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
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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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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

Pastamania (Plaza Singapura)

Pastamania is probably one of the biggest Italian restaurant chain in Singapore. Currently, they have 48 outlets in 8 countries, 29 of which are in Singapore. They specialise in serving quick casual Italian food (pasta and pizza). 

I believe most of us here, would have patronise Pastamania before. I have patronise Pastamania when I was younger quite frequently. This recent visit to Pastamania is my first since a long long time (over a year). In terms of the environment, it is the same at all its outlets; the chairs, tables, walls, counter, tiles and lights. The standardisation is a good thing as I found the setting familiar despite not having patronise Pastamania for sometime.

Add on one of the Combo to make it a complete meal which allows you add different permutations of soup/ drink/garlic bread.

When ordering a pasta dish, there are 5 types to choose, mainly Penne, Fusilli, Linguine, Spaghetti or Wholemeal Spaghetti.

Clockwise from left: Garlic Bread, Minestrone Soup, Cream of Mushroom

I ordered my meal with Combo A  (Drink, Garlic Bread and Minestrone Soup) which cost an addition of $4.90. And also ordered a Cream of Mushroom soup.

Garlic Bread

The standard of the Garlic Bread seemed to have dropped drastically. It was served cold. Moreover, there was no garlic flavour which the buttery flavour did not cater to my taste bud.

Minestrone Soup

The Minestrone Soup full of ingredients was too sour.

Cream of Mushroom $2.40

Fortunately, the Cream of Mushroom fared better in comparison to the Minestrone Soup. In terms of thickness it was just nice and there were pieces of mushrooms in it. The only issue I have is that the flavour of mushroom was not sufficient. It was akin to a bowl of Campbell soup with mushrooms added in separately. 

Marinara $11.10

The Marinara which I always order when I patronise Pastamania, consisted of pasta (spaghetti) cooked with prawns, squid and clams in tomato herb sauce. Still my favourite. The squid was cooked well and it was not rubbery while the clam was fresh. The down side was that the prawn was not too fresh. Overall, still one of the better dishes at Pastamania.

Turkey Bacon Cheesy Crumble $7.80

Turkey Bacon Cheesy Crumble consisted of pasta (fusilli) cooked with turkey bacon in homemade cheese sauce topped with parmesan crumble. Somehow the ingredients such as turkey bacon seems to be lacking. It was plain and akin to eating pasta with cheese.

The dishes were served very quickly within less than 10 minutes after ordering. Their kitchen must have a very efficient system in place. Pastamania is halal certified. In terms of price, it is one of the more affordable place to have Italian cuisine. Food wise, I won't say that it was fantastic.

Pastamania (Plaza Singapura)
68 Orchard Road
#B2-07 Plaza Singapura
Tel: 6341 9871
Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website
Facebook
Location

Masterchef! Handling 12 woks at the same time!

Talk about efficiency, this man in China can handle and cook with 12 woks, all at the same time! Amazing!  Fast food in a different perspective. Video title is called 'King of Wok'.

Reason for using so many woks (as mentioned in video towards the end during an 'interview'): 

a) More throughput; essentially increase efficiency and well as what the Singapore Government has been advocating recently Productively! This man has worked his way up to 12 woks so that he can dish out more food within the same time. This way, his customers who ordered multiple orders will not need to wait too long.

b) Using so many woks, each dish (fried noodles) need to go through a few woks of frying and stirring. With each wok, the noodles gets exposure to prolong duration of heat and absorption of flavour. Hence, the tast of the fried noodles will taste nicer. 

**I tried translating the reasons from the video. Hence, it might sound weird. Best to view the video yourself! 

Its as though this man has studied a Supply Chain Management degree/course. If you observe closely you will also notice his assistance helping him helps to put the ingredients into the woks (around 4?) that is in front of her.

Anyone know where this is at? I want to try! Wonder if the noodles tasted charred. 

The Manhattan Pizza Co: Free Flow Week Promotion (22 - 24 Oct 2012)

Source: The Manhattan Pizza Co

The Manhattan Pizza Co: Free Flow Week Promotion (22 - 24 Oct 2012)
Mon: Free flow of Spaghetti of the Day
Tue: Free flow of Wedges
Wed: Free flow of Dough Balls with Chocolate Lava
Thurs: Spotlight on Pepperoni Pizza (10" slice at $4.80 and 20" Whole Pizza at $33)

- Valid from 22 to 24 Oct 2012 from 6pm to 10pm
- Terms and condition applies

Kazokutei 家族亭 (Bugis Junction)

Kazokutei 家族亭 is a restaurant chain that serves Japanese cuisine, specialising in serving Udon. Established in 1947, Today, Kazokutei is one of Osaka's most well-known brands of udon restaurant with more than 200 outlets in Japan. The restaurant chain pride itself in offering delicious and high quality handmade udon. Kazokutei serves 2 type of Udon and 2 types of soup bases; Kokudashi Udon from Eastern Japan with a stronger flavoured soup and Shira Dashi Udon from Western Japan with a sweeter tasting soup. 

Udon Lunch Special

The Udon Lunch Special is only valid from Monday to Friday till 5pm only, excluding eve of public holidays and public holidays.

Kokudashi Udon + Katsu Don Set $10.90

Ordered the Kokudashi Udon and Katsu Don Set from the Udon Lunch Special.

Kokudashi Udon (Kokudashi Udon + Katsu Don Set $10.90)

The handmade Udon from the Kokudashi Udon was thick, firm, springy and chewy with a smooth texture. While the soup was made from Katsuo Bushi (Dried Bonito) for a stronger flavoured soup.

Katsu Don (Kokudashi Udon + Katsu Don Set $10.90)

Katsu Don, a popular Japanese cuisine, is a bowl of rice topped with egg, deep fried pork cutlet, onions, seaweed and condiments. I seldom order this dish and am not an expert in this dish (as in I do not know what to look for in a good bowl of Katsu Don). To me, I like how the egg was cooked, it was cooked just nice and was still soft, not to the extend of runny. In addition, having each mouthful of the rice together with the egg, the sauce and caramelised onion was delectable. On the other hand, the Katsu (deep fried pork cutlet) was just average, sliced too thinly for my liking.

On another occasion..

Omurice Lunch Special

Omurice Lunch Special comes with 1 Free Soft Drink/Soda Drink. It is vonly valid from Monday to Friday till 5pm only, excluding eve of public holidays and public holidays.

Pork Cutlet Omu Rice $11.90

Ordered the Pork Cutlet Omu Rice from the Omurice Lunch Special.

Omu Rice ( Pork Cutlet Omu Rice $11.90)

The egg was cooked just nice, soft and a little runny (not too hard). Underneath the egg was fried rice flavoured with ketchup. It was tasty and not oily.

Pork Cutlet  ( Pork Cutlet Omu Rice $11.90)

The Pork Cutlet was average. The cutlet was crispy but thin and dry.

Fries  ( Pork Cutlet Omu Rice $11.90)

To be frank, the fries were just average. A tad too dry.

 Soup ( Pork Cutlet Omu Rice $11.90)

Flavourful and tasty soup. I was pleasantly surprised that there were a lot of ingredients in the bowl of soup such as mushrooms and onions. The downside was that it was on the salty end.

After having lunch over at Kazokutei on two occasions, I find that the lunch sets here are very reasonably priced for the amount of food. The Kokudashi Udon and Katsu Don Set was delicious. As for the Pork Cutlet Omu Rice, the Omu Rice and the Soup are the ones that will make me want to order this again. Service wise, the serving staff was prompt in refilling the drinks, taking the orders and serving the food. Overall, quite a nice place to come for Japanese cuisine.

Kazokutei 家族亭 (Bugis Junction)
200 Victoria Street
#02-49 Bugis Junction
Tel: 6338 0187
Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 945pm
Website
Location

Other outlets:
Kazokutei 家族亭 (Causeway Point)
1 Woodlands Square
#03-43 Causeway Point
Tel: 6893 6940
Opening Hours: 1130am to 10pm


Kazokutei 家族亭 (Junction 8)
9 Bishan Place
#02-34/35 Juntion 8
Tel: 6259 6698
Opening Hours: Daily 1130am to 945pm


Kazokutei 家族亭 (Plaza Singapura)
68 Orchard Road
#04-01 Tokyo Walker, Plaza Singapura
Tel: 6333 9285
Opening Hours: Daily 1130am to 10pm

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