New Ubin Seafood (Sin Ming Road)

Soft Boiled Egg Special $9

New Ubin Seafood is a restaurant which first established in 1986 on Pulau Ubin before to mainland; Singapore. The restaurant has relocated to several locations before settling itself down at a quiet corner of Sin Ming Industrial Estate where several car workshops are located. With its location, parking at New Ubin Seafood was a breeze as there was lots of carpark lots with free parking. 

New Ubin Seafood as its name suggests, specialises in seafood and zi char. In additon, it also offer several localise international cuisines such as the US Black Angus Ribeye Steak, Soft Boiled Egg Special (with truffle salt and foie gras) and German Pork Knuckle.

We made reservations and visited on a Sunday. There was a air-conditioned room with around 5 tables. The rest of the tables were located in the restaurant or at its facade without air-conditioner. 

3 different types of chilli for the meal. 

Soft Boiled Egg Special $9

We ordered the Soft Boiled Egg Special $9 (per portion) which consisted of soft boiled egg (60 minute slow cooked egg) with truffle salt and foie gras. The mixture of the 3 ingredients caused a harmony of flavours when it was all mixed up - runny egg yolk with foie gras. A unique experience. But being a typical Singaporean, I still prefer my soft boiled eggs mixed with pepper and soy sauce (aka the Ya Kun style). This was the second most expensive dish if you calculate the orders by per person. 

Har Cheong Kai $18

The Har Cheong Kai (Prawn Paste Chicken Wings) was the best dish of the night. It was well marinated with prawn paste and well fried. Great flavour and tender and juicy. 

Hot Plate Beancurd $16

This was the Hot Plate Beancurd $16. 

Oyster Sauce Baby Kai Lan $12

The Oyster Sauce Baby Kai Lan $12 was a too oily. 

Angus Ribeye Steak served with Potato Wedges, Caramelised Onions and Fried Rice $72 for 600g

This was their signature US Angus Ribeye Steak served with Potato Wedges, Caramelised Onions and Fried Rice $72 for 600g at $12 per 100 gram.

Angus Ribeye Steak served with Potato Wedges, Caramelised Onions and Fried Rice (600g) $72

The Potato Wedges were average. Personally, I preferred the Caramelised Onions. 

 Angus Ribeye Steak served with Potato Wedges, Caramelised Onions and Fried Rice (600g) $72

We requested for the US Angus Ribeye Steak to be well-done as some in our group may not like it if it was medium-rare or medium-well. The beef was cooked with just salt and pepper. We all thought that this was just average and not fantastic. 

Black Angus Ribeye Steak served with Potato Wedges, Caramelised Onions and Fried Rice (600g) $72

The Fried Rice; rice fried with charred fat and burnt ends from the steak which was highly raved about was a disappointed. Such a waste of calories. The fried rice was oily, hard and not fragrant.

Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle $24

As we were still hungry and not satisfied, we ordered a plate of Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle $24 (the biggest size). The fried hokkien mee was served with prawns, baby squids, clams, pork belly and lots and lots of pork lard. It came with a lots of soup stock rich in seafood and lard flavour. It may not be the best, but it was one of the better dishes at New Ubin Seafood.

If you are interested in crabs, New Ubin Seafood (Sin Ming Road) is having a promotion where you can order two crabs and get the 3rd crab free.

Overall, we were not particularly impressed with our dinner at New Ubin Seafood. The service could be improved. On both occasions when we were ordering our food, we had to repeat it twice. One to the staff taking the order and next to another more experience staff who came over with clarifications. In addition, when we had queries on certain dishes or for recommendations, we had to wait for a more experience staff to come over. Food wise, we were disappointed with some of them. The better ones were the Har Cheong Kai Chicken Wings and Soft Boiled Egg Special.

New Ubin Seafood (Sin Ming Road)
#01-174 Block 27 Sin Ming Road
Sin Ming Industrial Estate Sector A 
Singapore 575680
Tel: 6466 9558
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 11am – 2pm, 530pm – 1030pm 
                         Sat & Sun 11.30am to 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Website 

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Cuc Gach Quan (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

Cuc Gach Quan (Cục Gạch Quán) is a "country side" restaurant which specialises in serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The owner aims to bring back to the modern city a slice of the old countryside with his motto “eat green, live healthy” where the emphasis is on fresh ingredients and Vietnamese flavours with no preservatives or MSG added.

The restaurant is tucked away at the quiet street of Dang Tat; a private residential area at Ward Tan Dinh in District 1. The three storey air-conditioned restaurant is easy to miss as it looks like a typical house from the exterior with a security guard seated in front of the restaurant. Despite its (remote) location, this restaurant is very popular. It ranks number 14 in tripadvisor and was visited by Brad and Angelina in 2010. After reading all the reviews on it, I had high expectations of this restaurant and decided to visit during my trip to Ho Chi Minh.

Menu cover (English)

They had a English only menu with wide product offering. It was easier researching the items to eat and to ask the so friendly staff for recommendations. A quick observation, most of the customers in the restaurant seems to be tourists.

Mixed Fruit Juice 80,000 VND (S$4.80)

Sugar free Mixed Fruit Juice which cost 80,000 VND (S$4.80). What was unique was that instead of a conventional straw, the straw was actually the stem of a morning glory! In additional, the stopper of the bottle was also made of pandan leaf. 

Gỏi Cuốn Tôm Thịt (Fresh Spring Roll with Shrimp) 20,000 VND (S$1.20)

Gỏi Cuốn Tôm Thịt (Fresh Spring Roll with Shrimp) 20,000 VND (S$1.20) was average. Can skip.

Cải Bẹ Xanh Cuốn Bò (Lettuce Roll with Beef) 20,000 VND (S$1.20)

The Cải Bẹ Xanh Cuốn Bò (Lettuce Roll with Beef) 20,000 VND (S$1.20) was also average. Can skip.

Bông Bí (Pumpkin Flowers)

This is the first time I am trying Bông Bí (Pumpkin Flowers). It was stirred fried with garlic. This seemly simple dish was wonderfully cooked and tasty. It was not too oily and not too salty, very well executed. 

Đậu Hũ Trứng Chiên Xả Ớt (Deep Fried Home Made Tofu with Lemongrass and Chilli) 90,000 VND (S$5.40)

Đậu Hũ Trứng Chiên Xả Ớt (Deep Fried Home Made Tofu with Lemongrass and Chilli) 90,000 VND (S$5.40) as its name suggested was home made with no preservatives added. Each cube of tofu was coated in a thin, crunchy crisp batter while the interior was silk soft. The bits of fried lemongrass and chilli paired off very well with the tofu, providing an appetising aroma and tantalising flavour. These bits also went well with rice.

Unique dish, but not fantastic or a die die must try. 

Cá Chẻm Chiên Giòn Sốt Chanh Dây (Crispy Sea Bass with Passion fruit Sauce) 90,000 VND (S$5.40)

Cá Chẻm Chiên Giòn Sốt Chanh Dây (Crispy Sea Bass with Passion fruit Sauce) 90,000 VND (S$5.40) was unique. The addition of the passion fruit added a distinctive flavour to the crispy sea bass. 

 Steamed Rice and Brown Rice 60,000 VND (S$3.60)

We shared a pot of Steamed Rice and Brown Rice 60,000 VND (S$3.60). The brown rice tasted different from the ones I had in Singapore. It tasted exactly the same as the steamed rice.

We had high expectations for Cuc Gach Quan and were disappointed with the food. The food was not bad, but not fantastic. I should have heeded the advice of my Vietnamese friend who told me that locals seldom visit this restaurant as the food was average yet expensive. The positive aspect was that the restaurant ambience was warm cozy and homely, and the staff were friendly, attentive and extremely helpful.

Cục Gạch Quán (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

10 Dang Tat, Ward Tan Dinh 

District 1, Saigon 

Tel: +84 (08) 3848 0144
Opening Hours: Daily 1030am to 1030pm

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Soyako (Bukit Timah)

Soyako is a drink and dessert stall located in Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre. If you looked its signboard and menu carefully, you would have noticed that there were a few unique selling points (USPs) which it was trying to broadcast. 

The USPs are: 

- Freshly Made;

- So Fresh, So Good

- No Preservative & Gypsum Powder added 

- 100% Canada imported superior soya bean

Well, the last USP gave the hint of what this stall sold did it not? This stall specialise in selling soya bean drinks and beancurd. There also sold other items such as grass jelly, peanut soup with rice balls and lime juice. 

I think the big plus point was definitely the fact that their beancurd and soya bean drink were freshly made with no preservatives. 

Menu (price list)

The menu (price list) was clearly displayed.

Beancurd with Peanut (warm) $2

My partner ordered the Beancurd with Peanut (warm) $2. As I did not order this, I did not knew what the stall looks like, neither did I knew about its USP.

To be frank, I was quite surprised that that was such a combination and was puzzled why my partner ordered this. 

Beancurd with Peanut $2

I was blown away when I tried the Beancurd with Peanut. Despite how ordinary and plain it looked, it tasted extraordinary. The texture of the beancurd was so silky, smooth and fine. In addition, it was so soft that it had a melt in the mouth sensation. The peanuts topping were very smooth and soft. Taste wise, it was just right with a strong soya bean flavour and was not too sweet. 

This bowl of Beancurd with Peanut was very well executed. It was just so good that despite how warm the hawker centre was, we still enjoyed this bowl of warm beancurd with peanut! You can literally feel the love and passion put into making this bowl of beancurd. I know this sounds silly, but still I am going to rate this as a die die must try! I can eat this everyday! 

Soyako (Bukit Timah)

#02-166 Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre 

116 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 588172
Tel: 9733 1107
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 8am - 10pm
                          Closed on Sun

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Koh Grill & Sushi Bar (Wisma Atria)

Koh Grill & Sushi Bar located at level 4 of Wisma Atria Shopping Centre, next to Food Republic Food Court probably needs no introduction. It's Shiok!!! Maki has been highly raved about on the social media. This sushi bar can get very crowded during peak periods and it is advisable to make reservations during these periods. 

I have heard so much about Koh Grill & Sushi Bar for quite a few years but had not have the chance to visit although it is centrally located; near ION Orchard. After much procrastination, we made reservations and proceed to visit during lunch on a weekday. I was surprised that there was no queue. 

Pitan Tofu $4

The Pitan (Century Egg) Tofu $4; chilled tofu served with homemade paste was unique. 

Pitan Tofu $4

The paste had a very strong unique century egg flavour. It provided a strong taste to the bland tofu. In addition, the tobiko (roe) provided a distinct crunchy texture of the soft tofu. I quite like the taste of this dish. Do note if you are not a fan of century egg, you are likely to dislike this dish as the flavour of the century egg is overwhelming. 

Aspara Buta Maki $3

The Aspara Buta Maki $3 was essentially charcoal grilled Asparagus Pork Belly Roll.

Aspara Buta Maki $3

Although it was slightly charrred on the other side, I liked the fact that the asparagus retained its crunchiness providing a different texture. In addition, it had a smoky flavour. 

Shiok!!! Maki $16.80

We ordered the highly raved about signature Shiok!!! Maki $16.80 sushi. Its photo appears in nearly 80% of all photos in Instagram and Facebook tagged with the name of this restaurant. Priced at $16.80, the Shiok!!! Maki was not cheap. It comprised of a combination of charcoal grilled eel, avocado, sushi rice wrapped with lightly roasted salmon and topped with cheesy mayonnaise and generous serving of tobiko (roe). 

Shiok!!! Maki $16.80

After trying a piece of Shiok!!! Maki, I was won over. The combination of taste and texture was heavenly. It was hard to stop at one. Now I know why this had been widely raved about. Its never too late! 

Sukiyaki Beef with Ramen $16

The Sukiyaki Beef with Ramen $16 consisted of a mixture of assorted vegetables, tofu, beef and ramen in broth. 

Sukiyaki Beef with Ramen $16

This was easily the worst dish. Nothing fantastic and it did not appeal to us. The other 3 dishes were just too outstanding. It did not help that the homemade broth was on the salty end. 

Overall, the food was decent. I liked three out of the four dishes ordered. Mainly, because we did our research before coming (it was not hard, there are so many reviews on this place). We will be back for more! 

Koh Grill & Sushi Bar (Wisma Atria) 

435 Orchard Rd 

#04-23 Wisma Atria Shopping Centre 

Singapore 238877 

Tel: 9180 3805

Opening Hours: Daily 1130am to 1030pm

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Ji De Chi 记得吃 (Liang Seah Street)

Ji De Chi 记得吃  is a dessert shop located along Liang Seah Street  (Bugis), opposite Ah Chew Desserts. Ji De Chi has three outlets. The other two outlets are located in Jurong Point and Plaza Singapura. Visited the eatery on a couple of occasions. 

Sawdust Pudding - Green Tea Flavour with Red Bean $5

The Sawdust Pudding (also known as Serradura) is a well-known pudding (dessert) in Macau. It is typically made of crushed biscuits (sawdust) and cream. We ordered the Green Tea Flavour which came with Red Beans. The pudding had 2 layer of biscuits between the cream. My first time trying this, it was satisfying.

Ji De Chi Special Beancurd - Ji De Chi Traditional Ginger Syrup Soya Beancurd (cold) $3

Syrup

Ji De Chi Special Beancurd tasted normal to me. It was no different from other beancurd sold elsewhere. 

Hot/Cold Dessert - Barley Beanstick with Gingko $2.50

Hot/Cold Dessert - Barley Beanstick with Gingko $2.50

The Barley Beanstick with Gingko was simply yet delicious. Fans of this dish would not be disappointed with Ji De Chi's. It was not diluted and came with lots of beancurd skins. 

Hot/Cold Dessert - Egg Drop Water Chestnut Paste $3

The Egg Drop Water Chestnut Paste was average. I would have preferred it more if the chestnut flavour was more intense. 

Steam Egg White Walnut Paste (Hot) $4

What I normally try else where was Walnut Paste. Ji De Chi's Steam Egg White Walnut Paste was unique to me. The Walnut Paste was underneath the layer of steamed egg white. 

Greem Tea Flavour Snowy Ice $5

One of the flavourite among many customers due to the hot weather was the Geen Tea Flavour Snowy Ice topped with Red Bean, Nata-De-Coco. Value for money and best for sharing with a group of friends! 

There were hits and misses in Ji De Chi 记得吃's desserts. Those that were good were really well... so good! Try it for yourself! 

Ji De Chi 记得吃 (Liang Seah Street)
8 Liang Seah Street
#01-03
Tel: 6339 9928
Opening Hours: Sun to Thurs 11am - 11pm
                         Fri & Sat 11am - 1130pm 
Website 
Facebook 

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Two Chefs Eating Place 双厨菜馆 (Sin Ming)

Two Chefs Eating Place is a popular Cze Char stall in the West, in Commonwealth to more specific. Every weekend, Two Chefs Eating Place is bounded to be packed with a long line of customers queuing up. Their signature dish, the Butter Ribs 牛油排骨 has been highly raved about on the internet. 

I have been itching to try Two Chefs Eating Place for more than two years. The travelling journey was the main reason why I had been procrastinating for so long.  

I was thrilled when I got to know that Two Chefs Eating Place had opened a second outlet at Sin Ming (that's near Upper Thompson / Bishan). In fact, it's just located next to Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery which is the largest Mahayana Temple in Singapore. It would be timely to visit and try out their dishes.

Revamped Two Chef's signboard showing their signature dishes. 

I believed that Two Chefs Eating Place either bought over or rented the entire coffee shop. The staff at the drink, roti prata and vegetarian stalls were all wearing Two Chef's uniform. The coffee shop was just half full during lunch time on a weekend. In fact, when we arrived at 1215pm, the place was literally empty except for another group of customers. There were many ceiling and wall fans that helped ventilate the place.

Menu (a)

Menu (b)

Two Chefs Eating Place's menu with over 79 dishes. If you are visiting for the first time, you might want to ask the staff to recommend their signature dishes. We ordered several of their signature items and did not have to wait long before the first dish was served to us.

Drunken Cockles 醉蚶 $6  

The Drunken Cockles  醉蚶 which has garnered lots of rave reviews online was the first dish to be served. The plate of half-shelled cockles was served cold. They were covered with light soya sauce covered with lots of garlic, spring onion and chilli padi. The cockles were fresh with no sand in it and had just a slight raw taste. I thought that this was just an average appetiser. Nothing great to shout about. And of course, your mouth will stink after eating this dish (due to the raw garlic). =P

Vegetable with Egg, Salted Egg and Century Egg 三蛋时菜 $10 

The Vegetable with Egg, Salted Egg and Century Egg 三蛋时菜 was another dish that Netizen raved about. It was another disappointment; badly executed. The spinach which was supposed to be soft, was firm and hard. The gavy which should have been so tasty due to the 3 eggs and spinach was tasteless. The chef failed to extract the flavours of the ingredients into the gravy. I had better ones elsewhere.

Hot Plate Beancurd $10

The Hot Plate Beancurd arrived sizzling hot. Executed slightly different from most other Cze Char stalls, instead of slices of round shaped beancurd, the beancurds (tofu) were long, rectangular in shape and were soft. The gooey brown gravy was tasty with lots of minced meat and egg underneath. The gravy complemented the rice well and was not overly salty. An average dish. 

Honey Fried Chicken $12

The Honey Fried Chicken, a signature dish recommended by the staff was outstanding. It was easily the best dish in this meal. The chicken was well marinated as the inside was tender and flavourful. It was deep fried till the outside was crisp. The deep fried slices of fried garlic added on top further enhanced the taste up a notch or two. 

Butter Ribs 牛油排骨 $16

The Butter Ribs 牛油排骨 is the most popular dish at Two Chefs Eating Place. The Pork Ribs (I doubt that it was ribs, should be pork meat instead) were covered with milk powder and curry leaves. I had high expectations and was expecting to be blown away by this dish. Instead, I was left disappointed yet again. The meat was tough and distinct flavour of the curry leaves was not brought out. To be frank, there was no melt in the mouth sensation. In fact, we had difficulties finishing this dish. A member of our group who had been to Two Chefs Eating Place in Commonwealth and Sin Ming several times mentioned that somehow, their standard was way off their normal taste today. It seemed that its the norm for their standard to vary on different days. Anyway, I certainly did not know how to appreciate this dish and wonder why nearly everyone online had raved about this.

I know that there may be fans of Two Chefs Eating Place who may be reading this. But still I have got to say this; I left the place feeling extremely disappointed. I did not fancy any of the dishes I tried except for the Honey Fried Chicken. I do not understand the hype and thought that I had better Cze Char dishes else where. Overall, I was not satisfied with this lunch and found myself craving for more/better food (I was not the only one in the group who had this feeling). 

Two Chefs Eating Place 双厨菜馆 (Sin Ming)

Blk 409 Sin Ming Ave

#02-01, Singapore 570409

Tel: 6451 3812 / 9435 4197

Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 1030pm

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Location

Two Chefs Eating Place 双厨菜馆 (Main Branch)

Blk 116 Commonwealth Crescent

#01-129, Singapore 140116

Tel: 6472 5361 / 9437 9712
Opening Hours: Mon 5pm to 1130pm
                          Tue to Sun 1130am to 230pm, 5pm to 1130pm
                          Closed on every last Mon of the month

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