928 Yishun Laksa (Yishun Central) 2nd Post

This laksa stall has been around for a long time. I got to know of this stall when I was in Secondary school which was more than 15 years ago. With no shop name except the word 'Laksa', this stall gained a following through word of mouth among those in the north (Yishun). Gradually this laksa stall became known as '928 Yishun Laksa' as the stall is located under Blk 928 in Yishun. This laksa stall is just behind the Yishun Interchange, a stone throw away from Yishun MRT station.

There are 2 shops side by side. Both sells laksa and desserts. The one which I am writing about in this post, is the one on the right (circled in red). 

There's always a perpetual queue at this stall. Quite surprising considering that it was raining cats and dogs and it was 3pm in the afternoon. Looks like everyone had the same idea.

Its just a tiny stall with one item on its menu; specialising in just serving laksa. The laksa is priced at either $2.50 or $3, without or without hum. Don't let the simple, no frills stall front foll you. This is a 'decorated' stall. Reviews and recommendations by newspapers, magazines and television programs are displayed. That is how famous and reputable this stall is for its laksa. 

Laksa $3

Laksa $3

For $3, you would get a generous portions of ingredients that was so fresh such as fish cakes, crab sticks, dried toufu, beansprouts,  hard boiled eggs and thick bee hoon. It also comes with hum. However, in this case I requested for no hum. The laksa gravy was light and rich. With fresh coconut milk, chilli and lots of dried shrimps that made the gravy so tasty and fragrant yet spicy. In addition, the gravy was not oily. Despite the spiciness, the more gravy you savour, the more you will love it. It was so addictive that I finish the whole bowl of laksa gravy (not something which I normally do as its not healthy).

The down side was that the place is not air conditioned and has limited seats. Despite the cooling weather, I was sweating. But well, this is a bowl of laksa well-worth sweating for. Still the best laksa in Yishun. Shiok!

928 Yishun Laksa (Yishun Central) 2nd Post

Blk 928 Yishun Central 1 

#01-155

Opening Hours: Tue to Sun 11am - 7pm

                         Closed on Mon

Location

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Vanda Terrace (Orchid Country Club)

Vanda Terrace is located at the Golf Clubhouse of Orchid Country Club. Orchid Country Club (OCC) was opened by the late Mr Ong Teng Cheong in 1991 who mooted the idea of developing a golf and country club for workers. Today, it is a wonderland of social, recreational and entertainment facilities. OCC provides a free Shuttle Bus Service from Yishun MRT Station to the country club. The OCC Shuttle Bus Service schedule can be found here.

Vanda Terrace is an alfresco-style dining outlet that serves local cuisine.

Part of the section is closed for OCC members only. For OCC members, they will be a 10% discount and waiver of 10% service charge.

Despite it being an outdoor environment, the place was well-ventilated as there were many ceiling fans. In addition, customers can just relax and enjoy a good view of the golf course.

Live Band

During that night, there was a live band! What a way to relax and bask in the relaxed atmosphere. Thumbs up. Kee Chiu!

Menu - Soup & Salads, Light Bites

Menu - Local Fares

Menu - Desserts

Selected sections of the menu that includes soup, light bites, local fares and desserts.

Light Bites: Oriental-Style Chicken Wings (1/2 dozen) $9

The Oriental Style Chicken Wings was well-marinated and cooked. There were very crispy. However, it was a tad too oily. And I felt that the chicken wings were not meaty enough to justify this price.

Local Fares: Laksa Paradise $7.90

Local Fares: Laksa Paradise $7.90

The Laksa Paradise consist of ingredients such as thick beehoon, prawns, cockles, fish cake slices, chicken, quail eggs, bean sprouts and dried beancurd.

Local Fares: Bitter Gourd Seafood Hor Fun $7.90

Local Fares: Bitter Gourd Seafood Hor Fun $7.90

The Bitter Gourd Seafood Hor Fun (Hor Fan) consist of flat rice noodles served with prawns, squid, fish slices and sliced bitter gourds. This is a very decent plate of Hor Fan. The squids were overcooked and was hard. On the other hand, the prawns were very fresh (firm, sweet and juicy). In addition, the sauce was delicious! It would have been more perfect if the slices of bitter gourd were softer.

Desserts: Chin Chow with Atap Seeds $4.50

The Chin Chow was served with shaved ice and atap seeds. A good way to cool down and relax after the meal.

Overall, Vanda Terrace certainly provides a very nice cozy ambience. The food here is actually not bad (good). In terms of pricing, it is slightly more expensive after all this is a country club. At least you do not get lousy food at expensive price. Over here, the food is good! For myself, I know that I will definitely be back!

On a side note, I have tried their Chicken Rice ages ago (5 years). It was very good, but it is available only during lunch time. 

Vanda Terrace (Orchid Country Club)
1 Orchid Club Road
Golf Clubhouse, Orchid Country Club
Tel: 6750 2200
Opening Hours: Mon to Tue 730am to 10pm
                         Wed to Sun 730am to 11pm
Location

Raffles Marina Bistro (Raffles Marina Country Club)

Raffles Marina Bistro is located in Raffles Marina Country Club in Tuas, near to the Tuas Checkpoint (2nd link). It serves a variety of food; Indian, Western, Local and dessert cuisine. Raffles Marina Bistro is not only well known for its food but also the view it offers. You can dine and enjoy the sea view, sunset and sea breeze.

I was told that they are well known for their Satay, Beef Hor Fan and Laksa. Was brought to this place by chance. It is not very accessible unless you have a car (after all it is a prestige country club, people who comes in mostly drive or take a cab).

Laksa $9.80

I ordered the Laksa which consist of thick bee hoon, prawns, fish cakes, bean sprouts and quail egg. The laksa gravy was fragrant and there were lots of bits of dried shrimp in it. In terms of spiciness it was just right for me. It was delicious and I drank quite a significant portion of the gravy. Another highlight would be the prawns which were extremely fresh though small in size. It was a very delicious bowl of laksa. But I still prefer 928 Yishun Laksa. Reasons being, the portions given are more, the gravy is more fragrant and it is more value for money!

I did try the Satay too. However, did not manage to take any photos. The Satay were delish! Tender and juicy!

The downside of Raffles Marina Bistro is that it is really inaccessible unless you drive. In addition, I live in the North part of Singapore. It is very unlikely I will be back here any time soon unless I come by Tuas again. It's a pity as the view is awesome; a great place to just chill out and relax.

Raffles Marina Bistro (Raffles Marina Country Club)
10 Tuas West Drive
Raffles Marina
Tel: 6869 2299
Opening Hours: Daily 8am to 10pm (last order 930pm)
Website

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928 Yishun Laksa (Yishun Central)

This laksa stall is commonly known as the '928 Yishun Laksa'. Why 928? Because this tiny stall is situated at a little corner of Blk 928. This is Yishun’s most famous and best laksa. It is a household name in Yishun. This stall has been around since I was in Secondary school, and that is 15 years ago! 

928 Yishun Laksa

Go to the correct stall. The stall is at the right side of the picture above. Do take note at the left side of the picture with the shutter down, there is a similar laksa stall there. For me, I prefer the one at the right, which  sells the best laksa in Yishun. 

Long queue despite the time being 4pm in the afternoon. 

It is just a tiny stall. But do not under estimate its power. The laksa comes at $2.50 or $3.00. Yes, the owner sells laksa only. And there is always a queue. Oh yes, this stall is featured frequently on TV (food shows), magazines and websites such as Makansutra. 

Laksa $3.00

As the saying goes, a picture speaks a thousand words. Look at the ingredients. Reasonable amount of fish cakes, dried toufu, crabsticks, fresh bean sprouts, half hard boiled egg, lots of thick bee hoon. Normally, it comes with hum. In this case, I requested for no hum (Uncle Mai Hum..haha reminds me of this). Laksa leaves and sambal chilli paste which you can add according to your preference. The laksa gravy is fragrant, rich with bits of dried shrimps, right amount of coconut milk and chilli. Not oily too. It is so fragrant that I find myself drinking spoonful of laksa gravy despite sweating all over and before I knew it I finish the whole bowl! Yes, even all the gravy!  This $3.00 is worth the money. 

The downside is that there is limited space to sit and also be prepared to sweat it out eating this as there is only 1 small fan. But I would say this is one laksa worth sweating and paying for. Give this a try! Who says there is nothing good in the north! 

928 Yishun Laksa

Blk 928 Yishun Central 1
#01-155
Singapore 760928
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 11am to 7pm
                          Closed on Mon

The stall might close earlier than 7pm if the laksa gets sold out.

Good Morning Nanyang Cafe 早安南洋 (Sembawang)

*Edited on Aug 2013: Good Morning Nanyang Cafe at Sembawang Shopping Centre has closed*

First ate at Good Morning Nanyang Cafe at its Chinatown’s outlet. Back then there was only that outlet and I have not started this blog. The Chinatown outlet was too far for me to visit frequently. I was thrilled when I heard that they have recently opened another outlet at Sembawang Shopping Centre. I have been craving for their Orange Ciabatta Toast for sometimes!

Good Morning Nanyang Cafe is similar to Yakun, Killiney and Toast Box seling breakfast sets such as Kaya Toast, half boiled eggs, coffee/tea. Their differentiation point is their kaya(which is home-made) and Orange Ciabatta Toast.

Decided to visit this place for late lunch (230pm) on a Sunday.

Good Morning Nanyang Cafe seems to have undergone some changes. The signage has changed. The menu has changed with some new items. The price has also changed. One thing I must mention is that their location at Sembawang Shopping Centre is a prime location! It is located Just along the main entrance of the shopping centre. With the glass walls, anyone who walks into the shopping centre will definitely see Good Morning Nanyang Cafe!

Moreover, noticed that the shop was quite crowded (230pm to 4pm). More than Fish & Co next door which was virtually empty except for one customer.

Notice the sink hidden at the left? Now you can crack your half boiled eggs and eat your toast with ease without the need to walk to the toilets to wash your hands.

Menu

Menu: Toast Sets and Local Delights

Tea

The tea was too sweet. Should have ordered their coffee instead since everyone (online)  has been praising about its coffee.

Queue Number Tag

Queue number tag for the rest of the orders (Orange Ciabatta, Laksa and Mee Rebus).

Laksa $4.00

Surprisingly, the Laksa was served faster than the Orange Ciabatta. There were pieces of dried toufu, fish cakes, hums, 1 whole piece of hard boiled egg, a piece of prawn accompanied by thick bee hoon. The prawn was firm and has been de-shelled, it was fresh. The laksa gravy was slightly spicy. As a whole, it was not lousy nor was it fantastic. Felt it could have been more fragrant and that more dried shrimps could be added. For now, I would still prefer 928 Yishun Laksa (have been almost 1 year since my last visit there).

Mee Rebus $3.60

I am not an expert in eating Mee Rebus (can’t comment much). The sauce was not bad accompanied by yellow noodles, beansprouts,  toufu, 1 whole hard boiled egg, 1 piece of lime and pieces of green chilli.

Orange Ciabatta Toast $2.80

Ciabatta is an Italian white bread made with yeast and wheat flour.

The Orange Ciabatta is unlike the tradition toast you get in Yakun and is much softer. It is baked with orange peel served with butter and kaya spread. It arrived warm and came slightly later than Laksa! (though that Laksa would come later as some cooking is required. Much effort has been done to make this Ciabatta.) Oh yes, did I mention that the kaya is home-made. The Kaya tasted different from Yakun’s and was much more fragrance (not overly sweet) with a hint of coconut. I can eat this everyday! Yummy

The Orange Ciabatta is a must try! Because of this item, I would rate this as a ‘die die must try!’ store.

Shuttle Bus Schedule

The good news is that there is free shuttle bus to Sembawang Shopping Centre for residents living in Yishun, Sembawang and Woodlands. The bus service is quite frequent. Operating hours of the bus service is stated in the flyer above.

Good Morning Nanyang Cafe 早安南洋 (Sembawang)
604 Sembawang Road
#01-01 Sembawang Shopping Centre
Tel: 8133 1882
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 9am – 9pm
Sat–Sun & PH  8.30am – 9pm

Good Morning Nanyang Cafe 早安南洋 ( Hong Lim Green Community Centre)

20, Upper Pickering Street Singapore

Tel: 8133 1882

Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 730am – 730pm 

                          Sat, Sun & PH 830am – 530pm

Good Morning Nanyang Cafe 早安南洋 (Shenton Way)
108 Robinson Road #01-00
Tel: 8133 1882
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri  7.30am – 7pm 
                          (Closed on Sat–Sun)