<br />
<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★</span><br />
Rather fail seafood<br />
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<b>#4.</b><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367343483765276754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KiiKILeUFkf-scvyz53LJHAAiECgpCIQQ8mXtMgh_0r3VUfmOcrdaNYdmBevMgR91DTadXyctV5oiXo8_YFF1RlbFNFPU_yk8yNwQ1C12h46kBgV821nwa7Y3W1NPCx8UF2Y4aNtXbk/s400/Photo098.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><b>Freshly Made Chee Cheong Fun</b> #01-15<br />
<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★</span><br />
Soft and smooth skin.<br />
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<b>#5.</b><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367343494673390258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShaagnkhHSkL5O8ztwF7kwxeam79mNq29M_onl6SPRXRYvpvofo4r4l4XxddcfyRjJ0QrP-CMakt1GIjWqj6iTmLksjbblkAmsfhuU9ONPft-xd7-Eirl7TJ3cdYrE5jDzB-w4wtzBxM/s400/Photo099.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><b>ABC Yong Kee Famous Fishball Noodle</b> #01-107<br />
<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★</span><br />
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<b>#6.</b><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392185631215852034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKT-_jAtrIQohzkvccnaLf5UupO35BLbdBQHJRt5gQQxPP_2-YEYkkv_RN4PsdsX6v0l1NskT6r7EqSwowpezIOH9Q35jeTgT_b1SjtpAtjtf4vfRbmqpJjALhF6zRxj7UNMgCr-iPsI/s400/oar3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><b>???</b> #01-107<br />
<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★</span><br />
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<b>#7.</b><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367343503560048242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jDW6odnxgzCni5ooqrHl8kLwD5ochSpHXaLMCn6NNU8MPHZl5uDCs_-aThk0cInjDmtlG0ROIRJShPo_oxikxzLXfqths54bnVFf1yQn9QYlo_RZl0Bn6IQVi7YCK7eg3zWC_IpTWI8/s400/Photo100.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><b>San Gu Dessert 三姑糖水</b> #01-115<br />
<b>Rating:</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">★★★</span>chibiryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04663905737700849203noreply@blogger.com0