Al Farooj at Deira City Centre (UAE, Dubai)

We went back to Deira City Centre again for lunch as we could not find any other eateries nearby for lunch. 

Al Farooj is an international fast casual restaurant chain started by an Arabic family in 1994. The chain specialises in serving Shawarma using their own secret bend herbs and spices prepared in Arabic, Mexican, Italian and Lebanese recipes. Today, it has 40 outlets in United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Kuwait, Libya and France.

Arabian Shawarma 19 AED (S$6.51) & Shawarma Wrap 16 AED (S$5.48)

I ordered Arabian Shawarma 19 AED (S$6.51) while the partner ordered Shawarma Wrap 16 AED (S$5.48). We waited 20 minutes at the counter for our food. So much for being a fast casual restaurant especially since there was no crowd.

We both ordered Shawarma as Al Farooj was famous for it. The Shawema is a fast food commonly consisted of a pita bread sandwich with meat and various toppings in it. 

Shawarma Wrap 16 AED (S$5.48)

The partner's Shawarma Wrap was served with fries and a soft drink. 

Shawarma Wrap 16 AED (S$5.48)

Personally, I felt that there were too much mayonnaise in the Shawarma Wrap. So much so that it masked the flavour of the spices and meat. In addition, the pita bread was too chewy. 

Arabian Shawarma 19 AED (S$6.51) 

Arabian Shawarma 19 AED (S$6.51) 

The Arabian Shawarma fared better. This time there were less mayonnaise. The fragrance and tenderness of the chicken left an impression; well seasoned and grilled chicken meat! The wrap was crispier too. Oddly, the lettuce were replaced with fries coated with mayonnaise which made it soggy. There were fries given as sides.

Many have said that this was an authentic place for Shawarma. But I am not too sure how true this is since they have fries. This is because I associate fries with western culture/cuisine. In addition, having fries in a Shawarma made me doubt the authenticity. Just my 2 cents.

Having said that, anyone knows where Sultan Kebab (Peace Centre) has shifted to?

Al Farooj at Deira City Centre (UAE, Dubai)

Food Court
Deira City Centre

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Website
Location

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Starbucks Singapore: 1 For 1 Starbucks Frappuccino Happy Hours (23 - 26 Jul 2013)

Source: Starbucks Singapore

Starbucks Singapore: 1 For 1 Starbucks Frappuccino Happy Hours (23 - 26 Jul 2013)

For  purchase of Venti-size Dark Mocha or Green Tea White Chocolate  Pudding Frappuccino blend beverage

- Valid from 23 to 26 July 2013 from 3pm to 7pm

- Valid at all Starbucks stores in Singapore

- Limited to 2 orders per customer

- While stocks last

Pin Wei Hong Kong Style Chee Cheong Fun 品味港式猪肠粉 (Pek Kio Food Centre)

I made two trips down to Pek Kio Market and Food Centre on a Saturday and Saturday for breakfast as I have been wanting to try the popular Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle 華記大蝦麵.

Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle 華記大蝦麵

But however, the stall was closed on both days! Never mind, there are other food worth eating in this food centre too! 

Pin Wei Hong Kong Style Chee Cheong Fun 品味港式猪肠粉

As I was walking around searching for another stall to patronise, I spotted this unique stall called Pin Wei Hong Kong Style Chee Cheong Fun 品味港式猪肠粉. This stall is located directly opposite Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle.

What caught my attention was neither the queue nor was it the menu which offered Scallop ($4) and Abalone ($16.80) Chee Chong Fun. It was instead the fact that each piece of Chee Chong Fun was freshly made upon order, the traditional way (using a cloth)! Not factory made! 

The reason why there was a queue was because at anyone time, only two Chee Chong Fun (Steamed Rice Noodle Rolls) could be made. Standing there, observing the way the Chee Chong Fun was made, I must say that it was an enriching experience seeing the whole process of it and watching their nimble hands at work. The owner, the man in white shirt was friendly and approachable.

Char Siew Chee Cheong Fun $2.50

I ordered the Char Siew Chee Cheong Fun which cost $2.50. 

Char Siew Chee Cheong Fun $2.50

The owner does not stinge on the ingredients. For $2.50, I got a plate of Char Siew Chee Cheong Fun which was double the portion of what is served elsewhere with another layer of Chee Cheong Fun stacked on top. In addition, there were lots of Char Siew fillings.

The Chee Cheong Fun was served in a delectable well-balanced sauce that comprised of light soy sauce and sesame oil. Personally, I preferred this type of sauce compared to version with dark soy sauce. Fragrant sesame seeds were sprinkled on top to enhance the taste. This Chee Cheong Fun; steamed rice roll was soft, thin and smooth, it was also able to hold the fillings without breaking.  

Pin Wei Hong Kong Style Chee Cheong Fun is certainly worth a try as it is of similar standard (or even better) to those served at restaurants and cheaper too! I can imagine myself having this for breakfast every weekend if I am staying at the block of flats next to it!

Life is interesting isn't? If Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle was not closed, I would not have discovered this Chee Cheong Fun Stall! Literally - "When one door closes, another opens."

ps: I noticed that more people ordered the Prawn Chee Chong Fun which cost $4.

Pin Wei Hong Kong Style Chee Cheong Fun 品味港式猪肠粉 (Pek Kio Food Centre)
Pek Kio Market & Food Centre
41A Cambridge Road #01-25
Singapore 211041
Tel: 9855 4864 / 81802014
Opening Hours:  Mon to Fri 630am - 130pm
                          Sat to Sun 630am - 230pm
                          Closed on alternate Wed

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