Swee Choon Dim Sum Restaurant (Jalan Besar)

Swee Choon Dim Sum Restaurant in operation for more than 50 years is a well-known dim sum restaurant which is extremely popular among Singaporeans and tourist. It has been featured on many newspapers, magazines as well as food shows. Unlike most other dim sum restaurants, Swee Choon's operating hours are from 6pm to 6am catering ensuring that Singaporeans have an extra option for supper and are well-fed throughout the night. Lucky for us, now we can all have dim sum even at midnight or in the wee hours of the morning! 

Swee Choon located at Jalan Besar opposite Berseh Food Centre is so popular that it occupy 5 units of shophouses along this stretch of road. It is in the between both Farrer Park and Lavendar MRT stations, a good 10 to 15 minutes walk away from either stations.

Occupying 5 units, Swee Choon offers both alfresco dining and air-conditioned (indoor) dining. In addition, it has a unit which cater only to walk-in customers who order takeaways. 

As we already knew that there would be a long queue if we arrived late, we made it a point to arrive at 630pm on a Friday for dinner. Luckily for us, we got the last available table at the indoor (air-conditioned) dining area. 

Menu

Menu

Menu

The menu with the prices. As you can see, Swee Choon offers a wide variety of Hong Kong and Shanghai dim sum, and local zi char dishes. 

Chrysantheum Tea $1.30 per pax

For drinks, we ordered their Chrysantheum Tea which cost $1.30 per pax. It was served in a metal pot and is refillable. They mixed the tea bags themselves. The Chrysantheum Tea was quite good as it was light, refreshing, fragrant and help to wash down the grease. 

Century Egg Porridge $2.50

The Century Egg Porridge $2.50 was served in a small bowl. It was decent, but not the best. There were chunks of century egg and chicken meat in it. 

Mee Suah Kueh $2

Swee Choon's signature Mee Suah Kueh $2; deep-fried vermicelli cake (mee sua) which can only be found at Swee Choon. Show this kueh to anyone and they would associate it with Swee Choon. Almost every table ordered this. I thought that this was unique and not bad. But  I will not rate it as a die die must try as the standard seemed to be inconsistent and it was a little too greasy. One of the kueh could have been fried a little longer. The texture was unique. Crisp, rough texture on the outside while the interior was moist. 

Fried Golden Doufu (Tofu) $3.50

This Fried Golden Doufu (Tofu) $3.50 was surprisingly good. Despite the simplicity, it was well executed. The tofu was fried till it was crispy on the outside. The addition of the pork floss at the top was the icing on the cake.

Carrot Cake $2

The Carrot Cake $2 was not bad too. There were a good mix of radish, dried shrimps and chinese sauages in it. It was also a little too greasy. 

Pan Fried Pork Dumpling $4

The Pan Fried Pork Dumpling $4 was pan fried till it was so crispy. In addition, they were so generous fillings. Dipping it into the vinegar along with slices of ginger made this just so delectable. 

Beancurd Prawn Roll $2.80

The Beancurd Prawn Roll $2.80 with minced meat and prawns in it was ordinary.

Steamed Pork Ribs $2.50

The Steamed Pork Ribs $2.50 was a let down. The part of the pork served was not pork rib and it was either too fatty or was all bones.

Overall, Swee Choon Dim Sum Restaurant is worth a try. There were hits and misses in the dishes we ordered. Service wise, despite the restaurant being full, the staff were efficient. It was easy getting the attention of the staff. Do note that this restaurant only accepts cash or nets. They do not accept credit card. Also, they do not take any reservation. 

As we left Swee Choon Dim Sum Restaurant at close to 8pm, we saw a queue! It was very thoughtful of the restaurant owner to provide chairs outside. If you are planning to visit this restaurant during dinner time, do remember to come early. 

Swee Choon Dim Sum Restaurant (Jalan Besar)
183/ 185/ 187/ 189/ 191 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208882
Tel: 62257788
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 6 pm - 6 am 
                          Close on Tuesday
Website

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Danro Japanese Hot Pot Buffet (Serangoon NEX)

Being a fan of steamboat cuisines, I just had to check out Danro Japanese Hot Pot Buffet. Danro Japanese Hot Pot Buffet opened by Ministry of Food (MOF). Although Japanese hot pot buffet is not new in Singapore, Danro is the first to offer eight broths (soup base) from different regions of Japan.

The prices range from $17.90++ for weekday lunch to $25.90++ for weekend dinner (for adults).

Left to right: Chicken & Milk Broth, Chicken Spicy Broth

Customers can choose up to 2 different soup base in 1 pot. We chose the Chicken & Milk Broth from Asuka Nabe and Chicken Spicy Broth from Danro Nabe. Now's the best time to taste the original taste of the soup as the refills would dilute your soup base (will explain more on that further down the post).

Handmade Kiritanpo

Danro Japanese Hot Pot comes with handmade Kiritanpo. However, this is limited to one per person. The Kiritanpo, a specialty dish of Akita Prefecture is essentially grilled rice skewer. Japanese cooked rice are pounded until they are mashed before being hand formed into cylinders around wooden skewers. They are then lightly brushed with special sweet sauce or miso for flavour before being toasted over an open fire. The Kiritanpo can either be eaten on its own or dipped into the hot pot.

Soup Refill Station

There was a Soup Refill Station, an innovative way to cut down on the manpower and increase productivity. There were small pots of Chicken or Wafu soup in it which customers could get anytime. These soup were a 'one soup fits all solution'. Since both our soup were chicken broths, we had to use the chicken soup refill. Even when e were to ask a serving for a refill, they used just chicken soup for both our soup bases. The problem with this was that it resulted in a diluted and not as fragrant soup base compared to when we just started.

Hence, our Chicken & Milk Broth became less milky and less fragrant while our Chicken Spicy Broth became less spicy. In addition, there was no attempt to stock up the soup refill station. Midway into our meals, there were no more pots of soup at that station as the were too few staff and these staff were all busy clearing the tables.

Condiments and sauce dips

A wide variety of condiments and sauce dips.

Onsen Egg

The Japanese Onsen Egg in light soy sauce was very well executed. Not only did it looked good, it also tasted good too. I liked it so much that I went for an additional helping of it.

Left to right: Japanese potato salad, Somen with soba sauce

The Japanese potato salad and Somen with soba sauce were quite decent too.

Sushi

There's a wide variety of food available ranging from Sushi, Bak Kut Teh, Japanese Yong Tau Foo, Cooked food and the typical steamboat ingredients such as corn, meat, seafood, vegetables.

Left to right: Bak Kut Teh, Japanese Yong Tau Foo

Left to right: Homemade Hot Dishes and Vegetables

Left to right: Seafood, shabu shabu beef and pork slices

The seafood corner was just average. The clams and prawns were not fresh especially the latter which stuck to its shell and meat was not firm. The shabu shabu beef and pork slices fared much better. We ate so many plates of it.

It was easy to control the temperature of the hot pot with the electric induction cooker.

Desserts and cakes

Left to right: Drinks, Soft Serve Ice cream

The DIY Soft Serve Ice Cream was fantastic. Its the same as what you get when you order ice cream dishes in MOF. Even though we were very full, we still went for this and it was oh just so shiok! There's always room for dessert! 

Although there were hits and misses (seafood was not fresh, one size fits all soup for refills, service), Danro Japanese Hot Pot Buffet is really value for money! I certainly enjoyed most of the food here. 

Danro Japanese Hot Pot Buffet (Serangoon NEX)

#02-04/06 Serangoon NEX

23 Serangoon Central

Singapore 556083

Tel: 6634 4608
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri: 11:30 am - 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
                          Sat to Sun: 11:30 am - 3:30 pm, 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm

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Gelare Singapore: Weekdays Daily Promotion (till 29 Jan 2014)

Source: Gelare Singapore

Gelare Singapore: Weekdays Daily Promotion (till 29 Jan 2014)
50% off second purchase on Magical Monday
Half-price waffles on Special Tuesday
1-for-1 gourmet coffee on Wonderful Wednesday
Free coffee or tea with waffle purchase on Happy Thursday
20% off all sundaes on TGI Friday

- Valid at Gelare outlets at Suntec City Mall, Causeway Point, AMK Hub, Jurong Safra, Star Vista and NUH Medical Centre
- Valid till 29 Jan 2014

Earle Swensen's: 1 For 1 Main Course at JEM Outlet (till 26 Jan 2014)

Source: Earle Swensen's

Earle Swensen's: 1 For 1 Main Course at JEM Outlet (till 26 Jan 2014)
Comes with free flow buffet salad bar! 

- Valid till 26 Jan 2014
- Valid for facebook fans only
- Show the Facebook post on your mobile device to enjoy the offer
- Free main course to be of equal or lower value
- Limited to 1 redemption per bill per table
- No splitting of bills or tables
- Not valid with other promotions or membership bonus point collection

Street Food: Porridge and Chicken Rice near Baiyoke Sky Hotel (Thailand, Bangkok)

During our stay in Bangok, we explored around the streets and alleys near our hotel; Baiyoke Boutique Hotel. There were numerous street food stalls. One particular stall caught our eyes one morning and we decided that it would be the place for breakfast before we flew back to Singapore. 

This street food stall caught our eyes because it was the only one which sold porridge. Moreover, there was a constant queue. Furthermore, those in the queues were locals. In fact, we did not see any tourist even though we ate near the stall.

This particular stall is manned by two persons, a gentleman and a lady with red apron who seemed to be the boss. She was the one who cooked the porridge.  

The ingredients that goes into the bowl of porridge before they are served includes liver, pig intestines (large and small), chunks of pork meat, ginger slices and scallions. If you would like to add an egg into the porridge, you would need to inform the lady when making your orders.

A huge pot of porridge which the lady constantly stirs. 

After selling every few bowls of porridge, the lady would add chunks of pork meat into the pot of porridge. Her action showed how much she cared about the food she cooked. 

The menu. If you recognise Thai, this would be useful.

There were three makeshift tables and chairs along the alley behind this stall. Most locals pack the porridge back. After making our orders, we proceeded to the tables and chairs. The gentleman would delivery the porridge to the tables. 

Porridge with egg 35 Baht (S$1.50)

We requested for an egg to be added into the porridge. This cost 35 Baht (S$1.50). The porridge was served with chunks of pork meat, a few pieces of large and small intestines and liver. It was topped with scallions, slices of ginger, pepper and light soya sauce. The egg which was added in it was half cooked; semi solid egg white and runny yolk (similar to the type you get in Yakun / Toast Box).

Porridge with egg 35 Baht (S$1.50)

Porridge with egg 35 Baht (S$1.50)

We mixed the egg with the porridge to give it a creamier texture and taste. The porridge was not fantastic, but it was very decent. For just 35 Baht, you would be getting quite a fair variety of ingredients. I can't complain much. But if you looking for someplace for breakfast, this could be an alternative.

Note: I understand that the lady is frequently at this area and she opens mainly in the morning only. You can view the location in the map at the bottom of this post.

This chicken rice stall is located next to the porridge stall. 

Compared to its neighbour (i.e. porridge stall), this stall had no customers. Nevertheless, we ordered a  pack of chicken rice to share. 

Chicken Rice 30 Baht (S$1.25)

The Chicken Rice cost 30 Baht (S$1.25). It came in a styrofoam container with cling film.

Chicken Rice 30 Baht (S$1.25)

The chicken rice was average. The chicken meat fared better than the rice. 

Street Food: Porridge and Chicken Rice near Baiyoke Sky Hotel (Thailand, Bangkok)

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Shin Minori Japanese Restaurant: Free Ala-carte Lunch Buffet On Your Birthday In 2014

Shin Minori Japanese Restaurant: Free Ala-carte Lunch Buffet On Your Birthday in 2014

You will be entitled to this Free Birthday Treat on your birthday in 2014. To claim the voucher on your 2014 birthday, click the link here.

Sample

I have signed up for it. You can get the voucher in 4 easy steps:

1) Fill up and submit form (with Name, Email and D.O.B)
2) An email will be sent to you, you will need to click on the confirmation link (this was sent to me almost immediately after I signed up)
3) Another email with the download button for the voucher will be sent to you (also sent to me almost immediately after I click the confirmation me)
4) Print and present this voucher on your birthday. Enjoy~~

This free birthday treat offer will end on 15th Jan 2014. (Sharing is caring! Hurry share this with your friends)


*Updated on 8th Jan 2014*
Email message received on the birthday treat voucher: 
"New Year Greetings to you.

We have received quite a number of feedback from some subscribers to our Birthday Treat promotion that they either did not receive the download voucher, or they cannot access the page.

The main reason was the massive response that the promotion has generated and caused our website to be down twice for last few days. We have exceeded the website bandwidth due to the surge on site visitors. However, we have increased the bandwidth and has fixed the issue.

We sincerely apologise. For those who have yet to receive the Free voucher, you can download from the direct link here. http://www.shinminori.com.sg/birthdaytreat/Birthday-Voucher/Shin-Minori_Birthday-Voucher_2014-3.pdf

However, we still require that all subscribers are already opted into our mailing list in order to enjoy the free birthday treat. We will require verifications of the printed hardcopy voucher AND the confirmation email which reflects your name that you have received. Please note that presentation of verification by phone or any handheld devices are strictly not acceptable.

Those who have already downloaded your voucher earlier, you can kindly ignore this message. Thank you and we look forward to serving you.

Angeline Wong

Shin Minori Japanese Restaurant"
*Updated on 8th Jan 2014*

Giveaway: Win EPIKebabs Vouchers (Closed)

As I have 4 pieces of EPIKebabs vouchers worth $22, I have decided to give them away to one lucky reader.

EPIKebabs is located at Wilkie Edge opposite Peace Centre along Selegie Road. You can view the terms and conditions and a sample of how a voucher looks like at the bottom of this post. 

To join the giveaway, all you need to do is:

1) Like FoodieFC Facebook Page.

2) Leave a comment in this blog post, providing me with your Facebook Username (for the purpose of contacting you if you are the winner)

Closing date: 8 Jan 2014 (Wednesday), 2359 hr. Valid for readers residing in Singapore only. One winner will be chosen at random (via a name generator) and announced in this post. The winner will receive all 4 EPIKebabs vouchers. The vouchers will be sent via post (i.e snail mail). FoodieFC will not be responsible in the event the vouchers are lost in transit during postal delivery. Good luck!

Sample

Winner of the giveaway:
Redraw - Winner is Janette Tan

The winner is Matilda Lim. Congratulations. 

Please contact me (facebook / email) by 13th Jan 2014, 2359hrs as your Facebook privacy setting does not allow me to contact you. 

A new winner will be selected if the current winner do not contact me by the above stated date. 

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: 1 For 1 Breakfast at International Plaza outlet(5, 12, 19 & 26 Jan 2014)

Source: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: 1 For 1 Breakfast on Sundays at International Plaza outlet(5, 12, 19 & 26 Jan 2014)

- Valid on 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th of January 2014
- Valid from 8am to 11am only

Ghim Moh Chwee Kway 锦茂李老三 (Ghim Moh Food Centre)

Ghim Moh Chwee Kway 锦茂李老三 located at Ghim Moh Food Centre at near Buona Vista MRT station is operated by a couple. The couple (Mr and Mrs Lee Sah Bah) has been selling Chwee Kway since 1959 and is well-known among residents staying at this area. 

Price Chart

The prices of the Chwee Kway 水粿 are clearly stated on the price chart at the facade of the stall. 

Mrs Lee partially hidden by the stack of Chwee Kway in their metal moulds laid out on rounds boards stacked on top of one another!

Chwee Kway is essentially a steamed rice cake topped with diced preserved radish. At this stall, the owners make everything by hand, not machined made. This means that they have to wake up at 5am every day to start the preparation. In addition, they made the preserved radish (chye poh) differently from other stalls by just stir frying it for 2 hours with onion, garlic and pork lard (without sugar). 

As I was taking photos of the facade after having made my order, Mr Lee, 63 years old suddenly popped up (in front of me) and proudly showed me his City Food Hunt 2013 certificate which he just received! I could sense his pride and joy. With more than 54 years in this line of business, it was not an easy feat! Kudos! Many more years to come! 

Chwee Kway $1.20

Chwee Kway $1.20

4 pieces of Chwee Kway for $1.20. Unlike else where, you get toothpick(s) instead of fork or spoon. 

Chwee Kway $1.20

The Chwee Kway was not bad; soft yet firm. It was tasted pretty much the same as those at other stalls. What was unique was the chey poh.

When I got the Chwee Kway, the first thought that went into my mind was... Aiya, auntie give so little chye poh. After eating all the Chwee Kway, I suspect that the reason was because the way their version of chye poh was more salty. Beside being salty, their chye poh was oh-so fragrant (must be the pork lard)!! Hence, the amount given was sufficient.

Worth a try. 

Ghim Moh Chwee Kway 锦茂李老三 (Ghim Moh Food Centre)
#01-31 Ghim Moh Road Market and Food Centre
Blk 20 Ghim Moh Road
Singapore 270020 
Opening Hours: Daily 6am to 7pm

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Manhattan Fish Market: 1 For 1 Small Flame (till 12 Jan 2014)

Source: Manhattan Fish Marke

Manhattan Fish Market: 1 For 1 Small Flame (till 12 Jan 2014)

- Valid till 12 Jan 2014
- Valid for dine-in only
- Flash this coupon to redeem
- The management reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions without prior notice 

Guan Kee Fried Kway Teow 源记炒粿条 (Ghim Moh Food Centre)

Guan Kee Fried Kway Teow 源记炒粿条 located at Ghim Moh Food Centre is one of the most popular stall in the food centre. This stall unlike other stalls is different. It's no frills signboard has no photos of the food he is selling and the signboard is so much smaller compared to those at the neighbouring stalls. This stall has garnered such a following that there was no need for that. Frequent patrons of this food centre would have known that there is always a perceptual queue at this stall. 

The owner has been frying Kway Teow for 44 years. He operates the stall toegther with his wife who takes the orders and collect the cash. They sell only Fried Kway Teow.

The stall front is plastered with many reviews from food shows and there were also several photos of the owners with celebrities. 

When I visited, there was a queue of more than 12 person in front of me. I queued for slightly more than half an hour before I got my plate of Fried Kway Teow. 

Fried Kway Teow $3

Fried Kway Teow $3

The Fried Kway Teow $3 was not bad, one of the better ones I have tried. The Fried Kway Teow had a semi-wet consistency and each piece of kway teow was well coated with savoury sauce. However, it was lacking in wok hei. 

There were several pieces of cockles added. The beansprouts provided a crunchy texture in between each mouthful. Chinese sausage (lap Cheong) were added too. However, there were only 3 pieces of Chinese sausage. It would have been great if more was given. There were several pieces pork lard added in it which was the bomb! The burst of flavour and fragrance from pork lard compensated for the lack of wok hei. 

Guan Kee Fried Kway Teow 源记炒粿条 (Ghim Moh Food Centre)

#01-12 Ghim Moh Road Market and Food Centre

Blk 20 Ghim Moh Road 

Singapore 270020

Opening Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 930am to 230pm 

                         Closed on Sunday, Monday and Thursday

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