BaaMee Bangkok (Jalan Besar)

Thai Tom Yum Baa Mee (Wanton Mee) $5

BaaMee Bangkok located in Jalan Besar along Syed Alwi Road opened in late 2014. It seems to be the only stall (besides the drink stall) in operation at that coffeeshop. Hence, there would be plenty seats available.

BaaMee Bangkok's menu is limited with just 6 dishes on the menu. The more prominent dishes are theThai Tom Yum Baa Mee (Wanton Mee) $5 and Kaa Moo (Stewed Pig Trotters) $6.

 It seems that the food at the stall is dished by a Thai chef.

Thai Tom Yum Baa Mee (Wanton Mee) $5

 I ordered the Thai Tom Yum Baa Mee (Wanton Mee) $5.

Thai Tom Yum Baa Mee (Wanton Mee) $5

 It was beautifully plated on a flowery bowl and served with a bowl of wantons and wanton soup.

Thai Tom Yum Baa Mee (Wanton Mee) $5

As the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover. This Thai Tom Yum Baa Mee (Wanton Mee) was incredibly fiery (spicy). The addition of the chilli & pepper powder, garlic infused oil, pork lard, peanuts and garlic sauce lead to a complexity of taste. I was wondering why I did not find it very spicy. The spiciness set in half an hour after my meal, when I felt my stomach burning.

Although the slices of Char Siew was a little on the dry end, they were still tasty. As for the egg noodles which looked dry, they were surprisingly springy and tasty when well mixed.  

Thai Tom Yum Baa Mee (Wanton Mee) $5

The wantons provided was bigger and plumper compared to other stalls. 

This bowl of Thai Tom Yum Baa Mee (Wanton Mee) was beyond my expectation in terms of taste. It was just so delicious and addictive. I had wanted to rate this as a must try. But on my second visit, I felt that the standard had dropped (or was inconsistent). Found out much later that they had opened another branch in Toa Payoh Central. I hope that the standard and taste is not compromised by this expansion as this could eventually hurt their business even at their main outlet.

BaaMee Bangkok (Jalan Besar)

45 Syed Alwi Road

Singapore 207636

Tel: +65 9636 0048

Opening Hours: Tue to Sun 11am to 9pm

                           Closed on Mon

BaaMee Bangkok (Toa Payoh)

Blk 177, Toa Payoh Central 

Opening Hours: Tue to Sun 8am - 330pm 

                           Closed on Monday

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Llaollao Singapore: 1 For 1 Smoothies at NTU(till 27 Jun 2015)

Source: Llaollao Singapore

Llaollao Singapore: 1 For 1 Smoothies at NTU(till 27 Jun 2015)

- Valid till 27 Jun 2015 from 3pm to 7pm
- While stock lasts

Restoran Todak (Orang Asli) (Malaysia, Johor Bahru)

 Prawns cooked in Indonesian Curry

Restoran Todak (Orang Asli) is a well known kelong seafood restaurant located in Johor Bahru. Although this restaurant is located around 30 minutes drive away from the checkpoint, it is popular among Singaporeans. At the car park which is unmarked, you are likely to see more Singapore registered cars compared to Malaysia vehicles.

Restoran Todak is unique as the whole restaurant located along the coast on kelong stilts.

The restaurant is located directly opposite Singapore's Sembawang Coast and provides a picturesque view. As you can see from the photo above, those cranes in the background are from Sembanwang shipyard.

Although the restaurant has indoor seats, most of the tables and chairs are located outside (without a roof) - alfresco style dining with the sea breeze. We arrived early for dinner as we were aware that the restaurant would be packed and some of the seafood would be sold out if we arrive late.

The live seafood are displayed with the prices indicated. For their crabs, they have different pricing depending on the prices. The cheaper ones typically get sold out before 730 pm. The you will need to wait and see if new stock comes in in the next couple of hours or order a more expensive crab.

We used the big menu (above) and ordered our food based on the recommendation of the type of cooking style for the food.

 Prawns cooked in Indonesian Curry

The Prawns cooked in Indonesian Curry were delicious! The prawns of different sizes were relatively big and very fresh; succulent and sweet tasting meat!

Fried Buns (Man Tou)

We ordered fried buns (man tous) which complemented perfectly with the Indonesian Curry gravy.

 Salted Egg Crab

The Salted Egg Crab was unique. I was expecting this to come with sauce and was surprised when it was a 'dry' dish. Taste wise, there was just a slight hint of salted egg flavour. Initially, we thought that the wrong order was delivered to us as this tasted more like fried garlic crab! I was not too impressed with the taste. But the saving grace was that the crab was so fresh! The meat could be easily extracted from the shell and was so tender.

Japanese Snail (Japanese Escargot 日本螺) Gong Bao 宫保Style

The Japanese Snail (Japanese Escargot 日本螺) was cooked Gong Bao 宫保style. This dish was very well executed. The Japanese snail had a smooth texture and was springy! The Gong Bao style complement the Japanese Snail quite well. If the sauce was slightly more spicy, it would be more ideal!

Egg Omelette (Fu Rong Egg 芙蓉蛋)

Egg Omelette was fluffy and addictive - very well executed.

Butter Crayfish

Had great expectations for the Butter Crayfish. But it disappointed in terms of presentation and taste. I was expecting a more buttery flaovour that would make this addictive.

Lala

The Lala too was just 'meh' disappointing. The Lala were not meaty and plump enough. This is definitely not the best lala; is average.

Sweet Potato Leaves with Belacan

The Sweet Potato Leaves with Belacan was well fried. Cooked and tasted just right. It complemented the plain rice extremely well.

Complimentary Fruits

After each meal, every table would be served with a plate of Complimentary Fruits.

Receipt

The total cost of our meal. Relatively cheap after converting to Singapore dollars considering this meal fed five persons.

This restaurant is definitely worth coming back to. I saw several tables ordering their fish and oysters. The oysters were huge! The downside is the distance from the causeway; you would probably need a vehicle. 

Restoran Todak (Orang Asli) (Malaysia, Johor Bahru)

No 1 Kampung Orang Asli, 
Telok Jawa, Masai 
81750 Johor Bahru
Tel: 07 386 3696

Opening Hours: Daily 1130am to 1130pm

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928 Yishun Laksa (Yishun Central) 3rd Post

Laksa $2.80

Posting about this well-known laksa outlet in Yishun for the 3rd time. I have been eating this laksa since I was in Secondary School (that is more than  17 years ago)! You will not see any shop name but you will be able to know that you are at the right stall when u spot everyone eating the Laksa in a red bowl! Also, at the stall menu statues "Laksa" clearly. Over the years, this stall gained a following through word of mouth among those living in the north (Yishun). Gradually, everyone started calling this laksa stall as '928 Yishun Laksa' as the stall is located under Blk 928 in Yishun. This laksa stall is located just behind the Yishun Interchange, a stone throw away from Yishun MRT station.

I visited on a Sunday afternoon at 330pm. I normally visit at this timing as this is normally the timing with the least people; I can escape squeezing/queuing with the lunch/dinner crowd. But I was wrong that day. There was a long queue of more than 9 persons in front of me! Amazing how popular this stall gets through word of mouth!

 It was a 20 minutes wait.

The price of the Laksa has increased recently to $2.80 or $3.30 (for a bigger portion). Used to be $2.20 and $2.50 for the smaller bowl of laksa.

Dessert Menu

There also offer dessert. But I have never try their dessert before. If you want any dessert, you should just pop over to the next shop as the dessert stall there is more popular. Most people would have their laksa at this stall and then go over to the next shop for dessert. In the past, both the laksa and dessert stalls were located in the same shop.

Laksa $2.80

This is my bowl of Laksa which cost $2.80. It consists of fish cakes, crab sticks, dried toufu, hum (cockles), beansprouts, hard boiled eggs and thick bee hoon. The laksa gravy was light and rich. With fresh coconut milk, chilli and lots of dried shrimps that made the gravy so tasty and fragrant yet spicy. Also, the gravy was not oily. Despite the spiciness, the more gravy you savour, the more you will love it. It was so addictive that I would always finish the whole bowl of laksa gravy (not something which I normally do as its not healthy).

Do note that this eatery is not air-conditioned. Also, there are few fans. You will likely sweat, so wear something comfortable! This is worth sweating for! Still the best Laksa in Yishun.

Laksa $3

I also packed a bowl of laksa back home. The good news is that you can request for the gravy to be packed separately!

928 Yishun Laksa (Yishun Central) 

Blk 928 Yishun Central 1 

#01-155

Opening Hours: Tue to Sun 11am - 7pm

                         Closed on Mon

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Ya Kun Kaya Toast: 1 For 1 Ice-Blended Frostyz Promotion (6, 13, 20 Jun 2015)

Source: Ya Kun Kaya Toast

Ya Kun Kaya Toast: 1 For 1 Ice-Blended Frostyz Promotion (6, 13, 20 Jun 2015)
Choice of Hazelnut Coffee Ice-Blended Frostyz or Milo Tiramisu Ice-Blended Frostyz

- While stocks last

Must Try Grilled Pork Ribs from Jobakjip 조박집 (South Korea, Seoul)

Grilled Pork Ribs (Galbi) 돼지갈비

If you are a fan of BBQ / Grilled Pork Ribs, the best place to have it in Seoul is in Mapo 마포 at Mapo's Dwaeji Galbi & Dwaeji Jumulleok Alley. In the 1950s, the Mapo port was busy with cargo boats that carried timber and grains down the Han River to the many sawmills and granaries in Mapo. There were many hungry seamen and workers looking for cheap filling food and booze to get over their strenuous day. With a growing demand, many eateries started popping up selling grilled pork and Makgeolli (Korean rice wine). Even after the port closed down, the blue collar workers were replaced with white collar workers (e.g. office workers). The office workers would frequent these eateries for the Makgeolli and Soju after a stressful day at work. The youngest employee in the group would normally be tasked (arrow-ed) to grilled the meat. Today, there are many barbecue restaurants (some having been opened before the dock was closed) along this particular alley.

My Korean friend brought us to this particular eatery known as Jobakjip 조박집 at the Dwaeji Galbi & Dwaeji Jumulleok Alley (aka Mapo BBQ Alley). Along the way, we spotted several barbecue restaurants and in fact, there was a hint of smokey barbecue smell in the air in this alley! Jobakjip 조박집 is 5 to 10 minutes walk away from Mapo Station (subway line 5) Exit 1.

When we entered the eatery, I was surprised that the eatery was nearly full (considering the competition). 

Menu

Focus on the menu, not the guys... The menu was mainly in Korean and English language. It was also simple and straight to the point. There was just two mains in it; (i) Hanwoo Grilled Seasoned Meat (Beef Jumulleok) 한우 주물럭 and (ii) Grilled Pork Ribs (Galbi) 돼지갈비. There were also Rice,  Radish Water Kimchi Noodle (DongChimi Noodle) 동치미국수 and Alcoholic Beverages. 

Interestingly, this is a non-smoking eatery. The eatery is well-ventilated and the place is not smokey unlike some other barbecue restaurants. But do note, your clothes will still definitely smell. 

All the wooden tables in the eatery had a charcoal fire pit in the middle as all the customers here would definitely be here for the barbecue food.

This was the spread we ordered, some food items are not shown in this photo. As usual, there would always be complimentary side dishes.

Each person would be served a bowl of salad.

Another side dish for sharing. There was also preserved radish.

Grilled Pork Ribs (Galbi) 돼지갈비

I was told that this eatery is well known for its Grilled Pork Ribs (Galbi) 돼지갈비. No need to worry about the fats as they would melt in the heat and help ensure that the meat is tender. The excessive fats would drip down into the grills.

The meat is normally marinated in a concoction of soy sauce, sliced scallions, garlic, ginger juice, sugar, sesame seeds, sesame oil and pepper. It would typically be scored to allow the meat to adsorb the marinade easily. 

Grilled Pork Ribs (Galbi) 돼지갈비

The Grilled Pork Ribs (Galbi) 돼지갈비 was indeed delicious. It was well marinated and succulent, of great quality and flavour. The smokey flavour from the charcoal stove was locked in the meat too. This is a must try! 

The garlic can be grilled too. The sauce at the left is the gochujang sauce. Not too sure what the sauce at the top is.

The locals would normally not eat the meat alone. They would take a piece of lettuce, spread the gochujang sauce on it, add a grilled garlic on top.

Then they would take the piece of cooked Galbi and drip it into this special sauce before adding the meat onto the lettuce and wrap it up. This is how they would eat this.

Radish Water Kimchi Noodle (DongChimi Noodle) 동치미국수

We also ordered a bowl of Radish Water Kimchi Noodle (DongChimi Noodle) 동치미국수 each. This is water based, non spicy kimchi and is traditionally consumed during winter. Today, koreans consume this all year round. It was served chilled. The broth was clear and was refreshing while the radish was crunchy.

Hanwoo Grilled Seasoned Meat (Beef Jumulleok) 한우 주물럭

We also ordered the Hanwoo Grilled Seasoned Meat (Beef Jumulleok) 한우 주물럭. Compared to the Galbi, this is normally lightly marinated in a concoction of sesame oil, salt, garlic and pepper. Instead of scoring the meat, the concoction would be rubbed over the meat.

Hanwoo Grilled Seasoned Meat (Beef Jumulleok) 한우 주물럭

The staff would change the grills before this is grilled. The marbling on the meat looks great. However, looks can be deceiving. The appearance and price of the Beef Jumulleok, mismatch the taste. It was not as tasty and flavourful as the Galbi (which was way cheaper). 

Fermented Soybean Paste Stew (Doenjang jjigae) 된장 찌개

Towards the end of the meal, we were given a complimentary small pot of Fermented Soybean Paste Stew (Doenjang jjigae) 된장 찌개. We place it on top of the charcoal stove and heat it up further. This was tasty and delicious. We really enjoyed the soup. 

It was worth our time travelling down specially to Mapo to try the Grilled Pork Ribs (Galbi) 돼지갈비 from Jobakjip 조박집. This is worth a visit if you are in Seoul. Do not miss this!

Namecard

This is the name card of the eatery.

Jobakjip 조박집 (South Korea, Seoul)
Yonggang-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 마포구 용강동 40-1번지
Tel: +82 2 712 7462

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