White Cake 白饼 at Gin Thye Cake Maker (Sembawang)

Gin Thye Cake Maker 锦泰西果饼家 is a traditional cake shop chain operating since 1964. The shop specialises in traditional cakes, wedding cakes, pastries, fruit cakes and mini-cakes for occasion such as wedding, baby showers, baby full month or even an elder birthday. I have even ordered from them before a big longevity bun with many smaller longevity buns in it for someone's birthday.

Moreover, when you are here, you are likely to see many parents along with their child coming here to make queries on the tradition items, cakes and pastries required for Guo Da Li 过大礼. (Guo Da Li 过大礼 aka Betrothal Gift Exchange is the day when the groom delivers the betrothal gifts to the bride's family.) In addition, seek advise from the staff on the procedures, what to do and what not to do. Seems to me they are more than a traditional bakery shop as they even sell betrothal gifts such as wedding lamps, tea pots, towels and many more of such items. They are just like the Chinese Wedding Shop in Ang Mo Kio, Jubilee. 

Back to the actual topic. When I was at the shop, I chanced upon something which I have been looking for a long time! I frequently ate it when I was young and tried finding it recently at our 'modern' bakery shops at shopping malls. But of course I did not find it. I was so glad to see it on the display along with other traditional items when I was at Gin Thye Cake Maker 锦泰西果饼家. YEAH! 

This is what I was looking for! Have you eaten this before?

It's called White cake 白饼 also known as Kong So Paeng 江苏饼. After looking for this for so long, I can come to the conclusion that very very few places now make and sell this! (If you know where else I can get this, do let me know. Thanks.) Nothing fanciful about the White Cake 白饼. It looks so simple, so ordinary and so dull. Yet to me it was so good! Nostalgic! 

White Cake 白饼 

There were 5 pieces of White Cakes 白饼, stack on top of one another in a bag. Each bag cost $2. I polished 2 pieces off immediately! 

White Cake 白饼 

The White Cake 白饼 is a white round flat sponge cake with flour powder sprinkled generously on the outside. It is soft and fluffy with a hint of sweet fragrance. No doubt my favourite traditional cake! 

Hopefully, Gin Thye Cake Maker 锦泰西果饼家 will continue making this for a long time! Now that I have found this, I can continue my White Cake 白饼 nostalgic 'gourmet' experience! 

Have you tried this before?

Gin Thye Cake Maker (Sembawang)

423 Sembawang Road

Tel: 6257 1566

Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 8am - 8pm

                        Sun 8am - 2pm

Website

Location

Gin Thye Cake Maker (Bishan)
Blk 513 Bishan Street 13 #01-504
Tel: 6255 6362

Gin Thye Cake Maker (Bukit Batok)

Blk 152 Bukit Batok Street 11 #01-264

Tel: 6899 6929

For other outlets please refer to their website

Gin Thye Cake Maker (Bukit Panjang)

Blk 260 Bangkit Road #01-21

Tel: 6760 1183

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The Manhattan Pizza Co: Free Flow Week Promotion (5 - 8 Nov 2012)

Source: The Manhattan Pizza Co

The Manhattan Pizza Co: Free Flow Week Promotion (5 - 8 Nov 2012)

Mon (5Nov): Free 20" Margherita with any whole speciality pizza purchased
Tue (6Nov): Free flow Dough Balls with Chocolate Lava with any whole pizza purchased
Wed (7Nov): Free flow of Wedges with any whole pizza purchased
Thur (8Nov): Free flow Spaghetti of the Day with any whole pizza purchased

- Valid from 29 Oct to 1 Nov 2012, 6pm to 10pm
- Terms and conditions apply

Mata Thai (Bishan) 2nd Post

Mata Thai is a Thai restaurant located at Bishan Street 11 near Bishan MRT station. This is my second post on Mata Thai. My first post can be found here. 

Signature Curry Fish Head Promotion

Mata Thai have been constantly having this promotion selling their Curry Fish Head at $10 instead of $18.

Signature Curry Fish Head $10

The Signature Curry Fish Head which every table has. It was served in a claypot, consisting of half a fish head cooked in curry. The fish was fresh and the curry was flavourful and robust. In terms of spiciness, it was just nice and complement perfectly with plain rice. At $10, its quite value for money.

Omelette $6

The omelette was well executed; fluffy, soft and delicious. 

Roasted Chicken $12

Roasted Chicken $12

The Thai Style Roasted Chicken was also well executed. It was crispy on the outside and tasty. The only downside was that it was a tad too dry on the inside. At $12, it was value for money as half a chicken was served. Much better compared to the Pandan Chicken

Thai Style Fried Baby Kai Lan $6

As for the Fried Baby Kai Lan, it was decent. Lightly flavoured and still crunchy.

Overall, an affordable and value for money meal.

Mata Thai (Bishan) 

Blk 508 Bishan Street 11 #01-390

Tel: 9276 2629

Opening Hours: 11am to 1030pm

Location

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The Fern Tree Cafe (Hotel Miramar): 1 For 1 Hi-Tea Buffet Promotion (3 Nov - 30 Dec 2012)

Source: The Fern Tree Cafe (Hotel Miramar)

The Fern Tree Cafe (Hotel Miramar): 1 For 1 Hi-Tea Buffet Promotion (3 Nov - 30 Dec 2012)

- Valid from 3 Nov to 30 Dec 2012
- Valid on every Sat, Sun & Public Holiday from 3pm to 5pm

MaggieMoo: $1 Maggie-O's Promotion (till 3 Nov 2012)

Source: MaggieMoo

MaggieMoo: $1 Maggie-O's Promotion (till 3 Nov 2012)
Mention the Secret Code: MOOTASTIC! to enjoy $1 Maggie-O's
Maggie-O's is an ice-cream sandwiched between 2 giant Oreos 

- Valid till 3 Nov 2012
- Valid at Bugis Junction and 313@Somerset outlets
- While stocks last

Carl's Jr. Singapore: Eat FREE for A Year (2 Nov 2012)

Source: Carl's Jr. Singapore

Carl's Jr. Singapore: Eat FREE for A Year (2 Nov 2012 from 9am onwards)
1st 50 customers: 1 year's worth of Carl's Jr's famous big and juicy burgers
51st to 100th customers: $20 Carl's Jr. voucher
1st 500 to scan and LIKE: 1-for-1 burger offer

- Valid only at Vivocity outlet
- 2nd Nov 2012 from 9am onwards

Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah 龍發豆沙饼 (Balestier Road)

Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah 龍發豆沙饼 has been operating since 1948 in Whampoa along Balestier Road. Loong Fatt 龍發 sells pastries and is well-know among the older generation for their Tau Sar Piah 豆沙饼; essentially a Teochew biscuit called Bean Paste Biscuit. The Tau Sar Piah are handmade. They are so famous that when Tau Sar Piah is often associated with Balestier Road just like now Laksa is associated with Katong while Chicken Rice is associated with Maxwell (Tian Tian).

Tau Sar Piah 豆沙饼 comes in either sweet or salty versions. 

These Tau Sar Piah 豆沙饼 (salty) cost just $0.60 each. 

Tau Sar Piah 豆沙饼 (Salty) $0.60

Tau Sar Piah 豆沙饼 (Salty) $0.60

The pastry on the outside was extremely crispy and flaky (even after 2 days). With a buttery fragrant, it was  such a joy just enjoying the crust. The salty filling complemented well with the crust as a whole. It was just nice for me, not too salty. So delicious. 

Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah 龍發豆沙饼 (Balestier Road)

639 Balestier Road

Singapore 329922

Tel: 6253 4584

Opening Hours: Mon to Sat and PH 8am - 430pm

                         Closed on Sun

Location

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Spizza: 10th Anniversary $10 Pizzas (31 Oct 2012)

Source: Spizza

Spizza: 10th Anniversary $10 Pizzas (31 Oct 2012)

- Valid on 31 Oct 2012
- Avaiable for dine-in and takeaway from 12pm to 230pm, 6pm to 1030pm
- Valid for any 10 inch pizzas
- Not valid with other promotions or discounts
- Management reserves the right to amend or withdraw menu items or promotions without prior notice

Yixing Xuan Teahouse 怡心軒 (Tanjong Pagar)

Yixing Xuan Teahouse 怡心軒  located along Tanjong Pagar Road, a few units from 2D1N Soju Bang is a teahouse that specialises in conducting tea appreciation and tea tasting classes. In addition, they serve food and dim sum too.

Located just outside a bus stop

2 units

As we happened to be in the area on a Friday evening at around 715pm, I suggested this place. However, when we stared through the glass of the 2 units of the tea house, we were shocked to see that there was no one! It was empty, not a single customer. Should we enter? How come there was no one on a Friday and also considering that the past few eateries we walked past was filled to the brim especially 2D1N Soju Bang which had a long stretching queue.

After standing outside for what must have been a good 5 minutes, we decided to enter. 

As mentioned earlier, we were the only one. There's another unit next door which was empty too. The teahouse had an Oriental theme decoration with Chinese music being played softly in the background. It provided a good ambience for a chat and unwind away from the fast paced life. 

Activities

The activities board full of tea appreciation and tasting that was conducted for students, exchange students, foreigners and organisations.

Tea pots and tea leaves

Tea pots

A wide range of tea pots and tea leaves available. 

White Tea $4

White Tea $4

White Tea (tea leaves) $4

The White Tea was classified under special Chinese tea together with the likes of Pu-er, Jasmine and Oolong tea. To be frank I have never heard of White Tea before. Nor have I seen such tea leaves (so much for a foodie).

The White Tea (refillable) had a fragrant subtle flavour and was slightly sweet. It seemed to be accompanied by a grassy after-taste. Best for you to try this yourself. The best part is that this is refillable; sit down relax and enjoy the tea.. Also, of all the teas, this has the least caffeine. 

Regular Chinese Tea $1

Regular Chinese Tea was well, average (note: this is not refillable).

Carrot Cake $3

The Carrot Cake was soft, smooth and flavourful. It was steamed and was not oil or salty. Topped with shallots and dice spring onions, it was so savoury. At $3, this is well worth the price. We were told that they made the dim sum themselves (not factory made). 

Chicken Feet $3

The Chicken Feet was decent and was well marinated. 

Fried Rice $5

The Fried Rice was surprisingly good with generous amount of ingredients. Suitable for sharing with two person. It was well fried and not overly oily.

Special Pancake $6

Yixing Xuan's Special Pancake was indeed special. It is a dessert and will be served at the end of the meal. The appearance of this dish reminded me of Bak Kua (BBQ Pork Slices). Outside, the pastry mixed with green tea was incredibly crispy. Inside (in between the layer of pastry), it was filled with warm melted red bean paste. The sweetness of the red bean paste was just right. A must try.

If you want to learn more about tea and the authentic Chinese tea experience, this is the place. Moreover, Yixing Xuan Teahouse is not only a place for tea lovers, but also THE place for food lovers! I am quite impressed with the quality of food and dim sum and the fact that it is so value for money. If I pass by this area again, I am definitely coming back for more! Last but not least, all prices are in NETT! No plus plus (gst, service charge).

ps: if you are wondering, we were the only customers throughout our meal. Quite a number of people did peep through the glass and none entered.

Yixing Xuan Teahouse 怡心軒 (Tanjong Pagar)

30 Tanjong Pagar Road

Tel: 6224 6961

Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 10am - 9pm

                         Sun 10am - 7pm

Website
Facebook

Location

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The Manhattan Pizza Co: Free Flow Week Promotion (29Oct - 1Nov 2012)

Source: The Manhattan Pizza Co

The Manhattan Pizza Co: Free Flow Week Promotion (29Oct - 1Nov 2012)

Mon (29Oct): Free flow of Wedges with any whole pizza purchased
Tue (30Oct): Free flow Spaghetti of the Day with any whole pizza purchased
Wed (31Oct): Free 20" Margherita with any whole speciality pizza purchased
Thur (1Nov): Free flow Dough Balls with Chocolate Lava with any whole pizza purchased

- Valid from 29 Oct to 1 Nov 2012, 6pm to 10pm
- Terms and conditions apply

J.CO Donuts & Coffee Singapore: Monday Special Half Price J.Cool Yogurt Special

Source: J.CO Donuts & Coffee Singapore

J.CO Donuts & Coffee Singapore: Monday Special Half Price J.Cool Yogurt Special

- Valid on Mondays only (check with stores for duration of promotion)
- Valid at J.CO Raffles City and J.Co Bugis Junction only
- Free topping is not applicable to J.Cool Couple Size
- Management reserves the right to make amendments to the terms and conditions
- Check with stores for more details

Outback Steakhouse Singapore(Millenia Walk): Kids Eat For Free (28 - 31Oct 2012)

Outback Steakhouse Singapore (Millenia Walk): Kids Eat For Free (28 - 31Oct 2012)

- Valid from 28 to 31 Oct 2012 at Millenia Walk outlet only
- Valid with purchase of one adult entree per kid
- Maximum of two kids per table
- Kids should be 12 years of age and below
- Management reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions without prior notice

Number 8 Red Grouper Soup 8号红石斑鱼汤 2nd Post

Another trip down to Jalan Besar to savour the fish soup from Number 8 Red Grouper Soup 8号红石斑鱼汤. As its name suggests, Number 8 Red Grouper Soup specialises in serving fish soup. 

It is located at a coffee shop a stone throw away from Lavendar MRT station. It is located directly opposite Jalan Besar Stadium.

Menu

Having tried the Bittergourd Red Grouper Bee Hoon in a earlier visit. I was torn between ordering what I have ordered previously or to try something different. In the end, I decided to try something new and ordered the Pomfret Bee Hoon.

Pomfret Bee Hoon $10

The Pomfret Bee Hoon was served with slices of bittergourd, pomfret meat, bee hoon and topped with shallots and dried crispy fish. I like the fact that they are so generous with their ingredients be it slices of bittergourd or pomfret. The bittergourd are sliced at the right thickness, not too thin or thick.

Pomfret Bee Hoon $10

In addition, the slices of Pomfret were also sliced perfectly. Thick and chunky, enough to give a good bite. The reason why I am saying this is because, I have eaten at several fish soup stalls where the pieces of fish were sliced so thinly that I could not even taste the fish meat and left unsatisfied. More importantly, with the thickness, the Pomfret was obviously fresh with its delicate sweetness. I was pleasantly surprised that they gave so many slices of Pomfret as fresh Pomfret is typically quit expensive. Do note Pomfret normally comes with bones especially when the parts at the fins are served. This is also the part I like best. So if you are a fish lover, but hate fish bones, a better choice will be the Bittergourd Red Grouper Bee Hoon. 

Lastly, the fish soup was still as good as before. Tasty and flavourful, full of goodness. I emptied the whole bowl of soup into my tummy as usual. Yummy.

Give this a try. It maybe more expensive than the other fish soup at other coffee shops but it is worth every single cent. The fish are not only fresh, generous amount of ingredients are given too. 

Number 8 Red Grouper Soup 8号红石斑鱼汤 

290 Jalan Besar

Singapore 208953

Tel: 9645 2219, 9736 5357
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 10am - 3am

                           Closed on Sun

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Location

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Capricciosa Singapore: Wear A Costume & Eat for Free! (26 - 31 Oct 2012)

Capricciosa Singapore

Capricciosa Singapore: Halloween Month Special; Wear A Costume & Eat for Free! (26 - 31 Oct 2012)

- One redemption per table/group/visit
- For dine-in only
- Free item will be lowest priced main entree printed on receipt
- Not applicable with other promotions and discounts
- Management reserves the right to change the terms and conditions without prior notice

Spinelli Coffee: Free Regular Signature Beverage with Purchase of a Sliced Cake or Petite 3 after 830pm (26 - 28 Oct 2012)

Spinelli Coffee: Free Regular Signature Beverage with Purchase of a Sliced Cake or Petite 3 after 830pm (26 - 28 Oct 2012)

- Valid from 26 - 28 Oct 2012 after 830pm
- Valid at Wheelock Place outlet only
- Limited to one redemption per slice cake/petite 3 purchase per transaction
- While stocks last
- Spinelli Coffee reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions without prior notice

Yayoiken Japanese Restaurant (Bugis+)

Yayoiken a well-known Japanese restaurant chain specialises in serving Japanese-Western cuisine. The Japanese restaurant has come a long way with its first stall opened in Kayabacho, Tokyo more than 125 years ago! At that time, western cuisine was rare in Japan. Today, Yayoiken has 180 restaurants in Japan and 60 in Thailand. In Singapore, Yayoiken has two outlets. The first was opened Liang Court in December 2011 while it's second outlet is at Bugis+ which was opened in May 2012. 

Miso Katsu Set $13.90

Ordered the Miso Katsu Set which consisted of rice and soup along with a main dish (Miso Katsu) and two side dishes (Pickles and Beancurd). Yayoiken follows the traditional culinary concept called 'ichiju-sansai' which literally means 'one soup and three sides'. This refers to a three dishes (one main and two sides) along with rice and miso soup.

Miso Katsu Set - Pickles

Free flow of pickles, every table has a bottle full of 'tsukemono' pickles placed at the side.

Miso Katsu Set - Miso Katsu

The Miso Katsu, pork cutlet simmered with miso paste (sauce) was served with potato and an egg. The Miso Katsu was well flavoured but too tough for my liking. In addition, the miso paste made the crust of the katsu soggy. I should have have realised that before ordering. The upside was that the the miso paste complemented well with rice. 

Service wise, had a hard time getting the attention of the service staff. They seemed to be under-staff and unable to cope with the crowd.

Yayoiken Japanese Restaurant (Bugis+)
201 Victoria Street
#01-08 Bugis+ (former Iluma)
Tel: 6636 5448
Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 10pm 
Website
Location

Yayoiken Japanese Restaurant (Liang Court)
117 River Valley Road
#B1-50 Meidi-Ya Supermarket, Liang Court
Tel: 6338 7170
Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 10pm

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Pepper Lunch: World Pasta Day 1 For 1 Promotion (25 Oct 2012)

Source: Pepper Lunch

Pepper Lunch: World Pasta Day 1 For 1 Promotion (25 Oct 2012)
For Chicken Basil Cream, Seafood Tomato Cream and Scallop Aglio Olio

- Valid on 25 Oct 2012
- Print or flash coupon to redeem
- Valid for dine-in only
- Valid at all restaurant outlets except 112 Katong Mall, Not valid at Pepper Lunch Express outlets
- Not valid with other discounts or vouchers
- While stocks last

Baskin-Robbins Singapore: Wednesday is Pink Day Promotion

Source: Baskin-Robbins Singapore

Baskin-Robbins Singapore: Wednesday is Pink Day Promotion
Show something that is Pink in colour and get a FREE junior scoop ice cream for every Value Scoop ice cream purchase