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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[Did you know?] 35 Secret Starbucks Drinks You Didn’t Know You Could Order

So much for being a foodie. I did not know that there are 35 Secret Starbucks drinks I can order! Nevertheless, its never too late. Did you know about it and have you tried it? 

Source: JOLT24

Fanatics of Harry Potter movie would be thrilled to know that they can now try the Butterbeer which was drank in the movie. It's call the 'Butterbeer' Frappuccino. How cool is that!!

There are so many unique drinks. Just to name a few, there's Red Velvet Frappuccino, Ferrero Rocher Frappuccino, Caramel Snickerdoodle Macchiato, Caramel Popcorn Frappuccino, Snickers Frappuccino and Horchata Frappuccino. 

Any recommendations?

Chili's Singapore: Free 9" Pizza with purchase of any main course (till 30 Nov 2013)

Source: Chili's Singapore

Chili's Singapore: Free 9" Pizza with purchase of any main course (till 30 Nov 2013)

- Valid till 30 November 2013
- Valid for dine-in only at Chili's Central@Clarke Quay
- Flash their Facebook page via your mobile device to enjoy the offer
- Limited to one redemption per table
- Not valid with other discounts and promotions
- While stocks last.

Wang Cafe: 1 For 1 Hot Kopi or Teh (20 Nov 2013)

Source: Wang Cafe

Wang Cafe: 1 For 1 Hot Kopi or Teh (20 Nov 2013)

- Valid on 20 November 2013
- Flash WangCafe Facebook page to redeem
- Choice of hot kopi, kopi-o, kopi-c, teh, teh-o or teh-c
- Limited to 1 redemption per customer
- While stocks last
- Not valid with other promotions, offers or discounts
- Complimentary drink must be of the same or lower value than the purchased beverage
- The management reserves the right to amend the terms & conditions without prior notice

Café 2000 Seafood and Barbecue Buffet Dinner (M Hotel)

Café 2000, a restaurant located at M Hotel (Near Tanjong Pagar MRT Station) serves International Buffet Dinner at daily from 6pm to 11pm. On Fridays, Saturdays and Eve of Public Holidays, the restaurant serves Seafood and Barbecue Buffet Dinner.

We visited Café 2000 on a Saturday evening and tried out its Seafood and Barbecue Buffet Dinner. 

When we arrived at 630pm, the restaurant was around 70% full.  The first few rows of the tables near the entrance were not occupied. Whereas those inside the restaurants were all occupied, most probably because everyone wanted to be strategically near the food since it was a buffet.

I was surprised to see so many people at the restaurant as I thought that we were early. The spread available included Cold Seafood, Barbecue, Bread, Soup, Salad, Zi Char (which was the month special), Satay, Sashimi, Sushi, Dessert and Live Cooking Stations. To sum it up, the spread was reasonable, enough to keep me busy eating for 3 hours. 

Cold Seafood

The Cold Seafood Section was impressive. There were Oysters, Prawns, Scallops, Crabs and even Crab Claws! In addition, each of them were fresh. I particularly like the Oysters (plump and juicy), Prawns (sweet and firm) and Crab Claws. It would have been perfect if they were more prompt in refilling the Oysters.

(Clockwise from the top left) BBQ Section: Lamb, Beef, Chicken Wings and Salmon

The Barbecue (BBQ) Section was a unique differentiation that makes Café 2000 stand out compared to most other buffets. There was a variety of raw meat; Lamb, Beef, Chicken Wings and Salmon. 

BBQ Seafood Section

In addition, there were also BBQ seafood section with Jumbo Prawns, Scallops, Crayfish, Fish, and Fish and Squid Otak. All you have to do is to select the raw food you want on a plate, then peg your table clip to the plate. The BBQ food would be cooked and served to your table. 

(Clockwise from the top left) BBQ Meat: Lamb, Beef Chicken Wing and Salmon

BBQ Seafood 

The BBQ food was delish. I was most impressed with the Jumbo Prawns. Look at the size of it. It was fresh and the shells were easily taken out. In addition, the meat was firm. The otahs were quite good too, slightly spicy, there were fish chunks in it.

Scallop Au Gratin

The beautifully cooked Scallop Au Gratin did not disappoint. The warm melted cheese complemented the scallop well. 

Pork Ribs and Bratwurst

Pork Ribs and Bratwurst

The Bratwurst was a tad too salty for our liking. However, the partner loved the Pork Ribs which were folk tender and flavourful. 

Angus Beef

The Chef’s signature Angus Beef. 

The Angus Beef was well executed by the Chef. The natural flavour and juices in the beef was retained. I have seldom been impressed with pizza during a buffet. But Café 2000's thin crust pizza certainly made an impression on me. So much so that I had to tell the partner to try it.

Laksa

There was a live cooking station for the Laksa. All you have to do is to select the noodles and items you want for your Laksa on a plate, then peg your table clip to the plate. The Laksa would be delivered to your table.  There was an extensive variety of items including seafood (squid, prawns, mussel), yong tau foo and quail eggs.

The laksa gravy was fragrant and rich with the right amount of spiciness. It was so delectable that I finished the whole bowl by myself and quite full by the time I finish this.

Royal Chocolate Cake

Desserts

There was a wide variety of Desserts available ranging from Assorted Nonya Kueh, Cakes, Durian Puree, Chocolate Fondue to Shaved Ice. The Durian Puree stood out. Made from fresh durian, it was thick (not diluted) and bittersweet. Durian lovers will definitely love this.

It was a pity, I was just too full and did not manage to try every single items. I did not even manage try the chilli crab!

Although this was a tasting session, I was impressed with the quality of food. The spread was less than Todai Singapore, but Café 2000's quality was way well better (which makes it more value for money). Most people would 'spam' on the Cold Seafood section to make their money worth while. At, Café 2000 beside doing that you can also 'spam' on the BBQ section (Something I would do if I go back again =P). In addition, I would also go for more servings of the Laksa and Anges Beef.

Would I be back? Yes, I can forsee myself going back! I already know what I want to go for when I am back. 

Thank you Lindy for the invite and hosting us.

International Buffet Dinner
Sunday to Thursday from 6pm to 1030pm
 $50++ Adult, $28++ Child

Seafood and BBQ Buffet Dinner 
Friday, Saturday and eve of Public Holidays from 6pm to 1030pm 
$62++ Adult, $32++ Child

Café 2000 (M Hotel)

81 Anson Road, M Hotel

Singapore 079908

Tel: 6500 6112

Opening Hours: Daily from 630am to 11pm

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