Datouxia (Da Tou Xia 大頭蝦 Prawn Noodles)

*Edited on 21 Sep 2014. Closed*

Super Prawn Noodles (dry) $10.80

Datouxia (Da Tou Xia 大頭蝦 Prawn Noodles) opened recently, less than 2 months ago specialises in Prawn Noodles and Ngoh Hiang.

The non-air conditioned eatery, located just outside a bus stop has a large seating capacity. When I visited on a Friday evening, the restaurant was empty except for another couple (probably in their 50s).  

The menu with their prices indicated are nett prices. They sell a variety of prawn noodles (including jumbo prawns), pork ribs, pig tails and even abalone noodles. 

 They also have a separate menu for Ngoh Hiang (variety of fried Chinese food).

Super Prawn Noodles (dry) $10.80

I ordered the Super Prawn Noodles (dry) $10.80 and a Golden Wing(s) $0.90. 

Surprisingly, the Super Prawn Noodles (dry) was served with pig tails which was weird since I did not request for that and its not indicated in the menu for such an order. Nevertheless, I went ahead and try this bowl of Super Prawn Noodles. 

Super Prawn Noodles (dry) $10.80

There was three jumbo prawns sliced into halves which made it easier to savour the prawns. The jumbo prawns did not disappoint. Big in size, they were so fresh and its meat was firm and sweet. Prawn lovers would love this. Chilli, fried shallots and pork lard were mixed with the noodles and beansprouts. The chilli was very spicy, you may wish to ask for less chilli. 

As for the soup, it was tasty and robust, full of essence of the prawns. However, I felt thirsty after drinking the bowl of soup.

Golden Wing(s) $0.90

I spotted the Golden Wing(s) $0.90 in the Ngoh Hiang menu and decided to order one to try. As I order this, the staff informed me that they had only one piece left as he was probably worried that I would order more than one. The Golden Wing, did not impress me. It was over fried and the interior was dry. 

As shown in the above receipt, the prices indicated in the menus are in nett. 

Datouxia (Da Tou Xia 大頭蝦 Prawn Noodles) 

383 Upper Aljunied Road

Singapore 367868 

Tel: 9062 2342

Opening Hours: Daily 730am to 9pm

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Curry Cafe at Canberra Community Club (Sembawang)

Curry Cafe located at Canberra Community Club, a 10 minutes walk from Sembawang MRT station is a small humble family run cafe. If some of you have found the name familiar, its because they were previously located at the basement of The Central (Clark Quay).

Teh C Siew Dai $1 each

The Teh C Siew Dai was strong, fragrant, not bitter and not too sweet. Priced at $1 each, it was cheaper when compared to the likes of Breadtalk, Yakun or Killiney. The addition, it was wonderfully executed as a whole and came in a way bigger cup. 

Fried Chicken Wings $1.50 each

The Fried Chicken Wings ($1.50 each) was quite decent (though not a die die must try).

Fried Rice $3.50

Fried Rice $3.50

The Fried Rice $3.50 was fried with chicken hot dog, mixed beans, carrots, egg and spring onions. This dish was delicious. Although there was no wok-hei, it was tasty and had great consistency. Moreover, it was not oily. A simple dish which reminds me of home comfort food.

Curry Chicken $3.50 with French Loaf $0.50

We ordered the Curry Chicken $3.50 with French Loaf $0.50. I was impressed that the French Loaf was toasted prior to serving such that it was served warm and the exterior was crisp (the little things that matter).

Curry Chicken $3.50

One cannot not order the Curry Chicken $3.50 at Curry Cafe! After all, the Curry Chicken is their signature dish! The Curry Chicken hit all the right note in terms of taste. Fragrant, spicy and it was so delectable that we actually polish off all the curry. Terrific! The icing on the cake was that even the chicken was cooked perfectly - folk tender. The potatoes did not disappoint too (I suspect they had cooked the chicken in the curry and then take it out so that it was not overcooked. Likewise for the potatoes too). The Chicken Curry is one of the best I have tasted, they certainly did a good job blending all spices and chilli powder together and cooking this curry. This is a must try over at Curry Cafe! We liked it so much that we ordered another Curry Chicken to pack back home for dinner!

Curry Cafe is a hidden gem with lots of potential. The food was good and value for money. The downside is that its a small cafe with around 20 seats. We visited on Saturday during lunch hours and the cafe was full. Do note that it is self service. After ordering and making the payment. You can go back and take seat. However, you would need to collect the food from the counter once your food is ready (they will call you). I will be back for more! For those staying in the North, this is one place to consider to satisfy your makan / curry cravings.

Curry Cafe at Canberra Community Club (Sembawang) 
2 Sembawang Crescent
​#01-03 Canberra Community Club
Singapore 757632
Tel: 6966 0832 
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 9am - 9pm
                        Sat & Sun 8am - 8pm
                        Public Holiday 8am - 5pm
Website
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Café 2000 Seafood and Barbecue Buffet Dinner (M Hotel)

Café 2000, a restaurant located at M Hotel (Near Tanjong Pagar MRT Station) serves International Buffet Dinner at daily from 6pm to 11pm. On Fridays, Saturdays and Eve of Public Holidays, the restaurant serves Seafood and Barbecue Buffet Dinner.

We visited Café 2000 on a Saturday evening and tried out its Seafood and Barbecue Buffet Dinner. 

When we arrived at 630pm, the restaurant was around 70% full.  The first few rows of the tables near the entrance were not occupied. Whereas those inside the restaurants were all occupied, most probably because everyone wanted to be strategically near the food since it was a buffet.

I was surprised to see so many people at the restaurant as I thought that we were early. The spread available included Cold Seafood, Barbecue, Bread, Soup, Salad, Zi Char (which was the month special), Satay, Sashimi, Sushi, Dessert and Live Cooking Stations. To sum it up, the spread was reasonable, enough to keep me busy eating for 3 hours. 

Cold Seafood

The Cold Seafood Section was impressive. There were Oysters, Prawns, Scallops, Crabs and even Crab Claws! In addition, each of them were fresh. I particularly like the Oysters (plump and juicy), Prawns (sweet and firm) and Crab Claws. It would have been perfect if they were more prompt in refilling the Oysters.

(Clockwise from the top left) BBQ Section: Lamb, Beef, Chicken Wings and Salmon

The Barbecue (BBQ) Section was a unique differentiation that makes Café 2000 stand out compared to most other buffets. There was a variety of raw meat; Lamb, Beef, Chicken Wings and Salmon. 

BBQ Seafood Section

In addition, there were also BBQ seafood section with Jumbo Prawns, Scallops, Crayfish, Fish, and Fish and Squid Otak. All you have to do is to select the raw food you want on a plate, then peg your table clip to the plate. The BBQ food would be cooked and served to your table. 

(Clockwise from the top left) BBQ Meat: Lamb, Beef Chicken Wing and Salmon

BBQ Seafood 

The BBQ food was delish. I was most impressed with the Jumbo Prawns. Look at the size of it. It was fresh and the shells were easily taken out. In addition, the meat was firm. The otahs were quite good too, slightly spicy, there were fish chunks in it.

Scallop Au Gratin

The beautifully cooked Scallop Au Gratin did not disappoint. The warm melted cheese complemented the scallop well. 

Pork Ribs and Bratwurst

Pork Ribs and Bratwurst

The Bratwurst was a tad too salty for our liking. However, the partner loved the Pork Ribs which were folk tender and flavourful. 

Angus Beef

The Chef’s signature Angus Beef. 

The Angus Beef was well executed by the Chef. The natural flavour and juices in the beef was retained. I have seldom been impressed with pizza during a buffet. But Café 2000's thin crust pizza certainly made an impression on me. So much so that I had to tell the partner to try it.

Laksa

There was a live cooking station for the Laksa. All you have to do is to select the noodles and items you want for your Laksa on a plate, then peg your table clip to the plate. The Laksa would be delivered to your table.  There was an extensive variety of items including seafood (squid, prawns, mussel), yong tau foo and quail eggs.

The laksa gravy was fragrant and rich with the right amount of spiciness. It was so delectable that I finished the whole bowl by myself and quite full by the time I finish this.

Royal Chocolate Cake

Desserts

There was a wide variety of Desserts available ranging from Assorted Nonya Kueh, Cakes, Durian Puree, Chocolate Fondue to Shaved Ice. The Durian Puree stood out. Made from fresh durian, it was thick (not diluted) and bittersweet. Durian lovers will definitely love this.

It was a pity, I was just too full and did not manage to try every single items. I did not even manage try the chilli crab!

Although this was a tasting session, I was impressed with the quality of food. The spread was less than Todai Singapore, but Café 2000's quality was way well better (which makes it more value for money). Most people would 'spam' on the Cold Seafood section to make their money worth while. At, Café 2000 beside doing that you can also 'spam' on the BBQ section (Something I would do if I go back again =P). In addition, I would also go for more servings of the Laksa and Anges Beef.

Would I be back? Yes, I can forsee myself going back! I already know what I want to go for when I am back. 

Thank you Lindy for the invite and hosting us.

International Buffet Dinner
Sunday to Thursday from 6pm to 1030pm
 $50++ Adult, $28++ Child

Seafood and BBQ Buffet Dinner 
Friday, Saturday and eve of Public Holidays from 6pm to 1030pm 
$62++ Adult, $32++ Child

Café 2000 (M Hotel)

81 Anson Road, M Hotel

Singapore 079908

Tel: 6500 6112

Opening Hours: Daily from 630am to 11pm

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Chong Chong BBQ Chicken Wings 忠忠鸡翅膀 (Chomp Chomp Food Centre)

As mentioned in earlier posts, we visited Chomp Chomp Food Centre on a Thursday evening. As we were still not satisfied (with the BBQ Chicken Wings we had earlier), we decided to order more barbecue (BBQ) Chicken Wings. After all, we do not visit Chomp Chomp  everyday. Since we were here, we just had to indulge!

This time, we ordered our BBQ Chicken Wings from Chong Chong BBQ Chicken Wings 忠忠鸡翅膀.

When ordering, customers would need to make payment and also let the stall owner/helper know the table number so that the orders can be served subsequently.

BBQ Chicken Wings (5 pieces for $6)

As usual, we ordered 5 pieces of BBQ Chicken Wings. Each piece cost $1.20. All the BBQ Chicken Wing stalls in Chomp Chomp sell their chicken wings at the same price. We waited for around 20 minutes before the chicken wings were served to us.

BBQ Chicken Wings (5 pieces for $6)

BBQ Chicken Wings (5 pieces for $6)

These BBQ Chicken Wings fared better compared to the ones we had earlier! These wings were barbecue till the exterior was crispy with charred glistening skin (nicely burnt). The interior was succulent and tender. In addition, the natural flavours of the meat was also brought out. With the soy-sauce based marination, the chicken wings were just so tasty. Although the chilli sauce was mediocre, the original taste itself was delectable enough.

Finger licking good! Felt satisfied after this! 

Chong Chong BBQ Chicken Wings 忠忠鸡翅膀 (Chomp Chomp Food Centre)

#01-26 Chomp Chomp Food Centre

20 Kensington Park Road, Serangoon

Singapore 557269

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Daily Fresh BBQ Chicken Wings 夜鲜烧烤鸡翅膀 (Chomp Chomp Food Centre)

Chomp Chomp Food Centre (Hawker Centre) is located at located at Kensington Park Road, Serangoon Gardens. The nearest MRT station is Serangoon and you would need to take a 10-15 minutes bus ride to reach this Food Centre. 

The structure of Chomp Chomp is narrow with little walking space. In terms of ventilation, it is pretty bad. The low roof which keeps the smoke from the various barbecue stalls in, leads to a warm environment. You are bound to smell and work up a sweat when eating at this food centre. 

Unlike other Hawker Centre, Chomp Chomp is relatively small with just 36 stalls and limited seating capacity. It a challenge getting seats especially if you are with a big group. In the day time, most stalls are closed in Chomp Chomp. It springs to life only in the evening (5pm) when the stalls start opening for business and customers start flocking in. Despite these shortcomings, Singaporeans like myself love this place. It is a food paradise with a wide variety of affordable local delicacies!

I visited Chomp Chomp on a Thursday night at 730pm thinking that since it was a weekday, there would not be many people. Well, I was wrong. Chomp Chomp was packed with people! It was difficult getting a table for four person. We had to strategically position ourselves (like vultures) at certain tables, hoping to 'secure' a table. It was nearly 20 minutes later, before we got a table for four. Do remember to take note of your table number. This is because you would need this number when ordering as all the food (including drinks such as sugar cane) would be served to you at your table. As for payment, some stalls would collect payment upon order while some stalls would collect payment only upon serving the food at your table. Some customers maybe concerned about this, but I have never encountered any instances where by the food was not served after payment.

There were at least three barbecue (BBQ) Chicken Wing stalls at Chomp Chomp Food Centre. We ordered ours from Daily Fresh BBQ Chicken Wings 夜鲜烧烤鸡翅膀 which was located next to Chomp Chomp Hai Wei Yuan Seafood BBQ 忠忠海味园BBQ海鲜烧烤.

BBQ Chicken Wings (5 pieces for $6)

Each piece of BBQ Chicken Wing from Daily Fresh BBQ Chicken Wings cost $1.20. In fact, all the BBQ Chicken Wing stalls in Chomp Chomp sell their chicken wings at the same price. 

BBQ Chicken Wings (5 pieces for $6)

BBQ Chicken Wings (5 pieces for $6)

The BBQ Chicken Wings from Daily Fresh BBQ Chicken Wings were tender and succulent. I love the charred parts especially those near the tail end of the wings. Like most people, I preferred to squeeze the lime over the chicken wings to give them an extra zest. Having said that, I am of the opinion that the BBQ Chicken Wings were good, but not fantastic. The natural flavour was not brought out and it lacked the fragrant aroma which is the hallmark of a well-executed piece of BBQ Chicken Wing. The chilli sauce provided was quite good and played the perfect role as a dipping sauce, enhancing the overall taste up a notch.  

Daily Fresh BBQ Chicken Wings 夜鲜烧烤鸡翅膀 (Chomp Chomp Food Centre)

#01-03 Chomp Chomp Food Centre

20 Kensington Park Road, Serangoon

Singapore 557269

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Kko Kko Nara 꼬꼬나라 (Tanjong Pagar)

Kko Kko Nara 꼬꼬나라 a Korean restaurant located at Tras Road, is only a stone throw away (i.e. five minutes away) from Tanjong Pagar MRT station. It is located close to the Maxwell Food Centre too. 

Korean Fried Chicken

Kko Kko Nara specialises in Korean cuisine and their signature dish is their Korean Fried Chicken which has been highly raved. 

The restaurant was cozy and air conditioned. They have quite a small sitting capacity. When we visited during lunch time on Saturday, the restaurant was fully packed. I took this photo as we were leaving at 230pm, by then most of the customers had left and the restaurant was closing (230pm). 

Each table has a box of tissue paper utensils and a metal bin for disposal of bones. I like their menu cover. It was artistically and colourful. The fried chicken looks so appetising! 

Ban Chan / Side Dish (반찬) 

The Ban Chan / Side Dish (반찬) were just normal - average. One of the rare occasions where I did not ask for more side dishes. 

Combo Chicken Set (S) $20 (clockwise from top: Sweet, Special Garlic Soy Sauce, Original)

Since we were here, we just had to order the the signature Korean Fried Chicken! The Combo Chicken Set (S) $20 consisted of 9 pieces of chicken - 3 pieces of 3 different flavours chicken. The flavours were namely Original, Sweet and Special Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken. We notice that the price of this dish during dinner time was $25 instead of $20.

Left to right: Special Garlic Soy Sauce, Sweet

Having tried the Fried Chicken, I now understood why it had been so highly raved about. Each piece was crispy, crunchy, well marinated and fried. The meat were tender, and had the right blend of spices and sauces. In addition, the immense flavour had penetrated all the way into the meat. My favourite was the Special Garlic Soy Sauce Fried Chicken which was made of hand-crushed garlic and 41 kinds of ingredient with soy sauce. 

In terms of execution, I thought that they did quite well. It's a common perception that its easyto cook chicken wings. But its hard to make one that's nice, well seasoned (with the flavours penetrating into the meat) and not oily. 

Bu Dae Ji Gae (부대찌개) $35

We also ordered the Bu Dae Jji Gae (부대찌개) to shared. The Bu Dae Jji Gae when translated, literally means The Army Stew. It was named this way as this dish originated during the Korean War. Back then, the Americans who assisted in the war brought their own food such as spam (canned meat), baked beans, sausages and hot dogs which was not introduced in Korea before. As the Koreans were facing a food shortage, they cooked a spicy stew which consisted of kimchi and gochujang (red chili paste) and mixed the American's surplus food into the stew. This was how The Army Stew / Bu Dae Jji Gae came about.

Kko Kko Nara's Bu Dae Jji Gae consisted of noodles, spam, sausages, mushroom, korean rice cake, baked beans, tofu, kimchi, gochujang and a mixture of vegetables. Red and Green Chilli were added to further enhance its taste. 

Bu Dae Ji Gae (부대찌개) $35

Mix the Bu Dae Jji Gae and once it boils, this is how it should looks like. After that you can let it simmer and slowly savour it. The best part is that the longer the stew simmers, the more robust and flavourful it becomes. Kko Kko Nara's Bu Dae Jji Gae was 맛있어요 (delicious)!! We indulged endlessly into it. The more we dig into it, the more we love it. 

Although the Ban Chan / Side Dish were average, the Special Garlic Soy Sauce Fried Chicken and Bu Dae Jji Gae were just simply delicious! I will definitely be back to fulfill my Korean cravings at Kko Kko Nara 꼬꼬나라 again. Price wise, although some may feel that its on the expensive end, I thought its quite value for money considering the taste and quality of food. 

Kko Kko Nara 꼬꼬나라 (Tanjong Pagar)

#01-0157 

Tras Street

Singapore 078996

Tel:  6224 8186

Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 230pm, 5pm to 3am

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