Popeyes Singapore: 1 For 1 Deal at City Square Mall Outlet (till 31 Jan 2014)

Source: Popeyes Singapore

Popeyes Singapore: 1 For 1 Deal at City Square Mall Outlet (till 31 Jan 2014)

- Valid till 31 Jan 2014
- Valid at Popeyes City Square Mall #02-39/40
- Not valid with other promotions and discounts
- Not valid for Popeyes Delivery

Lin Zhen Xiang 林真香 and Hua Seng Hong Shark’s Fin 和成豐鱼翅 (Thailand, Bangkok)

A trip to Chinatown is not completed without a stopover to purchase the local tidbits and snacks. We stopped over at the famous Lin Zhen Xiang 林真香 which can be easily spotted as their signboard has an image of a pig (their mascot). 

Lin Zhen Xiang 林真香's pig mascot signboard

There are at least two Lin Zhen Xiang shops located along the main stretch of Chinatown; Yaowarat Road. If you intend to visit this shop after your meal at T&K Seafood. All you need to do is to cross the main road (Yaowarat Road) and walk downwards towards the heart of Chinatown. Lin Zhen Xiang is located along this side of the road and there are two such shops within 5 minutes of each other. You will be able to spot the first Lin Zhen Xiang shop in less than 2 minutes. (scroll down to the end of this post for the map)

We went to the second Lin Zhen Xiang shop to purchase local snacks before making a stopping over at Hua Seng Hong Shark’s Fin 和成豐鱼翅 which is located just opposite, at the other side of the road. It is circled in red in the photos above and below.

Hua Seng Hong Shark’s Fin 和成豐鱼翅 is a Chinese restaurant chain with four restaurants in the city; Bangkok. This restaurant chain has more than 30 years of history and is well-known for their Chinese cuisine, seafood, roasted duck, braised goose feet and shark's fins. We visited one of its outlet located in Chinatown along Yaowarat Road. Generally, Hua Seng Hong Shark’s Fin is more expensive compared to the likes of T&K Seafood due to its reputation and also better service and quality of food (ingredients). 

*If you are someone who avoids or boycott shark's fin, you may wish to stop reading this post*

Passerby walking along the main road would be attracted to the shark's fins displayed at the front of the restaurant. They would be able to spot the chefs cooking the shark fin's at the front of the restaurant too. A smart move to entice anyone walking pass.

Hua Seng Hong Shark’s Fin restaurant in Chinatown has quite a large sitting capacity with rounds tables, suitable for big groups of customers.

Hua Seng Hong Shark’s Fin's menu cover. As we were still full from our dinner at T&K Seafood, our only purpose was just to try the famed Shark's Fin. Hua Seng Hong Shark’s Fin offers a variety of Shark's Fin dishes. As we were full from our dinner at T&K Seafood, we ordered the smallest bowl of Shark's Fin Soup; Shark's Fin Soup with Crab Meat in Red Soup 300 Baht (S$12.50).

Coriander and beansprouts

Most Chinatown in Bangkok serves Shark's Fin Soup in the same way. A plate of coriander and beansprouts was served separately so that customers can add these into the Shark's Fin Soup themselves as not all may be a fan of such garnishes.

Shark's Fin Soup with Crab Meat in Red Soup 300 Baht (S$12.50)

Shark's Fin Soup with Crab Meat in Red Soup was served in a claypot. Look at it bubbling away.

Shark's Fin Soup with Crab Meat in Red Soup 300 Baht (S$12.50)

We added the coriander and beansprouts in straightaway and gave it a good mix.

Shark's Fin Soup with Crab Meat in Red Soup 300 Baht (S$12.50)

At just 300 Baht, we were able to share this among 4 persons and still go for second helpings! They were generous with their ingredients as there was lots of chinese mushrooms, chunks crab meat and shark's fin.

Shark's Fin Soup with Crab Meat in Red Soup 300 Baht (S$12.50)

Look at the amount of Shark's Fin I had.

The soup was the a major let down. It was thick (not watery) but lacked in terms of body and flavour. Maybe we should have just ordered this dish from T&K Seafood or from Nam Sing. My personal takeaway is well, there maybe other better Shark's Fin restaurant/eateries in Chinatown. But well, for 300 Baht, I should not be complaining. 

Lin Zhen Xiang 林真香 and Hua Seng Hong Shark’s Fin 和成豐鱼翅 (Thailand, Bangkok)
371-373 Thanon Yaowarat Road
Chinatown, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 222 0635
Opening Hours: Daily 11am to midnight

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The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Free Small Beverage (3 Dec 2013)

Source: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Free Small Beverage (3 Dec 2013)

- Valid from 3pm to 4pm on 3 December 2013
- Like "The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf" Facebook Page to enjoy the offer 

Starbucks Singapore: 12 Days Of Gifting 2013 (1 - 12 Dec 2013)

Source: Starbucks Singapore

Starbucks Singapore: 12 Days Of Gifting 2013 (1 - 12 Dec 2013)

Starbucks 12 Days Of Gifting is back again! Many different forms of deals. Discounts for gifts such as tumblers & cups, one for one for beverages and even one for one for cakes and cream puffs!

T&K Seafood at Chinatown (Thailand, Bangkok)

A trip to Bangkok is not complete without a stopover at Chinatown (also known as Yaowarat) for a meal. The best time to visit Chinatown is at night; between evening to midnight. This is the period where the area comes alive with many eateries setting up shop along the side of the road, and tourist and locals start flocking into the area to savour the delicious delicacies such as bird nest, sharkfins and seafood.

T&K Seafood (highlighted in red)

The most highly raved about eatery at Chinatown is T&K Seafood, a roadside eatery renowned for the cheap and good seafood. T&K Seafood is located at along the main road (Yaowarat Road) that cuts across the chinatown. There are two such eateries located opposite each other. One of the ways to differentiate them is through the colour of the polo tee the staff are wearing. Staff at T&K Seafood wear green polo tee while their competitor wear red polo tee.

Tip: There are several zebra crossings located along the main road. If you are going to cross the road, it is advisable to use these zebra crossings. Kudos to the Thai Authorities, I remember several years back, there were no such zebra crossings. 

We arrived just after 6pm (on a weekday); their opening time as we did not want to queue. As it was raining before that, the staff were still setting up chairs and tables when we arrived. And surprisingly, it was already three quarter full.

The setup included placing placing fans above the makeshift shelter to ensure that it was well ventilated.

ps: They have an air-condition restaurant just beside this makeshift setup. We choose alfresco dining (outdoors - next to the road side).

Menu Cover

The menu was well categorized, in English and prices were stated clearly.

The biggest mistake we made were ordering these bottled drinks. Way too sweet, tasted like syrup drinks.

Condiments 

Steamed White snapper in Spicy Garlic Lime Juice Soup

The Steamed White snapper in Spicy Garlic Lime Juice Soup (Baht 300, S$12.50) is a Thai-style steamed fish. This was a tasty dish rich with different flavours such as spicy, sweet yet sour. The fish was fresh and cooked just right such that its meat was so soft. A must order! 

Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum Soup

The Tom Yum Soup - seafood lemongrass soup with milk (150 Baht, S$6.25) did not disappoint. It had the right balance in taste with none of them overwhelming the other. Although it was spicy, it was addictive - you would be digging for more after each mouthful. The ingredients in it include squid, prawns, fish slices and button mushrooms. 

Stir Fried Water Cress 

Stir Fried Water Cress (80 Baht, S$3.33) was average with nothing much to shout about. We had to order some greens to make this a more balanced meal. 

Fried Stuff Crab with Crab Meat and Glass Noodle

Fried Stuff Crab with Crab Meat and Glass Noodle

Fried Stuff Crab with Crab Meat and Glass Noodle (50 Baht, S$2.08 per piece) consisted of a mixture of crab meat, chicken meat and vermicelli. It was unique but in terms of taste was average. I felt that the flavours of the ingredients were not brought out. Not really a must order, but worth a try if you have not eaten such an item before.

Stir Fried Squid with Yellow Curry Powder

Stir Fried Squid with Yellow Curry Powder

Stir Fried Squid with Yellow Curry Powder (150 Baht, S$6.25) is another Thai-style curry dish. They have a similar variation with crab. However, as we had ordered too many crab dishes, we decided to order squid instead. 

This was superbly executed - utterly delicious. The squids were cooked in curry pasta mixed with egg. The key to this dish was not the squid, instead it was the curry pasta with the egg. It was rich in flavour (due to the blend of curry powder), fragrant and not overly spicy. The sauce was irresistible and complement perfectly with rice. This was so good that it stole the show from the squid which to its credit was fresh and cooked to perfection (not overcooked). I am sure this dish would taste great with crabs or any other ingredients as long as the sauce is executed correctly. A must order!

Steamed Meat Crab with Glass Noodle in Claypot

Steamed Meat Crab with Glass Noodle in Claypot

Steamed Meat Crab with Glass Noodle in Claypot (350 Baht, S$14.58) was out of the world! Easily one of the better ones I have eaten. The glass noodle (vermicelli) was moist and incredibly flavourful with a slight spicy kick due to the peppercorns. The essence of all the juices (including the sweetness from the crab) in this dish was all captured in the glass noodle. It was so good that it stole the limelight from the crab. Yummy! Another must order!

The Steamed Meat Crab with Glass Noodle in Claypot reminded me of The Cheers Beer commercial which my Marketing lecturer showed us (watch from 1.05 onwards) when I was still studying. The execution, exaggeration, expression, humor and a simple tagline made this one of the most highly rated and popular beer commercials of all times. And just like the feelings shown on the video, this was what I felt after eating the Steamed Meat Crab with Glass Noodle in Claypot! So.. to every little good things in life... CHEERS! 

As we were leaving, we noticed a large crowd standing outside waiting for their turn to be seated. The crowd had literally spilled out to the road. It is advisable to come early.

What a sumptuous meal! Cheap and good! Well worth the trip down to Chinatown. If only we can get such food at such prices back home in Singapore.

T&K Seafood at Chinatown (Thailand, Bangkok)

49-51 Soi Phadung Dao, Yaowarat Road

Chinatown, Bangkok 10100, Thailand

Tel: +66 2 223 4519

Opening Hours: Daily 6pm to 2am

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A&W Restaurant at Pantip Plaza (Thailand, Bangkok)

I know how some Singaporeans would make it a point to visit A&W whenever they are in Bangkok, Batam or Kuala Lumpur. I am no exception. Here's the good news for A&W fanatics who need their A&W fix. There are several A&W restaurants in Bangkok and one of the restaurant is located 5 minutes walk away from Platinum Fashion Mall!

This A&W restaurant is located at Level 1 of Pantip Plaza (also known as The Computer City). All you have to do is walk out of Platinum Mall and then walk along the main road; Petchaburi Road (follow the flow of the traffic). There is no need to cross the main road. Instead you would just need to cross 3 small alley roads and you would have reached Pantip Plaza. You would be able to spot the A&W signage once you are outside the plaza. 

As this was for our tea break, we ordered the Super Waffle Combo Set 135 Baht (S$5.62) which consisted of a Root Beer Float (which we up-sized), Curly Fries (Small) and Super Waffle (Chocolate). In addition, we also ordered another Curly Fries (large) 55 Baht (S$2.29) and Half Waffle (Strawberry) 55 Baht (S$2.29). We did not order any fried chicken as we were just too full.

Root Beer Float

You may wish to note know that it has been sometime since the writer had A&W. So this post is definitely biased. =P

The signature A&W's Root Beer Float which most of us are familiar with is served in a A&W mug with a scoop of vanilla ice cream added into the Root Beer. Just like how I always remember it (when A&W still existed in Ang Mo Kio), there was a layer of foam on top. Shiok!

Curly Fries

Another favourite of mine is the Curly Fries! It is me? But it's not as curly as before. Nevertheless, this tasted so good (kfc new solgan)! I have not had this for a long long time.

Half Waffle (Strawberry)

Super Waffle (Chocolate)

Waffle with ice cream, another A&W signature dish! The waffles whether Super Waffle or Half Waffle are both served with 2 scoops of ice cream! The waffle was great as it was freshly made and was crispy on the outside. The warm and cold combination of waffle and ice cream was a perfect combination that's hard to go wrong (even with ordinary ice cream)! Maple syrup are available too for those who wish to enhance the taste further.

Glad to have my A&W craving satisfied! I wonder when will A&W make a come back to Singapore. 

A&W Restaurant at Pantip Plaza (Thailand, Bangkok)

Level 1 Pantip Plaza, The Computer City

604/3 Petchaburi Rd, Thanon Phetchaburi

Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

Tel: 02-250-1190

Opening Hours: Daily 8am to 9pm
Website (other outlet locations)

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Ben & Jerry's Singapore: 1 For 1 New York Super Fudge Chunk (till 31 Dec 2013)

Source: Ben & Jerry's Singapore

Ben & Jerry's Singapore: 1 For 1 New York Super Fudge Chunk (till 31 Dec 2013)
1 for 1 New York Super Fudge Chunk with any regular or large scoop purchase. Additional free scoop, if it's your birthday month.

- Valid till 31 Dec 2013
- Valid at Ben & Jerry at Vivo City, Dempsey Hill, Great World City and Rochester Mall
- While stocks last

Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks: 10th Anniversary Giveaway (till 29 Nov 2013)

Source: Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks

Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks: 10th Anniversary Giveaway (till 29 Nov 2013)
Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks is giving away 100 free products every day between 3pm to 4pm at selected outlet.

25 Nov at Suntec City Mall, #B1-106: 
Seafood Tempura / Sausage Cheese Egg Crepe 

26 Nov at 313 Somerset, #B3-50A: 
Seafood Tempura / Mushroom Cheese Egg Crepe 

27 Nov at Tampines Mall, #B1-K4: 
Sweet Plum Potato Fries / Mushroom Cheese Egg Crepe 

28 Nov at Nex Serangoon, #03-K12:
XXL Crispy Chicken / Seafood Tempura 

29 Nov at Jem, #B1-K08: 
Sweet Plum Potato Fries / Sausage Cheese Egg Crepe

- No purchase required
- While stocks last
- Limited to 1 redemption per customer

Crepe Stall Opposite Platinum Mall (Thailand, Bangkok)

As we were finding Saeb X2 Wonton Noodles, we walked past this crepe stall. It was not hard to miss this as the crowd gathered there was blocking the path of this narrow walkway. Hence, as we walked back towards Platinum Mall, we stopped by this Crepe Stall to try it for ourselves.

This crepe stall is located at the junction of Phetchaburi Road and Soi 19 Petchburi Road. For the exact location, please refer to the map appended at the bottom of this post. The different types of fillings for the crepes are shown on the signboard. 

It can be a little chaotic ordering for your crepe as there is no queue due to the narrow walkway. It was more of who could grab the attention of the stall owners when attempting to order. The crepes were made freshly on the spot. 

We ordered the Chocolate Banana Crepe.

Chocolate Banana Crepe 60 Baht (S$2.50)

Chocolate Banana Crepe 60 Baht (S$2.50)

The Chocolate Banana Crepe cost 60 Baht ($2.50). It was pricey if you were to consider the Thai cost of living. In Singapore, such a Chocolate Banana Crepe would have cost $4.80. 

The crepe was wrapped up like an ice cream cone to make it easy to takeaway. The crepe was crispy with a layer of chocolate spread on with slices of bananas. I thought that it was ordinary and did not have the wow factor. Towards the end, the chocolate was too sweet for my liking. 

I wonder why there was a crowd gathered there.. I would suggest giving this a skip as there's a crepe stall located at the basement of Platinum Mall called Penn Crepe selling the exact same crepe at just 25 Baht! If you have tried it, do let me know if it's good.

Crepe Stall Opposite Platinum Mall (Thailand, Bangkok)

Junction of Phetchaburi Road and Soi 19 Petchburi Road
Pratunam, Bangkok

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Ramen Champion: 50% off on selected ramen at Great World City (24 & 25 Nov 2013)

Source: Ramen Champion

Ramen Champion: 50% off on selected ramen at Great World City (24 & 25 Nov 2013)

- Valid on 24th and 25th November 2013
- While stocks last

Kagetsu Ramen at The Cathay: Free Upgrade (till 30 Nov 2013)

Source: Kagetsu Ramen

Kagetsu Ramen at The Cathay: Free Upgrade (till 30 Nov 2013)

Free upgrade to to Arashi Genkotsu Char Siew Ramen when you order the Signature Arashi Genkotsu Ramen. Extra slices of Char Siew, extra taste of goooodness!

- Valid till 30 November 2013

- Flash this post to enjoy the free upgrade

Saeb X2 Wonton Noodles (Thailand, Bangkok)

Back then during my last trip to Bangkok more than 7 years ago, MBK was the place for shopping and was more popular than the then newly built Platinum Fashion Mall. During that time, I have not even heard of Saeb X2 Wonton Noodles.

Saeb X2 Wonton Noodles

Fast forward to 2013, Platinum Fashion Mall is a must stop destination for wholesales shopping. I am sure that its success has also spin off to the neighbouring hospitality and F&B businesses. Saeb X2 Wonton Noodles is probably one of the many business nearby which has benefited. 

Saeb X2 Wonton Noodles

Saeb X2 Wonton Noodles located in Pratunam, opposite Platinum Fashion Mall is a popular Thai eatery among tourist among tourist and has been highly raved about on the internet. We had initially came down here on the day we arrived, however we arrived 5 minutes late and the place was closed. This time, we decided to come by for lunch at 2pm after shopping at Platinum Mall.

Directions to this place from Platinum Mall is appended at the end of this post.

Wonton Noodle

 The friendly cook manning the Wonton (Wanton) Noodle stall flashing his megawatt smile.

Braised Pork Trotter and Intestines

Braised Pork Trotter and Intestines

On the other side was the Braised Pork Trotter and Intestines stall.

Menu

The menu which states the dishes they sell. Their other menu with price stated on it was in Thai.

We were surprised that eatery was practically empty except for 1 other table which was being occupied. However, as we we were waiting for our food to be cooked and served, more customers began to arrive. Before long, it was nearly full. Taking a quick look around us, we realised that nearly all the customers in here were all tourist. Most seemed to be Singaporeans or Malaysians.

Braised Small Intestines

The Braised Small Intestines was the first to be served.

As usual, in nearly all thai eateries, there would be a set of condiments (Chilli padi, Garlic and Chilli sauce) at every table.

Braised Intestines

This Braised Small Intestines tasted heavenly. I dare say that it was better than the Wonton Noodles (which has been highly raved about). One reason could be due to the fact that only a selected group consumes the braised intestines, hence, fewer people try or even write about it.

Judging from the taste of the small intestines, I would say that it had been cleaned thoroughly. Mind you, it is not an easy task cleaning it. The small intestines were braised till they were oh so soft. In addition, they were so tasty as they had a spongy texture and soaked up the delectable brown sauce. It would have been perfect if I could slurping this down with a bowl of plain rice, porridge or Kway Chap!

Addition small details include the fact that they were not rubbery. Thumbs up!

Wonton Noodles (dry)

The Wonton Noodles (Wanton Noodles) come in two version, dry or soup. We all ordered the dry version.

The Wonton Noodles was served with 3 wontons, slices of char siew, vegetables, egg noodles and topped with spring onions.

Wonton Noodles (dry)

If you were to look closely you would be able to notice that they were so generous with the pork lard. So many pieces!

The noodles did not come with any sauce like how we have it back in Singapore. Instead, it was plain and dry. It was surprisingly tasty because of the amount of pork lard. I felt that it was on the oily end - very sinfully. The portion was small and we ordered extra bowls to share.

Overall, the Wonton Noodles were not bad. It was above average, decent. But its not really a die die must try. Personally I thought that their Braised Small Intestines wowed me more compared to the Wonton Noodles. Saeb X2 Wonton Noodles is also famous for the Braised Pork Trotter and Braised Pork Rice. The meal consisting of 7 bowls of Wonton Noodles (dry) and 1 plate of Braised Small Intestines cost 500 Baht (S$20.83).

View of Platinum Mall from the overhead bridge

Directions to Saeb X2 Wonton Noodles: From Platinum Fashion Mall you would need to head towards the overhead bridge located at level 2. Cross the overhead bridge, towards the other side of the main road; Phetchaburi Road. At the other end of the bridge you would notice that there's an escalator and a flight stairs leading to opposite directions. Take the flight of stairs down and walk straight till you see the first small road with a blue sign called Soi Phetchaburi 19. This is also where you can see a crepe stall is located. Turn right into and walk down Soi Phetchaburi 19. You will be able to see Saeb X2 Wonton Noodles at your right after walking 1 to 2 minutes. Alternatively, just use the map located at the bottom to navigate. 

Saeb X2 Wonton Noodles (Thailand, Bangkok) 

4/33 Soi 19 Petchburi Road
Pratunam, Bangkok

Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 4pm

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